Global COVID-19 tracker

Harsh lockdowns aimed at halting the march of the coronavirus has extended worldwide as the deaths surpassed 88,000 and new waves of US outbreaks pushed the nation's containment efforts to the brink. Despite slivers of hope in stricken Italy and Spain, the tough measures that have confined some two-fifths of the globe's population to their homes were broadened.

Hyderabad: The coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 15,18,719 and killed over 88,502 people across the world. More than 3,30,589 people have recovered so far.

The virus spreads by microscopic droplets from coughs or sneezes. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.

Global COVID-19 tracker.

China’s National Health Commission on Thursday reported 63 new COVID-19 cases, including 61 which it says are imported infections in recent arrivals from abroad and two “native” cases in the southern province of Guangdong.

There were no new cases reported in Hubei, the central province hardest-hit by the coronavirus outbreak. Two new deaths, however, were reported, both in Hubei.

Japan’s health ministry said Thursday that the country had more than 500 new cases for the first time on Wednesday, bringing the national total to 4,768 — excluding hundreds from a cruise ship quarantined near Tokyo earlier this year.