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“Water pumps, not Wars” – From emotive to rational language in managing the Covid-19 pandemic
  • Mike Stedman,
  • Mark Davies,
  • Adrian Heald
Mike Stedman
Res Consortium

Corresponding Author:mstedman@resconsortium.com

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Mark Davies
Res Consortium
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Adrian Heald
Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust
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Abstract

At the date of writing this editorial, there is growing agreement amongst experts that the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is in decline. The number of deaths reported each day is now around 1% of the cumulative total and falling. In general, the approach to predicting pandemic policy has been through a comparison of inter-country performance in managing this crisis. While all countries are paying a high price in economic slowdown and lives lost, the health consequences in terms of cases and deaths have varied considerably. Countries with lower relative mortality and infection numbers have shown a more structured logical approach to pandemic management. There is a very real urgency to learn lessons immediately given the pressure to reduce the home confinement policy as soon as possible. While this is clearly a challenging time for policy makers, public health messaging is often emotive around concepts such ‘being at war’ with the virus, and other similar statements. We propose that a more rational approach to moving forward is required to avoid a second wave. Understanding this rational approach can be found through an evaluation of not only how other countries are approaching this challenge, but also from history.
05 May 2020Submitted to International Journal of Clinical Practice
06 May 2020Submission Checks Completed
06 May 2020Assigned to Editor
06 May 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
13 May 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
15 May 20201st Revision Received
16 May 2020Submission Checks Completed
16 May 2020Assigned to Editor
16 May 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 May 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Jun 2020Editorial Decision: Accept
02 Aug 2020Published in International Journal of Clinical Practice. 10.1111/ijcp.13580