Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 30.96 million, death toll over 958,000

At least 30,967,008 people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 958,109 people have died, a Reuters tally showed.

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

The World Health Organization referred to the outbreak as a pandemic on March 11.

Coronavirus infections slowed in Australia and New Zealand, while Britain said it was at a "tipping point" on COVID-19 as European countries mulled tightening restrictions to curb a sharp resurgence in cases.

DEATHS AND INFECTIONS

At least 6,785,455 cases of the highly contagious novel coronavirus have been reported in the United States and its territories while at least 199,296 people have died, according to a Reuters tally of state and local government sources as of September 21, 2020, 10:07 pm. The US diagnosed its first COVID-19 case in Washington state on January 20.  

Likewise, India follows the US with a total of 5,487,580 coronavirus cases with 87,882 death, according to Reuters’ interactive graphic tracking the global spread 

Likewise, Brazil has the third-highest 4,528,240 coronavirus cases while 136,532 people have died. 

EUROPE

— Britain is at a tipping point on COVID-19, health minister Matt Hancock said, warning that a second national lockdown could be imposed if people don't follow government rules designed to stop the spread of the virus.

— The Czech government could declare a state of emergency if a recent spike in cases continues in the coming days, Health Minister Adam Vojtech said.

— Protesters in some poorer areas of Madrid that are facing a lockdown to stem a soaring infection rate took to the streets on Sunday to call for better health provisions, complaining of discrimination by the authorities.

— Russia reported 6,148 new cases on Sunday, the second straight day when the daily number of cases exceeded 6,000.

— French health authorities reported 10,569 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Sunday, down from the previous day's record increase of 13,498.

ASIA-PACIFIC

— Schools in Seoul and nearby areas resumed in-person classes for the first time in almost a month after daily cases dropped to the lowest levels since mid-August.

— Australia's coronavirus hotspot of Victoria reported on Monday its lowest daily rise in infections in three months, although state Premier Daniel Andrews said there were no plans yet to ease restrictions sooner than expected.

— New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern lifted all coronavirus restrictions across the country, except in second-wave hotspot Auckland, as the number of new infections slowed to a trickle.

AMERICAS

— The United States set a one-day record with over 1 million coronavirus diagnostic tests being performed, but the country needs 6 million to 10 million a day to bring outbreaks under control, according to various experts.

— Brazil and Argentina, Latin American nations seeking more time to commit to the global COVID-19 vaccine facility known as COVAX, said they intend to do so as soon as possible after missing Friday's deadline.

MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA

— Morocco signed a deal with Russia's R-Pharm to buy a COVID-19 vaccine produced under a licence from Britain's AstraZeneca, the health ministry said, as its total number of cases approached 100,000.

— Israel entered a second nationwide lockdown at the onset of the Jewish high-holiday season, forcing residents to stay mostly at home amid a resurgence in new cases.

MEDICAL DEVELOPMENTS

— Moderna Inc said it was on track to produce 20 million doses of its experimental coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year, while maintaining its goal of readying 500 million to 1 billion doses in 2021.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

— British manufacturers see no evidence of a 'V'-shaped recovery from the pandemic underway and many are planning to slash investment, a business survey showed.