PBS execs defend record of diversity with data, ViacomCBS reevaluates mental health portrayals in its programming, and Walgreens announces vaccine education TV special

Hello, communicators:

The Washington Nationals and New York Mets postponed their opening game on April 1 with team managers citing “an abundance of caution” after three Nationals players tested positive for COVID-19.

The team followed strict contact tracing protocols following one player’s diagnosis to confirm at least two other players had also tested positive.

“We don’t want this thing to spread any further,” Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said Thursday night according to the MLB. “We want to make sure that everybody’s healthy.”

“It’s a shame that we can’t play today, but we need to stay positive,” added the Nationals’ skipper Dave Martinez. “I’ve talked to a lot of players, and my concern is about their health and safety. … We’re going to get through this — this isn’t the first time we’ve been through some bumpy roads. We’ve been there, and we’re going to come back from this and we’re going to play baseball.”

Communicators should take note that statements about positive COVID-19 cases within your brand or organization should always outline steps taken around contact tracing. Remember to put the health of your internal stakeholders front and center and end with a positive, optimistic message.