Nursing home COVID-19 cases rise four-fold in surge states

Despite Trump administration efforts to erect a protective shield around nursing homes, coronavirus cases are surging within facilities in states hard hit by the latest onslaught of COVID-19.

Coronavirus infections top 50 million worldwide

More than 50 million novel coronavirus infections have been detected worldwide, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP at 1615 GMT on Sunday.

Delhi fears the worst amid smog cloud and coronavirus wave

A steady stream of patients is coming out of New Delhi's brownish atmosphere for treatment at the Breathe Better clinic, where lung specialist Davinder Kundra is confronting what he calls the "double whammy" of deadly smog and the coronavirus.

Biden vows immediate, science-based action on virus

President-elect Joe Biden vowed Saturday immediate action to contain the United States' coronavirus crisis, signalling science would dominate the national response once Donald Trump leaves the White House.

Virtual gold? Bitcoin's rise sparks new debate amid pandemic

Bitcoin's rally above $15,000 has reignited debate over whether the cryptocurrency is so-called digital gold or a perilously risky bet as investors grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.

France virus death toll tops 40,000: official

The number of people in France who have died from coronavirus topped the 40,000 mark on Saturday after 306 new fatalities were reported in the past 24 hours, the health authorities said.

Scientists on guard over 'mutant' mink coronavirus

Coronavirus transmission from minks to humans does not necessarily mean the disease will become more dangerous, but scientists are on their guard in the wake of an astounding announcement from Denmark.

Portugal to impose coronavirus curfew from Monday

Portugal will introduce a curfew across most of the country from Monday in an effort to combat surging coronavirus case numbers, Prime Minister Antonio Costa has announced.

Medicare's 'Part B' outpatient premium to rise by $3.90

Medicare's 'Part B' monthly premium for outpatient care will go up by $3.90 next year to $148.50, officials announced late Friday afternoon.

Doctors fear more death as Dakotas experience virus 'sorrow'

With coronavirus cases running rampant in the Dakotas and elected leaders refusing to forcefully intervene, the burden of pushing people to take the virus seriously has increasingly been put on the families of those who have died.

Apps win, labor frets after Uber-led 'gig worker' measure passes

A victory for the "gig economy" in California is likely to echo across the US, in a boon for app-based services while igniting fear that big business is rewriting labor laws.