Coronavirus curve is gradually being flattened across our nation. We still have a long way to go before declaring the end of the pandemic, but we’re getting there. As we approach this ending, now is the time to plan for the future. People, another pandemic will be coming as assuredly as the sun rises in the East. So, the question is: what are we going to do now?
If history is any guide, sadly, the answer is nothing. When people are dying, money is spent, and resolutions are firm. But, then afterwards, other matters press to the foreground. The costs in human lives are forgotten. Like New Year’s resolutions, they fade. [1]
But, can we truly become so complacent? The human and economic costs of the Coronavirus are enormous. More people will have died in three months than were killed during our latest mid-East war. The economy went from a solid footing to stepping on a banana peel. Families have been destroyed such that only extended time can alleviate the pain. All this being true, here are some ideas to prevent future such prices being paid.
First, politicians of all stripes need to recognize that errors were made and accept responsibility for them. To err is natural. It is not an excuse to play the blame game. Rather, these mistakes should be cues for what can be learned for next time.
A big mistake that national leaders around the world made was not recognizing the potential effects of the Coronavirus. They first denied its existence and then tried to wish it away. Only when it became such an obvious threat that it could no longer be ignored did they take action. Once the problem was faced, then politicians began to act like the leaders voters expected them to be. Lesson to be learned: when a potential pandemic begins to appear, act now with careful urgency.
The second mistake was not listening to past prophecies. Scientists have long been telling us that eventually a pandemic would occur. And, indeed, they have. Fortunately, most of them were not as widespread as the Coronavirus. But, here’s a list. The Spanish Flu of 1918, SARS, MERS, Ebola, all have marched across the world’s stage of misery. One leader, President George W. Bush, tried to initiate a preparation movement when he was in office. Here was his White House statement:
President George W. Bush delivers his remarks regarding his National Strategy for The Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2005.
“Today, I am announcing key elements of that strategy. Our strategy is designed to meet three critical goals: First, we must detect outbreaks that occur anywhere in the world; second, we must protect the American people by stockpiling vaccines and antiviral drugs, and improve our ability to rapidly produce new vaccines against a pandemic strain; and, third, we must be ready to respond at the federal, state and local levels in the event that a pandemic reaches our shores,” said President Bush[2]
Unfortunately, his prophetic words were quickly forgotten upon his departure from office.
But we don’t need to repeat this national mistake. Steps can be taken now. Some can be simple while others will undoubtedly be difficult. First the simple ones.
Regardless of what sort of illness plagues us, some things are needed. Face masks, protective gowns, elastic gloves and ventilators can be stored at all levels of government at relatively little cost. Schools, restaurants, hotels can be identified as treatment sites. Training of front-line personnel ranging from physicians to cashiers can be initiated. Other actions can be taken, but the point here is made.
More difficult decisions must definitely be undertaken. For example, a review of potential viruses can be made and from them, determination of potential risks and mitigation steps can be reviewed for action later. Keeping businesses afloat is crucial for supporting the economy. How can goods and services be delivered in a virtual society? Amazon.com offers ideas with its current deliveries of everything from books to meals. Hardware stores, pharmacies, and distributed caregiving can follow Amazon’s model. Schools must be able to teach through distance learning, which will entail new curricula, teaching methods, and contacts with students.
All of these policies will entail a national policy and program that ensures everyone has access to the internet. Be it through smart phones or laptops, people must have a sustained and reliable means of communication if they are to be isolated successfully during future pandemics. Industry can provide the capability, but only at a cost that not everyone can afford. Consequently, our governments at all levels must bridge the gap. Cost? Yes, it will cost. But, rather than regard it as a cost, the dollars spent should be seen as an investment in the sustainment of our society and economy.
Many details could supplement this call for action. But they are irrelevant at this point. What is important is a national will to cooperate, plan and act for the common weal. Debate will arise, but it must be debate for betterment, for ideas of worth. Political posturing must be laid aside. The fate of our nation is too important for such silliness.
[1][1][1] Janson, Bart. “Crisis, then complacency, define past outbreaks.” USA Today and Public Opinion. Chambersburg, PA: 4/2/20.
[2] Bush, George W. President. The White House. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/infocus/pandemicflu/. 4/14/20.