Australia: COVID-19 death toll climbs to 98

MELBOURNE

The number killed by the novel coronavirus surged to 98 in Australia with an additional death Saturday in New South Wales (NSW).

Health authorities said a 92-year-old patient lost her life at a carehouse in Sydney, becoming the latest victim.

Australia has conducted more than 750,000 coronavirus tests and 6,079 patients recovered from the virus.

There are still 849 active cases, including 21 patients in intensive care units.

New Zealand registered two cases following 7,204 performed Friday.

It tested more than 183,000 and 1,368 of 1,492 patients recovered.

New Zealand implemented an emergency in a bid to stem the spread of the virus.

After originating in China last December, the virus has spread to at least 187 countries and regions. Europe and the US are currently the worst-hit regions.

The pandemic has killed nearly 275,000 worldwide, with more than 3.9 million infections, while recoveries have exceeded 1.3 million, according to figures compiled by US-based Johns Hopkins University.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas