Coronavirus cases top 850,000 

CNN says there are more than 858,00 novel coronavirus cases around the world and over 42,000 deaths, according to John Hopkins University. 

The US – the country with the most confirmed cases – now has over 185,400. And more than 3,800 deaths from COVID-19.

According to US government modelling, between 100,000 and 240,000 Americans could die in the coming weeks.

The UN secretary-general has called the pandemic the “greatest test” the world has faced since the end of World War II. 

Read the full story on CNN

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Popular comedian Ken Shimura first Japanese celebrity to die from COVID-19

Japan Times says Ken Shimura, 70, was a veteran slapstick comedian and a household name in Japan in the 1970s and 1980s. He has died of pneumonia by the novel coronavirus, his agency have confirmed. 

Shimura was hospitalised on March 20 after developing a fever and being diagnosed with severe pneumonia. He tested positive for the virus on March 23. 

“I don’t think he imagined he would die a death like this,” a representative with his agency said. “I am sure he was working hard with a sense of mission to deliver laughter to people.”

Read the full story on Japan Times

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A British national is among four dead on cruise ship

BBC News says a British national is among four passengers to have died on board a cruise ship that is struggling to contain an outbreak of COVID-19. 

There are almost 200 passengers on board the Dutch-owned Zaandam who are suffering with flu-like symptoms, according to its owner. 

At least two of the four people who have died tested positive for the virus. 

Healthy passengers were moved to another ship. Both ships are now heading to Florida.

Read the full story on BBC News

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Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, 13, youngest UK victim of Covid-19

WTX News says Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, 13, is youngest UK victim to die from the Coronavirus disease. He had no underlying health issues.

The schoolboy from Brixton started showing coronavirus symptoms and had trouble breathing on Thursday so was rushed to hospital, his relatives said.

They told how he tested positive for the disease the following day and put on a ventilator then into an induced coma but passed away.

Read the full story on WTX News

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China reports new cases

The Guardian says China’s National Health Commission on Wednesday reported 36 new COVID-19 cases and 130 new asymptomatic cases, bringing the total number of cases under observation to 1,367.

Previously, China has regarded asymptomatic patients as a low-risk and not included them in their tally of confirmed cases. 

The move to disclose the number of asymptomatic cases comes amid scrutiny of China’s reported figures, which previously only included people who exhibited symptoms.

Read the full story on The Guardian

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