Coronavirus nuj warns print broadcast journalists to be steadfastsafety conscious

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NUJ Warns Print and Broadcast Journalists to be Steadfast and Safety-Conscious in Covering Coronavirus

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has cautioned print and broadcast journalists to be steadfast and safety-conscious while covering the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo, urged journalists to prioritize their safety and the safety of others while carrying out their duties.

"We urge our members to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid contracting the virus while covering the pandemic," Isiguzo said. "We also urge them to be mindful of the safety of others, including patients, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders involved in the response efforts."

The NUJ President noted that journalists play a crucial role in informing the public about the pandemic and its impact, but they must do so in a way that prioritizes their own safety and the safety of others.

"We understand that journalists are at the forefront of reporting on the pandemic, and we commend them for their dedication and professionalism," Isiguzo said. "However, we also urge them to be mindful of the risks involved and take necessary precautions to avoid contracting the virus."

The NUJ has also called on the government and other stakeholders to provide journalists with the necessary resources and support to enable them to carry out their duties safely and effectively.

"We urge the government and other stakeholders to provide journalists with personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer, to enable them to carry out their duties safely," Isiguzo said. "We also urge them to provide journalists with access to accurate and reliable information about the pandemic, and to facilitate their access to affected areas and communities."

The NUJ has also called on journalists to be mindful of the psychological impact of covering the pandemic and to seek support if needed.

"We urge journalists to be mindful of the psychological impact of covering the pandemic, including stress, anxiety, and trauma," Isiguzo said. "We also urge them to seek support if needed, including counseling and other forms of support."

Overall, the NUJ is committed to supporting journalists in their efforts to cover the pandemic safely and effectively, and to ensuring that they have the necessary resources and support to carry out their duties.