In times of crisis, what measures can governments take to strike a balance between protecting public health and respecting individual freedoms, while ensuring transparency and accountability to the public?

During times of crisis, governments can strike a balance between protecting public health and respecting individual freedoms by implementing targeted measures that are evidence-based and proportionate to the threat. This can be achieved through clear communication with the public about the reasons behind the measures and providing regular updates on the situation. Governments can also ensure transparency and accountability by involving independent oversight bodies, such as ombudsmen or parliamentary committees, in decision-making processes and regularly reporting on their actions and outcomes to the public. Additionally, engaging with civil society organizations and the media can help hold governments accountable and ensure that their responses are in the best interest of the public.