Address virus with right attitude

THE knowledge, attitudes and practices people hold toward coronavirus will play an important role in determining a society’s readiness to accept behavioural change measures from authorities.
The coronavirus outbreak has been the most significant international news story for the past two months, but familiarity with the disease is not evenly spread.
The evolving outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is requiring social distancing and other measures to protect public health.
It is time we all listen, understand, cooperate and take responsibility.
Acting Gulf provincial administrator Emmanuel Xavier last week said … the attitude of people is a major determinant as to whether the Covid-19 pandemic can be contained or allowed to spread.
Attitude is a settled way of thinking or feeling about something.
In psychology, an attitude refers to a set of emotions, beliefs, and behaviors toward a particular object, person, thing, or event.
He highlighted attitude because it is often the result of experience or upbringing, and they can have a powerful influence over behavior.
So one’s attitude to how they view Covid-19 and whether they understand and will adhere to the restrictions imposed with it will determine its spread in an area, and in this case, Gulf.
Despite limited funds and resources, if we employ the right attitude, we can persevere with the new normal and beat the pandemic.
And if everyone does not employ the right attitude, such ignorance will spell our doom.
Coronavirus does not discriminate.
The world is affected by this pandemic and PNG is no exception.
Covid-19 respects no national borders, no social bounds, no political systems, and no cultural values.
Our trading partners are hard hit and the effect is already felt in the country.
Despite the ‘new normal’ announced along with the various restrictions, one can see a total defiance by people, as many still are not wearing masks, no social distancing in the public transport service and we still have gatherings of more than 50 people.
This makes one wonder if all citizens really understand what the Government is doing.
Maybe use a different tactic to raise awareness.
It is time for communication specialists to re-strategisee in getting the message to the mass population who probably are very confused at this stage.
It’s time to prioritise the collection, consolidation and dissemination of accurate country – and community-specific information about affected areas, individual and group vulnerability to Covid-19.
In an age where information is mass produced and accessible at the touch of a button, what the public must have is relevant knowledge.
This information should be available to everyone.
And not everyone has a smart phone, radio or television set and with the literacy level low in the country, brochures and pamphlets with graphics should be used and printed in local languages including English and Tok Pisin.
The National will continue to emphasise on the importance of how Covid-19 is communicated to the people and to avoid fuelling fear and stigma.
Fake news spread as wild fire and that is why the truth must always be told, so there is no panic and anxiety.
The public must remain informed about Covid-19 so a positive attitude is achieved in reducing it from spreading.