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| - Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis: More than 217,439 people have died worldwide since the epidemic surfaced in China in December, according to an AFP tally at 1100 GMT Wednesday based on official sources. In total, 3,104,331 cases have now been reported. In the United States, which has now passed the one-million-case mark, 58,355 people have died, the most of any country. Italy is the second hardest-hit country, with 27,359 dead. Spain follows with 24,275, then France with 23,660 and the United Kingdom with 21,678. Belgium is the country with the most deaths per capita. France's Prime Minister Edouard Philippe says the country will begin a gradual return to normality on May 11, with shops, markets and some schools reopening and the wearing of masks compulsory on public transport. Spain will transition out of its strict lockdown in four phases from May 9 through the end of June, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says. Schools will remain closed until September. Face masks are now mandatory in shops across Germany. Nose and mouth coverings are also compulsory on buses, trains and trams. Germany extends its warning against worldwide travel until June 14. "We have not yet reached the point where we can recommend carefree travel," says Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. Russia extends its entry ban for foreigners, in place since mid-March and to remain until the country has the virus under control, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin says. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences breaks with its tradition of requiring at least a seven-day run in Los Angeles theatres for films to be eligible for the Oscars. For the 2021 ceremony, scheduled on February 28, the Academy says films without cinema releases -- the fate of many as the pandemic has shuttered movie theatres -- will be allowed to contend for the coveted awards. A celebrated photography festival in the southern French city of Arles will not take place this summer, organisers say, cancelling the event scheduled for June 29 to 20 September. burs-jba-eab/bp
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