scholarly journals Canada’s response to international travel during COVID-19 pandemic – a media analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Srikanth Reddy ◽  
Salima S. Mithani ◽  
Lindsay Wilson ◽  
Kumanan Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
International Health ◽  
Media Analysis ◽  
International Travel ◽  
World Health ◽  
Media Content Analysis ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
The Media ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background The media play a critical role in informing the public about the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, international travel has been a highly contested subject at both the international and national levels. We examined Canadian media reporting on international travel restrictions during the pandemic, how these restrictions aligned with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), and how the narrative around international travel evolved over time. Methods We analysed articles from Canada’s top three national newspapers by circulation – The Globe and Mail, The National Post and The Toronto Star - published between Jan 1, 2020 - May 31, 2020. Our search yielded a total of 378 articles across the three newspapers. After removing duplicates and screening the remaining articles, we included a total of 62 articles for the analysis. We conducted a qualitative media content analysis by using an inductive coding approach. Results Three major themes were identified within the articles. These included: 1) The role of scientific and expert evidence in implementing travel restrictions; 2) Federal legislation, regulation and enforcement of international travel measures; and 3) Compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in travel restriction policy- and decision-making. The federal government relied primarily on scientific evidence for implementing international travel restrictions and fully exercised its powers under the Quarantine Act to enforce travel regulations and comply with the IHR 2005. The government embraced a rules-based international order by following WHO recommendations on international travel, contributing to a delay in border closure and travel restrictions until mid-March. Conclusion The media focussed significantly on international travel-related issues during the early phase of the pandemic. The dominant media narrative surrounded the need for earlier travel restrictions against international travel.

scholarly journals Canada’s Response to International Travel During COVID-19 Pandemic – A Media Analysis 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Srikanth Re ◽  
Salima S. Mithani ◽  
Lindsay Wilson ◽  
Kumanan Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Federal Government ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Media Analysis ◽  
International Travel ◽  
Media Content Analysis ◽  
Restriction Policy ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
The Media ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background The media play a critical role in informing the public about the pandemic. International travel is a highly contested subject in the media during the COVID-19 pandemic at both the international and national levels. We examined Canadian media reporting on international travel restrictions during the pandemic, how these restrictions aligned with the IHR (2005), and how the narrative around international travel evolved for the pandemic.MethodsWe analysed Canada’s top three national newspapers by circulation, namely – The Globe and Mail, The National Post and The Toronto Star, published between Jan 1, 2020 - May 31, 2020. Our search yielded a total of 378 articles across the three newspapers. Upon removing duplicates and screening the remaining articles, we included a total of 62 articles for the analysis. We conducted a qualitative media content analysis by using the inductive coding approach.ResultsThree major themes were identified within the articles. These included: 1) The role of scientific and expert evidence in implementing travel restrictions; 2) Federal legislation, regulations and enforcement of international travel measures; and 3) Compliance with WHO guidelines in travel restriction policy- and decision-making. The federal government relied on scientific evidence for implementing international travel restrictions. The federal government fully exercised its powers under the Quarantine Act to enforce travel regulations and comply with the IHR (2005). The government embraced rules-based international order by following WHO recommendations on international travel, contributing to delaying border closure and travel restrictions until mid-March.Conclusion The media focussed significantly on international travel related issues during the early phase of pandemic. The dominant media narrative remained the need for earlier travel restrictions against international travel.

scholarly journals Canada’s Violation of International Law during the 2014–16 Ebola Outbreak

2017 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 366-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALI TEJPAR ◽  
STEVEN J. HOFFMAN
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
International Law ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
International Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
Traditional Role ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
Health Organization

AbstractThe devastating 2014–16 West African Ebola outbreak challenged the authority of the World Health Organization (WHO) to enforce the legally bindingInternational Health Regulations(IHR) that govern pandemic responses. Under Article 43 of theIHR, states parties can only implement additional health measures beyond the WHO’s recommendations if public health rationales or scientific evidence justify such measures. Yet at least fifty-eight states parties enacted additional health measures, mainly travel restrictions to or from Ebola-affected countries. This article explains why Canada’s visa restrictions targeting Ebola-affected countries failed to meet theIHR’s requirements and therefore violated international law. Specifically, Canada’s response went against public health authorities’ consensus views, the best available scientific evidence on disease transmission, and the WHO’s recommendations. In light of its traditional role as a global health champion, Canada must lead by example and abide by international law, including theIHR, instead of picking and choosing which rules to follow and thereby encouraging other countries to do the same.

scholarly journals How Loud and Clear Rung the Alarm Bell: The Communication Efforts of WHO on the Beginning of COVID-19 Outbreak

2021 ◽  
pp. 002073142110249
Author(s):  
Huriye Toker
Keyword(s):  
Risk Communication ◽  
International Development ◽  
International Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
The Public ◽  
News Releases ◽  
The Media ◽  
Credible Information ◽  
Health Organization

As seen clearly from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, health is an important foreign policy and diplomatic issue connected with security, economic well-being, and international development. According to risk communication researchers, effective, transparent, and timely information sharing is the most important tool after vaccines for responding to pandemics. This study aims to start a scholarly discussion on the risk communication efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) during the COVID-19 outbreak. We analyzed WHO’s communication efforts during the first 3 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the leading international health organization, WHO was responsible for providing rapid, up-to-date, and credible information for the public and the media. The selected research items were 42 news releases and statements provided by WHO between December 31, 2019, and March 30, 2020. These were subjected to qualitative and quantitative content analyses using the NVivo 12 qualitative analysis software program for coding. The data were coded under 6 variables (date of publication, topics, frequency, wording of the COVID-19 outbreak, sourcing, and themes of the releases). While 54.7% of WHO's communications were devoted to the COVID-19 outbreak, more than half were not issued until March. That is, instead of early risk communication and clear warnings about the outbreak, WHO acted overcautiously, preferring messages related to solidarity and cooperation during the most devastating pandemic of the 21st century.

scholarly journals Hope and trust in times of Zika: the views of caregivers and healthcare workers at the forefront of the epidemic in Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 953-961
Author(s):  
Clarissa Simas ◽  
Loveday Penn-Kekana ◽  
Hannah Kuper ◽  
Tereza Maciel Lyra ◽  
Maria Elisabeth Lopes Moreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
International Health ◽  
Public Institutions ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
State Institutions ◽  
Congenital Zika Syndrome ◽  
The Government ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Health Agenda

Abstract This article investigates how hope and trust played out for two groups at the forefront of the Zika epidemic: caregivers of children with congenital Zika syndrome and healthcare workers. We conducted 76 in-depth interviews with members of both groups to examine hope and trust in clinical settings, as well as trust in public institutions, in the health system and in the government of Brazil. During and after the Zika epidemic, hope and trust were important to manage uncertainty and risk, given the lack of scientific evidence about the neurological consequences of Zika virus infection. The capacity of healthcare workers and caregivers to trust and to co-create hope seems to have allowed relationships to develop that cushioned social impacts, reinforced adherence to therapeutics and enabled information flow. Hope facilitated parents to trust healthcare workers and interventions. Hope and trust appeared to be central in the establishment of support networks for caregivers. At the same time, mistrust in the government and state institutions may have allowed rumours and alternative explanations about Zika to spread. It may also have strengthened activism in mother’s associations, which seemed to have both positive and negative implications for healthcare service delivery. The findings also point to distrust in international health actors and global health agenda, which can impact community engagement in future outbreak responses in Brazil and other countries in Latin America.

scholarly journals Taming Labour in Neo-Liberal Ontario: Oppositional Political Communication in a Time of "Crisis"

2006 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Kozolanka
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Political Communication ◽  
General Strategy ◽  
Media Content Analysis ◽  
Policy Success ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Media ◽  
The Government ◽  
Analyse De Contenu

Abstract: This paper examines the key legitimating role of communication and the media, and the role of taming-labour, in constructing the Ontario neo-liberal hegemonic project in 1995. Media-content analysis and examination of the communication strategies of the Ontario government in the 1996 public-service strike show that the government relied on constructing the perception of a hegemonic crisis and framing labour as oppositional to the public interest of resolving the crisis. The government’s general strategy of quick-attack communications offensives curtailed media and opposition scrutiny, increasing the likelihood of policy success and media dependence on its framing of issues. A strong challenge to the government led by labour and social justice groups failed in the face of state public relations, media silence, and internal dissension. Examination of a second strike in 2002 suggests that even without a crisis, the government continued its attack on labour. Résumé : Cet article examine le rôle clé de légitimation joué par les communications et les médias, ainsi que les efforts déployés pour calmer la main-d’œuvre, lors de l’exécution d’un projet hégémonique néo-libéral en Ontario en 1995. Une analyse de contenu médiatique et l’examen des stratégies communicationnelles du gouvernement ontarien lors de la grève du service public en 1996 montrent que le gouvernement a tenté de faire croire à une crise hégémonique et a suggéré que la main-d’œuvre s’opposait à l’intérêt public en entravant la résolution de la crise. La stratégie du gouvernement, qui consistait en de rapides attaques communicationnelles, a empêché l’opposition et les médias de faire leur travail, augmentant à la fois la dépendance que les médias avaient de la version gouvernementale des faits, et ainsi augmentant les chances de succès du gouvernement. Des groupes de main-d’œuvre et de justice sociale se sont fortement opposés au gouvernement, mais ont échoué face à la campagne de relations publiques de l’État, au silence des médias et à cause de différends internes. L’examen d’une seconde grève en 2002 suggère que, même sans crise, le gouvernement a continué à attaquer la main-d’œuvre syndiquée.

scholarly journals The International Health Regulations (2005) and the re-establishment of international travel amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara J von Tigerstrom ◽  
Sam F Halabi ◽  
Kumanan R Wilson
Keyword(s):  
International Health ◽  
International Travel ◽  
International Health Regulations ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
Health Regulations

As countries modify or lift travel restrictions implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some variation in approaches is to be expected, but harmonization is important to re-establishing international travel. Despite challenges, the International Health Regulations (2005) and WHO recommendations can provide a balance of consistency and flexibility.

An Exploration of Conceptual and Temporal Fallacies in International Health Law and Promotion of Global Public Health Preparedness

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 588-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhrubajyoti Bhattacharya
Keyword(s):  
Avian Influenza ◽  
International Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Law ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
H5n1 Avian Influenza Virus ◽  
H5n1 Avian Influenza ◽  
Baxter Healthcare ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health Organization

H5N1 avian influenza has reportedly claimed the lives of 186 persons worldwide, 77 of whom resided in Indonesia. On February 7, 2007, the government of Indonesia announced that it would withhold strains of H5N1 avian influenza virus from the World Health Organization (WHO). On the same day, Indonesia signed a memorandum of agreement with Baxter Healthcare, a United States-based company, to purchase samples and presumably ensure access to subsequent vaccines at a discount.

scholarly journals Impact of lockdown measures in abating the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons from India’s phased approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Singh ◽  
K Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
The Public ◽  
Daily Data ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
Community Transmission ◽  
The Government ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 30 January 2020 and characterized the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a pandemic on 11 March 2020. India enacted such measures early on for effective mitigation and suppression to reduce community transmission, including an onerous national lockdown. The impact of the health system governance is quite apparent among all stakeholders including the public in such emergency contexts. Methods We compiled the daily data on the number of COVID-19 cases, recoveries and deaths from January 30th until June 16th, 2020. Different stages were categorized from post PHEIC declaration (pre-lockdown) phase to lockdown phases and unlocking phase as implemented. The several measures adopted by the national government were structured in four broad categories as Governance and socioeconomic, travel restrictions, lockdown and public health measures. These measures were compared during each phase. Results It was revealed that while the cases are rising the phased restrictions has helped in delaying the peak and remarkably interrupted the rate of transmission. The national average doubling rate was 3 days at the beginning which improved to 22 days. The basic reproduction number remained close to 1 during the last week of lockdown. However, the initial interruption of needed aid and technical support had negative social and economic impacts on the affected population. Conclusions As the situation abates following the measures adopted by the government, an articulate strategy of unlocking through increased testing and prompt isolation needs to be developed for more effective reduction and protecting the livelihoods allowing to further relax the lockdown measures. Key messages There is need for the local government to consider a strategic easing of the lockdown for protecting the rights of the most affected population. As the transmission rates are low, the easing of lockdown can be benefited from improved testing and prompt isolation.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MICRO & SMALL SCALE TOURISM ENTREPRENEURS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasya Farhana Nazry ◽  
◽  
Jabil Mapjabil ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
International Travel ◽  
World Health ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

The tourism sector is the single largest contributor to the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Malaysia. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are divided into three levels: micro, small and medium-sized - enterprises, in a programme initiated by the government to reduce poverty and cut the income gap between rural and urban residents. The involvement of SMEs in the tourism industry has contributed to the development of a competitive advantage for the tourism industry in Malaysia. SMEs are an important component of the Malaysian economy, accounting for more than a third of the total GDP and providing employment to more than seven million people. However, when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a worldwide pandemic, it has radically changed the direction of the tourism sector in Malaysia, especially among the micro and small scale enterprises (SMEs). In an effort to slow the spread of the virus, numerous countries introduced and mandated the use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including hand washing and sanitisation, social distancing and social isolation. Furthermore, the government has introduced several policies, improved public health systems and closed borders. These developments have restricted and even banned international travel and domestic travel, resulting in severe negative effects on the tourism sector. This unforeseen shock, to the tourism and other sectors, has dragged on for more than 12 months. It has severely curtailed the growth of micro and small scale enterprises (SMEs), leaving many such enterprises on the brink of closure. This study examines the literature and critically reviews the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted SMEs. The methodology of this study uses the method of highlighting literature material systematically. A conceptual research method using secondary data was used in this study.

scholarly journals Impacts of COVID-19 on the Catch of Small-Scale Fishers and Their Families Due to Restriction Policies in Davao Gulf, Philippines

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edison D. Macusi ◽  
Stefenie Katrin V. Siblos ◽  
Martha Elena Betancourt ◽  
Erna S. Macusi ◽  
Michael N. Calderon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Philippines ◽  
World Health ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Catch Per Unit Effort ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Reduced Mobility ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in 2020 with countries putting up several measures to mitigate and flatten the curve of hospitalizations and death from travel bans to home confinements and local lockdowns. This pandemic created health and economic crises, leading to increased incidence of poverty and food crisis especially on both agriculture and the fisheries in many developing nations including the Philippines. The specific objectives of this study were to assess the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the catch per unit effort (CPUE) of small-scale fishers and to determine what factors could influence the volume of their catch during this time of pandemic. Moreover, this also investigated the impact of COVID-19 restrictions to fishers and their families. To do that we surveyed N = 200 small-scale fishers around the Davao gulf using semi-structured questionnaire and inquired on the impact of the COVID-19 to their fishing operation, catch, fishing costs, and their families. The collected socioeconomic variables, including emotional responses to the pandemic were then related to the CPUE and the volume of catch. The results show that fishers were highly affected by the pandemic due to the lockdown policy imposed in the fishing villages during the earlier phases of restrictions by the government. Fishers were affected in terms of the volume of their catch, also fishing costs, and emotionally as they were also frustrated due to the impacts of the hard lockdown. The restricted fishing access was found to have important and major set-back on the fishing operations of fishers and the same was experienced also by the middlemen given the low fish price and reduced mobility of the fish traders. COVID-19 also impacted the fishers, and their families through lack of mobility, food inadequacy, travel restrictions and their children’s education.

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