United States Latest Developments 

• The Biden administration hit its goal of 100 million shots in its first 100 days on 19 March, six weeks early. They have set a new goal, 200 million doses by the 100th day. The country appears to be on track to meet this goal as vaccine supply ramps up.
• Nearly 2.8 million shots were administered on average in the last seven days. This compares with just over 2.5 million doses administered per day on average two weeks ago. So far, around 96 million people have received at least one vaccine dose.
• At current pace, 50% of the population will have been at least partially vaccinated by early May, with herd immunity, estimated around 70%, reached in mid-June. These projections continue to improve as more vaccine supply reaches states. 
• Pfizer announced strong preliminary results for it's vaccine in 12-15 year old children, noting a 100% efficacy against COVID-19 in the clinical trial. 

For the latest United States case counts, click here.

Situation Report

On 30 March 2021, the U.S. Embassy Rangoon, Myanmar ordered the departure of non-essential diplomatic personnel and all personnel family members amid escalating violence across the country but particularly in Yangon (Rangoon). At least 500 anti-coup protesters have been killed by the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) since the 01 February coup. Expat travelers and residents in Myanmar should consider leaving the country before the situation deteriorates further and exit options become even more limited. 

“Idle businesses, uncollected taxes. How Myanmar is tumbling toward a ‘failed state’” 

LA Times recent article around the Myanmar anti-coup protests highlights how Global Guardian has been supporting clients on-the-ground, and how CEO Dale Buckner has warned clients the crisis won’t resolve itself anytime soon.

FOR FOREIGN BUSINESSES IN MYANMAR, COUP CREATES ‘UNWORKABLE’ SITUATION

The volatile environment in Myanmar is paralyzing basic business operations with the financial system and logistic arteries being backed up or blocked. In the Wall Street Journal's recent article, Global Guardian CEO, Dale Buckner, shares how the team at Global Guardian is supporting corporate clients on the ground during these challenging times with the Wall Street Journal.

The U.S. government has moved up its estimate for when every adult in  America would have access to a vaccine, up to 01 May from the end of May previously. 

The rise in crime that has accompanied the global pandemic and economic downturn has meant businesses are increasingly becoming targets for online and physical attacks. Whether from disgruntled former employees or an angry corner of the internet, threats against brands, executives, and employees are on the rise. Online threats, such as cyber-attacks and data breaches, can harm a company’s reputation, expose financial data and confidential information, and even be used to threaten executives.

SITUATION: On 1 February, the Myanmar military seized control of the government, declaring a year-long state of emergency, following a general election in which Ms. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party won by a landslide.

Johnson & Johnson's single-dose vaccine received Emergency Authorization Approval (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In an effort to increase production, the Biden administration brokered a deal in which Merck would help manufacture J&J's vaccine.