CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC: Latest updates

Death toll nears 140,000

The worldwide death toll from the novel coronavirus pandemic rose to 137,500 yesterday, according to a tally compiled by AFP at 1100 GMT from official sources. More than 2,083,820 declared cases have been registered in 193 countries and territories. In the United States, the death toll stood at 30,985 with 639,664 infections.  Italy is the next most-affected country with 21,645 deaths from 165,155 infections. It is followed by Spain with 19,130 fatalities from 182,816 confirmed infections, France with 17,167 deaths and 147,863 infections and Britain with 12,868 deaths from 98,476 cases.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

US cases have 'passed peak'        

President Donald claimed that the US cases had "passed the peak" of the crisis despite a record daily death toll. He promised swift "guidelines" on reopening parts of the country, suggesting less-affected states could ease restrictions before May 1.

Japan expands emergency

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe yesterday expanded a state of emergency due to the coronavirus to cover the whole country to stem the growing spread of the disease. The declaration allows regional governors to urge people to stay indoors, but with no punitive measures or legal force, the measure is far weaker than strict lockdowns seen in other parts of the world.

Germany to ease restrictions Germany has achieved a "fragile intermediate success" in its the fight against the coronavirus and will take small steps out of lockdown with the partial reopening of shops next week and schools from May 4. Social distancing rules would remain in place until May 3 .

106-yr-old beats COVID-19

A 106-year-old great-grandmother, thought to be the oldest patient in Britain to beat the novel coronavirus, was discharged from hospital to applause from nurses and health workers. Connie Titchen, from Birmingham, in central England, battled the virus for just under three weeks and was given a clean bill of health by medics at City Hospital.

Australia to keep restrictions

Australia will retain restrictions on public movement for at least four more weeks, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said yesterday, dashing speculation the country's sustained low growth in new cases could spur a quicker return to normal. Australia has averted the high numbers of coronavirus casualties reported in other countries around the world after closing its borders and imposing strict "social distancing" measures for the past month.

Source: AFP, reuters