The impact of the novel coronavirus in Japan and on countries with which it trades has seen the worlds third-largest economy slip into recession for the first time in almost five years, per the New York Times. Its GDP shrank by an annualised 3.4% in the first quarter, Reuters notes.
By the numbers: COVID-19 has infected over 4.7 million people and killed more than 315,000 as of Sunday night. Over 1.7 million have recovered from the virus. The U.S. has reported the most cases (over 1.4 million from 11 million tests).
- Russia is reporting the most cases worldwide outside of the U.S. (281,000), but significantly fewer deaths than the other most-affected countries. Experts doubt the country’s official death toll.
- The United Kingdom is reporting over 34,700 deaths from the coronavirus the most fatalities outside of the U.S., per Johns Hopkins.
- Brazil’s cases are also notably on the rise, reaching 235,000 infections as of Sunday. The country now ranks fourth highest in the world in confirmed cases, surpassing Italy and Spain.
What’s happening: The United Kingdom has hired more than 17,200 people to assist in coronavirus contact tracing as the country inches towards reopening.
- President Trump is leaning towards preserving his halt of funding to the World Health Organization after temporarily freezing funds last month pending a review.
- India on Sunday extended its lockdown until the end of May, though the government may issue new guidelines to help restart economic activity.
- The Diamond Princess cruise ship left Yokohama, Japan on Saturday after being docked for three months following a coronavirus outbreak, the Times reports.
- New Zealand and Australia and are reopening their economies from coronavirus constraints and are on track share a “COVID-safe travel zone” within weeks.
- Doctors in Italy have completed one of the first studies to examine the rise of an inflammatory illness that is affecting children some of whom have tested positive for the coronavirus or its antibodies.
- France is reporting more coronavirus deaths than Spain, per John Hopkins data as of Wednesday, as the country cautiously reopens shops and schools.
- European Union member states should only allow tourists in from countries that can prove their coronavirus outbreak is under control, the European Commission said in guidance released Wednesday.
- South Korea reported 26 new coronavirus cases linked to a Seoul nightclub district, taking the cluster total to 119, with more than 10,900 infections as of Wednesday.
- Spain’s best-case scenario is that the country can lift all restrictions by the end of June, per Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
The big picture: Policy responsesto the crisis have been every-country-for-itself and in the case of the U.S. and China tinged with geopolitical rivalry. But the scientific work underway to understand the virus and develop a vaccine has been globalized on an unprecedented scale.
Coronavirus symptoms include: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat and a loss of taste or smell.
Editors note: The graphic includes “probable deaths” thatNew York City began reporting on April 14. This article has been updated with new details throughout. Check back for the latest.
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