Coronavirus Watch

Global Statistics

More than 8.9 million cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed worldwide, including 466,266 deaths. 156, 923 new cases were recorded yesterday and 4,438 deaths.

Europe has recorded more than 2.5 million cases, making it the worst-affected continent. Almost half of those cases have been registered in Russia, Britain, Spain and Italy.

The United Stated recorded 33,388 new cases to bring the total number of cases to 2,330,578, the country also registered 573 new deaths and the death toll is now at 121,980 as daily deaths continue to fall. With more than two million coronavirus cases, the US has the highest number of confirmed infections in the world which is about a quarter of the global total.

India passed the 400,000 case mark after recording 15,915 new Covid-19 infections, according to its Health Ministry.  That was India’s highest daily number of recorded cases, and the fourth consecutive day the country had seen its biggest numbers of new infections. India also recorded 307 deaths in the past 24 hours.

In South Africa, the cumulative number of confirmed COVID19 cases recorded was 92 681, with total deaths of 1,877 after 46 new deaths recorded and 50 326 recoveries. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize highlighted that the mortality rate is 2%. The number of recoveries is 50 326, which translates to a recovery rate of 54.3%. About 1 293 608 tests have been completed in total, of which 33 174 new tests are reported.

Egypt recorded 1,547 new cases to bring the total number of cases to 53,758. 89 new deaths were reported and the death toll now stands at 2,106. The country has the highest number of deaths in Africa as the country accounts for about 26% of the total death toll.

Mozambique recorded 20 new cases to bring the total cases to 688, with 177 recoveries and 507 active cases.

Zimbabwean statistics remained unchanged hence the number of cases is at 479, with 63 recoveries and 412 active cases.

Scientists also looking at Prozac as Covid-19 treatment, but study still in early stages

This antidepressant medication, also known by its generic name fluoxetine, is a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor (SSRI) which first appeared on the market in the late 1980s. It is often used as a treatment for depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Now, researchers from the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg are investigating this medication as an effective treatment for the early stages of Covid-19. The team found that the SSRI could significantly halt the early replication of the SARS-CoV-2, which means that the virus has a smaller chance of gaining a foothold in the body, causing severe illness.

Right now, the press release on the breakthrough in the dexamethasone trial stated that this medication was used in patients who were already badly affected by Covid-19. These patients were already hospitalised and on a ventilator. Dexamethasone could help save lives as it suppresses the immune system and treats inflammation. One of the significant causes of severe illness and death among Covid-19 patients has been an overreaction of the immune system. Therefore, this method would not be suited for treatment early on in the disease, as one does not want to suppress the immune system at that stage.

However, if Prozac could suppress the viral replication of SARS-CoV-2, it could help sidestep the most severe stage of Covid-19. It is, however, important to note that the research is still in its early stages and that the study has not yet been peer-reviewed.-News 24

Metal Prices Asia/Europe/NY markets

21/06/2020

(Source: Kitco)