Here’s what’s happening with COVID-19 around the world on Saturday as coronavirus case numbers top 8.6 million.
It’s been 100 days of COVID-19 quarantine in Canada. What will you remember? 5:29
The latest:
- Canada-U.S. border rules and restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic explained.
- South Africa reports nearly 4,000 new cases of coronavirus.
- With more than 1,200 new cases, Indonesia’s tally reaches about 45,000.
- Brazil surpasses 1 million confirmed coronavirus cases.
- Scientists aren’t waiting around for governments to launch antibody testing.
- COVID-19 is worse than a bad flu season, despite online claims to the contrary.
- NATO nations agree to stockpile medical equipment to prepare for 2nd pandemic wave.
- Blue Jays shut down Florida training camp after player exhibits COVID-19 symptoms.
As the head of the World Health organization warns of a “new and dangerous ” phase for the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa is dealing with thousands of new cases.
The country has reported nearly 4,000 new cases of the novel coronavirus as it continues to loosen lockdown measures under economic pressure.
Casinos, beauty salons and sit-down restaurant service are among the latest permitted activities as President Cyril Ramaphosa this week warned citizens that the fight against the coronavirus is a personal responsibility.
- Via Rail makes wearing a mask mandatory on all trains
- Should I worry who I let into my social bubble? Your COVID-19 questions answered
South Africa once had one of the world’s strictest lockdowns. It now makes up about 30 per cent of the cases on the African continent, or more than 87,000.
Africa’s 54 countries have more than 286,000 virus cases overall, but a shortage of testing materials means the real number of infections is unknown.
WATCH | Long-term care home balances risk of COVID-19 with risk of isolation:
A family in Barrie, Ont., hasn’t seen their son with special needs since March. Although he lives in a small long-term care facility with only one other person, essential healthcare visitors are the only ones allowed in — no family. Now experts are questioning the validity of the facility’s risk management. 2:03
On Friday, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the pandemic that began in China late last year is “accelerating” and that more than 150,000 cases were reported on Thursday — the highest single-day number so far.
He said nearly half of the newly reported cases were from the Americas, with significant numbers from South Asia and the Middle East.
The coronavirus has sickened more than 8.6 million people worldwide and killed at least 460,256, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
WATCH | WHO sees pandemic picking up speed:
The world is in a ‘new and dangerous phase,’ says the World Health Organization, and growing numbers of refugees face health and economic hardships. 3:22
Brazil’s government says the country has surpassed more than a million confirmed coronavirus cases. Internationally, that is second only to the United States.
The country’s health ministry reported Friday that the total of cases had risen to 1,032,913, up more than 50,000 from the previous day. The ministry says the sharp increase was due to corrections from previous days.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro still downplays the risks of the virus after nearly 50,000 fatalities in three months. He says the impact of social isolation on Brazil’s economy can be more deadly.
Specialists believe that the actual number of cases could be up to seven times higher, with the coronavirus now heading into under-equipped smaller cities inland, where there are fewer health professionals.
Iran’s tally of confirmed coronavirus cases now exceeds 200,000 and state media continue to warn about a lack of proper social distancing.
Daily deaths have exceeded 100 most of this week for the first time in two months. The country’s health ministry on Friday announced 120 deaths in the previous 24 hours, taking the total fatalities linked to COVID-19 to 9,392.
Despite news of the rise in cases, commuters packed into train carriages in Tehran on Saturday with many failing to observe social distancing.
Tehran resident Vahid Fathi said economic pressures have forced the public to prioritize their livelihood above their health. Shopkeeper Peyman Pakan said the spread of coronavirus was becoming ”normal” for people.
After gradually relaxing its lockdown since mid-April, President Hassan Rouhani warned last Saturday that Iran will reimpose restrictions if health regulations are not observed.
Indonesia reported 1,226 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, taking its total number of cases to 45,029.
Health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said there were 56 more deaths reported, with total fatalities now at 2,429, the highest coronavirus death toll in East Asia outside of China.
What’s happening in Canada
WATCH | Canada surpasses 100,000 COVID-19 cases:
As of 12:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, Canada had 100,959 confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, with 63,450 of the cases considered recovered or resolved. A CBC News tally of deaths based on provincial information, regional health data and CBC’s reporting stood at 8,455.
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