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Professor Peter Doherty won the Nobel prize for his research on how our bodies fight off viruses. Today, we ask him what makes Covid-19 different from other infections, how it damages our bodies, and what we should be doing now to prepare for the next pandemic. Guest: Professor Peter Doherty.Background reading:The pandemic we had to have in The Saturday PaperThe Saturday PaperThe MonthlyFor more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s airlines have been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak, and they’re asking the government for billions of dollars in financial support. The crisis has even sparked debate over whether the industry should be nationalised. Today, Royce Kurmelovs, on whether it’s time the government took back control of the skies.Guest: Freelance journalist Royce Kurmelovs.Background reading:Australian airlines in turmoil in The Saturday PaperThe Saturday PaperThe MonthlyFor more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we try and contain the coronavirus outbreak, health authorities, governments and social media platforms are also battling the spread of misinformation about the virus. Today, Mike Seccombe on the question of who we trust in a crisis.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.Background reading:Fighting the Infodemic in The Saturday PaperThe Saturday PaperThe MonthlyFor more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As more of Australia goes into coronavirus isolation, advice is being offered on how to manage mental health during a viral pandemic that forces us to separate. We speak to a Melbourne family who were holidaying in Wuhan during the first outbreak and have been in isolation for almost 80 days. Guest: Features and field producer Elle Marsh.Background reading:The Saturday PaperThe MonthlySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s now been one month since Scott Morrison’s first announcement on the coronavirus pandemic. Since then his response has been criticised as confused and slow. Today, Paul Bongiorno on the political decisions made and how they stack up. Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.Background reading:Government's crashing failure in face of crisisThe Saturday PaperThe MonthlyFor more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teams of researchers are working around the clock to try and develop a vaccine against coronavirus. In Australia, a group of scientists at the University of Queensland are on the verge of a breakthrough. Today, Rick Morton on the race to find a vaccine.Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton.Background reading:Exclusive: Inside the hunt for a vaccine in The Saturday PaperThe Saturday PaperThe MonthlyFor more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With hundreds of thousands of Australians losing their jobs, the economic cost of coronavirus is becoming clear. On Monday the government passed its stimulus measures through parliament, but there’s questions over whether it will be enough. Today, chief economist at The Australia Institute Richard Denniss on how we can get through the next 18 months. Guest: Chief economist at The Australia Institute Richard Denniss.Background reading:How Australia can avoid economic collapse in the wake of Covid-19 in The Saturday PaperThe Saturday PaperThe MonthlyFor more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medical experts say that the government’s slow response to the coronavirus outbreak has left Australia exposed, and a lack of resources could make the crisis worse.Today, in part two of our series on COVID-19, Mike Seccombe on the challenge our country and health system is facing.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.Background reading:What Morrison did wrong on coronavirus in The Saturday PaperThe Saturday PaperThe MonthlyFor more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases grows in Australia, hospitals are gearing up for a spike in admissions. Today, Dr Nenad Macesic on how doctors are handling the pandemic and what the future holds. This is part one of a five-part special.Guest: Contributor to The Monthly, Dr Nenad Macesic.Background reading:Behind the coronavirus masks in The MonthlyThe Saturday PaperThe MonthlyFor more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Morrison has finally begun to acknowledge the serious economic cost of coronavirus, and speculation is growing about his next big stimulus package. But questions are being asked about whether the government is up to the economic challenge. Today, Paul Bongiorno, on the future of the economy and the Prime Minister.Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.Background reading:Morrison's coronavirus awakening in The Saturday PaperThe Saturday PaperThe MonthlyFor more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.