World coronavirus updates: New Zealand cluster grows
Published Date: 8/13/2020
Source: axios.com
Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins; Map: Axios VisualsNew Zealand confirmed Thursday there are now 13 local cases linked to the four who tested positive for COVID-19, ending 102 days with no community spread. Auckland locked down Wednesday for 72 hours and the rest of NZ is under lesser restrictions.By the numbers: Over 749,400 people have died of the novel coronavirus globally and over 20.6 million have tested positive, per Johns Hopkins. More than 12.8 million have recovered from the virus. Brazil has the world's second-highest number of deaths from COVID-19 (over 104,200) and infections (more than 3.1 million) after the U.S., which has reported 166,000 deaths and almost 5.2 million cases.What's happening: France reported on Wednesday more than 2,500 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours — the largest single-day number since May. French officials said the situation was "clearly worsening," per France 24.The Netherlands' top health official told parliament Tuesday that 4,036 additional cases had been confirmed in seven days — a rise of 55% on the previous week, the Guardian notes.The United Kingdom slumped into recession on Wednesday, as its gross domestic product GDP shrank 20.4% compared with the first three months of the year.Australia's Victoria reported another 410 new cases and 21 deaths — a national record. The Northern Territory announced Tuesday an extension to border restrictions on Aussie coronavirus hot spots until 2022.Lebanon reported a record 309 new cases on Tuesday, as the UN and World Health Organization warned the displacement of some 300,000 people from deadly explosion in Beirut's port could lead to a surge in cases.Mexico reported Tuesday 6,686 new cases and a "near-record" 926 additional deaths from COVID-19 in 24 hours, AP notes. Almost 54,000 people have died from the virus and over 492,500 have tested positive in the country.Russia announced Tuesday it has registered a coronavirus vaccine before it completing clinical trials. NIAID director Anthony Fauci has joined scientists around the world who've cast doubt on the unproven vaccine's effectiveness.Israel has called on its army to take over COVID-19 testing operations, per the Washington Post. The military's expanded role includes the deployment of 3,000 additional soldiers and civilian staff.Between the lines: Policy responses to the crisis have been every-country-for-itself and — in the case of the U.S. and China — tinged with geopolitical rivalry. But the scientific work to understand the virus and develop a vaccine has been globalized on an unprecedented scale.Coronavirus symptoms include: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat and a loss of taste or smell.Editors note: The graphic includes "probable deaths" that New York City began reporting on April 14. This article has been updated with new details throughout. Check back for the latest. Go deeper... The coronavirus: What you can do