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Coronaviruses and COVID-19 resources

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Tip sheets

Coronaviruses: Background and sources for your reporting
Updated March 26, 2020

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses, some of which cause respiratory illness in humans.

On Jan. 30, the World Health Organization declared 2019-nCoV, a coronavirus, a public health emergency of international concern and on March 10, declared it a pandemic. The last time it declared a pandemic was the swine flu in 2009.

Bara Vaida, AHCJ’s core topic leader on infectious diseases, has compiled links and contact information for sources on the topic, as well as useful background to inform your reporting. This tip sheet is being updated as the story evolves.

Resources for reporting the impact of COVID-19 on older adults
Posted: 03/13/20

We know that older adults and those with serious underlying medical conditions are among the most susceptible to complications from COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have issued warnings to those in the 60-plus demographic to take special care to minimize their risk of contracting this disease. Many of those who have died lived in a Seattle-area nursing home. There are plenty of story angles and resources for reporters to tackle as cases continue to climb.

Tips on finding and vetting experts during a disease outbreak
Posted: 03/11/20

When covering a hot, fast-moving health issue like a disease outbreak, a severe weather event or other public health emergency, it can be a scramble to find the expert sources you need quickly. Still, it’s essential to ensure they are the right experts you need for the story you’re writing.