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Much rides on success of COVID-19 vaccine distribution
The COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic crisis that it precipitated, have shaken the world and continue to exact a heavy toll. The rapid discovery of vaccines has generated optimism about the near-term future even as the virus continues to kill thousands daily and hamstrings economies.
COVID-19 is contributing to several significant threats to the global economy and stability in 2021. Following are ten risks that warrant particular attention.
The Vaccine fails to Deliver
Great hope surrounds the new vaccines developed (and being developed) by Pfizer/BioNtech, Moderna, Sinovac Life Sciences, and others. It is widely accepted that we cannot get on with a life resembling that which we had in 2019 and before until large swaths of the population are vaccinated. Governments will maintain measures that mandate social distancing and limit mingling with people across borders well into 2021. In the meantime, many businesses and entire economic sectors are struggling mightily. They are eager for an end to restrictions on commerce and mobility.
Distribution of COVID-19 vaccines is in its infancy and there are not enough doses to go around. Vaccines typically have side effects and not everyone reacts the same to them. Illnesses or deaths attributed, rightly or wrongly, to receiving one of the new COVID-19 vaccines could lead to a pause in delivery. The complex vaccine distribution…
