This commentary highlights the need to review evidence from effective public health interventions in other countries and to be transparent with why public health decisions are being implemented to gain trust and action of citizens.

The WHO-China Joint Mission on Coronavirus Disease clearly demonstrates that only immediate and decisive public health initiatives work to prevent or delay the spread of COVID-19. Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea achieved relative control over the coronavirus by implementing widespread testing, contact tracing, and state-imposed social distancing. The UK is one country that has opted not to implement as many population-level interventions, leaving health care providers, scientists, and citizens to question why. Transparency is key to helping people understand and retain information as well as cooperate and trust the recommendations being suggested.