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.