CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC: Latest updates
Death toll crosses 25,000
At least 25,066 deaths have been recorded, ore than 17,000 of which are in Europe, according to an AFP tally compiled at 1100 GMT Friday based on official sources. More than 547,034 cases have been declared in 183 countries and territories of which nearly 295,000 are in Europe, the worst affected continent. The true numbers are likely much higher, however. The countries with the most official deaths are Italy with 8,165, Spain (4,858), mainland China (3,292) , Iran (2,378) and France (1,696).
UK PM Johnson infected
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced he has tested positive for COVID-19, having developed mild symptoms. "I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government's response via video-conference as we fight this virus," he wrote on Twitter. Britain's Health Secretary Matt Hancock also said he had tested positive for COVID-19.
81,000 could die in US
The coronavirus pandemic could kill more than 81,000 people in the United States in the next four months and may not subside until June, according to a data analysis done by University of Washington School of Medicine. The number of hospitalized patients is expected to peak nationally by the second week of April, though the peak may come later in some states. The report came as with nearly 86,000 cases, US surpassed any other country in the world.
Tourism to plunge up to 30%
The number of international tourist arrivals will fall by 20-30 percent in 2020 due to the novel coronavirus, putting millions of jobs at risk, the World Tourism Organization said. The drop in arrivals will lead to an estimated loss of $300-450 billion in international tourism receipts, almost one third of the $1.5 trillion generated in 2019, the Madrid-based UN body said in a statement.
10-minute coronavirus test!
Researchers in Senegal this week began validation trials on a COVID-19 diagnostic test that can be done at home and produce results in as little as 10 minutes - all for $1. The plan is to dually manufacture the tests in Senegal and the United Kingdom and if the validation testing meets regulatory standards, they could be distributed across Africa as early as June.
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