From pandemic to endemic? Learning lessons from a global contagion

Abstract

ABSTRACT Covid-19 has had the most profound impact at all levels: globally, nationally, and individually, across every sector imaginable. The ‘spectrum of responses’ represents an emerging structure that decision-makers have created and implanted, to help control the unpredictable nature of the pandemic. From shut down to lock down, from time and location-based unlocking, and back to full release, local and national communities alike have struggled – and some have succeeded – in their responses to Covid’s epidemiological impacts. Every state, every individual has been propelled back and forth along this spectrum, and the spectrum itself has been swiftly made, and overhauled by governments attempting to stay one step ahead of the spread, in lockstep with the swiftest developments in immunology and virology yet seen this century. But the spectrum cannot capture everything, including the tremendous economic and social impacts that Covid has had on societies, and indeed the most appropriate steps to take next.