Even as the entire world is grappling with the Covid pandemic and vying for a possible vaccine, an Indian-American teenager has won a $25,000 prize for her work on a potential coronavirus treatment.

Along with the prize money, 14-year-old Anika Chebrolu has also been conferred the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” for winning this year’s 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a middle school science competition in the US.

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Anika spoke about how after learning about the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic for a school project, she became fascinated with viruses and drug discovery.

Excerpts from the interview:

WION: Please tell us about your discovery/findings in details.

Anika: Through my research, I discovered a molecule that can attach to the Spike protein on the SARS-CoV2 virus and potentially change its shape and function. If you change the Spike protein shape, you can prevent the virus from being able to grab onto human cells and thereby, reduce or treat further infection in a person’s body.

I started by identifying my drug target which was the Spike protein on the membrane of the SARS-CoV2 virus. I screened millions of small molecules against the Spike protein on the surface of the virus and tested three main things --

I tested molecules for their binding affinity, which is a test on how best the molecules combine to a certain spot on the spike protein.

I tested to see if molecules would cause adverse effects in biological systems.

I tested the molecules to be sure they could function when taken orally in the human body.

Once I ran these tests, I narrowed it down to one lead compound that showed the best results from all the test I ran in the study and that can effectively bind to the Spike protein on the SARS-CoV2 and provide a potential antiviral to the COVID-19 pandemic.

WION: How can this be a hope for the potential treatment of Covid-19? Were there other findings by other youth as well? How was yours different?

Anika: The protein I studied is the Spike protein, which plays a critical role in the infectivity of the virus, or the binding and entering of the virus, into human cells. In targetting and altering the shape of this specific protein, we would basically be able to stop the virus from entering other, non-infected, human cells and thereby create a treatment that would prevent the virus from further spreading in a person with Covid-19 infection.

The other finalists in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge all had different projects, and they were all so fascinating! I truly enjoyed learning from everyone I was with.

WION: How and when did you get the idea of such discovery? What was your inspiration?

Anika: After learning about the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic for a school project, I became fascinated with viruses and drug discovery. I began researching drug discovery and learned about the in-silico methodology. I was amazed at how we could use computational methods to identify and develop potential drug-like molecules to combat diseases.

Last year, I tried using the silico methodology to identify a lead compound which could bind to the Hemagglutinin protein of Influenza virus. I was working on this project when Covid-19 hit.

After spending so much time researching about pandemics, viruses, and drug discovery, I couldn’t believe I was actually living through a pandemic. Due to Covid-19’s impact, I, with support of my mentor, Dr Mahfuza Ali from 3M, as part of the 3M Young Scientist&nbsp;

Challenge, decided to change the direction of my initial project to focus on how to potentially target the Spike protein of the SARS-CoV2 virus.

WION: How do you feel being named “America's Top Young Scientist”?

Anika: It is such a great feeling to earn that title and I am still in shock that I won the competition. Each of the other finalists had such great projects and innovations. They are all such well-rounded individuals. They taught me so much through teamwork and collaboration. I wouldn’t have been able to learn on my own.

WION: How are you planning to develop your findings into the cure of Covid-19?

Anika: My work this summer was to find a molecule that can bind to the Spike protein of the SARS-CoV2 virus and potentially provide a treatment route against the coronavirus using computational methods. However, my research is merely the first stage of a long and tedious drug discovery process to come. It needs to be tested further by in vitro and in vivo methods followed by human testing. 
&nbsp;

Even as the entire world is grappling with the Covid pandemic and vying for a possible vaccine, an Indian-American teenager has won a $25,000 prize for her work on a potential coronavirus treatment.

Even as the entire world is grappling with the Covid pandemic and vying for a possible vaccine, an Indian-American teenager has won a $25,000 prize for her work on a potential coronavirus treatment. Along with the prize money, 14-year-old Anika Chebrolu has also been conferred the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” for winning this year’s 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a middle school science competition in the US. In an exclusive conversation with WION, Anika spoke about how after learning about the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic for a school project, she became fascinated with viruses and drug discovery. Excerpts from the interview: WION: Please tell us about your discovery/findings in details. Anika: Through my research, I discovered a molecule that can attach to the Spike protein on the SARS-CoV2 virus and potentially change its shape and function. If you change the Spike protein shape, you can prevent the virus from being able to grab onto human cells and thereby, reduce or treat further infection in a person’s body. I started by identifying my drug target which was the Spike protein on the membrane of the SARS-CoV2 virus. I screened millions of small molecules against the Spike protein on the surface of the virus and tested three main things -- I tested molecules for their binding affinity, which is a test on how best the molecules combine to a certain spot on the spike protein. I tested to see if molecules would cause adverse effects in biological systems. I tested the molecules to be sure they could function when taken orally in the human body. Once I ran these tests, I narrowed it down to one lead compound that showed the best results from all the test I ran in the study and that can effectively bind to the Spike protein on the SARS-CoV2 and provide a potential antiviral to the COVID-19 pandemic. WION: How can this be a hope for the potential treatment of Covid-19? Were there other findings by other youth as well? How was yours different? Anika: The protein I studied is the Spike protein, which plays a critical role in the infectivity of the virus, or the binding and entering of the virus, into human cells. In targetting and altering the shape of this specific protein, we would basically be able to stop the virus from entering other, non-infected, human cells and thereby create a treatment that would prevent the virus from further spreading in a person with Covid-19 infection. The other finalists in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge all had different projects, and they were all so fascinating! I truly enjoyed learning from everyone I was with. WION: How and when did you get the idea of such discovery? What was your inspiration? Anika: After learning about the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic for a school project, I became fascinated with viruses and drug discovery. I began researching drug discovery and learned about the in-silico methodology. I was amazed at how we could use computational methods to identify and develop potential drug-like molecules to combat diseases. Last year, I tried using the silico methodology to identify a lead compound which could bind to the Hemagglutinin protein of Influenza virus. I was working on this project when Covid-19 hit. After spending so much time researching about pandemics, viruses, and drug discovery, I couldn’t believe I was actually living through a pandemic. Due to Covid-19’s impact, I, with support of my mentor, Dr Mahfuza Ali from 3M, as part of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, decided to change the direction of my initial project to focus on how to potentially target the Spike protein of the SARS-CoV2 virus. WION: How do you feel being named “America's Top Young Scientist”? Anika: It is such a great feeling to earn that title and I am still in shock that I won the competition. Each of the other finalists had such great projects and innovations. They are all such well-rounded individuals. They taught me so much through teamwork and collaboration. I wouldn’t have been able to learn on my own. WION: How are you planning to develop your findings into the cure of Covid-19? Anika: My work this summer was to find a molecule that can bind to the Spike protein of the SARS-CoV2 virus and potentially provide a treatment route against the coronavirus using computational methods. However, my research is merely the first stage of a long and tedious drug discovery process to come. It needs to be tested further by in vitro and in vivo methods followed by human testing.

'Still in shock': Indian-American teen on being named 'America’s Top Young Scientist'

A news report has revealed that a technology firm with links to the Chinese government is snooping on over 10,000 Indian individuals and organisations through global database including fields like politics, business, sports and media.

The list includes President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi, Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Singh Rawat to at least 15 former Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The list also includes WION's Editor-in-Chief, Sudhir Chaudhary who has been targeted over WION's critical and incisive coverage of the country.

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Robert Potter, Canberra-based cybersecurity, tech and data expert, who worked with the source to verify the electronic antecedents of the Zhenhua data set speaks about how he unmasked the data.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-snooping-on-top-indian-politicians-defence-chiefs-and-news-media-editors-reports-327391">China snooping on top Indian politicians, defence chiefs &amp; news media editors</a>

"We worked for three months to restore the version of the data. It is a very interesting and ambitious data set and since in alignment with the objectives of the company who talks about using it for the purposes of engaging in Hybrid Warfare and political influence operations", said Robert Potter&nbsp;when asked about his engagements in verifying the electronic antecedents of the data set.

A Chinese firm called Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co. Limited, which is based in Shenzen has been tasked with monitoring over 10,000 prominent citizens as part of what is known as "Hybrid warfare"- &nbsp;using non-military tools. These tools include, in its own words, “information pollution, perception management and propaganda.”

When asked how Beijing is exploiting data, Robert said, &nbsp;"It's possible to scrape open-source (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok) data and use that to create a profile of the person. This information, in this case, was also combined with data from anti-money laundering systems. They attack through those systems and all of that data is put together to create a profile of the human political information and technology terrain of the country to make it easier to understand that influence."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rattled-by-zee-groups-coverage-china-puts-spies-on-editor-in-chief-sudhir-chaudhary-report-327401" hreflang="en">Rattled by Zee’s coverage,China puts spies on Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary</a>

This comes amid escalating tensions between India and China along the Line of actual control in Ladakh. Understanding the impact between relations of the two counties, Robert believes that "China and India are capable economies with a role to play in the global stage, degree of which comes with scrutiny. And if China wants to play in the top ring with the biggest countries in the world, they can expect this sort of scrutiny on their way", he added.

Talking about the reach of such target, Robert firmly believes that "where there is power, the company attempts to collect the information".

Speaking about the importance of strengthening the security of platforms, he said that, "we also have to accept that there's a certain risk because the Chinese government doesn't seem to acknowledge the same norms of privacy that Democratic countries like Australia and India do".

A news report has revealed that a technology firm with links to the Chinese government is snooping on over 10,000 Indian individuals and organisations through global database including fields like politics, business, sports and media.

A news report has revealed that a technology firm with links to the Chinese government is snooping on over 10,000 Indian individuals and organisations through global database including fields like politics, business, sports and media. The list includes President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi, Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Singh Rawat to at least 15 former Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The list also includes WION's Editor-in-Chief, Sudhir Chaudhary who has been targeted over WION's critical and incisive coverage of the country. In an exclusive conversation with WION, Robert Potter, Canberra-based cybersecurity, tech and data expert, who worked with the source to verify the electronic antecedents of the Zhenhua data set speaks about how he unmasked the data. Also read: China snooping on top Indian politicians, defence chiefs & news media editors "We worked for three months to restore the version of the data. It is a very interesting and ambitious data set and since in alignment with the objectives of the company who talks about using it for the purposes of engaging in Hybrid Warfare and political influence operations", said Robert Potter when asked about his engagements in verifying the electronic antecedents of the data set. A Chinese firm called Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co. Limited, which is based in Shenzen has been tasked with monitoring over 10,000 prominent citizens as part of what is known as "Hybrid warfare"- using non-military tools. These tools include, in its own words, “information pollution, perception management and propaganda.” When asked how Beijing is exploiting data, Robert said, "It's possible to scrape open-source (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok) data and use that to create a profile of the person. This information, in this case, was also combined with data from anti-money laundering systems. They attack through those systems and all of that data is put together to create a profile of the human political information and technology terrain of the country to make it easier to understand that influence." Also read: Rattled by Zee’s coverage,China puts spies on Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary This comes amid escalating tensions between India and China along the Line of actual control in Ladakh. Understanding the impact between relations of the two counties, Robert believes that "China and India are capable economies with a role to play in the global stage, degree of which comes with scrutiny. And if China wants to play in the top ring with the biggest countries in the world, they can expect this sort of scrutiny on their way", he added. Talking about the reach of such target, Robert firmly believes that "where there is power, the company attempts to collect the information". Speaking about the importance of strengthening the security of platforms, he said that, "we also have to accept that there's a certain risk because the Chinese government doesn't seem to acknowledge the same norms of privacy that Democratic countries like Australia and India do".

'China doesn't acknowledge same norm of privacy like Australia & India do': Robert Potter, who exposed Snoopgate tells WION

Ferkat Jawdat, a&nbsp;Uighur-American software engineer came to the US in 2011 along with his siblings to reunite with his father who had gone to the US in 2006. His mother, Minaiwaier Tuersun, was denied a Chinese passport but was cleared by the US government to visit the US and reunite with her family.&nbsp;

In 2018, she was sent to one of China’s vast network of concentration camps. After failing to receive any news about her condition, Ferkat started speaking out starting in 2018 to raise awareness about his mother and other Uighurs in the Chinese camps. After spending more than 15 months in multiple camps and three months in a Chinese prison, Minaiwaier Tuersun was released in May last year but lives under constant government control. The Chinese government claims she was never detained, however, it asked her to write about her “good” experience in the so-called re-education camps after “being educated”.

Excerpts from the interview with&nbsp;Ferkat Jawdat:

WION: Please tell us about your family especially about your mother's plight in China...

Ferkat Jawdat:&nbsp;My father came to the United States in 2006. I and other siblings came in 2011. Since 2006, we have been trying to get my mother a Chinese passport so that she can come to the US and reunite with us but the Chinese government has denied her visa for various reasons.

In the beginning, they said that my father has to go back to China to talk&nbsp;but we couldn't go. I talked with my mother every single day. We tried all legal ways to get her the Chinese passport but failed.&nbsp;

The Chinese government did not give her the passport. These concentration camps started in early 2017, the first time my mom was detained was in November 2017, she was then released after 22 days.&nbsp;So she became quiet and scared and said a couple of times that she cannot talk to us as she was really sad and upset.

WION: Where is your mother now? How were you able to be in touch with her since 2011 after you arrived in the US?

Ferkat Jawdat:&nbsp;My mother is in an old house in Ghulja or Yining in China living by herself.&nbsp;We missed all the normal communication and after days she called me (video calls) but didn't say anything and kept crying without saying a word.

We know that all communication was being monitored by the government or the police officials.&nbsp;From time to time she used to make video calls and sit quietly. We can see the fear and anxiety in her eyes.

She said that she doesn't know when she can come back which was 15 months ago when I received a call from her. In March 2018, five people from my family were sent to the camps. We had to wait and stayed quiet or else they would have been in more danger.

WION: There are many Muslim countries who have stayed silent over atrocities on Uighurs. What is your opinion? How do you think this issue needs to be addressed by them?

Ferkat Jawdat:&nbsp;Many Muslim countries and even the OIC chose to stay silent. The mosques are being destroyed. People are being sent to camps because they are wearing hijabs or have a beard.

One main reason is the "economic ties" these countries have with China.

The Chinese government after they started the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) invested heavily in those Muslim majority countries and so they owe a lot of money to the Chinese government, also China is the second-largest superpower in the world, so they can't pressure them and the third main reason is the lack of information especially in the beginning when those camps started in 2017, they only showed what they wanted people to see like they invited reporters from other countries and just showed their happy lives but behind the scenes&nbsp;there are alarming things happening.

WION: You obviously demand independence and freedom for your mother but how is it possible? What steps do you think should be taken since millions are believed to be in concentration/internment camps...

Ferkat Jawdat:&nbsp;When I was in China, I saw the&nbsp;difference in treatment between Uighurs/ Kazakhs. We are not being treated as normal human beings, not even as an animal. I don't think Uighurs can live with Chinese people. It's a complete genocide.

I don't even call myself an activist or a separatist. I am just trying to raise my mother's case on the international stage. My mother is one of the 3 million people who has got detained. I just want to share my story highlighting my mother's case.

Since my mother was detained in 2018 in the concentration camps, my whole life turned upside down. My mother lives by herself. She has been released from the concentration camp.

Currently, because of COVID-19, the Chinese government has put strict lockdown restrictions in the whole region. The internet has been cut off since last November at her house.&nbsp;

Then her cellular data was cut off in February as well, so I can talk to her only through the phone. I cannot make video calls. I am still hoping that she will get a passport one day. They are using the passport as a bait to make me stop.

Ferkat Jawdat, a Uighur-American software engineer came to the US in 2011 along with his siblings to reunite with his father who had gone to the US in 2006. His mother, Minaiwaier Tuersun, was denied a Chinese passport but was cleared by the US government to visit the US and reunite with her family.

Ferkat Jawdat, a Uighur-American software engineer came to the US in 2011 along with his siblings to reunite with his father who had gone to the US in 2006. His mother, Minaiwaier Tuersun, was denied a Chinese passport but was cleared by the US government to visit the US and reunite with her family. In 2018, she was sent to one of China’s vast network of concentration camps. After failing to receive any news about her condition, Ferkat started speaking out starting in 2018 to raise awareness about his mother and other Uighurs in the Chinese camps. After spending more than 15 months in multiple camps and three months in a Chinese prison, Minaiwaier Tuersun was released in May last year but lives under constant government control. The Chinese government claims she was never detained, however, it asked her to write about her “good” experience in the so-called re-education camps after “being educated”. Excerpts from the interview with Ferkat Jawdat: WION: Please tell us about your family especially about your mother's plight in China... Ferkat Jawdat: My father came to the United States in 2006. I and other siblings came in 2011. Since 2006, we have been trying to get my mother a Chinese passport so that she can come to the US and reunite with us but the Chinese government has denied her visa for various reasons. In the beginning, they said that my father has to go back to China to talk but we couldn't go. I talked with my mother every single day. We tried all legal ways to get her the Chinese passport but failed. The Chinese government did not give her the passport. These concentration camps started in early 2017, the first time my mom was detained was in November 2017, she was then released after 22 days. So she became quiet and scared and said a couple of times that she cannot talk to us as she was really sad and upset. WION: Where is your mother now? How were you able to be in touch with her since 2011 after you arrived in the US? Ferkat Jawdat: My mother is in an old house in Ghulja or Yining in China living by herself. We missed all the normal communication and after days she called me (video calls) but didn't say anything and kept crying without saying a word. We know that all communication was being monitored by the government or the police officials. From time to time she used to make video calls and sit quietly. We can see the fear and anxiety in her eyes. She said that she doesn't know when she can come back which was 15 months ago when I received a call from her. In March 2018, five people from my family were sent to the camps. We had to wait and stayed quiet or else they would have been in more danger. WION: There are many Muslim countries who have stayed silent over atrocities on Uighurs. What is your opinion? How do you think this issue needs to be addressed by them? Ferkat Jawdat: Many Muslim countries and even the OIC chose to stay silent. The mosques are being destroyed. People are being sent to camps because they are wearing hijabs or have a beard. One main reason is the "economic ties" these countries have with China. The Chinese government after they started the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) invested heavily in those Muslim majority countries and so they owe a lot of money to the Chinese government, also China is the second-largest superpower in the world, so they can't pressure them and the third main reason is the lack of information especially in the beginning when those camps started in 2017, they only showed what they wanted people to see like they invited reporters from other countries and just showed their happy lives but behind the scenes there are alarming things happening. WION: You obviously demand independence and freedom for your mother but how is it possible? What steps do you think should be taken since millions are believed to be in concentration/internment camps... Ferkat Jawdat: When I was in China, I saw the difference in treatment between Uighurs/ Kazakhs. We are not being treated as normal human beings, not even as an animal. I don't think Uighurs can live with Chinese people. It's a complete genocide. I don't even call myself an activist or a separatist. I am just trying to raise my mother's case on the international stage. My mother is one of the 3 million people who has got detained. I just want to share my story highlighting my mother's case. Since my mother was detained in 2018 in the concentration camps, my whole life turned upside down. My mother lives by herself. She has been released from the concentration camp. Currently, because of COVID-19, the Chinese government has put strict lockdown restrictions in the whole region. The internet has been cut off since last November at her house. Then her cellular data was cut off in February as well, so I can talk to her only through the phone. I cannot make video calls. I am still hoping that she will get a passport one day. They are using the passport as a bait to make me stop.

I am just trying to raise my mother's case on the international stage, says Uighur-American activist on his mother's plight in detention

The coronavirus pandemic, which first appeared in a seafood market in the Hubei province of Wuhan city in China, late December 2019, has now claimed over 800,000 lives. However, the question&nbsp;of its origin still remains unanswered and has ruled the global discourse for months. Now, the researchers believe that the Chinese government has access to samples and information that could prove or disprove a lab origin and it should provide access to all that data and material.

"The Chinese government has access to samples and information that almost certainly could prove or disprove a lab origin. It should provide access to all that data and material. It is in no one's interest to have speculation and the data be withheld", British virologist and biologist Jonathan Latham, Executive Director of the Bioscience Resource Project, a non-profit based in New York, told WION. His&nbsp;startling report of coronavirus' first appearance in 2012 sheds new light.

Latham, also an editor of the website Independent Science News, specialises in molecular biology, virology, and genetics. He believes that WHO is reportedly not investigating a lab escape possibility, which is now the leading theory and this should be a source of embarrassment to the WHO.

"The WHO is reportedly not investigating a lab escape possibility. Since a lab escape is now the leading theory, this should be a source of embarrassment to the WHO. But it also endangers the public in future. If we do not find out how the pandemic started, how do we prevent future ones?"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-officials-kept-china-in-the-dark-for-weeks-about-coronavirus-us-intel-says-322286">Also read:&nbsp;Wuhan officials kept China in the dark for weeks about coronavirus, US intel says</a>

His report suggests that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), may not have originated at a Wuhan wet market in 2019, but 1,000 miles away in 2012, in a Chinese mineshaft where workers fell ill with a mysterious, pneumonia-like illness after being exposed to bats. His findings (along with molecular biologist Allison Wilson) were based after translating a 66-page master’s thesis from the Chinese medical doctor who treated the miners and sent their tissue samples to the Wuhan Institute of Virology for testing.

"The core finding of our investigation derives from the fact that the closest ancestor virus to SARS-CoV-2 , the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a virus called RaTG13. This virus was found in a mine near Mojiang in Yunnan Province, China, in 2012. What we uncovered is that shortly before RaTG13 was collected, six miners had become ill while clearing bat faeces inside the mine. Three of the miners had died after lengthy stays in hospital. The symptoms of the miners were essentially identical to COVID-19. In the hospital, at the time, it was concluded that the miners were suffering from infection by a novel coronavirus acquired from the bat faeces", said Latham.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-wuhan-water-park-party-now-beijing-says-face-masks-not-mandatory-in-public-spaces-322235">Also read:&nbsp;After Wuhan water park party, now Beijing says face masks not mandatory in public spaces</a>

"We also found that blood and probably other samples were taken from the miners to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). Our theory of how the pandemic came about is that RaTG13, which is a bat virus, infected the miners and became adapted to humans inside the bodies of the miners. The human samples taken to the WIV thus contained viruses that could cause COVID-19. We propose that these escaped when they were being examined at the WIV, presumably in late 2019. This theory thus explains why the pandemic started exactly in Wuhan when it could, in principle, have started anywhere in the world that has bats,"&nbsp;he added.

Latham also reported that the individual Chinese researchers obscured the deaths of the miners even before the outbreak began and, moreover, that after the outbreak they further attempted to cover over the provenance of RaTG13.

"It is also clear that individual Chinese researchers obscured the deaths of the miners even before the outbreak began and, moreover, that after the outbreak they further attempted to cover over the provenance of RaTG13. For example, Zheng-Li Shi, head of coronavirus research at the WIV told the magazine Scientific American that the miners died of a fungal infection. Because of this misinformation it took us and others months to piece together the true history", said Latham.

After conducting multiple tests for hepatitis, dengue fever and even HIV, the doctor consulted with various specialists throughout China, including virologist Zhong Nanshan, an international hero, who managed the SARS outbreak in 2003 and is considered the country’s greatest scientist, which implies that the miners probably were infected by coronavirus.

"The meeting with such a prominent scientist&nbsp;as Zhong Nanshan implies that the possibility of an epidemic outbreak starting with the miners was being taken very seriously in 2012. But it also implies since Zhong Nanshan has a special expertise in coronaviruses, that the miners had a virus, and that it probably was a coronavirus".

Currently, across the world, the number of deaths due to COVID-19 has doubled to just over 800,000 since June 6, with 100,000 fatalities in the last 17 days alone, while more than 23 million cases have been registered.

The coronavirus pandemic, which first appeared in a seafood market in the Hubei province of Wuhan city in China, late December 2019, has now claimed over 800,000 lives.

The coronavirus pandemic, which first appeared in a seafood market in the Hubei province of Wuhan city in China, late December 2019, has now claimed over 800,000 lives. However, the question of its origin still remains unanswered and has ruled the global discourse for months. Now, the researchers believe that the Chinese government has access to samples and information that could prove or disprove a lab origin and it should provide access to all that data and material. "The Chinese government has access to samples and information that almost certainly could prove or disprove a lab origin. It should provide access to all that data and material. It is in no one's interest to have speculation and the data be withheld", British virologist and biologist Jonathan Latham, Executive Director of the Bioscience Resource Project, a non-profit based in New York, told WION. His startling report of coronavirus' first appearance in 2012 sheds new light. Latham, also an editor of the website Independent Science News, specialises in molecular biology, virology, and genetics. He believes that WHO is reportedly not investigating a lab escape possibility, which is now the leading theory and this should be a source of embarrassment to the WHO. "The WHO is reportedly not investigating a lab escape possibility. Since a lab escape is now the leading theory, this should be a source of embarrassment to the WHO. But it also endangers the public in future. If we do not find out how the pandemic started, how do we prevent future ones?" Also read: Wuhan officials kept China in the dark for weeks about coronavirus, US intel says His report suggests that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), may not have originated at a Wuhan wet market in 2019, but 1,000 miles away in 2012, in a Chinese mineshaft where workers fell ill with a mysterious, pneumonia-like illness after being exposed to bats. His findings (along with molecular biologist Allison Wilson) were based after translating a 66-page master’s thesis from the Chinese medical doctor who treated the miners and sent their tissue samples to the Wuhan Institute of Virology for testing. "The core finding of our investigation derives from the fact that the closest ancestor virus to SARS-CoV-2 , the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a virus called RaTG13. This virus was found in a mine near Mojiang in Yunnan Province, China, in 2012. What we uncovered is that shortly before RaTG13 was collected, six miners had become ill while clearing bat faeces inside the mine. Three of the miners had died after lengthy stays in hospital. The symptoms of the miners were essentially identical to COVID-19. In the hospital, at the time, it was concluded that the miners were suffering from infection by a novel coronavirus acquired from the bat faeces", said Latham. Also read: After Wuhan water park party, now Beijing says face masks not mandatory in public spaces "We also found that blood and probably other samples were taken from the miners to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). Our theory of how the pandemic came about is that RaTG13, which is a bat virus, infected the miners and became adapted to humans inside the bodies of the miners. The human samples taken to the WIV thus contained viruses that could cause COVID-19. We propose that these escaped when they were being examined at the WIV, presumably in late 2019. This theory thus explains why the pandemic started exactly in Wuhan when it could, in principle, have started anywhere in the world that has bats," he added. Latham also reported that the individual Chinese researchers obscured the deaths of the miners even before the outbreak began and, moreover, that after the outbreak they further attempted to cover over the provenance of RaTG13. "It is also clear that individual Chinese researchers obscured the deaths of the miners even before the outbreak began and, moreover, that after the outbreak they further attempted to cover over the provenance of RaTG13. For example, Zheng-Li Shi, head of coronavirus research at the WIV told the magazine Scientific American that the miners died of a fungal infection. Because of this misinformation it took us and others months to piece together the true history", said Latham. After conducting multiple tests for hepatitis, dengue fever and even HIV, the doctor consulted with various specialists throughout China, including virologist Zhong Nanshan, an international hero, who managed the SARS outbreak in 2003 and is considered the country’s greatest scientist, which implies that the miners probably were infected by coronavirus. "The meeting with such a prominent scientist as Zhong Nanshan implies that the possibility of an epidemic outbreak starting with the miners was being taken very seriously in 2012. But it also implies since Zhong Nanshan has a special expertise in coronaviruses, that the miners had a virus, and that it probably was a coronavirus". Currently, across the world, the number of deaths due to COVID-19 has doubled to just over 800,000 since June 6, with 100,000 fatalities in the last 17 days alone, while more than 23 million cases have been registered.

'Chinese government has access to information of lab origin': Famous virologist claims

Mary Daniel of Jacksonville, Florida had not seen her husband, Steve, in 114 days after a state order barred visitors to nursing homes due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Daniel, 57, told WION that Steve, 66, who has early onset Alzheimer's disease, resides in a memory care unit of a nursing home. When the coronavirus spread across the state, Gov. Ron DeSantis banned visitations to nursing homes to protect patients and prevent the spread among a vulnerable population.&nbsp;

Mary appealed to Rosecastle, the nursing home, offering to bring a therapy dog or volunteer in another way, but the facility wasn’t sure how long the pandemic might last. Then, out of the blue, the corporate office reached out to Mary and offered her a job as a dishwasher. She grabbed the opportunity.&nbsp;

She finally reunited with her husband on July 3, after nearly four months of separation.

WION: Can you tell us more about you and your husband?

Mary: My husband is Steve Daniel. We've been married 24 years and he was diagnosed seven years ago with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He was 59 years old and it totally came out of the blue and was just a devastating diagnosis. He went into a Memory Care Center in July last year. So he's been there for a year. He was incredibly social. He was a salesman by nature throughout his career and so he loved being around people, and I had him here at home with a caregiver and he was just locked in the house. So, we put him in memory care and he absolutely thrived, he loved being around people. He was the official greeter at the front door, and it was just a wonderful situation, until the lockdown happened. I saw him on March 10th and on March 11th, they called me and said he can't come back.&nbsp;

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Steve had a visit with his nurse practitioner this morning so I thought it might be a good time for us to try a window...
Posted by <a href="#" role="button">Mary Shannon Daniel</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://developers.facebook.com/marysdaniel/posts/10221488359268876">Thursday, May 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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WION:&nbsp;How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal life and what led you to decide to be a dishwasher in order to meet your husband in the nursing home?

Mary: At the beginning of the lockdown, I called the centre and I asked them&nbsp;'what can I do to get to him? Can I volunteer, can I bring my therapy dog?'. I raise puppies for K9s for Warriors, an organisation that provides dogs for veterans with PTSD. Maybe my dog could be a therapy dog there or even I'll take a job. Just tell me what I can do and I'll be happy to do it and they kind of said let's just see what happens. Those weeks turned into months and two weeks ago as I started getting vocal.&nbsp;I really started reaching out to local media and trying to get to the governor.&nbsp;

They called me and said we have a position available. It happens to be a dishwasher. But if you want it you can have it so I took it so I started two weeks ago. I'm working two days a week now and&nbsp;it is a legit job. I have to wash dishes, mop the floor. There is quite a bit of screening to get me in. I had to do a background check, COVID test, a TB test and I had to do a ton of training 20 hours of video training, but I finally got in to see him on March 3rd, and I've been able to spend hours and hours. I've worked for&nbsp;four days. So, I'll be working two days a week there now.

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After 114 days I got to hug my husband today. I also washed alot of dishes. Proof where there’s a will there’s a way! I love you Steve Daniel! #EndAlz
Posted by <a href="#" role="button">Mary Shannon Daniel</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://developers.facebook.com/marysdaniel/posts/10221904268346343">Friday, July 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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WION:&nbsp;You have also started a Facebook group with other families to try to find other options in nursing homes, as they are isolated. How did you think of it and what response did you get?&nbsp; 
Mary:&nbsp;I started the Facebook page because I wanted a way for everybody to be organised. I was seeing there were tens of thousands of people out there experiencing the same anxiety and the same frustration of trying to get to my husband as I was and so we needed a way to get organised.&nbsp;So, we are actually now setting up pages for each state so that the people in that state can organise together. We're going to show a blueprint and we're going to give it the idea of sort of how to get organised and what to do so that we can all then present to our particular state governments, our governors in particular exactly what we're asking of them.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;What is the one message that you want to give through this?&nbsp; 
Mary: The main message that I'm trying to give to people is that obviously we understand the intentions of the shutdown. We know you have isolated our loved ones because you want to save them but what I'm trying to get across to everybody, and the point that I need to make, is we have isolated them and the isolation is going to kill them, dementia patients in particular need stimulation.&nbsp;They need their brain to be simulated and&nbsp;they need to feel loved. They need to feel affection. They don't understand what's going on and they need to have that feeling of love. Without that, their brain will just simply wither away and that's the biggest fear. Today is his best day; my husband is only going to get worse, so I want to be with him today. I've known the entire time that he's diagnosed that he's going to die from this, but I also know that I would be with him every step of the way and I haven't been and I'm so entirely incredibly grateful.&nbsp;

I'm so incredibly grateful that I'm with him now, but there are so many others out there that can't get to their loved ones and fulfill that promise of being with them and holding their hand until they take their last breath and it's time that we do that there are safe ways. We can do isolation rooms and visit outside. We want it to be safe, but they need us and we need to get to them.

Mary Daniel of Jacksonville, Florida had not seen her husband, Steve, in 114 days after a state order barred visitors to nursing homes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mary Daniel of Jacksonville, Florida had not seen her husband, Steve, in 114 days after a state order barred visitors to nursing homes due to the coronavirus pandemic. Daniel, 57, told WION that Steve, 66, who has early onset Alzheimer's disease, resides in a memory care unit of a nursing home. When the coronavirus spread across the state, Gov. Ron DeSantis banned visitations to nursing homes to protect patients and prevent the spread among a vulnerable population. Mary appealed to Rosecastle, the nursing home, offering to bring a therapy dog or volunteer in another way, but the facility wasn’t sure how long the pandemic might last. Then, out of the blue, the corporate office reached out to Mary and offered her a job as a dishwasher. She grabbed the opportunity. She finally reunited with her husband on July 3, after nearly four months of separation. WION: Can you tell us more about you and your husband? Mary: My husband is Steve Daniel. We've been married 24 years and he was diagnosed seven years ago with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He was 59 years old and it totally came out of the blue and was just a devastating diagnosis. He went into a Memory Care Center in July last year. So he's been there for a year. He was incredibly social. He was a salesman by nature throughout his career and so he loved being around people, and I had him here at home with a caregiver and he was just locked in the house. So, we put him in memory care and he absolutely thrived, he loved being around people. He was the official greeter at the front door, and it was just a wonderful situation, until the lockdown happened. I saw him on March 10th and on March 11th, they called me and said he can't come back. Steve had a visit with his nurse practitioner this morning so I thought it might be a good time for us to try a window... Posted by Mary Shannon Daniel on Thursday, May 21, 2020 × WION: How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal life and what led you to decide to be a dishwasher in order to meet your husband in the nursing home? Mary: At the beginning of the lockdown, I called the centre and I asked them 'what can I do to get to him? Can I volunteer, can I bring my therapy dog?'. I raise puppies for K9s for Warriors, an organisation that provides dogs for veterans with PTSD. Maybe my dog could be a therapy dog there or even I'll take a job. Just tell me what I can do and I'll be happy to do it and they kind of said let's just see what happens. Those weeks turned into months and two weeks ago as I started getting vocal. I really started reaching out to local media and trying to get to the governor. They called me and said we have a position available. It happens to be a dishwasher. But if you want it you can have it so I took it so I started two weeks ago. I'm working two days a week now and it is a legit job. I have to wash dishes, mop the floor. There is quite a bit of screening to get me in. I had to do a background check, COVID test, a TB test and I had to do a ton of training 20 hours of video training, but I finally got in to see him on March 3rd, and I've been able to spend hours and hours. I've worked for four days. So, I'll be working two days a week there now. After 114 days I got to hug my husband today. I also washed alot of dishes. Proof where there’s a will there’s a way! I love you Steve Daniel! #EndAlz Posted by Mary Shannon Daniel on Friday, July 3, 2020 × WION: You have also started a Facebook group with other families to try to find other options in nursing homes, as they are isolated. How did you think of it and what response did you get? Mary: I started the Facebook page because I wanted a way for everybody to be organised. I was seeing there were tens of thousands of people out there experiencing the same anxiety and the same frustration of trying to get to my husband as I was and so we needed a way to get organised. So, we are actually now setting up pages for each state so that the people in that state can organise together. We're going to show a blueprint and we're going to give it the idea of sort of how to get organised and what to do so that we can all then present to our particular state governments, our governors in particular exactly what we're asking of them. WION: What is the one message that you want to give through this? Mary: The main message that I'm trying to give to people is that obviously we understand the intentions of the shutdown. We know you have isolated our loved ones because you want to save them but what I'm trying to get across to everybody, and the point that I need to make, is we have isolated them and the isolation is going to kill them, dementia patients in particular need stimulation. They need their brain to be simulated and they need to feel loved. They need to feel affection. They don't understand what's going on and they need to have that feeling of love. Without that, their brain will just simply wither away and that's the biggest fear. Today is his best day; my husband is only going to get worse, so I want to be with him today. I've known the entire time that he's diagnosed that he's going to die from this, but I also know that I would be with him every step of the way and I haven't been and I'm so entirely incredibly grateful. I'm so incredibly grateful that I'm with him now, but there are so many others out there that can't get to their loved ones and fulfill that promise of being with them and holding their hand until they take their last breath and it's time that we do that there are safe ways. We can do isolation rooms and visit outside. We want it to be safe, but they need us and we need to get to them.

Woman takes dishwasher job to visit husband in nursing home amid lockdown

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with hospitals and people around the world struggling hard to find the N95 mask, Mr Peter Tsai, the material scientist and engineer who developed the mask's virus-blocking technology is out of retirement to study safe ways to disinfect the single-use masks for reuse — nearly 30 years after his invention.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Dr Tsai revealed how he has provided information for virologists to study the possibility of decontaminating COVID-19.

 
WION: When you came up with the N95 mask infiltration 30 years ago what was the kind of reception then and now when you return in the midst of this pandemic sweeping the world?

Dr TSAI: My invention is an ordinary industrial one to do the electrostatic charging of materials to improve the filtering efficiency of air filters including medical face masks and N95 respirators.&nbsp;

This respirator has been used for constructor workers. During SARS, it was used to protect medical workers from getting infected. The spreading of COVID-19 is wider and faster than SARS. People are eager to know if the masks can be decontaminated and reused. I had the experiments in treating the charged media using heat to study its charge behavior under ambient environment and steam for sterilization of the charged media. Therefore, I provided this information to virologists to study the possibility of decontaminating COVID-19.

WION: Why and how did you think of returning after your retirement to aid in the pandemic?

Dr TSAI: When COVID-19 occurred, people needed knowledge that what mask should people wear, and because of this the outbreak happened in a shorter period of time. There is a huge demand than supply. So, there is a shortage of respiratory items and people want&nbsp;to know ways they can deactivate the virus. After my retirement, I provided the information to deactivate COVID-19.

WION: There are various kinds of masks being prescribed for this contagion what is your outlook for general people and frontline workers?

Dr TSAI: Infected people need to wear a medical face mask to stop their contaminated droplets from being exposed to the environment. Healthy people can wear a medical face mask to stop the infected droplets. Due to the short distance contact with the COVID-19 patients, medical professionals need to wear N95 because it can capture submicron droplets and it has a tight edge seal to prevent the airborne droplets from entering through the edge space.

WION: How do you plan to study safe ways to sterilize the masks for reuse?

Dr TSAI: We had learned that alcohol would erase the charges so it is not recommended to sterilize the masks. Vaporous hydrogen peroxide has been approved by the FDA to denominate COVID-19 on N95.

Several oven manufacturers have sent their ovens and NASA their hot air blower to FDA to get approved to deactivate COVID-19 on N95.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with hospitals and people around the world struggling hard to find the N95 mask, Mr Peter Tsai, the material scientist and engineer who developed the mask's virus-blocking technology is out of retirement to study safe ways to disinfect the single-use masks for reuse — nearly 30 years after his invention.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with hospitals and people around the world struggling hard to find the N95 mask, Mr Peter Tsai, the material scientist and engineer who developed the mask's virus-blocking technology is out of retirement to study safe ways to disinfect the single-use masks for reuse — nearly 30 years after his invention. In an exclusive interview to WION, Dr Tsai revealed how he has provided information for virologists to study the possibility of decontaminating COVID-19. WION: When you came up with the N95 mask infiltration 30 years ago what was the kind of reception then and now when you return in the midst of this pandemic sweeping the world? Dr TSAI: My invention is an ordinary industrial one to do the electrostatic charging of materials to improve the filtering efficiency of air filters including medical face masks and N95 respirators. This respirator has been used for constructor workers. During SARS, it was used to protect medical workers from getting infected. The spreading of COVID-19 is wider and faster than SARS. People are eager to know if the masks can be decontaminated and reused. I had the experiments in treating the charged media using heat to study its charge behavior under ambient environment and steam for sterilization of the charged media. Therefore, I provided this information to virologists to study the possibility of decontaminating COVID-19. WION: Why and how did you think of returning after your retirement to aid in the pandemic? Dr TSAI: When COVID-19 occurred, people needed knowledge that what mask should people wear, and because of this the outbreak happened in a shorter period of time. There is a huge demand than supply. So, there is a shortage of respiratory items and people want to know ways they can deactivate the virus. After my retirement, I provided the information to deactivate COVID-19. WION: There are various kinds of masks being prescribed for this contagion what is your outlook for general people and frontline workers? Dr TSAI: Infected people need to wear a medical face mask to stop their contaminated droplets from being exposed to the environment. Healthy people can wear a medical face mask to stop the infected droplets. Due to the short distance contact with the COVID-19 patients, medical professionals need to wear N95 because it can capture submicron droplets and it has a tight edge seal to prevent the airborne droplets from entering through the edge space. WION: How do you plan to study safe ways to sterilize the masks for reuse? Dr TSAI: We had learned that alcohol would erase the charges so it is not recommended to sterilize the masks. Vaporous hydrogen peroxide has been approved by the FDA to denominate COVID-19 on N95. Several oven manufacturers have sent their ovens and NASA their hot air blower to FDA to get approved to deactivate COVID-19 on N95.

I provided information for virologists to study possibility of decontaminating COVID-19: Dr Peter Tsai to WION

Describing his ordeal as no less than a horror movie, Dr Poorna Gunasekera (Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Plymouth), saw&nbsp;some ray&nbsp;of hope after his ex-students started taking care of his treatment.

Attributing his health issues to the weakness, it took Gunasekera 10 days to understand that he had COVID. He remained in&nbsp;denial about his symptoms when he had a fever above 39 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit) and had lost 6.5 kilograms in a matter of days as a result of diarrhoea.

Soon, he&nbsp;was rushed to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth in the early hours of March 30. His daughter Saki and her boyfriend George Petrie also suffered from the illness but ended up having much milder symptoms after going into self-isolation.

Gunasekera, better known to his friends and colleagues as PG, grew up in Kandy, Sri Lanka, and led the Guard of Honour that was accorded to Queen Elizabeth II at the time of her official visit to the city in 1981.

He came to the UK in 1999 having been awarded a Commonwealth scholarship to study for masters at University College London and has been in the academic field that feeds the National Health Service ever since.

In an exclusive interview to WION's Ayushi Agarwal, Gunasekera shared his account of dealing with this deadly infection.

Edited excerpts from the interview:

WION:&nbsp;As a survivor what was your experience, when did you get infected and what was the process thereafter. How did you realize that you had COVID? Tell us the story after?

DR POORNA-&nbsp;I think It was more like a horror movie. The first signs manifested on 20th March and I really don't know how I came in contact with COVID. I was in London the week before, with my daughter&nbsp;Saki (short for ‘Thisakya’), and her boyfriend George, who developed COVID-associated symptoms of loss of taste, smell and headache just one day before I did (on 19th March 2020 to be specific). Some friends in Italy told us that this was one of the manifestations. There were many other atypical manifestations. Hence, we all started to self-isolate from that day.

I developed generalised aches and pains a day later. (20th March).

Saki started to improve within 3 or 4 days. She was the first to recover completely&nbsp;

George’s sense of smell and taste took about 2 weeks to recover, though he too was feeling otherwise well by around the 7th day of illness.&nbsp;

My own symptoms persisted for longer. It was mainly explosive diarrhoea starting on day 4 of illness, that led to a loss of 6.5 kilograms and the generalised weakness that resulted. The feeling of shortness of breath, which I attributed to the generalised weakness, began to get progressively severe and took a sharp turn to the worse on 9th day of illness. I was admitted to the hospital during the early hours of 30th March, a day later.&nbsp;

My X-ray showed that both of my lungs had some changes.&nbsp;Still, they didn't transfer me to the COVID "red zone"&nbsp; as they called. The first test came negative. Second, came positive. They then transferred me to the red zone which is serious and is one step below to the intensive care. This is how I first realized that I had COVID.

WION:&nbsp;How did you meet your ex-students in the hospital? How did you feel after being treated by them?

DR POORNA-&nbsp;You can't really recognize anyone in the hospital. Everyone was covered. Completely isolated. It was at that time that 3 of my former students who were completely covered came and meet me.&nbsp;Slowly I began to recover. At that time when I was really really sick, but I felt a sense of freedom and peace that I have never felt before. But there was no sensor input. I did not know where my feet and hands were. Still,&nbsp;all my sense of worry disappeared from the mind. I thought I was getting better.

I was behind the red zone for 7 days.&nbsp; And then the oxygen requirement kept dropping. Soon, my temperature was stable.&nbsp;My lymphocytes began to come up.

I was in solitary confinement.

The one thing we started talking when the oxygen was off, was about the fear that we will take COVID back to the community because even now I have been home for 10 days. I have a little garden but haven't stepped out.&nbsp;

I came home on the 9th of April. Today is a good day. It has not been steady recovery. Some days I feel are worse days than others, and you develop strange symptoms.&nbsp;We are dealing with it and it is getting better.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;Because you also happen to be a doctor, it could have been easier for you to understand. What is your assessment of this disease?

DR POORNA-&nbsp;From the medical opinion, I read that some first doctor from China who raised the alarm said that this is some atypical form of pneumonia, and that is completely true. When I saw that X-ray, the consolidation on the X-rays was very different what you see in normal pneumonia.

It is more like a plume of smoke going through the lungs. That was unusual.

The initial thing might be in the lungs. But all the organs are affected. It is a very dangerous pathogen. It is a very sad belief that it only infects a certain age. Here in the UK, we have the case of a nurse of just 32 years who died of COVID. Another was a pregnant one, with the child who died. It is an extremely dangerous disease because it has the ability to go from one person to the other.

WION: For a layperson what is your message to understand the disease and how do you suggest to cope with it?

DR POORNA- The message to the public is that the only defence we have against COVID is to prevent it from multiplying. In my case, I had just two options.&nbsp; Either I would overcome the disease, or it would kill me.

The only way it (disease) could survive if we transmit it from one person to the other. Just like passing the parcel. The danger is that we may do it without being aware that we are affected. This is a difference between COVID and SARS.&nbsp;

It is a hugely dangerous disease. It is important to maintain social distancing, to prevent direct transmission.

We have no treatment for COVID. It is the battle between COVID and us. Once we get it, it's just us against COVID. There is no treatment, there is no vaccine to protect. The only thing that we can do is to avoid exposure. We can only avoid exposure if we isolate ourselves.&nbsp;isolating completely may be practically difficult for doing, but that is the only thing that can stop COVID.

Some countries are lifting restrictions, but COVID might be lurking in that population.

This is like a horror movie. We have to fight it on an individual basis. This is where I believe small communities can come together. Maybe COVID can make us a better species. We may learn the lessons.

Real health lies with us. I am a huge fan of India and your ways of dealing with stress and anxiety. This is what we really need to do. If we stop harming ourselves, we don't need to go and rush to the hospitals.&nbsp;

Describing his ordeal as no less than a horror movie, Dr Poorna Gunasekera (Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Plymouth), saw some ray of hope after his ex-students started taking care of his treatment.

Describing his ordeal as no less than a horror movie, Dr Poorna Gunasekera (Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Plymouth), saw some ray of hope after his ex-students started taking care of his treatment. Attributing his health issues to the weakness, it took Gunasekera 10 days to understand that he had COVID. He remained in denial about his symptoms when he had a fever above 39 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit) and had lost 6.5 kilograms in a matter of days as a result of diarrhoea. Soon, he was rushed to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth in the early hours of March 30. His daughter Saki and her boyfriend George Petrie also suffered from the illness but ended up having much milder symptoms after going into self-isolation. Gunasekera, better known to his friends and colleagues as PG, grew up in Kandy, Sri Lanka, and led the Guard of Honour that was accorded to Queen Elizabeth II at the time of her official visit to the city in 1981. He came to the UK in 1999 having been awarded a Commonwealth scholarship to study for masters at University College London and has been in the academic field that feeds the National Health Service ever since. In an exclusive interview to WION's Ayushi Agarwal, Gunasekera shared his account of dealing with this deadly infection. Edited excerpts from the interview: WION: As a survivor what was your experience, when did you get infected and what was the process thereafter. How did you realize that you had COVID? Tell us the story after? DR POORNA- I think It was more like a horror movie. The first signs manifested on 20th March and I really don't know how I came in contact with COVID. I was in London the week before, with my daughter Saki (short for ‘Thisakya’), and her boyfriend George, who developed COVID-associated symptoms of loss of taste, smell and headache just one day before I did (on 19th March 2020 to be specific). Some friends in Italy told us that this was one of the manifestations. There were many other atypical manifestations. Hence, we all started to self-isolate from that day. I developed generalised aches and pains a day later. (20th March). Saki started to improve within 3 or 4 days. She was the first to recover completely George’s sense of smell and taste took about 2 weeks to recover, though he too was feeling otherwise well by around the 7th day of illness. My own symptoms persisted for longer. It was mainly explosive diarrhoea starting on day 4 of illness, that led to a loss of 6.5 kilograms and the generalised weakness that resulted. The feeling of shortness of breath, which I attributed to the generalised weakness, began to get progressively severe and took a sharp turn to the worse on 9th day of illness. I was admitted to the hospital during the early hours of 30th March, a day later. My X-ray showed that both of my lungs had some changes. Still, they didn't transfer me to the COVID "red zone" as they called. The first test came negative. Second, came positive. They then transferred me to the red zone which is serious and is one step below to the intensive care. This is how I first realized that I had COVID. WION: How did you meet your ex-students in the hospital? How did you feel after being treated by them? DR POORNA- You can't really recognize anyone in the hospital. Everyone was covered. Completely isolated. It was at that time that 3 of my former students who were completely covered came and meet me. Slowly I began to recover. At that time when I was really really sick, but I felt a sense of freedom and peace that I have never felt before. But there was no sensor input. I did not know where my feet and hands were. Still, all my sense of worry disappeared from the mind. I thought I was getting better. I was behind the red zone for 7 days. And then the oxygen requirement kept dropping. Soon, my temperature was stable. My lymphocytes began to come up. I was in solitary confinement. The one thing we started talking when the oxygen was off, was about the fear that we will take COVID back to the community because even now I have been home for 10 days. I have a little garden but haven't stepped out. I came home on the 9th of April. Today is a good day. It has not been steady recovery. Some days I feel are worse days than others, and you develop strange symptoms. We are dealing with it and it is getting better. WION: Because you also happen to be a doctor, it could have been easier for you to understand. What is your assessment of this disease? DR POORNA- From the medical opinion, I read that some first doctor from China who raised the alarm said that this is some atypical form of pneumonia, and that is completely true. When I saw that X-ray, the consolidation on the X-rays was very different what you see in normal pneumonia. It is more like a plume of smoke going through the lungs. That was unusual. The initial thing might be in the lungs. But all the organs are affected. It is a very dangerous pathogen. It is a very sad belief that it only infects a certain age. Here in the UK, we have the case of a nurse of just 32 years who died of COVID. Another was a pregnant one, with the child who died. It is an extremely dangerous disease because it has the ability to go from one person to the other. WION: For a layperson what is your message to understand the disease and how do you suggest to cope with it? DR POORNA- The message to the public is that the only defence we have against COVID is to prevent it from multiplying. In my case, I had just two options. Either I would overcome the disease, or it would kill me. The only way it (disease) could survive if we transmit it from one person to the other. Just like passing the parcel. The danger is that we may do it without being aware that we are affected. This is a difference between COVID and SARS. It is a hugely dangerous disease. It is important to maintain social distancing, to prevent direct transmission. We have no treatment for COVID. It is the battle between COVID and us. Once we get it, it's just us against COVID. There is no treatment, there is no vaccine to protect. The only thing that we can do is to avoid exposure. We can only avoid exposure if we isolate ourselves. isolating completely may be practically difficult for doing, but that is the only thing that can stop COVID. Some countries are lifting restrictions, but COVID might be lurking in that population. This is like a horror movie. We have to fight it on an individual basis. This is where I believe small communities can come together. Maybe COVID can make us a better species. We may learn the lessons. Real health lies with us. I am a huge fan of India and your ways of dealing with stress and anxiety. This is what we really need to do. If we stop harming ourselves, we don't need to go and rush to the hospitals.

'Only defence we have against COVID-19 is to prevent it from multiplying', says recovered COVID-19 UK doctor  

A PTI study recently claimed that people can carry and spread the virus even after recovering, or with no symptoms. WION’s Ayushi Agarwal spoke to Lokesh Sharma, an Indian-origin scientist from Yale University working on diagnostic and containment strategies.

Here’s the full interview!

WION: What can you tell us about your research?

Lokesh Sharma: We have been working on various lung infections. We have focused mostly on bacterial and viral lung infections. Since the corona outbreak happened, our focus has been the pandemic. What are the clinical characteristics of the coronavirus and how do these patients respond to these viruses? What is the visual clearance?&nbsp; These are the things that we have been working on.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-spared-by-the-covid-19-inferno-so-far-289274" hreflang="en">Countries spared by the COVID-19 inferno... so far!</a>

WION: What were the three most significant findings?

LS: Our research shows that most of the people who have coronavirus have mild infections if they are young and if they do not have any other diseases. Secondly, even though they do not have severe infections, and even after they resolve their infections, in terms of symptoms, they can still have a persistent viral load and can infect other people.

Third interesting finding, in a different study, is that many people with the infection&nbsp;do not even get symptoms, but had at one point, carried the virus. For this study, we tested 16 patients. In another study where we looked at hundreds of patients and their antibody response, we found that antibody testing may be more sensitive…&nbsp; In another small study,&nbsp;most of the people exhibited symptoms that were&nbsp;not serious enough.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-ripped-apart-by-the-covid-19-pandemic-289245">Countries ripped apart by the COVID-19 pandemic</a>

WION: How should we protect health-care workers from subclinical coronavirus infection?

LS: Healthcare workers are the most vulnerable population and the best way to protect them is to treat every single patient. And by practicing&nbsp;social distance. They must use proper personal protective equipment akin to the N-95 masks, or a complete body suit.&nbsp;

We are diagnosing patients on the phone. So if you do not have any severe issues, people should just talk on the phone and try to not meet the doctor physically.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/architectural-marvels-of-the-world-pay-tribute-to-health-workers-289078">Architectural marvels of the world pay tribute to health workers</a> 
 
WION: Please explain why controlling the spread of the disease has been difficult and how does this study which says that patients may still have symptoms, affect our mitigation strategy?

LS: India has controlled the virus really well so far because India has conducted a really absolutely low number of testing when compared to other countries. So to control it, I think the only thing that works is limitation, (in terms of travel and social contact). I think that is the only effective way until the vaccine comes.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/life-under-coronavirus-24-hours-around-the-world-in-pictures-288917">Life under coronavirus: 24 hours around the world in pictures</a>

WION: One message that you want to give to Indians?

LS: Just stay at home. Don't come into contact with others, don't believe in traditional medicines, don't believe in drinking urine or something. It will just damage your liver.&nbsp;If you are asymptomatic,&nbsp;stay at home. If you have symptoms, call the doctor and don't go to the hospital. Let them know in advance that you are visiting so they know how to deal with you. If it's controlled within a few weeks, I think things will be much better and we will have more knowledge about how to deal with it and how to contain this virus.

A PTI study recently claimed that people can carry and spread the virus even after recovering, or with no symptoms. WION’s Ayushi Agarwal spoke to Lokesh Sharma, an Indian-origin scientist from Yale University working on diagnostic and containment strategies.

A PTI study recently claimed that people can carry and spread the virus even after recovering, or with no symptoms. WION’s Ayushi Agarwal spoke to Lokesh Sharma, an Indian-origin scientist from Yale University working on diagnostic and containment strategies. Here’s the full interview! WION: What can you tell us about your research? Lokesh Sharma: We have been working on various lung infections. We have focused mostly on bacterial and viral lung infections. Since the corona outbreak happened, our focus has been the pandemic. What are the clinical characteristics of the coronavirus and how do these patients respond to these viruses? What is the visual clearance? These are the things that we have been working on. In pics: Countries spared by the COVID-19 inferno... so far! WION: What were the three most significant findings? LS: Our research shows that most of the people who have coronavirus have mild infections if they are young and if they do not have any other diseases. Secondly, even though they do not have severe infections, and even after they resolve their infections, in terms of symptoms, they can still have a persistent viral load and can infect other people. Third interesting finding, in a different study, is that many people with the infection do not even get symptoms, but had at one point, carried the virus. For this study, we tested 16 patients. In another study where we looked at hundreds of patients and their antibody response, we found that antibody testing may be more sensitive… In another small study, most of the people exhibited symptoms that were not serious enough. In pics: Countries ripped apart by the COVID-19 pandemic WION: How should we protect health-care workers from subclinical coronavirus infection? LS: Healthcare workers are the most vulnerable population and the best way to protect them is to treat every single patient. And by practicing social distance. They must use proper personal protective equipment akin to the N-95 masks, or a complete body suit. We are diagnosing patients on the phone. So if you do not have any severe issues, people should just talk on the phone and try to not meet the doctor physically. In pics: Architectural marvels of the world pay tribute to health workers WION: Please explain why controlling the spread of the disease has been difficult and how does this study which says that patients may still have symptoms, affect our mitigation strategy? LS: India has controlled the virus really well so far because India has conducted a really absolutely low number of testing when compared to other countries. So to control it, I think the only thing that works is limitation, (in terms of travel and social contact). I think that is the only effective way until the vaccine comes. In pics: Life under coronavirus: 24 hours around the world in pictures WION: One message that you want to give to Indians? LS: Just stay at home. Don't come into contact with others, don't believe in traditional medicines, don't believe in drinking urine or something. It will just damage your liver. If you are asymptomatic, stay at home. If you have symptoms, call the doctor and don't go to the hospital. Let them know in advance that you are visiting so they know how to deal with you. If it's controlled within a few weeks, I think things will be much better and we will have more knowledge about how to deal with it and how to contain this virus.

Exclusive: WION in conversation with Lokesh Sharma, an Indian-origin scientist working on COVID-19 diagnosis and mitigation

Member of London Assembly Navin shah, who landed in India on March 8th, is stuck here due to suspension of flights to Europe and UK. Speaking to WION's Ayushi Agarwal, he asked what the British foreign office was doing to repatriate British citizens like him who are stuck in foreign countries.

Member of London Assembly Navin shah, who landed in India on March 8th, is stuck here due to suspension of flights to Europe and UK. Speaking to WION's Ayushi Agarwal, he asked what the British foreign office was doing to repatriate British citizens like him who are stuck in foreign countries. He also spoke about the ground situation in the UK and what does he expect from the governments of India and the UK. WION: As a people's representative from the UK, you are here and stuck, so what is the solution that you are looking at and what is your expectation from the government? Where is the clarity required? Navin Shah- My wife and I, both elected members from the UK, came to India because of family bereavement on March 8th but are now stranded due to cancellation of international flights till March 31st. We are lucky that we have a family with whom we are staying. Thankfully we are in great health and are vigilant but also observing total self-isolation and feel as safe as one can be in these exceptional circumstances. WION: As a lawmaker and as a political leader of the UK, who knows India and UK well, what do you think the government can/should do? What is the exact problem that is being faced by people like you who are crisscrossing countries? Navin Shah- The problems for foreign nationals like us who are stranded are in a way two-fold. One is how the Indian government can support them to sustain and be safe whilst they are here. However, it is the British Foreign Office who has responsibility for British citizens. They need to have a clear policy and plan for urgent repatriation of British citizens stuck in foreign countries. Also, the questions is that what is the role of British High Commission here in India and for that matter in other countries as well who need to contact their national and make them aware of what the British government is doing to take them back to the UK and once they are there how well they are protected. WION: What do you have to say about the ground situation in the UK which seems going out of control? Can you also comment on the way the UK is progressing? Navin Shah- I'm closely following through the media what is being done in the UK by the government there and am content with their directions so far. I don't believe that the situation there is out of control. From my first-hand knowledge, I feel reassured that the Mayor of London is doing everything he can to work with the PM and agencies to keep Londoners safe. This is a very complex problem and a big challenge for all governments. We need to be vigilant. WION: How do you think the UK and India, can help each other in such a situation? Navin Shah- It is upon all countries to work together to attack the biggest ever threat faced by the humankind and that is why there is need to co-operate, learn lessons from situation in other countries -good practices for saving lives. We have to look at this issue comprehensively. There is also a challenge on how people who are trapped in foreign countries are repatriated. We need strategic plans which is an international plan who are stranded can expect from their respective countries. We should follow their guidelines to make sure of safety. Follow simple principle: Stay safe - stay home.

'Situation in UK is not out of control,' says member of London Assembly Navin Shah stranded in India 

As the United States and the Taliban are due to sign an agreement on Feb. 29 at the end of a planned week-long "reduction in violence" in Afghanistan, fresh hopes are stirring for a 26-year-old Nilofar Bayat, who is the captain of Afghanistan women wheelchair basketball team. 
&nbsp; 
An explosion tore through Nilofar Bayat's leg when she was just two, also killing her brother, but as she spins her wheelchair across a basketball court in Bangkok, the Afghanistan sportswoman is determined to turn her story from tragedy to triumph. In an interview to WION, Nilofar Bayat tried reflecting her remarkable journey against a backdrop of unrelenting violence.

<img alt="Nilofar Bayat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42cf7d07-511a-4071-9aee-70aabc5a4356" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202020-02-27%20at%2011.19.09%20AM.jpeg" /> 
&nbsp; 
"I always and always think that if the same situation arises as earlier and they would again bar me from playing or doing my job, what would I do then?, "said bayat showing her apprehensions as the hardline Islamist Taliban, banned women from education, work or leaving the house without a male relative during their 1996-2001 rule.

<img alt="Nilofar Bayat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1aeba05-deda-4983-b907-4ab6f591d4a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_77.jpg" /> 
&nbsp; 
Bayat began playing basketball with a team organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) eight years ago and now hopes for the next Paralympics. 
&nbsp; 
Her team has taken part in international competitions in Indonesia and Thailand, winning three medals in the process. 
&nbsp; 
Life is particularly difficult for people with physical disabilities in Afghanistan, where they face social stigma and gender discrimination, but Bayat still believes that her women are stronger than thought. 
&nbsp; 
"I want to say that women are stronger than you think and disability can not limit us. As long as you have a beautiful mind and soul, you can do everything. We all deserve a better life and better future", said Bayat.

As the United States and the Taliban are due to sign an agreement on Feb. 29 at the end of a planned week-long "reduction in violence" in Afghanistan, fresh hopes are stirring for a 26-year-old Nilofar Bayat, who is the captain of Afghanistan women wheelchair basketball team.

As the United States and the Taliban are due to sign an agreement on Feb. 29 at the end of a planned week-long "reduction in violence" in Afghanistan, fresh hopes are stirring for a 26-year-old Nilofar Bayat, who is the captain of Afghanistan women wheelchair basketball team. An explosion tore through Nilofar Bayat's leg when she was just two, also killing her brother, but as she spins her wheelchair across a basketball court in Bangkok, the Afghanistan sportswoman is determined to turn her story from tragedy to triumph. In an interview to WION, Nilofar Bayat tried reflecting her remarkable journey against a backdrop of unrelenting violence. "I always and always think that if the same situation arises as earlier and they would again bar me from playing or doing my job, what would I do then?, "said bayat showing her apprehensions as the hardline Islamist Taliban, banned women from education, work or leaving the house without a male relative during their 1996-2001 rule. Bayat began playing basketball with a team organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) eight years ago and now hopes for the next Paralympics. Her team has taken part in international competitions in Indonesia and Thailand, winning three medals in the process. Life is particularly difficult for people with physical disabilities in Afghanistan, where they face social stigma and gender discrimination, but Bayat still believes that her women are stronger than thought. "I want to say that women are stronger than you think and disability can not limit us. As long as you have a beautiful mind and soul, you can do everything. We all deserve a better life and better future", said Bayat.

From a bomb victim to wheelchair basketball captain, Nilofar Bayat narrates her story from tragedy to triumph

Days after Indian climate activist Licypriya Kangujam raised her voice over being called as "Greta of India", she found that her Twitter account was restored after being suspended for few hours.

"No one can judge people on age. Age doesn’t matter to make a difference. This is child power. Twitter shouldn’t attempt to silence the voice of young climate activist in any part of the world in future," Licypriya told WION after her account was restored.

Earlier, after her account's suspension, she had said that "my recent post was never against anyone or never abusive to anyone in particular".

" I just used Greta name as to stop calling me “Greta of India” by some media for my activities. My post had over 1.9 million views in the last 2 days with over 135,000 likes and over 29,000 shares," she added.

17-year-old climate justice activist, Xiye Bastida, too came to her support and urged for the restoration of her account. She tweeted, "Dont let this go unnoticed, and say something".

Considering her age as a factor behind the suspension, Licyrpiya said, "I have seen many verified Twitter accounts under the age of 13 years operating with the consent of parents or guardians. I don’t think this would be the reason to suspend my account."

While Licypriya claims that her age cannot be a factor behind the suspension, according to Twitter, the company opts to ban anyone whose date of birth — whether it was provided at the time of signing up or later — indicates they were under the age of 13 when they signed up for the service.

In a series of tweets, she rejected the comparison and appealed to the media to recognise her identity and story. "If you call me 'Greta of India', you are not covering my story. You are deleting a story, " she tweeted.

Days after Indian climate activist Licypriya Kangujam raised her voice over being called as "Greta of India", she found that her Twitter account was restored after being suspended for few hours.

Days after Indian climate activist Licypriya Kangujam raised her voice over being called as "Greta of India", she found that her Twitter account was restored after being suspended for few hours. "No one can judge people on age. Age doesn’t matter to make a difference. This is child power. Twitter shouldn’t attempt to silence the voice of young climate activist in any part of the world in future," Licypriya told WION after her account was restored. Earlier, after her account's suspension, she had said that "my recent post was never against anyone or never abusive to anyone in particular". " I just used Greta name as to stop calling me “Greta of India” by some media for my activities. My post had over 1.9 million views in the last 2 days with over 135,000 likes and over 29,000 shares," she added. 17-year-old climate justice activist, Xiye Bastida, too came to her support and urged for the restoration of her account. She tweeted, "Dont let this go unnoticed, and say something". Considering her age as a factor behind the suspension, Licyrpiya said, "I have seen many verified Twitter accounts under the age of 13 years operating with the consent of parents or guardians. I don’t think this would be the reason to suspend my account." While Licypriya claims that her age cannot be a factor behind the suspension, according to Twitter, the company opts to ban anyone whose date of birth — whether it was provided at the time of signing up or later — indicates they were under the age of 13 when they signed up for the service. In a series of tweets, she rejected the comparison and appealed to the media to recognise her identity and story. "If you call me 'Greta of India', you are not covering my story. You are deleting a story, " she tweeted.

8-year-old Indian climate activist Licypriya Kangujam's Twitter account restored after being suspended

An Auckland woman and her two daughters faced embarrassment when they were about to board their Thai Airways flight from Bangkok to Auckland.&nbsp;

Paid for a business class service, they were left humiliated by the services of the Thai Airways staff.&nbsp;

In an interview with WION, Huhana Iripa, 59, narrated how the whole incident happened on May 12, 2019.

"My daughters (Tere, 37, and Renell, 28) and I approached a business class counter. A gentleman asked us&nbsp;how can he help? My youngest daughter Renell replied; 'we are checking in'. Before handing our passports over, he abruptly informed us that we were not eligible to board the plane subject to our size. We reacted immediately. By this time two other Thai staff asked us what was going on? Again Renell repeated herself. The gentleman bluntly told us we were too big to board their plane".

"When we asked for the manager, there were about five members surrounding us. Feeling frustrated and angry, the three of us&nbsp;demanded some service. The manager explained that the aircraft had two safety belts. The staff's opinion was that we will be unable to fit", said Iripa.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-auckland-women-denied-entry-on-plane-by-thai-airlines-owing-to-their-weight-277419">Three Auckland women denied entry on plane by Thai Airlines owing to their weight</a>

As the onlookers looked at them, the trio felt more humiliated as the manager pulled out a measuring tape and wrapped it around Renell.

"At this moment, I felt discriminated and disgusted with the Thai staff as they gathered around us talking in their native language, staring, pointing and shaking their heads. The measuring tape came my way. I told her to go away. We were sternly advised we needed to fit within a certain reading of the measuring tape for us to board the aircraft in the business class,"&nbsp;said Iripa.

Renell retrieved the measuring tape as measured from shoulder to shoulder and hip to hip. It was very clear that Renell measurements were indeed within the specifications required. (around 56 inches).

"We found out that the Thai Airways had downsized the aircraft. When we boarded the aircraft in the economy class we noticed the business class was full. Three people were of large size and they sat comfortably in their seats", she added.

After such affliction, the family asked for full compensation from the airlines but only received the difference between the economy and the business class.

"After months of correspondence, we requested for a refund. Thai Airlines offered the difference between the economy and business class. My daughters and I called for a meeting with the airlines. We met with two representatives. The same offer was on the table. I recommended they should pay $2,650.00 in full. We also asked for a written apology - which we received - but it honestly had no meaning", Iripa told WION.

Iripa added that it was the first time that as adults they had experienced anything like this. She said that no compensation or apology had any effect on them given the kind of humiliation they were subjected to. 
&nbsp;

An Auckland woman and her two daughters faced embarrassment when they were about to board their Thai Airways flight from Bangkok to Auckland. Paid for a business class service, they were left humiliated by the services of the Thai Airways staff.

An Auckland woman and her two daughters faced embarrassment when they were about to board their Thai Airways flight from Bangkok to Auckland. Paid for a business class service, they were left humiliated by the services of the Thai Airways staff. In an interview with WION, Huhana Iripa, 59, narrated how the whole incident happened on May 12, 2019. "My daughters (Tere, 37, and Renell, 28) and I approached a business class counter. A gentleman asked us how can he help? My youngest daughter Renell replied; 'we are checking in'. Before handing our passports over, he abruptly informed us that we were not eligible to board the plane subject to our size. We reacted immediately. By this time two other Thai staff asked us what was going on? Again Renell repeated herself. The gentleman bluntly told us we were too big to board their plane". "When we asked for the manager, there were about five members surrounding us. Feeling frustrated and angry, the three of us demanded some service. The manager explained that the aircraft had two safety belts. The staff's opinion was that we will be unable to fit", said Iripa. Also read: Three Auckland women denied entry on plane by Thai Airlines owing to their weight As the onlookers looked at them, the trio felt more humiliated as the manager pulled out a measuring tape and wrapped it around Renell. "At this moment, I felt discriminated and disgusted with the Thai staff as they gathered around us talking in their native language, staring, pointing and shaking their heads. The measuring tape came my way. I told her to go away. We were sternly advised we needed to fit within a certain reading of the measuring tape for us to board the aircraft in the business class," said Iripa. Renell retrieved the measuring tape as measured from shoulder to shoulder and hip to hip. It was very clear that Renell measurements were indeed within the specifications required. (around 56 inches). "We found out that the Thai Airways had downsized the aircraft. When we boarded the aircraft in the economy class we noticed the business class was full. Three people were of large size and they sat comfortably in their seats", she added. After such affliction, the family asked for full compensation from the airlines but only received the difference between the economy and the business class. "After months of correspondence, we requested for a refund. Thai Airlines offered the difference between the economy and business class. My daughters and I called for a meeting with the airlines. We met with two representatives. The same offer was on the table. I recommended they should pay $2,650.00 in full. We also asked for a written apology - which we received - but it honestly had no meaning", Iripa told WION. Iripa added that it was the first time that as adults they had experienced anything like this. She said that no compensation or apology had any effect on them given the kind of humiliation they were subjected to.

No compensation, apology can undo that humiliation: Auckland woman tells WION after denied entry on plane owing to her weight

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