The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide is approaching 500 million, with over 6.1 million deaths, the latest data from Johns Hopkins University shows.

Here is the latest:

The Chinese mainland recorded 1,506 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Saturday, with 1,455 linked to local transmissions.

Malaysian King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and Queen Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah are undergoing self-quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19.

A new COVID variant called XE has been found in the UK, the World Health Organization said in its latest report. The body said it may be more transmissible than any other strain of COVID-19.