Chemistry and the Media Help Control Covid Down Under

Australian Officials closed Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach March 21  Matthew Abbott for the NYT

Australia and New Zealand initially had outbreaks of the viral disease probably resulting from the heavy travel between the two countries and other parts of Asia.  Now, however, according to a report from Damien Cave in the New York Times, both countries have among the lowest infection and mortality rates in the world. Australia, a country of 25 million, has recorded a total of 6670 cases and 78 deaths (3 per million) and New Zealand, a country of 5 million, has had 1456 cases and 17 deaths (also 3 per million).  Note that at the moment the US death toll is 56,649 (173 per million).  Mr. Cave reports that (my bold):

It all started with scientists. In Australia, as soon as China released the genetic code for the coronavirus in early January, pathologists in public health laboratories started sharing plans for tests. In every state and territory, they jumped ahead of politicians.

“It meant we could have a test up and running quickly that was reasonably comparable everywhere,” Dr. Collignon said.

The government then opened the budgetary floodgates to support suffering workers and add health care capacity. When infections started climbing, many of the labs and hospitals hired second and third rounds of scientists to help.

Taking the advice of their own experts and over objections from the public both governments introduced strict travel bans and lockdowns early.  The public has accepted the restrictions in large part because of consistent messages from the government by way of the media.  Prime Ministers of both countries took the role of explainer in chief.  Scott Morrison of Australia, a conservative, prefers conservative talk radio while libeal Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand leans towards Facebook Live.  Mr. Cave notes that "both have received praise from scientists for listening and adapting to evidence."