Public opinion constitutes an essential attribute in determining the popularity of a particular issue. In essence, public members in many countries have played a substantial role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. This is a disease caused by a coronavirus, which was first identified in Wuhan, China (Zhang et al., 2020). The illness is airborne and can spread via person-to-person contact. It has halted business operations whose organizational models depend on crowds for revenue generation. The primary approach used to reduce the disease’s rapid spread includes putting on face coverings when in public contexts. Similarly, individuals are encouraged to keep social distancing as a way of reducing person-to-person contact. Public opinion on reducing the spread of COVID-19 depicts sharp divisions among individuals as some prefer mask protection to social distancing measures.
Initially, public opinion supported social distancing over face coverings. The approach would allow authorities to open economies that were shut due to border restrictions (Zhang et al., 2020). However, surging cases of the virus across countries have changed how individuals perceive ultimate protection against the spread of COVID-19 (Zhang et al., 2020). The transformation in public perception among individuals results from increased awareness of the virus across multiple communication platforms, including both social and mass media.
Authorities have been forced to enact tough public policy decisions regarding interaction among individuals. Social establishments such as religious and academic institutions follow face masks and social distancing guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) (Zhang et al., 2020). Covering one’s face reduces the high risks of being diagnosed with the disease, as scientifically elaborated by professionals. Health experts commend the use of masks as they ensure enhanced protection from and to other individuals. This approach is implemented in institutions offering public services are offered such as education, hospitals, and recreational theatres.
Reference
Zhang, R., Li, Y., Zhang, A. L., Wang, Y., & Molina, M. J. (2020). Identifying airborne transmission as the dominant route for the spread of COVID-19. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(26), 14857-14863. Web.