essay on government playing a role in the lockdown
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A lockdown can mean different things in different contexts. In the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic that originated in Wuhan, China, and spread across almost 204 countries, the term has been used for varying limits on movement, function and activities of communities. It isn’t a technical public health term, and ranges from mandatory quarantines to non-mandatory recommendations to stay at home, close certain types of businesses or avoid events and gatherings.
There have been several discussions around the COVID-19 infection and its potential to cause fatality, India’s preparedness and the lessons learnt. This analysis attempts to understand what a lockdown means in the context of public health in India.
The lockdown according to a few other countries
Different countries have interpreted and implemented lockdown differently. The most significant intervention by China was the quarantine imposed on January 23, 2020. Along with this, the country also restricted public access to information, including that shared by Dr Li Wenliang, who was detained for posting online about the virus and who later died of the infection himself.
In February 2020, two journalists disappeared after continuously reporting stories about the outbreak. In an attempt to create a good online atmosphere, many social media apps and accounts were removed because of ‘harmful content’. The media had to cover only positive stories about the relief work being done by Chinese authorities. The government’s agenda seemed to stretch beyond virus control and into social control.
It is important to understand that China has suffered socially and economically not just because of the virus but because of government policies as well. Though China followed a high-end surveillance system, it was not done with people’s participation or even understanding. The state’s self-promotion took precedence over access to information. One reason for the Chinese lockdown was damage control, as the infection had reached a point where global opinion had to be urgently addressed.
Taiwan, because of political pressure from China, is excluded from the WHO but unlike China focused itself on making information available to the people. The Taiwanese government has been preparing since late December 2019 and also set up a Central Epidemic Command Centre. State officials have been holding press conferences every day to announce the latest policies and updates on the epidemic, and to clarify rumours on social media.
Many Taiwanese officials used their official social media accounts to share even small details with the public. Civil society worked with the government to fill gaps, publish real-time maps and create fact-check centres. Such initiative allowed its people to actively participate in the implementation of government policy. Taiwan followed the logic of a democratic state as opposed to China’s authoritarian state.
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