Coronavirus Pandemic: Latest updates

China raises death toll

Wuhan, the Chinese city where the coronavirus first emerged, raises its death toll by 50 percent, as a growing chorus of world leaders suggests China has not been open about the full domestic impact of the virus. The revision pushes the nationwide death toll up sharply to 4,632.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Over 94,000 dead in Europe

There have been more than 2,182,740 reported COVID-19 infections around the world, from which more than 145,673 people have died, according to an AFP tally at 1100 GMT based on official sources. Europe has 94,021 deaths out of 1,099,211 cases. The United States has the most deaths of any country with 33,286 fatalities out of 671,425 cases. Italy is the hardest-hit country in Europe, with 22,170 dead. Spain follows, with 19,478, then France 17,920 and Britain 13,729.

4.5 billion people confined

At least 4.5 billion people, or nearly 58 percent of the world's population is called on or forced by the authorities to stay at home, over at least 110 countries or territories, according to an AFP database yesterday.

Russia allows MALARIA Drug

In Russia, where more than 32,000 COVID-19 cases have been registered, of which 4,070 in the last 24 hours, the government authorises the use of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine to treat patients despite international concerns over its safety and effectiveness.

300,000 Africans may die

The COVID-19 pandemic will likely kill at least 300,000 Africans and risks pushing 29 million into extreme poverty, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) said, calling for a $100 billion safety net for the continent. Africa's 54 countries have so far reported fewer than 20,000 confirmed cases of the disease.

Princess Sofia joins hospital

Princess Sofia of Sweden has started working at a hospital treating coronavirus patients to help in the country's fight against the pandemic. The 35-year-old completed a three-day intensive training programme online that will allow her to volunteer at Sophiahemmet Hospital in Stockholm. According to The Royal Central, Princess Sofia, who has joined the hospital as a healthcare assistant, will not be directly involved in dealing with COVID-19 patients. Instead, she will support the healthcare professionals with non-medical tasks.

'Under control' in Germany

The pandemic in Germany is "under control", says health minister Jens Spahn, as the country prepares to ease its lockdown measures and increase production of protective masks. Germany has recorded 133,830 cases and 3,868 deaths but the person-to-person infection rate has dropped to 0.7 percent.

Source: AFP, reuters