Strategic responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Pacific Alliance countries

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments of different countries to implement unprecedented strategies with the aim of reducing the rate of contagion and mitigating its economic and social effects. In this scenario, the purpose of this paper is to analyze four fundamental strategies, namely, testing and diagnosis, macroprudential, labor market and social assistance, based on the crisis management theory. Design/methodology/approach: This research note is based on a review of the principal official legislations regarding the strategies implemented during the first 80 days from the first zero case registered in the Pacific Alliance countries. Findings: The review shows that the Pacific Alliance countries have implemented similar strategies regarding macroprudential and labor market measures. On the other hand, there are differences among the strategies related to testing and diagnostic and social assistance. Originality/value: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected Latin American countries due to their economic and social problems. In this sense, the reporting and analysis of the principal strategies implemented by the Pacific Alliance countries constitute a baseline to understand the effectiveness of these strategies in mitigating the negative effects of the pandemic.