More Than 150,000 People Have Recovered From Coronavirus Around the World, Including Over 90 Percent of China's Infected

The coronavirus outbreak has seen more than 152,000 recover from infection as of Monday, according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University. The virus, which was first detected in Wuhan, a city in China's Hubei province, has affected more than 723,700 people across nearly 177 countries and regions. Around 82,150 cases have been confirmed in China, although the U.S. now has the largest number of cases in the world. It has more than 143,000 confirmed infections, with 4,685 recoveries. China has seen over 90 percent of its confirmed infected population recover, reporting some 75,900 recoveries as of Monday morning. With more cases now being reported outside China than within, the country claims the outbreak has been largely contained. Last week, China lifted outbound travel restrictions in Hubei for the first time, while restrictions in Wuhan will be lifted later in April following a two-month strict lockdown. The country has imposed new restrictions in a bid to prevent a second wave of mass infections. Last week China announced a temporary ban on all foreigners, including those with valid visas and residence permits, while all local and international airlines were limited to one flight per week. South Korea has also seen more than half (54 percent) of its confirmed infected population recover from the disease. It reported at least 5,228 recoveries and 78 new cases as of Monday morning, which is a significant drop from the over 500 new daily cases it recorded during the peak of the outbreak in South Korea. The graphic below, provided by Statista, illustrates the recovery curve compared to the infection curve of the virus.

Spain, the fourth worst-hit nation, with more than 80,100 confirmed cases, has seen nearly twice as many recoveries than fatalities. Around 14,700 people are reported to have recovered, while nearly 6,800 have died. Italy, Europe's epicenter of the outbreak with more than 97,600 confirmed infections, continues to see more recoveries than deaths. It has seen over 13,000 people recover so far, while nearly 10,770 deaths have been reported. Apart from brief moments of a decline in cases, the country has seen a steady rise in infections since February, with more than 5,200 new cases reported on Sunday.

France has reported nearly twice as many recoveries than fatalities, with around 7,220 people having recovered while around 2,600 have died. Iran also reports a significantly higher number of recoveries than fatalities, with around 12,390 recovered patients compared with 2,640 deaths. Last week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani claimed the country's death toll was declining, based on a reported decline in hospital check-ins. Rouhani said at a meeting with the National Task Force for Fighting the Coronavirus: "Among the topics discussed was a report according to which it was evident that hospital check-ins in provinces had declined and that the death toll was declining, both of which are important to us." The graphic below, provided by Statista, illustrates the spread of COVID-19 across the globe.

Data on COVID-19 cases is from Johns Hopkins University unless otherwise stated.

World Health Organization advice for avoiding spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Hygiene advice

• Clean hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub.
• Wash hands after coughing or sneezing; when caring for the sick; before, during and after food preparation; before eating; after using the toilet; when hands are visibly dirty; and after handling animals or waste.
• Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your hands, nose and mouth. Do not spit in public.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately and clean your hands.

Medical advice

• Avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms.
• Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and runny nose, to avoid potential spread of the disease to medical facilities and other people.
• If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) seek medical care early and contact local health authorities in advance.
• Note any recent contact with others and travel details to provide to authorities who can trace and prevent spread of the disease.
• Stay up to date on COVID-19 developments issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.

Mask and glove usage

• Healthy individuals only need to wear a mask if taking care of a sick person.
  Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
• Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning.
• Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean hands if you touch the mask.
• Learn how to properly put on, remove and dispose of masks. Clean hands after disposing of the mask.
• Do not reuse single-use masks.
• Regularly washing bare hands is more effective against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves.
• The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up on rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.