More than seven million people have now been confirmed to have the coronavirus with at least 405,000 dying from the disease, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Here are the top 10 global developments this morning:
1. More than seven million people have now been confirmed to have the coronavirus with at least 405,000 dying from the disease, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The US, the UK and Brazil have recorded the highest death tolls. The US, Brazil and Russia have the most cases.
2. Researchers at the University of Washington estimate that 145,728 people in the US could die of COVID-19 by August – an increase of 5,000 deaths since their last forecast only a few days ago.
3. The US has confirmed almost 111,000 deaths according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
4. Cinemas in California could be open again by Friday if they follow capacity guidelines and other measures to curb the spread of coronavirus, and get the approval of local officials.
5. More than half the residents tested for coronavirus in Italy’s northern province of Bergamo have been found to have coronavirus antibodies.
Health authorities said of 9,965 people tested between April 23 and June 3, 57 percent had antibodies indicating they had come into contact with the virus.
6. Brazil has reported 679 deaths from coronavirus and 15,654 new cases amid growing controversy about its data and allegations of political manipulation.
7. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, the president of the UN General Assembly, has stressed the importance of investing in health which he said was an “investment in human capital, social and economic development, and the empowerment of people.”
8. A modelling study from Imperial College has found lockdowns in 11 countries in Europe probably averted approximately 3.1 million deaths from coronavirus.
9. The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to press on with efforts to contain the coronavirus. “More than six months into the pandemic this is not the time for any country to take its foot off the pedal,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told an online briefing.
10. Qatar will start lifting coronavirus restrictions under a four-phase plan starting June 15.
Government spokesperson Lolwa Rashed al-Khater on Monday said some mosques would be allowed to reopen from June 15, and some stores in malls will also be allowed to reopen if certain conditions are met.