Pandemics, Public Health, and the Regulation of Borders: Lessons from COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new and challenging environment in which borders drawn around people, places, and social structures have hardened and new ones have emerged. This book examines how international organizations, countries, and institutions should conceive and manage borders in the interests of public health, engaging a range of international and sub-national examples. It will be of considerable interest to academics, policymakers, and public health planners.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 402 pages
Publication date: 05 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a unique and challenging landscape, where borders surrounding individuals, places, and social structures have become more rigid and new ones have emerged. Borders have been closed or rendered inhospitable at various levels, including international, national, sub-national, and local levels. The debate continues as to whether countries and territories that strictly controlled their borders, such as New Zealand, Australia, or Hong Kong, achieved the right approach compared to those that did not. Undoubtedly, the majority of those who suffered and lost their lives during the pandemic belonged to vulnerable populations. However, the measures taken to manage the spread of the disease, such as border management, have also disproportionately impacted those who are most vulnerable. Striking the right balance between acknowledging economic and other imperatives that may discourage governments from taking public health steps is crucial.

This book explores how international organizations, countries, and institutions within those countries should approach and manage borders as the world continues to grapple with COVID-19 and prepares for the next pandemic. By engaging a diverse range of international and sub-national examples, the book addresses the key issues at stake in the control and management of borders in the interests of public health.

Academics in the fields of health law, anthropology, economics, history, medicine, public health, and political science will find this book of immense interest. Policymakers and public health planners at national and sub-national levels will also benefit from its insights.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the global landscape, highlighting the importance of borders in shaping our lives and the challenges associated with managing them in the context of public health. This book provides valuable insights into the complexities and dilemmas faced by governments, organizations, and individuals in navigating this new terrain.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032494784