Bangladesh reports a record 7,626 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 659,278. (Dhaka Tribune)
Bavaria signs a "preliminary contract" to purchase 2.5 million doses of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, which is subject to approval from the European Medicines Agency. (Euronews)
Belgium temporarily restricts the use of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine to people over 55 years old following a report from the European Medicines Agency that there is a "possible link" between the vaccine and very rare blood clotting cases. (The Brussels Times)
Brazil reports its first case of the 501.V2 variant, which was originally detected in South Africa, in a person from São Paulo. (News24)
Cannabis in Ukraine The Verkhovna Rada votes to legalize the use of medical cannabis products. (Kyiv Post)
Castile and León suspends the use of the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine until the European Medicines Agency's security report is published. (Reuters)
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh orders the extension of the curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. IST to the entire state, as well as banning all public gatherings, due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. (India Today)
COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh Bangladesh reports a record 7,626 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 659,278. (Dhaka Tribune)
COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium Belgium temporarily restricts the use of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine to people over 55 years old following a report from the European Medicines Agency that there is a "possible link" between the vaccine and very rare blood clotting cases. (The Brussels Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, 501.V2 variant Brazil reports its first case of the 501.V2 variant, which was originally detected in South Africa, in a person from São Paulo. (News24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Estonia Estonia suspends the use of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine by people under 60 years old following a report of a possible link with cases of blood clotting. (Eesti Rahvusringhääling)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Bavaria signs a "preliminary contract" to purchase 2.5 million doses of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, which is subject to approval from the European Medicines Agency. (Euronews)
COVID-19 pandemic in India COVID-19 pandemic in Punjab, India Chief Minister Amarinder Singh orders the extension of the curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. IST to the entire state, as well as banning all public gatherings, due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. (India Today) India reports a record 115,736 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in Iran Iran reports a record 20,954 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 1,984,348. (Middle East Online)
COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco Morocco announces a nationwide curfew during Ramadan from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to combat the spread of COVID-19. (North Africa Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan Pakistan surpasses 700,000 cases of COVID-19. (Geo News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Punjab, India Chief Minister Amarinder Singh orders the extension of the curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. IST to the entire state, as well as banning all public gatherings, due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. (India Today)
COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar Qatar announces a re-imposition of the strict lockdown beginning April 9, which will close restaurants, cafés, cinemas, hairdressers, museums, and libraries and ban most indoor activities, in order to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases. (MedicalXpress)
COVID-19 pandemic in Spain Castile and León suspends the use of the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine until the European Medicines Agency's security report is published. (Reuters) The Ministry of Health restricts the use of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine to people over 60 years old following a report of a "possible link" with very rare blood clotting. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand, Lineage B.1.1.7 Thailand reports its first locally transmitted cases of the Lineage B.1.1.7 variant first detected in the United Kingdom. It found 24 cases in the Thong Lor cluster in Bangkok. (Bangkok Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Turkey reports a record 54,740 new confirmed cases and 276 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. (Arab News)
COVID-19 vaccine The European Medicines Agency announces that blood clotting should be listed as a "very rare" side effect of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. It also insists that benefits of using the vaccine continue to outweigh the risks. (DW)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic The G20 finance ministers and central bank governors agree to extend the debt moratorium period for the least developed countries until December. (CNA)
Estonia suspends the use of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine by people under 60 years old following a report of a possible link with cases of blood clotting. (Eesti Rahvusringhääling)
In west Belfast, Loyalist youths hijack a bus and set it on fire. A photographer is also assaulted and his cameras are damaged. (RTÉ News)
India reports a record 115,736 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. (Al Jazeera)
Iran reports a record 20,954 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 1,984,348. (Middle East Online)
ISIL militants raid the town of al-Saan in Salamiyah District, western Hama, kidnapping dozens of people, including eight soldiers. Several people are later released by the terror group, while one person is reportedly killed. (The Times)
Morocco announces a nationwide curfew during Ramadan from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to combat the spread of COVID-19. (North Africa Post)
Qatar announces a re-imposition of the strict lockdown beginning April 9, which will close restaurants, cafés, cinemas, hairdressers, museums, and libraries and ban most indoor activities, in order to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases. (MedicalXpress)
Security forces open fire on anti-coup protesters, killing 15 people and wounding dozens more. A Chinese-owned garment factory in Yangon is also set on fire by a mob. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners says that the junta appears to be shifting its focus from the cities to rural areas, and is "losing control" of the country. (Reuters)
Thailand reports its first locally transmitted cases of the Lineage B.1.1.7 variant first detected in the United Kingdom. It found 24 cases in the Thong Lor cluster in Bangkok. (Bangkok Post)
The death toll from tribal clashes, which started two days ago between Masalits and Arabs in Geneina, West Darfur, Sudan, increases to 87 people killed and 191 more wounded. (Al Jazeera)
The European Medicines Agency announces that blood clotting should be listed as a "very rare" side effect of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. It also insists that benefits of using the vaccine continue to outweigh the risks. (DW)
The G20 finance ministers and central bank governors agree to extend the debt moratorium period for the least developed countries until December. (CNA)
The Ministry of Health restricts the use of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine to people over 60 years old following a report of a "possible link" with very rare blood clotting. (AP)
The Verkhovna Rada votes to legalize the use of medical cannabis products. (Kyiv Post)
Turkey reports a record 54,740 new confirmed cases and 276 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. (Arab News)
War in Afghanistan, Afghanistan–Pakistan relations Pakistan's parliamentary delegation cancels a visit to Afghanistan after the Kabul International Airport was closed due to security reasons. (Dunya News)
Pakistan's parliamentary delegation cancels a visit to Afghanistan after the Kabul International Airport was closed due to security reasons. (Dunya News)
The Vincentian island of Saint Vincent declares a red alert and orders evacuations after seismologists warn of an imminent eruption of the La Soufrière volcano. (The Guardian)
2021 Myanmar protests Armed protesters and troops clash in the town of Taze in the Sagaing Region, leaving at least eleven people dead and around 20 others wounded. (Reuters) Burmese actor and prominent junta critic Paing Takhon is detained by the military in North Dagon Township, Yangon. (BBC News)
2021 Rock Hill shooting Phillip Adams, a former player with the National Football League, kills five people and injures a sixth person in a mass shooting at a home before committing suicide at his parents' home. (AP)
A 37-year-old man is arrested for allegedly planning a terrorist bombing against a Covid-19 vaccination site in Den Helder. (NLTimes) (Dutch News)
A bus loses control and runs off the road on the Interoceanic Highway in Puquio, Peru. The resulting crash kills at least nine people and injures another 20. (Xinhua)
A Pemex petrochemical manufacturing refinery in Minatitlán, Veracruz, Mexico, suffers a large explosion followed by a fire. No deaths are reported, but seven people, including five firefighters, are injured. (Oil Price)
An Egyptian court sentences former acting Muslim Brotherhood leader Mahmoud Ezzat to life imprisonment for murder and terror offences connected to 2013 clashes in Cairo. (The Times of Israel)
Argentina reports 23,683 new cases of COVID-19, a record for the third consecutive day. (TN)
Armed protesters and troops clash in the town of Taze in the Sagaing Region, leaving at least eleven people dead and around 20 others wounded. (Reuters)
Bangladesh reports a record 6,854 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 666,132. (The Financial Express)
Brazil reports a record 4,249 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide death toll to 345,025. (ANI News)
Burmese actor and prominent junta critic Paing Takhon is detained by the military in North Dagon Township, Yangon. (BBC News)
Canada receives its first shipment of vaccine doses from the COVAX initiative. (CBC)
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announces a lockdown in all urban areas across the state from 6:00 p.m. on Friday to 6:00 a.m. on Monday amidst an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. (Livemint)
COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina Argentina reports 23,683 new cases of COVID-19, a record for the third consecutive day. (TN)
COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh Bangladesh reports a record 6,854 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 666,132. (The Financial Express)
COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil Brazil reports a record 4,249 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide death toll to 345,025. (ANI News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 vaccination in Canada Canada receives its first shipment of vaccine doses from the COVAX initiative. (CBC)
COVID-19 pandemic in India COVID-19 pandemic in Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announces a lockdown in all urban areas across the state from 6:00 p.m. on Friday to 6:00 a.m. on Monday amidst an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. (Livemint) India reports a record 126,789 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 12,928,574. (The Times of India)
COVID-19 pandemic in Iran Iran reports 22,586 cases, a record for the third consecutive day. In the process, the country has surpassed two million cases of COVID-19. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announces a lockdown in all urban areas across the state from 6:00 p.m. on Friday to 6:00 a.m. on Monday amidst an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. (Livemint)
COVID-19 pandemic in Netherlands The Netherlands officially suspends the use of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine by people under 60 years old due to concerns over reports of severe blood clotting. (NL Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Nicaragua Nicaragua says that they have slowly started vaccinations for people over 60 using an AstraZeneca vaccine that was made in India. (The Independent)
COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 vaccination in Canada Canada receives its first shipment of vaccine doses from the COVAX initiative. (CBC) COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Oklahoma Oklahoma surpasses 8,000 deaths from COVID-19. (KFOR-TV) COVID-19 pandemic in Nicaragua Nicaragua says that they have slowly started vaccinations for people over 60 using an AstraZeneca vaccine that was made in India. (The Independent)
COVID-19 pandemic in Oklahoma Oklahoma surpasses 8,000 deaths from COVID-19. (KFOR-TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in Poland Poland reports a record 954 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, which also includes the total number of deaths from Good Friday until Easter Monday, thereby bringing the nationwide death toll to 56,659. (The First News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland Scotland surpasses 10,000 deaths from COVID-19. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in South America COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina Argentina reports 23,683 new cases of COVID-19, a record for the third consecutive day. (TN) COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil Brazil reports a record 4,249 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide death toll to 345,025. (ANI News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines The Food and Drug Administration suspends the use of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine by people under 60 years old following reports of a possible link with cases of blood clots. (ABS-CBN News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland Scotland surpasses 10,000 deaths from COVID-19. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Oklahoma Oklahoma surpasses 8,000 deaths from COVID-19. (KFOR-TV)
COVID-19 pandemic in Tunisia Tunisia approves the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. (Al Arabiya)
COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Turkey reports a record 54,941 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. (Reuters)
COVID-19 vaccination in Canada Canada receives its first shipment of vaccine doses from the COVAX initiative. (CBC)
Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announces the rediscovery of Aten, a 3,000-year-old "lost golden city", near Luxor. Unearthed by a team led by Zahi Hawass, the site is the largest city ever found in Egyptian history. (AFP via MSN)
