Table 3 Summary of recommendations and action items

A comprehensive, automated international public health informatics infrastructure is needed to enable fast, accurate and complete data collection

Identify reliable sources of up-to-date and easily accessible information

Engage research communities, health departments and public health agencies in discussion of what is needed for comprehensive data collection and plans to establish data collection tools and infrastructure

Define and agree upon standards among countries regarding data elements for testing, death counts and confirmed cases that are essential for data collection and reporting. Definitions for social/physical distancing, masks (face mask, cloth face covering, surgical mask, N95 respirator), lockdowns, “stay-at-home” orders, essential errands and essential workers must be standardized

Engage research communities, health departments and public health agencies in collaboration towards development of standards and definitions for commonly used terms related to this and future pandemics

Investment in public health and emergency preparedness must increase. The robustness of existing healthcare systems must be improved to ensure that citizens have fair and equal access to healthcare and health maintenance resources

Scientific communities must be empowered to assess and scrutinize government policies, actions and inactions. These entities must use an evidence-based approach to identify and demand allocation of more resources and investment where they are needed

Subject national health systems and emergency plans to international benchmarks [51]

Scientific and technical experts must be included in developing evidence-based policy with public buy-in and accountable leadership

Public health agencies, local governments and federal governments must incorporate scientific and technical expertise in task forces that gather and assess data and establish policies based on evidence. Scientific expertise, collaboration and explanation can help engage the public in all aspects of crisis preparedness

Share contingency plans with the public and offer options for public comment