Global COVID cases nearing 48mn

Washington: The overall number of global coronavirus cases was nearing the 48 million mark, while the deaths have surged to more than 1,223,450, according to the Johns Hopkins University. As of Thursday morning, the total caseload and death toll stood at 47,997,816 and 1,223,456, respectively, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.
The US is the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases.
Four-week lockdown in England
Amid an ongoing second Covid-19 wave, a new four-week lockdown in England came into force on Thursday, under which people will have to stay at home, while non-essential shops, pubs and gyms will remain closed.
The lockdown came into effect after MPs on Wednesday voted in its favour by 516 to 39, a majority of 477, the BBC reported. (IANS)