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Newsrooms: Set clear policies about how and why reporters should be sent into the field. I learned of some reporters sent to get "color" for stories that could've been reported remotely, without being empowered to voice their discomfort -- at the very time most fear losing jobs.
At @propublica, we have clear guidelines for reporters, as well as the photographers we commission, that err on the side of safety. Vivid stories are important, but not more important than protecting staff and preventing spread.
Specifically, @propublica guidelines state 1) No reporter should be required to report outside of their homes at this time, and any request to report outside the home should be made to an editor.
2) If a reporter thinks he or she must interview someone in person, it should be done in open air or as close to open air as possible while practicing social distancing.
3) If a reporter thinks he or she has to go somewhere to get color, think in advance how to do so quickly/efficiently with as little human interaction as possible. Get in and get out.
4) If possible, don't bring a phone into a place where it could get contaminated. If you do bring your phone in, make sure to carefully clean it before using it again.
5) If the request is to go into a place where people are in protective gear, this should be elevated to the two top editors. @propublica does not have a stock of protective gear, nor will the company provide it while supplies for health professionals continue to run short.
