Did governments mismanage the COVID-19 pandemic?

1st major independent multidisciplinary assessment of pandemic response 2020-2023.

Disclaimer

I personally do not advocate any process or procedure contained in any of my Blogs. Information presented here is not intended to provide legal or lawful advice, nor medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevent any disease. Views expressed are for educational purposes only.

Critical flaws in global management

June 2nd, 2025. Salem, MA (USA) A new study in the International Journal of Public Health by an interdisciplinary team of 37 co-authors from 13 countries (Europe, North America & South America) reveals critical flaws in the global management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Titled “What Lessons Can Be Learned from the Management of the COVID-19 Pandemic?”, this comprehensive review, published two years after the World Health Organization declared the end of the global health emergency (May 5, 2023), is the first major independent multidisciplinary assessment of the entire pandemic response (2020-2023). The study examines the profound consequences of both the pandemic and the global responses, which continue to impact societies worldwide.

The study scrutinized major COVID-19 policies implemented globally, from initial lockdowns, mask mandates, and other non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to the rollout of vaccination programs.

Co-author Prof. Norman Fenton, a risk specialist at Queen Mary University of London, stated, “much of the Covid response was compromised by flawed definitions, mathematical models that were not grounded in rigorous testing against actual data, and easily manipulated statistics. These were used to mislead and frighten the public into unnecessary and ineffective interventions, while attempts to highlight these concerns were largely censored.” The study argues that these flawed models led to misguided policies that failed to account for real-world complexities.

Some argue that COVID-19’s unique nature warranted emergency measures. Yet, despite these measures, infections persisted across nations, and countries with less restrictive policies often achieved outcomes comparable to those with stricter measures. Scientists and medical professionals advocating for policy re-assessments were frequently ignored or silenced.

Citing over 400 references, the study notes that many scientists and physicians warned policymakers and the public about flaws in COVID-19 policies, only to be mis-labelled as spreading “scientific misinformation.” Co-author Prof. Harvey Risch, a Professor Emeritus in Epidemiology for the Yale School of Public Health, stated, "Labelling valid scientific viewpoints as 'misinformation' was a grave error that stifled progress and led to unnecessary additional mortality. We must create a space where all evidence-based perspectives are fairly considered."

Recommendations

The authors conclude with seven evidence-based recommendations, including using models as tools rather than data substitutes and encouraging critical evaluation of interventions without fear of censure. They urge global leaders to adopt these measures for transparent, effective future pandemic responses. https://www.ceres-science.com/post/did-governments-mismanage-the-covid-19-pandemic

Enforcement

I asked about next steps by the International Journal of Public Health. Who will they call, etc.

Without prejudice and without recourse
Doreen Agostino
Our Greater Destiny Blog
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