5 keys to australia’s pandemic success

Australia’s management of COVID-19 has become the envy of many countries around the world. But what key factors have helped us to keep case numbers down even without vaccines?

1. Acting quickly on the newest data: in March, when COVID-19 became a real threat to Australia, international borders were quickly closed and mandatory quarantine was introduced. When outbreaks arose, state borders were closed to contain the spread, testing and tracing was ramped up, and lockdowns or restrictions were enforced until infections rates dropped. These decisive actions have helped stop the spread in Australia.

2. Government unity during the crisis peak: when COVID-19 first struck, government parties united in their pandemic response. This meant legislation for economic relief passed quickly, and governments were able to coordinate their COVID-19 responses and strategies.

3. Accessible healthcare: the Medicare system has allowed Australians to have COVID-19 tests, doctor’s appointments and hospital visits without financial burden. Australia was also one of the first countries to offer drive-through COVID-19 testing.

4. Economic relief: the Jobkeeper and Jobseeker programs have helped many businesses and workers stay afloat during lockdowns and restrictions. This social support has helped build confidence in the government response, and reduced the economic impact of restrictions on businesses.

5. Effectively engaging with different communities: Indigenous Australians insisted early on in the pandemic that they run their own pandemic response and this time the Australian government listened and provided resources. Indigenous Australians are now 6 times less likely to contract COVID-19. Learning from past mistakes during the pandemic, more resources have now been published in a wide array of languages to help communicate effectively with migrant communities as well.

Ultimately, Australia’s pandemic success comes down to the hard work of everyday Australians. By keeping COVID safe, abiding by restrictions, and looking out for each other, our community has faced this pandemic exceptionally well.

The CPAP Clinic is a leading Australian provider of Respiratory, Sleep Disorders, Cardiology and PPE services and products. Based in Sydney, it has a network of 40 clinics nationwide.