Thread by @ashishkjha

With infections down more than 90% since highs just 6 weeks ago

It is tempting to decide the pandemic is over

It is not

During this upcoming lull of infections (and falling deaths),

It's time to prepare for whatever is next

So what to prepare for -- and how?

Thread

The two questions I get asked most often these days are:

1. Will we see future variant

Answer: I don't know. No one does. Reasonable to assume we will. Let's hope we don't

2. Will we see future surges

Answer: most likely yes. Hope not

But remember: hope isn't a strategy

2/n

So with possible future variants and surges

We should focus on the playbook:

1. Surveillance
2. Vaccinations
3. Testing
4. Ventilation/filtration
5. Masking
6. Therapeutics

Much of this is in today's White House plan

(disclosure: I, others have shared our ideas with them)

So let's go through these a bit

1. Surveillance means more waste water, more sequencing, etc.

2. Vaccinations:
a. Keep engaging more eligible folks to get vaccinated
b. Work on getting kids <5 vaxxed when data is here
c. Work on new generation of vaccines

4/n

3. Testing:

Critical we ensure rapid tests continue to be widely available and cheap.

Stockpiling tests during lulls (when they are not in hot demand) is key

4. Improving ventilation/filtration of indoor spaces

This is widely doable with a concerted strategy

5/n

5. Masking

Most places have removed mandatory masking and I think that is reasonable during lulls like current one

But high quality masks should still be ubiquitous, accessible, inexpensive

And people who want to wear one should be supported

And finally,

Therapeutics (Paxlovid, remdesivir, monoclonals) critical

Once they become ubiquitous (supplies getting better), it'll make a huge difference

We need to have enough for every high risk (think immunocompromised) person who gets an infection.

We're close

7/n

And last, but certainly not least,

We need to redouble our efforts to get the world vaccinated

Its not just about dosing out there....

Its also about syringes, supply chains, personnel, countering misinformation

Working with partners like COVAX, Africa CDC, etc. is key

8/n

That's largely what you see in the WH plan (COI: I and dozens of other experts spoke to the WH and shared our ideas

Given that it will take some resources,

Congress needs to be involved with support and oversight

9/10

whitehouse.gov/covidplan/

Bottom line is we are now at point where COVID will fade from the headlines. At least for a bit.

This is a good time to prepare for future surges/variants

More therapeutics, vaccines, tests, high quality masks are critical.

So whatever we are faced with -- we are ready

End