Key developments in the global coronavirus outbreak today include:
Global deaths pass 170,000
More than 170,000 people have lost their lives in the coronavirus pandemic so far, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. There have been more than 2.47 million cases worldwide. Just under a quarter of global deaths – 42,000 – have been in the US. The UK has nearly 126,000 cases and more than 16,500 deaths.
Trump announces plan to suspend immigration to US
US president Donald Trump announced on Twitter that he will “temporarily suspend” immigration to the US, referring to the “Invisible Enemy,” a term he has used in the White House press briefings and on Twitter to refer to coronavirus.
Singapore sees second-wave spike of cases
Singapore, which has been lauded for its initial response to the outbreak, has seen a surge in cases, reporting a record 1,426 new coronavirus cases on Monday, mostly among foreign workers. The tiny city-state now has the highest number of cases in Southeast Asia, a massive increase from just 200 infections on 15 March, when its outbreak appeared to be nearly under control. About 3,000 cases have been reported in just the past three days. It has a total of 8,014 confirmed infections.
Hong Kong extends social distancing measures for 14 days
Chief executive Carrie Lam has announced an extension of the city’s social distancing measures. Hong Kong reported its first day since early March with no new cases yesterday, but Lam said “now is not the time to let down our guard”.
Oil price falls to historic low due to coronavirus
The US oil market collapsed into negative prices for the first time in history as North America’s oil producers run out of space to store an unprecedented oversupply of crude left by the pandemic. However, Trump has downplayed the oil price drop, saying it’s only “short term”.
World Health Organization chief warns that the worst is still ahead of us
The comments, from WHO director-general Adhanom Ghebreyesus Tedros, have revived international concern the alarm just as many countries ease restrictive measures aimed at reducing its spread. Tedros also said that easing restrictions is not the end of the pandemic.
Italy’s confirmed cases fall by 20
Italy reported 454 new deaths from coronavirus on Monday, 21 more than on Sunday, bringing the death toll to 24,114. For the first time, the number of people who are currently infected fell by 20 to 108,237.
