Leaders need to rebuild trust and credibility in managing the pandemic, says new research by RegNet scholars

by Kathryn Henne, Kathleen H Pine, Aleks Deejay and Franz Carneiro Alphonso

The Omicron surge marks a new phase of the pandemic. After months of restrictions and stay-at-home orders, Australians are now facing food shortages from damaged supply chains, widespread staff shortages and an insufficient supply of Covid tests.

Reduced government support has prompted concerns that Omicron will have more harmful effects than the country’s lengthy lockdowns. Our research on experiences of the pandemic in Australia and the United States reveals government support is important not just in terms of providing resources but also in terms of delivering reliable information.

Without it, Australians are managing more risks on their own – something Americans have had to do throughout the pandemic.

Looking at the US example provides important insights for getting Australia’s pandemic response back on track.

Read the article from The Guardian.

View the full report, Navigating a Pandemic Australian practices and perspectives on information, services and technologies during the COVID-19 crisis here.