On January 3, 2021, countries worldwide tightened restrictions to combat a resurgent coronavirus, which claimed over 1.8 million lives since emerging in China in December 2019, per AFP’s tally. Experts predict a post-holiday spike in cases and deaths, prompting stricter rules from curfews to full lockdowns.
Europe’s Response and Vaccine Support
The European Union, led by Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, pledged to help drug companies boost COVID-19 vaccine production to address global shortages.
“The bottleneck lies in production capacity, not order volumes,” Kyriakides said, emphasizing gradual improvements. France extended curfews to 6 p.m. in 15 high-infection regions, sparing Paris, while theaters and cinemas remained closed.
France and Spain Crack Down on Gatherings
French police fined over 1,200 people at an illegal New Year’s rave near Rennes, citing a “high risk” of COVID-19 spread.
The event, lasting over two days, saw clashes with authorities. In Spain, police near Barcelona dispersed a 300-person party that ran for 40 hours, violating virus rules.
Tottenham soccer players Erik Lamela, Sergio Reguilon, and Giovani Lo Celso faced discipline for attending a large gathering.
Asia’s Struggles with Outbreaks
Thailand shut down Bangkok’s nightlife, banning alcohol sales in bars and restaurants and closing public schools for two weeks after a seafood market outbreak spread to 53 of 77 provinces. Tokyo’s governor urged Japan to declare a new state of emergency as cases hit record highs in a third wave.
US and Russia Face Vaccine Hurdles
The US, surpassing 20 million cases, struggled with a slow vaccine rollout, administering only 2.8 million doses against a 20 million goal. Russia vaccinated 800,000 people with Sputnik V, distributing 1.5 million doses, and avoided nationwide lockdowns to protect its economy.
India Prepares Massive Vaccination Drive
India conducted nationwide drills on January 2 to launch one of the world’s largest vaccination programs, with the AstraZeneca-Oxford shot nearing approval. The effort aims to counter rising cases and support global vaccine access.
Norway and Denmark Tackle New Variant
Norway mandated COVID-19 tests for arriving travelers starting January 2, requiring seven-day quarantines after detecting five cases of a contagious UK variant. Denmark reported 86 cases of the same variant, tightening restrictions to curb its spread.
Gibraltar and Greece Lock Down
Gibraltar entered a 14-day lockdown on January 2, with Chief Minister Fabian Picardo noting the virus’s rapid spread. Greece extended its two-month lockdown until January 10, reversing holiday relaxations. In Lebanon, hospitals are being overwhelmed by cases post-holidays, medics warned.
Australia’s Cultural Recovery
In Australia, the Sydney Opera House prepared to host its first opera crowd since March 2020, signaling cautious recovery amid strict virus controls. The event highlighted hope for cultural revival despite global challenges.
Global Outlook for 2021
With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) launch on January 1, 2021, Africa aims to boost economic resilience. However, the global race to vaccinate and control new variants remains critical as nations brace for ongoing pandemic challenges.
