GloHSA Member at German TV Discussion about the global preparedness for epidemic virus outbreaks like the current Coronavirus.

https://www.br.de/mediathek/video/muenchner-runde-29012020-coronavirus-sind-wir-wirklich-gut-vorbereitet-av:5def9bc41c6cab001a0d7245

Last night, Dr. Anja Opitz was invited to the “Münchner Runde” (BR) that discussed the question: “Hashtag#Coronavirus: Are we really prepared?”

Here is her quick summary, as she looking at this from asecurity analyst perspective: *For the German case at the moment: Yes, we are able to manage the current situation with the methods and precautions we have. No, the virus has not caused a crisis in Germany. “Keep your eyes open” and “do not hype” are the right approaches. * However: If we observe the international situation closely, we learn that the virus outbreak starts to affect other sectors: the economy f.e. or the health sector in countries outside of China, because supply chains are interrupted. Challenges of this kind, which I consider to be a potentially resilient event for societies, are present and will also increase in a globalized world. * Therefore: This case should be used as a reminder to review existing crisis management plans in general: Are they up to date? Are they suitable for a larger outbreak with a potentially more dangerous virus? Are they showing interdependencies and address appropriate cross-sectoral measures? Hashtag#globalhealthsecurity Hashtag#preparedness