Some Do’s And Don’ts For How To Talk About The Corona Virus

Unicef Do’s and Don’td

Here are some do’s and don’ts for how to talk about the coronavirus with your children, family and friends:

 

1. DO: talk about the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

 

DON’T: attach locations or ethnicity to the disease. Remember, viruses can’t target people from specific populations, ethnicities, or racial backgrounds.

 

2. DO: talk about “people who have COVID-19”, “people who are being treated for COVID-19”, “people who are recovering from COVID-19” or “people who died after contracting COVID-19”

 

DON’T: refer to people with the disease as “COVID-19 cases” or “victims”.

 

3. DO: talk about people “acquiring” or “contracting” COVID-19.

 

DON’T: talk about people “transmitting COVID-19” “infecting others” or “spreading the virus” as it implies intentional transmission and assigns blame.

 

4. DO: speak accurately about the risk from COVID-19, based on scientific data and latest official health advice

 

DON’T: repeat or share unconfirmed rumours, and avoid using hyperbolic language designed to generate fear like “plague”, “apocalypse” etc.

 

5. DO: talk positively and emphasise the importance of effective prevention measures, including following our tips on handwashing. For most people this is a disease they can overcome. There are simple steps we can all take to keep ourselves, our loved ones and the most vulnerable safe.

Read more: How Can I Protect Myself And Others From COVID-19?

 

Happy Stay At Home…

Stay Safe…

UNICEF:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): What parents should know

How to protect yourself and your children.