COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 8 September
Dr Tedros has issued a clear warning. Image: REUTERS
- This daily round-up brings you a selection of the latest news updates on the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as tips and tools to help you stay informed and protected.
- Top stories: India records highest daily deaths in over a month; WHO warns world must prepare better for next pandemic; Spain cases pass 500,000.
1. How COVID-19 is affecting the globe
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have now reached more than 27.3 million globally, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The number of confirmed coronavirus deaths now stands at more than 892,000.
India has recorded its highest daily death from coronavirus in more than a month - 1,133. But, new daily cases were at their lowest in a week.
Plans to reopen the Indonesian holiday island of Bali have been postponed indefinitely, after a spike in cases. Indonesia reported 2,880 new coronavirus cases on Monday, its lowest daily rise in infections in six days.
Hong Kong, China, is relaxing some coronavirus restrictions. Public gatherings of four people will be allowed, as indoor and outdoor recreation spaces also reopen.
Iran has reported its highest daily jump in infections in 10 days, bringing total confirmed cases to 388,810.
The Dutch government has announced a plan to invest 20 billion euros ($23.6 billion) in education, infrastructure and R&D over the next five years. "It is clear we have to invest ourselves out of this crisis," said economy minister Eric Wiebes.
2. 'World must be better prepared for next pandemic'
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, has warned that the world must be better prepared for future pandemics.
"This will not be the last pandemic," he said at a media briefing yesterday. "History teaches us that outbreaks and pandemics are a fact of life. But when the next pandemic comes, the world must be ready – more ready than it was this time."
He called on countries to invest in public health systems, as a foundation of social, economic and public stability.
"In recent years, many countries have made enormous advances in medicine, but too many have neglected their basic public health systems, which are the foundation for responding to infectious disease outbreaks," he added.
What is the World Economic Forum doing to manage emerging risks from COVID-19?
3. Cases pass 500,000 in Spain
Spain has become the first Western European country to record more than half a million cases of coronavirus. Health Ministry data shows a total of 525,549 in the country.
Recent cases are more common among younger people, reports Reuters. And the death rate remains far below the level recorded in March and April - 8 new deaths were reported yesterday.
New cases peaked at over 10,000 around 10 days ago, but have since receded again, with 2,440 reported yesterday.
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