Surviving Z1
Our scientists are working around the clock to prevent or mitigate a Z1 pandemic but as you know that might not be possible. This is why we’re encouraging you to reach out to members of Survivor Command and to each other. Many of you are asking what a Z1 pandemic would look like and what level of preparation is necessary. What follows is a blunt assessment of a worst-case scenario. It’s our hope that it will allow you to put all of this in the proper context and begin to prepare effectively.
There are three key threats faced by all if the Z1 virus begins to circulate unchecked.
1. Infection
2. Violence at the hands of the infected.
3. The disruption of life sustaining services due to the two factor above and widespread panic.
Infection
Of the three threats infection is the area where we may possibly have the most control. The unusual nature of the virus, and the resulting emerging violence, will elevate the visibility of an outbreak quickly. Excellent hygiene and social distancing will lessen the risk somewhat but other, far more significant threats, will present themselves if widespread infection occurs. Again, if Z1 infection is already widespread and latent prevention may no longer be possible for many
Violence
At its heart a Z1 pandemic is about massive uncontrolled violence. Data models indicate that far more people will die at the hands of the infected than as a direct result of infection. Quarantine may be an effective isolation tool if an initial outbreak is identified quickly and if it occurs outside of a major urban setting or travel hub. However, if even a small percentage of current viruses in circulation are latent forms of Z1 then quarantine and other tools will be rendered almost completely ineffective. Combating latent widespread infections can only be addressed through vaccinations and a vaccine does not yet exist.
Given the unusual nature of this virus our biggest fear is that widespread Z1 infection has already occurred and that symptoms will appear spontaneously in a manner that it essentially unpredictable with current virus transmission models. If this fear is realized it will result in widespread fatalities and social breakdown. This degradation will occur rapidly and unpredictably. Social distancing will become more difficult to achieve and less effective because fleeing populations will be seeded with latent carriers. It will be a time of great uncertainty.
Disruption
Fear would spread quickly in the event of a significant Z1 outbreak. The outbreak itself and the associated panic would create massive disruption in the social order. Goods and services would be unavailable or contested. Urban areas and the essential services their workers provide would cease to operate. Rural landowner would not welcome urban refugees given their own desire for social distancing. Government and military services would not be spared the impact and would be unlikely to sustain any level of support in a full pandemic. Continuity of government plans would be fully activated but with a focus on post pandemic recovery rather than providing assistance mid-outbreak. In short, survival will only be a realistic option for the quick and the prepared. Small social groups of trusted and capable individuals will stand the greatest chance of surviving the initial few weeks of widespread transmission and disruption. A new social order will emerge and it will likely mirror the tribal structures of our past.
Preparedness
Form your networks and your tribes now. Start talking about a pandemic and post-pandemic world now. Learn survival skills now. Gather survival tools and supplies now. Plan as group now. There will be little time for any of these activities once Z1 outbreaks are confirmed. If we are lucky and a pandemic is avoided nothing will be lost in this effort. If we are unable to prevent or manage a pandemic and you have not prepared survival is unlikely.
