Human Perceptions and Community Initiatives to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Millions of human beings are affected COVID-19 worldwide, but the constellation of health and socioeconomic effects of the pandemic varies between developed and developing countries. While the crisis has drawn attention in media as life and livelihood hazard, the differences in human perceptions between developed and developing worlds remain under-documented. The authors explain how different human perceptions are embodied in Australia and Bangladesh in the pandemic by examining the countries' health measures and community initiatives. The rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths were consistently higher in Bangladesh than in Australia. While the Australian government and the Australians showed maturity in managing effects of COVID-19, erratic lockdown measures and imprudent policy decisions by the Bangladesh government together with its inadequate acute care services and income concerns influenced the people's psychosocial perceptions. The study highlights the importance of strengthening the health system and food and income security and investing in community programs in Bangladesh.