Curbs are back as new infections spike

Fears of a second wave of infections have forced authorities around the world to reimpose restrictions in recent days.

It comes soon after they eased lockdowns...and then saw a spike in new cases.

California, which gradually reopened in May, is once again shutting down all indoor activity in bars, restaurants, movie theaters and museums as 8,200 new infections were reported daily.

California Governor Gavin Newsom.

"We're continuing to see hospitalizations rise in the state. We're continuing to see a modest increase in ICUs and number of beds represented by ICU patients throughout the state of California. And we continue to experience an increase in the rate of positivity here in the state of California."

In Asia, it's a similar story.

Some parts of India and The Philippines introduced new restrictions as infections rose rapidly after lockdowns were eased.

While Hong Kong reimposed strict social-distancing measures from Tuesday (July 14), as 52 new cases were reported the day before.

From Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam - there was a warning.

"From the information of the World Health Organization as well as local experts, unless we have an effective vaccine which can be widely used in the community, we may need to co-exist with the virus for a period of time."

Australia is another country to see a spike in cases following re-openings.

Last week, its second largest city, Melbourne, enforced a strict six-week lockdown due to a spike in cases.

It highlights the challenges facing authorities as they try to reopen businesses and get their economies moving again.

The number of coronavirus infections around the world hit 13 million on Monday, according to a Reuters tally, climbing by a million in just five days.