A few details on how the week 6 – 12 April this year unfolded, globally and in Romania, according to indicators tracking the evolution of the Covid-19 crisis:

1. The growth rate of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide is down for the 16th consecutive day, approaching the lowest level since mid-March

• The daily growth rate of confirmed cases globally (10-day moving average) has slowed from 9% (5 April) to 6% (12 April).
• The number of infections (confirmed cases) continues to rise, but at a diminishing pace.

2. The global recoveries-to-confirmed-cases ratio has been rising for the seventh day in a row, towards the highest level since 25 March

From the all-time low of 20.4% on 5 April, it reached 23.3% on 12 April.

3. Romania: the number of infections continued to increase

The recoveries-to-confirmed-cases ratio rose from 9.7% on 5 April to 13.5% on 12 April, the highest level since 23 March.

4. Several Western European countries (Austria, Germany, Denmark, Spain, etc.) are considering a gradual easing of social-distancing and shutdown measures in the near term. 

5. More and more information on medical solutions to counter Covid-19

The World Health Organization reports there are approximately 70 vaccine candidates in development, and 3 are currently being tested in humans. 

Overall, according to the indicators, the measures taken so far — social distancing, prevention, treatment, etc. — are having a positive impact in countering the medical effects of Covid-19.

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