The US death toll from the coronavirus has climbed past 3500, eclipsing China's official count, as the deepening crisis in New York hit close to home for the governor when he disclosed that his brother, CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, has become infected.

--

UK has highest daily jump in virus deaths

Britain has reported its highest daily jump of 381 deaths from the coronavirus, taking its total to nearly 1800.

--

Italy posts 837 more dead, contagion slows

Italy has reported 837 more deaths linked to the COVID-19 disease caused by the novel coronavirus, but the spread of the epidemic in the country continues to slow down.

--

Pressure builds for Japanese lockdown

Tokyo has recorded more than 70 new coronavirus infections for its highest tally in a single day, as pressure builds on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to order a lockdown.

--

Hazmat suit workers collect Wall prayers

Twice a year, cleaning teams using long sticks gouge out tens of thousands of written prayers that visitors traditionally cram into the crevices of Judaism's Western Wall in Jerusalem.

--

Israel 'tests virus vaccine on rodents'

Israel has begun testing a COVID-19 vaccine prototype on rodents at its bio-chemical defence laboratory, a source says.

--

'Israeli' missiles intercepted in Syria

Israeli missiles have targeted positions in Homs in central Syria, according to Syrian state media.

--

New Marriott data breach affects millions

Marriott says guests' names, loyalty account information and other personal details may have been accessed in the second major data breach to hit the company in less than two years.

--

Australian Associated Press