The Intelligence from The Economist Drawbridges up: lockdowns and covid-19
Mar 18, 2020
Simon Long, a senior editor at The Economist, and John Fassman, the Washington correspondent, discuss the global contrast in COVID-19 responses, particularly focusing on how the pandemic influenced the U.S. presidential election. The duo examines Joe Biden's lead in the Democratic race amid lockdowns and the challenges of campaigning during a health crisis. They also delve into Japan's efforts to protect its Wagyu beef from genetic smuggling, showcasing the intricate balance between global demand and local authenticity.
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Confused Responses to Pandemic
- Governments are struggling with shifting situations and confusion reigns.
- It's unclear which measures are best and when to implement them.
Converging Approaches to COVID-19
- While initially varied, national responses to COVID-19 are converging.
- This includes lockdowns, social distancing, and border controls.
US and UK Divergence
- The US and UK differed in their COVID-19 responses by testing fewer people and implementing social distancing slower.
- This approach has been criticized, especially in the US, for worsening the outbreak.