1/ We were sent hundreds of screenshots from a private FB group for first responders.
They show thousands of comments downplaying the coronavirus — or doubting its existence.
These are people on the front lines of the pandemic.
Here’s what we found.
👇👇👇
They show thousands of comments downplaying the coronavirus — or doubting its existence.
These are people on the front lines of the pandemic.
Here’s what we found.
👇👇👇
2/ Many posts scoffed at the seriousness of the virus. 
3/ As confirmed cases and deaths increased and officials shut down mass gatherings and public places, the posts intensified their attacks on Democrats and the media.
Here’s what a Texas firefighter whose identity was corroborated by ProPublica posted.
Here’s what a Texas firefighter whose identity was corroborated by ProPublica posted.
4/ As of midday Tuesday, there were 4,464 cases and 78 deaths in the U.S., according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
5/ We were sent these screenshots by concerned co-workers of some of the members of the group.
It’s not just online venting, they said. The posts reflect real-world attitudes that are leading some to potentially shun special plans and protective equipment.
It’s not just online venting, they said. The posts reflect real-world attitudes that are leading some to potentially shun special plans and protective equipment.
6/ Here’s why it matters more than you may think: First responders like firefighters and paramedics are among those at the greatest risk of encountering the coronavirus.
Their exposure could endanger others if they have to be quarantined and are no longer available to work.
Their exposure could endanger others if they have to be quarantined and are no longer available to work.
7/ For example:
Dozens of firefighters who responded to the nursing home in Kirkland, Washington, that was a hot spot of the outbreak had to be quarantined for weeks.
Dozens of firefighters who responded to the nursing home in Kirkland, Washington, that was a hot spot of the outbreak had to be quarantined for weeks.
8/ Commenters contacted by ProPublica declined to answer questions or didn’t respond to messages.
Leaders at @IAFFNewsDesk are also concerned.
Leaders at @IAFFNewsDesk are also concerned.
9/ “If we ignore it, if we take it lightly, we will set a new standard in the wrong direction for infectious disease in this country.”
— Jim Brinkley, IAFF assistant to the general president for technical and information resources.
— Jim Brinkley, IAFF assistant to the general president for technical and information resources.
10/ An @IAFFNewsDesk spokesman said views like those expressed in the Facebook group reflect the minority of first responders, citing conversations with local leaders who are eager for more information about how to prepare for the coronavirus.
11/ For more about the FB group in which these were posted — and to hear what the group’s founder had to say — check out the full story here. propublica.org/article/facebo…
12/ We’ve pivoted many of our projects to coronavirus investigations. Keep up here:
go.propublica.org/bigstory-social
go.propublica.org/bigstory-social
