(Reuters) - More than 300,000 people have died of COVID-19 across Europe, according to a Reuters tally on Tuesday, and authorities fear that fatalities and infections will continue to rise as the region heads into winter despite hopes for a new vaccine.
With just 10% of the world’s population, Europe accounts for almost a quarter of the 1.2 million deaths globally, and even its well-equipped hospitals are feeling the strain.
After achieving a measure of control over the pandemic with broad lockdowns earlier this year, case numbers have surged since the summer and governments have ordered a second series of restrictions to limit social contacts.
In all, Europe has reported some 12.8 million cases and about 300,114 deaths. Over the past week, it has seen 280,000 cases a day, up 10% from the week earlier, representing just over half of all new infections reported globally.
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MIDDLE EAST
Joe Biden's election brings relief and concern in Middle East.
US blacklists more Iranian companies amid rumors of ‘sanctions flood’ to sink nuclear deal for good.
US approves $23bn advanced arms sale to UAE: Pompeo.
Iran calls for withdrawal of 'foreign fighters' after Karabakh ceasefire.
Syrian Kurdish commander sees chance to ease tensions with Turkey under Biden.
Longtime Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat dies of COVID-19.
Jordan holds election despite alarming Covid-19 resurgence.
After cosy ties with Trump, Saudi Arabia faces Biden 'pariah' pledge.
Saudi Arabia’s economy shrinks for a fifth straight quarter.
ASIA
Thai PM urges calm 'from all sides' in protests.
Myanmar’s army-backed party alleges 'contentious events' during election.
North Korea maintains silence on U.S. presidential election.
Japanese prime minister meets with Seoul's spy agency chief.
Modi’s party, allies leading vote in India’s Bihar state.
Fiji death in custody reignites debate over police brutality.
US 'disappointed' as Cambodia razes another military facility.
AFRICA
Thousand fleeing fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray region cross into Sudan.
Clashes over Ivory Coast vote as West African states urge talks.
At least 150 arrests in Tanzania over disputed vote: UN rights chief.
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu leaves Tanzania.
Gunmen shoot dead female Libyan dissident in busy Benghazi street.
Outskirts of Somalia’s capital is under siege by damaging locusts.
EUROPE
COVID death toll tops 300,000 as winter looms and infections surge.
Nagorno-Karabakh peace deal brokered by Moscow prompts anger in Armenia.
France, Germany push for tighter EU borders after attacks.
‘Safer world?’ Stoltenberg calls on international community to get rid of nukes, says NATO members should keep theirs for now.
EU to launch inquiry into complicity in Croatia border violence.
North Cyprus protest denounces 'interference' ahead of Erdogan visit.
AMERICAS
US hits record COVID-19 hospitalizations amid virus surge.
Joe Biden calls Donald Trump's refusal to concede US election an 'embarrassment' as Mike Pompeo predicts smooth transition to Trump second term.
Mexican military shows its strength just south of US border to keep migrants from crossing.
Peru's new president accused of coup after ousting of predecessor.
Peru clashes over President Vizcarra's impeachment.
'Generational catastrophe' looms as 97 percent of Latin American students are out of school.
Canada PM scolds provinces: Do more to fight coronavirus.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Afghan security forces kill Al-Qaeda leader & accuse Taliban of having ‘protected’ him.
Coalition aircraft launched almost 35,000 strikes on ISIS targets over six years.
Islamists behead more than 50 people on a football pitch in Mozambique then chop the bodies to pieces after abducting female villagers.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Nasdaq retreats as technology stocks lose favor.
Global rally fades, but investors’ hopes remain for economy.
Apple unveils new MacBook lineup starting with a $699 Mini featuring silicon M1 chip that performs 11 TRILLION operations per second and delivers twice the power of PC systems.
EU says Amazon 'distorting' competition among third-party sellers.
