Both countries, which started strong quarantine early on, have succeeded in minimizing the number of new cases through local infection. As of the 22nd, there were 0 new cases (29 overseas infections) through local infections in Singapore. New Zealand has no regional infections since November 18th.
The two countries have already succeeded in securing vaccines that can inoculate the entire population while maintaining the world’s enviable achievements in quarantine.
Singaporean Prime Minister Li Xianlong said on the 14th that it has secured a vaccine that can be vaccinated to the public. [로이터 = 연합뉴스]– The first shipment of Pfizer vaccine arrived in Singapore on the 21st. It is the first among Asian countries. It has been more than a week since Singapore’s Prime Minister Li Xianlong explained the vaccine security situation in front of the public on the 14th. Prime Minister Lee declared in a speech at the time that “if it goes as planned, we will be able to supply the vaccine to all Singaporeans within the third quarter of next year.” Regarding securing vaccines, Prime Minister Lee also introduced that “from the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the government tried to secure a vaccine quietly behind the scenes.” Prime Minister Lee added that he raised 1 billion Singapore dollars (about 8288 billion won) to secure the vaccine, and that over 200 vaccine candidates were all reviewed. Singapore, with a population of 5.7 million, plans to ease the distance restrictions from the current ‘5 or less’ to ‘8 or less’ starting on the 28th. Restrictions on the number of people that can be accommodated in religious facilities or public places will be eased, and regulations on large shopping malls are expected to loosen. Prime Minister Lee emphasized a calm response, saying, “Even if distance distancing is eased (to prevent spread), do not abandon your careful mind.”
New Zealand, the Economist magazine’s best country in corona prevention along with Taiwan, has already secured 14.91 million vaccines. This is the amount that 5.3 million people could be hit three times.
![New Zealand Prime Minister Jeokshinda Adun meets with reporters after winning the general election this month to express his feelings. Prime Minister Ardon's victory also played a role in effective quarantine against Corona 19. [AFP = 연합뉴스]](https://file.mk.co.kr/meet/neds/2020/12/image_readmed_2020_1311865_16086780634481321.jpg)
New Zealand Prime Minister Jeokshinda Adun meets with reporters after winning the general election this month to express his feelings. Prime Minister Ardon’s victory also played a role in effective quarantine against Corona 19. [AFP = 연합뉴스]– New Zealand’s first vaccine is contracted with Pfizer on October 12 for 1.5 million doses that can inoculate 750,000 people. A month later, on November 19, the public was informed of the signing of a vaccine contract worth 5 million people with Janssen. As of November, most of the people have secured a vaccine that can be vaccinated. The New Zealand government will continue to secure the vaccine, and in December, it will procure 760 doses (3.8 million people) of AstraZenekawa. In addition, it signed a contract with NovaVax for 10.72 million doses, capable of inoculating 5.36 million people.
On the 17th, New Zealand Prime Minister Jeokshinda Ardon declared that “we have enough supplies for all New Zealanders to be vaccinated.” As for the reason for securing more vaccines than the total population, Arden said, “We have secured supplies from various companies considering that various companies are developing vaccines.” The New Zealand government plans to start vaccination from the required manpower in the second quarter of next year. Prime Minister Arden went one step further, saying, “I am willing to provide the vaccine for free if my neighbors want it.”
The cumulative number of confirmed cases in New Zealand is 2121, and the death toll remains at the level of 25. New Zealand has taken strong measures, including closing its borders in mid-March, 20 days after the coronavirus outbreak. Since then, schools and general stores have been closed sequentially to promote social distancing. Thanks to the successful quarantine, New Zealand decided to introduce Travel Bubble with Australia from next year. Travel bubbles allow free movement without self-quarantine or quarantine for two weeks. Currently, self-isolation is essential in the case of bilateral movement.
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