New Delhi: The novel coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate countries across the world — the latest count being over 13 crore cases and more than 28 lakh deaths.
About 2,000 Belgians attended a ‘fake’ concert and clashed with the police on April Fools’ Day, while India’s neighbours are contemplating lockdowns as cases spike.
ThePrint brings you the most important global stories on the coronavirus pandemic to keep you updated.
Police clash with lockdown protesters at Belgium April Fools’ concert
Police clashed with about 2,000 Belgians who were gathered in Brussels’ Bois de la Cambre park, in defiance of the country’s Covid-19 measures, reports BBC. The organisers of the concert posted the announcement on social media as an 1 April joke.
Anti-lockdown protesters gathered for a ‘fake’ April Fool’s Day concert, nevertheless, which was dubbed ‘La Boum’ and was organised in March. The fake party promised live performances by many famous DJs including recently broken up Daft Punk and Calvin Harris.
When the police arrived — some on horseback — some in the crowd shouted “freedom”, and threw projectiles at them.
Belgium has reported 8,87,920 coronavirus cases and 23,045 deaths so far.
Also read: Canada suspends use of AstraZeneca Covid vaccine for those under 55 amid blood clot concerns
30 blood clot cases found in UK after AstraZeneca jab
British regulators have discovered 30 cases of rare blood clotting in people who were administered the AstraZeneca vaccine, reports Deutsche Welle.
Last month, the United Kingdom had registered five cases of rare brain blood clot in five cases out of the 11 million vaccines delivered. The number has now risen to 22 cases of reported cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and eight cases of blood clotting associated with low platelet count.
However, officials believe the benefits of vaccines far outweigh the risk of blood clots.
The United Kingdom has reported 43,50,266 coronavirus cases and 1,26,764 deaths so far.
Record high daily cases reported in Bangladesh
With 6,469 new coronavirus cases and 59 reported Thursday, Bangladesh is reporting a record-high number of daily Covid cases and has moved to ban flights from several countries to fight the surge, reports Al Jazeera.
In the wake of the surge, Bangladesh has imposed fresh restrictions in the country including a ban on public gatherings in areas with high infection rates and limiting public transport occupancy to 50 per cent.
The country’s election commission has also postponed elections for some union councils and municipalities which were scheduled for 11 April.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Thursday said in Parliament the country might have to impose a partial lockdown again.
Bangladesh has reported 6,17,764 coronavirus cases and 9,105 deaths so far.
Also read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan flouts Covid protocols, holds in-person meeting while infected
Sindh set for complete lockdown, Islamabad hospitals at maximum capacity
Murad Ali Shah, the Chief Minister of Pakistani province Sindh, said the province could impose a full lockdown as cases spike in the country, reports Gulf News.
Shah said Pakistan was saved from a devastating first wave of Covid-19 because it shut down domestic travel through planes and trains. Shah is also considering imposing a ban on inter-city travel.
Pakistan Thursday reported an all-time high number of positive cases in a single-day at 4,974 fresh cases. This is the highest number in the current year. Amid the spike, Islamabad has reported that hospitals have already reached their maximum capacity.
Pakistan has reported 6,78,165 coronavirus cases and 14,613 deaths so far.
What else we’re reading:
Why Thailand’s 10-day coronavirus quarantine rule is sparking hope for tourism: South China Morning Post
‘Catastrophic’: Africa CDC issues warning over India shot delays: Al Jazeera