Much to the chagrin of pretty much everyone on the planet, the novel coronavirus pandemic is still very much a problem in many parts of the world. The U.S. has come under harsh criticisms as of late for taking “half measures” when it comes to combating the spread of COVID-19. Initial flip-flopping about mask-wearing, inconsistent lockdown messaging, and relatively slow response times in the beginning didn’t help matters. So how did New Zealand become COVID free? Can the U.S. emulate its success?
So how did New Zealand become essentially COVID-free?
The country reports three main measures for its resounding success in “beating” the spread of the coronavirus. The first measure was immediately enforcing tough border controls to halt any introductions of COVID-19 from travelers to and from the country. A nationwide lockdown was also implemented in conjunction with physical and social distancing has demonstrably presented favorable results in quelling the spread of the illness.
The third factor, which is complex in nature, was the country’s effective measures in contact tracing, quarantining, and the implementation of swift, case-based controls that were utilized upon testing of individuals and specific populations. These protocols have yielded nearly an absolute termination of COVID-19 resurgences throughout the entire country.
COVID-19 Update
There are no new cases of COVID-19 to report in New Zealand today.
It has been 100 days since the last case of COVID-19 was acquired locally from an unknown source. We have 23 active cases of COVID-19 in managed isolation facilities.
— Unite against COVID-19 (@covid19nz) August 9, 2020
The Conversation also highlighted a key element to New Zealand’s success and that was the nation’s “clearly articulated elimination strategy.” The country didn’t offer up conflicting reporting when it came to its intention to decimate the spread of the disease. The country’s government struck against the virus quickly and effectively and its citizens adhered to lockdown rulings.
What’s more is that New Zealand’s government didn’t “flip flop” when it came to mask wearing — instead, it instantly began providing non-medical grade face coverings for all citizens. Drive-thru testing sites were offered throughout the country as well. Obviously, New Zealand is comparatively a smaller country (both in land mass and population size) when compared to the United States, which helped matters.
Fiji and New Zealand are now among the only countries on Earth to go 100 days or more without cases of #COVID19 in our communities.
Well done to the New Zealand Government and people –– your friends in Fiji have all been rooting for your success.https://t.co/VHjbeFkIwZ
— Frank Bainimarama (@FijiPM) August 9, 2020
However, the nation’s medical messaging was consistent and unwavering from the get-go. This yielded immediate results: Some 10 days after its coronavirus elimination protocols were put in place, the country had reported a leveling off of cases. Now, many other countries are looking to New Zealand for inspiration in how to solve their own COVID-19 quandary.
What’s more is that the country’s approach has also minimized economic impact when compared to other nations. Australia, which has had relative success in leveling off coronavirus cases, has not had the same fortune when it comes to mitigating adverse economic impact when compared to its smaller island neighbor.
Psst, the fact everyone is applauding New Zealand (a country of 5 million), going 100 days w/o new covid cases but ignored Vietnam, (a country of 95 million), doing the same is racism. Even w/ recent tourism-driven cases in Vietnam, they’re still a fraction of New Zealand’s total
— Kathryn *wear your mask* Brightbill ✒️ (@KEBrightbill) August 9, 2020
The New England Journal of Medicine urges other governments to follow the elimination approach that New Zealand has formulated for greater success in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
Source : https://www.distractify.com/p/how-did-new-zealand-become-covid-free