Thesis
New Zealand is cited among the countries successfully containing the spread of Coronavirus. The success is attributed to the shutdowns, and other strategies tha the state put in place. Nevertheless, this paper argues that while these shutdowns have been a success for New Zealand in the short term, in the long-term, they will be a source of human suffering, social and economic tragedies in the country.
Nature and Timeframe
Letzter, Rafi. “New Zealand Is Winning the War on Coronavirus. Here’s Why.” LiveScience, Purch, 7 Apr. 2020, www.livescience.com/new-zealand-coronavirus.html.
The writer contends that New Zealand is winning the war against the COVI-19. The author gives a comparison of what is happening in the country to China and the USA. The comparison indicates that compared to China, where the virus broke and the USA, which is the leading infection, New Zealand has the least covid-19 cases and deaths. Additionally, a particular focus is given to the quick recoveries recorded in the country. The author also provides a timeline of events and spread curbing strategies in the country since February 2020. The article is essential to this study as it gives the state and nature of Covid-19 in New Zealand. The arguments are evidence-based as the writer compares the country to others in the world.
Riyaz ul Khaliq, ‘COVID-19 May Affect 64% of New Zealanders: Report.’ www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/covid-19-may-affect-64-of-new-zealanders-report/1786212.
The writer contends that up to 64% of the New Zealand population will contact the coronavirus. It is noted that if the current strategy does not work for the country, there will be severe health consequences. These consequences are projected to be 0.8% more than the 1918 flu pandemic in the country.
Impacts
The effects of coronavirus have already been felt across the globe. These include social, political, economic, and climatic impacts. The impacts of Covid-19 in New Zealand are provided herein.
Baker, Michael. “What Does the Coronavirus Epidemic Mean for New Zealand?” Stuff, Limited National Health, 25 Jan. 2020, www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/119021551/what-does-the-coronavirus-epidemic-mean-for-new-Zealand.
The writer provides three significant impacts of the Corona Virus in New Zealand. He notes that there will be grief and worry for those at the centre of the epidemic in China. New Zealand will experience imported and sustained disease. Finally, there will be reduced financial flows and tourism in the country. The effects raised by the author are already evident not only in New Zealand but also across the globe as death tolls increase and cases double.
Graham-McLay, Charlotte. “Emotional Fallout from Covid-19 Lockdown Yet to Peak, Says New Zealand Scientist.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 30 Apr. 2020, www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/30/emotional-fallout-of-covid-19-lockdown-yet-to-peak-says-new-zealand-scientist.
The author writes on the impacts of covid-19 in New Zealand. He notes that unemployment would reach 26% from 8%. Additionally, the author notes that there will be increased violence, drugs, and physical abuse.
“Industry/Sector Implications of COVID-19.” KPMG, KPMG, 23 Mar. 2020, home.kpmg/nz/en/home/insights/2020/03/business-implications-of-covid-19-coronavirus/industry-implications.html?cid=ext-eml_clnt_x_nz_2020_c-19-industry
The writer gives an observation of what would be the impact of coronavirus in New Zealand over time. It is noted that disruptions are expected in various sectors. Some of the sectors that will be hit hard include transport, leisure, and hospitality, tourism, insurance, and retail.
Strategies
“Amy Gunia.” Time, Time, time.com/author/amy-gunia/.
The writer explains why the covid-19 elimination strategies used in New Zealand may not work in other countries. The author contends that New Zealand aims to wipe the virus completely. This is because the country has a very small population in the country as compared to other affected nations. The cost of its strategies cannot be practical in a country with a higher population. Additionally, the country has fewer travels because it is isolated. These strategies included here are border closure, business shutdowns, and stay at home messages. The writer’s explanation is valid as he points to demographic factors, which are very crucial in the spread of Covid-19.
“New Zealand.” KPMG, KPMG, 13 Apr. 2020, home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/new-Zealand-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html.
The report provides the various strategies that New Zealand has put in place to curb the spread of coronavirus. These include the economic stimuli measures, easing lockdown, and custom measures. Economic measures cited include supporting commercial banks in strengthening their liquidity. Also, there is loaning to small businesses, loans that are not due within the first two years, and payable up to a maximum of five years. The country is also moving towards going back to normalcy by reopening schools and other businesses. Custom measures include duty relief and excise on imports.
Best strategy
Given the strategies highlighted above, easing lockdown is regarded as the best strategy to easy the impacts of Covid-19 in New Zealand, as explained below.
Berka, Martin. “Protecting Lives and Livelihoods: The Data on Why New Zealand Should Relax Its Coronavirus Lockdown from Thursday.” The Conversation, 7 May 2020, theconversation.com/protecting-lives-and-livelihoods-the-data-on-why-new-zealand-should-relax-its-coronavirus-lockdown-from-thursday-136242.
The author notes that the current shutdown will reduce economic growth and increase unemployment. He calls upon the government to reduce the shutdown to level three restrictions. Level 4 restrictions ignore the livelihood of the population.
Folinas, Sotiris, and Theodore Metaxas. “Tourism: The Great Patient of Coronavirus COVID-2019.” Munich Personal RePEc Archive. 2020.
The authors focus on tourism in relation to the virus. They note that tourism will be the greatly hit sector across the world with the virus because of shutdowns.
Hartl, Tobias, Klaus Wälde, and Enzo Weber. “Measuring the impact of the German public shutdown on the spread of COVID19.” Covid economics, Vetted and real-time papers, CEPR press 1 (2020): 25-32.
The authors note that shutdowns in Germany halted economic growth by 48.2%. Also, they never reduced the cases of corona reported in the country. They doubled in every 5.35 days.
Omary, M. Bishr, et al. “The COVID-19 pandemic and research shutdown: staying safe and productive.” The Journal of clinical investigation 130.6 (2020).
Speaking against shutdowns, the authors note that the shutdowns have even affect research in other areas. This implies other diseases may be looked down upon as people focus only those centers researching on Covid-19.
Chinazzi, Matteo, et al. “The effect of travel restrictions on the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.” Science 368.6489 (2020): 395-400.
The author explored the impacts of shutdowns in China. They note that the shutdowns only slowed the progression of the virus. Also, international travel restrictions only limited the spread of the virus until February.
Conclusion
From the above, it is evident that Covid-19 has negatively impacted New Zealand. Much of these impacts come from the border and business shutdowns. However, it is clear that these shuts are only effective in the short-run but would lead to more problems in the long term.