According to the latest update, 7 812 of deaths have been recorded in the country.

There have been 309 601 recoveries. So far, just over 2.9 million tests have been conducted, with 44 886 new tests.

Late on Thursday night, positive cases worldwide were over 17.1 million, while deaths were just over 668 000.

The United States had the most cases in the world - more than 4.4 million, as well as the most deaths - close to 152 000.

Australia on Thursday reported a record number of new coronavirus infections and deaths, logging at least 13 new deaths, most of them at elderly care homes in the south eastern Victoria state, where the government has ordered all residents to wear face masks outdoors.

Some 723 positive cases were reported in the last 24 hours, well beyond the previous nationwide record of 549 cases set on Monday.

News24