We Must Help Our Politicians and Other Leaders Correct Their Infectious Disease Spread Risk Management Blunders During COVID-19
By Dr. John Norris
Dr. John Norris is a former FDA COO and Harvard faculty member. He is a highly successful entrepreneur and expert in risk management for the "spread" of bio attacks. And he has written over 120 articles and posts on this topic's different aspects and perspectives. On behalf of all people everywhere, Dr. Norris and his team have self-funded roughly $1 million to create the world’s best infectious disease-spread risk-management platform: VirusVigilant. Their mission is to save up to a million lives by the end of the decade.
Introduction
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed numerous blunders in the risk management strategies of our politicians and other leaders. These blunders have resulted in the rapid spread of infectious diseases, causing untold damage to US and global public health and the US and global economies. In order to prevent such devastating consequences in the future, it is imperative that we help our leaders correct their mistakes and, as soon as is reasonable, adopt effective risk management measures. This article will delve into the reasons behind these blunders, discuss the impacts they have had, and provide actionable solutions to prevent their recurrence.
Background
Our politicians and other leaders' poor understanding of US and allied nations' bio attack risks is reckless and unforgivable. Nevertheless, they must be helped. Politicians at two levels, US and international, are poorly informed and weakly motivated to "do the right thing." Dr. Norris and his teammates believe this lack of bio attack knowledge, understanding, and motivation is creating weak preparation of the US and its allies for a near-term minor bio attack, which is the scale of an attack that is most likely.
Given the state of the world, where fits of anger and heightened fears are increasingly boiling over, we "expect" (not "predict;" there is insufficient historical evidence to make predictions) that such an attack will likely occur in the next three years. And it will likely be performed by a terrorist group, such as Hamas, or a small hostile nation, such as Iran, although it likely will, by its nature, not be traceable to the aggressor. It might even be a "false flag" attack by a nation that "leaves crumbs" because it wants us to retaliate against Hamas or Iran.
Dr. Norris said: Regrettably, almost as destructive to our people and the people of the globe is a "viable threat" of a bio attack. This is so because of the enormous at-home anxiety and significant loss of at-work morale that such a threat imparts on workers, families, and investors/taxpayers. Such forces will destroy local and national loyalty and productivity.
We estimate there is at least a vast number of times more risk that a small bio weapon, delivered by stealth, suicide, or false flag, will be used to attack the US than a small nuclear weapon. And a slight chemical weapon is not even in the picture. For many reasons, which we will briefly get into below, in terms of "actual use," both small atomic weapons and small chemical weapons are all but obsolete. No serious person continues to believe in chemical weapons. And money, power, and habit are the key drivers of our continued obsession with nuclear weapons. Yet, just because they are highly traceable as to the aggressor, they are both significant "deterrents" and, at proper levels, must be kept around. In reality, however, they will never be used offensively or defensively. Plus, they cost at least 100 times what a bio weapon costs. So, we have to pretend we will. But concurrently, we need to protect ourselves from the far bigger real risk of the use of bio weapons.
Post the COVID-19 Pandemic, which caught almost every leader worldwide "with their pants down," the third rail of "weapons of mass destruction," bio attack weapons, are, with a high degree of certainty, the "weapons of choice" by all significant aggressors going forward. We must count on it and be prepared for it far better than we are now. It is reckless for politicians and our other leaders not to make sure we are.
The Importance of Risk Management
Effective risk management is crucial in times of crisis, especially during a "nature-made pandemic" or "human-manufactured terrorist or hostile nation bio attack." It entails identifying potential risks, assessing their impact, and implementing measures to prevent, mitigate, and or control them. In the case of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, risk management is essential to prevent the spread of the virus and protect public health. It is the "spread" that kills millions. Unfortunately, many leaders have failed to adequately prioritize and implement these measures, leading to catastrophic consequences.
Understanding the Blunders
Lack of Preparedness: One of the major blunders made by leaders is the lack of preparedness for a pandemic. Despite previous warnings from experts and the existence of comprehensive pandemic preparedness plans, many governments were ill-equipped to handle the rapid spread of COVID-19. This lack of preparedness has resulted in widespread infections and loss of life.
Delayed Responses: Another common blunder made by leaders is the delayed response to the outbreak. Timely action is crucial in containing the spread of infectious diseases. However, many leaders downplayed the severity of the situation or delayed implementing necessary measures, leading to uncontrolled outbreaks and overwhelmed healthcare systems.
Inconsistent Messaging: Communication plays a vital role in managing a crisis. However, many leaders have been inconsistent in their messaging, leading to confusion and loss of public trust. Mixed messages regarding the importance of mask-wearing, social distancing, and other preventive measures have undermined public compliance and contributed to the spread of the virus.
Improper Political Interference: Political considerations have often trumped scientific evidence and expert advice during the pandemic. Leaders have been more concerned with public perception and short-term political gains rather than making decisions based on the best available evidence. This has compromised the effectiveness of risk management strategies and hindered efforts to contain the spread of infectious diseases.
Lack of Timely, Proactive, Thoughtful, and Effective Measures Taken by Politicians and Other Leaders: The critical role that leaders, especially politicians, play in the world can not be overstated. Their votes/decisions can literally represent life or death for thousands, if not millions, of people. This is a responsibility that those of us who have been politicians, agency heads, CEOs, COOs, and department heads do not, or should not, take lightly. It is our moral, ethical, and legal duty to exercise our judgment responsibly. And with the knowledge that if we are reckless in our actions or inactions, the latter being the hardest to spot, we will be held accountable by society in terms of shame but also financially--and criminally, if our recklessness is severe enough. Everyone wants to lead. But few understand the heavy weight that goes with leadership roles. Right now, the lack of timely, proactive, thoughtful, and effective measures in the case of "bio attack preparedness" is glaring. We pray that our leaders in the US and worldwide will "see the light" in time to prevent "avoidable" deaths and harm to millions of people, including children. We have sounded the alarm, have spent a million dollars of our own, invested over $2 million in sweat equity, and have our "finger in the dike," but it is time for others to help. It will "take a village" to get the word out. Especially the leaders of our not-for-profit foundations are derelict here.
Failure to Learn from Past Mistakes: Despite the occurrence of previous pandemics and outbreaks, leaders have failed to learn from past mistakes. Lessons from previous crises, such as the SARS epidemic, should have been applied to develop robust risk management strategies. However, these lessons were often ignored, leading to avoidable blunders and negative outcomes.
The Impact of the Blunders
The blunders made by our politicians and other leaders in managing infectious disease spread have had far-reaching consequences. Some of the major impacts include:
Unfathomable Levels of Loss of Life and Other Harm, Much of Which Was Avoidable: The failure to implement effective risk management strategies have resulted in the loss of countless lives. Rapidly spreading diseases like COVID-19 have claimed the lives of millions worldwide, with devastating effects on families and communities.
Vastly Overwhelmed Healthcare Systems: Inadequate risk management has led to overwhelmed healthcare systems, unable to provide appropriate care and treatment for patients. Overburdened hospitals and healthcare workers have been unable to cope with the influx of patients, resulting in a higher mortality rate and reduced access to healthcare services for other conditions.
Disastrous Economic Impact: Widespread outbreaks and ineffective risk management strategies have had a severe impact on the global economy. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and business closures have caused significant economic downturns, leading to job losses, bankruptcies, and financial instability.
Significant Social Disruption: The blunders in risk management have caused significant social disruption. Lockdown measures, social distancing guidelines, and restrictions on gatherings have affected societal activities such as education, travel, and social interactions. As a result of these disruptions, mental health issues, isolation, and domestic violence have increased.
Correcting the Blunders: Actionable Solutions
It is essential to help our politicians and leaders correct their blunders in order to prevent future outbreaks and protect public health. Here are some actionable solutions that can be implemented:
Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure: Governments should invest in strengthening public health infrastructure, including robust surveillance systems, testing capabilities, and contact tracing mechanisms. Adequate funding and resources should be allocated to ensure preparedness for future outbreaks.
Using Only Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Leaders must prioritize evidence-based decision-making over political considerations. Expert advice and scientific evidence should guide policy decisions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Establishing multidisciplinary advisory panels can ensure a comprehensive and informed approach to risk management.
Creating and Sustaining Clear and Consistent Messaging: Communication during a crisis plays a pivotal role in risk management. Leaders should provide clear, consistent, and transparent messaging to the public, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and promoting trust in public health authorities.
Implementing and Managing Strong International Collaboration: Infectious diseases know no geographical boundaries. Leaders should prioritize international collaboration and information sharing to manage outbreaks effectively. Sharing best practices, research findings, and resources can result in a more coordinated and effective response to infectious diseases.
Creating and Aggressively Implementing Timely, Proactive, Thoughtful, and Effective Measures by Politicians and Other Leaders: As stated in great detail above, it is time for our leaders to wake up and do their jobs before thousands, if not millions, of people, are avoidably killed or otherwise harmed. This includes our strongest political leaders, but especially the leaders of our not-for-profit foundations are derelict here. Do your job in protecting our people. And do it now. The level of responsibility to minimize avoidable deaths and harm is enormous. The only way to do this is to help prepare our people now. After a bio attack, which is inevitable, many people will already have avoidably been killed or otherwise significantly harmed before appropriate responses can be built and executed. Without preparedness now, in a time of crisis, doing this correctly will be especially difficult. Prepare now. When an attack occurs, don't find yourself in a position where you regret you did not do more.
Learning from Past Mistakes: It is crucial to learn from past mistakes and apply those lessons to future outbreaks. Governments should conduct comprehensive reviews of their risk management strategies post-pandemic to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.
Prioritizing the Protection of Healthcare Workers: Healthcare workers are on the frontlines during a crisis and play a crucial role in containing the spread of infectious diseases. Leaders should prioritize the well-being and safety of healthcare workers by providing adequate resources, personal protective equipment, and mental health support--and most importantly, helping them to be "fully prepared" to respond quickly, thoughtfully, and effectively to an attack by ensuring they have installed and fully operational infectious disease spread risk-management strategies, plans, programs, systems, tools, and other relevant mechanisms.
Engaging the Public Before, During, and After a Bio Attack: Encouraging public participation and engagement is essential in risk management. Leaders should involve communities, organizations, and individuals in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Public education campaigns and community outreach can promote awareness and compliance with preventive measures.
Conclusion
The blunders made by our politicians and other leaders in risk managing the spread of infectious diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic have had severe consequences. It is our collective responsibility to help them correct these blunders and adopt effective risk management strategies as soon as ois reasonable. By prioritizing preparedness, only evidence-based decision-making, the absence of improper political interference, the presence of proper political actions, clear communication, international collaboration, and learning from past mistakes, we can prevent future outbreaks and protect public health. Together, let us work towards a safer and healthier future. Bio threats are now the most important threats we need to address. Regrettably, thus far, we have done the poorest job in addressing them.
A Public Service Announcement by Safely2Prosperity and Its Executive Chairman, Dr. John Norris
We are pleased to cover this well-hidden story as a public service for the sake of our readers and all the people of the US and the world. We aim to have informed, educated, and committed leaders in the US and worldwide at all levels of society. We hope they buy our solution because it is the best. But if not, they must purchase "a" solution. Three alternative solutions are almost as good as S2P's VirusVigilant.
Safely2Prosperity (S2P) provides a "comprehensive infectious-disease spread risk-management solution," VirusVigilant, for business executives, government-agency heads, and nation leaders to protect their employees, families, investors, and others. S2P's VirusVigilant "Infectious Disease Safety Program" (like a Fire Safety Program but much more sophisticated and complex) combines a SaaS platform with customized risk management tools for overseeing add-on packages of vaccinations, testing, therapeutics, isolation (if infected), quarantining (if exposed), and tracking technologies, among many others. These tools help these leaders meet their moral, ethical, and legal responsibilities while protecting and enhancing workforce, family, and investor/taxpayer safety and productivity. Thereby, VirusVigilant helps assure (it's not "insurance," but "assurance," for leaders, so "they can sleep at night," at 1,000 times less the cost than health insurance) (1) business continuity, (2) revenue, (3) profits, (4) investor and insurer financial protection, and (5) the overall effectiveness and survival of the enterprise. With a focus on proactive measures, S2P offers a cost-effective, low-cost (as low as pennies per employee per month), intuitive solution for risk-managing infectious disease spread. "It's the spread that kills millions."
Dr. John Norris is a former FDA COO and Harvard faculty member. He is also a highly successful entrepreneur recognized as an expert in preventing, mitigating, controlling, and otherwise risk-managing the "spread" of infectious diseases. He has often published on this or related topics, including as editor-in-chief of two academic publications, one at Harvard (which he founded some 50 years ago) and the other at Cornell. And gave many presentations on the need for change in health and healthcare systems, including 300 presentations worldwide. Also, he helped reform the "regulatory procedures" used by the Joint Commission (which "regulates" hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes) and the US FDA (which regulates drug and medical device developers). Finally, he is a highly successful businessperson and entrepreneur. He and his former teammates sold one of their last start-ups for almost $2B in today's dollars.
As the historically world-renowned diplomat Benjamin Franklin said as he signed the US Declaration of Independence from England (the first, most costly, and most dangerous step in forming the United States as a country, but a critical step): "Gentlemen [and Ladies], we must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." Thoughtful and aggressive "preparedness" is the first and most essential step in protecting our people and those of our allies from the devastation of a bio attack by a terrorist group, such as Hamas, or a hostile nation, such as Iran. It costs as little as 60 cents per employee per month (1,000th the cost of health insurance) to be prepared.
If you want to learn more about VirusVigilant, please get in touch with Dr. John Norris by text at 617-680-3127 or by email at John.Norris@Safely2Prosperity.com (mailto: John.Norris@Safely2Prosperity.com). S2P's website is safely2prosperity.com (http://safely2prosperity.com/).
© 2024 Safely2Prosperity LLC and Dr. John Norris, Executive Chairman. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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