The Ecosystem Change and Population Health Symposium 2021 (ECAPH)

While Taiwan and Australia have approximately similar populations there is a marked difference with their respective responses to the Covid 19 virus. We will compare some of the methods that both countries have employed and contrast the variations that have been utilized by each nation.

We need to note that the Australian federal system constitutes separation of power and therefore each Australian state has its own separate health, hospital and nursing service and other government systems that are state owned and operated, such as education, police and others. Consequently, there are multiple differences in regulations and rules that apply to the many different government departments in comparison to each state within Australia. In contrast Taiwan health, hospital and nursing service is controlled and regulated by one central government department but with several different divisions.

As we gain more insight into the Covid 19 pandemic and how it can be spread, both national health authorities are trying to effectively to reduce any rise in Covid 19 cases and stem any serious threats that have affected both nations.

In Taiwan authorities acted quickly and thoroughly in overseeing the reduction of possible consequences of citizens and residents catching and passing the virus onto others, however, no civilian preventative system has been found to be absolute and until recently Taiwan was seen as a model of preventative action and was considered a representation for positive Covid responsive action. Recently however, Taiwan went into a heightened alert over a dramatic rise in Covid cases and some suggest this was a case a sense of complacency within the government and within the population.

Australia took more gradual approach but the Australian authorities eventually acted quickly and decisively and with a bipartisan approach to the other states and declaring that unity was essential to the emergency response. As the world grapples with this most serious pandemic let us hope that ultimately it will cease to be as active as it has been and that the world returns to some normalcy.

In conclusion both countries have to stay alert and consistent with their health and screening of the population and encourage their citizens to be active in social distancing and with all and any specific requirements that their respective governments have advised as a precaution to safeguard their wellbeing.

Covid 19；pandemic；federal system；complacency