This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
Published on July 8, 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has spread to 213 countries, infecting over nine million people worldwide.
Despite the global spread, some countries have managed to contain the virus effectively. Taiwan and New Zealand are two such examples.
Taiwan, with a population of 23 million, has recorded a mere 446 Covid-19 cases and seven deaths. The country's success can be attributed to its painful memories of the 2002 SARS outbreak, which claimed over 800 lives in Taiwan alone.
As soon as the novel coronavirus was announced in Wuhan, China, late last year, Taipei took the first step by stopping the export of protective masks. Taiwanese citizens began wearing face masks and observing social distance even before the first case was detected in their country.
The government focused on medical infrastructure, ensuring that hospitals were well-equipped and citizens were being tested for the coronavirus as much as possible.
Meanwhile, New Zealand, with a population of five million, was declared Covid-19-free after only three months of observing stringent measures. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's 'go early, go fast' strategy was praised for its effectiveness.
Wellington put in place stringent measures, including lockdown, travel ban, and closure of social gathering spots and businesses. The Prime Minister even demoted the Health Minister who took his family for a 20-minute beach drive, saying 'I expected better from you.'
On the other hand, countries that opted to take their time, such as the United States, have struggled to contain the virus. The country's number of Covid-19 patients has surged to uncontrollable proportions, with over two million infections and over 130,000 deaths.
