The Omicron wave of COVID is swelling before our very eyes. The World Health Organization recently warned that the rapid spread of this variant could cause healthcare systems to crash. Although this variant is less aggressive than the previous ones, the enormous extent of transmission that some experts predicted will pose a major challenge not only to the healthcare system, but also to the continued functioning of many government systems. Numerous experts are advising the government and working on the necessary preparations for what is expected to happen. I have had the privilege of watching their work up close.
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The advantages and disadvantages of the various strategic options, as well as their feasibility in the nascent reality, is being discussed in depth by experts and in the media. Assuming that the situation reflects the selected strategy, I would suggest focusing on three main goals: reducing the number of serious cases; ensuring that all aspects of the healthcare system are able to cope with the forecast morbidity – in other words, preventing it from crashing; and ensuring that the vital systems of government and the economy continue to function.
In addition to the steps already taken and that are still being taken as part of preparations for this wave, this is the time to tighten things up in the following areas:
We must ensure that the healthcare systems and systems vital to the government functioning are in order. The government could consider special orders for how these systems operate at this time to reduce risk and transmission among medical staff, IDF personnel, the police, security forces and first responders, and those serving in roles key to the functioning of the government and the economy. The instructions could include permanent "capsules," a ban on gatherings, and limitations to the number of participants in private events.
Community healthcare can be bolstered. The characteristics of the expected morbidity could bring community healthcare to a worse situation than any it has ever seen. It should be bolstered with teams capable of helping with home hospitalizations and aid workers who can cope with incoming referrals.
Hospital systems and teams should be fleshed out. It's possible to consider a freeze on some elective procedures and diverting resources to dealing with the imminent wave of COVID.
The elderly need to be better protected. Caregivers at nursing homes should rotate with less frequency and should be tested before they can have contact with patients.
Instructions must be issued that will ensure continued supply of vital products and services, including fuel, food, banking, public transportation, municipal services, and welfare services.
Many government offices should transition their workforce to work from hope and set regulations that will reduce transmission among the rest.
Local authorities need to be prepared for the incipient wave of morbidity.
There needs to be public outreach at the national level – this should include a series of briefings that will explain where things stand, what can be expected and what needs to happen now.
It would be appropriate for meeting of the cabinet and ministry leadership to be live-streamed, as well as events that do not require the physical presence of public figures. The same goes for the private sector. As far as the conduct of the general public, Omicron is putting our feeling of responsibility for each other to the test. There is no need for additional models to understand the scope of the challenge and the dangers if we don't hold ourselves in check, even if we are not forced to.
This goes double for meetings and large events. We're all in the same boat, which hopes to make it through the storm safely.
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