Global news update at a glance:

Virus deaths top 971 000

The virus has killed at least 971 677 people since the outbreak emerged in China late last year, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP. More than 31.6 million cases have been confirmed.

The United States is the worst-hit country with 200 818 deaths, followed by Brazil with 138 108, India with 90 020, Mexico with 73 348 and the United Kingdom with 41 825.

Europe cases top five million

Europe has recorded more than five million infections, according to official sources, with a total of 5 000 421 cases now registered.

More than half of these were in Russia, followed by Spain, France and the United Kingdom.More than 380 000 new cases were reported in the past week, the highest number in the region since the start of the pandemic.

US-China spat

US President Donald Trump casts blame for the pandemic on China in an address before the United Nations, whose chief warns against a new “Cold War” between the two world powers.

Trump attacks Beijing and the UN for not stopping the disease and even uses the loaded term “China virus”.

China’s ambassador to the UN, Zhang Jun, tells reporters that Trump’s tone was “incompatible with the general atmosphere” of the world body.

“If we do have to hold anyone accountable, it should be the United States held accountable for losing so many lives with their irresponsible behaviour”, he says.

Stricter measures for Paris

The French government prepares to announce stricter measures for Paris, where infections have exploded since an end to lockdown.Ministers will hold two meetings – including one of the defence council – during the day to analyse the worsening situation.

Anti-flu drug

The maker of anti-influenza drug Avigan says it will apply for the medication to be approved for treating coronavirus patients after trials show it can shorten recovery time.

Manufacturer Fujifilm Toyama Chemical says its phase three trial in Japan, which began in March, is now complete.

– AFP