Coronavirus Pandemic: Latest Updates
Death toll passes 31,000
At least 31,412 people have died worldwide from the coronavirus -- some 22,260 of those in Europe -- since the epidemic started in China in December, according to an AFP tally compiled at 1000 GMT Saturday based on official sources. With 10,023 deaths, Italy alone accounts for almost a third of the world death toll. The next countries with the highest official deaths are Spain (6,528), mainland China (3,295), Iran (2,640) and France (2,314).
Record deaths in Spain
Spain tightens measures, ordering a halt to all non-essential activities and telling workers to stay home for two weeks. The country has the world's second-highest toll and confirmed another 838 deaths in the last 24 hours, a new daily record. The number of confirmed cases reached 78,797 on Sunday, a one-day increase of 9.1 percent.
Trump back-flips on NY lockdown
Some eight hours after stunning the New York metropolitan region with a proposal to place it under quarantine, US President Donald Trump decides against imposing a broad lockdown. His reversal comes on the same day as the US death toll tops 2,100, more than doubling in just three days. The US has the most confirmed cases in the world.
Food coupons in Italy
Italy announces it will send food vouchers to those who cannot afford groceries. The novel coronavirus has claimed more than 10,000 lives across the Mediterranean country, about a third of the world's total, creating the worst emergency Italians have known since World War II.
UK situation to 'get worse'
In a leaflet being sent to more than 30 million households in the UK, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warns "things will get worse before they get better". The government says the lockdown could last a "significant" time, as infection rates spiral and the death toll passes 1,000. Russia, which has not imposed a full lockdown, will close its borders on Monday and next week will be a week off from work.
Australia Limits Gatherings
Gatherings will be restricted to just two people in Australia from today-- down from the current limit of 10 -- and playgrounds, outdoor gyms and skateparks will be closed across the country. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said all over-70s as well as indigenous people over 50, who are more susceptible to diseases, are now being strongly advised to self-isolate at home. Australia has recorded almost 4,000 cases of COVID-19, with the death toll reaching 16 yesterday. Meanwhile New Zealand reported its first novel coronavirus death.
Trudeau's wife recovers
Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, the wife of Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has recovered from the novel coronavirus, she said Saturday. "I am feeling so much better and have received the all clear from my physician and Ottawa Public Health," she wrote on her Facebook page. She had tested positive for the virus on March 12 after returning from Britain.
Comments