In This Edition

Key Takeaways

Overnight, global confirmed cases passed 5 million. Validity of Moderna’s claims that its trial vaccine is “safe and effective” is questioned, driving stock markets down globally. Greenhouse gas emissions have fallen 17 percent as a result of lockdowns. [Flashpoint Daily Situation Reports]

Condition Updates

A rundown of important global developments in markets, in business, and region-by-region, as well as statistical risk assessments by country and by US state.

Violent Crime amid the Pandemic

While the effect is not uniform across the world, an overall decline in violent crime has occurred across many jurisdictions over the last few months. Domestic violence is of particular concern amid coronavirus lockdowns. The pandemic could also prove a boon to organized crime in the long run.  Economic recession and high levels of unemployment are often helpful for organized criminals to gain recruits and expand operations into the legitimate economy.

Country in Focus: Madagascar

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has attributed the country’s relatively small outbreak to COVID-Organics, a line of untested herbal drinks he claims can both prevent and cure the virus. The reliance on a scientifically shaky cure is likely endangering Madagascar’s fragile respite from the virus as well as creating tension with dubious world leaders and international organizations, and continuing a trend of baseless medical claims by world leaders.

Download the article