30,000,000 global Covid cases and counting as fatalities approach 1 million

WHO WARNS OF ‘ALARMING’ VIRUS SPREAD IN EUROPE

The number of coronavirus cases registered worldwide soared past 30 million yesterday, as countries started tightening restrictions to try to stop the rampaging pandemic.

The grim landmark came as the World Health Organisation warned of “alarming rates of transmission” of Covid-19 across Europe and cautioned against shortening quarantine periods. The infection numbers crossed 30.26 million last night, including 948,660 deaths and 21.9 million recoveries.

‘Wake-up call for all of us’

The WHO’s regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said a September surge — Europe set a new record last week, with some 54,000 cases recorded in 24 hours — “should serve as a wake-up call for all of us.”

“Although these numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region,” he said.

In Britain, new measures will take effect today, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning that pubs may have to close earlier. Britain has been Europe’s worst-hit country with nearly 42,000 deaths.

New curbs in French cities

French authorities are preparing tighter restrictions in several cities after a record 10,593 new cases in 24 hours.

Austria announced that private indoor gatherings would be limited to 10 people, including all parties, private events and meetings indoors.

Canada tightening rules

Outside of Europe, in Canada, a draft plan would reduce the size of indoor gatherings to 10, down from 50, and outdoor gatherings to 25 from 100.

Israel is set to be the first developed country to enforce a second nationwide shutdown,

to begin today afternoon.

In New York classes were delayed again for elementary schoolers until September 29 and for middle-and highschoolers until October 1.

786 new cases in UAE

The UAE yesterday reported 786 new cases, taking the tally to 82,568, and 661 recoveries. No deaths were reported. SEE ALSO P3-5 & 8-13