COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 10 November

1. How COVID-19 is affecting the globe

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have now passed 50.9 million globally, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The number of confirmed deaths stands at more than 1.26 million.

Mexico has reported 4,960 new cases of COVID-19, and 198 additional deaths - although officials warn the real numbers are likely much higher.

Italy has extended coronavirus restrictions in Tuscany and four other regions. They're designated 'orange zones' where bars and restaurants are closed but shops stay open.

High levels of T cells could be sufficient to offer protection from COVID-19, according to an English study - although scientists caution more research is needed. The study is yet to be peer reviewed.

Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Germany have risen by 15,332 to total 687,200, according to data from the Robert Koch Institute.

Global stocks and oil jumped yesterday after Pfizer announced positive news in the development of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

A large study has found that 20% of people infected with coronavirus are diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder within 90 days.

2. The cold chain challenge

Pfizer and BioNTech announced successful interim results for their COVID-19 vaccine candidate yesterday, with it showing more than 90% effectiveness.

More data is needed, particularly on safety, before regulators will sign off on the shot. But, the vaccine's super-cold storage requirements present an additional challenge. The vaccine needs to be kept at minus 70 degrees Celsius (-94 F).

“The cold chain is going to be one of the most challenging aspects of delivery of this vaccination,” said Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. “This will be a challenge in all settings because hospitals even in big cities do not have storage facilities for a vaccine at that ultra-low temperature.”

Pfizer says it's working closely with government officials on how to ship the vaccine once approved, with plans to transport frozen vials at their recommended temperatures for up to 10 days.

The vaccine can be kept at ultra-low temperatures for up to six months, or for five days at 2-8 degrees C.

3. Australia plans partial border opening

Australia is considering opening its borders to some Asian economies, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said.

The country shut its borders to all non-citizens and permanent residents in March - although New Zealand residents have been allowed to enter since October.

Entry from Europe and the United States was ruled out, but people from Taiwan, Japan and Singapore might be allowed to enter - and from some Chinese provinces.