The WHO has reported five weeks of declining weekly global COVID-19 mortality, but weekly incidence has steadied somewhat. The Eastern Mediterranean and African regions did record hikes in new cases of 11 and 10 percent respectively, with relative increases seen in Zambia and Ethiopia in Africa and Jordan and Iraq in the Middle East. Iraq recorded a 13 percent increase or 76.9 new cases per 100 000 population. Over the past fortnight, Brazil has recorded a 41 percent increase in its daily incidence and is now ranked above the USA in total daily incidence, taking top ranking globally according to the Mar 9 Johns Hopkins newsletter.
In other COVID-19 news –
- The Mar 9 WHO epidemiological update provides another special focus section on SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern.
-The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is currently evaluating Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine. Read more
-The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) this week said that ‘one in three destinations worldwide are now completely closed to international tourism’, with the greatest impact in Asia, the Pacific and Europe. The organisation noted that ‘research also indicates a trend towards adopting a more nuanced, evidence and risk-based approach to implementing travel restrictions’, with more destinations requiring negative (PCR or antigen) tests for international arrivals. Read more
-On the weekend Fiji received its initial allotment of COVID-19 vaccines under the COVAX facility, the first such delivery in the Pacific region. This batch of 12,000 AstraZeneca vaccines is to be administered to frontline healthcare workers, selected airline and airport staff, as well as immigration department and quarantine workers.
-Businesses in England are now able to order lateral flow tests (free of charge till the end of June) which it is hoped will prevent workplace outbreaks by quickly detecting asymptomatic cases among employees. 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.