1. COVID (and a bit on pandemic preparedness in general): some thoughts on what could be done. 2. First, the caveat is that my background is not in health, so I focus on the social aspects. My perspective is obviously European but I’ve tried to write this from a global POV. So dear reader, please keep in mind that the context does vary across the globe.

1. COVID as a wicked problem = airborne transmission by asymptomatics makes it invisible and fosters defeatism; its variable impact tempts people to believe they're lucky. Addressing this requires transparent leadership and sustained public trust - both in short supply nowadays. 2. That is, the mishandling of COVID is 𝐧𝐨𝐭 unique - eg HIV was initially underestimated - but IMO COVID’s efficient airborne transmission sets it apart, driving the weak PH response in so many different ways, as outlined in this thread.