Evacuation and Repatriation Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, evacuation and repatriation of nationals have been done by many countries. However, this has posed several socio-economic and public health issues that are worth exploring. This commentary, therefore, aims at exploring the impact of evacuation and repatriation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Evacuation and repatriation helped to alleviate the psycho-social effects of the pandemic on foreign nationals, and also creates a sense of relief for host nations due to the reduced stress related to caring for a potentially larger number of people. It also contributed to the enhancement of the healthcare systems of several countries. However, evacuation and repatriation have contributed to the importation of the virus into various countries. It presents significant logistic and economic challenges as it requires trained personnel and equipment. Therefore, there is a need for proper planning, financing and supervision to avoid possible importation of the virus during the expedition. In addition, community awareness regarding returnees is essential to prevent social discrimination and stigma. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2021-03-SI-7 Full Text: PDF

Safe and optimistic: Experiences of military members after the first repatriation of South Africans during the Covid-19 pandemic

“…• felt that people would not judge the PUI for returning to South Africa (62%). Kawuki et al (2021) acknowledge that repatriation was important and held many benefits for the country. However, they warn against the after-effects of being repatriated that may lead to discrimination and stigma.…”

“…The Covid-19 pandemic presented a period of unprecedented uncertainty and a wave of social issues. Months after Covid-19 had first appeared in Wuhan, China (Kawuki et al, 2021); South Africa was faced with the Covid-19 pandemic within its borders. For this reason, South Africa chose to act, and decided to impose a national lockdown and to repatriate its citizens from abroad.…”

“…This national lockdown took a phased approach, which comprised five levels depending on the severity of Covid-19 infections. Part of the national lockdown was the repatriation of South Africans from Wuhan (Kawuki et al, 2021).…”

“…It was also seen as a means by which the South African government could protect its people and bring them home to safety and their loved ones. Through the repatriation, trust and belief in the South African government was sparked as similar actions were taken by other countries across the world (Kawuki et al, 2021). Although repatriation is an essentially well-intentioned action, there are negative consequences for repatriated persons and health care workers.…”

“…Although repatriation is an essentially well-intentioned action, there are negative consequences for repatriated persons and health care workers. These consequences include stigma, discrimination, social exclusion, mockery and insults (Kawuki et al, 2021).…”