SFU experts available on concerns about COVID-19 & long weekend

Contact:

Melissa Shaw; University Communications and Marketing, 236.880.3297, melissa_shaw@sfu.ca

The long weekend presents more opportunities for gatherings yet it is important to continue following direction from health officials to control the spread of COVID-19. There are increasing concerns about young people contracting the virus.

People under 39 accounted for over half of the new cases across Canada last week. SFU experts are available to discuss how everyone can be motivated to continue being safe and protecting others.

Steve Kates, associate professor, marketing, Beedie School of Business, steven_kates@sfu.ca

• How knowledge of consumer psychology can be used to inform messaging encouraging people to stay safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Stuart Poyntz, associate professor, School of Communication, stuart_poyntz@sfu.ca

• Messaging to youth about COVID-19 protocols and using media to shame young people for not abiding by guidelines.
• Concerns about mixed messages young people are receiving about returning to normal versus attending to health needs.