COVID-19 has no doubt engulfed the entire world and has left many countries. Now an increase in cases is prompting swift shutdowns in major cities across America. Cases are on the rise in most of Europe’s countries including Italy, the UK, Spain, and Germany. Other countries in Europe such as Ireland and France have not seen a dramatic spike in cases. Factors such as population, population density, and restrictions influence how the virus can be controlled. Countries with a higher average population density can expect to see a more uncontrolled outbreak than a country with people more spaced out. The average population density of America’s largest city New York is about 27,000 people per square mile. Compare this to the average population density of Dublin, the most populous city in Ireland, which is 11,880 people per square mile and it’s easy to see why certain countries may have a harder time dealing with the outbreak. Another factor that increases the rate at which the virus spreads is the amount and severity of restrictions put in place. Currently, Ireland has a level 5 restriction in place. This allows people to travel three miles from their home in any direction. This targets travel and limits the number of gatherings that will take place. Although COVID-19 affects all countries differently, certain measures can be put in place to limit the spread of the virus.

Countries that beat COVID-19 and effectively stopped the spread in the beginning took a very aggressive approach against the virus. Countries such as New Zealand and Taiwan are seeing only small numbers of cases each day. New Zealand entered level 1 restrictions on October 7th which is the least strict stage. They used speed as their tactic in combating the virus. Just three days after the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus to be an international concern on January 20th, 2020, they began restrictions and tightened them through February and March. This proves that early, strict mitigation efforts can stop the spread of the virus and allow people to get back their normal lives. 

https://www.who.int/westernpacific/news/feature-stories/detail/new-zealand-takes-early-and-hard-action-to-tackle-covid-19

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