Pfizer announces that it has submitted their vaccine for approval in India. (Reuters)
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)
Saudi Arabia reports less than 200 new cases for the first time since April 4. (Arab News)
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)
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)
Supporters of President-elect Maia Sandu gather in Moldova to call for the resignation of the Russia-backed government and a new parliamentary election. (San Francisco Chronicle)
2020 Venezuelan parliamentary election Parliamentary elections are underway in Venezuela amidst multiple ongoing crises. The election is boycotted by the political opposition to President Nicolás Maduro and has been called unfair by international observers. (DW)
Anglophone Crisis Cameroon holds its first regional elections amidst criticism of President Paul Biya and a growing separatist insurgency in the English-speaking areas of the country. The election will elect representatives to local councils and is supported by the government, whereas separatists have vowed to disrupt the election, arresting anyone participating in it. Gunfire is also reported in some areas. (Reuters)
Cameroon holds its first regional elections amidst criticism of President Paul Biya and a growing separatist insurgency in the English-speaking areas of the country. The election will elect representatives to local councils and is supported by the government, whereas separatists have vowed to disrupt the election, arresting anyone participating in it. Gunfire is also reported in some areas. (Reuters)
Parliamentary elections are underway in Venezuela amidst multiple ongoing crises. The election is boycotted by the political opposition to President Nicolás Maduro and has been called unfair by international observers. (DW)
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on politics, COVID-19 pandemic in Arizona The Arizona State Legislature announces that the House and Senate will close for a week starting tomorrow due to COVID-19 concerns. The move comes shortly after Rudy Giuliani, who met with several Republican lawmakers to discuss supposed election fraud in the 2020 presidential election, tested positive for COVID-19. (KSAZ-TV) (The Washington Post)
2020 Romanian legislative election Voters in Romania head out to elect the members of their country's Chamber of Deputies and Senate. Widespread lack of interest in politics and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have raised fears of a low voter turnout. (France 24)
The government decides to raise social distancing level to level 2.5 in the Seoul Capital Area for the next three weeks. (The Korea Herald)
2020 Formula One World Championship Racing Point's Sergio Pérez wins the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit, claiming his first Formula One win, and becoming the first Mexican Formula One driver to win a race since Pedro Rodríguez won the 1970 Belgian Grand Prix. (The Guardian)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 launches a cargo ship into orbit to re-supply the International Space Station. (CBS News)
At least one person has died and 227 have been hospitalised by an unidentified illness in Eluru, India. The patients had a wide range of symptoms from nausea to fits and falling unconscious, and all had tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. (BBC News)
Bavaria formally declares a “disaster situation” in the state and announces to tighten its lockdown restrictions starting from December 9, banning people from leaving their homes with some exception and a nightly curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. local time in communities that have more than 200 infections per 100,000 inhabitants within seven days. (Bloomberg)
Corruption in Indonesia, Corruption Eradication Commission Indonesian social affairs minister Juliari Batubara turns himself in to the national anti-corruption agency for COVID-19 pandemic aid graft. (ABC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario Ontario reports 1,924 cases, a new single-day record. (CBC)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Bavaria formally declares a “disaster situation” in the state and announces to tighten its lockdown restrictions starting from December 9, banning people from leaving their homes with some exception and a nightly curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. local time in communities that have more than 200 infections per 100,000 inhabitants within seven days. (Bloomberg)
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, COVID-19 vaccine Indonesia receives its first shipment of 1.2 million doses of the CoronaVac vaccine. (CNA)
COVID-19 pandemic in Italy Italy surpasses 60,000 deaths from COVID-19. (The Irish Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario Ontario reports 1,924 cases, a new single-day record. (CBC)
COVID-19 pandemic in Russia Russia reports a new single-day record of 29,039 cases, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 2.46 million. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden Sweden imposes new restrictions on large gatherings and issues alcohol sale curfews and school closures amid a rise of cases. (Wall Street Journal)
Eluru outbreak At least one person has died and 227 have been hospitalised by an unidentified illness in Eluru, India. The patients had a wide range of symptoms from nausea to fits and falling unconscious, and all had tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. (BBC News)
Indonesia receives its first shipment of 1.2 million doses of the CoronaVac vaccine. (CNA)
Indonesian social affairs minister Juliari Batubara turns himself in to the national anti-corruption agency for COVID-19 pandemic aid graft. (ABC News)
Italy surpasses 60,000 deaths from COVID-19. (The Irish Times)
Ontario reports 1,924 cases, a new single-day record. (CBC)
Racing Point's Sergio Pérez wins the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit, claiming his first Formula One win, and becoming the first Mexican Formula One driver to win a race since Pedro Rodríguez won the 1970 Belgian Grand Prix. (The Guardian)
Russia reports a new single-day record of 29,039 cases, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 2.46 million. (Reuters)
Sweden imposes new restrictions on large gatherings and issues alcohol sale curfews and school closures amid a rise of cases. (Wall Street Journal)
The number of new confirmed cases in South Korea reaches a nine-month high of 631 cases in the last 24 hours, the majority being from the Seoul Capital Area. The country now has 37,546 total confirmed cases, according to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. (Yonhap News Agency)
Uncrewed spaceflights to the International Space Station A SpaceX Falcon 9 launches a cargo ship into orbit to re-supply the International Space Station. (CBS News)
Voters in Romania head out to elect the members of their country's Chamber of Deputies and Senate. Widespread lack of interest in politics and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have raised fears of a low voter turnout. (France 24)
2020 Venezuelan parliamentary election President Nicolás Maduro's United Socialist Party of Venezuela has reportedly won almost 68% in Venezuela's latest parliamentary election. The vote was overshadowed by a boycott of the political opposition led by Juan Guaidó and a low voter turnout of only 31%. (DW) The United States refuses to recognize the results, describing the election as a "charade". The European Union also rejects the legitimacy of the election. (Reuters) (VOA)
President Nicolás Maduro's United Socialist Party of Venezuela has reportedly won almost 68% in Venezuela's latest parliamentary election. The vote was overshadowed by a boycott of the political opposition led by Juan Guaidó and a low voter turnout of only 31%. (DW)
2020 Egyptian parliamentary election The final phase of Egypt's latest parliamentary election begins. The voting process will continue until the end of the next day. (Arab News)
Belarus at the Olympics The International Olympic Committee announces that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and his son Viktor will be banned from all Olympic Games, including the upcoming Tokyo Games. (ABC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Former vice-governor of Jakarta and former vice-presidential candidate Sandiaga Uno tests positive for COVID-19. (detikNews) COVID-19 pandemic in India, COVID-19 vaccine The Indian government announces that the country will speed up their reviews of vaccines developed by Pfizer and AstraZeneca. (Hindustan Times)
The final phase of Egypt's latest parliamentary election begins. The voting process will continue until the end of the next day. (Arab News)
The International Olympic Committee announces that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and his son Viktor will be banned from all Olympic Games, including the upcoming Tokyo Games. (ABC News)
2020 Romanian legislative election Incumbent Prime Minister Ludovic Orban resigns after the poor results of his candidacy in the legislative election. He is succeeded ad interim by Minister of National Defence Nicolae Ciucă. (BBC News)
China–United States trade war, Censorship of TikTok Carl J. Nichols, a federal judge for the District Court for the District of Columbia, blocks the Commerce Department from imposing restrictions on China-based app TikTok. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in India, COVID-19 vaccine The Indian government announces that the country will speed up their reviews of vaccines developed by Pfizer and AstraZeneca. (Hindustan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Former vice-governor of Jakarta and former vice-presidential candidate Sandiaga Uno tests positive for COVID-19. (detikNews)
COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania The Lithuanian government announces that it will tighten and extend the nationwide lockdown until the end of the year. People are advised to leave their homes only for essential reasons, and the education of senior students will be conducted remotely. (DELFI EN)
Former vice-governor of Jakarta and former vice-presidential candidate Sandiaga Uno tests positive for COVID-19. (detikNews)
Incumbent Prime Minister Ludovic Orban resigns after the poor results of his candidacy in the legislative election. He is succeeded ad interim by Minister of National Defence Nicolae Ciucă. (BBC News)
Islamic Defenders Front, Islam in Indonesia Six suspected supporters of controversial Indonesian Islamic cleric Muhammad Rizieq Shihab are killed in a clash with police on a highway near Jakarta. The incident occurred when a police car was attacked while following a car believed to be carrying supporters of the cleric, resulting in a shootout. The police have been investigating the cleric for violations of health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic after large gatherings occurred to celebrate his return to the country from self-exile in Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
Six suspected supporters of controversial Indonesian Islamic cleric Muhammad Rizieq Shihab are killed in a clash with police on a highway near Jakarta. The incident occurred when a police car was attacked while following a car believed to be carrying supporters of the cleric, resulting in a shootout. The police have been investigating the cleric for violations of health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic after large gatherings occurred to celebrate his return to the country from self-exile in Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
The Indian government announces that the country will speed up their reviews of vaccines developed by Pfizer and AstraZeneca. (Hindustan Times)
The International Olympic Committee, after an unanimous vote, decides to make competitive breakdancing a sport, and would appear in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. (Deadline.com)
The Lithuanian government announces that it will tighten and extend the nationwide lockdown until the end of the year. People are advised to leave their homes only for essential reasons, and the education of senior students will be conducted remotely. (DELFI EN)
The United States refuses to recognize the results, describing the election as a "charade". The European Union also rejects the legitimacy of the election. (Reuters) (VOA)
After the state surpasses 400,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, Governor Gretchen Whitmer extends the statewide partial shutdown on businesses, indoor dining in restaurants, and in-person instruction at high schools and colleges through December 20. (The Detroit News) (WDIV)
Carl J. Nichols, a federal judge for the District Court for the District of Columbia, blocks the Commerce Department from imposing restrictions on China-based app TikTok. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Australia Victoria eases restrictions, allowing larger private and public gatherings, relaxing patron quotas for businesses (including allowing nightclubs to reopen for the first time since the pandemic began), and relaxing mask-wearing rules. The state has not reported a COVID-19 case in 37 days. (The Guardian)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario Ontario reports 1,925 cases, a new single-day record. (Global News) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says that the country will receive 240,000 doses of Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine candidate by the end of the year. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announces a tightening of a partial lockdown in 38 municipalities across Denmark, including Copenhagen, from December 9 to January 3. (The Local Denmark)
COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announces that the country will maintain its COVID-19 restrictions until January 11. (News.trust.org)
COVID-19 pandemic in Italy Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese tests positive for COVID-19. (La Repubblica)
COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan After the state surpasses 400,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, Governor Gretchen Whitmer extends the statewide partial shutdown on businesses, indoor dining in restaurants, and in-person instruction at high schools and colleges through December 20. (The Detroit News) (WDIV)
COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario Ontario reports 1,925 cases, a new single-day record. (Global News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Turkey reports a record 203 new deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 15,103. (Daily Sabah)
COVID-19 pandemic in Wyoming Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon issues a statewide mask mandate for indoor public spaces, tighter restrictions on gathering sizes, and a reduction in hours for certain businesses. The mask mandate will go into effect on December 9 and will last until January 8. (Wyoming Tribune Eagle)
Eluru outbreak The number of people infected by a mysterious illness in the city of Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India, increases to more than 400. The majority of those infected are children and young people. (CNN)
Holy See Press Director Matteo Bruni announces that Pope Francis will make his first international apostolic visit in 15 months after accepting the invitation of the Republic of Iraq and the local Catholic Church to visit the Middle Eastern country of Iraq from 5–8 March 2021. (Vatican News)
Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese tests positive for COVID-19. (La Repubblica)
Israel–United Arab Emirates relations Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, purchases a 50% stake in Israeli Premier League club Beitar Jerusalem F.C., following the establishment of relations between the two countries this year. (BBC News)
Mayor Muriel Bowser announces restrictions on high-contact sports amid a rise of cases in the area. However, the restrictions will not apply to professional or university sports. (NPR)
Ontario reports 1,925 cases, a new single-day record. (Global News)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says that the country will receive 240,000 doses of Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine candidate by the end of the year. (AP)
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announces a tightening of a partial lockdown in 38 municipalities across Denmark, including Copenhagen, from December 9 to January 3. (The Local Denmark)
