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An Appraisal of Communication Practices Demonstrated by Romanian District Public Health Authorities at the Outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  • Mariana Cernicova-Buca

    (Department of Communication and Foreign Languages, Politehnica University Timisoara, 300006 Timisoara, Romania)

  • Adina Palea

    (Department of Communication and Foreign Languages, Politehnica University Timisoara, 300006 Timisoara, Romania)

Abstract

Communication during an ongoing crisis is a challenging task that becomes even more demanding during a public health crisis. Early in the start of the pandemic, global leaders called upon the public to reject infodemics and access official sources. This article focuses on the communicative aspects of health services management, with a particular focus on the communication strategy of the Romanian district public health authorities during the COVID-19 lockdown, as seen on official websites and social networks. The 15 most affected districts were selected, according to the officially reported health cases. The issued press releases and the posts on Facebook pages show an uneven experience on the part of district authorities in dealing with public information campaigns. In addition, the results of the study indicate a lack of sustainable communication approaches as well as the need of professional training and strategy in dealing with the public health crisis. From a communication point of view, a strategic approach on behalf of the public health sector is crucial to enhance the preparedness of appropriate institutions to act during emergencies and to respond to the needs of the media and the public with timely, correct, and meaningful information.

Suggested Citation

  • Mariana Cernicova-Buca & Adina Palea, 2021. "An Appraisal of Communication Practices Demonstrated by Romanian District Public Health Authorities at the Outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:5:p:2500-:d:505957
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    Cited by:

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    2. Gina Ionela Butnaru & Alina-Petronela Haller & Larisa-Loredana Dragolea & Alexandru Anichiti & Georgia-Daniela Tacu Hârșan, 2021. "Students’ Wellbeing during Transition from Onsite to Online Education: Are There Risks Arising from Social Isolation?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-23, September.
    3. Patrick Cheong-Iao Pang & Qixin Cai & Wenjing Jiang & Kin Sun Chan, 2021. "Engagement of Government Social Media on Facebook during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Macao," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-19, March.
    4. Qihui Xie & Yanan Xue & Zhuojun Zhao, 2022. "Understanding the Scientific Topics in the Chinese Government’s Communication about COVID-19: An LDA Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-24, August.
    5. Gabriel Brătucu & Andra Ioana Maria Tudor & Adriana Veronica Litră & Eliza Nichifor & Ioana Bianca Chițu & Tamara-Oana Brătucu, 2022. "Designing the Well-Being of Romanians by Achieving Mental Health with Digital Methods and Public Health Promotion," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-24, June.

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