COVID-19, Separating Fact from Fiction


Brooke Chapman, Adviser

We have always tried to teach our students not to believe everything they see on the internet. Anyone can make a website, post a story, post a comment or bend factual information to fuel their own agenda. So why is it that during this crisis, we are throwing that good advice out the window? If you are like me, you have been searching for answers, advice, and guidance on how to protect yourself and your family. I have consumed more news in the last few weeks than I have in the last year, but is this helpful?

At a time when we have the President arguing with reporters over who actually makes the call to reopen the economy (President or state governors?) who has the answers? Are we ordered to stay home or not?  Why are some stores open and some are closed? Who decides when social distancing is over for us? There are so many questions and so many answers, the trick is finding the correct answers.

When looking for factual information during this crisis, there are a few sources I have found to be helpful. Those sources are NOT “news” stories on the internet or politicians looking for an advantage in the next election. The information we use to make our daily life decisions should be based on medical evidence, facts and scientific predictions not scare tactics and clickbait. 

Here are a few examples of the FACTS according to Arkansas Executive Order 20-13:

  • Arkansas is not under a stay at home order.
  • Gatherings of 10 people or less are not prohibited, indoors or outdoors
  • In Arkansas, there are exceptions to the 10 people or more rule for some businesses including golf courses, trails and parks.

Below is a list of sources you can rely on to report real-time data and relevant information to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing information. Please consider the source of your information as you navigate your way through this crisis. Remember the wise words “just because you found it on the internet doesn’t mean it’s true” apply today more than ever.


Information for Arkansas:

Governor Asa Hutchison’s website:

Arkansas Department of Health:

National and International Websites:

World Health Organization:

Center for Disease Control: