AUTHOR=Witek Theodore J. , Schwartz Robert 

TITLE=The Evolution of Vigilance and Its Atrophy Preceding the COVID-19 Global Pandemic

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.789527

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.789527

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=Objective: To evaluate the evolution of vigilance following previous epidemics and pandemics and the subsequent atrophy of vigilance prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic. 

Design: Our policy search strategy was rooted in academic literature, government documents and media reports.

Setting: We evaluated documentation discussing US, Canada, and South Korea.

Main Outcome Measures: Descriptions of policy and implementation from academic and investigative published reports

Results: In the US, there were examples of atrophy of vigilance; however, there was clear understanding of pandemic readiness actions that were simply not executed amongst political chaos. In Canada, political mishaps were less evident at the time the pandemic unfolded. Nevertheless, atrophy was evident with erosion in preparedness programs following SARS. South Korea appeared least subjected to atrophy of vigilance. The more recent MERS outbreak prompted evolution of sustained vigilance and compliance with basic public health measures such as mask wearing.

Conclusions: To avoid atrophy of vigilance for future pandemics, we explore policy options that increase protection of preparedness programs through institutional safeguards and accountability measure.