Can the UK emulate the South Korean approach to covid-19?

Abstract

Not yet, and perhaps not ever

Excess mortality: the gold standard in measuring the impact of COVID-19 worldwide?

“…Experience to date suggests that countries that responded rapidly to implement suppression measures, such as South Korea, have fared considerably better than the UK. 33…”

COVID-19 presents opportunities and threats to transport and health

“…Many people will still need to use public transport, and increased government investment will be needed to keep travel operators financially viable, while capacity is reduced due to social distancing. The government has now made it compulsory to wear face coverings on public transport, a policy also used in countries such as South Korea, 15 which may allow some relaxation of social distancing rules.…”

Statistical Estimation of Effects of Implemented Government Policies on COVID-19 Situation in South Korea

“…South Korea flattened the curve of COVID-19 before, whereby the average number of new cases per day fell to 6.4 in the first week of May, by combining testing, early isolation, and the free treatment of positive cases combined with digital technologies without taking to “lockdown” measures [ 12 ]. However, the South Korean approach to COVID-19 of; testing and early isolation, two days per week transparent press briefings on COVID-19, use of information technology and voluntary engagement of citizens and businesses, may be difficult to emulate even for countries like USA and the UK, [ 13 ]. In particular, the current worsening of COVID-19 situation in the country mainly in the metropolitan areas, is tied to small church gatherings, restaurants and schools nationwide [ 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”