In the words of the WHO, the pandemic is finally over. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a life-changing experience for all of us. It has disrupted our daily routines, affected our economy, and left a long-lasting impact on our society. And I would say not exactly a positive one.
As we slowly emerge from the pandemic, many of us are left wondering what comes next. For those who have been preparing for emergencies, the answer is clear: continue preparing. Ratcheting up a few notches, for those of us who had the feeling something was coming back in 2018. Just check my FB page, and you will see.
What did we learn?
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we need to be prepared for unexpected events that can disrupt our lives drastically within weeks. The pandemic forced many of us to face situations we had never experienced before, such as business closures, job losses, shortages of supplies, and limitations on our freedoms that we had for granted. Well, I mean you in the free Western countries. I had to quit and bug out way before the pandemic crisis hit, as you probably already know.
We have seen how quickly our way of life can change and deteriorate.
On the positive side, plenty of people could understand why and how important it is to be prepared for emergencies now. They are secretly working on their preps, and surely they won’t make fun of preppers. Or not so loud.
Here’s an overview of what we dealt with.
If the average Joe had only a few days of food thanks to the JIT delivery system, the most capable could experiment by themselves with the fragility of the chain supply.
By the way, food for thought: a common situation was the fight over toilet paper in supermarkets. I watched with my own eyes one of these fights in Lima. It was amazing to see how the same situation repeated in Walmarts and some other stores around the world: Australia, the fight I witnessed in Peru, and armed robbery in Hong Kong.
During the pandemic, many people experienced shortages of essential supplies such as food, toilet paper, and cleaning products. To avoid this in the future, we must have enough supplies at home. As everyone’s needs are different, the volume of what you need is a variable that you will have to determine. This applies to non-perishable food, drinking water, essential medicines, cleaning products, and personal hygiene items. Calculate your consumption rate and plan according to this. (Check out Daisy’s book or online course for more guidance.)
One of the (more or less) unexpectedly severe consequences is the financial crisis the pandemic generated. It was to be expected some degree of effect, sure. However, this effect is still being patent.
That’s why another very important aspect to consider is financial preparedness. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how quickly our financial situation can change. Many people lost their jobs and suffered financial hardships during the pandemic. Those without an emergency fund set aside to cover unexpected expenses were in trouble to make ends meet. This being said, don´t forget to include a budget plan in place to manage your finances effectively.
What can we do now?
With such a preamble, my perception is this: it is now more important than ever to stay informed about the latest news and developments in the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that things can change quickly, and being up-to-date on the latest news and situational evolution can help us make informed decisions and take necessary actions.
The core of my message is this: this will not be the last pandemic, nor is it as lethal as the next one. You can expect a real tragedy and a stronger and more violent response from law enforcement agencies to control the population.
For those who are new to the idea of preparedness, it is never too late to start. Preparation is a continuous and evolving process, and the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that you never know when you will need to be prepared.
A necessary way to start is by assessing your current situation and identifying any areas where you may be vulnerable. Then, take steps to address those vulnerabilities and acquire the necessary skills and supplies to be ready for future emergencies.
Preparing for emergencies is not just about being self-sufficient.
Under this light, you will never be “self-sufficient.” But you could be as prepared as you need for 80% of the emergencies that can head your way.
On the other hand, it is also about being a responsible member of society. During emergencies, resources become very scarce, and it is important to use them wisely and share them with those who are in need.
Preparing for emergencies can also help reduce the burden and stress on emergency services and first responders, who are often overwhelmed during times of crisis. I still remember watching scandalous videos of a Spanish nurse with her face branded by the respirator mask over her nose and mouth. Almost crying and selling how unprepared they were and had to work over 16 hours or more. If anyone is not scared enough after watching that, at the end of the video surely will be.
However, being an experienced man I put my guts together to remain calm. Especially when I listened to the news (the elders downstairs have the TV on at high volume 18 hours per day, impossible not to hear every single piece of news) that a hospital nearby was “flooding with Cov patients”, so I decided to check for myself. It was so close that I could walk. It is the largest medical facility in the area. Surprise! It was NOT. The stairs (supposedly covered with bodies) were empty. Cleaning over 40 bodies in less than 20 minutes? Peruvians are not that efficient, trust me.
What will the next pandemic be?
After the tenebrous WHO warnings, my eyes are on these, as the next worldwide diseases spreading soon:
Avian flu: an infectious disease that has spread worldwide in the past. It can infect both humans and animals and can be highly deadly (Especially after a lab tuning-up). There have been several outbreaks of avian flu in China that have infected several people. If the virus mutates and becomes more contagious among humans, it could cause a pandemic.
Nipah virus: The Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus that is transmitted from animals to humans and can cause severe respiratory and neurological diseases. Outbreaks of Nipah virus have been reported in Southeast Asia in the past. Although the virus has not spread globally, it could mutate and become a pandemic.
Marburg virus: The Marburg virus is a highly contagious virus that causes hemorrhagic fever and is transmitted from animals to humans. Outbreaks of Marburg virus have been recorded in the past in Africa, and it is known to have a high mortality rate. If the virus mutates and becomes more contagious, it could cause a pandemic. I´m not an expert though, and haven´t listened about this virus before 2020
Rift Valley fever: Rift Valley fever is an infectious disease that is transmitted from animals to humans and is endemic in Africa. The virus causes fever, muscle pain, and other symptoms, and can be deadly in severe cases. If the virus mutates and spreads more easily among humans, it could become a pandemic.
Coronavirus (a new “mutation”, “strain” or variant): While COVID-19 was a pandemic, new variants of the coronavirus may emerge in the future. For whatever reason that I´m not obviously going to detail. The virus has proven to be highly contagious and has wreaked havoc worldwide. While efforts are being made to control the spread of the current virus, new variants that are more contagious or more lethal may emerge, so it belongs to this list.
A special mention deserves the following diseases: Chikungunya fever, Ross River fever, Eastern equine encephalitis, Western equine encephalitis, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis.
They are dangerous enough to elders as they are now, however, any new strain only God knows what consequences would bring. We have been continuously suffering from Chikungunya and Zika these last few years in some parts of the country.
As a non-expert on this issue, you have the choice not to take this too seriously, and I encourage you to research too.
This is only based on my common sense and pandemic experience.
However, as much as I don’t accept personally the poor way many people were mistreated worldwide with the excuse of “fighting C19” and all the pressure to accept the jabs, even in small children, I do know the next pandemics could be much more deadly.
These are just some of the possible pandemics that could occur in the next five years. New infectious diseases that are not yet known or mutations in existing viruses that make them more dangerous may arise.
To be prepared to face these possible pandemics, it is important to take preventive measures.
This means our measures, of course.
We have seen the reactions of the health authorities. They are focused now on a plan to close borders and issue “papers” based on the “status” of the people. (Got the jab?)
How we face this coming threat, is going to depend on each one.
Here’s the takeaway.
It is important to note that preparedness has stopped being just for survivalists and preppers. It became mainstream. Everyone must be prepared for emergencies, whether it is a natural disaster, a pandemic, or a personal crisis. Being prepared to reduce anxiety and stress, and give you peace of mind knowing that you have taken steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Preparedness is also not just about physical supplies and resources. It is also about mental and emotional readiness. During emergencies, it is common to experience stress, anxiety, and fear. Learning coping mechanisms and stress management techniques can help you stay calm and focused during a crisis.
In addition to personal preparedness, it is important to advocate for community preparedness. This is hard to assimilate, but my thinking is it will have to be a necessary evil. Encourage your community to develop emergency plans and to be prepared for emergencies.
What are you doing to prepare?
Do you expect another pandemic? What kind do you think it will be?
Are you stocking up on toilet paper and cleaning supplies? Do you have any guesses on what the next big shortage item will be? Do you see these things happening in the near future? Let us know in the comment section.
About Jose
Jose is an upper middle class professional. He is a former worker of the oil state company with a Bachelor’s degree from one of the best national Universities. He has an old but in good shape SUV, a good 150 square meters house in a nice neighborhood, in a small but (formerly) prosperous city with two middle size malls. Jose is a prepper and shares his eyewitness accounts and survival stories from the collapse of his beloved Venezuela. Jose and his younger kid are currently back in Venezuela, after the intention of setting up a new life in another country didn’t go well. The SARSCOV2 re-shaped the labor market and South American economy so he decided to give it a try to homestead in the mountains, and make a living as best as possible. But this time in his own land, and surrounded by family, friends and acquaintances, with all the gear and equipment collected, as the initial plan was.
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Jose,
Great article!
Yes, we have kicked our preps up by more than a few notches.
A take away I took was the extent of the government response. And as we are learning, a whole lot of it was nonsense. Granted we did not know a lot at the onset. But as more and more data became available, it became obvious this was not the pandemic apocalypse some were fearmongering. Yet the “experts” and the government did not alter course. While some pointed out the data and alternatives like The Great Barrington Declaration, others doubled down e.g. Fauci.
To the degree some believed the “experts” was also disturbing. I saw more than a few people wearing masks. In their cars. By themselves.
Then when the mask mandate was lifted, we were at the grocery store, a masked man was glaring at me as I was maskless. More and more studies have found masks to have been of little benefit with one recent German study found that the CO2 concentration after 5 minutes jumps higher than U.S. Navy “exposure limits for submarines carrying a female crew.” Another study suggests masks may have been the cause in a increase in stillbirths. I was at a TSC, masked and experienced sudden spell of dizziness. After that, I may of worn a mask, but it was not fitted.
We have already seen some articles/fearmongering about future pandemics and how they might be “The Big One!”
Will we all immediately jump onto the fearmonger wagon?
Or take a bit of time, remain calm and wait for the data, the analysis, and then choose a course of action that does not involve draconian mandates, infringes on our civil liberties and shuts down society and the economy. As we have seen, the lockdowns did more damage to our health, society, and education than the virus did.
UPDATE on my Bidets for Preppers: An Alternative To TP article: We use about 2/3rds less TP than pre-bidet. We also got a upgraded bidet, with the bells and whistles. Comes with a air dryer. So, technically, we could eliminate TP altogether. Oh, the seat is heated too! 🙂
“ Or take a bit of time, remain calm and wait for the data, the analysis, and then choose a course of action that does not involve draconian mandates, infringes on our civil liberties and shuts down society and the economy.”
Unfortunately my friend I don’t see this happening. Heck, we’re three years into this and we still don’t have any real data, other than what the government and MSM choose to tell us. Anybody, even today, that questions the “narrative” is still labeled an antivaxxer, and the government is doing their best to have them shut up for disseminating misinformation, or even put under the umbrella of extremists and possible domestic terrorists.
To quote Tommy Lee Jones one more time, “ A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals.”
Maybe I’m just a pessimist at heart, but I don’t think the next time around people or governments will react any differently.
Dear The Lone Canadian,
You´re right.
That´s why we can´t trust anymore in ANY goobt. Of course, in some countries (cough,cough,Vzla,cough,cough) that attitude exacerbates because of the lack of power separations thanks to the subordination of the Supreme Court to the word of the Chief of State and cronies. There´s no such thing as a “State”. I have seen plenty of parallelism between our local gang and many other countries’ goobts regarding sanitary dictatorships..
If you think people are as dumb as in 2020, then you live in a “liberal” (totalitarian) neighborhood. Your neighbors are dumb. Move.
Actually I live in probably one of the most conservative, and I thought sane, areas there is. Rural Alberta. (They don’t call us Texas North for nothing). Even deeply religious and staunch “Give me liberty, or give me death” conservatives fell in line with the mainstream clap-trap. Happily gave up their rights because “Big Brother” said that they should.
My conclusion is that we’re overdue for an asteroid, because as a society we are too stupid to survive.
Actually, I think governments will act differently next time: they’ll be even worse. This was a dress rehearsal.
Carla, I agree about the “dress rehearsal.” The 2020 plandemic was a test, imho. The next one, or any other disaster, could be horrific. After we all found out the particulars of Covid-19, we may all be inclined to not take the next “Big One” seriously, to our peril. Our betters learned some lessons, as well, about how hard to crack the whip next time around.
I agree, this was a test run. The sheep toed the line, believed the hype, took the clot shots. There may not need to be another pandemic, if the injuries from the mRNA injections kill enough people. Nine single spaced pages of adverse effects in the Pfizer report, only names, no definitions or explanations. One, Myocarditis, kills 20% in two years, 50% in 5 years. The .001% Elite’s goal is to reduce the population by 93%. They are increasingly impatient.
The J&J vaccine distributed in my city was rumored to cause blood clots. Boy would you get in trouble for mentioning that in public! Ya know, the J&J vaccine is no longer available. Due to high risk of blood clots… go figure.
Dear 1stMarineJarHead,
That´s the kind of comment that encourages one to keep writing and digging. There is an information war out there and the Internet is definitely one of the most extensive scenarios.
We have to filter very carefully and check as many facts as we can. That´s why I like the idea of establishing a HAM network using new technologies (or some old ones, like radio packets) to interact through a PC using radio waves. By doing so, debunking fake news will be a breeze, even on a worldwide scale.
I read something in social media too about that study in Germany, there are plenty of lies being exposed these last few weeks.
Remember the hype with the “monkeypox”? It became quickly deflated.
That´s why we need to keep researching and using trusted sources.
Believe it or not, I still see people driving cars, windows up…and with a mask. Jeez.
I agree with you 100%, Jose. None of us know what the future holds but if you prepare for a difficult one you and your family have a much better chance of surviving it. Personally I think the crazy plans of world domination will fall flat when the population is too low to support the ‘Elite’s’ luxurious lifestyle. It takes a staggering amount of people to produce electricity, food and the means of travel. No water from the taps = no basic hygiene; combined with starvation = infection and disease.
The ‘elite’ will go hungry, suffer cold and sicken eventually, no matter how much toilet paper they have stashed away.
That´s why things like a 30% tax on solar energy in countries like Spain happen. There is NO logical reason for this, other than forcing people to use grid power and squeezing to the last euro off their pockets. They have a HUGE problem with the independent small business, called “the autonomous”. The goobt is smashing them with taxes so high that many of them preferred to close the shutters down and retire to live off their State allowance. Go figure. Happily, the “socialist laborer” party there took a massive blow and things will improve a lot. Just look at what is happening with the Dutch farmers. They´re simply being kicked out of their land, so food prices increase, generating dependence of the “State” and producing a huge mess.
The Plan: WHO’s Ten Years of Infectious Diseases (2020 to 2030), Leading to World Tyranny, By Peter Koenig, First published on December 31, 2022
https://www.globalresearch.ca/plan-who-ten-years-infectious-diseases-2020-2030-leading-world-tyranny/5803048
–Lewis
The “most important” prepping items vary from prepper to prepper. Since Joe Biden and company are working very hard to entice Russia to nuke the US, the most important thing for Americans is a good fallout shelter.
Since over 100 major food storage fires and other attacks on the food supply, food is vital–but stored foods are not enuf. Historically, totalitarian governments steal stored supplies. For many of us, the most important prep is learning what nutritious foods grow wild in your area.
What I learned from the ScamDemic:
1) I’m glad I’ve been a prepper since 2008. I had plenty of TP beforehand.
2) Ignore Government Weenies from all levels (Federal, State and Local).
3) Ignore “The Experts”. Experts don’t know crap.
4) When the Government says, “Close all “Non-Essential” businesses.” Just remember there are NO “Non-Essential” businesses. I kept my business open during the 15 days to stop the spread BS and 2021 & 2022 were two of the best years in 10 years.
5) Do NOT get your information from the Marxist Media (NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, CNN, PMSNBC, FoxNews, NYT, etc.) or any other corporate media.
6. When the Government says, “you MUST get this experimental and “totally safe” “Vaccine”. Give them the finger and walk away. I did and never got the Death Shot.
Dear FLAPrepper1
Giving the f and walking away will get you in jail. It has happened already with this thing, not just in India’s last God-forgotten villages, but in free-loving countries like Canada and Australia.
My advice?
Don’t even show yourself on their radar. And if they show up at your place, give them the f and start the game.
Be safe!
The Pandemic Is Officially Over, until they invent another one.
They’re working on it now…..
You are 100% correct in stating that the next pandemic will be much, much worse. The next will be radiation sickness from the results of the upcoming NATO exercises that look more like a preparation for invasion of Russia that a drill. Make radiation preparedness part of your preps.
What invasion of Russia? Our military has been so hollowed out with so much of our supplies sent to Ukraine and Taiwan, that would we be able to stop an invasion from Russia and China?
If Russia and China go through with their plans, radiation preparedness would still be a good idea.
Good article. Am definitely expecting another pandemic in the future.
I’ve noticed my fishies have been looking a little peaked, so ordered up some fish antibiotics. Come June 1 purchasing OTC fish meds like amoxicillin, cipro and others over the Interwebz will be illegal, so if you want to protect your fish tank when SHTF, now’s the time to order…
Excellent idea. In the middle of the scarcity, I suggested people started to use these and looked at me as if I was crazy. Venezuelans can be such a snob troupe…
Then there is this one: All Infected in COVID Outbreak at CDC Conference Were Vaccinated, Agency Confirms
https://www.theepochtimes.com/most-infected-in-covid-outbreak-at-cdc-were-vaccinated-agency-confirms_5297678.html?utm_source=epochHG&utm_campaign=CFP&src_src=epochHG&src_cmp=CFP
Hi, I have been prepping for 20 years and the one thing everybody fails to understand is medicine started with natural remedies. Read up on natural remedies for your location as different parts of the earth grow different plants. Looters are unlikely to run off with plants from your garden, but they will empty your cupboards. Secondly, in the last few hundred years a lot of studies have been done that the big P has buried. Try looking up: Killing viruses with electricity: MMS: Colloidal silver: Cats Claw tea: Peroxide, ozone: and my favorite, worm medication for people and animals.
The range of alternate medicine that works is endless, unfortunately the dosage is often not available as plants growing in different locations often produce different strengths. I also believe that many lung and skin diseases are fungal, so study up on antifungals.
MMS kills EVERYTHING.
@Felix: Herbal Antivirals is one book in several that talk about this. It is by Buhner and I know he has at least 2 books on herbals used to keep viruses and bacteria at bay. Do some searching and find others, there are many that use herbs to heal and protect. I can’t locate my books right now due to renovating the house and things have been stored away…
Dear Felix,
My primary school coach died of a fungal lung infection. He lived nearby a river, and the tropics are already humid places. He was not that old, barely middle 60s, but couldn’t resist. You’re absolutely right, and after burning severely or twisting the same ankle several times and using aloe vera gel for burns and arnica tincture for the other injury, I became a believer. And I’ve read almost everything about healing plants on this site, too, mostly the plants that we have down here in the tropics.
Be safe!
They will release the next pandemic just in time for the next presidential election. That way they can force through their fraudulent mail in ballots election process. They may even try at the same time to push their central bank digital currencies saying paper money spreads germs.
Unfortunately like 60-70% of the population will insantly fall for the next fake pandemic as well and will line up for the fake vaccine that’s only a depopulation shot. Most people are really freaking stupid and gullible for every word uttered by psychopaths in government and the media who serve them.
I ❤️ reading & agree w/ everyone’s comments as many of us here are on same page with what Elites & their minions are planning for humanity ‘You will Own Nothing & Be Happy’ while attacking the 3 primary choke points of Food, Energy & Banking (CBDC). If you control any of these you create imbalances but attack all 3 simultaneously and most people who think everything is fine as the authoritarians are regrouping for phase II of Plandemic will become like the frog in ever increasing boiling water! Dead! It’s called Depopulation Agenda!
Also like one other commenter just in time for our next election in USA.
But first they have to take away guns to implement the WHO Plandemic Treaty. Not while I’m alive!