Why we must report the daily COVID-19 numbers differently | ticker VIEWS

As Australia continues to battle its Covid-19 crisis, there is growing pressure to change the way we report on daily COVID numbers

For the last 18 months, Aussies have been waiting for the daily press conference and bracing for the Premier’s to face the cameras and reveal the dreaded numbers. It is becoming an unconscious part of our small talk conversations.

Change the reporting rhetoric

The daily reminder of Covid-19 cases continues to instill fear in our lives and fear for what the future holds. The daily numbers are representing how much longer we’ll be stopped from working. How much longer we’ll be binging on Netflix. How much longer we cannot see loved ones. How many more Uber deliveries do we have to track?

In all seriousness though, lockdowns are addressing the immediate health risk that the Covid-19 virus brings. But, what are the long-term impacts on our economy and our mental health?

Why are we only reporting on Covid-19 cases? Why are we not reporting mental health numbers from our helplines daily? Why are we not hearing about the seriousness of each case? All valid questions and Luke Nayna from the Counsel House is urging the Governments and mainstream media to rethink their approach.

“People need to understand the physical and the mental impacts. We need to be reporting the numbers in a way that shows the benefit of vaccination. What is the impact on the vaccinated versus the unvaccinated. What are the hospitalisation rates of individuals?” 

Luke Nayna, The Counsel House 

https://twitter.com/tickerNEWSco/status/1430404510669623296?s=20

Concern for mental health

Lockdowns are addressing the immediate health risk, but there is a lack of investigation into other health risks that millions of Australians are facing. Crisis helplines are facing continued increases in calls.

The vaccine is the key to reopening the economy. But, until we reach those targeted vaccination rates, where is the support, recognition, and transparency around mental health and economic burden?

“Too much emphasis is being put on the physical health, and if it is being put on the mental health then there isn’t the transparency and communication from the Government.” 

Luke Nayna, The Counsel House