The global vaccination campaign continues: more than 673 million doses have been administered at a rate of around 16 million doses per day. Chile, Israel, the UAE, UK and the US are leading the vaccination effort, successfully managing to deliver at least one dose to around half of their population.
On April 5, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres said in a message that the pandemic is highlighting growing inequalities among nations, also pointing out that the vast majority of vaccine doses administered so far have been confined to “a few wealthy countries”, or those producing the shots cleared for distribution.
On April 5, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres said in a message that the pandemic is highlighting growing inequalities among nations, also pointing out that the vast majority of vaccine doses administered so far have been confined to “a few wealthy countries”, or those producing the shots cleared for distribution.
UN
On March 25, the United Nations (UN) published a report warning that COVID-19 could lead to a lost decade for development. The 2021 Financing for Sustainable Development Report (FSDR) of the UN’s Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for Development (IATF) highlights that, due to the pandemic, around 114 million jobs have been lost and 120 million people have been plunged back into extreme poverty.
Moreover, the report says that immediate action is needed to address increasing global inequalities, with countries adopting measures such as reducing harmful tax competition and modernizing the labor market and fiscal policies. Additionally, the report also advocated for a global reporting framework to hold companies accountable for their social and environmental impact and incorporate climate risks into financial regulation.
Moreover, the report says that immediate action is needed to address increasing global inequalities, with countries adopting measures such as reducing harmful tax competition and modernizing the labor market and fiscal policies. Additionally, the report also advocated for a global reporting framework to hold companies accountable for their social and environmental impact and incorporate climate risks into financial regulation.
UNECE
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is launching an online training course directed at Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on the use of international standards. According to UNECE, International standards provide powerful tools for bolstering economic resilience, while enabling enterprises to improve their productive capacity.
Ms. Olga Algayerova, UNECE Executive Secretary, said: “As COVID-19 continues to spread, its disruptive impact is becoming more pronounced, posing unprecedented challenges for enterprises across the globe. The speed with which the pandemic-induced economic crisis unfolded took MSMEs by surprise, and many did not have crisis response plans. Others realized that their plans were simply too rigid. Standards can play a decisive role in the recovery. This self-paced training course helps MSMEs select and implement international standards that equip them with the required skill sets and production capacities to withstand a crisis and engage with transnational corporations.”
Ms. Olga Algayerova, UNECE Executive Secretary, said: “As COVID-19 continues to spread, its disruptive impact is becoming more pronounced, posing unprecedented challenges for enterprises across the globe. The speed with which the pandemic-induced economic crisis unfolded took MSMEs by surprise, and many did not have crisis response plans. Others realized that their plans were simply too rigid. Standards can play a decisive role in the recovery. This self-paced training course helps MSMEs select and implement international standards that equip them with the required skill sets and production capacities to withstand a crisis and engage with transnational corporations.”
UNESCO
A recent study conducted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the number of children lacking basic reading skills amounted to 584 million. This increase −more than 20 percent compared to the previous year− wiped out two decades of education gains, the agency said.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the complete or partial closures of schools worldwide have disrupted education efforts for an average of 25 weeks, says the report, with the highest learning losses projected to be in the Latin America and Caribbean region, and in Central and Southern Asia.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the complete or partial closures of schools worldwide have disrupted education efforts for an average of 25 weeks, says the report, with the highest learning losses projected to be in the Latin America and Caribbean region, and in Central and Southern Asia.
WHO
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) most recent epidemiology update reported that new COVID-19 cases and deaths rose for a fifth consecutive week. All regions reported an increase in the number of cases this week, particularly in the Americas and European Regions, that continue to account for nearly 80% of all the cases and deaths.
In a recent joint statement, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Labour Organization (ILO), International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the WHO called on governments to prioritize seafarers and aircrew in their national COVID-19 vaccination programs.
In a recent joint statement, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Labour Organization (ILO), International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the WHO called on governments to prioritize seafarers and aircrew in their national COVID-19 vaccination programs.
WTO
On March 31, the World Trade Organization (WTO) published its revised forecast for the volume of world merchandise trade, now expected to increase by 8.0% in 2021. After falling by 5.3% in 2020, the WTO indicated that the rebound from the pandemic-induced collapse would eventually slow down in 2022 to 4.0%.
On a recent meeting of the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures, the WTO Secretariat provided updates on COVID-19 and SPS issues, reporting a total of 86 SPS notifications and other communications related to COVID-19 submitted by members. During the meeting, it was pointed out that assessments by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), WHO and other bodies found no evidence that food could be a source of COVID-19.
On a recent meeting of the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures, the WTO Secretariat provided updates on COVID-19 and SPS issues, reporting a total of 86 SPS notifications and other communications related to COVID-19 submitted by members. During the meeting, it was pointed out that assessments by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), WHO and other bodies found no evidence that food could be a source of COVID-19.
Australia
COVID-19 cases in Australia have stayed relatively low, thanks to a series of snap lockdowns and effective tracking and testing systems. On April 1, the 3-day lockdown imposed over Queensland’s capital Brisbane ended, after only one new case was detected.
Brazil
With more than 500,000 new cases reported in the last 7 days, the epidemiological situation in Brazil is still concerning. To date, the country recorded around 13 million infections and more than 300,000 deaths since the pandemic began last year.
According to a recent publication by the New Scientist magazine, the Brazilian health system currently is being pressured by high numbers of hospitalizations, as well as a relatively slow vaccination rollout.
On March 30, Reuters reported that producer prices in Brazil rose in February at their fastest rate since 2014, further mounting pressure on the country’s economy. The increase was mainly driven by mining costs, however food price inflation contributed to more than a quarter of the overall rise.
According to a recent publication by the New Scientist magazine, the Brazilian health system currently is being pressured by high numbers of hospitalizations, as well as a relatively slow vaccination rollout.
On March 30, Reuters reported that producer prices in Brazil rose in February at their fastest rate since 2014, further mounting pressure on the country’s economy. The increase was mainly driven by mining costs, however food price inflation contributed to more than a quarter of the overall rise.
Chile
Despite achieving high vaccination rates, COVID-19 cases have been on the rise for the past three weeks. The increase in numbers recently prompted the government to impose a new lockdown, affecting nearly 80% of the country’s population.
According to a news release published by the New York Times, on March 28 Chile’s President Sebastián Piñera asked the Congress to delay for five weeks the election of an assembly to write a new constitution.
According to a news release published by the New York Times, on March 28 Chile’s President Sebastián Piñera asked the Congress to delay for five weeks the election of an assembly to write a new constitution.
China
According to a news release published by the South China Morning Post, Hong Kong will lift its entry ban on Chinese residents coming from the United Kingdom. Moreover, all travelers coming from “low-risk” countries (Australia, New Zealand and Singapore) will be able to enter the city for the first time in over a year.
Since April 1, COVID-19 restrictions were eased with pools and beaches allowed to reopen to the public. Entertainment venues, such as cinemas and amusement parks, will be allowed to fill up to 75% of capacity.
Since April 1, COVID-19 restrictions were eased with pools and beaches allowed to reopen to the public. Entertainment venues, such as cinemas and amusement parks, will be allowed to fill up to 75% of capacity.
EU
On April 1, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) published its latest weekly situation report. Based on the data collected by the agency, the 14-day case notification rate for the EU/EEA was 434 per 100,000 population. The rate has been increasing throughout the month. The mortality rate has been stable in the past three weeks, however recent increases have been observed in nine countries (Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Romania).
On March 26, the Regulation (EU) 2021/522, establishing the EU4Health program, entered into force. The program will make available around €5.1 billion to strengthen the resilience of health systems and promote innovation in the health sector. According to a press release published by the Commission, the funding will contribute to the post-COVID-19 recovery.
On March 30, the European Commission reported that it had disbursed €13 billion to six EU Member States in the sixth installment of financial support, under the European instrument for temporary Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE). With the latest tranche of loans, 17 EU Member States have received a total of €75.5 billion −out of €100 billion− under the SURE instrument in back-to-back loans.
“The crisis is tough on many workers, who fear for their jobs. This is why we have created SURE, to mobilise €100 billion in loans to finance short-time work schemes across the EU. Today we are disbursing a new tranche of €13 billion under SURE, supporting workers and companies in six Member States. This helps protect jobs and enables economies to recover faster from the crisis,” said the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
On March 31, the European Commission proposed €4.5 million, from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), to support tourism workers and self-employed in Estonia who lost their jobs as a consequence of COVID-19. Due to the pandemic, Estonia’s labor market has been heavily impacted. The unemployment rate increased significantly during 2020 to around 7%. In December 2020, some 49,000 people were unemployed in the country.
On March 26, the Regulation (EU) 2021/522, establishing the EU4Health program, entered into force. The program will make available around €5.1 billion to strengthen the resilience of health systems and promote innovation in the health sector. According to a press release published by the Commission, the funding will contribute to the post-COVID-19 recovery.
On March 30, the European Commission reported that it had disbursed €13 billion to six EU Member States in the sixth installment of financial support, under the European instrument for temporary Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE). With the latest tranche of loans, 17 EU Member States have received a total of €75.5 billion −out of €100 billion− under the SURE instrument in back-to-back loans.
“The crisis is tough on many workers, who fear for their jobs. This is why we have created SURE, to mobilise €100 billion in loans to finance short-time work schemes across the EU. Today we are disbursing a new tranche of €13 billion under SURE, supporting workers and companies in six Member States. This helps protect jobs and enables economies to recover faster from the crisis,” said the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
On March 31, the European Commission proposed €4.5 million, from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), to support tourism workers and self-employed in Estonia who lost their jobs as a consequence of COVID-19. Due to the pandemic, Estonia’s labor market has been heavily impacted. The unemployment rate increased significantly during 2020 to around 7%. In December 2020, some 49,000 people were unemployed in the country.
France
Since last year, France recorded more than 4.7 million COVID-19 cases and nearly 100,000 deaths. Since mid-March, the country has been experiencing a steep increase in new infections, topping more than 66,000 on April 5.
On March 31, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a nationwide lockdown. New restrictions include an overnight curfew, closure of all schools and non-essential shops, as well as a domestic travel ban between regions, unless motivated by an essential reason.
On March 31, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a nationwide lockdown. New restrictions include an overnight curfew, closure of all schools and non-essential shops, as well as a domestic travel ban between regions, unless motivated by an essential reason.
Italy
Italy imposed a strict three-day lockdown over Easter, restricting travel and public gatherings. The country has been recording an average of 20,000 daily new cases since the beginning of March, bringing the overall caseload at more than 3.6 million. Although the 14-day case notification rate is slowly decreasing, hospitalization rates and overall pressure over the healthcare system are still elevated.
Netherlands
The Netherlands has halted the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for people under the age of 60 after five new cases of blood clots emerged, affecting women between 25 and 65 years of age. The move followed a previous decision by Germany to suspend inoculations to people under 60 on March 30.
Spain
On March 31, the Spanish Government approved a series of new prevention measures such as making mask wearing mandatory in all public spaces across the country, regardless of the distance with others.
India
In India, COVID-19 cases have been continuously increasing during the past month, from a few thousand per day to nearly 70,000 on March 29. Around 12 million cases and more than 160,000 deaths have been recorded, the third highest tally worldwide. The western state of Maharashtra accounted for most of the news cases.
On April 1, the country announced it will extend its vaccination program to people above 45. So far, around 64 million jabs have been administered.
On April 1, the country announced it will extend its vaccination program to people above 45. So far, around 64 million jabs have been administered.
Japan
On April 1, the Japanese Government announced the imposition of emergency measures in the western region of Osaka following a surge in COVID-19 cases.
For the first time, the new measures will allow local leaders more freedom to enforce targeted measures in specific neighborhoods, towns and districts within their jurisdiction. The new restrictions include shorter business hours and a ban on large gatherings.
For the first time, the new measures will allow local leaders more freedom to enforce targeted measures in specific neighborhoods, towns and districts within their jurisdiction. The new restrictions include shorter business hours and a ban on large gatherings.
South Korea
On March 26, South Korea extended its coronavirus distancing rules, as well as reduced business hours for the hospitality sector and ban on gatherings of five or more people. The measures are expected to stay in place for around two weeks.
Turkey
On March 28, Turkey’s COVID-19 death toll rose above 30,000. The country is currently experiencing a steep surge in new infections, with an all-time record of 37,000 cases recorded on March 31.
So far, Turkey has administered about 13 million vaccine doses. Nearly 8 million people have received a first shot and around 5 million a second dose of the vaccine developed by the Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech.
So far, Turkey has administered about 13 million vaccine doses. Nearly 8 million people have received a first shot and around 5 million a second dose of the vaccine developed by the Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech.
United Kingdom
According to data published by Public Health England (PHE), the United Kingdom keeps following a downturn trajectory in new cases and deaths. More than 30 million people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine so far, and around 4 million are fully vaccinated.
Since March 29, the step 1 of the government’s “roadmap out of lockdown” concluded with the end of the “stay at home rule”, thus allowing up to six people or two different households to meet outside.
On March 30, the Office of National Statistic (ONS) published a Coronavirus Infection Survey estimating that around 50% of UK’s population would have tested positive for antibodies against the coronavirus. According to the survey, recent data show a reduction in antibody positivity rates among older individuals, highlighting the positive effects of the vaccination campaign.
Since March 29, the step 1 of the government’s “roadmap out of lockdown” concluded with the end of the “stay at home rule”, thus allowing up to six people or two different households to meet outside.
On March 30, the Office of National Statistic (ONS) published a Coronavirus Infection Survey estimating that around 50% of UK’s population would have tested positive for antibodies against the coronavirus. According to the survey, recent data show a reduction in antibody positivity rates among older individuals, highlighting the positive effects of the vaccination campaign.
United States
According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overall COVID-19 cases have decreased in the US for the past ten weeks. However, increases have been observed in the 7-day average of new cases. A news release recently published by Reuters reported that health officials have expressed concerns about the increase in travel around the Easter holiday and school spring breaks, at a time when more infectious variants of the coronavirus are circulating.
To date, around one in four Americans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, at a ratio of more than 2.4 million doses administered every day. More than 46 million people have been fully vaccinated.
The information above is a review of actions the INC has compiled from government sources, international organizations and press media. This news article is not intended to be exhaustive and it does not reflect the opinions of the INC. While the publishers believe that all information contained in this publication was correct at the time of publishing, they can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may appear or loss suffered directly or indirectly by any reader as a result of any advertisement, editorial, photographs or other materials published in this news article.
To date, around one in four Americans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, at a ratio of more than 2.4 million doses administered every day. More than 46 million people have been fully vaccinated.
The information above is a review of actions the INC has compiled from government sources, international organizations and press media. This news article is not intended to be exhaustive and it does not reflect the opinions of the INC. While the publishers believe that all information contained in this publication was correct at the time of publishing, they can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may appear or loss suffered directly or indirectly by any reader as a result of any advertisement, editorial, photographs or other materials published in this news article.