According to the release, 10 lessons learned were:
- Investments in pandemic planning and stockpiling antiviral medications paid off.
- Public health departments did not have enough resources to carry out plans.
- Response plans must be adaptable and science-driven.
- Providing clear, straightforward information to the public was essential for allaying fears and building trust.
- School closings have major ramifications for students, parents and employers.
- Sick leave and policies for limiting mass gatherings were also problematic.
- Even with a mild outbreak, the health care delivery system was overwhelmed.
- Communication between the public health system and health providers was not well coordinated
- WHO pandemic alert phases caused confusion.
- International coordination was more complicated than expected.