People walk at a popular shopping street amid the coronavirus outbreak, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photo: ReutersThe coronavirus pandemic is accelerating, with Thursday's 150,000 new cases the highest in a single day and nearly half of those in the Americas, the World Health Organization says. More than 8.53 million people have been reported infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 453,834​ have died, a Reuters tally showed on Friday (local time). 'Difficult journey to vaccine'With many nations easing restrictions but fearful of a second wave of infections, Ryan urged a gradual and scientific approach. Ryan said the resurgence of new clusters did not necessarily mean a second wave, while "second peaks" were also possible in one wave.

Source: Otago Daily Times June 20, 2020 00:33 UTC