A Country Comparison Amongst COVID-19

Affecting almost all corners of the planet to varying degrees, it is worthwhile to discuss the discrepancies between different countries’ method of suppressing COVID-19 subsequent to the obvious difference in results and current quality of life. An example of this dissimilarity would be that of Canada, which has around 227 cases per million, and Taiwan, which has around 2.15. Despite a population concentrated on an island comparable in size to that of Vancouver Island, Taiwan made strides to defeat the virus through rigorous measures, the customary transparency of the government, and a culture of unity and cooperative conformity; this proves to be a combination of macro level factors and a strong government.

In Canada, citizens are accustomed to substantial freedom, and many lack the memories or experiences of a fatal virus outbreak, causing a diverse range of reactions to somewhat loosely enforced policies; for example, large gatherings of people and protests against masks are still today not unheard of. Because Canada is so multicultural, it is also more prone to a wider range of opinions, and naturally reactions to the outbreak vary more, diminishing the possibility of a united front against the virus.

Contrastingly in Taiwan (where it is already habitual to wear masks), the endeavour to eliminate COVID-19 began as early as December 31, 2019, where flights and visas began to be cancelled and the exportation of masks made illegal. Taking into consideration the failures and tangible repercussions from the SARS outbreak, with more knowledge and newer technology now, the demographic of Taiwan proved to be more than willing to adopt any measures within reason to prevent a repeat of 2003’s catastrophe. Additionally, the emergency command centre held press conferences once or twice minimum daily, in recognition of the appeal and benefit of transparency with the situation to the people. Although studies show that the Taiwanese population expects high levels of liberty, they largely complied to being tracked through cell phones and submitting information to the government in order to help pursue areas where infection occurred.

Nevertheless, it is the general population who makes or breaks the journey to a COVID-19-free society, and the mindset of collective obedience ultimately brought forth freedom from the virus and is one of the main reasons for infection rate differences. Mentioned in the article, Dr. Jason Wang from Stanford University notes that the Taiwanese tend to act on the more conservative side of things (given previous devastating experiences), so the tendency to overcompensate or practice cautiousness largely contributed to their success as well. Playing into cultural factors, Dr. Jason Wang also recognizes that the quarantine experience is more tolerable and ensures that quarantined people are “treated like a person, not a virus.” With welfare checks and home visits by workers and village leaders alike, the provisions of supplies and food tailored to individuals’ preferences embodies neighbourly welcome and limits resentment against their situation.

Another macro-level factor notable enough to be considered is the culture that has developed from a rich history, and the underlying attitude that comes with it. In previous, more difficult times, the phrase “Formosans stick together” was commonly heard, and this attitude of togetherness in turn allows a culture of homogeneity and alliance against whatever bigger problem arises in society- in this case, COVID-19. This attitude implies that until everyone does their part and contributes, they may not be relieved by the outbreak. This macro-level factor is worthy of mentioning because it explains the reasoning behind the general populations’ call to action and exceptional response to the measures imposed, and is important for the comprehension of their rapid elimination of the virus.

Overall, I agree with the CBC article’s assessment (link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/taiwan-covid-19-canada-1.5502194) of Canada’s situation as well as Taiwan’s and the differences between the two. The numerical statistics in the number of cases and deaths proves that the number of cases drastically vary based on the measures implemented and specifically when the measure was implemented.

Today while Canada still struggles with flattening the curve, Taiwan boasts a mere 7 deaths from the virus, and COVID-19 is generally spoken of in the past tense to the population who resides there. While the government in charge implemented all the measures and restrictions seen, it is the macro level factors of society which enable and guarantee the measures’ success. With evidence clearly presented in numerical statistics, it is given that the number of cases in societies possess the potential to vary drastically based on which measures are implemented and when the measures are implemented.

Additional sources:

Goldstein, L. (2020, May 16). GOLDSTEIN: Taiwan, unlike Canada, has defeated COVID-19. Retrieved September 28, 2020, from https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/goldstein-how-taiwan-unlike-canada-defeated-covid-19

Hancocks, P. (2020, September 22). Taiwan offers a glimpse into a post Covid-19 world. Retrieved September 29, 2020, from https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/21/asia/taiwan-model-coronavirus-hnk-intl/index.html