The COVID-19 pandemic put to the test the willingness of people to demonstrate care for others. Public health officials advised the public that the most effective way of reducing the spread of the virus was by minimizing contact with other people. The government enforced actions such as mandatory quarantine and lockdowns. However, many people still do not understand or appreciate the science of isolation. Public health messaging about the importance of quarantine was effectively delivered, but the public remains reluctant to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.
Healthcare workers, such as epidemiologists, guide people in fighting against infectious diseases. According to Dr. Hanage, people can break the transmission link by undertaking simple actions such as working from home and isolating themselves when one shows symptoms of the virus (Roberts, 2020). Although some people followed these instructions, many others did not because they did not appreciate the importance of quarantine. In the US, individuals in various parts of the country held demonstrations against lockdown directives (Maqbool, 2020). Lockdown and quarantine mandates were termed unconstitutional as some citizens viewed them as the state infringing on personal freedoms. Ironically, some protesters contracted the virus from the demonstrations they attended (Maqbool, 2020). Epidemiologists have had a difficult time convincing people of the need to adhere to measures that help break the link.
Public health message has been delivered efficiently, but people did not receive it well. Health officials discussed the importance of isolation, working from home, and other COVID-19 measures. They used posters, social media videos, TV interviews, infographics, and many more forms of communication. The message was explicit such that a layperson could understand why these measures were necessary (Maqbool, 2020). However, message reception was less than optimal, and many people still do not undertake actions that would reduce the spread of the virus. In general, healthcare officials have done a commendable job of educating the public, but people have not been keen to follow the guidelines issued.
References
Maqbool, A. (2020). Coronavirus: The US resistance to a continued lockdown. BBC News. Web.
Roberts, S. (2020). You can help break the chain of transmission. New York Times. Web.