The next phase of the global battle against COVID-19 is in full swing, and huge testing facilities to monitor the rate of transmission are up and running. An entirely new simulation system can very accurately assess the development of epidemics and the effects of potential interventions. However, if the models are to work people cannot choose whether they want to be tested. This should be a civic duty so that we can get an accurate picture, the researchers say, and every year – just like in the military – major exercises should be held to assess whether we are prepared for future pandemics.