key: cord-0887107-bax683fd
authors: Shimizu, Kazuki; Mossialos, Elias
title: Accountability and transparency are vital in a pandemic response
date: 2020-11-11
journal: J Gen Fam Med
DOI: 10.1002/jgf2.401
sha: 2784a600a83fa64353fb2cd9e0dfcaa745e644e5
doc_id: 887107
cord_uid: bax683fd

nan

To the Editor, Despite these challenges, Japan defended that "the operation was improved timely and appropriately" in the Diamond Princess report, 3 without presenting implications for future outbreaks inside the cruise ship. This report is currently only published in Japanese,

and key lessons learned from the unprecedented operation are self-complacent. A lack of accountability and transparency is still obvious in Japan's domestic response to The outcome of the Diamond Princess operation suggests that raising preparedness for health emergencies in enclosed spaces is vital. Several COVID-19 outbreaks have been already reported in cruise ships, and preventing further outbreaks and improving its management are critical. International solidarity is pivotal in the COVID-19 response, 5 and Japan, a promoter of global health security, must take initiative to promptly share scientific insights of COVID-19 in enclosed spaces; scrutinize the previous unprecedented operation; openly summarize challenges in infection control, health communication, governance, international law, or other realms; and act on lessons learned. Launching an independent panel and conducting an external evaluation will help achieve this process.

This will not only strengthen Japan's preparedness and response toward emerging infectious diseases, but also globally improve future responses toward health emergencies in cruise ships, mitigate their impact, and protect the health of passengers and crews. 

COVID-19 outbreak on the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship in February

Transmission potential of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) onboard the diamond Princess Cruises Ship

Report of the local emergency response headquarters of the Diamond Princess

Resurgence of covid-19 in Japan

12 Lessons learned from the management of the coronavirus pandemic