Global cases of coronavirus exceed 1.76 million: India cases at 8,446; US death toll overtakes Italy’s

Global cases of coronavirus exceed 1.76 million: India cases at 8,446; US death toll overtakes Italy’s

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have exceeded 1.76 million globally, with the death toll surpassing 108,000, according to Johns Hopkins University (JHU).

Here is what we know so far:

The total number of cases on the Chinese mainland has reached 81,953, including 1,183 cases from abroad. A total of 1,092 asymptomatic patients are under medical observation. The death toll stands at 3,339 on the Chinese mainland, four in Hong Kong SAR and six in the Taiwan region.

Wuhan lifted outbound travel restrictions on Wednesday after over two months of lockdown.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved out of intensive care. The death toll in the country now stands at 9,892. 

The IMF has projected negative per capita income growth in over 170 countries in 2020.

In the U.S., over 20,000 deaths have been reported, according to statistics released by JHU.

Italy on Friday extended its nationwide lockdown until May 3.

TIMELINE

10:33, 12-Apr-2020

Dr. Zhong Nanshan, China’s top respiratory expert, shared his views about fighting COVID-19 in an exclusive interview with People’s Daily.

–  At the current stage of development, it will take about two weeks to reach the global tipping point.

–  China’s successful outbreak control is a feat in the history of epidemic prevention and control.

–  The imported cases are less likely to cause a second outbreak in China, and Chinese community residents have a strong sense of self-protection.

–  Other major countries are still in the first phase of the outbreak, with high rates of human-to-human transmission, and now is not the time to take off masks.

10:25, 12-Apr-2020

Spain sets out back-to-work guidelines as coronavirus death rate slows

Spain’s government on Saturday set out guidelines for people returning to work under a loosening of lockdown restrictions, while the country reported its lowest one-day increase in deaths from the coronavirus since March 23.

Most Spaniards have been confined to their homes since mid-March with only businesses in sectors deemed strategically important allowed to operate normally.

However, from Monday, some other industries such as construction and manufacturing will be allowed to restart, enabling thousands to return to work.

Under guidelines issued by the prime minister’s office on Saturday, companies returning to work must provide appropriate protective equipment and ensure employees have space to be at least two meters apart.

09:06, 12-Apr-2020

More than 75% of Saturday’s new imported cases on Chinese mainland link to Russia

China on Saturday reported 97 more imported COVID-19 cases, at least 72 of which are from Russia, according to the National Health Commission.

Two major clusters were detected – one in Shanghai with 51 cases and one in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province with 21 cases. Both clusters were composed of Chinese nationals arriving on the same flight from Russia on Friday.

Moreover, the construction of a temporary hospital in Suifenhe City, Heilongjiang Province, has been completed and the medical team has been set up.

The Chinese Embassy in Moscow reminded Chinese citizens in Russia to strictly abide by Russia’s home quarantine rules to avoid the risk of infection during long-distance travel.

China sent medical experts to Russia to help fight COVID-19. They brought with them urgently needed medical supplies donated by China, including surgical masks, medical masks, N95 masks and protective suits.

08:16, 12-Apr-2020

China has 99 more COVID-19 cases on its mainland, 97 of which are imported from abroad, the National Health Commission said on Saturday.

The commission also reported no new deaths and 63 asymptomatic patients who are currently under observation.

The two cases of local transmissions were registered in northeastern China’s Heilongjiang Province.

The total number of confirmed cases on the Chinese mainland stands at 82,052. The cumulative death toll is 3,339, and 1,086 asymptomatic patients are under medical observation.

On the same day, the Chinese health authorities said 50 patients were discharged from hospitals, bringing the total number of recovered cases to 77,575.

The latest numbers of total confirmed cases in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan region are as follows:

Hong Kong: 1,000 (336 recovered, 4 deaths)

Macao: 45 (10 recovered)

Taiwan: 385 (99 recovered, 6 deaths)

08:01, 12-Apr-2020

Latest COVID-19 developments in the world

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has approved an extension of the kingdom’s curfew until further notice due to the rate at which the coronavirus is currently spreading.

France’s death toll from the new coronavirus outbreak rose to 13,832 on Saturday. Total number of confirmed cases in France has risen by 3,114 to 93,790.

But France said the number of patients in intensive care fell for the third day in a row to 6,883 from 7,004 a day before, down nearly 2 percent.

Italy said on Saturday that the county has registered 152,271 COVID-19 cases, including 19,468 deaths. While 32,534 patients have recovered.

U.S. COVID-19 death toll has topped 20,000 and surpassed Italy as the country with the most fatalities in the world. To date, all U.S. states are now under disaster declaration.

Also U.S. aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt Saturday reported 103 more crew members contracting the new virus, bringing the total number of infections on the carrier to 550.

07:53, 12-Apr-2020

Over 22,000 healthcare workers infected with COVID-19: WHO

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit over 22,000 healthcare workers across 52 countries and regions, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Saturday.

According to its daily situation report, 22,073 COVID-19 cases among healthcare workers have been reported to the WHO as of Wednesday, April 8.

The report said the number is probably under-represented as there is so far no systematic reporting of infections among healthcare workers to the WHO.

Preliminary results suggest healthcare workers are being infected both in the workplace and in the community, most often through infected family members.

To protect frontline healthcare workers, the WHO stressed the correct use of personal protective equipment like masks, goggles, gloves, and gowns. Noting the risk of burnout among healthcare providers, the WHO called for respecting their rights to decent working conditions.

02:59, 12-Apr-2020

The United States COVID-19 death toll has surpassed 20,000, according to U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.

The tally came soon after the U.S. surpassed Italy to become the country with the most COVID-19 deaths globally.

The World Health Organization warned earlier this month that the U.S. could become the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, a status held by Europe.

As the toll continues to rise in the U.S. New York City announced that schools would remain shut down for the rest of the academic year.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday sent a message of hope to the world that the fight against COVID-19 will be won.

In his address, the 70-year-old urged the world to unite in efforts to curb the further spread of the virus, especially during important occasions in the religious calendar.

Guterres address came as the world is celebrating the Easter holiday away from places of worship as various governments have imposed ban on public gatherings.

“This is a time like no other. We are all seeking to navigate a strange, surreal world. A world of silent streets, shuttered storefronts, empty places of worship and a world of worry. We are worried about our loved ones who are equally worried about us. How do we celebrate at a time like this?” the UN chief said.

He also called upon the world to unite in prayer for health workers around the world and everyone affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Let us spare a special thought for heroic health workers on the front lines, battling this awful virus, and for all those working to keep our cities and towns going. Let us remember the most vulnerable of the vulnerable around the world. Those in war zones and refugee camps and slums and all those places least equipped to fight the virus,” he said.

Globally, over 1.7 million people have tested positive for COVID-19 with more than 103,000 people killed. Over 388,000 have recovered.

The World Health Organization has warned governments against rushing a return to normalcy, saying it could start a new wave of the COVID-19 disaster.

“Together we can and will defeat this virus – with cooperation, solidarity and faith in our common humanity,” Guterres said in his address.

00:52, 12-Apr-2020

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom warned countries against rushing a return to normalcy, saying it “could lead to a deadly resurgence.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of possible tough times ahead for Africa as countries continue to report new cases of COVID-19.

So far, 52 countries on the continent have recorded cases of the disease, with a total of nearly 11,000 COVID-19 cases, and over 500 deaths. Over 1,000 people have recovered.

“I want to take a moment to highlight Africa, where we are seeing the spread of the virus to rural areas. We are now seeing clusters of cases and community spread in more than 16 countries. We anticipate severe hardship for already overstretched health systems, particularly in rural areas, which normally lack the resources of those in cities,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom.

Tedros reiterated a call by the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Rebecca Moeti, to have countries localize their responses and strengthening their existing public health care infrastructure.

At the same time, Tedros also warned countries against rushing a return to normalcy, saying it “could lead to a deadly resurgence.”

“The way down can be as dangerous as the way up if not managed properly. WHO is working with affected countries on strategies for gradually and safely easing restrictions,” he said.

Global COVID-19 cases have so far surpassed 1.7 million, with nearly 105,000 deaths reported. Over 390,000 have recovered.

Tedros called for a unified fight against the virus, noting that: “every single person has a role to play in ending this pandemic.”

22:39, 11-Apr-2020

00:32

The Cook County jail in Chicago has become the largest-known source of COVID-19 infections in the country. According to local media, 276 inmates and more than 115 staff members tested positive, and two people have died. At the moment, the jail holds nearly 4,500 inmates. U.S. health authorities are concerned over its overcrowding and unsanitary conditions.