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Table 3 Frame descriptions

From: Communicating scientific uncertainty in a rapidly evolving situation: a framing analysis of Canadian coverage in early days of COVID-19

FRAME

DESCRIPTION

Uncertainty

Master frame across the sample. From uncertainty about the virus to uncertainty about the appropriateness of the pandemic response.

Evidence

Demands for the pandemic response to be evidence-based, despite acknowledging the uncertainty that surrounds a novel threat.

Transparency and leadership

Policy decisions and evolving public health response to the pandemic became politicized and interpreted as successes and failures in leadership and transparency.

Duelling experts

Conflicting expert opinions to highlight uncertainty or use of expert opinions to criticize public health decisions perceived as not being evidence-based.

Mixed messages

Frustration expressed over evolving and constantly changing guidelines, leading to criticism for confusing public health communication.