The Impact of Non-Pharmacological Interventions Enacted by State and Local Governments on COVID-19: A Rapid Systematic Review

1 Min Read

Nov 07, 2024

By

Kevin Kovach, Dr.P.H., M.Sc.,

Hina B. Shah, M.P.H.,

Jasmin Kamruddin

Photo of people in grocery store practicing social distancing and wearing masks.

This report provides important insights into the effectiveness of early mitigation strategies on COVID-19, as well as potential approaches to prepare the Kansas public health system for future pandemics.

The report focuses on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) — measures that do not involve drugs, vaccines or other medical treatments — implemented by state and local governments in response to COVID-19. NPIs include a broad range of strategies, such as stay-at-home-orders, social distancing and mask mandates.

The analysis finds that NPIs were crucial in mitigating the harms of the COVID-19 pandemic, but their effectiveness varied across different interventions and population characteristics.

While understanding the effectiveness of NPIs on COVID-19 outcomes is important, it also is important to recognize that weighing the impact of NPIs on other aspects of society, such as the economy, education, mental health and individual liberties, is necessary for effective public health decision-making.

About Kansas Health Institute

The Kansas Health Institute supports effective policymaking through nonpartisan research, education and engagement. KHI believes evidence-based information, objective analysis and civil dialogue enable policy leaders to be champions for a healthier Kansas. Established in 1995 with a multiyear grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, KHI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization based in Topeka.

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