Global COVID-19 cases exceed 5.5M, death toll at 347,723

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has killed 347,723 people worldwide since it surfaced in China late last year, according to an AFP tally on Tuesday, based on official sources.

The number of COVID-19 infections worldwide has reached 5.5 million.

The United States has recorded the most deaths with 98,584 fatalities. It is followed by Britain with 37,048, Italy with 32,955, France with 28,530 and Spain with 27,117.

The World Health Organization's regional office says the virus is "still accelerating" in Brazil, Peru and Chile.

Russia claims 'passed peak'

President Vladimir Putin says Russia has now passed the peak of infections and tells his defence minister to prepare a postponed World War II victory commemoration parade in June.

Health authorities report that at least 101 medics have died from coronavirus in the first such official announcement, while an online tally compiled by doctors gives a far higher figure.

Wall Street reopens

The New York Stock Exchange, the symbolic heart of Wall Street, reopens its floor after a two-month closure, with some 80 traders donning masks and separated by Plexiglas.

Big step for pilgrims and tourists

Iconic sites around the world begin opening again to visitors, including the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the ruins of ancient Pompeii in Italy.

Italian foreign minister Luigi di Maio says he is working with European Union colleagues to agree on June 15 as a coordinated day for member states to reopen their borders and tourist regions.

Saudi Arabia says it will end its nationwide curfew from June 21, except in the holy city of Mecca.

Prayers will be allowed to resume in all mosques outside Mecca from May 31.

French car industry rescue plan

French President Emmanuel Macron announces a plan worth eight billion euros ($8.8 billion) to revive France's auto industry by making it the European leader in electric cars, boosting a sector brought to its knees by the coronavirus.

LATAM goes under

Latin America's largest airline LATAM becomes the latest global air carrier to file for bankruptcy

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) industry body says governments have provided airlines $123 billion to help weather the coronavirus crisis.

British PM under pressure

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces a mounting internal rebellion, including a ministerial resignation, over a scandal around his top aide Dominic Cummings taking a cross-country trip during the coronavirus lockdown.

Dozens of Conservative lawmakers have now demanded the controversial adviser quit or be sacked while Douglas Ross, a minister for Scotland, resigned in protest.

Spain in mourning

Spain is to hold 10 days of official mourning from Wednesday for victims of the epidemic that has so far claimed more than 27,000 lives. -- Agence France-Presse