ZCZC
BFF-51
HEALTH-VIRUS-WORLD FACTS
Coronavirus: latest global developments
PARIS, July 29, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – 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.
– 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 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 during the same period.
Chief executive Dave Calhoun says the company will further trim its
plane production schedule, and it will 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 travelers 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 –
The first two events of the next World Rugby Sevens Series season,
in Dubai and Cape Town, are cancelled due to the pandemic, World Rugby
announces.
BSS/AFP/MRU/1936hrs