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The Story

The Sunday Edition: They said Covid would change everything. Did it?

Mar 23, 2025
In this captivating discussion, guests Dan Atherton, Deputy Data Editor at The Times, and Tom Whipple, Science Editor at The Times, dive into the long-term effects of Covid-19. They analyze the educational setbacks from school closures and the mental health crisis among young adults as they navigated critical life transitions. The duo reflects on changes in work habits, highlighting the rise of hybrid models, and uncovers how the pandemic reshaped cultural dynamics, particularly in nightlife. Their insights reveal a complex legacy that continues to influence society.
31:23

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The pandemic triggered significant economic challenges, leading to a historic rise in government borrowing while also showcasing the economy's resilience post-crisis.
  • COVID-19 fundamentally altered work environments, fostering hybrid models and shifting societal norms around work-life balance and leisure activities.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Attitudes Towards COVID-19

Five years after the lockdowns began, reflections on the early perceptions of COVID-19 reveal a stark contrast to current awareness. Initially, discussions around the virus underestimated its severity, with many only recalling light-hearted exchanges before the pandemic escalated. As journalists revisited their early skepticism, they highlighted a collective underestimation of the potential impact, evidencing a rapid shift from casual conversations to serious global implications of the virus. This evolution underlines how quickly societal norms can change in response to unprecedented circumstances.

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