Paris (AFP)

New reports, new measures and highlights: an update on the latest developments in the Covid-19 pandemic around the world.

- Historic fall in Japanese GDP in the second quarter -

Japan's GDP collapsed 7.8% between April and June from the previous quarter under the impact of the pandemic, a historic plunge marking a third straight quarter of contraction for the world's third-largest economy.

- Postponement of elections in New Zealand -

New Zealand's parliamentary elections are postponed for four weeks due to a return of the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday.

The elections, which were to take place on September 19, are postponed until October 17.

- More than 770,000 dead -

More than 21.7 million cases have been recorded, of which nearly 13.4 million have been cured.

The United States is the most bereaved country with 170,052 deaths. Brazil follows with 107,852 dead, Mexico (56,757), India (50,921) and the United Kingdom (41,366).

- Extended restrictions in Spain -

The closure of nightclubs and the ban on smoking in the streets were extended on Monday to new regions of Spain to curb the rebound in contamination with the new coronavirus, the day after a demonstration by opponents of these restrictions.

Andalusia (south), Castile and Leon (center), Galicia and Cantabria (north) officially took these measures on Monday, already in force since Sunday in La Rioja (north) and the region of Murcia (south -est), or six of Spain's 17 regions.

- Saturated hospitals in Beirut -

Hospitals in Beirut are almost saturated in the face of the influx of patients with the new coronavirus and Lebanon is "on the brink" after the devastating explosion in the Lebanese capital, resigned Minister of Health Hamad Hassan assured Monday.

In recent weeks, Lebanon has experienced an increase in infections: the country recorded a record of contaminations on Sunday with 439 new patients, bringing the total number of Covid-19 cases to 8,881 since the start of the epidemic in Lebanon at the end of February , including 103 deaths.

- Faithful in quarantine in Seoul -

Thousands of members of a Protestant church in Seoul have been placed in quarantine, South Korean authorities announced on Monday after the emergence of outbreaks of Covid-19 contamination linked to religious communities.

The biggest hotbed of infections is at Sarang Jeil Church in Seoul, led by a controversial conservative pastor who is also a leading figure in protests against South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

- "Sacrifices" for the return to Italy -

Italy, which is trying to halt a rebound in the Covid-19 pandemic, will make the "sacrifices" necessary to ensure the start of the school year in mid-September, said Italian Minister of Health Roberto Speranza, worried about contaminations in rise among "young people".

The minister ordered the closure of nightclubs and all night party venues, also requiring the wearing of masks in the evening in frequented public places.

- Possible reinfection in the Philippines -

Philippine Interior Minister Eduardo Ano tested positive for the coronavirus five months after being diagnosed with the disease, authorities said on Monday, trying to determine if he was re-infected.

- Agricultural fair canceled in France -

The 74th agricultural fair of Châlons-en-Champagne, the second agricultural fair in France, was canceled after the refusal of the prefect of the Marne to grant an exemption of more than 5,000 participants per day.

burx-paj / cds / dga

© 2020 AFP