Coronavirus spread worsen as more than 6.27 million infected globally

US health experts and government officials warned that large street protests over racial inequities and excessive police force could worsen the spread of the coronavirus.

More than 6.27 million people have been reported infected with the coronavirus globally and 374,612 have died, a Reuters tally showed by 0258 GMT on Tuesday.

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British government ministers are aiming to replace coronavirus quarantine for people arriving at airports by the end of June, with so-called air bridges being considered as an option, the Telegraph newspaper reported.

Slovakia will undo more coronavirus restrictions from Wednesday, including opening indoor sports centres and pools, as the country with one of the world's lowest death rates from the outbreak moves ahead with reopening.

A military personnel carries the coffin of a person deceased from coronavirus in Seriate, Italy, on Saturday. AFP

Russia will start giving patients its first drug approved to treat COVID-19 next week, its state financial backer told Reuters.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

World Health Organization experts and a range of other scientists said on Monday there was no evidence to support an assertion by a high-profile Italian doctor that the coronavirus has been losing potency.

In a single Brazilian state, some 2,400 meat plant workers have caught the coronavirus, officials said.

Medical workers wearing protective suits prepare to bury a victim of coronavirus in Padang, Indonesia.  Antara Foto/Reuters

Eli Lilly and Co said first set of patients have been dosed in an early-stage trial to test its potential COVID-19 treatment, in the world's first study of an antibody treatment against the disease.

Colombia issued new measures to control the spread in three of its most affected cities, including capital Bogota, as the rest of the country prepares for quarantine rules to start lifting.

China will fully implement its commitment to nationally determined contributions on climate change under the Paris climate agreement despite the coronavirus outbreak, the country's environment ministry said on Tuesday.

An elderly COVID-19 patient is transferred to an ambulance from a Hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Felipe Dana/AP

The Japanese Health Ministry said it has allowed saliva-based coronavirus tests to help boost the number of polymerase chain reaction tests.

South Korea is testing a new quick response code system this week to log visitors at high-risk entertainment facilities, restaurants and churches in a bid to track coronavirus cases.

Staff prepare to load equipment into London Ambulance Service vehicles in the east car park at the ExCeL in London. AFP

Hong Kong confirmed its first locally transmitted cases in more than two weeks, fuelling concerns over its spread as restrictions on movement are relaxed.

Reuters