The epidemiology of COVID-19 showed how the world is unprepared in facing an outbreak. Even the wealthiest and most developed countries, which ranked highest based on the Global Health Security Index (Mirbeyk and Rezaei 2020) and had the most well-equipped health systems, were damaged tremendously by COVID-19. However, the coronavirus 2019 pandemic can give coun- tries a psychological and, hopefully, structural head start and teach nations important lessons to be utilized in facing future epidemics more effec- tively and efficiently.
In general, countries should stay committed to the necessary steps of preparation, prevention, and protection in facing any future epidemics.
Countries are encouraged and called to prepare themselves for any probable outbreaks based on the predictions of researchers and scientists;
besides, they should also plan on how to prevent the spread and how to protect their population if an outbreak comes up. It could range from basic backup equipment and testing facilities, intersec- toral coordination of efforts to minimize waste of
disorganization in time of emergency, or having the power of becoming independent on essential requirements in the time of closed borders.
Among all, the importance of truth-telling mainly came to spotlight the most during the COVID-19 pandemic. It directly affected the responses of authorities and people and weakened the strength and timeliness of reactions and people’s trust in officials where it was neglected. Although shar- ing bad news may cause fear and anxiety, the nations should stay focused on reacting ade- quately to the situation, and not getting panic attacks, and accepting where they are, even if they are in bad condition. Interventions are effec- tive when they are designed for the real situation, not the wished situation. On top of all, the sup- pressed information would usually come to light.
Thus, the lack of truth-telling might cause the nations to lose their trust in the powers. In the protection phase, unfortunately, marginalized communities who were among the most vulnera- ble population are usually neglected, but they are a common and important reason why the actions fail. Of course, nations should not forget about the late-onset effects of the pandemics, including economic, social, and mental health impacts, and should plan to address them ahead of the time they get complicated or unable to be controlled.
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