Coronavirus update: Updated CDC guidelines, tracing apps and more

Editor's Note: Here are the latest key updates you may have missed relating to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as of June 15, 2020. 

In the U.S.

According to Johns Hopkins University (as of June 15, 2020):

• Total U.S. cases: 2.1 million
• Total U.S. deaths: 115,732

On Friday, the CDC issued new guidelines on social distancing as businesses reopen and people start gathering during the pandemic, including what to consider when dining at a restaurant, visiting a bank and using gyms and fitness centers. Visit the CDC's website for its complete update. Texas, Florida and California reached record numbers of new cases last week after easing restrictions and reopening businesses. In a tweet on Sunday, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams pushed back on the idea that face coverings infringe on freedoms by saying: "Some feel face coverings infringe on their freedom of choice — but if more wear them, we'll have MORE freedom to go out." New estimates from the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) says U.S. auto insurers refunded $14 billion in premiums over April, May and June. On June 8, New York City, where more than 200,000 residents have been infected with COVID-19,  took its first steps towards reopening. Approximately 400,000 employees returned to work in the construction, manufacturing and retail sectors. Hawaii has extended its mandatory 14-day self-quarantine until the end of July for all travelers arriving in the state. A German Sheperd in New York became the first case of a dog testing positive for the coronavirus in the U.S. According to the Department of Agriculture, the dog showed signs of respiratory illness and is expected to make a full recovery. The dog's owners tested positive for the virus before the dog showing symptoms. The U.S. Senate passed the "Paycheck Protections Program Flexibility Act" that will allow small businesses more leeway in using relief funds. The Big "I" said in a statement: "While not perfect, the PPP provides a lifeline that has allowed many small businesses to stay afloat. This new legislation would fix some of the program's imperfections by giving small businesses, including Big 'I' members and their clients, additional flexibility in the use of their PPP loans. This flexibility is essential for small businesses as the nation continues to reopen. We now urge President Trump to sign this legislation into law as soon as possible."

Around the world

According to Johns Hopkins University (as of June 15, 2020):

• Total cases globally: 7.94 million
• Total deaths globally: 434,060
• Cases by region: Americas (3.78M), Europe (2.39M), Eastern Mediterranean (778,200), South-East Asia (471,392), Western Pacific (198,995), and Africa (175,503).

The World Health Organization said that most of the world is still prone to contracting COVID-19 as economies reopen and mass gatherings resume. On Sunday, June 7, new coronavirus cases reached an all-time high, said  WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a press conference. Most of these cases came from countries in the Americas and Sout Asia. "In these countries, the biggest threat now is complacency," Tedros said. This week, Germany will launch a coronavirus tracing app that uses Bluetooth to detect people who are at risk of coming in contact with the virus. Singapore's Minister-in-Charge of the Smart Nation Initiative and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, said the country is developing a wearable device that will be issued to every resident as a way to track COVID-19 contact tracing. The announcement sparked an online petition rejecting the device over privacy concerns. The MV Artania, the last cruise ship carrying passengers amidst the pandemic, docked in the Germany port of Bremerhaven on June 8. The final port of call came after six months at sea and many route diversions to drop off crew members around the world. The Artania had eight passengers upon docking. A report from MarketsandMarkets suggests that the global fraud detection and prevention market is projected to grow from $23.4 billion in 2018 to $38.6 billion by 2021 due to increased risks from remote access, the growing use of electronic transactions, and rising revenue losses due to fraudulent activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Related: Coronavirus update: Fear of a 'second wave,' U.S. severs WHO ties and more