Global coronavirus cases pass 40 million, new figures show

The number of confirmed global cases of Covid-19 has passed 40 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.

The US research institute which collates reporting of cases from around the world said the milestone was passed today.

It said infections had reached 40,050,902. There have been more than 1.1 million deaths.

The actual worldwide figure of Covid-19 cases is likely to be far higher, as testing has been variable, and many people have had no symptoms meaning they are unaware of having the disease.

Some governments have also being accused of concealing the true number of cases.

The US, Brazil and India are reporting the highest numbers of cases, although the increase in recent weeks has been driven by a surge in Europe.

An analysis by Reuters has shown the global rate of infection is continuing to rise.

It took just 32 days to go from 30 million global cases to 40 million, compared with the 38 days it took to get from 20 to 30 million, the news agency said.

Record one-day increases in new infections were seen at the end of last week, with global coronavirus cases rising above 400,000 for the first time.

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