If you’re just joining us, here’s the latest on the coronavirus pandemic.
US death toll projected to double: An influential coronavirus model often cited by the White House forecasts that 134,000 people will die of coronavirus in the US by August, nearly double its previous prediction. Almost 69,000 have died in the US so far, according to Johns Hopkins University’s tally.
Potential vaccines in the works: There are 108 potential Covid-19 vaccines are in development around the world, according to the World Health Organization. Eight of the potential vaccines are approved for clinical trials.
Coronavirus origin questions: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the most likely origin of the coronavirus outbreak was a wildlife wet market. His comments come as intelligence shared among US allies indicates the virus more likely came from a Chinese market and not from a lab, according to two officials.
Unemployment in Spain soars: The number of unemployed people in Spain increased by more than 280,000 in the month of April, as restrictive social distancing measures continued to have an impact on the economy.
Germany’s infection rate falls: Germany has recorded another low increase of coronavirus cases over the past 48 hours, with the number of transmitting cases continuing to fall.
UK trials virus tracing app: The UK must review its lockdown measures by Thursday, but is not expected to announce major changes. Britain launched its first test of a coronavirus tracing app today, on a small island off the south coast of England.
Hong Kong to relax restrictions: Hong Kong will begin to relax some social distancing measures from Friday, as the city records fewer cases of coronavirus. The city will increase the number of people permitted to gather at one time from four to eight. Businesses including beauty salons and fitness centers will also be allowed to open.
