23 July 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 the extent to which officials can effectively re-impose lockdown measures as second wave hits.
23 July 2020 – Venezuela
Predictions:
- Government’s tightening of COVID-19 lockdown in key states unlikely to prevent rising infections
- Official infection and death figures are unreliable, but limited healthcare resources mean that infections are likely to significantly increase over next two to three months
- Government will use lockdown and quarantine measures to increase security force deployments and to limit opposition activity ahead of December National Assembly elections
22 July 2020 – Israel-Palestine
Predictions:
- Public anger over mismanagement of COVID-19 crisis will complicate efforts to reimpose restrictions, ensuring continued rise of infection rates
- Rise in infections means combating virus will be government priority in coming weeks, further delaying potential West Bank annexations
- Decline in Netanyahu’s approval ratings will decrease likelihood of any moves towards fresh elections for now
21 July 2020 – India
Predictions:
- Rising number of localised COVID-19 lockdowns will complicate business operations in coming weeks
- Piecemeal local measures rather than national lockdown will be implemented as virus spreads to new cities and towns
- Supply chain disruption and labour shortages will remain key challenges for businesses, but temporary business shutdowns may also be imposed
