Study Finds Countries With COVID-19 Elimination Policies Have Had Fewer Deaths And Better Economic Outcomes

A new study published in the Lancet found that countries with COVID-19 elimination strategies, not mitigation strategies, have had fewer deaths and better economic outcomes. COVID-19 deaths per one million people in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Iceland were 25 times lower than other countries. These countries have also experienced better economic outcomes, with GDP growth returning to pre-pandemic levels early this year. Growth is still negative for the other countries studied which used mitigation strategies.

Countries like Australia have used aggressive public health measures to eliminate the virus, keeping on the front foot. The swift lockdowns have been shorter and more effective than the ‘stop-and-go’ approach to lockdowns seen elsewhere.

Many countries are now putting all their efforts into vaccination to control the spread of COVID-19. However, researchers are warning that other public health measures will likely be needed due to emerging variants and the duration of vaccine protection. We need to work towards getting all eligible people vaccinated safely, whilst not abandoning the other health measures that have served us 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.