A viaduct collapses in the Tezonco–Olivos elevated interstation of Line 12 of the Mexico City Metro. At least 23 people are killed and at least 70 others injured a train subsequently fell onto the road below. (BBC News)
Algeria reports its first six cases of the Lineage B.1.617 variant, first discovered in India, in people from the coastal province of Tipaza. (Al-Arabiya English)
At least 26 people are killed when a speedboat collides with a vessel transporting sand on the Padma River in Bangladesh. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in Algeria, Lineage B.1.617 Algeria reports its first six cases of the Lineage B.1.617 variant, first discovered in India, in people from the coastal province of Tipaza. (Al-Arabiya English)
COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announces that Connecticut has fully vaccinated 50% of its adult population, thereby making it the first state to do so. (Connecticut Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark Denmark becomes the first country to exclude the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine from its vaccination programme over a potential link to a rare but serious form of thrombosis. (The Copenhagen Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Florida Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announces that, on July 1, the state will suspend all local COVID-19 emergency measures. (CBS News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Haryana, COVID-19 lockdown in India Haryana imposes a seven-day complete lockdown due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases across the state. (The Hindu)
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, Variants of SARS-CoV-2 Indonesia reports its first two cases of the Lineage B.1.617 variant, first discovered in India, in two people from Jakarta. The country also reports its first case of the Lineage B.1.351 variant, first discovered in South Africa, in a person from Bali. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco, Lineage B.1.617 Morocco reports its first cases of the Lineage B.1.617 variant, which was first discovered in India, in two people from Casablanca. (Morocco World News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Telangana, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on animals Eight Asiatic lions in Hyderabad Zoo test positive for COVID-19, the first such case in India. (Times of India)
COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand Thailand reports a record 31 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide death toll to 276. (Bangkok Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announces that Connecticut has fully vaccinated 50% of its adult population, thereby making it the first state to do so. (Connecticut Post) COVID-19 pandemic in Florida Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announces that, on July 1, the state will suspend all local COVID-19 emergency measures. (CBS News)
Denmark becomes the first country to exclude the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine from its vaccination programme over a potential link to a rare but serious form of thrombosis. (The Copenhagen Post)
Eight Asiatic lions in Hyderabad Zoo test positive for COVID-19, the first such case in India. (Times of India)
German police say that they have dismantled one of the world's largest child pornography networks on the dark web, with over 400,000 registered users. Four people have been detained in raids, including a man from Paraguay, on suspicion of running the network. Europol also says that several paedophile chat sites were taken down in the German-led intelligence operation. (BBC News)
Governor Ned Lamont announces that Connecticut has fully vaccinated 50% of its adult population, thereby making it the first state to do so. (Connecticut Post)
Haryana imposes a seven-day complete lockdown due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases across the state. (The Hindu)
Indonesia reports its first two cases of the Lineage B.1.617 variant, first discovered in India, in two people from Jakarta. The country also reports its first case of the Lineage B.1.351 variant, first discovered in South Africa, in a person from Bali. (Reuters)
Mexico City Metro overpass collapse A viaduct collapses in the Tezonco–Olivos elevated interstation of Line 12 of the Mexico City Metro. At least 23 people are killed and at least 70 others injured a train subsequently fell onto the road below. (BBC News)
Morocco reports its first cases of the Lineage B.1.617 variant, which was first discovered in India, in two people from Casablanca. (Morocco World News)
Sixteen Nigerien soldiers are killed and six others wounded when their patrol is ambushed in Tahoua. (Al Jazeera)
Thailand reports a record 31 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide death toll to 276. (Bangkok Post)
2021 Madrilenian regional election The Assembly of Madrid holds a snap election after the ruling coalition of the People's Party and Ciudadanos breaks down. The People's Party, led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, receives a landslide win in the election, doubling their number of seats, though falling four seats short of an absolute majority. (The Guardian) (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta The Alberta government introduces tougher public health restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, including moving all kindergarten to Grade 12 students to online learning, closing restaurants and bars to in-person dining, closing down personal care services such as hair salons, limiting outdoor gatherings to five people, and increasing fines for those violating public health measures. (CBC)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta The Alberta government introduces tougher public health restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, including moving all kindergarten to Grade 12 students to online learning, closing restaurants and bars to in-person dining, closing down personal care services such as hair salons, limiting outdoor gatherings to five people, and increasing fines for those violating public health measures. (CBC)
Saudades massacre Three children and two staff members are killed during a mass stabbing at a nursery school in Saudades, Brazil. Another child is wounded. The attacker then stabs himself and is currently in critical condition. (BBC News)
The Alberta government introduces tougher public health restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, including moving all kindergarten to Grade 12 students to online learning, closing restaurants and bars to in-person dining, closing down personal care services such as hair salons, limiting outdoor gatherings to five people, and increasing fines for those violating public health measures. (CBC)
The Assembly of Madrid holds a snap election after the ruling coalition of the People's Party and Ciudadanos breaks down. The People's Party, led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, receives a landslide win in the election, doubling their number of seats, though falling four seats short of an absolute majority. (The Guardian) (BBC News)
Three children and two staff members are killed during a mass stabbing at a nursery school in Saudades, Brazil. Another child is wounded. The attacker then stabs himself and is currently in critical condition. (BBC News)
War in Afghanistan 2021 withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan Afghan security forces fight a huge offensive by the Taliban in Helmand as the United States begins to withdraw troops from the country before the final deadline of September 11. (Reuters)
2021 Colombian protests The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights condemns the excessive use of force by Colombian security forces during the ongoing protests that have killed at least 19 civilians. (Al Jazeera) The European Union calls for Colombia's security forces to avoid excessive force amidst the ongoing protests. (Reuters)
2021 Indian Premier League, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cricket The Board of Control for Cricket in India halts the 2021 season of the Indian Premier League indefinitely following the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country, which several players tested positive. (The Guardian)
2021 Myanmar protests Yuki Kitazumi becomes the first foreign journalist known to be charged since the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état, after being accused of spreading fake news. (BBC News)
Authorities impose a lockdown on the island of Kalymnos beginning tomorrow until May 10 for urgent reasons to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Reuters)
Cambodia reports a record 938 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 16,299. (Khmer Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Cambodia Cambodia reports a record 938 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 16,299. (Khmer Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Greece Authorities impose a lockdown on the island of Kalymnos beginning tomorrow until May 10 for urgent reasons to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in India India surpasses 20 million cases of COVID-19, becoming the second country to do so after the United States. (ABC Australia)
COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan Michigan relaxes several restrictions regarding face mask requirements and outdoor gatherings. (MLive.com)
COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore Singapore announces that social gatherings will be reduced to five people per group, and workplace capacity will be reduced to 50% from May 8 to May 30 as part of measures to reduce the community spread of COVID-19. In addition, indoor gyms and fitness centers will be closed because they are considered "high-risk settings". (The Straits Times)
French maritime minister Annick Girardin says that France is prepared to impose "retaliation measures" against the United Kingdom over its new guidelines on requiring French fishing vessels to obtain permits to sail by the Channel Islands. (S&P Global)
Michigan relaxes several restrictions regarding face mask requirements and outdoor gatherings. (MLive.com)
Post-Brexit United Kingdom relations with the European Union French maritime minister Annick Girardin says that France is prepared to impose "retaliation measures" against the United Kingdom over its new guidelines on requiring French fishing vessels to obtain permits to sail by the Channel Islands. (S&P Global)
Singapore announces that social gatherings will be reduced to five people per group, and workplace capacity will be reduced to 50% from May 8 to May 30 as part of measures to reduce the community spread of COVID-19. In addition, indoor gyms and fitness centers will be closed because they are considered "high-risk settings". (The Straits Times)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India halts the 2021 season of the Indian Premier League indefinitely following the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country, which several players tested positive. (The Guardian)
The European Union calls for Colombia's security forces to avoid excessive force amidst the ongoing protests. (Reuters)
The first secretary at the Swiss embassy in Tehran, Iran, is found dead after accidentally falling from the tower where she lived. (BBC News)
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights condemns the excessive use of force by Colombian security forces during the ongoing protests that have killed at least 19 civilians. (Al Jazeera)
Yuki Kitazumi becomes the first foreign journalist known to be charged since the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état, after being accused of spreading fake news. (BBC News)
2019–2021 Israeli political crisis Israeli President Reuven Rivlin taps Yair Lapid, leader of the oppositional centrist party Yesh Atid, to form a new government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to form one yesterday. (Al Jazeera)
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin taps Yair Lapid, leader of the oppositional centrist party Yesh Atid, to form a new government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to form one yesterday. (Al Jazeera)
2021 Colombian protests Watchdog organization NetBlocks reports Internet connection disruptions in Cali, Colombia, amidst the ongoing anti-government protests. (Newsweek)
Israel's role in the Syrian civil war Israel launches missiles at Masyaf, Syria, killing one person and injuring six others. Several more missiles are intercepted, including one which reached the port city of Latakia. (Al Jazeera) (AP)
Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov signs a decree approving the new constitution, which was approved following a referendum on April 11. (TASS)
Syrian civil war Israel's role in the Syrian civil war Israel launches missiles at Masyaf, Syria, killing one person and injuring six others. Several more missiles are intercepted, including one which reached the port city of Latakia. (Al Jazeera) (AP)
Watchdog organization NetBlocks reports Internet connection disruptions in Cali, Colombia, amidst the ongoing anti-government protests. (Newsweek)
Argentina reports a record of 663 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the national death toll to 65,865. (China Daily)
COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina Argentina reports a record of 663 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the national death toll to 65,865. (China Daily)
COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 vaccination in Canada Health Canada approves the use of the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine for children ages 12 to 15, becoming the first country to approve the vaccine for use in younger age groups. (CTV News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announces that the Eid Al-Fitr holiday will begin from May 12 until May 16, which means that all gardens, parks, public buses, and public beaches will be closed or will not operate during this period. In addition, all shops, shopping malls, restaurants, cafés, and cinemas will close at 9:00 p.m., and all gatherings at those venues will be banned for two weeks beginning tomorrow as part of measures meant to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Arab News)
COVID-19 pandemic in India India reports a record 3,780 deaths from COVID-19 during the past 24 hours and 382,315 new cases. The World Health Organization says that nearly half of the worldwide cases reported last week were from India. (CNA)
COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya, Lineage B.1.617 Kenya reports its first five cases of the Lineage B.1.617 variant in five Indians who are working at a fertiliser plant in Kisumu. (The Star Kenya)
COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announces that Kuala Lumpur will be placed under the movement control order from May 7 until May 20 due to the emergence of seventeen COVID-19 clusters over the past week. (Malay Mail)
COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand, variants of SARS-CoV-2 Thailand reports its first case of a SARS-CoV-2 variant that originated from Brazil in an overseas traveler who is currently in quarantine. (Yahoo! News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines COVID-19 vaccination in the Philippines The Philippines' Food and Drug Administration issues an emergency use authorization for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. (Rappler)
COVID-19 vaccination in Canada Health Canada approves the use of the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine for children ages 12 to 15, becoming the first country to approve the vaccine for use in younger age groups. (CTV News)
COVID-19 vaccination in the Philippines The Philippines' Food and Drug Administration issues an emergency use authorization for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. (Rappler)
COVID-19 vaccine The Biden administration announces that it will support waiving patent protections on existing COVID-19 vaccines so that other countries can produce generic variants, following weeks of pressure from the international community. (CNBC)
Health Canada approves the use of the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine for children ages 12 to 15, becoming the first country to approve the vaccine for use in younger age groups. (CTV News)
India reports a record 3,780 deaths from COVID-19 during the past 24 hours and 382,315 new cases. The World Health Organization says that nearly half of the worldwide cases reported last week were from India. (CNA)
Israel launches missiles at Masyaf, Syria, killing one person and injuring six others. Several more missiles are intercepted, including one which reached the port city of Latakia. (Al Jazeera) (AP)
Kenya reports its first five cases of the Lineage B.1.617 variant in five Indians who are working at a fertiliser plant in Kisumu. (The Star Kenya)
Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announces that Kuala Lumpur will be placed under the movement control order from May 7 until May 20 due to the emergence of seventeen COVID-19 clusters over the past week. (Malay Mail)
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announces that the Eid Al-Fitr holiday will begin from May 12 until May 16, which means that all gardens, parks, public buses, and public beaches will be closed or will not operate during this period. In addition, all shops, shopping malls, restaurants, cafés, and cinemas will close at 9:00 p.m., and all gatherings at those venues will be banned for two weeks beginning tomorrow as part of measures meant to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Arab News)
