COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 15 May
A new UN report highlighted the mental health threat COVID-19 presents to millions. Image: REUTERS/Pilar Olivares
- This daily roundup brings you a selection of the latest news updates on the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, as well as tips and tools to help you stay informed and protected.
- Today's top stories: Global deaths surpass 300,000; the UN warns of a global mental health crisis; and challenges in developing a coronavirus vaccine.
1. How COVID-19 is impacting the globe
- Confirmed coronavirus cases are at nearly 4.5 million worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 300,000 people have died from the virus, while over 1.5 million have recovered.
- Mexico recorded its largest one-day rise in coronavirus cases, at 2,409.
- The UK approved new coronavirus antibody tests.
- Japan's suicide rate fell, as COVID-19 shifted stress factors during lockdown.
A new UN report highlighted the mental health threat COVID-19 presents to millions, as it fuels high levels of distress in many countries across the globe.
“The isolation, the fear, the uncertainty, the economic turmoil - they all cause or could cause psychological distress,” said Devora Kestel, director of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) mental health department.
3. How the COVID-19 pandemic is fueling the stay-at-home economy
Lockdowns have sparked a rise in activities that can be done at home, from cooking to gaming. Video streaming, strong for a decade, is also seeing unprecedented growth.
Streaming subscribers around the world (613 million) have surpassed the number of cable subscribers (556 million), according to the Motion Picture Association of America. Additionally, Disney+, saw a 75% rise in subscribers since early February and surpassed 50 million paid subscribers in its first five months.
Though researchers are working around the clock to develop a vaccine to combat coronavirus, a vaccine alone with not eradicate the disease. Huge challenges will still remain to ensure everyone in the world can be protected from infection. These challenges include:
- Producing the vaccine at a massive scale
- Distributing the vaccine
- Ensuring the vaccine is accepted and taken
“We have a global problem that requires a global solution,” says Seth Berkley, CEO of vaccine alliance GAVI. “We need the best science in the world. We need the best manufacturing in the world. And obviously we are going to need industry from around the world to engage. If we have anybody left over anywhere as a reservoir of virus, it not only threatens them, but threatens the world.”
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