In the UK more than 4 million people have now had their first dose of vaccine, and the new infection rate has fallen to under 50,000 (on a three-day average) for the first time in 2021.
Despite this, Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned that the lockdown could continue for another six weeks at least. Travellers to the UK now need a negative Covid test for entry.
In the US, preparations continue for tomorrow’s inauguration of Joe Biden as President. He announced that he would cancel the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline “on day one”. Another key goal of his administration and Federal Reserve is a return to the “full employment” of 3.8% last winter, before the pandemic struck.
The EU is also targeting a return to pre-pandemic unemployment levels, in its case around 7.5%, with “SURE” (Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency), borrowing up to €100billion to lend to member states with repayment over up to 30 years.
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