Skip to main content.

Crafting Your Public Statement

What will be in your first statement to the public?

Instructions: Select the five best messages to include from the list below.

1. We have nothing to share until we get results back from the lab. Please be patient with us.

Sorry.

You should not use this message. Instead, share whatever information you have available.

Good job!

You should not use this message. Instead, share whatever information you have available.

2. Thirty people have been hospitalized with what looks like a highly contagious flu virus.

Sorry.

You should include this message because it shares the information that you have.

Good job!

You should include this message because it shares the information that you have.

3. Our state lab is running the specimens now. We'll update you as soon as we know more.

Sorry.

You should include this message because it shares what you are doing and your commitment to share information.

Good job!

You should include this message because it shares what you are doing and your commitment to share information.

4. We will know shortly whether or not this is the same strain as the one circulating in Asia, so please don’t worry.

Sorry.

This is not a good message to include. You should avoid guaranteeing results (such as knowing definitively whether the strain is from Asia), and asking people not to worry dismisses the anxiety that people are feeling.

Good job!

This is not a good message to include. You should avoid guaranteeing results (such as knowing definitively whether the strain is from Asia), and asking people not to worry dismisses the anxiety that people are feeling.

5. We realize that many people may be concerned about the spread of illness.

Sorry.

You should include this message because it acknowledges how people are feeling.

Good job!

You should include this message because it acknowledges how people are feeling.

6. You can reduce your chance of getting sick by washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer. Avoid crowded areas whenever possible, and make sure to get plenty of rest.

Sorry.

You should include this message because it provides actions that people can do to protect themselves.

Good job!

You should include this message because it provides actions that people can do to protect themselves.

7. Please call our Flu Hotline to speak to a nurse if you experience symptoms that are like the flu, such as the sudden onset of fever, sore throat, and fatigue.

Sorry.

You should include since it provides information about what to do if you feel sick.

Good job!

You should include since it provides information about what to do if you feel sick.