Normative analysis and ethical evaluation of curfew and restrictions as a public health measure during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Countries have declared various public health measures and have taken measures to protect public health in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures aim to protect the health of society and individuals, prevent and restrict the spread of the disease;on the other hand, they also restrict fundamental rights and freedoms. Our research aimed at conducting normative analysis and ethical evaluation of curfew and restrictions as a public health measure during the COVID-19 pandemic with focusing on some epidemiological research results. The definition and function of proportionality as an ethical principle in the application of such measures were examined. Basic theses were developed and some recommendations were made for ethical orientation by revealing the importance and necessity of moral virtues such as responsibility and solidarity in the fight against the pandemic.