Are we there yet? The transition from response to recovery for the COVID-19 pandemic

As the world transitions to recovering from COVID-19, those developing that recovery need support in adjusting and improving their policies and measures. The situation seems dire, the stakes are high. Pandemics indeed force us to think beyond typical emergency management structures; the cycles of the disaster risk management in the case of biological and other natural hazards are not exactly the same and no one-size-fits-all approach may be used.

This paper provides a set of policy directions to be considered during the transition towards, as well as throughout, this transition phase. It is suggested that meeting this global, multi-dimensional, and complex challenge will require considerable international collaboration (even convention) and macro-scale changes to global and national policies. The following policy considerations are important and need to be considered: 

• Change the mindset from ‘if’ to ‘when;’ 
• Move towards an integrated approach to pandemics;
• Build recovery on existing policy frameworks;
• Invest adequately in preparedness;
• Invest in multi-sector pandemic planning;
• Strengthen international collaboration;
• Address potential disparity in disaster risk management cycle;
• Design an appropriate information and risk communication system;
• Design a community accepted data sharing system; and
• Learn lessons for our changing climate.