Economist Podcasts Lives v livelihoods: Africa’s covid-19 tradeoffs
May 4, 2020
Jonathan Rosenthal, Africa editor for The Economist, shares insights into Nigeria’s controversial easing of lockdowns amidst rising COVID-19 cases and economic struggles. He highlights the dire choices faced by African leaders balancing health and economic survival. Meanwhile, culture writer James Waddell reflects on the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 150-year history and financial challenges, connecting its elite relationships with broader cultural identities. They also touch on surprising research linking smoking to milder COVID-19 symptoms, sparking intriguing discussions.
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Nigeria's Lockdown Dilemma
- Nigeria is lifting some lockdown measures due to the economic cost.
- The shutdown was effective at containing the virus's spread, but it hurt the economy.
Nigeria's COVID-19 Response
- Nigeria's COVID-19 response is complicated by a lack of testing and regional variations in case numbers.
- While restrictions are easing in some areas, they're tightening in others with unexplained deaths.
Nigeria's Economic Crisis
- Nigeria faces a tough decision: continue lockdowns despite economic hardship or risk further spread.
- The country's reliance on oil revenue and lack of social safety nets exacerbate the problem.