COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines The Philippines reports a record 26,458 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 2,936,875. (ABS-CBN News)
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Australia surpasses 100,000 for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, with Victoria reporting a record 51,356 new cases in the past 24 hours after including rapid antigen tests as part of the total number of cases. (RNZ)
COVID-19 pandemic in Africa The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa surpasses 10 million. (Barron's)
COVID-19 pandemic in Australia COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales New South Wales reports a record 16 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the statewide death toll to 727. (ABC News Australia)
COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait Kuwait reports a record 2,999 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 433,919. (Kuwait News Agency)
COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China Tianjin begins city-wide COVID-19 testing for 14 million people after 20 children and adults tested positive for COVID-19, two of whom were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. (The Guardian)
COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales New South Wales reports a record 16 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the statewide death toll to 727. (ABC News Australia)
COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar Qatar reports a record 3,487 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 266,344. (Qatar Tribune)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines The Philippines reports a record for the second consecutive day of 28,707 new cases of COVID-19, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 2,965,447. (Rappler)
2022 East London floods Ten people are killed and hundreds more are left homeless due to floods in East London, South Africa, as poorly built homes are swept away, especially in Mdantsane just outside the city. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, COVID-19 vaccination in Indonesia The Indonesian Drug and Food Control Agency issues an emergency use authorization of five COVID-19 vaccines as booster dose, namely Pfizer–BioNTech, AstraZeneca, CoronaVac, and Zifivax's ZF2001 for one dose, and half dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. (Kompas)
COVID-19 pandemic in Italy Italy restricts the access of public transport, coffee shops, gyms, and many other activities to people who have been vaccinated or has been recovered from COVID-19 amid the surge of the COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant. (Sky News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal Nepal bans mass public gatherings of more than 25 people, closes schools until January 29 and mandates proof of vaccination in order to enter hotels, parks, restaurants, cinema halls, and public office beginning on January 21 due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales New South Wales reports a record for the second consecutive day of 18 deaths from COVID-19, thereby bringing the statewide death toll to 745. (The Guardian)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines The Philippines reports a record for the third consecutive day of 28,707 new cases of COVID-19, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 2,998,530. (ABS-CBN News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education Uganda reopens schools for the first time since March 2020 after a nearly two year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (The Independent)
Ten people are killed and hundreds more are left homeless due to floods in East London, South Africa, as poorly built homes are swept away, especially in Mdantsane just outside the city. (Reuters)
Uganda reopens schools for the first time since March 2020 after a nearly two year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (The Independent)
COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina Argentina reports a record 134,439 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 6,533,635. (Infobae)
COVID-19 pandemic in France France reports a record 368,149 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. (CNBC)
COVID-19 pandemic in Italy Italy reports a record 220,532 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 7.77 million. (Agenzia Italia)
COVID-19 pandemic in Poland Poland surpasses 100,000 deaths from COVID-19, becoming the 15th nation to do so. (The Independent)
COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia Patriarch Porfirije, the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church, tests positive for COVID-19. (Bloomberg)
COVID-19 pandemic in Slovenia Slovenia reports a record 5,164 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. (The Slovenia Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Turkey reports a record 74,266 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. (Anadolu Agency)
COVID-19 pandemic in Austria Austria reports a record 17,006 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 1,378,747. (Vienna.at)
COVID-19 pandemic in Bulgaria Bulgaria reports a record 7,062 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 794,240. (BTA)
COVID-19 pandemic in Europe COVID-19 pandemic in Austria Austria reports a record 17,006 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 1,378,747. (Vienna.at) COVID-19 pandemic in Bulgaria Bulgaria reports a record 7,062 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 794,240. (BTA) COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Germany reports a record 80,430 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 7,661,811. (Euronews)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Germany reports a record 80,430 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 7,661,811. (Euronews)
COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia reports a record 5,362 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 593,545. (Al Arabiya English)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, COVID-19 vaccination in South Korea South Korea authorizes the use of the protein-based Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for adults, making it the fifth vaccine to be approved for use in the country. (The Washington Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Senegal Senegal authorizes the use of COVID-19 vaccines for children over the age of 12 years and also authorizes the use of booster doses for adults. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Tunisia Tunisia reimposes a nighttime curfew between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the next two weeks and also orders the suspension of all public gatherings due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country. (France 24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Finland Finland reduces the quarantine period for positive COVID-19 patients to five days because the duration of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant's virus cycle is shorter than other variants. (Yle News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany COVID-19 vaccination in Germany The Standing Committee on Vaccination recommends that children between the ages of 12 and 17 years should receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least three months after having received their second dose, becoming one of the first countries to authorize booster doses for this age group. (Deutsche Welle) Germany reports a record for the second consecutive day of 81,417 new cases of COVID-19. (Anadolu Agency)
COVID-19 pandemic in Senegal Senegal authorizes the use of COVID-19 vaccines for children over the age of 12 years and also authorizes the use of booster doses for adults. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, COVID-19 drug development South Korea receives their first shipment of Pfizer's Paxlovid anti-COVID-19 oral drug. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden Sweden reports a record 25,215 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. (U.S. News & World Report)
COVID-19 pandemic in Tunisia Tunisia reimposes a nighttime curfew between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the next two weeks and also orders the suspension of all public gatherings due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country. (France 24)
The Philippines reports a record of 34,021 new cases of COVID-19, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 3,092,409. This is the highest reported number of cases in a day since the start of the pandemic. (GMA News)
A magnitude 6.6 earthquake is felt in Java and neighbouring islands in Indonesia. (Antara News) (CNA)
Earthquakes in Indonesia A magnitude 6.6 earthquake is felt in Java and neighbouring islands in Indonesia. (Antara News) (CNA)
The earthquake hit 52 kilometres (32 miles) of a depth of 10 kilometres. There was no immediate reports of casualties though.
COVID-19 pandemic in Bhutan Bhutan reports its first 14 cases of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in people who travelled abroad. (The Economic Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Germany reports a record for the third consecutive day of 92,223 new cases of COVID-19. (Anadolu Agency)
COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico, COVID-19 drug development Mexican health regulator COFEPRIS approves the emergency use of Pfizer's anti-COVID-19 oral drug Paxlovid. (The Hindu)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines Travel during the COVID-19 pandemic The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases issues a resolution stating that all foreign nationals entering the Philippines must present proof of full vaccination. (Philippine Daily Inquirer) The Philippines reports a record for the second consecutive day of 37,207 new cases of COVID-19, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 3,129,512. (Rappler)
Mexican health regulator COFEPRIS approves the emergency use of Pfizer's anti-COVID-19 oral drug Paxlovid. (The Hindu)
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases issues a resolution stating that all foreign nationals entering the Philippines must present proof of full vaccination. (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Travel during the COVID-19 pandemic The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases issues a resolution stating that all foreign nationals entering the Philippines must present proof of full vaccination. (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Iran Iran reports its first three confirmed deaths related to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in people from the cities of Tabriz, Yazd and Shahrekord. (CNA) COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines The Philippines reports a record for the third consecutive day of 39,004 new cases of COVID-19, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 3,168,379. (Rappler)
COVID-19 pandemic in France, COVID-19 vaccination in France France restricts the validity of health pass for fully vaccinated people to seven months after received their second dose and require them to receive booster dose. (Deutsche Welle)
COVID-19 pandemic in Iran Iran reports its first three confirmed deaths related to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in people from the cities of Tabriz, Yazd and Shahrekord. (CNA)
France restricts the validity of health pass for fully vaccinated people to seven months after received their second dose and require them to receive booster dose. (Deutsche Welle)
COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark Denmark reopens cinemas, zoos, museums and theatres as well as allowing limited number of spectators in indoor and outdoor sports despite the rising number of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant cases in the country. (AP) COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand Thailand reports its first confirmed death related to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in a 86-year-old woman who died last month in Songkhla Province. (Bangkok Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark Denmark reopens cinemas, zoos, museums and theatres as well as allowing limited number of spectators in indoor and outdoor sports despite the rising number of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant cases in the country. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand Thailand reports its first confirmed death related to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in a 86-year-old woman who died last month in Songkhla Province. (Bangkok Post)
2022 Afghanistan earthquake At least 26 people are killed by a magnitude 5.3 earthquake in Qadis, Badghis Province. (France 24)
At least 26 people are killed by a magnitude 5.3 earthquake in Qadis, Badghis Province. (France 24)
COVID-19 drug development Health Canada approves the use of Pfizer's anti-COVID-19 viral drug Paxlovid for people over the age of 18 years who are at risk of severe disease and death. (CBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark Denmark reports a record 28,780 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours as the country eases many of its pandemic restrictions. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Greece, COVID-19 vaccination in Greece Greece begins to introduce monthly fines for people over the age of 60 who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 amid an increase in the number of new cases in the country. The monthly fine will initially be €50 this month and will be €100 per month thereafter. (NPR)
COVID-19 pandemic in Metro Manila The Philippines begins to ban people who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 from riding public transport and entering commercial planes despite protests from labour and human rights groups. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands The Netherlands reports a record 42,472 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours. (NL Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, COVID-19 vaccination in the Philippines COVID-19 pandemic in Metro Manila The Philippines begins to ban people who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 from riding public transport and entering commercial planes despite protests from labour and human rights groups. (Al Jazeera)
Denmark reports a record 28,780 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours as the country eases many of its pandemic restrictions. (Reuters)
Health Canada approves the use of Pfizer's anti-COVID-19 viral drug Paxlovid for people over the age of 18 years who are at risk of severe disease and death. (CBC News)
2022 Antananarivo floods At least ten people are killed by floods in Antananarivo, Madagascar. (Africanews)
At least ten people are killed by floods in Antananarivo, Madagascar. (Africanews)
COVID-19 pandemic in Australia Australia reports a record 77 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. (SBS News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil Brazil reports a record 137,102 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 23,211,894. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Bulgaria Bulgaria reports a record 9,996 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 830,604. (Bulgarian Press Agency)
COVID-19 pandemic in France France reports a record 464,769 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours. (Anadolu Agency)
COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong Hong Kong orders the culling of 2,000 small animals, such as hamsters, chinchillas and rabbits, closes pet shops, and sends 100 people to a quarantine camp after nearly a dozen hamsters imported from the Netherlands and sold at Little Boss pet shop were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant which also spread to two people. (Bloomberg)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan Japan reports a record 32,197 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours. (The Mainichi)
COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal Nepal reports a record 10,258 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 972,198. (La Prensa Latina)
