SPOTLIGHT: INDIA

• India has seen near exponential growth in daily new cases and deaths due to COVID-19. The public healthcare system has effectively collapsed, while private hospital systems are also facing resource issues. Nationwide shortages of oxygen have caused hundreds of deaths and hospitals are overwhelmed, turning away patients. The densely populated cites of India already had a low number of hospital beds per-capita compared to Western hospitals. The COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated this issue.
• On 27 March, India recorded 62,000 new cases. One month later, the daily case count stood at 360,000. The seven-day rolling average for daily deaths continues to rise, and is currently at 2700. Official tallies for new cases and deaths are both significant undercounts. Experts estimate the true death count is two to five times higher than reported.
• Despite being a major COVID-19 vaccine producer, less than 10 percent of Indians have received even one dose. Amid the surge in cases, the country has halted exports of vaccines to use domestically instead. This will leave major shortfalls to those countries relying on Indian production and export.
• A "double mutant" variant known as B.1.617 could possibly be responsible for much of the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19. It contains mutations found in two other strains that may make it more contagious and vaccine-resistant.
• Global Guardian is actively assisting clients in India with tele-medicine, security and medical evacuations, and sourcing of oxygen concentrators.

UNITED STATES LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• The European Union announced that during the summer, vaccinated travelers from the U.S. would be able to enter the bloc, a welcome sign for global re-opening of the tourist and business-travel economy. No firm date has been announced for when this could go into effect.  
  
• Federal regulators recently ended the pause on the J&J vaccine after studying reported blood clots. Women between 30 and 39 appear to be at greatest risk, with 11.8 cases per million doses given. There have been seven cases per million doses among women between 18 and 49. The FDA will add a warning label to the vaccine.
  
• Nearly 2.75 million shots were administered on average in the last seven days. This is down compared to the 3.3 million doses administered per day on average two weeks ago. The decline is likely due to the pause in use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. So far, around 141 million people have received at least one vaccine dose.
  
• At current pace, 70% of the population will have been at least partially vaccinated by mid-July, with herd immunity, estimated between 70-90% reached in mid-August. These projections will likely improve as the J&J vaccine rollout resumes.

For the latest United States case counts, click here.

United States Latest Developments 

• The CDC and FDA recommended the U.S. pause distribution of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after reports that at least six people (all women aged 18-48) developed dangerous blood clots after receiving the vaccine. The pause is expected to last days or weeks while the situation is reviewed. At least 6.8 million doses of the J&J vaccine have been administered in the U.S.
• Nearly 3.4 million shots were administered on average in the last seven days. This compares with just over 2.8 million doses administered per day on average two weeks ago. So far, around 122 million people have received at least one vaccine dose. 
• At current pace, 70% of the population will have been at least partially vaccinated by early June, with herd immunity, estimated between 70-90% reached in mid-July. These projections continue to improve as more vaccine supply reaches states. 
• On 2 April, the CDC issued updated guidance on travel for those who are fully vaccinated. For international travel, you do not need to self-quarantine after arriving back in the U.S. but still need to get tested before boarding a flight back to the U.S. from abroad.

For the latest United States case counts, click here.

United States Latest Developments 

• The Biden administration hit its goal of 100 million shots in its first 100 days on 19 March, six weeks early. They have set a new goal, 200 million doses by the 100th day. The country appears to be on track to meet this goal as vaccine supply ramps up.
• Nearly 2.8 million shots were administered on average in the last seven days. This compares with just over 2.5 million doses administered per day on average two weeks ago. So far, around 96 million people have received at least one vaccine dose.
• At current pace, 50% of the population will have been at least partially vaccinated by early May, with herd immunity, estimated around 70%, reached in mid-June. These projections continue to improve as more vaccine supply reaches states. 
• Pfizer announced strong preliminary results for it's vaccine in 12-15 year old children, noting a 100% efficacy against COVID-19 in the clinical trial. 

For the latest United States case counts, click here.

Situation Report

On 30 March 2021, the U.S. Embassy Rangoon, Myanmar ordered the departure of non-essential diplomatic personnel and all personnel family members amid escalating violence across the country but particularly in Yangon (Rangoon). At least 500 anti-coup protesters have been killed by the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) since the 01 February coup. Expat travelers and residents in Myanmar should consider leaving the country before the situation deteriorates further and exit options become even more limited.