Global coronavirus update: 16 million infected, over 644K dead

Since its emergence in China in December last year, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, COVID-19, has afflicted 16,055,909 people and killed 644,661 others across the world.

The United States is the worst hit country, with 4,178,730 cases and 146,463 deaths. The countries trailing the US in terms of infections are Brazil, India, and Russia.

The spread of the viral disease continues to accelerate, and more than five million cases have been declared across the globe since the beginning of the month.

Some countries are easing their COVID-19 lockdown restrictions due to economic concerns, while others are reintroducing strict measures to rein in the deadly outbreak.

The following is the latest on the pandemic from around the globe:

Australia's second-most populous state, Victoria, on Sunday registered 10 deaths from COVID-19, its highest daily toll amid a continuing surge in coronavirus cases.

“Ten families are currently planning funerals… Please wear a mask everyone and if you don't, you'll get fined. And that's exactly as it should be," State Premier Daniel Andrews said after announcing the tally.

Andrews said the latest fatalities brought Victoria's toll to 71 and Australia's national tally to 155.

The state also recorded 459 cases of the new coronavirus, up from 357 cases the previous day. Australia has recorded more than 14,400 cases.

Lebanon reported its highest daily count of coronavirus cases, 175, bringing the total to more than 3,500.

Lebanese officials have expressed alarm about a spike in infections following the easing of restrictions after the country's only airport opened on July 1.
Government officials have called on people in the country of five million to observe social distancing and wear masks.

Lebanon has 47 confirmed deaths and 3,582 reported cases.

The government in Beirut is considering reintroducing restrictions, including the closure of gyms and clubs, which reopened for business after the country relaxed its lockdown.

Costa Rica's Health Ministry has reported a record 931 new coronavirus cases and 11 fatalities, both single-day highs in the Central American country.

Reuters news agency said Costa Rican authorities had reported a total of 14,600 cases and 98 deaths in the country since the virus testing was carried out earlier in the year.

Despite the increase in cases, hotels are operational and the government has announced that European, British, and Canadian tourists will be allowed to enter the country beginning August 1.

Authorities in Vietnam reintroduced restrictions in one of the country’s most popular beach destinations after a second person tested positive for the deadly virus, marking the first locally transmitted case in the country in over three months.

Authorities in the city of Da Nang in central Vietnam banned gatherings of more than 30 people in public places as well as all sport, cultural, and religious events.

Theme parks, beauty salons, bars, and clubs were also ordered shut in the city of 1.1 million.