Editorial By Juan Perfetti, Editor of the Dorchester Post | Photo by ComunicasHead-to-head with the coronavirus (COVID-19) spread, there is another real collateral damage that is also contagious and viral: misinformation.
Hours after Governor Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency, it is essential to understand that the coronavirus misinformation will not only come from sources intentionally deceiving but also from traditional media outlets that use the opportunity to cash-in with the fear of the people. The consequences of this misinformation will hit not only the markets but also ordinary people in everyday decisions.
While there are some standard practices to prevent getting the coronavirus, there are no many sources on how to avoid the consumption and spread of coronavirus misinformation.
In highly complicated circumstances that mix the instant access to information and virality of the Internet, a presidential campaign, a lack of credibility of the traditional media, and the economic-political interest of national and foreign agents; the best (maybe the only) way to prevent coronavirus misinformation in Massachusetts is to close ranks with Mass.gov.
Why? Well, because despite all the flaws the Massachusetts Department of Public Health might have, the fact is that they have privileged access to information coming from multiple agencies that, in this context, it’s almost impossible to get for any media organization.
At least until the coronavirus crisis dissipates, I strongly suggest the citizens of Massachusetts keep calm and verify your coronavirus-news at Mass.gov, where they are posting updated information and resources for the public.
Learn how to prevent coronavirus infection here. Follow @MassGov on Twitter, and report any suspicious disease emergency at (617) 983-6800.
