COVID-19: Six latest global developments

Sodiq Oyeleke with agency report

Coronavirus has been registered in 196 countries and territories, including Nigeria. Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis.

– More than 360,000 deaths –
The pandemic has killed at least 360,419 people worldwide since it surfaced in China late last year, according to an AFP tally at 1100 GMT on Friday, based on official sources.

The United States has recorded the most deaths of any country, with 101,621. It is followed by Britain with 37,837, Italy with 33,142, France with 28,662 and Spain with 27,119.

Brazil, the epicentre in Latin America, has recorded 26,754 deaths, while Peru has passed the 4,000 mark.

– Moscow clarifies mortality figures –
Authorities in Moscow, Russia’s epicentre, release mortality figures to dispel allegations they were being manipulated.

They say a total of 1,561 people died in the Russian capital in connection with the coronavirus in April, of which 636 people directly due to the disease, with the others dying “due to other reasons”.

Only those who died directly due to the coronavirus are included in official tolls.

– Renault slashes jobs –
French car maker Renault says it will cut nearly 15,000 jobs, including 4,600 at its core French operations, as it tries to regain its footing in the wake of plummeting car sales.

The cost-cutting plan aims to reduce overheads by two billion euros ($2.2 billion) over the next three years.

– Top flight football returns –
England’s Premier League will restart the 2019/20 season on June 17, while Italy’s Serie A can resume on June 20, following decisions on Thursday. Both top flight leagues have been absent for more than three months and their matches will be played to empty stadiums.

However the coronavirus continues to cut a swathe through international motorsport, forcing the cancellation of the British and Australian MotoGPs, due to take place in August and October respectively.

– Iran infections worsening –
Iran announces its highest number of new coronavirus infections in nearly two months and warns the Middle East’s deadliest outbreak is worsening in some regions. 2,819 new cases were confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall total to 146,668.

– 58726 tested, 259 dead, 2592 discharged in Nigeria-

Nigeria has tested  58726 COVID-19 samples. 8,915 of those tested are positive, 2592 cases have been discharged and 259 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The country currently has 6,064 active cases. However, the source of contracting the virus in 6, 617 cases is unknown, The PUNCH reports.

AFP