Where to Get Credible Information About COVID-19
Arm yourself with the facts and join the fight against misinformation
In the midst of the global Coronavirus pandemic, misinformation can truly be lethal. It can lead to a false sense of security or a failure to emphasize protective measures that actually work. This short and sweet article shares resources that you can turn to for credible information.
Before we dig in, let’s resolve any language confusion:
Coronavirus primer
- Coronaviruses are a family of viruses. They are tiny little balls carrying single stranded RNA , which contains the instructions for their host to make more of them. They can cause respiratory disease in humans but can inhabit bats and other mammals without symptoms. Other examples of coronaviruses that have affected humans include SARS and MERS.
- SARS-Cov-2 — severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 — is the name of the specific Coronavirus causing the 2019/2020 pandemic.
- COVID-19 is the name of the disease caused by infection with SARS-Cov-2 (i.e. SARS-Cov-2 is analagous to HIV; COVID-19 is analagous to AIDS).
Where Can You Get Reliable Information About COVID-19?
The first set of go-to resources in any sort of outbreak situation is public health organizations. They provide current outbreak statistics (e.g. deaths, cases, and recovered), advice on what to do if you may be affected, and recommendations (and rules) for protective measures. Some also provide answers to common questions and mythbusting.
Public health organizations
- International: World Health Organization
- United States: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Canada: Health Canada
- Europe: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
- Regional: Check with your local government health authorities (e.g. British Columbia Centers for Disease Control)
In addition to resources above, I highly recommend checking out a few data aggregators — these sites present the data above in illuminating ways. Here are some of my favourites:
Data aggregators
We are all in this together. Please do your part to act responsibly and fight misinformation. It’s not just about you and your family. Society’s most vulnerable are counting on us to make informed choices to protect them.
Stay tuned for more evidence-based insights on the Coronavirus pandemic and don’t hesitate to shoot “fact or fiction” questions my way. Until then, please practice social distancing, wash your hands well and often, and don’t touch your face!
PS If you have other favourite resources, please share in comments.
Sincerely,
Chana Davis, PhD
Founder, Fueled by Science
About Me
I am formally trained in human genetics (PhD) and spent the first decade of my career working in cancer research, drug development, and personalized medicine.
My new career chapter is dedicated to empowering others to make well-informed healthy choices, rooted in facts not fears. I’m also passionate about helping people to fall in love with the plants on their plates.
See more of my work at: https://FueledbyScience.com
