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To date, more than 248,000 people have died from coronavirus infection, and more than 3.5 million people have tested positive since the outbreak. Almost every country in the world is affected.
The latest developments
- Italy reports significantly more deaths than in previous years. According to the Italian statistics office on Monday (May 4), from February 20 to March 31, more than 90,000 people died, almost 39 percent more than the average at that time in the years 2015 to 2019. Especially the strong The affected north reported significantly more deaths in these weeks. This means an “over-mortality rate” of 25,354 cases, 90 percent of which are concentrated in communities with high infection rates, especially in the north of the country. In March alone, the number of deaths in Bergamo increased by 568 percent compared to 2015-2019. Experts have long pointed out that the number of deaths officially mentioned in Italy, currently around 29,000, is well below the true death toll. The study is based on data from around 6,900 municipalities, 87 percent of the total.
- Europe, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia together donate 7.4 billion to search for vaccines. The United States is missing. Heads of state and government around the world pledged several billion euros on Monday (May 4) to jointly defeat the deadly virus. Only the US world power was missing. USA In the global effort for vaccines and cheap medicines for all. Chancellor Angela Merkel only pledged 525 million euros at an international donor conference on Monday. The head of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, convened the conference online and even promised a billion euros for the EU commission, a big step towards the official daily target of 7.5 billion euros. Then it continued every minute: $ 850 million from Canada, $ 500 million from France, £ 388 million from the United Kingdom, 192 million from the Netherlands, 140 million from Italy, etc. The United States was left out. A senior US official in Washington said the organizations covered by the conference are also receiving a large amount of money from the US government. However, the UN estimates that it will take around 40 billion to make vaccines and medicines available to everyone. Another conference will be held in late May.
- Indians storm alcohol shops and forget all the rules. In the country with 1.3 billion inhabitants, many liquor stores reopened on Monday (May 4), just a few hours later, some had to close again. The rush was so great after a break of more than five weeks that long lines formed in front of the shops and people ignored the rules of the distance. Police officers sometimes used sticks to create order, as shown by television images and Internet videos. But many member states also pushed to sell alcohol again, because this is an important source of income, one that they can use especially well now.
- Unemployment in Austria increased sharply in April and reached a new all-time high. The number of unemployed and training participants increased 58.2 percent year-over-year to 571,000 people, the Labor Market Service announced Monday (May 4). The unemployment rate increased by 5.5 percentage points to 12.8 percent.
Developments in Switzerland can be found here.
Developments in Germany can be found here.
After the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Europe to be the center of the coronavirus pandemic, many countries responded with exit restrictions. Since then, the rate of new infections has slowly decreased. Some states relax their measurements, mainly in small steps.
These countries are the most affected in Europe.
Britain He has now recorded more than 186,000 positive tests and more than 28,000 deaths (May 4). This means that there are almost as many deaths in Britain as in Italy, which was affected much earlier by the pandemic. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was seriously ill with the crown virus and had only taken office again in late April, says that despite the still high number of cases and deaths, Britain has reached a fever pitch. of the pandemic. He wants to present his plans to relax soon.
Photos, flowers and wooden crosses commemorate 13 people who died during the confinement after a coronavirus infection in Burton-on-Trent, England. Among them are three people from the same family. Recorded April 30.
In Italy the number of infections is around 212,000, around
29,000 people died (May 4). Exit restrictions have been relaxed since Monday (May 4). About 60 million people can go out again for sports or walking. Industry and construction are also slowly starting production again. Four million people can go back to work. Stores such as fashion stores or museums can only open from May 18. Restaurants and bars can only offer delivery services and, like hairdressers, are closed until June. Schools must reopen in September.
In Spain On May 2, after seven weeks of confinement, people were allowed to leave their homes for the first time to go for a walk or do outdoor sports. The country wants to find its way back to the “new normal” from mid-May to the end of June. Stores, churches, gyms and hotels will open in two-week steps. Travel between regions is not yet allowed. Schools remain closed until September. More than
Spain has the highest number of cases worldwide after the United States, with 217,000 people affected. More than 25,000 people died (May 4).
The situation in our other neighboring countries.
In France The number of cases is more than 168,500; 24,895 people have died so far (May 3). In nursing homes and nursing homes alone, more than 9200 people are different. There is no clear downward trend in the number of cases, but the initial restrictions should be relaxed starting May 11. Thereafter, stores may reopen. Even nurseries, kindergartens and primary schools should be reopened. It is mandatory to wear masks on public transport.
In Germany The number of cases is around 165,700 (May 4). More than 6,800 people have died in connection with Covid-19. A national contact ban applies to three or more people. On April 15, the chancellor and the prime ministers of the federal states decided to alleviate the situation: stores of up to 800 square meters in the area may open again, and schools should also start again. Since Monday (May 4), hairdressing salons, museums and zoos have reopened. In all federal states there is a mask requirement when purchasing and using public transportation.
You can find more information about the situation in Germany here.
In Austria The number of positive tests is around 15,600 (May 4), 600 people have died. Starting May 1, exit restrictions have been lifted until the end of June. Since May 2, all stores and many service providers, such as hairdressers, have reopened, and since May 4, schools have gradually opened. The next steps are the opening of the bars and restaurants in mid-May and the restart of the hotels in late May. However, when shopping and on public transportation, you must cover your mouth and nose.
The situation in Eastern Europe and Russia
In Russia There have now been more infections than in neighboring China, and the trend is increasing considerably. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is infected with the corona virus, as announced on May 1. The 54-year-old man is in quarantine and has been absent for at least 14 days. More than 145,000 people have contracted the virus; 1,350 people have died so far (May 4). Within 24 hours, the country had a very high number of 10,600 newly infected people. The country has closed the borders. The so-called non-work time applies until May 11. Schools are closed and several regions are in quarantine. The grand parade of victory on May 9 was also canceled.
In Poland Children and teens under the age of 18 still cannot go out without an adult. Parks and forests are again freely accessible. Since May 4, Polish citizens working or studying in Germany, Slovakia, the Czech Republic or Lithuania have no longer been in quarantine for 14 days when they return to Poland. More than 13,000 cases have been recorded since the outbreak of the crisis, and 678 people have died (May 4).
In Czech Republic The government is speeding up its relaxation program. Starting May 11, the country’s cultural institutions can reopen if they admit a maximum of 100 people at a time. Minimum distances must be observed between visitors. Hairdressing salons can be opened if employees not only wear a face mask, but also a protective visor. The country currently registers around 7,800 cases and 248 deaths (May 4). The government is considering reopening the country’s borders in July. Talks on this with Austria and Slovakia are well advanced, but they are complicated with Poland, Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek said Saturday night (May 2), according to the CTK news agency. In mid-March, Prague had banned its own citizens from leaving the country, but raised it again in late April. After their return from abroad, the Czechs now have to be tested for coronavirus. Border controls are said to continue until May 14.
In Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban is using the crisis to expand his power. The country has been under emergency law since March 11. Parliament has passed a law that allows the government to govern indefinitely by decree. Exit restrictions that have been applied since the end of March have been lifted since May 4, but not in the capital Budapest. Hungary registers around 3,000 infected and 340 deaths (May 3).
In Lithuania, citizens have been allowed to leave their homeland since Monday (May 4). Vilnius’ government last week decided to lift the travel ban that had been in place since mid-March. For foreigners there is still an extensive entrance stop. Air and ferry traffic will also be suspended until May 10. In view of current entry restrictions in other EU countries, large volumes of travel are not initially expected in Lithuania. Currently, it is only possible to travel to Latvia and Belarus.
The situation in northern Europe and Scandinavia
Denmark Nurseries, kindergartens and elementary schools already opened on April 15. Entry requirements have been relaxed since April 22. Foreign spouses and life partners as well as children and parents of Danes can re-enter the country, even if they do not have a residence permit. All other restrictions must remain in effect until at least May 10. The country reports around 9500 cases, 484 people have died (May 4).
Belgium With around 50,000 infections and 7,844 deaths, the number of cases is relatively high (May 4). However, the restrictions were relaxed on May 4. Public transportation is back in use, and a face mask on the bus and train is mandatory for people twelve and older. Starting May 11, all stores will be able to reopen. Then museums can reopen and travel within Belgium is allowed, and teaching in schools gradually resumes.
Norway The pandemic is under control, according to the government. Kindergartens have been open since April 20, schools for first through fourth graders were reopened on April 27. Large events remain prohibited until September 1. Around 7,800 people are infected, 211 have died (May 4).
Sweden it follows a special route, also controversial in its own country: schools, shops and restaurants remain largely open; the ski areas have been closed due to social pressure. The entry ban for people outside the EU and countries in the free trade zone is provisionally valid until May 15. State epidemiologist Anders Tegnell confirmed on Friday night (May 1) that the reproductive rate had been below 1.0 for several days. This means that an infected person infects less than another person on average. On April 1, the breeding rate was still 1.40, on April 25 after a decline of several days it was only 0.85. By Monday noon (May 4), more than 22,000 cases and 2,679 deaths had been reported in Sweden.
The situation in Turkey
The Turkey It is the most affected non-European country after the USA. USA with more than 126,000 cases of infection (May 4). 3397 people have died. A curfew has been in effect in 31 cities for a month and until Monday at midnight (May 4). An exit ban applies to people under 20 and over 65, as well as people with chronic illnesses. It is mandatory to wear a mask in crowded places like markets or shops.
The imam of the Fatih Mosque in Istanbul prays only on the first day of Lent due to the pandemic.
The situation in the Balkans
Greece It has contained the corona virus from the beginning. Since May 4, citizens have been allowed to move again without a permit. Greeks can also go to sea again, but commercial beaches remain closed. Stores are also supposed to open in stages. A mask requirement applies to local public transportation. According to reports, more than 2,600 people are infected in Greece, 144 have died (May 3).
In Serbia The state of emergency no longer applies as of Thursday (May 7). Curfews also fall. President Aleksandar Vucic declared a state of emergency on March 15. This had formed the basis for strict curfews, which currently still apply for the night and, in the end, also included full weekends. For about 84 hours during Orthodox Easter, no one was allowed to leave the house without special permission. Some relaxations have already taken effect on Monday (May 4). Restaurants can now open if they serve their customers outside. Public transportation is also gradually increasing. Distance rules and mask requirements apply in public spaces.
Corona virus dominates Europe
National regulations
The United States with more than 1.15 million infected since the outbreak began, the most confirmed cases in the world (as of May 4). The death toll is around 68,000. President Donald Trump’s adviser, the immunologist Anthony Fauci, estimates between 100,000 and 200,000 deaths.
Trump recommends that member state governors relax in three phases as soon as daily infection rates in member states drop over a 14-day period. He is accused of fueling protests against protective measures to contain the virus.
Since the pandemic in the United States intensified in March, more than 30 million people have registered as unemployed. The bipartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the US gross domestic product. USA It will drop about 12 percent in the second quarter. Unemployment should be almost 14 percent.
This region is currently the most affected.
NY it is the center of the epidemic in the United States. The number of dead and infected in New York State continues to decline after the first wave. Around 323,000 people are infected and more than 24,800 have died (May 4). Restrictions apply to society and the economy until May 15. The city government will block at least 65 kilometers of city streets for cars in the coming weeks to make room for freedom of movement for pedestrians and cyclists: the goal is 160 kilometers.
This is the situation in other regions.
In the member states Washington and California as well as in New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Delaware, Louisiana and in the Capital Washington curfews. The first member states began to reduce restrictions in late April and early May, including Tennessee and Georgia, as well as Texas, Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, and Maine. Democrats protested in cities like Dallas and Texas. Florida It started to open on May 4th.
State data Illinois and Michigan Show that blacks are most affected. As the experts explained, this reflects inequality in terms of health status and access to medical care.
In Canada, the coronavirus was detected earlier due to better testing options than in Central and South America. There, countries only gradually register infected people.
These countries are currently the most affected.
In Canada The number of cases of infection has increased to more than 60,500 (May 4). 3800 people have died. The government has prohibited foreigners from entering the country. The Canada-United States border remains closed until May 17.
Brazil it has more than 7000 deaths (May 4). A total of more than 101,000 cases have been recorded. In São Luís, the capital of the northern member state of Maranhão, and three other cities in the area, all non-essential activities will be suspended for ten days from May 5, following a court decision. Nationally, hospitals in several cities have reached their limits and mass graves are being excavated. Right-wing populist President Jair Bolsonaro wants to return to normalcy as quickly as possible and therefore disapproves of the governors of the member states.
This is the general situation in the region.
In Central and South America, almost all countries are affected, especially Brazil and Peru. Several countries have issued entry bans, including Kuba. Locals are no longer allowed to leave. Haiti, Panama, Colombia and Honduras They have imposed a curfew. In Panama Since April 1, men and women are no longer allowed to leave their homes on the same day.
The Savior It closed the borders on March 11, before confirming the infection in the country, and introduced the strictest exit restrictions in Central and South America on March 22. Anyone who ignores the quarantine is placed in a “containment center” for up to 30 days. Human rights activists criticized this practice and the country’s highest constitutional court declared it inadmissible. President Nayib Bukele does not want to follow the verdict. So far, 555 people have tested positive (May 4), 12 of them have died.
In Venezuela There are 357 infected and 10 dead (May 4), according to official figures. Due to the serious political crisis, the country’s health system is on the ground.
Too Mexico advises its citizens to avoid social contacts. The government has announced $ 2.5 billion in financial aid. So far, 2,154 deaths have been recorded and more than 23,000 people are infected (May 4).
China Originally it was the center of the corona virus, other Asian countries also recorded early cases. They reacted early and closed entire cities. Despite positive reports from the recent past, the crisis is not yet over. The gates of the parks and the Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing were first opened on Friday (May 1). However, the flow of visitors is channeled.
This country is the most affected in Asia
In China has the metropolis Wuhan (Hubei Province), where the coronavirus started, corrected the number of deaths on April 17 by 50 percent. According to this, 1290 other people died in the central city of China from Covid-19 lung disease. This increases the total number of deaths in Wuhan to 3,896. So far, “only” 2,579 deaths have been reported.
Furthermore, cases of Covid-19 patients who continue to carry the virus after surviving the disease are on the rise in Wuhan. Registered relapses are considered a potential risk of infection, even if those affected do not develop signs of an acute illness. All had been negative at some point in their therapy, but were tested positive again later, sometimes up to 70 days later. Wuhan It is open again more than two and a half months after it closes. All traffic restrictions are lifted.
In total, China recorded almost 84,000 infections (May 4) and 4,637 deaths. The People’s Republic fears that imported cases may trigger a second wave. Furthermore, China’s economy has shrunk for the first time in decades as a result of the pandemic. To report
This is the general situation in the region.
In South Korea The number of new infections registered daily was up to 10 cases. On April 30, according to the Center for Disease Control, no domestic infections were found for the first time in 72 days. Therefore, measures of social distancing were somewhat relaxed, for example for churches, leisure activities and sporting events. So far there are around 10,800 cases, 252 people have died (May 4). South Korea is considered a role model for fighting the virus due to its rigid testing program.
North Korea It is one of the few countries in the world that has so far not confirmed any coronavirus infection. According to WHO figures from April 8, North Korea is conducting tests and has quarantined some 500 people.
The government in Japan has decided to extend the emergency until the end of May, despite the first signs of new fall infections. The state of emergency that has been in place since mid-April does not mean curfews in Japan as in Europe. Citizens of the island kingdom are only asked to stay home if possible. Many stores, restaurants and department stores are closed. Despite the prolonged state of emergency, the government wants to ease some of the social and economic restrictions in provinces where the infection situation does not require “special precaution,” as stated.
In India The curfew in the most affected red zone will last until May 17. Certain economic activities should be allowed in the orange and green areas, for example in drug production and IT. However, there should still be no train, subway, or highway flights or trips between states across the country. Schools, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and other public places where many people gather should also be closed. 1,395 people have died and there are more than 42,000 cases of infection (May 4). Given that little is proven, the number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher.
Singapore Relax strict measures: on May 12, some stores may reopen, from May 19 children can return to school. Anyone who violates social alienation must pay a fine of up to $ 7,000, be in jail for up to six months, or both. Meeting with people of any size who are not part of a family or home is prohibited. The most economically developed country in Southeast Asia expects an economic decline of around 20 percent in the second quarter of 2020. The infection rate is one of the highest in Asia. In total, more than 18,000 cases have been reported in Singapore, 18 people have died (May 4). Most of the last reported cases in Singapore occurred among migrant workers, a large number of unreported cases are suspected.
Elsewhere in Asia, freedom of movement is still restricted. Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Hong Kong They have imposed entry restrictions and some curfews.
In Thailand it reopened restaurants, markets, parks, sports clubs and some stores in early May.
Iran has had an increasing number of crown cases since February, making it one of the most affected countries in the world after China. Shiite pilgrims also carried the virus to neighboring countries like that. Iraq, Bahrain and Kuwait, which therefore reacted with strong foreclosure measures. Saudi Arabia He asked to avoid the pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina and to pray at home during Ramadan, the month of fasting that began on April 23.
This country is currently the most affected.
Iran it still has the majority of cases in the region. More than 97,000 people have tested positive and the number of unreported cases is likely to be considerably higher. More than 6200 people have died (May 4). After the government initially reacted very hesitantly, a travel ban is now in effect. Iran canceled its annual demonstrations against Israel on so-called Al-Kuds Day, which is celebrated on May 22 of this year, on Sunday (May 3).
This is the general situation in the region.
If most of the countries in the region, apart from Iran, were moderately affected by the pandemic, the figures also increase here. Countries like Israel and Lebanon made the first arrangements, others like Turkey did not do the same until later. Public life is restricted almost everywhere.
In Israel You can only move with a face mask in public spaces. The individual stores have been open since April 26. Sport with up to two people is allowed within a radius of up to 500 meters from the house. Schools have gradually opened since May 3, starting with elementary students and seniors. Israel has more than 16,200 infected and 234 dead (May 4).
Pakistan It has lifted the curfew, mainly for fear of mass unemployment. Schools and universities are closed until early May, and public events are still prohibited. The country receives a support of $ 1.4 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Pakistan currently has more than 20,000 infections (May 4) and 462 deaths.
In Afghanistan Material and beds are lacking to care for the sick. The government expects tens of thousands of deaths in the country, whose health care system is in poor condition after decades of war, and expects 80 percent of the population to be infected. Currently (May 4) around 2700 cases of infection have been confirmed and 85 people have died.
Saudi Arabia partially relaxed curfew. Until May 13, people are allowed to leave their homes between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., as ordered by King Salman. Some stores may also reopen. In the city of Mecca, the most important pilgrimage site for Muslims, the full curfew continues. Around 27,000 cases and 184 deaths (May 4) have been officially recorded.
Due to the mostly poor testing possibilities, the number of registered crown cases in Africa is low in a global comparison. Since most countries have poorly developed health systems, the virus could be even more deadly here.
This country is currently the most affected.
Inform now Egypt and South Africa and with around 6,500 and 6,800 cases, the highest official numbers in Africa (4.5). 429 of them died in Egypt and 131 in South Africa. South Africa imposed the curfew until the end of April and declared an emergency. Residents can only leave their homes to shop or visit the doctor. Many stores are closed. There is a night curfew in Egypt.
Miembros del ejército y policías durante un control de rutina en Johannesburgo, Sudáfrica: este conductor no hizo caso del toque de queda.
Esta es la situación general en el continente.
Muchos países han impuesto restricciones de viaje o toques de queda. Muchos gobiernos en África son autoritarios. Las restricciones se imponen sin reflexión, aunque muchas personas viven de la mano a la boca. El seguro es escaso y la ayuda estatal prometida llega demasiado tarde, si es que llega. Esto lleva a revueltas como en Camerún, Zimbabwe o Níger. Las fuerzas de seguridad a su vez los derriban violentamente.
Australien und Ozeanien sind im weltweiten Vergleich weniger von der Corona-Krise betroffen. Dennoch haben auch die Länder dieser Region Massnahmen im Kampf gegen das Virus erlassen. Überall gelten Einreisebeschränkungen oder -verbote.
Dieses Land ist derzeit am stärksten betroffen
Australien meldet rund 6800 Fälle. 96 Personen sind bisher nach einer Infektion gestorben (4. 5). Angesichts sinkender Infektionszahlen lockern in Australien mehrere Gliedstaaten die Beschränkungen. New South Wales erlaubt seit 1. Mai Besuche von maximal zwei Erwachsenen mit zwei Kindern bei anderen. Der beliebte Bondi Beach war bereits am 28. April stundenweise zum Schwimmen und Surfen geöffnet worden. Trotz Kritik hat Australien am 27. April eine Corona-Warn-App auf freiwilliger Basis eingeführt. Sie erkennt laut der Regierung mithilfe der Bluetooth-Technologie von Handys, ob sich ein Mensch im Abstand von bis zu 1,5 Metern zu einem Infizierten aufgehalten hat. In den ersten Stunden wurde sie eine Million Mal heruntergeladen.
So gestaltet sich die allgemeine Situation in der Region
In Neuseeland geht die Infektionsrate deutlich zurück. Am Montag (4. 5.) ist die Zahl der täglichen Neuinfektionen erstmals seit Wochen auf null gesunken. Bis zum 27. April galt der Notstand. Am Dienstag (28.4.) kehrten 400 000 Menschen zur Arbeit zurück, die Schulen öffneten wieder. Ausländer dürfen derzeit nicht einreisen. Bars, Cafés und Geschäfte für den nicht lebensnotwendigen Bedarf sind geschlossen. Supermärkte bleiben geöffnet. Kreuzfahrtschiffe dürfen nicht mehr anlegen. Das Land registriert 1487 Infektionen und 20 Todesfälle (3. 5).
Fidschi and andere Inselstaaten im Südpazifik haben internationale Flüge gestrichen und weisen Kreuzfahrtschiffe ab.
China bekam das Virus erst durch starke Einschränkungen des öffentlichen und wirtschaftlichen Lebens in den Griff. Auch in Europa zeigen solche Massnahmen inzwischen Wirkung.
Staaten wie Taiwan, Vietnam und Hongkong haben trotz der Nähe zu China weniger Fälle als ihre Nachbarn. Dies hat damit zu tun, dass diese Länder vorbereitet waren. Asien erlebte in den vergangenen zwei Jahrzehnten drei grössere Epidemien: Sars in den Jahren 2002 und 2003, die Schweinegrippe (H1N1) in den Jahren 2009 und 2010 und Mers im Jahr 2015. Viele Länder Asiens modernisierten ihre Aktionspläne für solche Epidemien, investierten in die Forschung und tauschten sich untereinander aus. Die Lehre aus ihren Erfahrungen war, dass schon früh starke Einschränkungen des öffentlichen Lebens getroffen werden müssen, um die Virusübertragungsrate zu reduzieren.
Wie Asien die Epidemie in den Griff bekam
Auch Singapur stand bei der Bekämpfung des Coronavirus lange Zeit gut da. In der zweiten Aprilhälfte sind aber auch im südostasiatischen Stadtstaat die Fallzahlen nach oben geschnellt. Ein Grossteil der neuen Erkrankungen betrifft Gastarbeiter aus dem Ausland.
Mit der Ausbreitung des Coronavirus ist ein Wettbewerb zwischen Biotech-Firmen und Forschungsinstituten weltweit um die Herstellung eines Impfstoffes entbrannt. Die WHO hat am 23. April mitgeteilt, 83 Impfstoffe seien in Entwicklung, 6 davon befänden sich im Stadium klinischer Studien. In Deutschland hat das Mainzer Unternehmen Biontech, das zusammen mit dem Pharma-Riesen Pfizer an einem Impfstoff arbeitet, als erstes die Zulassung für Tests an Menschen bekommen. Im März begann die amerikanische Biotech-Firma Moderna als erstes Unternehmen mit der Durchführung von klinischen Studien. China hat bisher für die Erprobung von drei möglichen Impfstoffen grünes Licht gegeben, während in Grossbritannien zurzeit ein Impfstoff der Universität Oxford klinisch getestet wird. Fachleute sind sich weitgehend einig, dass es 12 bis 18 Monate dauern wird, bis der erste Impfstoff die Marktzulassung erhalten wird.
Auch ein Medikament, das erwiesenermassen zu einer raschen Genesung beiträgt, ist noch nicht verfügbar. Die Hoffnung ruht vor allem auf bereits existierenden Mitteln, deren Wirksamkeit bisher nur gegen andere Krankheiten nachgewiesen wurde. Zu den Hoffnungsträgern gibt es bisher nur kleine, oft schlecht durchgeführte Beobachtungsstudien, die teilweise widersprüchlich sind.
Die WHO testet das antivirale, gegen Ebola entwickelte Medikament Remdesivir, zwei Malariamittel (Chloroquin und Hydroxychloroquine), eine Kombination zweier HIV-Medikamente (Lopinavir und Ritonavir) sowie diese zwei Präparate zusammen mit Interferon-Beta, einem Mittel zur Behandlung von Multipler Sklerose.
Seit Mai erlauben die USA den begrenzten Einsatz des Ebola-Medikaments Remdesivir in Spitälern. Eine klinische Studie hatte zuvor gezeigt, dass der Wirkstoff bei Covid-19-Patienten die Genesungszeit um mehrere Tage verkürzen kann. Der Chef des Arzneimittelherstellers Gilead, Daniel O’Day, erklärte, das Unternehmen werde amerikanischen Behörden 1,5 Millionen Dosen Remdesivir spenden.
Bezüglich Immunität nach einer durchgemachten Covid-19-Krankheit warnt die WHO, es sei keineswegs sicher, dass Infizierte fortan geschützt gegen das Virus sind. Es gebe im Moment keinen ausreichenden wissenschaftlichen Nachweis, dass Menschen, die sich von Covid-19 erholt und Antikörper haben, gegen eine zweite Infektion immun seien.
Der Basler Pharmakonzern Roche hat am Sonntag (3.5.) in den USA die Zulassung seines Antikörper-Tests für das Coronavirus erhalten. The approval was granted by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a quick procedure. Der Blutplasma-Test erkenne Antikörper, die der menschliche Organismus nach einer Coronavirus-Infektion gebildet hat.
In zahlreichen Ländern sind wegen den Beschränkungen ganze Wirtschaftszweige lahmgelegt.
Entsprechend erwartet der Internationale Währungsfonds (IMF) die schlimmste Rezession seit der Grossen Depression. Unter der Annahme, dass die Pandemie im zweiten Quartal 2020 ihren Höhepunkt erreicht, erwartet der IMF einen Rückgang der realen Weltwirtschaftsleistung (BIP) um 3% gegenüber dem Vorjahr. Falls die Pandemie in der zweiten Jahreshälfte abklingt, ist 2021 jedoch ein starker Wiederaufschwung mit einem globalen Wirtschaftswachstum von 5,8% zu erwarten. Für die asiatische Wirtschaft prognostiziert der IMF zum ersten Mal seit 60 Jahren ein Nullwachstum.
Laut der Internationalen Arbeitsorganisation sind fast die Hälfte der 3,3 Milliarden Arbeitskräfte weltweit wegen der Massnahmen gegen das Coronavirus in ihrer Existenz bedroht. Betroffen seien vor allem 1,6 der zwei Milliarden Menschen, die irregulärer Arbeit nachgehen, also ohne Arbeitsverträge, und die oft von der Hand in den Mund leben. Ihr Einkommen sei im weltweiten Durchschnitt um 60 Prozent eingebrochen, in Afrika und Lateinamerika sogar um mehr als 80 Prozent.
Viele Notenbanken haben ihre Leitzinsen reduziert und auch die übrigen geldpolitischen Instrumente praktisch ausgeschöpft, um Kredite zu verbilligen sowie Investitionen und Konsum anzukurbeln. Die Regierungen helfen betroffenen Unternehmen mit Sofortzahlungen.
Nach langen Verhandlungen haben sich die Mitgliedstaaten der EU auf ein Hilfspaket für die europäische Wirtschaft in der Höhe von 540 Milliarden Euro einigen können. Der EU-Gipfel hat das vereinbarte Paket am 23. April gebilligt. Zudem soll es einen Fonds für den Wiederaufbau geben.
Weltweit wurden zahlreiche Grossveranstaltungen abgesagt oder verschoben. Dazu gehören das Oktoberfest in München, die Olympischen Sommerspiele, die Fussball-Europameisterschaft, der Eurovision Song Contest, die Expo 2020 in Dubai sowie zahlreiche andere Veranstaltungen im Sport- und Kulturbereich.
So geht der Sport mit der Corona-Krise um
Anfang Januar 2020 teilte die Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) mit, dass eine mysteriöse Lungenerkrankung in der zentralchinesischen Metropole Wuhan durch ein neuartiges Coronavirus verursacht werde. Experten gehen davon aus, dass sich bereits im November die ersten Personen infiziert haben könnten. Der Stammbaum des Virus lässt sich über die Veränderungen in seinem Genom nachvollziehen (Details hier).
Seinen Ursprung soll das Virus auf einem Tiermarkt in Wuhan haben. Dort soll es von einer noch nicht identifizierten Tierart auf den Menschen übergesprungen sein. Die am engsten mit ihm verwandten Viren sind Fledermausviren, was darauf hindeuten könnte, dass Fledermäuse an der Infektionskette beteiligt sein könnten.
Derzeit kursieren Verschwörungstheorien, wonach das Virus in einem Labor in Wuhan gezüchtet worden sei. Zumindest US-Präsident Donald Trump äusserte sich derart. Diese Vorwürfe wies Yuan Zhiming, Chef des Instituts für Virologie in Wuhan, zurück. Auch die WHO ist der Ansicht, das Virus sei tierischen Ursprungs.
Coronavirus: Coronaviren sind eine Virusfamilie, zu der auch das derzeit weltweit grassierende Virus Sars-CoV-2 gehört. Da es anfangs keinen Namen trug, sprach man in den ersten Wochen vom «neuartigen Coronavirus».
Sars-CoV-2: Die WHO gab dem neuartigen Coronavirus den Namen «Sars-CoV-2» (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). Mit der Bezeichnung ist das Virus gemeint, das Symptome verursachen kann, aber nicht muss.
Covid-19: Die durch Sars-CoV-2 ausgelöste Atemwegskrankheit wurde «Covid-19» (coronavirus disease 2019) genannt. Covid-19-Patienten sind dementsprechend Menschen, die das Virus Sars-CoV-2 in sich tragen und Symptome zeigen.
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