COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 17 August
India has nearly 2.65 million confirmed cases of COVID-19. Image: REUTERS/Amit Dave
- 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: US passes 170,000 deaths; Indian death toll passes 50,000; New Zealand postpones election.
1. How COVID-19 is affecting the globe
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have now reached more than 21.6 million globally, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The number of confirmed coronavirus deaths now stands at more than 775,000.
Japan suffered its biggest economic contraction on record in the second quarter of this year. GDP shrank 27.8% from April to June - the sharpest decline since 1980.
India's death toll has passed 50,000. The country has nearly 2.65 million confirmed cases.
Health chiefs in Ireland are meeting to decide if further restrictions are needed. The country has seen an increase in cases over the last two weeks.
New confirmed coronavirus cases have risen above 3,000 for the second day in a row in France. On Sunday, 3,015 cases were reported, down from 3,310 on Saturday.
More than 3,000 new cases were also recorded in the Philippines. The country registered 3,420 on Sunday.
The United States has now recorded more than 170,000 deaths from the virus, with more than 5.4 million cases.
2. New Zealand postpones elections
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has postponed New Zealand's election after the emergence of new coronavirus cases in the country. Election day has been moved from 19 September to 17 October.
“Ultimately, the 17th of October ... provides sufficient time for parties to plan around the range of circumstances we will be campaigning under,” she said at a news conference.
She'd come under pressure after some parties complained they could not campaign properly, with nearly a third of the population under lockdown in Auckland.
New Zealand recorded nine new cases on Monday, taking active cases to 78. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the source of the new outbreak.
What is the World Economic Forum doing about the coronavirus outbreak?
3. Italy closes nightclubs
Italy is introducing new restrictions, as cases of coronavirus increase across the country - especially among younger people.
The country will close discos and clubs, and in some areas, it will become compulsory to wear a mask outdoors during the evening and night. They'll be required between 6pm and 6am in areas close to bars and where gatherings are more likely.
“We cannot nullify the sacrifices made in past months. Our priority must be that of opening schools in September, in full safety,” Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Facebook.
Four-hundred-and-seventy-nine new cases were confirmed on Sunday, down from 629 on Saturday.
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