Coronavirus: latest global developments
More than 1,224,740 cases, including 68,125 deaths, have been reported in 191 countries and territories around the world since the virus emerged in China in December, according to an AFP tally compiled around 1900 GMT Sunday based on official sources.
Italy has the highest official death toll at 15,877. Spain follows with 12,418, the United States is on 9,180, France 8,078 and Britain 4,934.
Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
- Glimmers of hope in Europe -
Spain sees its third consecutive daily decline in deaths from the virus, with 674 new fatalities recorded on Sunday.
Italy records its lowest daily death toll in two weeks, at 525.
France also records 357 deaths in hospital, the lowest figure in a week.
- Quarantine -
A second migrant camp near Athens is placed under lockdown after an Afghan resident tests positive for the coronavirus. The facility currently shelters more than 1,700 people.
Singapore puts nearly 20,000 migrant workers under quarantine for two weeks after a growing number of coronavirus infections are detected in their dormitories.
READ: Queen Elizabeth II says collective effort will defeat COVID-19
Pakistan quarantines 20,000 worshippers and searches for tens of thousands more who attended an Islamic gathering in Lahore last month despite the worsening pandemic.
- Empty churches -
Pope Francis urges courage in the face of the pandemic as he delivers Palm Sunday mass by livestream instead of before crowds in Saint Peter's Square.
France's Lourdes Roman Catholic shrine marks the start of Holy Week, an event that normally draws millions of pilgrims every year, with not a soul in sight.
Egypt's Coptic Orthodox church are to suspend prayers before Easter celebrations later this month as part of efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19.
- 'Saddest week' ahead for US -
President Donald Trump warns Americans to brace for a "very horrendous" number of COVID-19 deaths in coming days as the number of confirmed cases tops 300,000.
ALSO READ: UK warns of tougher social distancing measures
New York state, epicentre of the US outbreak, reports 594 new deaths in 24 hours, bringing its toll to 4,159.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio issues an emergency plea for volunteers, estimating the city needs 45,000 more medical personnel to fight the pandemic.
- 'Stay home!' -
As France basks in warm spring sunshine and the Easter holiday period begins, officials urge people to continue heeding lockdown rules.
The British government warns that outside exercise could be banned if people flout stringent isolation guidelines.
- Locked-down India lights up -
Twinkling flames from candles and traditional lamps light up India's night sky in a nine-minute show to mark the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, which has left the vast nation in lockdown.
