Impactful decisions are beneficial to COVID-19 response. Large lockdowns help substantially decrease the number of COVID-19 cases. This was evident in Italy, where 2.1 million cases may have potentially been avoided because of lockdown measures that were placed. 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

With over 1 million COVID-19 cases as of June 30th, 2020 (according to WHO), the national governments play a crucial role in controlling the pandemic. Essential keys to good governance during these times include rapid response, good communication, impactful decision making, relying on the public, and working with other nations. 

Good Leadership Traits to Contain COVID-19 (with examples)

Al Saidi, A. M. O., Nur, F. A., Al-Mandhari, A. S., El Rabbat, M., Hafeez, A., & Abubakar, A. (2020). Decisive leadership is a necessity in the COVID-19 response. The Lancet.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31493-8
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31493-8/fulltext

Decisive leadership is a necessity in the COVID-19 response

Rapid response in countries to enforce strict measures and regulations yield to more containment of COVID-19. For example, Germany and New Zealand’s speedy actions resulted in better results. Announcing lockdown measures earlier is linked to better outcomes. 

Rapid Response in Countries

Good communication and sharing ideas across various fields and sectors can result in better coordination that considers disparities in society. For example, Singapore had created a multi ministry force even before any confirmed cases. Tunisia and Lebanon also created teams or response plans that connected a variety of committees or sectors. 

Good Communication in Countries

Impactful Decision Making in Countries

Relying on the public for communication helps leadership make decisions. Being transparent in actions is helpful since political partisanship may actually have a negative effect on COVID-19 response. An example of public communication is Jordan and Morocco. The governments created a website and app for information and recording epidemiology. 

Relying on the Public in Countries

Working with other nations and organizations is also important in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, Saudi Arabia has provided financial donations, and Cuba has dispatched doctors to other countries in need. The teamwork between countries may help to find treatments and vaccines more quickly. WHO provides platforms for the aforementioned teamwork through the Solidarity Fund, the Solidarity Trial, and the COVID-19 Supply Chain System. 

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