During
the 2003 SARS response, health communications figured prominently among
the tools used to contain the outbreak. The response to outbreaks and the
threat of outbreaks necessitated extensive communications activities. Experience
showed that, although a media/communications plan cannot alleviate the
threat of SARS-CoV or solve associated public health problems, good communication
can guide the public, the media, and healthcare providers in responding
appropriately and complying with exposure-control measures as required.
This document describes the communication plans and activities that
are suggested to prepare for a possible reappearance of SARS-CoV and
activities that would be needed to respond to a SARS outbreak. This plan
identifies information necessary for major planning, preparedness, and
communication response activities of state and local health departments
and provides guidance for coordinating efforts with CDC and other entities.
The goals of this Supplement are to provide local and state communications
specialists with suggestions and guidance to:
- Instill
and maintain public confidence in the nation's public health system
and its ability to respond to and manage a SARS outbreak
- Contribute
to the maintenance of order, minimization of public panic and fear,
and facilitation of public protection through the provision of accurate,
rapid, and complete information
- Provide
accurate, consistent, and comprehensive information about SARS-CoV
disease
- Address
rumors, inaccuracies, and misperceptions as quickly as possible, and
prevent stigmatization of affected groups
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