Lessons from China’s Experience: Legal Analysis of Health Risks and Medical Obstacles of Personnel in COVID-19 Control Areas

PURPOSE: Individuals in controlled areas often face restrictions on their personal freedom, and if they are unable to receive medical treatment when needed, it can significantly increase their health risks. However, current epidemic prevention and control policies do not provide clear guidelines on how to ensure individuals in controlled areas to seek medical attention when faced with health problems. By implementing specific measures that local governments must take in order to protect the health of those in controlled areas, the risks to their health can be greatly reduced. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our research utilizes a comparative approach to analyze the measures adopted by various regions for safeguarding the health of individuals in control areas, and the diverse outcomes they produce. We conduct empirical analysis and present examples of severe health risks that individuals in control areas face due to inadequate health protection measures. Furthermore, we conduct a critical evaluation of China’s legal management of control areas, identifying both its principles and shortcomings. RESULTS: The lack of unified legal regulations has led some local governments to make some shortcomings in making decisions on epidemic prevention and control. Specifically, some governments have neglected to provide adequate medical protection for individuals in controlled areas, limited the authority of specific implementers of prevention policies, and failed to establish fair punishment mechanisms. These shortcomings have a direct impact on the health of those in controlled areas and can even lead to tragic outcomes. CONCLUSION: Effective management of individuals in control areas during public health emergencies is crucial in reducing health risks. To achieve this, China needs to establish unified regulations and requirements, particularly with regards to medical protection, for individuals in control areas. Such measures can be achieved through the improvement of legislation, which can significantly reduce health risks faced by individuals in control areas during public health emergencies.