Misinformation in a Crisis

We can always expect to read things in the media (traditional or social) that just are not true, but misinformation is especially problematic during a time of crisis. Unfortunately, as we have seen with COVID-19, the situation is developing so rapidly that people are jumping to conclusions, filling in the unknowns and letting fear drive the communication, and it has resulted in misinformation about the novel coronavirus. In times of crisis it is important to get the facts straight, acknowledge what is unknown instead of filling in the blanks, and communicating to the public accordingly.