Just when you thought the Corona scare is over, the virus made a comeback! In fact, it never really went away. This time, it’s the second wave of COVID-19 that has struck the world. The initial symptoms might have disappeared (momentarily), which caused the world to think about resuming business.
The present symptoms include fever, cough, headaches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, shortness of breath, muscle pain, and the new entry- continuous shaking with chills. While the scenario is different across the prime countries of the world, it’s important to look at what each nation is doing to battle the global pandemic.
New Zealand
At present, New Zealand just suspended the entry points for travelers arriving from India. And this includes even the country’s citizens for the next few weeks. The South Asian country is now topping the list of COVID-19 positive cases. And hence, world nations are on a high alert to stop people flying in from the subcontinent.
New Zealand had recorded close to 23 fresh coronavirus cases at the border on Thursday, out of which 17 were from India alone. The process of suspension will begin at about 4 pm on April 11 and continue till April 28.
Australia
On the other hand, Australia, New Zealand’s neighboring country, has no intentions to change the rollout of the vaccine- AstraZeneca. This verdict came straight from the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, on Thursday. It was only after the drug regulator of Europe discovered possible links between the vaccine and some strange blood clots.
Australian authorities have acted on time and asked for an urgent inquiry after the drug regulator’s findings came to the fore. The country’s Prime Minister is hopeful about more updates, especially after what he received from the medicine regulator and the immunization advisory group.
EU – Spain, and Italy
Sadly, the European Union’s health ministers failed to agree on a common point regarding the use of the vaccine- AstraZeneca COVID-19. Even when calls came from member states to coordinate, there was no consolidated decision taken. And this comes at a time when the general public seemed to be hesitant about taking the shot.
Both Spain and Italy have recommended using this for people aged above 60 years and those under 30 years in Britain, who should also get the alternative. This is largely because the vaccine has possible links with blood clot issues in few cases.
Germany
Now Germany has expressed the intent to begin bilateral negotiations with Russia to obtain the Sputnik V vaccine for COVID-19. If sources are to go by, the final agreement depended on Russia who would provide vital data to the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Going by the preliminary talks, Germany has chosen to determine the exact quantities that Russia can deliver within a certain time. In any case, Germany will only purchase the Russian vaccine after getting approval from EMA. Hence, Russia needs to act quickly in this. And the vital data should be available at the earliest, as per sources.
Thailand
The new UK variant B.1.1.7 was first identified in Britain. Thailand has detected almost 24 such cases of this new variant, according to a government health expert. This is the “first known domestic transmission” of the contagious variant. This issue has been located in a cluster of a total of 24 visitors who were found in varied entertainment zones in Bangkok, all of which were detected during the weekend.
Now 200 such destinations will be shut down for two weeks. Thankfully, Prayuth Chan-Ocha, the Prime Minister of the country, has sent out instructions to authorities to prepare some field hospitals in the wake of the infections. And the numbers might spike up any moment. Among his ministers, 10 of them and few dozens of lawmakers went into self-isolation on April 7th, just because the number of positive cases has risen like never before.
At this point, it is difficult to predict when the pandemic will subside. So, it is important to exercise caution and follow the precautions from WHO. This includes washing hands frequently, using masks and sanitizers, and not touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. And most importantly, everyone should get a vaccination at the earliest to avoid falling sick with coronavirus. But remember to follow the safety norms even after the vaccination to avoid infecting your loved ones. Stay home, stay safe!