On the day the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic, Koloud “Kay” Tarapolsi reflected the views of many people when she told an Associated Press reporter: “If we avoid each other and listen to the scientists, maybe in a few weeks it will be better."

French President Emmanuel Macron reacts as he meets Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020 in Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for COVID-19, the presidential Elysee Palace announced on Thursday. DONALD TRUMPPresident Donald Trump announced in October that he and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, tested positive for the coronavirus. BORIS JOHNSONThe British prime minister was the first major world leader confirmed to have COVID-19, after facing criticism for downplaying the pandemic. Other top officials in former Soviet states who were infected include Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

TEHRAN – For the second day in a row, Iran shattered its single-day record for new deaths and infections from the coronavirus, with 272 people confirmed dead among more than 4,200 new cases on Monday. Like in many other countries, the spiraling outbreak in Iran reflects the government's contradictory virus response. On Saturday, the government mandated that all Tehran residents wear face masks outdoors and in public places, warning violators would be fined. As residents defy coronavirus precautions and the government resists a lockdown to salvage its economy, Iran's caseload is skyrocketing. A number of Cabinet ministers have contracted the virus, as well as top officials including senior Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri and Vice President Massoumeh Ebtekar.

The number of new hospitalizations for COVID-19 and virus deaths in Britain are rising again, although both remain far below their springtime peak. (Jack Hill/Pool Photo via AP)JOHANNESBURG – President Donald Trump has tested positive for the coronavirus, joining a small group of world leaders who have been infected. BORIS JOHNSONThe British prime minister was the first major world leader confirmed to have COVID-19. JUAN ORLANDO HERNANDEZThe Honduras president announced in June that he and his wife had tested positive, along with two other people who worked closely with them. Cabinet members have tested positive too.