The World Health Organisation (WHO) cautioned that, despite registering the lowest number of cases worldwide since February, the delta variant of COVID-19 is now present in 92 countries and driving a deadly new wave in countries from Russia to Indonesia. Moscow has recoded the highest daily death toll of any Russian city due to the delta variant. The mutated virus also forced tougher restrictions on countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
Concern is also fuelled into holiday travel in Europe, despite the vaccination efforts bringing infection numbers down in many wealthy countries. Experts still warn that the fast-spreading strain means the pandemic is far from over. Moscow registered a record 144 deaths on Sunday in 24 hours due to COVID-19. The only solution, as stated by Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin, is large-scale vaccination.
In most European countries, infections, hospitalisations and even deaths fell to lower levels which were only seen last summer. Governments eased restrictions over the weekend. Spain and Netherlands ended mandatory outdoor mask-wearing. Belgium also eased measures, allowing tables of eight in and as guests homes, whilst Switzerland lifted most remaining restrictions.
There are currently 179.17 million total cases globally, with 403,837 daily cases. 3.85 million deaths have been registered globally so far, with 8,612 in the last 24 hours. There have been 2.92 billion total vaccinations globally as the rollout continues with varying efforts and rollout successes depending on which country one looks at.
In Australia, restaurants, bars and cafes were shut in Sydney as more than 5 million people began a two-week lockdown to contain the outbreak of over 110 cases detected. Israel has reposed a mask requirement in enclosed public spaces after a surge was noted.
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Photo Source: Anna Shvets
