13 MAY

One virus, two very different experiences

Coronavirus Comparison Edition

This issue of The 45th is a closer look at how the pandemic is hitting Australia and the United States differently. In numbers, sentiment and response, the United States and Australia have had incredibly varied experiences of outbreak. In this week's edition of the 45th, we analyse that divide.

New public polling shows Americans are deeply divided on whether the government-imposed lockdowns to tackle COVID-19 are reasonable, while Australians are more accepting of the measures.

A poll of 2,000 Americans and Australians by the United States Studies Centre, in collaboration with La Trobe University and the University of Melbourne, finds profound partisan disagreements are both symptom and cause of the United States' struggles to respond to the pandemic, with American respondents split on concerns about contracting COVID-19, support for lockdowns, and trust in medical experts.

United States Studies Centre CEO Simon Jackman notes, "Bipartisanship, reliance on scientific expertise, effective policies and public support for those policies form a virtuous circle."

The public is much more willing to support tough policies when political leaders from opposite sides of politics are seen to be united and relying on experts, as we've seen in Australia with the National Cabinet."

This is evident in Australians, who report lower levels of concern about contracting the virus, higher levels of support for lockdowns and trust in medical experts, and almost a complete absence of the partisanship cleaving American public opinion.

In the United States, only 19 per cent of Republicans are very or extremely worried about contracting the virus compared to 48 per cent of Democrats. The polling found no equivalent partisan divide in Australia, with roughly one quarter of Coalition, Labor, and Greens voters saying the same.

"With elections in November, and after the Trump administration's slow response to the crisis in its opening months, prospects of an effective, bipartisan policy in the US evaporated," Jackman says.

To view the full polling report "Fear, Loathing and COVID-19: America and Australia Compared", click here.

NEWS WRAP

Prison outbreak

Prison overcrowding becomes a more fatal issue amid pandemic
USSC Non-Resident Fellow Dr Lesley Russell describes prisons and jails in the US as “coronavirus petri dishes”, with nearly 2.3 million people in the country’s criminal justice system. As of 11 May, there were 25,014 cases amongst inmates and 340 deaths, with 8,559 cases among staff with 35 deaths. READ MORE HERE.
Urgent research into mystery COVID-19-linked disease in US children
Australian health authorities have commissioned urgent research into a mystery COVID-19-linked illness presenting in some children in the United States. Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Brendan Murphy, has asked the nations leading pediatric experts for a report on Kawasaki disease, which is the closest know illness to that which has presented in almost 100 American newborns and teenagers. READ MORE HERE.
Supply chain economic alliance amongst democracies
The COVID-19 pandemic has catapulted global supply chain issues to the fore of US, Australian and global discussions. Amid rising calls for national self-sufficiency and de-globalisation, USSC Senior Fellow Dr Charles Edel argues that there is a middle path for democratic nations outside of these options: “an economic alliance structure, in which countries strengthen their capabilities in mutually supportive ways”. READ MORE HERE.
Warning against lifting lockdowns in US, while Australia eases restrictions
Dr Anthony Fauci, the leading infectious disease official in the United States, has warned in Senate testimony that the consequences of relaxing national lockdowns “could be really serious” and could lead to “little spikes that turn will turn into outbreaks”. Dr Fauci said, “There is a real risk that you will trigger an outbreak that you might not be able to control”. Meanwhile, Australia has officially begun the process of easing restrictions after Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently announced a three-step “Roadmap to COVIDSafe Australia” plan, which would see a progressive easing until July-August. READ MORE HERE.

Unfortunately, and not for the first time, Chinese government officials responded to these calls with deeply disturbing and thinly-disguised threats of retaliation [...] No matter the external pressure or coercion, we will always have Australia’s back, just as Australia has always had ours.

Twenty-seven members of the United States Congress
In a letter to Australia's US Ambassador Arthur Sinodinos
on China's economic threats to Australia
7 May 2020

COVID-19: BY THE NUMBERS

Case per day increase: US 2 | Australia 0

The curve is now flat in Australia but in the United States the curve is still slowly climbing. There has been no daily per cent increase in Australia since April and the increase in the US has hovered around 2 per cent per day since the start of May.

To track the latest trends and numbers, visit our COVID-19 tracker HERE.

VIRTUAL EVENT

Nuclear disasters, tsunamis and pandemics: How does the US government respond to a crisis?

As shocking as crises may be to the public, crisis and disaster planning are integral to government planning and operations. From natural disasters and public health emergencies to attacks on the president or the country; the government is expected to respond to a diverse range of crises. But what do these plans look like? How do they get formulated and implemented? How extensive were the US government plans for a global pandemic?

To discuss these issues, please join us for a webinar event featuring Rear Admiral Scott Deitchman, a 30-year veteran of the US Public Health Service who led emergency responses at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in conversation with Adam Kamradt-Scott, an associate professor in global health security and international relations at the University of Sydney.

WHEN:
Thursday 15, May 2020, 11am AEST

COST:
Free, but registration is essential

REGISTER NOW