As virus evolves, why eliminating Covid-19 seems an impossible dream

Many countries now have high levels of the virus circulating and aren't aiming to eradicate it. And it's unlikely countries with few infections can continue to keep Covid-19 at bay

Around the world, countries are having to strike a balance between COVID-19 cases and restrictions. In the UK and the US, daily new cases number in the thousands, but restrictions and limitations are being lifted. In contrast, New Zealand has started a short national lockdown to contain just a handful of cases.

For the past 20 months, New Zealand, Australia and several other east Asian countries have pursued tough policies aiming to completely eradicate COVID-19. The hallmarks of these “zero COVID” approaches are strict border controls and quarantine arrangements as well as