A structured open dataset of government interventions in response to COVID-19

Abstract

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, governments have implemented a wide range of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Monitoring and documenting government strategies during the COVID-19 crisis is crucial to understand the progression of the epidemic. Following a content analysis strategy of existing public information sources, we developed a specific hierarchical coding scheme for NPIs. We generated a comprehensive structured dataset of government interventions and their respective timelines of implementation. To improve transparency and motivate collaborative validation process, information sources are shared via an open library. We also provide codes that enable users to visualise the dataset. Standardization and structure of the dataset facilitate inter-country comparison and the assessment of the impacts of different NPI categories on the epidemic parameters, population health indicators, the economy, and human rights, among others. This dataset provides an in-depth insight of the government strategies and can be a valuable tool for developing relevant preparedness plans for pandemic. We intend to further develop and update this dataset until the end of December 2020.

Fig. 1

Geographical coverage of the CCCSL and total number of recorded NPIs that were implemented in each country to control the spread of COVID-19. As of date of submission, the dataset includes 56 countries and dates of NPI implementation range from 31/12/2019 to 15/07/2020.

Fig. 2

Heat map of the dates of implementation of the NPIs recorded in the CCCSL at the level 2 of the hierarchical coding scheme (categories) in 56 countries. Time is in epidemic age with t₀ = day when 10 cases were reported (http://covid19-interventions.com/CountryMeasuresHeatmap.svg).

Fig. 3

Country-cluster analysis based on the number of mandatory government interventions and respective dates of implementation, as calculated using the epidemic age (t₀ = day when 10 cases were reported) (http://covid19-interventions.com/CountryClusters.html).