Scientists Identify Trait That Saved Australians, Failed Americans

Lessons in COVID

Scientists Identify Trait That Saved Australians, Failed Americans Despite remarkably similar demographic profiles, Australia suffered around 7,500 COVID deaths, near the best in global rankings, compared with America’s 1 million. Though Australia imposed some of the strictest travel and personal restrictions, scientists say those don’t account for the discrepancy. Researchers found that the thing Australians displayed that saved so many lives — and what Americans notably lacked — is simple: trust. According to a study of 177 countries published in The Lancet, interpersonal trust, the belief that others will do what’s right for the individual and for the community, mattered more to COVID outcomes than health spending or form of government. (Source: NYT)