Case Studies on the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease) Pandemic, 2019 to Present

COVID-19 is the most severe pandemic since the 1918–1919 influenza. Some individuals who contracted COVID-19 had mild symptoms while others suffered long-term effects. Regardless of one&s;s physical affects, universally, people experienced similar responses from government and public health officials: a) preventive behaviors—masks, hand sanitizers, washing hands, etc.; b) quarantine and isolation if infected; c) mandated closures, shutting down of stores temporarily or shifting operations online; and d) working from home or hybrid arrangements. Qualitatively, these measures are similar to what occurred over 100 years ago, with two exceptions—the availability of vaccines and modern communication technologies. Case study 10.2 shows how the Getty Museum in Los Angeles creatively engaged with museumgoers during lockdown. Case study 10.3 covers South Korea&s;s COVID-19 public health campaign “TRUST,” resulting in one of the world&s;s highest COVID-19 vaccination rates and fewer economic challenges without mandating a nationwide lockdown. Peru, Vietnam, and Mexico used creative storytelling methods and deepfake technology in their preventive campaigns, covered in case study 10.4. Lastly, case study 10.5 explores how Australia and New Zealand used social media platforms in creating culturally appropriate public health campaigns to reach Aboriginal and Māori communities.