THE COVID-19 pandemic continued its retreat around the world this week, but infections were still raging in hotspots in Asia and Oceania, led by Hong Kong and New Zealand.
Here is the state of play based on AFP's database:
- 12 per cent fall -
The average number of global daily cases dropped for the fifth week in a row, shrinking by 12 per cent to 1.47 million, according to an AFP tally to Thursday.
Daily infections have fallen by half since peaking at 3.37 million in late January with the highly contagious Omicron variant.
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 buck improvement -
This week, Asia and Oceania bucked a global improvement, seeing the number of cases spike by 25 per cent and 72 per cent respectively compared to the previous week.
The situation markedly improved in all other regions of the world, with 45 per cent less cases in the Middle East, 40 per cent less in the Latin America-Caribbean zone, 34 per cent less in Africa, 23 per cent less in the United States-Canada zone and 22 per cent less in Europe.
- Main spikes -
New Zealand recorded the biggest increase in new cases, with an almost seven-fold spike (590 per cent).
Hong Kong was hot on its heels with 403 per cent more cases. Then came Vietnam with 119 per cent more, South Korea 40 per cent more and Thailand 19 per cent more.
- Main drops -
The main drops came in Central Asia and the Caucasus, led by Azerbaijan where cases plummeted by 63 per cent. In neighbouring Armenia, cases dropped by three fifths and by 52 per cent in Georgia. In Panama, the number of cases dropped by 51 per cent and in Israel by half.
- South Korea has most cases -
South Korea overtook Germany, to record the most new cases this week, with 170,300 per day, an increase of two fifths.
Germany, with 153,700, or seven percent less cases, stood in second place.
Vietnam came in third place with 120,600, an increase of 119 per cent.
On a per capita basis, the place with the most new cases over the week was Hong Kong, with 3,555 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Latvia followed, with 3,081 and New Zealand with 2,550.
- Deaths -
The number of Covid-linked deaths continued to fall, by 19 per cent this week to 7,596 per day.
The US again mourned the most deaths, with an average of 1,644 per day, followed by Russia with 776 and Brazil 455.
The countries reporting the highest death rates in proportion to their population were Hong Kong with 12.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Latvia (6.6) and Georgia (6.3).
ETX Studio
Sat Mar 05 2022
A child (C) undergoes a nucleic acid test for the COVID-19 coronavirus in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province. - 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.