The virus is now guilty of as many deaths in a half-year, from a zero base, as seasonal flu does in a full year. 


But it does seem to be slowing on death rate. 

South America, the Mid-East and Europe are at or beyond their peak, but the US is heading towards a second peak (partly because it is such a big country that the new states that are now kicking in are like countries in their own right).

Africa has a billion people, so treat the low case count with worthy respect. The fact is Africa is not big on Covid-19, probably because so many people live in remote villages and have generally higher natural immunity than western civilizations do. 

Asia is picking up because of Russia and India. 

With over a billion souls in India and exceedingly crowded conditions, I am surprised that India has not fared worse. It has a very low mortality rate per million and a pretty low case count per million, despite ranking 3rd on total counts.

Its possible that India also has a high natural immunity due to the harsh conditions that many live in.    

But the economy remains the biggest casualty

The EU is haggling for the fourth day over a stimulus package that ranges from a E375-billion loan to a E750-billion grant. 

Its important that Europe is re-stimulated as that will restore demand in the global economy. But Spain and Italy desperately need help.  

In the US, the other primary economic engine of the world economy, there are such mixed signals. 

States are closing again, but jobs have recovered a bit. Stimulus payments are being made to households and other measures by the Fed are trying to kick-start a moribund economy. 

Well, its not much new. 

Clearly this virus which so many have naively compare to the likes of TB or flu, has the potential to do a lot more harm and to alter the global economic landscape. 

But there is hope of a vaccine. Even South Africa has entered a live test stage which promises early access to vaccines. 

I remain hopeful. Stay safe.