Epidemics and Disease
World Health Organisation warns pandemic could “turn the clock back” on other killer diseases in Africa
By Stephan McCoy, 21 May 2020
The WHO has predicted that some quarter of a billion Africans will become infected with COVID-19 and as many as 190,000 will die within the first year of the pandemic.
US steps up witch hunt against Chinese scientists
By Shuvu Batta, 19 May 2020
The US federal government has arrested researchers and scientists of Chinese descent as part of an accelerated crackdown on alleged participants of China’s “Thousand Talents” program.
Children in US and UK dying from syndrome linked to COVID-19
By Jacob Crosse, 9 May 2020
At least two children in the US and one in the UK have died from the newly identified Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, which is believed to be related to COVID-19.
Europe: Over 520,000 coronavirus cases and almost 38,000 deaths
By Robert Stevens, 3 April 2020
With 4,199 new deaths yesterday, 37,864 have already perished in Europe from COVID-19.
An interview with four Chinese physicians at the epicenter of the pandemic in Wuhan
By Benjamin Mateus, 3 April 2020
Four doctors who went through the worst of the COVID-19 epidemic in China recently spoke with the WSWS about their experiences and the lessons for the wider world.
Michigan’s confirmed COVID-19 cases surge past 10,000 as Democratic officials attempt to deflect responsibility
By Shannon Jones, 3 April 2020
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan have offered demagogic appeals for unity as the state has solidified its position as one of the epicenters of the pandemic.
US Conference of Mayors survey shows severe lack of equipment to combat coronavirus pandemic
By Bryan Dyne, 2 April 2020
As the US death toll nears 5,000, a report to the federal government from mayors of 213 cities showing a desperate shortage of lifesaving equipment has fallen on deaf ears.
Statistical lies used to justify continued inaction, paint the US epidemic as nearly over
By Don Barrett, 2 April 2020
The US ruling class turns to bad statistics to justify its continued inaction and paint a picture that the worst is just ahead.
Nightingale field hospital completed in London to cope with mass coronavirus deaths
By Richard Tyler, 2 April 2020
While clearly the temporary hospital is a much-needed facility, given the criminal starving of resources in Britain’s health care system, for many who are taken there it will be little more than a waiting room for the dying.
UK: Communication Workers Union seeks unity with Royal Mail against postal workers
By Thomas Scripps, 2 April 2020
That the CWU is now appealing for the most basic sanitary protections is an admission of the desperately unsafe conditions it volunteered its membership into when calling off the planned national strike.
Hospital closures continue in Germany despite COVID-19 pandemic
By Sybille Fuchs, 2 April 2020
Although every hospital bed in Germany is needed because of the coronavirus pandemic, many hospitals are facing closure, especially in more rural areas.
Confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa exceeds 6,000 with more than 200 deaths
By Stephan McCoy, 2 April 2020
The UN recently warned that half of all jobs could be lost on the African continent due to the disruption caused by the pandemic.
Indonesian government declares “national emergency” after downplaying coronavirus threat
By Owen Howell, 2 April 2020
A University of Indonesia report has warned that 240,000 people may die in the pandemic this month without a substantial government intervention.
Sri Lankan medical experts demand mass coronavirus testing
By Naveen Dewage, 2 April 2020
The dangerous conditions facing millions of Sri Lankan workers, farmers and the poor are the result of decades of government cuts to the health system and other vital services.
COVID-19 infections hit Australian health workers
By Oscar Grenfell, 2 April 2020
Medical professionals across the country have made ongoing complaints that they lack sufficient quantities of personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks.
Modi government represses desperate migrant workers amid calamitous coronavirus lockdown
By Wasantha Rupasinghe and Keith Jones, 2 April 2020
People across India and around the world have been shocked and outraged by the pictures of poor migrant workers caught up in the Indian government's ill-conceived and socially reckless 21-day nationwide coronavirus lockdown.
Coronavirus freezes Democratic presidential campaign as states postpone primaries
By Trévon Austin and Patrick Martin, 2 April 2020
Fourteen states have either delayed presidential primaries or extended deadlines for voting by mail.
US Navy aircraft carrier commander seeks evacuation of entire crew to stem outbreak of coronavirus
By Patrick Martin, 2 April 2020
The crisis on the USS Theodore Roosevelt is only the most acute indication of the serious impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operations of the American military machine.
Ten New York City transit workers die of COVID-19
By Sam Dalton, 2 April 2020
More New York City transit workers are sick and dying as work continues without protective equipment.
Cuomo presses forward with Medicaid cuts as New York City health care system overwhelmed by pandemic
By Josh Varlin, 2 April 2020
Even though New York City’s hospitals and medical workers are overwhelmed by the pandemic, Governor Andrew Cuomo is pushing forward with planned cuts to Medicaid.
Tennessee governor’s delay in issuing stay-at-home order means thousands more will die, physicians warn
By Warren Duzak, 2 April 2020
“This is not a mandated shelter in place order, but it is a strong urging for Tennesseans to stay at home,” Gov. Lee said during his daily media briefing.
Alberta’s right-wing UCP government exploits coronavirus pandemic to lay off at least 20,000 education workers
By Janet Browning, 2 April 2020
Jason Kenney’s United Conservative Party government slashed all non-teacher salary funding to Alberta school boards Saturday, which will force the layoff of at least 20,000 teaching assistants, cleaners, and other support staff.
New Zealand workers speak out on unsafe conditions, wage cuts
By Tom Peters, 2 April 2020
Workers spoke to the WSWS about the lack of personal protective equipment and other safety measures.
Amid growing anger over criminal response to COVID-19 crisis, Washington threatens war
By Bill Van Auken, 2 April 2020
Trump issued threats against Iran and Venezuela yesterday, both weaponizing the pandemic and desperately seeking to divert mounting social tensions in the US itself.
19,000 ambulance workers strike in Northern India to demand protective gear
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 2 April 2020
The strike by Indian ambulance workers is part of the militant class response by the working class against the capitalist governments that have endangered the lives of workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
New US unemployment claims hit 3.28 million as pandemic produces economic catastrophe
By Shannon Jones, 27 March 2020
The number of new weekly claims for state unemployment benefits reached the staggering total of 3.28 million, an increase of 1,000 percent over the previous week, and the largest such total in history.
Australia’s imprisoned refugees plead for release as coronavirus risk increases
By Max Newman, 27 March 2020
Detainees have protested at being held “in a potential death trap in which we have no option or means to protect ourselves.”
How many must die for Wall Street?
By Andre Damon, 26 March 2020
Amid growing evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading through American workplaces, powerful representatives of finance capital are demanding that the country be “open for business.”
“They don’t care about our health”
Strikes, protests spread as US workers demand protection from COVID-19
By Jerry White, 26 March 2020
Even as Trump rushes to resume full production, tens of thousands of workers in the US and around the world are refusing to die for the sake of corporate profits.
US Senate passes massive economic “rescue” bill
By Patrick Martin, 26 March 2020
The $2 trillion bill allocates the bulk of its funds to loans and grants to corporations and businesses, with some emergency aid to workers.
Strikes mount across Europe against official response to coronavirus pandemic
By Allison Smith and Alex Lantier, 26 March 2020
There is growing mistrust and social anger among workers against governments, trade unions and financial markets trying to force them back to work amid the pandemic.
Governor Cuomo pleads for assistance as New York state plunges into an unprecedented health crisis
By Benjamin Mateus, 26 March 2020
The governor is asking for more ventilators and beds, as New York faces a near collapse of its healthcare infrastructure.
Nashville, Tennessee mayor issues business-friendly “safer at home” order in face of coronavirus pandemic
By Warren Duzak, 26 March 2020
The state’s Governor Bill Lee also suggested that workers and their families seek solace in prayer during the growing public health disaster.
First immigrant in ICE custody tests positive for coronavirus in New Jersey
By Erik Schreiber, 26 March 2020
This development highlights the criminal lack of basic sanitation that the Trump administration maintains in immigrant detention centers, as well as the ruling class’ callous disregard for public health.
Johnson’s “herd immunity” strategy and the London Conference on Intelligence whitewash: Britain’s ruling class and eugenics
By Thomas Scripps, 26 March 2020
Innumerable posts on social media have drawn the connection between the reactionary ideology of eugenics and the British government’s criminally delayed and negligent response to the pandemic.
German investor Dibelius: Big business must take priority over health care
By Peter Schwarz, 26 March 2020
It will only be a matter of days before Dibelius and his ilk will demand that workers who refuse to risk their health by going back to work should be forced to do so.
Africa records over 2,400 cases of COVID-19
By Stephan McCoy, 26 March 2020
An international and coordinated struggle against the spread of coronavirus on the African continent is an urgent necessity.
After downplaying COVID-19 pandemic, Japan forced to postpone Olympics
By Emiri Ochiai, 26 March 2020
Facing a growing public outcry over his indifference to public health, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that the Olympics had been moved to the summer of 2021.
Leaked government report warns of tens of thousands of deaths in one Canadian province
By Roger Jordan, 26 March 2020
An internal Saskatchewan Health Authority report has warned that the rapid spread of the coronavirus would overwhelm the province’s health care system and result in 9,000 to 15,000 people dying due to COVID-19.
Warnings that hundreds of thousands of Indonesians may already have COVID-19
By Owen Howell and Oscar Grenfell, 26 March 2020
There are fears that the archipelago may become “the Italy of south-east Asia,” with experts warning that 135 million may be infected by mid-May.
Australia unprepared for surge as coronavirus infections, fatalities mount
By Oscar Grenfell, 26 March 2020
Even before a dramatic spike in hospitalisations, there are shortages of protective masks and other essential equipment.
Peru deploys army in the streets to enforce COVID-19 curfew
By Cesar Uco and Don Knowland, 26 March 2020
The quarantine and curfew imposed by President Vizcarra are aimed at protecting the interests of the wealthy and preparing the repression of a likely social explosion.
Detroit-area hospitals reach capacity as coronavirus infections in Michigan surge past 2,000
By Kevin Reed, 25 March 2020
The escalating number of COVID-19 cases in Michigan are concentrated in the tri-county area around and especially within the city of Detroit.
Coronavirus kills more than 2,600 across Europe in one weekend
By Alex Lantier, 23 March 2020
Though large parts of Europe with hundreds of millions of inhabitants are under lockdown, the contagion is still spreading relentlessly across the continent.
Coronavirus total in US skyrockets as testing expands
By Bryan Dyne, 23 March 2020
The United States now leads the world in new cases and is second only to China and Italy in the number of patients infected with COVID-19.
Coronavirus crisis in New York: As doctors warn of “our Chernobyl,” state government plans Medicaid cuts
By Clara Weiss and Ali Elhassan, 23 March 2020
Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has been calling for the deployment of the military, warned on Sunday that between 40 and 80 percent of the population of New York state (roughly 19.5 million people) would be infected.
Chinese worker writes on the coronavirus pandemic: “Disaffection is growing among the masses”
By a correspondent, 23 March 2020
“The working class has made huge sacrifices in the fight against the epidemic. The epidemic has increased the pressure on their lives, and made workers want a more resolute voice for labour rights.”
German government prepares for internet censorship and deployment of the armed forces
By Ulrich Rippert, 23 March 2020
The social democratic state premier of Lower Saxony, Boris Pistorius, has called for a clamp-down against those contradicting official government propaganda about the coronavirus epidemic.
Africa threatened by sudden surge in coronavirus cases
By Kumaran Ira, 23 March 2020
The entire continent risks becoming infected with coronavirus, which could rapidly swamp its inadequate health systems, leading to a horrific death toll.
South Africa’s ANC government suppressed report showing thousands could die from COVID-19
By Stephan McCoy, 23 March 2020
The Ramaphosa government’s response to the pandemic has been exactly what the study warned against—slow and virtually nonexistent.
United Parcel Service forcing employees to work without protection amid COVID-19 pandemic
By Nick Barrickman, 23 March 2020
“There has been no serious talk about this disease” at UPS, a warehouse worker in Baltimore, Maryland, told the World Socialist Web Site.
Retail and service industry workers demand safety measures, store closures and full compensation during coronavirus pandemic
By Trévon Austin, 23 March 2020
Retail and service workers, particularly in grocery stores and coffee shops, are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 as they interact with hundreds of customers on a daily basis.
COVID-19 outbreak in New York prisons threatens lives of thousands
By Sam Dalton, 23 March 2020
Thirty-eight people in the New York prison system test positive for COVID-19 as reports emerge that Harvey Weinstein has also been infected by the virus.
UK: Sheffield health care students demand placements suspended to limit COVID-19 spread
By Julie Hyland, 23 March 2020
The students’ petition to university bosses highlights the widespread opposition to the disastrous course of the Johnson government, which has already forced a shift in its reckless policy of allowing the spread of COVID-19.
Catastrophic worldwide medical ventilator shortfall despite years of warning
By Steve James, 23 March 2020
World productive capacity of medical ventilators is far below peak requirements during the coronavirus outbreak.
Canada registers 500,000 Employment Insurance claims in one week, as Coronavirus triggers jobs massacre
By Roger Jordan, 23 March 2020
Last week’s EI claims far surpassed the total number of jobs lost in the eight months immediately following the eruption of the 2008 global financial crisis.
Russian cases of coronavirus surge as economic crisis hits
By Clara Weiss, 23 March 2020
The Russian oligarchy is promoting nationalism and xenophobia and pushing for greater surveillance and dictatorial measures, as social tensions are set to escalate over the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic.
Australian state of Victoria shuts down school system, other states remain open
By Patrick Kelly, 23 March 2020
The chaotic situation reflects the wider disarray and criminal neglect in the ruling elite’s response to the coronavirus crisis.
COVID-19 health disaster and political crisis intensify in Australia
By Mike Head, 23 March 2020
Yesterday the soaring rate of infections triggered an open rift in the self-styled “national cabinet” and forced governments into partial economic shutdowns.
No corporate bailouts! Direct financial resources to the working people, not the capitalist elite!
Statement of the Socialist Equality Party (US), 23 March 2020
The ruling class is seeking to exploit this crisis to engineer another multitrillion-dollar redistribution of wealth, on a scale even greater than the 2008 bank bailout.
Entertainment industry in North America devastated by layoffs
By Penny Smith, 23 March 2020
The entertainment industry across the US and Canada has effectively shut down, leaving hundreds of thousands of already precariously employed workers suddenly without an income.
US imperialism exploits coronavirus as a weapon of war
By Bill Van Auken, 20 March 2020
The maintenance and tightening of punishing economic sanctions against Iran as it confronts one of the world’s worst outbreaks of the coronavirus constitutes a US war crime.
Italian army drafted to transport corpses as coronavirus deaths surge in Europe
By Alex Lantier, 20 March 2020
Health systems in Italy, the European epicenter of the disease, are so overwhelmed that they cannot process the corpses of the dead, let alone tend to the sick.
Facing mask shortage, US doctors told to use bandanas
By Benjamin Mateus, 20 March 2020
The CDC recommends that when facemasks are no longer available, health care workers may have to improvise, using scarves or bandanas to protect themselves when treating patients suspected of or confirmed with COVID-19.
California governor orders statewide lockdown as US coronavirus deaths top 200
By Patrick Martin, 20 March 2020
The number of Americans with coronavirus is nearing 15,000, and more than 200 have died.
UK: Johnson government uses coronavirus crisis to seize dictatorial powers
By Robert Stevens, 20 March 2020
Britain’s ruling elite is using the enormous danger to public health posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to implement a raft of anti-democratic measures they have long planned to impose.
Retired UK welfare advice worker Terry Craven: “If they are going to build a herd immunity, they already know it’s going to kill thousands of people”
By our reporters, 20 March 2020
Retired welfare advice worker Terry Craven contacted the WSWS to express his concerns about the lack of provision for people in the UK on social security benefits showing symptoms of Covid-19.
National interests stand in the way of a coronavirus vaccine
By Peter Schwarz, 20 March 2020
The dispute over the German biotech company CureVac shows how national and profit interests hinder the rapid development of a vaccine against COVID-19.
New York City now the epicenter of coronavirus pandemic in the US
By Josh Varlin, 20 March 2020
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is considering a “shelter in place” order in response to the skyrocketing COVID-19 case numbers.
Drivers shut down Detroit bus system with sick-out over health and safety concerns during coronavirus outbreak
By Kevin Reed, 20 March 2020
Bus drivers took matters into their own hands in Detroit on Tuesday morning and shut down the city’s public transportation system to demand sanitary conditions.
Qantas spearheads mass layoffs in Australia as pandemic worsens
By Mike Head, 20 March 2020
The federal and state governments are handing billions of dollars to the banks and corporate elite as they unleash massive job losses.
Media blackout of wildcat strikes in US auto industry
By Tom Hall, 20 March 2020
Within hours after wildcat strikes in Fiat Chrysler plants in Michigan and Ohio forced a temporary shutdown of much of the North American auto industry during the coronavirus pandemic, the corporate media entered into full cover-up mode.
German Chancellor Merkel’s address to the nation: A declaration of criminal irresponsibility
By Johannes Stern, 20 March 2020
The central message delivered by German Chancellor Angela Merkel in her address to the nation Wednesday evening was that the federal government will do nothing to avert a catastrophe for the population.
US autoworkers take matters into their own hands
Auto plants shut down throughout North America in response to wave of wildcats over coronavirus
By Tom Hall, 19 March 2020
Thousands of autoworkers throughout the US Midwest downed their tools Wednesday morning, the latest in a worldwide wave of wildcat strikes against the continuation of non-essential production during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As world toll from COVID-19 pandemic passes 200,000, American hospitals at risk of being overrun
By Bryan Dyne and Patrick Martin, 19 March 2020
A new analysis from Harvard University shows that cities across America will need up to nine times as many hospital beds as they currently have to treat victims of local coronavirus outbreaks.
Markets plunge again in rush to cash
By Nick Beams, 19 March 2020
Measures taken by central banks have failed to quell the market turmoil with calls for even greater quantitative easing.
Front-line nurses and doctors face dire shortages of personal protective equipment
By Benjamin Mateus, 19 March 2020
There are mounting fears among health care workers that they are running unacceptable risks because of the lack of equipment.
Life for immigrants in the US during COVID-19 pandemic
ICE raids continue, asylum seekers turned away, and detention facilities remain potential hotbeds for coronavirus
By Genevieve Leigh, 19 March 2020
“We do not have access to hand sanitizer or masks, or anything else that could protect as we are all stuck together in close quarters.”
Washington imposes new sanctions as Iran’s COVID-19 death toll tops 1,000
By Bill Van Auken, 19 March 2020
The global pandemic is viewed by US imperialism as a weapon in its war for hegemony in the Middle East.
Working class in China bears brunt of Beijing’s COVID-19 response
By Ben McGrath, 19 March 2020
The police state measures used by Beijing to curtail the COVID-19 outbreak make clear the necessity for the working class to take control of the response of the pandemic.
As coronavirus pandemic grows, anger rises against German companies
By Marianne Arens, 19 March 2020
While the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) announced that the health risk posed by COVID-19 is “high”, VW announced its production lines would operate until Friday.
Hungarian government uses coronavirus epidemic to promote racism
By Markus Salzmann, 19 March 2020
As throughout Europe, the coronavirus is spreading rapidly in Hungary.
Ukrainian government uses coronavirus crisis to pass IMF-backed reforms
By Jason Melanovski, 19 March 2020
Ukraine’s ruling class is exploiting the devastating pandemic to escalate its attacks on the working class.
Australian doctors condemn government response to COVID-19 “disaster”
By Mike Head, 19 March 2020
Letters, signed by thousands of doctors, warn that a catastrophe “worse” than Italy’s can only be averted by a lockdown and the urgent pouring of resources into hospitals.
Pacific Islands nations threatened with disaster by coronavirus
By John Braddock, 19 March 2020
The recent measles outbreak in Samoa underscores that COVID-19 could be catastrophic for the indigenous populations of the Pacific.
Hospitals lack water, power, masks
IMF denies loan to Venezuela as it braces for COVID-19
By Andrea Lobo, 19 March 2020
The loan request is only the latest appeal by the Maduro government for foreign finance and signal to world finance capital that it will defend profit interests.
Reject capitalist xenophobia! For international socialist solidarity in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic!
By Andre Damon and David North, 19 March 2020
Seeking to draw attention from their own disastrous response to the pandemic, governments are attempting to direct the population’s fears into xenophobia and national hatreds.
“Amazon puts us at risk:” Warehouse workers discuss company’s inaction in the face of the coronavirus pandemic
By Tom Carter, 19 March 2020
For workers in the the online retail giant’s facilities, few precautions have been taken beyond making hand sanitizer available and posting signs instructing workers to wash their hands.
World Health Organization pleads for $675 million to fight coronavirus
By Bryan Dyne, 14 March 2020
While the World Health Organization begs for resources to fight the global contagion, the Trump administration has provided $1.5 trillion to prop up the markets.
Shut down the auto industry to halt the spread of coronavirus!
the Socialist Equality Party, 14 March 2020
At plants across North America, support for a mass walkout is growing. Workers must act now to save their lives and the lives of their families by forming rank-and-file committees.
US authorities in disarray and paralysis in face of Covid-19 emergency
By Benjamin Mateus, 13 March 2020
Health officials have been denied the ability to even accurately assess the extent of COVID-19 infections and, on the basis of such information, recommend the appropriate response.
Biden, Sanders appeal for joint action with Republicans over coronavirus pandemic
By Patrick Martin, 13 March 2020
In separate speeches, the two Democratic presidential candidates auditioned for the role of commander-in-chief for American capitalism in the midst of a deepening global crisis.
Patients denied care as Macron announces coronavirus lockdown in France
By Alex Lantier, 13 March 2020
French health authorities have already announced that they will try to deny testing and care to many of those they suspect to be infected with the coronavirus.
New York City declares state of emergency amid coronavirus pandemic
By Josh Varlin, 13 March 2020
New York City and New York state have announced new measures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, of which there are now 328 cases statewide.
“It’s like the workers are second rate citizens”
Fiat Chrysler keeps Indiana plant running after worker tests positive for coronavirus
By Jerry White, 13 March 2020
The decision by Fiat Chrysler, which has been backed by the United Auto Workers union, is imperiling the lives of workers.
Massachusetts health care professionals warn of Covid-19 testing shortage and lack of worker protections
By Kate Randall, 13 March 2020
Doctors and nurses are frustrated over the lack of testing kits for the coronavirus as well the lack of protective equipment for health care workers in hospitals.
Washington governor bans gatherings of more than 250 as coronavirus spreads
By Hector Cordon, 13 March 2020
The virus continues to infect residents and employees of a nursing home at the center of the outbreak in Washington state and in the US.
Coronavirus overwhelms mitigation measures across Latin America
By Andrea Lobo, 13 March 2020
The late and deficient response by the Latin American ruling elite is being overwhelmed because it is guided by efforts to cover up, not address, the inequalities in access to testing and health care.
Coronavirus threatens to overwhelm UK National Health Service
By Thomas Scripps, 13 March 2020
As of Thursday morning, just 29,764 people had been tested nationally in the UK for coronavirus.
Congressional doctor expects up to 150 million Americans to contract the coronavirus
By Bryan Dyne, 12 March 2020
Without immediate and far-reaching measures to curb the spread of the infection, the United States will face a catastrophic scenario, with millions killed.
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