Global report: WHO says the Americas are centre of pandemic as cases surge

Pan American Health Organization warns of very tough' weeks ahead; US approaches 100,000 deaths; New Zealand has fifth day with no cases

• Coronavirus - latest updates
• See all our coronavirus coverage

The Americas have emerged as the new centre of the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said, as a US study forecast deaths surging in Brazil and other Latin American countries through August.

Now is not the time for countries to ease restrictions," Carissa Etienne, WHO director for the Americas and head of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), said via videoconference.