France 24: World Covid-19 cases exceed 20 million as WHO says outbreak can still be turned around
The coronavirus pandemic chalked up another horrific milestone Monday as the world surpassed 20 million recorded cases of infection from the tiny killer that has upended life just about everywhere.
The number as of 2215 GMT was 20,002,577 cases, with 733,842 deaths recorded, according to an AFP tally of official sources.
In yet another staggering landmark, the death toll is expected to surpass 750,000 in a matter of days as the global health crisis that began late last year in China rages on.
As more things once unthinkable became harsh reality — having to wear a facemask in touristy spots in Paris, or reserve a spot on Copacabana beach in Rio via an app and then social distance on the sand — the World Health Organization urged people not to despair.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Lebanon's government resigns over deadly Beirut port blast.
Lebanon president accepts gov't resignation after Beirut blast.
Exclusive: Lebanon's leaders warned in July about explosives at port - documents.
Trump, US face pivotal UN vote on Iran.
Explosion targets convoy carrying U.S. military equipment near Iraq-Kuwait crossing.
Yemen: Floods wreak havoc in capital Sanaa.
US court issues summons for Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman.
ASIA
Australia records deadliest day as worldwide cases near 20M.
Pacific states face instability, hunger and slow road to Covid recovery: Dame Meg Taylor .
Afghan council frees 400 Taliban prisoners to set up peace talks laid out in deal with US.
US health secretary meets Taiwan's president on breakthrough trip.
Japan places military on standby for ‘intrusions’ by dozens of Chinese fishing boats in disputed waters.
National security law: Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, activist Agnes Chow among those arrested as police spend nearly nine hours searching Apple Daily offices.
Apple Daily: Hong Kong newspaper defiant after crackdown.
U.S., allies urge Hong Kong to reinstate candidates, hold elections.
China sanctions 11 US citizens including Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz.
North Korea sent military to flood-hit area, state media says.
AFRICA
At least six killed as Somalia security forces put out prison uprising.
Many killed in ethnic violence in eastern DR Congo.
At least 10 dead in Ethiopia protests over autonomy: health officials.
Mauritius PM warns cracks appearing in oil spill ship's hull as island prepares for environmental worst-case scenario.
Mali swears in new Constitutional Court judges.
Tunisia PM designate to form technocratic govt without parties.
Benin restores slavery monuments to testify to brutal past.
Nigerian singer sentenced to death for blasphemy in Kano state.
EUROPE
Alexander Lukashenko warns 'sheep' protesting election result face crackdown.
One KILLED in massive protests in Minsk as demonstrators clash with Belarus police.
Belarus election: Lukashenko wins another term, election commission says.
Belarus opposition candidate rejects election result after night of protests. Belarus election challenger asks Lukashenko to quit amid protests.
Calls for EU to impose sanctions on Belarus after disputed elections.
Greece on alert as Turkey sends survey ship to disputed waters. Greece accuses Turkey of 'threatening peace' in the Med.
Slovakia expels 3 Russian diplomats with alleged link to Berlin murder.
SPD tabs Olaf Scholz to succeed Merkel as German chancellor.
Face masks now compulsory in Paris tourist hotspots amid second-wave fears.
Europe swelters under heatwave amid coronavirus pandemic.
AMERICAS
Trump abruptly pulled from briefing after shooting outside White House.
Trump says he'll accept nomination from either White House or Gettysburg.
Harris favored as Biden edges closer to VP pick. Biden expected to announce U.S. presidential running mate this week: source.
Most US voters don't think Biden will be able to finish his full four-year term if elected president - poll.
Mexico's coronavirus death toll passes 53,000 mark.
Trinidad and Tobago PM claims election victory for ruling party.
Bolivia protests rattle political truce as military mobilized.
El Salvador waits for president, congress to act on pandemic.
French NGO leader shot dead in Guatemala.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
France opens 'terrorist murder case' in Niger aid worker killings.
Brooklyn man pleads guilty to attempting to support ISIS.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Asian shares extend rally; S&P 500 within 1% of record.
US treasury secretary threatens stock market ban for Chinese companies.
Trump says he is inclined to host G7 meeting after the November 3 election.
Microsoft’s TikTok deal: bargain of the decade or a $50bn blunder?
Apple boss Tim Cook joins the billionaires club.
