An Australian and European Union-led resolution on the need to investigate the global response to the coronavirus pandemic has won unanimous support at the World Health Assembly.
The resolution commits to an impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation into COVID-19, and to review the lessons learnt from the international health response coordinated by the World Health Organisation.
Further details about the inquiry, such as how, when or by whom it will be conducted, are yet to be decided.
W-H-O Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus has thanked the more than 130 member states that brought the resolution.
Despite its support for the resolution, China has criticised Australia for pushing for an investigation, accusing it of ulterior political motives.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the World Health Assembly via video conference Source: Getty Images
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhao Lijian says Australia shouldn't be taking credit for the final agreement.
Regardless, the Australian government has welcomed the passing of the resolution.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Health Minister Greg Hunt say Australia's been clear in its calls for such a review.
Meanwhile, Brazil has overtaken Britain to record the world's third highest number of coronavirus cases, and Sweden is reporting the highest per capita death toll in Europe.
But Britain remains the world’s second-worst affected country by deaths after the United States, recording another 545 fatalities in the past day.
Its total COVID-19 death toll now sits at more than 35,000, but the country's Office for National Statistics says that figure could actually be closer to 45,000.
Meanwhile, Canada and the United States have decided to extend their mutual agreement to keep their border closed to non-essential travel to the 21st of June.
Source: AAP
The restrictions were initially announced in March, and then extended in April.
The U-S has confirmed more than 1.5 million COVID-19 cases and 90,000 deaths - more than any country in the world.
After revealing he's taking hydroxychloroquine [[hy-drox-ee-klor-ruh-kween]] in an attempt to ward off coronavirus, U-S President Donald Trump has now defended his use of the malaria drug.
Donald Trump talks to reporters. Source: Getty
The U-S Food and Drug Administration [[FDA]] has cautioned against using hydroxychloroquine outside a hospital setting or clinical trial, due to a risk of heart rhythm problems.
Medical experts have criticised Mr Trump for promoting the drug as a legitimate treatment for COVID-19, saying it could spark widespread misuse by Americans, with potentially fatal side-effects.
But Mr Trump claims the F-D-A warning is based on a study done on people who were extremely unwell, and says it’s up to individuals to make their own decisions.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.
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