Covering and coping with the COVID-19 pandemic

Here for you. Here for each other.

Founded in 1934 with a mission to fight for the free flow of science news, NASW is an organization of ~ 2,400 professional journalists, authors, editors, producers, public information officers, students and people who write and produce material intended to inform the public about science, health, engineering, and technology. We’ve curated the resources below to support our members and the larger community of journalists and others who find themselves covering science and public health in the midst of the pandemic. Thank you for all the work that you are doing, now and always.

FEATURED

NASW invites reporters covering COVID-19 to join a free discussion list

NASW is surveying experiences on COVID-19 information requests

Your response will be entered into the NASW Information Access Database, which we will make publicly viewable and searchable.

NASW Community Check In Round 2: Summary

Our second community check-in survey helped us learn what needs and concerns are top of mind for members a few months into the pandemic and amidst efforts to address systemic racism in our country and our field.

Collected resources for addressing misinformation

NASW members who participated in a #SciWriCoffee Zoom session shared their favorite tips and resources for addressing misinformation surrounding COVID19 and other science issues.

Highlights of live Reddit discussion on how journalists are tackling COVID-19 coverage

On April 1, 2020, the NASW Journalism Committee hosted a live discussion on Reddit about how science journalists are tackling COVID-19 coverage.

Tips for covering the COVID-19 pandemic without spreading misinformation

A timely resource on covering infectious disease outbreaks from past NASW president Laura Helmuth and past Idea Grant recipient The Open Notebook.

CALLS TO ACTION

NASW statement on access to government experts during the COVID-19 outbreak

NASW calls on the Trump Administration to allow government experts to speak freely about the outbreak of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 and the nation’s public health response.

NASW calls for data access and transparency

NASW calls on the Trump Administration to ensure that public health data—including data that involve COVID-19 hospitalizations and availability of personal protective equipment, ventilators, and ICU beds—remain publicly available, transparent, and accessible.

NASW opposes the CDC's decision to bar Voice of America media requests

NASW strongly opposes the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's decision to categorically bar Voice of America journalists from speaking with CDC experts, as documented on the Knight First Amendment Institute website.

RESOURCES AND TIPS

Crafting accurate stories

NASW has created this list of resources on crafting accurate stories during the COVID-19 coronavirus disease pandemic. We will update it regularly. All resources were publicly accessible at the time of listing.

Seeking diverse sources

COVID-19 is a global pandemic affecting people of all cultures. Seek out diverse sources and accurately represent the people at the heart of your stories.

Taking care of yourself and others

NASW has compiled this list of resources on taking care of yourself and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Business and financial resources

The National Association of Science Writers (NASW) has created this list of resources for our members and all others covering the COVID-19 coronavirus disease pandemic. We will update it regularly. All resources were publicly accessible at the time of listing.

Making connections

A list of resources to help you make connections during the COVID-19 coronavirus disease pandemic.

COVID-19 communications tip sheet

Are you on the front lines of COVID-19 coverage at your institution? Have you transitioned to managing a team or communications remotely? NASW's PIO Committee offers tips for leading with empathy, managing virtual meetings, and boosting internal and external communications.

Work from home like a pro

Are you new to working from home? Check out this tipsheet brought to you by the NASW Freelance Committee for advice on creating a home office, work-life balance, working at home with kids, and the freelance lifestyle.