Economist Podcasts Zero-to-some game: Asia-Pacific covid-19 plans crack
Oct 11, 2021
Edward Carr, Deputy Editor at The Economist overseeing COVID-19 coverage, and Sophie Petter, Paris Bureau Chief, delve into pressing global issues. They discuss the challenges faced by Asia-Pacific nations transitioning from strict zero-COVID policies in light of the Delta variant. The conversation then shifts to the harrowing revelations of over 200,000 cases of abuse within the French Catholic Church, questioning its societal role. Finally, they tackle the crucial topic of dialect diversity in English, advocating for recognition beyond 'standard' English.
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Zero-COVID in Asia-Pacific
- Asia-Pacific countries like Australia, China, Taiwan, and New Zealand favored zero-COVID strategies.
- These initially succeeded, significantly lowering case numbers, but Delta's infectiousness challenged their sustainability.
Reasons for Zero-COVID Approach
- Island nations like Taiwan, New Zealand, and Australia could close borders effectively.
- Prior SARS-CoV experience informed their rapid responses and preparedness.
Why Abandon Zero-COVID?
- Delta's high infectivity rendered zero-COVID mechanisms ineffective.
- Vaccines and the endemic nature of COVID-19 necessitate adapting to its circulation.