How the Germans did it

[timelets]

https://www.straitstimes.com/world/a-german-exception-why-the-countrys-coronavirus-death-rate-is-low

For example,

In mid-January, long before most Germans had given the virus much thought, Charité hospital in Berlin had already developed a test and posted the formula online.

By the time Germany recorded its first case of Covid-19 in February, laboratories across the country had built up a stock of test kits.
..
"Testing and tracking is the strategy that was successful in South Korea, and we have tried to learn from that," Prof Streeck said.
...
Dr Merkel has communicated clearly, calmly and regularly throughout the crisis as she imposed ever-stricter social distancing measures on the country. The restrictions, which have been crucial to slowing the spread of the pandemic, met with little political opposition and are broadly followed.