The coronavirus outbreak of 2019 – also known as COVID-19 or pandemic 19 – has affected lives, societies and economies around the world. From tests and vaccines to social distancing, community support, and economic recovery measures, a wide range of responses have been used to address the spread of the virus and its impacts. But without tangible solutions to prevent the disease from spreading and getting lifesaving tests, treatments and vaccines into the hands of those who need them, covid-19 will continue to steal lives and devastate families and communities.
Despite the rapid decline in COVID-19 cases and the declaration of the pandemic’s end, there remain significant challenges. The new Access to Covid-19 Tools Accelerator brings together health organisations, scientists, businesses, governments and philanthropies – including Wellcome – to tackle the last steps in getting lifesaving tests, treatments and vaccines from the laboratory to people in need around the world.
Two years after the start of the pandemic, a slim majority of Americans – across party lines – say their state elected officials and Joe Biden did an excellent or good job responding to the crisis. However, only local hospitals get a full-throated endorsement from Americans: 78% say medical centers in their communities did an excellent or good job during the outbreak. And while many say they got some benefits from the pandemic, others are less satisfied: Black Americans, in particular, are more likely than Whites to say societal inequalities were worsened by government policies during the outbreak.