Safety recommendations for journalists covering COVID-19 pandemic

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 30 April 2020

In response to increasing COVID-19 cases among journalists in Pakistan, safety recommendations have been released to protect media personnel. Key measures include reducing on-site reporting and ensuring cleanliness in media offices.

Summary

Amid a rapid rise in the number of Pakistani journalists testing positive to COVID-19, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Freedom Network Pakistan (FNPK), have compiled 15 recommendations for the safety of journalists to cover the pandemic without putting their lives in danger.

According to the Alert, RSF and FN directed the media houses to refrain from sending reporters to places where a big crowd is expected and encourage field staff to re-enter their vehicle as soon as possible after covering the event.

They said news organizations should give preference to video messages and video conferences instead of live reporting and ensure cleanliness in the office, along with asking individuals to practice precautionary measures against coronavirus.

Furthermore, the two bodies urged providing all employees with special "Corona Life Insurance" and update provisions of the sickness insurance for all the employees.

"Press clubs and unions should set up a safety fund for journalists and employees to which journalists earning more than Rs100,000 should be required to contribute while the government should extend special credits to media organizations."

Thirty nine journalists and media workers have tested positive to COVID-19 in Pakistan.