Table 2 The Pandemic Playbook II: during a (raging) pandemic

Leaders must continue to act decisively and early, informed by science

Test quickly, rigorously and widely

Maintain quick turn-around on test results

Contact trace as effectively as possible, incl. using of technology (such as a tracing app)

Close contacts must self-isolate if not quarantine

Enforce self-isolation, e.g. through door knocking repeatedly, and consider supervised quarantine if need be

Restrict movement, e.g. to 5 km in cities, 20 km in suburbia, 50 km in the country

Rigorously ring fence hot spots, if feasible, incl. local and other domestic borders

Transport, except for essential business, must be limited

Require social distancing (Table 1)

Limit gatherings, to 2 or the like as the situation dictates

Allow only essential business to stay open, incl. supermarkets, pharmacies, doctors and the like

Limit trips outside the home for food, healthcare or the like each day within a prescribed radius and to 1x/d

Require protective equipment as warranted, e.g. appropriate face coverings

Advise of the need for proper hygiene (Table 1)

Communicate clearly, age-appropriate and addressing ethnic groups appropriately

Ensure the best possible care for the most vulnerable

Manage hospital capacity wisely, incl. staff (which may fall sick), beds, ICU etc.

Be on the lookout for the unexpected and unexplained