The Economist A special edition on the new coronavirus

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From: The Economist this week - Saturday Feb 29, 2020 12:13 pm
   
February 29th 2020 Read in browser
   
  The Economist this week  
 
  Our coverage of the new coronavirus  
   
 
     
  cover-image   
     
  Welcome to a special edition of our weekly newsletter on the new disease, covid-19. In 12 short weeks the virus has spread from a wet market in Wuhan, across China and out into the world.

So far 58 countries have reported over 83,000 cases—though the true figure is almost certainly a lot larger. At least 2,800 people have died. This week, for the first time, the daily toll of new cases outside China began to outstrip the spread of the infection inside. The first cases have turned up in countries as distant from each other as Brazil and Pakistan.

In our cover leader in this week’s issue, we set out the threat from the disease and warn that, now that the virus is overwhelming attempts to contain it, it is past time for governments to prepare. But a huge amount remains misunderstood about the virus and its effects. Here we present seven articles that tell the story of the birth of a pandemic. We look at the biology of the disease and the dynamics of its spread; how public-health systems are gearing up to deal with the inevitable surge in infections; and how scientists are working on vaccines and new antiviral medicines. We also look at how the virus is affecting China—from the lives of migrant workers stuck in their villages to the political calculations of President Xi Jinping. And lastly we look at how covid-19 is harming global business and the world economy.

A pandemic is more than a disease. It tests a society’s health systems, its government and politicians, and its economy. We hope that our coverage prepares you for what to expect. 		 
 
  Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-In-Chief  
     
 
  Editor’s picks  
 
  Must-reads from our recent coverage  
 
 
 
Flattening the curve
How the world can deal with a pandemic

Covid-19 is now in 50 countries, and things will get worse
Briefing
 
 
 
Chaguan
Globalisation under quarantine

Amid a virus lockdown, how are China’s migrant workers surviving?
China
 
 
 
Free exchange
Shock therapy

The virus presents economic policymakers with a new sort of threat
Finance and economics
 
 
 
Around the world
Watchful waiting

Experts predict that covid-19 will spread more widely. Poor countries are especially vulnerable
International
 
 
 
Viral slowdown
How the epidemic could hurt the world economy

Falling Chinese demand will hurt. Disruption to global supply chains could be yet more damaging
International
 
 
 
Run, don’t walk
Scientists are racing to produce a vaccine

Even if they are too late for this outbreak, their work will not be wasted
International
 
 
 
Chaguan
The politics of pandemics

Xi Jinping wants to be both feared and loved by the Chinese people. The coronavirus may change that
China
 
 
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