India’s coronavirus cases cross one million
India’s cases of the new coronavirus crossed the million mark, Ministry of Health data showed on Friday, as infections spread to smaller towns and rural areas following the lifting of a vast lockdown. Only the United States and Brazil have cases higher than India. India’s total deaths stood at 25,602 the ministry said.
Brazil hospitals overwhelmed as coronavirus cases cross 2 million
Hospitals in Brazil are struggling to cope with an influx of coronavirus patients, as confirmed cases have crossed the two million mark in the world’s second-hardest hit nation by the pandemic.
More than 45,000 new infections were reported by the health ministry on Thursday, but the real figures are believed to be much higher due to insufficient testing. The overall confirmed number of coronavirus-related death stood at 76,688, also the second-highest globally behind the United States.
Pakistan extends lockdown in southern province of Sindh
Pakistan has announced a lockdown in its southern-most province of Sindh amid rising coronavirus cases.
According to an official notification by the provincial government, the lockdown will remain in place until August 15. All public places including parks and restaurants will remain closed to curb the spread of the virus.
Hong Kong reports 50 locally transmitted coronavirus cases
Hong Kong authorities have reported 50 locally transmitted coronavirus cases, stoking further concern about an escalating third wave of infections in the global financial hub. Including imported cases, the number of new cases in the past 24 hours was 58, taking the tally since late-January to 1,714 patients, 10 of whom have died.
Indonesia adds 1,462 new coronavirus infections, 84 new deaths Indonesia has reported 1,462 new coronavirus infections, bringing total cases to 83,130, its health ministry said. The number of deaths from Covid-19 rose by 84 on Friday to 3,957, ministry official Achmad Yurianto said.
China’s Xinjiang reports five new coronavirus cases
Urumqi, the capital of China’s far western region of Xinjiang, has reported five new coronavirus cases by noon local time (04:00 GMT) on Friday, the regional health commission said. The city also reported eight new asymptomatic cases, it added, taking Xinjiang’s tally to six infections and 11 asymptomatic patients.
Philippine health ministry reports 17 coronavirus deaths, 1,841 more cases
The Philippines has recorded 17 new coronavirus deaths and 1,841 additional infections, with the capital Manila still accounting for the bulk of newly confirmed cases and casualties.
In a bulletin, the ministry said total deaths have reached 1,660 while confirmed infections have risen to 63,001.
Israel sets new weekend shutdown
The Israeli government has imposed a new weekend shutdown to lower infection rates, ordering the closure of malls, shops, pools, zoos and museums from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning.
But people will be allowed to leave their homes this weekend, the government said in a statement.
Full weekend lockdowns that could confine people to their homes may be imposed by July 24, after the government gains parliamentary approval for that, Israel Radio reported.
Canada to spend $14bn on ‘safe restart’ after lockdown
Canada’s federal government will give the 13 provinces and territories more than 19 billion Canadian dollars ($14bn) to help pay for the costs of restarting the economy after several months of Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
The cash is meant to cover extraordinary costs over the coming six to eight months, Trudeau said in a news conference, and will take care of “the kinds of things that actually really matter to Canadians”, including preparing for a possible “second wave” of contagion.
Measures under the “safe restart agreement” include contact tracing, providing protective equipment to workers, helping struggling municipalities pay operating costs, aiding local transit operators, “safe spaces” for daycare, and improving long-term care for the elderly.
Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies
