COVID-19 Cases Worldwide Halved in a Month Due to Vaccinations and Lockdowns

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Thanks to vaccination and lockdown policies, the number of new COVID-19 cases worldwide has decreased for five consecutive weeks.

According to major foreign media on the 16th (local time), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), stated, "The number dropped from 5 million cases in the second week of January to 2.6 million cases in the second week of February, about half," revealing this trend.

Despite the emergence of variant viruses with higher transmissibility than the original virus, WHO analyzed that simple public health policies such as vaccination are effective in combating COVID-19.

64% Decrease After Record High at the Beginning of the Year

The global daily number of confirmed cases peaked at 845,696 on the 8th of last month and then shifted to a downward trend. According to the international statistics site Worldometer, as of the 14th, the number stands at 304,469, a 64% decrease in one month.

The UK, which started vaccinations first, saw a decrease from 68,053 to 10,972 during this period; the United States, second in vaccinations, dropped from 314,972 to 68,569; and Israel, the third to start, decreased from 6,309 to 2,534.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Social Distancing Measures Gradually Eased... Returning to Normal Life?

Countries are easing quarantine measures such as social distancing as the number of confirmed cases decreases. The New York Times reported that Hong Kong will extend restaurant operating hours and increase capacity starting from the 17th. Sports stadiums, amusement parks, movie theaters, and hair salons will also reopen.

Bloomberg News reported that the UK will announce detailed easing policies on the 22nd. Prime Minister Boris Johnson prioritizes reopening schools on March 8. Restrictions on gatherings, shopping, commuting, and other daily activities will also be gradually relaxed.

Israel will allow those who have completed two vaccine doses or recovered from COVID-19 to use shopping malls, libraries, and museums starting from the 23rd. Lockdown measures implemented since December 27 last year will also be eased. Local media reported, "The government will make related announcements on the 20th."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.