Zero Covid Debate
Zero Covid Debate
Be it resolved, the threat of new COVID-19 variants makes elimination of the virus the only viable, long-term public health strategy to end the pandemic.
B117, N501Y, P1, – these are the labels for new variants of the COVID-19 virus that have led to new waves of infection in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil and are now spreading around the world. Studies suggest that these variants could be substantially more infectious and possibly more lethal than the early COVID-Sars – 2 strains. Most worrying, the mutations that characterise these variants may reduce the effectiveness of the long awaited vaccines leading to new surges in cases, more deaths, and forcing vaccination efforts to achieve levels of mass inoculation that are a public health nightmare. In light of the ongoing threat of COVID-19, some infectious disease experts are pushing for what is being called a “Zero Covid” strategy to bring the pandemic to an end. They say that countries like Australia and New Zealand have proven it is possible to all but eliminate the virus and the rest of the world needs to follow their example. They argue that strict, comprehensive, and long-lasting lockdowns that bring COVID cases close to zero is the best way to deal with the original strains of the virus and head off the even greater threat posed by the new variants.
Critics of an elimination strategy say that the kind of lockdowns it envisions are based on an irrational, overly fearful reaction to a pathogen that is no riskier than influenza for the vast majority of the population. They say that lockdowns are causing long term harms that far outweigh the public health impact of COVID-19. Countries which have tried to eliminate the virus have sacrificed the well being of their societies and economies for the epidemiological pipe dream of zero Covid. The right approach is one based on learning how to live with COVID and managing the threats it poses to the elderly and vulnerable.
Speakers
Pro
You may also like
January 30, 2024
– Listen
Munk Dialogue with David Horovitz
February 7, 2024
– Listen
Munk Dialogue with John Mearsheimer
February 12, 2024
– Listen
UNRWA Debate
February 22, 2024
– Listen
Munk Dialogue with Sarah Paine
February 27, 2024
– Listen
Joe Biden Debate
March 6, 2024
– Listen
Munk Dialogue with Gilead Sher
March 13, 2024
– Listen
Munk Dialogue with Rose Gottemoeller
March 19, 2024
– Listen
Donald Trump Debate
March 28, 2024
– Listen
Bidenomics Debate
April 3, 2024
– Listen
TikTok Debate
April 9, 2024
– Listen
Munk Dialogue with Dr. Richard Haass
April 15, 2024
