This paper introduces the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT), a database tracking 19 pandemic policies across 180+ countries. The data reveal a global convergence in policy adoption during the initial phase of the pandemic, followed by divergence as countries eased and reimposed restrictions. The study demonstrates the database's potential by analyzing its correlation with mobility data.

The authors received funding from the Blavatnik Family Foundation, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, and the UK Cabinet Office. While these organizations may have interests related to pandemic response and policy, the authors state the funders had no role in study design, data collection, analysis, or publication decisions.

This database is a valuable resource for researchers studying the impact of government policies on the pandemic, offering comprehensive and comparable data. The limitations around composite indices, coding methods, and lack of implementation data are acknowledged and don't detract significantly from the overall utility. The potential for conflicts of interest is noted but appears to be mitigated by the authors' transparent disclosure and stated independence from funders.