Media commended for COVID-19 reportage by Health Minister

On Wednesday, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony said that the circulation of misinformation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic has not been a challenge in Guyana as in some other countries, due to the responsible reporting by the local media. The minister noted that misinformation has been a challenge across the world, bringing with it dire consequences, including vaccine hesitancy among populations.

“In Guyana what I’ve found is that a lot of the traditional media, newspapers, television and many of the traditional outlets have been quite responsible in their reporting of Covid-19, and I think that is a commendable thing because we did not have such challenges,” Dr. Anthony said. The health minister, however disclosed that while the traditional media has been responsible in its reporting, social media posed a challenge.

“Unfortunately, while a lot of the media have been reporting accurately, there are lots of people who go on social media and spread false information, and that is something that as a country, as a collective, we have to jointly and constantly try to fight against that, so our job really is to present the facts, present information to people and help them to make those decisions that can help them protect themselves, their family their community, I think that’s very important,” Minister Anthony explained.

Dr. Anthony pointed out that apart from the pandemic, the media remain critical in helping health authorities disseminate information about other issues that could help educate and protect the health of Guyanese.

The Minister in disclosing current Covid-19 cases, said that there are currently 92 active cases with 32 recorded in the last 24 hours. Two persons are hospitalised. Minister Anthony stressed that if the cases go up, the public health guidelines could be revisited, noting that at the moment that is not being contemplated.

Dr. Anthony also reiterated his appeal, urging people to get vaccinated and those who have taken their first two doses, to get their booster shots.