COVID-19 lockdowns
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During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of non-pharmaceutical interventions, particularly lockdowns (encompassing stay-at-home orders, curfews, quarantines, cordons sanitaires and similar societal restrictions), were implemented in numerous countries and territories around the world. By April 2020, about half of the world's population was under some form of lockdown, with more than 3.9 billion people in more than 90 countries or territories having been asked or ordered to stay at home by their governments.
In addition to the health effects of lockdown restrictions, researchers had found the lockdowns may have reduced crime and violence by armed non-state actors, such as the Islamic State, and other terrorist groups. In addition, lockdowns had increased the uptake of telecommuting, reduced airborne pollution, and increased adoption of digital payment systems.
Research has also documented profound negative economic impacts, in addition to worsened school academic performance and negative mental health consequences.
Large-scale protests were organized worldwide against lockdowns, with demonstrators arguing that stay-at-home orders infringed on constitutional rights, constituted excessive government control and violated civil liberties.