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Covid-19: Elements of a Scenario

Emergency Planning

It is now more than ten years since there was a general push to induce countries to plan for pandemics (WHO 2005). About the same time, 2007, Dr Michael Leavitt of the US Department of Health and Human Services wrote: "We don't know when a pandemic will arrive. Major epidemics and pandemics (what is the difference?)

Pandemic 130
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State of the Nation - a UK Perspective on Covid-19

Emergency Planning

Since the start of the crisis, I have constantly affirmed that the key to understanding the effects of this pandemic is the UK Government's failure to give adequate weight to emergency planning and management (Alexander 2020a, 2020b). There were major exercises on pandemics in 2005, 2007 and 2016.

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Common Misconceptions about Disaster

Emergency Planning

Myth 35: We are well organised to face a pandemic or CBRN attack. Myth 36: In a biological terrorism attack or pandemic prophylaxis will be effective and efficient. Myth 38: The main effects of a CBRN attack or pandemic would necessarily be medical. Myth 62: Pandemic influenza is almost exclusively a medical problem.