The epicenter of the pandemic has continued to shift throughout the year, from China, then Europe, then the US, and developing countries like Brazil and India. Cases globally surpassed 10 million in late June, but ever since infections have been multiplying faster. The U.S. and India have the most infections, accounting for more than a third of all cases combined.
On February 19, leaders of the G7 member states, as well as representatives of the European Union, held a virtual meeting to discuss how the world’s leading democracies can work together to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines around the world, prevent future pandemics and build back better from coronavirus.
The leaders recognized that no country can be safe until every country is safe and collectively committed over $4.3 billion to the ACT Accelerator partnership to develop and distribute effective tests, treatments, and vaccines around the world. Moreover, several nations pledged to share their additional vaccine doses with developing countries, so to support rapid reduction of virus transmission amongst some of the world’s most vulnerable and exposed populations.
On February 19, leaders of the G7 member states, as well as representatives of the European Union, held a virtual meeting to discuss how the world’s leading democracies can work together to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines around the world, prevent future pandemics and build back better from coronavirus.
The leaders recognized that no country can be safe until every country is safe and collectively committed over $4.3 billion to the ACT Accelerator partnership to develop and distribute effective tests, treatments, and vaccines around the world. Moreover, several nations pledged to share their additional vaccine doses with developing countries, so to support rapid reduction of virus transmission amongst some of the world’s most vulnerable and exposed populations.
WHO
According to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) weekly epidemiological update, the number of global new cases reported has continued to fall, with 2.7 million new cases last week, a 16% decline compared to the previous week. The number of new deaths reported also fell, with 81,000 new deaths reported last week, a 10% decline as compared to the previous week.
To ensure fair access to the latest developed vaccines the WHO, through its COVAX program, has set the ball in motion for the global deployment of vaccines to poorer countries on February 15, after it issued emergency approval for the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Low- and middle-income countries can expect to receive their first deliveries of the vaccine at the end of February as part of the COVAX shared-procurement program. The WHO hopes to deliver 336 million doses in the first half of the year and up to 2 billion by the end of December.
To ensure fair access to the latest developed vaccines the WHO, through its COVAX program, has set the ball in motion for the global deployment of vaccines to poorer countries on February 15, after it issued emergency approval for the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Low- and middle-income countries can expect to receive their first deliveries of the vaccine at the end of February as part of the COVAX shared-procurement program. The WHO hopes to deliver 336 million doses in the first half of the year and up to 2 billion by the end of December.
UN
The recent United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) initiative ‘Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative’, to prioritize delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, essential medicines and other critical supplies across the globe has been backed by more than 10 airlines. The agreement will also act as a global logistics preparedness mechanism for other humanitarian and health crises over the longer term.
“Delivery of these life-saving vaccines is a monumental and complex undertaking, considering the sheer volumes that need to be transported, the cold chain requirements, the number of expected deliveries and the diversity of routes” said Etleva Kadilli, Director of UNICEF Supply Division.
“Delivery of these life-saving vaccines is a monumental and complex undertaking, considering the sheer volumes that need to be transported, the cold chain requirements, the number of expected deliveries and the diversity of routes” said Etleva Kadilli, Director of UNICEF Supply Division.
UNCTAD
Led by trade in goods, global trade recovered in the last quarter of 2020, reducing its overall decline for the year to about 9%, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) new Global Trade Update published on February 10. But while imports and exports of goods grew by about 8% in the fourth quarter of last year, trade in services stagnated as measures taken in the global fight against COVID-19 continued to affect sectors such as travel.
The report highlights persisting concerns about COVID-19, noting that uncertainty about the timing and magnitude of stimulus packages will result in a lower trade rebound in the coming months. It projects that the first quarter of 2021 will record a slowdown in the recovery of trade in goods (a 1.5% drop relative to Q4 2020) and a further decline for trade in services (a 7% drop relative to Q4 2020), largely because of continued disruptions in the travel sector.
The report highlights persisting concerns about COVID-19, noting that uncertainty about the timing and magnitude of stimulus packages will result in a lower trade rebound in the coming months. It projects that the first quarter of 2021 will record a slowdown in the recovery of trade in goods (a 1.5% drop relative to Q4 2020) and a further decline for trade in services (a 7% drop relative to Q4 2020), largely because of continued disruptions in the travel sector.
WTO
The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) recently elected chief, Ms. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, warned against “vaccine nationalism” that would slow progress in ending the pandemic and could erode worldwide economic growth. “No one is safe until everyone is safe. Vaccine nationalism at this time just will not pay, because the variants are coming. If other countries are not immunized, it will just be a blow back,” Ms. Okonjo-Iweala said in a recent interview.
Ms. Okonjo-Iweala said a recent academic study suggests that the global economy would lose $9 trillion in potential output if poor countries were unable to get their populations vaccinated quickly, and about half of the impact would be borne by rich countries.
Ms. Okonjo-Iweala said a recent academic study suggests that the global economy would lose $9 trillion in potential output if poor countries were unable to get their populations vaccinated quickly, and about half of the impact would be borne by rich countries.
Australia
On February 16, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration provisionally approved the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. It is the second vaccine to receive such approval, following the Pfizer/BioNTech. The country has ordered 53 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, the vast majority of which will be manufactured locally by CSL Ltd.
Prior to the approval of the Oxford/AZ vaccine, Morrison's office said the country had received more than 142,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, 80,000 of which will be released starting February 22. Approximately 50,000 will go to states and territories frontline quarantine and health workers, and 30,000 will go to aged care, disability care residents and health care workers.
Prior to the approval of the Oxford/AZ vaccine, Morrison's office said the country had received more than 142,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, 80,000 of which will be released starting February 22. Approximately 50,000 will go to states and territories frontline quarantine and health workers, and 30,000 will go to aged care, disability care residents and health care workers.
Chile
More than 1.7 million adults over 65 have been vaccinated against COVID-19, according to data provided by the Department of Health Statistics and Information.
Health Minister Enrique Paris also expressed his wishes for the success of a global immunization campaign. “The massive vaccination against COVID-19 is about to exceed over 2 million vaccinated in Chile, which will mark an important and transcendent milestone in the history of this fight against the pandemic”, he emphasized.
Mr. Paris also supervised the start of vaccination of education workers over 60 years of age, including 513,621 teachers, teacher’s assistants, directors, administrators and food handlers.
Health Minister Enrique Paris also expressed his wishes for the success of a global immunization campaign. “The massive vaccination against COVID-19 is about to exceed over 2 million vaccinated in Chile, which will mark an important and transcendent milestone in the history of this fight against the pandemic”, he emphasized.
Mr. Paris also supervised the start of vaccination of education workers over 60 years of age, including 513,621 teachers, teacher’s assistants, directors, administrators and food handlers.
China
China reported around 300 new cases in the past two weeks. The surge in cases appears to be contained by the restrictions, mainly imposed on traveling, affecting the Chinese New Year holidays. While most of the economy has reopened, strict mask wearing, electronic monitoring and periodic lockdowns have helped virtually eliminate domestic coronavirus cases.
Hong Kong is reducing social distancing rules following a sharp drop in new coronavirus cases, including restarting indoor dining and reopening gyms. The relaxation that took effect February 18 is a huge relief for the city’s service sector, which has been hammered by periodical closure orders and strict limits on dining out. Public gatherings of more than two people remain prohibited and mask-wearing in public is mandatory until March 3.
Hong Kong is reducing social distancing rules following a sharp drop in new coronavirus cases, including restarting indoor dining and reopening gyms. The relaxation that took effect February 18 is a huge relief for the city’s service sector, which has been hammered by periodical closure orders and strict limits on dining out. Public gatherings of more than two people remain prohibited and mask-wearing in public is mandatory until March 3.
EU
A recent report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) showed that several EU/EEA countries have observed a decline in the overall incidence of COVID-19 in recent weeks, most probably due to the impact of tightened restrictions. Nonetheless, the epidemiological situation is still of serious concern across the continent, with the majority of countries still experiencing high or increasing notification rates in older age groups and/or high death rates.
While most countries are currently seeing a decline in overall infections as a response to the restrictions, the introduction and increased spread of new SARS-CoV-2 variants first identified in South Africa (B.1.351), Brazil (P.1) and especially United Kingdom (B.1.1.7) has raised concerns.
Several countries where the UK variant has become dominant have seen rapid increases in incidence. This has resulted in increased hospitalizations, overstretched health systems and excess mortality. The South Africa variant is also associated with increased transmissibility. In addition, there is evidence pointing to the potential for reduced effectiveness for some of the COVID-19 vaccines with this variant.
On February 17, the European Commission has launched a program to study COVID-19 variants and produce “second generation” vaccines against future strains. The “HERA incubator” program will bring together the pharmaceutical industry, laboratories, health authorities and researchers. Member states will also be asked to contribute additional funds so the EU can adapt and modify contracts already signed with vaccine providers and secure doses against future variants.
Moreover, the EU Council adopted on February 11 a regulation establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which lies at the heart of the EU’s recovery plan. It will make €672.5 billion in grants and loans available for public investment and reforms in the 27 Member States to help them address the impact of the pandemic, to foster green and digital transitions and to build resilient and inclusive societies. Member States will receive support on the basis of their national recovery and resilience plans, which are currently under preparation.
According to a recent press release, the EU Council adopted on February 15 two sets of temporary rules to support the transport sector, which continues to be heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Relief from airport slot use requirements will protect airlines and prevent the environmental harm that would be caused by running empty flights merely for the sake of keeping the slots for the next year.
An extension of the possibility to temporarily prolong the validity of driving licenses, roadworthiness tests and other specific licenses, certificates and authorizations will help transport operators and citizens who are unable to fulfill certain administrative requirements because of COVID-19 restrictions. The renewed rules on document extensions continue to cover road, rail and inland waterway transport, as well as maritime security.
While most countries are currently seeing a decline in overall infections as a response to the restrictions, the introduction and increased spread of new SARS-CoV-2 variants first identified in South Africa (B.1.351), Brazil (P.1) and especially United Kingdom (B.1.1.7) has raised concerns.
Several countries where the UK variant has become dominant have seen rapid increases in incidence. This has resulted in increased hospitalizations, overstretched health systems and excess mortality. The South Africa variant is also associated with increased transmissibility. In addition, there is evidence pointing to the potential for reduced effectiveness for some of the COVID-19 vaccines with this variant.
On February 17, the European Commission has launched a program to study COVID-19 variants and produce “second generation” vaccines against future strains. The “HERA incubator” program will bring together the pharmaceutical industry, laboratories, health authorities and researchers. Member states will also be asked to contribute additional funds so the EU can adapt and modify contracts already signed with vaccine providers and secure doses against future variants.
Moreover, the EU Council adopted on February 11 a regulation establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which lies at the heart of the EU’s recovery plan. It will make €672.5 billion in grants and loans available for public investment and reforms in the 27 Member States to help them address the impact of the pandemic, to foster green and digital transitions and to build resilient and inclusive societies. Member States will receive support on the basis of their national recovery and resilience plans, which are currently under preparation.
According to a recent press release, the EU Council adopted on February 15 two sets of temporary rules to support the transport sector, which continues to be heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Relief from airport slot use requirements will protect airlines and prevent the environmental harm that would be caused by running empty flights merely for the sake of keeping the slots for the next year.
An extension of the possibility to temporarily prolong the validity of driving licenses, roadworthiness tests and other specific licenses, certificates and authorizations will help transport operators and citizens who are unable to fulfill certain administrative requirements because of COVID-19 restrictions. The renewed rules on document extensions continue to cover road, rail and inland waterway transport, as well as maritime security.
Belgium
Belgium’s coronavirus figures are continuing to evolve in a downward trend, according to the latest figures published by the Sciensano public health institute on February 19. Over the past two weeks, about 236 infections were confirmed per 100,000 inhabitants, which is a 16% decrease compared to the two weeks before.
However, an estimated 37% of coronavirus infections at present are the reportedly more contagious British variant. On the same day, police checks were reinforced on the Franco-Belgian border in West Flanders after an outbreak of the British variant was detected in Dunkirk.
Belgium's ban on non-essential foreign travel, which was extended from 1 March to 1 April, could be reassessed when the coronavirus committee next meets on 26 February, according to Walloon minister-president Elio Di Rupo. "I do not exclude that the ban will be lifted," he said. "But it could remain 'strongly recommended' not to go abroad."
However, an estimated 37% of coronavirus infections at present are the reportedly more contagious British variant. On the same day, police checks were reinforced on the Franco-Belgian border in West Flanders after an outbreak of the British variant was detected in Dunkirk.
Belgium's ban on non-essential foreign travel, which was extended from 1 March to 1 April, could be reassessed when the coronavirus committee next meets on 26 February, according to Walloon minister-president Elio Di Rupo. "I do not exclude that the ban will be lifted," he said. "But it could remain 'strongly recommended' not to go abroad."
France
Following an announcement from Health Minister Olivier Véran, on February 22, France increased self-isolation times for coronavirus-positive cases from seven to 10 days due to uncertainty over the new variants.
The self-isolation period had already been extended to 10 days for people who tested positive for the Brazilian or South African variant, and a negative PCR test was required for permission to end the isolation. Isolation times will remain at seven days for contact cases, Mr. Véran said.
The Minister also said that the current rules that allow people who test positive to obtain immediate time off from work via the assurance Maladie would be extended until June 1.
The self-isolation period had already been extended to 10 days for people who tested positive for the Brazilian or South African variant, and a negative PCR test was required for permission to end the isolation. Isolation times will remain at seven days for contact cases, Mr. Véran said.
The Minister also said that the current rules that allow people who test positive to obtain immediate time off from work via the assurance Maladie would be extended until June 1.
Germany
Germany's federal government and state leaders agreed last Wednesday to extend the nationwide shutdown until March 7, beyond the previous February 14 deadline. Though overall infection numbers in the country are declining, concern is rising about new variants. The current shutdown began in November and was extended and toughened before Christmas, with the number of COVID-19 patients threatening to overwhelm hospitals.
On February 14 the government stopped most travel between regions in the east and south of the country and the neighboring Czech Republic and Austria in a bid to stop COVID-19 variants from spreading. The measures are set to remain in place for at least 10 days.
Germany designated Austria's Tyrol and border regions of the Czech Republic as "virus mutation areas." The government took the decision after the South African B.1.351 coronavirus variant was found in Austria's Tyrol region. The British B.1.1.7 variant was instead found circulating in the Czech Republic.
On February 14 the government stopped most travel between regions in the east and south of the country and the neighboring Czech Republic and Austria in a bid to stop COVID-19 variants from spreading. The measures are set to remain in place for at least 10 days.
Germany designated Austria's Tyrol and border regions of the Czech Republic as "virus mutation areas." The government took the decision after the South African B.1.351 coronavirus variant was found in Austria's Tyrol region. The British B.1.1.7 variant was instead found circulating in the Czech Republic.
Greece
Athens and the wider area of Attica, where half of the country’s population lives, will go into a stricter lockdown, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced in a televised address to the nation on February 16. The new rules, based on new coronavirus data and consultations with health experts, will run until February 28.
According to Mr. Mitsotakis, the COVID-19 mutations, which are dispersed at high rates, and the rise in admissions at the hospitals are generating problems for public health and forcing the government to impose stricter rules.
According to Mr. Mitsotakis, the COVID-19 mutations, which are dispersed at high rates, and the rise in admissions at the hospitals are generating problems for public health and forcing the government to impose stricter rules.
Italy
Italy’s new prime minister, Mario Draghi, has pledged to speed up the country’s coronavirus vaccination program as he presented his government’s priorities before a confidence vote in the upper house of Parliament on February 17. In his much-anticipated maiden speech, Draghi, who was recently sworn into office, said the government’s first duty was to “fight the pandemic by all means and safeguard the lives of citizens”.
Draghi, the former European Central Bank chief, said the government must move fast to obtain and distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. Italy has administered more than 3 million jabs, according to health ministry figures.
Draghi, the former European Central Bank chief, said the government must move fast to obtain and distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. Italy has administered more than 3 million jabs, according to health ministry figures.
Spain
Some Spanish regions are starting to ease restrictions, while others are considering doing so, due to falling infection rates that, however, are still far above the government’s extreme risk threshold. At the same time, the mass vaccination of care homes – the first priority group of Spain’s vaccination drive – is beginning to have an effect, with contagions falling.
The Spanish government is also looking for formulas to speed up the return to levels of tourism that existed pre-pandemic. One of the key factors being considered is the creation of a Europe-wide vaccination card that could help bring back foreign tourists.
The Spanish government is also looking for formulas to speed up the return to levels of tourism that existed pre-pandemic. One of the key factors being considered is the creation of a Europe-wide vaccination card that could help bring back foreign tourists.
India
As of February 2021, India’s COVID-19 recorded cases surpassed 11 million, second only to the tally of the United States. However, since hitting a peak of close to 100,000 daily coronavirus infections in September 2020, new cases have dropped nearly 90%. Deaths have fallen by a similar rate, to fewer than 100 a day.
On February 16, Indian health officials announced that both the South African and Brazilian coronavirus variants and people returning from those countries may be tested more aggressively. The South African variant was detected in four people last month and the Brazilian one in one person this month, they said, adding that the strains can more easily infect a person’s lungs than the UK mutation. The Indian government is now considering mandating PCR tests for all people coming from Brazil and South Africa, as is being done for those flying in from the United Kingdom.
“There are no direct flights from South Africa or Brazil, so the health ministry and the civil aviation ministry are in touch on the steps to be taken on the matter,” Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan told at a news conference.
On February 16, Indian health officials announced that both the South African and Brazilian coronavirus variants and people returning from those countries may be tested more aggressively. The South African variant was detected in four people last month and the Brazilian one in one person this month, they said, adding that the strains can more easily infect a person’s lungs than the UK mutation. The Indian government is now considering mandating PCR tests for all people coming from Brazil and South Africa, as is being done for those flying in from the United Kingdom.
“There are no direct flights from South Africa or Brazil, so the health ministry and the civil aviation ministry are in touch on the steps to be taken on the matter,” Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan told at a news conference.
Iran
On February 9, Iran began its rollout of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine, according to a live broadcast on state television. Health Minister Saeed Namaki said the top priority groups to receive the vaccination are doctors and nurses working at intensive care units across the country's hospitals.
Iran received its first delivery of the Sputnik-V vaccine from Russia on February 4, according to Iran's state-run news agency IRNA. The Health Minister said in addition to the Russian Sputnik vaccine, Iran has also bought some 16.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines through COVAX to vaccinate 8.4 million people.
Iran received its first delivery of the Sputnik-V vaccine from Russia on February 4, according to Iran's state-run news agency IRNA. The Health Minister said in addition to the Russian Sputnik vaccine, Iran has also bought some 16.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines through COVAX to vaccinate 8.4 million people.
Israel
The Israeli Cabinet has approved a further loosening of the restrictions on economic activity as coronavirus infection rates continue their gradual downward trend. Since February 21, shopping malls, markets, museums, and libraries have re-open to everyone. However, Israelis will need to show proof they have been vaccinated, or have recovered from the disease, to gain access to gyms, sports, cultural venues and hotels, all of which have also received permission to re-open.
Israel has been making rapid progress in its vaccination program and is on track to be the first country in the world to inoculate its entire population, of about 9 million people. Health Ministry data suggests more than 4 million people in Israel would have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of last week, with more than 2.6 million people having received a second dose as well.
Israel has been making rapid progress in its vaccination program and is on track to be the first country in the world to inoculate its entire population, of about 9 million people. Health Ministry data suggests more than 4 million people in Israel would have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of last week, with more than 2.6 million people having received a second dose as well.
Japan
A little over a year after the new coronavirus started spreading in Japan, the government has approved its first vaccine, becoming the last G7 nation to kick-start a massive rollout program.
Japan began its COVID-19 vaccine rollout on February 17, starting with an initial group of 40,000 health workers before it later expands its inoculation program to cover older people and people with pre-existing conditions.
Japan’s coronavirus response chief has said that the government will consider lifting its coronavirus state of emergency after confirming that the strain on hospital bed capacity has eased substantially.
Japan began its COVID-19 vaccine rollout on February 17, starting with an initial group of 40,000 health workers before it later expands its inoculation program to cover older people and people with pre-existing conditions.
Japan’s coronavirus response chief has said that the government will consider lifting its coronavirus state of emergency after confirming that the strain on hospital bed capacity has eased substantially.
South Africa
South Africa has reopened its major land borders with neighboring countries after closing them last month to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. At least 20 border posts reopened on February 15, with officials saying steps will be taken to avoid tightly-packed crowds of travelers gathering at immigration posts, which would spread the virus.
Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said South Africa is working with neighboring countries to ensure simpler movements of people. Other border posts to be reopened include the Beitbridge border post with Zimbabwe and crossing points with Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland).
Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said South Africa is working with neighboring countries to ensure simpler movements of people. Other border posts to be reopened include the Beitbridge border post with Zimbabwe and crossing points with Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland).
South Korea
In recent weeks, COVID-19 cases in South Korea have displayed a gradual downward trajectory largely, thanks to stringent distancing rules such as a ban on social gatherings of five or more people. However, a recent spike in cases ahead of the Lunar New Year’s holidays has alarmed the government, and officials have urged the public to maintain vigilance and stay at home during the four-day festive period.
Millions of people were expected to travel across the country to visit hometowns and return home during the holidays.
Millions of people were expected to travel across the country to visit hometowns and return home during the holidays.
Turkey
Turkey has so far administered over 5 million coronavirus vaccine jabs across the country, according to official figures. The country began its mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign on January 14, starting with healthcare workers and then the elderly.
The country also changed rules for travelers from abroad. In addition to asking for negative tests carried out within the last 72 hours before arrival to the country, travelers from Denmark, the UK, South Africa and Brazil are required to stay in quarantine for 14 days in Turkey. Travelers from the UK and Denmark will be able to self-isolate at the location where they plan to reside during their stay, while those from South Africa and Brazil will be quarantined at state-run student dormitories. A second test will be conducted on the 10th day of their stay, and if it turns out negative, their isolation will be terminated.
The country also changed rules for travelers from abroad. In addition to asking for negative tests carried out within the last 72 hours before arrival to the country, travelers from Denmark, the UK, South Africa and Brazil are required to stay in quarantine for 14 days in Turkey. Travelers from the UK and Denmark will be able to self-isolate at the location where they plan to reside during their stay, while those from South Africa and Brazil will be quarantined at state-run student dormitories. A second test will be conducted on the 10th day of their stay, and if it turns out negative, their isolation will be terminated.
United Kingdom
On February 14, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed his government had met its target of immunizing everyone over the age of 70, along with people who live or work in nurse homes, health service workers and those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.
Since February 15, passengers arriving in the UK from coronavirus hot spots will be required to quarantine in government-managed hotel rooms for 10 days. The new rules apply to anyone who has visited any of the 33 countries on a travel ban list in the previous 10 days. The list of countries deemed at high risk of coronavirus variants, includes all of South America, southern African nations, Portugal and the UAE.
On February 22, Mr. Johnson announced his “road map” to unlock the country gradually over the months ahead. The so-called roadmap would then pass through four stages, with five weeks in-between, and the final step, when most restrictions would be lifted, not starting until June 21 at the earliest.
With more than 120,000 fatalities, Britain has suffered the world’s fifth-highest official death toll from the pandemic and its $3 trillion economy has seen its biggest slump in over 300 years. But the Prime Minister said the fast start to the vaccine roll-out, plus a sharp fall in infections can now set out a cautious easing of England’s tough national lockdown, which started on January 5.
As the plan unfolds, lawmakers will have a chance to vote on specific steps. Authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which are responsible for their own public health, are expected to also ease restrictions over the coming months.
Since February 15, passengers arriving in the UK from coronavirus hot spots will be required to quarantine in government-managed hotel rooms for 10 days. The new rules apply to anyone who has visited any of the 33 countries on a travel ban list in the previous 10 days. The list of countries deemed at high risk of coronavirus variants, includes all of South America, southern African nations, Portugal and the UAE.
On February 22, Mr. Johnson announced his “road map” to unlock the country gradually over the months ahead. The so-called roadmap would then pass through four stages, with five weeks in-between, and the final step, when most restrictions would be lifted, not starting until June 21 at the earliest.
With more than 120,000 fatalities, Britain has suffered the world’s fifth-highest official death toll from the pandemic and its $3 trillion economy has seen its biggest slump in over 300 years. But the Prime Minister said the fast start to the vaccine roll-out, plus a sharp fall in infections can now set out a cautious easing of England’s tough national lockdown, which started on January 5.
As the plan unfolds, lawmakers will have a chance to vote on specific steps. Authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which are responsible for their own public health, are expected to also ease restrictions over the coming months.
United States
The US is showing encouraging COVID-19 trends. While more than 55,000 new infections were reported on February 21, it was the lowest case count since October. Just last month, reported infections were topping 200,000 a day.
California, one of the states hit hardest by the pandemic, reported its lowest daily case increases since early November. That comes amid a steady decline not only in new infections, but in hospitalizations and deaths as well.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on February 21 that about 43.6 million people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including about 18.9 million people who 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.
California, one of the states hit hardest by the pandemic, reported its lowest daily case increases since early November. That comes amid a steady decline not only in new infections, but in hospitalizations and deaths as well.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on February 21 that about 43.6 million people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including about 18.9 million people who 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.
Related Articles
Nothing found.