The coronavirus strain  in the United Kingdom has been detected in at least 60 countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Wednesday, 10 more than a week ago. With the global death toll now well past 2 million, and new variants of the virus causing deep concern, countries across the globe are grappling with how to slow infections until vaccines become widely available. 

The South African strain, which like the UK one is believed to be more infectious, has now been reported in 23 countries and territories, the WHO also announced in its weekly update. WHO added that the number of new deaths climbed to a record high of 93,000 over the previous one week, with 4.7 million new cases reported over the same period.

The arrival of mass vaccination campaigns in the US and Europe had brought optimism that the end of the pandemic was in sight; the European Union said Tuesday it was aiming to inoculate 70 percent of its adult population before the end of August.

The United States remains home to the world's worst outbreak in overall numbers, and US President-elect Joe Biden made clear he would be taking no chances following his inauguration on Wednesday.

Donald Trump may form new party after leaving President's post

Joe Biden Inauguration Updates: Biden pays tribute to Covid-19 victims

Joe Biden to take swearing-in ceremony of 46th US president today, Trump to skip ceremony