Day 1

Concepts and data collection are required for timely actions. We will explore sources of timely data for a robust surveillance system, which then informs best use of resources for appropriate control measures. Early interventions save lives and cost less. Delays in interventions cost lives and it becomes difficult if not impossible to regain control. We will use the examples of the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to illustrate this important point. 

The importance of a multi-agency local approach to control outbreaks cannot be underestimated. An outbreak is never a situation which we can manage in isolation, we will explore the multi-dimensional impact of a small, medium, and large outbreak as well as a pandemic and illustrate the actions required for each level. These incidents may appear to need a clinical only intervention, when interventions from behavioural scientists, other sectors such as industry, education, transport can all come together to provide better outcomes. A joint operations template is required to manage incidents.