List of Countries That Are on ‘Lockdown’ & How They’re Faring So Far

When Covid-19 first started spreading, only a few countries took precautionary measures because the virus had only spread to a handful of countries.

But now, the coronavirus has infected nearly 220,000 people worldwide across 174 countries and territories. Nearly 9,000 people have died from the disease so far.

As a result, more and more countries are having to resort to extreme measures to curb the spread of the disease in the country, like putting the entire nation on lockdown.

List of Countries That Are on Lockdown & How They’re Faring So Far

Firstly, what is a lockdown?

A lockdown is an emergency protocol that usually prevents people or information from leaving an area. In this situation, it could mean that citizens are prevented from leaving their houses or the country, which would also mean that travellers would not be allowed to enter.

Now, because this term is used rather loosely, we’re going to consider a lockdown as a region that’s closed off its borders and impose restrictions within the country itself.

China

China was the first country to implement a lockdown, which makes sense considering the virus originated there and spread at an alarming rate.

At its peak, China’s quarantine spanned at least 20 provinces and regions, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Wuhan, where the virus first appeared, was locked down on 23 Jan. Soon after, China locked down 15 other countries, quarantining millions of Chinese citizens.

As the World Health Organisation said, this drastic action may have worked.

“There’s no question that China’s bold approach to the rapid spread of this new respiratory pathogen has changed the course of what was a rapidly escalating and continues to be a deadly epidemic”, one epidemiologist said.

The number of coronavirus cases outside China has now exceeded the number in China, and they recently reported an overall drop in new Covid-19 infections.

China currently has 80,928 cases, 70,420 of whom have recovered. 3,245 have died from the disease so far.

So is it working? What do you think? Today, they reported a whopping 0 new local cases.

Italy

Italy, the hardest-hit country outside China, imposed a nationwide lockdown on 10 March after the number of coronavirus cases in the country skyrocketed in the last few weeks.

According to Business Insider, the lockdown restricts virtually all aspects of life for its 60 million citizens, including retail, leisure, worship, imprisonment, and travel.

All stores except for grocery stores and pharmacies are closed, and people were asked to stay at home.

Those who disobey the quarantine orders could face fines or even jail time.

But is the lockdown working?

According to CNN, there are encouraging signs that the number of new cases in northern Italy may be dropping, but experts say it is far too soon to consider this a reliable trend.

Italy currently has 35,713 confirmed cases, but only 4,025 have recovered so far. 2,978 people have died from the disease so far.

Spain

Spain soon followed Italy’s lead and imposed a nationwide quarantine on 14 March. The government ordered its 47 million residents to stay in their homes for at least 15 days.

The country currently has 14,769 cases, 1,081 of whom have recovered. 638 people have died from the disease so far.

Since it’s been only a few days since the lockdown, no one knows if it’s effective or not yet.

France

A day after Spain’s announcement, France followed suit, implementing a full lockdown, banning public gatherings and walks outside.

Residents can take public transit only if it’s absolutely necessary and to buy only essential groceries.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that people who violate the lockdown will be punished.

Just like Spain, it is too soon to tell if the lockdown has had an effect.

France has 9,134 Covid-19 cases at the moment, 602 of which have recovered. 264 people have died.

Ireland 

Ireland also announced a lockdown on 12 March, with measures currently in place until 29 March.

All schools, colleges, childcare facilities, and cultural institutions will be closed, the New York Post reported. Indoor gatherings were limited to no more than 100 people, and outdoor events to no more than 500.

Ireland currently has 366 confirmed cases, with 5 recoveries. 2 people have died from the disease so far.

El Salvador

El Salvador, despite having no confirmed coronavirus cases, imposed a national quarantine on the country’s 6.4 million citizens.

Schools are closed for three weeks, and citizens returning home from abroad must undergo a 30-day quarantine.

The president explained that they are taking precautions based on how quickly the situation escalated in Italy.

“Our health system is not at Italy’s level,” he said.

Now, is it working?

How we know seh when there is 0 case.

Malaysia

As you may have read, Malaysia has barred travel in and out of the country from 18 March to 31 March.

All business operations will be closed except essentials like markets, utilities, broadcasting, banking, and healthcare.

300,000 workers who commute to Singapore daily were stranded in Singapore as a result.

Malaysia currently has 790 Covid-19 cases, 191 of whom have recovered. 2 people have died from the disease so far.

Would it work? Malaysia PM has urged residents to comply with the order, and if it doesn’t work, the order would be extended.

Denmark, Russia, Poland, Germany, Canada, Peru, Kenya, Czech Republic, Australia closing borders

Numerous other countries are closing their borders to foreign travellers, with some barring even their own residents from entering.

Denmark has closed its borders from 14 March till 13 April but has not imposed a quarantine on its citizens. They currently have 1,057 coronavirus cases with 4 deaths.

Russia has banned foreign nationals from entering the country from 18 March to 1 May despite having only 147 Covid-19 cases. There have been no reported deaths so far.

Poland, too, has banned foreign nationals from entering the country. Citizens who return from abroad will have to serve a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Poland has a total of 287 coronavirus patients, with 5 deaths so far.

Germany also closed its borders, but only with France, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, and Luxembourg. Officials said that the flow of goods and commuters across the borders would continue. Germany has the third-highest number of cases in Europe, with 12,327 Covid-19 cases. 28 have died from the disease so far.

Canada will also bar any arrival who isn’t a citizen, a permanent resident, or a US citizen, from entering the country. They have 727 Covid-19 cases with 9 deaths so far.

Peru closed its borders and called on all citizens to self-quarantine for 15 days, Reuters reported. They have 145 confirmed Covid-19 cases with no deaths so far.

Kenya became the first African country to impose a lockdown by banning non-residents from entering the country and closing schools. They have 7 confirmed cases of the coronavirus with no deaths as of yet.

The Czech Republic has also banned foreign travel in addition to closing schools and banning many public events. They have 522 Covid-19 cases with no deaths so far.

Australia became the latest country to close its borders, barring non-citizens and residents from entering. The border shutdown will start from 20 March at 9pm. Australia currently has 636 Covid-19 cases with 6 deaths.

New Zealand also announced that it will shut its borders to anyone who isn’t a citizen or permanent resident. The closure will start tonight (19 Mar) at midnight. They have 28 cases of the Covid-19 virus with no reported deaths so far.

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A Long, Long List

Yes, this is an incredibly long list, but it wouldn’t be surprising if it becomes longer in the coming weeks.

You may be alarmed that so many countries are taking such drastic action, but considering how quickly things escalated in Italy, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said that while a lockdown in Singapore is not currently on the cards, it could not be ruled out as a possible measure in the future.

Let’s just hope the situation improves so that doesn’t happen.