“Economics is the big picture of what groups of people do to survive. The need to survive the immediate threats of starvation, lack of shelter, security, water, and livelihood for an individual, family, or community is the most intense motivator of behavior. If you cannot buy enough food for 2 weeks, or can’t find 2 weeks of shelter with a 2 meter separation from other people, you will not be able to comply with social distancing or stay at home rules. Your need to eat or find water will have you out of the house working and interacting with others. If this is not understood and taken into consideration, then that pandemic response is not adequately thought out.” - Anne McDonough, MD, MPH, Public Health Emergency Officer, Smithsonian Occupational Health Services, USA
“During a pandemic, the recommendations guided by science may conflict with people’s cultural beliefs and values. For example, in some cultures, the value placed on group gatherings for worship or other special events is very great. Some people may perceive public health recommendations to engage in social distancing or to avoid physical contact difficult to accept. They may choose not to follow those distancing recommendations.” – Dr. Lisa Cooper, John Hopkins University, USA & Ghana
