What measures do you propose to address the impact of COVID-19?

It is too early to talk about detailed measures.

However, we consider it crucial to the post-COVID-19 economic recovery that any new, emergency restrictions on goods and people are not maintained in the long term.

Movement of people and free trade, while ensuring proper respect for health protection, are vital elements of restoring economic growth.

IFRA would also support the establishment of national and international expert groups, including health experts, business leaders, scientists and communications specialists, to look at the causes and impact of the crisis, analyze the response, and make recommendations for the future.

What is your view on the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic?

As a ‘risk manager’ itself, IFRA supports measures taken by governments that are based on the best available scientific expertise.

‘Trusting the experts’ and ‘trusting the science’ have in recent years been unfashionable approaches in many parts of the world: however, they are core elements of good policy-making (and a fundamental element of IFRA’s approach, notably with regard to our safe use program, the IFRA Standards).