We were not Prepared for Covid-19-But we Should Have Been

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic could have played out very differently if we were more prepared. Will we take this opportunity to learn from our mistakes and better prepare for future pandemics? We are all too familiar with the COVID-19 pandemic which seemingly ground the world to a halt. Caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV- 2), this pandemic is unprecedented for many of us. Hundreds of thousands have died, and economies will likely cripple as a result of the severe restrictions. Disappointingly, we should not be in this position. Scientists have predicted for decades that viral pandemics of this nature will arise, yet these cries of warning have largely fell on deaf ears. We could have had a vaccine for the original SARS-CoV years ago, but not enough money provided to allow for its development. Inaction has potentially contributed to one of the largest pandemics in living memory. Infectious diseases kill millions of people yearly, but COVID-19 is different. We do not properly understand this virus yet. There is no way to accurately predict when the pandemic will end and whether it will return. What we do know for certain is our immune systems have never dealt with it before. Many cases occur with mild or no symptoms, and it can spread from person to person for prolonged periods, which has resulted in its rapid growth across the world. All most of us can do is hope that natural herd immunity will be effective and for vaccines and anti-viral drugs to be created soon.