The article discusses the features of the regulation of counteraction measures in the
initial period of the pandemic. When choosing the object of the study, the authors proceeded from the assumption
that the effectiveness of responding to COVID-19 threats is related to the capabilities of public administration
systems to be adaptive and respond promptly to changes in the situation. The authors focused on studying the
process of adaptation of management systems to a new type of threat, for this purpose the situation in countries
with maximum and minimum mortality rates was studied. Methods and materials. The methodology is based on the
use of the Evidence-based policy principle, implemented through desk research and event analysis. The chosen
methodology made it possible to identify a number of typical response strategies based on attempts of “suppression
and deterrence”, “mitigation and struggle”, “support and assistance”, expressed in lockdowns of varying degrees
of severity. Analysis. Typical measures in the political sphere include the creation of government crisis response
headquarters and the development of national plans to combat the epidemic. Most of the damage received by
States during the COVID-19 pandemic is due to underestimation of the situation and risks of biological safety, lack
of experience in responding. Results. Conclusions were drawn about the economic and political consequences of
the implementation of state strategies, their impact on national security. In particular, it was noted that administrative
measures (China) give a quick effect with great complexity of implementation, but most states prefer to balance
between the necessary restrictions and maintaining the viability of economies. As a result, the final conclusion was
made that the practice of crisis management should become an integral part of government responses to shocks in
the future.
