What better time to use the emergency broadcasting systems? Why aren’t tickers running on television and radio programs from EBS informing citizens of where to find FAQs about the virus, quarantine areas, stay in place orders, mask access, etc.?

Why are so many trained CERT volunteers not deployed to assist in civil defense e.g. collecting samples, assisting with distribution of infection control resources, food and accurate information to underserved citizens?

Comparative examples from other nations with SARS and MERS experience such as Taiwan (below) indicate a need for a similar national strategy that includes federal, state, local groups and volunteers that function through this crisis in methods that are sustained and predictable.

“Lessons from Taiwan”
Reference
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/lessons-from-taiwans-experience-with-covid-19/
Chang-Ching Tu is the Taiwan senior fellow in the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security’s Asia Security Initiative and assistant professor at the ROC (Taiwan) National Defense University.

Background of Taiwan government agencies recognition of an emerging crisis

-Classifying the unknown disease as “Severe Special Infectious Pneumonia” as early as January 15

-Given the relative lack of scientific knowledge about the virus, for most people in general health, active education and public messaging should be a top priority to stop the spread of the virus.

-Widespread testing was quickly implemented to allow people who are not infectious to function in the economy, protect the vulnerable and reduce uncertainty for employers to manage their businesses. Masks were required for all citizens homemade or commercial with priorities to health care and essential infrastructure workers.

Established health care system prior to crisis and civil defense networks

-Procurement strategy to maintain national stockpile for civil defense purposes

-National health system employs early intervention, a flexible command structure, a comprehensive epidemic prevention strategy, integrated medical big data, and proactive information disclosure to promote understanding and cooperation.

-Utilize existing emergency warning systems such as the emergency broadcast network

Effective government-led public-private collaboration regarding accurate and timely information dissemination
-Non-political “Central Epidemic Situation Command Center” whose purpose is to share knowledge of epidemic prevention across large networks, to gradually disseminate correct guidance on prevention and control among the public.
-Simultaneous updates from relevant government departments, medical institutions, and private social media accounts, television and radio repetitive announcements, real time dashboards
-Provide hotel space and provisions for people who need to be isolated including medical staff
-Government agencies take leadership to manage medical supplies and provide a unified information platform that is available to all citizens, prioritizing distribution and supply management for medical personnel

-Leverage big data from health insurance companies to identify clusters of infections or symptomatic reports from care providers while maintaining individual patient privacy

-Government coordination with the private sector to build a dense “social safety net,” to ensure that every individual has access to daily needs met by agencies and established volunteer civil defense workers

-Launch various “mask maps” and “epidemic prevention maps” that let the public know immediately the locations and quantity of epidemic prevention supplies from drive through pharmacies

Adjust social etiquette and lifestyle in a timely manner.
-Social distancing and wearing a mask becomes part of a normal lifestyle. Campaigns that encourage any person experiencing a type of illness should wear a mask and self isolate.

-Transparent government implemented rationing policies that deal with increased demand for masks, disinfectants, and other anti-epidemic supplies must allow medical staff and patients to have priority access to PPE devices.

-Adjust social gathering and post banners in areas of high occupancy including stations providing hand washing and mask dispensers

-Create a single source of accurate information such as the “Meme Engineering team” . When it discovers misinformation or disinformation online, the team will verify it within sixty minutes and clarify it to the public immediately. These measures can prevent unnecessary panic and anxiety during the epidemic prevention period.

-Stagger worker arrivals at workplace or number of weeks alternating with stay at home periods if testing not available to reduce contact on mass transit systems and workplace entry points.