Disease and Dis-Ease amid Covid-19: Public Policy Measures by BRICS Countries

Since the emergence of COVID-19 in Wuhan China in early 2019, the global spread of this virus has impacted markets, health systems and general households across the world. Even with draconian containment measures, such as monitored movement restrictions, closed borders and the various lockdowns, the disease has appeared highly difficult to contain. Within a few months, it reached all BRICS countries, affecting more than 39.7 million people, which accounts for 26.3 percent of global infections, declaring it a global pandemic by the WHO. Unfortunately, the rapid spread and imposing nature of this virus has not provided countries with enough time and space to reflect on the far-reaching consequences that arise from poor public policy measures as well as disease control measures by their respective health systems. As a result, a lot of dis-ease amongst the public, government policy implementers and health care providers has raised. This has negatively impacted people's day-to-day activities and lives. Increased mortality rates amongst the elderly have been a growing concern as well as the increasing effects on all other age groups across BRICS countries. Using a comparative study approach, this paper seeks to analyse the effects of Covid-19 and the dis-ease that arises from its proximity in BRICS countries. Additionally, the paper will provide a qualitative overview of public policy approaches comparing the member countries, and addressing the effects of this pandemic and the dis-ease it has caused amongst BRICS countries.