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These are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
Almost 1.68 million dead
At least 1,679,114 people have died since the outbreak emerged in China last December, according to a count from official sources compiled by AFP.
The United States is the most affected country with 314,305 deaths, followed by Brazil with 185,650 deaths, India with 145,136, Mexico with 117,249 and Italy with 68,447.
LIVE | All the latest coronavirus updates and lockdown
The highest number of new deaths in the last seven days was registered in the United States with 18,345, Brazil with 5,213, Italy with 4,507, Mexico with 4,230 and Germany with 3,968.
Netherlands bans flights to UK to stop virus ‘mutation’
The Dutch government bans all passenger flights from Britain after detecting the first case of a new, more infectious strain of coronavirus circulating in the UK.
New strain of virus ruins English Christmas
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces a “stay at home” order for London and south-east England, until at least December 30, to curb a significantly more infectious new strain of the coronavirus.
Early data suggests that the new strain could be “up to 70% more transmissible,” according to Johnson.
Italy tightens virus restrictions
Italy imposes heavy restrictions on leaving home and a travel ban between regions between December 21 and January 6. As of December 24, bars and restaurants will also be closed.
Local blockade in Thailand
Thai authorities have blocked the country’s largest seafood market and surrounding area after the largest increase in cases since the pandemic began.
Switzerland approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
Swiss regulators give the green light to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and immunization will begin in a few days as the country battles rising coronavirus cases and deaths, the first Covid-19 vaccine there.
The United States begins the deployment of the Modern vaccine
The first of millions of doses of Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine is ready for shipment to locations in the United States, hours after it is authorized for use in the worst affected country in the world.
Israel’s Netanyahu takes a hit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is vaccinated against the coronavirus, kicking off a nationwide deployment in the coming days.
Turkish virus patients die in hospital fire
A hospital fire kills at least 10 coronavirus patients in Gazientep, southeastern Turkey, after an oxygen tank exploded on a ventilator in an intensive care room.
Stable Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron, who tested positive this week, remains stable and tests show reassuring results, “he still has the same symptoms of Covid-19 disease (fatigue, cough, stiffness),” says his doctor.
Canada cases pass 500,000
Canada surpassed 500,000 coronavirus cases on Saturday, according to official figures, posting a 25% increase in just two weeks. His death toll from the virus is 14,128.
Sydney to Hobart yacht race canceled
Australia’s grueling yacht race from Sydney to Hobart was canceled for the first time in its 76-year history due to a growing coronavirus outbreak, organizers say.
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