Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
– US biggest daily toll –
A total of 1,939 people die in the US in 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University, the highest daily death toll reported in any country since the start of the pandemic.
– Nearly 83,000 dead –
At least 82,721 people have died around the world in 192 countries since the virus emerged in China in December, according to an AFP tally at 1000 GMT Wednesday based on official sources.
The pandemic has killed at least 17,127 in Italy and 14,555 in Spain. There are 12,911 deaths in the United States, 10,328 in France and 6,159 in Britain.
More than 1.4 million cases have been officially recorded around the world.
– EU rescue talks fail –
EU finance ministers fail to agree a rescue plan to help hard-hit member states after the Netherlands blocks the deal over bailout conditions.
– France in recession –
In its worst performance since 1945, France’s economy shrinks around six percent in the first quarter of 2020, the Bank of France says, as the pandemic decimates business activity and plunges the country into recession.
The German economy is expected to shrink by nearly 10 percent in the second quarter, leading research institutes warn.
– Wuhan exodus –
Tens of thousands stream out of the Chinese city of Wuhan after officials lift a nearly 11-week travel ban at the birthplace of the coronavirus.
– No jogging in Paris –
Paris toughens its lockdown measures, banning individual outdoor sports between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm.
Other cities in France also announce stricter restrictions.
– WHO supports strict measures –
“Now is not the time to relax measures,” the WHO’s European office says, warning that despite “positive signs” from some countries it is too early to scale back measures in Europe.
– Music legend dies –
John Prine, the revered American folk songwriter, dies Tuesday aged 73 of coronavirus complications.
– Trump threatens to cut WHO funding –
President Donald Trump threatens to cut US funding to the World Health Organization, accusing it of bias toward China.
– British PM in ‘stable condition’ –
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson begins a third day in intensive care after being diagnosed late last month.
“I understand the prime minister is in a stable condition, he’s comfortable and in good spirits,” says a junior health minister.
– Billion-dollar donation –
Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey says he is committing $1 billion of his personal fortune to coronavirus relief.