Italy reports a record 993 new deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 58,038 and surpassing the previous record of 919 new deaths recorded on March 27. (Corriere della Sera)
Kenosha unrest shooting The Kenosha County Circuit Court orders Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old teen accused of shooting three people, two fatally, during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to stand trial for first degree homicide and reckless endangerment. His lawyers are claiming he did so in self defense. (ABC News)
Misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic Facebook announces that it will remove misinformation related to COVID-19 vaccines as countries prepare to distribute them. (CNBC)
Moderna says that they are expected to have 100–125 million doses of their vaccine shipped globally during the first quarter of 2021. (Reuters)
North Dakota lawmakers issue a mask mandate for their upcoming legislative season at the state capitol. The measure will take effect on January 5. (Grand Forks Herald) (U.S. News & World Report)
North Macedonia and the United Kingdom sign a Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement to continue preferential trade terms after the end of the UK's Brexit transition period on December 31. The agreement also strengthens political, economic, security, and cultural ties between both nations. (Gov.uk)
North Macedonia–United Kingdom relations North Macedonia and the United Kingdom sign a Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement to continue preferential trade terms after the end of the UK's Brexit transition period on December 31. The agreement also strengthens political, economic, security, and cultural ties between both nations. (Gov.uk)
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte signs a decree that bans inter-regional travel between December 21 and January 6 except for work, health, or emergency reasons. In addition, people will not be allowed to leave their towns on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. (The Guardian) (BBC)
Quebec Premier François Legault cancels a plan to allow Christmas gatherings of up to 10 people in the province amid an increase of cases. (The Globe and Mail)
Sinovac delivers one million doses of CoronaVac to Butantan Institute in São Paulo. (Reuters)
South Korea reports a new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 in wild birds in Buan, North Jeolla Province according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. (Yonhap News Agency)
The China National Space Administration probe Chang'e 5 lifts off from the surface of the moon as it begins a journey back to Earth after collecting samples of lunar soil. The ascender will rendezvous with the orbiter, transferring over the samples, and the orbiter will then land at a location in Inner Mongolia, China. (BBC News)
The Kenosha County Circuit Court orders Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old teen accused of shooting three people, two fatally, during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to stand trial for first degree homicide and reckless endangerment. His lawyers are claiming he did so in self defense. (ABC News)
The number of new confirmed cases in Indonesia increases by a record 8,369 new cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 557,877. Papua reports the most cases of any province with 1,755 new cases. (Okezone)
The number of new confirmed cases in Russia increases by a record 28,145 cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 2,375,546. (The Moscow Times)
The number of new confirmed cases in Vermont increases by a record 178 cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total of confirmed cases to 4,642. (Vermont Public Radio)
The United Kingdom announces that 300 troops will be deployed to Mali as part of the MINUSMA peacekeeping mission. (The Guardian)
The United Kingdom surpasses 60,000 total deaths from COVID-19. (BBC News)
2020 Montenegrin parliamentary election The parliament of Montenegro approves a new coalition government of centre-right, pro-Serb minority and green parties, formally ending three decades of Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro (DPS) rule in the country. New Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić vows to dismantle a state apparatus built by the DPS, and root-out corruption and organised crime. (Reuters)
Somali Civil War American military intervention in Somalia U.S. President Donald Trump orders the withdrawal of almost all U.S. troops and assets from Somalia by January 15, according to the Department of Defense. (BBC News)
The parliament of Montenegro approves a new coalition government of centre-right, pro-Serb minority and green parties, formally ending three decades of Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro (DPS) rule in the country. New Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić vows to dismantle a state apparatus built by the DPS, and root-out corruption and organised crime. (Reuters)
2020 Nova Scotia attacks Three people have been arrested for illegally providing ammunition to the gunman who killed 22 people across Nova Scotia, Canada in April. One of the three arrested is the gunman's common-law spouse. (CBC)
The Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search completes testing of all Mersenne numbers with exponents less than 100,000,000. Following the milestone, the server experienced an increase in traffic, prompting maintenance and the temporary removal of the top section of the "Milestones" page which normally shows the live real time progress report toward upcoming milestones. (Mersenne Forum) (YCombinator)
Acting Seoul Mayor Seo Jung-hyup announces that stores, theatres and other facilities must close at 9:00 p.m. local time for two weeks beginning tomorrow. This announcement comes after the city reported a record 295 new cases. (The Korea Times)
Bahrain grants emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech, becoming the second country after the United Kingdom to approve the vaccine. (Arab News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Austria Vienna, Tyrol and Vorarlberg begin a nationwide mass testing of their populations in an effort to limit infections when families meet during Christmas. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Bahrain Bahrain grants emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech, becoming the second country after the United Kingdom to approve the vaccine. (Arab News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada Canada exceeds 400,000 cases of COVID-19. (Global News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary Hungary reports a record 189 new deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 5,513. (Hungary Today)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan Japan reports a record 45 new deaths in the past 24 hours as the number of severe cases also hitting a record 505 patients. (Nippon.com)
COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The United States records 227,885 new cases of COVID-19, breaking a record set the previous day. (The Associated Press via WEYI-TV) COVID-19 pandemic in Canada Canada exceeds 400,000 cases of COVID-19. (Global News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Slovenia Health Minister Tomaž Gantar announces that Slovenia plans to launch mass COVID-19 testing before the end of the year as current restrictions have failed to reduce the infection rate. Testing should start after December 11 or 12, when the first 100,000 test kits are expected to be delivered to the country. (The Slovenia Times) (Barron's)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea The number of new confirmed cases in South Korea reaches a nine-month high of 629 cases in the last 24 hours, the majority being from the Seoul Capital Area. The country now has 36,332 total confirmed cases, according to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. (Yonhap News Agency) Acting Seoul Mayor Seo Jung-hyup announces that stores, theatres and other facilities must close at 9:00 p.m. local time for two weeks beginning tomorrow. This announcement comes after the city reported a record 295 new cases. (The Korea Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The United States records 227,885 new cases of COVID-19, breaking a record set the previous day. (The Associated Press via WEYI-TV)
Despite international pressure to back down, Bangladesh begins transferring thousands of Rohingya refugees to the remote island of Bhasan Char in the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh says all the refugees being moved have given consent and that the relocation was voluntary. (BBC News)
Health Minister Tomaž Gantar announces that Slovenia plans to launch mass COVID-19 testing before the end of the year as current restrictions have failed to reduce the infection rate. Testing should start after December 11 or 12, when the first 100,000 test kits are expected to be delivered to the country. (The Slovenia Times) (Barron's)
Hungary reports a record 189 new deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 5,513. (Hungary Today)
Japan reports a record 45 new deaths in the past 24 hours as the number of severe cases also hitting a record 505 patients. (Nippon.com)
Rohingya refugee crisis, Ashrayan Project Despite international pressure to back down, Bangladesh begins transferring thousands of Rohingya refugees to the remote island of Bhasan Char in the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh says all the refugees being moved have given consent and that the relocation was voluntary. (BBC News)
The Mayor of Liverpool, England, Joe Anderson is arrested along with four others for conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation. He is subsequently suspended from the Labour Party. (BBC News)
The number of new confirmed cases in South Korea reaches a nine-month high of 629 cases in the last 24 hours, the majority being from the Seoul Capital Area. The country now has 36,332 total confirmed cases, according to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. (Yonhap News Agency)
Three people have been arrested for illegally providing ammunition to the gunman who killed 22 people across Nova Scotia, Canada in April. One of the three arrested is the gunman's common-law spouse. (CBC)
Vienna, Tyrol and Vorarlberg begin a nationwide mass testing of their populations in an effort to limit infections when families meet during Christmas. (Reuters)
Belgium announces that all troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan in 2021, bringing an end to Belgian involvement in the war. Belgium currently has around 70 military personnel deployed in Afghanistan, as part of a train, advise and assist role for pro-government forces. (The Brussels Times)
War in Afghanistan, Participants in Operation Enduring Freedom Belgium announces that all troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan in 2021, bringing an end to Belgian involvement in the war. Belgium currently has around 70 military personnel deployed in Afghanistan, as part of a train, advise and assist role for pro-government forces. (The Brussels Times)
2020 Kuwaiti general election Kuwaitis turn out to vote for the 50 electable National Assembly members in the general election. (Kuwait Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan Tokyo reports a new single-day record of 584 cases, according to data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the city to 43,377. (The Japan Times)
Kuwaitis turn out to vote for the 50 electable National Assembly members in the general election. (Kuwait Times)
Stonehenge closes to the public after protesters gathered at the site to protest the British government's plan to build a road tunnel near the monument. (AP)
Tokyo reports a new single-day record of 584 cases, according to data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the city to 43,377. (The Japan Times)
A carbon monoxide leak kills at least 18 miners at a coal mine in Yongchuan District, Chongqing, China. A search and rescue effort is underway to find six other missing miners. (The Guardian)
Alberta reports 1,879 new cases in the past 24 hours, a new single-day record since the pandemic began. (Edmonton Journal)
COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta Alberta reports 1,879 new cases in the past 24 hours, a new single-day record since the pandemic began. (Edmonton Journal)
COVID-19 pandemic in California The California Department of Public Health issues a stay-at-home order for the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California as part of an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The order will take effect tomorrow at 11:59 p.m. (The Washington Post) (ABC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta Alberta reports 1,879 new cases in the past 24 hours, a new single-day record since the pandemic began. (Edmonton Journal) COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario Ontario reports a new single-day record of 1,859 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 125,385. (CBC) COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec Quebec reports a new single-day record of 2,031 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 149,908. It is also the first time that a Canadian province has reported more than 2,000 cases in a single day. (CFCF-DT)
COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary Hungary reports a record 193 new deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 5,706. (Hungary Today)
COVID-19 pandemic in India COVID-19 vaccination in India Pfizer announces that it has submitted their vaccine for approval in India. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Iowa Iowa reports 960 hospitalized cases, making it the first time the state reported fewer than 1,000 hospitalized cases since November 18. (The Gazette)
COVID-19 pandemic in Iran Iran surpasses 50,000 total deaths from COVID-19. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario Ontario reports a new single-day record of 1,859 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 125,385. (CBC)
COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania reports 12,884 new cases in the past 24 hours, a new single-day record since the pandemic began. (WPVI-TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec Quebec reports a new single-day record of 2,031 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 149,908. It is also the first time that a Canadian province has reported more than 2,000 cases in a single day. (CFCF-DT)
COVID-19 pandemic in Russia COVID-19 vaccination in Russia Moscow begins to vaccinate high-risk workers with the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine at 70 newly opened clinics across the city, marking Russia’s first mass COVID-19 vaccination. (Al Jazeera) The number of new confirmed cases in Russia increases by a record 28,782 cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 2,431,731. (France 24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia reports less than 200 new cases for the first time since April 4. (Arab News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer self-isolates after one of his staff members tested positive for COVID-19. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Turkey reports a record 196 new deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 14,705 as a weekend lockdown takes effect. (Arab News)
COVID-19 vaccination in India Pfizer announces that it has submitted their vaccine for approval in India. (Reuters)
COVID-19 vaccination in Russia Moscow begins to vaccinate high-risk workers with the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine at 70 newly opened clinics across the city, marking Russia’s first mass COVID-19 vaccination. (Al Jazeera)
Hungary reports a record 193 new deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 5,706. (Hungary Today)
Iowa reports 960 hospitalized cases, making it the first time the state reported fewer than 1,000 hospitalized cases since November 18. (The Gazette)
JAXA space probe Hayabusa2 delivers the first ever subsurface asteroid samples to Earth. The capsule, containing a small amount of material from Apollo asteroid 162173 Ryugu, landed in the Australian outback. (CBS News)
Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer self-isolates after one of his staff members tested positive for COVID-19. (BBC News)
Moscow begins to vaccinate high-risk workers with the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine at 70 newly opened clinics across the city, marking Russia’s first mass COVID-19 vaccination. (Al Jazeera)
Ontario reports a new single-day record of 1,859 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 125,385. (CBC)
Pennsylvania reports 12,884 new cases in the past 24 hours, a new single-day record since the pandemic began. (WPVI-TV)
