As to your final question(s): I think the key differences are: developing a national strategy to defeat the virus, not live with it; clearly communicating that

As to your final question(s): I think the key differences are: developing a national strategy to defeat the virus, not live with it; clearly communicating that strategy; and sticking to it. Countries with SARS experience were quick at developing and communicating those strategies. Other countries like NZ and Australia were not absolutely quick but were quick enough because the virus got here later.