The COVID-19 affects both people¿s health and socio-economic structures around the world. Measures were adopted to contain the pandemic suppressed economic activity, leading to stagnation and contraction. Such contractions impacted on employment; losing jobs and income levels turned the contractions into severe fiscal and economic crisis. The study examines the effects of the pandemic on socio-economic structures and the effectiveness of public policies. It reveals that some countries successfully managed the pandemic while others lead to deepen its negative effects. Social and economic policies that were decisive in successes and failures are examined through comparative descriptive analyses within a framework in each chapter. This study is hoped to serve as a guide for policy-makers in such circumstances.