Political and Logistical Challenges

After 6 months of the beginning of the epidemic.

Situation: It is an infection by Influenza A virus, with a new strain detected. Lack of hospital and ICU beds.

There is a high incidence of factory workers. Cases are particularly more severe in working-age adults and their families.

The mayor and the group of councilors do not accept the control measures and do not believe in the seriousness of the situation, as they damage the image of the municipal administration. They make a statement denying the briefing made by the technical group. They decide to keep the factory open and get 50 more workers to continue the construction project. Councilors support the mayor’s policies due to fear of losing local investment.

Questions to consider

• How should the team respond to this situation in order to avoid more cases, hospitalizations, and deaths?
• How can the situation room work more effectively with stakeholders and other important actors, in order to reduce  cases, hospitalizations, and deaths?
• Which strategies can enhance community awareness and engagement in the response to the outbreak?
• What could be effective strategies to address logistic challenges, like the lack of beds?
• Which communication strategies can be used in this context?

What is expected of the group on day 3

Tackle the political and logistical issues in this health crisis situation. Aim for creativity and flexibility in designing mitigation actions that are politically and logistically feasible.