20 August 2020
This Week’s COVID-19 Snapshot
The weekly snapshot provides expert insight on the outbreak and its widespread impact. In this edition, we highlight Colombia’s efforts to secure COVID-19 vaccine and the drive to stimulate economic growth in Vietnam and Nigeria.
20 August 2020 – Colombia
Predictions:
- House arrest of former President Uribe will increase political divisions and could disrupt COVID-19 response
- President Duque’s approval ratings have been improving but his support for Uribe will likely alienate centrist voters
- Government efforts to tackle COVID-19 crisis and stimulate economy will likely face increased congressional and public opposition
19 August 2020 – Vietnam
Predictions:
- Widespread vaccine availability unlikely before mid-2021, despite government’s recent agreement to purchase Russian product
- Health authorities will take steps to shorten research and development regulations to accelerate progress on domestic COVID-19 vaccine
- Localised outbreaks will continue to cause limited operational disruptions to businesses in coming 6-12 months
13 August 2020 – Nigeria
Predictions:
- Additional foreign funding will improve government’s response to COVID-19 outbreak and boost testing capacity, but raise external debt obligations
- Funding will likely prevent any further strikes by healthcare professionals over lack of PPE amid virus outbreak
- Large fall in GDP growth, high inflation and rising unemployment will raise risk of socioeconomic unrest towards end of year
