Global COVID-19 case numbers rose above 40 million this week, led by surges in both the USA (31 states are now ‘red zone’) and Europe. Read more. The ECDC has published the first in a new series of weekly maps showing the 14-day notification rates of new confirmed cases at the sub-national level, weekly testing rates and test positivity. This comes as the region’s weekly cases spiked by 25 percent with an even higher increase in death rates. Read more in the Oct 18 WHO epi update.
In other news, Argentina has recorded a surge in daily incidence becoming only the fifth country with more than a million infections (from a population of only 45 million) after cases started to rise in regional areas, including Ushuaia. Meanwhile, Belgium, Iran and Russia have all recorded daily increases in cases in the past week.
Related news:
-In planning for a safe resumption of normal activities, the Ministry of Health in Singapore is introducing a pilot program running through to December which will provide free ‘pre-event [antigen rapid] COVID-19 testing for larger-scale and higher-risk activities’, with events selected including ‘business-to-business events, wedding receptions, live performances, and sports events’.
-One news source has reported on extensive SARS-CoV-2 transmission that stemmed from a spin studio in Hamilton, Ontario, despite the facility following Canadian public health protocols. Read more
THE INFLUENZA reporting season in Europe has begun and, along with the USA and Canada, flu activity is pegged as very low, low or below average. According to the WHO global flu update (data to Sept 29), only two countries reported increased influenza detections - Cambodia and Laos. CIDRAP reported on the southern hemisphere’s 2020 flu season, noting that Australia’s 315 cases in winter were ‘down 99.8% from the 130,000 cases seen in most years’. Read more
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.