The literature on risk communication from various topic areas emphasizes the importance of clear, repeated, action-oriented messaging by a trusted leader.

Using strategies that align with individuals’ experiences engaging with public health information during a public health crisis can help improve the effectiveness of communication, tackle misinformation, and address public needs to maximize uptake of accurate and credible public health information.

Pandemic-related upstream health promotion approaches aim to reduce the risk of transmission, increase equitable access to testing/vaccination, and mitigate secondary impacts of the pandemic and its response measures.

This rapid review explores what is known about the Public Health Network (PHN) and the Special Advisory Committee’s (SAC) leadership and performance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. There is very limited analysis of the role of the PHN and SAC in the COVID-19 pandemic. There is evidence of inter-jurisdictional coordination, reflecting one of the key functions of SAC. Along with coordination, there is also evidence of localized tailoring of messaging to reflect current information and the emerging status of the pandemic.