More than 930,000 people infected with nCoV worldwide

The world recorded 933,688 cases of nCoV infection and 46,869 deaths in 203 countries and territories, an increase of 79,076 and 4,825 cases respectively compared to 24 hours ago.

AmericaTo date, 213,372 infections and 4,757 deaths have been reported, continuing to be the largest epidemic area in the world. The number of deaths from nCoV in the US has surpassed China, where 3,312 people have died from the disease.

The death toll from Covid-19 in New York City, the epicenter of the pandemic in the US, has soared to over 1,100, overwhelming hospital morgues and forcing officials to find space to store bodies. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has sent 85 refrigerated trucks to New York to serve as makeshift morgues.

US President Donald Trump warned of a "very painful" two weeks ahead as the US death toll from Covid-19 could reach 240,000. He admitted that Covid-19 is worse than seasonal flu, warning that it is a "cruel" disease, contrary to previous statements. However, Trump remained optimistic that "there will be light at the end of the tunnel" and that America will see things "suddenly get better".

Italy4,782 new infections and 727 deaths were detected, bringing the total number of infections and deaths to 110,574 and 13,155, respectively.

The average age of those who died was 78.5, with the youngest victim being 31 and the oldest 103, according to the Italian National Institute of Health. About 41% of the deaths were in the 80-89 age group, while 35% were in the 70-79 age group. An aging population and overcrowded hospitals are among the reasons for Italy's exceptionally high death rate.

The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that Italy is approaching the peak of the epidemic. The nationwide lockdown imposed three weeks ago will remain in place until at least mid-April. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has admitted that economic restrictions cannot last much longer and may ease the lockdown once the number of new infections begins to decline.

Spainconfirmed 8,195 more infections and 923 deaths, bringing the total number of infections and deaths to 104,118 and 9,387 respectively, surpassing China to become the third largest epidemic area in the world.

In the capital Madrid, hospitals and morgues are overwhelmed by the rising number of infections and deaths. Even when the epidemic peaks, the pressure on the health system will last at least another week or longer, experts say.

Madrid is looking to ramp up testing, sourcing kits from around the world, with the goal of testing 50,000 people a day, up from the current 20,000.

VirtueGermany recorded 6,173 new cases and 156 deaths, bringing the total number of cases and deaths to 77,981 and 931, respectively. Although it is the third largest epidemic area in Europe, after Italy and Spain, the mortality rate in Germany is quite low, only 1%, apparently thanks to the application of a large-scale testing strategy. Germany also has many intensive care beds, along with state-funded health care services.

The German government decided on March 28 to extend the closure of schools, restaurants, bars, cinemas and other entertainment activities until at least April 20.

Chancellor Angela Merkel thanked citizens for largely complying with the lockdown. "When I see that people have almost completely changed their behavior, the vast majority have actually avoided all unnecessary contact due to the risk of infection, I simply want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart," she said.

Older brotherreported 29,474 cases of nCoV infection, 2,352 deaths, up 4,324 and 563 cases respectively compared to the previous day. Among the infected cases are Prince Charles, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock. Prince Charles announced on April 1 that he had recovered but was still "socially isolated". The Prince also praised doctors and medical staff on the front lines of the epidemic, despite the stress and risks, but still "dedicated, devoted to duty" to make the country proud.

In Asia,Irancontinues to be the second largest epidemic area in the region, after China, with 47,593 infections and 3,036 deaths after recording 2,988 more infections and 138 deaths.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a religious decree in mid-March banning "unnecessary" travel after the public repeatedly ignored warnings and requests from officials and security forces.

Iranian doctor Afruz Eslami last month cited research from Sharif University of Technology, warning that 4 million Iranians could be infected and 3.5 million would die if the public did not follow Covid-19 prevention guidelines.

ChinaandKoreaThe number of new infections has not been announced. China has started including asymptomatic cases of nCoV infection in its daily statistics since April 1. People infected with nCoV without symptoms will also be quarantined for 14 days.

InSoutheast Asia, Malaysia is the largest epidemic area with 2,908 infections and 45 deaths. Indonesia is the deadliest epidemic area in the region with 157 deaths out of 1,677 infections, a mortality rate of nearly 9.4%.

The economic impact of Covid-19 could push 11 million people in Asia-Pacific into poverty without intervention and the region could face its worst economic downturn in 20 years, according to a report released on March 31 by the World Bank (WB).