LESSONS LEARNED FROM COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Introduction
On 30 January 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) declared public health emergency
of international concern due to Corona Virus disease. 1 A virus named SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19)
causes Corona Virus disease.2 Many countries around the globe declared complete lockdown due to
Covid-19 pandemic; with suspension of international and in country transport, schools and colleges
suspended classes and shifted to online education.3 During this pandemic more than 12 crore Indians
lost their jobs in India.4 Therefore it is important to understand the lessons from Covid-19 pandemic
to fight against Corona virus disease and save human lives. Learning of the Covid-19 pandemic
lessons would guide the world to fight against Covid-19 pandemic and to solve the problems
occurred due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Environment Protection
Every year 4.2 million people die due to air pollution.5 A study conducted in China revealed
that travel restrictions and lockdown of industries in 44 cities of northern China significantly reduced
air pollutants in the environment. 6 In Delhi, levels of both PM2.5 (tiny pollutant particles) and
harmful gas Nitrogen dioxide reduced to more than 70 percent.7 A study revealed that concentrations
of SPM (Suspended Particulate Matter) were lower in lockdown period as compared to pre-
lockdown period by 15.9% on average.8 Another study showed that in river Ganga water pollution
decreased by 25%-30%.9 According to Article 51-A (g) of Constitution of India, it is the duty of
every citizen to protect environment including forests lakes, rivers and wildlife, whereas Article 48-

1Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)-events as they happen Who.int, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-

coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen (last visited Apr 30, 2020)
2
Everything You Should Know About the 2019 Coronavirus and COVID-19 Healthline,
https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-covid-19#symptoms (last visited Apr 30, 2020)
3
Universities unprepared for switch to remote learning University World News,
https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20200326141547229 (last visited Apr 30, 2020)
4
12.2 crore people lost jobs in India during coronavirus lockdown: CMIE Deccan Herald,
https://www.deccanherald.com/business/122-crore-people-lost-jobs-in-india-during-coronavirus-lockdown-cmie-
833783.html (last visited May 29, 2020)
5
How air pollution exacerbates Covid-19 Bbc.com, https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200427-how-air-pollution-
exacerbates-covid-19 (last visited May 21, 2020)
6
Bao, Rui, and Acheng Zhang. “Does lockdown reduce air pollution? Evidence from 44 cities in northern China.” The
Science of the total environment, vol. 731 139052. 29 Apr. 2020, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139052
7
Pollution made COVID-19 worse. Now, lockdowns are clearing the air. Nationalgeographic.com,
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/04/pollution-made-the-pandemic-worse-but-lockdowns-clean-the-
sky/ (last visited May 21, 2020)
8
Ali P. Yunus et al., COVID-19 and surface water quality: Improved lake water quality during the lockdown, 731
Science of The Total Environment , 139012 (2020)
9
BHU study: Pollution in Ganga has decreased by 25% to 30% during lockdown Hindustan Times,
https://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/bhu-study-pollution-in-ganga-has-decreased-by-25-to-30-during-
lockdown/story-ffyblTwG6csVQHTgu20u1O.html (last visited May 23, 2020)
A directs the State to protect the environment. 10 In the case of “M.C.Mehta v. Kamalnath”11 the
Hon’ble Supreme Court has pointed out that any damage to the any of the elements of the
environment namely air, water and soil which are necessary for life would be hazardous for life
within the meaning of Article 21. The lockdown restrictions imposed on transport and industries
have resulted into decrease in environmental pollution. Therefore application of the laws and duties
towards environment gives greater benefits to environment. The lockdown restrictions imposed on
industries and transport helped to decrease in environmental pollution by virtue of which it helped to
boost Right to healthy environment.

Economic Preparedness
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reported that world trade is going to be decreased
in between 12% to 30% in 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic effect on trade activities. 12 The
International Monetary Finance found that there is a decrease in the GDP growth from 3.3% to 3% in
just 3 months of Covid-19 pandemic. 13 Unemployment rate is increased due to shut down of
industries around the world. 14 National budget needs to be rethought to include investment into
research, development and training, purchase of medical equipments in medical sector. 15 In India,
many migrant workers have suffered by travelling back to their homes and their children suffered by
lack of proper nutrition and hygiene. 16 Government of India launched comprehensive package of
Rs.1.7 lakh crore to help the poor people and a insurance cover scheme of Rs.50 lakh for healthcare
workers.17 Therefore there is a need to be prepared economically to secure every citizens life and
fight against pandemic conditions.

Medical Preparedness

10
Fundamental Duties And Environmental Protection | Law Corner, https://lawcorner.in/fundamental-duties-and-
environmental-protection/ (last visited May 24, 2020)
11
(1997) 1 SCC 388
12
Trade set to plunge as COVID-19 pandemic upends global economy Wto.org,
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres20_e/pr855_e.htm (last visited May 23, 2020)
13
Impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the world economy and how India is placed The Economic Times,
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/personal-finance-news/impact-of-the-coronavirus-pandemic-on-the-world-
economy-and-how-india-is-placed/articleshow/75217253.cms?from=mdr (last visited May 23, 2020)
14
7 charts show how the coronavirus pandemic has hit the global economy CNBC,
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/24/coronavirus-pandemics-impact-on-the-global-economy-in-7-charts.html (last visited
May 23, 2020)
15
Coronavirus has taught Italy hard lessons. Other countries must learn from us | Maurizio Molinari the Guardian,
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/20/coronavirus-italy-lessons-countries-crisis-information (last
visited May 23, 2020)
16
Understanding the Implications of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Migrant Workers’ Children The Wire,
https://thewire.in/rights/covid-19-lockdown-migrant-workers-children-implications (last visited May 24, 2020)
17
Rs 50 Lakh cover! Who will benefit from Modi govt’s Special Insurance Scheme for Covid-19? The Financial
Express, https://www.financialexpress.com/money/insurance/modi-govt-special-insurance-scheme-for-covid-19-who-
will-get-rs-50-lakh-cover/1910295/ (last visited May 25, 2020)
 Since from the Influenza virus pandemic, World Health Organization (WHO) issued
guidance to develop cooperation among nations and to develop pandemic vaccines. 18 Another study
showed that there is a need for medical preparedness to protect public health during H5N1 influenza
virus pandemic.19 Indian Government appealed to doctors to give voluntary services during Covid-19
pandemic.20 Development of digital platforms and Telemedicine facilities helped Germany during
Covid-19 pandemic.21 There were estimated deaths of health workers 27 in the USA, 106 in the UK,
and 180 in Russia due to lack of protective equipment (PPE), supplies and resources during their
work towards Covid-19 pandemic.22 There is a need for awareness among health workers to prevent
Covid-19 deaths.23 In Italy, stress limits of intensive care units physicians and older aged patients
increased due to doubling rate of Covid-19 infections.24 These stress limits may pose threats to the
working efficiency of healthcare workers.25 State of Kerala followed Covid-19 planning to control
increasing number of Covid-19 patients by testing them and isolating.26 This process of test and
trace is also efficiently followed by South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. 27 In these countries less
number of Covid-19 deaths reported despite the fact that there is no full lockdown as compared to
other countries.28 It gives a lesson that human lives can be saved by well prepared medical sector.

Covid-19 Awareness

18
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response: A WHO Guidance Document. Geneva: World Health Organization;
2009. 3, Roles and Responsibilities in Preparedness and Response. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK143067/
19
Levin, Peter J et al. “Can the health-care system meet the challenge of pandemic flu? Planning, ethical, and workforce
considerations.” Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974) vol. 122,5 (2007): 573-8.
doi:10.1177/003335490712200503
20
CALL to Doctors to work as Volunteers for COVID-19 Outbreak | NITI Aayog Niti.gov.in, https://niti.gov.in/call-
doctors-work-volunteers-covid-19-outbreak (last visited May 23, 2020)
21
Germany benefits from digital health infrastructure during COVID-19 pandemic Healthcare IT News,
https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/europe/germany-benefits-digital-health-infrastructure-during-covid-19-
pandemic (last visited May 23, 2020)
22
The Lancet, The plight of essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, 395 The Lancet , 1587 (2020)
23
Sepkowitz, Kent A, and Leon Eisenberg. “Occupational deaths among healthcare workers.” Emerging infectious
diseases vol. 11,7 (2005): 1003-8. doi:10.3201/eid1107.041038
24
Neto, Modesto Leite Rolim et al. “When health professionals look death in the eye: the mental health of professionals
who deal daily with the 2019 coronavirus outbreak.” Psychiatry research vol. 288 (2020): 112972.
doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112972
25
Psychological Trauma Is the Next Crisis for Coronavirus Health Workers Scientific American,
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/psychological-trauma-is-the-next-crisis-for-coronavirus-health-workers1/
(last visited May 23, 2020)
26
What the world can learn from Kerala about how to fight covid-19 MIT Technology Review,
https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/04/13/999313/kerala-fight-covid-19-india-coronavirus/ (last visited May 23,
2020)
27
What the U.S. can learn from other countries in the coronavirus fight Axios, https://www.axios.com/coronavirus-
lessons-other-countries-24794264-1653-4500-922c-7f1c66efa011.html (last visited May 23, 2020)
28
Encouraging Outlook—In Taiwan, Singapore And South Korea Life Is Continuing Without Lockdowns Forbes,
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesasquith/2020/04/01/positive-outlook-in-taiwan-singapore-and-south-korea-life-is-
continuing-with-relative-normality/#388b41b17335 (last visited May 23, 2020)
 The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) suggested teachers to engage students to
learn precautionary measures to prevent spread of Corona Virus. 29 In India, Universities, Colleges
and Schools have been instructed by the Centre and State to spread awareness about Corona Virus
among students.30 WHO have given advice for public to practice hygiene, to wash hands with soap
and running water, to cover the mouth and nose before coughing, to wear a mask, to maintain social
distancing of 1 meter (3 feet’s) between person to person.31 Therefore Covid-19 awareness is helpful
in preventing spreading of Corona Virus infections.

Medical Alertness
On 29 April 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) reported that corona virus disease
outbreak situation spread in 213 countries with 30,24,059-confirmed cases and 2,08,112-confirmed
deaths.32 But on 24 May 2020, WHO reported that corona virus disease outbreak situation spread in
216 countries with 52,06,614-confirmed cases and 3,37,736-confirmed deaths.33 On 30 April 2020,
Government of India reported on Covid-19 dashboard with 23,651-active cases, 8324-
cured/discharged cases, 1074-deaths.34 But on 25 May 2020 Government of India reported on Covid-
19 dashboard with 77,103-active cases, 57,720 cured/discharged cases, 4,021-deaths. 35 WHO
reported that most common symptoms of Covid-19 are dry cough, fever. Other symptoms in some
patients may have nasal congestion, aches and pains, sore throat or diarrhea.36 But in February 2020,
asymptomatic (without symptoms) patients are found in China, Japan’s Diamond Princess Cruise.37
Indian Government has launched digital platform to solve various grievances during Covid-19
pandemic. 38 Government of India launched ‘Arogya setu’ mobile application to track Covid-19

29
How teachers can talk to children about coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Unicef.org,
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-teachers-can-talk-children-about-coronavirus-disease-covid-19 (last visited Apr
30, 2020)
30
Coronavirus awareness drive in schools, colleges Ahmedabad Mirror,
https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/others/coronavirus-awareness-drive-in-schools-
colleges/articleshow/74216018.cms (last visited May 2, 2020)
31
Advice for public Who.int, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public (last
visited May 2, 2020)
32
Coronavirus Who.int, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 (last visited Apr 30, 2020)
33
Coronavirus Who.int, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 (last visited May 25, 2020)
34
#IndiaFightsCorona COVID-19 MyGov.in, https://www.mygov.in/covid-19 (last visited Apr 30, 2020)
35
#IndiaFightsCorona COVID-19 MyGov.in, https://www.mygov.in/covid-19 (last visited May 25, 2020)
36
Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) Who.int, https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-
coronaviruses#:~:text=symptoms (last visited May 3, 2020)
37
It's Estimated 1 in 4 Coronavirus Carriers Could Be Asymptomatic. Here's What We Know ScienceAlert,
https://www.sciencealert.com/here-s-what-we-know-so-far-about-those-who-can-pass-corona-without-symptoms (last
visited May 3, 2020)
38
Govt launches digital platform COVID India Seva for real time grievance redressal - ET Government
ETGovernment.com, https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/digital-india/head-govt-launches-digital-
platform-covid-india-seva-for-real-time-grievance-redressal/75284732 (last visited May 25, 2020)
patients and alert others.39 Government of India launched ‘Ayush Sanjivini’ mobile application to
understand and enhance public immunity.40 Therefore medical alertness is required to alert people to
take more precautions due to increased risk of spreading of corona virus disease.

Right to Education during Pandemic

The Article-21A in the Constitution of India gives Right to Education as a fundamental right
to every child to get a full time, free and compulsory education in the age group six to fourteen
years.41 In “Mohini Jain Vs. State of Karnataka & Ors”42 the Supreme Court of India held the Right to
Education to be a Fundamental Right. But in India use of internet for online education costs Rs.7/GB.43
As per directive principles of state policy Article 45 directs state to provide early childhood care and
education until they become 6 years of age.44 The online education increased screen watching time
for children.45 Increase in screen watching could cause various eye and mental problems such as
nearsightedness, eye fatigue, dry and irritated eyes, loss of focus flexibility and impact on sleep
rhythms. 46 Therefore online education should be free of cost to fulfill provisions of Right to
Education in India and there is a need to plan screen time for health safety of children.

Crime control during Pandemic

In India, the lockdown mechanism includes various laws under Indian Penal Code, such as
Section 188 (disobedience to the directions given by a public servant), Section 269 (negligent act
likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and Section 270 (malignant act likely to spread
infection of disease dangerous to life).47 The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1987 empowers government to
make rules and notifications to prevent spread of epidemic disease, whereas The Disaster
Management Act, 2005 empowers government to establish authority to effectively manage

39
COVID-19 pandemic: Apps aid the fight The Financial Express,
https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/technology/covid-19-pandemic-apps-aid-the-fight/1932595/ (last visited May
25, 2020)
40
Ayush Sanjivani Mobile App MyGov.in, https://www.mygov.in/ayush-sanjivani-app/ (last visited May 25, 2020)
41
School Education | Government of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development Mhrd.gov.in,
https://mhrd.gov.in/rte (last visited May 1, 2020)
42
1992 AIR 1858
43
Indians on average consume over 11GB data per month: Report Livemint,
https://www.livemint.com/industry/telecom/indians-consume-over-11gb-data-per-month-report-11582802282339.html
(last visited May 1, 2020)
44
Right to Education in the coronavirus era - The Sunday Guardian Live The Sunday Guardian Live,
https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/legally-speaking/right-education-coronavirus-era (last visited May 24, 2020)
45
Why e-learning isn’t a sustainable solution to the COVID-19 education crisis in India The Hindu,
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/why-elearning-is-not-a-sustainable-solution-to-the-covid19-education-
crisis-in-india/article31560007.ece (last visited May 24, 2020)
46
How Too Much Screen Time Affects Kids' Eyes | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Chop.edu,
https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/how-too-much-screen-time-affects-kids-eyes (last visited May 24, 2020)
47
Coronavirus: The legal framework behind lockdown, curfew, and quarantine Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news,
https://www.barandbench.com/columns/coronavirus-the-legal-framework-behind-lockdown-curfew-and-quarantine (last
visited May 24, 2020)
disasters.48 Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code 1973, imposed on May 5 2020 to May 17
2020, to control spread of Corona Virus infection in Mumbai.49 Section 144 prohibits assembly of 4
or more people in particular area. 50 The INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization)
informed that there is increase in the emerging threats of counterfeit medical products, fraud and
cyber crime during covid-19 pandemic. 51 The new study has found that Corona Virus is
asymptomatic and a single infected patient can spread infections to 9,537 patients in 40 days. 52
Whereas Section 144 allows assembly of 2 or 3 peoples, which means if there is a single infected
person in the assembly he may cause infections to others. Therefore new laws were required with
respect to control Covid-19 pandemic and implemented to control spread of infections, emerging
threats of cyber crimes, counterfeit medical products and fraud.

Right to Privacy during Pandemic

Many schools in India began using Zoom video conferencing app for education purposes. But
there are reports saying that Zoom app doesn’t have end to end encryption and it is vulnerable to
cyber attacks.53 The Indian MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) warned people that Zoom app is not
safe and issued advisory for people who still want to use zoom app.54 On 17/04/2020 a letter petition
was submitted by 2 Advocates to Chief Justice of India seeking ban on Zoom app as it violates the
fundamental right of privacy enshrined in Article-21 in the constitution of India.55 Supreme Court of
India accepted writ petition seeking ban on Zoom app and issued notice to the central Government
and Zoom video to provide reply within four weeks.56 The Article 20 of constitution of India gives

48
COVID-19 lockdown: Understanding the legal framework to ensure you stay home cnbctv18.com,
https://www.cnbctv18.com/legal/covid-19-lockdown-understanding-the-legal-framework-to-ensure-you-stay-home-
5741981.htm (last visited May 24, 2020)
49
Mumbai lockdown: Section 144 imposed as coronavirus cases rise. Know the rules Livemint,
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/mumbai-lockdown-section-144-imposed-as-coronavirus-cases-rise-here-are-the-
rules-you-must-follow-11588654547803.html (last visited May 24, 2020)
50
COVID-19: What is Section 144 of the CrPC? Jagranjosh.com, https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-
knowledge/difference-between-curfew-and-section-144-of-crpc-1550822290-1 (last visited May 24, 2020)
51
COVID-19 Interpol.int, https://www.interpol.int/How-we-work/COVID-19 (last visited May 24, 2020)
52
A New Study Indicates Asymptomatic People are Still Highly Contagious Medium,
https://coronavirus.medium.com/an-early-study-shows-asymptomatic-people-are-still-highly-contagious-cd62ba0615e0
(last visited May 25, 2020)
53
Zoom security issues: Zoom could be vulnerable to foreign surveillance, intel report says CNET,
https://www.cnet.com/news/zoom-security-issues-zoom-could-be-vulnerable-to-foreign-surveillance-intel-report-says/
(last visited May 1, 2020)
54
Govt says Zoom video app unsafe, must not be used for its meetings: Report Business-standard.com,
https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/zoom-video-app-not-safe-avoid-for-official-use-mha-issues-
advisory-120041601215_1.html (last visited May 1, 2020)
55
'ZOOM' Violates Right To Privacy: Letter Petition To CJI Seeks Ban On Video Conferencing App [Read Petition]
Livelaw.in, https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/zoom-violates-right-to-privacy-letter-petition-to-cji-seeks-ban-on-video-
conferencing-app-read-petition-155406 (last visited May 1, 2020)
56
Supreme Court admits petition to ban video conferencing app Zoom in India Livemint,
https://www.livemint.com/technology/tech-news/supreme-court-admits-petition-to-ban-video-conferencing-app-zoom-
in-india-11590153505942.html (last visited May 23, 2020)
some fundamental protection to citizens as well as to foreigners in case of conviction.57 The Article
21(Protection of Life and Personal Liberty) of constitution of India states that “No person shall be
deprived of his life and personal liberty except according to procedure established by law”. 58
Fundamental rights in Article 20 and Article 21 cannot be suspended during emergency.59 Therefore
online education platform should be safer and lawful during pandemic to protect Right to Privacy.

Conclusion
The Covid-19 lockdown restrictions imposed on transport and industries resulted into
decrease in environmental pollution. There were laws to protect environment which were existed in
pre lockdown period but the pollution rate was higher in pre lockdown period as compared to
lockdown period. It means restrictions strategy can be used as a law and duty to protect environment.
There is a need to be prepared economically to help every citizen of this country to fight against
Covid-19 pandemic conditions. There is a need to provide financial and educational assistance to the
employees lost their jobs during pandemic.

Developed countries Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea followed trace and test methodologies
to control spread of infections. Whereas Germany followed telemedicine system and India followed
using digital platforms to prevent spread of corona virus infections. It means scientific innovations
and digital platforms can be used to save, alert and aware humans by well prepared medical sector.
The Corona Virus disease pandemic can be controlled by educating people to hygienic health
practices through online and offline educational platforms.

In India, free online education platform could fulfill Right to Education for children. Article
20 and 21 of constitution of India cannot be suspended during pandemic. Whereas Article-21 (A)
Right to education is within the meaning of Article 21. Therefore more safer and lawful online
education platform could protect Right to Privacy, Right to Education and helps to prevent cyber
crimes.

The Covid-19 dashboard data of India shows Covid-19 infections and deaths were increased
in April 2020. According to Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 prohibits assembly of
four or more people. But reports say a single patient can infect thousands of patients

57
A Brief Idea of Article 20: Protection Against Conviction of Offences Legalserviceindia.com,
http://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-544-a-brief-idea-of-article-20-protection-against-conviction-of-
offences.html (last visited May 29, 2020)
58
Article 21 of The Constitution of India - The Expanding Horizons Legalserviceindia.com,
http://www.legalserviceindia.com/articles/art222.htm (last visited May 29, 2020)
59
Emergency Provisions in the Constitution of India - Law Times Journal Law Times Journal,
http://lawtimesjournal.in/emergency-provisions/ (last visited May 29, 2020)
asymptomatically. Therefore a new law is required along with existing laws to control Covid-19
pandemic.

The Covid-19 pandemic lessons directed humans to take safety measures to fight against
Corona virus disease and save human lives. Problems of Covid-19 pandemic can be solved by taking
effective Medical preparedness, Medical Alertness, Covid-19 Awareness, Economic Preparedness,
Protecting necessary Fundamental Rights, Crime control and making new laws with respect to
Covid-19 pandemic.