COVID-19 Global Report: Rising Daily Cases Worry WHO

• Infection rates grow rapidly in Latin America
• Lockdowns ease in Europe

The World Health Organization (WHO) gave a stark warning on Wednesday that the coronavirus pandemic is far from over, after 106,000 new cases were recorded worldwide over the past 24 hours – the most in a single day so far.

Speaking in Geneva, the WHO’s Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the virus was spreading in poorer countries, just as wealthier nations were emerging from lockdown.

“We still have a long way to go in this pandemic. We are very concerned about rising cases in low- and middle-income countries,” he said.

The infection rate has been growing rapidly in Latin America, with Brazil becoming the country with the third most confirmed cases after it surpassed the UK on Tuesday.

The WHO warning came as European countries introduced innovative measures to curb further outbreaks. Spain confirmed face masks will be compulsory in busy city streets, and Germany said swimming pools would reopen without changing facilities.

The Spanish government said masks should be worn from Thursday in enclosed areas and outside where physical distancing cannot be followed. Children under six are exempt, as are people with breathing difficulties. Masks are recommended for three- to five-year-olds.

Fernando Simón, the head of Spain’s centre for health emergencies, said the measure was intended to protect both the wearer and those around them. He said there were clear differences between going for a solitary walk in the countryside and navigating crowded urban areas.

“The rules aren’t that complicated: you need to keep a distance from others of around 2 metres,” he said. “If logically, you’re on the street and realise that won’t be possible, you put on your mask and that’s that.”

Until now, face masks – which are being handed out at train and metro stations – have been compulsory only on public transport.

Spain’s prime minister struck an optimistic note on Wednesday after the partial easing of two months of restrictions, which have allowed restaurants and bars across 70% of the country to serve customers outside. Pedro Sánchez said the Spanish people had “beaten the curve”.

“No one has the right to squander what we’ve achieved with the lockdown,” he told MPs, as he secured another two-week lockdown extension.