Indian PM Modi apologizes for lockdown hardships as cases pass 1,000: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has apologized for the hardships caused by India’s nationwide lockdown as the number of coronavirus cases in the country crossed the 1,000 mark.
“I apologize for taking the harsh steps which have caused difficulties in your lives, especially the poor people,” Modi said.
“I know some of you would be angry with me also. But these tough measures were needed to win this battle.”
China’s local epidemic “blocked”: China’s National Health Commission spokesman Mi Feng said a news conference Sunday that local transmission in the country was now “blocked,” as the daily number of new cases remains in the low double digits. But Mi warned that the chance for a second wave of infections imported from other countries remains high.
Tokyo cases spike: Japan’s health ministry announced Tokyo’s largest jump in cases yet on Sunday, with 68 new infections confirmed. Countrywide, there were 173 new cases. The spike comes a week after the 2020 Olympics scheduled to be held in the city were postponed until next year.
Australia closes playgrounds and outdoor areas: Prime Minister Scott Morrison has strengthened already tough social distancing laws in Australia, limiting all gatherings in public spaces to two people and shutting playgrounds and skate parks. Morrison urged all residents to “stay home.”
Philippines reports its single largest daily rise in cases: There were 343 new cases of the coronavirus recorded in the Philippines on Sunday, a massive jump which brought the country’s total to 1,418. The Department of Health also reported three additional fatalities due to the coronavirus, bringing the death toll in the Philippines to 71.
Plane with medical supplies crashes in Manila: A plane which was heading from the Philippine capital to Tokyo with medical supplies and personnel exploded shortly after takeoff on Sunday. All eight people onboard were killed, including a flight medic, a doctor and a nurse.