World News Briefs -- August 3, 2020

Officials believe Covid-19 kills 0.6 per cent of all patients or one in every 200. Although it sounds minimal, it means Covid-19 is six times deadlier than the flu and almost as twice as fatal as polio

Daily Mail: World Health Organization warns there 'may never be a silver bullet' for Covid-19 and says the disease kills around 0.6% of all infected patients

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said scientists may never find a vaccine
He said that for now stopping Covid-19 outbreaks 'comes down to the basics'
Officials believe the infection kills 0.6% of all patients — or one in every 167
It makes it six times deadlier than the flu and almost as twice as fatal as polio

There may never be a 'silver bullet' for treating Covid-19, according to the head of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Countries around the world are locked in a race against time to test and produce a safe and effective vaccine for the coronavirus.

But Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the UN agency, said today that scientists may never find one that works.

He said for now, stopping outbreaks 'comes down to the basics', urging nations to continue with test, trace and isolate schemes.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

IDF strikes Syrian military targets in response to attempted border attack. Israel strikes Syrian military targets near Damascus, IDF calls it ‘response’ to failed border attack . Israel launches airstrikes on targets in Syria as tensions grow.

Israel army attacks Hamas targets in Gaza.

Thousands demonstrate against Benjamin Netanyahu as protests gain momentum.

Russian planes bomb rebel-held area in Syria's Latakia, say opposition, war monitor.

Coronavirus: Iran cover-up of deaths revealed by data leak. Iran's Covid death toll three times higher than admitted, says report.

Lebanon's foreign minister steps down amid crippling economic crisis.

Kuwaiti PM assures cabinet on 91-year-old emir's health: tweet.

UAE launches operations in first nuclear power plant in the Arab world.

ASIA

Pompeo, Taliban negotiator discuss Afghan peace process: Taliban spokesman.

Afghan troops retake prison attacked by Islamic State group; 29 killed.

City of Melbourne closes non-essential businesses, installs curfew to stem rise in coronavirus cases.

Tears and anguish as Melbourne sinks further into lockdown.

Japan coronavirus: Okinawa governor fears ‘collapse’ of health care system, declares new state of emergency.

No compromise on territorial integrity, says India in 5th round of military talks with China.

India imposes curfew in Kashmir ahead of clampdown anniversary.

‘Stop politicizing economy’: Beijing blasts US for threatening to ban TikTok & other Chinese apps .

North Korea producing new video games, state media says.

AFRICA

Soldiers killed in twin attacks in central Mali, political crisis continues.

Videos of Nigerian wedding massacre, mass burials go viral amid call for end to ethnic violence.

Nile mega-dam talks resume to resolve years-long dispute.

South Africa surpasses 500,000 Covid-19 cases, more than half of Africa’s tally.

Zimbabwe opposition and activists arrested in Government clampdown, say rights groups.

Zimbabwe stock market trading resumes after halting in June.

Egypt tells Elon Musk its pyramids were not built by aliens.

EUROPE

Germany debates curbing freedom of assembly after coronavirus protests.

Poland Supreme Court validates presidential election results.

Spain's former King Juan Carlos, 82, flees the country into 'forced exile' as $100m corruption scandal surrounding him threatens to undermine the Monarchy.

Kosovo PM Avdullah Hoti tests positive for COVID-19.

Russia says it will begin mass vaccination campaign against COVID-19 in October. Russia claims to be ahead of rivals in race to produce Covid vaccine.

Refugee crisis worsening in southern Europe amid coronavirus pandemic.

France halts ratifying extradition treaty with Hong Kong in wake of security law.

Spared from fire, Notre-Dame's organ set for lengthy restoration.

AMERICAS

Latin America COVID-19 death toll rises past 200,000.

Storm Isaias to become hurricane as it moves up US East Coast.

Covid-19: US in 'new phase' of 'extraordinarily widespread' outbreak, say White House experts.

Trump calls Birx's dire warning on widespread coronavirus in the US 'pathetic' .

Manhattan DA reveals he is investigating Trump Organization for 'insurance and bank fraud' and 'pattern of financial misconduct'.

'Hand over your cellphone if you're attacked': Minneapolis police issue new advice as they struggle to cope with less officers and a surge in violent crime since the death of George Floyd in the city.

EXCLUSIVE: Police bodycam footage shows moment-by-moment arrest of George Floyd for the first time - from terror on his face when officer points gun at his head, sobbing before he's shoved into squad car and begging to breathe as his life drains away.

Guyana swears in Irfaan Ali as president after long stand-off.

Mexico's president says captured cartel leader 'El Marro' was protected by local officials as intelligence reports point to the boss' dad and brother assuming control of the fuel theft group.

Schools in Mexico will not reopen at start of academic year.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State group claims responsibility for deadly prison attack in Afghanistan.

Yazidi children abused by 'IS' urgently need help.

Yazidi women risk their lives to clear landmines in areas once held by 'Islamic State'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Nasdaq hits record high close as traders eye M&A and stimulus.

Trump says US should get 'substantial portion' of TikTok sale price - as Microsoft adds $77 BILLION in market value after confirming its interest in Chinese-owned social media app.

Google finally unveils its £349 Pixel 4a to rival the iPhone SE and brings back the fingerprint sensor - and will launch its first 5G smartphones later this year.