Despite thousands of coronavirus-related fatalities In the US and UK, we see beaches – such as the Huntington Beach in California – jam-packed with sunseekers. AFP
Despite thousands of coronavirus-related fatalities In the US and UK, we see beaches – such as the Huntington Beach in California – jam-packed with sunseekers. AFP
Despite thousands of coronavirus-related fatalities In the US and UK, we see beaches – such as the Huntington Beach in California – jam-packed with sunseekers. AFP
Despite thousands of coronavirus-related fatalities In the US and UK, we see beaches – such as the Huntington Beach in California – jam-packed with sunseekers. AFP

Comment

Coronavirus: Are the US and UK paying a price for freedom?

The numbers suggest it is countries that have been more easy-going about enforcing the lockdown that are in trouble

Sholto Byrnes
Sholto Byrnes

April 29, 2020

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As parts of Europe and North America come out of lockdown, there has been plenty of debate about which countries have been tackling the pandemic in the best manner – with a particular focus on Sweden, which stands out for its more relaxed approach. But a far better comparison is with states in the Asia-Pacific, many of which had to deal with the virus earlier and have, by and large, managed to contain it far more successfully than most.

The death toll in Sweden, after all, has now passed 2,000 in a country of 10 million. In the UK, over 20,000 have died out of a population of 67 million, while the figures for the US are 55,000 out of 328 million.

A sign assures people that the bar is open during the coronavirus outbreak, outside a pub in Stockholm, Sweden March 26, 2020. Reuters
A sign assures people that the bar is open during the coronavirus outbreak, outside a pub in Stockholm, Sweden March 26, 2020. Reuters
People talk on a street in the Sodermalm district of Stockholm, Sweden, as the spread of the coronavirus continues in the country, on April 1, 2020. Reuters
People talk on a street in the Sodermalm district of Stockholm, Sweden, as the spread of the coronavirus continues in the country, on April 1, 2020. Reuters
People exercise at an outdoor gym in a park in central Stockholm, Sweden, on April 1, 2020. Reuters
People exercise at an outdoor gym in a park in central Stockholm, Sweden, on April 1, 2020. Reuters
(L to R) Taha Alexandersson of the National Board of Health and Welfare in Sweden, epidemiologist Anders Tegnell of the Public Health Agency of Sweden and Svante Werger of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency attend a press conference to update on the coronavirus situation on April 2, 2020 in Stockholm, Sweden. AFP
(L to R) Taha Alexandersson of the National Board of Health and Welfare in Sweden, epidemiologist Anders Tegnell of the Public Health Agency of Sweden and Svante Werger of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency attend a press conference to update on the coronavirus situation on April 2, 2020 in Stockholm, Sweden. AFP
A woman wearing a protective face mask checks her reflection on a window in Stockholm, Sweden, on April 2, 2020. AFP
A woman wearing a protective face mask checks her reflection on a window in Stockholm, Sweden, on April 2, 2020. AFP
A man cleans and desinfects a taxi car in Stockholm, Sweden, on April 2, 2020, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, AFP
A man cleans and desinfects a taxi car in Stockholm, Sweden, on April 2, 2020, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, AFP
A general view of a quite central station in Stockholm, Sweden, on April 2, 2020. AFP
A general view of a quite central station in Stockholm, Sweden, on April 2, 2020. AFP
A man wearing a protective face mask looks on his cell phone in Stockholm, Sweden, on April 2, 2020. AFP
A man wearing a protective face mask looks on his cell phone in Stockholm, Sweden, on April 2, 2020. AFP
Shoppers pass an H&M shop in central Stockholm, Sweden, on April 2, 2020. The retailer has started dialogue with with tens of thousands of staff about cutting working hours due to the coronavirus pandemic's effect on the market. EPA
Shoppers pass an H&M shop in central Stockholm, Sweden, on April 2, 2020. The retailer has started dialogue with with tens of thousands of staff about cutting working hours due to the coronavirus pandemic's effect on the market. EPA

Look east and the contrast is stark. There have been only 243 deaths in South Korea (population 52 million), 99 in Malaysia (population 33 million), and a mere 19 in New Zealand (population five million).

We cannot be certain how accurate any of these numbers are; the demographics, and hence the risk of fatalities, vary from country to country; and I have not mentioned infection rates. But as China announces that it has no remaining coronavirus hospital patients in Wuhan, the centre of the virus, and the city comes back to life; and as investors are reported to be "flocking" to South Korea, it is obvious that those two countries – and many of their neighbours – have been doing something right.

Taking the cases of China and South Korea is instructive, because they did not adopt the same approach: China locked down Wuhan and other cities in Hubei province in January with a brutal totality that seemed unconscionable to the outside world – until many countries followed suit. South Korea, on the other hand, may have closed schools and recommended gyms, clubs and churches do the same, but it flattened the curve, as a government publication puts it, “without enforcing draconian measures that restrict freedom and movement of people”.

Supporters of parliamentary election candidate Hwang Kyo-ahn of the main opposition United Future Party cheer during his street campaign, April 10, Seoul, South Korea. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty
Supporters of parliamentary election candidate Hwang Kyo-ahn of the main opposition United Future Party cheer during his street campaign, April 10, Seoul, South Korea. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty
At a cafeteria in Seoul on April 9, employees eat behind protective screens as part of preventative measures at the offices of Hyundai Card credit card company that has implemented reduced working hours and staggered lunch breaks, while South Korea has seen a continued decline in new virus cases. Ed Jones/ AFP
At a cafeteria in Seoul on April 9, employees eat behind protective screens as part of preventative measures at the offices of Hyundai Card credit card company that has implemented reduced working hours and staggered lunch breaks, while South Korea has seen a continued decline in new virus cases. Ed Jones/ AFP
A visitor walks through a field of tulips and rapeseed flowers on Jeju Island, South Korea, 09 April 2020. South Korea on 08 April carried out the destruction of one Jeju's most popular rapeseed flower fields to prevent tourists from flocking to the area amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic EPA
A visitor walks through a field of tulips and rapeseed flowers on Jeju Island, South Korea, 09 April 2020. South Korea on 08 April carried out the destruction of one Jeju's most popular rapeseed flower fields to prevent tourists from flocking to the area amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic EPA
Masks are a common sight on the streets of Seoul, April 10. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty
Masks are a common sight on the streets of Seoul, April 10. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty
Supporters of South Korean parliamentary election candidate Lee Nak-yon of the ruling Democratic Party applaud his speech on April 10. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty
Supporters of South Korean parliamentary election candidate Lee Nak-yon of the ruling Democratic Party applaud his speech on April 10. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty
People are back on the streets, albeit with masks to protect themselves. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty
People are back on the streets, albeit with masks to protect themselves. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty
Gongpyeong road in downtown Daegu, some 300km southeast of Seoul, South Korea, 10 April, after the city reported zero new Covid-19 cases the day before. The city that has been the center of the coronavirus outbreak in the country is starting to show signs of returning to normal. EPA
Gongpyeong road in downtown Daegu, some 300km southeast of Seoul, South Korea, 10 April, after the city reported zero new Covid-19 cases the day before. The city that has been the center of the coronavirus outbreak in the country is starting to show signs of returning to normal. EPA
Hongdae, an area of western Seoul popular for its vibrant, youthful atmosphere, South Korea, 10 April. EPA
Hongdae, an area of western Seoul popular for its vibrant, youthful atmosphere, South Korea, 10 April. EPA
A South Korean patient of Covid-19 arrives to cast her ballot for the parliamentary election at a polling station set up at a quarantine centre in Yongin, April 11. Kim Hong-Ji/ Reuters
A South Korean patient of Covid-19 arrives to cast her ballot for the parliamentary election at a polling station set up at a quarantine centre in Yongin, April 11. Kim Hong-Ji/ Reuters
Health workers disinfect a street to curb the spread of coronavirus, Daegu, South Korea, 11 April. EPA
Health workers disinfect a street to curb the spread of coronavirus, Daegu, South Korea, 11 April. EPA
Workers drive tractors to upend a rapeseed flower field in Busan, South Korea, 10 April. The flowers were destroyed to prevent tourists from flocking to the area. EPA
Workers drive tractors to upend a rapeseed flower field in Busan, South Korea, 10 April. The flowers were destroyed to prevent tourists from flocking to the area. EPA

Both countries, however, acted swiftly and determinedly. Wuhan was physically cut off from the outside world for 76 days. South Korea tested tens of thousands of people a day, made temperature-taking and hand-sanitising part of daily life, and used mobile technology to keep its highly connected population fully informed, right down to which shops had been visited and when by infected persons. Its citizens followed government advice on social distancing and working from home.

It is countries that have been more easy-going that are in trouble. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe did not declare a state of emergency until early-April, by which time hospitals were already overwhelmed. Myanmar and Indonesia both denied they had any cases for weeks; the worry now is that the virus may be spreading far and wide in two countries with very limited healthcare facilities.

What explains the success – so far – of the Asia-Pacific countries I mentioned earlier? In south-east and east Asia there is the memory of Sars, which broke out in China in 2002 and later spread to a total of 29 territories. In this part of the world, we are very aware of our proximity to China, so when the coronavirus emerged we knew we would be on the frontline. It is also quite normal to see people wearing masks, whether out of a heightened sense of personal hygiene or to protect against air pollution. Some have argued that east and south-east Asian populations are more likely to comply with government advice, and that may well be true in countries that tend to place the rights of the community over those of the individual.

Worshipers perform Isha prayer while keeping distance between them next to the Kaaba in Mecca's Grand Mosque, Islam's holiest site. Saudi Authorities allowed for limit number of worshipers to enter the Grand mosque to perform prayers during the Islamic holy fasting month of Ramadan, amid unprecedented bans on family gatherings and mass prayers due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. AFP
Worshipers perform Isha prayer while keeping distance between them next to the Kaaba in Mecca's Grand Mosque, Islam's holiest site. Saudi Authorities allowed for limit number of worshipers to enter the Grand mosque to perform prayers during the Islamic holy fasting month of Ramadan, amid unprecedented bans on family gatherings and mass prayers due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. AFP
Sheikh Junayd Ahmad leads livestreamed Taraweeh evening prayers, normally bringing a crowd of over a thousand, at the Muslim Association of Puget Sound on the first day of Ramadan during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Redmond, Washington, U.S. REUTERS
Sheikh Junayd Ahmad leads livestreamed Taraweeh evening prayers, normally bringing a crowd of over a thousand, at the Muslim Association of Puget Sound on the first day of Ramadan during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Redmond, Washington, U.S. REUTERS
Imam Abdelghani Benyahya arrives to perform the afternoon call to prayer alone during the holiday of Ramadan at the Muslim Center of New York during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in the Queens borough of New York City, U.S. REUTERS
Imam Abdelghani Benyahya arrives to perform the afternoon call to prayer alone during the holiday of Ramadan at the Muslim Center of New York during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in the Queens borough of New York City, U.S. REUTERS
A Palestinian family wearing protective masks walks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in an empty alley in the Old City of Jerusalem amid the COVID-19 pandemic. AFP
A Palestinian family wearing protective masks walks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in an empty alley in the Old City of Jerusalem amid the COVID-19 pandemic. AFP
Sudanese men wait to break their daytime fast during the Holy Islamic month of Ramadan, amid a curfew due to the coronavirus pandemic, in a street in the capital of Khartoum, Sudan. AP
Sudanese men wait to break their daytime fast during the Holy Islamic month of Ramadan, amid a curfew due to the coronavirus pandemic, in a street in the capital of Khartoum, Sudan. AP
Volunteers of the French Islamic Relief prepare hundreds of meals to offer and distribute to Muslim poor people during the month of Ramadan, in Orly, south of Paris. AFP
Volunteers of the French Islamic Relief prepare hundreds of meals to offer and distribute to Muslim poor people during the month of Ramadan, in Orly, south of Paris. AFP
A woman sells dates outside a mosque in Williamsville, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, during the holy month of Muslim Ramadan. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying at night and abstaining from eating, drinking and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and the revelation of the first verse of the Qur'an is believed to have taken place during its last 10 nights. EPA
A woman sells dates outside a mosque in Williamsville, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, during the holy month of Muslim Ramadan. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying at night and abstaining from eating, drinking and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and the revelation of the first verse of the Qur'an is believed to have taken place during its last 10 nights. EPA
Palestinians gather to get soup offered for free during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Gaza City, Gaza Strip. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in Koran was during its last 10 nights. EPA
Palestinians gather to get soup offered for free during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Gaza City, Gaza Strip. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in Koran was during its last 10 nights. EPA
A woman wearing a protective face mask and gloves to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus carries her purchases as she leaves a store which sells dates, a favorite fruit for the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, in southern Tehran, Iran. In Iran, the country that is hit worst in the Middle East by the coronavirus, all religious gathering, congregational prayers and communal Iftar servings, a meal eaten at sunset to break the fast, remain forbidden in the Ramadan and also holy shrines and religious centers also continue to be closed until at least May 4. AP
A woman wearing a protective face mask and gloves to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus carries her purchases as she leaves a store which sells dates, a favorite fruit for the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, in southern Tehran, Iran. In Iran, the country that is hit worst in the Middle East by the coronavirus, all religious gathering, congregational prayers and communal Iftar servings, a meal eaten at sunset to break the fast, remain forbidden in the Ramadan and also holy shrines and religious centers also continue to be closed until at least May 4. AP
A volunteer distributing water, food and juice, signals to fasting drivers on a road in Egypt's Menofia governorate, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. AFP
A volunteer distributing water, food and juice, signals to fasting drivers on a road in Egypt's Menofia governorate, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. AFP
In this aerial photo from a drone, the illuminated roads and square around Istanbul's famous Galata Tower are seen empty on the final day of a four-day lockdown across Istanbul, in Istanbul, Turkey. Turkeys Mosques remain closed due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus as Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar under lockdown. As of April 26, according to the Health Ministry, Turkey has 2,805 Coronavirus related deaths and confirmed cases have risen to 110,130. Despite the rising numbers Turkey has avoided a full lockdown and continues to implement short lockdowns and constant revisions of current restrictions. The interior ministry continues restrictions on travel between 31 cities, a curfew continues to be in place for anyone over the age of 65 and under 20, schools, cafes, bars and non-essential businesses remain closed. Getty
In this aerial photo from a drone, the illuminated roads and square around Istanbul's famous Galata Tower are seen empty on the final day of a four-day lockdown across Istanbul, in Istanbul, Turkey. Turkeys Mosques remain closed due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus as Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar under lockdown. As of April 26, according to the Health Ministry, Turkey has 2,805 Coronavirus related deaths and confirmed cases have risen to 110,130. Despite the rising numbers Turkey has avoided a full lockdown and continues to implement short lockdowns and constant revisions of current restrictions. The interior ministry continues restrictions on travel between 31 cities, a curfew continues to be in place for anyone over the age of 65 and under 20, schools, cafes, bars and non-essential businesses remain closed. Getty
A mother carries her baby with face shield at a hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. The world's Muslims have begun Ramadan with dawn-to-dusk fasting amid restrictions imposed to slow the pandemic that left many confined to their homes and public venues like parks, malls and even mosques are shuttered. AP
A mother carries her baby with face shield at a hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. The world's Muslims have begun Ramadan with dawn-to-dusk fasting amid restrictions imposed to slow the pandemic that left many confined to their homes and public venues like parks, malls and even mosques are shuttered. AP
People line up to receive free food as the time to break the fast approaches during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan amid lockdown of the Punjab province due to the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 disease pandemic in Islamabad, Pakistan. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in Koran was during its last 10 nights. EPA
People line up to receive free food as the time to break the fast approaches during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan amid lockdown of the Punjab province due to the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 disease pandemic in Islamabad, Pakistan. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in Koran was during its last 10 nights. EPA
A woman prays at a mosque during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Herat, Afghanistan, amid a lockdown due the ongoing pandemic of the COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, by praying during the ni?ght time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic? calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in Koran was during its last 10 nights EPA
A woman prays at a mosque during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Herat, Afghanistan, amid a lockdown due the ongoing pandemic of the COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, by praying during the ni?ght time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic? calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in Koran was during its last 10 nights EPA
A Kashmiri Muslim man prays on a hill on the third day of fasting month of Ramadan on outskirts of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir. The religious authorities in Kashmir have urged people to pray the congregational Taravih (extended night prayers) and mandatory daily prayers at home to stop the spread of coronavirus in the region. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. EPA
A Kashmiri Muslim man prays on a hill on the third day of fasting month of Ramadan on outskirts of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir. The religious authorities in Kashmir have urged people to pray the congregational Taravih (extended night prayers) and mandatory daily prayers at home to stop the spread of coronavirus in the region. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. EPA
A street vendor wears her face mask to help stop the spread of the coronavirus as she sells food for iftar, the breaking of the Ramadan fast, in Tangerang, Indonesia. The world's Muslims have begun Ramadan with dawn-to-dusk fasting amid restrictions imposed to slow the pandemic that left many confined to their homes and public venues like parks, malls and even mosques are shuttered. AP
A street vendor wears her face mask to help stop the spread of the coronavirus as she sells food for iftar, the breaking of the Ramadan fast, in Tangerang, Indonesia. The world's Muslims have begun Ramadan with dawn-to-dusk fasting amid restrictions imposed to slow the pandemic that left many confined to their homes and public venues like parks, malls and even mosques are shuttered. AP
An Algerian shopkeeper with a face mask sells pastry before Iftar time in an Arabic market in Porte de Montreuil area in Paris, France. The majority of the residents around Porte de Montreuil area in Paris are Arab Muslims from North Africa, adherents of Islam across France were unable to take part in the habitual collective prayers this year, as mosques have closed down due to the ongoing pandemic of the COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and engaging in sexual acts between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in the Koran occurred during its last 10 nights. EPA
An Algerian shopkeeper with a face mask sells pastry before Iftar time in an Arabic market in Porte de Montreuil area in Paris, France. The majority of the residents around Porte de Montreuil area in Paris are Arab Muslims from North Africa, adherents of Islam across France were unable to take part in the habitual collective prayers this year, as mosques have closed down due to the ongoing pandemic of the COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and engaging in sexual acts between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in the Koran occurred during its last 10 nights. EPA
A Sri Lankan Muslim Moulavi prays at the almost deserted Mosque during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan during an island-wide curfew due to the coronavirus pandemic in Colombo , Sri Lanka. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in Koran was during its last 10 nights. EPA
A Sri Lankan Muslim Moulavi prays at the almost deserted Mosque during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan during an island-wide curfew due to the coronavirus pandemic in Colombo , Sri Lanka. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in Koran was during its last 10 nights. EPA
I man holding bread walks past a store mural, in Downtown Amman. Jordanians started the holy month fasting in the context of the COVID-19 Coronavirus curfew, they are allowed outside their homes only between 08 AM and 06 PM. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in Koran was during its last 10 nights. EPA
I man holding bread walks past a store mural, in Downtown Amman. Jordanians started the holy month fasting in the context of the COVID-19 Coronavirus curfew, they are allowed outside their homes only between 08 AM and 06 PM. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in Koran was during its last 10 nights. EPA
People shop at a food market on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Thailand's southern province of Narathiwat. AFP
People shop at a food market on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Thailand's southern province of Narathiwat. AFP
A migrant worker prays during the holy month of Ramadan inside his dormitory, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Singapore. REUTERS
A migrant worker prays during the holy month of Ramadan inside his dormitory, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Singapore. REUTERS
A Muslim family pray inside their restaurant during the holy month of Ramadan, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Selayang, Malaysia . REUTERS
A Muslim family pray inside their restaurant during the holy month of Ramadan, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Selayang, Malaysia . REUTERS
In the US, Georgia has allowed gyms, hair salons and even tattoo parlours to open for business. But why not, when nearly 40,000 people were reported to have gone to enjoy the sea air in California last Friday?

What unites these countries with faraway New Zealand – to which the above factors do not apply – is, just as with China and South Korea, the measures taken were serious and as complete as they could be. In Malaysia, for instance, we have been under an almost total lockdown for six weeks. It is due to continue for another two, but nobody really expects the Movement Control Order to be lifted until after Eid Al Fitr. That will be nearly 10 weeks during which we cannot leave home at all, except to shop for essentials. Only one person per household is allowed to do so – police have put up roadblocks all over the capital, Kuala Lumpur, and stop any car with more than one person inside.

The order is vigorously enforced – around 20,000 people have been arrested for violations so far, and a deputy minister has been fined 1,000 Ringgit (nearly Dh850) for breaking the MCO – even private gyms and swimming pools are closed, Malaysians are not allowed to leave the country, and any returning must be quarantined in a hotel for two weeks. Life as we know it has changed utterly.

We view with bemusement, then, the half-in, half-out stance that has been taken by the authorities in the US and UK, in particular. Those two countries have taken sufficient measures to cause economic devastation and throw millions out of work, but their actions on social distancing have been so inconsistent that it makes a nonsense of the claim that it was necessary to shut down businesses.

Earlier this month, hundreds of people crammed onto a bridge in London to applaud health workers. They included the UK's police chief, Cressida Dick, whose job was to order them to disperse. She joined in instead. Around 10,000 people are still arriving in the country every day, and then wandering off, unscreened and untraced. Some underground trains were for a time packed, while joggers and cyclists continue to roam apparently unhindered.

In the US, the Governor of Georgia has allowed gyms, hair salons and even tattoo parlours to open for business. But why not, when nearly 40,000 people were reported to have gone to enjoy the sea air at Newport Beach in southern California last Friday?

Look again at the numbers of deaths I quoted above, and the lesson appears to be simple. It is summed up in a phrase most of us were taught as young children: if something is worth doing, it is worth doing properly. Yes, I would love to go for a swim, and I long to be able to join friends for satay from a roadside stall again. But I cannot, or not for a while anyway. And maybe that is why only 99 people have died from the coronavirus in Malaysia so far, as opposed to 20,000 in freedom-loving Britain.

Sholto Byrnes is a commentator and consultant in Kuala Lumpur and a corresponding fellow of the Erasmus Forum

How they line up for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix

1 Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes

2 Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari

3 Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari

4 Max Verstappen, Red Bull

5 Kevin Magnussen, Haas

6 Romain Grosjean, Haas

7 Nico Hulkenberg, Renault

*8 Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull

9 Carlos Sainz, Renault

10 Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes

11 Fernando Alonso, McLaren

12 Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren

13 Sergio Perez, Force India

14 Lance Stroll, Williams

15 Esteban Ocon, Force India

16 Brendon Hartley, Toro Rosso

17 Marcus Ericsson, Sauber

18 Charles Leclerc, Sauber

19 Sergey Sirotkin, Williams

20 Pierre Gasly, Toro Rosso

* Daniel Ricciardo qualified fifth but had a three-place grid penalty for speeding in red flag conditions during practice

Closing the loophole on sugary drinks

As The National reported last year, non-fizzy sugared drinks were not covered when the original tax was introduced in 2017. Sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, 20 grams of sugar per 500ml bottle.

The non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.

Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.

Flavoured water, long-life fruit juice concentrates, pre-packaged sweetened coffee drinks fall under the ‘sweetened drink’ category
 

Not taxed:

Freshly squeezed fruit juices, ground coffee beans, tea leaves and pre-prepared flavoured milkshakes do not come under the ‘sweetened drink’ band.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
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Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
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On Women's Day
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
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  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
On Women's Day
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
If you go

The flights

There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.

The trip

Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.

The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.

 

How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)

Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits

Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine

Storage: 128/256/512GB

Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4

Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps

Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID

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In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter

Price: From Dh2,099

Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill

Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.

Our legal consultants

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

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