Health Ministry will combat COVID 'disinformation' with new campaign

An advertising campaign early next year will focus on getting out the government's message.

ČTK

Written by ČTK Published on 30.11.2020 14:22:00 (updated on 30.11.2020) Reading time: 1 minute

The Health Ministry plans to use CZK 50 million for an information campaign to combat what it claims is 'disinformation' regarding the COVID pandemic, lockdown measures and other related topics. The Health Ministry says it plans to inform the public on a regular basis about what it sees as the most frequent 'disinformation' regarding the coronavirus pandemic starting today, Czech Health Minister Jan Blatny (ANO) told journalists yesterday.

The comprehensive communication campaign will begin early next year, as the tender for it will not be finished before January 1, Blatny said.

"Starting this Monday, our press department will highlight the most frequent disinformation [regarding the pandemic] on our webpage and during regular Friday press conferences, we will select what we see as the most serious issues and comment on them," Blatny said.

When it comes to the new campaign, it is proceeding slower than desired, according to the Health Minister. However, legal guidelines must be observed, he added. It will focus on planned blanket COVID testing, wearing face masks, the eRouska application, the fight against disinformation, the recruitment of volunteers and the donation of blood and plasma.

It will also focus on young people, keeping social distance, contacts, hygiene and dietary rules, as well as enhancing one's immunity.

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