Latest on the worldwide spread of the coronavirus

SUMMER weather is enticing much of the world to emerge from coronavirus lockdowns as centres of the outbreak from New York to Italy and Spain gradually lift restrictions that have kept millions indoors for months.

> More than 4.64 million people have been reported to have been infected globally and 310,236 have died, according to a Reuters tally, as of on Sunday afternoon.

> Greeks flocked to the seaside when more than 500 beaches reopened and thousands returned to church on Sunday after weeks of staying away as a ban on mass gatherings was eased.

> Spain’s daily death toll fell below 100 for the first time in two months, the health ministry said on Sunday, as some parts of the virus-stricken country prepared for a further loosening of lockdown measures.

> Temporary unemployment schemes operating across Europe could struggle to save the jobs of leisure and travel sector workers facing drawn-out or partial recoveries from the pandemic, even if they help industries that rebound quickly.

> The number of people who have died in the United Kingdom after testing positive for Covid-19 rose by 170 to 34,636, business minister Alok Sharma said, the lowest increase in the official death toll since March 24.

> The most important data for the US economy right now is the “medical metrics” around the pandemic, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said in broadcast remarks where he outlined the likely need for three to six more months of government financial help for firms and families.

> Wearing a face mask, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro posed for photographs with children plucked out of a crowd of supporters, disregarding public health advice aimed at containing one of the world’s worst virus outbreaks.

> Mexico on Sunday reported 49,219 coronavirus cases, 2,075 more than the previous day, as the country prepares to resume economic activities deemed essential.

> India extended a nationwide lockdown to May 31, as cases exceeded 90,000 and further clashes erupted between police and stranded migrants.

> Japanese hospital doctors on the front line of the pandemic face tough working conditions, with many reusing masks and few getting hazard pay, a survey by a labour union showed.

> Egypt will bring forward the start of its curfew by four hours to 5pm and halt public transport during the six-day Eid holiday from May 24, said Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

> Zimbabwe will keep its lockdown for the time being, though businesses will be allowed to open for longer and the restrictions will be reviewed every two weeks, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said.