Definition: Individuals infected with coronavirus (Covid-19) recorded daily in absolute numbers, cumulative.
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In our globalized world, a microscopic virus spreads almost unchecked as an invisible danger: it knows no distinctions and unleashes a global force that shakes society, the economy, freedom, religion, politics, the media and thus almost all areas of life in equal measure.
But how can a pandemic actually be understood? How does its spread differ from that of an epidemic? Virologists and epidemiologists advise us - but it is not only the experts who are helped by a look at key indicators such as infection figures and the change in these figures in absolute terms (new infections).
Measures
The transmission of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 occurs in normal social intercourse in the population mainly via virus-containing particles, which are released by infected persons mainly when coughing and sneezing as well as when breathing, speaking and singing. Basically, within a radius of one to two meters around an infected person, the probability of coming into contact with virus-containing droplets and aerosols is increased.
The declared aim of the measures ("social distancing", partial lockdown, complete lockdown, partial business openings, "Easter shutdown", nighttime exit restrictions, emergency brakes) and the far-reaching restrictions on public life is to prevent further spread (suppression) in parallel with the vaccination program, because merely slowing down the spread (mitigation) would lead to a collapse of the health systems and thus to high mortality rates, even in the more developed countries.
But how long can the shutdown be sustained without lasting damage to economic systems, trade relations, social structures, and fundamental rights?
In the meantime, the federal government has set up several aid programs to help those who have suffered economic damage (e.g., KfW special program, emergency aid for small businesses, solo self-employed and members of the liberal professions, bridging aid I to III, November aid, December aid, new start-up aid, hardship aid). The German states have also become active. The EU is currently preparing a 750 billion euro program of economic aid following the Corona crisis. Around the world, states are offering Corona aid to their economies.
For many people, the psyche is suffering from the pandemic situation. Worry, stress, anxiety, exhaustion and depression are spreading throughout society. Children, teenagers, mothers who are doubly burdened by home schooling and home office suffer. Their daily routine has been greatly affected by Corona. What long-term consequences the Corona crisis will have for them and to what extent there will be a Long Covid Syndrome with mental disorders remains to be seen.
Survey by: Johns Hopkins University
Database: Global Cases by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering