REUTERS/Yara Nardi Daniel Bennett, an assistant professor of economics at USC, told Insider that outbreaks of new diseases create a "vacuum" of available information as people rush to learn more about it. Therefore, individuals who are trying to make informed decisions instead tend to turn to peers for information and recommendations on how to move forward. Bennett noted that the onus is placed upon policymakers to "quell public fears by providing timely and accurate information." However, policymakers are offering no such clarity, as contradicting reports are emerging even in the Trump administration. "It sends the message that officials are disagreeing, or not communicating well, overall, which may make people worry if the information they are receiving is credible, but it would be if it was clear and transparent," Bennett said. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. An expert suggested people tend to turn to their peers for information and recommendations on an epidemic amid contradicting information from policymakers. Daniel Bennett, an assistant professor of economics at University of Southern California, told Insider that outbreaks of novel viruses create a "vacuum" of available information when people are looking for immediate answers.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: Pathologists debunk 13 coronavirus mythsSee Also:The coronavirus has spread to 37 countries.