Graphic detail | Covid-19 data

The global normalcy index

Is the world returning to pre-pandemic life? Find out with our interactive tracker

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020 many have wondered when the world will return to “normal”. But whether things will ever go back to the way they were is unclear: remote working looks set to continue, for example, and going to the movies may never be as popular as it used to be. The emergence of the Omicron variant in late November, has rendered two shots of vaccine less effective against covid-19, threatens to undo much of the progress the world has made in inoculating its citizens.

More from Graphic detail

A short history of Syria, in maps

The most influential people, groups and events that shaped Syria’s role in the Middle East

Is Javier Milei’s economic gamble working?

Inflation has plunged in Argentina, but some vital goods have soared in price


How to make sense of 2024’s wild temperatures

Our climate team highlight four charts and two maps


What New York’s congestion charge could teach the rest of America

Lighter traffic in some parts of the city is a promising start. Will it continue?

The secret to one of Europe’s best-performing stockmarkets

Its economy is mired in gloom, but its stock exchange is the envy of Europe

Drones spotted on America’s east coast highlight a bigger problem

Unidentified objects can be dangerous, but not in the ways you might think