Around the clock

When something is happening “around the clock,” it is in effect, continuing, or lasting for 24 hours a day. At a bank, there is “around the clock” surveillance to prevent theft. In the episode, we said scientists are working “around the clock” to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus. Scientists are not literally spending 24 hours of the day at work, but it means that scientists are working very hard, often into the night beyond typical work hours, to develop a vaccine. Emergency rooms in New York City are busy “around the clock” right now treating patients with the coronavirus.