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The coronavirus pandemic has killed more than 275,000 people worldwide since it started in China late last year, with more than 85 percent of deaths in Europe and the United States, according to an AFP count compiled from the official figures at 4:15 pm on Saturday.
In total, 275,018 deaths have been reported from 3,955,631 confirmed cases.
Europe is the most affected continent with 154,313 deaths and 1,699,566 cases. The United States is the country with the most deaths with 77,280, followed by Great Britain with 31,241, Italy 30,201, Spain 26,478 and France 26,230.
Almost 200,000 cases in Russia
Authorities say the number of confirmed infections has increased by another 10,817 to reach a total of 198,676, leaving Russia only behind the US. USA, Spain, Italy and Great Britain in total cases.
Russia says the increase is due in part to a large testing campaign, while the reported death rate in the country is much lower than in many countries, with 1,827 deaths.
Temperature controls
Air France will begin monitoring passenger temperatures when France’s blockade measures are eased on Monday.
The airline says it could prevent anyone from boarding their flights if the temperature is deemed too high.
Russia Silences World War II Parade
Celebrations marking the end of World War II are on the decline in Russia, which generally hosts large military parades for the event a day after the rest of Europe, postponing a Red Square parade. President Vladimir
Putin gives a speech outside the Kremlin instead.
Putin does not mention the virus, although Russia is now the fifth most affected country and 10,000 new cases have been confirmed every day this week.
But Belarus is marching
However, in neighboring Belarus, thousands of soldiers parade before a crowd of spectators in Minsk to commemorate 75 years since the defeat of Nazi Germany.
President Alexander Lukashenko, who has scorned the pandemic and the “psychosis” surrounding the virus, watches in top brass military uniform as some 4,000 troops pass and planes and helicopters fly overhead.
Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain invokes the spirit of war
“Never give up, never despair, that was the VE Day message,” Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain said yesterday in a televised address.
The country celebrates the end of World War II without the usual pomp and ceremony, as street parties and military parades are canceled.
“And when I look at our country today and see what we are willing to do to protect and support each other, I am proud to see that we are still a nation that those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognize and admire,” says the British Monarch of 94 years.
Google, Facebook staff at home until 2021
Google and Facebook tell most employees to continue working from home for the rest of the year, even if the offices reopen during the summer.
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