The novel coronavirus (COVID19) has so far been reported in 24 countries and territories outside mainland China, where the outbreak was first reported last December. Measures have been taken to contain the spread of the virus but some at the cost of impeding regional connectivity. To better prepare for future outbreaks, it is necessary to build channels of trust, communication and information-sharing in peacetime, and increased investment in equitable health systems to support outbreak containment measures.
Cases have been reported all across Asia. Indonesia, the most populous country of South East Asia, tested a suspected 38 cases that all turned out negative. But this month, Indonesia, along with a number of other countries that usually have strong travel and trade relations with China, announced a precautionary travel and trade ban.
Please click here to read the full “Managing Asia’s coronavirus response” article published at East Asia Forum, written by Griffith Asia Institute member, Professor Sara E Davies.
