Thread by @DrTomFrieden

The White House released a comprehensive new plan to increase public health preparedness so we’ll be ready for whatever Covid may throw at us next. They make the fundamental point: We control Covid so it doesn’t control us. 1/thread

It’s crucial we adapt our response to changing levels of risk. The Omicron flood has receded. Cases have plummeted to a small fraction of January’s peak. Test positivity rates are steadily declining. Hospitalizations and deaths are also falling. 2/

Now, while we resume many of our prior activities, we can stay vigilant and plan so we’re not caught off guard by the next variant—or the next major health threat. 3/

The White House plan focuses on reducing the impact of Covid, preparing for possible new variants, limiting disruption to schools and businesses, and increasing vaccination and preparedness globally. whitehouse.gov/covidplan 4/

We’re in a much safer place now, but that doesn’t mean Covid will disappear. Unfortunately, we'll still be dealing with new cases, clusters, hospitalizations, and, tragically, deaths. We'll still be dealing with long Covid. 5/

The plan includes measures to limit the impact of Covid by using the effective tools we have: vaccines, treatments, tests, and masks when appropriate. 6/

A new ‘Test & Treat’ initiative will connect people who test positive with treatment immediately on the spot, which has the potential to dramatically streamline access to lifesaving treatment, reduce severe disease, and relieve burden on our health systems. 7/

Federal support is important, but each community must continue to track Covid and make their own policy decisions based on their values and the guidance provided by CDC. The more all levels of government—local, state, and federal—work together, the better off we’ll all be. 8/

The plan acknowledges the need for clear Covid information tailored to local circumstances. Partnerships with trusted local health care providers are key, especially to increase vaccination rates. 9/

To counter the potential emergence of new variants, the Biden administration plans to step up surveillance, ensure fast approvals for tweaked vaccines or treatments, and stockpile tests, masks, PPE, and other necessary tools. 10/

We can go even further by increasing support for disease surveillance and response globally. The next variant could emerge anywhere in the world, and it’s crucial we work together to find it quickly and respond effectively. 11/

Vaccinating the world is essential to save lives and reduce the risk of new variants emerging. The White House plans to double down on vaccine donations as well as manufacturing in the US. 12/

However, production capacity of mRNA vaccines must be expanded. Pfizer and Moderna have a responsibility to share their technology. bit.ly/3pt5wOc 13/

And vaccine doses themselves aren’t enough. Countries need a predictable supply of vaccines and support to stand up the infrastructure needed to administer them. The US can play a big role here, IF... 14/

IF the US leverages strengths globally & within the USG: WHO’s immunization program, GAVI, PEPFAR, which has a strong healthcare platform, and CDC, which has hundreds of immunization experts, dozens of country offices, & has led global vaccination efforts for USG for decades. 15/

Bottom line: We’re in a much safer place now, with much stronger tools to fight Covid and a solid wall of immunity. Because of this, it’s likely that 2022 is the year we put the most disruptive aspects of this pandemic behind us. 16/

Whether or not a financial intermediary fund is the right mechanism, the US and world MUST commit to rapid, effective, and sustained funding and technical support so every community can find fast, report right away, and stop soon every potential new deadly threat. 17/

One way to track this is through the 7-1-7 framework for continuous quality improvement and accountability. Every outbreak identified within 7 days, reported within 1 day, and all essential control measures in place within 7 days. preventepidemics.org/7-1-7 18/

But it’s uncertain how the virus will evolve and whether we’ll improve systems to prevent the next pandemic. This is a now-or-never moment to make the world safer from Covid & future health threats by strengthening public health protection programs in the US and globally. 19/end