Covid deaths pass 700,000 globally

PARIS: France and the Netherlands imposed stricter maskwearing rules on Wednesday amid signs that the coronavirus pandemic is flaring up again across the globe, with the worldwide death toll exceeding 700,000.

Toulouse in southwest France announced that the wearing of face masks is compulsory in particularly busy streets and squares from Wednesday.

And Paris and other cities are expected to follow suit soon, authorities said.

People already have to wear them inside most private businesses and all public buildings in France. A scientific committee advising the French government warned that the country could lose control of its spread “at any time”.

In the Netherlands, similar mask-wearing measures come into force in Rotterdam and in some busy neighbourhoods of Amsterdam, including its famous red-light district.

Ireland postponed the reopening of pubs and other nightspots on the advice of scientists, concerned about rising infections.

The new global death toll is double the number since May 26, with 100,000 registered in just under three weeks. Europe remains the hardest hit region with 211,365 fatalities.

Sri Lankans, wearing face masks amid the pandemic, voted on Wednesday for the twice-postponed parliamentary polls that are likely to be won by the powerful Rajapaksa family-run Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP).

According to the officials, 55% polling was recorded until 4 PM local time.