Slavea Chankova

Covid-19: what you need to know about the second wave

Zanny Minton Beddoes, Slavea Chankova

Experts anticipate recurring, localized waves of the virus driven by specific vulnerable populations until a vaccine achieves herd immunity. Governments are expected to prioritize targeted restrictions over broad lockdowns to mitigate economic fallout, though compliance may wane as public fatigue sets in. Simultaneously, unprecedented scientific collaboration contrasts with weak multilateral coordination on trade and travel, while authoritarian regimes leverage the crisis to consolidate power and democratic institutions face heightened risks regarding civil liberties and election security.