Coronavirus global: Malaysia, Czech Republic, Netherlands hit record COVID-19 cases

A string of nations have confirmed their highest number of new virus cases since the pandemic began as a second wave grips the globe.

As the world approaches another grim coronavirus milestone, a number of countries have recorded a record spike in infections.

According to Johns Hopkins University, there are now almost 36 million global COVID-19 cases, with the US leading the planet with the highest number of cases, followed by India, Brazil, Russia and Colombia.

Malaysia has seen a record jump in cases with 691 new infections reported in 24 hours on Tuesday, the highest jump since the outbreak hit the country.

It’s bad news in Europe, with the Czech Republic confirming a record day, after 4457 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in a single day on Wednesday.

Infections in the country are now rising at the fastest pace in Europe, and Italy, which has also noticed an increase in cases, has just made it mandatory to wear face masks outdoors across the nation in response.

In Berlin a late-night curfew on restaurants and bars is being rolled out in response to a recent spike while all cafes, event venues and bars in Brussels will close for at least a month to curb growing cases in the city.

It’s a similar story in the Netherlands which hit a new high of 5000 new cases in 24 hours today.

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US President Donald Trump is the highest-profile coronavirus patient in the world. Picture: Olivier Douliery /AFP

Israel is in the grip of a second nationwide lockdown after experiencing an alarming spike, with a number of anti-lockdown protests rocking the country, while Iran also reached a record high with 239 new coronavirus fatalities in the past 24 hours.

Public gatherings are now banned in Sri Lanka and Jordan will enter a 48-hour nationwide lockdown on Friday.

Earlier this week, World Health Organisation director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told an executive board meeting the true number of coronavirus cases was likely “certainly higher” than the official tally, noting 10 countries now account for 70 per cent of all reported cases and deaths while three countries account for half.

“What we’ve learned is that with strong leadership, clear and comprehensive strategies, consistent communication, and an engaged, empowered population, it’s never too late to act,” he said.

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Cases are spiking across the planet. Picture: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

“The pandemic has demonstrated that highly infectious pathogens cannot be contained by any single sovereign state. We can only confront them by working together.”