Postcards from Planet Covid

The world has now had more than half a year to get used to the pandemic. As our contributors describe, an array of common experiences have been forged in very different societies.

By New Statesman

Hold at a distance: a specially made plastic shield with sleeves allows family members to embrace at a care home outside Sao Paolo, Brazil (Photo By Mads Nissen/Politiken/Panos)

How the world is learning to live with Covid-19

By Jeremy Cliffe

Many countries are in the uncanny valley between the shock and disruption of the first months of the pandemic and the familiar habits of the before-times.

In Delhi the Covid panic is gone and people are more worried about their daily chapati

By Patralekha Chatterjee

India’s lockdown wrecked the country’s economy and transformed life in its capital, a city of more than 20 million. Worst-hit are the casual workers who make up most of the labour force.

Credit: Atul Loke/Panos Pictures

Masks are rare in Stockholm as residents debate the pros and cons of its non-lockdown

By James Savage

In Sweden, one of Europe’s worst-hit countries, some are furious at the authorities for not introducing a lockdown – but many are pleased to have been spared draconian measures.

Lebanon was already struggling with a migration crisis and the pandemic, then the blast hit

By Lizzie Porter

Six weeks on from a devastating explosion in Beirut’s capital, coronavirus-prevention measures are low on residents’ priority lists – and cases are rising.

Bored of Covid rules, Russians are kicking back on the Black Sea

By Felix Light

With little appetite to return to self-isolation, and social-distancing fatigue setting in, many in Russia now see the pandemic as a closed issue.

Credit: Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Thousands of deaths overlooked as Rio de Janeiro’s streets and beaches reopen

By Carlos Tautz

The city’s infection rates are among the worst in Brazil. But in June its mayor, Marcelo Crivella, said that it should return to normal – and many are embracing the new freedoms.

Order governed Ho Chi Minh City during its effective first lockdown, but laxity has returned

By Michael Tatarski

The mood in Vietnam’s capital, home to some 13 million people, is one of confidence. Given the country’s low active-case total, there has been no sense of panic.