The National Media Commission (NMC) is warning the Ghanaian media against making jokes about the new coronavirus disease that is ravaging the world.

“While humour may have its place in reducing anxieties in moments of national stress, it also carries the risk of minimising the sense of urgency and possibly leading to complacency in public response,” the Commission noted.

Latest figures indicate 244,973 persons have contracted the viral disease which has killed 10,033 in three months, with 87,408 having recovered from it.

Ghana has recorded 11 cases as at Thursday, March 19, 2020 with zero deaths so far. Health officials say those infected are responding positively to the treatment.

The Ghanaian media have generally been praised for demonstrating commendable support for the national cause.

However, the Commission in an advisory on the coverage of the coronavirus pandemic observed that, in the legitimate attempt to reduce public anxiety and provide hope in this moment of disquiet, some media houses have resorted to making jokes about the disease.

It, therefore, called on media practitioners to ensure that “balance still remains our greatest professional virtue” in such a situation.

The Commission further advised media practitioners to rely on official sources for accurate information about the deadly disease.