The Economic Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic in China

Abstract

Background: The outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic has exposed the world to the biggest decline in economy since the Second World War. What are the most profound impacts on the economy caused by Covid-19? And what does current research reveal about worldwide economic impacts on the socical security systems? Covid-19 virus related pandemic restrictions lasted over a long time. Negative impacts from a variety of pandemic prevention and control measures posed great economic pressure upon health systems around the world, but also on national social security systems. This article puts together recent evidence and research results exploring the economic impacts of the Pandemic on social security systems. Objectives: The main aim of the article is to systematically explore and identify economic impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the social security systems and related challenges to the sustainable development of a country or region. Thus, generating a review of knowledge to support evidence-based policy-making intervention is the fundamental objective of the article. Methods: The rapid literature review is a form of evidence synthesis that provides timely information for decision making and evidence-based practice compared with standard systematic reviews and other types of reviews. This review used Web of Science, Proquest and CNKI as database sources. Keywords included ‘Covid-19’ ‘Social security’ and ‘Unemployment、Pension insurance’. The publications are confined from July 2021 to June 2022. Results: Seven publications in English and three in Chinese were identified as relevant to the objectives of this article. These were individually evaluated on the contribution to economic impact of the Covid-19 on the social security systems. The economic impact seems obvious, but it is not easy to assessment. The follow-up articles measure this effect in different ways. Main Contribution to Evidence-Based Practice: The article puts together recent evaluations of economic effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on social security systems to support evidence-based policy making and the international debate.