What has caused the slow rate of transmission in Japan?
It seems that the number of cases in Europe and the US keeps climbing (despite limited/late containment actions), but Japan seems to have it under control, comparatively speaking.
It seems that the number of cases in Europe and the US keeps climbing (despite limited/late containment actions), but Japan seems to have it under control, comparatively speaking.
It is also more accepted to wear face masks, as many people have pollen allergies so it's quite normal, and there is less direct physical contact between people overall.
I remember reading that the number of flu cases was about half that of a normal flu season because of the precautions everyone was taking, which points to a high percentage of people doing their part to help prevent the spread.
On the flip side though we have crowded public transport, and I've heard that people often brave it to work even if slightly sick.
The reason is that real cases start long before they become known cases.
For example in Switzerland, they barely test anyone, but it's pretty clear that with +30% d/d growth this is either already everywhere or going to be.
Over 2,000 have died in Italy, fewer than 50 in Japan.
I have yet to see anything close to a satisfactory explanation.