If #COVID19 reaches #Yemen — God forbid — it will be catastrophic in every level. During such pandemics, it takes serious coordination of all government, local officials, and even de-facto groups to enforce mitigation in every corner of the country. INGOs cannot do this.

This is an “all hands on deck” crisis. It spares no one: not the rich nor the ones that have titles. Every single group, adversaries included, must work together or else #Yemen will see its worst days ahead.

The reality of this pandemic today is that the only way to slow the spread is to completely have stay at home orders (or lockdowns). This a test of leadership — even for those who failed previously. INGOs won’t support #Yemen for many needs because of global shortages.

Since INGOs cannot be the saviors, serious conversation needs to take place with factory owners, big name businessmen/women to support efforts of needs. Government must engage with private sector to meet needs of public sector.

Just because #Yemen doesn’t have any official #COVID19 cases registered, does not mean there aren’t any cases. TESTING matters. In Aden, there is only ONE covid19 testing machine. Only one!

Preparation is key to getting ahead of the virus. This means that hospitals should have testing sites or even certain days open for potential #COVID19 symptomatic individuals. I know a few individuals who have symptoms that mimic #COVID19 in #Yemen and they don’t get tested.

Doctors don’t have the testing kits accessible nor can they do their own testing through hospital labs. This is a serious gap that needs to be addressed. Since that’s the case, civilians who think they have symptoms should self- quarantine at least.

Our culture is also going to be tested. Yemenis (generally speaking) — at least in Yemen — do not believe in personal space (it’s just how it is). It’s time to rethink human connection just for the time being. This pandemic will definitely impact our social lives.

Lastly, I hope #yemen is spared from #COVID19Pandemic at least until a vaccine is out in the markets. As my father says, “Yemenis will fight any fight — even with their strong immune systems.” I hope he is right!