Coronavirus Live Updates: Worldwide confirmed cases, death toll and recovered patients
Coronavirus outbreak live updates from around the world.
(Web Desk) - Hundreds of millions of people worldwide kicked off the weekend under a coronavirus lockdown, as the global death toll accelerated sharply and the World Health Organization warned the young they were "not invincible".
The pandemic has completely upended lives across the planet, sharply restricting the movement of huge populations, shutting down schools and businesses, and forcing millions to work from home -- while many have lost their livelihoods entirely.
The virus death toll surged past 17,000 worldwide, with 6,000 alone in worst-hit Italy where the daily number of fatalities has shot up relentlessly over the past week. Globally, confirmed cases have also exceeded 390,000.
Below are live updates regarding worldwide confirmed cases of coronavirus, recovered patients, and death toll:
While President Donald Trump insisted the United States was "winning" the war against the virus, individual states dramatically ramped up restrictions, with New York and Illinois joining California in ordering residents to stay home.
While the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions are the hardest hit by the virus, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that young people were also vulnerable.
"Today I have a message for young people: you are not invincible. This virus could put you in hospital for weeks -- or even kill you," Tedros said.
"Even if you don’t get sick, the choices you make about where you go could be the difference between life and death for someone else."
China on Saturday reported no new local infections for a third straight day, and the WHO said the central Chinese city of Wuhan, where the virus emerged late last year, offered a glimmer of "hope for the rest of the world".
But there are growing concerns of a new wave of "imported" infections in the region, with Hong Kong reporting 48 suspected cases on Friday -- its biggest daily jump since the crisis began. Many of them have a recent history of travel to or from Europe.
Across Europe, governments continued to rigorously enforce lockdown measures as the continent’s most celebrated boulevards and squares remained silent and empty even as warmer spring weather arrived.
Italy reported its worst single day, adding another 627 fatalities and taking its reported total to 4,032 despite efforts to stem the spread.
The nation of 60 million now accounts for 36 percent of the world’s coronavirus deaths and its death rate of 8.6 percent among confirmed infections is significantly higher than in most other countries.
France, Italy, Spain and other European countries have told people to stay at home, threatening fines in some cases, while Bavaria became the first region in Germany to order a lockdown.
Britain, falling in line with its neighbours in the European Union, also announced tougher restrictions, telling pubs, restaurants and theatres to close and promising to help cover the wages of affected workers.
Frequently Asked Questions!
How is the virus transmitted?
It’s likely that the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) originated in an animal species, and then spread to humans.
Person to person spread of the novel corona virus is reported, but it is not yet understood how easily this happens.
Other human coronavirus strains are spread from person to person through contaminated droplets from a person who is sick with the illness (through coughing or sneezing) or contaminated hands.
Is there a vaccine against the novel coronvirus?
Currently there are no available vaccine that protect against Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Is there any treatment for Coronavirus Disease?
There is no specific treatment. It is mainly supportive treatment that aims at reducing symptoms.
What is Isolation?
Separation of the affected person or suspected of being infected from other healthy people for the duration of the disease infection in appropriate places and health conditions, in order to prevent the transmission of the infection.
What is Quarantine?
Restricting the activities of healthy people for a period of time as determined by the competent medical authorities
Important Precautions
Follow these simple precautions to reduce your chances of contracting the new coronavirus, which causes the disease known as COVID-19.
