More COVID-19 resources for journalists

In an intense and fast-changing news landscape, it’s important to know where to find reliable sources of information. SciLine has compiled a set of links to other COVID-related tools, tips, and information sources that reporters can trust.

Wise Reporting Advice

• Covering the Coronavirus Epidemic Effectively Without Spreading Misinformation. Tips from Washington Post health and science editor Laura Helmuth.

• I Lived Through SARS and Reported on Ebola. These Are the Questions We Should Be Asking About Coronavirus and How Many Americans Are Really Infected With the Coronavirus? Two pieces by ProPublica’s Caroline Chen focusing in particular on handling numbers.

• Tips for Reporting on COVID-19 and Slowing the Spread of Misinformation. Tips from a global non-profit focused on misinformation.

• 10 Tips for Journalists Covering COVID-19. Tips from the International Center for Journalists.

• Good tips from a Harvard epidemiology professor.

• Some observations on what’s feeding the COVID-19 misinformation stream and how to avoid contributing to the problem.

• AP Stylebook tips on the Coronavirus. Some important style guidance from the pros at AP.

Reliable Data Sources

• Coronavirus Resource Center. Easy-to-use dashboard maintained by the Johns Hopkins University & Medicine.

• Covid-19 Dashboard and daily Situation Report. Another dashboard, maintained by the World Health Organization.

• Cases & Latest Updates. The latest statistics, maintained by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Trustworthy Experts

• SciLine connects journalists to experts vetted for their expertise and communication skills.

• Tips on finding and vetting experts during a disease outbreak. Solid advice from the Association of Health Care Journalists.

• The Council for the Advancement of Science Writers. A summary of speakers with scientific expertise that CASW has called upon for past events.

Checking Your Facts

• Myth busters. The World Health Organization’s ongoing effort to debunk misinformation about COVID-19.

• Busting coronavirus myths. Agence France-Presse’s regularly updated fact-checking page about COVID-19.

• 7 ways to avoid misinformation during the coronavirus pandemic. Tips from the Poynter Institute’s political fact-checking service.