African countries face unique challenges in their efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, but lessons learned in other regions where the coronavirus has already peaked may be helpful.
Testing everyone for COVID-19 isn’t realistic in a country the size of the US, but there are ways to design testing systems that can catch most of the cases.
COVID-19 is creating overwhelming needs for intensive care and testing facilities. An Australian team is developing purpose-built units that can be shipped and erected quickly, easily and cheaply.
Despite a comprehensive lockdown, New Zealanders should expect the number of people with coronavirus infections to rise first, before they come down again.
The federal government has expanded the testing criteria beyond just returned travellers and those in contact with an infected person. But the new guidelines don’t go far enough.
To guard against coronavirus, NZ should consider a short “pulse” (a few weeks) of intense social distancing, including bringing forward school holidays and temporary closures of most businesses.
New Zealand will spend NZ$12.1 billion – or 4% of its GDP – to support businesses, increase benefits for seniors and low-income families, pay people in self-isolation, and boost health care capacity.
Currently, the number of confirmed global COVID-19 cases is doubling about every six days. At this rate, Australia’s health sector will be unable to cope.