Many US states have stronger variants than Delta, the world surpasses 5 million deaths from Covid-19
In the past 24 hours, the world has had nearly 340,000 new infections and 6,000 deaths from the pandemic.
According to the global statistics site Worldometers, as of 6:00 a.m. on November 3, the SARS-CoV-2 virus continued to rage in 221 countries and territories, infecting 248.1 million people and claiming the lives of nearly 5.03 million patients.
In terms of new infections, the US continues to lead the list, recording 42,800 more Covid-19 infections for a total of nearly 47 million cases. The number of deaths due toCovid-19in this country exceeded 768,500, an increase of 773 cases.
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| Delta's AY.4.2 "sub-series" has appeared in a number of countries, including the US. Photo: EPA |
8 US states record stronger variant than Delta
US officials say they are closely monitoring a 'Delta +' variant that has emerged in at least eight states.
Laboratory testing has shown at least one case of AY.4.2 in each of the following states: California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
According to experts, the AY.4.2 "sub-lineage" of Delta is 10-15% more transmissible than the original variant. However, there is no evidence so far that it causes more severe illness in patients. Authorities also confirmed that current vaccines still effectively prevent AY.4.2.
Russia suffers record death toll from Covid-19
Russia's coronavirus death toll jumped to a record 1,178, the highest in the world, on November 2. The surge in new cases has prompted Russian authorities to reimpose restrictions in several hotspots, with signs that a partial lockdown could be extended in some regions.
Russia is experiencing a fast-spreading fourth wave of Covid-19, largely because many people refuse to get vaccinated despite ample vaccine supplies. On November 1, President Vladimir Putin said Russia needs the military to help build field hospitals to treat Covid-19 patients.
"The situation in the country is very difficult. More than 40,000 cases per day are unprecedented. I ask you to continue supporting the civilian health system if necessary, possibly mobilizing military capabilities to build field hospitals," Putin said at a meeting with Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and senior military commanders.
Indonesia shortens entry quarantine period
The Indonesian government has decided to shorten the quarantine period for international visitors from 5 days to 3 days.
Indonesia is seeing many positive signs in its efforts to control Covid-19. The country's Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs Secretary Susiwijono Moegiarso said the new regulations apply to those who meet the conditions, including having received two doses of the vaccine, having a negative PCR test result before departure and during quarantine.
According to Mr. Susiwijono, the Indonesian Government will amend and issue regulations related to the new quarantine policy for international tourists so that it can be implemented immediately.
Meanwhile, domestic travelers can use antigen test results valid within 24 hours if they have received two doses of vaccine or PCR test results valid within 72 hours for those who have received only one dose.
To avoid being passive in case of a resurgence of the epidemic, Indonesia will continue to monitor and conduct weekly assessments of the implementation of restrictions on community activities to make appropriate adjustments to the situation.
