Europe and the Americas are leading this trend, and now the South East of Asia is reporting rapid growth in caseloads. Despite this, progresses in the vaccination campaigns in several countries, most notably in Israel, UAE and UK, have reduced new deaths and hospitalizations.
In Europe, several countries –such as France and Germany– are seeing increases in new COVID-19 infections. While France is currently under a strict lockdown, the German government is considering a short, nationwide "bridge lockdown" aimed at easing the congestion on the country’s healthcare sector. On the other hand, the improving epidemiological situation in the UK allowed the country to begin the second phase of de-escalation of its coronavirus restrictions, with non-essential shops and outdoor hospitality venues being allowed to open to the public since April 12.
With nearly 500,000 weekly new cases, Brazil continues to be the worst affected country in the Americas since the beginning of the month. The new wave of infections is severely impacting the nation’s hospitals, with intensive care units showing alarming occupancy rates.
India is also experiencing a steep surge in new cases, with an all-time record of 168,000 new infections reported on April 12, overtaking Brazil as the second most affected country in the world. Both Mumbai and New Delhi are currently enforcing nighttime curfews, however, no other restrictions are currently in place and, with the ‘Kumbh Mela’ festival currently ongoing, mass gatherings are expected during the period.