Heterogeneity of the COVID-19 epidemic: what can we learn from it?

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The goal of this article is to evaluate and explain the heterogeneity of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in Australia, to offer advice for stopping the current outbreak and preparing for a suitable response to epidemics in the future. Method(s) We conducted a review to analyze the epidemic and explain its variable manifestation across states in Australia. Most COVID-19 cases and deaths were in the states of Victoria and New South Wales due to differences in the governance of the epidemic and public health responses (quarantine and contact tracing) among states. Result(s) Countries could learn from Australia's overall successful response not only through good governance, effective community participation, adequate public health, adequate health system capacity and multisectoral actions but also from the heterogeneity of the epidemic among states. Conclusion(s) A successful response to epidemics in countries with a decentralized administration requires multilevel governance with alignment and harmonization of the response. Copyright © 2022 E-Century Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved.