COVID-19 CASES PASS 5MN IN US; FATALITIES IN BRAZIL TOP 100K

WASHINGTON : The US has set a new record for coronavirus cases, with more than 5 million people now infected, while deaths in Brazil crossed 100,000.

With one out of every 66 residents infected, the US leads the world in cases. The country has recorded more than 160,000 deaths, nearly a quarter of the world’s total.

The grim milestone came on Saturday as President Donald Trump signed executive orders intended to provide economic relief to Americans hurt by the pandemic after the White House failed to reach a deal with Congress. On Friday, the US Labor Department reported that US employment growth slowed considerably in July, underscoring an urgent need for additional government aid.

Brazil on Saturday surpassed 100,000 coronavirus deaths and three million cases, even as President Jair Bolsonaro said he had a “clear conscience” on his response to the outbreak. With 100,477 fatalities and 3,012,412 confirmed cases, the South American nation of 212 million people is the second hardest-hit country after the US.

Australia had its deadliest day on Sunday with 17 people dying in the state of Victoria. Premier Daniel Andrews said confirmed cases also include almost 1,000 health care workers. More than 2,700 active cases have no known source and remain the primary concern of health authorities, he added.

Paris will mandate outdoor mask wearing on its busiest streets starting on Monday to limit a resurgence in cases.

EARLY-STAGE CLINICAL TRIAL STARTS IN SINGAPORE

In Singapore, the early-stage clinical trial for a vaccine has started, with the first doses expected to be given to volunteers next week. The country’s coronavirus tally crossed over 55,000 on Sunday.