Bloomberg & AFP

World edges close to 2 M COVID-19 deaths

Led by the United States, the world is about to hit a frightening COVID19 benchmark, with 2 million people dead and few expectations for the numbers to start dropping any time soon.

Mutant coronavirus in UK ‘out of control’

LONDON, United Kingdom — UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned that the new strain of the coronavirus is “out of control” and suggested parts of England will be stuck in the new, highest tier of restrictions until a vaccine is rolled out.

US, UK vaccinations start this week as infections peak

Vaccinations in the US and UK are set to start this week, while inoculations in Russia are underway to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 1.5 million people around the globe.

Asia Pacific nations sign the world’s biggest trade deal

HANOI, Vietnam — Asia Pacific nations including China, Japan, and South Korea yesterday signed the world’s largest regional free-trade agreement, encompassing nearly a third of the world’s population and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

US COVID-19 cases top 99,000, global now over 45 million

The US reported 99,325 cases Friday, the most for any country in a single day as infections and hospitalizations surged in the lead up to the presidential election. The total number of cases in the country exceeded 9 million, while India’s approached 8.1 million.