Expert: After Easter, I think we will have a new stage

Information and communication strategies are lacking.

Vytenis Andriukaitis, Special Envoy of the World Health Organization (WHO) to the European Region Delphi Day says that information and communication strategies are lacking.

“I agree that a communication campaign requires a lot of work, but let’s look at the communication throughout the first half of the year and see how seriously the WHO strategic proposals unfortunately do not find reality and ways, because the information and the communication campaign must go hand in hand.

It is not the same, but the accuracy of the information on tools, infection, masks, hand disinfection, vaccination is an information campaign that must be much broader, more vibrant and science-based, and the communication campaign must respond questions about how the bangas virus develops.

In one case they are smaller, in another they are larger, but communication specialists must also be able to precisely formulate the main ideas for the society, therefore, information strategy tools, points, as well as points of Communication had to be prepared in advance. “Says the interlocutor.

He notices three main mistakes

Communication specialist Kęstutis Gečas assures that there are three fundamental mistakes made by the current rulers.

“You know, criticism is easy, but first I would start by understanding and supporting those who communicate, because communicating in a situation like this is very difficult: there is a lot of uncertainty about how things will develop because you don’t know what to promise and what not to promise, but what could be better to do, or keep in mind, these are some points. First of all, communication is not just a story of what I do. Communication is, in a sense, the formation of public opinion, thinking about how people will understand it and what actions they will or will not take.

Second, it is no longer just a medical crisis and the state should realize this. It is a communication crisis, perhaps even a social crisis, because people strongly ignore government decisions and even resist. The last thing is that I think the state is beginning to realize the fatigue little by little. If we look at the statements and declarations of the Head of Government, after Easter, I believe that we will have a new stage, in which not only will there be prohibitions, but also will try to live with a new reality, “says the communication expert.

How to communicate with the public?

When asked what would be the best way to communicate with people, the communication expert said that the government needs courage to realize the importance of involving people in liberation processes, as people now feel in home and don’t even know when it will end. In addition, according to the communication expert, it is necessary not only to involve people, but also to give something in return.

“In fact, we first have to count the consequences and continue with Vytenis’ idea that what this government feels is being communicated differently after the fall elections, it generates a lot of emotional tension, which is very good, but the people are still tired and what is missing in the government’s communication is the tunnel of light. On the other hand, what will happen if you say and don’t comply, then everything has to be tied to certain numbers, because then we can also involve people.

For example, if we say that if there are both and as many numbers, then this and that will happen, say, one or the other municipality can reduce the restrictions. Then people realize that they can achieve something and they will receive something as a reward. Now it is the case that almost all of Lithuania is sitting at home, and it is not at all clear when this will end, ”says the communication expert.

“We have been equally limited for four months since December and nothing is changing. This means that someone is not doing their part,” adds K. Gečas.

Calls to learn from Tokyo

When asked if the government might not have a precise plan on how to proceed and how to combat the pandemic, Vytenis Andriukaitis assured that it is necessary to learn good examples.

“First of all, scientists from the World Health Organization and other organizations have made plans. There are cities, municipalities and territories that are very efficient. I heard the question about Tokyo on the radio today and now I have the idea to suggest to you: by that the city of Tokyo, with a population of thirty-several million, can get everyone involved, prevents the virus as Tokyo prepares for the first Olympic Games in combat.

Let’s try to analyze this case and why there are shoots there that are bigger or smaller, but the clear and precise instructions help to prepare for the Olympics.

Lithuania has only three million inhabitants, so let’s try to imagine that we are a part of Tokyo and can adopt good practices. I suggest the Government study because there is a lot of literature and examples. I also don’t understand why the municipalities and the people of Lithuania are not so trusted. In Lithuania, a large number of people are willing to help fight the coronavirus, because people want to see progress for themselves, ”says the politician.