Misinformation can be dangerous. It can even be more so at a time like this when the world is experiencing panic and fear.
In an attempt to fight misinformation, the Philippine government’s crisis communication center, Laging Handa PH, has partnered with the Department of Health in creating an official website containing the latest news and updates regarding COVID-19.
In a statement found on the site, Laging Handa is described as an “initiative by the Presidential Communications Operations Office” and was created to serve as an “integrator of all information related to the country’s current emergencies, and an aggregator of the citizen’s concerns, for the government’s immediate attention.”
At first glance, the website offers relevant data such as cases confirmed, the number of deaths as well as recoveries. Despite not being updated in real-time, you can be assured that the data is pulled from official sources and, therefore, accurate. Alongside it is a small map of the Philippines showing the numbers and locations of the confirmed cases.
You can also find pertinent COVID-19 hotline numbers, relevant information regarding the diseases, as well as related local news. And while official guidelines for the on-going “enhanced community quarantine” still seems inexistent, the website does post a gallery of “Do’s and Dont’s” which can be treated as such.
Having an official outlet to spread valid information regarding COVID-19 is definitely a step in the right direction. You can check it out here.
