To say that we weren't prepared for a pandemic is an obvious statement. But have we learned anything from it, and could we face another one more efficiently, if it came around soon? The answer is probably “no.” So, as we are now starting to fully understand the effect that lockdowns have had on the economy, how can we better prepare for the next sanitary crisis? Here are a few actions that need to be taken.

What went Wrong

To understand what we can do better, we need to look at what went wrong. In regards to the economy, it is clear that lockdowns all over the world have caused a major shortage of many products, which is still affecting the markets today. It has certainly played an important part in the continuously rising cost of life, even though it is not the only culprit in that regard. The human side of the economy has played a big part in the equation as well, as many people changed the way they see their daily actions, after such a highly charged emotional event. The result is that some jobs are now left vacant.

Invest in Infrastructure, Detection Material and Medical Research

How can we escape form the lockdown solution, if a pandemic was to hit the world again? By investing in infrastructure, material and medical research.

Surveillance, screening and Detection Material

First, we need to be able to recognise a new virus rapidly, in order to counter it as fast as possible. During the coronavirus crisis, multi-mode microplate readers came to the rescue in the first months of the crisis, as laboratories were able to determine who were infected more rapidly than through regular blood tests. This helped protect healthy individuals, by isolating those who were sick immediately. Finding new ways to survey, screen and detect is crucial for a better management of the next pandemic.

Hospitals and Treatment Material

However, the main problem quickly became how to treat patients infected with the virus. The infrastructures were insufficient, as well as the material. More artificial respirators were needed than the number that was available. These two elements were the How can We prepare Ourselves in view of Another Pandemic to reduce its Effect on the Economy?

To say that we weren't prepared for a pandemic is an obvious statement. But have we learned anything from it, and could we face another one more efficiently, if it came around soon? The answer is probably “no.” So, as we are now starting to fully understand the effect that lockdowns have had on the economy, how can we better prepare for the next sanitary crisis? Here are a few actions that need to be taken.

What went Wrong

To understand what we can do better, we need to look at what went wrong. In regards to the economy, it is clear that lockdowns all over the world have caused a major shortage of many products, which is still affecting the markets today. It has certainly played an important part in the continuously rising cost of life, even though it is not the only culprit in that regard. The human side of the economy has played a big part in the equation as well, as many people changed the way they see their daily actions, after such a highly charged emotional event. The result is that some jobs are now left vacant.

Invest in Infrastructure, Detection Material and Medical Research

How can we escape form the lockdown solution, if a pandemic was to hit the world again? By investing in infrastructure, material and medical research.

Surveillance, screening and Detection Material

First, we need to be able to recognise a new virus rapidly, in order to counter it as fast as possible. During the coronavirus crisis, multi-mode microplate readers came to the rescue in the first months of the crisis, as laboratories were able to determine who were infected more rapidly than through regular blood tests. This helped protect healthy individuals, by isolating those who were sick immediately. Finding new ways to survey, screen and detect is crucial for a better management of the next pandemic.

Hospitals and Treatment Material

However, the main problem quickly became how to treat patients infected with the virus. The infrastructures were insufficient, as well as the material. More artificial respirators were needed than the number that was available. These two elements were the main reason why governments decided on the lockdown solution. Therefore, if we want to save ourselves from another economic downfall brought by a new pandemic, we need to invest in both our infrastructures and the material needed to help save patients lives.

Medical Research and Development

In order to prevent a pandemic, we need to invest in medical research and development, all over the world. If we consider the amount of time that it usually takes to create a vaccine, we can safely say that the medical world was able to come up with a miracle cure in a very short amount of time. The vaccines helped contain, reduce and put an end to the first waves of COVID-19. Although we were efficient in reacting to the pandemic, we should become more proactive in discovering potential dangers, so that we can understand the problems we could be facing, before they ever happen. Obviously, it will not always be possible to do so, but if we invest in prevention, it will most certainly be easier to find a cure, once a new virus arises.

main reason why governments decided on the lockdown solution. Therefore, if we want to save ourselves from another economic downfall brought by a new pandemic, we need to invest in both our infrastructures and the material needed to help save patients lives.

Medical Research and Development

In order to prevent a pandemic, we need to invest in medical research and development, all over the world. If we consider the amount of time that it usually takes to create a vaccine, we can safely say that the medical world was able to come up with a miracle cure in a very short amount of time. The vaccines helped contain, reduce and put an end to the first waves of COVID-19. Although we were efficient in reacting to the pandemic, we should become more proactive in discovering potential dangers, so that we can understand the problems we could be facing, before they ever happen. Obviously, it will not always be possible to do so, but if we invest in prevention, it will most certainly be easier to find a cure, once a new virus arises.