Our previous look at the future of COVID-19 was more than a year ago. Since then, the virus has mutated and the long term symptoms of the virus have been repeatedly reported. At the same time, the effects of COVID-19 have continued to disrupt the global economy and claim more than 4 million lives.
The Delta variant is currently the mutation causing the greatest concern. Several countries such as India, Ukraine, and Nigeria are struggling to start their vaccine roll out while other countries such as the US and UK are considering a third booster to help control the variants. However, Sir Andrew Pollard, the head of the Oxford Vaccine Group, says that herd immunity will be impossible regardless of vaccination rates due to the continued mutation of the virus. Some experts are expecting a variant that will be resistant to any vaccine.
Long Covid, persistent symptoms of the virus long after initial infection, is finally being targeted with studies to uncover its causes and potential treatments. One study says that nearly two thirds of patients who report mild cases of the virus initially will have some long term symptoms.
With lockdowns still occuring around the world, 2021 is proving just as disruptive as 2020. The tourism industry is still floundering, and hopes of a recovery are diminishing. To better understand how COVID-19 is impacting the world now and into the future, click View Slides below. If you would like further research to better understand the virus’ impact on your organization, click Request Research. And, see some of the specific forecasts for this summary below.