PAHO: Ethics guidance on issues raised by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic

This document provides ethical guidance on issues raised by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and was developed by the Regional Program on Bioethics, Department of Health Systems and Services, based on Pan American Health Organization. Zika Ethics Consultation: Ethics guidance on key issues raised by the outbreak. The document answers questions related to public health and research during the pandemic like COVID-19, based on researches of past pandemics. Through this guide, the readers will be able to find answers to questions such as:

• How should public health activities that involve data collection be distinguished from research?
• How should the health of the public be advanced during the pandemic?
• What do health authorities owe to the general public in terms of communication during the pandemic?
• How should uncertainty be handled?
• Can we fast-track ethics review during an emergency?
• Is consent necessary when doing research during emergencies?
• Can samples collected for other purposed be used for research?
• Do we have a duty to share the results of research?
   

• For other topics relevant to the new coronavirus (such quarantine or isolation), consult:
  • World Health Organization. Guidance for Managing Ethical Issues in Infectious Disease Outbreaks
  • World Health Organization. Ethical considerations in developing a public health response to pandemic influenza
• For ethics guidance for surveillance:
  • World Health Organization. WHO guidelines on ethical issues in public health surveillance

Click here to learn more about the guide.

Please direct your questions to: bioethics@paho.org