The government has created the foundations for a clear, authentic and reliable flow of information in connection with the coronavirus epidemic. Members of the public can access the latest, clearest and most accurate information regarding the epidemic on the Internet website at koronavirus.gov.hu, Minister of State for International Communication-head of the communications task force Zoltán Kovács told Kossuth Radio on Sunday.
On the programme ‘Sunday Paper’, the cabinet’s representative described the elimination of fake news, rumours and gossip as the number one priority.
We must talk about the virus responsibly, it does matter what we say and how we say it, he stated, adding that this is especially important advice for sensation-seeking media outlets, in particular, opposition media.
Mr Kovács mentioned the fake news about the closure of Budapest and Debrecen – which, he said, had spread for 3 to 4 days – as an example of rumours without foundation.
The government always makes reliable news available to members of the public and the press in an organised manner, and offers clear guidance daily in the form of press conferences held every afternoon after the meetings of the Operational Group where members of the press are supplied with all the latest information, the Minister of State said, asking everyone to update the public on the basis of the information received there.
He observed that the situation that has recently evolved, including the suspension of school attendance, also requires members of the public to pay closer attention to the government’s communications.
Mr Kovács highlighted that, in addition to fake news, the opposition’s “political irresponsibility” can be equally dangerous if they make statements solely for political gain.
In this regard, he confirmed that Hungary has all the necessary financial means at its disposal for the containment of the coronavirus; the introduction of a state of danger has created access to funds.
“There can be no shortage of resources, actions and determination,” he stated.
The head of the communications task force stressed that instead of attacks, they expect the opposition to stand together with the Hungarian people; this is in the best interests of Hungary and the Hungarian people.
According to Mr Kovács, the opposition must accept that as the government supervises the organisations which have access to information, the cabinet is the source of the latest and most reliable information. He added that the government and the Fidesz-KDNP party alliance keep opposition parties continuously informed.
The Minister of State repeated that protecting health and human life is the government’s top priority. At the same time, through its ten task forces, it is also seeking ways to protect jobs and to restart the economy after the epidemic.