China is set to lower the country's coronavirus response level in capital city as the local government and health experts believe the situation is now under control.

Beijing will bring the change&nbsp;from July 20. The response level will be brought down to Level III from Level II in the city now.&nbsp;

The Level II response was issued in the city on June 16 after a new cluster of coronavirus cases was found to be linked to&nbsp;Xinfadi, a major wholesale food market in a southwestern district of Beijing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-raises-flood-alert-levels-along-huai-river-314417">Also read:&nbsp;China raises flood alert levels along Huai River</a>

"Overall, the risks of getting coronavirus infection in Beijing...and exporting to other regions are low, and the general situation of tackling the pandemic is under control," said Liu Bei, vice secretary of the Beijing Municipal government.

The lowering of response level means that the city officials will now allow reopening of parks, tourism sites, gyms, libraries and museums. However, the maximum capacity of visitors will remain 50 per cent.

Unlike other countries, Beijing will allow conferences of upto 500 participants, and Liu Bei has also hinted towards reopening of exhibitions, sports stadiums and cinemas soon.

Under the response level three, all wholesale markets, restaurants,&nbsp;construction sites and factories will be given green signal to operate but will be under a strict observational eye. All underground spaces with no or poor ventilation systems will, however, be banned from operating as of now.

China is set to lower the country's coronavirus response level in capital city as the local government and health experts believe the situation is now under control.

China is set to lower the country's coronavirus response level in capital city as the local government and health experts believe the situation is now under control. Beijing will bring the change from July 20. The response level will be brought down to Level III from Level II in the city now. The Level II response was issued in the city on June 16 after a new cluster of coronavirus cases was found to be linked to Xinfadi, a major wholesale food market in a southwestern district of Beijing. Also read: China raises flood alert levels along Huai River "Overall, the risks of getting coronavirus infection in Beijing...and exporting to other regions are low, and the general situation of tackling the pandemic is under control," said Liu Bei, vice secretary of the Beijing Municipal government. The lowering of response level means that the city officials will now allow reopening of parks, tourism sites, gyms, libraries and museums. However, the maximum capacity of visitors will remain 50 per cent. Unlike other countries, Beijing will allow conferences of upto 500 participants, and Liu Bei has also hinted towards reopening of exhibitions, sports stadiums and cinemas soon. Under the response level three, all wholesale markets, restaurants, construction sites and factories will be given green signal to operate but will be under a strict observational eye. All underground spaces with no or poor ventilation systems will, however, be banned from operating as of now.

Beijing lowers coronavirus  level from 2 to 3; gyms and restaurants now reopen

United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab commented on the ongoing criticism of the Uighur concentration camps in China.

Raab said it is clear that the Uighur community, which is a minority in China, is being tortured and is suffering abuses against their human rights.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cluster-in-chinas-xinjiang-could-spread-in-uighur-concentration-camps-314114">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus cluster in China's Xinjiang could spread in Uighur concentration camps</a>

"It is clear that there are gross, egregious human rights abuses going on, which is why in Geneva at the UN we raised this with 27 partners ... to call out the government of China for its human rights abuses of the Uighurs, also of Hong Kong," he said in a local radio interview.

However, Beijing's ambassador Britain&nbsp;Liu Xiaoming rubbished&nbsp;the claims and said that the minority community is happily and comfortably living in China.

He also added that the community is being treated as equals — something that the US and other country leaders have been verbally protesting against for some time now.

United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab commented on the ongoing criticism of the Uighur concentration camps in China. Raab said it is clear that the Uighur community, which is a minority in China, is being tortured and is suffering abuses against their human rights.

United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab commented on the ongoing criticism of the Uighur concentration camps in China. Raab said it is clear that the Uighur community, which is a minority in China, is being tortured and is suffering abuses against their human rights. Also read: Coronavirus cluster in China's Xinjiang could spread in Uighur concentration camps "It is clear that there are gross, egregious human rights abuses going on, which is why in Geneva at the UN we raised this with 27 partners ... to call out the government of China for its human rights abuses of the Uighurs, also of Hong Kong," he said in a local radio interview. However, Beijing's ambassador Britain Liu Xiaoming rubbished the claims and said that the minority community is happily and comfortably living in China. He also added that the community is being treated as equals — something that the US and other country leaders have been verbally protesting against for some time now.

Uighur community suffering in China, says United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab

As the coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the protest-ridden city, Hong Kong has now tightened restrictions on movement and outdoor activities.

It was announced on Sunday that from next week all&nbsp;non-essential civil servants will be working from home and people should avoid stepping out of their homes unless there's an emergency or for essential work.

"The situation is very serious and there is no sign of it coming under control," Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said in a press conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-search-for-man-after-flag-stolen-from-site-of-hong-kong-handover-ceremony-314037">Also read:&nbsp;Police search for man after flag stolen from site of Hong Kong handover ceremony</a>

The decision came after the city recorded 100 cases in the past 24 hours, which is the highest single-day spike in the city since the outbreak of the virus in January. The toll of coronavirus cases now stands close to 2,000 patients, 12 of whom have died.

All amusement parks, gyms, other event hosting areas and schools&nbsp;will remain closed for another seven days. Restaurants have been allowed to offer take-away services only, and that too only till 6pm. Social gatherings have also been halted till another week.

Following the lead of countries such as France and the UK, Hong Kong, too, has decided to make face mask compulsory even indoors.

The city government and health experts are urging people to exercise caution to avoid a worse outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

As the coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the protest-ridden city, Hong Kong has now tightened restrictions on movement and outdoor activities. It was announced on Sunday that from next week all non-essential civil servants will be working from home and people should avoid stepping out of their homes unless there's an emergency or for essential work.

As the coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the protest-ridden city, Hong Kong has now tightened restrictions on movement and outdoor activities. It was announced on Sunday that from next week all non-essential civil servants will be working from home and people should avoid stepping out of their homes unless there's an emergency or for essential work. "The situation is very serious and there is no sign of it coming under control," Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said in a press conference. Also read: Police search for man after flag stolen from site of Hong Kong handover ceremony The decision came after the city recorded 100 cases in the past 24 hours, which is the highest single-day spike in the city since the outbreak of the virus in January. The toll of coronavirus cases now stands close to 2,000 patients, 12 of whom have died. All amusement parks, gyms, other event hosting areas and schools will remain closed for another seven days. Restaurants have been allowed to offer take-away services only, and that too only till 6pm. Social gatherings have also been halted till another week. Following the lead of countries such as France and the UK, Hong Kong, too, has decided to make face mask compulsory even indoors. The city government and health experts are urging people to exercise caution to avoid a worse outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

Hong Kong tightens restrictions amid rising coronavirus cases

Four persons have been arrested in Pakistan's northwest Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province for vandalising a rare statue of Gautam Buddha discovered during excavation at an agriculture farm, police said on Saturday.

The statue that was discovered in tehsil Takhtbai of Mardan district was destroyed on the orders of a local Maulvi (prayer leader), local residents said.

Four suspects have been arrested and an FIR under the antiquity act has been filed, police said.

District Police Officer Zahidullah said the incident took place when a water line was dug up and construction workers discovered the statue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/six-militants-arrested-in-pakistan-314340">Also read:&nbsp;Six militants arrested in Pakistan</a>

"We have arrested contractor Qamar Zaman and his workers, Amjad, Aleem and Saleem for smashing the Buddha statue and have also recovered some of its pieces from them," he said.

The arrests were made after a video showing people damaging the statue with hammers went viral on social media. 
A senior officer of the Tourism Department said after the video surfaced the authorities reported the matter to the police for action against the culprits.

Takhtbai area is a tourist destination for people from Sri Lanka, Korea and Japan since it was a part of the Gandhara Civilisation - one of the earliest urban settlements documented in the history of the subcontinent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-based-rights-group-demands-resumption-of-temple-construction-in-islamabad-314310">Also read:&nbsp;Pak-based rights group demands resumption of temple construction in Islamabad</a>

Director of Archaeology Department Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Abdul Samad Khan expressed anguish over the incident and assured that proper action would be taken against the culprits involved in damaging the rare statue.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's old name is Ghandhara and the region is a highly revered place for the followers of Buddhism.

In 2017, two rare and ancient Buddha statues were unearthed at an archeological site in Bhamala in Hariput district.

The largest ever statue found at the site depicts the death of Buddha and the second statue was a Buddha with a double halo.

The statue depicting the death scenario was the oldest of its kind in the world. It was also verified by the American laboratory which identified it as older than third century BC.

Peshawar Museum is also known for displaying one of the world's largest collection of architectural pieces on Buddha.

A couple of years ago, the museum's tallest statue of Buddha in schist stone was transported to Switzerland for display there for 100 days at an international exhibition.

Four persons have been arrested in Pakistan's northwest Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province for vandalising a rare statue of Gautam Buddha discovered during excavation at an agriculture farm, police said on Saturday.

Four persons have been arrested in Pakistan's northwest Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province for vandalising a rare statue of Gautam Buddha discovered during excavation at an agriculture farm, police said on Saturday. The statue that was discovered in tehsil Takhtbai of Mardan district was destroyed on the orders of a local Maulvi (prayer leader), local residents said. Four suspects have been arrested and an FIR under the antiquity act has been filed, police said. District Police Officer Zahidullah said the incident took place when a water line was dug up and construction workers discovered the statue. Also read: Six militants arrested in Pakistan "We have arrested contractor Qamar Zaman and his workers, Amjad, Aleem and Saleem for smashing the Buddha statue and have also recovered some of its pieces from them," he said. The arrests were made after a video showing people damaging the statue with hammers went viral on social media. A senior officer of the Tourism Department said after the video surfaced the authorities reported the matter to the police for action against the culprits. Takhtbai area is a tourist destination for people from Sri Lanka, Korea and Japan since it was a part of the Gandhara Civilisation - one of the earliest urban settlements documented in the history of the subcontinent. Also read: Pak-based rights group demands resumption of temple construction in Islamabad Director of Archaeology Department Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Abdul Samad Khan expressed anguish over the incident and assured that proper action would be taken against the culprits involved in damaging the rare statue. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's old name is Ghandhara and the region is a highly revered place for the followers of Buddhism. In 2017, two rare and ancient Buddha statues were unearthed at an archeological site in Bhamala in Hariput district. The largest ever statue found at the site depicts the death of Buddha and the second statue was a Buddha with a double halo. The statue depicting the death scenario was the oldest of its kind in the world. It was also verified by the American laboratory which identified it as older than third century BC. Peshawar Museum is also known for displaying one of the world's largest collection of architectural pieces on Buddha. A couple of years ago, the museum's tallest statue of Buddha in schist stone was transported to Switzerland for display there for 100 days at an international exhibition.

4 persons arrested for vandalising rare Buddha statue in Pakistan

At least five people were killed Saturday in the town of Makeni in northern Sierra Leone, a police officer said, in rioting sparked by the relocation of a power plant.&nbsp;

The West African state had been planning to move the plant to the country's international airport near the capital Freetown, which is due to resume flights on Wednesday after a months-long hiatus. &nbsp;

But an initial attempt triggered a riot early Saturday.&nbsp;

Protesters attacked the offices of President Julius Maada Bio's political party in Makeni, witnesses said, while police fired live rounds and tear gas.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-offer-more-financial-support-for-flood-hit-areas-314343">Also read:&nbsp;China to offer more financial support for flood-hit areas</a>

A police official, who declined to be named, said that five people had been killed and 12 others seriously injured in the unrest.&nbsp;

A night-time curfew has been imposed on the town of some 110,000 people, the official added.

Sierra Leone's energy ministry released a statement blaming the unrest on "ill-motivated youths".

It said the international airport is "in dire need of electricity", and that the government had decided to relocate the power plant after consulting with officials in Makeni.&nbsp;

Makeni will continue to receive power supply from a nearby hydroelectric plant, the ministry added.&nbsp;

Relocation was only a stop-gap measure, according to the ministry, until engineers could repair faulty equipment at the airport.&nbsp;

Sierra Leone shut its international airport in March in a bid to stem coronavirus infections in the nation of some 7.5 million people.&nbsp;

The former British colony has registered 1,688 coronavirus cases to date, with 63 fatalities.

As with other poor countries in the region, coronavirus restrictions have taken an economic toll, spurring sporadic protests in Sierra Leone in May.

At least five people were killed Saturday in the town of Makeni in northern Sierra Leone, a police officer said, in rioting sparked by the relocation of a power plant.

At least five people were killed Saturday in the town of Makeni in northern Sierra Leone, a police officer said, in rioting sparked by the relocation of a power plant. The West African state had been planning to move the plant to the country's international airport near the capital Freetown, which is due to resume flights on Wednesday after a months-long hiatus. But an initial attempt triggered a riot early Saturday. Protesters attacked the offices of President Julius Maada Bio's political party in Makeni, witnesses said, while police fired live rounds and tear gas. Also read: China to offer more financial support for flood-hit areas A police official, who declined to be named, said that five people had been killed and 12 others seriously injured in the unrest. A night-time curfew has been imposed on the town of some 110,000 people, the official added. Sierra Leone's energy ministry released a statement blaming the unrest on "ill-motivated youths". It said the international airport is "in dire need of electricity", and that the government had decided to relocate the power plant after consulting with officials in Makeni. Makeni will continue to receive power supply from a nearby hydroelectric plant, the ministry added. Relocation was only a stop-gap measure, according to the ministry, until engineers could repair faulty equipment at the airport. Sierra Leone shut its international airport in March in a bid to stem coronavirus infections in the nation of some 7.5 million people. The former British colony has registered 1,688 coronavirus cases to date, with 63 fatalities. As with other poor countries in the region, coronavirus restrictions have taken an economic toll, spurring sporadic protests in Sierra Leone in May.

Several dead after riot in northern Sierra Leone

China`s banking and insurance regulator on Saturday announced measures to further increase credit and lending support and insurance protection for areas that suffered from recent floods.

The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) said in a statement that financial institutions in the flood-hit areas cannot blindly withdraw, delay or cut credit lines to the companies who have good development prospects but whose operations were suspended by the floods.

The regulator also encouraged financial institutions to lower lending rates appropriately and improve their loan extension policy to help relevant companies to tide over difficulties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-ports-hit-capacity-as-virus-tests-slow-clearing-shippers-314334">Also read|&nbsp;Chinese ports hit capacity as virus tests slow clearing: shippers</a>

Separately, the CBIRC urged insurers to properly perform investigations and claims settlement and arrange financial resources in advance to help flood-hit companies and people resume production and normal lives in a timely manner.

Large parts of China were reeling on Friday from the worst floods in decades, which destroyed homes and affected millions of people.

Economic activity in some parts of China, especially construction and steel and cement demand, has also been hurt by the flooding, analysts say, suggesting some loss of momentum after a stronger than expected bounce in the second quarter from the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

China`s banking and insurance regulator on Saturday announced measures to further increase credit and lending support and insurance protection for areas that suffered from recent floods.

China`s banking and insurance regulator on Saturday announced measures to further increase credit and lending support and insurance protection for areas that suffered from recent floods. The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) said in a statement that financial institutions in the flood-hit areas cannot blindly withdraw, delay or cut credit lines to the companies who have good development prospects but whose operations were suspended by the floods. The regulator also encouraged financial institutions to lower lending rates appropriately and improve their loan extension policy to help relevant companies to tide over difficulties. Also read| Chinese ports hit capacity as virus tests slow clearing: shippers Separately, the CBIRC urged insurers to properly perform investigations and claims settlement and arrange financial resources in advance to help flood-hit companies and people resume production and normal lives in a timely manner. Large parts of China were reeling on Friday from the worst floods in decades, which destroyed homes and affected millions of people. Economic activity in some parts of China, especially construction and steel and cement demand, has also been hurt by the flooding, analysts say, suggesting some loss of momentum after a stronger than expected bounce in the second quarter from the coronavirus crisis.

China to offer more financial support for flood-hit areas

Pakistan police on Saturday arrested six militants of a Balochistan-based separatist group, who were planning a "major attack" in Karachi.

Speaking to the media, SSP Fida Hussain Janori said the terror plot was foiled and, along with the arrests, large amount of ammunition has been recovered.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-summons-senior-indian-diplomat-over-ceasefire-violations-314326">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan summons senior Indian diplomat over 'ceasefire violations'</a>

"These militants were planning a major terror act in Karachi and have confessed to have attacked security forces and police in Balochistan in the past," he said. The accused were not identified.

The police recovered five rocket launchers, Klashnikov rifles, rounds of ammunition, hand grenades and other explosives from the militants. Janori said the network was being operated from Afghanistan.

The arrests come after four armed militants, believed to be from a banned Baloch terror group, attacked the Pakistan Stock Exchange building in Karachi late last month.&nbsp;

Pakistan police on Saturday arrested six militants of a Balochistan-based separatist group, who were planning a "major attack" in Karachi. Speaking to the media, SSP Fida Hussain Janori said the terror plot was foiled and, along with the arrests, large amount of ammunition has been recovered.

Pakistan police on Saturday arrested six militants of a Balochistan-based separatist group, who were planning a "major attack" in Karachi. Speaking to the media, SSP Fida Hussain Janori said the terror plot was foiled and, along with the arrests, large amount of ammunition has been recovered. Also read: Pakistan summons senior Indian diplomat over 'ceasefire violations' "These militants were planning a major terror act in Karachi and have confessed to have attacked security forces and police in Balochistan in the past," he said. The accused were not identified. The police recovered five rocket launchers, Klashnikov rifles, rounds of ammunition, hand grenades and other explosives from the militants. Janori said the network was being operated from Afghanistan. The arrests come after four armed militants, believed to be from a banned Baloch terror group, attacked the Pakistan Stock Exchange building in Karachi late last month.

Six militants arrested in Pakistan

United Kingdom has conducted successful trials of a quick coronavirus antibody test and is now planning to release it for the public.

The home tests will be free of cost and will need only a small prick, the local media reported. The results of these tests will be available in merely 20 minutes.

"This rapid test appears to be truly amazing, and it shows we can do this ourselves," said Sir John Bell, Oxford's Regius Professor of Medicine who leads the British government's antibody testing programme.

"If coronavirus is like flu and people need an annual vaccine, we will need mass antibody testing to measure people's antibody response to that vaccine. That's part of the plan," explained Dr Hand.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-uk-to-begin-trials-of-no-swab-self-test-kits-307695">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: UK to begin trials of 'no-swab' self-test kits</a>

The new tests have been developed by the UK Rapid Test Consortium (UK-RTC), a partnership between Oxford University and UK diagnostics companies including Abingdon Health based in York.

The trials for this test were conducted in the month of June and&nbsp;98.6 per cent results, of 300 people,&nbsp;were accurate. The test can help determine a person has been exposed to the novel coronavirus or not.

The final nod from the regulatory is still pending, but several facilities have started manufacturing prototypes for the same in hope that the regulatory will give a green signal to the easy antibody test kits.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-may-be-exaggerated-uk-government-to-pause-daily-updates-314305">Also read|&nbsp;Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates</a>

"We've had two shifts of R&amp;D personnel working day and night, seven days a week. This sort of development programme would normally take a year. We've done it in 10 weeks. We're now scaling up with our partners to

produce hundreds of thousands of doses every month," said&nbsp;Dr Chris Hand, the leader of the UK-RTC and chairman of Abingdon Health.

The tests will first be sent to hospitals and medical personnel, who will send in data to the concerned authorities to help maintain a central database. After success of this, the testing kits will be made available to the general public of the country.

A UK Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We have received an extraordinary response to our call to action to supply antibody tests, and we continue to work with industry to identify further tests that are safe and accurate to be used at home.

United Kingdom has conducted successful trials of a quick coronavirus antibody test and is now planning to release it for the public. The home tests will be free of cost and will need only a small prick, the local media reported.

United Kingdom has conducted successful trials of a quick coronavirus antibody test and is now planning to release it for the public. The home tests will be free of cost and will need only a small prick, the local media reported. The results of these tests will be available in merely 20 minutes. "This rapid test appears to be truly amazing, and it shows we can do this ourselves," said Sir John Bell, Oxford's Regius Professor of Medicine who leads the British government's antibody testing programme. "If coronavirus is like flu and people need an annual vaccine, we will need mass antibody testing to measure people's antibody response to that vaccine. That's part of the plan," explained Dr Hand. Also read| COVID 19: UK to begin trials of 'no-swab' self-test kits The new tests have been developed by the UK Rapid Test Consortium (UK-RTC), a partnership between Oxford University and UK diagnostics companies including Abingdon Health based in York. The trials for this test were conducted in the month of June and 98.6 per cent results, of 300 people, were accurate. The test can help determine a person has been exposed to the novel coronavirus or not. The final nod from the regulatory is still pending, but several facilities have started manufacturing prototypes for the same in hope that the regulatory will give a green signal to the easy antibody test kits. Also read| Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates "We've had two shifts of R&D personnel working day and night, seven days a week. This sort of development programme would normally take a year. We've done it in 10 weeks. We're now scaling up with our partners to produce hundreds of thousands of doses every month," said Dr Chris Hand, the leader of the UK-RTC and chairman of Abingdon Health. The tests will first be sent to hospitals and medical personnel, who will send in data to the concerned authorities to help maintain a central database. After success of this, the testing kits will be made available to the general public of the country. A UK Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We have received an extraordinary response to our call to action to supply antibody tests, and we continue to work with industry to identify further tests that are safe and accurate to be used at home.

UK to release quick finger-prick COVID-19 antibody testing kits

Testing of imported food for the novel coronavirus is pushing capacity at some major Chinese ports to their limit, major shippers told customers this week, warning of additional fees and possible diversions to other ports.

China stepped up inspections of imported food last month after an outbreak of the coronavirus among people working at and visiting a major food market in Beijing.

"Import container pick-up activities have been severely impacted and as a result reefer plugs are highly utilized especially at the port of Yantian and Ningbo," said German shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd in a customer notice on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mainland-china-reports-22-new-coronavirus-cases-including-16-in-xinjiang-314214">Also read:&nbsp;Mainland China reports 22 new coronavirus cases, including 16 in Xinjiang</a>

Reefers, or chilled containers used for meat and fresh produce, must be plugged in for the contents to be kept cool or frozen.

A person who answered the phone at one of Ningbo port`s terminals referred Reuters to the port company`s headquarters, which was closed after business hours. Nobody at Yantian port could be reached.

Though it has only found the virus in a handful of samples out of more than 200,000 tested so far, China continues to inspect cargoes and carry out tests on a large portion of arrivals.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cluster-in-chinas-xinjiang-could-spread-in-uighur-concentration-camps-314114">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus cluster in China's Xinjiang could spread in Uighur concentration camps</a>

Hapag-Lloyd warned that containers could be discharged at an alternative port and that cargo owners would be liable for additional costs.

Top container shipper Maersk MAERSKb.CO also told customers on Wednesday that it has been diverting cargo from Yantian port in the southern city Shenzhen because of limited reefer plugs.

The port is one of China`s top ports for frozen meat.

"The terminal yard density for reefer units at Yantian has reached critical levels," it said in the letter seen by Reuters urging customers to book to nearby ports Nansha or Chiwan instead.

Any cargoes arriving in Yantian would face a congestion surcharge of $1,000 per container, it said.

"There are enough plugs for reefers at major ports and the offload process is also normal," said Ding Li, secretary general at the China Ports &amp; Harbours Association.

Yantian port has added 35% more plugs recently to tackle the congestion, and plug utilisation rates at Ningbo port are at 65-70%, Ding said.

"The current bottleneck is insufficient inspection and disinfection capacity for the reefers at customs. But they are working on it," she said.

Responding on Saturday, Maersk said Chinese customs have added additional resources to accelerate customs clearance and that Yantian is now the only port still struggling to discharge all inbound reefers.

"During the past week, customs inspection capacity and speed have been improved," Maersk said, but added it would take some time for Yantian to clear its congestion.

Testing of imported food for the novel coronavirus is pushing capacity at some major Chinese ports to their limit, major shippers told customers this week, warning of additional fees and possible diversions to other ports.

Testing of imported food for the novel coronavirus is pushing capacity at some major Chinese ports to their limit, major shippers told customers this week, warning of additional fees and possible diversions to other ports. China stepped up inspections of imported food last month after an outbreak of the coronavirus among people working at and visiting a major food market in Beijing. "Import container pick-up activities have been severely impacted and as a result reefer plugs are highly utilized especially at the port of Yantian and Ningbo," said German shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd in a customer notice on Friday. Also read: Mainland China reports 22 new coronavirus cases, including 16 in Xinjiang Reefers, or chilled containers used for meat and fresh produce, must be plugged in for the contents to be kept cool or frozen. A person who answered the phone at one of Ningbo port`s terminals referred Reuters to the port company`s headquarters, which was closed after business hours. Nobody at Yantian port could be reached. Though it has only found the virus in a handful of samples out of more than 200,000 tested so far, China continues to inspect cargoes and carry out tests on a large portion of arrivals. Also read: Coronavirus cluster in China's Xinjiang could spread in Uighur concentration camps Hapag-Lloyd warned that containers could be discharged at an alternative port and that cargo owners would be liable for additional costs. Top container shipper Maersk MAERSKb.CO also told customers on Wednesday that it has been diverting cargo from Yantian port in the southern city Shenzhen because of limited reefer plugs. The port is one of China`s top ports for frozen meat. "The terminal yard density for reefer units at Yantian has reached critical levels," it said in the letter seen by Reuters urging customers to book to nearby ports Nansha or Chiwan instead. Any cargoes arriving in Yantian would face a congestion surcharge of $1,000 per container, it said. "There are enough plugs for reefers at major ports and the offload process is also normal," said Ding Li, secretary general at the China Ports & Harbours Association. Yantian port has added 35% more plugs recently to tackle the congestion, and plug utilisation rates at Ningbo port are at 65-70%, Ding said. "The current bottleneck is insufficient inspection and disinfection capacity for the reefers at customs. But they are working on it," she said. Responding on Saturday, Maersk said Chinese customs have added additional resources to accelerate customs clearance and that Yantian is now the only port still struggling to discharge all inbound reefers. "During the past week, customs inspection capacity and speed have been improved," Maersk said, but added it would take some time for Yantian to clear its congestion.

Chinese ports hit capacity as virus tests slow clearing: shippers

India reported a spike of 34,884 fresh infections and 671 deaths on Saturday morning, taking the toll to&nbsp;10,38,716,&nbsp;according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

The national capital Delhi reported&nbsp;1,475 positive cases, 1,973 recovered/discharged/migrated and 26 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of positive cases here now rises to 1,21,582 including 1,01,274 recovered/ discharged/ migrated and 3,597 deaths.

A total of&nbsp;6,246 RTPCR/CBNAAT/TrueNat tests and 15412 Rapid antigen tests were conducted in the past 24 hours. A total of 7,98,783 tests have been done so far, as reported by the Government of Delhi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-spike-of-34884-covid-19-cases-total-count-reaches-1038716-314189">Also read:&nbsp;India records spike of 34,884 COVID-19 cases; total count reaches 10,38,716</a>

Tamil Nadu, the worst affected South Indian state, reported&nbsp;4,807 new positive case, 88 deaths. A total of 3,049 people discharged. The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 165,714 including 2,403 deaths and 1,13,856 discharged patients.

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Maharashtra reported&nbsp;8,348 new positive cases, 144 deaths and 5,307 discharged in Maharashtra today. The total number of positive cases in the state has increased to 3,00,937 including 1,65,663 discharged and 11,596 deaths.

Maharashtra's capital city, Mumbai,&nbsp;reported 1,199 new COVID-19 cases and 65 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking total cases to 1,00,178 and 5,647 deaths. Number of active cases now stands at 24,039, according to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

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711 new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> positive cases, 7 deaths, 518 recovered and 453 discharged in Rajasthan today. The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 28,500 including 553 deaths, 21,144 recovered and 20,459 discharged: State health department <a href="https://t.co/ovrD9zNbH7">pic.twitter.com/ovrD9zNbH7</a>
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West&nbsp;Bengal recorded&nbsp;2,198 new cases and 27 deaths in last 24 hours, taking total cases to 40,209 including 23,539 recoveries and 1,076 deaths. Recovery rate among COVID-19 patients stands at 58.54 per cent, and 6,89,813 samples have been tested so far in the state.

Karnataka reported 4,537 new positive cases and 93 deaths. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 59,652 including 21,775 discharged and 1,240 deaths. A total of&nbsp;1,018 patients were discharged in the last 24 hours in the state, as per the&nbsp;Governmet of Karnataka, Dept of Health and Family Welfare.

India reported a spike of 34,884 fresh infections and 671 deaths on Saturday morning, taking the toll to 10,38,716, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

India reported a spike of 34,884 fresh infections and 671 deaths on Saturday morning, taking the toll to 10,38,716, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The national capital Delhi reported 1,475 positive cases, 1,973 recovered/discharged/migrated and 26 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of positive cases here now rises to 1,21,582 including 1,01,274 recovered/ discharged/ migrated and 3,597 deaths. A total of 6,246 RTPCR/CBNAAT/TrueNat tests and 15412 Rapid antigen tests were conducted in the past 24 hours. A total of 7,98,783 tests have been done so far, as reported by the Government of Delhi. Also read: India records spike of 34,884 COVID-19 cases; total count reaches 10,38,716 Tamil Nadu, the worst affected South Indian state, reported 4,807 new positive case, 88 deaths. A total of 3,049 people discharged. The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 165,714 including 2,403 deaths and 1,13,856 discharged patients. Number of COVID-19 cases rises to 1,457 in Himachal Pradesh out of which 401 cases are active. Number of fatalities stands at nine: State Health Department — ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2020 × Maharashtra reported 8,348 new positive cases, 144 deaths and 5,307 discharged in Maharashtra today. The total number of positive cases in the state has increased to 3,00,937 including 1,65,663 discharged and 11,596 deaths. Maharashtra's capital city, Mumbai, reported 1,199 new COVID-19 cases and 65 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking total cases to 1,00,178 and 5,647 deaths. Number of active cases now stands at 24,039, according to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). 711 new #COVID19 positive cases, 7 deaths, 518 recovered and 453 discharged in Rajasthan today. The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 28,500 including 553 deaths, 21,144 recovered and 20,459 discharged: State health department pic.twitter.com/ovrD9zNbH7 — ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2020 × West Bengal recorded 2,198 new cases and 27 deaths in last 24 hours, taking total cases to 40,209 including 23,539 recoveries and 1,076 deaths. Recovery rate among COVID-19 patients stands at 58.54 per cent, and 6,89,813 samples have been tested so far in the state. Karnataka reported 4,537 new positive cases and 93 deaths. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 59,652 including 21,775 discharged and 1,240 deaths. A total of 1,018 patients were discharged in the last 24 hours in the state, as per the Governmet of Karnataka, Dept of Health and Family Welfare.

COVID 19: Maharashtra reports 8,348 new cases; Tamil Nadu crosses 165,000 mark

After announcing a partial reopening of the economy, UK government has announced plans of making face masks compulsory for people inside shops and supermarkets from July 24.&nbsp;

"We want to give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops," Hancock told MPs.

"Both of these can be done by the use of face coverings."

<a href="wionews.com/world/death-toll-may-be-exaggerated-uk-government-to-pause-daily-updates-314305">Also read:&nbsp;Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates</a>

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has described this measure as an "extra insurance" against the spread of the virus, especially after the reopening of the economy.

The decision came after Boris Johnson's cabinet&nbsp;colleague, Michael Gove, earlier hinted that the UK government will not be making wearing face mask a compulsion.

People spotted without a face mask will be subjected to a fine of up to&nbsp;£100 ($123, 109 euros), with police enforcement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/significant-return-to-normality-from-november-uk-pm-johnson-allows-schools-to-reopen-bring-back-audiences-in-stadiums-314053">Also read:&nbsp;'Significant return to normality from November': UK PM Johnson allows schools to reopen, bring back audiences in stadiums</a>

"I do think in shops it's very important to wear a face covering if you're going to be in a confined space to protect other people, and receive protection," he said.

the police officials are not very happy with the decision of police enforcement.&nbsp;"They can quite easily put signs up on their doors 'No mask on, no entry, this is private property'," said Ken Marsh, of the Metropolitan Police Federation representing officers.

Earlier this week, France too made it compulsory for people to wear face masks indoors.

After announcing a partial reopening of the economy, UK government has announced plans of making face masks compulsory for people inside shops and supermarkets from July 24.

After announcing a partial reopening of the economy, UK government has announced plans of making face masks compulsory for people inside shops and supermarkets from July 24. "We want to give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops," Hancock told MPs. "Both of these can be done by the use of face coverings." Also read: Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates Prime Minister Boris Johnson has described this measure as an "extra insurance" against the spread of the virus, especially after the reopening of the economy. The decision came after Boris Johnson's cabinet colleague, Michael Gove, earlier hinted that the UK government will not be making wearing face mask a compulsion. People spotted without a face mask will be subjected to a fine of up to £100 ($123, 109 euros), with police enforcement. Also read: 'Significant return to normality from November': UK PM Johnson allows schools to reopen, bring back audiences in stadiums "I do think in shops it's very important to wear a face covering if you're going to be in a confined space to protect other people, and receive protection," he said. the police officials are not very happy with the decision of police enforcement. "They can quite easily put signs up on their doors 'No mask on, no entry, this is private property'," said Ken Marsh, of the Metropolitan Police Federation representing officers. Earlier this week, France too made it compulsory for people to wear face masks indoors.

COVID 19: Britishers to wear face mask inside shops too from July 24

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his&nbsp;Azerbaijan counterpart&nbsp;Sakir Hasanov on Saturday that Russia is carrying out military exercises.

The drill includes nearly 150,000 troops and 400 aircrafts. While Shoigu described this as a reoutine check of the military's preparedness, the timing of these military exercises has fallen amid the rising tension and clashes between its ally Azerbaijan and Armenian forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-us-and-canada-accuse-russia-of-vaccine-research-hacking-314318">Also read:&nbsp;UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking</a>

In the past few days, more than a dozen Armenian and Azeri soldiers have been killed due to the increased&nbsp;clashes between the two former Soviet republics which have long been at odds over Azerbaijan`s breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Russia, which has a military base in Armenia, has urged both countries to cease fire and has offered to be a mediator and peace maker between the two nations.

Armenia has accused&nbsp;Azerbaijan of being a possible threat to national and global security after Azerbaijan&nbsp;warned Armenia it could strike the Metzamor nuclear power station if its Mingechavir reservoir or other strategic outlets were hit. Armenia claims that the threat counts as "a threat to commit terrorism".

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his Azerbaijan counterpart Sakir Hasanov on Saturday that Russia is carrying out military exercises. The drill includes nearly 150,000 troops and 400 aircrafts.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his Azerbaijan counterpart Sakir Hasanov on Saturday that Russia is carrying out military exercises. The drill includes nearly 150,000 troops and 400 aircrafts. While Shoigu described this as a reoutine check of the military's preparedness, the timing of these military exercises has fallen amid the rising tension and clashes between its ally Azerbaijan and Armenian forces. Also read: UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking In the past few days, more than a dozen Armenian and Azeri soldiers have been killed due to the increased clashes between the two former Soviet republics which have long been at odds over Azerbaijan`s breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia, which has a military base in Armenia, has urged both countries to cease fire and has offered to be a mediator and peace maker between the two nations. Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of being a possible threat to national and global security after Azerbaijan warned Armenia it could strike the Metzamor nuclear power station if its Mingechavir reservoir or other strategic outlets were hit. Armenia claims that the threat counts as "a threat to commit terrorism".

Russia conducts 'routine' military exercise amid rising tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia

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