Reflections: US Coronavirus Crisis Management–Learning From Failure January–April, 2020

Abstract

ABSTRACT These reflections, drawing from news accounts, examine US coronavirus crisis management from January through April, 2020. Focused on the Trump administration’s policies and handling of the pandemic, it looks at failings with regard to: (1) early warning signals, (2) pandemic preparation, (3) virus testing, (4) crisis coordination, (5) communication, and (6) systemic challenges. These failings are considered through the lenses of crisis prevention, change management, and high reliability organization. Recommendations are advanced on how to prepare for and respond to future crises and pandemics.