The premature lifting of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic created a trade-off between economic recovery and increased disease transmission, yet its true impact remains poorly understood. This study investigates the causal effect of ending lockdown policies on COVID-19 cases and deaths in Colombia, using sales tax holidays (TH) as a natural experiment. We analyze 1,105,215 observations from March 6, 2020, to December 31, 2021, using data from the Colombian Ministry of Health and Google Mobility. Applying a Difference-in-Differences approach, we find that, prior to vaccination, THs increased daily COVID-19 cases and deaths by 14 % and 4 % points, respectively, leading to net economic losses. After vaccines became available, economic gains from THs exceeded health costs. These findings underscore the trade-offs of ending lockdowns prematurely, which can have economic consequences. Policymakers can use these insights to weigh the benefits of relaxing lockdowns against health risks, emphasizing the role of vaccination and preparedness in future pandemics.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality rate in 55 African countries is almost 4.5 times lower than in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) despite Africa having over 4.2 times more people. This mortality paradox is also evident when comparing Nigeria, a heavily populated, poorly vaccinated and weakly mandated country to Israel, a small, highly vaccinated and strictly mandated country. Nigeria has almost 4 times lower COVID mortality than Israel. In this Field of Vision perspective, I explain how this paradox has evolved drawing upon my academic, clinical and social experience. Since April 2020, I've developed and been using the Egyptian immune-modulatory Kelleni's protocol to manage COVID-19 patients including pediatric, geriatric, pregnant, immune-compromised and other individuals suffering from multiple comorbidities. It's unfortunate that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is still evolving accompanied by more deaths. However in Africa, we've been able to live without anxiety or mandates throughout the pandemic because we trust science and adopted early treatment using safe, and effective repurposed drugs that have saved the majority of COVID-19 patients. This article represents an African and Egyptian tale of honor.

Reopening countries also carries the risk of another wave of infections in many parts of the world, raising the question of whether we are ready to reopen our countries. This study examines the impact of reopening countries to receive foreign tourists on the spread of COVID-19 in 2022, encompassing 83 countries worldwide. We employ spatial quantile models capable of analyzing the spatial impact of tourism on the spread of the virus at different quantile levels. The research categorizes countries into three groups: low infection rate (10th-30th quantiles), moderate infection rate (40th-60th quantiles), and high infection rate (70th-90th quantiles). This allows for a more comprehensive and detailed comparison of the impacts. Additionally, considering the spatial dimension enables the explanation of both the direct and indirect effects of tourists on the country itself and neighboring countries. The findings reveal that the number of international tourists has a significant effect on the COVID-19 infection rate, particularly in countries with high initial infection rates. However, countries that effectively controlled their infection rates at a low level could maintain a low infection rate even after reopening to foreign tourists. It is also observed that reopening a country's borders negatively impacts the infection rate of neighboring countries. These important findings imply that governments of highly infected countries should shift their focus towards bolstering their economy by promoting domestic tourism and should delay reopening until the number of infections decreases.

The COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity to understand the experiences of different cultures and the application of preventive measures during a pandemic. That understanding can lead to the development of important evidence to grasp the global situation and prepare for future health crises. This qualitative study explores the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on individuals in Saudi Arabia, focusing on personal and socio-political effects. Employing semi-structured interviews with 28 participants, the research delves into the lived experiences during the early stages of the pandemic, highlighting emotional coping mechanisms, behavioral changes, role responsibility adaptations, and perceptions of governmental actions. The findings reveal a spectrum of emotional responses, from worry and fear to acceptance and contentment, and significant shifts in behavior and societal norms. The study underscores the importance of understanding cultural contexts in pandemic responses and offers insights into the resilience and adaptability of the Saudi community. It suggests the need for tailored interventions that consider the complex interplay of emotional, behavioral, and socio-political factors in managing future health crises.