Apr 19, 2020 - World

Thousands in Bangladesh gather at funeral despite coronavirus lockdown

Tens of thousands of people defied a nationwide coronavirus lockdown in Bangladesh to attend the funeral of a top Islamic preacher, April 18. Photo: STR/AFP via Getty Images

As many as 100,000 people in Bangladesh ignored a nationwide lockdown on Saturday to attend the funeral of Islamist leader Maulana Jubayer Ahmed Ansari without masks or other protective gear, the Dhaka Tribune reports.

Why it matters: Health officials fear the mass gathering could set off a surge in coronavirus cases in a country that is ill-equipped to manage an epidemic. Bangladesh has thus far reported 2,456 cases and 91 deaths from the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

The Bangladeshi police force suspended several officers for failing to disperse the crowd, the New York Times reports.
“The law cannot be enforced on tens of thousands of people,” a senior police official told the Dhaka Tribune.

Go deeper: History's largest lockdown leaves Indian workers stranded, afraid

Go deeper

Axios

Updated 26 mins ago - Health

World coronavirus updates

Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins; Map: Axios Visuals

France reported more than 2,500 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours — the largest single-day number since May. French officials said the situation was "clearly worsening," per France 24.

By the numbers: Over 745,600 people have died of the novel coronavirus globally and over 20.4 million have tested positive, per Johns Hopkins. Almost 12.7 million have recovered from the virus.

Go deeper (2 min. read)

Axios

Updated 1 hour ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios

Global: Total confirmed cases as of 7 p.m. ET: 20,456,016 — Total deaths: 745,600— Total recoveries: 12,663,206 — Map.
U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 7 p.m. ET: 5,190,948 — Total deaths: 165,883 — Total recoveries: 1,714,960 — Total tests: 63,252,257 — Map.
Politics: Pelosi says Mnuchin told her White House is "not budging" on stimulus position.
Business: U.S. already feeling effects of ending unemployment benefits.
Public health: America's two-sided COVID-19 response — America is flying blind on its coronavirus response.
Education: New Jersey governor allows schools to reopen — Gallup: America's confidence in public school system jumps to highest level since 2004.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)

Marisa Fernandez

Jul 27, 2020 - Health

Youth COVID-19 hospitalizations in Florida surge 23%

A health care worker directs a person to use a nasal swab for a self administered test, Miami, Florida, July 23. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Coronavirus cases in youths have greatly increased in Florida, with total infections up 34% and hospitalizations up 23% between July 16 and 24, according to the Florida Department of Health.

The big picture: The increase from 23,170 confirmed COVID-19 cases in youths to 31,150 in just eight days comes as Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and the Trump administration continue to aggressively push for schools to resume in-person classes in August.