The Intelligence from The Economist End transmission: covid-19 in New Zealand
Apr 27, 2020
Kinley Salmon, a staff writer at The Economist, shares insights on New Zealand's rigorous COVID-19 elimination strategy, discussing border control challenges and the emotional toll on residents. Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent, highlights the labor shortage crisis in agriculture caused by the pandemic, emphasizing the urgent need for migrant workers to prevent crop waste. They also touch upon the intriguing role of cologne as a hand sanitizer in Turkey, reflecting both hygiene practices and cultural identity.
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Cautious Optimism in New Zealand
- New Zealanders are cautiously optimistic about the loosening of lockdown restrictions, eager for more normalcy.
- One enterprising Kiwi even froze a box of KFC at the start of lockdown.
New Zealand's Elimination Strategy
- New Zealand aims to eliminate the virus entirely, unlike other countries that risk cycles of lockdowns and reopenings.
- This strategy could allow businesses to operate without social distancing, providing more certainty.
Strict Border Controls
- Eliminating the virus requires strict border controls, potentially for a year, barring most foreigners.
- Returning citizens face 14-day quarantine in monitored hotels.