Key developments in the global coronavirus outbreak today include:
Global cases stand at more than 4.1 million
The total number of confirmed cases stands at 4,102,955, while the global death toll has reached 282,719, according to Johns Hopkins University. The US has reported the most fatalities at 79,528, followed by the UK (31,930) and Italy (30,560).
Some European nations begin to ease restrictions
Millions of people across Europe are set to embrace a relaxation of stay-at-home rules today. In France members of the public were able to walk outside without filling in a permit for the first time in nearly eight weeks. In Spain, urban hotspots such as Madrid and Barcelona remain under lockdown – but elsewhere people made plans to meet friends and family in bars and restaurants that have outdoor spaces.
New Zealand to move to level 2 lockdown
Jacinda Ardern said parties, weddings, stag dos, and funerals will be capped at 10, both inside and outside, as the director-general of health had deemed these events “high-risk”, with the country’s largest Covid-19 clusters spreading from a wedding, a St Patrick’s day party and a conference. It came as the country reported three new cases.
South Korea reports 35 new cases
Twenty-nine are linked to Seoul clubs and bars, which were attended by a man in his 20s. More than 1,500 people have been contacted as possible contacts.It was the single biggest daily toll since 9 April, and the country’s containment measures are being put to the test, Yonhap News reports.
China faces new outbreaks
An untraced coronavirus outbreak in a Chinese city near the Russian border and a spate of new cases in Wuhan has prompted fears of a fresh wave of infections in China. Wuhan has recorded its highest number of new infections since 11 March, reporting five new cases for 10 May, among 17 new cases nationwide, the highest in almost two weeks.
US vice president Mike Pence taking precautions
His office said Mike Pence was not in quarantine and plans to be at the White House on Monday, local time, but was taking precautions after an aide tested positive for Covid-19 last week.
Boris Johnson sparks confusion with lockdown exit plan
PM’s next moves have been labeled divisive, confusing and vague after he said some places could reopen and the government was “actively encouraging” people to return to work, without giving details of how. He is due to explain further today.
