As the United States grapples with yet another surge in COVID-19 cases and the emergence of new variants, other countries around the globe are also seeing successes and failures in how they combat the pandemic. 

Spiking in cases since the Delta-variant is expected everywhere, but in India it is more extreme. A fatal second wave swept India off its feet in late May. According to the New York Times, around 27 million were infected, and 300,000 were reported dead. Today, we see 33,895,052 cases as of October 7 according to Worldometer. More positively, 99% of the infected people have recovered and been discharged, while only 1% have died. 

It is believed that India experienced a resurgence of cases in such high numbers because they relaxed precautions after the first wave of COVID. When the first wave was presumed over, large gatherings resumed, and the majority of precautions were lifted. As of now, India’s schools and businesses remain closed, but manufacturing sights in major cities such as New Delhi have reopened. The New York Times reports that hospital wards have lightened in capacity and the strain on medicine and supplies has eased.

Places like the United States, Thailand, and Japan have all experienced resurgence in cases with the new variant of the virus. In the United States, mask mandates are heavily debated and argued about. The resurgence of mask mandates could mean more conflict in society. 

Places like New Zealand, Taiwan, and American Samoa are in almost opposite situations. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Arden claims that clear communication was the key to the country’s success.

New Zealand only experienced 2,905 cases and 26 deaths as of August 2021  according to the New York Times. They made use of the geographical  advantage of being an island, making it easier to keep people out and in. Immediate preparation for hospitals and pandemic influenza plans were implemented in February of 2020. 

New Zealand had also kept their borders closed from March 2020 until mid August of 2021. The reopening still consisted of strict restrictions in terms of testing and vaccination checks. As of now, New Zealand is planning to release a new program beginning this October that will lift the 14 day hotel quarantine mandates for vaccinated travellers. The country is still seeing tremendous amounts of success with keeping the virus largely out of their country, and will work to continue this success.