COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 12 June

1. How COVID-19 is affecting the globe

2. The pandemic could push 100 million people into extreme poverty

The World Bank updated its estimate of the pandemic's impact on global poverty, using its June Global Economic Prospects growth forecasts.

In April, it estimated COVID-19 would push 40 to 60 million people into extreme poverty. The new estimate now places that figure at between 71 and 100 million.

Extreme poverty means those living on less the international poverty line of $1.90 per day.

The World Bank examined two scenarios.

In the baseline scenario, activity recovers this year, as the outbreak remains at expected levels. In the downside scenario, outbreaks go on longer than expected, meaning lockdown measures stay in place or are re-introduced.

Global growth contracts by about 5% in 2020 in the baseline scenario, compared with a contraction of 8% in the downside scenario.

3. Cases in Africa surging

Confirmed COVID-19 have gone past 200,000, suggesting a rapid acceleration of the disease. The WHO reports that it took 98 days to reach the first 100,000 cases and just 19 to reach 200,000. A quarter of the continent's cases have been reported in South Africa.

Over 5,600 deaths have also been reported, with more than 70% in just five countries: Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Sudan.

“For now Africa still only accounts for a small fraction of cases worldwide,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. “But the pace of the spread is quickening. Swift and early action by African countries has helped to keep numbers low but constant vigilance is needed to stop COVID-19 from overwhelming health facilities.”

4. Fears of a second wave

Concern over a second wave remain across the globe, Reuters reports. India has reported a record daily increase of cases, becoming the world's fourth worst-hit country.

Meanwhile, fears remain in the US of a second wave as states reopen in an effort to boost the economy.

In Europe, health experts are also warning of the risk of further lockdowns as a result.

5. How to support your remote workforce during COVID-19

Many businesses, including Facebook, are allowing their employees to work from home indefinitely.

Rajeeb Dey, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at workplace learning and development platform Learnerbly says here are five ways to ensure workers are getting the support they need.

1. Be flexible with working hours

Parents, carers and volunteers need support to fulfil those roles, and everyone needs regular breaks. Colour-coded shared calendars can show employees' availability.

2. Maintain regular virtual contact

Punctuating the work day with social exchanges is the key to replicating workplace interactions and to providing a reliable support system that helps prevent loneliness.

3. Listen and be agile

As a manager or CEO, you need to listen to know what your people need - from more flexibility, to time alone to focus on deep work. Preemptively ask for feedback but also be available to have those conversations when employees come to you unprompted.

4. Sustain culture and recognition

Small but meaningful actions to surprise and delight your colleagues such as sending a gift in the post can lift spirits and communicate to them that what they do matters.

5. Provide learning and development opportunities

Support your employees to use time on furlough to gain new skills - this will future-proof them and also your own business as you will have a more skilled and motivated workforce.