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531“Flattening
the Curve” Through COVID-19 Contagion Containment
apparent early success, for example, was not what it seemed, as it had
overlooked official disincentives for possibly infected migrant work-
ers to come forward to cooperate with authorities. One can expect
the problem to be compounded when sections of a population feel
particularly vulnerable, especially in dealing with state authorities,
for example, those in the “grey economy” or undocumented foreign
labour. Special incentives, such as full amnesties and the promise of
free treatment, can be important to overcome such disincentives.
Diverse, culturally appropriate, enhanced public health and
other relevant education and communications will need to be quickly
developed to effectively mobilize full public engagement. The efficacy
and consequences of lockdowns and other such measures are contin-
gent on public appreciation of the challenges, and on the ability of
societies to respond appropriately with socio-economic, cultural, and
behavioural changes.
While the COVID-19 crisis challenges are undoubtedly unique,
they are not exceptional insofar as such challenges all have unique
characteristics. But perhaps the differences are far greater than with
other recent epidemics, challenging earlier tested modes of response.
Full social mobilization is undoubtedly needed, but such exceptional
“wartime” measures must not be abused, for example, by the temp-
tation to skew implementation for political or pecuniary advantage.
Hence, success can be greatly enabled by legitimate, credible, and
exemplary leadership, in government and civil society.
VULNERABLE
The Law, Policy and Ethics of COVID-19
- Title
- VULNERABLE
- Subtitle
- The Law, Policy and Ethics of COVID-19
- Authors
- Vanessa MacDonnell
- Jane Philpott
- Sophie Thériault
- Sridhar Venkatapuram
- Publisher
- Ottawa Press
- Date
- 2020
- Language
- English
- License
- CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
- ISBN
- 9780776636429
- Size
- 15.2 x 22.8 cm
- Pages
- 648
- Categories
- Coronavirus
- International