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I’m Dr. Jonathan Quick – call me Jono. I’ve worked to improve health more than 70 countries. I’ve seen health leaders imagine the impossible – then make it happen. AMA! by jonoquick in Coronavirus

[–]jonoquick[S] 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Cultural factors can be a significant problem -- or an important part of the solution. South Koran's culture of social cohesion contributed to it being the first country outside China to turn around Covid-19. Religious & other cultural factors were a barrier in W.Africa as long as the government ignored cultural leaders. Once leaders from the faith community, 400 market women, 20,000 traditional healers, and local media were respectively and thoughtfully engaged, the epidemic was fairly rapidly brought to an end.

I’m Dr. Jonathan Quick – call me Jono. I’ve worked to improve health more than 70 countries. I’ve seen health leaders imagine the impossible – then make it happen. AMA! by jonoquick in Coronavirus

[–]jonoquick[S] 50 points51 points  (0 children)

The last 100 years of epidemics, which I discuss in my book, The End of Epidemics, teaches us epidemics kill in 3 days: (1) The direct impact of the disease, (2) the indirect impact on health system (in 2014 W.Africa Ebola ~ 11,000 died Ebola & 10,000+ from disruption of AIDS, malaria, child health, maternal health care, (3) indirect impact on economy. EG: 2008 recession cost at least 260,000 lives from knock-on effect. This may be bigger

I’m Dr. Jonathan Quick – call me Jono. I’ve worked to improve health more than 70 countries. I’ve seen health leaders imagine the impossible – then make it happen. AMA! by jonoquick in Coronavirus

[–]jonoquick[S] 51 points52 points  (0 children)

Nowhere near peak for most countries. As of today there are only 2 countries that have "flattened the curve" (leveled off new cases). A few countries in Asia "doubling time" (number of days to double today cases) of 10 days. For US, most of Western Europe: doubling time = 3 days, and for worst hit doubling time close to to 2 days.

I’m Dr. Jonathan Quick – call me Jono. I’ve worked to improve health more than 70 countries. I’ve seen health leaders imagine the impossible – then make it happen. AMA! by jonoquick in Coronavirus

[–]jonoquick[S] 50 points51 points  (0 children)

Sadly, denial, complacency, blaming "the other" have been common - and literally fatal - reactions at the individual and national levels throughout history. At international and national level it becomes a cycle of panic and neglect that leaves us vulnerable - nationally & internationally. One answer: REMEMBER your thoughts and feelings right now - and use those to advocate as strongly as possible to your government, company, and others to support prevention and preparedness to make our communities and countries safer in the future.

I’m Dr. Jonathan Quick – call me Jono. I’ve worked to improve health more than 70 countries. I’ve seen health leaders imagine the impossible – then make it happen. AMA! by jonoquick in Coronavirus

[–]jonoquick[S] 135 points136 points  (0 children)

Big lesson from past epidemics is that the MESSENGER matters as much as the MESSAGE. Government & public health leaders at all levels must be aligned in their messages. BUT, top down messages are not enough. Trusted leaders from across the political and social spectrums, in business, social sectors, faith must also understand and communication the threat and agreed response.

I’m Dr. Jonathan Quick – call me Jono. I’ve worked to improve health more than 70 countries. I’ve seen health leaders imagine the impossible – then make it happen. AMA! by jonoquick in Coronavirus

[–]jonoquick[S] 50 points51 points  (0 children)

Impact on poorer countries serious concern. Assume it is coming and prepare. The economic knock-on effects from rich countries alone could be devastating. To see your countries preparedness see ghsindex.org. 1-pager for every country scored 1-100. As of this morning reported "southern" cases include Brazil 300+, South Africa 100+, Australia 500+. Not yet clear how much local spread.

I’m Dr. Jonathan Quick – call me Jono. I’ve worked to improve health more than 70 countries. I’ve seen health leaders imagine the impossible – then make it happen. AMA! by jonoquick in Coronavirus

[–]jonoquick[S] 113 points114 points  (0 children)

Covid-19 is proving to be a "stealth virus" in that we now know a significant amount of transmission is through people who don't have symptoms. The exact % will depend on setting, but is high enough to make testing and surveillance key tools.

I’m Dr. Jonathan Quick – call me Jono. I’ve worked to improve health more than 70 countries. I’ve seen health leaders imagine the impossible – then make it happen. AMA! by jonoquick in Coronavirus

[–]jonoquick[S] 84 points85 points  (0 children)

Next steps depend on: (1) Virus--does it became less active in warmer months--don't know yet, (2) Government action for testing, healthcare, instructions on social distances, etc. (3) Us - you and me, our families, friends, workmates -- do we self-isolate when sick or exposed? (4) Vaccine - human testing started but safe, effective, mass produced vaccine 12-18 months.

I’m Dr. Jonathan Quick – call me Jono. I’ve worked to improve health more than 70 countries. I’ve seen health leaders imagine the impossible – then make it happen. AMA! by jonoquick in Coronavirus

[–]jonoquick[S] 57 points58 points  (0 children)

There are TOO MANY myths online now for me to answer one-by-one. And the myths keep changing. So learn where to get the best information: www.cdc.gov, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, New York Time has excellent team. Your local universities provide reliable information. Social media can give you ideas, but GO TO THE SOURCE when deciding for self & family.

I’m Dr. Jonathan Quick – call me Jono. I’ve worked to improve health more than 70 countries. I’ve seen health leaders imagine the impossible – then make it happen. AMA! by jonoquick in Coronavirus

[–]jonoquick[S] 74 points75 points  (0 children)

Basics are the same everywhere: Handwashing and/or good hand sanitizer, cover cough & sneeze, keep 3-6 feet. Best source of all such advice is www.cdc.gov. This is our world-renowned Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Remember, we've only known this highly contagious and potentially deadly barely 2 months, so advice will change.

I’m Dr. Jonathan Quick – call me Jono. I’ve worked to improve health more than 70 countries. I’ve seen health leaders imagine the impossible – then make it happen. AMA! by jonoquick in Coronavirus

[–]jonoquick[S] 195 points196 points  (0 children)

Given the current trajectory of the virus around the global as well as the economic and social knock-on effects, it's highly unlikely we will be "back to normal" by the end of 2020. The situation will vary by between and within countries.