COVID-19: Guidelines for communicating about coronavirus disease 2019 - A guide for leaders

The outbreak of coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) in Hubei, China, and the introduction of the virus into the Region of the Americas, highlight the urgent need for clear, concise and consistent communication.

Risk communication encompasses all the basics of health communication but differs in the need for speed and reliance on trust. At times of crisis, leaders are called on to provide a quick, sensitive and trustworthy response. The public wants to know what you know, what you are doing about it and what they can or should do.