Source: Instagram
But, wait- no need to give up just yet. Here are some of the countries of the world that are almost COVID-19-free & are back to their normal routine. Maybe it's high time that we learn something from these nations.
1- New Zealand
We wish NZ could lend Malaysia their PM, Jacinda Ardern for at least one week! Today, NZ is mask-free. Just recently, 50K people even attended a concert in Auckland, minus the social-distancing & mask requirements.
Source: Instagram
How NZ did it:
- Bans entry of foreigners from China even when there were no reported cases in NZ
- Shut down borders entirely to almost all non-citizens or residents when first local case was reported
- In late March 2020, a new four-stage alert system was introduced to prepare the public for a total nationwide lockdown
- On 8 June 2020, lockdown lifted but borders remain closed for foreigners
2- Australia
Australians are now out & about with no restrictions! They could dine out, gather freely & stop wearing masks in most places. The country has successfully limited cases to under 29.5K infections & 910 deaths.
Source: Instagram
How AU did it:
- March 2020: Shut down the border to all non-citizens & non-residents
- Implemented snap lockdowns, swift contact tracking & high community compliance with healthy measures
3- China
Over a year ago, the nation was in a state of emergency with the virus raging through the country. Today, there are beer festivals, mask-free graduation ceremonies & a return to normal routine in the epicenter of the global Covid-19 outbreak, Wuhan itself.
Source: Instagram
How China did it:
- Jan - April 2020: A stringent lockdown was imposed nationwide.
- Tight restrictions stopped all domestic travel & travel into China
- Imposing mandatory & universal mask regulations
- Enforced centralized quarantine even for asymptomatic cases
- Mass testing of entire cities
Let's hope to see Malaysia on this list one day too!
