Covid-19, or otherwise known as the coronavirus, has become an historic global phenomenon. Since its discovery in December 2019, it has quickly spread around the world. The ensuing lockdowns and restrictions put in place to combat the pandemic have quickly reshaped and changed the way we live our lives.
In this article, we will be looking at the latest news surrounding Covid-19, featuring the latest official updates, stories of people affected by the pandemic, and more. We will also be creating a timeline of key moments in the history of Covid, as well as offering practical advice for anyone living with the virus.
The Latest Covid-19 Developments
The range and speed of developments in relation to Covid-19 is dizzying and it can be hard to keep up with the latest headlines. To help, here is a quick overview of some of the biggest new stories from the past month.
In the US, the coronavirus took on an even more political tone with President Donald Trump testing positive for Covid-19. The announcement of Trump’s diagnosis had a global impact and was picked up by news networks worldwide.
In terms of the vaccine, there is still limited information available on when it will be produced and released to the public. However, the UK government was one of the first to make a deal with a pharmaceutical company to access early supplies of the approved vaccine.
Also in the UK, new restrictions were announced in September with a select of cities in the north placed in a ‘high alert’ status. The regulations were in response to rising Covid-19 cases in the areas with new regulations including the closure of pubs and restaurants.
Covid-19 Key Statistics
When the pandemic hit in March 2020, the numbers of Covid-19 cases around the world rose exponentially. However, despite a global lockdown, the virus seems to be far from under control as country figures show an increase in the spread of the virus.
At time of writing, the total number of cases worldwide is over 34 million, with over 1 million deaths.
The five countries with the highest number of Covid-19 cases are the USA, Brazil, India, Russia, and South Africa. The statistics also reveal a shocking disparity in the rates of confirmed cases in different continents. Over 80% of total cases are concentrated in 3 continents, namely Asia, Europe and North America.
The Impact of Covid-19
The impact of the spread of Covid-19 has been felt in all corners of the world. Here we leave recount some of the most affecting stories from individuals around the world.
In Kenya, a healthcare worker was able to keep her job but lost 16 members of her family to Covid-19 in the space of 6 weeks. With no support from authorities, she was left to fend for herself and grieve for the loss of her loved ones.
In Brazil, the ABC Hospital in Sao Paulo has been overwhelmed with patients suffering from Covid-19. The extensive use of respirators has meant that family members can’t even visit the hospital due to the risk of the spread of the virus.
In the US, the Covid-19 pandemic has created a massive rift in its economy due to business closures and restrictions. This has left thousands of workers unemployed and without any financial support, risking destitution and severe hardship.
Creating a Timeline of Covid-19
It can be hard to keep track of the key dates in the history of Covid-19. To help, here is a timeline of the most important events from the past 8 months since the discovery of the virus.
December 2019 – the first reported case of a novel coronavirus emerges in Wuhan, China.
January 2020 – Chinese health officials report cases of pneumonia of unknown cause.
February 2020 – China’s National Health Commission confirms the first cases of human-to-human transmission of the virus.
March 2020 – World Health Organisation (WHO) declares Covid-19 a global pandemic.
April 2020 – US passes 1 million cases of Covid-19.
July 2020 – An effective Covid-19 vaccine could be ready by the end of the year, according to reports.
August 2020 – UK government announces new restrictions in areas with high infection rates.
September 2020 – President Donald Trump tests positive for Covid-19.
Tips for Living with Covid-19
Given the fact that the virus is still spreading, it’s important to take precautions to ensure everyone remains safe. Here is some advice for how to live with Covid-19, both at home and in the wider community.
At Home –
• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water.
• Ensure you’re keeping up to date with the latest government guidelines.
• Follow social distancing guidelines when you meet people from other households.
• Wear a face covering when you’re in public areas.
In the Community –
• Keep your distance from other people in busy or crowded places.
• If possible, book ahead when visiting places such as restaurants, bars or shops.
• Avoid places where there are large numbers of people gathering.
• Request that any delivery drivers wear a face covering.
Covid-19 has had an unimaginable impact on our lives, with daily news following the twists and turns of the virus’s spread. In this article, we have looked at the current statistics and developments, remembering the stories of those affected, and offering tips for how to live with the virus.
It has never been more important to remain up to date with the newest news stories, and act according to the official health advice. By following these guidelines and doing our part, we can all do our bit in fighting the spread of Covid-19.