The number of people who have died from COVID-19 worldwide has surpassed 600,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University in the US.
Yesterday, the World Health Organisation reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases for the second day in a row on Saturday as the total rose by 259,848 in 24 hours.
The biggest increases were in the US, Brazil, India and South Africa, according to a daily report.
The previous WHO record for new cases was 237,743 on Friday.
Yesterday also saw the highest number of deaths recorded globally since May 10th, with more than 7,000 people dying from COVID-19.
The latest figures bring the number of people who have been infected since the outbreak began to more than 14 million.
The surge this week means that one million cases were reported in under 100 hours.
Indian paramilitary soldiers walk back after performing religious rituals during the cremation of their colleague who died of COVID-19 at a crematorium in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, yesterday. Photo: AP Photo/Dar YasinThe WHO reported 71,484 new cases in the US, 45,403 in Brazil, 34,884 in India and 13,373 in South Africa.
The US, which leads the world with over 3.7 million cases, has tried to curb the outbreak at state and local levels with only limited success.
Meanwhile, face masks are to be made mandatory in the Australian city of Melbourne this week.
Anyone not wearing one from midnight on Wednesday could face a fine of around €120.
The state of Victoria in Australia is currently in its second lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19, with 363 new cases detected there yesterday.
Additional reporting by IRN
