Stoic or Dread? Exploring Reactions to the COVID-19 Pandemic

This exploratory study seeks to capture the response of people to the several extraordinary measures taken by the government in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected through a online survey and analyzed respondents’ self-report of feelings along a spectrum – named the ‘Dread-Stoic Index’ – based on their (a) affective response to actions taken by the government; and (b) understanding of drivers of government pandemic policy. We found that more Stoic respondents were more likely to see government action as necessary, based on good science, and fair and equitable. They largely approved of measures such as curfew/lockdown, cancellation of transport facilities, educational institutions and businesses. Those who were more Dread not only felt significantly differently on the above dimensions, they (in addition) felt that the government was acting in response to global pressure rather than in consultation with national/local entities. Our findings show that India cannot continue to rely on a 125-year old Epidemic Diseases Act. We need a legal architecture that not only spells out the conditions under which the State can intervene in a public health emergency, but that also safeguards citizen’s ‘liberty, movement, privacy and property’.