19 May
Globally, the total confirmed cases of Covid-19 have reached over 164,284,000 with more than 3,406,000 deaths and 113,117,000 recoveries reported.
The US continues to hold the lead as the most heavily affected country worldwide, followed by India and Brazil.
In the US, states are setting criteria and dates to reopen.
In New York and New Jersey, most percentage-based capacity limits were lifted today; however, mask use indoors remains mandatory.
In California, mask use guidelines have been revised to align with CDC recommendations.
California expects to reopen on 15 June provided hospitalization rates decrease and there is a sufficient vaccine supply.
Several European countries are also reopening.
Poland has reopened bars and restaurants over the weekend after being shut down for several months.
In the UK, indoor dining has resumed and France is reopening theaters, museums, retail stores, and cinemas at limited capacity.
Italy’s health minister has said that current trends indicate the country can reopen gradually.
The night-time curfew in Italy has been moved from 10 pm to 11 pm.
Surveillance of the B.1.617 strain, first detected in India, will remain a priority to reopen Europe safely.
Cases of the B.1.617 variant have been reported in the UK, Italy, France, Belgium, and Germany.
Ana Fernandez Menjivar, MSc DLSHTM, Senior Epidemiologist at GlobalData