Rules apply within an entire state and are called laws. The state clearly regulates who can create and change laws, who can implement them and who decides whether a law has been complied with or not. The political system (Form of Government) decides how the separation of powers is handled
By Nature it is normal that Countries ruled by Political Systems like Monarchy, Dictatorship or Theocracy can take immediate action in case of an problem that threatening the health of the whole nation
In this case, most Democracies have the disadvantage that necessary decisions have to be made between competing parties, each of which examines the advantages of the parties before agreeing on appropriate measures to protect people's well-being. Most of the time, there is also a long-term discussion as to whether the measures to be taken are economically justifiable.
Fundamental rights in a democratic Country are particularly important as they should ensure that people can live in freedom, security and dignity. They ensure that everyone is treated equally and that the state cannot intervene in the lives of citizens “just like that” as fundamental rights are particularly important in a democratic state. They ensure that people can live in freedom, security and dignity with everyone treated equally and that the state cannot intervene "just like that" in the lives of its citizens. Ultimately, this is also the key to why the necessary measures for a quick and effective fight against a Pandemy only take effect when it is almost or already too late and the individual citizen finally understands for his own and other security to submit to the government's drastic measures