Pandemic in Development: New Restrictions and Vaccination Campaigns in Different Countries

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus infection worldwide increased by more than 434,779 people in the last 24 hours and reached 79.23 million, according to World Health Organization data released today and cited by TASS and BTA.

The number of deaths of Covid-19 and related complications has increased by almost 7,400 people, reaching 1.75 million since the beginning of the pandemic.

WHO statistics takes into account only officially confirmed cases of infected and deceased provided by countries.

More than 47 percent, or nearly half of those newly infected in the last 24 hours, according to WHO data, fall on the Americas (208,518), followed by Europe (152,565) and Southeast Asia (29,062).

The countries with the most recorded cases of infection so far are the US (18,648,989), India (10,187,850), Brazil (7,448,560), Russia (3,050,248), France (2,507,532), Britain (2,256,009) and Italy (2,038,759). Then follow Spain, Germany, Colombia, Argentina and Mexico - all with between 1 million and 2 million of infected.

The mandatory PCR test for entering Turkey also applies to passengers transiting through airports, the Foreign Ministry press office said, citing information from Turkish Airlines. Earlier, the Turkish airline tweeted that the measure would only affect passengers transiting via land borders.

The new restrictions take effect from 23:00 on 29 December.

All passengers over the age of 6 must present on arrival a negative PCR test certificate issued within 72 hours prior to the journey. Arrivals who do not have one are subject to mandatory 7-day quarantine and should then take a test and, if negative, will not be quarantined. Citizens who test positive will be treated according to the protocol of the Ministry of...