The SARS-CoV-2 virus was first detected in Australia on 25 January 2020. Within two months, the lives of all Australian were upended.

Australians were stranded overseas as external borders were slammed shut. State borders were closed to people from other states. Lockdowns severely restricted movement of the population. People watched in fascination as case numbers went up and then down.

The daily drama dragged on for months, with premiers and chief health officers fronting the media with announcements of case numbers and tightening or loosening of restrictions.

But the daily spectacle made it difficult to see the wood for the trees.