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THREAD: Australia and New Zealand are managing the #Covid pandemic better than nearly everyone. They might even eliminate the virus from both their countries. How? Call it throwback democracy. Call it cause for hope 1/ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/world/australia/new-zealand-coronavirus.html
But what is throwback democracy? It’s when technocrats become household names and divisions fade. @scottmorrisonmp and @jacindaardern are political opposites but scientists praise them for listening and letting experts lead and guide the response 2/ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/world/australia/new-zealand-coronavirus.html
With good management and the luck of time and isolation, NZ and Aus are on track to eliminate the virus, which would be a stunning accomplishment. Only NZ has made that the stated policy, but if infections keep declining, both may get to zero. 3/ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/world/australia/new-zealand-coronavirus.html
Elimination is not the same as eradication. @otago’s Prof. Michael Baker told me the goal is to make Covid like measles: gone from a given area, with measures that can control new cases if they occur or come in from abroad. But that’s the tough part. 4/ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/world/australia/new-zealand-coronavirus.html
Even if NZ or Aus declare the virus eliminated, which may never happen bc of asymptomatic cases, maintaining control could mean locking out the world. Or, in the future, will only the ‘zero’ countries allow travel, tourism and foreign students? 5/ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/world/australia/new-zealand-coronavirus.html
Already @scottmorrisonmp and @jacindaardern have discussed reopening travel first across the Tasman, and reporting this story made me wonder: Could Oceania be a bubble of triumph? For how long? Somehow, it all feels like science fiction. END 6/6 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/world/australia/new-zealand-coronavirus.html
