The young nation has had only 24 cases of the virus and no deaths. Its strategy has a lot to do with Lt Col Dan Gosling.
Unbeknown to the arrivals, the Timorese fishermen and residents fearing coronavirus alerted the authorities."They knew it wasn't a regular occurrence; it was a foreign fishing boat.
Dr Sarina Kilham, rural sociology lecturer at Charles Sturt University and former long-term resident of Timor-Leste, says the government did a "stellar job" to manage conspiracy theories and convince citizens of the virus threat.Centre director Brigadier General Aluk delivers a daily briefing. Gosling says the country, which has recorded 24 cases, no deaths and no cases since April 24, did an "outstanding job" and benefited from declaring a state of emergency and closing borders early.
As lockdowns forced businesses in the cities to close, people returned to their homes on the surrounding hillsides. To stop the virus spreading to rural areas, road blocks were set up so cars could be sprayed and people could wash hands and be taught how to wear a mask. Australia's contribution, including that of charities such as UNICEF and friendships groups, was a big factor in the country's success against the pandemic.
Gosling has had a long love affair with the country, ever since he was an infantry platoon commander, part of the International Force East Timor in 1999.
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