Key developments in the global coronavirus outbreak today include:
Russia cases rise by more than 10,000 for sixth straight day
The number of new coronavirus cases in Russia rose by 10,699 over the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide tally to 187,859, the coronavirus crisis response centre said on Friday. It also reported 98 new fatalities from Covid-19, bringing the total death toll in Russia to 1,723.
German exports see worst month-on-month decline since 1990
Exports in Germany plunged by 11.8% in March, their worst month-on-month fall since the country’s 1990 reunification, statistics authority Destatis said Friday.
WHO study: 190,000 people in Africa could die from virus
Up to 190,000 people in Africa could die of Covid-19 during the first year of the pandemic if containment measures fail, according to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) based on prediction modelling and analysing 47 countries in the region. The organisation also warned that the virus could ‘smoulder’ on the continent for years.
UN chief warns of ‘tsunami’ of hate
The coronavirus pandemic is unleashing a global tsunami of hate and xenophobia, scapegoating and scare-mongering said UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres. The UN chief said anti-foreigner sentiment has surged online and in the streets, anti-Semitic conspiracy theories have spread, and Covid-19-related anti-Muslim attacks have occurred.
Facebook and Google allow staff to work remotely until end of year
Facebook and Google have both said they will allow workers who are able to work remotely to do so until the end of the year. Facebook said it would reopen its offices on 6 July as coronavirus lockdowns are gradually lifted; Google expects to reopen offices at the start of July.
Record daily deaths in Mexico
Mexico’s health ministry on Thursday reported 1,982 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infections and 257 additional fatalities, its most lethal day. The new figures bring the total number of confirmed cases to 29,616 and 2,961 deaths.
Australia prepares to ease coronavirus restrictions
Australia will ease social distancing restrictions in four-week increments, two sources told Reuters, as the country’s national cabinet meets on Friday to decide which curbs to remove first amid dwindling numbers of coronavirus cases
White House reportedly blocking release of CDC guidance on reopening businesses
A report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was abruptly shelved by the White House. The document includes step-by-step guidance on how and when local authorities should allow businesses to reopen and life to resume as normal.
