This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
Global COVID-19 Update ¶
May 12, 2020 - The world is cautiously moving back to work, but the threat of a second wave of COVID-19 looms large. Russia has become the second country with the highest number of COVID-19 cases, with over 232,000 infections.
According to an AFP tally, Russia has surpassed 232,000 cases, second only to the United States. The country's government has begun to ease lockdown rules, despite a surge in infections.
President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, has tested positive for the virus, adding to the country's woes.
Meanwhile, in India, the railway network has ground back to life, despite a recent surge in infections. The country has reported 3,600 new cases on Monday, just below Sunday's record tally.
Iran is also easing its restrictions, with mosques set to reopen for three nights this week. The country has struggled to contain the outbreak, which has killed over 6,700 people.
South Korea is using mobile phone data to track Seoul nightclub visitors after a cluster of new cases emerged. The country has been credited with one of the world's more successful anti-virus campaigns.
However, the outbreak has also highlighted the stigma surrounding homosexuality, with potential carriers reluctant to come forward.
And in Britain, the Office of National Statistics has warned that the government's tally of 32,065 deaths underestimates the full toll.
Precautionary economic and social lockdowns have paralyzed much of the global economy, with world markets trading cautiously amid fears of a second wave epidemic.
– 'Needless suffering' –
Anthony Fauci, the top epidemiologist in the US, has warned of 'needless suffering and death' if Americans return to work and group leisure activities before the pandemic is under control.
He told the New York Times in an email, 'If we skip over the checkpoints in the guidelines to: 'Open America Again,' then we risk the danger of multiple outbreaks throughout the country.'
– 'Driving blind' –
Observers are nervously eyeing Wuhan, where the virus was first reported late last year, after the Chinese city registered the first cluster of new COVID-19 infections since it reopened after a 76-day lockdown on April 8.
And in Russia, Putin ordered a cautious return to work from Tuesday, but the gradual effort was overshadowed by a fire in a Saint Petersburg hospital's intensive care unit that left five people dead.
The virus has now killed over 286,000 people around the world, according to AFP's tally. The number of infections has surpassed 4.1 million, but seems to be slowing.
– White House fears –
The virus appeared to have gained a foothold in the White House at the weekend, with a second confirmed case. West Wing staff were told Monday they had to wear masks, and Trump said he might limit contact with his deputy after an aide to Vice President Mike Pence tested positive.
