It’s not surprising that during a global pandemic like COVID-19, there is a lot of conflicting information doing the rounds, especially on social media. With the mix of well-sourced news, rumours and speculation, it can be difficult to determine which links you can trust to stay updated and whether your sources for COVID-19 information are legitimate.
It’s important that myths and misinformation are debunked, to ensure responsible and good global health. So, by making sure that the information you’re reading (and sharing) is accurate, you’ll be helping do your part to stop individuals and the wider public from being put at greater risk. There is a lot of misinformation out there, so here are some reliable sources for COVID-19 information that you can refer to.
Also Read: Some Coronavirus Myths Busted!
Here Are Some Of The Best Resources To Stay Updated With Covid-19 Situation
1For Information Regarding The Pandemic Itself – The WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) website has experts from around the world providing a global perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic. The website also shares up-to-date information about symptoms, myth-busters, as well as how to best protect yourself from the disease. Sections on travel advice and frequently asked questions can also provide a wealth of valuable information, along with regular news updates regarding vaccine funding and development, as well as remarks from healthcare leaders. For more technical information, readers can browse topics like epidemiology, points of entry, as well as patient management, and much more. Follow their social media pages or even their WhatsApp number to get regular updates.
2If You Want More Local Info, Visit Your Government’s Website
Like the WHO website, specific government pages are reliable sources for COVID-19 information. The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the UK’s National Health Service, and the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, include easy to understand advice about symptoms, and specific instructions on what to do if you think you have them. These websites will also give you information on travel, schools and childcare, as well as updates on the situation in your country of residence.
3When You Want Reliable News And Updates
For a global perspective, check out the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Their recent Coronavirus Global Update podcast includes a daily round-up on the spread of coronavirus with reports from affected areas, details of the latest medical information, and the impact on health, business, and travel. The New York Times and the Washington Post also publish regular stories online, as does BuzzFeed News. In India, coronavirus information sources you can trust include The Hindu, India Spend, Firstpost, and Business Insider. You can also follow The Wire for stories about the political situation in the country, though remember to verify what you read.
Read More: A Coronavirus Travel Advisory and Guide
4For A Quick Overview Of Up-To-Date Info, See COVID-19 Facts
If you want a quick overview of the situation, but want to avoid misinformation about COVID-19, the COVID-19 Facts website collates information from verified sources around the world including the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the World Health Organization, and the Economist Intelligence Unit. It also features a series covering myths around coronavirus, including analysis of where the myth came from, and what experts say about it.
5If You Need Resources On Working And Learning From Home
Over a third of the world’s population is under some kind of lockdown due to the pandemic. This means that lots of people are stuck working and learning from home. While schools and universities (as well as workplaces and employers) will have some guidelines on what to do and how to go about doing it, you can also visit Google Digital Unlocked for more reliable information and tips on how to be productive while working from home, and much more.
6When You Want To Experience Virtual Travel
While travelling in person will always be an irreplaceable experience, virtual reality has brought us tons of ways to bring the outside world into our homes. From museum tours to monuments, you can explore lots of places from the safety of your couch. There are lots of virtual tours and experiences popping up all over the internet, but the best and most reliable collection of links you can trust can be found on Google Arts and Culture. They have scores of iconic institutions — including the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, as well as monuments like Christ the Redeemer in Rio and the Empire State Building in New York.
If you prefer nature, try National Geographic’s virtual tours of exotic and hard-to-reach places, such as inside Mexico’s Chichén Itzá, through a shipwreck off Bermuda, and deep into the canyons of Victoria Falls in Africa. Another option is Google Earth Virtual Reality, whose videos allow you to walk around jaw-dropping landscapes and city streets. Zone out for an hour or more as your cursor escorts you through museum halls, forests, palaces, and rivers.
So, Remember To Use Reliable Sources For COVID-19 Information
The world’s response to the coronavirus pandemic may be hampered by the spread of misinformation, which can put the health of individuals and the public at greater risk through the sharing of unsubstantiated medical advice. We can all play a part in limiting this spread, by ensuring we only use reliable sources for COVID-19 information, and that we don’t share fake news.
