BEIJING -- The raging coronavirus pandemic has continued to take a heavy toll on the world, especially on Middle East and Latin American countries, while European nations suffering economic losses due to the pandemic have been pushing for recovery.

GRIM SITUATION

The COVID-19 situation still looks grim in the Middle East, with many governments strengthening measures to curb the disease's spread.

Iran, the hardest-hit country in the region, saw total fatalities from COVID-19 surge to 11,106 on Thursday. With 2,652 new cases of infection, the country's total confirmed cases have reached 232,863.

Turkey on Thursday reported 1,186 new COVID-19 cases, taking its tally to 202,284. The death toll has risen to 5,167, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted.

Egypt confirmed on Thursday 1,485 new COVID-19 infections, taking the total to 71,299. Daily infections in the country have been exceeding 1,000 cases since May 28.

In Israel, the number of active coronavirus cases has reached 9,176, the highest since April 21, the health ministry said Thursday. The ministry also reported 790 new cases, bringing the caseload to 27,047.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli government decided to limit gatherings in event halls, bars, nightclubs and places of worship to a maximum of 50 people, while the number of participants for other indoor gatherings was limited to 20.