Coronavirus messaging: Best practices from the field

Among the many challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic is what to tell your constituents, customers and partners, and how to say it. Here’s what some of our own network partners are doing:

  • More and more cities and public agencies are putting coronavirus information at the forefront of their websites. Fontana and Ontario have taken it a step further, providing regular updates, videos and links to city services in a robust, easy-to-navigate form. Their approach goes beyond providing information, but creating a sense of community. Our schools clients are actively reaching out to the public with regular emails to students and parents and a robust website for the Oxnard Union High School District that encourages engagement with a form to “Ask the Superintendent” anything on your mind. 

  • The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board is hosting a series of webinars to help businesses navigate the coronavirus crisis, on topics ranging from employees working from home to crucial conversations in the workplace. The WDB also conducting a survey of nearly 6,000 businesses in the county to better determine their needs and to introduce them to services the agency currently offers.

  • At Ontario Airport – the fastest-growing airport in the U.S. – monthly updates on traffic numbers have been recast as public service messages to talk about health and safety precautions that are being taken. The airport also is taking a proactive approach in discussing the looming economic impact of the COVID crisis.

  • We are part of the Ventura County Community Foundation, which is part of the non-profit community doing so much to raise funds and help those in need during this crisis. Its leadership has been identifying needs and raising money for those.

Click below for more examples of effective messaging during the pandemic:

A 3-minute video from Ontario’s mayor on steps the city is taking.

A virtual news conference in the City of Fontana. In this clip, the chairman of the county Board of Supervisors explains the region’s prominence as a supply chain hub in urging residents not to hoard.

Chaffey Joint Union High School District’s COVID-19 landing page, with updates from the superintendent, FAQs in English and Spanish, videos and links to resources.

A personal message from Upland’s retiring school superintendent.

Alfredo Saavedra