COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND PUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: A STUDY OF PUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGERS IN PLATEAU STATE

The study sought to evaluate the performance of public information managers in curbing the spread of COVID 19 Pandemic in Plateau State. Hence the major outcome variables studied were the role of Public Information Managers in curbing the spread of Covid-19 in Plateau state, the impact of Public Information Managers in curbing the spread of Covid-19 amongst communities in Plateau state and the challenges facing Public Information Managers in curbing the spread of Covid-19 in Plateau state. The study adopted the qualitative research design to carry out its findings. Sample survey method was used to collect data from 225 members of the Rapid Response Team spread across all the 17 LGAs in Plateau State through Purposeful sampling. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted on the questionnaire items with orthogonal rotation (varimax) to determine the roles and challenges of public information managers. A one sample t- test was carried out to determine the impact of public information managers in curbing the spread of COVID 19 Pandemic in Plateau State. Findings showed that, the role of public information managers in curbing the spread of Covid 19 in Plateau state includes pieces of advice, information and enlightenment; that there is no significant impact made by public information managers in Plateau state in curbing the spread of Corona virus; and lack of finance, fear of contracting Covid 19 and lack of trust by the public amongst others are some of the challenges facing public information managers in curbing the spread of the disease. The study recommends that, Public Information Managers should be given an enabling environment i.e. allowed free access to those affected with the disease and provided with health information systems such as digital temperature meters and recorders. They should also be provided with sustainable finance and government support to enable them carry out their roles.