Today we published a resource for state leaders: Preparedness Handbook with 5 Actions to Plan, Prepare and Prevent COVID-19 Surges.
unitedstatesofcare.org/covid-19/new-p…
unitedstatesofcare.org/covid-19/new-p…
“We all want to stay safe and have a prosperous economy. As a nation facing a novel virus, our response to the pandemic’s first wave has primarily been designed in real-time with basic information about its clinical manifestations and how to avoid spreading the virus. ...
Closely studying lessons from the first 4 months, including a better understanding of the hardest-hit communities, we’ve put together a State Preparedness Handbook to provide leaders 5 critical steps to plan, prepare, & prevent COVID surges.” @KWikelius Sr Dir Policy @USofCare
THESE FIVE ACTIONS build on actions states should already be taking to reopen safely using accepted public health measures like testing and contact tracing to pursue a new normal. It also points to examples states that have seen better results through data & timely action.
ACTION #1 Listen to the Needs of Different Communities: The best response will always come from listening first to the needs of people and understanding challenges.
ACTION #2 Communicate Clearly With People and Use Data to Guide Quick Decision Making: Establish clear decision making channels; Create early warning systems; Use tools to track and stop the spread; Share direct and timely information
ACTION #3 Focus on Protecting People and Places That Face the Highest Risks: Understand and address disparities; protect sites with high risk for transmission; plan for disruptions of key services; create isolation&quarantine centers; ensure safe workplaces for essential workers
ACTION #4 Build Health System Capacity: Establish systems to ramp distribution of PPE; strengthen mental health support for front-line workers; plan approach for delaying non-essential care and procedures; Prepare to handle simultaneous surges like flu and natural disasters
ACTION #5 Build Collaborative Approaches. Collaborate and partner with external stakeholders–both public and private–who are involved in COVID response and mitigation.
