Turkmenistan: Literally refusing to acknowledge the existence of COVID-19, legally banning the use of the word "coronavirus" and prohibiting news outlets from reporting on the pandemic, and arresting people who wear face masks. Probably the single worst response possible.
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North Korea : Not too much better than Turkmenistan. They're not denying that the virus exists, but they're still claiming that their country hasn't been affected at all, with official reports claiming there are ZERO cases of Covid-19 within the nation. Kim Jong Un has also refused to address the topic or to be seen wearing a face mask in public, since it would come across as undignified for the perfect immortal leader to be concerned about a mere virus.
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India: Rounding up migrant workers and telling them to go home, but refusing to let them use public transportation, forcing them to walk literally hundreds of miles, thus furthering the spread of the infection (not to mention weakening their immune systems through exhaustion). Forcing the population of urban ghettos into crowded stadiums which are now serving as makeshift jail-hospitals.
In India's case, I think it's less that the government is failing to stop the pandemic, and more that they're succeeding at deliberately making sure that the poor get infected. To Modi's government, depopulation isn't a loss, it's an alternate win condition.
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Bangladesh: Encouraging people to attend a mass prayer ceremony to recite "healing verses," thus gathering between 20,000 and 30,000 people together in a confined area.
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Philippines: Ordering police to shoot quarantine violators on sight. Granted, at least this policy is actually aimed at preventing the virus from spreading, and might actually be effective. Still a horrible violation of basic human rights, though.
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It's amazing how each government is showing its true colors in this pandemic. Stay safe.
I know right? The international community is going to need to come together to aid these poorer countries. Despite their ignorance and frankly atrocious disregard to public health, their citizens can't be left to bear the consequences of sheer incompetence.
You be safe too.
I agree... It's just sad that there is no way for them to come to a consensus. Our children and grandchildren are going to read about this I'm siphon through the data and shake their heads at the stupidity!