The Big Story Five years since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic - what have we learned?
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Mar 11, 2025 Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an Infectious Disease Specialist renowned for his insightful commentary during the pandemic, shares his reflections five years after the COVID-19 crisis began. He discusses the early mismanagement of responses, the evolving public trust in health authorities, and the emotional toll on healthcare workers. The conversation highlights both the tragic losses and the advancements in vaccine technology, emphasizing the lessons learned about health equity and public health literacy in the wake of such a transformative global event.
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Early COVID Concerns
- Dr. Bogoch recalled seeing a ProMed Mail report on December 31, 2019, about a pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan.
- He immediately contacted colleagues, concerned about a potential SARS-like outbreak due to its origin and symptoms.
Early Pandemic Mistakes
- Early COVID-19 mistakes included misunderstanding transmission, slow mask adoption, and poor communication.
- Translating evolving scientific data into adaptable policies was also a challenge.
Healthcare System Strain
- Canada's healthcare system, strained pre-COVID, faced unprecedented stress during the pandemic.
- While the system has returned to its baseline strain, the need for greater surge capacity is a key lesson.