Coronavirus: Latest global developments

PARIS: Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis.

Nearly 290,000 dead

At least 289,138 coronavirus deaths have been recorded since the epidemic surfaced in China late last year, according to an AFP tally at 1900 GMT yesterday based on official sources. There have been more than 4,226,110 officially recorded cases in 195 countries and territories. The United States has recorded most deaths at 81,650. It is followed by Britain (32,692), Italy (30,911), France (26,991) and Spain (26,920).

Russia cases surge

As it begins to cautiously ease its nationwide lockdown, Russia becomes the country with the world’s second-highest number of coronavirus infections at more than 232,000, according to an AFP tally. Containment measures remain in many parts of the country, including hard-hit Moscow which is on lockdown until the end of May, but other regions begin to lift some restrictions. Among the new infections is President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, who says he has tested positive.

Warning from Fauci

The US administration’s top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci warns that ending lockdowns too quickly could bring “severe consequences” including new outbreaks of coronavirus just as the country tries to overcome the pandemic. US Vice President Mike Pence, whose press secretary tested positive for coronavirus, has decided to “keep his distance” from President Donald Trump for a few days.

Wuhan’s mass testing

The Chinese city of Wuhan, original epicenter of the pandemic, plans to conduct tests on its entire population of 11 million people after new cases emerge for the first time in weeks.

Indian stimulus plan

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils a $270-billion (250-billion-euro) stimulus package to boost flagging growth amid the pandemic. It is worth about 10 percent of India’s GDP.

Saving summer holiday

The European Union is set to present recommendations today to save the summer season in

Europe’s tourism sector, including urging EU countries to gradually reopen shuttered internal borders. Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair says it plans to restore 40 percent of its flights from July, provided government restrictions on EU flights are lifted and health measures are put in place at airports.

Schools reopen in France

Thousands of primary and nursery schools reopen throughout France as the government eases its coronavirus lockdown rules despite some fears of a second waves of infections. Teachers wear face masks and the children’s chairs are separated to avoid spreading the disease. — AFP