Coronavirus: Cases top 1.5 million globally

CNN reports the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus has now topped 1.5 million people and killed over 88,000 worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University. 

 US cases top 432,000 and the country’s death toll stands at more than 14,800 after the country recorded 1,922 deaths on Wednesday — the most in a single day. 

In the UK, Britain reported 938 fatalities on Wednesday, bringing the UK death toll past 7,000 as London’s mayor said the lockdown will continue for the foreseeable future. PM Boris Johnson remains in intensive care.

Read the full story on CNN

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Japan logs record 455 new virus cases, a day after emergency declared

Japan Times says the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases rose by another 455 on Wednesday, marking the first time daily infections topped 400, NHK said. 

The toll came just one day after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency over the deadly virus for Tokyo, Osaka and five other prefectures. 

Nationwide, the number of cases climbed to nearly 4,900 with at least 102 deaths. The number is still far smaller than in many European countries and the United States.

Read the full story on Japan Times

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Public urged to raise £5m for NHS staff with One Million Claps appeal

The Guardian says people who are taking part in the “clap for carers” are being urged to also show their appreciation for health workers fighting the pandemic by donating to a charitable appeal seeking to raise at least £5 million for NHS staff. 

For the last two weeks, people throughout the country have been clapping in their gardens, on balconies and out of windows to join in a nation round of applause for key workers the country has prevailed upon to help it through the pandemic. 

NHS Charities Together is asking people to text “clap” to 70507, which will trigger a £5 donation, along with a message of support.

Read the full story on The Guardian

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Will the Coronavirus go away in the summer? 

BBC News reports the idea that warmer weather might stop the coronavirus seems to have faded as the virus has spread around the globe. But could new research contain a glimmer of hope? 

It’s too early to know for sure whether Covid-19 is seasonal. To know that, we’d have to watch how cases change in one place across the year. But we can look at its spread in different climates across the world for clues. 

There is some evidence coronavirus cases have particularly clustered around cooler, dryer regions. 

Read the full story on BBC News

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Arab coalition announces two-week ceasefire in Yemen

Arab News says the Arab coalition fighting to restore the legitimate Yemeni government has announced a two-week ceasefire in Yemen. It will start at midday on Thursday (local time), Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. 

The coalition spokesman said the coalition “supported the Yemeni government’s decision to accept the call of the United Nation’s secretary-general for a ceasefire in Yemen to face the consequences of the spread of coronavirus.”

Read the full story on Arab News

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Pompeo says ‘no sanctions’ prevent Covid-19 aid to Iran, as US blocks $5bn IMF loan & ignores calls to lift penalties

RT News says Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said a raft of US sanctions do not stop humanitarian aid from reaching Tehran, even as the UN and rights groups say the penalities are crippling Iran’s healthcare system. 

“I’ve heard people talking about sanctions. The world should know there are no sanctions that prevent humanitarian assistance, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals from going to Iran,” Pompeo told reporters at a White House briefing. He said the US had offered to send aid to Iran but they refused.

Read the full story on RT News