Sudan begins a vaccination campaign against COVID-19 beginning with medical workers. (Al Arabiya English)
The China National Space Administration and Roscosmos sign a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint lunar space station. Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin says that the space station will be a "complex of experimental research facilities created on the surface or in the orbit of the Moon", and will be available for use by "international partners". (France 24)
The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority approves the emergency use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. (Bloomberg News)
The Philippines surpasses 600,000 total COVID-19 cases. (ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs)
Tunisia receives its first major shipment of 30,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine. (Africanews)
Ukraine grants approval for the Sinovac CoronaVac vaccine. (Reuters)
Zimbabwe grants emergency use authorization for four COVID-19 vaccines, including China's CoronaVac and BBIBP-CorV, Russia's Sputnik V, and India's Covaxin. (News24)
At an extraordinary session in Sirte, the Libyan parliament votes 121 to 11 to approve a new Government of National Unity led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh. The new interim unity government will govern Libya until a general election is held in December. (Al Jazeera)
Libyan Crisis Libyan peace process At an extraordinary session in Sirte, the Libyan parliament votes 121 to 11 to approve a new Government of National Unity led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh. The new interim unity government will govern Libya until a general election is held in December. (Al Jazeera)
Libyan peace process At an extraordinary session in Sirte, the Libyan parliament votes 121 to 11 to approve a new Government of National Unity led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh. The new interim unity government will govern Libya until a general election is held in December. (Al Jazeera)
2021 Armenian coup d'état attempt The government says a decree by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan dismissing the Chief of the General Staff Onik Gasparyan is now legally effective despite President Armen Sarksyan refusing to sign the decree into force. (Reuters)
Australian frontier wars The Victoria State Government announces the establishment of a truth commission into genocidal violence against the state's Indigenous population from the late 18th century to the early 20th century, as part of a process towards developing a treaty. (The Guardian)
The government says a decree by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan dismissing the Chief of the General Staff Onik Gasparyan is now legally effective despite President Armen Sarksyan refusing to sign the decree into force. (Reuters)
The Victoria State Government announces the establishment of a truth commission into genocidal violence against the state's Indigenous population from the late 18th century to the early 20th century, as part of a process towards developing a treaty. (The Guardian)
An overnight fire at an OVHcloud server farm in Strasbourg destroys a data center and damages another, taking millions of .fr websites offline in France, including government websites, banks, online shops, and news websites. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Malta The Government of Malta announces that, due to record numbers of new cases, all theatres, museums, and gyms will be closed, all organised sports and religious activities will be banned, and gatherings will be limited to four people. The government also announces that all educational institutions will be closed as of March 15 and travel to Gozo will be restricted to residents and essential activities. (The Malta Independent)
COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji Fiji begins a vaccination campaign against COVID-19 using the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine donated by the COVAX initiative. Ten frontline workers are the first to receive doses of the vaccine. (Fiji Sun) COVID-19 pandemic in Papua New Guinea The government of Papua New Guinea approves the use of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. Prime Minister James Marape says that vaccination will not be compulsory and will initially be directed at health workers, people over 50 years of age and people with underlying health conditions. (RNZ)
COVID-19 pandemic in Papua New Guinea The government of Papua New Guinea approves the use of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. Prime Minister James Marape says that vaccination will not be compulsory and will initially be directed at health workers, people over 50 years of age and people with underlying health conditions. (RNZ)
COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania The President of Tanzania John Magufuli has not been seen in public since February 27. Opposition leaders call for the release of information as rumors grow that he is on a ventilator at a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. (Yahoo! News) (Thomson Reuters Foundation)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The United States House of Representatives votes 220–211 to pass the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which extends weekly jobless benefit payments of $300 until September, sends $1,400 checks to individuals, and funds other coronavirus relief programs for states and businesses. The stimulus bill will be sent to President Joe Biden for his signature. (The Wall Street Journal) (BBC News)
The Government of Malta announces that, due to record numbers of new cases, all theatres, museums, and gyms will be closed, all organised sports and religious activities will be banned, and gatherings will be limited to four people. The government also announces that all educational institutions will be closed as of March 15 and travel to Gozo will be restricted to residents and essential activities. (The Malta Independent)
The government of Papua New Guinea approves the use of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. Prime Minister James Marape says that vaccination will not be compulsory and will initially be directed at health workers, people over 50 years of age and people with underlying health conditions. (RNZ)
The President of Tanzania John Magufuli has not been seen in public since February 27. Opposition leaders call for the release of information as rumors grow that he is on a ventilator at a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. (Yahoo! News) (Thomson Reuters Foundation)
A bus carrying dozens of pilgrims plunges into a ravine in Indonesia's Java island, killing at least 27 people. (Arab News)
Brazil reports a record 2,286 new deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours as intensive care units in 25 of 27 regional capitals reach near-full capacity, thereby bringing the nationwide death toll to 270,656. (National Post) (BBC News)
Bulgaria reports 3,502 new cases in the past 24 hours, which is the highest single-day total since December 11, and brings the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 266,805. (Novinite)
COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil Brazil reports a record 2,286 new deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours as intensive care units in 25 of 27 regional capitals reach near-full capacity, thereby bringing the nationwide death toll to 270,656. (National Post) (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Bulgaria Bulgaria reports 3,502 new cases in the past 24 hours, which is the highest single-day total since December 11, and brings the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 266,805. (Novinite)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Saskatchewan Saskatchewan surpasses 30,000 cases of COVID-19, and 400 related deaths. (Global News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji Fiji begins a vaccination campaign against COVID-19 using the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine donated by the COVAX initiative. Ten frontline workers are the first to receive doses of the vaccine. (Fiji Sun)
COVID-19 pandemic in India COVID-19 pandemic in Karnataka, 501.V2 variant Karnataka reports its first case of the 501.V2 variant first detected in South Africa. (Mint)
COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan Jordan approves the emergency use of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine. (Gulf News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Karnataka, 501.V2 variant Karnataka reports its first case of the 501.V2 variant first detected in South Africa. (Mint)
COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya Kenya approves the emergency use of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine. (Bloomberg News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Mauritius Mauritius imposes a two-week nationwide lockdown for the second time since the pandemic began, with only essential services able to continue to operate, after the discovery of 14 local COVID-19 cases. (Barron's)
COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan Michigan surpasses 600,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19. (MLive)
COVID-19 pandemic in Mongolia Mongolia reports a record 109 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 3,481. (Big News Network)
COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey, 501.V2 variant New Jersey reports its first case of the 501.V2 variant first detected in South Africa. (NJ)
COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan Michigan surpasses 600,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19. (MLive) COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey, 501.V2 variant New Jersey reports its first case of the 501.V2 variant first detected in South Africa. (NJ) COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Saskatchewan Saskatchewan surpasses 30,000 cases of COVID-19, and 400 related deaths. (Global News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan Pakistan begins COVID-19 vaccination rollout for those aged 60 years or older as part of the second phase of their vaccination programme. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in Poland Poland reports 17,260 new cases in the past 24 hours, which is the highest single-day total since November, and it subsequently brings the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 1,828,313. (Anadolu Agency)
COVID-19 pandemic in Saskatchewan Saskatchewan surpasses 30,000 cases of COVID-19, and 400 related deaths. (Global News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan Michigan surpasses 600,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19. (MLive) COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey, 501.V2 variant New Jersey reports its first case of the 501.V2 variant first detected in South Africa. (NJ)
COVID-19 pandemic in Togo Togo begins a vaccination campaign against COVID-19 using Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah Dogbé is the first person to receive the vaccine. (Togo First)
Fiji begins a vaccination campaign against COVID-19 using the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine donated by the COVAX initiative. Ten frontline workers are the first to receive doses of the vaccine. (Fiji Sun)
Ivorian Prime Minister Hamed Bakayoko dies of cancer at a private hospital in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. (France 24)
Jordan approves the emergency use of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine. (Gulf News)
Karnataka reports its first case of the 501.V2 variant first detected in South Africa. (Mint)
Kenya approves the emergency use of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine. (Bloomberg News)
Mauritius imposes a two-week nationwide lockdown for the second time since the pandemic began, with only essential services able to continue to operate, after the discovery of 14 local COVID-19 cases. (Barron's)
Mongolia reports a record 109 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 3,481. (Big News Network)
New Jersey reports its first case of the 501.V2 variant first detected in South Africa. (NJ)
Pakistan begins COVID-19 vaccination rollout for those aged 60 years or older as part of the second phase of their vaccination programme. (Al Jazeera)
Poland reports 17,260 new cases in the past 24 hours, which is the highest single-day total since November, and it subsequently brings the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 1,828,313. (Anadolu Agency)
Saskatchewan surpasses 30,000 cases of COVID-19, and 400 related deaths. (Global News)
Togo begins a vaccination campaign against COVID-19 using Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah Dogbé is the first person to receive the vaccine. (Togo First)
COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Benin Benin receives a shipment of 144,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India through the COVAX vaccine-sharing initiative. (Ecofin Agency) COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini Eswatini receives a shipment of 20,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX vaccine-sharing initiative. (Anadolu Agency) COVID-19 pandemic in Rwanda Rwandan President Paul Kagame becomes the first head of state in East Africa to receive a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. (Africanews)
COVID-19 pandemic in Rwanda Rwandan President Paul Kagame becomes the first head of state in East Africa to receive a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. (Africanews)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 U.S. President Joe Biden signs the $1.9 trillion relief package into law. (CNBC)
Militants raid a school in Zamfara, killing a student during an attempted mass kidnapping. As the kidnap fails, the attackers fled and started shooting in the streets, killing twelve more people. It is the second school attack in Zamfara in two weeks. (AllAfrica)
Rwandan President Paul Kagame becomes the first head of state in East Africa to receive a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. (Africanews)
2021 Cairo clothing factory fire At least 20 people are killed and 24 others injured in a fire at a clothing factory in Cairo, Egypt. (Al Jazeera)
2021 Myanmar protests Twelve protesters are killed as security forces open fire on anti-coup protests. (CBC News)
At least 20 people are killed and 24 others injured in a fire at a clothing factory in Cairo, Egypt. (Al Jazeera)
Belarus reports its first case of the Lineage B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2, which originated in the United Kingdom. (Reuters)
Benin receives a shipment of 144,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India through the COVAX vaccine-sharing initiative. (Ecofin Agency)
Cambodia reports its first death from COVID-19. The patient is a 50-year-old man from Phnom Penh. (Khmer Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Belarus, Lineage B.1.1.7 Belarus reports its first case of the Lineage B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2, which originated in the United Kingdom. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Benin Benin receives a shipment of 144,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India through the COVAX vaccine-sharing initiative. (Ecofin Agency)
COVID-19 pandemic in Cambodia Cambodia reports its first death from COVID-19. The patient is a 50-year-old man from Phnom Penh. (Khmer Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark, COVID-19 pandemic in Norway, COVID-19 pandemic in Iceland The Danish Health Authority temporarily suspends the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for two weeks as a "precaution" following reports that some vaccinated people had experienced blood clots, causing one person to die after receiving the vaccine. It has not been determined whether there is a link between the vaccine and the clots. Norway and Iceland have also suspended their use of the vaccine. (CNBC)
COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini Eswatini receives a shipment of 20,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX vaccine-sharing initiative. (Anadolu Agency)
COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary Hungary reports a record 8,312 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 489,172. (Hungary Today)
COVID-19 pandemic in Iran Iran receives a shipment of 150,000 doses of the Indian Covaxin vaccine. (The Times of India)
COVID-19 pandemic in Italy COVID-19 vaccination in Italy The Italian Medicines Agency bans a batch of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines as a precautionary measure following the death of three military officers in Sicily who had been vaccinated. (Ansamed)
