29 June

The number of coronavirus cases around the world has topped a grim milestone of 10 million. Cases are surging in southern and western US states.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in the United States said the number of cases passed 10 million on Sunday.

In the US, the daily tally of new confirmed cases totaled 42,597 on Saturday. It's the second straight day the figure has exceeded 40,000.

Analyses by ABC News and others show the number of cases is sharply on the rise in 31 states, especially in Florida, Texas, California and Arizona.

At the Texas Medical Center in Houston, intensive care units have been at capacity for about a week.

Local media are reporting that people are being asked to wait for several hours before being treated.

US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar described the current situation as "very serious" during his TV appearances. He asked state authorities to take measures promptly.

NHK