Editor’s comment: Information is the best antidote to panic

In short a patient who was feeling unwell and had been in contact with a friend who had been to Italy concerned staff at the centre enough for them to temporarily isolate her and ask other patients to clear the room. This sparked widespread speculation on social media and the PT was inundated with inquiries.

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Establishing the facts of the incident was challenging to say the least because almost all of the official bodies we contacted were either unwilling or unable to say anything and give any clarity. In reporting a senior doctor’s advice on the virus and outlining the concern on social media the PT was accused of pedalling fear - ‘if it’s a rumour it’s not news’ was a familar phrase in my inbox.

That made a change from some who had been accusing us of ignoring a crisis and failing in our role when we wouldn’t report the alleged closure of the centre the night before. There are two key points to come out of this for me. Firstly the PT will check out incidents like this raised by our readers but we will verify it with legitimate sources and not indulge in simply repeating what many are saying on social media. We also see it as part of our role to allay speculation by clarifying the situation and reassuring readers that we will check it out with proper channels.

Secondly the proper channels need to gear up for this situation. The PT has found it extremely difficult to get responses and clarifications. Situations like the one that unfolded at the Thorpe Road treatment centre are very likely to become commonplace in the coming weeks and months. To stop ‘viral panic’ and allay concerns, information needs to be delivered quickly and clearly.

That means being able to respond to coronavirus media inquiries in a reasonably timely manner.