Economist Podcasts End transmission: covid-19 in New Zealand
Apr 27, 2020
Kinley Salmon, a staff writer at The Economist, shares insights on New Zealand's successful COVID-19 elimination strategy, which has led to the gradual reopening of society. Meanwhile, Matt Steinglass, the Europe correspondent, discusses the agricultural labor shortages in Europe caused by the pandemic, risking crop loss. The conversation intriguingly notes Turkey's cultural embrace of cologne as both a hygiene staple and fragrance amidst the pandemic. Together, they explore optimism countered by real-world challenges on both sides of the globe.
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New Zealand's Elimination Strategy
- New Zealand aims to eliminate COVID-19 entirely, a unique approach compared to other countries.
- This strategy could allow a return to normal life without social distancing, offering more certainty for businesses.
Cautious Optimism and Frozen KFC
- New Zealanders are cautiously optimistic as lockdown measures ease, anticipating a return to normalcy.
- One enterprising Kiwi even froze KFC at the start of lockdown, highlighting the disruption to daily routines.
Challenges of Elimination
- Eliminating the virus requires strict border controls, potentially for a year, impacting tourism and exports.
- Finding every last case will be challenging, demanding expanded testing and ongoing vigilance.