Experts Split Over Why Coronavirus Is Killing So Many More People In The UK Than In Ireland

TOPLINEThe U.K. has seen more than twice the number of deaths per 100,000 people compared to neighbouring Ireland, as experts in both countries ask difficult questions about their responses to the coronavirus crisis.

KEY FACTS

Key background: Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Leo Varadkar, ordered the closure of school and public facilities on March 12 and cancelled mass gatherings such as St Patrick’s Day celebrations. It officially issued stay at home warnings on March 27. U.K. prime minister Boris Johnson activated a nationwide lockdown on March 23, a week after banning mass gatherings and advising against non-essential travel in what was called the ‘delay phase’. While the U.K. government maintains that it is being guided by scientific advice, Johnson was criticized for not implementing closures earlier. 

Additional info: The U.K., saw its first coronavirus cases at the end of January, while Ireland reported its first case around a month later, on February 27.

Big number: There have been almost 2 million confirmed cases of coronavirus around the world, to date, while more than 120,000 people who had the disease, have died, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Tangent: The U.K. has also been compared to Germany, which has seen a greater number of confirmed cases than the U.K., but fewer deaths. Germany has been much more proactive in testing its population. Authorities carried out widespread testing at the outbreak’s onset and traced contacts of people who tested positive.

Further reading:

Full coverage and live updates on the Coronavirus

MORE FROM FORBESWhy Coronavirus Deaths In England Could Be 15% Higher Than Government EstimatesBy Isabel Togoh