2022 Volume 71 Issue 4 Pages 305-313
SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted through respiratory droplets. Therefore, limiting close contact between people has been key in reducing the spread of the infection. This article aims to summarize the infection prevention measures implemented in our country between 2020 and the first half of 2022, and the associated lessons. The government discussed mitigation measures at the individual and societal levels, such as the declaration of a state of emergency, which strictly limits social contact and can have an economic impact. The government introduced the “Basic Policies for Novel Coronavirus Disease Control” at the societal level, as a framework for the overall COVID-19 countermeasure strategy. The government’s strategy involved issuing messages that resonate with the people, and providing new and updated information to promote behavioral changes. Prevention measures at the individual level included avoiding the “Three Cs (avoiding closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings)” and wearing masks. During nationwide rapid infection surges, which significantly impacted people’s livelihoods and the economy, the state of emergency included stay-at-home requests. Furthermore, after the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the law was amended to add quasi-emergency measures to compensate for the limitations of the state of emergency. It was preferable for such stringent measures to be implemented early and only for a short time. However, the public and politicians were usually convinced of the necessity of these measures only after problems had gained a certain degree of recognition, and therefore, implementation was often delayed. Delays in mitigation led to the spread of the infection, which could require several weeks to several months before the infections declined or the number of seriously ill cases decreased sufficiently to alleviate the strain on hospital beds. The state of emergency and social distancing had a significant impact on our society. Economically, for example, the GDP dropped, and the effects on the food service industry and the hotel industry were devastating. Furthermore, the numbers of new marriages and births were also affected. Public funds were spent on various economic measures implemented by the government. We are currently awaiting an economic evaluation of the effectiveness of these measures. We must continue to plan and deliberate practical steps to prepare for new variants and the next pandemic. However, these challenges may be suitably met if multi-disciplinary stakeholders, especially politicians and the government, get involved.
