Coronavirus Pandemic: Key Updates
Death toll nears 330,000
The novel coronavirus has killed at least 328,220 people since the outbreak first emerged in China last December, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP at 1100 GMT yesterday. At least 5,012,630 cases of coronavirus have been registered in 196 countries and territories. The United States remains the country with the highest number of deaths with 93,439 fatalities. Britain has recorded 35,704, Italy has 32,330 deaths, France saw 28,132 deaths, and Spain recorded 27,888.
Monkeys grow immunity after infection, vaccine
Two studies on monkeys published on Wednesday offer hope that humans can develop protective immunity to the novel coronavirus. The studies, published in the journal Science, looked at a prototype vaccine and whether infection with SARS-CoV-2 provides immunity against re-exposure. In one study carried out by Barouch and other researchers, nine adult rhesus macaque monkeys were infected with the virus. The monkeys developed COVID-19 symptoms but created protective antibodies and recovered after a few days. To test their immunity, they were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 again 35 days later for what is called a "re-challenge", and they showed few to no symptoms.
Virus risk for millions in cyclone shelters
At least 84 people died as the fiercest cyclone to hit parts of Bangladesh and eastern India this century sent trees flying and flattened houses, with millions crammed into shelters despite the risk of coronavirus. Millions more were left without power after Cyclone Amphan, packing winds of around 150 kilometres per hour (95 mph), carried away electricity pylons, walls and roofs, officials said as they began to assess the damage.
India domestic air travel to resume May 25
Domestic air travel will resume in India on May 25 after a two-month shutdown imposed to stop the spread of coronavirus, the aviation minister said, in a further easing of national lockdown restrictions. The government halted all domestic flights -- which ferried 144 million passengers as well as cargo across the vast country last year -- on March 25.
Trump for in-person G7 meet
US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is considering hosting world leaders for the annual G7 summit at his Camp David retreat despite the ongoing coronavirus crisis, as the global death toll soared past 325,000. Trump said in a tweet that he may hold the G7 in June in person, instead of remotely by videoconference as proposed previously. "I am considering rescheduling the G-7, on the same or similar date, in Washington, D.C., at the legendary Camp David," he said.
Source: AFP, Reuters
Comments