Growth of COVID-19 cases in select countries after reaching 100 cases Mar. 11, 2020

Italy experienced a sharp rise in the number of positive infections shortly after confirming its 100th coronavirus case. In the space of just 17 days, the number of cases in Italy had soared to more than 12,000. In comparison, the spread of the virus was much slower in Japan.

The COVID-19 outbreak in Italy

Italy was the first European nation to be severely impacted by COVID-19. There had been approximately 35,400 coronavirus-related deaths recorded in the country as of August 17, 2020. Following a two-month lockdown period, restrictions in Italy were eased in early May, and citizens are now permitted to travel between regions and abroad. However, the risk of a resurgence remains, and the country’s state of emergency has been extended until October 15, 2020. It is looking increasingly likely that restrictions will not be completely lifted until a vaccine for the disease is discovered.

Pfizer confident of vaccine success

Pfizer and BioNTech are jointly developing one candidate vaccine that is under clinical evaluation. In July 2020, the two companies announced an agreement with the U.S. government that will bring millions of doses to the American people. The BNT162 mRNA-based vaccine is currently being produced even though it has not received regulatory approval from the FDA. This is a risky approach and is one that could cost the companies millions of dollars should the vaccine be rejected. However, if regulatory approval is received, the safe and effective vaccine can be shipped quickly.