COVID-19 pandemic in California California reports a record 585 new deaths in the past 24 hours. (KABC-TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in England COVID-19 pandemic in London The United Kingdom Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson announces that all primary schools in London will remain closed for at least two weeks at the start of the new term on January 4. It was previously announced that only schools in 23 of the 32 boroughs would be closed. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in France France announces it will tighten curfews in 15 departments beginning tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. local time in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (France 24)
COVID-19 pandemic in India India approves the emergency use of the vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca, becoming the third country in the world to do so after the United Kingdom and Argentina. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in London The United Kingdom Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson announces that all primary schools in London will remain closed for at least two weeks at the start of the new term on January 4. It was previously announced that only schools in 23 of the 32 boroughs would be closed. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia Malaysia extends the recovery phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO) nationwide except for Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Sabah as well as other locations under a conditional and enhanced MCO until March 31 due to a substantial increase in the number of new cases. (The Straits Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Norway Norway will lift its ban on flights from the United Kingdom beginning tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. GMT. (The Independent)
COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore, 501.V2 Variant The Singaporean Ministry of Health announces that long-term pass holders and short-term visitors who had travel history to South Africa over the past 14 days will be not allowed to enter Singapore starting January 4, due to reports of a more contagious variant of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in the country. (Hindustan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand Bangkok will close all schools, daycare centers for both children and seniors, preschools and tutoring centers from January 4 to 17. Other public facilities will be closed beginning January 2. This comes as the authorities tighten measures to reduce the spread of a new wave of COVID-19. (CNA)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Isle of Man, Variant of Concern 202012/01 The Isle of Man reports two cases of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines The Philippines includes the United States in its travel ban of countries and territories reported to have new variants of SARS-CoV-2, which comes into effect on January 3. The move comes after the United States reported its first case of a new variant from the United Kingdom on December 30. (Xinhua)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom COVID-19 pandemic in England COVID-19 pandemic in London The United Kingdom Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson announces that all primary schools in London will remain closed for at least two weeks at the start of the new term on January 4. It was previously announced that only schools in 23 of the 32 boroughs would be closed. (BBC News) COVID-19 pandemic in the Isle of Man, Variant of Concern 202012/01 The Isle of Man reports two cases of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in California California reports a record 585 new deaths in the past 24 hours. (KABC-TV) The United States surpasses 20 million cases of COVID-19. (CBS News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Turkey reports its first 15 cases of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in people who traveled from the United Kingdom and later tested positive for COVID-19. (Daily Sabah) Turkey bans all travelers from the United Kingdom due to the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 from the United Kingdom. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in Uruguay Uruguay reports a record of 12 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 193. (El PaÃs)
The Singaporean Ministry of Health announces that long-term pass holders and short-term visitors who had travel history to South Africa over the past 14 days will be not allowed to enter Singapore starting January 4, due to reports of a more contagious variant of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in the country. (Hindustan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Gibraltar Gibraltar imposes a second lockdown for the next 14 days beginning at 10:00 p.m. local time (21:00 GMT) today, in order to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases. (Barron's)
COVID-19 pandemic in New York (state) New York surpasses one million cases of COVID-19, becoming the fourth state to do so after Texas, California and Florida. (Bloomberg)
COVID-19 pandemic in Russia, COVID-19 vaccine Over 800,000 people in Russia have received the Sputnik V vaccine. (The Hill)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, 501.V2 variant South Korea reports their first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 when a person who traveled from South Africa on December 26 later tested positive for COVID-19. (Dong-A Ilbo)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom The United Kingdom reports a record 57,725 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, the highest daily total since the beginning of the pandemic. Another 445 deaths are also reported, bringing the country's death toll to 74,570. (Sky News) The United Kingdom reactivates emergency critical-care COVID-19 hospitals amid a surge in both cases and hospitalizations. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in New York (state) New York surpasses one million cases of COVID-19, becoming the fourth state to do so after Texas, California and Florida. (Bloomberg)
COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Vietnam reports their first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 when a 44-year-old woman who traveled from the United Kingdom later tested positive for COVID-19 while in quarantine on December 24. (The Straits Times)
The United Kingdom reports a record 57,725 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, the highest daily total since the beginning of the pandemic. Another 445 deaths are also reported, bringing the country's death toll to 74,570. (Sky News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil COVID-19 vaccination in Brazil The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency announces that the country will receive 2 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada Canada surpasses 600,000 cases of COVID-19. (CP24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Cyprus, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Cyprus reports its first cases of the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in 12 people who traveled from the United Kingdom and later tested positive for COVID-19. (Cyprus-Mail)
COVID-19 pandemic in Greece Greece reports its first cases of the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in four people who traveled from the United Kingdom. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in India India officially approves the emergency use of AstraZeneca and University of Oxford's AZD1222 vaccine, which is to be manufactured locally by the Serum Institute of India, as well as Bharat Biotech's BBV152 vaccine. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait; Variant of Concern 202012/01 Kuwait announces the suspension of direct commercial passenger flights to and from the United Kingdom beginning January 6 at 4:00 a.m. in order to reduce the spread of the new variant of SARS-CoV-2. (Kuwait Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, Variant of Concern 202012/01 New Zealand reports six cases of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 in five people who traveled from the United Kingdom and another who traveled from South Africa, all between December 13 and 25, and who later tested positive for COVID-19. (Stuff.co.nz)
COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Thailand reports its first case of the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a British national who traveled from the United Kingdom and later tested positive for COVID-19. (Khaosod English) Thailand announces it will get two million doses of CoronaVac starting in February. (Bangkok Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland Ireland surpasses 100,000 cases of COVID-19 after a record 4,962 new cases are reported in the past 24 hours. (The Irish Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom COVID-19 vaccination in the United Kingdom The United Kingdom begins distribution of the AstraZeneca and University of Oxford vaccine. (BBC News)
COVID-19 vaccination in Brazil The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency announces that the country will receive 2 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine. (Reuters)
Rebel forces seize the city of Bangassou in southeastern Central African Republic after storming the city in a pre-dawn raid, according to MINUSCA officials. (BBC News)
The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency announces that the country will receive 2 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine. (Reuters)
According to the New Mexico Department of Health, over 230,000 people in the state have signed up to receive vaccinations. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in Austria Austria abandons a plan to allow anyone with a negative test result to exit the lockdown a week early, instead extending strict measures and keeping restaurants and non-essential shops closed until January 24. (RND)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario Ontario reports three new cases of the new Alpha variant of SARS-CoV-2 that originated in the United Kingdom. (Global News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia Malaysia surpasses 500 deaths from COVID-19. (The Star)
COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan Michigan surpasses 500,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19. (WEYI-TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in Mississippi, COVID-19 vaccine Officials in Mississippi announce a plan to distribute vaccines for people over 65 years of age. (San Francisco Chronicle)
COVID-19 pandemic in New Mexico, COVID-19 vaccine According to the New Mexico Department of Health, over 230,000 people in the state have signed up to receive vaccinations. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in New York, Variant of Concern 202012/01 New York reports its first case of the new SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant in a man in his 60s from Saratoga County who tested positive for COVID-19 despite having no travel history. (WNBC-TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario Ontario reports three new cases of the new Alpha variant of SARS-CoV-2 that originated in the United Kingdom. (Global News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand Thailand reports a record 745 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 4,639. (Bangkok Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam, COVID-19 vaccine Vietnam agrees to buy 30 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine. (7 News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Rwanda Rwanda bans public and private transport in and out of Kigali and between districts and extends a curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. local time for another 15 days amid a deadly second wave of COVID-19. (Daily Monitor) COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe reports 1,365 new confirmed cases and 34 deaths in the past 24 hours, its largest daily increase for both cases and deaths since the pandemic began as the country begins a month-long lockdown to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Georgia reports their first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in an 18-year-old male with no travel history, and who is currently in isolation at home. (WXIA-TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel and leaders of 16 states agree to extend the country's lockdown until January 31. (Euronews)
COVID-19 pandemic in Iran, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Iran reports its first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in an Iranian who travelled from the United Kingdom and later tested positive for COVID-19. (The Jerusalem Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Israel The Israeli Cabinet agrees to tighten the nationwide lockdown by closing schools and non-essential shops for 14 days. The measures will come into force at midnight between Thursday and Friday. (The Times of Israel)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan Japan reports a record 4,915 new cases in the past 24 hours. In addition, a record 76 deaths are also reported in the past 24 hours. (The Japan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland The Northern Ireland Executive issues a stay-at-home order in Northern Ireland, which is currently in the second week of a six-week lockdown, legally enforceable from January 8, in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Oman, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Oman reports their first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a resident who travelled from the United Kingdom and tested positive while in quarantine. (Khaleej Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Rwanda Rwanda bans public and private transport in and out of Kigali and between districts and extends a curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. local time for another 15 days amid a deadly second wave of COVID-19. (Daily Monitor)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea South Korea surpasses 1,000 deaths from COVID-19. (The Korea Herald)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland The Northern Ireland Executive issues a stay-at-home order in Northern Ireland, which is currently in the second week of a six-week lockdown, legally enforceable from January 8, in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (BBC News) The United Kingdom reports a record 60,916 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 2,774,479. (The Independent)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Georgia reports their first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in an 18-year-old male with no travel history, and who is currently in isolation at home. (WXIA-TV) The U.S. surpasses 21 million cases of COVID-19, just four days after surpassing 20 million cases. (CNN)
COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe reports 1,365 new confirmed cases and 34 deaths in the past 24 hours, its largest daily increase for both cases and deaths since the pandemic began as the country begins a month-long lockdown to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Reuters)
Zimbabwe reports 1,365 new confirmed cases and 34 deaths in the past 24 hours, its largest daily increase for both cases and deaths since the pandemic began as the country begins a month-long lockdown to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec Premier Francois Legault announces a curfew from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. EST for whole province except the Nord-du-Quebec administrative region from January 9 until February 8. Pharmacies and gas stations will be permitted to remain open during curfew hours. (CFCF-DT)
COVID-19 pandemic in China Members of the World Health Organization investigating the origins of the pandemic are denied entry into China. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark Denmark bans travel to non-residents from South Africa over concerns of the 501.V2 variant. (The Local)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan Tokyo claims a record 1,591 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the prefecture to 66,343. (The Japan Times) Nationwide, a record of more than 6,000 new cases are reported in the past 24 hours. (NHK World)
COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia Malaysia reports a record 2,593 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 125,438. (Malay Mail)
COVID-19 pandemic in Malta Malta reports a record of 224 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours. (Times of Malta)
COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco COVID-19 vaccination in Morocco Morocco approves AstraZeneca's vaccine. (The Washington Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal Portugal reports a record of 10,027 new daily cases, bringing the nationwide cumulative total of confirmed cases to 446,606. (DGS)
COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec Premier Francois Legault announces a curfew from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. EST for whole province except the Nord-du-Quebec administrative region from January 9 until February 8. Pharmacies and gas stations will be permitted to remain open during curfew hours. (CFCF-DT)
COVID-19 pandemic in San Marino San Marino announces that bars and restaurants will close at 5 p.m. until January 15, and that a curfew will begin at 10 p.m. local time. (San Marino TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in Slovenia Slovenia reports a record of 3,354 cases in the past 24 hours. The country also surpasses 130,000 total cases. (RTVSLO)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Czech Republic The Czech Republic reports a record of 17,278 new cases in the past 24 hours, 7,965 of which are from Prague, bringing the nationwide total of cases to 776,967. (Prague Morning)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands The Netherlands begins a vaccination programme against COVID-19 with a nurse becoming the first person to be vaccinated with Pfizer's Tozinameran vaccine. (RTL Nieuws) (Swiss Info)
