Global Covid cases rise to more than 11 mn

WASHINGTON: Global Coronavirus cases exceeded 11 million on Friday, according to a tally, marking another milestone in the spread of the disease that has killed more than half a million people in seven months.

The number of cases is more than double the figure for severe influenza illnesses recorded annually, according to the World Health Organisation.

The US, in another record surge, reported 57,683 new cases on Friday taking its total to nearly 2.8 million (2,793,453). The country's death toll stands at 1,29,432. The US cancelled parades and firework displays ahead of its 4th of July celebrations. Brazil, the second-worst hit country by the pandemic, registered 42,223 new cases in the past 24 hours, which has brought its tally to over 1.5 million (1,539,081).

First time after three months of lockdown, England on Saturday eased its lockdown, on what has been branded "Super Saturday", by opening pubs and restaurants. In addition to this, couples can tie the knot once again, people can go and see a movie at their local cinema and many of those who have had enough of their lockdown hair can finally get a trim.