Global coronavirus deaths top 150,000

More than 150,000 people have now died around the world from the coronavirus pandemic, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

A total of 150,142 deaths were recorded by 1900 GMT on Friday, with almost two-thirds, or 96,721, in Europe. The United States has the highest single toll, with 34,575 deaths, the data showed.

More than 2,207,730 cases of Covid-19 have been reported in 193 countries and territories, according to figures collected by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The numbers probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections however, because many countries are testing only the most serious cases. At least 483,000 cases are considered as having been cured.

After the US, the countries reporting the most deaths are Italy with 22,745 followed by Spain with 19,478 and France with 18,681.

4.5 BILLION PEOPLE CONFINED

Nearly six out of every 10 people around the world are currently forced or urged to stay at home to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

An AFP database shows that this concerns at least 4.5 billion people, or around 58 percent of the world population which is estimated by the United Nations at 7.79 billion in 2020.

Confinement measures started to make themselves felt in-mid-March as the number of cases of the novel coronavirus soared and the pandemic spread relentlessly around the world. By March 18, a total of 500 million people had been confined, that rose to a billion on March 23, two billion on March 24, three billion a day later and four billion on April 7. On Friday the figures topped 4.5 billion, spanning 110 countries and territories. Most of them, at least 2.93 billion people in 66 countries and territories, have no choice and are obliged to stay at home.

No region of the world has been spared. In most cases it is possible to leave home to work, buy basic necessities and to get health care.

At least 15 territories, covering 1.03 billion people, have urged their people to stay at home, while not actually forcing them to do so. That is the case in Mexico, a large part of Brazil, as well as Canada, Germany, Iran, Japan, Switzerland and Uganda.

At least 25 nations or territories grouping some 500 million have enforced curfews, banning people going out in the evenings and during the night. This measure is widespread in Africa and Latin America.