This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of global coronavirus infections has reached a staggering seven million, with Latin America bearing the brunt of the crisis.
According to an AFP tally, the confirmed global death toll has surpassed 400,000, with rising numbers of deaths recorded in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Peru.
"Unfortunately in other countries – I am thinking of some of them – the virus continues to claim many victims," Pope Francis said on Sunday while addressing Catholics in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican for the first time since the COVID-19 crisis began.
Despite the dire situation, there are glimmers of hope. New Zealand has declared victory against the pandemic, with the country lifting all domestic restrictions on Monday after going 17 days with no new infections.
"We're incredibly proud, and grateful, to be the first professional sports competition in the world to be in a position to have our teams play in front of their fans again," NZR chief Mark Robinson said.
Thailand has also hit a positive milestone, with two weeks of no local infections, and the European Union has said it could re-open borders to travellers from outside the bloc in early July.
