Coronavirus: latest global developments

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:

- Vaccine before US election? -
US President Donald Trump's administration urges US states to get ready to distribute a potential Covid-19 vaccine by November 1 -- two days before the presidential election, which has been overshadowed by the virus and the economic crisis it provoked.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asks states to sweep away red tape that could prevent a network of vaccine distribution centres being "fully operational by Nov. 1, 2020."

- France adopts mammoth package - 
Although cases are on the rise, French Prime Minister Jean Castex pledges to create 160,000 new jobs in 2021 as his government prepares to unleash a 100-billion-euro ($120 billion) spending plan for the coronavirus-hit economy.

The French economy has experienced its worst downward spiral since 1945, with gross domestic product plunging 13.8 percent in the second quarter after a drop of more than five percent in the first -- adding up to a recession.

- International flights arrive in China -
The first international flight in more than five months lands in Beijing, as a ban on foreign arrivals eases.

Chinese aviation authorities are allowing arrivals in Beijing under intense Covid-19 safety rules from Thailand, Cambodia, Pakistan, Greece, Denmark, Austria, Sweden and Canada -- countries deemed low-risk for cross-border infections.

- More than 863,600 dead - 
The pandemic has killed 863,679 people worldwide since surfacing in China late last year, according to an AFP count at 1100 GMT Thursday, based on official sources.

More than 26 million cases have been registered.

The United States has recorded the highest number of deaths with 185,752, followed by Brazil with 123,780, India with 67,376, Mexico 65,816 and Britain 41,514 fatalities.

Asia, the fourth worst-hit region, passes the threshold of 100,000 deaths behind Latin America and the Caribbean (282,979), Europe (216,596) and the United States and Canada (194,915).

- 'The Rock' was positive -
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and his entire family tested positive for coronavirus but have made a full recovery, the professional wrestler turned the world's top-paid actor says.

Johnson urges his 196 million Instagram followers to wear masks and avoid "politicising" the pandemic after revealing that he, his wife and two young daughters had picked up Covid-19 from close family friends.

- Covid-19 clouds Jamaica polls -
Jamaicans head to the polls for a general election amid soaring coronavirus infections and rising criticism over the government's handling of the pandemic.

The ruling Jamaica Labour Party is widely expected to retain power in the Caribbean island.

Jamaica initially won plaudits for keeping the virus in check, but infections have tripled since early August when the country celebrated its Emancipation and Independence holidays.

- Amazon to create 7,000 UK jobs -
E-commerce giant Amazon says it will create 7,000 permanent jobs in the UK by the end of the year, as the pandemic triggers a surge in online shopping.

While several British retailers have together axed thousands of jobs following the country's virus lockdown, others are creating vast numbers of roles to cope with booming online demand.

- Masks during sex -
Canada's chief public health officer urges couples to wear masks during sex to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

"The lowest risk sexual activity during Covid-19 involves yourself alone," Theresa Tam says in a statement.