Prepare for next virus

As the world continues to battle COVID-19, the need for pandemic preparedness efforts are apparent. Not only has the virus taken too many lives, but the strikes on the economy are devastating as well. It disrupted transnational relationships such as trade and tourism, which account for around 10% of the global economy.

When COVID-19 began to spread over a year ago, the world was not ready.

We had no preparedness efforts in place, and our plan to action was far from perfect. Knowing this, we should guarantee we are prepared in the best way possible if another virus emerges. There are ways to ensure the effects are not as devastating, by developing a plan for how to respond.

The United States is in a unique position to help prevent future crises.

Pandemics don’t respect borders, and we won’t fight this virus successfully without fighting it everywhere. I urge my Rep. Jackie Speier to support the Global Health Security Act, as it would increase our government’s efforts to support epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevent threats of infectious disease outbreaks. Moreover, this will only help strengthen the security of the United States, as well as protect our economy.