The COVID-19 Pandemic

This book presents a comprehensive account of the COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the novel coronavirus pandemic, as it happened.

This volume examines the first responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, the contexts of earlier epidemics and the epidemiological basics of infectious diseases. Further, it discusses patterns in the spread of the disease; the management and containment of infections at the personal, national, and global level; effects on trade and commerce; the social and psychological impact on people; the disruption and postponement of international events; the role of various international organizations like the WHO in the search for solutions; and the race for a vaccine or a cure.

Based on new data and latest developments, the second edition of this volume explores the global spread of COVID-19 since 2019 and examines the emergence of the evolving coronavirus variants (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron). Further, it extensively discusses what we have since discovered on the disease, along with recent progress on treatments and vaccines.

Authored by a medical professional and an economist working on the frontlines, this book gives a nuanced, verified and fact-checked analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic and its global response. A one-stop resource on the COVID-19 outbreak, it is indispensable for every reader and a holistic work for scholars and researchers of medical sociology, public health, political economy, public policy and governance, sociology of health and medicine, and paramedical and medical practitioners. It will also be a great resource for policymakers, government departments and civil society organizations working in the area.

Tapas Kumar Koley is M.D. (internal medicine), senior specialist physician at Tilak Nagar Colony Hospital, South Delhi Municipal Corporation, New Delhi, India. He also works in the area of medicine and law related to medical negligence and has been involved in the training of doctors and lawyers on medical negligence. A few of his recent publications include Medical Negligence and the Law in India (2010) and Handbook of Clinical Electrocardiography (2009).

Monika Dhole is the joint director of Economic Affairs and Research Division with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), New Delhi, India. She has worked with some of the most renowned research organizations in various capacities in India and has made research contributions to their publications and research projects over the years.