EPIDEMICS and plagues have pestered mankind as early as circa 3,000 BC. But like previous pandemics and pestilence, the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) will pass away. In its wake, it will likewise cause economic dislocation, kill millions of people and change the course of history.

A plague in 430 BC caused the death of half of Athens and her army forced her to surrender in its war with Sparta.