Initial coverage on nCoV threat: Some media organize information better than others

ON DECEMBER 31, 2019, overseas news reported an outbreak of a “mysterious” respiratory disease spreading in China. By January 7, 2020, Chinese health authorities had identified the disease as a new type of the coronavirus, now referred to as the 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV). Reports said experts suspect that the disease may have originated from wildlife being sold in a market in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province in China.

The coronavirus is a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to severe diseases such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

The nature of the disease and the speed of its spread raised questions about the need to declare a global health emergency. Local media reports in early January referred to wire agencies for information on the disease, noting the number of reported cases so far and the measures being implemented to contain it.

Local media’s attention on the nCoV picked up in late January upon information that some individuals, who reportedly showed symptoms of the disease, have been quarantined in some health facilities in the Philippines. The media’s coverage stuck with the facts and sought relevant sources such as the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

But by depending on these sources, media reports, with the exception of some, failed to consolidate the data and information available, making it difficult for the public to keep up with the flow of important points for their guidance.

CMFR noted reports from Manila broadsheets Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin and The Philippine Star; primetime newscasts 24 Oras (GMA-7), Aksyon (TV5), News Night (CNN Philippines) and TV Patrol (ABS-CBN 2); as well as selected news sites from January 20 to 27, 2020.

Straightforward

CMFR observed that the media’s coverage was cautious, avoided the tendency to sensationalize, and was careful not to cause panic. In reporting the suspected cases of nCoV in the Philippines, the reports referred to the findings of the health department and other health experts.

Media reports were direct to the point. Tracking the spread of the disease, the coverage also took note of the preventive measures implemented by authorities to detect and contain possible cases of nCoV in the country. These measures include the use of thermal scanners and quarantine procedures in airports and harbors; the preparation of isolation rooms in some hospital facilities; as well as simple reminders on personal hygiene, frequent hand washing, the use of face masks, and proper etiquette when sneezing or coughing.

Collating information

DOH Sec. Francisco Duque III himself told reporters that there are “still many blind spots on the novel coronavirus.” With much still unknown about the virus, it is important that the media provide all the necessary information for the public’s knowledge.

Fortunately, some news accounts did organize the scattered information to serve as quick and easy reference for the public.

Rappler on January 21 collated key information about the nCoV, such as when and where it emerged, and the severity of the disease. The account also looked into the nCoV’s similarities with SARS and MERS, which are the two known severe strains of the coronavirus.

A report by TV Patrol on the same day carried similar information. In addition, it described how the virus can be spread.

An explainer by Aksyon anchor Ed Lingao on January 22, meanwhile, went into the details of the coronavirus. Lingao explained that it has six known strains. Four are “benign,” which cause common respiratory illnesses like the common colds and cough, which may sometimes lead to pneumonia or bronchitis; the other two are the deadly MERS and SARS strains. Also included was a brief history of the spread and recorded cases of MERS, SARS and the nCoV. Lingao, citing the DOH, highlighted good hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease.

Continuing development

In a press briefing on January 30, the DOH announced the first confirmed case of nCoV in the country. The patient, a 38-year-old Chinese woman, reportedly traveled to the Philippines from Wuhan, China via Hong Kong on January 21, and was admitted to a hospital four days later. According to Duque, as of this writing, the woman was among the 29 people being monitored by the DOH.

This development calls for increased vigilance on the part of the media. Succeeding reports should no longer just provide routine updates on the spread of the disease. News accounts must expand the discourse by seeking out more sources who could make sense of the situation, and more importantly, communicate more effectively life-saving information to the public.