Australia could fare worse than China in the virus outbreak

Australia could see higher death rates from the novel coronavirus outbreak than China, due to our relatively older population and the more severe symptoms they suffer.

How world trade will be affected by COVID-19

COVID-19 will have persistent impacts on nearly all areas of trade, despite the stimulus packages announced by Australia and other governments.

Will China learn from the Covid-19 epidemic?

Coronavirus infected over 80,000 in China after news of the initial outbreak was suppressed by the communist authorities. Will China learn the value of free speech to avoid future tragedies, or double down on state oppression?

The new transparency: smartphones, data tracking, and COVID-19

Digital technology might well play an important part in the immediate management of this current emergency, but once the virus has subsided, then more lasting questions will remain.

COVID-19: Profit or people?

It’s time for Australia to take real action to prevent coronavirus taking hold in this country. Closing the nation’s borders to foreign visitors could help us contain the virus and protect our most vulnerable citizens from harm.

Protect the nation – or international trade?

COVID-19 has created a tightrope on which governments must balance between protecting their own citizens and maintaining diplomatic and trading relationships abroad.

Understanding the great toilet paper stampede

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only access one item, would you really choose toilet paper?

Coronavirus threatens both dictatorships and democracies

The economic and social impact of the fast spreading coronavirus could threaten both democratic and dictatorial systems in the months to come.

China sneezes, the world catches cold

As well as a human tragedy, the coronavirus pandemic is exposing the faultlines of unfettered globalisation.

Mapping the spread of coronavirus

Mathematical modelling gave us an early warning about the size of the coronavirus outbreak – now, researchers are doing the numbers daily to work out how the virus could spread.

The coronavirus outbreak – what you need to know

The coronavirus outbreak has already claimed more than a hundred lives in China, and cases are being reported around the world. But what exactly is a coronavirus, and what precautions can we take against it?