Clark County officials pass resolution declaring the spread of COVID misinformation a 'public health crisis’
Officials in Clark County, Nevada have expressed deep concern about the rapid spread of COVID misinformation campaigns while declaring the issue a "public health crisis."
On Tuesday, September 21, Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones took to Twitter with a statement addressing COVID misinformation. He tweeted, "Clark County becomes one of the few counties in the nation to declare that COVID-19 misinformation is causing a public health crisis in our community."
The specific language of the resolution is below. https://clark.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=9811967&GUID=87D8B173-3775-406C-86F1-9A62EBCF7432\u00a0\u2026pic.twitter.com/RswqZeUEhD— Justin #GetTheVax Jones (@Justin #GetTheVax Jones) 1632262018
In his statement, he wrote, "It's important for our governing board to declare health misinformation as a public health crisis and commit to doing all we can to combat the falsehoods that continue to jeopardize the lives of our citizens."
According to 8 News Now, Jones also noted that Clark County is one of very few to take such an action.
"Clark County should commit to combating health misinformation and curb the spread of falsehoods that threaten the health and safety of our residents," according to the resolution's last paragraph.
The resolution includes details about the safety and efficacy of COVID vaccines. It also condemns campaigns that have contributed to the widespread vaccine opposition.
It reads, "Misinformation has caused confusion and nationally has led to eligible people declining COVID-19 vaccines, rejecting public health measures such as masking and physical distancing, and using unproven treatments."
