Beyond the number, balancing epidemiological reporting with the need for patient empathy during the COVID-19 pandemic

The global emergence of SARS-CoV-2 infection has led to the strengthening of the capacity and organization of public health institutions in rolling out daily statistical data [30]. However, ER doesn’t have any empathetic component to assist in the planning of actions to address pandemics; the literature has shown direct or indirect negative effects of epidemiological reporting and subsequent measures [30, 31, 32, 33, 34]. Indirect consequences of ER on patient empathy could stem from strict adherence to COVID-19 control measures and its negative effect on mental health. For instance, patients might get relatively limited empathy as a result of healthcare pro- fessionals over-reliance on Telemedicine in response to ER guidance or healthcare professionals fear invasive medical procedures due to misinterpreting ER guidance [35]. ER has been found to have led to the isolation of the elderly from their support systems which could have negative outcomes related to physical injuries or mental health conditions such as depression [36, 37]. There is a need for ER to have a component that addresses empathy in its reporting. This component will hopefully address the inclusion of empathy in the plans or activities of governments, institutions and healthcare professionals utilize to address health challenges.