The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 12 million people, with 5.54 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 12,268,630&nbsp;confirmed coronavirus cases.

The death count has also surged to 554,924.

Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 3.1 million coronavirus cases and 133,195 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 1,759,103 cases and 69,254 deaths, and India (794,842 cases, 21,623 deaths).

The United States on Thursday posted 60,565 new coronavirus cases, a record for 24 hours.

The country, the hardest-hit in the world by the pandemic, now has a total caseload of more than 3.1 million, with 133,195 deaths. The previous daily record was Tuesday, with more than 60,200 cases in one day.

(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 12 million people, with 5.54 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 12 million people, with 5.54 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 12,268,630 confirmed coronavirus cases. The death count has also surged to 554,924. Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 3.1 million coronavirus cases and 133,195 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 1,759,103 cases and 69,254 deaths, and India (794,842 cases, 21,623 deaths). The United States on Thursday posted 60,565 new coronavirus cases, a record for 24 hours. The country, the hardest-hit in the world by the pandemic, now has a total caseload of more than 3.1 million, with 133,195 deaths. The previous daily record was Tuesday, with more than 60,200 cases in one day. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases exceed 12 million; death toll at 554,924

Officials of the Chinese embassy in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan has warned its citizens living in the country of an “unknown pneumonia” that is reportedly even deadlier than the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the South China Morning Post reports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-when-will-things-get-back-to-normal-312064">Coronavirus: When will things get back to normal?</a>

According to the warning issued by embassy “The death rate of this disease is much higher than the novel coronavirus. The country’s health departments are conducting comparative research into the pneumonia virus, but have yet to identify the virus.” 
 
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"Unknown pneumonia in Kazakhstan caused 1,772 deaths in the first six months of the year, including 628 people in June alone, including Chinese citizens, the embassy said in a statement.

"The fatality rate of the disease is much higher than COVID-19," read the embassy's statement.

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"Health officials have recorded more than 32,000 cases of pneumonia between June 29 and July 5 alone, along with 451 deaths," said Kazakhstan’s Health Ministry. 
&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, as many as 12,198,599 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While 7,095,726 have recovered, 552,786 have died so far, according to Worldometer.

Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected country with 3,120,388 coronavirus cases and 134,229 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,683,738 cases, 67,113 deaths) and India (768,206 cases, 21,144 deaths).

(With inputs from agencies)

Officials of the Chinese embassy in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan has warned its citizens living in the country of an “unknown pneumonia” that is reportedly even deadlier than the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the South China Morning Post reports.

Officials of the Chinese embassy in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan has warned its citizens living in the country of an “unknown pneumonia” that is reportedly even deadlier than the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the South China Morning Post reports. Coronavirus: When will things get back to normal? According to the warning issued by embassy “The death rate of this disease is much higher than the novel coronavirus. The country’s health departments are conducting comparative research into the pneumonia virus, but have yet to identify the virus.” Also read | Coronavirus cases surge past 3 million in US as Texas, California report new outbreak "Unknown pneumonia in Kazakhstan caused 1,772 deaths in the first six months of the year, including 628 people in June alone, including Chinese citizens, the embassy said in a statement. "The fatality rate of the disease is much higher than COVID-19," read the embassy's statement. "Health officials have recorded more than 32,000 cases of pneumonia between June 29 and July 5 alone, along with 451 deaths," said Kazakhstan’s Health Ministry. Meanwhile, as many as 12,198,599 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While 7,095,726 have recovered, 552,786 have died so far, according to Worldometer. Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected country with 3,120,388 coronavirus cases and 134,229 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,683,738 cases, 67,113 deaths) and India (768,206 cases, 21,144 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

'Unknown Pneumonia' deadlier than coronavirus sweeping across Kazakhstan, warns Chinese Embassy

India reported a new single-day high of 26,506 COVID-19 cases taking the caseload to 7, 93,802 on Friday, including 2, 76,685 active cases, 4, 95,513 cured/discharged/migrated cases and 21,604 deaths, according to the Union health ministry data.

Total 26,506 new cases and 475 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, as many as 12,389,554 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. While 7,182,395 have recovered, 557,405 have died, according to Worldometer.

Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 3,219,999 coronavirus cases and 135,822 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 1,759,103 cases and 69,254 deaths, and India (794,842 cases, 21,623 deaths).

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported a new single-day high of 26,506 COVID-19 cases taking the caseload to 7, 93,802 on Friday, including 2, 76,685 active cases, 4, 95,513 cured/discharged/migrated cases and 21,604 deaths, according to the Union health ministry data.

India reported a new single-day high of 26,506 COVID-19 cases taking the caseload to 7, 93,802 on Friday, including 2, 76,685 active cases, 4, 95,513 cured/discharged/migrated cases and 21,604 deaths, according to the Union health ministry data. Total 26,506 new cases and 475 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, as many as 12,389,554 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. While 7,182,395 have recovered, 557,405 have died, according to Worldometer. Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 3,219,999 coronavirus cases and 135,822 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 1,759,103 cases and 69,254 deaths, and India (794,842 cases, 21,623 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

India's confirmed coronavirus cases at 7.93 lakh

President Donald Trump continues to see a malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine, as a promising drug to be used to prevent infection with the coronavirus, the White House said on Thursday, though the US Food and Drug Administration has said its efficacy and safety were unproven.

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"The president has always said that he sees hydroxychloroquine as a very promising prophylactic but that every person should not take it unless they get a prescription from their doctor," White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said at a news conference.

Donald Trump told reporters in May he had started taking hydroxychloroquine after two White House staffers tested positive for COVID-19.

His doctor said last month that Donald Trump had suffered from no side effects after a two-week course of the malaria drug, which can cause heart problems.

Earlier this week, another world leader, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, said he had tested positive for the virus and was taking hydroxychloroquine.

Bolsonaro has pushed his government to make the drug widely available and has encouraged Brazilians to take it both to treat COVID-19 and to prevent it.

President Donald Trump continues to see a malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine, as a promising drug to be used to prevent infection with the coronavirus, the White House said on Thursday, though the US Food and Drug Administration has said its efficacy and safety were unproven.

President Donald Trump continues to see a malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine, as a promising drug to be used to prevent infection with the coronavirus, the White House said on Thursday, though the US Food and Drug Administration has said its efficacy and safety were unproven. Also read: US Supreme Court orders release of Trump's tax returns; president calls it 'political witch hunt' "The president has always said that he sees hydroxychloroquine as a very promising prophylactic but that every person should not take it unless they get a prescription from their doctor," White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said at a news conference. Donald Trump told reporters in May he had started taking hydroxychloroquine after two White House staffers tested positive for COVID-19. His doctor said last month that Donald Trump had suffered from no side effects after a two-week course of the malaria drug, which can cause heart problems. Earlier this week, another world leader, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, said he had tested positive for the virus and was taking hydroxychloroquine. Bolsonaro has pushed his government to make the drug widely available and has encouraged Brazilians to take it both to treat COVID-19 and to prevent it.

Trump still sees hydroxychloroquine as promising virus cure: White House

Maharashtra tops the coronavirus chart in the country and remains the worst-hit state, with cases reaching up to 2, 30,599 and 9,667 casualties so far, of which 417 occurred in the last 24 hours. Tamil Nadu remained the second-worst hit with a total of 1, 26,581 cases, including 1,765 deaths.

With the highest single-day spike of 26,506 COVID-19 cases and 475 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the total number of COVID-19 cases in India reached 7, 93,802 on Friday, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Overall, five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Maharashtra (6,875), Tamil Nadu (4,231), Karnataka (2,228), Delhi (2,187), and Andhra Pradesh (1,555).

Meanwhile, 2,83,659 samples were tested for coronavirus on Thursday, taking the total number of samples tested up to July 9 to 1,10,24,491, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

(With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra tops the coronavirus chart in the country and remains the worst-hit state, with cases reaching up to 2, 30,599 and 9,667 casualties so far, of which 417 occurred in the last 24 hours.

Maharashtra tops the coronavirus chart in the country and remains the worst-hit state, with cases reaching up to 2, 30,599 and 9,667 casualties so far, of which 417 occurred in the last 24 hours. Tamil Nadu remained the second-worst hit with a total of 1, 26,581 cases, including 1,765 deaths. With the highest single-day spike of 26,506 COVID-19 cases and 475 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the total number of COVID-19 cases in India reached 7, 93,802 on Friday, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Overall, five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Maharashtra (6,875), Tamil Nadu (4,231), Karnataka (2,228), Delhi (2,187), and Andhra Pradesh (1,555). Meanwhile, 2,83,659 samples were tested for coronavirus on Thursday, taking the total number of samples tested up to July 9 to 1,10,24,491, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19: Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-hit state

The Centre is planning to conduct a nationwide sero-surveillance to evaluate the trend of coronavirus infection (Covid-19) among the population, the Central government informed on Thursday.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare officer on Thursday said the report from the previous study is under ‘peer review’ and a fresh survey is being planned now as the last one gave the status of infection spread till April.

ICMR will conduct a 'sero-survey' which involves testing of blood serum of people to check for the prevalence of antibodies against coronavirus infection.

The final results of the sero-survey conducted by the ICMR in May, which focused on infections of mid-April is still under process, Rajesh Bhushan, Officer on Special Duty in the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday.

"The serosurvey that ICMR conducted across the country focused on infections of mid-April and preliminary findings were shared. As you know all such sero-surveillance studies or any other scientific study is subject to peer-review and those inputs are also incorporated. So that process is going on," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, India reported a new single-day high of 26,506 COVID-19 cases taking the caseload to 7, 93,802 on Friday, including 2, 76,685 active cases, 4, 95,513 cured/discharged/migrated cases and 21,604 deaths, according to the Union health ministry data. 
Total 26,506 new cases and 475 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Centre is planning to conduct a nationwide sero-surveillance to evaluate the trend of coronavirus infection (Covid-19) among the population, the Central government informed on Thursday.

The Centre is planning to conduct a nationwide sero-surveillance to evaluate the trend of coronavirus infection (Covid-19) among the population, the Central government informed on Thursday. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare officer on Thursday said the report from the previous study is under ‘peer review’ and a fresh survey is being planned now as the last one gave the status of infection spread till April. ICMR will conduct a 'sero-survey' which involves testing of blood serum of people to check for the prevalence of antibodies against coronavirus infection. The final results of the sero-survey conducted by the ICMR in May, which focused on infections of mid-April is still under process, Rajesh Bhushan, Officer on Special Duty in the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday. "The serosurvey that ICMR conducted across the country focused on infections of mid-April and preliminary findings were shared. As you know all such sero-surveillance studies or any other scientific study is subject to peer-review and those inputs are also incorporated. So that process is going on," he told reporters. Meanwhile, India reported a new single-day high of 26,506 COVID-19 cases taking the caseload to 7, 93,802 on Friday, including 2, 76,685 active cases, 4, 95,513 cured/discharged/migrated cases and 21,604 deaths, according to the Union health ministry data. Total 26,506 new cases and 475 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. (With inputs from agencies)

ICMR plans pan-India sero-survey to evaluate the trend of coronavirus

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 12 million people, with 5.48 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-battles-coronavirus-pandemic-amid-superstorms-and-wildfires-311743">Also read: World battles coronavirus pandemic amid superstorms and wildfires</a> 
 
According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 12,007,327 confirmed coronavirus cases.

The death count has also surged to 548,799.

Many hard-hit countries are easing lockdowns put in place to slow the spread of the novel virus, while others, such as China and Australia, implement another round of shutdowns in response to a resurgence in infections. Experts say alterations to work and social life could last until a vaccine is available.

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The US remains by far the worst affected country, with over 132,256 deaths. The United States reported more than 59,000 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the biggest increase ever reported by a country in a single day. The United States faces a bleak summer as infections surge and many states are forced to close bars and popular beaches to try to curb the rise.

In addition to nearly 10,000 new cases in Florida, Texas reported over 9,000 cases and California reported more than 7,800 new infections. California and Texas also each reported a record one-day increase in deaths. It was the second day in a row that US deaths climbed by more than 900 in a day, the highest levels are seen since early June, according to the tally.

(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 12 million people, with 5.48 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 12 million people, with 5.48 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. Also read: World battles coronavirus pandemic amid superstorms and wildfires According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 12,007,327 confirmed coronavirus cases. The death count has also surged to 548,799. Many hard-hit countries are easing lockdowns put in place to slow the spread of the novel virus, while others, such as China and Australia, implement another round of shutdowns in response to a resurgence in infections. Experts say alterations to work and social life could last until a vaccine is available. The US remains by far the worst affected country, with over 132,256 deaths. The United States reported more than 59,000 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the biggest increase ever reported by a country in a single day. The United States faces a bleak summer as infections surge and many states are forced to close bars and popular beaches to try to curb the rise. In addition to nearly 10,000 new cases in Florida, Texas reported over 9,000 cases and California reported more than 7,800 new infections. California and Texas also each reported a record one-day increase in deaths. It was the second day in a row that US deaths climbed by more than 900 in a day, the highest levels are seen since early June, according to the tally. (With inputs from agencies)

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 12 million, death toll at 548,799

Canada handled the novel coronavirus outbreak better than many of its allies, including the United States, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday, in a rare public comment on the faltering U.S. effort.

Canada - with a population one-tenth the size of the United States - has so far recorded 8,711 deaths and 106,167 cases and Trudeau said the situation was stabilizing, although some hot spots remained.

In contrast, the United States has recorded more than 3 million cases and 131,336 deaths. Authorities have reported alarming upswings of daily caseloads in roughly two dozen states over the past two weeks.

"We were able to control the virus better than many of our allies, particularly including our neighbor," Trudeau told a briefing, saying Canada's success would help efforts to restart the economy.

Canada and the United States have blocked nonessential travel between the two nations since March and are discussing whether to extend the ban when it expires on July 21.

Canadian health officials said the death toll could hit 8,900 by July 17.

Deputy Chief public health officer Howard Njoo said the outbreak was largely under control, while stressing measures such as contact tracing and quarantine would still be essential.

"If we relax too much or too soon, the epidemic will most likely rebound, with explosive growth as a distinct possibility," he told a separate news conference.

Although Trudeau's relations with U.S. President Donald Trump have been good over the last 18 months, he skipped a Washington meeting on Wednesday to herald the start of a new continental trade agreement with the United States and Mexico.

Trudeau, who would have had to enter a 14-day quarantine period on his return, repeated concerns about the possible imposition of U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports of aluminum. 
&nbsp;

Canada handled the novel coronavirus outbreak better than many of its allies, including the United States, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday, in a rare public comment on the faltering U.

Canada handled the novel coronavirus outbreak better than many of its allies, including the United States, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday, in a rare public comment on the faltering U.S. effort. Canada - with a population one-tenth the size of the United States - has so far recorded 8,711 deaths and 106,167 cases and Trudeau said the situation was stabilizing, although some hot spots remained. In contrast, the United States has recorded more than 3 million cases and 131,336 deaths. Authorities have reported alarming upswings of daily caseloads in roughly two dozen states over the past two weeks. "We were able to control the virus better than many of our allies, particularly including our neighbor," Trudeau told a briefing, saying Canada's success would help efforts to restart the economy. Canada and the United States have blocked nonessential travel between the two nations since March and are discussing whether to extend the ban when it expires on July 21. Canadian health officials said the death toll could hit 8,900 by July 17. Deputy Chief public health officer Howard Njoo said the outbreak was largely under control, while stressing measures such as contact tracing and quarantine would still be essential. "If we relax too much or too soon, the epidemic will most likely rebound, with explosive growth as a distinct possibility," he told a separate news conference. Although Trudeau's relations with U.S. President Donald Trump have been good over the last 18 months, he skipped a Washington meeting on Wednesday to herald the start of a new continental trade agreement with the United States and Mexico. Trudeau, who would have had to enter a 14-day quarantine period on his return, repeated concerns about the possible imposition of U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports of aluminum.

Canada handled the coronavirus outbreak better than US: Trudeau

A 32-year-old man, who recently returned from India and tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, will be charged with missing from a managed isolation facility in Auckland to go to a supermarket, according to media reports.

The man, New Zealand's latest new case of COVID-19, escaped through a fenced area from an isolation facility at about 6:50 pm local time on Tuesday, the New Zealand Herald reported.

He has been sent to a quarantine facility after he was confirmed to have the coronavirus. However, the man was asymptomatic and did not appear to have come into close or casual contact with anyone, the report said.

The man, whose identity was not immediately known, came from Delhi on July 3, it added.

Health Minister Chris Hipkins has slammed the man's actions as "selfish" and says he will face charges, the report said.

But he wouldn't describe the episode as a failure of the government's processes, and even though those processes will now be reviewed, he said if anyone should apologise, it was the man who broke the law.

Mr Hipkins said the man appeared to have made a spur of the moment decision and dashed through a gap where fencing was being replaced.

A security guard was observing the area but confused the man with contractors working on the fencing. The alarm was raised within minutes but security were unable to find the man.

Mr Hipkins said the man may have spent 20 minutes in the supermarket on Victoria St West, and he returned of his own volition 70 minutes after leaving, the report added.

He will be charged and now face up to a six-month jail sentence or a $4000 fine, the report added.

After the man's positive test result came today, the supermarket staff are now self-isolating and will also be tested for the virus, the Stuff reported.

"CCTV footage from within the supermarket has confirmed there was no close contact between the man and any staff or customers during his time there," head of managed isolation and quarantine Air Commodore Darryn Webb said.

There are now 23 active COVID-19 cases in New Zealand, all in managed isolation or quarantine, and 1187 confirmed cases.

A 32-year-old man, who recently returned from India and tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, will be charged with missing from a managed isolation facility in Auckland to go to a supermarket, according to media reports.

A 32-year-old man, who recently returned from India and tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, will be charged with missing from a managed isolation facility in Auckland to go to a supermarket, according to media reports. The man, New Zealand's latest new case of COVID-19, escaped through a fenced area from an isolation facility at about 6:50 pm local time on Tuesday, the New Zealand Herald reported. He has been sent to a quarantine facility after he was confirmed to have the coronavirus. However, the man was asymptomatic and did not appear to have come into close or casual contact with anyone, the report said. The man, whose identity was not immediately known, came from Delhi on July 3, it added. Health Minister Chris Hipkins has slammed the man's actions as "selfish" and says he will face charges, the report said. But he wouldn't describe the episode as a failure of the government's processes, and even though those processes will now be reviewed, he said if anyone should apologise, it was the man who broke the law. Mr Hipkins said the man appeared to have made a spur of the moment decision and dashed through a gap where fencing was being replaced. A security guard was observing the area but confused the man with contractors working on the fencing. The alarm was raised within minutes but security were unable to find the man. Mr Hipkins said the man may have spent 20 minutes in the supermarket on Victoria St West, and he returned of his own volition 70 minutes after leaving, the report added. He will be charged and now face up to a six-month jail sentence or a $4000 fine, the report added. After the man's positive test result came today, the supermarket staff are now self-isolating and will also be tested for the virus, the Stuff reported. "CCTV footage from within the supermarket has confirmed there was no close contact between the man and any staff or customers during his time there," head of managed isolation and quarantine Air Commodore Darryn Webb said. There are now 23 active COVID-19 cases in New Zealand, all in managed isolation or quarantine, and 1187 confirmed cases.

Indian man in Covid-19 isolation runs away in Auckland, visits mall; faces $4,000 penalty, jail

Jobless and broke, Sudanese electrician Hatem is stranded in limbo in Riyadh like countless other illegal workers, but he hopes the fast-spreading coronavirus will offer a chance for escape.

While coronavirus drives a huge exodus of expatriates, campaigners say potentially hundreds of thousands of illegal workers remain stranded in Saudi Arabia, complicating efforts to fight the disease.

The pandemic has laid bare what activists call systemic injustices roiling the lives of blue-collar foreign workers in Saudi Arabia -- overcrowded housing, exploitative employers and a lack of effective recourse.

Campaigners have called on Saudi Arabia to reform its long-criticised labour policy and offer an amnesty to poor debt-ridden workers trapped in the country, a predicament that risks fuelling the pandemic.

The problem is rooted in the "kafala" sponsorship system, described by critics as a modern form of slavery that binds workers to their Saudi employers, whose permission is required to enter and exit the kingdom as well as to change jobs.

Employers also hold enough sway to render their status illegal, according to activists and interviews with four undocumented workers, including Hatem, a 45-year-old electrician living in hiding in Riyadh to avoid arrest.

"My six kids, my old mother, my sister in Sudan... are living in a difficult situation, but I live in much worse conditions," Hatem told AFP in his squalid Riyadh apartment, which he shares with other workers.

"The sponsorship system is very unjust," said Hatem, who arrived in 2016.

Calls for amnesty

Saudi Arabia, home to around 10 million expats, has expelled hundreds of thousands of illegal workers in recent years.

But many like Hatem who are stuck in a debt trap are not permitted to leave before settling their dues, even as kafala curbs prevent them from legally earning their way to freedom.

"The Saudi government should offer an amnesty for irregular migrants to regularise their status or return to their home countries," Annas Shaker, a research fellow at the advocacy group Migrant Rights, told AFP.

Holding back such workers, many of whom are forced to go into hiding, risks fanning the pandemic, observers including Shaker warned.

Saudi Arabia has reported over 200,000 infections and nearly 2,000 deaths. Hospital sources say doctors and nurses are among those dying and intensive care units are stretched beyond capacity.

Saudi nationalists online have openly demanded the expulsion of expat communities, widely blamed for spreading the disease.

A Saudi newspaper columnist called for "cleansing" the oil-rich Gulf state of excess foreign workers.

Hatem, who scrapes by thanks to the kindness of strangers, has implored Sudan's embassy in Riyadh to push authorities to grant him the exit visa he needs to leave. 
Neither responded to AFP's request for comment.

A South Asian official told AFP he had received similar pleas for exit visas from debt-saddled subcontinent workers stuck in the same predicament, many for years.

In an extraordinary announcement in March, Saudi Arabia offered free coronavirus treatment to illegal workers and promised no retribution if they come forward for treatment.

But after years of what workers call heavy-handed treatment by authorities, the gesture has been met with suspicion.

Three other undocumented workers who spoke to AFP -- two from Egypt and another from Bangladesh -- said they would be unwilling to come forward if they contracted the virus.

One of the Egyptians, a 36-year-old father-of-two, said he could not take the risk after he took on a huge loan to work in the kingdom as a private driver. 
"There is no guarantee I will not be arrested," he said.

"Extortion"

Kafala persists even after Saudi media reported in February that the government would "soon" abolish the system.

Hatem's nightmare began when his sponsor began demanding a big chunk of his earnings in exchange for renewing his residence permit every year.

Foreign workers say they are often vulnerable to such "extortion" from their sponsors in order to continue working legally after many arrive heavily indebted from their home countries.

Hatem, who also needed to support his large family, said the demand pushed him further into a debt trap as he borrowed heavily to pay his sponsor.

But still, he said, the employer reported him to authorities as "huroob", Arabic for absconding, a status that effectively renders him a criminal at risk of being jailed and deported.

The expiry of his residence permit makes his presence illegal, making it impossible to access basic services or legally find work to repay his debt, which runs into thousands of riyals.

"For hundreds of thousands of migrants in Saudi, irregularity is not a choice," said Shaker, adding that sponsors can declare workers huroob "with a touch of a button online" or choose to wilfully avoid renewing permits.

"They are pushed to irregularity due to inadequate labour and migration policies that give employers great sway over them."

Jobless and broke, Sudanese electrician Hatem is stranded in limbo in Riyadh like countless other illegal workers, but he hopes the fast-spreading coronavirus will offer a chance for escape.

Jobless and broke, Sudanese electrician Hatem is stranded in limbo in Riyadh like countless other illegal workers, but he hopes the fast-spreading coronavirus will offer a chance for escape. While coronavirus drives a huge exodus of expatriates, campaigners say potentially hundreds of thousands of illegal workers remain stranded in Saudi Arabia, complicating efforts to fight the disease. The pandemic has laid bare what activists call systemic injustices roiling the lives of blue-collar foreign workers in Saudi Arabia -- overcrowded housing, exploitative employers and a lack of effective recourse. Campaigners have called on Saudi Arabia to reform its long-criticised labour policy and offer an amnesty to poor debt-ridden workers trapped in the country, a predicament that risks fuelling the pandemic. The problem is rooted in the "kafala" sponsorship system, described by critics as a modern form of slavery that binds workers to their Saudi employers, whose permission is required to enter and exit the kingdom as well as to change jobs. Employers also hold enough sway to render their status illegal, according to activists and interviews with four undocumented workers, including Hatem, a 45-year-old electrician living in hiding in Riyadh to avoid arrest. "My six kids, my old mother, my sister in Sudan... are living in a difficult situation, but I live in much worse conditions," Hatem told AFP in his squalid Riyadh apartment, which he shares with other workers. "The sponsorship system is very unjust," said Hatem, who arrived in 2016. Calls for amnesty Saudi Arabia, home to around 10 million expats, has expelled hundreds of thousands of illegal workers in recent years. But many like Hatem who are stuck in a debt trap are not permitted to leave before settling their dues, even as kafala curbs prevent them from legally earning their way to freedom. "The Saudi government should offer an amnesty for irregular migrants to regularise their status or return to their home countries," Annas Shaker, a research fellow at the advocacy group Migrant Rights, told AFP. Holding back such workers, many of whom are forced to go into hiding, risks fanning the pandemic, observers including Shaker warned. Saudi Arabia has reported over 200,000 infections and nearly 2,000 deaths. Hospital sources say doctors and nurses are among those dying and intensive care units are stretched beyond capacity. Saudi nationalists online have openly demanded the expulsion of expat communities, widely blamed for spreading the disease. A Saudi newspaper columnist called for "cleansing" the oil-rich Gulf state of excess foreign workers. Hatem, who scrapes by thanks to the kindness of strangers, has implored Sudan's embassy in Riyadh to push authorities to grant him the exit visa he needs to leave. Neither responded to AFP's request for comment. A South Asian official told AFP he had received similar pleas for exit visas from debt-saddled subcontinent workers stuck in the same predicament, many for years. In an extraordinary announcement in March, Saudi Arabia offered free coronavirus treatment to illegal workers and promised no retribution if they come forward for treatment. But after years of what workers call heavy-handed treatment by authorities, the gesture has been met with suspicion. Three other undocumented workers who spoke to AFP -- two from Egypt and another from Bangladesh -- said they would be unwilling to come forward if they contracted the virus. One of the Egyptians, a 36-year-old father-of-two, said he could not take the risk after he took on a huge loan to work in the kingdom as a private driver. "There is no guarantee I will not be arrested," he said. "Extortion" Kafala persists even after Saudi media reported in February that the government would "soon" abolish the system. Hatem's nightmare began when his sponsor began demanding a big chunk of his earnings in exchange for renewing his residence permit every year. Foreign workers say they are often vulnerable to such "extortion" from their sponsors in order to continue working legally after many arrive heavily indebted from their home countries. Hatem, who also needed to support his large family, said the demand pushed him further into a debt trap as he borrowed heavily to pay his sponsor. But still, he said, the employer reported him to authorities as "huroob", Arabic for absconding, a status that effectively renders him a criminal at risk of being jailed and deported. The expiry of his residence permit makes his presence illegal, making it impossible to access basic services or legally find work to repay his debt, which runs into thousands of riyals. "For hundreds of thousands of migrants in Saudi, irregularity is not a choice," said Shaker, adding that sponsors can declare workers huroob "with a touch of a button online" or choose to wilfully avoid renewing permits. "They are pushed to irregularity due to inadequate labour and migration policies that give employers great sway over them."

Trapped illegal workers in Saudi see pandemic as only escape route

Spain has imposed the second phase of lockdown measures in the northwestern region of Galacia. More than 70,000 people in the region will be ring-fenced with COVID-19 restrictions and will not be able to leave the region before July 10. Watch report.

COVID-19 pandemic: Lockdown in Spain's Galacia and Catalonia

Catalonia's regional officials on Tuesday said that they want to toughen the rules to make wearing masks compulsory in public. These officials want to toughen the existing rules to stop the surge in coronavirus cases in the country.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-in-australia-lockdown-ordered-in-melbourne-new-south-wales-to-close-border-311390">COVID-19 in Australia: Lockdown in Melbourne; New South Wales to close border</a>

Around 200,000 people in Lerida, west of Barcelona were placed under strict lockdown on Saturday after over 1,000 cases of COVID-19 were detected since early June. They have reported 64 new cases in the last 24-hours.&nbsp;

Wearing masks is already compulsory in Spain if people are unable to avoid being closer than 1.5 metres while commuting through public transport.&nbsp;

"We want to make wearing masks obligatory at all times," regional government spokeswoman Meritxell Budo said by way of clarification.

"We have noticed some easing up in the use of masks" so a tighter measure might be called for, she explained.

Fernando Simon, the chief Spanish epidemiologist, said on Monday that he was "very concerned" of the outbreak in Catalonia.&nbsp;

With more than 28,300 deaths from the virus, Spain is one of the countries hit hardest in Europe.

From mid-March until June 21 Spaniards were subjected to one of the strictest lockdown regimes on the continent.

(Inputs from AFP)

Catalonia's regional officials on Tuesday said that they want to toughen the rules to make wearing masks compulsory in public. These officials want to toughen the existing rules to stop the surge in coronavirus cases in the country.

Catalonia's regional officials on Tuesday said that they want to toughen the rules to make wearing masks compulsory in public. These officials want to toughen the existing rules to stop the surge in coronavirus cases in the country. Also read: COVID-19 in Australia: Lockdown in Melbourne; New South Wales to close border Around 200,000 people in Lerida, west of Barcelona were placed under strict lockdown on Saturday after over 1,000 cases of COVID-19 were detected since early June. They have reported 64 new cases in the last 24-hours. Wearing masks is already compulsory in Spain if people are unable to avoid being closer than 1.5 metres while commuting through public transport. "We want to make wearing masks obligatory at all times," regional government spokeswoman Meritxell Budo said by way of clarification. "We have noticed some easing up in the use of masks" so a tighter measure might be called for, she explained. Fernando Simon, the chief Spanish epidemiologist, said on Monday that he was "very concerned" of the outbreak in Catalonia. With more than 28,300 deaths from the virus, Spain is one of the countries hit hardest in Europe. From mid-March until June 21 Spaniards were subjected to one of the strictest lockdown regimes on the continent. (Inputs from AFP)

Regional officers in Catalonia want 'toughened' mask wearing rules

Famed for its hedonistic running of the bulls festival, the Spanish city of Pamplona woke on a Monday (July 6) to a subdued celebration of its patron saint after local authorities cancelled the festivities in April due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With bull running cancelled, Pamplona's festival has a subdued start

The world's hardest hit, both in Coronavirus cases and deaths, the US has experienced a resurgence of the disease since June.

The United States has now four epicentres of coronavirus instead of one -- Los Angeles, cities in Texas, cities in Florida and Arizona. This has led to the governors fearing that their hospitals could be overrun with patients.

"We are right back where we were at the peak of the epidemic during the New York outbreak...The difference now is that we really had one epicentre of spread when New York was going through its hardship. Now, we really have four major epicentres of spread -- Los Angeles, cities in Texas, cities in Florida and Arizona. Florida looks to be in the worst shape," Scott Gottlieb, former Food and Drug Administration commissioner was quoted by The Washington Post as saying in an interview.

The United States passed another grim coronavirus milestone as the death toll from the virus climbed past 130,000, according to a Johns Hopkins University tally.

Country-wise, the United States continues to be the most affected, with 3,039,974 coronavirus cases and 132,961 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,626,071 cases, 65,556 deaths) and India (720,346 cases, 20,174 deaths).

(With inputs from agencies)

The world's hardest hit, both in Coronavirus cases and deaths, the US has experienced a resurgence of the disease since June. The United States has now four epicentres of coronavirus instead of one -- Los Angeles, cities in Texas, cities in Florida and Arizona.

The world's hardest hit, both in Coronavirus cases and deaths, the US has experienced a resurgence of the disease since June. The United States has now four epicentres of coronavirus instead of one -- Los Angeles, cities in Texas, cities in Florida and Arizona. This has led to the governors fearing that their hospitals could be overrun with patients. "We are right back where we were at the peak of the epidemic during the New York outbreak...The difference now is that we really had one epicentre of spread when New York was going through its hardship. Now, we really have four major epicentres of spread -- Los Angeles, cities in Texas, cities in Florida and Arizona. Florida looks to be in the worst shape," Scott Gottlieb, former Food and Drug Administration commissioner was quoted by The Washington Post as saying in an interview. The United States passed another grim coronavirus milestone as the death toll from the virus climbed past 130,000, according to a Johns Hopkins University tally. Country-wise, the United States continues to be the most affected, with 3,039,974 coronavirus cases and 132,961 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,626,071 cases, 65,556 deaths) and India (720,346 cases, 20,174 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Hospitals in America may soon overflow with patients

Confirmed COVID-19 cases have exceeded 11.6 million globally, with over 538,395 fatalities and more than 6 million recoveries, according to the latest tally.

Worldwide, at least 11,626,759 people have been confirmed to have the coronavirus infection, 6,315,864 have recovered, and 538,395 people have died, according to Worldometer data.

Country-wise, the United States continues to be the most affected, with 3,039,974 coronavirus cases and 132,961 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,626,071 cases, 65,556 deaths) and India (720,346 cases, 20,174 deaths).

Australia has ordered millions of people locked down in its second-biggest city to combat a surge in coronavirus cases, as nations across the planet scrambled to stop the rampaging pandemic, AFP reported.

“We can't pretend” the coronavirus crisis is over, said Daniel Andrews, premier of Victoria state, after its capital Melbourne reported 191 new cases in 24 hours.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the Covid-19 pandemic provides new opportunities for the Islamic State extremist group, al-Qaeda and their affiliates as well as neo-Nazis, white supremacists and hate groups.

(With inputs from agencies)

Confirmed COVID-19 cases have exceeded 11.6 million globally, with over 538,395 fatalities and more than 6 million recoveries, according to the latest tally. Worldwide, at least 11,626,759 people have been confirmed to have the coronavirus infection, 6,315,864 have recovered, and 538,395 people have died, according to Worldometer data.

Confirmed COVID-19 cases have exceeded 11.6 million globally, with over 538,395 fatalities and more than 6 million recoveries, according to the latest tally. Worldwide, at least 11,626,759 people have been confirmed to have the coronavirus infection, 6,315,864 have recovered, and 538,395 people have died, according to Worldometer data. Country-wise, the United States continues to be the most affected, with 3,039,974 coronavirus cases and 132,961 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,626,071 cases, 65,556 deaths) and India (720,346 cases, 20,174 deaths). Australia has ordered millions of people locked down in its second-biggest city to combat a surge in coronavirus cases, as nations across the planet scrambled to stop the rampaging pandemic, AFP reported. “We can't pretend” the coronavirus crisis is over, said Daniel Andrews, premier of Victoria state, after its capital Melbourne reported 191 new cases in 24 hours. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the Covid-19 pandemic provides new opportunities for the Islamic State extremist group, al-Qaeda and their affiliates as well as neo-Nazis, white supremacists and hate groups. (With inputs from agencies)

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 11.6 million, death toll at 538,395

More than 6 million individuals have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, days after 11 million cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed globally, according to the most recent data available from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-secrecy-deception-and-cover-up-allowed-coronavirus-to-spread-all-over-world-trump-310775">Also read |&nbsp;China’s secrecy, deception and cover-up allowed coronavirus to spread all over world: Trump</a> 
 
The total number of cases stood at 11,408,981, while the fatalities increased to 6,160,833, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. 
 
The United States is the hardest-hit country in the global pandemic, both in caseload and deaths, and has struggled to respond to the devastation wrought by the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-surge-in-covid-19-cases-us-president-donald-trump-says-tremendous-victory-nearby-in-fight-against-pandemic-310766">Also read |&nbsp;Despite surge in COVID-19 cases, Trump says 'tremendous victory' nearby in fight against pandemic</a> 
 
The United States recorded 39,379 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours as infections continue to trend up around the country. 
 
The country's total number of cases now stands at 2,876,143. 
 
The world's largest economy also recorded a further 234 fatalities, bringing the death toll to 129,891, the Baltimore-based institution's tracker showed at 8:30 pm. 
 
Sunday's tally comes after a string of surging daily new infections, including a high of 57,683 on Friday. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

More than 6 million individuals have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, days after 11 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 6 million individuals have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, days after 11 million cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed globally, according to the most recent data available from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. Also read | China’s secrecy, deception and cover-up allowed coronavirus to spread all over world: Trump The total number of cases stood at 11,408,981, while the fatalities increased to 6,160,833, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. The United States is the hardest-hit country in the global pandemic, both in caseload and deaths, and has struggled to respond to the devastation wrought by the virus. Also read | Despite surge in COVID-19 cases, Trump says 'tremendous victory' nearby in fight against pandemic The United States recorded 39,379 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours as infections continue to trend up around the country. The country's total number of cases now stands at 2,876,143. The world's largest economy also recorded a further 234 fatalities, bringing the death toll to 129,891, the Baltimore-based institution's tracker showed at 8:30 pm. Sunday's tally comes after a string of surging daily new infections, including a high of 57,683 on Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 6 million people have recovered from COVID-19 globally: Johns Hopkins University

Spain conducted a nationwide study on the spread of the novel coronavirus. Researchers have now revealed that the according to their study, 5.2 per cent of the Spanish population is already infected by the coronavirus.

The study was conducted on nearly 70,000 people across Spain. It was done three times in the past three months and the scientists found that the affected population has not changed significantly since preliminary results were published in May.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/businesses-breathe-sigh-of-relief-as-spain-portugal-open-border-to-tourism-309896">Also read:&nbsp;Businesses breathe sigh of relief as Spain, Portugal open border to tourism</a>

Scientists have also found out that immunity can be very short lived in the new coronavirus, as opposed to what is commonly believed by most.&nbsp;"Immunity can be incomplete, it can be transitory, it can last for just a short time and then disappear," said Dr Raquel Yotti, director of Spain`s Carlos III Health Institute, which co-led the study.

Talking at a press conference, the scientists have urged Spaniards to exercise caution and not relax. She has warned people that the novel coronavirus can come back and affect the population if proper caution is not exercised.

"We can't relax, we must keep protecting ourselves and protecting others," she said.

Spain was under a complete lockdown for almost three months. The country reopened as the death rate fell down. However, experts are not happy with the way the government has handled the pandemic, and are urging locals to take care of themselves to avert a possible second and worse wave of coronavirus.

Spain conducted a nationwide study on the spread of the novel coronavirus. Researchers have now revealed that the according to their study, 5.2 per cent of the Spanish population is already infected by the coronavirus.

Spain conducted a nationwide study on the spread of the novel coronavirus. Researchers have now revealed that the according to their study, 5.2 per cent of the Spanish population is already infected by the coronavirus. The study was conducted on nearly 70,000 people across Spain. It was done three times in the past three months and the scientists found that the affected population has not changed significantly since preliminary results were published in May. Also read: Businesses breathe sigh of relief as Spain, Portugal open border to tourism Scientists have also found out that immunity can be very short lived in the new coronavirus, as opposed to what is commonly believed by most. "Immunity can be incomplete, it can be transitory, it can last for just a short time and then disappear," said Dr Raquel Yotti, director of Spain`s Carlos III Health Institute, which co-led the study. Talking at a press conference, the scientists have urged Spaniards to exercise caution and not relax. She has warned people that the novel coronavirus can come back and affect the population if proper caution is not exercised. "We can't relax, we must keep protecting ourselves and protecting others," she said. Spain was under a complete lockdown for almost three months. The country reopened as the death rate fell down. However, experts are not happy with the way the government has handled the pandemic, and are urging locals to take care of themselves to avert a possible second and worse wave of coronavirus.

More than 5% Spanish population exposed to COVID-19; immunity is short lived: study

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that citizens who do not wear masks will be denied state services and workplaces that fail to comply with health protocols will be shut for a week. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-negotiating-25-year-accord-with-china-310927">Also read: Iran says negotiating a 25-year accord with China</a> 
 
Rouhani made the comments on July 4 as he announced new steps to try to curb the coronavirus pandemic that was first confirmed in Iran in February.

"Not wearing a mask is a de facto violation of other people's rights," the Iranian president said, according to the presidential website.

The death toll from the outbreak in the country stood at 11,408, while the total number of infections reached 237,878, according to official figures released by the Health Ministry on July 4. The actual number of cases is believed to be significantly higher. 
 
Wearing masks becomes mandatory from Sunday in covered public places, Rouhani said on state television after tougher curbs were imposed in cities and towns in five provinces where the outbreak is rising after an easing of lockdowns from mid-April.

“Government employees should not serve people who do not wear masks and employees who do not wear them should be considered absentees and sent home,” said Rouhani.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that citizens who do not wear masks will be denied state services and workplaces that fail to comply with health protocols will be shut for a week.

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that citizens who do not wear masks will be denied state services and workplaces that fail to comply with health protocols will be shut for a week. Also read: Iran says negotiating a 25-year accord with China Rouhani made the comments on July 4 as he announced new steps to try to curb the coronavirus pandemic that was first confirmed in Iran in February. "Not wearing a mask is a de facto violation of other people's rights," the Iranian president said, according to the presidential website. The death toll from the outbreak in the country stood at 11,408, while the total number of infections reached 237,878, according to official figures released by the Health Ministry on July 4. The actual number of cases is believed to be significantly higher. Wearing masks becomes mandatory from Sunday in covered public places, Rouhani said on state television after tougher curbs were imposed in cities and towns in five provinces where the outbreak is rising after an easing of lockdowns from mid-April. “Government employees should not serve people who do not wear masks and employees who do not wear them should be considered absentees and sent home,” said Rouhani. (With inputs from Reuters)

Wear masks, or be denied public services: Iran to citizens

Saudi Arabia's coronavirus infections have passed 200,000 and neighboring United Arab Emirates 50,000, with the number of new cases climbing after the Arab world's two largest economies fully lifted curfews last month.

Restrictions had been in place in both countries since mid-March and their gradual lifting has allowed commercial businesses and public venues to reopen.

Other Gulf countries have also moved to ease restrictions, although Kuwait has maintained a partial curfew and Qatar, Bahrain and Oman did not impose one at all.

Saudi Arabia, which has the highest count among the six Gulf States, reported more than 4,100 cases on Friday and on Saturday to take its total to 205,929, with 1,858 deaths. The daily tally first rose above 4,000 in mid-June, but had dipped.

The United Arab Emirates, where daily infection rates recently dropped to between 300 and 400 from a peak of some 900 in late May, registered more than 600 cases on Friday and over 700 on Saturday, taking its toll to 50,857, with 321 deaths.

Dubai, the region's business and tourism hub is due to reopen to foreign visitors on July 7, although this has not been implemented at a federal level in the UAE, which does not provide a breakdown of cases for each of its seven emirates.

Qatar, which has the second-highest regional infection rate, has seen its daily case numbers fall from a peak of more than 2,000 in late May to around 500 on Saturday, bringing it near to 100,000 cases in total.

In Oman, the health minister warned on Thursday that there had been a disturbing surge in infections in the last six weeks and urged people to comply with health measures.

Iran, the epicentre for the disease in the Middle East with a total infection count of 237,878 and 11,408 deaths as of Saturday, has imposed new curbs to halt the spread of the virus.

Saudi Arabia's coronavirus infections have passed 200,000 and neighboring United Arab Emirates 50,000, with the number of new cases climbing after the Arab world's two largest economies fully lifted curfews last month.

Saudi Arabia's coronavirus infections have passed 200,000 and neighboring United Arab Emirates 50,000, with the number of new cases climbing after the Arab world's two largest economies fully lifted curfews last month. Restrictions had been in place in both countries since mid-March and their gradual lifting has allowed commercial businesses and public venues to reopen. Other Gulf countries have also moved to ease restrictions, although Kuwait has maintained a partial curfew and Qatar, Bahrain and Oman did not impose one at all. Saudi Arabia, which has the highest count among the six Gulf States, reported more than 4,100 cases on Friday and on Saturday to take its total to 205,929, with 1,858 deaths. The daily tally first rose above 4,000 in mid-June, but had dipped. The United Arab Emirates, where daily infection rates recently dropped to between 300 and 400 from a peak of some 900 in late May, registered more than 600 cases on Friday and over 700 on Saturday, taking its toll to 50,857, with 321 deaths. Dubai, the region's business and tourism hub is due to reopen to foreign visitors on July 7, although this has not been implemented at a federal level in the UAE, which does not provide a breakdown of cases for each of its seven emirates. Qatar, which has the second-highest regional infection rate, has seen its daily case numbers fall from a peak of more than 2,000 in late May to around 500 on Saturday, bringing it near to 100,000 cases in total. In Oman, the health minister warned on Thursday that there had been a disturbing surge in infections in the last six weeks and urged people to comply with health measures. Iran, the epicentre for the disease in the Middle East with a total infection count of 237,878 and 11,408 deaths as of Saturday, has imposed new curbs to halt the spread of the virus.

Coronavirus cases rising in Saudi Arabia, UAE after curfews lifted

Spain will approve a new package of measures worth around 50 billion euros ($56.41 billion) aimed at boosting companies’ investment capacity and solvency to help revive the country’s coronavirus-battered economy, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told private news channel La Sexta.

Spain to approve $56.41 billion package to boost companies

The head of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday said that for the past week, the number of new cases has exceeded 160,000 on every single day.

WHO chief was addressing a virtual briefing on the deadly coronavirus pandemic. "Sixty per cent of all cases so far have been reported just in the past month," he said.

"The fastest way out of this pandemic is to follow the science and do what we know works: the comprehensive approach," he said. 
“Not testing alone. Not physical distancing alone. Not contact tracing alone. Not masks alone. Do it all,” he added.

In the six months since the World Health Organization (WHO) first reported a cluster of mysterious pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China, more than 500,000 people have died from the coronavirus.

More than 10.59 million people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19, while more than 5.8 million have recovered, and 515,006 have died, according to Worldometer.

Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected country, with 2,727,853 coronavirus cases and 130,122 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,408,485 cases, deaths 59,656), Russia (647,849 cases, 9,320deaths), and India (585,792 cases, 17,410 deaths).

(With inputs from agencies)

The head of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday said that for the past week, the number of new cases has exceeded 160,000 on every single day.

The head of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday said that for the past week, the number of new cases has exceeded 160,000 on every single day. WHO chief was addressing a virtual briefing on the deadly coronavirus pandemic. "Sixty per cent of all cases so far have been reported just in the past month," he said. "The fastest way out of this pandemic is to follow the science and do what we know works: the comprehensive approach," he said. “Not testing alone. Not physical distancing alone. Not contact tracing alone. Not masks alone. Do it all,” he added. In the six months since the World Health Organization (WHO) first reported a cluster of mysterious pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China, more than 500,000 people have died from the coronavirus. More than 10.59 million people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19, while more than 5.8 million have recovered, and 515,006 have died, according to Worldometer. Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected country, with 2,727,853 coronavirus cases and 130,122 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,408,485 cases, deaths 59,656), Russia (647,849 cases, 9,320deaths), and India (585,792 cases, 17,410 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

Over 160,000 Covid-19 cases reported every day in the past week: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

When police ordered a local mayor in southern Spain to take down a rainbow flag put up to celebrate gay pride on Friday (June 26) because it was illegal, more than 300 households in the town rallied to the cause and flew their own flags.

Spanish village makes its own rainbow after council's gay pride flag banned

A Spanish campsite owner is banking on tourists abandoning crowded beaches in favour of rural peace and quiet as the country's holiday industry struggles to recover from the coronavirus lockdown.

Tourists opting for inland holidays to avoid crowded Spanish beaches and cities

Thousands hit the streets across Spain to demand a collective rebuilding of society to tackle the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, in the biggest demonstrations since the crisis began.

Thousands hit the streets for 'social reconstruction' in Spain

Spain will try out a new app to contain the spread of coronavirus from Friday for two weeks.

The test run will be conducted on the Island of Gomera by injecting hundreds of false cases into the system. “The idea is that approximately 3,000 people download it and we will introduce around 300 simulators, beta testers, to mimic a pandemic among 10% of the population,” a government spokeswoman said.

It will use Bluetooth short-range radio to log contacts. During the trial period of two weeks, the government will decide whether the app could be rolled out across the country.

To guard against impinging on people’s privacy, contact records will be stored on individual devices rather than a central server, using a standard developed by Apple (AAPL.O) and Google (GOOGL.O).

Technology and defence company Indra (IDR.MC) has been contracted to manage the pilot at a cost of about $375,000.

Spain’s health ministry has reported over 28,000&nbsp;deaths. Britain and Spain are one of the worst-hit countries in terms of coronavirus outbreak. The country on Sunday ended its state of emergency that was imposed on March 14. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters) 
 
&nbsp;

Spain will try out a new app to contain the spread of coronavirus from Friday for two weeks. The test run will be conducted on the Island of Gomera by injecting hundreds of false cases into the system.

Spain will try out a new app to contain the spread of coronavirus from Friday for two weeks. The test run will be conducted on the Island of Gomera by injecting hundreds of false cases into the system. “The idea is that approximately 3,000 people download it and we will introduce around 300 simulators, beta testers, to mimic a pandemic among 10% of the population,” a government spokeswoman said. It will use Bluetooth short-range radio to log contacts. During the trial period of two weeks, the government will decide whether the app could be rolled out across the country. To guard against impinging on people’s privacy, contact records will be stored on individual devices rather than a central server, using a standard developed by Apple (AAPL.O) and Google (GOOGL.O). Technology and defence company Indra (IDR.MC) has been contracted to manage the pilot at a cost of about $375,000. Spain’s health ministry has reported over 28,000 deaths. Britain and Spain are one of the worst-hit countries in terms of coronavirus outbreak. The country on Sunday ended its state of emergency that was imposed on March 14. (With inputs from Reuters)

Spain to try new coronavirus tracing app for 2 weeks before rolling out nationwide

Visitors of all ages on Tuesday (June 23) attended Madrid's zoo which re-opened on Monday (June 22) after being shut for over three months due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Madrid's zoo re-opens after three-month lockdown ends

New Delhi on Tuesday witnessed the highest single-day spike in novel coronavirus cases ever, taking the Covid-19 count in the national capital over 66,000.

A total of 3,947 fresh coronavirus cases reported in the last 24 hours, the total number of positive patients in the national capital surged to 66,602, according to concerned authorities.

India has again recorded nearly 15,000 cases of coronavirus in a day, taking its total to 441,948. The country's death toll has crossed the 14,000 mark.

As against the global average of 6.04, India has one Covid-19 death per 100,000 population which is one of the lowest in the world, the Union health ministry said on Tuesday.

Worldwide, at least 9,225,413 people have been confirmed to have the coronavirus infection, 4,970,253 have recovered, and 475,066 people have died.

Country-wise, the United States continues to be the worst-hit, with 2,388,153 cases and 122,610 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,111,348 cases, 50,659 deaths), Russia (592,280 cases, 8,206 deaths), and India (440,685 cases, 14,015 deaths).

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

New Delhi on Tuesday witnessed the highest single-day spike in novel coronavirus cases ever, taking the Covid-19 count in the national capital over 66,000. A total of 3,947 fresh coronavirus cases reported in the last 24 hours, the total number of positive patients in the national capital surged to 66,602, according to concerned authorities.

New Delhi on Tuesday witnessed the highest single-day spike in novel coronavirus cases ever, taking the Covid-19 count in the national capital over 66,000. A total of 3,947 fresh coronavirus cases reported in the last 24 hours, the total number of positive patients in the national capital surged to 66,602, according to concerned authorities. India has again recorded nearly 15,000 cases of coronavirus in a day, taking its total to 441,948. The country's death toll has crossed the 14,000 mark. As against the global average of 6.04, India has one Covid-19 death per 100,000 population which is one of the lowest in the world, the Union health ministry said on Tuesday. Worldwide, at least 9,225,413 people have been confirmed to have the coronavirus infection, 4,970,253 have recovered, and 475,066 people have died. Country-wise, the United States continues to be the worst-hit, with 2,388,153 cases and 122,610 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,111,348 cases, 50,659 deaths), Russia (592,280 cases, 8,206 deaths), and India (440,685 cases, 14,015 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

3,947 new Covid-19 cases in Delhi; tally over 66,000

Confirmed COVID-19 cases have exceeded 9.2 million globally, with over 475,000 fatalities and more than 4.9 million recoveries, according to the latest tally.

Worldwide, at least 9,225,413 people have been confirmed to have the coronavirus infection, 4,970,253 have recovered, and 475,066 people have died, according to Worldometer data.

Country-wise, the United States continues to be the worst-hit, with 2,388,153 cases and 122,610 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,111,348 cases, 50,659 deaths), Russia (592,280 cases, 8,206 deaths), and India (440,685 cases, 14,015 deaths).

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in an online conference that the COVID-19 pandemic is still accelerating and it is more than a health crises. &nbsp;

"The pandemic is still accelerating...we know that the pandemic is much more than a health crisis, it's an economic crisis, a social crisis and in many countries a political crisis. Its effects will be felt for decades to come," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Confirmed COVID-19 cases have exceeded 9.2 million globally, with over 475,000 fatalities and more than 4.9 million recoveries, according to the latest tally. Worldwide, at least 9,225,413 people have been confirmed to have the coronavirus infection, 4,970,253 have recovered, and 475,066 people have died, according to Worldometer data.

Confirmed COVID-19 cases have exceeded 9.2 million globally, with over 475,000 fatalities and more than 4.9 million recoveries, according to the latest tally. Worldwide, at least 9,225,413 people have been confirmed to have the coronavirus infection, 4,970,253 have recovered, and 475,066 people have died, according to Worldometer data. Country-wise, the United States continues to be the worst-hit, with 2,388,153 cases and 122,610 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,111,348 cases, 50,659 deaths), Russia (592,280 cases, 8,206 deaths), and India (440,685 cases, 14,015 deaths). Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in an online conference that the COVID-19 pandemic is still accelerating and it is more than a health crises. "The pandemic is still accelerating...we know that the pandemic is much more than a health crisis, it's an economic crisis, a social crisis and in many countries a political crisis. Its effects will be felt for decades to come," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 9.2 million, death toll at 475,066

Spain is recording a high temperature of 47 degrees celsius and the meteorological experts have issued warnings for the same. Watch report.

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Thirty-seven US service members at Guam's Andersen Air Force Base have tested positive for COVID-19, Brig. Gen. Gentry Boswell, commander of the 36th Wing, told media on Monday.

"It's unclear if the members contracted the coronavirus while on Guam or prior to arriving at Guam," said Boswell.

Over two-thirds of the new coronavirus deaths were reported in the Americas. Brazil reported the maximum number of cases 54,771, followed by 36,617 cases in the United States. India reported over 15,400 new cases.

Worldwide, at least 9,090,907 people have been confirmed to have the coronavirus, more than 4,867,252 have recovered, and more than 471,477 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins University.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thirty-seven US service members at Guam's Andersen Air Force Base have tested positive for COVID-19, Brig. Gen. Gentry Boswell, commander of the 36th Wing, told media on Monday.

Thirty-seven US service members at Guam's Andersen Air Force Base have tested positive for COVID-19, Brig. Gen. Gentry Boswell, commander of the 36th Wing, told media on Monday. "It's unclear if the members contracted the coronavirus while on Guam or prior to arriving at Guam," said Boswell. Over two-thirds of the new coronavirus deaths were reported in the Americas. Brazil reported the maximum number of cases 54,771, followed by 36,617 cases in the United States. India reported over 15,400 new cases. Worldwide, at least 9,090,907 people have been confirmed to have the coronavirus, more than 4,867,252 have recovered, and more than 471,477 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: 37 US Air Force service members test positive 

Confirmed COVID-19 cases have exceeded 9 million globally, with over 470,000 fatalities and more than 4.8 million recoveries, according to the latest tally.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-cannot-defeat-this-pandemic-with-a-divided-world-who-chief-307686">Also read: We cannot defeat this pandemic with a divided world, says WHO chief</a>

Country-wise, the United States continues to remain the worst-hit with 2,356,657 cases and 122,247 deaths, followed by Brazil (1,086,990 cases, 50,659 deaths), Russia (584,680 cases, 8,111 deaths), and India (426,910 cases, 13,703 deaths).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-reports-record-daily-increase-in-global-coronavirus-cases-307555" hreflang="en">WHO reports record daily increase in global coronavirus cases</a>

Worldwide, at least 9,099,021 people have been confirmed to have the coronavirus, more than 4,873,128 have recovered, and more than 471,519 people have died.

More than half of the 9,099,021 cases are in Europe and the United States: Europe having recorded 2,537,451 and the United States 2,281,903.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-of-new-and-dangerous-phase-of-coronavirus-pandemic-307244" hreflang="en">WHO warns of 'new and dangerous phase' of coronavirus pandemic</a>

The number of cases worldwide has doubled since May 16 and more than a million new cases have been recorded in the past seven days. The official figures nevertheless reflect only a fraction of the true number, as many countries only test serious cases.

Infections related to this deadly virus have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in an online conference that the COVID-19 pandemic is still accelerating and it is more than a health crises. &nbsp;

"The pandemic is still accelerating...we know that the pandemic is much more than a health crisis, it's an economic crisis, a social crisis and in many countries a political crisis. Its effects will be felt for decades to come," he said. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Confirmed COVID-19 cases have exceeded 9 million globally, with over 470,000 fatalities and more than 4.8 million recoveries, according to the latest tally. Also read: We cannot defeat this pandemic with a divided world, says WHO chief Country-wise, the United States continues to remain the worst-hit with 2,356,657 cases and 122,247 deaths, followed by Brazil (1,086,990 cases, 50,659 deaths), Russia (584,680 cases, 8,111 deaths), and India (426,910 cases, 13,703 deaths).

Confirmed COVID-19 cases have exceeded 9 million globally, with over 470,000 fatalities and more than 4.8 million recoveries, according to the latest tally. Also read: We cannot defeat this pandemic with a divided world, says WHO chief Country-wise, the United States continues to remain the worst-hit with 2,356,657 cases and 122,247 deaths, followed by Brazil (1,086,990 cases, 50,659 deaths), Russia (584,680 cases, 8,111 deaths), and India (426,910 cases, 13,703 deaths). Also read: WHO reports record daily increase in global coronavirus cases Worldwide, at least 9,099,021 people have been confirmed to have the coronavirus, more than 4,873,128 have recovered, and more than 471,519 people have died. More than half of the 9,099,021 cases are in Europe and the United States: Europe having recorded 2,537,451 and the United States 2,281,903. Also read: WHO warns of 'new and dangerous phase' of coronavirus pandemic The number of cases worldwide has doubled since May 16 and more than a million new cases have been recorded in the past seven days. The official figures nevertheless reflect only a fraction of the true number, as many countries only test serious cases. Infections related to this deadly virus have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in an online conference that the COVID-19 pandemic is still accelerating and it is more than a health crises. "The pandemic is still accelerating...we know that the pandemic is much more than a health crisis, it's an economic crisis, a social crisis and in many countries a political crisis. Its effects will be felt for decades to come," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 9 million, death toll at 471,519

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