Pakistan- How journalists are coping with coronavirus threat?

(MENAFN- Tribal News Network) Khalida Niaz

PESHAWAR: Coronavirus has impacted the whole mankind and women are particularly more affected physically and mentally due to prevailing uncertain circumstances. People dealing with public, particularly the doctors, paramedics and journalists have shown increased signs of stress due to more exposure to the threat of the virus.

Women journalists are fighting against the virus by creating awareness among the people despite being in constant stress after coming to know about worrisome developments about coronavirus on regular basis through media monitoring.

Rifat Anjum, a female journalist who is associated with the field for the last 10 years, said while talking to TNN that besides doctors, journalists are also on the forefront in fighting coronavirus. She said women journalists are also exposed to graver threat of coronavirus than others because they deal with people and had to go out for reporting.

'We had to talk to those people who are infected by various diseases and also those who have no awareness about the disease. Everyone is stressed during this situation. We are also scared that we are at the risk of contracting the virus at any stage,' she said.

Rifat Anjum, who is now serving with a private news channel, said journalists had to continue their duty in all kinds of circumstances. She said nowadays journalists are working under increased stress and they fear being more exposed to the virus. She said journalists must avoid going to hospitals at best and interview patients on mobile phone if needed. She said journalists must also use face masks, sanitizers and other safety gear to remain safe from the disease. She said social distancing is the best answer to avoid the spread of the disease.

Zeeshan Kakakhel, a reporter, told TNN that he is also working under stressful situation as the virus is spreading rapidly and there is no cure for it. He said that despite difficult circumstances, journalists are performing their duties in a befitting manner and contributing to saving the society.

Zeeshan Kakakhel said that being a health reporter he is more exposed to the threat of coronavirus as he had to meet relevant people and patients.

'I always keep sanitizer and two or three masks and gloves with me while covering news stories. We are unable to work in the field like with did earlier due to prevailing difficult circumstances,' he said.

Psychologist Arshi Arbab said the fear of coronavirus is increasing in Pakistan with increase in confirmed cases. She said health practitioners and journalists are more exposed to the threat as they had to work in more dangerous situation and they also have first-hand knowledge of the threat.

Arshi Arbab said journalists must use safety gear and also keep distance from infected persons while performing their duties. She also recommended a short break from work if a journalist is continuously working in a stressful environment. She said it is better for journalists to work from home under prevailing circumstances.

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