The global number of COVID-19 cases has now exceeded 120 million, with more than 2.6 million deaths reported. The United States, Brazil, and India continue to be the countries with the highest number of cases.
However, there is also positive news as vaccination campaigns are accelerating around the world. The United States has administered over 107 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with over 16% of the population fully vaccinated. In the United Kingdom, over 25 million people have received the first dose of the vaccine, and the country is set to ease lockdown restrictions gradually.
Meanwhile, the European Union has introduced a new export control mechanism for COVID-19 vaccines, following a dispute with AstraZeneca over the company’s failure to meet delivery targets. The move has sparked criticism from countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom, who have warned that it could harm global vaccine supply chains.
In other news, the United States has announced sanctions against two Chinese officials over human rights abuses in Xinjiang. The move comes as the Biden administration takes a tougher stance on China’s treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority. China has responded by imposing sanctions on several US officials and organizations.