The number of COVID-19 infections globally has surpassed three million as the fight against the disease intensifies across the world.

The latest data from U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University shows that the world's COVID-19 cases now stand at 3,002,303 , with 207,583 deaths.

The three million infections mark came 88 days since the World Health Organization (WHO) triggered its highest global emergency alert by declaring COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. At the time, there were fewer than 100 cases and no deaths outside China.

As the fight against COVID-19 rages on, some countries have rolled out plans to reopen their economies that have taken huge hits since the disease entered their borders.

Many countries around the world imposed lockdowns, restricted movement, banned public gatherings and ordered non-essential businesses shut in a bid to curb the spread of the disease.

As a result of the closure, the countries have recorded economic setbacks that some now say should no longer be allowed to continue. The WHO has however on many occasions warned against a rushed reopening, saying that would put the world at risk of a second wave of infections.

Countries that have been hardest hit, including the U.S., Italy, and Spain have all laid out plans for a gradual reopening.

The U.S. remains the most affected country globally by the pandemic, having registered 967,585 cases and 54,931 deaths. This accounts for 32.2 percent of the world’s total infections and 26.5 percent of the global fatalities.