COVID-19: Global cases reach 1.5m, as WHO challenges US, China

The total number of recorded cases of the dreaded COVID-19 disease which has claimed many lives already across the globe stands at 1.5 million with the United States and the United Kingdom suffering the highest number of deaths in a single day since the outbreak began.

The latest figures were provided by Johns Hopkins University which provided data showing that of the 1.5 million people with COVID-19 nearly 330,000 have recovered from the virus.

Figures provided by Johns Hopkins University further showed that 88,500 people have died with the US reporting 1,850 deaths on Wednesday, and the UK, 938.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged the US, China to provide honest leadership and unite in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic after President Donald Trump threatened to review US funding.

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WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on leaders of the US and China not to “politicise” the situation and focus on saving lives threatened by COVID-19 disease.

“The focus of all political parties should be to save their people. Please don’t politicise this virus. It exploits the differences you have at the national level,” he said at a press briefing in Geneva, addressing politicians and world leaders.

“If you want to be exploited and if you want to have many more body bags, then you do it. If you don’t want many more body bags, then you refrain from politicising it.”

Pleading for leaders to put aside differences, Tedros added: “Please, unity at national level, not using COVID for political points. Second, honest solidarity at the global level. And honest leadership from the US and China,” he said.

“The United States and China should come together and fight this dangerous enemy,” he said.

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