Covid-19: Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis

The coronavirus killed more than 4.5 million people since the outbreak emerged in December 2019. The United States remains the hardest-hit country in the world.


Covid-19 has killed at least 4 565 622 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, as per official data. 

Covid-19: Global developments

NZ lifts Covid-19 lockdown

New Zealand will mostly lift its lockdown this week with only the country’s biggest city Auckland to remain under stay-at-home orders, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.

Football chaos

Brazil’s World Cup qualifying clash against Argentina is sensationally abandoned shortly after kick-off as officials halt the game saying Argentina’s four England-based players should be placed in “immediate quarantine”.

Philippines goes ‘granular’

The Philippines is to lift its lockdown in the capital Manila despite surging infections as it trials localised “granular lockdowns” in a bid to rein in cases and revive the economy.

LOOKING BACK: These graphs show severity of the third wave in SA

Vacation-vax tours hitch

A Delta outbreak has played havoc with the US Pacific territory of Guam’s “Air V&V” scheme allowing international visitors to receive a vaccination while enjoying a tropical vacation.

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Festival returns to Spain

Valencia’s “Fallas” festival wraps up with fireworks and the burning of giant colourful sculptures after returning to the eastern Spanish city following a pandemic-induced hiatus.

USA goalie Covid-19 positive

Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen has tested positive and will miss the USA’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Honduras.

More than 4.5 million dead

The coronavirus has killed at least 4,565,622 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to an AFP compilation of official data. 

The US is the worst-affected country with 648,472 deaths, followed by Brazil with 583,628, India with 440,752, Mexico with 263 140 and Peru 198 488.

Based on latest reports, the countries with the newest deaths were Russia with 790, followed by Iran with 610 and the US with 394. 

NOW READ: Covid-19 update: SA records 198 new deaths

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