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Increasing demand worldwide Oil price close to $ 100?

Status: 23.06.2021 3:10 p.m.

Oil is more expensive than it has been in two years. Experts warn of a supply crisis: The prices for crude oil and thus also gasoline, kerosene and heating oil could soon rise much higher.

From Angela Göpfert, tagesschau.de

Oil prices hit new multi-year highs this week. For the first time in two years, a barrel (159 liters) of the North Sea Brent cost more than $ 75 again. For a barrel of the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) variety, more than 73 dollars were paid on the market – the highest amount since October 2018. Rising oil prices – something that businesses and consumers may need to get used to. According to some experts, the new multi-year highs in oil prices, which many consumers are already feeling painfully at gas stations or when buying heating oil, are just the beginning of a longer upward trend in the oil market.

Analysts predict rising oil prices

The experts at the US investment bank Goldman Sachs expect the Brent price to rise to $ 80 this summer. But that is not the end of the story. An oil price of $ 100 is a “real possibility”. Alex Sanna, top oil trader at Glencore, the world’s largest commodity trading group, also said, according to the Financial Times, that an oil price of $ 100 is becoming increasingly likely.

The experts at JPMorgan even see a new oil super cycle looming and recently renewed their forecast of an oil price of $ 190 in 2025.

Demand congestion as a price driver

Francisco Blanch, raw materials expert at Bank of America, may not look quite that far into the future. For this he has the most precise 100-dollar forecast ready: the oil price could crack the round mark as early as 2022. The market hardly changes on the supply side – and this in turn is offset by an immense backlog of demand. It is easy to explain where this backlog of demand comes from: Just as many private households restricted their consumption during the pandemic, so too many companies put the necessary investments aside. Now that the global vaccination campaign is gaining momentum, at least in the major industrialized countries, consumers, companies and economies have a lot to catch up on.

Delta variant is a risk factor

The more relaxed Corona situation and the awakening global economy are leading to higher demand for crude oil, gasoline, diesel – and kerosene. Oil expert Blanch sees the rising travel industry as a major price driver.

The delta variant of the virus from India, which could lead to a further tightening of the corona measures, is currently also posing a risk to the economy.

Signal of a shortage of supply

In search of signs of whether demand is actually exceeding supply at the moment, it is worth taking a look at the market for so-called oil futures. Current oil futures contracts are quoted there higher than contracts with delivery at a later point in time. Such a constellation, referred to by experts as “backwardation”, is rather unusual and a clear indication of fear of scarcity – “and thus for further rising prices”, as market expert Robert Rethfeld from Wellenreiter-Invest emphasizes.

A price corrective called fracking

The rising prices should actually make re-entry into the oil market attractive for the US shale industry. In the past, the US frackers acted as flexible price correctors on the oil market: If prices rose, more shale oil was drilled in the short term, supply increased, prices fell again.

As a reminder, the last time oil traded above $ 100 was in 2014, when a rapidly growing supply from the US fracking industry brought an abrupt end to the last oil super cycle.

Sustainability trend slows US oil industry

But this mechanism doesn’t seem to work that well anymore. This is due on the one hand to the new US President Joe Biden, who imposed a stop on oil and gas drilling on state-owned land in January, and on the other hand to the global trend towards sustainable investment.

“The number of active US oil wells is increasing only slowly,” emphasizes wave rider expert Rethfeld. “The investors do not want to see an expansion of the production capacities at the moment, but instead demand investments in renewable energies.”

Iran as a risk factor

The production countries of the OPEC + oil cartel, especially Saudi Arabia and Russia, could benefit from the West’s climate policy. It remains to be seen how willing they are to expand production to fill the void left by the US oil industry.

Especially since there are supply risks on the part of OPEC: “After the election of an ultra-conservative cleric as the new president, Iran will have a hard time overturning US sanctions and increasing oil exports,” said Eugen Weinberg, raw materials expert at Commerzbank .

Inflation Risks Before Revaluation?

Should the oil price actually rise further towards 100 dollars, this would inevitably lead to a reassessment of the inflation risks in the financial markets, since the oil price is one of the main drivers of consumer prices.

Just yesterday, Jerome Powell, head of the US Federal Reserve (Fed), told the House of Representatives budget committee again that the Fed was considering the current high inflation rates a temporary phenomenon considered. However, market expert Rethfeld emphasizes: “Any oil price above $ 100 would suggest to the public that Powell is wrong.”

Super-fast cellular network Europe is lagging behind in terms of 5G expansion

Status: 16.06.2021 11:11 a.m.

The expansion of the new generation of mobile communications is progressing. Half a billion people worldwide could use 5G this year. According to a study, there are mainly networks in Asia and North America ahead. In the race to expand the fifth generation of mobile communications (5G), Western Europe is in danger of being overtaken by North America, Northeast Asia and the Gulf States on the Arabian Peninsula. That is the result of a study by the Swedish network equipment manufacturer Ericsson. According to this, nine percent of all mobile phone contracts in Northeast Asia (including China and South Korea) had already been converted to 5G by the end of 2020. In Western Europe this value was only one percent. Globally, it is expected that 580 million people will already be using 5G networks by the end of 2021. Because of the corona pandemic, some frequency auctions in Europe have been postponed, Ericsson said in his “Mobility Report”. This has a short-term impact on the provision and coverage of 5G in the region.

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Early expansion in the Gulf States

Nevertheless, 4G technology will also be pushed back in Western Europe in the coming years, in favor of 5G. While 4G (LTE) is currently the dominant access technology and accounts for 78 percent of all contracts, Ericsson is forecasting a decline to 27 percent by the end of 2026. The 5G penetration will then reach around 69 percent. Older standards such as UMTS (3G) disappear almost completely . This would mean that 5G penetration in Western Europe would be lower than in North America, where it is forecast that by 2026 almost 84 percent of all mobile phone contracts could be based on the 5G standard. A share of 73 percent is expected in the Gulf States. In 2019, these countries were among the first in the world to introduce commercial 5G services. In Northeast Asia, on the other hand, only two thirds (65 percent) of all mobile phone contracts are expected to switch to 5G by 2026. In absolute numbers, Asia is forecast to have the largest number of 5G contracts (1.4 billion). The study expects 340 million 5G contracts for North America. In other regions of the world, including India and Latin America, current 4G technology will remain dominant in 2026. Overall, Ericsson expects the number of 5G cellular connections to grow to 3.5 billion by 2026 – almost 500 million of them in Europe.

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More wireless landline connections

5G technology is carried by smartphones, which already make up the majority of mobile data traffic. According to Ericsson, a good half – 53 percent – of mobile data traffic should run over 5G networks by 2026. The Swedish network equipment supplier also predicts that the number of wireless fixed network connections (FWA) will reach almost 180 million by the end of 2026. Up to this point in time, mobile communications will account for around 20 percent of global mobile network data traffic for your own four walls. The wireless fixed network connections via 4G or 5G compete with classic broadband connections such as DSL, cable internet or fiber optic connections. They are especially cheaper to provide on the “last mile” because you do not have to lay cables from the distribution box into the apartments or offices.

Criticism of China’s economic project Headwind on the “New Silk Road”

Status: 06/11/2021 12:58 p.m.

China is expanding its influence worldwide, and the “New Silk Road” is intended to further strengthen the country. But the criticism of the project is growing. At the G7 meeting, the Australian head of government wants to report on his experiences. From Steffen Wurzel, ARD studio Shanghai Ding Laisong from the customs authority of the Chinese port city of Ningbo was satisfied at the beginning of the week: Trade with the states of the so-called “New Silk Road” had increased by 30 percent, he said on the Chinese state television broadcaster CCTV. In the case of trade with the particularly committed Silk Road countries in Central and East Asia, the plus is even 50 percent.

Sri Lanka regrets cooperation

China’s state and party leadership continues to sell its controversial strategy and trade project “New Silk Road” within the People’s Republic as a great success. In numerous partner countries, however, the initial enthusiasm for the project has given way to sober insight. China’s state and party leadership has nothing to give away with the Silk Road. On the contrary: in many cases, the Silk Road partner countries have borrowed considerably – with Chinese state banks. This sometimes creates considerable dependencies. One example is the Hambantota port project in Sri Lanka. According to media reports, the expensive Silk Road port project has hardly brought the island state anything economically. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena now openly speaks of a mistake in leasing the port on the southern tip of the country to China for 99 years.

One billion euros in debt for Montenegro

In Europe, too, it is now becoming clear what the Silk Road critics have been calling a debt trap for years: the Balkan state of Montenegro, for example, had borrowed around one billion euros in China for the construction of a nearly 180-kilometer-long motorway. The autobahn is far from finished. But now the repayment is due – and the EU accession candidate lacks the money. The mood has also changed in large industrialized countries: In Italy, Prime Minister Mario Draghi put the Silk Road cooperation with China on hold, and the government in Canberra has also completed two projects in Australia. Only smaller, more symbolic projects were affected, but China’s communist leadership reacted angrily. She described Australia’s decision as “unreasonable and provocative”.

Australia accuses China of “extortionate behavior”

It is becoming clear that the communist leadership sees itself increasingly on the defensive in the Silk Road project, officially known as “Yi Dai Yi Lu”. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison complained at an economic conference in Perth “blackmailing behavior” by states like China. “Where compulsive acts have no consequences, there is little incentive to restrain,” said Morrison. Australia’s prime minister called for the sanctioning mechanisms of the World Trade Organization to be strengthened. Because if blackmailing behavior has no consequences, there is no reason for the corresponding states to hold back.

The G7 summit in Cornwall The heads of state and government of the seven leading industrialized countries (G7) will meet from June 11th to 13th in Cornwall, southwest England. For the first time in two years, they will meet again in person in the afternoon. In addition to climate change, the conference will also focus on trade issues and investments as well as the fight against the corona pandemic. In addition, the meeting will focus on the positioning towards Russia and China.
The G7 group includes the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Canada, France, Italy and Japan. Like-minded democratic states such as South Korea, South Africa, Australia and India are invited to the summit as guests. After the government in Canberra demanded a complete clarification of the origin of the Covid 19 pandemic around a year ago, Australia was de facto covered with an economic war by China’s leadership. The Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wants to share this experience with the G7 countries. He will be a guest at the summit in England.

People wear masks to prevent COVID-19 infection at a market in Srinagar, India, June 14, 2021. Photo: THX/VNA The most severely affected country is still the US with 615,247 deaths out of a total of 34,335,515 infections. Next is India with 377,061 deaths out of 29,617,058 cases. Brazil ranks third with 488,404 deaths out of 17,454,861 patients. As a percentage of population, Peru has the highest mortality rate, with 573 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Next is Hungary with 310 people and Bosnia-Herzegovina with 289 people/100,000 people. By region, Latin America and the Caribbean are currently the epicenter of the world’s epidemic, with more than 1.2 million deaths in over 35.1 million infections. Next is Europe, with over 53.6 million people infected with COVID-19, including over 1.15 million deaths. North America has over 625,800 deaths in over 34.8 million infections. Asia recorded over 540,400 deaths in over 38.4 million infections. The Middle East has over 146,400 deaths, Africa has recorded over 134,900 deaths, while the number of deaths in Oceania is over 1,100. On June 15, Thailand recorded 3,000 new infections, including 2,995 domestic infections. On the same day, the country had another 19 deaths. Prime Minister Prayut Chan o-cha said the government has ordered 100 million doses of vaccine and aims to vaccinate 50 million people, or 70 percent of the population, this year and is buying more to expand immunization to 80 – 90% of the population next year. On the same day, the Lao Ministry of Health said that the country recorded 15 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases nationwide to 2,025. Of the 15 new cases, 6 were community infections in the capital Vientiane and 9 imported cases were immediately isolated. According to the Lao Ministry of Health, the failure of a part of the people to strictly comply with epidemic prevention regulations is the cause of new cases in the community. To date, more than 1 million Lao people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. A vaccination site against COVID-19 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo: AFP/VNA In the past 24 hours, Cambodia recorded an additional 495 cases of COVID-19 and 13 deaths from this disease. Although the epidemic situation in Cambodia is still complicated, the Phnom Penh capital government still decided to allow the resumption of all business and trading activities at the state-managed markets in the city. The Cambodian Ministry of Health said that in the next few days, the number of people vaccinated against COVID-19 will reach 3 million and the country is aiming for 10 million people to achieve herd immunity. According to the ministry’s report, so far 2,939,543 people in Cambodia have been vaccinated, or 29.4% of the total 10 million adults expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The number of new COVID-19 cases in Malaysia has been on a downward trend in recent days, after hitting record highs in May. Malaysian Health Ministry data released on June 15 confirmed an additional 5,419 cases. COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 667,876, including 3,968 deaths. The Malaysian government announced on June 15 that it had granted emergency use authorization for one-shot COVID-19 vaccines developed by CanSino Biologics (China) and Johnson & Johnson (USA). Malaysia is speeding up its vaccination program in tandem with strict lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As of June 14, this Southeast Asian country has administered at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine to 3.28 million people, or 10% of the population. Vaccination against COVID-19 in Seoul, South Korea. Photo: AFP/VNA South Korea on June 15 recorded 374 new infections, bringing the total number of cases nationwide to 148,647. The country is planning to launch a trial of a new social distancing mechanism within three weeks, starting from the beginning of next month, while trying to prevent a spike in daily new infections. Accordingly, South Korea will lift the current ban on gatherings of 5 or more people and increase it to 8 people. Restaurants and cafes can stay open until midnight in the capital Seoul and surrounding areas, 2 hours later than the current curfew from 10pm. Currently, the capital Seoul and the surrounding area, along with the city of Daegu as well as the resort island of Jeju, are applying social distancing level 2 out of a 5-level scale, while the remaining areas are at level 2. 1.5. Mass gatherings of 5 or more people are prohibited. To date, about 13 million South Koreans, or 25% of the population, have received the first dose of the vaccine. Meanwhile, the Japanese Government has approved a new policy on increasing support for foreigners residing in Japan who have difficulties and obstacles in vaccination against COVID-19. Accordingly, the country will step up support and guide foreigners who are not familiar with the vaccination registration process at their places of residence, as well as have difficulties in contacting the vaccination department. In addition, the government will also promote the implementation of a multilingual portal on COVID-19 prevention measures. The Hong Kong government (China) has announced that it will relax the strict restrictive measures imposed since July last year for ships and boats docked at this Asian shipping hub. According to the Hong Kong maritime authority, from June 15, the crew of ships and boats that dock in this city for fuel or food will be exempt from restrictive measures depending on the situation. A COVID-19 test site in Hong Kong, China. Photo: AFP/VNA Israel has officially lifted the mandatory mask wearing in public places since June 15, after more than a year of implementation. Accordingly, buildings, offices, schools, hotels… will not require employees or visitors to wear masks when in this enclosed space. However, wearing a mask is still applied in a few special cases, for example, people who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 who visit patient care facilities are at high risk of death if infected. infected, people on the way to quarantine or passengers on the plane. Earlier, on April 18, the Israeli Government also lifted the mandatory mask wearing rule outdoors and from June 1 lifted all social distancing measures after more than a year of application. Thanks to an effective vaccination campaign, the number of COVID-19 patients and the infection rate in Israel have dropped to a very low level. Also on June 15, the Indian Ministry of Health announced that it had recorded an additional 60,471 cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, marking the eighth consecutive day that the number of new cases across India was below the threshold of 100,000 cases. Currently, the total number of COVID-19 cases in this South Asian country has reached 29,570,881 cases. Also in the past 24 hours, with an additional 2,726 deaths, the total number of deaths from COVID-19 in India has increased to 377,031 cases. In the capital New Delhi, after recording a sharp decrease in the number of new cases and deaths from COVID-19 in the last 2 weeks, restaurants and shops were allowed to reopen from June 14 with the evening hours. maximum 50% capacity. However, schools, educational facilities, swimming pools, gyms and public places remain closed. In Europe, the final stage of Britain’s COVID-19 lockdown lifting will be postponed to July 19 instead of June 21 as originally planned. The decision was taken as the UK recorded an increasing number of new cases of COVID-19 due to the emergence of the contagious Delta variant first detected in India. Scientists advising the British Government warn that the number of people needing hospital treatment due to COVID-19 will increase sharply again if the final phase of the blockade easing schedule takes place on June 21. according to the plan. According to the restrictions imposed to prevent COVID-19 in the UK, outdoor events are limited to a maximum of 30 people, indoor events up to 6 people. However, 15 pilot events are on track to ease the lockdown as planned, including upcoming EURO 2020 matches and art and music performances. Those attending these events must present a certificate of vaccination or test negative for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Some regions in Russia have tightened restrictive measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, while focusing on strengthening the response capacity of hospitals in the event of an increase in hospital admissions after the outbreak. as the number of new infections skyrocketed. On June 15, Russia added 14,185 new infections, of which 6,805 were in Moscow, bringing the total number of cases across the country to 5,236,593. In the past 24 hours, Russia also recorded an additional 379 deaths from COVID-19, bringing the total number of deaths to 127,780.

Specifically, MacRumors says that Apple has added the iPad 2 to its list of “old and obsolete” products as of May 2019 in all countries except the US and Turkey, where local laws require it. asked the company to continue treating this as an old product. iPad 2. (Photo by Andrew Cunningham / Ars Technica) However, Apple yesterday updated the list of obsolete products it has released, which shows that the iPad 2 has become an obsolete product worldwide. iPad 2 was released by Apple in March 2011 before Apple officially discontinued it in 2014. (Illustration image: Internet) The moment it was released, the second generation iPad marked a breakthrough for the iPad product line and laid the foundation for the years that followed. iPad 2 is highly appreciated by many people with a body that is 33% thinner than the previous generation. The iPad also adds many new features, including a front camera for FaceTime calls, a gyroscope, and an upgraded dual-core A5 processor that’s twice as fast as the original iPad and graphics up to 9 times stronger. (Illustration image: Internet) It is known that Apple classifies products that have been discontinued for at least 7 years as “obsolete”. Products on this obsolete list will no longer receive any hardware repair services from Apple or its service providers. (Photo: Apple) At the end of 2020, Apple also updated its list of “Old and obsolete” products with the presence of the iPhone 5c, the first iPhone phone with Apple’s colorful machine color. This means that technical support for this product will only be maintained at a limited level. Apple will officially “kill” iPhone 5c in 2022. At this time, technical support for iPhone 5c will completely end.

Lee JaeSeung, General Manager and Head of Digital Devices Business at Samsung, said: “We are delighted to announce the expansion of our Bespoke product line worldwide, offering a comprehensive solution for style way of life, serving their new living needs. Our mission is to develop products that help users better manage and enjoy their lives.” Refined refrigerators for every kitchen, reaching out to the world The Bespoke range of refrigerators will be introduced in North America, Latin America, Europe, the CIS, the Middle East and select regions across Asia and Africa. Bespoke owns more than 20 original colors and seven materials, giving users many options and combinations according to their preferences. Bespoke refrigerators also have a large capacity, greater convenience and flexibility, and strong cooling capabilities typical of Samsung. In North America, users can choose from a 4-Door, 1-Door, or 2-Door Bottom Freezer (BMF). Samsung added a diverse and unique market-specific metal color portfolio, including Champagne Rose Steel, Navy Blue Steel, and Matte Black Steel. In Europe, users can choose from 1-Door and Slim 1-Door Refrigerator, and Bottom Freezer (BMF) in 1.8 and 2-meter sizes with six different materials and a wide palette of colors, from Classic whites to soft pastels or vibrant hues. Design your own kitchen In addition to the refrigerator, Samsung’s Bespoke Kitchen Set will be officially introduced globally. With this kitchen set, Samsung’s idea of ​​a fully personalized kitchen will come closer to users in the US and Europe. With a launch date in the second half of this year, the North American market will receive leading Bespoke refrigerators and other Bespoke kitchen product lines such as microwaves and dishwashers, built into the wall like fridge. This kit allows users to freely design and combine with all different styles with a variety of color options such as Matte Black Steel, Navy Blue Steel, Champagne Rose Steel and White Glass. Devices that catch up with the lifestyle This year, Samsung also launched an expanded product line of lifestyle devices in North America and Europe, including the Bespoke AirDresser Smart Wardrobe, Bespoke air purifier and Bespoke vacuum cleaner. Jet. With flexibility, automation and neat design, these will be devices suitable for many different uses such as office, gym or classroom. Lifestyle devices launching in North America and Europe include: Bespoke AirDresser smart wardrobe brings fashion care solutions, ensuring clothes always keep their best shape and match with high-end Bespoke style. The product will launch in Europe and in the US in the second half of 2021. Bespoke air purifiers draw air from five directions for quick and powerful air purification, even in large spaces. The ultra-clean filter system can remove 99.999% of fine dust up to 0.01µm,* while the 3-Way smart exhaust system circulates clean air in different directions. The device is available in a variety of designs and colors and is expected to launch in the US in the third quarter. The Bespoke Jet vacuum cleaner comes with a Clean Station, allowing for a comprehensive cleaning and cleaning of the house. After vacuuming is complete, users only need to attach the vacuum cleaner to the station and the product will automatically clean the garbage inside and charge itself. The new Bespoke Jet will come in three color options and launch in the US, Europe, CIS and Southeast Asia in the second half of 2021. The first Jet Bot AI+ smart vacuum cleaner to support the Intel AI solution. The smart vacuum uses object recognition technology, along with LiDAR and 3D sensors to identify objects and moving paths in the home, for optimal cleaning. Equipped with a camera, Jet Bot AI+ is integrated with SmartThings app to support remote home monitoring. The device will be available in the US, Europe, CIS and Southeast Asia in the second half of 2021. Other new lifestyle devices include: Bespoke ShoeDresser cherishes your favorite shoes so they feel fresh with every use. Deodorization, dehumidification and drying units are based on the unique material and shape of the shoes, ensuring they are well maintained. The Bespoke Cube** refrigerator offers flexible storage for essential products, such as wine, beer and cosmetics. This unit operates quietly enough to be placed in the bedroom next to the sofa, or anywhere where ingredients or food need to be kept cool. Bespoke water purifiers** are sold with single or multiple faucets. The product is equipped with a four-stage filtration system and can filter up to 2,500 liters of water, enough for a family of four to drink for a year. The amount of water and temperature can be set by voice using Bixby. SmartThings connects your life Samsung’s vision for Bespoke Home is for a connected life through artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. At the core of this vision is the SmartThings feature, which brings a centralized and easy home management platform to everyone. SmartThings Cooking plans and individualized recipes, reflects user preferences and refrigerator space, and automatically applies recipe-based temperatures and cooking modes, directly syncing across devices. cooking. Service is available in North America and some countries in Europe. SmartThings Pet syncs with home appliances like Bespoke air purifiers and Jet Bot AI+ robotic vacuums to help users check in on pets when they’re not at home. The service will launch globally in Europe, Latin America, and Asia in the second half of 2021. SmartThings Clothing Care synchronizes with Bespoke AirDresser as well as smart washers and dryers to improve laundry efficiency. The service recommends cycles and equipment settings for optimal care, helping to reduce guesswork or “big wash”. SmartThings Clothing Care service is currently available in the US and European markets. The updated Bespoke AirDresser connectivity update will be available in the US and some European markets in the second half of 2021. SmartThings Air syncs with Samsung air purifiers and air conditioners to monitor the air quality inside and outside the user’s home in real time. The product will launch in the US in the second half of 2021.

COVID-19 vaccine for people in Ohio, USA. Photo: AFP / VNA

The country most severely affected remains the United States with 577,226 deaths out of a total of 32,075,852 cases. It was followed by India with 172,461 deaths out of 13,960,574 cases. In the past 24 hours, the country recorded an additional 184,372 cases of COVID-19 and 1,027 deaths. This is the day India has the highest number of cases ever and the highest number of deaths in 2021. April 14 is the 8th day in a row and the 9th time this month that the number of new cases has exceeded. 100,000 cases milestone in India. Third place was Brazil with 358,718 deaths out of 13,601,566 patients.

In Asia, the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) announced that it had recorded 8,122 new cases, bringing the total number of cases in this Southeast Asian country to 892,880 cases. According to DOH, the total number of deaths in the Philippines also increased to 15,447, 162 more than the day before. Philippine Deputy Health Minister Maria Rosario Vergeire said the rate of disease spread in this country has not decreased, the number of cases continues to increase. According to the official, the infection in the community still occurs, the outbreaks in the workplace are the main source of transmission, mainly in hospitals and closed workspaces.

On the same day, Malaysia recorded 1,889 new cases, bringing the total number of cases in this country to 365,892 cases. Malaysia also recorded eight more deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths due to the disease in the country to 1,353.

Thailand is considering imposing new measures to deal with the growing number of new COVID-19 infections. On April 14, Thailand recorded the highest number of new cases of COVID-19 by day since the pandemic appeared in the country early last year. The Center for Managing the situation COVID-19 (CCSA) confirmed 1,335 new cases, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 35,910, including 97 deaths.

In Japan, leading infectious disease expert Shigeru Omi warns the country has entered the fourth wave of infection of the COVID-19 pandemic amid highly infectious variants of the SARS-CoV virus. -2 is spreading in some areas.

In the context of the complicated epidemic, the government of Matsuyama city, in the western country, decided to cancel the Tokyo Olympic torch relay ceremony. Tokyo Mayor Yuriko Koike has also pledged to effectively control the COVID-19 epidemic in the capital to ensure the upcoming Olympics take place safely. She emphasized that from now until May 11, it will be an important period to win the fight against the COVID-19 campaign before the Olympics takes place. According to statistics, Japan has recorded a total of over 513,000 infections and over 9,500 deaths due to COVID-19.

People wear masks to prevent COVID-19 epidemic in Seoul, Korea. Photo: AFP / VNA

South Korea is also facing the risk of appearing the 4th wave of infection when the number of new cases has exceeded 700 cases / day. Statistics of the Korea Agency for Disease Control and Prevention (KDCA) released on April 14 show that the country has 731 new cases, of which 714 cases of infection in the community – the highest level in the country. Last 3 months. The current epidemic situation in Korea is considered to be at a level that should be considered by the government to upgrade the social gap, but considered it a “last resort” due to careful consideration of economic losses. practice.

In Europe, the epidemic is still complicated, with Turkey recording the highest number of new infections and deaths in a day ever. In the past 24 hours, the country recorded 59,187 new infections, and 273 deaths. To stop the spread of the epidemic, President Tayyip Erdogan announced a number of new restrictions and “partially closed” the country during the first two weeks of Ramadan.

After the state of emergency in the Czech Republic ended on April 12, the Czech Government was cautious in relaxing measures to prevent the COVID-19 epidemic. Accordingly, the Czech government still imposes a ban on gatherings on 2 people both indoors and outdoors, while emphasizing the concerns of epidemiologists about the rapid relaxation of measures that could be reversed. the positive trend of disease prevention.

Meanwhile, after seeing a significant improvement in the epidemic situation in the Czech Republic, Germany said it would end long-term border controls with the Czech Republic, which had been in place since February 14. Instead, Germany will continue to implement quarantine measures through intensive random inspections in the German-Czech border area.

The Norwegian government has also allowed restaurants and bars to return to serve alcohol until 10 p.m. daily. The Nordic country also allows people to receive up to 5 guests to play at home at the same time – an increase of 3 compared to the previous regulation, while the stadium will be able to host 600 people, but must divided into 3 areas. These rules and recommendations will apply throughout Norway, but high-risk areas such as the capital Oslo and surrounding areas can maintain stricter measures if needed. .

The Swiss government has announced it will significantly loosen the restrictions despite the fact that the country’s disease situation remains highly precarious and has even worsened in recent weeks. Accordingly, from the beginning of next week, restaurants and bars in Switzerland, which have been closed since December, 2020, will be reopened, applicable to the outdoor area. Movie theaters and other entertainment facilities will also be reopened with indoor and outdoor sports facilities.

Also on April 14, diplomatic sources said that EU member states had unanimously agreed to officially implement the vaccine passport initiative to reopen the tourism industry in the summer. 2021. This is part of an effort to restore to a new normal state while the COVID-19 epidemic is still spreading. Countries will discuss this initiative in detail with the European Parliament (EP) in May.

People wear masks to prevent the COVID-19 epidemic at El Alto-La Paz International Airport in Bolivia. Photo: AFP / VNA

In the Americas, the number of infections and deaths caused by the COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 virus increased sharply in some South American countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. The Bolivian government announced the opening of a humanitarian corridor on the border with neighboring Brazil to facilitate the circulation of food and medicine. Bolivia closed its border with Brazil since April 2, to prevent the spread of a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 from neighboring countries.

Regarding the COVID-19 vaccine issue, US officials announced that the vaccination program is being accelerated with 3.3 million doses being injected per day. Meanwhile, the UK University of Oxford has decided to expand research in the combination use of COVID-19 vaccines to evaluate whether the combination of vaccines is safe and helps prolong immunity in humans. vaccinated or not.