The Impacts of Lockdowns on COVID-19

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A study of government responses in Asia also suggested that a go-hard, go-fast approach was best. But harsher lockdowns aren't always more effective by themselves - especially in countries where it is difficult for people to stay at home. Peru imposed early and strict lockdown measures, but experienced an excess death rate much higher than other countries who used less draconian measures. The country has a large informal workforce, combined with expensive and inadequate health infrastructure.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries introduced strict lockdowns to help prevent spread of the disease. Since then, researchers have been studying the effects of these measures to help inform responses to future crises.

Conclusions suggest that countries that acted swiftly to bring in strict measures did best at preserving lives and their economies, but analysing the competing costs and benefits of lockdowns has been tough, as this work often comes down not to scientific calculations, but value judgements.

This is an audio version of our Feature: What scientists have learnt from COVID lockdowns

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