As nations move to make decisions about the COVID-19 situation, it is time to take stock. What was good, and what was not particularly good as we fumbled with our lockdowns? There’s a possibility of a second wave before this one is finally over. Hence the need to review the lockdown lessons learned from six countries in the forefront of the battle.
Culture Counts in Our Lockdown Lessons Learned from Six Countries
THE HOUR website is of the opinion that New Zealand, South Korea and Germany scored well with digital economy preparation, and disease countermeasures. That’s because their economic activity depends less on person-to-person relationships. They can therefore afford to soften their lockdowns because they can reinstate them quickly again.
However, Italy, Japan and United States face other concerns according to THE HOUR website. It says the high mortality rate in the U.S. suggests only four of its states have adequate contact-tracing ability yet. The fast reactions of New Zealand, South Korea and Germany are among the major lockdown lessons learned from the six countries featured here.
Italy and Japan May Likewise Not Be Ready to Relax
Italy nearly missed the boat when it underestimated the severity. A strict lockdown followed, but it proved one of least-prepared European countries for the digital economy. Japan started well, but relaxed its restrictions too soon. Moreover, its technology and culture struggled to adapt to work-from-home.
THE HOUR emphasizes each of the six countries under review is a developed, wealthy nation. Affordability was therefore not a factor. It believes the most critical lockdown lessons learned from our six countries were the availability of farsighted, credible and transparent leadership, and the willingness of citizens to cooperate.
“Saying things the way they are” certainly helped past New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark lobby her nation’s support. Her words “economies can recover; the dead can’t” was one of the most quotable quotes of the season.
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Preview Image: New Zealand February 28, 2020 to May 7, 2020
