Global thinking

摘要

THE covid-19 pandemic has exposed some major fault lines in public trust of science and medicine. From conspiracy theories about 5G phone masts, Chinese bioweapons and Bill Gates to some people's refusal to wear masks even when required to do so, it is clear that a significant minority of people are worryingly resistant to the facts. These conspiracy theories and their fallout are going to look like very minor skirmishes if and when a covid-19 vaccine becomes available. Already there are worrying signs that many people will refuse to get vaccinated. A survey released last week found that around half of the UK may decide to decline. International polls have found similar levels of anti-vaccine sentiment.