CDC and COVID Miscommunication, Uncertainty, and Cognitive Closure

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) held a unique role in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC had to maintain a health communication and education role with the public while protecting healthcare workers by promoting non-medical face masks. This chapter focuses on the history of the CDC and how it began tracking the COVID-19 transmission statistics and communicating these numbers to the public. Along with frequent communication focused on the daily transmission rate, the CDC also contributed to miscommunication among the public by not maintaining an accurate list of symptoms and side effects which could help individuals in the United States make informed health decisions. This chapter also explores the CDC’s COVID-19 communication methods on social media and potential best practices developed throughout the pandemic time period. Finally, the chapter explores how the pandemic contributed to an increased level of uncertainty for the public and how this elevated level of uncertainty can impact the effectiveness of future health communication campaigns.