Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2021
Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2021
The timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2021 details the significant events and developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic during this month. This period was marked by the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant, which led to renewed public health measures and travel restrictions worldwide.
December 1, 2021[edit | edit source]
On December 1, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the Omicron variant had been detected in 23 countries. Governments around the world began to implement travel bans and restrictions to curb the spread of this new variant.
December 2, 2021[edit | edit source]
The United States confirmed its first case of the Omicron variant in California. This prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to urge all eligible individuals to get vaccinated and receive booster shots.
December 3, 2021[edit | edit source]
The Cook Islands reported its first case of COVID-19, which was detected in a traveler who had arrived from New Zealand. The government of the Cook Islands responded by tightening border controls and increasing testing.
December 4, 2021[edit | edit source]
The United Kingdom reported a significant increase in Omicron cases, leading to the reintroduction of mask mandates in public indoor spaces and on public transport.
December 5, 2021[edit | edit source]
Norfolk Island recorded its first COVID-19 case, prompting local authorities to implement immediate contact tracing and isolation measures to prevent further spread.
December 6, 2021[edit | edit source]
The European Union announced plans to accelerate the rollout of booster vaccines in response to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant across member states.
December 7, 2021[edit | edit source]
South Africa, where the Omicron variant was first identified, reported a surge in COVID-19 cases, leading to increased hospitalizations. The government emphasized the importance of vaccination and public health measures.
December 8, 2021[edit | edit source]
The World Health Organization released a statement indicating that the Omicron variant could spread more rapidly than previous strains, but data on its severity was still being collected.
December 9, 2021[edit | edit source]
Australia announced that it would delay the reopening of its borders to international students and skilled workers due to concerns over the Omicron variant.
December 10, 2021[edit | edit source]
The Pfizer and BioNTech companies announced that preliminary studies showed their COVID-19 vaccine was effective against the Omicron variant after three doses.
December 11, 2021[edit | edit source]
India reported its first cases of the Omicron variant, leading to increased surveillance and testing in affected regions.
December 12, 2021[edit | edit source]
The United States recorded over 800,000 COVID-19 related deaths, highlighting the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
December 13, 2021[edit | edit source]
Japan confirmed its first community transmission of the Omicron variant, prompting the government to strengthen its border controls and public health measures.
December 14, 2021[edit | edit source]
The World Health Organization warned that the Omicron variant posed a "very high" global risk, urging countries to prepare for potential surges in cases.
December 15, 2021[edit | edit source]
Canada announced new travel restrictions, requiring all incoming travelers to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.
December 16, 2021[edit | edit source]
The United Kingdom reported its first death linked to the Omicron variant, underscoring the potential severity of the new strain.
December 17, 2021[edit | edit source]
South Korea reintroduced social distancing measures as the country faced a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant.
December 18, 2021[edit | edit source]
The World Health Organization stated that the Omicron variant had been detected in 89 countries, with cases doubling every 1.5 to 3 days in areas with community transmission.
December 19, 2021[edit | edit source]
France announced plans to tighten restrictions on travelers from the United Kingdom due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
December 20, 2021[edit | edit source]
The Netherlands entered a strict lockdown to curb the spread of the Omicron variant, closing non-essential shops, bars, and restaurants.
December 21, 2021[edit | edit source]
Israel began administering a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals over 60 and healthcare workers in response to the Omicron variant.
December 22, 2021[edit | edit source]
The United States authorized the use of Pfizer's antiviral pill, Paxlovid, for the treatment of COVID-19, providing a new tool in the fight against the pandemic.
December 23, 2021[edit | edit source]
Germany announced new restrictions on gatherings and events to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant during the holiday season.
December 24, 2021[edit | edit source]
Italy reintroduced mandatory mask-wearing outdoors and extended the use of its "super green pass" to more venues.
December 25, 2021[edit | edit source]
Australia reported a record number of daily COVID-19 cases, driven by the Omicron variant, leading to increased pressure on the healthcare system.
December 26, 2021[edit | edit source]
China imposed a lockdown in the city of Xi'an following a rise in COVID-19 cases, implementing strict measures to contain the outbreak.
December 27, 2021[edit | edit source]
Brazil reported its first cases of the Omicron variant, prompting health authorities to increase testing and vaccination efforts.
December 28, 2021[edit | edit source]
The World Health Organization emphasized the importance of vaccination and booster doses in combating the spread of the Omicron variant.
December 29, 2021[edit | edit source]
Russia announced plans to develop a vaccine specifically targeting the Omicron variant, with clinical trials expected to begin in early 2022.
December 30, 2021[edit | edit source]
South Africa lifted its curfew, citing a decline in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, despite the presence of the Omicron variant.
December 31, 2021[edit | edit source]
The World Health Organization reported that the Omicron variant had been detected in over 100 countries, with cases continuing to rise globally.
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