> Accordingly, world leaders are being judged based on their ability to contain the spread rather than prevent economic devastation.
Actually I am judging countries by their ability to face facts, act proactively Over the last few months, act responsibly by making sensible decisions that are effective in controlling their outbreaks, while keeping their economy functioning.
A++ for Taiwan (they started acting on Dec 31st, and they had preplanned what to do if faced with a virus outbreak). Very few infections, under control, economy working at 100%.
A+ for South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan and South Korea. Fast actions, effective tracing, economies running.
D- for US: little pro-activity, rampant community transmission, head of state in the sand, focusing on not spooking economy while ignoring downside risks to same, extremely poor planning with poor medical stocks. Health system of many states likely to fail. Now headless chickening, with every state left to act for itself (except for some negative interference from GOP). Meanwhile democrats dropped ball on opportunity of a lifetime to act well and help before the shit hit the fan.
B for China: first to have to act, zero pre warning. China acted and seem to have done better than many other countries that had plenty more warning (yes, China did downplay, but that seems to have been internal and not aimed at other countries. Either way, other countries had enough information from the 31st December or at latest mid-January but didn’t act).
C- for New Zealand: some late actions, tried to protect tourism industry and now the whole economy is paying price with shutdown. Extremely poor communication with population (trying not to worry everyone?). Mostly wasted months with inactivity, lack of planning (from my POV watching what info was given to a nurse), lack of emergency medical equipment. However expect that we’ll now respond well given shock treatment of shutdown of whole country,