The Critical Importance of Human Behavior in Our Response to COVID-19

By: Brendan Murray, Ph.D.

Medically reviewed by Patricia Salber MD, MBA (@docweighsin)

Updated on October 23, 2020

Despite its unpredictable nature, we must find ways for human behavior to help, not hurt or hinder, our response to the COVID19 pandemic.

Our behaviors, such as wearing masks, are important factors in controlling the spread of COVID-19 (Graphic source: iStock)

Early in the pandemic, Dr. Deborah Birx, the Coronavirus Response Coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force, reminded the public of the critical importance of individual and collective human behaviors to change the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. She said,

“It’s communities that will do this. There’s no magic bullet. There’s no magic vaccine or therapy. It’s just behaviors. Each of our behaviors translating into something that changes the course of this viral pandemic over the next 30 days.”

The pandemic continues to profoundly change our “normal” lives many months later. And to compound the impact, we are now facing the possibility of a devastating third wave of new cases.

This once again reminds us of the importance of human behavior in combatting the pandemic. Despite tireless, ongoing efforts, there is still no magic vaccine although we keep being told that one is on the horizon.