The Intelligence from The Economist

Isle be damned: Britain ravaged by covid-19

Jun 22, 2020
Emma Duncan, The Economist's Britain editor, offers a deep dive into the UK's tumultuous handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses how the country's diverse makeup amplified the virus's impact and the government's questionable decisions that eroded public trust. The conversation also highlights the dire situation of Native American communities facing significant health challenges and cultural risks due to COVID-19. Additionally, Duncan touches on the intriguing dynamics of corporate governance in China driven by the power of company seals.
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INSIGHT

Britain's COVID-19 Disadvantages

  • Britain's disadvantages regarding COVID-19 include its international, densely populated capital, London.
  • Additionally, Britain's population is generally unhealthy, with a high proportion of ethnic minorities vulnerable to the disease.
INSIGHT

Shifting Strategy

  • The British government's initial COVID-19 strategy focused on protecting vulnerable people while allowing the disease to spread.
  • This approach changed after Imperial College projections showed potential NHS overwhelm and significant deaths.
ANECDOTE

Alternative Leadership

  • Jeremy Hunt, Boris Johnson's rival, advocated for a faster lockdown and highlighted East Asian countries' measures.
  • This suggests an alternative leadership approach during the early stages of the crisis.
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