An independent panel of local doctors today participated in a virtual event that addressed COVID-19 misinformation brought up by members of the public at the Dec. 7 County Board of Supervisors meeting.
The hourlong virtual session was available to the public for live viewing and the three doctors who participated dispelled misleading claims about COVID-19.
The panel was moderated by Dr. Eric McDonald, County chief medical officer and included Dr. Sujana Gunta from Vista Community Clinic, Dr. Christian Ramers from Family Health Centers of San Diego and Dr. Francesca Torriani from UC San Diego Health.
All three panelists have worked on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic since the virus was first identified here in San Diego. Their discussion included the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, treatment options, and the accuracy of COVID-19 tests, as well as other issues that came up at the Board of Supervisors meeting.
County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency staff regularly track COVID-19 misinformation shared during public comment at the Board of Supervisors meetings.
In August, San Diego County became the first jurisdiction in the nation to declare health misinformation a public health crisis. Others have since followed.
The County has also launched a website to debunk common false claims about COVID-19 and educate people on where to find credible medical information sources.
A video of the virtual event is available on the coronavirus-sd.com website.
The panel with Spanish interpretation is below.
