PARIS, Aug 26, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Here are the latest developments in
the coronavirus crisis:
– More than 820,000 dead –
The pandemic has killed at least 820,180 people worldwide since
surfacing in China late last year, according to a tally from official
sources compiled by AFP at 1100 GMT on Wednesday.
More than 23.9 million cases have been registered in 196 countries
and territories.
The United States has recorded the most deaths with 178,524,
followed by Brazil with 116,580, Mexico with 61,450, India with 59,449
and Britain with 41,449 fatalities.
– UK economy could lose œ22 billion –
Britain’s economy will lose about œ22 billion ($29 billion, 24
billion euros) this year on the collapse of global travel, which could
imperil three million jobs, an industry body forecasts.
International visitor spending could plunge by 78 percent from 2019,
equating to a loss of œ60 million per day or œ420 million a week, the
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts in a key report.
– Be responsible –
France’s prime minister urges the population to take
“responsibility” for limiting the outbreak by wearing masks to protect
one another. “People will contaminate others,” he warns in an
interview with radio channel France Inter. “I appeal to a sense of
responsibility.”
Asked whether the government could issue new stay-at-home orders if
the situation spirals out of control, Jean Castex says “all
hypotheses” are on the table, though a new lockdown is “not the goal”
given the severe economic impact.
– UK masks U-turn –
Britain reverses its policy on wearing facemasks in schools in
England, prompting fresh criticism about its handling of the pandemic.
Ministers had insisted face coverings were not necessary when
children go back to school next week, but in new guidance the
government now advises secondary school students and staff should wear
face coverings in corridors and communal areas.
– Pope is back –
Pope Francis will resume limited public weekly audiences early next
month, the Vatican announces, six months after the head of the
Catholic Church halted the practice.
The Wednesday hearings will be held in a closed courtyard of the
Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, where a maximum of 500 seats will be
placed.
– Rakhine lockdown expands –
Myanmar expands a lockdown in conflict-wracked Rakhine state to
cover four more townships, halting the movement of about one million
people as the number of cases climbs steadily.
– Bolt is positive –
The agent for Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt confirms the
eight-time Olympic gold medallist has tested positive for the virus,
but says he is not showing any symptoms.