COVID-19 pandemic in Spain Spain reports a record 40,197 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 2,252,164. (El Mundo)
COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden COVID-19 vaccination in Sweden King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf receives his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. (Kungahuset)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines The Philippines extends until January 31 its travel ban on more than 30 countries and territories where cases of SARS-CoV-2 variants have been reported. (Arab News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Tunisia Tunisia reports a record 4,170 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours as the country enters a four-day lockdown and also closes all schools until January 24 in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Utah, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Utah reports their first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 that originated from the United Kingdom in a man from Salt Lake County with no travel history who tested positive last month. (The Standard-Examiner)
COVID-19 pandemic in Uttarakhand, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Uttarakhand reports their first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a 44-year old man who was in close contact with people who travelled to the United Kingdom. (Hindustan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announces that the state will extend its mask mandate for 60 days. (WSAW-TV)
Indonesia reports a record 12,818 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, including 3,095 in West Java, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 882,418. (detikHealth)
COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina COVID-19 vaccination in Argentina Argentina receives their second batch of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. (U.S. News & World Report) Argentina also reports their first case of the UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a man who travelled from the United Kingdom in late December and later tested positive. (MedicalXpress)
COVID-19 pandemic in California Los Angeles County surpasses one million cases of COVID-19, becoming the first county in the United States to do so. (NBC News) Los Angeles County reports their first case of the UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a man who traveled to the United Kingdom and is currently in quarantine in Oregon. (NBC Los Angeles)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada Canada surpasses 700,000 cases of COVID-19. (Global News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark, 501.V2 variant Denmark reports their first case of the South African variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a person who travelled to Dubai. (Politiken)
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Indonesia reports a record 14,224 new cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 896,642. (CNN Indonesia)
COVID-19 pandemic in Louisiana, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Louisiana reports their first case of the UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the Greater New Orleans area. (Office of the Governor of Louisiana)
COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia Malaysia reports a record 4,029 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 155,095. (New Straits Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Michigan reports their first case of the UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a woman from Washtenaw County who traveled to the United Kingdom. (WEYI-TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan approves the AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use in the country. (Livemint)
COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia Serbia receives one million doses of Sinopharm's BBIBP-CorV vaccine. They are the first European country to receive a Chinese-made vaccine. (AFP via Barron's)
COVID-19 pandemic in Wyoming, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Wyoming reports their first case of the UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a man from Teton County with no known travel history. (Casper Star Tribune)
COVID-19 vaccination in Brazil The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency announces that the country has returned documents from União Química seeking approval for Russia's Sputnik V vaccine as it didn't meet the criteria. (Reuters)
The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency announces that the country has returned documents from União Química seeking approval for Russia's Sputnik V vaccine as it didn't meet the criteria. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Austria Austria extends their nationwide lockdown until February 7 in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 amid fears about new SARS-CoV-2 variants. People will also be required to wear full protective masks beginning January 25. (DW)
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Indonesia reports a record 9,102 recoveries, bringing the total number of recoveries to 736,460. (detikHealth)
COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon Lebanon signs a deal to receive two million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. (Arab News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Massachusetts reports their first case of a more contagious variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a woman in her 20s from Boston who traveled to the United Kingdom and began experiencing symptoms the day after she returned. (WBZ-TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, 501.V2 variant South Africa delays the reopening of schools due to the rapid increase in cases of the 501.V2 variant. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates reports a record 3,453 new confirmed cases in a single-day, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 253,261. (The National)
Indonesia reports a record 9,102 recoveries, bringing the total number of recoveries to 736,460. (detikHealth)
COVID-19 pandemic in California California becomes the first U.S. state to surpass three million cases of COVID-19. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in China COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong Hong Kong reports 107 new confirmed cases, which is the first time in nearly a month that more than 100 cases are reported and brings the total number of confirmed cases in the city to 9,664. This sudden rise in cases is partially due to an outbreak among ethnic minorities. (South China Morning Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Bavaria detects a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in 35 newly-infected patients in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which is different from the strain originating from the United Kingdom. (DW)
COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong Hong Kong reports 107 new confirmed cases, which is the first time in nearly a month that more than 100 cases are reported and brings the total number of confirmed cases in the city to 9,664. This sudden rise in cases is partially due to an outbreak among ethnic minorities. (South China Morning Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in India COVID-19 pandemic in Lakshadweep The Indian union territory of Lakshadweep reports their first case of COVID-19 in a man who left for Kavaratti by ship from Kochi, making it the last territory to report their first case. (India Today)
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Indonesia reports a record 9,475 recoveries, including 2,802 from Jakarta, bringing the nationwide total of recoveries to 745,935. (detikNews)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan Japan detects possible community spread of the B.1.1.7 variant in three people from Shizuoka with no known travel history. (The Japan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Lakshadweep The Indian union territory of Lakshadweep reports their first case of COVID-19 in a man who left for Kavaratti by ship from Kochi, making it the last territory to report their first case. (India Today)
COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland, COVID-19 vaccine Maryland Governor Larry Hogan receives the Moderna vaccine at the State House in Annapolis. (The Washington Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Morocco reports its first case of the B.1.1.7 variant in the Port of Tangier Med. (Morocco World News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Nepal reports their first case of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in three people who travelled to the United Kingdom three weeks ago and later tested positive. (The Kathmandu Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania Thirty-nine residents are confirmed to have died from COVID-19 at a single nursing home in Denver, Pennsylvania. (LNP)
COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal Portugal reports a record 167 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 9,028. (SIC Noticias)
COVID-19 pandemic in Spain The Spanish Health Ministry reports a record 84,287 new cases in the country over the weekend, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 2,336,451. (elDiario.es)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Czech Republic The Czech Republic confirms the detection of the B.1.1.7 variant that originated in the United Kingdom. (CTK)
COVID-19 pandemic in Turkmenistan Turkmenistan registers the Sputnik V vaccine despite having no confirmed cases in the country, according to the Russian Direct Investment Fund. It becomes the first country in Central Asia to approve a Russian-made vaccine. (RFE/RL)
Hong Kong reports 107 new confirmed cases, which is the first time in nearly a month that more than 100 cases are reported and brings the total number of confirmed cases in the city to 9,664. This sudden rise in cases is partially due to an outbreak among ethnic minorities. (South China Morning Post)
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the environment The International Energy Agency reports that global methane emissions in 2020 amounted to about 70 million metric tons, which is 10 percent lower than the estimated amount of methane emissions in 2019. The agency cites the decline in industrial activities, as a result of the pandemic, and the introduction of new emission regulations for the reduction in emissions. (Bloomberg)
The International Energy Agency reports that global methane emissions in 2020 amounted to about 70 million metric tons, which is 10 percent lower than the estimated amount of methane emissions in 2019. The agency cites the decline in industrial activities, as a result of the pandemic, and the introduction of new emission regulations for the reduction in emissions. (Bloomberg)
The Spanish Health Ministry reports a record 84,287 new cases in the country over the weekend, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 2,336,451. (elDiario.es)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel and the leaders of all 16 states agree to extend the nationwide lockdown until February 14, due to the threat of new variants of SARS-CoV-2. They also agree to mandate medical masks for all passengers on public transport. (Taggeschau)
COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong Hong Kong extends their work from home arrangements for civil servants until January 27, as the city attempts to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases. (Reuters via Financial Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Israel Israel extends their third nationwide lockdown until January 31 as the country reports its highest number of cases since the pandemic began. They will also require all travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of arrival or face a fine of NIS 2,500 ($772). (The Times of Israel)
COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Kuwait reports their first cases of the B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in two women who travelled from the United Kingdom. (Gulf News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico Mexico reports a record 1,584 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to nearly 143,000. (The Washington Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland Ireland reports a record 93 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 2,708. (Irish Examiner)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom The United Kingdom reports a record 1,610 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 91,470. (ITV)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States Grafton vaccine incident, COVID-19 pandemic in Wisconsin Wisconsin pharmacist Steven Brandenburg is charged with attempted misdemeanor property damage for deliberately trying to defrost doses of Moderna's vaccine. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in Vermont Vermont Governor Phil Scott, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, and other officials quarantine after a contractor that Levine was in contact with tested positive for COVID-19. (WPTZ-TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in Washington, D.C. A memorial at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is held, honoring the 400,000 Americans who have died as a result of COVID-19. Additionally, bells are rung at the Washington National Cathedral and a moment of silence is held. (Reuters) (NBC News)
Grafton vaccine incident, COVID-19 pandemic in Wisconsin Wisconsin pharmacist Steven Brandenburg is charged with attempted misdemeanor property damage for deliberately trying to defrost doses of Moderna's vaccine. (AP)
Israel extends their third nationwide lockdown until January 31 as the country reports its highest number of cases since the pandemic began. They will also require all travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of arrival or face a fine of NIS 2,500 ($772). (The Times of Israel)
Vermont Governor Phil Scott, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, and other officials quarantine after a contractor that Levine was in contact with tested positive for COVID-19. (WPTZ-TV)
2020–21 H5N8 outbreak Iraq reports an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N8 bird flu in the city of Samarra. (Reuters)
Acting Health Director-General Patrick Amoth confirms the first cases of the variant found in South Africa. The patients are two people who had traveled to that country. (Kenyans.co.ke)
Cork, Limerick, and Ennis have all cancelled their respective Saint Patrick's Day parades for the second year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (RTÉ)
COVID-19 pandemic in Chile Chile approves the CoronaVac vaccine developed by Sinovac for emergency use in the country. (MedicalXpress)
COVID-19 pandemic in India India begins exporting the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Bhutan and Maldives. (Hindustan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Indonesia reports a record 9,755 recoveries in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of recoveries to 763,703. (Okezone)
COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya, 501.V2 variant Acting Health Director-General Patrick Amoth confirms the first cases of the variant found in South Africa. The patients are two people who had traveled to that country. (Kenyans.co.ke)
COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon Lebanon reports a record 61 new deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 2,084. (The961)
COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Beijing impose a partial lockdown in five neighbourhoods after two cases in Daxing were linked to B.1.1.7 variant found in the United Kingdom. (AFP via Barron's)
COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal Portugal reports a record 14,647 new confirmed cases and 219 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide totals to 581,605 confirmed cases and 9,465 deaths. (Bloomberg) (SIC Notícias)
COVID-19 pandemic in Russia The Russian Direct Investment Fund files the registration of the Sputnik V vaccine with the European Medicines Agency with the first review expected in February. (The Moscow Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Spain Spain reports a record 41,576 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 2,412,318. (elDiario.es)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines The Philippines surpasses 10,000 deaths from COVID-19. (GMA News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom The United Kingdom reports a record 1,820 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 93,290. (ITV)
