In Romania, the recovery rate continued to increase last week, to about 28%. On April 24, the number of recoveries exceeded the number of new confirmed cases for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

• The daily pace of newly confirmed cases worldwide continued to decline for the 30th consecutive day and is approaching its lowest since March 10.

• The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide surpassed 3 million on Sunday, April 26.

• The global recovered-to-confirmed case ratio rose for the 21st straight day, toward 29% on April 26, the highest since March 22.

• The total number of confirmed cases in the United States is approaching 1 million (966,000).

• In Italy, the number of deaths fell toward a six-week low. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced a gradual relaxation of restrictions: construction and manufacturing will resume starting May 4, followed two weeks later by retail and museums. Restaurants and hairdressers could also reopen from June 1, if the pandemic remains under control. Schools, however, will not reopen until autumn.

• In Germany, the number of newly confirmed cases continued its downward trend, with April 26 marking the lowest level since March 19. At the same time, the recovered-to-confirmed case ratio continued to rise, reaching 70%. Bavaria, Hamburg and Berlin will reopen schools for final-year students.

 Dr. Andrei Radulescu, Director of Macroeconomic Analysis, Banca Transilvania