The Economist explains
FAQs on the covid-19 pandemic
June 25, 2021
IN JANUARY 2021 millions of people were under lockdown and vaccination programmes for covid-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, were picking up steam. Since then the world has moved falteringly towards a post-pandemic normal in which covid-19 becomes an endemic disease, like flu or the common cold. The path will not be smooth, however, as new variants such as Omicron—first detected in November—show. Finding reliable and clear information about the pandemic can be tricky, but throughout the year The Economist’s writers have been answering some of the biggest questions. Below is a selection of our explanatory articles on the virus, vaccines and variants.
Why might new variants like Omicron spread more easily? (November)
Mutations allow new forms of the virus to better bind to human cells
Mutations allow new forms of the virus to better bind to human cells
How did India beat covid-19? (October)
The virus exhausted itself after tearing through the vast population
The virus exhausted itself after tearing through the vast population
Why official covid-19 deaths do not capture the pandemic’s true toll (September)
A lack of testing is the main reason, but there is a better way to gauge the real cost
A lack of testing is the main reason, but there is a better way to gauge the real cost
What are DNA vaccines? (September)
India is the first country to approve a new type of jab to fight covid-19
India is the first country to approve a new type of jab to fight covid-19
How common is long covid? (July)
Significant numbers of people are enduring the condition—and some may never recover
Significant numbers of people are enduring the condition—and some may never recover
Why do new SARS-CoV-2 variants spread more easily? (July)
Random mutations allow new forms of the virus to better bind to human cells
Random mutations allow new forms of the virus to better bind to human cells
Do incentives of cash or gifts for covid-19 vaccines work? (June)
Offers include everything from eggs to education, as well as money
Offers include everything from eggs to education, as well as money
Why coronavirus variants are named using the Greek alphabet (June)
It is simpler, and less contentious, than the technical or colloquial appellations
It is simpler, and less contentious, than the technical or colloquial appellations
Why might covid-19 booster vaccinations be needed? (May)
Worrying variants and waning immunity raise the prospect of follow-up vaccine doses
Worrying variants and waning immunity raise the prospect of follow-up vaccine doses
How do lateral-flow tests for covid-19 work?(April)
These cheap tests provide results within minutes. They also divide the scientific community
These cheap tests provide results within minutes. They also divide the scientific community
How do different vaccines work? (February)
They commonly use four types of mock attack
They commonly use four types of mock attack
What protections do covid-19 vaccines provide? (February)
Whether a vaccine stops a person from becoming infectious or just keeps them out of hospital depends on how it primes the immune system
Whether a vaccine stops a person from becoming infectious or just keeps them out of hospital depends on how it primes the immune system
What do covid-19 vaccine efficacy rates really mean? (March)
Trial results for different jabs vary significantly, but even seemingly low success rates are cause for celebration
Trial results for different jabs vary significantly, but even seemingly low success rates are cause for celebration
Should children be vaccinated against covid-19? (March)
Eventually, yes, but first jabs must be rigorously tested to ensure they are safe for the young as well as adults
Eventually, yes, but first jabs must be rigorously tested to ensure they are safe for the young as well as adults
What is herd immunity? (February)
If enough people become and remain immune, further outbreaks are prevented
If enough people become and remain immune, further outbreaks are prevented
What is COVAX? (February)
The vaccine-sharing scheme is designed to help poor countries compete in the vaccination race
The vaccine-sharing scheme is designed to help poor countries compete in the vaccination race
Is there a topic related to the covid-19 pandemic that you would like our writers to explain? Please send your suggestions and feedback to explainers@economist.com
Read more of our coverage of the pandemic at economist.com/coronavirus