THE COVID-19 pandemic took a turn for the worse this week after five weeks of improvement, driven by an upsurge of cases in Asia.
Here is the state of play based on AFP's database:
- Eight percent rise -
The average number of global daily cases increased over the week by eight percent to 1.59 million, according to an AFP tally to Thursday.
That is, however, half the number in late January, when cases peaked at 3.37 million per day.
The confirmed cases only reflect a fraction of the actual number of infections, with varying counting practices and levels of testing in different countries.
- Asia, Oceania drive upsurge -
Asia and Oceania remain pandemic hotspots, with 27 percent and 20 percent more new cases respectively compared to the previous week.
There was also a slight uptick in Africa, which saw a three percent rise, and in Europe where the number of cases increased by one percent.
The situation, however, continued to improve in the United States-Canada zone which recorded a 30 percent drop, in the Middle East (down 27 percent), and the Latin America-Caribbean zone (down 12 percent).
- Main spikes -
The Netherlands recorded the biggest increase in new cases this week, with an 80 percent spike.
Vietnam followed with 63 percent more, South Korea (55 percent more), Portugal (up 35 percent) and Ecuador (up 28 percent).
- South Korea has most cases -
South Korea again recorded the biggest number of new cases this week, with an average of 264,000 per day, an increase of 55 percent.
It also recorded the highest rate on a per capita basis, with 3,605 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Vietnam, with 196,400 daily cases, saw an increase of 63 percent, while Germany came third with 177,200 cases, an increase of 15 percent.
Cases rocketed by 80 percent in the Netherlands to an average of 62,800 a day.
By head of the population, South Korea was followed by Hong Kong with 3,002 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and New Zealand with 2,934.
- Main drops -
The main falls were in Georgia, where the number of new cases decreased 64 percent. Belarus followed with 56 percent fewer cases and Turkey (down 44 percent), Lebanon (down 43 percent) and Norway (down 41 percent).
- Deaths continue to decline -
The number of COVID-linked deaths continues to decline around the world, shrinking 12 percent to an average of 6,700 per day.
The US again mourned the most deaths, with an average of 1,165 a day, followed by Russia (700) and Brazil (501).
Hong Kong reported by far the highest death rate in proportion to population (23.8 per 100,000 inhabitants), followed at a distance by Lithuania (6.0) and Denmark (5.5).
ETX Studio
Sat Mar 12 2022
The number of COVID-linked deaths continues to decline around the world, shrinking 12 per cent to an average of 6,700 per day. - ETX Studio
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.