COVID-19: Global infections hit 3m, as Brazil records 474 deaths in one day

Data compiled by Johns Hopkins University has revealed that the total number of COVID-19 infections recorded across the world has risen to more than three million, with at least 217,000 left dead.

The data provided by the Johns Hopkins University also reveals that nearly 929,000 people have recovered form the virus as France has unveiled plans, including the adoption of aggressive testing, for a gradual relaxation of its nationwide lockdown from May 11.

Meanwhile, Brazil reported the largest number of deaths in a single day as the outbreak there escalates and a political storm grows around embattled President Jair Bolsonaro.

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Brazil’s Health Ministry reported a record 474 people died from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, bringing the country’s death toll to 5,017 in total.

President Jair Bolsonaro, who is at the centre of the biggest political storm since he took office last year, had little to say when asked about the escalating coronavirus crisis.

“So what? I’m sorry, but what do you want me to do?” he said when reporters asked about the record deaths.

Bolsonaro on Tuesday named a family friend to head the federal police; days after the country’s justice minister quit and accused the president of meddling in law enforcement.

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