COVID-19: A History

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a global impact, with Jacalyn Duffin presenting a global history of the virus, focusing on Canada. The book explores the scientific history of infections, the discovery of coronaviruses, and the practical politics behind interventions. It analyzes the outcome of successive waves of infection, the toll of human suffering, the successes and failures of control measures, vaccine rollouts, and grassroots opposition to governments' attempts to limit the spread and mitigate social and economic damages. Duffin concludes with the fraught search for the origins of COVID-19 and provides an cautionary outlook for the future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the world for two years. In her book, "The Global History of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Focus on Canada," physician and medical historian Jacalyn Duffin provides a comprehensive account of the virus's global history, with a particular emphasis on Canada. Duffin begins by describing the frightening appearance of the virus and its initial identification by scientists in China. She then outlines subsequent outbreaks on cruise ships, the relentless spread to Europe, the Americas, Africa, and other regions, and the immediate efforts to confront the pandemic.

COVID-19 delves into the scientific history of infections, particularly the discovery of coronaviruses. The book takes a broad approach, explaining the development of tests, treatments, and vaccines, as well as the practical politics behind interventions such as quarantines, barrier technologies, lockdowns, and social and financial supports. In the concluding chapters, Duffin analyzes the outcomes of successive waves of COVID-19 infection around the world, including the toll of human suffering, the successes and failures of control measures, vaccine rollouts, and grassroots opposition to governments' attempts to limit the spread and mitigate social and economic damages.

Closing with the fraught search for the origins of COVID-19, Duffin considers the implications of an "infodemic" and offers a cautionary outlook for the future. Her book provides a valuable insight into the global history of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Canada, and serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness, resilience, and cooperation in confronting future challenges.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 161 x 235 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228014119