Thread by @jessicajbalzer

The pandemic has been in Canada, and B.C., for one year. But today, as a member of the media, was the most disappointing day I think I’ve experienced today covering it #bcpoli #bced #covid19 #COVIDBC #COVID

First, unless I missed it, Dr. Henry didn’t appear. Instead, is was Dr. Gustafson. #bcpoli #bced #covid19 #COVIDBC #COVID

Today’s briefing felt like a 100 per cent scripted show. As variant cases continue to grow, we’re told B.C. has such low numbers but the attitude given off today by officials made it sound like ‘our numbers are low, we’re fine.’ #bcpoli #bced #covid19 #COVIDBC #COVID

Case numbers in general were just thrown out there like they didn’t matter. School numbers, and the influx of exposures, was explained as ‘it’s good the system’ is working when we see the exposures but no addressing why they are so high. #bcpoli #bced #covid19 #COVIDBC #COVID

Our audiences have questions. We have questions. We want the answers, to give to our audiences and provide the best and most important information to them. #bcpoli #bced #covid19 #COVIDBC #COVID

I’m at a loss why we do not have daily on camera briefings. Two a week, does not seem adequate enough, to keep the public informed and the media to ask questions. The majority of updates are a written release, with no detail or substance. #bcpoli #bced #covid19 #COVIDBC #COVID

They leave us with many more questions than answers. Journalists in B.C. are working so hard to try and get the information, facts and details to our audiences, but it seems impossible right now, no matter what we do. #bcpoli #bced #covid19 #COVIDBC #COVID

When a reporter asks questions of an official, it’s immensely frustrating to hear ‘well, we don’t see your question or point that way’ and the question is avoided. #bcpoli #bced #covid19 #COVIDBC #COVID

B.C.‘s case load has been higher the past two days than in weeks before but it appeared the urgency from officials is less as cases go up. #bcpoli #bced #covid19 #COVIDBC #COVID

Getting data, numbers, research is more important than ever right now but it’s also never been so hard as it is right now. #bcpoli #bced #covid19 #COVIDBC #COVID

People want to know the full truth and situation in front of them. But today was not that. Nothing was answered. Nothing seemed important. #bcpoli #bced #covid19 #COVIDBC #COVID

As a member of the media, to our audiences, please know this: we are working SO hard and pushing ourselves EACH day. We are trying. We hear your frustrations. #bcpoli #bced #covid19 #COVIDBC #COVID

We too, outside of our professions, are humans. People may think we in the media are pushing an agenda or only writing one side, but we understand your frustrations as people and readers a lot more than you may know #bcpoli #bced #covid19 #COVIDBC #COVID