The first casualty of an epidemic is evidence. In extreme situations the imperative of action is strong 16. This makes extreme measures tempting – including scientific and ethical shortcuts.17,18 Rigorous evidential and ethical criteria appear to obstruct progress. However, producing high quality evidence is the solution to the pandemic, not the problem.
In order to avoid fake facts and to provide sustainable solutions science needs to pay attention to the various kinds of uncertainty. Eliminating ambiguity, being alert to the unknown, and gathering data to estimate risks are crucial to preserve evidence and save lives.