Thread by @IrfanDhalla

Thread: I've exchanged views about Covid-19 with someone from the business world over the last 48 hours. I thought I'd share what I think is an emerging consensus.

The goal is to help bring us closer to a "whole of society" approach to dealing with the virus.

First, the impact of the virus - and muddled responses to the virus - on investors, businesses and employees has been absolutely massive. In some ways this is stating the obvious, but it's important for those of us with secure jobs to keep reminding ourselves.

Second, investors and business owners need to be able to plan. More transparency, and continuing to strive for agreements across partisan lines, would be helpful. For example, transparent, pre-defined targets for re-opening or closing would allow businesses to plan.

Third, I think the public health measures table has only public health physicians? Why is this? Public health measures impact all of us, and it probably makes sense to include people from other disciplines and the business world as well.

Fourth, even if it's necessary when the situation becomes a crisis, it's still unfair that all businesses get penalized because some don't play by the rules.

The big movie chains might be the best example, but there are others too. Many restaurants and bars have good protocols for customers and staff, but they are all being shut down.

Fifth, most people are not especially ideological but just want an efficient and effective public sector. If we don't provide that, we provide a fertile breeding ground for ideas that aren't based on evidence, and that if adopted will lead to even worse outcomes.

So, now for the way forward. None of this is novel.

First, fully invest in #TestTraceIsolate and execute well.

Second, more transparency about the overall goal, and regional targets across a range of indicators. These should ideally be set in an inclusive way.

Third, a regime for businesses that provides guidance, support, and inspection, and penalties/closure for those that refuse to follow. This too will require investment, but it will be worth it.

Fourth, government-provided QR codes to facilitate more rapid contact tracing.

There's probably more, but these are some thoughts we had. We might aim to be like Germany, or we might aim for a response closer to one of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

But it's imperative that there is a consensus among the broad middle of Canada.

/End