Global coronavirus deaths surpass 280,000

ANKARA

Global novel coronavirus-related fatalities exceeded the 280,000 mark on Sunday, according to a running tally by the US-based Johns Hopkins University.

The figures counted 280,507 deaths, while the numbers of cases and recoveries stand at 4,055,863 and 1,386,631 respectively.

The US is the country hardest-hit by the global pandemic with more than 1.31 million cases and nearly 79,000 fatalities.

The UK has the second-highest death toll with 31,930, followed closely by Italy's tally of 30,560.

China's death toll is at 4,637, which continues to raise questions in and outside China.

Overall, the virus has spread to 187 countries since it first emerged in China in December.

Despite the rising number of cases, most who contract the virus suffer mild symptoms before making a recovery.