COVID-19 Guidelines to Report Safely
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The spread of Covid-19, a new frontline for journalists.
The Coronavirus has infected close to 340,000 people and caused more than 14,700 deaths. The global scale of this pandemic has forced countries around the world to take serious measures, including closing borders and imposing quarantines. This has increased multidimensional challenges to the journalists who are reporting on this story, from all across the world. In addition to tackling the very mechanical side of reporting stories connected to Covid-19; from impact on human life, to overwhelming medical systems around the world to how this pandemic is challenging countries to offer better governance, journalists are yet again on the frontline. Whether they report in quarantine, from behind a desk or from the street covering life at large, the risk of safety for these reporters demands a vigorously thoughtful approach.
This is a frontline, like no other. The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in solidarity and support with all journalists covering this massive story today. As a support organization for women, we have developed resources and tool kits that any journalist can consult.
We will continue to add to these tools over the next few weeks as the story develops.
We are also watching the space for any indications of difficulties women journalists in particular have or will encounter.
Reporting on Covid-19 outbreak. Risks journalists are facing.
Covid-19 strikes without prejudice. Several cases of journalists getting sick have been reported around the world. In New York, US, CBS News asked their staff to work from home after six of their employees tested positive. In Karnataka, India, four journalists were placed under quarantine after they interviewed relatives of a person who died because of the virus. There are many other cases of individual reporters and journalists opting for quarantine once they notice symptoms associated with the virus.
Those operating in regions where the infection has spread are at a higher risk of acquiring - and worse becoming carriers. But becoming sick isn’t the only risk that journalists are dealing with. In China, citizen journalists are being targeted by the state for reporting on the pandemic. Most notably, in February, Chen Qiushi disappeared while covering the spread of the virus in Wuhan.
In Iran, journalists are being attacked and targeted if they try to report on the real numbers when it comes to people affected or killed.
Frontline coverage and safety precautions
There are multiple journalists covering this story in each country around the world. Those on the frontlines are facing great and grave risks. While some journalists are covering the story from newsrooms, a good number have to venture out to the front lines to get an accurate picture of the spread.
For reporters who are covering Covid-19 from the field, there are few basic things to keep in mind before you begin reporting:
If you’re covering from the frontline:
+ Do your health risk assessment
Monitor your personal health before you take on any reporting assignments. The Covid-19 is said to be extremely dangerous for people with weak immune systems, and for those who have pre-existing cardiovascular issues, diabetes or lung problems. If any of these conditions apply to you then sit this one out.
+ Carry protection
Carry a hand sanitizer, which has at least 60% alcohol, with you at all times.
+ Your protective gear and infection
The protective gear that you are using can also be infected, even as it keeps you safe. Make sure that you are practicing caution while removing it, and wash your hands immediately after to kill the infection.
+ Avoid close contact
The virus spreads upon close contact, within a range of six feet. While you are in the field, maintain distance from the people you are speaking with/interviewing. WHO recommends keeping a minimum of three feet between you and someone who is coughing and sneezing.
+ Protect your hands in the field
Use gloves when you are out in the field. Wash your hands frequently. It has been recommended by the CDC that you spend at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
+ Think of masks
While masks have not been recommended for people who are not sick, we would still recommend these for reporters who are working in difficult or infection-heavy areas.
+ Avoid dirty surfaces
The virus can spread through surfaces and not just people. If you have touched something without your gloves on then ensure that you do not touch your face, including your eyes, nose and mouth.
+ Create methods to identify mis-information.
There is an explosion of mis-information in many countries. Depending on where you are reporting from, you are at risk to be provided mis-information by govt sources. We have come across many cases of this. Develop your method to identify any misinformation. Double check all information that you receive regarding Covid-19 from sources. This is important not only so that you do not spread misinformation, but also so you can effectively avoid the virus yourself. Rumors such as the virus being unable to survive in hotter climates have led to its spread.
+ Politely refuse cultural bounds that compromise your safety
Do not come into physical contact with people you find during reporting. Avoid shaking hands or giving hugs, irrespective of their cultural significance or requirement.
+ Be mindful of people
Understand the risks that this can pose to people around you. If you live with family, then returning home with even your protective gloves and masks could spread infection. Ensure that you are disposing of these items properly and that you do not reuse any of them.
+ Clean your gear
Make sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect all your gear and equipment each them there is any level of exposure. You can use Chroline Bleach, Sanitizers, and Non-Chlorine Bleach to get the job done. This excellent guide from Lens Rentals has quick tips on how you can get the germs off your work items.
If you have to travel to report:
+ Closed borders
If you are planning to travel to an affected area, ensure that you can make the trip. Several countries have closed their borders or imposed strict travel restrictions. Existing visas have also been cancelled in some cases. This is an excellent list by the NYT, which has information on several places.
+ Health requirements
Several countries have issued their own set of instructions on who can travel into their territories. Ensure that you have the proper health certificates and vaccinations in place before you go. You can read more about travel health notices here.
+ Evolving closures
Understand that there is a risk that if you travel to a certain area you may not be able to return. This is an evolving threat and many countries that were not previously restricting travel are doing so now. It is possible that a location may be open at this point, but close down later.
+ Think of supplies
Create a checklist of the supplies and resources that you will have for your trip. In case your mobility is affected after you have arrived you should still have a plan in place on how you will survive.
+ Expect Shortages
- Keep in mind that food shortages and panic buying are being observed around the world. Be prepared to deal with these dynamics.
- The cost of living in such places is also something that you should consider. Several countries are experiencing or beginning to experience inflation. Be prepared if you are a freelancer without organizational support.
+ Volatile situations and security
- Understand the security situation of the place you are planning to report from. Some countries pose a higher risk because of their already volatile situation(s).
- In the past, we have advised women journalists to move around in groups when covering situations that can turn violent. This is not a step that you will be able to implement while covering Covid-19. Rethink your security protocols.
+ Be prepared for badly managed spaces
Understand the people of countries where the virus has just begun to spread may not be practicing proper precaution and could put you at a greater risk of exposure. In this case, it is imperative that your own safety precautions are top notch.
+ Create emergency contacts
Do this the moment you arrive in a new place. In case you end up in a situation where you need to go into quarantine you will need people who you can rely on to get supplies, medication, and help. If you are travelling to a country where you have no support systems, getting sick can become very scary very fast.
If you get sick:
Keep the main symptoms in mind when you are out in the field. If you experience fever, a dry cough, and/or shortness of breath, immediately stop your work and instead focus on self-isolation and social distancing so that you do not spread the infection to others.
Get in touch with your editor and your team immediately if you feel any symptoms.
The average period of quarantine is between 7-14 days. If you are looking for medical advice, try to connect with health professionals online or over the phone instead of going out.
Separate your sleeping arrangements from those you share living spaces with.
Keep in mind the people who are at a higher risk for the disease and stay away from them.
Mental health:
Journalists covering the subject are not only dealing with risks to their physical wellbeing. Stress and anxiety are a very serious consequence of reporting on the pandemic, given that reporting has to often look into the very human cost of its spread.
Irrespective of whether a journalist is covering the subject while out in the field or from a desk, they are being constantly bombarded with ‘bad news’. Interviewing helpless doctors, hearing from victims who have lost a loved one while they themselves are struggling with the infection, and consuming different forms of content can result in extreme stress, depression and anxiety.
If you begin to feel overwhelmed or experience anxiety then ensure that you take a break from the stream of information you are consuming for your stories. Understand your own limits and draw solid boundaries; no story is worth putting your mental health in jeopardy. If you begin to notice your mental health becoming strained, practice some self-care.
Try to introduce a balance between your journalistic work and other activities so that your reporting does not overshadow other aspects of your life. In case you are self-isolating or practicing social distancing, look for activities you can easily do indoors. Ask for help when you need it instead of suffering in silence.
