Coronavirus edition #4: Pandemic preparations — Behind the masks — Coronavirus apps
David Alexander, a professor of risk and disaster reduction, explains how governments should prepare for a pandemic and why leaders seem to be in a state of "frantic improvisation" now this one has come along. Governments needed "an immediate, aggressive response" but underestimated the threat posed by the coronavirus as they weighed up the risks of action, Alexander says. He also sets out the case for the EU to "aggressively assert" a greater role for itself in handling major emergencies. POLITICO's health reporter Carmen Paun untangles the confusing advice on whether we should all be wearing masks. She also delves into the troubles governments and individuals are having procuring personal protective equipment. Chief technology correspondent Mark Scott talks about coronavirus apps — examining concerns about data privacy and looking ahead to the prospect of digital passports to show who's allowed back out into the world.