Over 127 journalists die from coronavirus in three months

At least 127 journalists from 31 countries died from the novel coronavirus in three months. That is, according to the Geneva-based Press Emblem Campaign (PEC).

“Media workers have an important role to play in the fight against the new virus, they have to inform about the spread of the disease,” PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen said.

“A number of them died for lack of adequate protective measures when doing their job,” he added.

The NGO said between March 1 and May 31, 2020, at least 127 journalists died as a result of Covid-19–around two-thirds on duty.

In May 2020, 72 victims were counted

By region, Latin America was the most affected continent, with at least 62 journalists killed; ahead of Europe’s 23 victims; Asia, 17; North America, 13 and Africa,12.

Peru is the country with the highest number of victims, 15, followed by Brazil with 13 victims; Mexico, 13 and Ecuador, 12.

The United States recorded 12 casualties, and Pakistan followed with eight (8) victims.

Russia and Great Britain recorded five (5) victims each. Bangladesh recorded four (4) deaths, then three (3) deaths in each country; Bolivia, Cameroon, the Dominican Republic, France, India, Italy and Spain.

Two victims were identified each in Algeria, Colombia, Egypt, Sweden, and one in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Iran, Japan, Morocco, Nicaragua, Nigeria, South Africa, Togo, and Zimbabwe.

The Geneva-based Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) said several hundred other media workers tested positive, and some media had to be temporarily closed.

PEC said its count was based on numerous sources, including national associations of journalists, local media, and PEC correspondents worldwide.