Russia in third most bereaved country
Russia saw its balance sheet rise suddenly, after the adoption by the Russian office of statistics (Rosstat) of new accounts closer to international standards. The new death toll of 186,000 places Russia third in the world among the most bereaved countries, behind the United States (335,000 dead) and Brazil (191,000 dead).
New restrictions in South Africa
Faced with a speed of contamination “Particularly alarming” According to President Cyril Ramaphosa and over a million cases, South Africa has decided to adopt new restrictions. Among the flagship measures, the sale of alcohol is now banned, to reduce the number of hospital admissions linked to road accidents or violence caused by excess alcohol. Wearing a mask is compulsory throughout the country and the curfew has been extended, starting at 9 p.m. instead of 11 p.m.
New peak in UK
England, one of the countries most affected in Europe by the pandemic with more than 71,500 deaths, is facing a surge in contaminations attributed to the new strain of the virus, whose contagiousness is between 50 and 74%. The UK on Wednesday became the first country to authorize AstraZeneca’s vaccine, a vaccine that is highly anticipated due to its cost and storage temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius.
Germany records its heaviest toll
While 60,000 Germans have already been vaccinated, Germany is struggling to contain the virus. On Wednesday, the country recorded 1,129 Covid-related deaths in 24 hours, its heaviest toll since the start of the pandemic. “Infection and death rates show that we are still far from normal”, commented Minister of Health Jens Spahn. Current restrictions, including the closure of schools, non-essential businesses, bars and restaurants, are expected to be extended beyond January 10.
The United States has reached 20 million cases
Two vaccines (Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna) are currently authorized in the United States and more than 2.1 million people have received a first injection. A number far from the target of Donald Trump, who had promised 20 million people vaccinated by the end of the year. The United States is the most affected country in the world with 20 million cases.
