The lack of rated events due to the coronavirus pandemic could have led, under the existing regulations, to many players being considered as "inactive". As such, they could have been removed from the rating list. 

In order to prevent that, the Qualification Commission has made the recommendation to temporarily extend the period required to be considered "inactive" from 12 to 24 months. The exceptional measure, approved by the FIDE Council, has already been applied to November's rating list. This modification will be reverted once the chess activity goes back to pre-pandemic levels of activity and competitions. 

You can read the full text of the FIDE Council resolution here: 

"WHEREAS, since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been possible for only a reduced number of FIDE rated tournaments to take place. As a result, it is likely that many players who would under normal conditions be playing rated games will find that they are unable to do so and will therefore be marked as inactive. 

The FIDE Council has considered this problem and has decided on the advice of the Qualification Commission (QC) that, from the November 2020 list UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, the period specified in the definition of inactivity will be increased from 12 months to 24 months."