All the successful pandemic control techniques, including mask-wearing, contact-tracing, and compulsory quarantine, were initially dismissed as authoritarian and culturally inappropriate for the West. We underfunded and neglected pandemic response. Western governments treated their healthcare workers like load-bearing infrastructure, with policy aimed to “not overwhelm” hospitals. In the name of 'freedom', Western governments would not contemplate mandatory quarantines. In the name of “freedom”, Western governments would not contemplate mandatory quarantines.

Source: The Irish Times October 31, 2020 01:30 UTC