In some countries the year of the pandemic is coming to a close, with successful vaccination campaigns providing an exit from pandemic restrictions. But that’s not the case everywhere.
While coronavirus restrictions are being incrementally removed in certain countries, some people are feeling concern at returning to the activities that had characterized their pre-pandemic lives.
Although cases have declined significantly in Europe, the United States, and much of East Asia, the pandemic remains a major threat in South America, India, and several other nations around the world.
Karl Friedhoff examines South Korea's careful negotiation of its security alliance with the United States, along with its economic dependence on China.
Following high profile pauses to the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, as well as surging cases in different parts of the world, it is clear that the gains in some countries do not signal an end to the pandemic.
With high-profile suspensions of the AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccine, fear of potential side effects and uneven efficacy of vaccine rollouts are causing concern for some.
Outbreaks continue to emerge even as vaccinations increase; some countries feel safe to engage in more normal activities while others introduce new restrictions.
While some countries are beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel, others continue to struggle through the crisis as case numbers remain elevated.
It has now been a year since many nations began to implement restrictions due to the pandemic. As the global health crisis drags into its second year, more people seek the vaccine as a way to return to normal.
