Jordan begins a vaccination campaign, with priority given to healthcare workers, people with chronic illnesses, and those over the age of 60. (Arab News)
Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI receive their firsts doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on the first day of the vaccination campaign in the Vatican City. (Fox News)
Prime Minister António Costa announces that stricter lockdown measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 will begin on January 15. There will be more exceptions to the new restrictions than there were during the first national lockdown in March and April 2020. (Expresso)
Prime Minister Jüri Ratas announces his resignation after the Prosecutor General suspected his Estonian Centre Party of "criminal involvement" in an influence peddling scandal involving businessman Hillar Teder. (Daily Sabah)
Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi imposes travel and entry bans on 20 countries reported to have new variants of SARS-CoV-2. (Xinhua)
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announces the suspension of business travel agreements with 11 countries and regions and also restricts entry for all non-resident foreign nationals beginning tomorrow in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Nikkei Asia)
2021 Ugandan general election Voters head to the polls to elect their next president and parliament. The two main presidential candidates are incumbent President Yoweri Museveni and opposition activist and musician Bobi Wine. The election has been widely criticized as being unfair, with both the United States and European Union cancelling their observations of the election. (BBC News)
Voters head to the polls to elect their next president and parliament. The two main presidential candidates are incumbent President Yoweri Museveni and opposition activist and musician Bobi Wine. The election has been widely criticized as being unfair, with both the United States and European Union cancelling their observations of the election. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in France Prime Minister Jean Castex announces that the French government will impose a nationwide 6:00 p.m. curfew for at least 15 days beginning January 16 in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (France 24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan receives the first dose of the CoronaVac vaccine in a hospital in Ankara as Turkey begins its nationwide vaccination campaign. (Anadolu Agency)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States President-elect Joe Biden unveils a $1.9 trillion relief package to bolster the United States economy. If passed in Congress, the relief package will increase the direct payments from $600 to $2,000, an increase of $1,400. The plan to increase the direct payments to $2,000 was endorsed by Biden himself, outgoing President Donald Trump, and Democrats. (Reuters) (BBC News)
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan receives the first dose of the CoronaVac vaccine in a hospital in Ankara as Turkey begins its nationwide vaccination campaign. (Anadolu Agency)
Prime Minister Jean Castex announces that the French government will impose a nationwide 6:00 p.m. curfew for at least 15 days beginning January 16 in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (France 24)
2021 Palestinian general election President Mahmoud Abbas announces that the legislative elections will be held on May 22, while the presidential elections will be held on July 31. These are the first elections in the State of Palestine since 2006. (AFP via Arab News)
2021 Ugandan general election Opposition activist Bobi Wine claims victory in the presidential election, despite early results giving incumbent President Yoweri Museveni a wide lead, and calls the results "a joke". (France 24) Bobi Wine tweets that the military has "taken control" of his home and placed him under house arrest, just hours after claiming victory in the disputed election. (Al Jazeera)
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on association football, COVID-19 pandemic in Spain FC Barcelona postpones its presidential election originally scheduled for January 24, following an increase in COVID-19 cases in Catalonia. (The Washington Post)
Opposition activist Bobi Wine claims victory in the presidential election, despite early results giving incumbent President Yoweri Museveni a wide lead, and calls the results "a joke". (France 24)
President Mahmoud Abbas announces that the legislative elections will be held on May 22, while the presidential elections will be held on July 31. These are the first elections in the State of Palestine since 2006. (AFP via Arab News)
Bobi Wine tweets that the military has "taken control" of his home and placed him under house arrest, just hours after claiming victory in the disputed election. (Al Jazeera)
Canadian convenience store chain Alimentation Couche-Tard withdraws its bid to take over the French retailer Carrefour, after the French government expressed its intent to veto the €16 billion (US$19.5 billion) deal. (AFP via Bangkok Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Chile The Chilean government reports 4,471 new cases, the highest daily total since June. A potential new lockdown in the Santiago Metropolitan Region is under evaluation according to the Ministry of Health. (ADN Radio)
COVID-19 vaccination in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Maine Governor Janet Mills receives her first dose of the vaccine. (Bangor Daily News) President-elect Joe Biden is expected to deploy the United States National Guard and FEMA resources to distribute vaccines across the United States when he takes office. He also says that he will invoke the Defense Production Act to produce vaccines. (The West Australian) (The Independent)
The Chilean government reports 4,471 new cases, the highest daily total since June. A potential new lockdown in the Santiago Metropolitan Region is under evaluation according to the Ministry of Health. (ADN Radio)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces the closure of all travel corridors beginning January 18 at 4:00 a.m. GMT. He also announces that all travellers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test from the previous 72 hours and quarantine for 10 days upon arrival, unless they test negative after five days. (ITV)
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces the closure of all travel corridors beginning January 18 at 4:00 a.m. GMT. He also announces that all travellers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test from the previous 72 hours and quarantine for 10 days upon arrival, unless they test negative after five days. (ITV)
The Lao People's Revolutionary Party elects Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith as its new General Secretary, replacing retiring chief Bounnhang Vorachit. Sisoulith was elected for a five-year term as leader of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the top post in the country, and part of the country's Politburo. (Reuters)
2021 Christian Democratic Union of Germany leadership election North Rhine-Westphalia minister-president Armin Laschet is elected leader of the Christian Democratic Union, one of the ruling parties in the Bundestag and the party of incumbent Chancellor Angela Merkel. Laschet's election makes him a front-runner to be the party's candidate in the federal election in September. (AFP via The Local)
2021 Ugandan general election The Electoral Commission of Uganda declares incumbent President Yoweri Museveni the winner of the presidential election, winning about 59% of the vote, while opposition leader Bobi Wine received only 35% of the vote, according to the commission. (BBC News)
North Rhine-Westphalia minister-president Armin Laschet is elected leader of the Christian Democratic Union, one of the ruling parties in the Bundestag and the party of incumbent Chancellor Angela Merkel. Laschet's election makes him a front-runner to be the party's candidate in the federal election in September. (AFP via The Local)
The Electoral Commission of Uganda declares incumbent President Yoweri Museveni the winner of the presidential election, winning about 59% of the vote, while opposition leader Bobi Wine received only 35% of the vote, according to the commission. (BBC News)
Boko Haram insurgency Hundreds of residents flee and government forces withdraw after the town of Marte in Borno State, Nigeria, is captured by Islamic State – West Africa Province militants. The military says it "tactically withdrew" troops, while confirming the town is under insurgent control. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Vice President Fuat Oktay receives the first dose of the CoronaVac vaccine at a hospital in Ankara. (Anadolu Agency)
Hundreds of residents flee and government forces withdraw after the town of Marte in Borno State, Nigeria, is captured by Islamic State – West Africa Province militants. The military says it "tactically withdrew" troops, while confirming the town is under insurgent control. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in India COVID-19 vaccination in India Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches the world's largest vaccination programme against COVID-19 in India, which plans to vaccinate more than 1.3 billion people. A sanitation worker is the first person to receive the vaccine. (BBC News)
COVID-19 vaccination in India Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches the world's largest vaccination programme against COVID-19 in India, which plans to vaccinate more than 1.3 billion people. A sanitation worker is the first person to receive the vaccine. (BBC News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches the world's largest vaccination programme against COVID-19 in India, which plans to vaccinate more than 1.3 billion people. A sanitation worker is the first person to receive the vaccine. (BBC News)
Qatar–Saudi Arabia relations, Qatar diplomatic crisis Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud announces that Saudi Arabia will re-open its embassy in Qatar in the coming days, after a diplomatic crisis that saw the nations severing ties for three years. (Reuters)
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud announces that Saudi Arabia will re-open its embassy in Qatar in the coming days, after a diplomatic crisis that saw the nations severing ties for three years. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Guinea Guinean President Alpha Condé receives the first dose of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. (Africanews) 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 Guinea Guinean President Alpha Condé receives the first dose of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. (Africanews)
Guinean President Alpha Condé receives the first dose of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. (Africanews)
South Korea–United States relations South Korean President Moon Jae-in urges incoming U.S. President Joe Biden to learn from the policies, both positive and negative, of Donald Trump towards North Korea and says that the North has a "clear willingness to denuclearize if Washington and Pyongyang could find mutually agreeable steps to decrease the nuclear threat and ensure the North's security". (AP)
South Korean President Moon Jae-in urges incoming U.S. President Joe Biden to learn from the policies, both positive and negative, of Donald Trump towards North Korea and says that the North has a "clear willingness to denuclearize if Washington and Pyongyang could find mutually agreeable steps to decrease the nuclear threat and ensure the North's security". (AP)
Yemeni Civil War Houthi forces and pro-government troops clash in the port city of Al Hudaydah, leaving at least 23 people dead. The fighting centered around the government-controlled Ad Durayhimi District in the south of the city. Houthi-run Almasirah network claims "dozens" of government fighters have been killed. (Xinhuanet)
COVID-19 pandemic in Greece Hair salons, health centers, car inspection stations, and non-essential shops in Greece reopen for the first time since November after the government eased a nationwide lockdown in order to revitalize the retail sectors. (Anadolu Agency)
Hair salons, health centers, car inspection stations, and non-essential shops in Greece reopen for the first time since November after the government eased a nationwide lockdown in order to revitalize the retail sectors. (Anadolu Agency)
Houthi forces and pro-government troops clash in the port city of Al Hudaydah, leaving at least 23 people dead. The fighting centered around the government-controlled Ad Durayhimi District in the south of the city. Houthi-run Almasirah network claims "dozens" of government fighters have been killed. (Xinhuanet)
The Tunisian interior ministry deploys the national guard in several cities across the country and reports that a total of 632 people have been arrested following a series of riots that first occurred January 15, a day after the government imposed a nationwide lockdown in response to an increase in COVID-19 cases. (AFP via Daily Sabah)
Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic Outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order that allows travel restrictions on Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Europe to be lifted after January 26. However, incoming Press Secretary Jen Psaki says that the restrictions are expected to remain in place. (Reuters) (CNN)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announces a new RM15 billion economic assistance package, the Malaysian Economic and Rakyat Protection Assistance Package, which is expected to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the Malaysian economy. (CNA)
Germany condemns the arrest of opposition politician and activist Alexei Navalny upon his return to Russia yesterday. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas calls the arrest "utterly incomprehensible" and calls for Navalny's immediate release. Likewise, British, Danish, and other European diplomats also condemn the arrest. (DW)
Germany–Russia relations Germany condemns the arrest of opposition politician and activist Alexei Navalny upon his return to Russia yesterday. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas calls the arrest "utterly incomprehensible" and calls for Navalny's immediate release. Likewise, British, Danish, and other European diplomats also condemn the arrest. (DW)
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announces a new RM15 billion economic assistance package, the Malaysian Economic and Rakyat Protection Assistance Package, which is expected to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the Malaysian economy. (CNA)
COVID-19 pandemic in Andorra The first 30,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are sent from Spain to Andorra after both governments reached an agreement earlier today. (Euro Weekly News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, Variant of Concern 202012/01 The Shizuoka prefectural government issues an emergency alert after three cases of the more contagious variant from the UK are reported in people with no known travel history. (Kyodo News)
COVID-19 pandemic in New York (state) COVID-19 pandemic in New York City Andrew Yang, a candidate for Mayor of New York City in the upcoming mayoral election, will quarantine after one of his staffers tested positive for COVID-19. (The New York Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in New York City Andrew Yang, a candidate for Mayor of New York City in the upcoming mayoral election, will quarantine after one of his staffers tested positive for COVID-19. (The New York Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic The New Zealand government imposes a mandatory requirement for all travellers to present a negative COVID-19 test result before departing for New Zealand, beginning January 25. This requirement does not include residents of Australia, Antarctica and most Pacific Island countries. (NZ Herald)
The first 30,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are sent from Spain to Andorra after both governments reached an agreement earlier today. (Euro Weekly News)
The New Zealand government imposes a mandatory requirement for all travellers to present a negative COVID-19 test result before departing for New Zealand, beginning January 25. This requirement does not include residents of Australia, Antarctica and most Pacific Island countries. (NZ Herald)
The Shizuoka prefectural government issues an emergency alert after three cases of the more contagious variant from the UK are reported in people with no known travel history. (Kyodo News)
2020 congressional insider trading scandal The United States Department of Justice closes an insider trading probe into U.S. Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina without making him face any criminal charges. (MarketWatch)
COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia Malaysia's Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announces the extension of the second movement control order to six states from January 22 at 12:01 a.m. local time until February 4. This means that all states and federal territories except Sarawak will be placed under tighter restrictions. (CNA)
COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal Portugal reports a new record for the second consecutive day, of 218 deaths, bringing the nationwide death toll to 9,246. At the same time, the nationwide number of ICU patients reaches a record 670, just below the maximum allocation capacity of 672 ICU beds set the day before. (DGS) (Reuters) Portuguese Economy Minister Pedro Siza Vieira tested positive for COVID-19. (TSF)
Malaysia's Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announces the extension of the second movement control order to six states from January 22 at 12:01 a.m. local time until February 4. This means that all states and federal territories except Sarawak will be placed under tighter restrictions. (CNA)
Portuguese Economy Minister Pedro Siza Vieira tested positive for COVID-19. (TSF)
117th United States Congress 2020 United States Senate election in Georgia, 2020 United States Senate special election in Georgia Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock of Georgia are officially sworn in as Senators of the United States Senate. (USA Today) Alex Padilla of California is officially sworn in as Senator of the United States Senate, as an appointee replacing Kamala Harris. (LA Times)
2020 United States Senate election in Georgia, 2020 United States Senate special election in Georgia Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock of Georgia are officially sworn in as Senators of the United States Senate. (USA Today)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan The government reaches an agreement with Pfizer for an additional 12 million doses of their vaccine. (The Japan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands The Netherlands bans all flights from the United Kingdom, South Africa and all South American countries beginning January 23 in order to reduce the spread of more contagious variants of SARS-CoV-2. (NL Times) Prime Minister Mark Rutte issues a statement that would ask the parliament to vote regarding a weekend curfew from 8.30 p.m. to 4.30 a.m. in a parliamentary debate that will begin tomorrow. (Dutch News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States President Joe Biden signs an executive order mandating face masks on federal property and during interstate travel. (Reuters) The United States reports a record 4,409 deaths in the past 24 hours. (Financial Times)
Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States President Joe Biden signs an executive order mandating face masks on federal property and during interstate travel. (Reuters)
Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock of Georgia are officially sworn in as Senators of the United States Senate. (USA Today)
Prime Minister Mark Rutte issues a statement that would ask the parliament to vote regarding a weekend curfew from 8.30 p.m. to 4.30 a.m. in a parliamentary debate that will begin tomorrow. (Dutch News)
The government reaches an agreement with Pfizer for an additional 12 million doses of their vaccine. (The Japan Times)
