OVER the last few months, media outlets across the country have been told that their reporting on the coronavirus is scaremongering. The Gazette has not been exempt from this. However, I disagree.

With the number of cases in the UK continuing to rise quickly, it's important that people know what the situation is locally. Only local outlets, including the Gazette, are going to tell you that.

There is an argument to be had that reporting on these outbreaks, as the media did with the Ebola, Zika and SARS outbreaks, is actually important in the global community's response to health issues. As Shona Hilton and Kate Hunt say in their content analysis of the media's response to the swine flu outbreak in 2009-10: "The news media's role as disseminators of factual health information on swine flu is to be welcomed, particularly in relation to their handling and responsible reporting on scientific uncertainty." They add that the level of media attention can often cause people to believe that reporting has been sensational, even when it isn't.

With five deaths in the UK (at the time of writing) and thousands across the globe, it's a dangerous virus that spreads quickly, and the latency period on the symptoms mean you could pass it on without even knowing you have it.

That is why it's important we report on this outbreak. People need, and deserve, to know what is going on in their back yard.

Of course, language is key here, as it is with every news report. This is why every single one of us makes sure that we use the correct language, get the facts correct and ensure our stories reflect what is actually happening.

It is the most basic function of a local newspaper to keep their residents informed, especially with something that is potentially as serious as Covid-19. It is our goal to make sure that the people of Basingstoke know the latest advice and the latest update on the spread of the virus.

The government have said that we all need to be sensible and follow the advice of the authorities including regularly washing your hands. If and when that advice changes, we'll be here to tell you what the experts think the best way of controlling this virus is.