The number of novel coronavirus cases recorded worldwide surpassed four million on Saturday, according to an AFP tally based on official sources.
By Sunday morning there were at least 4,001,437 cases of coronavirus around the world, with 277,127 deaths.
The United States has been the hardest-hit country, with 1,305,544 cases and 78,618 deaths. Europe is the hardest-hit continent, with 1,708,648 cases and 155,074 deaths.
A patient is transported from the Terence Cardinal Cooke health care center on the upper east side in New York. Source: AAP
The AFP tally, using data collected from national authorities and information from the World Health Organization, probably reflects only a fraction of the true number of infections. Many countries are testing only the most serious cases.
Brazil tops 10,000 COVID-19 deaths
Brazil, the hardest-hit Latin American country in the coronavirus pandemic, has surpassed 10,000 deaths, according to figures released Saturday by the Ministry of Health.
The country has now recorded 10,627 deaths and 155,939 confirmed cases.
Relatives attend the burial of 71-year-old Neide Rodrigues Rosa, who died from coronavirus according to her son, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Source: AP
While Brazil's figures are high, scientists think the real toll could be 15 or even 20 times worse, given the country's inability to carry out widespread testing.
Sao Paulo, a state in southeastern Brazil with almost 46 million inhabitants, has seen more than 3,600 deaths and more than 44,400 cases.
Neighboring Rio de Janeiro state, home to more than 16 million people, follows with 1,653 deaths and 16,929 infections. Less populated states such as Ceara, Pernambuco and Amazonas already have around a thousand deaths each.
Resisting pressure from President Jair Bolsonaro, who opposes isolation measures due to their impact on the economy, the governors of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states will extend the partial quarantine measures in force since March until the end of May.
Defenders of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro protest against the Supreme Court of Justice who support the quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic. Source: AAP
After Brazil surpassed the 10,000 dead mark, Congress decreed an official mourning period of three days and asked Brazilians to follow health authorities' recommendations to reduce infection rates while the country prepares for "a safe and definitive return back to normal."
France's toll lowest in weeks
French health officials on Saturday announced another 80 deaths from the new coronavirus, the lowest figure recorded over 24 hours since early April.
The figures for those in intensive care also fell, with 38 people admitted for critical care.
The death toll in France now stands at 26,310, one of Europe's highest.
Just four of the latest fatalities were registered in nursing homes, a spectacular fall compared with daily figures for recent weeks, against 76 who died in hospital.
France is on Monday due to begin relaxing confinement restrictions imposed eight weeks ago with health authorities now noting much reduced pressures on intensive care services compared to the height of the crisis.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others.
Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits. Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store. SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments.
