State and local leaders who have been working for weeks to limit the spread of coronavirus say they try to reach everyone, even those who aren’t inclined to follow their guidance, in order to effectively address a crisis like this.

That’s why medical experts and public officials say that during their public briefings, they stick to what they know, admit what they don’t yet understand and try to avoid blame and credit-seeking.

Words matter more now, they say, because communicating during a crisis is about grabbing the public’s attention and marshaling appropriate responses, and doing so without rattling people into a panic.

Ricketts on Friday said he and other leaders work to overcome bias against their health messages by getting their facts straight and relying on experts with proven knowledge.

His goal when he speaks about coronavirus is to rely on public health officials and business and university leaders, including from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

The key, he and other officials said, is making sure that those who speak on behalf of state and local government are working from the same set of facts so they speak with one voice.