The US government's top infectious diseases expert has warned that daily COVID-19 cases could more than double if Americans fail to take counter-measures.

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China passes sweeping H.Kong security law

New national security laws for Hong Kong punish crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

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EU confirms it will open to Aussies, Kiwis

The European Council has adopted a recommendation to continue banning travellers from most countries from entering the EU, with Australia and New Zealand among the 14 exempt nations.

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Queen and Donald Trump in rare phone chat

The Queen has held talks with US President Donald Trump ahead of American Independence Day.

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Gas explosion at Iran clinic kills 13

An explosion from a gas leak in a medical clinic in northern Tehran has killed 13 people and injured six, Iranian state TV reports.

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US comedy legend Carl Reiner dead at 98

Carl Reiner, a driving force in American comedy as a writer for television pioneer Sid Caesar, partner of Mel Brooks and creator and co-star of the classic sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show, has died at age 98.

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Australian Associated Press