Despite this, a recent report from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) forecasted that the global economy is set to grow by 4.7% this year thanks to a stronger-than-expected recovery in the United States, especially due to increased consumer spending and progress distributing COVID-19 vaccines.
At a recent media briefing, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that without a more equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, the global effort in reducing infections and deaths would be hindered. The WHO chief also urged countries to continue using the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) concluded its safety review following a series of reports in several EU countries of major side effects, reportedly linked to the vaccine.
At a recent media briefing, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that without a more equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, the global effort in reducing infections and deaths would be hindered. The WHO chief also urged countries to continue using the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) concluded its safety review following a series of reports in several EU countries of major side effects, reportedly linked to the vaccine.
OECD
According to the latest Economic Outlook published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the global economy is experiencing a moment of recovery, as activity in many sectors has picked up and partially adapted to pandemic restrictions. Global economic prospects have improved over recent months with signs of a rebound in goods trade and industrial production.
Thanks to these factors, the global GDP growth is now projected to be 5.6% this year. World output is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by mid-2021, however, this estimation is dependent on the speed and efficacy of the global vaccination rollout, the report concludes.
Thanks to these factors, the global GDP growth is now projected to be 5.6% this year. World output is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by mid-2021, however, this estimation is dependent on the speed and efficacy of the global vaccination rollout, the report concludes.
WHO
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) most recent epidemiology update reported a new rise in global cases, up 10% compared to the previous week. The Americas and Europe continue to account for over 80% of new cases and deaths, with rises in new cases seen in all regions. The highest numbers of new cases were reported from Brazil, the US, France, Italy and notably in India, where a 30% increase in new cases was reported.
On March 12, the WHO listed the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) for emergency use in all countries and for COVAX roll-out. The decision came following the recent authorization of the vaccine by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The vaccine from Janssen is the first to be listed by WHO as a single dose regimen, which should facilitate vaccination logistics in all countries.
“Every new, safe and effective tool against COVID-19 is another step closer to controlling the pandemic,” said WHO Director-General, Dr. Adhanom.
On March 12, the WHO listed the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) for emergency use in all countries and for COVAX roll-out. The decision came following the recent authorization of the vaccine by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The vaccine from Janssen is the first to be listed by WHO as a single dose regimen, which should facilitate vaccination logistics in all countries.
“Every new, safe and effective tool against COVID-19 is another step closer to controlling the pandemic,” said WHO Director-General, Dr. Adhanom.
WTO
According to the latest update of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Services Trade Barometer, the index has risen sharply to 104.7, above the baseline value of 100 and well above the low point of 91.2 earlier in the pandemic. This suggests that world services trade growth accelerated in the fourth quarter of 2020.
The outlook for 2021, however, is uncertain as continuing lockdown measures in response to surges in COVID-19 infections have continued to weigh on growth and employment in major economies since the start of the year. This is due to lower performing indices such as a persistent weakness in air transport (81.0). In contrast, other component indices have all risen above the trend, including container shipping (104.3) and construction (106.3).
The outlook for 2021, however, is uncertain as continuing lockdown measures in response to surges in COVID-19 infections have continued to weigh on growth and employment in major economies since the start of the year. This is due to lower performing indices such as a persistent weakness in air transport (81.0). In contrast, other component indices have all risen above the trend, including container shipping (104.3) and construction (106.3).
Australia
Australia has reported over 29,000 cases and around 900 deaths since the pandemic began. The relatively low numbers are helped by international border closures, lockdowns and strict social-distancing rules.
On March 14, the Australian Government announced that more than AU$1.1 billion will be made available to extend the national COVID-19 health response and suppression strategy until December 31, 2021. The additional funding will be used to support programs such as testing and tracing, and telehealth services.
Moreover, a news article published by Reuters reported that the government recently unveiled a AU$1.2 billion ($928 million) tourism support package, aimed at boosting local travel while international routes remain closed because of the pandemic.
On March 14, the Australian Government announced that more than AU$1.1 billion will be made available to extend the national COVID-19 health response and suppression strategy until December 31, 2021. The additional funding will be used to support programs such as testing and tracing, and telehealth services.
Moreover, a news article published by Reuters reported that the government recently unveiled a AU$1.2 billion ($928 million) tourism support package, aimed at boosting local travel while international routes remain closed because of the pandemic.
Brazil
On March 16, Brazil’s Health Ministry reported more than 2,800 deaths in a single day, which is the highest daily total since the pandemic began one year ago. Additionally, 83,926 new COVID-19 cases were reported, bringing the total caseload to more than 11 million.
Last week, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced the appointment of cardiologist Marcelo Queiroga as Health Minister. Dr. Queiroga is replacing Army General Eduardo Pazuello, who has led the ministry since May 16, 2020.
Last week, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced the appointment of cardiologist Marcelo Queiroga as Health Minister. Dr. Queiroga is replacing Army General Eduardo Pazuello, who has led the ministry since May 16, 2020.
Chile
According to Chile’s Health Ministry, more than 5 million people have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Despite this, a recent surge in cases prompted the government to approve stricter containment measures on March 11. Under the new restrictions, the Santiago metropolitan region, which is home to 40% of the nation’s population, will be under strict weekend quarantines, with night curfews and non-essential shops being forced to close.
China
On March 16, Associated Press reported that China has approved a new COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. It is the fifth coronavirus vaccine approved in China and the fourth to be given emergency use approval.
According to the Chinese Embassy in the UK, facilitations for visa applicants who have been inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines produced in China, and obtained the vaccination certificate, will allow foreigners to apply for visas to enter the country.
According to the Chinese Embassy in the UK, facilitations for visa applicants who have been inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines produced in China, and obtained the vaccination certificate, will allow foreigners to apply for visas to enter the country.
EU
On March 18, 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 381 per 100,000 population. The rate has been increasing for the last three weeks. Pressure on the healthcare systems in 15 countries has been increasing too. The mortality rate, however, has been stable in the past two weeks, with decreases observed in most countries.
On March 11, the European Commission granted a conditional marketing authorization (CMA) for the COVID‑19 vaccine developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, one of the Janssen pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson, and the fourth COVID-19 vaccine authorized in the EU. This authorization follows a positive scientific recommendation based on an assessment of the safety, effectiveness and quality of the vaccine by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and is endorsed by the Member States.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: "The Janssen vaccine is the fourth authorized vaccine of the EU's portfolio and will help us enhance the vaccination campaign in the second quarter of 2021. It only requires a single dose, which takes us another step closer to achieving our collective goal of vaccinating 70% of the adult population by the end of summer".
On the same day, the Commission proposed a package of almost €530 million in additional financial support under the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF), aimed to safeguard the public health of 17 Member States, as well as Albania, Serbia and Montenegro. The funding is meant to support part of public expenditure on medical and personal protective equipment, emergency support to the population, and measures of prevention, monitoring and control of the spread of COVID-19.
On March 16, the European Commission disbursed €9 billion to seven EU Member States in the fifth installment of financial support under the Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE) program. These loans aim to assist Member States in addressing sudden increases in public expenditure due to the countries’ efforts to preserve employment.
On March 11, the European Commission granted a conditional marketing authorization (CMA) for the COVID‑19 vaccine developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, one of the Janssen pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson, and the fourth COVID-19 vaccine authorized in the EU. This authorization follows a positive scientific recommendation based on an assessment of the safety, effectiveness and quality of the vaccine by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and is endorsed by the Member States.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: "The Janssen vaccine is the fourth authorized vaccine of the EU's portfolio and will help us enhance the vaccination campaign in the second quarter of 2021. It only requires a single dose, which takes us another step closer to achieving our collective goal of vaccinating 70% of the adult population by the end of summer".
On the same day, the Commission proposed a package of almost €530 million in additional financial support under the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF), aimed to safeguard the public health of 17 Member States, as well as Albania, Serbia and Montenegro. The funding is meant to support part of public expenditure on medical and personal protective equipment, emergency support to the population, and measures of prevention, monitoring and control of the spread of COVID-19.
On March 16, the European Commission disbursed €9 billion to seven EU Member States in the fifth installment of financial support under the Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE) program. These loans aim to assist Member States in addressing sudden increases in public expenditure due to the countries’ efforts to preserve employment.
Belgium
On March 22, the news agency Euractiv reported that the Belgian government has extended the country’s travel ban until April 18. Belgium is currently seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases, with a rate of more than 400 cases per 100,000 people. The reproduction rate is being calculated at 1.13, which means that the pandemic is currently expanding in the country.
Bulgaria
Following two weeks increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths, the country has entered into a 10-day lockdown on March 22. “The aim of the measures is to control the epidemic without coming back to the bad memories of October and November,” reportedly said Bulgaria’s Health Minister Kostadin Angelov.
Estonia
On March 18, Estonia entered into a month-long lockdown in which non-essential shops, schools and hospitality venues are closed. The country is currently facing a large surge of infections due to the spreading of the reportedly more contagious UK variant of the virus.
France
According to Euronews, on March 11, France’s Foreign Minister announced that the country would relax its travel restrictions to and from seven non-EU countries. People traveling to and from Australia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Singapore will be able to do so without the need to prove a compelling reason. However, travelers will still need to present a negative PCR test conducted less than 72 hours before departure.
On March 19, the Paris area and other 16 regions started a month-long lockdown aimed to curb a recent surge in infections. Non-essential shop closures and movement outside is restricted in the affected regions, however, schools will stay open.
On March 19, the Paris area and other 16 regions started a month-long lockdown aimed to curb a recent surge in infections. Non-essential shop closures and movement outside is restricted in the affected regions, however, schools will stay open.
Germany
On March 16, the news agency Deutsche Welle reported that according to the latest data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases (RKI), COVID-19 cases are growing again. The country had just started erasing the restrictions two weeks ago, allowing non-essential shops to reopen.
Due to the current increase in infection rates, on March 22, the German Government announced that the ongoing lockdown would be extended until April 18, along with further restrictions imposed during the Easter week.
Due to the current increase in infection rates, on March 22, the German Government announced that the ongoing lockdown would be extended until April 18, along with further restrictions imposed during the Easter week.
Italy
In the past two weeks, Italy has registered more than 20,000 new daily infections, bringing the total to more than 3 million confirmed cases. The country recently surpassed 100,000 total fatalities due to COVID-19, which is the second-highest tally in Europe after the UK.
Since March 15, new restrictions were imposed on 10 Italian regions where COVID-19 cases have been steadily increasing. In the so-called “red areas”, schools, shops and restaurants are closed and residents, who account for more than 60% of the country’s population, will be required to stay at home except for work, health or other essential reasons.
Since March 15, new restrictions were imposed on 10 Italian regions where COVID-19 cases have been steadily increasing. In the so-called “red areas”, schools, shops and restaurants are closed and residents, who account for more than 60% of the country’s population, will be required to stay at home except for work, health or other essential reasons.
Poland
Poland has been experiencing a steep surge in COVID-19 infections during the last two weeks, bringing the total to around 2 million confirmed cases. On March 20, new restrictions were imposed such as the closure of all non-essential activities and most schools. These measures would stay in place until at least April 9. As of today, there are no plans on restricting movement.
Spain
After the third wave of infections observed throughout January, Spain’s epidemiological situation has been steadily improving in the last few weeks. The 14-day cumulative number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants is currently below 130.
However, during the government’s last press conference, Fernando Simón, Director of the Health Ministry’s Coordination Center for Health Alerts (CCAES), pointed at the fact that the rate at which new coronavirus infections are falling has stabilized. A recent article from the newspaper El País reported that health experts are urging authorities to maintain the current restriction measures to avoid a fourth wave, especially during the Easter period.
However, during the government’s last press conference, Fernando Simón, Director of the Health Ministry’s Coordination Center for Health Alerts (CCAES), pointed at the fact that the rate at which new coronavirus infections are falling has stabilized. A recent article from the newspaper El País reported that health experts are urging authorities to maintain the current restriction measures to avoid a fourth wave, especially during the Easter period.
India
India is currently experiencing a spike in coronavirus cases, particularly due to a large surge of infections in the western state of Maharashtra. The country has so far recorded more than 11 million cases and nearly 160,000 victims, the third-highest worldwide.
On March 15, the Nagpur district in Maharashtra entered into a lockdown for the first time since nationwide curbs were lifted in June.
On March 15, the Nagpur district in Maharashtra entered into a lockdown for the first time since nationwide curbs were lifted in June.
Japan
On March 22, the Japanese government lifted the state of emergency over Tokyo metropolitan area, which was in place since last January. Leisure and hospitality venues will be able to open for longer times during the day and parks are open to the public, although officials are urging citizens to avoid holding cherry blossom-viewing parties.
Despite the easing of coronavirus restrictions, Japan is maintaining the country’s entry ban on nonresident foreign nationals due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus variants. Residents in Japan will be allowed to enter the country after submitting a negative COVID-19 test and subsequently self-isolate for 14 days.
Despite the easing of coronavirus restrictions, Japan is maintaining the country’s entry ban on nonresident foreign nationals due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus variants. Residents in Japan will be allowed to enter the country after submitting a negative COVID-19 test and subsequently self-isolate for 14 days.
Turkey
According to the latest data published by WHO, Turkey is currently facing a surge of COVID-19 infections. The country’s total number of cases is now risen to more than 3 million, with nearly 30,000 deaths.
The country started its vaccination campaign last January. To date, around 11 million doses of the Chinese CoronaVac vaccine have been administered, with more than 8 million people vaccinated so far.
The country started its vaccination campaign last January. To date, around 11 million doses of the Chinese CoronaVac vaccine have been administered, with more than 8 million people vaccinated so far.
United Kingdom
According to the latest figures published by Public Health England (PHE), the country registered around 5,000 new daily cases on March 22, bringing the total to around 4 million. Hospitalizations and deaths are falling too since the beginning of the month.
On March 20, the UK Government published a press release reporting that around half of all adults in the UK have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. UK health services vaccinated a total of 26.8 million people between December 8 and March 19 with first doses, while 2.1 million people have had their second dose so far.
On March 20, the UK Government published a press release reporting that around half of all adults in the UK have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. UK health services vaccinated a total of 26.8 million people between December 8 and March 19 with first doses, while 2.1 million people have had their second dose so far.
United States
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) latest weekly review reported that COVID-19 cases have decreased in the US for the past nine weeks. Moreover, around one in five Americans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, at a ratio of more than 2 million doses administered every day. The country recently passed the target of 100 million vaccine jabs, and several states started loosening travel restrictions.
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.
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.