Question

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) or a pandemic. The emergence and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, have created unique challenges for governments throughout the world and particularly so in the United States. Following the WHO’s announcement, U.S. federal and state agencies have similarly declared health emergencies to mitigate and slow the spread of the virus. Most states issued stay-at-home orders for their residents, with few exceptions for essential workers or special circumstances. Public and private agencies, businesses, and educational institutions, were ordered closed. Inbound international travel was largely suspended and interstate travelers were ordered to self-quarantine on arrival. Group gatherings of more than 10 people were prohibited. Recreational and entertainment venues and events were shut down.

This unprecedented and broad set of restrictions imposed upon the U.S. society and citizenry has been met with different reactions, from full support to public demonstrations and political opposition. This situation brings up a complex ethical dilemma, namely the role of government in public health crises and in safeguarding the public’s health. What role should the government play in mandating restrictions on individual behaviors? Should public interest trump individual liberties afforded to U.S. citizens? What is the right balance between personal responsibility and individual choices with respect to social behaviors?

Imagine that you work for your state’s Department of Health and have been asked to draft a brief on the ethical issues related to a statewide stay-at-home order and shut-down of all public activities. Read the articles suggested for this lesson. Research (in retrospect) what your state has done in response to the COVID-19 epidemic. Compare and contrast that with approaches taken by other states, as well as the federal government. You do not need to come out on one side or another; simply address as many ethical considerations as you can think of. It probably would be easiest to address them from a pro and con standpoint—in other words, what ethical arguments favor or oppose such measures? Think about the implications of these orders on different stakeholders. What are the ethical arguments in favor of and against state governments taking the lead in public health crises vs. some other entity, such as individuals, hospitals, or the federal government?

Please provide your answer in a memo form in 500 words or less.

All sources, including course materials, must be cited in text in APA style. Remember that course materials need not be included in your references page, but all other references must be.

Answer 1

The various pros and cons of corona virus lockdown are as follows:

Pros:

1) traffic reduced

2) pollution level has dropped drastically.

3) noise Pollution is almost nill.

4) roads can be seen much clearer and moreover surroundings can be seen much clean.

5) sky is clear and in evenings cool breeze can be felt.

6) people are getting used to adopting good habits of washing their hands frequently and covering their faces before going out everytime.

7) people are taking self hygiene very seriously .

8) most people are not coughing or sneezing openly they are using handkerchief or towels.

9)People are taking care of health of their family members much seriously.

10) people are now cleaning , washing utensils with themselves making their body fit and healthy.

11)Virus spread will decrease.

12)Death rates will reduce.

13)Infected people will get treated quickly as fewer number of cases will come up.

14)College students will have more time to prepare for an exam.

15)No riots taking place.

16)People will be getting a good detox from daily life where you were running for materialistic things.

17)No Monday morning scrambles, no traffic snarls, no have-to-go-here, have-to-buy-that. Life suddenly is stripped to its essentials. We need to cook, clean, eat and sleep.

Cons-

1. Daily wage earners are hit toughest these times they have no source of income left and no transportation so that they can return to their homes many are walking hundreds of kilometres to reach their hometowns.
2. Economy of country will crash dramatically.
3. After the lockdown markets will be inundated with customers which can be a sort of problem for everyone .
4. Old people our nanis and grandparents are very much scared of their health.
5. Vegetables rates in markets are sky high.
6. The last cons of this lockdown is that many people are not taking it seriously which is very big problem.
7. Old age people will face a problem who is living alone.
8. Couples won't be able to meet.
9. Many people canceled their trips as summer is near.
10. People might get lazy as they don't have to travel or go anywhere for work.
11. Domestic violence cases are going up.
12. Especially entertainment, sports, or anything that requires large groups of people is especially being hurt.
13. Places like salons and barbershops stay closed under the new Order,but when the Order lifts, some will see a customer rush because of the pent-up demand. Other people may stay away because of safety concerns.
14. In medicine, there is a lot of pent-up demand. People are choosing to put off any elective surgery or just regular doctor visits because they dont want to put themselves at risk.