Paris (AFP)

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

- Reopening of shops in France -

The so-called "non-essential" stores reopen this Saturday in France after a month of closure linked to containment.

The reopening comes less than a month before Christmas, a crucial period for businesses.

As for walks, they are now allowed within a radius of 20 km around your home and for three hours, instead of a kilometer and an hour until then.

- Antigenic tests for contact cases -

This recommendation paves the way for the use and reimbursement of tests, but we have to wait for a decree published in the Official Journal for these modalities to become effective.

- Argentina eases restrictions -

Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez announces easing of restrictions in the country, now only two towns in the south of the country in health isolation.

However, certain restrictions remain in force, such as the compulsory wearing of a mask or the ban on organizing shows and meetings of more than ten people in closed places.

- Gatherings prohibited in Los Angeles -

After closing its bars and restaurants on Wednesday, Los Angeles, a large city on the west coast of the United States, bans most public and private gatherings for three weeks, while the curve of new coronavirus contaminations continues to climb.

This measure does not apply to religious services and demonstrations.

- In Tokyo, alcohol in the viewfinder -

Establishments serving alcohol, including karaoke, are expected to close their doors at 10 p.m. from this Saturday in Tokyo, for a period of three weeks.

The measure is not binding but those who apply it will be able to benefit from aid.

- 1.44 million dead -

The pandemic has killed more than 1.44 million people worldwide since the end of December, according to a report established by AFP on Saturday at 11:00 GMT.

Some 61.6 million cases have been officially recorded, of which more than 39 million have been cured.

The United States has the most deaths (264,866), ahead of Brazil (171,971), India (136,200), Mexico (104,873) and the United Kingdom (57,551).

The milestone of 400,000 deaths from Covid-19 was crossed on Saturday in Europe, where Italy and France also point to more than 50,000 deaths.

burs-jah / cds / sl

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