Updated on 17 April 2020
The Situation:
As of Friday, 17 April, there are 2,188,194 confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide – just over 181,600 more cases than Wednesday. This data includes 147,384 deaths and 555,196 recoveries. A total of 185 countries are reporting confirmed cases.
Researchers suggest social distancing measures might be necessary into 2022 without an effective treatment or vaccine.
Globally, countries – and in the U.S. state governors – begin to outline plans to restart their economies.
Public health officials around the world say the only way to keep the death toll from growing quickly is to extend lockdowns.
Below is an example of the virus’ progression from inception to reported numbers:
The U.N. Secretary General: “the pandemic is the world’s biggest challenge since World War II” as a U.N. report estimates that 25 million jobs could be lost worldwide. Experts are saying the number of cases and deaths worldwide are “seriously under-counted” due to mild cases that are missed, lack of testing and governments underplaying the pandemic’s impact. Vaccine trials are under way in the U.S., Europe and China, but will take 12-18 months to be fully developed and released to the public
Europe
Spain’s death toll rose to 585 on Friday from 551 on Thursday. Far below the 900 average daily cases reported earlier in April – totaling more than 184,000 cases
Germany reported higher numbers of newly recovered patients than new cases every day this week. Health Minister Jens Spahn called the outbreak “controllable and manageable”.
London mayor calls on government to make face masks mandatory for people traveling around or shopping in the capital.
Eurasia
Russia reports new daily record with 4,069 new cases. Death toll also rose to 273 with 41 new deaths over past 24 hours.
Asia
The WHO warned that the pandemic is “far from over” in Asia.
China
o Government cracks down on hoarding of face masks and materials on the industrial level.
o Reports 26 new cases on Friday, 15 of which were imported.
o Wuhan death toll is revised (citing over-stressed hospital systems), rising nearly 50% adding 1,290 and bringing total to 3,869. Countrywide total now stands at 4,632. Also added 425 to total number of cases in Wuhan, now claiming 50,333.
Philippines has been experiencing steadily rising numbers of cases and now a reported outbreak at a severely over-crowded jail in Manila. 18 guards and inmates have tested positive and another 30 have symptoms. 5,878 total infections and 387 deaths.
South Korea reports only 22 new cases marking 5th day in a row its daily jump was in the 20s. No new cases were reported in Daegu, its hardest-hit city.
Singapore reports 728 new cases for a new daily record high for 2nd straight day in a row. Testing has increased in dormitories that house foreign workers who accounted for 90% of the new cases.
Japan:
o A 3rd cabinet official tests positive
o Government declared a nationwide state of emergency Thursday.
Indonesia reports 407 new cases as total approaches 6,000
In India, Americans and Europeans in India experiencing targeting as many Indians believe Westerners carry the virus. Reports of being evicted from hotels and apartments, being aggressively questioned and even not being allowed to shop in grocery stores.
Middle East
Israel begins mapping out plans to return to normal life shortly after about 1,000 people protest against Mr. Netanyahu in Tel Aviv Thursday night. At the same time Muslim officials say that the Al-Aqsa mosque will remain closed through Ramadan, which is to begin 23 April.
Saudi Arabia’s highest religious authority in the country, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al al-Sheikh, says that Muslim prayers during Ramadan and also Eid al-Fitr feast should be performed at home if coronavirus outbreak continues.
3 March: WHO’s regional director for the eastern Mediterranean calls for countries in the region to “be more aggressive” in testing and tracing efforts
Oceania
Australia hints at possibility of some restrictive measures remaining in place until a vaccine is successfully produced.
Africa
17 April: WHO Africa – a tentative projection shows that cases in Africa could hit as many as 10 million in 3-6 months.
10 March: The WHO says some African countries could peak in next couple weeks, observing that numbers have doubled over past 4 days with concerns over lack of testing.
More than half of Africa’s 54 countries have implemented lockdowns, travel ban, curfews or other restrictive measures in efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus. Leaders warn that the continent faces economic collapse if financial assistance isn’t provided to the millions that are out of work.
There has been an increase in reports of police and military abuses of civilians. A 13-year-old boy was shot and killed in the Mathare area of northeastern Nairobi, Kenya earlier this week. Other reports coming from Uganda and other countries as well.
South/Central America
Brazil’s president Bolsonaro fired the countries Health Minister Thursday over disagreements over lockdown measures. Former health minister, Mandetta, repeatedly called for strict social isolation measures to slow the spread. Bolsonaro continues to downplay the pandemic. Total number of cases currently just under 31,000.
Canada
Canada says border restrictions with U.S. will remain in place for some time as both countries battle the virus.
U.S.
U.S. cases rose to 672,293 confirmed cases, 33,325 total deaths and 56,243 recovered.
On April 16, Trump’s guidelines for moving out of stay-at-home restrictions suggests that states start reopening businesses, restaurants and others by 1 May or earlier as governors deem appropriate for their state.
On April 14, President Trump announced a temporary halt in funding to the World Health Organization until a review can be conducted on the WHO’s initial handling of COVID-19 in China.
Federal stay-at-home measures and social distancing guidelines were extended through 30 April.
Dr. Fauci says it would “not be surprising” to see 100,000 deaths in U.S. from the coronavirus. Compared to the 2017-2018 flu season, which killed 60,000 in the U.S., stating that this virus is “clearly worse”. High end projections put number of U.S. deaths at around 200,000.
Please note changes to the following chart: Numbers in ( ) reflect ranking of country in the previous report on 15 April for comparison. New countries to reach the top 25 and data are in red. New numbers are in red and numbers from last report are in black.
Other significant factors for consideration:
Experts estimated the actual number of cases could be much higher than what is being officially recorded and reported. If that is true, the mortality rate could be much lower.
Men were also disproportionately affected during MERS and SARS outbreaks.
Women, in general, have a stronger immune response than men.
China accounts for nearly a third of the world’s smokers with more than half of the men smoking compared to just over 2% of China’s women smoking.
Travel Effects:
Many countries have urged citizens to reconsider travel or avoid nonessential travel to China and avoid all travel to Hubei.
Airlines around the world suspended services to all or some of China and other hot spots around the globe.
Several countries banned foreigners who recently traveled to China and/or are Chinese passport holders and increased health screening measure at ports of entry
Specialized quarantines based on needs per country.
Travel Ban on Europe – to take affect Friday, March 13 at midnight, no travel from Schengen Area countries.
o From DHS: These countries, known as the Schengen Area, include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. This does not apply to legal permanent residents, (generally) immediate family members of U.S. citizens, and other individuals who are identified in the proclamation. LINK
Updated 19 March - Department of State – Global Level 4 Health Advisory – Do Not Travel
o The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.
* In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.
* U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice.
* Airlines have cancelled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.
o On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure of U.S. personnel and family members from any diplomatic or consular post in the world who have determined they are at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19 or who have requested departure based on a commensurate justification. These departures may limit the ability of U.S. Embassies and consulates to provide services to U.S. citizens.
Department of State – Information for Travelers - LINK
o Includes advise for U.S. citizens that are currently abroad with specific information for those in China, Europe and on cruise ships.
o Covid-19 virus related emergency numbers:
* From U.S. or Canada: 1-888-407-4747
* From Overseas: +1 202-501-4444
* Enroll in STEP - LINK
Current CDC Travel Alerts for Covid-19:
o Level 3 – Avoid all nonessential travel – Global COVID-19 Pandemic Notice – Widespread Ongoing Transmission - LINK
o See LINK for all current travel alerts by country
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
Officials say the respiratory disease, is capable of spreading through human-to-human contact, droplets carried through sneezing and coughing, and germs left on inanimate objects. The virus might spread during the incubation period – which is believed to be from 1 to 14 days. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
High fever
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Cough (usually dry) and/or sore throat
Fatigue
Muscle aches
Diarrhea, nausea, and/or vomiting
Loss of smell and/or taste (uncommon)
Confusion, stroke-like symptoms, and/or seizures (rare)
Pneumonia (secondary infection)
Mitigating Measures to Apply:
Monitor local authorities for updates
Avoid travel to or through China (including layovers) and specifically through Wuhan and Hubei province, Northern Italy, South Korea, certain areas in the United States and other notable hotspots where transmission is high or on the rise across the globe.
Avoid non-essential travel to areas where the infection is known or spreading rapidly
Travelers who return from infected areas should self-quarantine
Practice social distancing at the workplace and in public spaces
Consider work from home arrangements for employees in locations where the virus is spreading or if employees must transit through those areas
Employees who feel ill or who have flu-like, respiratory or other symptoms should consider self-quarantine and or stay at home instead of attending office or other functions
Weigh the risks of conducting large scale gatherings where the virus is located and the potential for attendees to transit through higher risk areas
Large scale gatherings should be avoided
Avoid contact with animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat)
Wash hands frequently with soap and water; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water isn’t available
Older travelers and those with underlying health issues may be at higher risk and should speak to their healthcare provider before travel
Avoid exposure to those presenting the above symptoms
Avoid populated areas and gatherings if you feel ill (if at all possible)
Allow extra time for temperature screening at airports worldwide
Enroll in a Safe Traveler Program to receive warnings from your preferred embassy
Seek medical care immediately if you experience symptoms and have recently traveled to the infected areas; notify your healthcare provider of your recent travel
Confirm travel schedule is not impacted by the coronavirus (including quarantines, which may be individually-imposed, visit/visa restrictions, entry/exit requirements and restrictions, etc.)
Ensure the validity of all visas prior to travel as this could be subject to restrictions and changes
Affected Travelers and others:
All travelers have the potential for exposure
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS™ gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS™ (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.
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