Does the internet help governments contain the COVID-19 pandemic? Multi-country evidence from online human behaviour.

ABSTRACT: The effectiveness of social distancing and other public health interventions for containing the COVID-19 pandemic has been demonstrated. However, whether and how Internet use behaviours can lead to enhanced self-protection and reduced transmission when considered in conjunction with behavioural interventions remains unclear. This study investigated the strength of effective Internet behaviours and its interaction with global public health interventions for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted an econometric analysis of multisource infection and policy information, Internet behaviour, and meteorological information from worldwide in a 3-month period. People's Internet behaviours may contribute crucially to pandemic containment. Furthermore, they may help enhance the effects of pu

SUBMITTER: Zhang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9374504 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature