IN such volatile times of a global pandemic, media operatives are still tasked with the responsibility of bringing crucial information –which could mean life or death for some — to populations around the world.
Here in Guyana, the majority of media houses are still operating, through ways more conducive to social distancing, to protect themselves from the COVID-19 pandemic as they do their jobs.
On Wednesday, the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) put forward a list of useful guidelines for media operatives in the Region informing them on how they can stay safe amidst the outbreak.
While on assignments, media workers are encouraged to ensure they have an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in their possession; limit physical contact with people, furniture and equipment; maintain personal space at least six feet and avoid eating and drinking.
Workers are also advised to leave the site of news gathering as soon as they’re finished; plan travel routes carefully and remember that they have the right to decline an assignment if it poses a health risk.
While in office, it has been recommended that media operatives wash hands properly with soap and sanitize regularly; limit physical contact with people, furniture and equipment; maintain personal space of a least six feet and use their own cups and spoons for coffee/ tea.
Regarding shared equipment, media workers are advised to clean such regularly; avoid unnecessary visits by guests/family to their workplaces and if they observe colleagues engaging in risky behavior or having flu-like symptoms, alert their managers without gossiping.
Whenever in studio, it is advised that each person has their personal hand sanitizer or disinfectant mixture to clean their own space; have personal IFBs and clean lavalier mics; encourage directors to segment programmes so that too many people are not sharing the same space; encourage interviews via phone and video call; leave studio as soon as assignment is finished and avoid visiting friends and family after work.
The ACM is a network of journalists, media workers and media associations spanning the Caribbean Basin. It is built on the platform of three main functions: press freedom advocacy, journalistic networking, and professional development.
