COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 30 October
Italy reported a record one-day rise in cases yesterday. Image: REUTERS/Yara Nardi
- This daily round-up brings you a selection of the latest news and updates on the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, as well as tips and tools to help you stay informed and protected.
- Top stories: Record case increases across Europe and US; EU leaders agree to fair vaccine distribution; global oil prices fall.
1. How COVID-19 is affecting the globe
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have now passed 45 million globally, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The number of confirmed deaths stands at over 1.18 million.
Spain has entered a six-month state of emergency, giving regions legal backing to implement curfews and restrict travel.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has criticized those who argue the coronavirus is harmless. “Lies and disinformation, conspiracy theories and hatred damage not only the democratic debate but also the fight against the virus,” she told parliament.
European Union leaders have agreed to fair distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine once one is available.
What is the World Economic Forum doing about access to vaccines?
Brazil has recorded 513 new COVID-19 deaths, with 26,106 new cases, according to the country's health ministry.
The Polish government has ordered six large state-run companies to create field hospitals to deal with the pandemic.
Global oil prices fell more than 1% today – on track for a second monthly fall – as concerns grow that rising COVID-19 cases in Europe and the US will hurt demand. More than 400,000 oil and gas sector jobs have been lost this year, according to Rystad Energy.
The EU has announced it will fund the transfer of patients across borders within the bloc the stop hospitals becoming overwhelmed.
2. Record case rises
Global coronavirus cases rose by more than 500,000 for the first time on Wednesday – a record one-day increase.
Global cases have risen by nearly a quarter in the past two weeks. 400,000 new daily cases were only reported for the first time last Friday.
Countries across Europe and the United States have reported record daily rises in recent weeks. Europe, North America and Latin America account for over 66% of global cases and over 76% of global deaths.
The United States broke its single-day record yesterday, with 91,000 new cases, with hospitalizations also on the rise in many cases.
In Europe, Italy, Spain and Sweden all set one-day record increases yesterday, with 26,831, 23,580 and 2,820 respectively.
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