All Hands on Deck: A synchronized whole-of-world approach for COVID-19 mitigation

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic can no longer be mitigated bya nationwide approach of individual nations alone. Given its scale and accelerating expansion, COVID-19 requires a coordinated and simultaneous Whole-of-World approach that galvanizes clear global leadership and solidarity from all governments of the world. Considering an 'all hands-on deck' concept, we present a comprehensive list of tools and entities responsible for enabling them, as well a conceptual framework to achieve the maximum impact. The list is drawn from pandemic mitigation tools developed in response to past outbreaks including influenza, coronaviruses, and Ebola, and includes tools to minimize transmission in various settings including person-to-person, crowd, funerals, travel, workplace, and events and gatherings including business, social and religious venues. Included are the roles of individuals, communities, government and other sectors such as school systems, health, institutions, and business. While individuals and communities have significant responsibilities to prevent person-to-person transmission, other entities can play a significant role to enable individuals and communities to make use of the tools. Historic and current data indicate the role of political will, whole-of-government approach, and the role of early introduction of mitigation measures. There is also an urgent need to further elucidate the immunologic mechanisms underlying the epidemiological characteristics such as the low disease burden among women, and the role of COVID-19 in inducing Kawasaki-like syndromes in children. Understanding the role of and development of anti-inflammatory strategies based on our understanding of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1, IL-6) is also critical. Similarly, the role of oxygen therapyas an anti-inflammatory strategy is evident and access to oxygen therapy should be prioritized to avoid the aggravation of COVID-19 infection. We highlight the need for global solidarity to share both mitigation commodities and infrastructure between countries. Given the global reach of COVID-19 and potential for repeat waves of outbreaks, we call on all countries and communities to act synergistically and emphasize the need for synchronized pan-global mitigation efforts to minimize everyone's risk, to maximize collaboration, and to commit to shared progress.

Pausing superspreader events for COVID-19 mitigation: International Hajj pilgrimage cancellation

“…In addition to significant contribution to global COVID-19 mitigation, the restriction of international visitors to Hajj will also usefully help reduce transmission of other diseases. Of relevance is the ongoing Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, and other diseases such as measles which is now widespread globally [8,9].…”

Reprint of: Air travel and COVID-19 prevention in the pandemic and peri-pandemic period: A narrative review

“…There is no known short-cut to hosting a true mass gathering amid a respiratory disease pandemic of high transmission potential, mortality, and poorly understood natural history such as COVID-19. During such uncertainties, the overwhelming public health recommendation have been to cancel the event [ 84 , 85 ].…”

Towards Fusion Energy in the Industry 5.0 and Society 5.0 Context: Call for a Global Commission for Urgent Action on Fusion Energy

“…They could be pessimistic or optimistic; more likely, they will indicate tens of billions of dollars may be required to obtain a viable commercial fusion power plant approach capable of introducing significant amounts of fusion energy, globally, within this century. Yet, to manage what may be a Trinity Test–level critical juncture, we see no other option than to adopt a “whole-of-world” approach, as with the COVID-19 pandemic (Ebrahim et al 2020 ). Injecting fusion into the energy mix via G77 co-development could rapidly deploy a ubiquitous energy source which will likely be innovated by the US, with high-end machines being mass-produced in the US, revitalizing its manufacturing base.…”