New Delhi: The novel coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate countries across the world — the latest count being over 29.4 lakh cases and more than 9.3 lakh deaths.
Deaths in Brazil’s transplant waitlist grew by 44 per cent while retail sales in China grew first time in 2020. Also, why African countries were ‘unprepared’ for lockdown.
ThePrint brings you the most important global stories on the coronavirus pandemic and why they matter.
Deaths in Brazil’s transplant waitlist grow by 44% in pandemic
Brazil performed less than half of organ and tissue transplants in early 2020 as compared to 2019. There was a 61 per cent decrease in procedures and the number of deaths among patients registered in the waiting list increased by 44.5 per cent, reports Folha De S. Paulo.
“When comparing the first half of 2020 and that of 2019, the decrease in total transplants was 32%, and the increase in deaths was 34%. If the country continues at this pace, the year could bring a 20.5% drop in procedures, a mark of nine years ago,” says the report.
Brazil has recorded 43,49,544 cases of Covid-19 and 1,32,117 deaths.
Retail sales in China grow for first time this year
As of August, industry, retail and investment in Chinese economy showed market improvements, reports the South China Morning Post.
“Retail sales, a vital metric of consumption in the world’s biggest market, grew by 0.5 per cent compared to the same month last year, up from minus 1.1 per cent in July and ahead of analysts’ expectations of 0.0 per cent growth. This marked the first growth in the retail sector this year, with January and February’s data having been combined to account for distortions relating to the pandemic,” says the report.
China has recorded 85,202 cases of Covid-19 and 4,634 deaths.
African countries were ‘unprepared’ for lockdown
A survey that measured the lockdown readiness of 34 African countries revealed that most of them had been ill-equipped, reports Quartz Africa.
“The [survey] measured readiness by identifying the number of people that are able to shelter indoors for extended periods by ascertaining three factors across households: the availability of key amenities (running water, working toilets, and electricity), the availability of media devices and phones to access information and maintain communications as well as ownership of savings accounts or rate of formal employment,” explains the report.
“On average, only 24% respondents across the 34 countries analysed met all three criteria. The report captures the lack of readiness in some of Africa’s largest economies in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, all scoring below 50%,” it notes.
Africa has reported 13,66,138 cases of Covid-19 and 32,849 deaths.
Also read: Covid virus developed in Wuhan lab, highly mutant — Hong Kong virologist says she has evidence
Denmark government to impose more Covid restrictions
In light of a spike in Covid-19 cases in Denmark, the government has suggested that citizens must prepare for more restrictions across the country, reports The Copenhagen Post.
“Last week, restrictions were introduced in Odense, Copenhagen and 16 other municipalities. They included the lowering of the number allowed to assemble to 50 and forcing bars and restaurants to close at midnight,” the report says.
Denmark has recorded 20,237 cases of Covid-19 and 633 deaths.
People residing in UK’s hotspots not able to get tested
People living in the UK’s top 10 worst-hit Covid-19 hotspots weren’t able to get tested as of Monday, reports The Guardian.
“Those trying to arrange a test in the areas with the highest infection rates were told that none were available at walk-in centres, drive-through facilities or for home delivery,” says the report.
The UK has reported 3,71,125 cases of Covid-19 and 41,637 deaths.
Sydney & Melbourne real estate face brunt of pandemic
The biggest property markets in Australia, Sydney and Melbourne, recorded prices falling more than 2 per cent over the June quarter, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.
“Nationally, residential prices saw a 1.8 per cent drop in the June quarter, but still increased 6.2 per cent in the year to June. All capital cities experienced annual increases except for Perth and Darwin, ABS head of prices statistics Andrew Tomadini said,” says the report.
Australia has recorded 26,739 Covid-19 cases and 816 deaths.
What else we are reading:
DA wants Thandi Modise to explain failure to establish Covid-19 grade committee: Sowetan Live
Restaurants keen to implement innovative coronavirus measures to make guests feel safe: The Copenhagen Post
Also read: Pakistan’s economy is beginning to show momentum as Covid cases taper off