Countries worldwide added a record 1,889,175 cases of COVID-19 during the last 24 hours, data collected from health authorities across the world revealed on Friday. During the time, according to the statistics, there were 7,058 new fatalities attributed to the virus. Since the pandemic started, there were over 286 million infections, with the United States accounting for over 20% of the global caseload.
COVID-19 deaths in Eastern Europe surpass 1 million
Dec 30 (Reuters) – Coronavirus deaths in Eastern Europe topped 1 million on Thursday, according to a Reuters tally, as the Omicron variant threatened to batter the region.
France reports over 200,000 new daily cases for second day in a row
France reported 206,243 new confirmed Covid cases in a 24-hour period on Thursday, a tally above 200,000 for the second day running. The record of 208,099 was set just the day before, on Wednesday, as the health minister, Olivier Véran, warned of a “tsunami” of infections. At the beginning of December, there were fewer than 50,000 daily cases. One month before that, the daily data broke the 10,000 threshold for the first time since mid-September.
UK breaks daily Covid infections tally again with 189,213
The UK reported 189,213 new Covid cases in the past 24 hours, smashing Wednesday’s record-breaking tally of 183,037 positive tests. Thursday’s new infections represent a 116% rise on the 87,565 new infections reported two weeks ago today – which was itself then a record-breaking daily tally. A further 332 people died from Covid-related causes on Thursday, a 127% climb on the 146 deaths recorded two weeks ago.
Italy reports new record 126,888 coronavirus cases on Thursday, 156 deaths
MILAN – Italy reported 126,888 COVID-19 related cases on Thursday, against 98,030 the day before, the health ministry said, while the number of deaths rose to 156 from 148. Thursday’s infections mark a fresh record. Italy has registered 137,247 deaths linked to COVID-19 since its outbreak emerged in February 2020, the second-highest toll in Europe after Britain and the ninth highest in the world.
Spain confirms another record in daily COVID cases
The Spanish Health Ministry confirmed on Thursday a new record in daily registered COVID-19 cases, with health authorities reporting an additional 161,688 new infections over the previous day. There were 74 new coronavirus-related deaths in the same 24-hour period, the ministry’s data showed. As part of the response to the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant, the government previously reintroduced the mask requirements in all outdoor spaces.
Australia’s NSW state adds record daily COVID cases
Australia’s most populous state of New South Wales has recorded 21,151 daily locally transmitted cases of COVID-19, the data provided by the NSW department of health showed. The figure marks the highest daily jump in coronavirus cases reported by any Australian state or territory since the pandemic began. Upon the release of data, Kerry Chant, the state’s chief health officer, said that the increase is likely much higher than reported.