There has been an issue throughout the covid emergency in providing a clear message to all the population regarding statistics, rules and policies. In part this is due to less use of mainstream media, and in part due to false information spread largely by social media. There is sometimes a perception that messages are from a distant source, not actually relevant to our own local communities. People listen to information and feel it is not aimed at them, or do not have regular access to the media from which the information comes. Instead they turn to unsubstantiated tweets or rumours, believing their own social group ahead of authenticity.
My idea for alleviating this problem is the appointment of Local Emergency Volunteers (LEV). An appropriate person would be appointed for around every one in one thousand households to act as a communicator to ensure consistent and accurate communication. The person would not be connected to the police but a member of a community who understands local concerns. The LEV would use multiple media tools and have a dedicated email and social media to provide updates and clarifications and answer questions and concerns. Their identity would be known in the small area covered and people would have a local contact. Costs would be minimal as the appointments would be volunteers and only a little training would be needed.
No solution is perfect, but imagine the benefits of messages being given by a respected local community figure in predominantly asian area of east London, or a small Cornish village.
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