The world has looked to South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Vietnam as successful examples in their initial responses to Covid-19; their case numbers and deaths have been lower compared to western countries. With the SARS and MERS pandemics still fresh in mind, these Asian governments reacted quickly, firmly and robustly to control the pandemic, and they continue to do so as second and third waves threaten their populations. In contrast, the United States leads the world by far in total numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths with new outbreaks and fatalities surging. Hospitals in most seriously affected communities continue to be short on supplies. Americans say government policy has sometimes been inconsistent and confusing, and wearing masks has become a political issue, not just a matter of health.

Two internationally respected public health and infectious disease experts will compare and contrast the responses taken by the United States and examples in Asia in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic; share lessons learned from these approaches; and offer best steps forward for the world to defeat the current pandemic and prevent future ones.

Designed for multinational journalists and informed audiences, EWC Seminars Live is a bimonthly webinar and briefing series that seeks to inform, connect, and source media stories.

For more information and to register, visit www.eastwestcenter.org/EWCSeminarsLive.