JOURNAL LA SOCIALE
VOL. 02, ISSUE 01 (025-030), 2021
DOI: 10.37899/journal-la-sociale.v2i1.294

The implementation of policies and the impact of handling Covid-19
originating from the World Health Organization's Point of View
Pham Hoang
Ho Chi Minh City University, Vietnam
*Corresponding Author: Pham Hoang
Email: phamhoang91@gmail.com
Article Info
Article history:
Article history:
Received 02 December 2020
Received in revised form 18
December 2020
Accepted 20 Januari 2021

Keywords:
Policy Implementation
WHO
COVID-19

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to describe the capacity and role of WHO
in dealing with the spread of COVID-19 and to discuss in-depth articles
at the stages of policy implementation that specifically discuss the WHO
protocol that is applied in dealing with the spread of Covid-19. The
implementation of the policy to handle the spread of COVID-19
considers various aspects not only health but also the economic and
social impacts resulting from government decision making. In addition,
response measures are implemented through the Acceleration of
COVID-19 Handling task which is part of the formation of structures,
structure is one of the aspects that are considered in Edward III's
implementation theory besides communication, resources and
disposition because the presence of a structure helps implement policies
has a significant effect. on policy implementation. The support of all
elements of the government, the private sector in compliance with
government and WHO instructions, especially regarding social
distancing and physical distancing, will have a big impact in preventing
the spread of COVID-19.

Introduction
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the newly discovered
coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate
respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. This virus was found in
Wuhan China for the first time and has infected it (Backer et al., 2020; Huang et al., 2020).
The spread of this disease attracts the attention of all parties, both at home and abroad, even
the WHO, which is one of the United Nations agencies that acts as an international public
health coordinator and is headquartered in Geneva.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus officially announced the Corona virus (COVID-19) as a
pandemic (WHO, 2020). A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. Pandemics have a big impact
when new diseases spread around the world in uncontrolled numbers (Colizza, et al., 2007).
On January 30, 2020 WHO has designated it as a Public Health Emergency of International
Concern (KKMMD / PHEIC). The increase in the number of COVID-19 cases is happening
fast enough and there has been a spread between countries.
WHO has published laboratory testing guidelines for COVID19 in suspected human cases.
Recognizing that the global spread of COVID-19 has dramatically increased the number of
suspected cases and geographic areas where laboratory testing needs to be carried out, intensive
COVID-19 molecular testing has led to a global shortage of molecular testing reagents for
COVID-19 and for other molecular diagnostics. Beyond supply issues, there are significant
absorption capacity limitations in many areas, especially in low and middle income countries
(WHO, 2020). The local government has separately announced measures to contain the
outbreak in its territory, including those relating to public crowds. On the other hand, to prevent
25

the spread of corona from abroad, Immigration has issued a protocol for granting visas and
residence permits in an effort to prevent the entry of the Corona virus. This initial effort is said
to have had no effect because currently COVID-19 has infected a number of people.
This article describes from the side of policy making for handling COVID-19 which is
conceptually that policy is a direction of action that has a purpose set by an actor or a number
of actors in overcoming a problem or problem (Anderson et al 1978). Public policy is a series
of actions that are determined and implemented or not carried out by the government which
has goals or is oriented towards certain goals for the benefit of the whole society (Hill & Hupe,
2002). The stages of the policy process consist of intelligence, promotion, prescription,
invocation, application, termination, and appraisal (Laswell 1987; Peters & Pierre, 2006). In
addition, Anderson (1978) stated that there are five stages of policy, namely: problem
formation, formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation. The discussion of this
article does not thoroughly discuss the stages of the policy but is more in depth at the
implementation stage which specifically discusses the WHO protocol that is applied in dealing
with the spread of Covid-19.
Methods
Based on the approach and type of data used, this research is included in qualitative research
so that it will produce descriptive data in the form of words. Sources of data come from
observation and data collection through literature search. Sampling Sampling technique is a
technique of collecting data taken as a whole or as a whole to get a picture of it. Researchers
ask research subjects about potential subjects and other research sources who are considered to
be able to provide the information needed by the researcher. Data were analyzed through data
reduction, presentation and drawing conclusions.
Results and Discussion
WHO Organizational Capacity
The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to achieve maximum health for the entire world
community, to achieve this goal WHO is actively carrying out tasks including the following:
in charge of overcoming health by helping to limit infectious diseases, providing health
assistance to the state -countries in need, help improve the welfare and health of mothers and
children, and encourage and assist the implementation of research in the health sector.
WHO was declared in 1948, WHO has functions which include the following, acting, directing
and coordinating the authority of authorities in international health efforts, assisting
governments in improving health services, cooperating with other specialized agencies if
necessary, to prevent real harm. related to world public health, foster mental health
development, especially those affecting the harmony of human relations, and promote and
conduct research in the health sector.
WHO's role in dealing with the Spread of COVID-19
WHO recommends that all suspected cases be tested for COVID-19 according to the WHO
Global surveillance case definition for human infection with the coronavirus disease (COVID19). Demonstrating that COVID-19 is not circulating in certain populations requires adequate
surveillance. The spike in severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) or influenza-like disease
(ILI) observed through clinical surveillance could be a sign of unknown circulating COVID19
in the general population and should call for specific testing for COVID-19. It is important to
emphasize that not having laboratory-confirmed cases does not imply that a country is free
from COVID-19, and could be a sign of inadequate testing and surveillance. All countries are
encouraged to critically assess respiratory syndrome surveillance and testing strategies. WHO
26

encourages countries to report core data / ILI through GISRS and is developing interim
operational considerations for COVID-19 surveillance using GISRS (WHO, 2020).
Assessment of possible risk areas and populations associated with travel to high-risk countries)
may require a more intensive testing strategy. Medical professionals should also be alert and
request testing when meeting patients with unexpected clinical presentations or when there is
increased hospital admissions in certain demographic groups. Even before COVID-19 cases
are detected nationally, it is very important to prepare for the possibility of increasing
transmission and planning for an increase in COVID-19 testing capacity.
Consideration for countries handling sporadic cases WHO recommends that all suspected cases
be tested for COVID-19 according to the WHO case definition (see: Global Monitoring for
human infection with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). When the first case of COVID-19 is
detected somewhere country, investigations should be carried out to determine the source of
infection (eg imported cases, local human transmission, or possible animal-to-human
transmission) These investigations may include genetic sequencing of the newly detected virus
where possible It is recommended that the first case detection be confirmed by one of the
laboratories WHO reference providing confirmatory testing for COVID-19.All other
recommendations listed in the no-case scenario above still apply, however each sporadic case
requires active case finding from contact and carrying out the necessary isolation and treatment
(see Considerations in case investigation and COV group ID-19 (WHO, 2020).
Prioritized testing strategy Because the virus does not respect borders, a country can
simultaneously have both cases without areas and areas with public circulation. Thus, different
testing strategies may be required in the same country. For territories within a country without
circulation, the aim remains to test all suspected cases in an effort to detect the first cases in a
new area or setting as quickly as possible, and to take immediate steps to prevent spread in that
territory.
Policy Implementation
Implementation is a series of activities in order to deliver policies to the public so that these
policies can bring the expected results (Van Meter & Van Horn, 1975). Described by Dimock
& Dimock, (2009) policy implementation is the parties that carry out the policy which consists
of determining organizational goals and objectives, analysis and formulation of organizational
policies and strategies, decision making, planning, programming, organizing, mobilizing
people, implementing operations. , supervision and assessment. Edward III (1978) explains
that policy implementation is influenced by four variables, namely communication, resources,
disposition and structure.
According to Van Meter & Van Horn, (1975) explained that policy implementation is defined
as actions taken by individuals, officials, or government or private groups directed at achieving
the goals outlined in policy decisions. The implementation of a policy is a process for realizing
the goals that have been selected and set to come true. Organizing these objectives through
statutory regulations, is the most important part, and cannot be separated from the environment
in the decision-making process. In other words, the implementation of a policy is closely
related to human factors, with various backgrounds in social, cultural, political aspects, and so
on.
WHO protocol
WHO has declared the corona virus a global pandemic. Readiness, preparedness and critical
response action WHO has defined four transmission scenarios for COVID-19: (1) Countries
without cases (No cases); (2) Countries with 1 or more cases, imported or detected locally
27

(Sporadic cases); (3) Countries experiencing clusters of cases in terms of time, geographic
location and / or general exposure (case clusters); (4) Countries experiencing a greater spread
than local transmission (community transmission) (WHO, 2020).
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the COVID19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by
washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face. The
COVID-19 virus spreads mainly through droplets of saliva or out of the nose when an infected
person coughs or sneezes, so it is important that you also practice respiratory etiquette for
example, coughing on the bent elbow.
So far, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for COVID-19. However, there are many
ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. WHO will continue to provide updated
information as soon as clinical findings become available. To prevent infection and slow
transmission of COVID-19, do the following: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water,
or clean them with an alcohol-based hand rub. Maintain a minimum distance of 1 meter
between yourself and the person who is coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your face. Cover
your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Stay home if you feel unwell. Do not smoke
and other activities that weaken the lungs. Practice maintaining your distance by avoiding
unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.
The COVID-19 virus affects different people in different ways. COVID-19 is a respiratory
disease and most people who are infected will experience mild to moderate symptoms and
recover without requiring special treatment. People who have underlying medical conditions
and those over the age of 60 have a higher risk of developing serious illness and death.
Isolation is carried out when someone is sick or positive for the corona virus. If you are sick,
stay at home Things to do: Do not go to work, school, or go to public spaces. This is to avoid
spreading COVID-19 to other people. Must isolate yourself and monitor yourself to avoid the
possibility of transmission to people around you, including your family. Report to the nearest
health facility about health conditions, history of contact with COVID-19 patients, or travel
history from the country / local transmission area. People who are self-isolating: A person who
is sick but has no risk of other comorbidities. Monitored Person with fever / respiratory
symptoms with history from country / local transmission area. People who are asymptomatic
but have had close contact with a COVID-19 patient. The length of time for self-isolation is 14
days until the results of examining samples in the laboratory are known Things to do during
self-isolation: Stay at home, don't go to work and go to public spaces. Use separate rooms in
the house from other family members. If possible, try to keep a distance of at least 1 meter
from other family members.
Always use a mask during self-isolation. Take daily temperature measurements and observe
clinical signs such as coughing or difficulty breathing. Avoid sharing utensils and toiletries and
bed linen. Apply a Healthy Lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, cleaning hands regularly,
washing hands with soap and running water, and practicing ethical coughing / sneezing. Be out
in the open and bask in the sun every morning. Keep the house clean with disinfectant liquid.
Immediately call a health care facility if the pain worsens (such as shortness of breath) for
further treatment.
Implementation and impact of the COVID-19 Handling Policy
The government needs to follow anticipatory steps according to WHO recommendations and
protocols. Starting from the observation or monitoring, supervision and rehabilitation steps.
The government is also trying to reduce the spread of this virus, through other efforts such as
28

socializing healthy living and always washing hands. The pandemic that freezes the world must
be taken seriously. The reason is this has involved the salvation of many human souls.
The anticipatory way is a way that doesn't wait for all the definite results to work with COVID19 before things get worse, you must take preventive measures. In other words the speed of
action which is really necessary under conditions
Lockdown is considered less effective in suppressing the spread of corona because the virus
has spread to various regions. As a comparison of the ineffectiveness of the lockdown carried
out by the Italian government, which started from the Province of Lombardi but was ineffective
because the corona virus had already spread in various Italian regions even when the lockdown
was implemented nationally in Italy, the number of new cases continued to increase. Even
though Italy has imposed fines for local residents who travel to Italy, foreigners can still travel
to Italy with a permit.
In addition, several public health and infectious disease experts are also concerned that the
effectiveness of the lockdown is considered to have a short-term impact. The government has
no plans to take steps to complete quarantine or lockdown. This measure to restrict movement
can have a major impact on the economy of the community, especially since many people
choose daily income. The community is not only asked to do social distancing as proclaimed
by the World Health Organization (WHO) but also to carry out physical distancing. Policy
makers are supposed to make public health their top priority even though bad economic threats
have the potential to occur. This health mitigation issue need not be a matter of doubt and must
be conveyed in a transparent manner so that it can be trusted by the public.
From the determinants, especially transparency and public trust, it is only possible to determine
properly and precisely what actions the government and civil society should take. The health
task force is a good bridge between government and civil society. These two elements can work
together and support each other for the purpose of saving people's lives. Collaboration is
important, including between the government, the private sector, and civil society, in which
there are many elements and professions that must be considered in their respective scientific
capacities. If all elements can work together to help the community carry out social distancing
and physical distancing, then handling the spread of COVID-19 can be done well which is also
supported by the government's capacity to stabilize the economy, meet the medical needs and
basic needs of the community.
The implementation of the policy to handle the spread of COVID-19 considers various aspects
not only health but also the economic and social impacts resulting from government decision
making. In addition, handling measures are implemented through the Acceleration of COVID19 Handling task which is part of the formation of structures, structure is one of the aspects
that are considered in Edward III's implementation theory besides communication, resources
and disposition because the presence of a structure helps implement policies has a significant
effect on policy implementation. Anderson stated public policy as a purposive course of action
followed by an actor on set an actors in dealing with a problem or matter of concern or as an
action that has a specific objective which is followed and implemented by an actor or a group
of actors in order to solve a problem. Actors or actors involved in executing the task of the
Acceleration of Handling of COVID-19 are interpreted as part of efforts to solve problems
related to the COVID-19 case.
Conclusion
WHO recommends that not circulating COVID-19 in certain populations requires adequate
surveillance. The government can follow the anticipatory steps according to the
recommendations and protocols from WHO starting from the observation, monitoring and
29

rehabilitation steps. The government is also trying to reduce the spread of this virus, through
other efforts such as socializing healthy living and always washing hands. In addition,
collaboration between the government and civil society, in which there are many elements and
professions, if all elements can work together to help the community carry out social distancing
and physical distancing, the number of COVID-19 spread can be suppressed, which is
important and cannot be separated from policy implementation. is a step to form a structure
that is part of the Executing Agency for the Acceleration of Handling COVID-19 which
technically executes the handling of COVID-19. Even though this pandemic has not ended, the
steps taken by the government need to get support from the community by obeying the
procedures of the central government, WHO, and local governments in providing policies
related to handling COVID-19.
References
Anderson, J. E., Brady, D. W., Bullock, C. S., & Stewart, J. (1978). Public policy and politics
in America (p. ix). North Scituate, MA: Duxbury Press.
Colizza, V., Barrat, A., Barthelemy, M., Valleron, A. J., & Vespignani, A. (2007). Modeling
the worldwide spread of pandemic influenza: baseline case and containment
interventions. PLoS medicine, 4(1).
Dimock, J. P., & Dimock, A. M. (2009). Debating about policies and policy debating: Issues
and non-issues in policy debate. Journal of the Communication, Speech & Theatre
Association of North Dakota, 22, 9-18.
Edward III, G. C. (1978). Understanding Public Policy. New Jersey: Prantice Hall.
Laswell, H. D. (1987). Policy orijentacija. Politička misao: časopis za politologiju, 24(3), 5769.
Peters, B. G., & Pierre, J. (2006). The three action levels of governance: Re-framing the policy
process beyond the stages model. Handbook of public policy, 13-30.
Van Meter, D. S., & Van Horn, C. E. (1975). The policy implementation process: A conceptual
framework. Administration & Society, 6(4), 445-488.
WHO (2020). WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19.
https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-atthe-media-briefing-on-covid-19---11-march-2020
WHO. (2020). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) technical guidance: Country readiness.
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technicalguidance/country-readiness
WHO. (2020). Laboratory testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in suspected
human cases. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/331329
Backer, J. A., Klinkenberg, D., & Wallinga, J. (2020). Incubation period of 2019 novel
coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infections among travellers from Wuhan, China, 20–28
January 2020. Eurosurveillance, 25(5), 2000062.
Huang, C., Wang, Y., Li, X., Ren, L., Zhao, J., Hu, Y., ... & Cheng, Z. (2020). Clinical features
of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China. The
lancet, 395(10223), 497-506.
Hill, M., & Hupe, P. (2002). Implementing public policy: Governance in theory and in practice.
Sage.
30