COVID-19 pandemic in Malta Malta reports 72 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. It is the highest single increase in new cases in the country since the pandemic began. (Times of Malta)
COVID-19 pandemic in Russia, COVID-19 vaccine Russia announces the production of the first batch of its Sputnik V vaccine. (Hindustan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland Ireland reports 200 new cases but no deaths in the last 24 hours. This is the highest number of daily cases since May. (The Irish Times)
Malta reports 72 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. It is the highest single increase in new cases in the country since the pandemic began. (Times of Malta)
MV Wakashio oil spill The Japanese bulk carrier Wakashio, which stranded on a reef in Mauritius last month, breaks in half. Approximately 1,000 tonnes of oil spilled into the ocean. Most of the oil had been pumped out before the ship broke in half in the afternoon. Around 166 tonnes of oil remained after the break, and authorities are working to remove it. Scientists call it the biggest environmental disaster ever in Mauritius. France says it will help with the cleanup. Japan's ministry of environment announced that it will send officials and other specialists to look at the damage. (Reuters)
The Japanese bulk carrier Wakashio, which stranded on a reef in Mauritius last month, breaks in half. Approximately 1,000 tonnes of oil spilled into the ocean. Most of the oil had been pumped out before the ship broke in half in the afternoon. Around 166 tonnes of oil remained after the break, and authorities are working to remove it. Scientists call it the biggest environmental disaster ever in Mauritius. France says it will help with the cleanup. Japan's ministry of environment announced that it will send officials and other specialists to look at the damage. (Reuters)
The MSC Grandiosa disembarks from Genoa, Italy, on a seven-day cruise in the Mediterranean Sea, the first major cruise ship to sail in the Sea in almost five months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Florida The Florida Department of Health reports 3,779 cases, the state's lowest since June 23. (The Miami Herald)
COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signs an executive order that permits local officials to issue mask mandates in their cities. (Newsweek)
COVID-19 pandemic in India The number of deaths from COVID-19 in India surpasses 50,000. (Hindustan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea The number of daily new COVID-19 cases in South Korea tops 200 for the first time in five months, with 279 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The cases are traced to several conservative churches in the Seoul Capital Area. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines The Department of Health announces a new single-day record-high increase of 40,397 recoveries in the Philippines, bringing the total number of patients discharged to 112,586. (Inquirer)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Florida The Florida Department of Health reports 3,779 cases, the state's lowest since June 23. (The Miami Herald) COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signs an executive order that permits local officials to issue mask mandates in their cities. (Newsweek)
The Department of Health announces a new single-day record-high increase of 40,397 recoveries in the Philippines, bringing the total number of patients discharged to 112,586. (Inquirer)
Australia reports 25 new COVID-19 deaths (all of them in Victoria), the deadliest day since the pandemic began. (ABC News Australia)
COVID-19 pandemic in Andorra With 16 new daily confirmed cases, Andorra exceeds 1,000 cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. (Diari d'Andorra)
COVID-19 pandemic in Australia Australia reports 25 new COVID-19 deaths (all of them in Victoria), the deadliest day since the pandemic began. (ABC News Australia)
COVID-19 pandemic in Europe COVID-19 pandemic in Spain The Basque Country declares a sanitary emergency for the second time since the start of the pandemic, but doesn't foresee a general confinement of the Basque population. (La Vanguardia) COVID-19 pandemic in Andorra With 16 new daily confirmed cases, Andorra exceeds 1,000 cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. (Diari d'Andorra)
COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria The Federal Ministry of Aviation announces that international flights from Lagos and Abuja will resume on August 29, after a four-month hiatus. (Anadolu Agency)
COVID-19 pandemic in Spain The Basque Country declares a sanitary emergency for the second time since the start of the pandemic, but doesn't foresee a general confinement of the Basque population. (La Vanguardia)
The Basque Country declares a sanitary emergency for the second time since the start of the pandemic, but doesn't foresee a general confinement of the Basque population. (La Vanguardia)
With 16 new daily confirmed cases, Andorra exceeds 1,000 cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. (Diari d'Andorra)
2020 Masbate earthquake A 6.6-magnitude earthquake hits Cataingan, Masbate, Philippines, with at least one person reported to have been killed. (The Independent)
A 6.6-magnitude earthquake hits Cataingan, Masbate, Philippines, with at least one person reported to have been killed. (The Independent)
Chancellor Angela Merkel rules out easing further COVID-19-related public health restrictions amidst a rise in new cases. (France 24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel rules out easing further COVID-19-related public health restrictions amidst a rise in new cases. (France 24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Iran Iran surpasses 20,000 deaths by COVID-19, the highest toll in the Middle East. (AP) COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea South Korea reports its highest daily rise in COVID-19 cases since early March, with 297 new cases being reported in the last 24 hours. Nearly 90% of the new cases appeared in Seoul Capital Area, where 166 of them are linked to the Sarang Jeil Church. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in France Toulouse becomes the first major city in France to make face masks compulsory in all outdoor areas. The new rules will take effect on Friday and apply from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. local time for all people ages 12 and up, including those on bikes and kick-scooters. (The Telegraph) France registers 3,776 new cases in the last 24 hours, marking a new post-lockdown peak and bringing the total to 225,043. (France 24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Iran Iran surpasses 20,000 deaths by COVID-19, the highest toll in the Middle East. (AP)
COVID-19 pandemic in Italy Italy reports 642 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, which is the highest number of reported cases since May 23, when the lockdown was eased. (ANSA) (Yahoo News UK)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea South Korea reports its highest daily rise in COVID-19 cases since early March, with 297 new cases being reported in the last 24 hours. Nearly 90% of the new cases appeared in Seoul Capital Area, where 166 of them are linked to the Sarang Jeil Church. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Spain Spain registers its highest number of new cases since the end of the lockdown in June, with 3,715 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. (The Times)
The Ministry of Health confirms that a man has died in hospital after being shot in the head at a protest in the city of Brest on August 11. He becomes the third fatality of the protests so far. (TASS)
Thousands in the San Francisco Bay Area flee their homes after several quick-moving wildfires, apparently sparked by lightning and the heatwave, sweep into the region. Around 50 structures have burned down with another 50 damaged in Vacaville. This group of fires, called the LNU Lightning Complex, has grown to 46,000 uncontained acres. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in India India reports its highest single-day record of 69,672 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, with 977 new deaths. 2,096,664 people from the total 2.8 million people have recovered. (The Tribune) COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam The total number of infections in Vietnam surpasses 1,000 with 25 deaths. More than half of them are linked to a new outbreak that began in late July in Da Nang. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Costa Rica, COVID-19 pandemic in the United States Costa Rica reopens for traveling for Americans in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont. (CNN)
COVID-19 pandemic in France France reports a sharp spike of new cases in the last 24 hours when more than 4,700 cases reported. It is first time that more than 4,000 new cases reported since May and the highest number of new cases since April, when the country was still in lockdown. (LCI) (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany The number of new cases rises by 1,707 in the last 24 hours, while ten people die from the disease. This is the highest number of new cases since late April. (Euronews)
COVID-19 pandemic in India India reports its highest single-day record of 69,672 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, with 977 new deaths. 2,096,664 people from the total 2.8 million people have recovered. (The Tribune)
COVID-19 pandemic in Italy Italy reports 845 new cases in the last 24 hours, majority of them are holidaymakers returning from other countries. This number marking the highest daily increase since May 16. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts Students in Massachusetts will be required to take a flu vaccine in order to attend schools. (CBS News)
COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in Costa Rica, COVID-19 pandemic in the United States Costa Rica reopens for traveling for Americans in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont. (CNN)
COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland reduces the number of people allowed in outdoor gatherings to 15 people and limits indoor gatherings in private dwellings to six individuals from two households amid a rise in cases. (Sky News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland Scotland reports its highest number of daily new cases since May, with 77 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Slovenia Slovenia registers its highest number of new cases since April 3, with 43 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. (RTVSLO)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland reduces the number of people allowed in outdoor gatherings to 15 people and limits indoor gatherings in private dwellings to six individuals from two households amid a rise in cases. (Sky News) COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland Scotland reports its highest number of daily new cases since May, with 77 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts Students in Massachusetts will be required to take a flu vaccine in order to attend schools. (CBS News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam The total number of infections in Vietnam surpasses 1,000 with 25 deaths. More than half of them are linked to a new outbreak that began in late July in Da Nang. (Reuters)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism Airbnb bans house parties and limits almost all listed venues to 16 people as it tries to comply with gathering restrictions. (BBC News) Australian youth travel agency STA Travel files for insolvency. (BBC News) Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation American Airlines announces it will end service at 15 airports starting October 7. (CNN)
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation American Airlines announces it will end service at 15 airports starting October 7. (CNN)
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism Airbnb bans house parties and limits almost all listed venues to 16 people as it tries to comply with gathering restrictions. (BBC News) Australian youth travel agency STA Travel files for insolvency. (BBC News)
The number of new cases rises by 1,707 in the last 24 hours, while ten people die from the disease. This is the highest number of new cases since late April. (Euronews)
The total number of infections in Vietnam surpasses 1,000 with 25 deaths. More than half of them are linked to a new outbreak that began in late July in Da Nang. (Reuters)
2020 Kentucky Derby, COVID-19 pandemic in Kentucky Churchill Downs announces that the upcoming 146th Kentucky Derby will run without fans due to COVID-19 concerns including a rise in cases including in Louisville, Kentucky. (CBS Sports) (Courier Journal)
Chief Executive Carrie Lam announces mass COVID-19 testing for residents starting on September 1, with the assistance of a 60-person team from the mainland, which is the first time Chinese health officials have assisted the special administrative region in its battle to control the epidemic. (CNA)
COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam announces mass COVID-19 testing for residents starting on September 1, with the assistance of a 60-person team from the mainland, which is the first time Chinese health officials have assisted the special administrative region in its battle to control the epidemic. (CNA)
COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya, protests over responses to the COVID-19 pandemic Police arrest anti-corruption protesters in Nairobi for allegedly disobeying social distancing measures. Protesters, however, claim the arrests were an attempt by authorities to silence dissent and report that police have used tear gas to disperse the crowds. (AP via The Washington Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in New Hampshire New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu announces that restaurants in the state can now open at 100% dine-in capacity. (Newsweek)
COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore, COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, COVID-19 pandemic in Brunei The Singaporean Ministry of Health announces that it would permit the entry of travelers from Brunei and New Zealand, effective September 1, citing the countries' effective responses to pandemic. (Reuters via CNBC)
COVID-19 pandemic in Syria The opposition-controlled region of the northwest of Syria reports its first death from COVID-19, that of an 80-year-old woman who suffered from severe renal insufficiency and high blood pressure. (AFP via Al Arabiya)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom The UK's national debt exceeds £2 trillion ($2.61tn) for the first time, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. (AFP via New Straits Times)
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports 2020 Kentucky Derby, COVID-19 pandemic in Kentucky Churchill Downs announces that the upcoming 146th Kentucky Derby will run without fans due to COVID-19 concerns including a rise in cases including in Louisville, Kentucky. (CBS Sports) (Courier Journal)
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore, COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, COVID-19 pandemic in Brunei The Singaporean Ministry of Health announces that it would permit the entry of travelers from Brunei and New Zealand, effective September 1, citing the countries' effective responses to pandemic. (Reuters via CNBC)
The Singaporean Ministry of Health announces that it would permit the entry of travelers from Brunei and New Zealand, effective September 1, citing the countries' effective responses to pandemic. (Reuters via CNBC)
2020 Atlantic hurricane season Two simultaneous tropical storms, Laura and Marco, threaten Gulf Coast residents in the coming days. Laura is currently over Puerto Rico, while Marco is making its way through the Yucatan Channel. This would mark the first time in over 60 years in which two tropical storms were active simultaneously in the Gulf of Mexico. (CNN) (CNN2)
A cargo aircraft crashes upon takeoff from Juba International Airport in Juba, South Sudan, en route to the cities of Aweil and Wau, killing at least 17 people. (Xinhua)
At least 13 people are killed after police raid a nightclub in Lima for breaching restrictions that were imposed in response to the pandemic. Police report that a stampede occurred as patrons tried to escape, resulting in casualties, while others were killed due to asphyxiation. (Reuters via Hindustan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Europe COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Robert Koch Institute reports more than 2,000 new cases in Germany in the last 24 hours, which is the highest number of reported cases since late April. (Euronews) COVID-19 pandemic in Italy The number of daily new cases in Italy surpasses 1,000 for the first time since May. (Daily Sabah)
COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Robert Koch Institute reports more than 2,000 new cases in Germany in the last 24 hours, which is the highest number of reported cases since late April. (Euronews)
COVID-19 pandemic in India India reports a record jump in infections, recording 69,878 new cases and nearing three million. It also reported 945 new deaths, bringing the tally to 55,794. 62,282 patients recovered from the disease, which is also the highest in a single day. (DW) India reaches milestone of 10 lakh (1 million) tests per day. (Hindustan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Indonesia signs a deal with Chinese company Sinovac Biotech to purchase 50 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. (Bloomberg)
COVID-19 pandemic in Italy The number of daily new cases in Italy surpasses 1,000 for the first time since May. (Daily Sabah)
COVID-19 pandemic in Peru At least 13 people are killed after police raid a nightclub in Lima for breaching restrictions that were imposed in response to the pandemic. Police report that a stampede occurred as patrons tried to escape, resulting in casualties, while others were killed due to asphyxiation. (Reuters via Hindustan Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea South Korea announces a ban of large gatherings, shutting down high-risk facilities, banning in-person churches, and removing fans from professional sports nationwide tomorrow, as the country reports a new five-month high of 332 new cases in the last 24 hours, citing "a very dangerous situation that could trigger a massive nationwide spread of COVID-19". (AFP via detikNews) (The Telegraph)
India reports a record jump in infections, recording 69,878 new cases and nearing three million. It also reported 945 new deaths, bringing the tally to 55,794. 62,282 patients recovered from the disease, which is also the highest in a single day. (DW)
