Coronavirus cases hit 1m — but 21% have recovered

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide has reached one million — in just about three months.

Figures from worldometers, a website providing official updates on the virus, shows a total of 1,00,800 people have been infected by COVID-19 so far.

However, 210,200 of that number representing 21 percent have recovered from the disease.

The infection has spread to 204 countries and territories since the first case was recorded in Wuhan, China, in December.
At least 51,300 people have so far been killed by the disease; Italy and Spain are worst hit countries with 14,000 and 10,000 deaths respectively.

Most of the cases globally are in Europe where more than half a million persons have been infected, while the United States is the country with the highest number of cases at about 235,700.

As at Thursday evening, Africa has recorded 6,470 cases across 49 countries, with 241 deaths, and 504 recoveries.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has announced 174 cases in Nigeria so far, but Osun state recorded six fresh cases on Thursday.

The infection has led to the deaths of two people in the country while 20 patients have recovered.

There is currently no cure or vaccine for COVID-19, although the World Health Organisation (WHO) said more than 50 trials for a vaccine is ongoing.

Also, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the emergency use of hydroxychloroquine for treatment of patients with the disease.