(VOVWORLD) - As of Friday morning, the world had recorded over 246 million SARS-CoV-2 infections, and 5 million deaths, according to worldometers.info.
 Illustrative photo (Source: AFP/VNA) |
The US has recorded 46.6 million infections, followed by India with 34.2 million, and Brazil with 21.7 million. The US has confirmed more than 763,000 deaths, Brazil more than 607,000 deaths, and India more than 457,000 deaths.
A number of countries are taking steps now to facilitate adapting to the "new normal" so they can recover their economy.
Laos has allowed 20 garment factories in the capital Vientiane to reopen, but they must comply with all infection prevention measures issued by the Ministry of Health.
Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen has announced plans to reopen Cambodia's tourism industry.
Australia has eased the requirements for its citizens to travel abroad, while New Zealand has eased quarantine requirements for entrants.
The US, the UK, and Canada are preparing to reopen their borders next week for the first time in 18 months. The UK plans to lift travel restrictions for the 7 countries still on its "red list", canceling the requirement that people arriving from those countries self-isolate at a hotel.