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The United States reported its millionth coronavirus case as hard-hit European countries took tentative steps towards lifting lockdowns, with masks mandatory in all German shops from Wednesday.

Excitement over a move towards normality in many places was tempered by fear of new outbreaks and growing evidence of the economic devastation wreaked by the pandemic.

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The United States is the worst hit with 88,719 deaths and 1.49 million cases as of 15.17GMT (UAE time 19.17) on Monday, followed by Russia (2,722 deaths and 290,678 cases) , Spain (27,650 deaths and 248,037 cases), United Kingdom ( 34,636 deaths and 243,695 cases), Brazil (16,118 deaths and 241,080 cases) and Italy (31,908 deaths and 225,435 cases), said the Reuters tally based on statements from health ministries and government officials.

Workers wearing protective outfits sanitise a neighbourhood to contain the spread of Covid-19 virus in Rome, Italy. AP

The UAE Government announced on Monday that 1,065 patients have fully recovered from COVID-19 after receiving the necessary medical care, raising the total number of recoveries in the country to 9,577.

The announcement was made during the regular media briefing held in Abu Dhabi, wherein Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, the official spokesperson for the UAE Government, Dr. Saif Juma Al Dhaheri, Spokesman of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, NCEMA, and Salem Al Zaabi, Acting Chief of NCEMA Prosecution, gave an update on the coronavirus-related developments and measures taken to mitigate its impact.

WAM