The number of coronavirus infections worldwide has hit 1 million, with more than 50,000 deaths, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.
The figures were another bleak milestone in the epidemic that has forced the lockdown of entire countries and brought economies to a shuddering halt.
Still, the true numbers of deaths and infections are believed to be much higher, in part because of differences in counting practices, many mild cases that have gone unreported, testing shortages, and suspicions of a cover-up in some countries.
Many cities and countries have imposed lockdowns to slow the spread of the disease. Major events have been called off or postponed, and many employees are being told to work from home, while others have been laid off.
To protect against the spread of COVID-19, people are encouraged to practice social distancing and to thoroughly wash their hands.
