*2.2. Sustained Effects of Government Response on Infection Rate*

The findings of the aforementioned studies demonstrate the immediate inhibitory impact of government response on the spread of COVID-19. However, little is known about the sustained effects of an early government response on the COVID-19 infection rate. We propose that there are two ways in which government response can exert a sustained impact on the spread of infection: one is by influencing individuals psychologically, such as through risk perception, precautionary awareness, emotions, and confidence; and the other is by directly influencing individuals' protective behaviours, such as mask-wearing and social distancing.
