Tapas Kumar Koley - The COVID-19 Pandemic; The Deadly Coronavirus Outbreak

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

Originating in China in late 2019, the COVID-19 outbreak spread across the entire world in a matter of three to four months. This volume examines the first responses to the 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 levels; 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.

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 Koleyis 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 Dholeis 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.

First published 2021

by Routledge

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and by Routledge

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Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business

2021 Tapas Kumar Koley and Monika Dhole

The right of Tapas Kumar Koley and Monika Dhole to be identified as authors of this work has been asserted by them in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.

Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe.

British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

A catalog record for this book has been requested

ISBN: 978-0-367-55470-5 (hbk)

ISBN: 978-0-367-55889-5 (pbk)

ISBN: 978-1-003-09559-0 (ebk)

Typeset in Bembo

by Apex CoVantage, LLC

The book is dedicated to our father, Late Mr B. N. Koley, and our mother, Mrs Kanan Koley.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is taking a heavy toll worldwide. It has caused death and debility throughout the world. It has disrupted the life and lifestyle of almost everyone. Almost no one has been left untouched. During this pandemic, another pandemic of information and misinformation is keeping pace with it, spreading fear and anxiety.