The Efficacy of Government Strategies to Control COVID-19: Evidence from 22 High COVID Fatality Rated Countries

This study aims to explore the efficacy of government policy directions in mitigating the effects of the COVID19 pandemic by employing a panel of 22 high Covid fatality rated countries throughout the 2020-first quarter of 2021. The panel ARDL model is employed to examine this phenomenon and to investigate the long-run effects of government policy decisions on infection and mortality rates from the pandemic. The study reveals that: (i) income support and debt relief facilities and stringent standards of governments reduce both infection and death rates; (ii) a timely response from governments has a positive effect on reducing death rates and a negative effect on infection rates; (iii) financial investments in confinement and health care are positively related to infection rates and negatively related to mortality rates. This study concludes by suggesting the importance of implementing precise policy decisions to lower infections and reduce deaths. Funding: There were no sources of funding used to prepare this study. Declaration of Interests: The authors have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial or non-financial interest in the subject focus or materials discussed in this study.