Scott Morrison says of the war against COVID-19: “On some days the virus wins. On other days we beat it.” This week, the virus was counting its victories most days.
Our desire to condemn and punish non-cooperative behaviour is strong. But we must also try to understand the complex emotional motivations of those refusing to wear masks.
Research shows that children can become infected with the coronavirus and spread it to others. Though rare, some kids do become severely ill and a few have died from COVID-19.
Just because someone isn’t wearing a mask doesn’t mean they don’t want to. They might have a disability or medical condition you can’t see that makes wearing a mask difficult or distressing.
Health workers, who have long used face masks as part of their everyday work, share their tips on how to comfortably wear them and see where you’re going.
Given the possibility single-use masks and gloves may be contaminated with COVID-19, we need clearer direction on how to dispose of them safely in public places.
Policies meant to improve public health – like mandatory face masks during the coronavirus pandemic – need to take into account how people might adjust other behaviors in response.
Policy-makers and public health officials would be wise to consider a modern, data-driven approach and incentives to encourage people to adhere to safety measures in the COVID-19 era.
Psychologists call these traits the ‘Big Five’: openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. A researcher suggests your profile implies your response to social distancing.
Buddhist monks in Thailand continue to collect alms from households, despite the threat of the coronavirus. The reason: the practice is an important part of merit-making.
Airlines and airports reacted quickly after 9/11 to put new procedures in place that overcame passengers’ newfound fears of flying. An aviation historian explains why it may be harder to so today.
Monica Gandhi, University of California, San Francisco
There is a lot of confusion and concern around asymptomatic spread of SARS-C0V-2. An infectious disease expert explains how many people are asymptomatic and how they can spread the virus.
SARS-CoV-2 can be spread through the air. But just how much of a factor that is has been hard to determine. Recent evidence suggests it is common, posing problems as public places begin to reopen.
The US may want to rethink its anti-China policy as Beijing’s focus on providing international coronavirus aid and digital and health care investments seems to be working.