SARS spread across the globe. It was effectively contained by public health authorities in various countries. It is possible to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 in countri

SARS spread across the globe. It was effectively contained by public health authorities in various countries. It is possible to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 in countries with competent public health systems. However, most countries did not attempt elimination. Instead, they followed their standard pandemic response plans, which are based on influenza, and which only aim to slow the spread of the virus. Notably, a number of countries did not follow the standard response plans for an influenza pandemic, and instead went for (and rapidly achieved) complete elimination: mainland China, Taiwan, New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, Singapore, and others.