(Image source from: hindustantimes.com)

Lack of resources and poorer countries are often considered the ones at risks of Covid-19 extremities. But, even with such less access and manforce, there are some Asian countries that were successful in tackling the spread of the virus and even setting an example out to the world.

Proactive decisions, quicker thinking, faster and widespread testing and smarter contact tracing were some of the key factors that helped these countries achieve success in battling the pandemic.

Some of these Asian countries are even those that you possibly have never heard the name of or didn’t know how poor and inaccessible medical care is for them. But, even with all the downfalls, these countries made it work.

Thailand

After rigorous tug of war, Thailand has not reported any new coronavirus cases or new deaths because of the disease for the second day in a row.

It has also marked the third consecutive day that the country has not reported any new cases.

Practicing strict social distancing norms and proper hygiene, the country has reopened its business, schools and amusement parks.

As for the overall reports on the international travel, the government is still chalking out a plan on the basis of the travel bubble scheme.

Bhutan

Being a geographically isolated and landlocked nation in the Himalayas, Bhutan is one of those countries that achieved quicker results in battling Covid-19 by quick thinking and preventive measures.

The country has reported no coronavirus related cases or deaths till now and has been able to contain the impacts of the pandemic despite the limited resources at their disposal.

The government has also sanctioned international travel and tourism but with strict restrictions and guidelines.

Vietnam

Another remarkable example worth noting is Vietnam. The health ministry of the country reported the number of confirmed cases at 334, which has not increased.

Despite the long border that they share with China and the fraction of their travellers coming from China, the country was able to contain the spread of the virus and flatten the curve completely.

The factor that helped the country achieve the same was with the contact tracing, not just with the direct contacts but also with the indirect contacts.

The domestic flights have been resumed in the country but no new reports have been shared concerning the international travel yet.

Taiwan

The proactive decisions and quicker implementation of the regulations is what saved Taiwan the trouble of faster spread of the virus, especially because it shares a close border with China.

The country, despite limited resources and international aid, was able to contain the spread of the virus with efficient coordination from the public and private sectors with the deployment of the advanced technology.

Taiwan had also lent their helping hands exporting face masks to several countries including U.S. The country is still not opening its international borders yet.

Cambodia

Yet another example worth learning from is Cambodia. All the 128 infected patients in the country have recovered and there have been no new reports of the infection in a month. The country also didn’t report any casualties.

The combination of mobilization and proactive response to the epidemic was what helped the country contain the spread and gradually, flatten the curve. They authorities had also focused on widespread testing and contact tracing to further contain the spread.

The country is also planning on reopening its international travel but will levy an extra coronavirus deposit from the travellers.

Sri Lanka

Last but not the least on the list is Sri Lanka, which not just flattened the curve and contained the virus but also reduced the death rate because of their established healthcare and surveillance system.

The government closed off all the public health clinics in the country and made their services and the medications available on the doorstep of the patients, reducing the chances of infection.

They also started a hotline for the non-Covid patients to get the necessary medical aid that they need for themselves.

Sri Lanka is reopening international travel from August 01 but with imposed regulations and strict highlights.

These countries have tackled the Covid-19 pandemic just as proactively as New Zealand but not many countries would know or talk about it.

By Somapika Dutta