COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 14 May

1. How COVID-19 is impacting the globe

2. Coronavirus may never go away, World Health Organization warns

The coronavirus "may never go away", the World Health Organization Emergencies Director Mike Ryan warned on Wednesday at a briefing.

However, he tempered his sober messaging with a positive outlook:

"We do have one great hope: if we do find a highly effective vaccine that we can distribute to everyone who needs it in the world we may have a shot at eliminating this virus."

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus added: "The trajectory is in our hands, and it's everybody's business, and we should all contribute to stop this pandemic.

"Many countries would like to get out of the different measures," said Tedros. "But our recommendation is still the alert at any country should be at the highest level possible."

The comments come as countries seek to resume some form of normality in the continued presence of the virus with still no vaccine available. While lockdowns are being eased, governments are in tandem imposing more inbound travel restrictions to protect citizens.

3. Countries must avoid 'magical thinking' when it comes to lockdowns: WHO

Misunderstandings surrounding lockdowns and how to implement them can stand in the way of a country's ability to combat COVID-19 effectively, World Health Organization officials also said at a briefing today.

Lockdowns can vary from country to country, and don't always include draconian measures such as closing all schools, workplaces or restaurants. Restricting movement should be customized to the needs and the context of a particular locality.

Importantly, lockdowns are one element of a six-part, comprehensive strategy. Countries that don't account for tracing, social context, or the support of their public will not be able to leverage the full effectiveness that lockdowns can bring.

“There’s some magical thinking going on,” said Michael J. Ryan, Chief Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme.

4. How coronavirus has hit employment in G7 economies

The pandemic's economic impact will be stark, with a total of 1.6 billion informal economy workers at risk of suffering “massive damage”. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2020, COVID-19 may cost the equivalent of 305 million full-time jobs. Here are some other ways job loss is manifesting itself in countries around the world:

5. Wildlife tourism in the pandemic: what will happen to the parks, staff and animals?

Lockdowns have damaged forest conservation and anti-poaching efforts in countries around the globe owing to declines in tourism. This source of income had been central to funds caring for animals and plants.

The financial loss also means rangers lack the resources they need to do their jobs:

"The lack of funds means parks cannot do frequent patrols as they need fuel for their cars and they need food for rangers to go on patrol," said Kaddu Sebunya, Chief Executive Officer of the African Wildlife Foundation.

5. The Obamas will make virtual commencement speeches

Graduates will miss out on a traditional ceremony this year. However, big names are helping grads celebrate at home.

Barack and Michelle Obama, the former US president and first lady, will participate in a series of virtual events this week, including one for the nation's entire class of 2020.

Meanwhile, Oprah Winfrey, Miley Cyrus and Simone Biles will be among those personalities, performers and athletes toasting grads on a special broadcast hosted by Facebook this week.