This is the first academic book on COVID-19 that brings together interdisciplinary investigations from both natural and social sciences. From a scientific perspective, Rozas starts the book by considering dynamics surrounding viruses, proposed vaccines, and antiviral therapies. Chari then uses this as a basis to conceptualize the four phases of a pandemic. These phases are:

• Phase 1: Anticipating and early virus detection

• Phase 2: Containment strategies

• Phase 3: Policies to control and mitigate the spread of the virus

• Phase 4: Policies aimed at opening up society

This theoretical conceptualization can be used by anyone to better understand developments in any state, anytime, during any pandemic: it creates a blueprint to formulate a strong and focused set of public policies when there is no rapid scientific solution with a vaccine or antiviral.

We then demonstrate the strength of this typology by examining policy developments throughout the phases in key states worldwide: New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Canada, the US, India, Chile, and South Africa. We close by considering policy lessons to be taken from our investigation, of value to academics, policymakers, and the general public.