World News Briefs -- July 8, 2020 (Evening Edition)

Reuters: Global coronavirus cases rise to more than 12 million

(Reuters) - Global coronavirus cases exceeded 12 million on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally, as evidence mounts of the airborne spread of the disease that has killed more than half a million people in seven months.

The number of cases is triple that of severe influenza illnesses recorded annually, according to the World Health Organization.

Many hard-hit countries are easing lockdowns put in place to slow the spread of the novel virus, while others, such as China and Australia, implement another round of shutdowns in response to a resurgence in infections. Experts say alterations to work and social life could last until a vaccine is available.

The first case was reported in China in early January and it took 149 days to hit 6 million cases. It has taken less than a third of that time – just 39 days – to double to 12 million cases, the tally shows.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria conflict: 'Flagrant' war crimes committed in Idlib battle, UN says.

Syrian food and vaccines at risk as Russia uses UN veto to scupper aid plan.

Iran to bolster Syria air defences, counter US 'pressure'.

Iran says virus deaths cross 12,000.

Tehran mayor sees 'threat' in Iranians' dissatisfaction.

Pompeo hints at Iran links in killing of Iraq expert.

UN warns Yemen on brink of famine again.

Abbas tells Putin Palestinians want to negotiate with Israel.

Benny Gantz goes into quarantine in Israel.

ASIA

After show of military might, China offers to restart S. China Sea talks.

Xi Jinping tells Vladimir Putin: China and Russia should stand firm against unilateralism.

China, U.S. trade tit-for-tat visa curbs over Tibet.

Pompeo: Chinese action in India clash 'incredibly aggressive'.

Coronavirus in Australia: Melbourne begins new shutdown.

Kim Jong Un appears at memorial for grandfather Kim Il Sung.

Top envoy says U.S. ready to resume talks with North Korea.

Hong Kong civil servants employed from July 1 to be required in writing to swear allegiance, uphold Basic Law.

Chinese embassy says upgraded travel warning for Australians in China 'completely ridiculous'.

Japan battered by more heavy rain and flooding, leaving 58 dead.

Islamic activists halt construction of first Hindu temple in Islamabad.

AFRICA

Ethiopia: Death toll rises in violent protests against Hachalu Hundessa's killing. Ethiopia violence death toll rises to 239.

Ivory Coast Prime Minister Coulibaly dies suddenly.

Burkina Faso: 180 bodies found in 'killing field'.

UN chief: Foreign interference in Libya at 'unprecedented levels'.

Libya: Turkish troops help clear landmines in Tripoli.

Tunisian military shoot at vehicles crossing illegally from Libya.

Protests in the DRC over election chief appointment plans.

Tracking Africa's coronavirus cases.

Sudan begins easing coronavirus lockdown measures.

EUROPE

Serbia's president U-turns on plan to reinstate coronavirus lockdown after thousands protested against the move and tried to storm parliament building. Serbia's Vucic backs down on coronavirus curfew after Belgrade protests.

Exclusive: EU secures potential COVID-19 drugs from Roche, Germany's Merck.

Germany's Angela Merkel calls for EU unity on coronavirus recovery.

France rules out 'total lockdown' in case of Covid-19 second wave.

Spain's Catalonia makes masks compulsory in public at all times.

Pompeo sees progress in reopening travel with EU.

Russia angrily tweets that the US should 'mind its own business' after a US embassy spokeswoman raised concern about the country's curbs on media freedom.

Moscow theatres to reopen in August as Russia's coronavirus cases pass 700,000.

Kosovo president to be interviewed on war crimes charges.

AMERICAS

US surpasses 3 million coronavirus infections. US surpasses three million coronavirus cases.

Harvard, MIT sue to block Trump administration from stripping student visas amid pandemic.

Trump moves to formally withdraw US from WHO.

Coronavirus: Biden vows to reverse Trump WHO withdrawal.

Trump hails 'outstanding relationship' with Mexico president.

Mexican leader praises Trump despite past tariff threats, insults.

FBI director: China is 'greatest threat' to US.

Canada projects $343bn deficit amid Covid 'uncertainty'.

Colombia extends national lockdown as virus 'accelerates'.

Brazil's Bolsonaro, sick with coronavirus, says he is 'doing very well'.

Brazil coronavirus: Bolsonaro's cabinet gets tested.

Brazil's President Bolsonaro vetoes COVID-19 aid for Indigenous.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Afghanistan says will not release 600 'too dangerous' Taliban.

Lebanese national accused of financing Hezbollah returns home.

UN expert says US strike on Soleimani was 'unlawful'.

US denounces UN report on Iran general's 'unlawful' killing.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Nasdaq ends at record high as Wall Street rises with tech shares.

'Death Cross' strikes U.S. dollar as COVID-19 cases grow.

Trump says considering TikTok ban as China row deepens.

Facebook has caused 'significant setbacks for civil rights' by failing to act on content including Trump's posts about mail-in ballots, according to damning two-year audit.

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