Today’s top stories on the COVID-19 pandemic – World Economic Forum

A new strain of Coronavirus, COVID 19, is spreading around the world, causing deaths and major disruption to the global economy.

Responding to this crisis requires global cooperation among governments, international organizations and the business community, which is at the centre of the World Economic Forums mission as the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation.

The Forum has created the COVID Action Platform, a global platform to convene the business community for collective action, protect peoples livelihoods and facilitate business continuity, and mobilize support for the COVID-19 response. The platform is created with the support of the World Health Organization and is open to all businesses and industry groups, as well as other stakeholders, aiming to integrate and inform joint action.

As an organization, the Forum has a track record of supporting efforts to contain epidemics. In 2017, at our Annual Meeting, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) was launched bringing together experts from government, business, health, academia and civil society to accelerate the development of vaccines. CEPI is currently supporting the race to develop a vaccine against this strand of the coronavirus.

1. How COVID-19 is impacting the globe

2. Global vaccine pledging conference

World leaders will hold an international pledging marathon on Monday with the goal of raising at least 7.5 billion euros ($8.2 billion) for research into a possible COVID-19 vaccine and treatments.

Organised by the European Union, along with Britain, Norway, Japan, Canada and Saudi Arabia, leaders aim to raise funds over several weeks or months, building on efforts by the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and wealthy individuals.

3. US death estimate revised up

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday he now believes as many as 100,000 Americans could die in the coronavirus pandemic, after the death toll passed his earlier estimates, but said he was confident a vaccine would be developed by the years end.

Average number of COVID-19 deaths in last 7 days in select countries, Mar. 1-Apr. 22 Published by John Elflein, Apr 23, 2020 The average number of deaths from COVID-19 in the United States over the last seven days as of April 22, 2020 was around 2,715. This statistic shows the average number of deaths from COVID-19 over the last seven days in select countries worldwide from March 1 to April 22, 2020. Average number of deaths from COVID-19 over the last seven days in select countries worldwide from March 1 to April 22, 2020

Image: Statista

4. Italy eases long lockdown, but fears resurgence of coronavirus

Italy starts to unwind Europes longest coronavirus lockdown, letting some 4.5 million people return to work on Monday after nearly two months at home, while finally allowing families to reunite.

However, friends have been told to keep apart and most shops must stay shut until 18 May. Restaurants and bars can only offer takeaway, while schools, cinemas and theatres will remain shut for the indefinite future.

With almost 29,000 deaths from COVID-19 since, Italy has the worlds second highest toll after the United States.

5. Australia and New Zealand discuss possible trans-Tasman "travel bubble"

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she has accepted an invite from Australian Premier Scott Morrison to take part in a meeting of Australias emergency coronavirus cabinet on Tuesday, stoking anticipation of a travel deal.

Ardern said more health measures needed to be put in place, adding: I wouldnt say it would be in the very, very near short term.

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Today's top stories on the COVID-19 pandemic - World Economic Forum