Covid-19 Local Outbreak Management Communications Strategy

Delivered for: Somerset County Council Public Health

Role: Communications Management | Crisis Communications | Media Relations | Public Health Messaging | Campaign Delivery

Working within Somerset County Council’s Public Health team, this project required the development, management and delivery of the Covid-19 Local Outbreak Management Plan Communications Strategy. The aim was to raise awareness of public health guidance among residents, schools, and local businesses while supporting Somerset’s wider pandemic response.

What was delivered

Strategic direction for Somerset’s Covid-19 communications

A comprehensive strategic approach was established to shape all communication activity related to the pandemic. This involved planning and overseeing aligned communications and engagement plans that responded to rapidly changing circumstances and evolving public health guidance.

Public relations and media management

Proactive PR activity ensured clear, timely and accurate messaging reached the public. This included drafting and distributing press releases, coordinating media interviews and briefings with key Public Health spokespeople, and maintaining constructive relationships with local and regional media outlets.

Multi-channel public health campaign

To reach Somerset’s diverse communities, a range of communication materials and channels were utilised, including:

• Scripts for radio advertising

• Out of Home advertising across the county, including large-format print and digital billboards

• Press releases, articles and stakeholder updates

• Targeted messaging for educational settings and businesses

Crisis communications leadership

The project also required the management of ongoing crisis communications, rapid response planning, and coordination across teams to ensure consistent, factual and trusted messaging during a period of significant uncertainty.

Team leadership and delivery oversight

A communications team was led and coordinated to ensure that all elements of the strategy were delivered effectively and to a high standard, supporting Somerset’s wider public health objectives throughout the pandemic.

Impact

The communications strategy played a crucial role in informing the Somerset public during Covid-19, strengthening trust in local public health messaging, and ensuring clear, accessible information was available across multiple platforms. It represents a significant piece of crisis communications work delivered during an unprecedented public health emergency.