The coronavirus responders

Countries that responded wisely to the pandemic run the gamut in terms of wealth, size, population, and style of government. What they shared was a swift, coordinated government response. Where that has been lacking, no amount of scientific expertise, technical knowhow, or wealth can prevent disaster, as the United States all too grimly shows.

Krithika Varagur spoke to public health officials from six countries around the world. These, edited for length and clarity, are their stories.

• How Mongolia has kept the coronavirus at bay
• The inside story of Germany’s coordinated covid response
• How Ebola helped Liberia prepare for covid
• No more maté sharing
• Stockholm Syndrome
• Vietnam’s covid hospital