Worldwide COVID-19 Update: Free U.S. masks via mail, COVID passports implemented in Sweden and Denmark
In the ongoing battle against COVID-19, several developments are taking place around the world. Here's a roundup of some key points, focusing on the plans for digital vaccine certificates in Sweden and Denmark, the predominant coronavirus variant in Peru, and the Biden administration's mask distribution plan in the United States.
Sweden and Denmark are moving forward with digital vaccine certificates to facilitate domestic and international travel. Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven aims to test these certificates for domestic travel within the country, while Denmark has announced the launch of its "digital coronavirus passports." By summer, as hoped in Sweden, travel abroad using a digital vaccine certificate should be possible, provided that borders remain open.
However, it's important to note that there is no confirmed report of a unique new coronavirus strain originating specifically in Peru as of August 2025. The main circulating variant in Peru remains Omicron XBB.1.5. Newly identified global subvariants such as Stratus (XFG) are recombinant forms arising elsewhere without direct evidence of originating in Peru. These variants show no evidence of increased severity but continue to spread and are monitored by health authorities.
In the United States, the administration of President Joe Biden is considering the idea of sending free masks to every American home via mail. This move comes amidst logistical concerns, but Biden has urged the project to continue. The President has also signed orders requiring masks on federal property and public transportation.
In other news, the second wave of COVID-19 in Peru has proven to be more aggressive than the first, with Peru having as many infected in just four weeks as it did in the first two months of the pandemic. Health Minister Pilar Mazzetti announced the emergence of a new strain of coronavirus in three regions of Peru, previously identified in travelers from Brazil.
Lastly, vaccine manufacturers are working diligently to ensure their vaccines are effective against any strains of COVID-19. A combined vaccine from AstraZeneca and Pfizer is being tested on 800 volunteers aged 50 and over in the UK. The idea is to encourage even the most stubborn violators to wear protective gear and to provide a cumulative positive effect if regular re-vaccination of the population is needed in the future.
As always, it's crucial to stay informed and follow the guidance of health authorities to protect ourselves and others during these challenging times.
- To promote health-and-wellness and facilitate travel, Sweden and Denmark are developing digital vaccine certificates, aiming to facilitate both domestic and international travel by summer.
- Despite the identification of new coronavirus subvariants like Stratus (XFG) around the globe, there is no confirmed unique coronavirus strain originating specifically in Peru as of August 2025.
- In the United States, the Biden administration is considering sending free masks to every American household via mail as a part of the ongoing efforts to promote health-and-wellness and control the spread of COVID-19.
