PARIS, April 12, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
– US becomes the worst hit country –
The United States becomes the country worst hit by the coronavirus, both in terms of recorded cases and deaths.
– Toll tops 107,000 worldwide –
More than 107,000 people have died worldwide from the coronavirus in 193 countries and territories, according to an AFP tally around 1900 GMT Saturday based on official sources.
There have been more than 170,000 reported infections, although the true number is probably significantly higher, as many countries are only testing the most serious cases.
The United States now has the highest recorded death toll with 20,506 according to the AFP tally. It is followed by Italy with 19,468 Spain with 16,353, France with 13,832 and Britain with 9,875.
– Mass graves –
Unclaimed bodies of victims are being buried in unmarked mass graves on Hart Island in New York, officials confirm.
Authorities have used the site for more than 150 years to bury unclaimed bodies, unidentified people and residents whose families could not afford a private burial.
The New York Times reports that around 25 people are being buried there a day. Before the outbreak it was 25 a week.
– Confinement goes on –
The World Health Organization warns that prematurely lifting lockdown restrictions could spark a dangerous resurgence of the disease.
– Iran loosens restrictions –
Iran allows small businesses outside the capital to reopen, and Iranians in several provinces report a significant increase in cars on the roads as people go back to work.
The measure has been criticised by medical experts.
– India extends lockdown –
India announces an extension of its nationwide lockdown, keeping citizens in the world’s second-most populous country confined for two more weeks.
– Easter on screen –
Celebrations for Easter weekend around the world kick off as billions of people are stuck indoors, traditional ceremonies are cancelled and churches lie empty.
Pope Francis will livestream his Easter message from the seclusion of his private library.
– Flights postponed –
Latin America’s biggest airline, the Brazilian-Chilean group LATAM, announces it is suspending all international flights until May.
– Apple and Google join forces –
Google and Apple announce they have teamed up for a joint initiative to develop a coronavirus smartphone “contact tracing” tool that could potentially alert people when they have crossed paths with an infected person.