World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addresses a virtual health forum organised by Dubai on the novel coronavirus pandemic. © Christopher Black, WHO, AFP
France 24: WHO says Covid-19 cases will soon hit 10 million mark
World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom said on Wednesday he expected the number of novel coronavirus cases around the world, now at about 9.3 million, to reach 10 million next week.
Tedros also told a news briefing he backed Saudi Arabia's decision to ban pilgrims from abroad from attending the annual Haj pilgrimage to help limit the spread of the virus.
He said WHO was now supporting many countries in dealing with difficulties obtaining oxygen concentrators, devices that boost the flow of oxygen to support the breathing of COVID-19 sufferers. "Demand is outstripping supply," he said.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iraqi counter-terrorism forces raid Kataib Hezbollah HQ, seize rocket launchers.
Iraq hit with record-high COVID-19 deaths.
Iran explosion in area with sensitive military site near Tehran: state TV.
Iran's true death figure 'could be five times higher'.
US officials remain undecided on Israeli annexation plans.
Hamas says annexation of West Bank would be 'DECLARATION OF WAR' that Israel would ‘regret bitterly’.
Lebanon: Parliament speaker urges 'financial state of emergency'.
EU's Borrell says Turkish gas drills off Cyprus 'must stop'.
ASIA
South Korea, US commemorate Korean War anniversary.
Still divided, North, South Korea mark 70th anniversary of start of war.
Japan defends wartime island as dispute grows with Seoul.
India seeks to boost air defences to match China amid rising border tensions.
Malawi presidential election: State broadcaster says opposition leading.
Exclusive: Support dips for Hong Kong democracy protests as national security law looms - poll.
Almost 1 in 3 pilots in Pakistan have fake licenses, aviation minister says.
AFRICA
France, Germany and Italy call for end to Libya fighting.
Sudan: Millions at risk if Ethiopia fills mega dam without deal.
World pledges $1.8 billion for crisis-stricken Sudan.
Armed group abducts 10 aid workers in southwestern Niger.
Malawi opposition leader heading for election win: media.
Commander in Somali al Shabaab militant group killed - state media.
Tunisia premier says virus hit economy to contract 6pc in 2020.
WHO: Ebola outbreak that killed more than 2,000 in Congo is over.
Rights groups slam Egypt arrest of news outlet founder.
EUROPE
Europe has seen a surge in coronavirus cases since easing lockdown, WHO warns, with 30 countries seeing numbers rise amid fears of a second wave.
Coronavirus: 'Very significant' resurgences in Europe alarm WHO.
Germany and France shore up support for WHO, seek 'global answer' to Covid-19.
Trump says US moving some troops from Germany to Poland after Duda meeting.
Kosovo President Hashim Thaci charged with war crimes.
Russians vote on constitutional changes.
Belarus accuses Russia of election meddling, seeks talks.
Germany mulls measures against US over Nord Stream 2 sanctions - report.
Pompeo to press for action in EU talks on China.
Major incident declared after thousands flock to UK beaches in sweltering heat.
Fourth time lucky: Denmark's PM postpones wedding for third time.
AMERICAS
Coronavirus: US cases ‘may have topped 20 million’.
Some states pause reopening as virus cases near record high.
US Senate passes bill that would punish China for Hong Kong national security law.
Leader of Seattle's 'autonomous zone' says many protesters are leaving.
Trump sanctions Iranian oil tanker captains for aiding Venezuela.
Venezuela’s rival leaders in legal battle to determine fate of over $1 billion gold reserves held in London.
Mexican president makes economic case for risky Trump visit.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he will not release Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.
Changing face of America: Nonwhites and Hispanics now make up majority of people under age 16, as census data shows non-Hispanic whites could become a minority in 25 years.
Massive Saharan dust cloud shrouds the Caribbean.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Pakistan: Imran Khan says US 'martyred' Osama bin Laden.
U.S. says terrorist threats persist, citing Iran's rising support for extremists.
U.S. used missile with long blades to kill Qaeda leader in Syria.
FBI has over 200 domestic terrorism probes related to violent protests.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Banks lead gains for stocks on Wall Street in jumpy trading.
Covid-19 sparks global economic 'crisis like no other', IMF says.
IMF sharply lowers global growth estimates, foresees 5 percent decline this year.
Bayer to pay $10 billion to settle Roundup lawsuits.
