What can we learn from the Victoria (Australia) versus Western Europe COVID-19 ‘Second Wave’ Responses?

In 2020 many countries are struggling to respond to a ‘second wave’ of COVID-19 infections through: mandatory and voluntary social distancing (SD) measures; testing, contact tracing and isolation; border controls; and economic incentives and stimulus measures. A second wave of infections began in the Australian state of Victoria from the end of May and in Western Europe from July. Following a series of Victorian state government measures beginning in June 2020, new daily cases and daily COVID-19 fatalities, respectively, peaked on 5 August and 4 September and there have been no new COVID-19 cases and fatalities for more than 30 days as of 30 November 2020. We contrast the Victorian government’s responses to its second wave to those of Western Europe, compare the economy and public health costs and provide six key policy findings