Identifying Lockdown Relaxation Strategies and Policy Implications to Fight against COVID-19: Medical Experts Perspective from Pakistan

The COVID-19 pandemic, was first identified in Wuhan, China, has had a drastic effect on the world economy and compelled governments to enforce lockdown in territories. However, lockdown is destroying the world economy badly as well as the physical and mental health of people. Therefore, governments must develop Lockdown Relaxation Strategies (LRS) to overcome the negative consequences of lockdown in Pakistan. Identifying LRS is important for public health and economic restoration. Therefore, this work is an initial attempt to develop LRS in a developing country - Pakistan, and prioritize LRS through a novel ISM-MICMAC approach. By taking response from experts, results show that implementation of smart lockdowns in affected areas, meeting minimum criteria of public health standards, limited operations of public transportation are the most important strategies. Results provide a strategic guideline for governments to take necessary measures and allocate resources appropriately.

Automated summary

This study highlights the importance of developing Lockdown Relaxation Strategies (LRS) to overcome the negative consequences of lockdown. Through expert feedback, the implementation of smart lockdowns, meeting public health standards, and limited public transportation operations are identified as the most important strategies. These results provide a strategic guideline for governments to take necessary measures and allocate resources appropriately.