COVID-19 updates: World registers more than 21 million cases

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:

The pandemic has killed at least 760,739 people worldwide since surfacing in China late last year, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP

More than 21 million cases have been registered.

The United States has recorded the most deaths with 168,446, followed by Brazil with 106,523, Mexico 55,908, India with 49,036 and Britain 41,358. 

British holidaymakers returning home from parts of Europe begin having to quarantine for 14 days, following a decision by the UK to remove France, the Netherlands, Malta and several other countries from its list of places exempt from self-isolation rules.

Russia says that it has produced the first batch of its coronavirus vaccine, announced by President Vladimir Putin earlier in the week but viewed with scepticism by the rest of the world. 

The Russian sovereign wealth fund involved in the development of the vaccine says that industrial production is scheduled to begin in September and that more than a billion doses have been pre-ordered by 20 foreign countries.

South Korea introduces stricter measures in Seoul and its surrounding areas as the country reports 166 new cases -- the highest daily figure in more than five months.

The tightened social distancing guidelines involve restrictions on gatherings and activities including professional sports, which will be played behind closed doors in the capital area again.

Already compulsory in certain streets of the French capital, wearing a face mask is now compulsory in entire districts of Paris, including large sections in the centre.

Malta reports record increase

Malta posts its highest ever one-day rise in coronavirus cases as the small Mediterranean island nation faces a recent uptick in infections due to more summer gatherings. 

New York's museums, art galleries and other cultural institutions will be allowed to reopen starting August 24, state governor Andrew Cuomo says.

There will be mandatory face masks, timed ticketing with staggered entry and just 25 percent occupancy.

Just 5,000 of the usual 250,000 pilgrims visit France's Lourdes Roman Catholic shrine for the annual Assumption mass, with mask-wearing compulsory.

South Africa will lift a coronavirus-linked ban on the sale of alcohol and tobacco products from Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announces.

Major tourist sites in Rio de Janeiro, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the Brazilian city, reopen to the public after five months.

Ireland's tourism chief says he is stepping down after choosing to holiday in Italy, despite the government advising against foreign vacations.