Global overview of early public policies towards the Covid-19 pandemic: Specific case review of Lebanon

Abstract

The novel coronavirus and its corresponding infection, the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), increased to more than 176 million cases with up to 3.8 million deaths registered until June 2021. The pandemic led to a global socio-economic crisis, affecting both rich, and poor countries. The governments' responses towards this outbreak were critical in protecting the communities from the virus' effects. Citizens had to abide by the authorities' regulations facing its fast spread. Our paper aims to cite multiple public policies taken from different countries, with special attention being given to Lebanon, a Middle Eastern country, to emphasize on the importance of the decision-making process in a challenging political, and socio-economic environment. It discusses further the Lebanese authorities’ performance in the health and administrative sectors, despite a few stubborn loopholes in the crisis management, a collapsing economy, and incessant socio-political conflicts amidst multi-regional influences. A better planned response strategy is advised to face upcoming post-Covid challenges in the near future.