The Risk of COVID-19 Disaster

Abstract

In this paper the author first considers what kind of risk COVID-19 is based on the literature on risk society theory of sociology. Next, the literature which examined infectious diseases from a historical perspective is taken up. In addition, how the risk assessment of COVID-19 is carried out at present, and how the assessment result and infection prevention measures are related are searched based on the material obtained by the internet search. It should be understood that the risk of COVID-19 is multifaceted, and that various factors are involved in its occurrence and epidemic. Human beings have experienced pandemics such as plague and Spanish flu, so we may learn from history. In the risk assessment, it is also necessary to evaluate comparative equity with other risks such as job loss due to state of emergency declaration and self-restraint request, poverty, health damage, and risk in a comprehensive sense. In conclusion, it is necessary for each person to perform a risk assessment, judge, and act, not only relying on experts. The ability to identify important information should be cultivated without being misled by uncertain information such as SNS.