Taiwan and South Korea were watching covid-19 as it approached. Their populations have experience with epidemics. New Zealand closed its borders early. Japan had the cruise ship Diamond Princess in port. All these countries acted soon and swiftly; they nipped it in the bud.
China initially tried to deny covid-19 but then locked down decisively when they accepted that they had a problem. 760 million people were under travel restrictions; over a tenth of the population of the entire world.
What are you laughing at Pigeon English? Covid’s no laughing matter. I hope you’re not hinting at something; if you are, I think you should just say it instead of sniggering behind your hand.