A new phase of easing restrictions began in some countries around the world on July 1, but WHO warns of an increase in COVID-19 infections due to the European soccer championships. Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand are complaining of vaccine shortages, and electronic “vaccine passports” have been introduced in the European Union. This and other news about the situation with the coronavirus pandemic in the world – in our review.
According to Johns Hopkins University, to date, 182.3 million people worldwide have been infected with the coronavirus, and the number of deaths is approaching 4 million. In total, more than 3.2 billion doses have been administered worldwide. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, half the population has been fully or partially vaccinated. In others (including Russia), vaccination rates are well below the authorities’ plans.
On Thursday, vaccination passports were officially introduced in EU countries. These are digital certificates (which can be printed on request) that can contain not only vaccination records, but also negative COVID tests or evidence of previous infections.
Digital “covid certificate” EU Some European countries have long introduced “green certificates” for domestic use on their territory. Now we are talking about a single document valid for any country within the bloc. Electronic codes are available to citizens and residents of all 27 EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Norway. All of these countries recognize the certificates. With regard to vaccines, only those who have been vaccinated with one of the four preparations certified by the European regulatory authorities can obtain a certificate. There are no Russian drugs on this list. In addition, seven European Union countries-Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Greece, Ireland, Spain, and Estonia-have allowed people vaccinated with Indian-made vaccines to enter their territories. Iceland and Switzerland, which are not part of the EU, have also recognized Indian vaccines as sufficient protection for those arriving from abroad.
Turkey is gradually easing coronavirus restrictions. Starting July 1, curfews and Saturday closures will be lifted across the country. Transport restrictions will also be lifted and intercity travel will resume. Government institutions will return to regular working hours. Schools and kindergartens will continue to operate on a limited basis for some time, and improved hygiene standards will be maintained in public places, especially markets. Private businesses will reopen gradually.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said that starting Thursday, the city will begin to return to its previous life after a year and a half of strict restrictions. Shopping malls, gyms and public transportation will return to normal. Previous requirements for social distancing and wearing masks will remain in effect in public spaces. Schools and theaters in New York City will not reopen until September. The United States continues to lead the world in the number of people infected and the number of deaths – more than 33.6 million and 604.7 thousand, respectively, throughout the pandemic. The World Health Organization on Thursday linked crowds gathering in stadiums, pubs and bars to watch the UEFA European soccer championship to a rise in infections on the continent.
Wembley Stadium will accommodate up to 60,000 fans for the semi-finals and final of Euro 2020. WHO representative Catherine Smallwood said attention should be paid not only to conditions in stadiums, but also to how people get to them and where they go after matches. This includes pubs and bars where fans watch football. In Scotland, for example, more than 2,000 people who recently attended matches in a stadium or pub have been infected. About 120 fans have returned to Finland with a positive diagnosis from St. Petersburg, where they attended a match involving their national team. In most European countries, only about one-third of the population has been fully vaccinated. German Foreign Minister Horst Seehofer has criticized UEFA, calling the decision to allow fans into stadiums en masse “completely irresponsible.” The last three games of the European Championship will be played in the UK and up to 60,000 people will be allowed to attend, despite the WHO warning.
Australian authorities say their high pandemic preparedness has led to delays in the country’s vaccination campaign. According to Treasurer Simon Birmingham, Australia is at the back of the queue for vaccines as manufacturers and international regulators prioritize the most affected countries.
Seven cities in Australia have issued quarantine orders. The same situation has arisen in New Zealand, which has also been successful in containing the spread of Covid-19. Both countries are awaiting shipments of Pfizer’s vaccine, which have been delayed in order to give priority to vaccinating the most affected states. Currently, only 5% of Australians are fully vaccinated. At the same time, nearly half of the country’s population – more than 12 million people – are under quarantine again due to the spread of the new “Delta” strain.
We explain quickly, simply, and clearly what happened, why it matters, and what will happen next. эпизоды: Episodes The end of the story. Podcast advertisement. Mass vaccination in the United Kingdom has significantly reduced the number of hospitalizations and deaths from coronavirus, despite a new wave of infections associated with the “Delta” variant originating in India. However, anti-vaccine advocates and conspiracy theorists claim on their websites and social media that vaccines do not protect against serious consequences of Covid-19 and death. Some even claim, citing statistics, that vaccinated people die more often than unvaccinated people. This is not a fact, but the result of a misinterpretation of statistical data. From February 1 to June 22, 92,000 cases of the “Delta” variant were reported in England. 58% of those infected were unvaccinated, while the remainder were only partially vaccinated with one of the two components. Only 8% of those infected were fully vaccinated. In fact, of the 117 people who died in England after contracting the new strain, 43% (50 people) were fully vaccinated. This number may seem significant, but when we look at the big picture, it is a very small fraction of the tens of millions of Britons who have been vaccinated. Vaccines protect against serious consequences, but no drug can guarantee absolute protection for all vaccinated individuals. If we assume that all citizens in the country have been vaccinated, then 100% of those who have died from coronavirus are fully vaccinated. It is important to have an absolute number – and the authorities estimate that vaccines have already saved the lives of 27,000 people in England.