Two million virus cases recorded globally

Half of infection cases reported from Europe | EU to unveil virus exit plan

Paris, April 15

More than two million cases of the new coronavirus have been officially registered around the world, half of them in Europe. At least 20,00,576 infections, including 1,26,871 deaths, have been recorded. Europe is the hardest hit continent, with 10,10,858 cases and 85,271 fatalities. The United States, where the virus is spreading most rapidly, registered 6,09,240 cases, and 26,033 deaths.

Spain, Italy, France and Germany are the only European countries with more than 1,00,000 infections. Britain, with 93,873 cases and 12,107 deaths, is the country that currently has highest daily number of new cases. Germany on Wednesday confirmed 285 fatalities in 24 hours, recording its highest daily death toll from the disease, health authorities reported. The spike in deaths comes despite a slowing infection rate which has prompted scientific advisers to call for a re-opening of schools ‘as soon as possible’. The European Union moved to head off a chaotic and potentially disastrous easing of restrictions that are limiting the spread of the coronavirus, warning its 27 nations to move very cautiously as they return to normal life and base their actions on scientific advice.

With Austria, the Czech Republic and Spain already lifting some lockdown measures, the EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, was rushing out its roadmap for members of the world’s biggest trade bloc to coordinate an exit from the lockdowns, which they expect should take several months. On the other hand, Denmark is beginning to relax its strict lockdown measures by allowing some classes to return nationwide to school. The measure applies only to preschool to fifth grade, while students above that must continue to study online from home.However, gatherings of more 10 people are still banned. Dentists, tattoo parlors, hairdressers and other trades that have close physical contacts with patrons remain closed. Restaurants and cafes can only serve takeaway. Meanwhile, the British government has hailed India-UK trade ties as the first consignment of 28,00,000 packets of paracetamol from India is set to be distributed across the country’s supermarkets and retailers to stem the spread of the pandemic. Agencies