Countries around the world are working together to develop Covaxin to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says 184 countries around the world have signed up for the vaccine.
Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the partnership of 184 countries would help ensure a fair distribution of the vaccine to all, rich and poor alike. Meanwhile, the number of confirmed corona virus cases worldwide has crossed 40 million.
A total of 40,066,650 infections and 1,114,860 deaths were reported. More than half came from the three worst-affected countries. The United States with 8,154,935 infections, India with 7,550,273 and Brazil 5,235,344. In the last seven days alone, 2.5 million cases have been reported. This is the highest weekly number since Covid-19 emerged in China late last year.
974,449 cases and 33,992 deaths in Spain; Restrictions tightened
With crossing more than a million cases, restrictions have been tightened in various parts of Spain. It has the highest number of cases in Western Europe. Authorities in the northern region of Castile and Leon have announced the closure of the city of Burgos and nearby Aranda de Duero. Only essential trips are allowed. The decision comes after the infection rate in the area exceeded 500 cases per lakh.
Burgos Mayor Daniel de la Rosa said the situation was similar to March or April. On October 9, a state of emergency was declared in Madrid. On Friday alone, there were 38,000 cases in Spain. Nationwide, 974,449 cases and 33,992 deaths were reported. Fernando Simon, the head of Health Emergency, warned that the number of patients was rising daily.
COVID-19 ICU cases in France over 2,000
There are over 2,000 COVID-19 ICU cases in France. This is the highest rate in 5 months. This is the first time since May 17. Despite the partial curfew, no significant progress has been made. For the first time since June 12, the number of cases has risen to more than 11,000.
France has reported an increase in COVID-19 infections since the beginning of last month. This was followed by a four-week curfew in nine cities, including Paris. There are currently 900,000 cases in the country, and this week is expected to cross one million.
Curfew in Belgium
In Belgium, where the number of hospital admissions rose by 100% last week, bars and restaurants were closed for a month and a curfew was declared. Belgium is a country with a population of 11.5 million. Belgium has one of the highest per capita infections rates in the world. In Belgium, 222,253 cases of the corona virus were registered. The incidence has doubled in the last one month. There were 10,413 deaths here.
While schools were reopened, university campuses were limited to one-fifth of the average student body.
Italy also to strict measures
Italy has also announced tough measures to combat the corona virus. Italy is the only European country that has experienced the largest COVID crisis since the beginning of this year. The number of people per table is limited to six in restaurants. Bars will have to close at 6pm. Amateur team sports are also banned. Social distance was made compulsory in schools. Extensive local festivals and fairs are banned in Italy. So far, 414,000 cases have been registered, including 36,543 deaths.
‘Firebreak’ lock down in Wales
Wales is set to impose a so-called ‘firebreak’ lockdown for two weeks. Will be coming into effect at 6 p.m. on Friday. Here people are asked to stay at home except in very limited situations like exercise. Working from home is encouraged wherever possible. Services such as non-food retailers, cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels, as well as services such as hairdressers and beauticians will all be closed. Despite tightening local restrictions in various places, cases have risen in Wales in recent weeks.
COVID cases have dropped in Melbourne
Meanwhile, Melbourne in three-month-old stay-at-home restrictions were further eased on falling infection rates. The second batch of stay-home restrictions were began in July.
Poland plans to open a temporary hospital at the national stadium
The government decided to open a temporary hospital at the National Stadium in Warsaw as virus became widespread in Poland. In recent weeks, there has been a record increase in the number of cases and deaths in Poland. The hospital will have beds for 500 to 1000 COVID-19 patients.