COVID-19 Public Health Measures

Coronavirus, commonly known as COVID-19, is a global pandemic that has not only affected millions of people but also lead to the death of thousands (World Health Organization, 2020). The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak in January 2020, and in March the same year, it was characterized as a pandemic. COVID-19 has affected people from all walks of life in different geographical locations and is not attached to a particular nationality, race or ethnicity. The new strain virus is linked to a similar viral family with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

With the knowledge that the disease is spread through direct contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person that is produced from coughing and sneezing, it has prompted a change in health routine and behaviour (World Health Organization, 2020). The newly adopted public health measures include. Staying at home to avoid contact with infected people, covering the nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or a flexed elbow when sneezing or coughing, regularly washing hands with soap and water, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, wearing nose masks and gloves, and routine hand sanitization.

Governments and organizations have put strict measures as the pandemic is worsening. There is mandatory screening at the ports of entry to countries (“Policy Responses to COVID-19”, 2020). At the same time, some states have completely shut their borders, closure of public gatherings, social distancing, quarantine infected and repatriated people, restriction of daily movement, halting flights, people are urged to work from home, funding of the health sector, closure of schools and students in some states are attending online classes, cancellation of religious activities, complete lockdown in some countries.

Although lockdown and curfew are useful measures for containing the virus, they have disrupted transportation and trade. The livelihoods of vulnerable houses have been negatively impacted by containment measures inhibiting daily activities. Due to border closures, panic buying is observed, leading to a temporary hike in prices for essential commodities, including foodstuff (“Policy Responses to COVID-19”, 2020). Small business owners are negatively affected by policy measures, and some are unable to pay rent for business premises and residential houses.

COVID-19 has led to panic and stress, especially to people living in affected countries and to the health workers. Consequently, governments should ensure that trusted sources share correct and accurate information. Offering psychological and facilitate access to the services to all. Governments should ensure the availability of essential medical services in all levels of health care and avoid discontinuation of medication to people suffering from long term illnesses. Lastly, essential commodities should be offered to vulnerable groups.

References

Policy Responses to COVID-19. (2020). Retrieved 24 April 2020, from https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

World Health Organization. (2020). Mental health and psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak, 18 March 2020 (No. WHO/2019-nCoV/MentalHealth/2020.1). World Health Organization.

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