Welcome to our weekly newsletter highlighting the best of our coverage of the pandemic and its effects. Why do new SARS-CoV-2 variants spread more easily? In an explainer, we look at how random mutations in the viral genetic code allow new variants to bind better to human cells. In America, the vaccination programme is stalling. Our Lexington columnist argues that populist conservatives are to blame. In France, the vaccine-shy are suddenly rushing to get jabbed—the government’s decision to allow only the fully vaccinated to enter restaurants, bars, trains and other spaces has caused a spike in inoculations. A wave of covid-19 is engulfing Indonesia—the government’s response is too little, too late. Meanwhile, in England, the government faces a stern test of its vaccination strategy. The country will end covid-19 restrictions on July 19th, in the midst of rapidly rising infections. Will the “wall” of inoculations hold? This time last year, employers were furloughing staff. Now many of them are desperately looking for more. The rapid bounce-back has been good news for workers angling for a pay rise. In addition, the business of matching workers to employers has become hot again. Our data journalists have been studying the impacts of the pandemic. Research from Stanford University shows that covid-19 has persuaded Americans to leave city centres—but they haven’t gone far. And in our Graphic detail section, we look at a new study that could help to define long covid. If you are dreading returning to the corporate environment, in our sister publication, 1843, Catherine Nixey suggests taking some advice from monks, brethren who lived, worked and died with their colleagues. |