I’ve been reflecting a lot on the information being circulated regarding COVID-19, analysing the responses on individual and national levels, and thinking about what could be done to prevent or reduce the risks. In doing so, two things have become evident. Firstly, misinformation really could have the ability to kill people – perhaps being much more deadly than the virus itself. Secondly, risk-based decision-making using quality information will enable effective responses that could save them in a crisis.