By the end of March 2021, more than 127 million cases and 2.7 million deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported worldwide. Global cases rose for a fifth straight week, while the death toll also continued to accelerate. According to the WHO, Europe, Middle East and Asia have seen the highest increase in new infections.

With more than 126 million confirmed cases and 2.7 million deaths, the COVID-19 pandemic is still sweeping throughout the world. Several countries, especially in the EU, have strengthened restrictive measures, in an attempt to curb rising infection rates.