Poland reports 843 new coronavirus cases

Poland has reported 843 new coronavirus cases, according to the health ministry's Twitter account, the seventh daily record in two weeks. Poland reported 51,167 cases of the new coronavirus in all, and 1,800 deaths.

At least 17 participants of Afghan grand assembly positive for coronavirus

At least 17 participants of a major Afghan grand assembly have tested positive for the new coronavirus, officials said, a day after the high-profile gathering began in Kabul to deliberate over the fate of Taliban prisoners and the beginning of the peace process in the war-torn country.

After being called by the Afghan government, the gathering, known as the loya jirga, began on Friday with more than 3,600 participants amid tight security and the COVID-19 pandemic to debate whether Taliban prisoners should be freed, removing a major obstacle in the peace talks.

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Britain makes wearing of face masks mandatory

People in Britain must wear masks in most indoor settings starting from Saturday as the country tries to squash a rise in coronavirus infections that has followed the easing of lockdown measures.

England and Scotland now require face-coverings in most indoor spaces, including places of worship, museums, cinemas, banks and libraries. They were already mandatory in shops and on public transport.

A swath of northern England has been put under tougher restrictions that bar households from mixing, after a surge in infections that authorities blame partly on people meeting up in homes and pubs. Britain's official coronavirus death toll stands at more than 46,500, the highest in Europe.

Italy reports 347 new coronavirus cases

Italy has reported 347 new coronavirus infections, a day after it surpassed the 500-case barrier for the first time since late May. Italy had 552 confirmed cases on Friday. With Saturday's update from the health ministry, Italy's daily caseload returns to the 200-300 range of new infections it has maintained for several weeks. 

Government officials have urged Italians to keep their guard up, given Spain, France and Germany have seen daily infections top the 1,000-mark recently after the easing of virus lockdown measures.

Italian officials have blamed the new clusters largely on newly arrived migrants and Italians returning home from vacation outside their home regions. Another 13 people died in the last day, making Italy's confirmed COVID-19 death toll 35,203 - the sixth highest in the world.

Pakistan announces resumption of international travel

Pakistan has announced that it will allow the full resumption of all types of international flights to and from the country's airports from Sunday amid a steady decline in COVID-19 deaths and infections.

The announcement comes weeks after Pakistan partially reopened its airports for domestic and international commercial flights.

A complete ban on domestic and international commercial flights was imposed in March when Pakistan enforced a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Later, the restrictions were gradually eased and Pakistan witnessed a peak in virus deaths and infections in June.

South Africa coronavirus deaths top 10,000

More than 10,000 people have died from coronavirus in South Africa since the pandemic arrived in the country in March, the health ministry said. The continent's most industrialised economy has registered 553,188 infections, more than half of the continental caseload, and the fifth biggest number of COVID-19 cases  in the world.    

Minister Zweli Mkhize said in his daily update statement that 301 new virus-related deaths had been recorded.

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Brazil coronavirus death toll hits 100,000

Brazil's coronavirus deaths have surpassed 100,000 deaths five months after the first reported case in a sign that the country has not contained the deadly disease.

The nation of 210 million people has been reporting an average of more than 1,000 daily deaths from the pandemic since late May and reported 905 for the latest 24-hour period.

The Health Ministry said there had been a total of 3,012,412 confirmed infections with the new coronavirus - death and infection tolls second only to the United States. And as in many nations, experts believe that both numbers are severe undercounts due to insufficient testing.

US sets record as coronavirus cases top 5 million

The United States set a record for coronavirus cases on Saturday, with more than five million people now infected, according to a Reuters tally, as the country's top infectious diseases official offered hope earlier this week that an effective vaccine might be available by year-end.

With one out of every 66 residents infected, the US leads the world in COVID-19 cases, according to a Reuters analysis. The country has recorded more than 160,000 deaths, nearly a quarter of the world's total.

The latest development comes as President Donald Trump signed executive orders intended to provide economic relief to Americans hurt by the coronavirus pandemic after the White House failed to reach a deal with Congress.

Mexico's coronavirus death tally exceeds 52,000, cases above 475,900

Mexico's health ministry has reported 6,495 new confirmed coronavirus infections and 695 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 475,902 cases and 52,006 deaths, according to Reuters news agency.

Officials have said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases. Mexico has the third highest coronavirus death tally globally, behind the United States and Brazil.

South Korea reports 36 new COVID-19 cases

South Korea's new coronavirus cases inched up to 36, with 30 local infections, raising the total numver to 14,598, Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday quoting the country's health agency.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said that of the new locally transmitted cases, 25 were reported in densely populated Seoul and nearby metropolitan areas, where around half of the country's 50-million population resides.

The country reported one more coronavirus-related death, brining the total to 305. The number of patients fully cured of the virus reached 13,642, up 13 from the previous day, representing 93.45 percent of the total cases.

Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 555 to 215,891

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 555 to 215,891, Reuters news agency reported on Sunday quoting data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases.

Saudi Arabia records 1,467 new coronavirus cases

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recorded 1,467 new coronavirus cases, pushing the total number of infections in the country to 287,262. 

Al Arabiya quoted the health ministry as saying on Sunday that 37 people have died from the disease, bringing the death toll nationwide to 3,130.

Qatar posts 97.15 percent coronavirus recovery rate

Qatar has posted a 97.15 percent recovery rate out of its 112,650 coronavirus cases, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally. Of that total number of cases, 109,438 cases have recovered, with 182 total deaths as of Sunday.

Hundreds injured during demonstrations in Beirut

More than 728 people have been wounded following protests in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, in response to the deadly blast that killed at least 158 people on Tuesday. 

Protesters ahve been demanding action from the government amid the economic crisis the country is facing even before the disaster struck.

Lebanese army expelling protesters from foreign ministry

The Lebanese army drove out a group of protesters who had taken over the foreign ministry building in central Beirut hours earlier.

The demonstrators, led by retired army officers, had stormed the building and declared it the "headquarters of the revolution", but they were expelled three hours later when large army reinforcements muscled in.

Hundreds injured during demonstrations in Beirut

More than 728 people have been wounded following protests in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, in response to the deadly blast that killed at least 158 people on Tuesday. 

Protesters have been demanding action from the government amid the economic crisis the country is facing even before the disaster struck.

As many as 10,000 protesters hit Beirut's Martyrs' Square

As many as 10,000 protesters had gathered in Beirut's Martyrs' Square on Saturday, some throwing stones at police, according to reports and social media posts.

Police fired tear gas when some protesters tried to break through the barrier blocking a street leading to parliament, a Reuters journalist said.

Police confirmed shots and rubber bullets had been fired. It was not immediately clear who fired the shots. Riot police shot dozens of teargas canisters at protesters, who hit back with firecrackers and stones.

South Korea extends $1m emergency aid to Lebanon

South Korea has announced that it is extending a $1m emergency aid package to Lebanon, following the devastating blast that killed over 100 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Beirut.

Even before the disaster truck on Tuesday, Lebanon has already been facing a severe economic slump made worse by the coronavirus outbreak.

German aid and relief supplies arrive in Beirut

About 43 tonnes of relief supplies from the German Red Cross arrived in Beirut overnight, the German Ambassador to Lebanon said over Twitter. The aid, received by the Lebanese Red Cross, included medicine, first aid and protective equipment. 

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Germany sends aid, rescue teams to Lebanon

Germany dispatched rescue teams to help Lebanese authorities find survivors trapped beneath rubble in Beirut.

Teams from the German THW, the country's emergency organisation, and International Search and Rescue Germany boarded a flight from Frankfurt on Wednesday evening destined for Beirut.

On board are search and rescue dogs, medical assessment teams, as well as 15 tonnes of equipment and tools, Timo Eilhard of the THW told Reuters News Agency.

Australia pledges $1.4m aid to Lebanon

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that his country is pledging an initial $2 million Australian dollars ($1.4m) to the relief effort and is considering more.

Morrison also told reporters on Thursday that the aid will be provided to the World Food Program and to the Red Cross for food, medical care and essential items.

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Rescue operation and search for the missing continue after blast

Rescue operations were continuing as Lebanon awaited assistance following the massive explosion that rocked Beirut port and left the city in devastation.

Members of the Lebanese Red Cross, army soldiers and volunteers were still searching for people listed missing under the rubble in areas near the port.

"I am waiting here, I am not moving. My brother works inside the port and we have not heard of him since the explosion took place," screamed Fatima as she stood nearby.

Civil defence workers were also busy examining building structures amid concerns that some might collapse after they were affected by the blast.

Iraq to send oil aid to Lebanon

Iraq announced that it will send oil to Lebanon following a massive explosion earlier this week in the capital Beirut which left many dead and injured and caused widespread destruction. A team led by Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar Ismail has arrived in Lebanon and has been received by Prime Minister Hassan Diab, said a statement by Iraq's Oil Ministry.

Along with medical aid, oil aid will be made to Lebanon, and tankers carrying oil will leave for Beirut from Baghdad, the statement added.The tankers will pass through Syria.

Bangladesh to send food and medical aid

Bangladesh announced it was sending emergency food and medical aid to the Lebanese capital Beirut in the wake of a deadly explosion. The country "has decided to send food items, medical equipment, and medical teams to Lebanon, Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The decision follows a Wednesday phone call in which Bangladeshi Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen expressed his condolences to his Lebanese counterpart Charbel Wehbe on the victims of Tuesday's deadly blast.

Death toll from Beirut blast reaches 157

Lebanon's ministry of health said that the number of people killed in the blast at Beirut's port reached 157, while 5,000 others have been injured. Officials said the death toll was expected to rise as rescue operations at the port continue. 

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Angry crowds in Beirut urge Macron to help bring change

French President Emmanuel Macron toured Beirut's shattered streets with crowds demanding the end to a "regime" of politicians they blame for corruption and dragging Lebanon into disaster.

"I see the emotion on your face, the sadness, the pain. This is why I'm here," he told one group, shaking their hands on roads strewn with rubble and flanked by shops with windows blown out after Tuesday's blast that killed 145 and injured 5,000.

Macron promised to send more medical and other aid to Lebanon, while those around him chanted "Revolution" and "The people want the fall of the regime."

"But what is also needed here is political change. This explosion should be the start of a new era," Macron said, making the tour shortly after arriving on the first visit to Lebanon by a foreign leader since the blast.

China to send medical team, supplies to Lebanon after Beirut blast

China has announced that it will send a medical team and supplies to Lebanon in the aftermath of the port explosion that injured more than 5,000 people. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Thursday that Chinese leader Xi Jinping had conveyed a message of condolence to Lebanese President Michel Aoun following the blast.

"As a friendly country to Lebanon, China is willing to continue to provide assistance within its capacity for Lebanon to tide over the difficulties," Wang told reporters at a daily briefing.

Jordan to build field hospital in Beirut within 24-hours

Two Jordanian Air Force military aircraft are flying to Lebanon carrying material for a field hospital that's expected to be set up within the next 24 hours in Beirut.

The military field hospital will be staffed by 160 medics and other staff and will include 45 beds, 10 intensive care beds and 2 surgery rooms.

Denmark to donate $1.9m to Lebanon

Denmark has pledged to donate 12 million kroner ($1.9m) to Lebanon, chiefly to be channeled via the Red Cross, and 600 chemical protection suits. Development Minister Rasmus Prehn said Tuesday's explosions in Beirut come "at the worst possible time" for Lebanon. "The country's economy and health care are already completely on their knees," he said.

"And COVID-19 just makes the situation worse. At the same time, the country is home to 1.5 million refugees who also need support."

So far this year, Denmark has provided 32 million kroner ($5.1 million) in humanitarian aid to Lebanon, mainly to help refugees in the Middle Eastern country.

Lebanon coronavirus cases peak after deadly blast

Lebanon hast recorded 255 new coronavirus cases - its highest single-day infection tally - after a monstrous blast upended a planned lockdown and sent thousands streaming into overflowing hospitals that were already struggling to cope with the coronavirus.

The health ministry figures were reported by the state-run National News Agency, which also announced two new deaths.

They bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Lebanon to 4,604, including 70 deaths since the outbreak first began in February.

US army to send supplies to Beirut

The United States military is sending shipments of water, food and medicine to Lebanon. Deliveries of three C-17 military planes loaded with food, water and medical supplies are "impending,"  a spokesman for US Army Central Command chief General Frank McKenzie has said, without stating when they would arrive.

McKenzie said the US was ready to continue providing assistance to the Lebanese during the "terrible tragedy" in partnership with the Lebanese army, the US embassy in Lebanon and the US Agency for International Development. 

UN releases $9m to help Beirut hospitals

The United Nations has said it is releasing $9m to address immediate needs following the explosion that devastated Beirut and to help strengthen operations in the city’s hospitals.

UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said the money from the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund will be followed by additional funds from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund.

He said the UN is carrying out assessments of the damage and needs that result from the massive explosion and hopes to hold a meeting on Monday to inform the 193 UN member states of the results and launch an appeal to help Lebanon.

Lebanon central bank freezes accounts of port, customs officials

Lebanon's central bank has ordered a freeze on the accounts of the heads of Beirut port and Lebanese customs along with five others, according to a central bank directive seen by Reuters news agency and confirmed by the central bank.

The directive, dated August 6 and coming from the central bank special investigation commission for money laundering and terrorism fighting, said the decision would be circulated to all banks and financial institutions in Lebanon, the public prosecutor in the appeals court and the head of the banking authority.

Italy pledges global 'response' to help Lebanon

Italy's foreign minister pledged an "international response" to help Lebanon. The country has already sent specialists, firefighters and over eight tonnes of humanitarian aid to Beirut. 

"There will certainly be an international response and I am happy that countries like France are at the forefront in helping Lebanon," Luigi Di Maio told AFP in an interview.

Lebanon envoy to Jordan resigns over 'negligence'

Lebanon's ambassador to Jordan has announced her resignation, following a cataclysmic blast that ravaged central Beirut, saying "total negligence" by the country's authorities signalled the need for a leadership change.

It is the second resignation by a Lebanese official since the explosion that wounded at least 5,000 and destroyed entire districts of the capital.

Tear gas as protesters gather in downtown Beirut

Security forces fired tear gas to disperse dozens of anti-government protesters calling for the Lebanese government's resignation near the parliament building in Beirut. 

The state-run National News Agency (NNA) said protesters set fires, vandalised stores and threw stones at security forces, prompting the officers to use tear gas.

Several people were wounded in the clashes, the agency said.

Ex-captain of cargo ship blames Lebanese authorities for blast

Boris Prokoshev, the former captain of the ship that brought almost 3,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate to Beirut, said Lebanese authorities were "very well" aware of the dangers posed by the vessel's cargo.

"It's the government of Lebanon that brought about this situation," Prokoshev told the Associated Press news agency from his home in the Krasnodar region of Russia.

His ship, the MV Rhosus, was not supposed to be in Lebanon at all, he said.

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Brazil registers 25,800 new coronavirus cases, death toll tops 94,000

Brazil has recorded 25,800 additional confirmed cases and 541 deaths in the past 24 hours, according to Reuters news agency quoting the country's health ministry.

Brazil has registered more than 2.73 million cases of the virus since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 94,104 as of the end of Sunday, according to the ministry data.

Mexico reports 4,853 new coronavirus cases, 274 more deaths

Mexico's health ministry has reported 4,853 new confirmed coronavirus cases and 274 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 439,046 cases and 47,746 deaths, according to Reuters news agency.

The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher.

Italy's tally of new virus cases down to 239

The number of new confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Italy nudged lower to 239 in the last 24 hours, while eight deaths were recorded in Lombardy, the epicentre of the country's epidemic.

That brings the total number of cases in Italy to 248,070 to date and deaths to 35,154, AP news agency reported early on Monday quoting the country's health ministry.

The number of daily cases in Italy has hovered between 200-300 for weeks, mostly related to people arriving from outside of Italy, either foreign workers or migrants.

South Korea reports 23 new COVID-19 cases

South Korea has confirmed 23 new cases - 20 from overseas and three local transmissions - amid a downward trend in the number of locally infected patients, AP reported.

The cases announced on Monday by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention took the country's total to 14,389 cases and 301 deaths.

Health authorities consider imported cases less threatening to the wider community as they enforce two-week quarantines on all arrivals from overseas.

Coronavirus outbreak in Xinjiang subsides, 28 new cases reported

An outbreak in China's far northwestern region of Xinjiang is still subsiding, with 28 new cases reported Monday, according to AP news agency.

The 590 cases so far have been concentrated in the capital, Urumqi, where authorities have conducted mass testing, cut public transport, isolated some communities, and restricted travel.

Sri Lanka polls to go ahead despite spread of coronavirus

Parliamentary elections will go ahead in Sri Lanka on Wednesday despite coronavirus fears. Voters will wear masks, carry their own pens and maintain physical distancing for the poll, which has been postponed twice because of the pandemic. Votes will be counted on Thursday.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa hopes to tighten his hold on the nation's fractious politics in an election that could elevate his brother and allow the two to change the constitution if they prevail.

Sri Lanka has reported 2,816 infections and 11 COVID-19 deaths as of Sunday. The totals are lower than in neighbouring South Asian countries, held in check by a strict lockdown since March.

Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 509 to 210,402

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 509 to 210,402, Reuters reported on Monday, quoting the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases.

The reported death toll rose by seven to 9,148, the tally showed.

Honduras extends coronavirus curfew for another week

Honduras will extend its coronavirus curfew for another week through to August 9 in an effort to curb the pandemic, Reuters reported, quoting the country's security ministry.

Honduras first imposed a curfew, in effect between 5pm (23:00 GMT) and 7am (13:00 GMT), in March.

US registers more than 45,000 new COVID-19 cases, 420 deaths

The United States has registered at least 45,688 new cases as of the end of Sunday, raising the total to 4.68 million from the previous day of 4.64 million, according to the latest Reuters tally on Monday.

Reuters also reported at least 420 new deaths during the same 24-hour period, raising the total to 155,343, compared to 154,923 the previous day.

Singapore to make travellers wear electronic tags to enforce quarantine

ingapore will make some incoming travellers wear an electronic monitoring device to ensure compliance with coronavirus quarantines as the city-state gradually reopens its borders.

From August 11, the devices will be given to all travellers coming from a select group of countries who will be allowed to isolate at home rather than at a state-appointed facility, Reuters news agency said.

The travellers are required to activate the device upon reaching their home and must acknowledge all notifications received on the device. Attempts to leave home or tamper with the device will alert the authorities.

Poland to check virus regulations followed in shops

Poland's health minister said police health authorities would start checks in shops this week to see if people are following regulations to keep their mouths and noses covered.

"This week we are starting inspections in shops... (to see) whether clients are wearing masks, whether the staff are wearing masks," Lukasz Szumowski told Polish public radio.

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India reports over 57,000 coronavirus cases

India on Saturday reported the biggest single-day spike of 57,117 coronavirus cases, taking the total number of cases to 16,95,988.

With 764 deaths reported in the country due to novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours, the country's death toll crossed 36,500.

According to the health ministry's fresh update, there are a total of 5,65,103 active coronavuirus cases. Till now, a total of 10,94,374 people, who tested positive for the deadly new coronavirus, have been cured or discharged.

With over 1.50 lakh active cases, Maharashtra continues to be the worst affected state. The health ministry data also shows that cases are now rising faster in some southern states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. All of them have over well over 50,000 active cases.

Former SP leader Amar Singh passes away at 64 in Singapore

Samajwadi Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh has passed away today in Singapore. He was 64 and had been hospitalised for a long time. Amar Singh, a former general secretary of the Samajwadi Party, was once known to be very close to party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav. However, in 2010, Amar Singh resigned from all party posts and was soon expelled.

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Argentina halts plans to ease lockdown

Argentina President Alberto Fernandez has announced a halt on the easing of lockdown measures due to an increase in new cases and fears the health system could become overwhelmed. "We will keep things as they are until August 16," said Fernandez.

"In the last few days the virus has been spreading more, and we've seen a larger increase in infections. All this generates hospital admissions and unfortunately, deaths."

In Argentina, more than 185,000 infections and nearly 3,500 deaths have been registered so far, figures well below those of other countries in the region.

Mexico overtakes UK to post third-highest death toll

The number of coronavirus deaths in Mexico rose to 46,688 on Friday, with the Latin American country overtaking the United Kingdom for the world's third-highest COVID-19 death toll. The health ministry registered 8,458 new cases, a record for a single day, as well as 688 additional deaths, bringing the total to 424,637 cases and 46,688 deaths.

The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.

California, Florida report record rise in deaths

California and Florida, two of the most populous US states, have reported record increases in COVID-19 deaths, according to a Reuters tally. Florida reported 257 deaths and California, 208 on Friday.

For Florida, this is the fourth day in a row with a record rise in deaths and for California the second this week. Mississippi, Montana and Nevada also had a one-day record increase in deaths on Friday.

Overall in the US, deaths have increased by more than 25,000 in July to 153,000 total lives lost since the pandemic started.

Japan's Okinawa declares state of emergency

Japan's Okinawa region has declared a state of emergency and asked people to stay home for two weeks amid an "explosive spread" of coronavirus cases.

Governor Denny Tamaki said hospitals were being overwhelmed by the surge and told residents to avoid non-essential outings through the emergency, which is set to end on August 15.

Okinawa reported 71 new coronavirus cases Friday, bringing its total to 395. US forces based on the island account for 248 of those cases.

India records highest daily jump in coronavirus cases

India recorded the steepest spike of 57,118 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking its coronavirus caseload close to 1.7 million, with July alone accounting for nearly 1.1 million infections. The Health Ministry on Saturday also reported 764 additional deaths for a total of 36,511.

US records biggest single-day deaths since May

US deaths from the novel coronavirus rose by at least 1,453 on Friday, the biggest one-day increase since May 27, to reach a total of 153,882, according to a Reuters tally.

The rise in deaths was the biggest one-day increase since fatalities rose by 1,484 on May 27.

US cases rose by at least 66,986 to a total of 4.58 million with some local governments yet to report.

Russia plans mass vaccination against coronavirus from October

Russia is preparing to start a mass vaccination campaign against coronavirus in October, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Saturday, RIA news agency reported. The minister, who did not give details about the vaccine to be used, said doctors and teachers would be the first to be vaccinated.

A source told Reuters this week that Russia's first potential COVID-19 vaccine, developed by a state research facility, would secure local regulatory approval in August and be administered to health workers soon after that.

Australia's Victoria reports 397 coronavirus cases, three deaths

Australia's second most populous state, Victoria, on Saturday reported 397 cases of the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours and three related deaths, compared with 627 cases and eight deaths a day earlier.

The deaths take the state's COVID-19 fatalities to 116 and Australia's tally to 201.

Indonesia confirms more than1,550 new infections

Indonesia reported 1,560 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, bringing the total in the Southeast Asian country to 109,936, data from the country's COVID-19 task force showed.

It also reported 62 COVID-19 related deaths, taking the death toll to 5,193.

Poland reports record rise in virus cases for third day

Poland reported its highest number of new daily coronavirus cases since the global pandemic started for the third day in a row on Saturday, with 658 new infections, the Health Ministry said.

More than 200 cases were reported in the Silesia mining region in southern Poland, which has been grappling with an outbreak amongst miners.

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