In some ways, it’s never been more important that we stay informed — our collective health depends on it. However, the Poynter institute cautions that consumers also have to pay attention to their stress levels, and capacity to take in information.

Joy Mayer, the director of Trusting News, offers some tips on how to be a good news consumer:

•If a news story seems unlikely, see if you can corroborate it elsewhere. Do a quick Google search or a search on a news website that you trust.

•Check the source and know where you’re getting your information. Are they legit? What’s on their “about” page? Can you see evidence of their mission, their ethics and their history?

•Remember that information is changing quickly, and something you saw last night might no longer be true. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t true when it was reported.

•Get in touch with journalists — especially local ones. Ask questions. Let them know how they’re doing and what you need from them. Do that on their social media or by looking up an email address or phone number. In general, the larger the news outlet, the less likely you are to get a personal response. But get in touch anyway.

•Use care in how you talk about journalism and “the media.” There are absolutely unethical and irresponsible actors under the huge media umbrella. But most journalists are driven by a public service mission to keep their communities informed. It feels vitally important to them — and they’re often risking their own health to do it. Please remind your own social networks about that if you have the opportunity. And if you get a chance, thank a journalist.

Various fake messages about the coronavirus and Covid-19 have spread rapidly across WhatApp in South Africa in recent weeks, both in person-to-person messages and via WhatsApp groups. Remember, spreading fake news about Covid-19, or government's efforts to stop its spread, is already a crime in terms of South Africa's disaster regulations. If done with the deliberate intent to deceive, doing so could come with six months in jail.

Sources: Poynter.org; Whatsapp, SA government

Remember, should you require information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, phone the Coronavirus Hotline Number: 0800 029 999 or send ‘Hi’ to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp. Get the latest COVID-19 news updates on our fact page.