Victoria’s privatised quarantine arrangements were destined to fail

Victoria’s second wave of COVID-19 cases can be traced back to poor security at quarantine hotels. Economics tells us that governments privatising services where quality counts is a bad idea.

Obesity remains a risk for COVID-19

The risk of more severe symptoms from COVID-19 and the likelihood of death is higher in people who are obese, regardless of their age, according to a study to be published in the European Journal of Endocrinology.

A new approach may be needed to tame COVID-19

A prominent Australian pharmacologist has called for a new approach to treating COVID-19 as hopes fade of finding an effective vaccine or antiviral before the end of the year.

Millennial bugs?

Blaming millennials for spreading COVID-19 fails to see the bigger picture.

Does Australia need an elimination strategy?

A number of states have essentially eliminated COVID-19 through tough border policies, should Australia as a nation do the same?

Don’t panic!

Panic buying toilet paper is a quick mental fix that makes people feel more prepared and less anxious, says a UNSW consumer behaviour expert, given the news of rising COVID-19 infections in Victoria and fears of a second wave of infection.

There’s no returning to the pre-COVID-19 world

COVID-19 has been described as a once-in-a-century pandemic and its effects will cause a permanent shift in the way the world operates at every social, political and economic level.

Looking back to glimpse the future

Monash historians and archaeologists take the opportunity to look at precedents for our current situation and find some consolation in our forebears’ pathways to recovery from the pandemic.

Wearing masks will help society recover

The World Health Organisation has reversed its earlier advice and now encourages everyone to wear a mask while outside. Wearing masks on public transport is now compulsory in many countries, and Australia should follow suit.

Doctor WHO to the rescue?

While Scott Morrison’s suggestion that the World Health Organization might investigate disease outbreaks like weapons inspectors is interesting, there would be obvious problems with implementing it in reality.

Could wealth hidden in tax havens help pay for COVID-19?

Late last month, Denmark, France and Poland banned companies registered in tax havens from receiving government COVID-19 bailouts. Should Australia do the same?

Can a vaccine be found against COVID-19?

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, medical scientists across the globe are searching for potential vaccines against the deadly virus, but there’s no certainty that one will ever be found, and if one is, it may not happen quickly.