COVID-19 has affected all parts of the world as a global pandemic, affecting more people than recent epidemics. Yet nation states have responded differently, at variable time frames and with a diversity of political and public health actions. Scientists, experts, health professionals and researchers have been a part of these responses, and have also studied these action to try and define their motivations and impact. To some this diversity of responses is surprising given the common experience of COVID-19; while to others this is a sign of variations in the political and contextual factors that affect decision making.