More than 12 million individuals have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, days after 20 million cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed globally, according to the most recent data available from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

The total number of cases stood at 20,624,316, while the fatalities increased to 749,421, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

The total number of recovered patients stands at 12,831,800.

Today, we know that the US, with over 5.3 million cases, is the most affected country. But it is also the country that has conducted the most number of tests after China, where the virus was first reported.

The US has so far conducted 67,551,161 tests in total, or 203,940 tests per 1 million tests in total. On Wednesday, it conducted 830,391 tests. India at present is the third-worst-hit country with 2,395,471 cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 12 million individuals have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, days after 20 million cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed globally, according to the most recent data available from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

More than 12 million individuals have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, days after 20 million cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed globally, according to the most recent data available from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The total number of cases stood at 20,624,316, while the fatalities increased to 749,421, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. The total number of recovered patients stands at 12,831,800. Today, we know that the US, with over 5.3 million cases, is the most affected country. But it is also the country that has conducted the most number of tests after China, where the virus was first reported. The US has so far conducted 67,551,161 tests in total, or 203,940 tests per 1 million tests in total. On Wednesday, it conducted 830,391 tests. India at present is the third-worst-hit country with 2,395,471 cases. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 12 million recovered worldwide from coronavirus: Johns Hopkins University

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it removed 7 million posts in the second quarter for sharing false information about the novel coronavirus, including content that promoted fake preventative measures and exaggerated cures.

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It released the data as part of its sixth Community Standards Enforcement Report, which it introduced in 2018 along with more stringent decorum rules in response to a backlash over its lax approach to policing content on its platforms. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-known-data-on-quality-safety-of-russian-vaccine-german-health-ministry-319818">Also read: No known data on quality, safety of Russian vaccine: German health ministry</a> 
 
The world’s biggest social network said it would invite proposals from experts this week to audit the metrics used in the report, beginning in 2021. It committed to the audit during a July ad boycott over hate speech practices.

The company removed about 22.5 million posts with hate speech on its flagship app in the second quarter, a dramatic increase from 9.6 million in the first quarter. It attributed the jump to improvements in detection technology.

It also deleted 8.7 million posts connected to “terrorist” organizations, compared with 6.3 million in the prior period. It took down less material from “organized hate” groups: 4 million pieces of content, compared to 4.7 million in the first quarter.

The company does not disclose changes in the prevalence of hateful content on its platforms, which civil rights groups say makes reports on its removal less meaningful.

Facebook said it relied more heavily on automation for reviewing content starting in April as it had fewer reviewers at its offices due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

That resulted in less action against content related to self-harm and child sexual exploitation, executives said on a conference call.

“It’s graphic content that honestly at home it’s very hard for people to moderate, with people around them,” said Guy Rosen, Facebook’s vice president for integrity.

Facebook said it was expanding its hate speech policy to include “content depicting blackface, or stereotypes about Jewish people controlling the world.”

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it removed 7 million posts in the second quarter for sharing false information about the novel coronavirus, including content that promoted fake preventative measures and exaggerated cures.

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it removed 7 million posts in the second quarter for sharing false information about the novel coronavirus, including content that promoted fake preventative measures and exaggerated cures. Also Read: Russia has developed world's 'first' coronavirus vaccine, says Putin It released the data as part of its sixth Community Standards Enforcement Report, which it introduced in 2018 along with more stringent decorum rules in response to a backlash over its lax approach to policing content on its platforms. Also read: No known data on quality, safety of Russian vaccine: German health ministry The world’s biggest social network said it would invite proposals from experts this week to audit the metrics used in the report, beginning in 2021. It committed to the audit during a July ad boycott over hate speech practices. The company removed about 22.5 million posts with hate speech on its flagship app in the second quarter, a dramatic increase from 9.6 million in the first quarter. It attributed the jump to improvements in detection technology. It also deleted 8.7 million posts connected to “terrorist” organizations, compared with 6.3 million in the prior period. It took down less material from “organized hate” groups: 4 million pieces of content, compared to 4.7 million in the first quarter. The company does not disclose changes in the prevalence of hateful content on its platforms, which civil rights groups say makes reports on its removal less meaningful. Facebook said it relied more heavily on automation for reviewing content starting in April as it had fewer reviewers at its offices due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That resulted in less action against content related to self-harm and child sexual exploitation, executives said on a conference call. “It’s graphic content that honestly at home it’s very hard for people to moderate, with people around them,” said Guy Rosen, Facebook’s vice president for integrity. Facebook said it was expanding its hate speech policy to include “content depicting blackface, or stereotypes about Jewish people controlling the world.”

Facebook removed seven million posts for false coronavirus information

La Liga's Valencia have announced two cases of coronavirus in their squad and coaching staff a day after returning to pre-season training. The team has decided to keep their names confidential.&nbsp;

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According to the club's statement, two individuals are isolating at home, whereas, the rest of the squad will resume training under strict protocols.

"The PCR and blood serum tests carried out on Monday for the first team, coaching staff and employees have detected two positive cases of COVID-19," the statement&nbsp;read.&nbsp;

"Those who have tested positive will remain isolated in their homes, in accordance with LaLiga and club protocols. The health authorities have been informed immediately of their status.&nbsp;

"From the start of this health crisis,&nbsp;Valencia&nbsp;have given special importance to measures to halt the expansion of the pandemic, and will maintain a strict protocol to which all members of the club are completely committed."&nbsp;

Coronavirus pandemic has heavily affected Valencia. In March, the club reported that over one-third team got infected to COVID-19.&nbsp;

Spain has been one of the worst-hit countries in the world by the pandemic. Spain overtook Britain on Monday as the country with most infections in Western Europe.&nbsp;

Two days ago, Atletico Madrid players Angel Correa Sime Vrsaljko tested positive for COVID-19 and will be missing out on Champions League quarter-finals against RB Leipzig on Thursday.&nbsp;

La Liga's Valencia have announced two cases of coronavirus in their squad and coaching staff a day after returning to pre-season training. The team has decided to keep their names confidential.

La Liga's Valencia have announced two cases of coronavirus in their squad and coaching staff a day after returning to pre-season training. The team has decided to keep their names confidential. Also read: Former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge wants Premier League comeback According to the club's statement, two individuals are isolating at home, whereas, the rest of the squad will resume training under strict protocols. "The PCR and blood serum tests carried out on Monday for the first team, coaching staff and employees have detected two positive cases of COVID-19," the statement read. "Those who have tested positive will remain isolated in their homes, in accordance with LaLiga and club protocols. The health authorities have been informed immediately of their status. "From the start of this health crisis, Valencia have given special importance to measures to halt the expansion of the pandemic, and will maintain a strict protocol to which all members of the club are completely committed." Coronavirus pandemic has heavily affected Valencia. In March, the club reported that over one-third team got infected to COVID-19. Spain has been one of the worst-hit countries in the world by the pandemic. Spain overtook Britain on Monday as the country with most infections in Western Europe. Two days ago, Atletico Madrid players Angel Correa Sime Vrsaljko tested positive for COVID-19 and will be missing out on Champions League quarter-finals against RB Leipzig on Thursday.

La Liga: Valencia reports two cases of COVID-19 in their squad and coaching staff

Catalonia's regional parliament has passed a non-binding motion voicing its concerns against the monarchy after Spain's former king Juan Carlos disappeared amid various scandals.

The three separatists parties have denied to recognize&nbsp;King Felipe VI, the serving monarch as a leader. The parties&nbsp;voted in favor of the motion which criticises&nbsp;the decision of Juan Carlos to go into exile without any discussions, especially amid controversies.

The representatives passed a proposal of&nbsp;“Catalonia is a republic and does not want a king” by 69 votes in favor and 65 against.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-ex-king-juan-carlos-is-in-abu-dhabi-media-reports-318844">Also read|&nbsp;Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos is in Abu Dhabi: Media reports</a>

“Neither Spaniards nor Catalans deserve such a loud and ridiculous scandal on an international scale,” Catalan leader Quim Torra told the regional parliament in a special session that he called to discuss the monarchy.

the 82-year-old left the country few days ago to an undisclosed location, and since then the Spanish and international media has been guessing his location — some of which have been&nbsp;Portugal, the Dominican Republic and Abu Dhabi. The only confirmed thing till now is that the ex-Spanish monarch left the country on a private jet on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-former-king-juan-carlos-flees-the-country-318186">Also read|&nbsp;Spain's former king Juan Carlos flees the country</a>

“We Catalans do not have a king and we do not want one,” Torra said. “What authority will we have to enforce the rules against corruption if we accept a royal family that escapes when they are investigated after taking millions and millions of euros in terrible business commissions?”

Catalans have been looking for an opportunity to establish Catalonia Republic, and this has provided them with one of the best times to voice their opinion.&nbsp;

Juan Carlos had been under fire in Spain and Switzerland over suspicions surrounding a multi-billion high-speed Saudi train contract won by Spanish firms, all of the allegations that had been declined by Carlos' representative.

Catalonia's regional parliament has passed a non-binding motion voicing its concerns against the monarchy after Spain's former king Juan Carlos disappeared amid various scandals.

Catalonia's regional parliament has passed a non-binding motion voicing its concerns against the monarchy after Spain's former king Juan Carlos disappeared amid various scandals. The three separatists parties have denied to recognize King Felipe VI, the serving monarch as a leader. The parties voted in favor of the motion which criticises the decision of Juan Carlos to go into exile without any discussions, especially amid controversies. The representatives passed a proposal of “Catalonia is a republic and does not want a king” by 69 votes in favor and 65 against. Also read| Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos is in Abu Dhabi: Media reports “Neither Spaniards nor Catalans deserve such a loud and ridiculous scandal on an international scale,” Catalan leader Quim Torra told the regional parliament in a special session that he called to discuss the monarchy. the 82-year-old left the country few days ago to an undisclosed location, and since then the Spanish and international media has been guessing his location — some of which have been Portugal, the Dominican Republic and Abu Dhabi. The only confirmed thing till now is that the ex-Spanish monarch left the country on a private jet on Monday. Also read| Spain's former king Juan Carlos flees the country “We Catalans do not have a king and we do not want one,” Torra said. “What authority will we have to enforce the rules against corruption if we accept a royal family that escapes when they are investigated after taking millions and millions of euros in terrible business commissions?” Catalans have been looking for an opportunity to establish Catalonia Republic, and this has provided them with one of the best times to voice their opinion. Juan Carlos had been under fire in Spain and Switzerland over suspicions surrounding a multi-billion high-speed Saudi train contract won by Spanish firms, all of the allegations that had been declined by Carlos' representative.

Catalan parliament voices opinion against Juan Carlos' exile

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos has been staying at Abu Dhabi`s exclusive Emirates Palace Hotel since leaving Spain aboard a private jet on Monday under a cloud of financial scandal involving Saudi Arabia, newspaper ABC said on Friday.

United Arab Emirates officials and the Emirates Palace Hotel did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 
Dogged by mounting corruption allegations, Juan Carlos, 82, abruptly announced his decision to leave Spain on Monday but there has been no official confirmation of his whereabouts, setting off an international guessing game.

ABC said a private plane en route from Paris to Abu Dhabi stopped off in the northwestern Spanish city of Vigo to pick up Juan Carlos, four security guards and one other person on Monday morning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-former-king-juan-carlos-is-currently-in-dominican-republic-reports-318110">Also read|&nbsp;Spain's former king Juan Carlos is currently in Dominican Republic: Reports</a>

Upon arrival at Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen airport, the ex-king and his entourage were flown by helicopter to the government-owned Hotel Emirates Palace, according to ABC, a pro-monarchy Spanish daily.

A palace spokesman said he did not know where Juan Carlos was. The former king`s lawyer did not immediately reply to a request for comment. His lawyer, the royal palace and the government have all declined to say where Juan Carlos is.

Some media have speculated Juan Carlos is in a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic and others place him in Portugal, where he spent much of his youth. But officials in both countries have said they have no knowledge of him arriving.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-former-king-juan-carlos-flees-the-country-318186">Also read:&nbsp;Spain's former king Juan Carlos flees the country</a>

In June, Spain`s Supreme Court opened a preliminary investigation into Juan Carlos` involvement in a high-speed rail contract in Saudi Arabia, after Switzerland`s La Tribune de Geneve newspaper reported he had received $100 million from the late Saudi king. Switzerland has also opened an investigation.

The former monarch is not formally under investigation and has repeatedly declined to comment on the allegations. 
The lawyer said on Monday his client was at the Spanish prosecutor`s disposal despite his decision to leave.

Spain and Abu Dhabi have an extradition agreement, signed by Juan Carlos himself in 2010.

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos has been staying at Abu Dhabi`s exclusive Emirates Palace Hotel since leaving Spain aboard a private jet on Monday under a cloud of financial scandal involving Saudi Arabia, newspaper ABC said on Friday.

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos has been staying at Abu Dhabi`s exclusive Emirates Palace Hotel since leaving Spain aboard a private jet on Monday under a cloud of financial scandal involving Saudi Arabia, newspaper ABC said on Friday. United Arab Emirates officials and the Emirates Palace Hotel did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Dogged by mounting corruption allegations, Juan Carlos, 82, abruptly announced his decision to leave Spain on Monday but there has been no official confirmation of his whereabouts, setting off an international guessing game. ABC said a private plane en route from Paris to Abu Dhabi stopped off in the northwestern Spanish city of Vigo to pick up Juan Carlos, four security guards and one other person on Monday morning. Also read| Spain's former king Juan Carlos is currently in Dominican Republic: Reports Upon arrival at Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen airport, the ex-king and his entourage were flown by helicopter to the government-owned Hotel Emirates Palace, according to ABC, a pro-monarchy Spanish daily. A palace spokesman said he did not know where Juan Carlos was. The former king`s lawyer did not immediately reply to a request for comment. His lawyer, the royal palace and the government have all declined to say where Juan Carlos is. Some media have speculated Juan Carlos is in a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic and others place him in Portugal, where he spent much of his youth. But officials in both countries have said they have no knowledge of him arriving. Also read: Spain's former king Juan Carlos flees the country In June, Spain`s Supreme Court opened a preliminary investigation into Juan Carlos` involvement in a high-speed rail contract in Saudi Arabia, after Switzerland`s La Tribune de Geneve newspaper reported he had received $100 million from the late Saudi king. Switzerland has also opened an investigation. The former monarch is not formally under investigation and has repeatedly declined to comment on the allegations. The lawyer said on Monday his client was at the Spanish prosecutor`s disposal despite his decision to leave. Spain and Abu Dhabi have an extradition agreement, signed by Juan Carlos himself in 2010.

Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos is in Abu Dhabi: Media reports

Spain's former king Juan Carlos has fled the country. A cloud of scandal hovers over the once popular, but divisive figure. He is facing investigation at home and abroad for corruption.

In a letter to his son King Felipe VI, he said it is time to go into exile outside Spain. The entire country is gripped by shock and speculation.

Some claim he went to his childhood house in Portugal, before taking the flight to the Dominican Republic.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ex-spain-king-goes-into-exile-escapes-graft-probe-318193/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Nobody knows where he is, but no doubts remain over why he left. In 2008, 100 million dollars were secretly transferred into one of his Swiss bank accounts. A gift from the late Saudi King Abdullah.

The scandal came to light after a former mistress of Juan Carlos spilt the beans to the media. She said Carlos received the money as commission.

A consortium of Spanish companies was awarded a high-speed railway contract.

This was to link the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

As a former king -- Juan Carlos enjoys no immunity against these allegations. Only the king -- the head of state -- gets constitutional protection in Spain.

In 2014, he vacated the throne for his son, King Felipe, who has distanced himself from his father's affairs. He not only renounced his father's inheritance but also withdrew the annual royal allowance.

The rule of Juan Carlos ended with scandals. His daughter and son-in-law faced a corruption investigation. And, a controversial elephant hunting trip to Botswana during Spain's financial crisis sparked public anger.

Juan Carlos took the throne in 1975 after the death of General Francisco Franco. Under Franco, Spain suffered the ills of dictatorship.

But, Carlos guided Spain to democracy. A new system of parliamentary monarchy.

Carlos even dismantled an attempted coup in 1981. In Spain, King Juan Carlos will still be a historical figure.

But, not one who will be remembered kindly.

Spain's former king Juan Carlos has fled the country. A cloud of scandal hovers over the once popular, but divisive figure. He is facing investigation at home and abroad for corruption.

Spain's former king Juan Carlos has fled the country. A cloud of scandal hovers over the once popular, but divisive figure. He is facing investigation at home and abroad for corruption. In a letter to his son King Felipe VI, he said it is time to go into exile outside Spain. The entire country is gripped by shock and speculation. Some claim he went to his childhood house in Portugal, before taking the flight to the Dominican Republic. Nobody knows where he is, but no doubts remain over why he left. In 2008, 100 million dollars were secretly transferred into one of his Swiss bank accounts. A gift from the late Saudi King Abdullah. The scandal came to light after a former mistress of Juan Carlos spilt the beans to the media. She said Carlos received the money as commission. A consortium of Spanish companies was awarded a high-speed railway contract. This was to link the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. As a former king -- Juan Carlos enjoys no immunity against these allegations. Only the king -- the head of state -- gets constitutional protection in Spain. In 2014, he vacated the throne for his son, King Felipe, who has distanced himself from his father's affairs. He not only renounced his father's inheritance but also withdrew the annual royal allowance. The rule of Juan Carlos ended with scandals. His daughter and son-in-law faced a corruption investigation. And, a controversial elephant hunting trip to Botswana during Spain's financial crisis sparked public anger. Juan Carlos took the throne in 1975 after the death of General Francisco Franco. Under Franco, Spain suffered the ills of dictatorship. But, Carlos guided Spain to democracy. A new system of parliamentary monarchy. Carlos even dismantled an attempted coup in 1981. In Spain, King Juan Carlos will still be a historical figure. But, not one who will be remembered kindly.

Spain's former king Juan Carlos flees the country

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Pizza restaurant launches Spain's first virtual waiter app as COVID-19 bites

The former King of Spain Juan Carlos has gone into exile. It's a scandalous escape. He is facing probe for allegedly taking a bribe from the ex-Saudi King Adbullah. It's a humiliating fall for the man who turned Spain into a democracy. WION's Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Ex-Spain King goes into exile, Escapes graft probe

Spain's former king Juan Carlos, who is facing investigation at home and abroad for corruption, announced Monday that he will go into exile.

The 82-year-old revealed he would leave the country in a letter to his son, the current King Felipe VI who accepted his decision and thanked him, the royal palace said in a statement.

"Guided by the conviction to best serve the people of Spain, its institutions, and you as king, I inform you of my decision at this time to go into exile outside Spain," Juan Carlos wrote.

"It's a decision I take with deep anguish, but great peace of mind," he added. He did not say where he would go.

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Probes are under way in Switzerland and Spain where media regularly publish details of the murky management of funds allegedly paid to the former head of state by Saudi Arabia.

Spain's Supreme Court announced in June an investigation to determine the legal responsibility of the ex-monarch -- but because of the immunity he holds only for acts committed after his abdication.

The suspicions focus on $100 million (85 million euros) alleged to have been paid secretly into a Swiss bank account in 2008.

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After a series of media revelations, Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez spoke out in July saying "the entire Spanish population are receiving disturbing information which is troubling for us all, including me".

The ex-king's lawyer Javier Sanchez-Junco, issued a statement Monday saying his client was not trying to escape justice by going into exile and would remain available to prosecutors.

- Popular for decades - 
Juan Carlos ascended the throne in 1975 on the death of the fascist dictator Francisco Franco and ruled for 38 years before abdicating in favour of his son Felipe VI in June 2014.

He was a popular figure for decades, playing a key role in the democratic transition from the Franco dictatorship which ruled Spain from 1939-1975.

The Royal House website, which published the letter, noted that Felipe wanted to stress the historic importance" of his father's reign "in the service of Spain and democracy".&nbsp;

An inquiry opened in Spain in September 2018 following the publication of records attributed to German businesswoman Corinna Larsen, allegedly a former mistress of Juan Carlos.

She claimed he had received a commission when a consortium of Spanish companies were awarded a high-speed railway contract to link the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

Larsen told Swiss investigators he had transferred her nearly 65 million euros in the Bahamas, "not to get rid of the money" but "out of gratitude and out of love", according to El Pais daily.

Swiss media reported last March that Juan Carlos was paid 100 million dollars into a Panamanian foundation's Swiss bank account by late Saudi king Abdullah in 2008.

The same month The Daily Telegraph in Britain reported that Felipe VI was also a beneficiary of the foundation.

The king withdrew from his father an annual royal allowance of nearly 200,000 euros and renounced his inheritance "to preserve the exemplariness of the crown".

Online outlet El Espanol reported that Swiss lawyer Dante Canonica told the Geneva public prosecutor's office he had been instructed to "create a structure" to hide the funds paid to Juan Carlos.

"Wherever he goes, he will have to pay for what he has done," said 33-year-old publicist Inigo Inchaurraga, who was out walking his dog in Madrid.

"It's a shame because he did a lot for Spain, but it is clear that at some time in his career he turned corrupt."

Spain's former king Juan Carlos, who is facing investigation at home and abroad for corruption, announced Monday that he will go into exile. The 82-year-old revealed he would leave the country in a letter to his son, the current King Felipe VI who accepted his decision and thanked him, the royal palace said in a statement.

Spain's former king Juan Carlos, who is facing investigation at home and abroad for corruption, announced Monday that he will go into exile. The 82-year-old revealed he would leave the country in a letter to his son, the current King Felipe VI who accepted his decision and thanked him, the royal palace said in a statement. "Guided by the conviction to best serve the people of Spain, its institutions, and you as king, I inform you of my decision at this time to go into exile outside Spain," Juan Carlos wrote. "It's a decision I take with deep anguish, but great peace of mind," he added. He did not say where he would go. Also read: Spain 'safe' for tourists despite COVID-19 cases spike, reassures government Probes are under way in Switzerland and Spain where media regularly publish details of the murky management of funds allegedly paid to the former head of state by Saudi Arabia. Spain's Supreme Court announced in June an investigation to determine the legal responsibility of the ex-monarch -- but because of the immunity he holds only for acts committed after his abdication. The suspicions focus on $100 million (85 million euros) alleged to have been paid secretly into a Swiss bank account in 2008. Also read: Germany voices 'great concern' at virus spike, issues Spain warning After a series of media revelations, Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez spoke out in July saying "the entire Spanish population are receiving disturbing information which is troubling for us all, including me". The ex-king's lawyer Javier Sanchez-Junco, issued a statement Monday saying his client was not trying to escape justice by going into exile and would remain available to prosecutors. - Popular for decades - Juan Carlos ascended the throne in 1975 on the death of the fascist dictator Francisco Franco and ruled for 38 years before abdicating in favour of his son Felipe VI in June 2014. He was a popular figure for decades, playing a key role in the democratic transition from the Franco dictatorship which ruled Spain from 1939-1975. The Royal House website, which published the letter, noted that Felipe wanted to stress the historic importance" of his father's reign "in the service of Spain and democracy". An inquiry opened in Spain in September 2018 following the publication of records attributed to German businesswoman Corinna Larsen, allegedly a former mistress of Juan Carlos. She claimed he had received a commission when a consortium of Spanish companies were awarded a high-speed railway contract to link the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. Larsen told Swiss investigators he had transferred her nearly 65 million euros in the Bahamas, "not to get rid of the money" but "out of gratitude and out of love", according to El Pais daily. Swiss media reported last March that Juan Carlos was paid 100 million dollars into a Panamanian foundation's Swiss bank account by late Saudi king Abdullah in 2008. The same month The Daily Telegraph in Britain reported that Felipe VI was also a beneficiary of the foundation. The king withdrew from his father an annual royal allowance of nearly 200,000 euros and renounced his inheritance "to preserve the exemplariness of the crown". Online outlet El Espanol reported that Swiss lawyer Dante Canonica told the Geneva public prosecutor's office he had been instructed to "create a structure" to hide the funds paid to Juan Carlos. "Wherever he goes, he will have to pay for what he has done," said 33-year-old publicist Inigo Inchaurraga, who was out walking his dog in Madrid. "It's a shame because he did a lot for Spain, but it is clear that at some time in his career he turned corrupt."

Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos heads for exile under corruption cloud

Juan Carlos, the former king of Spain is reportedly in the Dominican Republic after leaving his country due to a corruption scandal, according to Spanish newspapers.

The royal palace said that Carlos was leaving the country to allow his son Felipe to act as king, devoid of his interference, especially due to the corruption scandal. At the same time, the palace hadn’t announced where the 82-year-old former king was headed.

Bribe allegations

Recently, Spanish and Swiss authorities started looking at allegations of bribing involved in a high-speed railway project’s contract.

According to La Vanguardia, a Spanish publication, the King Emeritus left the palace on Sunday, after which he travelled to Portugal in a car. From there, he flew to the Dominican Republic. ABC newspaper also claimed that the ex-king had flown to the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/spains-ex-king-juan-carlos-heads-for-exile-under-corruption-cloud-317966" hreflang="en">Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos heads for exile under corruption cloud</a>

He is slated to live with a family with sugar plantations, before he will head to a new destination.&nbsp;According to Carlos’ lawyer, he “would remain at the disposal of the prosecutors’ office”.&nbsp;No official comment has come in from the current whereabouts of the former from the Royal House.

In terms of the bribing allegations, the ex-king has rejected all such allegations.&nbsp;Carlos was an important player in Spain’s transition to democracy, after the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

Protests have erupted

Protests have erupted over the sudden exit of Carlos, one protester told Reuters it was a “rash decision”. "I think it is a bit of a rash decision because he should be judged like any other Spanish citizen," Pablo Lopez said outside the Royal Palace.

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More speculations have been flowing in about the king’s whereabouts, with a Portuguese channel TVI24 and Correio da Manha tabloid running stories of him being in a resort near Lisbon, in Cascais, where he spent his childhood.

Currently, prosecutors in Switzerland and Spain are investigating cases of potential bribes covering offshore accounts.

Even though there are allegations against him, no formal investigation has been launched which implies that he is not technically a fugitive.

Juan Carlos, the former king of Spain is reportedly in the Dominican Republic after leaving his country due to a corruption scandal, according to Spanish newspapers.

Juan Carlos, the former king of Spain is reportedly in the Dominican Republic after leaving his country due to a corruption scandal, according to Spanish newspapers. The royal palace said that Carlos was leaving the country to allow his son Felipe to act as king, devoid of his interference, especially due to the corruption scandal. At the same time, the palace hadn’t announced where the 82-year-old former king was headed. Bribe allegations Recently, Spanish and Swiss authorities started looking at allegations of bribing involved in a high-speed railway project’s contract. According to La Vanguardia, a Spanish publication, the King Emeritus left the palace on Sunday, after which he travelled to Portugal in a car. From there, he flew to the Dominican Republic. ABC newspaper also claimed that the ex-king had flown to the country. Also read: Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos heads for exile under corruption cloud He is slated to live with a family with sugar plantations, before he will head to a new destination. According to Carlos’ lawyer, he “would remain at the disposal of the prosecutors’ office”. No official comment has come in from the current whereabouts of the former from the Royal House. In terms of the bribing allegations, the ex-king has rejected all such allegations. Carlos was an important player in Spain’s transition to democracy, after the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. Protests have erupted Protests have erupted over the sudden exit of Carlos, one protester told Reuters it was a “rash decision”. "I think it is a bit of a rash decision because he should be judged like any other Spanish citizen," Pablo Lopez said outside the Royal Palace. More speculations have been flowing in about the king’s whereabouts, with a Portuguese channel TVI24 and Correio da Manha tabloid running stories of him being in a resort near Lisbon, in Cascais, where he spent his childhood. Currently, prosecutors in Switzerland and Spain are investigating cases of potential bribes covering offshore accounts. Even though there are allegations against him, no formal investigation has been launched which implies that he is not technically a fugitive.

Spain's former king Juan Carlos is currently in Dominican Republic: Reports

Spain is playing with new ways to counter the direct implications of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Public places like restaurants and malls remain at the highest risk of enabling coronavirus infection and causing new clusters to create.

A Spanish restaurant just came up with the perfect fix. The restaurant has come up with new ways to minimise contact among waiters and staff, which will effectively reduce the risk of coronavirus infections.

All about the funk!

Located in the country's northeastern Mediterranean coast, the the restaurant, called "Funky Pizza" has come up with a mobile application called "Funky Pay", which has been integrated in the restaurant's ordering system.

This means your server will no longer need to physically engage with you at all.

<h6><img alt="An employee using the &quot;Funky Pay&quot; app informs clients that their order is ready, at Funky Pizza restaurant, where the app replaces waiters, in Palafrugell, near Girona, Costa Brava, Spain July 31, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="610559bf-c9bb-45d1-b327-02924e2354cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-5_10.jpg" /> 
An employee using the "Funky Pay" app informs clients that their order is ready, at Funky Pizza restaurant, where the app replaces waiters, in Palafrugell, near Girona, Costa Brava, Spain July 31, 2020. | Reuters</h6>

 
The restaurant, situated in Palafrugell in Costa Brava is very popular with tourists. The best part of this move, is perhaps that the waiter does not bring the food to your table. The app has been specifically designed to cater to social distancing needs given the trying times.

"Through this system we have tried to keep physical distance with our clients, which is what people are looking for during COVID," restaurant owner Carlos Manich told Reuters.

Literally zero contact!

To make management of orders easier, the staff tracks the orders through screens behind the bar. Coronavirus has changed life for all of us, and this restaurant is no different - it has become table service only, and has made it mandatory for people to wear face masks at all times when away from tables.

<h6><img alt="Employees pick up the pizzas near an IPad with the &quot;Funky Pay&quot; app, which helps tracking orders of clients and where, with a system of colours, clients can see when it is in the kitchen or when it will be arriving, at Funky Pizza restaurant, where the app replaces waiters, in Palafrugell, near Girona, Costa Brava, Spain July 31, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="df80ac36-fe7f-478e-b896-524964429253" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-6_9.jpg" /> 
Employees pick up the pizzas near an IPad with the "Funky Pay" app, which helps tracking orders of clients and where, with a system of colours, clients can see when it is in the kitchen or when it will be arriving, at Funky Pizza restaurant, where the app replaces waiters, in Palafrugell, near Girona, Costa Brava, Spain July 31, 2020. | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

"The application is very user-friendly ... and you can also track your order and see when it is in the kitchen or when it will be arriving," Claudia Medina, 26, who was eating at the restaurant told Reuters.

Of course, not everyone agreed.&nbsp;"I think we lose the feeling with the waiter, for example when you order you can't ask about different preferences or quantities," said another patron&nbsp;Javier Comas, 26.

Spain is playing with new ways to counter the direct implications of COVID-19. Public places like restaurants and malls remain at the highest risk of enabling coronavirus infection and causing new clusters to create.

Spain is playing with new ways to counter the direct implications of COVID-19. Public places like restaurants and malls remain at the highest risk of enabling coronavirus infection and causing new clusters to create. A Spanish restaurant just came up with the perfect fix. The restaurant has come up with new ways to minimise contact among waiters and staff, which will effectively reduce the risk of coronavirus infections. All about the funk! Located in the country's northeastern Mediterranean coast, the the restaurant, called "Funky Pizza" has come up with a mobile application called "Funky Pay", which has been integrated in the restaurant's ordering system. This means your server will no longer need to physically engage with you at all. An employee using the "Funky Pay" app informs clients that their order is ready, at Funky Pizza restaurant, where the app replaces waiters, in Palafrugell, near Girona, Costa Brava, Spain July 31, 2020. | Reuters The restaurant, situated in Palafrugell in Costa Brava is very popular with tourists. The best part of this move, is perhaps that the waiter does not bring the food to your table. The app has been specifically designed to cater to social distancing needs given the trying times. "Through this system we have tried to keep physical distance with our clients, which is what people are looking for during COVID," restaurant owner Carlos Manich told Reuters. Literally zero contact! To make management of orders easier, the staff tracks the orders through screens behind the bar. Coronavirus has changed life for all of us, and this restaurant is no different - it has become table service only, and has made it mandatory for people to wear face masks at all times when away from tables. Employees pick up the pizzas near an IPad with the "Funky Pay" app, which helps tracking orders of clients and where, with a system of colours, clients can see when it is in the kitchen or when it will be arriving, at Funky Pizza restaurant, where the app replaces waiters, in Palafrugell, near Girona, Costa Brava, Spain July 31, 2020. | Reuters "The application is very user-friendly ... and you can also track your order and see when it is in the kitchen or when it will be arriving," Claudia Medina, 26, who was eating at the restaurant told Reuters. Of course, not everyone agreed. "I think we lose the feeling with the waiter, for example when you order you can't ask about different preferences or quantities," said another patron Javier Comas, 26.

Spanish pizzeria takes social distancing to another level with new mobile application!

Chinese government-linked hackers targeted biotech company Moderna Inc, a leading U.S.-based coronavirus vaccine research developer, earlier this year in a bid to steal valuable data, according to a U.S. security official tracking Chinese hacking activity.

Last week, the U.S. Justice Department made public an indictment of two Chinese nationals accused of spying on the United States, including three unnamed U.S.-based targets involved in medical research to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The indictment states the Chinese hackers "conducted reconnaissance" against the computer network of a Massachusetts biotech firm known to be working on a coronavirus vaccine in January.

Moderna, which is based in Massachusetts and announced its COVID-19 vaccine candidate in January, confirmed to Reuters that the company had been in contact with the FBI and was made aware of the suspected "information reconnaissance activities" by the hacking group mentioned in last week's indictment.

Reconnaissance activities can include a wide range of actions, including probing public websites for vulnerabilities to scouting out important accounts after entering a network, cybersecurity experts say.

“Moderna remains highly vigilant to potential cybersecurity threats, maintaining an internal team, external support services and good working relationships with outside authorities to continuously assess threats and protect our valuable information," spokesman Ray Jordan said, declining to provide further detail.

The U.S. security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not provide further details. The FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declined to disclose the identities of companies targeted by Chinese hackers.

Moderna's vaccine candidate is one of the earliest and biggest bets by the Trump administration to fight the pandemic. The federal government is supporting development of the company's vaccine with nearly half a billion dollars and helping Moderna launch a clinical trial of up to 30,000 people beginning this month.

China is also racing to develop a vaccine, bringing together its state, military and private sectors to combat a disease that has killed over 660,000 people worldwide.

A July 7 indictment released last week alleges that the two Chinese hackers, Li Xiaoyu and Dong Jiazhi, conducted a decade-long hacking spree that most recently included the targeting of COVID-19 medical research groups.

Prosecutors said Li and Dong acted as contractors for China’s Ministry of State Security, a state intelligence agency. Messages left with several accounts registered under Li’s digital alias, oro0lxy, were not returned. Contact details for Dong were not available.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington referred Reuters to recent Chinese Foreign Ministry comments that said: “China has long been a major victim of cyber thefts and attacks" and its officials “firmly oppose and fight" such activities. The Chinese government has consistently denied any role in hacking incidents across the globe. The embassy spokesperson did not address specific questions sent via email.

The two other unnamed medical research companies mentioned in the Justice Department indictment are described as biotech companies based in California and Maryland. Prosecutors said the hackers “searched for vulnerabilities" and “conducted reconnaissance" against them.

The court filing describes the California firm as working on antiviral drug research and suggested the Maryland Company had publicly announced efforts to develop a vaccine in January. Two companies that could match those descriptions: Gilead Sciences Inc and Novavax Inc.

Gilead spokesperson Chris Ridley said the firm does not comment on cybersecurity matters. Novavax would not comment on specific cyber security activities but said: “Our cyber security team has been alerted to the alleged foreign threats identified in the news."

A security consultant familiar with multiple hacking investigations involving premier biotech firms over the last year said Chinese hacking groups believed to be broadly associated with China’s Ministry of State security are one of the primary forces targeting COVID-19 research, globally. This matches the description of the indicted hackers, as MSS contractors.

Chinese government-linked hackers targeted biotech company Moderna Inc, a leading U.S.-based coronavirus vaccine research developer, earlier this year in a bid to steal valuable data, according to a U.

Chinese government-linked hackers targeted biotech company Moderna Inc, a leading U.S.-based coronavirus vaccine research developer, earlier this year in a bid to steal valuable data, according to a U.S. security official tracking Chinese hacking activity. Last week, the U.S. Justice Department made public an indictment of two Chinese nationals accused of spying on the United States, including three unnamed U.S.-based targets involved in medical research to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The indictment states the Chinese hackers "conducted reconnaissance" against the computer network of a Massachusetts biotech firm known to be working on a coronavirus vaccine in January. Moderna, which is based in Massachusetts and announced its COVID-19 vaccine candidate in January, confirmed to Reuters that the company had been in contact with the FBI and was made aware of the suspected "information reconnaissance activities" by the hacking group mentioned in last week's indictment. Reconnaissance activities can include a wide range of actions, including probing public websites for vulnerabilities to scouting out important accounts after entering a network, cybersecurity experts say. “Moderna remains highly vigilant to potential cybersecurity threats, maintaining an internal team, external support services and good working relationships with outside authorities to continuously assess threats and protect our valuable information," spokesman Ray Jordan said, declining to provide further detail. The U.S. security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not provide further details. The FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declined to disclose the identities of companies targeted by Chinese hackers. Moderna's vaccine candidate is one of the earliest and biggest bets by the Trump administration to fight the pandemic. The federal government is supporting development of the company's vaccine with nearly half a billion dollars and helping Moderna launch a clinical trial of up to 30,000 people beginning this month. China is also racing to develop a vaccine, bringing together its state, military and private sectors to combat a disease that has killed over 660,000 people worldwide. A July 7 indictment released last week alleges that the two Chinese hackers, Li Xiaoyu and Dong Jiazhi, conducted a decade-long hacking spree that most recently included the targeting of COVID-19 medical research groups. Prosecutors said Li and Dong acted as contractors for China’s Ministry of State Security, a state intelligence agency. Messages left with several accounts registered under Li’s digital alias, oro0lxy, were not returned. Contact details for Dong were not available. The Chinese Embassy in Washington referred Reuters to recent Chinese Foreign Ministry comments that said: “China has long been a major victim of cyber thefts and attacks" and its officials “firmly oppose and fight" such activities. The Chinese government has consistently denied any role in hacking incidents across the globe. The embassy spokesperson did not address specific questions sent via email. The two other unnamed medical research companies mentioned in the Justice Department indictment are described as biotech companies based in California and Maryland. Prosecutors said the hackers “searched for vulnerabilities" and “conducted reconnaissance" against them. The court filing describes the California firm as working on antiviral drug research and suggested the Maryland Company had publicly announced efforts to develop a vaccine in January. Two companies that could match those descriptions: Gilead Sciences Inc and Novavax Inc. Gilead spokesperson Chris Ridley said the firm does not comment on cybersecurity matters. Novavax would not comment on specific cyber security activities but said: “Our cyber security team has been alerted to the alleged foreign threats identified in the news." A security consultant familiar with multiple hacking investigations involving premier biotech firms over the last year said Chinese hacking groups believed to be broadly associated with China’s Ministry of State security are one of the primary forces targeting COVID-19 research, globally. This matches the description of the indicted hackers, as MSS contractors.

Chinese-backed hackers targeted covid-19 vaccine firm Moderna

With some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases seem to be increasing at an alarming stage. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-dog-to-test-positive-for-coronavirus-in-us-dies-says-report-317133">ALSO READ | First dog to test positive for coronavirus in US dies, says report</a>

Data compiled by Johns Hopkins University show more than 17 million cases worldwide since the start of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the total number of cases stood at 17,237,642, while the fatalities rose to 671,909, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/young-people-are-not-invincible-who-warns-the-young-party-goers-317131">ALSO READ | 'Young people are not invincible': WHO warns the young party-goers</a>

The World Health Organization (WHO, on Thursday issued a statement warning young people and urging them to stay home and stay safe.

“We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again: young people are not invincible,” WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news briefing in Geneva.

The fears of possibility of second wave have even forced some countries to reimpose travel bans and prepare for another complete lockdown if need be.

According to Tedros, the spike in coronavirus cases is “driven in part by younger people letting down their guard during the northern hemisphere summer."

Maria Van Kerkhove, a top WHO epidemiologist, told the same briefing that nightclubs were “amplifiers of transmission”.

“The majority of young people infected tend to have more mild disease. But that’s not always consistent,” she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

With some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases seem to be increasing at an alarming stage.

With some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases seem to be increasing at an alarming stage. ALSO READ | First dog to test positive for coronavirus in US dies, says report Data compiled by Johns Hopkins University show more than 17 million cases worldwide since the start of the pandemic. Meanwhile, the total number of cases stood at 17,237,642, while the fatalities rose to 671,909, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. ALSO READ | 'Young people are not invincible': WHO warns the young party-goers The World Health Organization (WHO, on Thursday issued a statement warning young people and urging them to stay home and stay safe. “We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again: young people are not invincible,” WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news briefing in Geneva. The fears of possibility of second wave have even forced some countries to reimpose travel bans and prepare for another complete lockdown if need be. According to Tedros, the spike in coronavirus cases is “driven in part by younger people letting down their guard during the northern hemisphere summer." Maria Van Kerkhove, a top WHO epidemiologist, told the same briefing that nightclubs were “amplifiers of transmission”. “The majority of young people infected tend to have more mild disease. But that’s not always consistent,” she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 17.23 million; death toll crosses 670,000

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has been advised to go into isolation at his official residence Raj Bhavan in Chennai, after three more staff at the premises tested positive for Covid-19. Of the 38 persons tested, the results of three returned positive, said a statement. The persons who tested positive are being treated at a hospital.&nbsp;

The statement also added that the Governor was fit and healthy, based on the regular health checkup that was conducted on Tuesday.&nbsp;

This comes barely a week after 84 staff at the Tamil Nadu Governor’s official residence had tested positive for Covid-19. A statement issued last Thursday, stated that the Governor Banwarilal Purohit and senior staff were safe and had not come in contact with the personnel who had tested positive. Of the 147 tests conducted last week, 84 had returned positive, said the statement.&nbsp;

Last week, after the first cluster of cases emerged, the whole area of Raj Bhavan including the offices had been disinfected and sanitized by Corporation health Authorities.&nbsp;

Over the last two weeks Tamil Nadu has been seeing a consistent spike in Corona virus cases. &nbsp;On Tuesday, the state had recorded 6972 cases. As per the health department bulletin issued on Tuesday, the state has seen a total of 2, 23,688 Covid-19 cases, which include 1, 66,956 recoveries. There are 57,073 active cases in the state.&nbsp;

However, in recent week’s capital city Chennai has seen a marked dip in cases. When compared to June, the daily cases have nearly come down by half. Chennai recorded 1107 new cases on Tuesday, thus taking the active cases to 12852. So far, the capital city alone has seen 96438 cases.&nbsp;

The Raj Bhavan website mentions that, as a preventive measure Raj Bhavan tours for the tourists stands cancelled till 31st July 2020. However, the premises has been closed for tourists since the first phase of the pan-India lockdown began in late March.

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has been advised to go into isolation at his official residence Raj Bhavan in Chennai, after three more staff at the premises tested positive for Covid-19.

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has been advised to go into isolation at his official residence Raj Bhavan in Chennai, after three more staff at the premises tested positive for Covid-19. Of the 38 persons tested, the results of three returned positive, said a statement. The persons who tested positive are being treated at a hospital. The statement also added that the Governor was fit and healthy, based on the regular health checkup that was conducted on Tuesday. This comes barely a week after 84 staff at the Tamil Nadu Governor’s official residence had tested positive for Covid-19. A statement issued last Thursday, stated that the Governor Banwarilal Purohit and senior staff were safe and had not come in contact with the personnel who had tested positive. Of the 147 tests conducted last week, 84 had returned positive, said the statement. Last week, after the first cluster of cases emerged, the whole area of Raj Bhavan including the offices had been disinfected and sanitized by Corporation health Authorities. Over the last two weeks Tamil Nadu has been seeing a consistent spike in Corona virus cases. On Tuesday, the state had recorded 6972 cases. As per the health department bulletin issued on Tuesday, the state has seen a total of 2, 23,688 Covid-19 cases, which include 1, 66,956 recoveries. There are 57,073 active cases in the state. However, in recent week’s capital city Chennai has seen a marked dip in cases. When compared to June, the daily cases have nearly come down by half. Chennai recorded 1107 new cases on Tuesday, thus taking the active cases to 12852. So far, the capital city alone has seen 96438 cases. The Raj Bhavan website mentions that, as a preventive measure Raj Bhavan tours for the tourists stands cancelled till 31st July 2020. However, the premises has been closed for tourists since the first phase of the pan-India lockdown began in late March.

7-day isolation for Tamil Nadu Governor as 3 more staff test positive; total 87 cases in Raj Bhavan

Spain remains a "safe" destination for tourists despite a worrying rise in coronavirus infections in some parts of the country, the government insisted on Tuesday.

The remarks came after Britain reimposed a 14-day quarantine on anyone arriving from Spain, and France and Germany warned against travel to certain parts of the country following a spike in cases.

"We want to send a clear message of confidence in our country," said government spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero after the weekly cabinet meeting.&nbsp;

"We are a secure destination that has made preparations and strengthened itself to deal with the virus and any outbreaks."&nbsp;

One of Spain's strengths is the quality of its healthcare system, she said. &nbsp;

"One proof that it is working well is that the regions are detecting cases early and activating isolation and containment measures," Montero said, indicating that half of the cases diagnosed were asymptomatic.&nbsp;

"All the figures demonstrate the situation is good in most of the country, where the regional authorities have only registered a low incidence of the illness."

Spain remains a "safe" destination for tourists despite a worrying rise in coronavirus infections in some parts of the country, the government insisted on Tuesday.

Spain remains a "safe" destination for tourists despite a worrying rise in coronavirus infections in some parts of the country, the government insisted on Tuesday. The remarks came after Britain reimposed a 14-day quarantine on anyone arriving from Spain, and France and Germany warned against travel to certain parts of the country following a spike in cases. "We want to send a clear message of confidence in our country," said government spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero after the weekly cabinet meeting. "We are a secure destination that has made preparations and strengthened itself to deal with the virus and any outbreaks." One of Spain's strengths is the quality of its healthcare system, she said. "One proof that it is working well is that the regions are detecting cases early and activating isolation and containment measures," Montero said, indicating that half of the cases diagnosed were asymptomatic. "All the figures demonstrate the situation is good in most of the country, where the regional authorities have only registered a low incidence of the illness."

Spain 'safe' for tourists despite COVID-19 cases spike, reassures government

Four US states in the South and West reported one-day records for coronavirus deaths on Tuesday and cases in Texas passed the 400,000 mark as California health officials said Latinos made up more than half of its cases.

Arkansas, Florida, Montana and Oregon each reported record spikes in fatalities. California had recorded 133 deaths by mid-afternoon, shy of its one-day peak of 159 with hours to go.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-pharmaceuticals-and-conglomerates-making-hefty-profit-from-coronavirus-pandemic-298747">American pharmaceuticals and conglomerates making hefty profit from coronavirus pandemic</a>

California health officials said Latinos, who make up just over a third of the most populous US state, account for 56% of COVID-19 infections and 46% of deaths. Cases are soaring in the Central Valley agricultural region, with its heavily Latino population, overwhelming hospitals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/race-for-covid-19-vaccine-china-wants-to-act-god-in-a-world-deep-in-pain-304359">Race for Covid-19 vaccine: China wants to act god in a world deep in pain</a>

Florida saw 191 coronavirus deaths in the prior 24 hours, its highest single-day rise yet, the state health department said.

Texas added more than 6,000 new cases on Monday, pushing its total to 401,477, according to a Reuters tally. Only three other states – California, Florida and New York – have more than 400,000 total cases. Those states are also the four most populous states in the United States.

California and Texas both reported decreases in overall hospitalizations as Dr. Anthony Fauci, a top US infectious diseases expert, saw signs the surge could be peaking in the South and West while other areas were on the cusp of new outbreaks.

Fauci said early indications showed the percentage of positive coronavirus tests rising in Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee and Kentucky.

SCHOOL REOPENING DEBATE

The rise in US deaths and infections has dampened early hopes the country was past the worst of an economic crisis that has decimated businesses and put millions of Americans out of work.

The trend also has fueled a bitter debate over the reopening of US schools in the coming weeks. US President Donald Trump and members of his administration have pushed for students to return to class, while some teachers and local officials have called for online learning.

“We will fight on all fronts for the safety of students and their educators,” Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said during the union’s virtual convention on Tuesday. “It’s the eleventh hour; we need the resources now.”

The battle is playing out in Texas. The Texas Education Agency, the state overseer of public education, said it would deny funding to schools that delay in-person classes because of orders by local health authorities related to the pandemic.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued guidance that health authorities cannot impose “blanket” school closures for coronavirus prevention. Any such decision is up to school officials, he said.

Local health leaders in the biggest metropolitan areas in Texas – including Houston and Dallas – have recently ordered the postponement of in-person classes.

RELIEF BILL DISPUTE

In Washington, Republicans in the US Senate pushed back against their own party’s $1 trillion coronavirus relief proposal the day after it was unveiled by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, sending some US stocks downward.

“I’m not for borrowing another trillion dollars,” Republican Senator Rand Paul told reporters.

Democrats also have rejected the plan as too limited compared with their $3 trillion proposal that passed the House of Representatives in May. Some Republicans called that one too expensive.

Trump said on Tuesday he did not support everything in the Senate Republican coronavirus relief legislation but would not elaborate on what he did not like.

“There are also things that I very much support,” he told a White House briefing. “But we’ll be negotiating.”

Trump also groused about Fauci’s high approval ratings and joked “nobody likes me” as he struggles to improve his standing with voters over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It can only be my personality,” said Trump.

Fauci, a member of Trump’s coronavirus task force, is one of the most trusted people in government and many Americans listen to his advice on how to protect themselves from infection.

Four US states in the South and West reported one-day records for coronavirus deaths on Tuesday and cases in Texas passed the 400,000 mark as California health officials said Latinos made up more than half of its cases.

Four US states in the South and West reported one-day records for coronavirus deaths on Tuesday and cases in Texas passed the 400,000 mark as California health officials said Latinos made up more than half of its cases. Arkansas, Florida, Montana and Oregon each reported record spikes in fatalities. California had recorded 133 deaths by mid-afternoon, shy of its one-day peak of 159 with hours to go. Also read: American pharmaceuticals and conglomerates making hefty profit from coronavirus pandemic California health officials said Latinos, who make up just over a third of the most populous US state, account for 56% of COVID-19 infections and 46% of deaths. Cases are soaring in the Central Valley agricultural region, with its heavily Latino population, overwhelming hospitals. Also read: Race for Covid-19 vaccine: China wants to act god in a world deep in pain Florida saw 191 coronavirus deaths in the prior 24 hours, its highest single-day rise yet, the state health department said. Texas added more than 6,000 new cases on Monday, pushing its total to 401,477, according to a Reuters tally. Only three other states – California, Florida and New York – have more than 400,000 total cases. Those states are also the four most populous states in the United States. California and Texas both reported decreases in overall hospitalizations as Dr. Anthony Fauci, a top US infectious diseases expert, saw signs the surge could be peaking in the South and West while other areas were on the cusp of new outbreaks. Fauci said early indications showed the percentage of positive coronavirus tests rising in Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee and Kentucky. SCHOOL REOPENING DEBATE The rise in US deaths and infections has dampened early hopes the country was past the worst of an economic crisis that has decimated businesses and put millions of Americans out of work. The trend also has fueled a bitter debate over the reopening of US schools in the coming weeks. US President Donald Trump and members of his administration have pushed for students to return to class, while some teachers and local officials have called for online learning. “We will fight on all fronts for the safety of students and their educators,” Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said during the union’s virtual convention on Tuesday. “It’s the eleventh hour; we need the resources now.” The battle is playing out in Texas. The Texas Education Agency, the state overseer of public education, said it would deny funding to schools that delay in-person classes because of orders by local health authorities related to the pandemic. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued guidance that health authorities cannot impose “blanket” school closures for coronavirus prevention. Any such decision is up to school officials, he said. Local health leaders in the biggest metropolitan areas in Texas – including Houston and Dallas – have recently ordered the postponement of in-person classes. RELIEF BILL DISPUTE In Washington, Republicans in the US Senate pushed back against their own party’s $1 trillion coronavirus relief proposal the day after it was unveiled by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, sending some US stocks downward. “I’m not for borrowing another trillion dollars,” Republican Senator Rand Paul told reporters. Democrats also have rejected the plan as too limited compared with their $3 trillion proposal that passed the House of Representatives in May. Some Republicans called that one too expensive. Trump said on Tuesday he did not support everything in the Senate Republican coronavirus relief legislation but would not elaborate on what he did not like. “There are also things that I very much support,” he told a White House briefing. “But we’ll be negotiating.” Trump also groused about Fauci’s high approval ratings and joked “nobody likes me” as he struggles to improve his standing with voters over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. “It can only be my personality,” said Trump. Fauci, a member of Trump’s coronavirus task force, is one of the most trusted people in government and many Americans listen to his advice on how to protect themselves from infection.

Four US states see record COVID-19 deaths, Latinos hit hard in California

More than 660,000 people have died as a result of the novel coronavirus, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Johns Hopkins University's daily statistical bulletin reported that total 16,741,049 people have been confirmed to have the new coronavirus around the world. The death toll has surged past 660,428 and total 9,751,608 have recovered. The United States has the most cases and deaths, followed by Brazil.

Worldometer recorded 247,233 new cases worldwide in the past 24 hours. As many as 16,883,445 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While more than 10,445,764 have recovered 662,470 have died so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 660,000 people have died as a result of the novel coronavirus, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Johns Hopkins University's daily statistical bulletin reported that total 16,741,049 people have been confirmed to have the new coronavirus around the world.

More than 660,000 people have died as a result of the novel coronavirus, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Johns Hopkins University's daily statistical bulletin reported that total 16,741,049 people have been confirmed to have the new coronavirus around the world. The death toll has surged past 660,428 and total 9,751,608 have recovered. The United States has the most cases and deaths, followed by Brazil. Worldometer recorded 247,233 new cases worldwide in the past 24 hours. As many as 16,883,445 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While more than 10,445,764 have recovered 662,470 have died so far. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus death toll exceeds 660,000   

China's COVID-19 cases in a single day have crossed the 100-mark for the first time in over three months, sparking the fear of a rebound after Beijing contained it in Wuhan where the contagion first emerged in December last year.

The National Health Commission on Wednesday said that 101 new confirmed coronavirus cases including 98 locally-transmitted and three imported ones were reported in the country on Tuesday.

Eighty-nine of the 98 locally-transmitted cases were reported in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, eight in Liaoning province and one in Beijing Municipality, the commission said in its daily report.

No deaths related to the disease or new suspected COVID-19 cases were reported Tuesday.

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region reported 89 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, the regional health commission said.

The 89 patients were all in the regional capital Urumqi, 43 of whom were previously asymptomatic cases, according to the commission.

The region also saw 15 new asymptomatic cases in Urumqi.

By Tuesday, Xinjiang, which is Uygur Muslim majority province, had 322 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 133 asymptomatic cases, and 9,121 people were still under medical observation.

Mass testing was being carried out in Urumqi to determine the extent of the spread of the virus.

After a COVID-19 cluster linked to a seafood processing company was found in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning province last week, the city reported a total of 44 cases, state-run Global Times reported.

As of Tuesday, positive cases linked to Dalian have spread to nine cities, including one in Beijing, which is returning to normalcy after the Xinfadi wholesale market outbreak in June.

The patient in Beijing had dined with friends from Dalian, who were later confirmed to be infected with the virus in Jinzhou, Liaoning province.

The woman then drove a private vehicle to Beijing on July 19.

Tiantongyuan community, where the patient lives, was sealed off on Tuesday.

Fuzhou, the capital of east China's Fujian province, announced it was entering a "wartime mode" after the discovery of an asymptomatic COVID-19 patient from Dalian.

Although China still faces the threat of new outbreaks due to local community transmissions or from imported cases, the country's capability to contain the COVID-19 has been honed, thanks to its experience in battling the virus for months, Zeng Guang, chief epidemiologist for the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said.

He said that while more outbreaks are likely, they will not get out of control.

Zeng said that infection numbers in new virus clusters, such as Dalian and Urumqi, have been increasing quickly since July, and this curve echoes the trend in the world, where infections are also rising.

This proves that outbreaks in other countries continue to affect China as it gradually opens the borders, he said.

The NHC said as of Tuesday, the overall confirmed COVID-19 cases in Chinese mainland has reached 84,060, including 482 patients who were still being treated, with 25 in severe condition.

Altogether 78,944 people had been discharged after recovery and 4,634 died of the disease on the mainland, the commission added.

China's COVID-19 cases in a single day have crossed the 100-mark for the first time in over three months, sparking the fear of a rebound after Beijing contained it in Wuhan where the contagion first emerged in December last year.

China's COVID-19 cases in a single day have crossed the 100-mark for the first time in over three months, sparking the fear of a rebound after Beijing contained it in Wuhan where the contagion first emerged in December last year. The National Health Commission on Wednesday said that 101 new confirmed coronavirus cases including 98 locally-transmitted and three imported ones were reported in the country on Tuesday. Eighty-nine of the 98 locally-transmitted cases were reported in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, eight in Liaoning province and one in Beijing Municipality, the commission said in its daily report. No deaths related to the disease or new suspected COVID-19 cases were reported Tuesday. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region reported 89 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, the regional health commission said. The 89 patients were all in the regional capital Urumqi, 43 of whom were previously asymptomatic cases, according to the commission. The region also saw 15 new asymptomatic cases in Urumqi. By Tuesday, Xinjiang, which is Uygur Muslim majority province, had 322 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 133 asymptomatic cases, and 9,121 people were still under medical observation. Mass testing was being carried out in Urumqi to determine the extent of the spread of the virus. After a COVID-19 cluster linked to a seafood processing company was found in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning province last week, the city reported a total of 44 cases, state-run Global Times reported. As of Tuesday, positive cases linked to Dalian have spread to nine cities, including one in Beijing, which is returning to normalcy after the Xinfadi wholesale market outbreak in June. The patient in Beijing had dined with friends from Dalian, who were later confirmed to be infected with the virus in Jinzhou, Liaoning province. The woman then drove a private vehicle to Beijing on July 19. Tiantongyuan community, where the patient lives, was sealed off on Tuesday. Fuzhou, the capital of east China's Fujian province, announced it was entering a "wartime mode" after the discovery of an asymptomatic COVID-19 patient from Dalian. Although China still faces the threat of new outbreaks due to local community transmissions or from imported cases, the country's capability to contain the COVID-19 has been honed, thanks to its experience in battling the virus for months, Zeng Guang, chief epidemiologist for the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said. He said that while more outbreaks are likely, they will not get out of control. Zeng said that infection numbers in new virus clusters, such as Dalian and Urumqi, have been increasing quickly since July, and this curve echoes the trend in the world, where infections are also rising. This proves that outbreaks in other countries continue to affect China as it gradually opens the borders, he said. The NHC said as of Tuesday, the overall confirmed COVID-19 cases in Chinese mainland has reached 84,060, including 482 patients who were still being treated, with 25 in severe condition. Altogether 78,944 people had been discharged after recovery and 4,634 died of the disease on the mainland, the commission added.

COVID-19: China sees over 100 cases for first time in over three months amidst fear of second wave

US-based search engine giant Google has decided that most of its 200,000 employees and contractors should work from home through next June.

"To give employees the ability to plan, we are extending our global voluntary work from home option through June 30, 2021 for roles that don't need to be in the office," Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said in an email to employees.

The remote-work order issued by Pichai also affects other companies owned by Google's corporate parent, Alphabet Inc. It marks a six-month extension of Google's previous plan to keep most of its offices closed through the rest of this year.

The decision could signal similar efforts by other tech firms and large employers to extend the precautionary policy amid growing fears about the risks of returning to workplace normalcy.

Several tech firms have said they expect to reopen their offices gradually in the coming months. Twitter meanwhile has said it would allow all employees to continue on remote work indefinitely.

Meanwhile, the coronavirus has killed a total of 651,902 people and infected 16,396,954, of which 9,512,561 have been declared recovered. More than 100,000 new deaths have been recorded since July 9, and the global count has doubled in just over two months.

(With inputs from agencies)

US-based search engine giant Google has decided that most of its 200,000 employees and contractors should work from home through next June. "To give employees the ability to plan, we are extending our global voluntary work from home option through June 30, 2021 for roles that don't need to be in the office," Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said in an email to employees.

US-based search engine giant Google has decided that most of its 200,000 employees and contractors should work from home through next June. "To give employees the ability to plan, we are extending our global voluntary work from home option through June 30, 2021 for roles that don't need to be in the office," Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said in an email to employees. The remote-work order issued by Pichai also affects other companies owned by Google's corporate parent, Alphabet Inc. It marks a six-month extension of Google's previous plan to keep most of its offices closed through the rest of this year. The decision could signal similar efforts by other tech firms and large employers to extend the precautionary policy amid growing fears about the risks of returning to workplace normalcy. Several tech firms have said they expect to reopen their offices gradually in the coming months. Twitter meanwhile has said it would allow all employees to continue on remote work indefinitely. Meanwhile, the coronavirus has killed a total of 651,902 people and infected 16,396,954, of which 9,512,561 have been declared recovered. More than 100,000 new deaths have been recorded since July 9, and the global count has doubled in just over two months. (With inputs from agencies)

Google extends work from home for employees till June 30, 2021

While European countries are reopening their borders, the virus is on the rise in the US, India, and Latin America. <o:p></o:p>

According to Johns Hopkins University, there are at least 16.3 million infected worldwide, while the global death toll has surpassed 650,000. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-tightens-coronavirus-restrictions-amid-fresh-outbreaks-316363">ALSO READ | Europe tightens coronavirus restrictions amid fresh outbreaks</a>

<o:p></o:p>

Since emerging in China late last year, the virus has killed a total of 651,902 people and infected 16,396,954, of which 9,512,561 have been declared recovered. More than 100,000 new deaths have been recorded since July 9, and the global count has doubled in just over two months.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modernas-covid-vaccine-could-be-ready-for-use-by-year-end-us-316375">ALSO READ | Moderna Inc to begin final testing stage of coronavirus vaccine on 30,000 volunteers in July</a></o:p>

The US still ranks first in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases. The country has 4,286,663 cases with over 147,588 people having lost their lives to the disease so far, according to Johns Hopkins University.<o:p></o:p>

Nations hit with most cases: US (4,286,663), Brazil (2,442,375), India (1,435,453), Russia (816,680) and South Africa (452,529).<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from agencies)

While European countries are reopening their borders, the virus is on the rise in the US, India, and Latin America. According to Johns Hopkins University, there are at least 16.

While European countries are reopening their borders, the virus is on the rise in the US, India, and Latin America. According to Johns Hopkins University, there are at least 16.3 million infected worldwide, while the global death toll has surpassed 650,000. ALSO READ | Europe tightens coronavirus restrictions amid fresh outbreaks Since emerging in China late last year, the virus has killed a total of 651,902 people and infected 16,396,954, of which 9,512,561 have been declared recovered. More than 100,000 new deaths have been recorded since July 9, and the global count has doubled in just over two months. ALSO READ | Moderna Inc to begin final testing stage of coronavirus vaccine on 30,000 volunteers in July The US still ranks first in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases. The country has 4,286,663 cases with over 147,588 people having lost their lives to the disease so far, according to Johns Hopkins University. Nations hit with most cases: US (4,286,663), Brazil (2,442,375), India (1,435,453), Russia (816,680) and South Africa (452,529). (With inputs from agencies)

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 16.3 million, death toll at 651,902

Keeping borders closed to halt the spread of COVID-19 is unsustainable, the World Health Organization said Monday, urging countries to adopt comprehensive strategies based on local knowledge of where the virus is spreading. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-tightens-coronavirus-restrictions-amid-fresh-outbreaks-316363">ALSO READ | Europe tightens coronavirus restrictions amid fresh outbreaks</a> 
 
Border closures and travel restrictions remain an important part of many countries' strategy to combat the novel coronavirus.

At the same time, rising cases in a range of countries in Europe and elsewhere that had loosened measures after appearing to get their outbreaks under control have spurred discussions of possible fresh border closures.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

But the UN health body warned that such measures can not be kept up indefinitely, and are also only useful when combined with a wide range of other measures to detect and break chains of transmission.

"Continuing to keep international borders sealed is not necessarily a sustainable strategy for the world's economy, for the world's poor, or for anybody else," Michael Ryan, WHO emergencies director, told journalists in a virtual briefing.

"It is going to be almost impossible for individual countries to keep their borders shut for the foreseeable future," he said, pointing out that "economies have to open up, people have to work, trade has to resume."

He acknowledged that when it comes to COVID-19, it is impossible to have a "global one size fits all policy" because outbreaks are developing differently in different countries.

While countries with rampant community transmission may need to use the blunt instrument of lockdowns to gain control of the situation, others should be burrowing down to get a clear overview of where and how the virus is spreading at a local level.

Don't 'release pressure'

They should be prepared to tighten or loosen measures accordingly, he said, warning against "releasing pressure" on the virus, which has killed some 650,000 people and infected 16.3 million worldwide.

"Release pressure on the virus and the numbers can creep back up."

Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead on COVID-19, said that instead of expecting drastic measures to keep the virus in check, people need to adapt their behaviours for the long haul.

"What we're going to have to figure out... is what our new normal looks like?" she told reporters.

"Our new normal includes physical distancing from others, (and) wearing masks where appropriate," she said.

"Our new normal includes us knowing where this virus is every day, where we live, where we work, where we want to travel."

Keeping borders closed to halt the spread of COVID-19 is unsustainable, the World Health Organization said Monday, urging countries to adopt comprehensive strategies based on local knowledge of where the virus is spreading.

Keeping borders closed to halt the spread of COVID-19 is unsustainable, the World Health Organization said Monday, urging countries to adopt comprehensive strategies based on local knowledge of where the virus is spreading. ALSO READ | Europe tightens coronavirus restrictions amid fresh outbreaks Border closures and travel restrictions remain an important part of many countries' strategy to combat the novel coronavirus. At the same time, rising cases in a range of countries in Europe and elsewhere that had loosened measures after appearing to get their outbreaks under control have spurred discussions of possible fresh border closures. But the UN health body warned that such measures can not be kept up indefinitely, and are also only useful when combined with a wide range of other measures to detect and break chains of transmission. "Continuing to keep international borders sealed is not necessarily a sustainable strategy for the world's economy, for the world's poor, or for anybody else," Michael Ryan, WHO emergencies director, told journalists in a virtual briefing. "It is going to be almost impossible for individual countries to keep their borders shut for the foreseeable future," he said, pointing out that "economies have to open up, people have to work, trade has to resume." He acknowledged that when it comes to COVID-19, it is impossible to have a "global one size fits all policy" because outbreaks are developing differently in different countries. While countries with rampant community transmission may need to use the blunt instrument of lockdowns to gain control of the situation, others should be burrowing down to get a clear overview of where and how the virus is spreading at a local level. Don't 'release pressure' They should be prepared to tighten or loosen measures accordingly, he said, warning against "releasing pressure" on the virus, which has killed some 650,000 people and infected 16.3 million worldwide. "Release pressure on the virus and the numbers can creep back up." Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead on COVID-19, said that instead of expecting drastic measures to keep the virus in check, people need to adapt their behaviours for the long haul. "What we're going to have to figure out... is what our new normal looks like?" she told reporters. "Our new normal includes physical distancing from others, (and) wearing masks where appropriate," she said. "Our new normal includes us knowing where this virus is every day, where we live, where we work, where we want to travel."

Keeping international borders sealed unsustainable Covid-19 strategy: WHO

Moderna's vaccine against COVID-19 could be rolled out by the end of this year, US&nbsp;officials said on Monday, after the drugmaker announced the start of a 30,000-subject trial to demonstrate it is safe and effective, the final hurdle prior to approval by global regulators. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-inc-to-begin-final-testing-stage-of-coronavirus-vaccine-on-30000-volunteers-in-july-305148">ALSO READ | Moderna Inc to begin final testing stage of coronavirus vaccine on 30,000 volunteers in July</a> 
 
The trial is the first such late-stage study under the Trump administration's program to speed development of measures against the novel coronavirus, adding to hope that an effective vaccine will help end the pandemic. Shares of Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Moderna rose 9%. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-signs-agreement-with-moderna-for-potential-covid-19-vaccine-306725">ALSO READ | Israel signs agreement with Moderna for potential COVID-19 vaccine</a>

Moderna has received nearly $1 billion from the U.S. government, which is helping to bankroll several vaccine candidates under its Operation Warp Speed program.

More than 150 coronavirus vaccine candidates are in various stages of development, with some two dozen prospects having advanced to human testing.

"Having a safe and effective vaccine distributed by the end of 2020 is a stretch goal, but it's the right goal for the American people," National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis Collins said in a release announcing the start of the large Phase III trial.

Manufacturers are ramping up production while testing is underway in order to respond as soon as possible to virus, which is still spreading rapidly around the world. COVID-19 has killed more about 650,000 people worldwide and battered economies.

Moderna could have tens of millions of doses ready when and if the vaccine is deemed safe and effective, Collins told reporters on a call.

The large late-stage trial is designed to evaluate the safety of Moderna's mRNA-1273 vaccine and determine if it can prevent symptomatic COVID-19 after two doses.

Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease official, said a readout from the trial could come by November, December, or even earlier. Fauci said he was "not particularly concerned" about the vaccine's safety after seeing data from earlier, smaller trials.

The study also seeks to determine whether the vaccine can prevent coronavirus-related deaths.

Trial volunteers will receive two injections about 28 days apart of either 100 micrograms of mRNA-1273 or a placebo.

Results of a small early-stage study published earlier this month showed volunteers who got two doses of Moderna's vaccine had levels of virus-killing antibodies that exceeded the average seen in people who had recovered from COVID-19.

Moderna said it remains on track to deliver about 500 million doses a year, and possibly up to 1 billion doses a year, beginning 2021.

Moderna's vaccine against COVID-19 could be rolled out by the end of this year, US officials said on Monday, after the drugmaker announced the start of a 30,000-subject trial to demonstrate it is safe and effective, the final hurdle prior to approval by global regulators.

Moderna's vaccine against COVID-19 could be rolled out by the end of this year, US officials said on Monday, after the drugmaker announced the start of a 30,000-subject trial to demonstrate it is safe and effective, the final hurdle prior to approval by global regulators. ALSO READ | Moderna Inc to begin final testing stage of coronavirus vaccine on 30,000 volunteers in July The trial is the first such late-stage study under the Trump administration's program to speed development of measures against the novel coronavirus, adding to hope that an effective vaccine will help end the pandemic. Shares of Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Moderna rose 9%. ALSO READ | Israel signs agreement with Moderna for potential COVID-19 vaccine Moderna has received nearly $1 billion from the U.S. government, which is helping to bankroll several vaccine candidates under its Operation Warp Speed program. More than 150 coronavirus vaccine candidates are in various stages of development, with some two dozen prospects having advanced to human testing. "Having a safe and effective vaccine distributed by the end of 2020 is a stretch goal, but it's the right goal for the American people," National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis Collins said in a release announcing the start of the large Phase III trial. Manufacturers are ramping up production while testing is underway in order to respond as soon as possible to virus, which is still spreading rapidly around the world. COVID-19 has killed more about 650,000 people worldwide and battered economies. Moderna could have tens of millions of doses ready when and if the vaccine is deemed safe and effective, Collins told reporters on a call. The large late-stage trial is designed to evaluate the safety of Moderna's mRNA-1273 vaccine and determine if it can prevent symptomatic COVID-19 after two doses. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease official, said a readout from the trial could come by November, December, or even earlier. Fauci said he was "not particularly concerned" about the vaccine's safety after seeing data from earlier, smaller trials. The study also seeks to determine whether the vaccine can prevent coronavirus-related deaths. Trial volunteers will receive two injections about 28 days apart of either 100 micrograms of mRNA-1273 or a placebo. Results of a small early-stage study published earlier this month showed volunteers who got two doses of Moderna's vaccine had levels of virus-killing antibodies that exceeded the average seen in people who had recovered from COVID-19. Moderna said it remains on track to deliver about 500 million doses a year, and possibly up to 1 billion doses a year, beginning 2021.

Moderna's COVID vaccine could be ready for use by year end: US 

US President Donald Trump vowed to defeat the coronavirus by "unleashing American scientific genius" as he toured a COVID-19 vaccine facility in the swing state of North Carolina on Monday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-nsa-robert-obrien-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-316315">ALSO READ | Trump's NSA Robert O'Brien tests positive for coronavirus</a>

Trump appears to have pinned his hopes on the swift emergence of a successful vaccine to both contain the country's still raging epidemic and revive his faltering re-election hopes.

"We will achieve a victory over the virus by unleashing American scientific genius," he told reporters at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies in Morrisville, hours after it was revealed national security advisor Robert O'Brien had tested positive.

The facility has been awarded a contract to mass produce an experimental vaccine developed by Novavax, as part of a multi-billion dollar government initiative dubbed Operation Warp Speed.

The plan involves investing heavily in leading pharmaceuticals to aid their development and manufacturing efforts, with the goal of delivering 300 million doses of vaccine by January 2021.

It's "never been done before, but we suspect it's going to work, and work very well," added Trump, who later donned a black mask and toured the lab.

The United States is by far the worst-hit country in the world, with more than 4.2 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and nearly 150,000 deaths.

Though the number of new cases has leveled off over the past few days, the US has failed to push its curve down as other nations have done through lockdowns and physical distancing.

Trump's latest comments confirmed that the administration believes that, in America's case, only a vaccine can help.

"It's not masks. It's not shutting down the economy. Hopefully, it is American ingenuity that will allow for therapies and vaccines to ultimately conquer this," White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told ABC News on Sunday.

The virus has also repeatedly penetrated Trump's inner circle, with O'Brien the latest and most senior White House aide to test positive.

He "has been self-isolating and working from a secure location off site," the White House said in a statement Monday, adding that there was "no risk of exposure to the president or the vice president."

Others who have been previously infected include Vice President Mike Pence's spokeswoman Katie Miller, and Kimberly Guilfoyle, a top fundraiser for the Trump campaign and his elder son's girlfriend. 
Results by November?&nbsp;

The US has spent more than $6.3 billion since March to fund vaccine development efforts under Operation Warp Speed.

The program is unabashed in its aims to procure vaccines for the American people first -- unlike European leaders who have called for COVID-19 drugs to be a "global public good."

Pharmaceutical newcomer Moderna, which, alongside AstraZeneca and two Chinese firms is among those furthest in its development timeline, began the final stage of its clinical trial Monday.

The trial is being co-conducted by the National Institutes for Health (NIH) across the United States and is expected to enroll approximately 30,000 adult volunteers.

Participants will get two doses of the vaccine given 28 days apart.

The first volunteer, a Black woman identified as Robyn, participated in a video chat hosted by the NIH on Monday, telling viewers her friends and relatives had initially told her "it was a bad idea."

"And the reason for that was because in the African American community, we are all familiar with the Tuskegee experiments," she added, referring to a 40-year-study the US conducted on Black men to see the effects of untreated syphilis.

The men involved were kept in the dark about cures on purpose.

But, added Robyn, she was encouraged by laws that are now in place to prevent a repetition, and motivated by the desire to help others against a disease that disproportionately impacts communities of color.

An irony of the process is that, given the rampant nature of the US epidemic, results could come far sooner than the two years the trial is set to run.

Daily new cases have plateaued around the 66,000 mark for the past few days, making it more likely that trial participants will be exposed to the virus sooner rather than later.

"It's a really optimistic scenario. It could be November," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel told CNBC on Monday.

US President Donald Trump vowed to defeat the coronavirus by "unleashing American scientific genius" as he toured a COVID-19 vaccine facility in the swing state of North Carolina on Monday.

US President Donald Trump vowed to defeat the coronavirus by "unleashing American scientific genius" as he toured a COVID-19 vaccine facility in the swing state of North Carolina on Monday. ALSO READ | Trump's NSA Robert O'Brien tests positive for coronavirus Trump appears to have pinned his hopes on the swift emergence of a successful vaccine to both contain the country's still raging epidemic and revive his faltering re-election hopes. "We will achieve a victory over the virus by unleashing American scientific genius," he told reporters at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies in Morrisville, hours after it was revealed national security advisor Robert O'Brien had tested positive. The facility has been awarded a contract to mass produce an experimental vaccine developed by Novavax, as part of a multi-billion dollar government initiative dubbed Operation Warp Speed. The plan involves investing heavily in leading pharmaceuticals to aid their development and manufacturing efforts, with the goal of delivering 300 million doses of vaccine by January 2021. It's "never been done before, but we suspect it's going to work, and work very well," added Trump, who later donned a black mask and toured the lab. The United States is by far the worst-hit country in the world, with more than 4.2 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and nearly 150,000 deaths. Though the number of new cases has leveled off over the past few days, the US has failed to push its curve down as other nations have done through lockdowns and physical distancing. Trump's latest comments confirmed that the administration believes that, in America's case, only a vaccine can help. "It's not masks. It's not shutting down the economy. Hopefully, it is American ingenuity that will allow for therapies and vaccines to ultimately conquer this," White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told ABC News on Sunday. The virus has also repeatedly penetrated Trump's inner circle, with O'Brien the latest and most senior White House aide to test positive. He "has been self-isolating and working from a secure location off site," the White House said in a statement Monday, adding that there was "no risk of exposure to the president or the vice president." Others who have been previously infected include Vice President Mike Pence's spokeswoman Katie Miller, and Kimberly Guilfoyle, a top fundraiser for the Trump campaign and his elder son's girlfriend. Results by November? The US has spent more than $6.3 billion since March to fund vaccine development efforts under Operation Warp Speed. The program is unabashed in its aims to procure vaccines for the American people first -- unlike European leaders who have called for COVID-19 drugs to be a "global public good." Pharmaceutical newcomer Moderna, which, alongside AstraZeneca and two Chinese firms is among those furthest in its development timeline, began the final stage of its clinical trial Monday. The trial is being co-conducted by the National Institutes for Health (NIH) across the United States and is expected to enroll approximately 30,000 adult volunteers. Participants will get two doses of the vaccine given 28 days apart. The first volunteer, a Black woman identified as Robyn, participated in a video chat hosted by the NIH on Monday, telling viewers her friends and relatives had initially told her "it was a bad idea." "And the reason for that was because in the African American community, we are all familiar with the Tuskegee experiments," she added, referring to a 40-year-study the US conducted on Black men to see the effects of untreated syphilis. The men involved were kept in the dark about cures on purpose. But, added Robyn, she was encouraged by laws that are now in place to prevent a repetition, and motivated by the desire to help others against a disease that disproportionately impacts communities of color. An irony of the process is that, given the rampant nature of the US epidemic, results could come far sooner than the two years the trial is set to run. Daily new cases have plateaued around the 66,000 mark for the past few days, making it more likely that trial participants will be exposed to the virus sooner rather than later. "It's a really optimistic scenario. It could be November," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel told CNBC on Monday.

We will achieve a victory over the virus by unleashing America's scientific genius: Trump

The country’s official death toll includes only people who were formally diagnosed with the novel coronavirus, not suspected cases who were never tested.

Spain's COVID-19 death toll could be 60% higher than official count

While European countries are reopening their borders, the virus is on the rise in the US, India, and Latin America.&nbsp;

According to Johns Hopkins University, there are at least 16.1 million infected worldwide, while the global death toll has surpassed 600,000.

Global Statistics

Total Confirmed Cases: 16,196,314 
 
Change Over Yesterday: 309,457 
 
Total Deaths: 647,846 
 
Total Recovered: 9,347,721 
 
Nations hit with most cases: US (4,178,730), Brazil (2,394,513), India (1,385,635), Russia (811,073) and South Africa (434,200)

(Source: Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Research Center) 
 
Americas still the worst-hit

The US still ranks first in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases. The country has 4.17 million cases with over 146,000 people having lost their lives to the disease so far, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared an emergency and a lockdown in a border town after a person suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus returned from South Korea after illegally crossing the border, state media said on Sunday. 
 
(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)

While European countries are reopening their borders, the virus is on the rise in the US, India, and Latin America. According to Johns Hopkins University, there are at least 16.1 million infected worldwide, while the global death toll has surpassed 600,000. Global Statistics Total Confirmed Cases: 16,196,314 Change Over Yesterday: 309,457 Total Deaths: 647,846 Total Recovered: 9,347,721 Nations hit with most cases: US (4,178,730), Brazil (2,394,513), India (1,385,635), Russia (811,073) and South Africa (434,200) (Source: Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Research Center) Americas still the worst-hit The US still ranks first in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases. The country has 4.17 million cases with over 146,000 people having lost their lives to the disease so far, according to Johns Hopkins University. Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared an emergency and a lockdown in a border town after a person suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus returned from South Korea after illegally crossing the border, state media said on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 16 million, death toll at 647,846

An Indian consular officer on Friday briefed Queen Elizabeth II about the close collaboration between the UK and India during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sanjibita Tariang, who works at the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, narrated her experience of helping stranded British travellers get home during India's lockdown, according to a statment by British High commission.&nbsp;

She described how the "UK in India" team rose to the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID 19, through collaborative working between India and London, and with exceptional cooperation from the Indian authorities.

The UK repatriated nearly 18,000 travellers from India on 66 charter flights, from 11 Indian cities, between April and June.

The engagement took place during a virtual unveiling of a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth. The artwork, painted by artist Miriam Escofet, will be on display in the refurbished reception of the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The Queen praised FCO staff members for their work in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the engagement, the Queen spoke to staff who worked on the repatriation effort and also heard about the work the UK Government is doing internationally to develop a vaccine.

Narrating her experience, Tariang said: "Organising the repatriation flights was a huge and complex operation involving thorough planning and coordination. We also had to obtain movement permissions during a nationwide lockdown - the main challenge was to organise transport from remote places like Meghalaya and Manipur for a journey spanning 32 hours," she said.

"I used my local networks and Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Nepali language skills to organise a safe journey for some of the most vulnerable and elderly British nationals. For example: arranging a bus all the way from Shillong to Kolkata; requesting assistance from police officers to help passengers cross borders; and getting hotels to open their restaurants for dinner and packing breakfast for long journeys - all so passengers could catch their flight in the nick of time," she added.

An Indian consular officer on Friday briefed Queen Elizabeth II about the close collaboration between the UK and India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sanjibita Tariang, who works at the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, narrated her experience of helping stranded British travellers get home during India's lockdown, according to a statment by British High commission.

An Indian consular officer on Friday briefed Queen Elizabeth II about the close collaboration between the UK and India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sanjibita Tariang, who works at the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, narrated her experience of helping stranded British travellers get home during India's lockdown, according to a statment by British High commission. She described how the "UK in India" team rose to the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID 19, through collaborative working between India and London, and with exceptional cooperation from the Indian authorities. The UK repatriated nearly 18,000 travellers from India on 66 charter flights, from 11 Indian cities, between April and June. The engagement took place during a virtual unveiling of a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth. The artwork, painted by artist Miriam Escofet, will be on display in the refurbished reception of the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The Queen praised FCO staff members for their work in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the engagement, the Queen spoke to staff who worked on the repatriation effort and also heard about the work the UK Government is doing internationally to develop a vaccine. Narrating her experience, Tariang said: "Organising the repatriation flights was a huge and complex operation involving thorough planning and coordination. We also had to obtain movement permissions during a nationwide lockdown - the main challenge was to organise transport from remote places like Meghalaya and Manipur for a journey spanning 32 hours," she said. "I used my local networks and Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Nepali language skills to organise a safe journey for some of the most vulnerable and elderly British nationals. For example: arranging a bus all the way from Shillong to Kolkata; requesting assistance from police officers to help passengers cross borders; and getting hotels to open their restaurants for dinner and packing breakfast for long journeys - all so passengers could catch their flight in the nick of time," she added.

Indian consular officer briefs queen Elizabeth about India-UK collaboration during Covid-19 

Tourists on the beach in Barcelona on Sunday (July 26) said they felt safe despite the abrupt announcement of a two-week coronavirus quarantine imposed on British travellers returning from Spain.

Tourists feel safe in Spain despite UK's newly imposed quarantine

A Brazilian Roman Catholic bishop admitted to hospital with critical coronavirus infection since July 4, died on Saturday at the Memorial Hospital São José, in Recife.

Henrique Soares da Costa believed that the coronavirus is “a sign from God” and proof that “science is always precarious”

Recently through a video, Dom Henrique had said that the coronavirus is “a sign of God” and that “science is always precarious”.&nbsp;

Two days ago, his respiratory condition worsened and he needed to be intubated. 
 
Costa is the third Brazilian bishop to die because of coronavirus.He served as bishop of the diocese of Palmares from 2014 until his death in 2020.

Meanwhile, with some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases are increasing at an alarming stage.

While European countries are reopening their borders, the virus is on the rise in the US, India, and Latin America.

According to Johns Hopkins University, there are at least 16.1 million infected worldwide, while the global death toll has surpassed 600,000.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Brazilian Roman Catholic bishop admitted to hospital with critical coronavirus infection since July 4, died on Saturday at the Memorial Hospital São José, in Recife.

A Brazilian Roman Catholic bishop admitted to hospital with critical coronavirus infection since July 4, died on Saturday at the Memorial Hospital São José, in Recife. Henrique Soares da Costa believed that the coronavirus is “a sign from God” and proof that “science is always precarious” Recently through a video, Dom Henrique had said that the coronavirus is “a sign of God” and that “science is always precarious”. Two days ago, his respiratory condition worsened and he needed to be intubated. Costa is the third Brazilian bishop to die because of coronavirus.He served as bishop of the diocese of Palmares from 2014 until his death in 2020. Meanwhile, with some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases are increasing at an alarming stage. While European countries are reopening their borders, the virus is on the rise in the US, India, and Latin America. According to Johns Hopkins University, there are at least 16.1 million infected worldwide, while the global death toll has surpassed 600,000. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian Bishop believes covid-crisis a ‘sign from God’, dies of coronavirus

A day after the United Kingdom announced its plan to impose a compulsory 14-day quarantine for travellers entering the country from Spain.

The move was announced on Saturday noon, and was implemented from midnight&nbsp;(2300 GMT on Saturday), which created an atmosphere of chaos for travellers enroute the UK.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-quarantine-travellers-from-spain-sunday-times-315992">Also read|&nbsp;UK to quarantine travellers from Spain: Sunday Times</a>

This decision of sudden implementation was not well-received by the travellers. However, the UK government has made it clear that the decision will stay and without any apologies.

"We can`t make apologies...we must be able to take swift, decisive action," British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday in a local interview.

Raab said the decision was taken as a&nbsp;"real-time response" to the surge in coronavirus cases in Spain and to protect their own citizens.

The opposition has, however, called this move by the Boris Johnson administration to be "frankly shambolic".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/easyjet-british-airways-plan-to-continue-flights-to-spain-despite-quarantine-orders-316022">Also read|&nbsp;EasyJet, British Airways plan to continue flights to Spain despite quarantine orders</a>

In addition to the quarantine, the British foreign ministry advised against all but essential travel to mainland Spain.

The UK government has also made wearing masks compulsory indoors too now, to protect their citizens from spread of the novel coronavirus.

Johnson administration is hoping to recover from the coronavirus-hit economy by the end of the year, which involves upping tourism again, while protecting their citizens.

A day after the United Kingdom announced its plan to impose a compulsory 14-day quarantine for travellers entering the country from Spain. The move was announced on Saturday noon, and was implemented from midnight (2300 GMT on Saturday), which created an atmosphere of chaos for travellers enroute the UK.

A day after the United Kingdom announced its plan to impose a compulsory 14-day quarantine for travellers entering the country from Spain. The move was announced on Saturday noon, and was implemented from midnight (2300 GMT on Saturday), which created an atmosphere of chaos for travellers enroute the UK. Also read| UK to quarantine travellers from Spain: Sunday Times This decision of sudden implementation was not well-received by the travellers. However, the UK government has made it clear that the decision will stay and without any apologies. "We can`t make apologies...we must be able to take swift, decisive action," British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday in a local interview. Raab said the decision was taken as a "real-time response" to the surge in coronavirus cases in Spain and to protect their own citizens. The opposition has, however, called this move by the Boris Johnson administration to be "frankly shambolic". Also read| EasyJet, British Airways plan to continue flights to Spain despite quarantine orders In addition to the quarantine, the British foreign ministry advised against all but essential travel to mainland Spain. The UK government has also made wearing masks compulsory indoors too now, to protect their citizens from spread of the novel coronavirus. Johnson administration is hoping to recover from the coronavirus-hit economy by the end of the year, which involves upping tourism again, while protecting their citizens.

'It's a real time response': Britain defends decision on Spanish quarantine move

Britain`s government is set to announce all travellers from Spain arriving after midnight (2300 GMT) on Saturday will need to spend two weeks in quarantine in case they are infected with coronavirus, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.

"Second wave of Covid-19 there has prompted decision to kick Spain off the safe country list," the newspaper`s political editor, Tim Shipman, said on Twitter.

Britain`s health ministry had no immediate comment on the report.

If true, the reported announcement would deal a heavy blow to Spain, which is trying to recoup its tourism season after the sector took a battering from coronavirus lockdowns and travel restrictions earlier in the year.

There was no immediate comment from Spanish government officials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tighter-mask-rules-more-tests-as-who-warns-of-europe-coronavirus-spike-315848">Also read:&nbsp;Tighter mask rules, more tests as WHO warns of Europe coronavirus spike</a>

Cases of coronavirus have been on the rise again in recent weeks in Spain, prompting concern in several European countries.

On Friday Norway said it will re-impose a 10-day quarantine requirement for people arriving from Spain from Saturday, while France advised people not to travel to the Spanish region of Catalonia.

The safe country list referred to by Shipman is a list of countries that the UK government has said are safe for travellers to visit - meaning people do not have to go into quarantine on return home.

Such quarantines are likely to put people off taking a holiday in "non-safe" countries.

The rules apply to travellers arriving in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own quarantine rules.

Britons make a big contribution to Spain`s tourism sector.

Last year 83.7 million tourists travelled to Spain, of which 18.08 million were British, making them the largest group by nationality, according to Spanish National Statistics Office.

Britain`s government is set to announce all travellers from Spain arriving after midnight (2300 GMT) on Saturday will need to spend two weeks in quarantine in case they are infected with coronavirus, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.

Britain`s government is set to announce all travellers from Spain arriving after midnight (2300 GMT) on Saturday will need to spend two weeks in quarantine in case they are infected with coronavirus, the Sunday Times newspaper reported. "Second wave of Covid-19 there has prompted decision to kick Spain off the safe country list," the newspaper`s political editor, Tim Shipman, said on Twitter. Britain`s health ministry had no immediate comment on the report. If true, the reported announcement would deal a heavy blow to Spain, which is trying to recoup its tourism season after the sector took a battering from coronavirus lockdowns and travel restrictions earlier in the year. There was no immediate comment from Spanish government officials. Also read: Tighter mask rules, more tests as WHO warns of Europe coronavirus spike Cases of coronavirus have been on the rise again in recent weeks in Spain, prompting concern in several European countries. On Friday Norway said it will re-impose a 10-day quarantine requirement for people arriving from Spain from Saturday, while France advised people not to travel to the Spanish region of Catalonia. The safe country list referred to by Shipman is a list of countries that the UK government has said are safe for travellers to visit - meaning people do not have to go into quarantine on return home. Such quarantines are likely to put people off taking a holiday in "non-safe" countries. The rules apply to travellers arriving in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own quarantine rules. Britons make a big contribution to Spain`s tourism sector. Last year 83.7 million tourists travelled to Spain, of which 18.08 million were British, making them the largest group by nationality, according to Spanish National Statistics Office.

UK to quarantine travellers from Spain: Sunday Times

The United States has reached a grim milestone of 4 million coronavirus cases, according to the latest update by the Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp; 
 
According to the data, the US has till now reported 4,021,053 COVID-19 cases and 143,967 deaths. 
 
Infections in the United States have rapidly accelerated since the first case was detected on Jan. 21. It took the country 98 days to reach 1 million cases. 
 
It took another 43 days to reach 2 million and then 27 days to reach 3 million. It has only taken 16 days to reach 4 million at a rate of 43 new cases a minute. 
 
The total COVID-19 case count worldwide stands at 15,348,877 and 626,190 fatalities have been reported so far.

Despite the surge in cases, countries across the world including the US, India, Denmark and Italy have started the process of lifting the lockdown by easing restrictions. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has reached a grim milestone of 4 million coronavirus cases, according to the latest update by the Johns Hopkins University. According to the data, the US has till now reported 4,021,053 COVID-19 cases and 143,967 deaths.

The United States has reached a grim milestone of 4 million coronavirus cases, according to the latest update by the Johns Hopkins University. According to the data, the US has till now reported 4,021,053 COVID-19 cases and 143,967 deaths. Infections in the United States have rapidly accelerated since the first case was detected on Jan. 21. It took the country 98 days to reach 1 million cases. It took another 43 days to reach 2 million and then 27 days to reach 3 million. It has only taken 16 days to reach 4 million at a rate of 43 new cases a minute. The total COVID-19 case count worldwide stands at 15,348,877 and 626,190 fatalities have been reported so far. Despite the surge in cases, countries across the world including the US, India, Denmark and Italy have started the process of lifting the lockdown by easing restrictions. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus in US: 76,570 cases and 1,225 deaths reported in last 24 hours, total count surpasses 4 million

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