GLOBAL COVID-19 CASES NEAR 7.9 MN
THE DEATH toll surges to more than 432,000 so FAR DUE to Coronavirus PANDEMIC Across THE world
WASHINGTON DC: The overall number of global COVID-19 cases was nearing 7.9 million, while the death toll has surged to over 432,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University. As of Monday morning, the total number of cases stood at 7,893,700, while the fatalities stood at 432,922, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. With 2,093,508 cases and 115,732 deaths, the US continues with the world's highest number of COVID-19 infections and fatalities, according to the CSSE.
In terms of cases, Brazil comes in the second place with 867,624 infections.
This was followed by Russia (528,267), India (320,922), the UK (297,342), Spain (243,928), Italy (236,989), Peru (229,736), France (194,153), Germany (187,518), Iran (187,427), Turkey (178,239), Chile (174,293), Mexico (146,837), Pakistan (139,230), Saudi Arabia (127,541) and Canada (100,043), the CSSE figures showed.
Regarding fatalities, Brazil has overtaken the UK in the second position with 43,332
COVID-19 deaths.
The other countries with over 10,000 deaths are the UK (41,783), Italy (34,345), France (29,410), Spain (27,136) and Mexico (17,141).
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a number of Coronavirus restrictions were being lifted in the country which will allow cafes and restaurants to reopen across the country as well as, travel to other European countries, it was reported on Monday.
Macron first imposed a strict lockdown on March 17 which remained in place until May 11, when the country began to cautiously ease restrictions, reports the BBC.
Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that the country will reopen its borders with the rest of the European Union (EU) from June 21.
Spain closed its borders when the government announced a state of alarm on March 14 in a bid to slow the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, reports Efe news. Sanchez announced during a weekly video conference on Sunday that travellers from other EU countries will be able to freely enter the country from June 21, when the state of alarm expires.
“From then, there will no longer be an obligation for quarantine for those entering our country,” he added.
The only exception will be Portugal, which will have to wait until July 1 at the request of its government. International arrivals from outside the Schengen area will be able to freely enter the country from 1 July, as long as the nations meet certain requirements.
“Firstly, their epidemiological situation, which will have to be similar or better than that of the EU,” Sanchez said. “Secondly, they'll have to accept some health measures related to origin, travel and destination. And lastly, it will have to be reciprocal.”
Italy will enter its third phase of de-escalation from the Coronavirus pandemic on Monday which will allow theatres, concert halls and cinemas to reopen after three months.
The country was one of the worst affected in Europe and went into lockdown on March 9, forcing most businesses and premises to close, reports Efe news.
Authorities have been gradually easing these restrictions after the outbreak was brought under control in the country. The government has postponed the reopening of night clubs and amateur sports clubs while monitoring the rate of infection, which has increased to more than 300 cases a day. The leisure sector has been the hardest hit by the pandemic, along with tourism, and has been the last to restart. A number of security measures have been imposed which will be impossible for many businesses to comply with, meaning they will not be able to open their doors.
Cinemas have a capacity limit of 200 people in large multiplexes, while for openair shows up to 1,000 spectators are allowed.
A minimum distance must be maintained between customers but masks can be removed when seated.
Playgrounds and summer camps for children have also been allowed to take place amid social distancing and hygiene safety measures.
Religious processions are also allowed to restart, which are a frequent occurrence during the summer months as Italian towns celebrate their patron saints.
Italy reopened its borders to European Union countries and the UK on June 3 but delayed its plan to expand this to other nations, which had been due to take place from June 15. “Travel to and from states and territories other than the European Union and Great Britain is prohibited until June 30, except for proven work needs, absolute emergency or for health reasons,” according to the rules set out under phase three of Italy's de-escalation plan. Only travellers from countries in the Schengen zone, UK Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia are allowed.
Cruise services in Italy have been suspended until July 14 and other ships can only enter Italian ports to moor but their passengers are not allowed to disembark.