More than 257,000 dead

At least 257,687 people have died of the novel coronavirus since the epidemic surfaced in China late last year, according to an AFP tally at 1100 GMT yesterday based on official sources. There have been more than 3,675,869 officially recorded cases spanning 195 countries and territories. The United States is the worst-hit country, with 71,078 deaths out of more than 1.2 million cases. Britain follows with over 32,000 deaths. Italy follows with 29,315 deaths, Spain with 25,857 and France with 25,531.

Italy claims first vaccine

Italian researchers claim to have developed a vaccine that can neutralise the coronavirus in human cells. Tests carried out at Rome's infectious-disease Spallanzani Hospital generated antibodies in mice that work in human cells. Human tests are expected after this summer.

Nearly normal in South Korea

South Korea returns largely to normal as workers go back to offices, and libraries reopen under eased social distancing rules.

Celebs call for radical change

A host of celebrities and scientists including Madonna, Robert de Niro and a clutch of Nobel Prize winners sign an open letter calling for radical change in the world rather than "a return to normal" after lockdowns. Hollywood stars Cate Blanchett, Jane Fonda and Marion Cotillard are also among the 200 signatories of the letter published in French daily Le Monde, pleading for an end to unbridled consumerism and a "radical transformation" of economies to help save the planet.

15,000 deaths in LatAM

More than 15,000 people have been killed by the novel coronavirus in Latin America and the Caribbean as of 0230 GMT yesterday, according to an AFP tally based on official reports. Across the region more than 282,000 COVID-19 cases have been officially reported. Topping the death toll list is Brazil, with 7,921 fatalities and 114,715 cases; followed by Mexico with 2,271 fatalities and Ecuador with 1,569 deaths. Experts believe that the pandemic will peak there in the coming days.

human trafficking threat 

The UN's Office on Drugs and Crime yesterday warned of increased risks to human trafficking victims due to the coronavirus crisis with people more vulnerable to exploitation and protection limited. New UNODC analysis found, other than the risk of catching the virus, some rescued victims have been unable to go home because of border closures. More children are also being forced onto the streets in search of food and income with closed schools no longer providing shelter and nourishment.