The Japanesebulk carrierWakashio, which stranded on a reef in Mauritius last month, breaks in half. Approximately 1,000 tonnes of oil spilled into the ocean. Most of the oil had been pumped out before the ship broke in half in the afternoon. Around 166 tonnes of oil remained after the break, and authorities are working to remove it. Scientists call it the biggest environmental disaster ever in Mauritius. France says it will help with the cleanup. Japan's ministry of environment announced that it will send officials and other specialists to look at the damage. (Reuters)
Malta reports 72 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. It is the highest single increase in new cases in the country since the pandemic began. (Times of Malta)
South Korea reports 166 new cases of COVID-19. From that number, 139 were traced to Seoul and Gyeonggi Province and a significant portion of them were linked to cluster infections involving churchgoers. It is the highest number of reported new cases since March 11. (Kyodo News)
After a spike in new cases, the government decides to tighten social distancing measures in Seoul and surrounding areas. Many measures that are to be implemented include restricting numbers of gatherings and sports events played behind closed doors. (Tempo)
PresidentCyril Ramaphosa announces a plan to ease nearly all restrictions on the economy from August 17, including lifting a controversial ban on the sale of alcohol and tobacco that had been imposed in July, as infections peak. (BBC News)
The government of the Netherlands issues a travel warning advising the public not to travel to some places, including Paris, the region surrounding Marseilles, Brussels, Ibiza and Mallorca. The warnings come as a response to an increase in new cases in Spain, France and Belgium. (NL Times)
Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi condemns the UN Security Council's decision not to extend an arms embargo on Iran. Ashkenazi argues that Iran "will lead to further Middle East instability". (Reuters)
Members of the right-wing group Proud Boys clash with counter-protesters in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with police carrying out nine arrests, including a local newspaper reporter. (AP)
Student activist Parit Chiwarak is released on bail after being arrested on Friday for co-organising a rally in July. He was charged with violating the COVID-19 measures and breaching internal security. Protests have been taking place in Thailand since July against the government. Parit Chiwarak has said he will continue to protest against the government and for reforms in the Thai monarchy. (Reuters)