II. Lessons Learned

Supplement A: Command and Control

Public Health Guidance for Community-Level Preparedness and Response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Version 2/3

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• A clear organizational structure with well-defined roles and responsibilities and operational authority is necessary for an effective response to SARS.
• Strong leadership is essential to coordinate a SARS response, allow efficient allocation of resources, and disseminate consistent information.
• An incident command structure supported by the adequate information systems allows for rapid and efficient implementation of a SARS response.
• A suitable legislative framework is necessary to impose a variety of emergency public health and containment measures, at both the individual and community levels.