Member-only story
COVID-19's Spread is Accelerating in the Developing World
While many nations have been protected so far, it seems their luck may have run out.
COVID-19 is not ending, in fact it has barely started.
America and western Europe have begun to adjust to a new normal. Case numbers are flat or declining, stores are starting to open up, and politicians are working to clean up some of the economic damage. While there is still a feeling of unease concerning a second wave of coronavirus, attention has moved to more immediate issues. Unfortunately, other areas of the world are only beginning to see the worst of coronavirus.
During the opening months of the COVID-19 pandemic many noted the conspicuous lack of cases in the developing world. Countries like India, Brazil, South Africa, and Bangladesh seemed underprepared for this pandemic, given the high population density, weak government institutions, and under-resourced health care systems. But, for whatever reason, coronavirus didn’t take off. Some speculated that the warmer weather or the younger populations might offer some protection. Others suggested that case numbers were artificially suppressed due to low testing, or deliberately doctored data. Whatever the case, things have started to change, and the numbers have started to climb.
