Covid-19 vaccine confronts humanity with tough moral tests

Vexing issues range from the design of tests to cost burdens to who should get the vaccine first

The coronavirus pandemic has stress-tested the world. Beyond challenging human fortitude, national health services and international rivalries, it has forced a series of moral choices.

Many have provoked impassioned disagreement - over whether governments can force businesses and schools to close and, most bitterly and surprisingly, over whether being asked to wear a simple face mask infringes individual liberty. The toughest moral test lies ahead.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 04, 2020, with the headline Covid-19 vaccine confronts humanity with tough moral tests. Subscribe