Global Covid-19 cases hit 250 million as eastern Europe infections at record levels

The daily average number of cases has fallen by 36% over the past three months but the virus is still infecting 50m people every 90 days due to the Delta variant. By contrast, it took nearly a year to record the first 50m Covid-19 cases

Health experts are optimistic that many nations have put the worst of the pandemic behind them thanks to vaccines and natural exposure, although they caution that colder weather and upcoming holiday gatherings could increase cases.

Global Covid-19 cases surpassed 250m on Monday as some countries in eastern Europe experience record outbreaks, even as the Delta variant surge eases and many countries resume trade and tourism.

The daily average number of cases has fallen by 36% over the past three months, according to a Reuters analysis, but the virus is still infecting 50m people every 90 days due to the highly transmissible Delta variant.