Coronavirus: latest global developments

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:

– Fresh surges in US, China –

The human toll of the disease in the United States hits a magnitude not seen since mid-May with nearly 1,600 deaths recorded in 24 hours.

China also reports its highest single-day case total in three months — announcing 101 new infections in sporadic regional outbreaks.

– Russia vows ‘promising’ vaccines –

Russia says that it plans to begin production of two “promising” coronavirus vaccines in September and October, at laboratories in Moscow and Siberia, as it races to develop a formula before Western countries.

– Smallest-ever Hajj –

Mask-clad Muslims begin the hajj, circling Islam’s holiest site along socially distanced paths in the smallest pilgrimage in modern history — only up to 10,000 people already residing in Saudi Arabia are participating, a tiny fraction of the 2.5 million pilgrims that attended last year.

– Hong Kong fears big outbreak –

Hong Kong is on the verge of a “large-scale” outbreak that could overwhelm hospitals, its leader warns, as authorities implement their toughest social distancing measures yet.

“We are on the verge of a large-scale community outbreak, which may lead to a collapse of our hospital system and cost lives, especially of the elderly,” Chief Executive Carrie Lam said.

All residents in the city must now wear masks when they leave their homes, restaurants can only serve takeaway meals, and no more than two people from different households can gather in public.

– More than 660,000 deaths –

The pandemic has killed more than 660,787 people worldwide since it surfaced in China late last year, with more than 16.7 million people infected, according to an AFP tally at 1100 GMT on Wednesday based on official sources.

The United States has the most deaths with 149,260, followed by Brazil on 88,539, Britain on 45,878, Mexico 44,876 and Italy 35,123.

– Italy extends state of emergency –

Italy’s parliament gives the go-ahead to extend the country’s state of emergency until October 15, allowing the government more flexibility to fight the pandemic.

– General Motors motors on –

General Motors reports a smaller-than-expected loss in the second quarter as strong pricing for some newer auto models partially mitigates the hit from much lower sales in the wake of the pandemic.

– Bad at Boeing –

But aerospace giant Boeing reports a bigger-than-expected loss over the same period.

Chief executive Dave Calhoun says the company will further trim its plane production schedule, and phase out production of its iconic 747 Jumbo jet.

– Testing, not quarantines –

London’s Heathrow airport urges the government to create a testing programme for travellers to replace quarantines, as it announces more than a billion pounds in losses in 2020.

Without a passenger testing scheme, chief executive John Holland-Kaye warns, “Britain is just playing a game of quarantine roulette.”

– Struggling sports –

Two Spanish football players test positive, raising concerns over the latter stages of the Europa League and Champions League.

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