(VOVWORLD) - The novel coronavirus outbreak is affecting 205 countries and territories around the world with more than 1 million infected cases and and nearly 60,000 deaths as of Saturday, according to Worldometers.
Within 24 hours, the US recorded more than 31,000 new cases, bringing the total number of infected people to over 276,000. The US is at the record high in terms of the number of coronavirus deaths after 24 hours - more than 1,314 deaths. The Covid-19 death toll in the US surpassed 7,380.
At a press conference of the White House’s Coronavirus Task Force on Friday, US President Donald Trump said: “From recent studies, we know that the transmission from individuals without symptoms is playing a more significant role in the spread of the virus than previously understood. In light of these studies, the CDC is advising the use of non-medical cloth face covering as an additional voluntary public health measure. The CDC is not recommending the use of medical grade or surgical grade masks since we want that to be used for our great medical people that’s working so hard. Medical protective gears must be reserved for the frontline healthcare workers. The mask guideline do not replace the CDC guideline on social distancing including staying in your home when possible, standing at least 6 feet apart from others”
Preisdent Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to prevent the export of surgical masks and gloves outside of the US. The White House said the order is intended to prevent “war profiteers” from hoarding supplies.
European countries have been witnessing the complex development of Covid-19. Both of Italy and Spain currently have more than 120,000 people infected. The number of coronavirus deaths in Italy surpassed 14,600, the highest death toll in the world. It was followed by Spain with 11,000 Covid-19 deaths.
In France, the number of Covid-19 deaths was more than 6,500. French government require its people to comply with the lockdown. French Minister of the Interior Christophe Castaner said: “Police forces will continue conducting patrol over the weekend at train stations, highways, roads, and resorts throughout France. I have asked the sheriff of every region to ban or restrict the renting at these resorts.”
The French Interior Ministry said people are not allowed to travel and leave their isolated places during the national lockdown. Otherwise, its 3 week-quarantine will be in vain.