Global coronavirus cases cross the 12 million mark

The number of coronavirus cases has exceeded the 12 million mark with countries, which seemingly had the situation under control until almost a month ago, buckling under increasing caseload.

 The surge in the number of cases is accompanied by growing chatter and corresponding evidences of the virus being airborne coming to the fore.

According to the World Health Organization, the number of COVID-19 cases so far is triple that of severe influenza illnesses recorded annually.

According to a Reuters report, the United States has recorded a total of 3 million cases till Tuesday, and the country accounts for more than a quarter of both global cases and deaths.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro tested positive for coronavirus after downplaying the seriousness of the pandemic.  Today, Brazil has more than 1.7 million cases with nearly 68,000 deaths and is the second worst-hit country in the world.

India – the country with the third highest number of infections – is battling an outbreak of more than 20,000 new cases (on an average) each day. States such as Kerala and Telangana that previously seemed to have the pandemic under control are also witnessing an unprecedented spike in the caseload.

The virus, which has led to the death of over half a million people in just seven months, has also badly affected the economy of countries worldwide.

The economic impact of the virus could be the possible motivator behind several countries easing their lockdown rules, despite a surge in number of cases.

In a move that could once again place US President Donal Trump’s leadership under scrutiny, Trump has been pushing for schools to reopen, describing the U.S. guidelines to be too stringent.

India too, which exercise a complete lockdown policy at the beginning of the virus outbreak in the country, has now eased its lockdown violation norms. While experts say that the cases in the country has still not peaked, the government does not appear to be mulling the imposition of another lockdown.

Other nations such as China and Australia which had almost nullified the lockdown are reinstating it, following a resurgence of cases.

Many health experts are also wary that the number of cases in countries that do not have proper testing capabilities could lead to an unprecedented and unchecked rise in cases.  While experts in India say that the probability of a vaccine being made available before the end of the year is unlikely, the new normal of work from home, semi-lockdowns and social distancing will continue to last till a vaccine hits the market.

(With Reuters inputs)