Participatory Research on the Use of Public Spaces in Light of the COVID-19 Epidemic and Citizens’ Reactions to New Official Policies

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Shamseya conducted this study to investigate the response to and level of worry of the community about the virus. This research also investigates the infection control measures taken by public spaces to limit transmission. We also present a brief reflection about the curfew measures based on the data we collected and through the lens of efficiency and equity. For the community response, 464 responses were collected. The commitment of different groups to self isolation, level of worry, reasons for going out were measured. For the public spaces, 6 service providers answered a questionnaire regarding their views on the curfew policy implemented on the 25th of March 2020. Data was also collected from salametna.com, a website that publishes ratings and assessments of public spaces based on infection control measures. The purpose of these investigations is to provide relevant stakeholders and authorities with data regarding the community in order to better shape policy and decision making.