Page 6 - IDEA Jak komunikovat Covid19 brezen2020 9

 Information must be conveyed in simple language. People need to be able to quickly understand new regulations. They do not have the time or the mental capacity to process legal formulations.
 There is too much information. The government should endeavour to be the main source of news for the public. Second place, for local matters and details, should be taken by local authorities. This can help to weaken the spread and influence of fake news and scaremongering.
 People find it hard to understand statistics. This may result in the public underestimating the situation. Experts should explain statistics in simple terms.
 People care about others, behave according to societal norms, enforce those norms, and care how society views them. It is therefore useful to explain the crisis measures along these lines. It is also good to offer an explanation of sanctions and prohibitions, so that the public does not react negatively to them. If the government does not explain the steps it is taking, the public considers this a sign that the government does not believe the people will be willing to cooperate. Public figures can contribute substantially to establishing societal norms.
 People often fail to realise that their own behaviour affects other people’s health. Illustrative examples can help them understand this better and lead to greater cooperation.
 Fear is a good servant but a bad master. Handle it with care.
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