Third Wave: Australia close to world’s best as Covid-19 numbers soar globally

The pandemic is devastating Europe. The nations most severely affected now by the pandemic are all in Europe and the Americas. Many – Britain, the US, Spain and Colombia – are contending with a third wave while several – Russia, France, Italy and Germany – are still battling their second.

The surge in deaths in several African countries in December, albeit off a low base, and much higher case numbers in South America also counter the claim that the steep rises in Europe and North America are due simply to winter weather.

Second waves

Germany was widely praised for its response early in the pandemic, starting testing and contact-tracing early. However, from just 147 fatalities recorded in August, and 200 in September, the number…