Which ‘new normal’ after coronavirus? [What Think Tanks are thinking]

Briefing 15-05-2020

Many countries are now beginning to relax their strict confinement measures as the infection, hospitalisation and death rates from the coronavirus all fall. However, the impact of such moves is being monitored very closely, in order to try to forestall any second wave of infection. Meanwhile, debate intensifies about whether people’s previous life-styles and working practices, especially in richer industrialised countries, will be radically changed and/or remain sustainable in the emerging ‘new normal’. In parallel, the possibility of finding a vaccine, and using other modern technology applications, to overcome the virus is being intensively discussed. Analysts are also looking at the disease’s specific impact in the poorest regions of the world, notably in sub-Saharan Africa. This note offers links to recent commentaries and reports from international think tanks on coronavirus and related issues. Earlier publications on the topic can be found in the previous item in this series, published by EPRS on 8 May.