by BERNAMA/ pic by AFP

THE number of deaths worldwide from the COVID-19 surpassed 170,000 late Monday, according to a running tally by US-based Johns Hopkins University, Anadolu Agency reported.

The university’s data counted 170,042 fatalities while the number of cases and recoveries stood at 2,473,209 and 646,012, respectively.

The US continues to be the worst-hit country, recording more than 784,500 cases and 42,138 deaths.

Italy has the second-highest death toll at 24,114, while Spain has the second highest number of cases with 200,210.

Overall, the virus has spread to 185 countries and regions since it first emerged in Wuhan, China in December.