The planet is bracing for a long battle against the disease that has so far killed at least 33,000 people, infected more than 700,000 and left two-fifths of the world’s population confined to their homes.
Harsh lockdowns aimed at halting the march of coronavirus around the world widened on Monday to include Moscow’s capital as the death toll mounted and fears grew for the fate of the global economy.
From field hospitals and a US military hospital ship in New York, to the empty streets of European capitals and fears of a new wave of COVID-19 in Africa, the virus has changed the face of the world in a few short weeks.
Coronavirus continues to tighten its grip in Europe, which remains the epicenter of the disease with the death toll there passing 25,000 on Monday, according to sources.
Spain, which has the world’s second biggest death toll from the disease after Italy, announced another 812 virus deaths in 24 hours, although it was the first decline since Thursday.
Britain and Italy both warned at the weekend that measures to prevent the spread of the disease would be in place for months to come.
The lockdowns are causing hardship across the world, but particularly in cities in Africa and Asia where poverty leaves many people scrabbling to survive on a day-by-day basis.
Africa’s biggest city, Lagos, was due to join the global stay-at-home from Monday, with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari ordering a two-week lockdown for its 20 million people. The measures, in force from 2200 GMT, also apply to the capital Abuja.
The economic effects of the shutdown threaten to be felt for years to come, with millions already out of work and governments rushing through huge stimulus plans to keep people and businesses solvent.
