Public policy responses to the spread of COVID-19 as a potential factor determining health results: a comparative study of the Czech Republic, the Russian Federation, and the Slovak Republic

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to identify critical factors in success/failure of public policies focusing on fighting the spread of COVID-19 pandemic using a sample of three countries from Central and Eastern Europe with different results regarding COVID-19 morbidity and mortality rates, namely the Czech Republic, the Russian Federation, and the Slovak Republic. Based on comprehensive literature review, three independent variables were worked out: the scope/scale of public policy anti-pandemic interventions, the timing of public policy interventions, and the success of public policies in motivating compliance with anti-pandemic measures. Taking into account the similarity of measures introduced by national governments, the results suggest that the timing of public policy responses and success in motivating compliance may be critical factors in containing the pandemic.

Outdoor Physical Activity During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. A Comparative Analysis of Government Restrictions in Italy, France, and Germany

“…As the leading authority in our case countries, government-issued documents were analysed for our study. In contrast with a previously published review of international public health responses to the COVID-19 outbreak (23)(24)(25), our analytical strategy focuses on a small sample and applies the most similar stems design (26). Focusing on three conservative welfare states (27), which are highly populated, economically relevant, and geographically close, allows us to conduct an in-depth analysis and comparison.…”

Review of COVID-19 epidemiology and public health response in Europe in 2020

“…27 Russia also underestimated the epidemic for a long time and then undertook incoherent and half-hearted measures such as stopped importation of virus from China; but risks associated with importation of cases from Europe were underestimated. 28 …”

“…Czech Republic and Slovak Republic introduced lockdowns before they had recorded any deaths 29 and made it mandatory for people to wear masks outside the home since beginning. 28 Slovak Republic achieved early and effective quarantine measures and Slovak citizens behaved more responsibly. 28 A study comparing public policy response in Czech Republic, Russia and Slovak Republic, reported that Slovak Republic was the best performer, Czech Republic was good performer and Russia was reported as a limited performer.…”

“… 28 Slovak Republic achieved early and effective quarantine measures and Slovak citizens behaved more responsibly. 28 A study comparing public policy response in Czech Republic, Russia and Slovak Republic, reported that Slovak Republic was the best performer, Czech Republic was good performer and Russia was reported as a limited performer. 28 Similarly, the Nordic region was lauded for its early success in combating the virus spread through prompt response, strong information and surveillance system, aggressive testing and contact tracing.…”

Strategy Management of COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Review

“…Common strategies to prevent nosocomial transmission include outlining a clear plan for providing essential services during the pandemic, with dedicated COVID-19 beds and units [55]; separation of healthcare facilities for the treatment of infected COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 patients and increasing intensive care bed capacity [56]. Given the similarity of measures introduced by governments, the results suggest that the success of measures to encourage compliance may be critical factors in containing the pandemic [57].…”