The novel coronavirus has killed at least 4,227,765 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally compiled by AFP.

At least 198,247,050 cases of coronavirus have been registered. The vast majority have recovered, though some have continued to experience symptoms weeks or even months later.

On Sunday, 7,236 new deaths and 455,312 new cases were recorded worldwide.

The World Health Organisation estimates that the pandemic's overall toll could be two to three times higher than official records, due to the excess mortality that is directly and indirectly linked to Covid-19.

A large number of the less severe or asymptomatic cases also remain undetected, despite intensified testing in many countries.