Grading the big pandemic test one year on from outbreak

File photo from April of bodies being moved to a refrigeration truck serving as a temporary morgue in New York City when Covid-19 deaths began overwhelming hospital morgues. The United States under President Donald Trump put the economy first, opting for less public health protection and fewer worker safeguards but more fiscal support. — AFP

FROM the moment Covid-19 emerged as a global threat, it was clear that it would test every society’s strength, resilience and response capabilities. Almost one year on, it is time to assess who passed the test, and who failed.

From a public health standpoint, the answer is clear: East Asia – including Australia and New Zealand – passed the test with flying colours. As for the rest, Europe performed unevenly, the United States stumbled badly, and developing countries have struggled.