Local Democracy in Health Emergency

This paper analyzes how local governments along with local communities have responded to the health emergency during the pandemic COVID-19. We conducted both content analysis and in-depth interviews to gather data. While the government followed a regulatory approach to enforce lockdown and health measures, we found that an inclusive and resilient community model may be more effective as a soft measure.

We found that local governments have become the focal point in response to the pandemic, which includes ensuring testing for the people with suspected cases, ensuring quarantine, social distancing, wearing masks, relief work and essential supplies for people under lockdown. They have worked closely with the civil administration, law enforcement agencies and health workers.

This policybrief is a result of ICLD Local Democracy Academy 2020