Summary of Latest Developments.

The United States government was slow to understand how fast coronavirus was spreading from Europe, which accelerated outbreaks across the country, says Dr Anne Schuchat, the number-two official at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In Venezuela, more than 40 people died during a riot about coronavirus-related restrictions on family visits, while prisoners at a Brazilian jail held guards hostage for several hours in protest to the suspension of all visits.

Worldwide, the number of confirmed infections stands above 3.35 million, with nearly 239,000 deaths and approximately 1.05 million recoveries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reiterated the coronavirus is believed to be "natural in origin", responding to a claim by US President Donald Trump that he had seen evidence that indicated the virus emerged from a virology institute in Wuhan, China.

Here are the latest updates:

Latest tally in Singapore, Russia.

Singapore's health ministry on Sunday confirmed 657 new coronavirus infections, taking the city-state's total to 18,205. Most of the new cases are among migrant workers living in dormitories, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, Russia reported 10,633 in the past 24 hours, an increase compared with the 9,623 new cases reported the previous day.

More UAE shopping centres, restaurants reopen.

Three Abu Dhabi shopping centres reopened at 30 percent customer capacity after adopting safety measures, including installing thermal inspection devices, as the United Arab Emirates continued easing lockdown measures imposed more than a month ago.

Malls, dine-in restaurants and cafes in Dubai, the UAE's business and tourism hub, had earlier resumed operations with limited capacity. Shoppers must wear face masks and gloves and keep distance from others.

India records highest daily increase.

India has reported 2,644 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, its highest daily number to date, bringing its total to more than 39,000 confirmed infections. The country also reported 83 additional deaths for a total of total 1,301.

Meanwhile, Indian Air Force conducted flypasts and showered flower petals on hospitals across different cities including the national capital of New Delhi as part of the Armed Forces’ efforts to thank doctors, nurses and police personnel who have been at the forefront of the country’s battle against the pandemic.

S Korea to further ease physical distancing rules.

South Korean Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said the country will further relax physical distancing rules starting on May 6.

The government "will allow businesses to resume at facilities in phases that had remained closed up until now, and also allow gatherings and events to take place assuming they follow disinfection guidelines", he told a televised meeting of government officials.

Philippines temporarily bars incoming flights.

Incoming passenger flights are barred from entering the Philippines for one week to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

"This decision is meant to decongest our quarantine facilities to protect our people by preventing the further spread of COVID-19 and also ensure that our overseas Filipino workers are well taken care of when they arrive from abroad", officials said in a statement.

Some 20,000 repatriated Filipinos are undergoing mandatory quarantine in the capital, Manila, officials said. Entry to the country is closed to all except repatriated Filipinos.

As of Sunday, the country has reported 8,928 infections and 603 deaths.

Thailand reports lowest number of cases, as some restrictions ease.

Marking its lowest number since early March, Thailand reported three new coronavirus cases and no new deaths as it started easing restrictions on some business and aspects of life.

The country allowed businesses such as restaurants, hair salons and outdoor markets to reopen as long as physical distancing was maintained and temperature checks carried out.

So far, there have been a total of 2,966 infections and 54 deaths.

UK made contingency plan for Johnson's death as he battled COVID-19

Boris Johnson, the prime minister of the United Kingdom, has said the British government made contingency plans for his death as his condition deteriorated while he battled COVID-19 last month in intensive care.

In an interview with The Sun newspaper on Sunday, Johnson said he was given "litres and litres of oxygen" to keep him alive. 

"They had a strategy to deal with a 'death of Stalin'-type scenario," Johnson told The Sun. "It was a tough old moment, I won't deny it."

Source: News Agencies.