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.