KUCHING: Covering news about the Covid-19 pandemic can be a harrowing task for journalists. That is why media practitioners in Sarawak have been reminded to stay vigilant and be diligent in taking precaution when carrying out their duties.
Federation of Sarawak Journalists Association president (FSJA), Jacqueline Radoi Impi, reiterated that they must always protect themselves, which means wearing face masks, washing or sanitising their hands and bath immediately upon arriving home.
“The war against Covid-19 is not over yet even though the number of positive cases in Kuching has declined and Kuching Division is now a yellow zone instead of a red zone.
“We also urge event organisers whether public or private to ensure social distancing at all times. They must provide hand sanitisers and face masks and check the body temperatures of all attendees,” she told to New Sarawak Tribune, yesterday.
Recently, a photograph of a group of journalists jostling to take pictures of worshippers at Masjid Negara went viral on social media, causing the public to question why the journalists did not practise social distancing.
“Therefore, I remind our colleagues not to do that,” she continued.
Jacqueline, who is also Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) chairman, said that the associations did not want reporters and photographers become a new Covid-19 cluster.
“Please don’t be complacent,” she said.
Jacqueline also reminded media organisations to keep on reminding their reporters and photographers about social distancing, wearing face masks and sanitising their hands.
Last Saturday, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said social distancing must be strictly practised by members of the media and event organisers.
He was commenting on a photo which went viral, showing reporters and photographers standing close to one another while covering Friday prayers at Masjid Negara.
Ismail, who is also Defence Minister, agreed that the situation occurred due to confined space designated to a large group of journalists at the event.
“The government will raise the matter with event organisers to formulate a specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) involving media coverage.
Ismail, however, said he believed that members of the media fraternity understand the SOP and concept of social distancing in view of the Covid-19 situation in the country.
