It's Thursday, the 27th of February, 2020. I'm Lane Green, the economist's language columnist,

and welcome to Editor's Picks, where you can hear three highlights from this week's paper,

read aloud so you can listen on the go. This week we have two cover stories. The first

asked what can be done about the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

There are now cases on every continent except Antarctica. Many governments have been signaling

that they will stop the disease. Instead, they need to start preparing people for the onslaught.

The outcome will depend greatly on what governments choose to do.

In the United States, we look at the growing chances of Bernie Sanders running against Donald

Trump in the presidential election. Moderate Democrats worry that nominating Mr. Sanders would

cost them the presidency. We worry that forcing Americans to decide between him and Mr. Trump

would have no good outcome. It's hard to think of a worse choice.

And finally, Bob Eiger, the CEO of Disney, is stepping down. Our Schumpeter columnist offers three

lessons from one of Hollywood's most successful bosses. The stories you're about to hear are just a

sample of what's in this week's paper. With the subscription, you can read or listen to all of what we do.

So please subscribe. Go to economist.com slash radio offer to get your first 12 issues for $12 or 12 pounds.

First up, what can be done about the coronavirus that is sweeping the world?

In public health, honesty is worth a lot more than hope. It has become clear in the past week

that the new viral disease, COVID-19, which struck China at the start of December, will spread

around the world. Many governments have been signaling that they will stop the disease. Instead,

they need to start preparing people for the onslaught.

Officials will have to act when they do not have all the facts, because much about the virus is

unknown. A broad guess is that 25 to 70 percent of the population of any infected country may catch

...