Table 1 The Pandemic Playbook I: leaders must act decisively and early, informed by science

Close borders as quickly as possible

Isolate incoming travellers in supervised quarantine

Require physical distancing

Encourage good hygiene, e.g. frequent hand washing, use of alcohol hand sanitizers as an alternative, cough etiquette like coughing and sneezing into a disposable tissue etc., as warranted

Test quickly, rigorously and widely

Deliver test results as quickly as possible, ideally in 24–48 h, to advise affected individuals, contacts etc. in a timely fashion

Contact trace every case and require close contacts to self-isolate (or quarantine if advisable)

Take care of the most vulnerable, e.g. in aged care by restricting access

Limit gatherings, to 10 or the like, as the situation dictates

Consider limiting transportation, domestic borders etc.

Communicate clearly, age-appropriately and addressing ethnic and other minority groups appropriately

Prepare (and possibly expand) hospital facilities, incl. beds, ICUs, staffing for a possible onslaught of severely affected patients

Be prepared for the unexpected