Coronavirus update: Global cases top 1.2 million

CNN says the coronavirus has infected more than 1.27 million people and killed over 69,000 worldwide according to Johns Hopkins University. 

In the US, the US surgeon general said this week will be the “hardest and saddest” for “most Americans’ lives.” The US has recorded more than 337,000 cases and over 9,600 deaths.

The Navy captain removed from command after warning of a coronavirus outbreak has tested positive, according to the New York Times.

Read the full story on CNN

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Abe to declare a state of emergency in big cities such as Toyko and Osaka

Japan Times says with Covid-19 infections surging and pressure mounting, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe now intends to declare a state of emergency in Japan. The declaration is expected as early as Tuesday and will target big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. 

The decision comes after Tokyo reported 143 cases Sunday and as Japan teeters on the “brink of the brink”, according to a top Cabinet minister. 

The government is in the final stages of talks to increase Japan’s monthly child allowance, to support the families hit hard by the pandemic.

Read the full story on Japan Times

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson taken to hospital

WTX News reports Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests, 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19, Downing Street has said.

He “continues to have persistent symptoms of coronavirus”, a spokeswoman said for the government – including a high temperature.

Mr Johnson has worked from home, from Number 11 Downing Street, using the back half of the Chancellor’s office in isolation. And he has been in isolation since he tested positive for coronavirus on 27 March.

Read  the full story on WTX News

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Coronavirus UK updates Scotland’s top medical officer quits

BBC News gives the latest developments in the UK. According to the latest figures 47,806 people around the country have tested positive, and 4,934 people have died in hospital after contracting coronavirus. 

Scotland’s chief medical officer has resigned after making two trips to her second home during the lockdown. Dr Catherine Calderwood had initially apologised for her actions and said she planned to continue in the role. But in a statement on Sunday she said she had quit. 

In a rare speech, the Queen addressed the nation saying Britain “will succeed” in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic. She thanked people for following the rules and staying at home, and praised the “coming together to help others.”

Read the full story on BBC News

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Italy, France record lower coronavirus deaths

Aljazeera says France and Italy have recorded their lowest death toll from the coronavirus in one and two weeks, respectively.

France recorded 357 coronavirus deaths in hospitals in 24 hours, the lowest daily increase in a week, bringing the total death toll to 8,078.

Italy recorded its lowest daily death toll from the coronavirus in more than two weeks, while the number of critical care patients declined for the second day. The 525 fatalities reported by the civil protection service was the lowest number since the 427 deaths recorded on March 19.

Read the full story on Aljazeera