Iraq reports an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N8 bird flu in the city of Samarra. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Alabama Alabama Governor Kay Ivey extends the statewide mask mandate to March 5. (San Francisco Chronicle)
COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary, COVID-19 vaccine Hungary approves the use of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine and Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, becoming the first European Union member state to approve the Russian vaccine. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Indonesia reports a record 346 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 27,203. (detikHealth)
COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico Mexico reports a record 22,339 newly confirmed cases and 1,809 deaths in the past 24 hours. (ABC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Russia Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announces that as part of an easing of COVID-19 restrictions, museums and libraries will reopen beginning tomorrow, while theatres and cinemas will be allowed to accommodate more patrons. In addition, colleges, sports schools and children's clubs will resume in-person attendance, but university students will continue studying remotely. (The Moscow Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Spain Spain reports a record 44,357 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 2,456,675. (La Vanguardia)
COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka reopens to foreign tourists after a nearly 10-month pandemic closure, however tourists are required to receive multiple testings and follow quarantine measures that have been put in place. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in Tennessee, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Tennessee reports their first two cases of a more contagious variant of SARS-CoV-2 that was first identified in the United Kingdom. (WSMV-TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand Thailand's Food and Drug Administration approves the emergency use of the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. 50,000 doses of the vaccine are expected to arrive in February. (Bangkok Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Trinidad and Tobago, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Trinidad and Tobago reports their first case of the B.1.1.7 variant in a person returning from the United Kingdom. (Daily Express)
Indonesia reports a record 346 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 27,203. (detikHealth)
Sri Lanka reopens to foreign tourists after a nearly 10-month pandemic closure, however tourists are required to receive multiple testings and follow quarantine measures that have been put in place. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium, Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic Belgium declares a ban on non-essential travel in and out of the country from January 27 through March 1 in order to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants. (VRT) (France 24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Belize The number of recoveries in Belize surpasses 11,000. (Breaking Belize News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Botswana Botswana surpasses 100 deaths from COVID-19. (ANI)
COVID-19 pandemic in California California reports a record 764 deaths in the past 24 hours. (U.S. News and World Report)
COVID-19 pandemic in Cuba, 501.V2 variant Cuba reports their first case of a variant from South Africa in an asymptomatic person who travelled from the country. (Explica)
COVID-19 pandemic in Florida Florida reports 277 deaths in the past 24 hours, tying their previous state record set in August of last year. (WJXT-TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Germany surpasses 50,000 deaths from COVID-19. (Deutsche Welle) (ABC News) Germany reports their first case of the more contagious B.1.1.248 variant in a person who travelled from Brazil to Hesse. (MedicalXpress)
COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, Hong Kong will impose a lockdown in the Yau Tsim Mong District beginning this weekend. Negative COVID-19 testing results will be required in order to leave one's residence. (South China Morning Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan Japan reports a record 108 deaths in the past 24 hours. (The Japan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia Malaysia reports a record of 18 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 660. (Malay Mail)
COVID-19 pandemic in Myanmar Myanmar receives its first 1.5 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. (CNA)
COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey, Variant of Concern 202012/01 New Jersey reports their first two cases of the UK variant of SARS-CoV-2. Neither had travelled. (NJ.com)
COVID-19 pandemic in Panama, 501.V2 variant Panama reports their first case of a variant from South Africa in a 40-year-old Zimbabwe native who entered the country from there. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal Portugal reports a record of 234 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 9,920. (DGS) Portugal also reports their first case of the 501.V2 variant that originated in South Africa. They do not indicate whether the individual travelled. (RTP) (Reuters)
For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, Hong Kong will impose a lockdown in the Yau Tsim Mong District beginning this weekend. Negative COVID-19 testing results will be required in order to leave one's residence. (South China Morning Post)
Organisers of the Tour de Normandie cancel the annual seven-day bicycle race that was scheduled for May due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This is the second year that it has been cancelled. (Cycling News)
A teen in London, Ontario, dies from COVID-19, making him the youngest person in the area to die from the disease. (CBC)
COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil COVID-19 vaccination in Brazil Brazil begins distribution of the AstraZeneca-Oxford University vaccine. (The Hill) Amazonas Governor Wilson Lima announces new, tougher restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19, beginning January 25. People will only be allowed to leave their homes for essential purposes such grocery shopping. (CNN Brasil)
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Indonesia reports a record 9,912 recoveries in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of recoveries to 791,059. (detikHealth) Indonesian COVID-19 Task Force chairman and Chairman of the National Disaster Management Agency Doni Monardo announces that he has tested positive for COVID-19. (Xinhua)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan Japan surpasses 5,000 deaths from COVID-19. (The Japan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia Malaysia reports a record 4,275 new confirmed cases and 4,313 recoveries in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide totals to 180,455 confirmed cases and 137,019 recoveries. (Malay Mail)
COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan, Variant of Concern 202012/01 The University of Michigan shuts down all sports activities for two weeks after the B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2 is discovered in five people with ties to the school. (MLive.com) (MLive.com2)
COVID-19 pandemic in North Carolina, Variant of Concern 202012/01 North Carolina reports their first case of the B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a person in Mecklenburg County. (Raleigh News and Observer)
COVID-19 pandemic in Norway, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Health authorities impose tougher lockdowns in Oslo and nine neighbouring municipalities due to an increase in cases of a more contagious variant from the UK that also caused two deaths in care home residents yesterday. (VG) (Financial Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario A teen in London, Ontario, dies from COVID-19, making him the youngest person in the area to die from the disease. (CBC)
COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal Portugal reports a record 15,333 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 624,469. The country also reports a record 274 deaths in the past 24 hours, surpassing 10,000 deaths from COVID-19. (SIC Notícias)
COVID-19 pandemic in Tunisia Tunisia bans gatherings including demonstrations and extends their curfew to between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. local time until February 14 in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (The Washington Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Turkey signs a deal with the Russian Direct Investment Fund for the production of its Sputnik V vaccine. (Daily Sabah)
COVID-19 pandemic in Washington (state), Variant of Concern 202012/01 Washington reports their first cases of the B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in two people residing in Snohomish County. (MyNorthwest.com)
Health authorities impose tougher lockdowns in Oslo and nine neighbouring municipalities due to an increase in cases of a more contagious variant from the UK that also caused two deaths in care home residents yesterday. (VG) (Financial Times)
Indonesia reports a record 9,912 recoveries in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of recoveries to 791,059. (detikHealth)
Indonesian COVID-19 Task Force chairman and Chairman of the National Disaster Management Agency Doni Monardo announces that he has tested positive for COVID-19. (Xinhua)
Clashes broke out in three cities across Israel as police attempted to enforce coronavirus lockdown restrictions in a number of ultra-Orthodox communities. Israel is currently in a COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. (Times of Israel)
COVID-19 pandemic in India COVID-19 vaccination in India The Union Health Ministry announces that India has become the fastest nation to reach 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. (The Economic Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand New Zealand health officials report the first community case of COVID-19 in more than two months in a person who travelled from Europe. (Sydney Morning Herald)
COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal Portugal reports a record 275 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 10,469. (DGS)
COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia Serbia reports their first case of the B.1.1.7 variant in a person who travelled from London and later began experiencing mild symptoms. (N1)
COVID-19 pandemic in Washington, D.C., Aftermath of the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol Around 38 United States Capitol Police officers have tested positive for COVID-19 since the storming of the United States Capitol. (CNN)
COVID-19 vaccination in India The Union Health Ministry announces that India has become the fastest nation to reach 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. (The Economic Times)
New Zealand health officials report the first community case of COVID-19 in more than two months in a person who travelled from Europe. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Rioters set fires in the center of Eindhoven and pelted police with rocks at a banned demonstration against coronavirus lockdown measures. Police also faced off with curfew-defying crowds in The Hague, Amsterdam, Enschede, Venlo, Stein, Roermond, Oosterhout, Breda and elsewhere across the Netherlands. More than 100 people have been arrested. It was the worst violence to hit the Netherlands since the pandemic began and the second straight Sunday that police clashed with protesters in Amsterdam. The country has been under a lockdown since December. (AP) (BBC News) (Tasnim)
Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic Clashes broke out in three cities across Israel as police attempted to enforce coronavirus lockdown restrictions in a number of ultra-Orthodox communities. Israel is currently in a COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. (Times of Israel)
The Union Health Ministry announces that India has become the fastest nation to reach 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. (The Economic Times)
Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic The Israeli cabinet agrees to close Ben Gurion International Airport and ban all incoming and outgoing international passengers from the airport, beginning at midnight tomorrow. Cargo flights, medical evacuations and firefighting flights are exempted from this rule. (The Washington Post)
2020–21 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season Cyclone Eloise leaves at least thirteen people dead and more than 8,000 people homeless after making landfall in central Mozambique. Major flooding is also reported in Eswatini, South Africa and Zimbabwe. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Bahrain Bahrain approves the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use in the country. (Al Jazeera) COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong Hong Kong approves the BioNTech vaccine for emergency use in the city. (The Standard) COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Indonesia reports 9,994 new cases and 10,678 recoveries in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of recoveries to 809,488. (detikHealth) COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Turkey receives 6.5 million doses of the Sinovac Biotech vaccine. (Daily Sabah)
COVID-19 pandemic in Australia COVID-19 vaccine The Therapeutic Goods Administration approves the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine for use in Australia. (ABC Australia) Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, 501.V2 variant Australia suspends their travel bubble with New Zealand for the next 72 hours after New Zealand's first community case in months was confirmed to be of the 501.V2 variant from South Africa. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Austria, Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic Austria begins to require people aged 14 or older to wear FFP2 masks in shops, pharmacies and hospitals, as well as on public transport. (France 24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Bahrain Bahrain approves the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use in the country. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in California California Governor Gavin Newsom lifts the regional stay-at-home order in all areas statewide, including three areas where ICU capacity remains under 15%. (KABC-TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario Ontario Premier Doug Ford announces that the second state of emergency in the province will be extended to February 8. (CP24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong Hong Kong approves the BioNTech vaccine for emergency use in the city. (The Standard)
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Indonesia reports 9,994 new cases and 10,678 recoveries in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of recoveries to 809,488. (detikHealth)
COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico Mexico's richest person and billionaire Carlos Slim tests positive for COVID-19. (Forbes)
COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota, Lineage B.1.1.248 Minnesota reports the first U.S. case of the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 found in Brazil. The patient is a Twin Cities resident who traveled to Brazil. (CNBC)
COVID-19 pandemic in Nevada, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Nevada reports their first case of the B.1.1.7 strain of SARS-CoV-2 in a person with no recent travel history. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario Ontario Premier Doug Ford announces that the second state of emergency in the province will be extended to February 8. (CP24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Turkey receives 6.5 million doses of the Sinovac Biotech vaccine. (Daily Sabah)
COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine Ukraine reopens schools, restaurants, and gyms as a tough lockdown aimed to prevent a new wave of COVID-19 was ended. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Virginia, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Virginia reports their first case of the UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a person from Northern Virginia with no recent travel history. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe surpasses 1,000 deaths from COVID-19. (Sowetan Live)
Cyclone Eloise leaves at least thirteen people dead and more than 8,000 people homeless after making landfall in central Mozambique. Major flooding is also reported in Eswatini, South Africa and Zimbabwe. (Reuters)
