In the three years since the start of the pandemic, many governments in Asia have been eager to transition into a post-pandemic phase, moving past the heavy lockdown and restrictions that characterised the years since 2020. However, the pandemic continues to inflict costly damages on our economy, with these costs being borne most heavily by vulnerable industry sectors and populations. This Special Report is an expansion of the commentary titled “The dangers of pandemic amnesia” co-authored by Associate Professor Simon Tay and Ms Evelyn Tan, published in The Business Times on 19 May 2023. Emphasising the dangers of pandemic amnesia, the report underscores the need to assess the full economic costs of the pandemic and learn from the lessons to prepare for future outbreaks.
The report was made possible with the support of Temasek Foundation and MSD.
