The global COVID-19 total topped 6 million cases, as daily highs and large numbers continue to be reported in other large countries. It took only nine days for illnesses to rise from 5 million to 6 million, which is three days less than it took for totals to rise from 3 million to 4 million, and from 4 million to 5 million. The global total is approximately 6,200,000 and over 372,000 people have died from their infections, according to the Johns Hopkins online dashboard.
In related news, Brazil reported almost 27,000 cases as a daily record, while adding over 1,100 deaths, lifting its fatality count above Spain's to fifth highest in the world, Agence France-Presse reported. Brazil, with the second most cases in the world, now has more than 465,000 cases as of May 29. Elsewhere, Mumbai, India, is a global hot spot, along with Moscow, Russia.
In other global developments, members of a UK advisory group warned that England could lose control of its COVID-19 outbreak if it eases its lockdown, which is in its early stages, Reuters reported. In addition, Paris parks and gardens reopened ahead of a move to phase 2 of eased lockdown restrictions in France, Reuters reported. Visitors must observe social distancing, are urged to wear masks, and are limited to gatherings of 10 or fewer people.
In the United States, the Supreme Court last night turned down a California church's request to ease the state's restrictions on attendance at worship services, NBC News reported. The decision is the first to weigh religious freedom and public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court's action denied the church's application for a stay of statewide restrictions ordered by California Governor Gavin Newsom, which limits attendance to 25 percent of capacity or a maximum of 100.
Writing in his opinion, Roberts said though California rules put restrictions on places of worship, they appear to be consistent with the First Amendment's free exercise clause.
