Nothing is Simple

Abstract

The emergence of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has given an unrequested, rare, and prominent moment to the discipline of Epidemiology. The rigors and tools of epidemiology are critical in such situations, as public health threats progress from misunderstood or poorly understood to managed to possible eradication. Those trained well can hold the dual levers of scientific knowledge and public office at the same moment and steer societies from fear and suspicion when outbreaks occur to a sense of calm accomplishment and resumption of “life as normal.” In these moments epidemiology’s true influence over the last 200 years is evident. However, no force can act alone.