VP Bank Corona-Crisis-Barometer: Fourth (regional) wave of infection shows first negative consequences

Last updated: March 30, 2021

Although the USA has only seen a slight increase in new infections nationwide, some regions have already seen a rapid rise again. These include the northeast in particular. Michigan and New York City are on their way to January's highs in infections.

In view of this, it should come as no surprise that our crisis barometer shows noticeably lower power demand there in particular on a weekly basis. Meanwhile, the number of passengers at US airports as well as restaurant bookings are barely advancing on a weekly basis. Joe Biden is therefore making a huge effort to fight the fourth wave of infection (while Europe has had two waves of infection so far, the USA has already had three). A vaccination offer is to be made to the population in three weeks. The aim is to shorten the distances to the vaccination centres. Vaccination facilities will be available within a five-mile radius.

The examples of Israel and Great Britain show how successful a vaccination campaign can be. In both countries, the seven-day incidence rate is below 8.