In comparing the spread of Covid-19 between the Republic of Ireland and New Zealand, a University of Auckland academic highlighted the reduced numbers of community transmissions and the closing of its borders as reasons why New Zealand has achieved much in stemming the virus.
Given the similarity in the population size of the two countries, Eamon O'Brien, a Professor of Mathematics, said the number of community transmissions was key in explaining some contrasting stats.
There have been 17 deaths in New Zealand compared to almost 800 here. He referenced the number of confirmed cases in New Zealand - 1,500, versus 17,607 in the Republic of Ireland.