President Joe Biden announces new wide-ranging requirements for federal employees and employees of companies with more than 100 workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or undergo regular testing at least once a week, with no option of testing for unvaccinated federal employees. These mandates apply to over 100 million people, which represents two-thirds of all U.S. employees. 2021-09-9
Scientists in South Africa detect a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 called C.1.2 which is associated with increased transmissibility and the ability to evade antibodies. The variant was first identified in Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces and has spread to seven countries as of August 13. 2021-08-30
Restrictions are tightened in Melbourne, Victoria, after an increase in cases, potentially linked to a hotel quarantine breach in South Australia. The mask mandate is reintroduced, public gatherings are limited to 30 people and private gatherings are limited to 5 people. Residents will also be expected to adhere to these rules when leaving the city. 2021-05-25
Laos reports its first death from COVID-19. The patient is a 53-year-old woman who had been receiving treatment at a designated hospital in Vientiane since April 30. 2021-05-9
The New South Wales government restricts the size of gatherings and reintroduces a mandatory mask-wearing policy for indoor areas and public transport after the wife of a man who tested positive for COVID-19 also tests positive. The restrictions will be in effect until Monday at 12:01 a.m. 2021-05-6
The Food and Drug Administration approves the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine for emergency use in the United States. 2021-02-27
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun announces that the country's level 2 restrictions, set to expire on August 30, would be extended for at least another week until September 6 as the Ministry of Health and Welfare reports over 370 new infections over the past 24 hours. 2020-08-28
Moderna is expected to start a late stage clinical trial at 87 study locations in the United States for its COVID-19 vaccine on July 27. 2020-07-14
The government introduces new measures over the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in the country: a ban on gatherings of more than two people, from the current 50. However, the number of people allowed to take part in religious services, including funerals, is limited to five. The new restrictions are to last until at least 11 April. 2020-03-24