NHSC COVID-19 Pandemic After Action Report

COVID-19 Pandemic After Action Report

Not since the 1918 pandemic has the United States faced a public health emergency of the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Homeland Security Consortium (NHSC) developed this report to capture the insights its members have learned thus far about the COVID-19 pandemic response. The NHSC’s 22 associations represent a diverse cross-section of thousands of state, local, and private-sector professionals who are responsible for the safety and security of the nation. The consortium is uniquely positioned to draw from a broad range of different perspectives and experiences to identify recommendations and best practices to share broadly in order to improve preparedness for this ongoing and for future pandemic responses.

To develop this report, the NHSC engaged in a six-month effort that culminated in virtual, after-action conference held February 2–4, 2021. The after-action review process had two objectives:
• To clearly articulate problems and issues encountered throughout the COVID-19 response and develop
corresponding recommendations to solve these problems.
• To create a list of best practices that the NHSC believes should be widely promulgated and would benefit
most, if not all, of the members it represents.

Specifically, deliberations focused on issues and recommendations associated with five topics: inadequate, confusing, and changing guidance; adherence to protective measures; logistics and supply chain management; revenue shortfalls; and operational coordination. The conference also addressed best practices for four topics— logistics and supply chain management, workforce resilience, information sharing and public messaging, and
emergency powers and authorities.