Given the evolving COVID-19 restrictions and guidance in response to another wave of infections, I believe I have an idea for information proliferation. We should leverage mobile device push notifications like we do for severe storms and Amber Alerts. This could reach citizens who don't have TVs, don't watch or listen to local news, and don't follow any state political accounts on social media. We are fighting a ton of misinformation during this pandemic, which necessitates clearer and widespread communication. I urge Gov. Northam, Del. Simon and Sen. Saslaw to consider leveraging this technology that we already use. We need mobile device push notifications, to communicate changes in COVID-19 restrictions and potentially guidance in a way that could reach more people.
Katharine Weintraub
Vienna