The number of confirmed infections worldwide has passed 14.2 million, out of which 3.7 million are in the United States. There are over 2 million in Brazil and more than 1 million in India.
The latest:
- Russia rejects allegations it sought to steal information about a coronavirus vaccine.
- WHO reported a single-day record of new infections on Saturday with 259,848.
- Global death toll from the virus surges past 600,000.
- As of Saturday 8 p.m. ET, Canada has 109,671 coronavirus infections, including 96,914 recoveries, 8,881 deaths.
- Wearing a mask is mandatory in Quebec as of Saturday.
- How close are we to a vaccine for COVID-19?
Countries from the U.S. to South Africa to India were struggling to hold down rising rates of the coronavirus, as global deaths from COVID-19 surged past 600,000 in a sign of how far off the world remains from a return to normalcy.
While the U.S. leads global infections, South Africa now ranks as the fifth worst-hit country in the pandemic with 350,879 cases — roughly half of all those confirmed on the African continent. Its struggles are a sign of trouble to come for nations with even fewer health care resources.
The World Health Organization on Saturday again reported a single-day record of new infections with 259,848.
Global COVID-19 deaths have hit 601,549, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The United States tops the list with 140,119 deaths, followed by 78,772 in Brazil and 45,358 in the United Kingdom and 38,888 in Mexico, where a surge in cases have frustrated plans to reopen the economy.
WATCH | U.S. states and cities at odds on COVID-19 protocols:
The U.S. marked its seventh record-breaking day for new coronavirus infections this month alone. But states are bickering with cities over how to respond, with not only lockdowns but mask mandates up in the air. 2:00
The number of confirmed infections worldwide has passed 14.2 million, out of which 3.7 million are in the United States. There are over 2 million in Brazil and more than 1 million in India. Experts believe the true numbers around the world are higher because of testing shortages and data collection issues in some nations.
Scientists, meanwhile, poured cold water on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s hope that the country may return to normal by Christmas, saying that, without a vaccine, normal life was a long way off.
In a separate development, Russia’s ambassador to Britain has rejected allegations that his country’s intelligence services sought to steal information about a coronavirus vaccine.
Andrei Kelin said in a BBC interview broadcast Sunday that there was “no sense” in the allegations made last week by the United States, Britain and Canada.
“I don’t believe in this story at all, there is no sense in it,” he said when asked about the allegations. “I learned about their (the hackers) existence from British media. In this world, to attribute any kind of computer hackers to any country, it is impossible.”
WATCH | COVID-19 research targeted by hackers:
Marcus Kolga, senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, says Russia may be deploying hackers to try to steal a potential COVID-19 vaccine for its own citizens, as well hinder Western countries’ efforts to develop one. 1:21
Intelligence agencies in the U.S., Britain and Canada on Thursday accused the hacking group APT29 — also known as Cozy Bear and believed to be part of Russian intelligence — of using malicious software to attack academic and pharmaceutical research institutions involved in COVID-19 vaccine development. It was unclear whether any useful information was stolen.
What’s happening with coronavirus in Canada
The federal government has said it’s not OK for the Blue Jays to play ball in Toronto during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ottawa informed the team of the decision on Saturday, citing concerns over the public health risks associated with Major League Baseball’s plan for a 60-game season.
Marco Mendicino, minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship, told CBC News Network that the circumstances did not warrant a border-crossing exemption, particularly in light of the amount of cross-border travel needed and the risks that remained. The plan called for the Blue Jays and visiting teams to cross the Canada-U.S. border regularly.
WATCH | ‘We’re taking decisions on the basis of evidence,’ Immigration minister says:
Immigration minister Marco Mendicino explains what had to be considered when deciding whether the Blue Jays could play in Toronto. 6:39
As of 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Canada had 109,671 coronavirus infections, including 330 new cases on July 18. Provinces and territories listed 96,914 of those as recovered or resolved, with 4,206 active cases. A CBC News tally of deaths based on provincial reports, regional health information and CBC’s reporting stood at 8,881, lower than Friday because Ont