The COVID-19 pandemic has reached a new record high -- led by a massive outbreak in India. 

Geneva, April 27 (RHC)-- The COVID-19 pandemic has reached a new record high, with the number of daily global infections now averaging more than 820,000, led by a massive outbreak in India. 

The World Health Organization says the pandemic is still in its acute phase, with a ninth straight week of rising infections.  Almost 5.7 million cases were reported last week alone, which the WHO says is certain to be an underestimate. 

In Geneva, World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom said: “Many countries are still experiencing intense transmission, and the situation in India is beyond heartbreaking.”

In related news, the Joe Biden administration said Monday it would share up to 60 million doses of the U.S.-manufactured AstraZeneca vaccine with other nations.  That’s enough for 30 million people, about 0.4% of the world’s population. 

Critics of the move say that Biden is not trying to do anyone a favor.  The AstraZeneca vaccine is not approved for use in the United States.