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Coronavirus: latest global developments
PARIS, June 1, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Here are the latest developments in
the coronavirus crisis.
– More than 372,000 deaths –
The pandemic has killed at least 372,047 people worldwide since it
surfaced in China late last year, according to an AFP tally at 1100
GMT on Monday, based on official sources.
There have been more than 6.1 million cases registered in 196
countries and territories.
The United States is the worst-hit country with 104,383 deaths. It
is followed by Britain with 38,489, Italy with 33,415, Brazil with
29,314, France with 28,802 and Spain with 27,127.
– Latin America tops 1 mn cases –
In a grim new landmark, infections in Latin America and the
Caribbean surge past one million. Peru and Chile in particular
register sharp increases.
– ‘Myth!’ –
In Brazil, the pandemic hotspot in Latin America, controversial
President Jair Bolsonaro rallies his supporters in the capital
Brasilia, appearing before a crowd chanting “myth! myth! myth!” in an
echo of the leader’s dismissal of the virus outbreak.
– Spike in Iran –
Iran announces almost 3,000 new infections, its highest daily count
in two months, as it warns of another “dangerous peak” in the Middle
East’s deadliest outbreak.
– Europe eases measures –
Britain’s children return to classes as schools partially reopen
amid concern the government is moving too fast.
Shopping malls and parks reopen in Moscow, despite the still-high
number of cases.
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Greece opens some hotels, schools, pools and tattoo parlours, while
in Slovenia a mandatory rule to wear masks is eased as the country
declares the end of the outbreak there.
Rome’s Colosseum opens to Italian nationals only, drawing sparse crowds.
Parisians prepare for restaurants, cafes and bars being allowed to
serve on sidewalks and terraces in the city as of Tuesday.
– Unproven drug –
The White House says the US has delivered two million doses of the
antimalarial medicine hydroxychloroquine to Brazil, though the drug
has not been proven effective against the virus.
– No Tiananmen vigil –
Hong Kong police ban the July 4 vigil marking the Tiananmen
crackdown anniversary, citing the pandemic — the first time the
gathering has been halted in three decades.
Police reject permission for this year’s rally, which usually
attracts huge crowds, saying it would “constitute a major threat to
the life and health of the general public”, according to a letter of
objection to organisers obtained by AFP.
– Armenian PM tests positive –
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says he and his family have
tested positive for the virus. Speaking in a self-recorded video
message on Facebook, he says he has no “visible symptoms” and will be
working from home.
– Racing returns –
Zodiakos is the first winner for 76 days as horse racing became the
first major sport to return in Britain with a meeting behind closed
doors at Newcastle. Pigeon racing and snooker also return on Monday
with Premier League football scheduled to resume on June 17.
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