Global Scans · Coronavirus · Weekly Summary

Future potential spread of the coronavirus is impacting world trade and threatens a global economic recession and inflection point. For the first time, Illness is now a major driving force. We first reported this virus way back in 2010 and regularly since July 2015 as a predictable surprise: a known unknown to most. It is not a Black Swan; it was foreseen! Forewarned is forearmed and forearmed is protection against unpleasant possibilities and this inflection point will most likely change everyone's future profoundly.

Here are some actions you could take offered by and our friends at WavePoint and BCG and McKinsey.

Companies are asking people to work from home (we have always worked from our homes since 2003). We think the latter will become a long-term and rapidly growing trend as people reduce traveling time, buy more online, and increasingly recognize the benefits to their health of staying home. More emerging, potential behavioral trends here. Begin regularly evaluating predictable surprises, be prepared and act in time, while others lose their shirt through inattention to the future.

• [New] About 290,000 extra children a year have been born in the U.S. since the Covid pandemic fueled more work-from-home opportunities. The New York Times
• [New] Insurers will no doubt be relieved to know that 2026 should enable them to fully understand their exposure to COVID-19 BI claims. DWF
• [New] UK regulators have authorized the first mRNA Covid-19 vaccine manufactured domestically for use in the national vaccination campaign, with production expected to supply millions of doses. The Real Economy Blog
• [New] The COVID crisis, Russia's war in Ukraine and the U.S. approach to ending it, and Trump's tariffs have driven cohesion by highlighting a vulnerability to global supply chains and economic dependency. 104.5 & 96.1 The Point
• [New] The National Institutes of Health reported that bivalent boosters were about 37% more effective than older booster doses at reducing the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, such as hospitalization or death, across age groups. Medical Daily
• [New] Disruptions in cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to an increase in advanced-stage diagnoses in the coming years. medtigo
• [New] The workforce cuts - which included 17% to 19% of key IRS functions for the filing season - could impact processing and customer service in 2026. CNBC
• [New] Investments in AI-optimized servers and infrastructure are expected to grow by 19% in 2026, although supply constraints may limit short-term demand. DATACENTER FORUM 2026 - Tehnologii si Sisteme de Data C
• [New] More than five years since COVID-19's unprecedented disruptions to learning and schooling began, student achievement trends in Michigan show both signs of progress and enduring challenges. Michigan State University
• [New] FDA warned about serious heart rhythm problems in COVID-19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, often in combination with azithromycin. Managed Healthcare Executive
• [New] A cornerstone of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, the Aerotropolis - an amalgamation of aero - and metropolis - is designed to transform Sarawak into a high-tech regional aviation and aerospace hub. Borneo Post Online
• [New] Around four million people could no longer have insurance in the coming years as a result of the Covid subsidies ending. BBC News
• [New] Without Congressional action, Medicare coverage for telehealth services will revert to the limited pre-COVID - 19 framework. National Law Review
• [New] The completion of the Medicaid COVID-19 unwinding process will result in flat Medicaid enrolment growth in 2026. Research
• [New] Digital sovereignty has become a buzzword in recent years: the disruption of the global supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the USA and China have triggered a policy discussion on digital sovereignty on both sides of the Atlantic. European University Institute
• As countries strive toward the End TB targets - a 90% reduction in TB deaths and an 80% reduction in TB incidence by 2030, timely data-driven insights are critical for guiding effective responses, particularly in the post-COVID - 19 context. / Uganda PubMed Central (PMC)
• Survey respondents see occupancy returning to pre-COVID levels nationally by the end of 2026, with 41% believing it will take until 2027 or later. Lument
• Certain California rehire and recall protections implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic have been extended through 2027, ensuring continued job protection for employees affected by prior workforce COVID-related reductions. Exit Planning Exchange
• Rossiya Airlines plans to expand operations with Boeing 747 planes that were taken out of service during the covid-19 pandemic. / Russia AS USA
• Without FCA intervention, unresolved COVID-19 business interruption disputes could trigger increased litigation as policyholders seek to preserve their position before claims become time-barred, adding pressure to court resources. Insurance Business
• Australia's experience with wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated both the potential and limitations of existing mobilization capabilities. Second Line of Defense

Last updated: 22 February 2026