Skip to main content

When is a pandemic over?

4,924,890 Views

59,330 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Consider the following scenario: a highly infectious, sometimes deadly respiratory virus infects humans for the first time. It spreads rapidly worldwide, and the WHO declares a pandemic. The death toll starts to rise and everyone is asking the same question: when will the pandemic end? Alex Rosenthal details the three main strategies governments can use to contain and end a pandemic.

Do you agree with the Race through it tactic where the government does nothing to halt the spread of the disease? Why or why not?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alex Rosenthal
  • Director Mateus Moretto
  • Narrator Jack Cutmore-Scott
  • Storyboard Artist Mateus Moretto
  • Animator Mateus Moretto, Luciano do Amaral
  • Art Director Mateus Moretto, Cláudio Reston
  • Sound Designer Adam Alexander, Gavin Dodds
  • Music Adam Alexander, Gavin Dodds
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Fact-Checker Joseph Isaac
  • Science Consultant Nassim Assefi , Melvin Sanicas, Edsel Maurice T. Salvaña, David Biello, Merlin Sanicas, Alanna Shaikh
  • Special Thanks Alejandra Guzman

More from Getting Under Our Skin