With the World Health Organisation declaring Covid-19 a pandemic, social media has become aflood with misinformation. So who can you look to for trusted, verified, expert knowledge when it comes to coronavirus? Here are seven Twitter accounts that will help you stay up to date with the latest (and correct) information.
1) Department of Health and Social Care @DHSCgovuk
This official government account provides regular updates on the latest UK coronavirus figures, as well as tips for best practice to avoid infection.
2) Public Health England @PHE_uk
Along with the DHSC, Public Health England plays a key role in conveying the government’s coronavirus policy. It also posts links to the official ‘Public help matters’ blog on the government website. This provides useful guidance on when and how to self-isolate and the data dashboard, which tracks the numbers and locations of Covid-19 cases.
3) Professor Chris Whitty @CMO_England
The UK’s Chief Scientific Adviser to the government has received almost universal praise for his no-nonsense approach to coronavirus. On Twitter, Whitty has outlined the UK government’s plan of action with regards to the virus, and how this is likely to change as the infection spreads.
4) Helen Branswell @HelenBranswell
A senior writer on infectious diseases for Stat News, Branswell shares data to identify key trends of the virus from all corners of the globe. She is also a prolific sharer of expert opinion and the latest information.
5) Ian Mackay @MackayIM
Australian virologist Ian Mackay answers commonly asked questions about coronavirus in layman’s terms. He also has an extensive network of experts on Twitter and features in a number of lists devoted to Covid-19.
6) Eric Feigl-Ding @DrEricDing
The U.S. epidemiologist and public health expert is one of the most frequent posters on the issue of coronavirus. As well as discussing things like social distancing and travel considerations on the podcast The Heat, Dr Feigl-Ding also uses data visualisations to map the global trends of the virus.
7) Amanda Makulec @abmakulec
Co-founder of the Data Visualization Society, Makulec has consistently tweeted guidance for data journalists and visualisation designers on how to report coronavirus. Weary of adding to the misinformation on social media, she aims to promote best practice in the industry.
Online misinformation has been a problem in politics for some time. With coronavirus, the phenomenon is in danger of permeating into public health—an altogether more frightening proposition. Though there have been some superb graphics tracing Covid-19’s spread, even data can be misrepresented. With the help of these accounts, you will be privy to cogent, accessible and trustworthy information on coronavirus.
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