CORONAVIRUS | Global coronavirus cases neared 10 million today, according to a Reuters tally, marking a major milestone in the spread of the respiratory disease that has so far killed almost half a million people in seven months.

The figure is roughly double the number of severe influenza illnesses recorded annually, according to the World Health Organization.

The milestone will come as many hard-hit countries are easing lockdowns while making extensive alterations to work and a social life that could last for a year or more until a vaccine is available...