The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing global health crisis that has taken the world by storm. After the virus was first reported in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, it quickly spread to other parts of the world, including the United States. As of late 2021, the pandemic has already caused more than 3 million deaths and burdened the global economy.
Despite the implementation of safe distancing measures such as travel restrictions, quarantine, and lockdowns, the number of infections continues to rise, with countries witnessing second, third and in some cases, fourth surges of cases.
In this article, we take a look at where the pandemic is only getting worse and the measures taken by these countries in an effort to reduce the impact of the virus.
Data on countries reporting highest daily new cases
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), India is currently reporting the highest number of daily new cases globally, with an average of nearly 200,000 new cases every day in April 2021. The United States is not far behind, with an average of over 67,000 cases reported daily. Other countries registering large amounts of daily new cases include France, Brazil, and Turkey.
Data on countries with increasing daily new cases
The situation is more worrying in countries where the number of daily new cases is increasing. India, Brazil and Turkey are just some of the countries that have seen double-digit daily increases in new cases. In India, the daily new cases have increased by an average of 29.3% in April 2021 when compared to the previous month. In Brazil, the daily new cases have increased by 13.4%, and in Turkey, the daily new cases have increased by 19%.
Data on countries reporting highest cumulative cases
The U.S. has recorded the highest cumulative number of cases, with more than 33 million reported since the onset of the pandemic. India trails behind with nearly 17 million cumulative cases, followed by Brazil (14 million) and France (7 million).
Measures taken by countries with worsening pandemic
In order to contain the spread of the virus, countries with worsening pandemics are taking several steps to limit movement and indoor and outdoor gatherings.
India
The government of India has imposed several additional restrictions due to the rising number of cases. These include night curfew in some states, partial lockdowns and restrictions on the number of people allowed to gather in public. It has also expanded its vaccination campaign to include people in the 18-44 age group.
Brazil
In Brazil, the government has declared a state of public calamity and implemented measures such as restrictions on movement, re-imposed lockdowns, and additional restrictions on the number of people gathering in public areas. It has also launched a vaccination programme aimed at immunising the general population.
Turkey
In Turkey, the government has imposed a curfew, banned all public and social activities, and issued a nationwide travel ban. It has also ordered the early closure of bars and restaurants, and increased fines for violations of the new rules.
France
In France, the government has imposed an overnight curfew, restricted public gatherings, and closed schools. It has also expanded its vaccination programme, ordered the closure of non-essential businesses, and extended the lockdown in some regions.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread around the world, and in many countries, it is only getting worse. Despite the implementation of measures such as travel restrictions, quarantine and lockdowns, the number of infections continues to rise. In an effort to contain the spread of the virus, many countries are taking measures such as curfews, closure of schools and non-essential businesses, and increased fines for violations of rules and regulations. However, much more needs to be done in order to contain the pandemic and provide relief to those affected by it.
