COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 2 September

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have now reached more than 25.7 million globally, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The number of confirmed coronavirus deaths now stands at more than 857,000.

Brazil has reported 42,659 new cases of coronavirus, bringing its total to 3,950,931 confirmed cases. The official death toll stands at 122,596.

The Japanese government is considering making any potential coronavirus vaccine free to all citizens. It's aiming to secure enough vaccines for everyone by mid-2021.

The UK government is launching a campaign to encourage people to return to their places of work, as part of efforts to boost the economy.

Australia's economy has entered its first recession in nearly 30 years. GDP shrank 7% in April to June compared with the first three months of 2020.

New cases have retreated in both France and Spain, from highs seen in recent weeks. Just under 5,000 cases were reported in the former, with 2,731 reported in the latter.

Scotland has announced a ban on indoor household visits in its largest city, Glasgow, after a rise in cases.

New York City's public school system has pushed back opening by 11 days to 21 September. The system is the largest in the US and the new plan will maintain a mix of in-class and remote learning.

2. Ineffective vaccine could make COVID-19 pandemic worse

Scientists have warned of the risks of deploying a COVID-19 vaccine that is not effective enough.

The World Health Organization's (WHO) Solidarity Vaccines Trial Expert Group cautions against allowing economic and political pressures to lead to a rapid introduction of a vaccine "that is in reality only weakly effective".

In the The Lancet, they warn that deployment of such a vaccine "could actually worsen the COVID-19 pandemic" either because authorities wrongly assume it will lead to a substantial reduction in risk, or individuals wrongly believe they are immune and stop following other guidelines.

The WHO's Solidarity Vaccines Trial is aiming to evaluate multiple vaccines, and ensure such a "weakly effective" vaccine is not deployed.

3. Climate action is Europe's 'roadmap' out of the economic crisis

The European Union's top climate official said yesterday that the bloc will "double down" on its green goals to guide it out of the COVID-19 crisis.

“As uncertainty grows, so does the pressure on governments to provide quick fixes," said Frans Timmermans. "Yet here we are, not just maintaining our ambitions, but doubling down on the Green Deal.”

The Green Deal is the EU's plan to reach net zero emissions by the middle of the century.

“It was our growth strategy, and now it is also our roadmap out of this crisis.”