The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases now exceeds 194.6 million and the number of deaths is over 4.1 million. The global number of new cases reported last week increased by 8% as compared to the previous week. America reported the largest increase in case incidence, followed by the Western Pacific Region. The number of deaths also increased sharply, a 21% increase when compared to the previous week. The number of new deaths increased in all regions except Europe where it remained similar to the previous week.
According to Bloomberg, more than 3.93 billion doses have been administered across 180 countries, which should be enough to fully vaccinate 25.6% of the world population, but inequitable vaccination is still present. “More than three-and-a-half billion vaccine doses have now been administered globally, and more than one in four people have received at least one vaccine dose. 75% of vaccines have been administered in just 10 countries. In low income countries, only 1% of people have received at least one dose, compared with more than half of people in high-income countries”, stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom, head of the WHO, during his speech at the 138th International Olympic Committee Session on July 21.
In some countries, lawmakers are encouraging vaccine uptake. France approved a law requiring special virus passes for all restaurants and domestic travel, and mandating vaccinations for all health workers. Italians will need to show a certificate known as the “Green Pass” if they want to partake in indoor activities (restaurants, museums, gyms and other public venues) from August 6. Greece also imposed mandatory inoculations for some workers, such as healthcare and nursing staff. The US made vaccines mandatory for certain federal workers and is looking for further steps to immunize the country.
According to Bloomberg, more than 3.93 billion doses have been administered across 180 countries, which should be enough to fully vaccinate 25.6% of the world population, but inequitable vaccination is still present. “More than three-and-a-half billion vaccine doses have now been administered globally, and more than one in four people have received at least one vaccine dose. 75% of vaccines have been administered in just 10 countries. In low income countries, only 1% of people have received at least one dose, compared with more than half of people in high-income countries”, stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom, head of the WHO, during his speech at the 138th International Olympic Committee Session on July 21.
In some countries, lawmakers are encouraging vaccine uptake. France approved a law requiring special virus passes for all restaurants and domestic travel, and mandating vaccinations for all health workers. Italians will need to show a certificate known as the “Green Pass” if they want to partake in indoor activities (restaurants, museums, gyms and other public venues) from August 6. Greece also imposed mandatory inoculations for some workers, such as healthcare and nursing staff. The US made vaccines mandatory for certain federal workers and is looking for further steps to immunize the country.