COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 23 May
A woman wearing a face mask as a protective measure against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) walks past a closed currency exchange shop, in downtown Buenos Aires, Argentina. Image: REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
- This daily round-up 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: South America is a new epicenter for coronavirus; China drops mention of annual growth target for first time; disrupted vaccine programs could put millions of children at risk; and how a SARS antibody could help fight COVID-19.
What is the World Economic Forum doing about the coronavirus outbreak?
1. How COVID-19 is affecting the globe
- Confirmed coronavirus cases have surpassed 5.2 million worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 338,000 people have died from the virus, while over 2 million have recovered.
- China let go of its annual economic growth target for the first time on Friday, as the fallout from coronavirus continues to hamper its economy.
- South America has become a new epicenter for coronavirus, say WHO officials.
- COVID-19 cases climbed above 100,000 in Africa.
- Beaches can open in Spain in a reduced capacity.
Eighty-million children, in both rich and poor countries around the world, could face infections from diseases such as measles and polio as resources are redirected at COVID-19 and existing vaccine programs are disrupted, World Health Organization (WHO) officials said at a briefing in Geneva on Friday.
According to data collected by the WHO, UNICEF, the Vaccine Alliance Gavi and the Sabin Vaccine Institute, the impact is wide, affecting children under one-years-old in 68 countries.
A discovery from researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle found that an antibody from the blood of a SARS-survivor could help fight COVID-19.
The 2003 SARS outbreak was caused by a coronavirus, and the new peer-reviewed study indicates that although the two viruses are distinct, the newly identified antibody - which they’ve named S309 - can recognise and block both infections.
Two award-winning teachers have co-authored a book to help guide and support children. The book, backed by the Lego Foundation, tells the stories of six children around the world, and how they deal with challenges. The book, by Armand Doucet and Elisa Guerra, has been translated into around 30 languages and is available as a free ebook.
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