Mushrooming outbreaks of the highly contagious Delta variant across the world is forcing govts to rethink relaxations in curbs. The World Health Organization has announced an 80% average increase in Covid cases, over the past four weeks.
The US is topping the list of the world's worst-hit nations, followed by India and Brazil.
In India, the reproduction rate, or R value, of Covid-19 has inched up from 0.96 to 1 over the past few days and it is a matter of concern, according to experts.
In the United States, Covid cases are climbing steadily. The country's top infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci on Sunday warned that more “pain and suffering” is on the horizon. The CDC has recommended that even vaccinated people must return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the delta variant is causing a spike in cases.
Authorities in Canada say the country is at the start of the Delta-driven fourth wave. With ongoing vaccination and reopening, experts say the balance is very delicate.
Also watch: China: Mass testing, millions put under lockdown as Delta variant spreads
China is also battling a fresh wave of Covid cases, fuelled by the Delta variant. In what is being called its worst surge since the first outbreak in Wuhan in December 2019, the Delta variant has now spread to over 18 territories in China. China has announced partial lockdowns in several places, and has also suspended public transport.
In Australia, where only about 14% of the population have been vaccinated, Brisbane and parts of Queensland entered a snap Covid-19 lockdown on Saturday, as more cases of the Delta variant were recorded.
Also watch: Amid rise in fresh cases, Japan extends Covid state of emergency in Tokyo