Moscow announced on Monday it was expelling a Ukrainian embassy worker, the latest in a wave of diplomatic expulsions that have embroiled Russian and European diplomats, while Kiev vowed to respond in kind.

The expulsion came amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Kiev over an uptick in fighting between Ukraine's army and pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement that due to "unfriendly actions taken by the Ukrainian side... an employee of the Ukrainian embassy in Russia was declared persona non grata".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Russia expels Italian diplomat in Moscow">Russia expels Italian diplomat in Moscow</a>

It added that the diplomat, who was not named, must leave Russia by the end of April.

The ministry warned Ukraine that further measures would be taken against embassy staff in Moscow "in the event of continuing hostile actions" against Russian diplomats in Ukraine.

Ukraine's foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko told AFP that "in the near future" Kiev will announce the expulsion of a Russian diplomat.

Nikolenko said that the expulsion of the Ukrainian diplomat is "another provocation of the Russian side...devoid of logic, without any reasons behind it".&nbsp;

Ukraine last week expelled a Russian diplomat in response to Moscow's order for a Ukrainian consul in Russia's second city Saint Petersburg to leave the country.

According to Russia's security agency, the consul was trying to obtain sensitive information from a Russian national.

Recent weeks have seen a wave of expulsions of Russian officials from European countries and the United States over claims of hacking and espionage.

Romania on Monday said it was removing a Russian diplomat in solidarity with the Czech Republic, which recently ordered out 18 Russian embassy staff over a deadly explosion at an ammunition depot in 2014.

Russia earlier Monday expelled an Italian naval attache responding to a similar move by Rome last month in the fallout of a spying scandal.

Kiev has been fighting pro-Russia separatists in its eastern breakaway regions since 2014, following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula.

At least 31 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the start of the year, compared to 50 in all of 2020, while the separatists say 22 of their fighters have died.

Moscow announced on Monday it was expelling a Ukrainian embassy worker, the latest in a wave of diplomatic expulsions that have embroiled Russian and European diplomats, while Kiev vowed to respond in kind.

Moscow announced on Monday it was expelling a Ukrainian embassy worker, the latest in a wave of diplomatic expulsions that have embroiled Russian and European diplomats, while Kiev vowed to respond in kind. The expulsion came amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Kiev over an uptick in fighting between Ukraine's army and pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine. Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement that due to "unfriendly actions taken by the Ukrainian side... an employee of the Ukrainian embassy in Russia was declared persona non grata". Also read: Russia expels Italian diplomat in Moscow It added that the diplomat, who was not named, must leave Russia by the end of April. The ministry warned Ukraine that further measures would be taken against embassy staff in Moscow "in the event of continuing hostile actions" against Russian diplomats in Ukraine. Ukraine's foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko told AFP that "in the near future" Kiev will announce the expulsion of a Russian diplomat. Nikolenko said that the expulsion of the Ukrainian diplomat is "another provocation of the Russian side...devoid of logic, without any reasons behind it". Ukraine last week expelled a Russian diplomat in response to Moscow's order for a Ukrainian consul in Russia's second city Saint Petersburg to leave the country. According to Russia's security agency, the consul was trying to obtain sensitive information from a Russian national. Recent weeks have seen a wave of expulsions of Russian officials from European countries and the United States over claims of hacking and espionage. Romania on Monday said it was removing a Russian diplomat in solidarity with the Czech Republic, which recently ordered out 18 Russian embassy staff over a deadly explosion at an ammunition depot in 2014. Russia earlier Monday expelled an Italian naval attache responding to a similar move by Rome last month in the fallout of a spying scandal. Kiev has been fighting pro-Russia separatists in its eastern breakaway regions since 2014, following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula. At least 31 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the start of the year, compared to 50 in all of 2020, while the separatists say 22 of their fighters have died.

Russia expels Ukrainian diplomat in ongoing spat

French energy giant Total on Monday confirmed it is suspending work on a massive $20 billion gas project in northern Mozambique following the latest jihadist assault on a nearby town last month.&nbsp;

Total removed its remaining staff from the Afungi peninsula natural gas site after a jihadist raid in the nearby town of Palma on March 24 left dozens of people dead.&nbsp;

It had already evacuated some workers and suspended construction in January following a series of jihadist attacks nearby..&nbsp;

"In the current environment, Total can no longer operate in the Cabo Delgado province in a safe and efficient manner," a Total spokeswoman told AFP.&nbsp;

"All project personnel have been removed from the site and will not return until conditions allow," the spokeswoman added, saying "it is too early to provide an updated project schedule".&nbsp;

Total also said on Monday that it was declaring a "force majeure" situation beyond its control, a legal concept meaning it can suspend fulfilling contractual obligations.&nbsp;

The declaration "will remain in effect until the Government of Mozambique has restored security and stability in the province... in a verifiable and sustainable manner," the company added -- although it "remains committed to Mozambique and to the development" at Afungi.&nbsp;

A military source told AFP earlier this month that Total evacuated all of its staff after drone surveillance showed insurgents were in areas "very close" to the gas plant.&nbsp;

Last week, the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) said Total had already suspended contracts with a series of businesses indirectly involved in the gas project.&nbsp;

The National Petroleum Institute (INP), a Mozambique government body that governs energy projects, said on Monday that Total "may not fulfil contractual obligations and could suspend or cancel further contracts, depending how long the halt (to construction) lasts."&nbsp;

Nevertheless, "Total hasn't abandoned the project," INP chief Carlos Zacarias told reporters in capital Maputo, adding that "the main contracts between Total and its major contractors remain in force".&nbsp;

Gas-rich Cabo Delgado has been battered by a bloody jihadist insurgency since 2017 by a group known locally as al-Shabab.&nbsp;

The violence has killed at least 2,600 people according to NGO Acled, while Maputo said last week that more than 700,000 have been displaced.&nbsp;

Its scale raised doubts over the viability of the biggest single investment in Africa even before the latest raid.&nbsp;

March's attack on Palma took place just 10 kilometres (six miles) from the gas project's nerve centre, despite a government commitment to set up a 25-kilometre security radius around the site.&nbsp;

Hundreds of people, including many foreign workers, were evacuated by air and sea while thousands of locals walked to nearby districts.&nbsp;

French energy giant Total on Monday confirmed it is suspending work on a massive $20 billion gas project in northern Mozambique following the latest jihadist assault on a nearby town last month.

French energy giant Total on Monday confirmed it is suspending work on a massive $20 billion gas project in northern Mozambique following the latest jihadist assault on a nearby town last month. Total removed its remaining staff from the Afungi peninsula natural gas site after a jihadist raid in the nearby town of Palma on March 24 left dozens of people dead. It had already evacuated some workers and suspended construction in January following a series of jihadist attacks nearby.. "In the current environment, Total can no longer operate in the Cabo Delgado province in a safe and efficient manner," a Total spokeswoman told AFP. "All project personnel have been removed from the site and will not return until conditions allow," the spokeswoman added, saying "it is too early to provide an updated project schedule". Total also said on Monday that it was declaring a "force majeure" situation beyond its control, a legal concept meaning it can suspend fulfilling contractual obligations. The declaration "will remain in effect until the Government of Mozambique has restored security and stability in the province... in a verifiable and sustainable manner," the company added -- although it "remains committed to Mozambique and to the development" at Afungi. A military source told AFP earlier this month that Total evacuated all of its staff after drone surveillance showed insurgents were in areas "very close" to the gas plant. Last week, the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) said Total had already suspended contracts with a series of businesses indirectly involved in the gas project. The National Petroleum Institute (INP), a Mozambique government body that governs energy projects, said on Monday that Total "may not fulfil contractual obligations and could suspend or cancel further contracts, depending how long the halt (to construction) lasts." Nevertheless, "Total hasn't abandoned the project," INP chief Carlos Zacarias told reporters in capital Maputo, adding that "the main contracts between Total and its major contractors remain in force". Gas-rich Cabo Delgado has been battered by a bloody jihadist insurgency since 2017 by a group known locally as al-Shabab. The violence has killed at least 2,600 people according to NGO Acled, while Maputo said last week that more than 700,000 have been displaced. Its scale raised doubts over the viability of the biggest single investment in Africa even before the latest raid. March's attack on Palma took place just 10 kilometres (six miles) from the gas project's nerve centre, despite a government commitment to set up a 25-kilometre security radius around the site. Hundreds of people, including many foreign workers, were evacuated by air and sea while thousands of locals walked to nearby districts.

Total halts Mozambique gas project after attacks 

Imagine mobilising for a war, but only arming a handful of soldiers. It's a doomed strategy but that's exactly what the world is doing now. Private companies have been leading the global vaccine research. Pfizer, Moderna, J&amp;J vaccines are being developed by big pharma companies. &nbsp;

Big pharma companies are acting like mercenaries as they are singularly focussed on profits. They sell life-saving drugs for a profit, perform life-saving surgeries for a profit.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-patents-hamper-global-pandemic-response-380622/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

For decades, big pharma has spun money out of health crises using patents. Think of it as a glorified way of calling dibs if you have a patent for something, only you can produce or use it. If someone else does, you can sue them. The whole idea behind patents is to protect ingenuity but it has been misused by pharma companies.&nbsp;

They have locked up formulas of life-saving drugs and created a profit-churning monopoly. Humira is a drug prescribed for arthritis. It is among the most popular ones in the market. There are 132 patents protecting the makers, which means Humira is a guaranteed monopoly for at least 39 years. Then, there is Lantus, a long-acting insulin used in type one and type two diabetes, again, extremely popular in the market. There are 49 patents protecting Lantus for a period of 37 years.&nbsp;

Both these medicines can save lives but there is a monopoly on both of them. It means higher prices and lower output. It's an unfair system and today is a good day to talk about it. It's World Intellectual Property Day, which is supposed to create awareness on patents and trademarks and copyrights to celebrate the innovation of creators. But the way patents are being misused, what exactly are we celebrating?&nbsp;

Patents have put a price tag on human lives and they continue to do so during this pandemic. Right from the start, patents have complicated our pandemic response. Think back to the mask shortage in 2020. It was because American multinational 3m had a patent on N95 masks. So, new firms could not start producing immediately. It was the same story for testing. Companies patented rapid testing kits. So, there was no scope for mass production and now with vaccines, nothing has changed. The formulas are still locked away and only a handful of companies have successfully developed vaccines.&nbsp;

Imagine if they shared their designs with the world, we could end the pandemic in weeks, but that would mean sacrificing profits. So, what's the solution here? How can we side-step patents?&nbsp;

One option is to pool them. The World Health Organization is using this method for HIV and tuberculosis. In it, multiple patent holders come together and form a consortium. And within this consortium, they share patents. So now, there are more producers for each medicine. You could say a patent pool is one step below open source.

Another option is to do away with intellectual property rights in pharma. This might sound impossible, but there is a real-life example for it:&nbsp;the WHO's global influenza surveillance and response system. Their scientists meet every two years and update each other on the developing strains and finalise a vaccine design. The jabs are then produced in government-funded labs around the world. There are no private players. This could become the future of public health but knowing big pharma, they will fight back, which is where governments come in. No monopoly can thrive without the state's ignorance as international law puts public health over patents. So technically, governments can force pharma companies to share their designs, but they still haven't done it. Instead, what they have done is hoard vaccines. &nbsp;

The arithmetic of vaccination is simple. Two shots per person. So, it's not tough to calculate how many shots you actually need to buy but the United States and Europe are on a buying spree. Around 16% of the world population has bought more than half the output and they are just sitting on this stockpile. The US has ordered around 40 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine, but they don't need these jabs. Once the next shipment of Pfizer and Moderna arrive, the US will have enough shots to inoculate every adult thrice. This is a classic case of hoarding. &nbsp;

Monopolies and hoarding kill competition but here, it is killing people. This world IPR day, let's bring back the original motto of patents, which is&nbsp;to enrich human lives, to further human capacity, etc. And if big pharma doesn't relent, it's time for governments to put the foot down.&nbsp;

Imagine mobilising for a war, but only arming a handful of soldiers. It's a doomed strategy but that's exactly what the world is doing now. Private companies have been leading the global vaccine research.

Imagine mobilising for a war, but only arming a handful of soldiers. It's a doomed strategy but that's exactly what the world is doing now. Private companies have been leading the global vaccine research. Pfizer, Moderna, J&J vaccines are being developed by big pharma companies. Big pharma companies are acting like mercenaries as they are singularly focussed on profits. They sell life-saving drugs for a profit, perform life-saving surgeries for a profit. For decades, big pharma has spun money out of health crises using patents. Think of it as a glorified way of calling dibs if you have a patent for something, only you can produce or use it. If someone else does, you can sue them. The whole idea behind patents is to protect ingenuity but it has been misused by pharma companies. They have locked up formulas of life-saving drugs and created a profit-churning monopoly. Humira is a drug prescribed for arthritis. It is among the most popular ones in the market. There are 132 patents protecting the makers, which means Humira is a guaranteed monopoly for at least 39 years. Then, there is Lantus, a long-acting insulin used in type one and type two diabetes, again, extremely popular in the market. There are 49 patents protecting Lantus for a period of 37 years. Both these medicines can save lives but there is a monopoly on both of them. It means higher prices and lower output. It's an unfair system and today is a good day to talk about it. It's World Intellectual Property Day, which is supposed to create awareness on patents and trademarks and copyrights to celebrate the innovation of creators. But the way patents are being misused, what exactly are we celebrating? Patents have put a price tag on human lives and they continue to do so during this pandemic. Right from the start, patents have complicated our pandemic response. Think back to the mask shortage in 2020. It was because American multinational 3m had a patent on N95 masks. So, new firms could not start producing immediately. It was the same story for testing. Companies patented rapid testing kits. So, there was no scope for mass production and now with vaccines, nothing has changed. The formulas are still locked away and only a handful of companies have successfully developed vaccines. Imagine if they shared their designs with the world, we could end the pandemic in weeks, but that would mean sacrificing profits. So, what's the solution here? How can we side-step patents? One option is to pool them. The World Health Organization is using this method for HIV and tuberculosis. In it, multiple patent holders come together and form a consortium. And within this consortium, they share patents. So now, there are more producers for each medicine. You could say a patent pool is one step below open source. Another option is to do away with intellectual property rights in pharma. This might sound impossible, but there is a real-life example for it: the WHO's global influenza surveillance and response system. Their scientists meet every two years and update each other on the developing strains and finalise a vaccine design. The jabs are then produced in government-funded labs around the world. There are no private players. This could become the future of public health but knowing big pharma, they will fight back, which is where governments come in. No monopoly can thrive without the state's ignorance as international law puts public health over patents. So technically, governments can force pharma companies to share their designs, but they still haven't done it. Instead, what they have done is hoard vaccines. The arithmetic of vaccination is simple. Two shots per person. So, it's not tough to calculate how many shots you actually need to buy but the United States and Europe are on a buying spree. Around 16% of the world population has bought more than half the output and they are just sitting on this stockpile. The US has ordered around 40 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine, but they don't need these jabs. Once the next shipment of Pfizer and Moderna arrive, the US will have enough shots to inoculate every adult thrice. This is a classic case of hoarding. Monopolies and hoarding kill competition but here, it is killing people. This world IPR day, let's bring back the original motto of patents, which is to enrich human lives, to further human capacity, etc. And if big pharma doesn't relent, it's time for governments to put the foot down.

The tale of patent misuse by big pharma companies 

India is now the global epicentre of this pandemic and it doesn't look like things will improve anytime soon. Today, the Indian government issued a warning. An official said, time has now come for you to start wearing a mask at home, while you share common spaces with your family members.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indians-asked-to-mask-up-at-home-380631/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The virus is still mutating and spreading and countries are still trying to keep up with it. More than 147 million infections worldwide but the coronavirus isn't done yet. The virus is mutating into dangerous variants. The latest one has been found in Sri Lanka. It spreads very fast and can remain airborne for nearly an hour. It began spreading rapidly after last week's new year celebrations. Younger people are getting infected in larger numbers. Experts fear a third wave and the next two to three weeks will be critical. &nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">As the surge continues, a new study has found that pregnant women and newborn children face higher risks. The study was conducted by the University of Oxford and it found that women, who test positive during pregnancy face high risk of complications. They are over 50 per cent more likely to experience premature birth, pre-eclampsia, admission to intensive care and even the risk of death. Newborns too are nearly three times more at risk. &nbsp;</div>

The world's best bet are vaccines, but we don't have enough of them. The World Health Organization might deliver a booster shot soon. It is reviewing Moderna's coronavirus shot. Technical experts will meet on April 30 to decide. So far, the WHO has approved vaccines made by Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson. An emergency use listing from the WHO may accelerate the adoption of the Moderna vaccine around the world.&nbsp;

Here's another potential cure, an HCQ spray. In Singapore, researchers have found promise in an old, but highly controversial drug. They say&nbsp;that using a throat spray with anti-malarial drug hydrooxychloroquine can reduce the spread of the virus. Researchers tested their hypotheses on more than 3,000 migrant workers. They found that using the two drugs cuts the spread of the virus in high transmission settings, like dormitories, cruise ships and prisons. Hydrooxychloroquine or HCQ has been a controversial choice of treatment since last year. &nbsp;

And finally, a story that gives hope. Italy, after six months of rotating lockdowns, is unlocking again. Restaurants are serving customers again after a major outbreak last year. The country has been in and out of lockdowns. Right wing parties say Italy has been too cautious. Virologists disagree as they feel the lockdowns were needed and unlocking even now might invite a new surge. Italy's vaccination programme is going slow. It is missing its daily targets of 500,000 shots a day and remains limited to the elderly. As Italians say cheers, they'll have to keep their guard up.&nbsp;

India is now the global epicentre of this pandemic and it doesn't look like things will improve anytime soon. Today, the Indian government issued a warning. An official said, time has now come for you to start wearing a mask at home, while you share common spaces with your family members.

India is now the global epicentre of this pandemic and it doesn't look like things will improve anytime soon. Today, the Indian government issued a warning. An official said, time has now come for you to start wearing a mask at home, while you share common spaces with your family members. The virus is still mutating and spreading and countries are still trying to keep up with it. More than 147 million infections worldwide but the coronavirus isn't done yet. The virus is mutating into dangerous variants. The latest one has been found in Sri Lanka. It spreads very fast and can remain airborne for nearly an hour. It began spreading rapidly after last week's new year celebrations. Younger people are getting infected in larger numbers. Experts fear a third wave and the next two to three weeks will be critical. As the surge continues, a new study has found that pregnant women and newborn children face higher risks. The study was conducted by the University of Oxford and it found that women, who test positive during pregnancy face high risk of complications. They are over 50 per cent more likely to experience premature birth, pre-eclampsia, admission to intensive care and even the risk of death. Newborns too are nearly three times more at risk. The world's best bet are vaccines, but we don't have enough of them. The World Health Organization might deliver a booster shot soon. It is reviewing Moderna's coronavirus shot. Technical experts will meet on April 30 to decide. So far, the WHO has approved vaccines made by Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson. An emergency use listing from the WHO may accelerate the adoption of the Moderna vaccine around the world. Here's another potential cure, an HCQ spray. In Singapore, researchers have found promise in an old, but highly controversial drug. They say that using a throat spray with anti-malarial drug hydrooxychloroquine can reduce the spread of the virus. Researchers tested their hypotheses on more than 3,000 migrant workers. They found that using the two drugs cuts the spread of the virus in high transmission settings, like dormitories, cruise ships and prisons. Hydrooxychloroquine or HCQ has been a controversial choice of treatment since last year. And finally, a story that gives hope. Italy, after six months of rotating lockdowns, is unlocking again. Restaurants are serving customers again after a major outbreak last year. The country has been in and out of lockdowns. Right wing parties say Italy has been too cautious. Virologists disagree as they feel the lockdowns were needed and unlocking even now might invite a new surge. Italy's vaccination programme is going slow. It is missing its daily targets of 500,000 shots a day and remains limited to the elderly. As Italians say cheers, they'll have to keep their guard up.

Coronavirus continues to create ripples around the world 

The activities of jailed opposition activist Alexey Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) have been restricted on Tuesday by the Moscow City Court. Meanwhile, President Hassan Rouhani ordered the investigation to identify who leaked the "stolen" three-hour-long recording by top diplomat and member of his moderate government Mohammad Javad Zarif.&nbsp;

Read this and more in our Top 10 World News.

<a href="Russian court restricts activities of Navalny's anti-corruption foundation">Russian court restricts activities of Navalny's anti-corruption foundation</a>

<img alt="Navlany" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c950c57-f495-496f-a96c-4b2705888f33" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/5.PNG" />

FBK director Ivan Zhdanov said on Twitter that the court had banned the group from posting content on the internet, using state media, organising protests, participating in elections and using bank deposits.

<a href="Iran's President Hassan Rouhani orders probe into leaked audio 'conspiracy'">Iran's President Hassan Rouhani orders probe into leaked audio 'conspiracy'</a>

<img alt="Iran" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a353efb-53a5-4c9e-a33e-581eac2e1ad8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_0.PNG" />

The tape, which comes ahead of presidential elections in June, has dominated the discussion in the Islamic republic since its publication by media outlets outside Iran on Sunday.

<a href="COVID-19: Fiji fears virus 'tsunami' after outbreak found to be Indian variant">COVID-19: Fiji fears virus 'tsunami' after outbreak found to be Indian variant</a>

<img alt="Fiji" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08e0f657-6ed3-4713-b14c-436232216167" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4.PNG" />

Fiji has largely contained the virus through strict isolation measures and border controls, recording 109 cases and just two deaths in a population of 930,000.

<a href="Washington DC police server hacked, Russian-speaking group claims responsibility: Reports">Washington DC police server hacked, Russian-speaking group claims responsibility: Reports</a>

<img alt="DC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ac0de031-76fb-48b6-94e6-50e4ef1e0b03" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_5.PNG" />

The department said it was still assessing the extent of the unauthorised access.

<a href="'Pink supermoon' dazzles skies across the globe">'Pink supermoon' dazzles skies across the globe</a>

<img alt="moon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="78b13064-0e94-4f7d-aa9f-f512629eaf79" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/7..PNG" />

According to NASA, this year's super moon has been called a "pink" super moon, as it appears in April and named after an American plant, pink phlox, that blooms in Spring.

<a href="Saudi Arabia foils boat attack off Yanbu">Saudi Arabia foils boat attack off Yanbu</a>

<img alt="SA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="932bfc36-4832-423e-9252-62a98c6f740a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/6.PNG" />

A Saudi defence ministry statement on state media did not say whether there had been any damage as a result of the operation by the Saudi navy to intercept and destroy the remote-controlled boat.&nbsp;

<a href="Russia says Brazil's refusal to import Sputnik V is 'political'">Russia says Brazil's refusal to import Sputnik V is 'political'</a>

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6683902e-3e7a-4c28-9d2a-c5b082f6ec63" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/7.PNG" />

Brazilian health regulator Anvisa on Monday denied requests from several states to receive batches of Sputnik V, saying it did not have the data needed to verify the jab's safety and efficacy.

<a href="European Parliament set to greenlight post-Brexit trade deal">European Parliament set to greenlight post-Brexit trade deal</a>

<img alt="EU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="437e40ad-5cde-4a12-a132-182dfa9c9fd5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/8.PNG" />

The deal, which was finalised on Christmas Eve, already has been ratified by the UK Parliament and conditionally came into force pending the European Parliament's approval.

<a href="Muted celebrations of Dutch king's birthday amid pandemic ">Muted celebrations of Dutch king's birthday amid pandemic&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="King" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="224d3856-633d-43ad-adac-3c77acdd7c4f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/9_0.PNG" />

King Willem-Alexander was marking his 54th birthday in the southern city of Eindhoven, a city that brands itself as a hub for high-tech innovation, for a digital version of the annual royal walkabout.&nbsp;

<a href="Washington DC, to loosen virus restrictions this weekend">Washington DC, to loosen virus restrictions this weekend</a>

<img alt="DC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9f9b6395-0147-469f-9fea-3ad0d906838c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/10.PNG" />

The changes represent a step toward normality for Washington DC, residents and long-term hope for the city's vital tourism and convention industry, which has been devastated by the pandemic.

The activities of jailed opposition activist Alexey Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) have been restricted on Tuesday by the Moscow City Court. Meanwhile, President Hassan Rouhani ordered the investigation to identify who leaked the "stolen" three-hour-long recording by top diplomat and member of his moderate government Mohammad Javad Zarif.

The activities of jailed opposition activist Alexey Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) have been restricted on Tuesday by the Moscow City Court. Meanwhile, President Hassan Rouhani ordered the investigation to identify who leaked the "stolen" three-hour-long recording by top diplomat and member of his moderate government Mohammad Javad Zarif. Read this and more in our Top 10 World News. Russian court restricts activities of Navalny's anti-corruption foundation FBK director Ivan Zhdanov said on Twitter that the court had banned the group from posting content on the internet, using state media, organising protests, participating in elections and using bank deposits. Iran's President Hassan Rouhani orders probe into leaked audio 'conspiracy' The tape, which comes ahead of presidential elections in June, has dominated the discussion in the Islamic republic since its publication by media outlets outside Iran on Sunday. COVID-19: Fiji fears virus 'tsunami' after outbreak found to be Indian variant Fiji has largely contained the virus through strict isolation measures and border controls, recording 109 cases and just two deaths in a population of 930,000. Washington DC police server hacked, Russian-speaking group claims responsibility: Reports The department said it was still assessing the extent of the unauthorised access. 'Pink supermoon' dazzles skies across the globe According to NASA, this year's super moon has been called a "pink" super moon, as it appears in April and named after an American plant, pink phlox, that blooms in Spring. Saudi Arabia foils boat attack off Yanbu A Saudi defence ministry statement on state media did not say whether there had been any damage as a result of the operation by the Saudi navy to intercept and destroy the remote-controlled boat. Russia says Brazil's refusal to import Sputnik V is 'political' Brazilian health regulator Anvisa on Monday denied requests from several states to receive batches of Sputnik V, saying it did not have the data needed to verify the jab's safety and efficacy. European Parliament set to greenlight post-Brexit trade deal The deal, which was finalised on Christmas Eve, already has been ratified by the UK Parliament and conditionally came into force pending the European Parliament's approval. Muted celebrations of Dutch king's birthday amid pandemic King Willem-Alexander was marking his 54th birthday in the southern city of Eindhoven, a city that brands itself as a hub for high-tech innovation, for a digital version of the annual royal walkabout. Washington DC, to loosen virus restrictions this weekend The changes represent a step toward normality for Washington DC, residents and long-term hope for the city's vital tourism and convention industry, which has been devastated by the pandemic.

Top 10 world news: Russian court restricts activities of Navalny's anti-corruption foundation, and more

The UK is currently moving through its domestic priority lists for COVID-19 vaccines and therefore, has no surplus doses to share with countries in need such as India at this stage, Downing Street said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

In reference to India's devastating second wave of the pandemic, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesperson said the process is kept under constant review, while the country sends an assistance package made up of 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators to India to meet the supply shortages over the course of the week. &nbsp;

The first tranche of 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators arrived in New Delhi early on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"We committed in February to sending excess doses from the UK's supply to the COVAX procurement pool and to countries in need, once they are available," the UK PM's spokesperson said.&nbsp;

"Right now, we are moving through the UK prioritisation list for our domestic rollout and don't have surplus doses, but we keep this under constant review. We recognise that no one is safe until we're all safe in this pandemic which is why the UK has contributed GBP 548 million to COVAX and sent vital medical supplies to India," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

The COVAX facility refers to the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access global initiative aimed at equitable access to vaccines led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the World Health Organisation (WHO).&nbsp;

The latest update from Downing Street comes as it emerged that the US is to export around 60 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, with India expected to be among the biggest recipients of the consignment after talks between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

With 3,23,144 people testing positive for the coronavirus in a day, India's infection tally climbed to 1,76,36,307 on Tuesday. The death toll mounted to 1,97,894 with 2,771 new fatalities.&nbsp;

Several efforts are on within the Indian diaspora in the UK to fundraise for essential supplies, such as oxygen concentrators and coordinate distribution of across India's struggling hospitals through a series of emergency appeals, including by charities such as the British Asian Trust and British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO). &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The UK is currently moving through its domestic priority lists for COVID-19 vaccines and therefore, has no surplus doses to share with countries in need such as India at this stage, Downing Street said on Tuesday.

The UK is currently moving through its domestic priority lists for COVID-19 vaccines and therefore, has no surplus doses to share with countries in need such as India at this stage, Downing Street said on Tuesday. In reference to India's devastating second wave of the pandemic, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesperson said the process is kept under constant review, while the country sends an assistance package made up of 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators to India to meet the supply shortages over the course of the week. The first tranche of 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators arrived in New Delhi early on Tuesday. "We committed in February to sending excess doses from the UK's supply to the COVAX procurement pool and to countries in need, once they are available," the UK PM's spokesperson said. "Right now, we are moving through the UK prioritisation list for our domestic rollout and don't have surplus doses, but we keep this under constant review. We recognise that no one is safe until we're all safe in this pandemic which is why the UK has contributed GBP 548 million to COVAX and sent vital medical supplies to India," the spokesperson said. The COVAX facility refers to the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access global initiative aimed at equitable access to vaccines led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The latest update from Downing Street comes as it emerged that the US is to export around 60 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, with India expected to be among the biggest recipients of the consignment after talks between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With 3,23,144 people testing positive for the coronavirus in a day, India's infection tally climbed to 1,76,36,307 on Tuesday. The death toll mounted to 1,97,894 with 2,771 new fatalities. Several efforts are on within the Indian diaspora in the UK to fundraise for essential supplies, such as oxygen concentrators and coordinate distribution of across India's struggling hospitals through a series of emergency appeals, including by charities such as the British Asian Trust and British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO). (With inputs from agencies)

No surplus vaccine doses to send to India right now, says UK 

China has rolled out a new anti-espionage regulation, under which the national security authority will draw up lists of companies and organisations that are susceptible to foreign infiltration and require security measures to deal with the threats.&nbsp;

Since 'foreign spies, intelligence agencies and other hostile forces' have intensified their infiltration and intelligence theft against China through more diverse methods and in broader fields, the regulation clarifies 'what, who and how' to guard against foreign espionage, officials from the national security authority said on Monday.&nbsp;

"The regulation is of great significance to improve the legal system in protecting national security by specifying the responsibilities that companies and institutions must bear. It places emphasis on companies and institutions taking precautionary measures against foreign espionage," Li Wei, an expert on national security and anti-terrorism at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times.&nbsp;

According to the new regulation, companies, organisations or social groups on the list shoulder the responsibility to roll out detailed measures against foreign espionage, including arranging their working staff to sign letters of commitment before taking up posts, reporting their activities related to national security, giving education to personnel ahead of their departures abroad, and interviewing personnel after their return to China.&nbsp;

"Staff going on business trips to foreign countries, such as countries of the Five Eyes alliance - the US, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand - have been told to strictly report their travel destinations, agendas, and meetings with foreign personnel, and they must get approval from their direct superiors before the applications are reviewed by the headquarters," a staff member in charge of foreign affairs at the headquarters of a central state-owned enterprise in Beijing told the daily.&nbsp;

In particular, electrical devices including mobile phones, laptops and USB drives, which usually contain sensitive information, are key objects for intelligence agencies, he said.&nbsp;

Companies are required that their staff involved in sensitive fields or those holding important files to leave their electrical devices at home and bring new ones abroad.&nbsp;

Any companies or institutions within the scope of national defence, diplomacy, economy, finance and high-tech industry should be considered as key fields in terms of possible foreign infiltration, according to Li.&nbsp;

"Cases of Chinese people working in various industries who were wooed by money or intimidated to engage in espionage activities and became pawns of foreign spy intelligence agencies are numerous. Taking preventive measures and avoiding similar incidents that endanger national security is crucial to protecting national security," Li said.&nbsp;

The new law has been introduced amid increasing friction between the US and China. The two countries are currently at loggerheads over a host of issues as the Biden administration continues the tough China policy initiated by the previous Trump administration targeting Beijing on Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden has beefed-up the US-China policy by uniting America's allies like the UK, the European Union and Japan.&nbsp;

He also held the first quadrilateral summit of the emerging Quad grouping of the US, Australia, Japan and India.&nbsp;

The US, the European Union, the UK and Canada have imposed coordinated sanctions on China over alleged human rights violations against the Uygur Muslims in Xinjiang which Beijing has denied.&nbsp;

These countries have also taken a united position on China, firming up its control over Hong Kong with its new national security law, subduing the massive pro-democracy agitation in the former British colony. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

China has rolled out a new anti-espionage regulation, under which the national security authority will draw up lists of companies and organisations that are susceptible to foreign infiltration and require security measures to deal with the threats.

China has rolled out a new anti-espionage regulation, under which the national security authority will draw up lists of companies and organisations that are susceptible to foreign infiltration and require security measures to deal with the threats. Since 'foreign spies, intelligence agencies and other hostile forces' have intensified their infiltration and intelligence theft against China through more diverse methods and in broader fields, the regulation clarifies 'what, who and how' to guard against foreign espionage, officials from the national security authority said on Monday. "The regulation is of great significance to improve the legal system in protecting national security by specifying the responsibilities that companies and institutions must bear. It places emphasis on companies and institutions taking precautionary measures against foreign espionage," Li Wei, an expert on national security and anti-terrorism at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times. According to the new regulation, companies, organisations or social groups on the list shoulder the responsibility to roll out detailed measures against foreign espionage, including arranging their working staff to sign letters of commitment before taking up posts, reporting their activities related to national security, giving education to personnel ahead of their departures abroad, and interviewing personnel after their return to China. "Staff going on business trips to foreign countries, such as countries of the Five Eyes alliance - the US, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand - have been told to strictly report their travel destinations, agendas, and meetings with foreign personnel, and they must get approval from their direct superiors before the applications are reviewed by the headquarters," a staff member in charge of foreign affairs at the headquarters of a central state-owned enterprise in Beijing told the daily. In particular, electrical devices including mobile phones, laptops and USB drives, which usually contain sensitive information, are key objects for intelligence agencies, he said. Companies are required that their staff involved in sensitive fields or those holding important files to leave their electrical devices at home and bring new ones abroad. Any companies or institutions within the scope of national defence, diplomacy, economy, finance and high-tech industry should be considered as key fields in terms of possible foreign infiltration, according to Li. "Cases of Chinese people working in various industries who were wooed by money or intimidated to engage in espionage activities and became pawns of foreign spy intelligence agencies are numerous. Taking preventive measures and avoiding similar incidents that endanger national security is crucial to protecting national security," Li said. The new law has been introduced amid increasing friction between the US and China. The two countries are currently at loggerheads over a host of issues as the Biden administration continues the tough China policy initiated by the previous Trump administration targeting Beijing on Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan. President Joe Biden has beefed-up the US-China policy by uniting America's allies like the UK, the European Union and Japan. He also held the first quadrilateral summit of the emerging Quad grouping of the US, Australia, Japan and India. The US, the European Union, the UK and Canada have imposed coordinated sanctions on China over alleged human rights violations against the Uygur Muslims in Xinjiang which Beijing has denied. These countries have also taken a united position on China, firming up its control over Hong Kong with its new national security law, subduing the massive pro-democracy agitation in the former British colony. (With inputs from agencies)

China adopts new anti-espionage law to avert 'foreign infiltration' in key firms

Police in Denmark said they on Tuesday have arrested six men, who are suspected of joining and financing the Islamic State group in Syria.&nbsp;

Two of those arrested, ages 29 and 30, allegedly travelled to Syria in 2014 where they were recruited by IS. They are suspected of violating Danish terror laws and, if found guilty, they face up to six years in jail. The 29-year-old man tried to reenter Syria in 2015, police said in a statement.&nbsp;

Five of them are also suspected of sending money to financially support the group. One of them, the 29-year-old, allegedly transferred funds from 2013 to 2017.&nbsp;

Police said in a statement that they believed that the 29-year-old man used the four others as middlemen for the money transfers. If found guilty of financing a terror group, they face up to 10 years in prison.&nbsp;

None of the men were identified in line with Danish practice. &nbsp;

The arrests of the men, ranging in age from 27 to 35, were made in Copenhagen and Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city. Police and the Danish Security Intelligence Agency took part in the arrests. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Police in Denmark said they on Tuesday have arrested six men, who are suspected of joining and financing the Islamic State group in Syria. Two of those arrested, ages 29 and 30, allegedly travelled to Syria in 2014 where they were recruited by IS.

Police in Denmark said they on Tuesday have arrested six men, who are suspected of joining and financing the Islamic State group in Syria. Two of those arrested, ages 29 and 30, allegedly travelled to Syria in 2014 where they were recruited by IS. They are suspected of violating Danish terror laws and, if found guilty, they face up to six years in jail. The 29-year-old man tried to reenter Syria in 2015, police said in a statement. Five of them are also suspected of sending money to financially support the group. One of them, the 29-year-old, allegedly transferred funds from 2013 to 2017. Police said in a statement that they believed that the 29-year-old man used the four others as middlemen for the money transfers. If found guilty of financing a terror group, they face up to 10 years in prison. None of the men were identified in line with Danish practice. The arrests of the men, ranging in age from 27 to 35, were made in Copenhagen and Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city. Police and the Danish Security Intelligence Agency took part in the arrests. (With inputs from agencies)

Denmark arrests 6 men for allegedly joining, financing IS 

Sri Lankan Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, citing a threat to national security. &nbsp;

However, wearing face masks to combat COVID-19 is allowed.&nbsp;

The move came weeks after Minister of Public Security Sarath Weerasekara signed a paper in March, seeking the approval of the Cabinet to ban burqas, outer garments that cover the body and face worn by some Muslim women.&nbsp;

The Cabinet has decided to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, Cabinet spokesperson and information minister Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters here, without specifying burqas.&nbsp;

"All forms of face covers are a threat to national security," he said.&nbsp;

The covering of the full face will automatically include burqa and niqab.&nbsp;

The proposal now must be approved by Parliament to become a law.&nbsp;

Last month, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ambassador Saad Khattak had criticised the proposal to ban the wearing of burqas in the country, saying such 'divisive steps' in the name of security will not only hurt the sentiments of Muslims but also strengthen wider apprehensions about the fundamental human rights of minorities in the island nation. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Weerasekera in a Facebook post wrote that the Cabinet has approved the proposal to ban all face coverings, including the burqa.&nbsp;

The Buddhist-majority nation in 2019 had temporarily banned wearing of burqas under emergency regulations following the Easter Sunday attacks in which nine suicide bombers belonging to the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) carried out a series of blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels, killing 270 people, including 11 Indians, and injuring over 500.&nbsp;

Muslims make up about nine per cent of the 220,00,000 people in Sri Lanka, where Buddhists account for more than 70 per cent of the population. Ethnic minority Tamils, who are mainly Hindus, comprise about 12 per cent, while Christians account for over seven per cent of the population. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Sri Lankan Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, citing a threat to national security. However, wearing face masks to combat COVID-19 is allowed.

Sri Lankan Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, citing a threat to national security. However, wearing face masks to combat COVID-19 is allowed. The move came weeks after Minister of Public Security Sarath Weerasekara signed a paper in March, seeking the approval of the Cabinet to ban burqas, outer garments that cover the body and face worn by some Muslim women. The Cabinet has decided to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, Cabinet spokesperson and information minister Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters here, without specifying burqas. "All forms of face covers are a threat to national security," he said. The covering of the full face will automatically include burqa and niqab. The proposal now must be approved by Parliament to become a law. Last month, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ambassador Saad Khattak had criticised the proposal to ban the wearing of burqas in the country, saying such 'divisive steps' in the name of security will not only hurt the sentiments of Muslims but also strengthen wider apprehensions about the fundamental human rights of minorities in the island nation. Meanwhile, Weerasekera in a Facebook post wrote that the Cabinet has approved the proposal to ban all face coverings, including the burqa. The Buddhist-majority nation in 2019 had temporarily banned wearing of burqas under emergency regulations following the Easter Sunday attacks in which nine suicide bombers belonging to the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) carried out a series of blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels, killing 270 people, including 11 Indians, and injuring over 500. Muslims make up about nine per cent of the 220,00,000 people in Sri Lanka, where Buddhists account for more than 70 per cent of the population. Ethnic minority Tamils, who are mainly Hindus, comprise about 12 per cent, while Christians account for over seven per cent of the population. (With inputs from agencies)

Lanka Cabinet approves proposal to ban face coverings in public places 

Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah and Queen Komal Shah, undergoing treatment for COVID-19, are 'normal and stable' though they are still positive for the disease, days after they returned from India, a senior hospital official said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The 73-year-old former King and 70-year-old former Queen were diagnosed with the disease on April 20 and were admitted along with their daughter Prerana Shah to the Norvic International Hospital for treatment of COVID-19 on Saturday.&nbsp;

The couple had recently returned from India where they had taken a holy dip at Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri during the Maha Kumbh, a religious congregation of Hindu seers and devotees.&nbsp;

"Their condition is normal and stable. They have been put on oxygen support from the day they have been admitted to the hospital," Somnath Bastola, Corporate Communication and PR head of the hospital, said.&nbsp;

He said that even though the couple is still Covid positive, they do not have fever.&nbsp;

"Due to the Covid risk, the doctor had advised to put the couple on oxygen support as a precautionary measure," he said.&nbsp;

Bastola said that the couple's daughter Prerana is not on oxygen support as her condition is better.&nbsp;

According to the health ministry, Nepal on Tuesday reported 4,364 new cases, taking the national tally to 307,925 Covid infections. The death toll in the country reached 3,194 as 18 more fatalities were reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah and Queen Komal Shah, undergoing treatment for COVID-19, are 'normal and stable' though they are still positive for the disease, days after they returned from India, a senior hospital official said on Tuesday.

Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah and Queen Komal Shah, undergoing treatment for COVID-19, are 'normal and stable' though they are still positive for the disease, days after they returned from India, a senior hospital official said on Tuesday. The 73-year-old former King and 70-year-old former Queen were diagnosed with the disease on April 20 and were admitted along with their daughter Prerana Shah to the Norvic International Hospital for treatment of COVID-19 on Saturday. The couple had recently returned from India where they had taken a holy dip at Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri during the Maha Kumbh, a religious congregation of Hindu seers and devotees. "Their condition is normal and stable. They have been put on oxygen support from the day they have been admitted to the hospital," Somnath Bastola, Corporate Communication and PR head of the hospital, said. He said that even though the couple is still Covid positive, they do not have fever. "Due to the Covid risk, the doctor had advised to put the couple on oxygen support as a precautionary measure," he said. Bastola said that the couple's daughter Prerana is not on oxygen support as her condition is better. According to the health ministry, Nepal on Tuesday reported 4,364 new cases, taking the national tally to 307,925 Covid infections. The death toll in the country reached 3,194 as 18 more fatalities were reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal's former royal couple 'normal and stable' after contracting COVID-19: Hospital 

With COVID-19 numbers dropping, officials in the nation's capital are relaxing a number of restrictions after more than a year of lockdown.

The changes represent a step toward normality for Washington&nbsp;DC, residents and long-term hope for the city's vital tourism and convention industry, which has been devastated by the pandemic.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="US will 'immediately' send vaccine components, medical supplies to India, says Biden">US will 'immediately' send vaccine components, medical supplies to India, says Biden</a>

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on Monday that starting on May 1, gyms and fitness centers can operate at 50 per cent capacity, and live music will be permitted in gardens and outdoor spaces. Restaurants will be permitted to seat 10 people per table outdoors, up from the previous limit of six per table. However, the 25 per cent capacity limit for indoor dining will remain unchanged for now.

Retail businesses can increase admittance from 25 per cent to 50 per cent capacity. Houses of worship can increase to 40 per cent capacity, though Bowser said the government was still encouraging residents to attend virtual or outdoor services for now.

Earlier in April, Bowser had announced some other changes that will also take effect in May. These include allowing entertainment venues like concert halls and movie theaters to increase to 25 per cent capacity and allowing public pools to open this summer at 50 per cent capacity.

The Smithsonian network of museums had previously announced that several museums and the National Zoo will reopen on a staggered schedule over several weeks during the month of May. The National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, will reopen on May 5.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery will reopen on May 14.

The National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian and the National Zoo will reopen on May 21.

All Smithsonian facilities will required timed entry passes to limit the crowds; the passes are free and available from the Smithsonian website.

As of Monday, Washington's daily infection rate has dropped to 14 cases per 100,000, the lowest number since last fall.

But Bowser still preached caution, saying residents needed to remain patient as the vaccination programme continued.

The way we get open is to crush the virus and get people vaccinated,&nbsp;she said. So we're trying to do all of those things&nbsp;moderate the restrictions where they're warranted and safe, but really focus on crushing those numbers of infections and getting people vaccinated.

Bowser said that approximately 237,000 residents had received at least one vaccine dose, out of about 500,000 adults in the District of Columbia. The government will also begin offering vaccinations to residents as young as 16, she said.

City Health Director Dr&nbsp;LaQuandra Nesbitt acknowledged that vaccine reluctance remained an issue, but called on residents to encourage skeptical friends and relatives to take the step.

It's time for people to start having talks with their friends and say, Hey, we're not hanging out with you unless you get vaccinated, Nesbitt said.

With COVID-19 numbers dropping, officials in the nation's capital are relaxing a number of restrictions after more than a year of lockdown. The changes represent a step toward normality for Washington DC, residents and long-term hope for the city's vital tourism and convention industry, which has been devastated by the pandemic.

With COVID-19 numbers dropping, officials in the nation's capital are relaxing a number of restrictions after more than a year of lockdown. The changes represent a step toward normality for Washington DC, residents and long-term hope for the city's vital tourism and convention industry, which has been devastated by the pandemic. Also Read: US will 'immediately' send vaccine components, medical supplies to India, says Biden Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on Monday that starting on May 1, gyms and fitness centers can operate at 50 per cent capacity, and live music will be permitted in gardens and outdoor spaces. Restaurants will be permitted to seat 10 people per table outdoors, up from the previous limit of six per table. However, the 25 per cent capacity limit for indoor dining will remain unchanged for now. Retail businesses can increase admittance from 25 per cent to 50 per cent capacity. Houses of worship can increase to 40 per cent capacity, though Bowser said the government was still encouraging residents to attend virtual or outdoor services for now. Earlier in April, Bowser had announced some other changes that will also take effect in May. These include allowing entertainment venues like concert halls and movie theaters to increase to 25 per cent capacity and allowing public pools to open this summer at 50 per cent capacity. The Smithsonian network of museums had previously announced that several museums and the National Zoo will reopen on a staggered schedule over several weeks during the month of May. The National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, will reopen on May 5. The National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery will reopen on May 14. The National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian and the National Zoo will reopen on May 21. All Smithsonian facilities will required timed entry passes to limit the crowds; the passes are free and available from the Smithsonian website. As of Monday, Washington's daily infection rate has dropped to 14 cases per 100,000, the lowest number since last fall. But Bowser still preached caution, saying residents needed to remain patient as the vaccination programme continued. The way we get open is to crush the virus and get people vaccinated, she said. So we're trying to do all of those things moderate the restrictions where they're warranted and safe, but really focus on crushing those numbers of infections and getting people vaccinated. Bowser said that approximately 237,000 residents had received at least one vaccine dose, out of about 500,000 adults in the District of Columbia. The government will also begin offering vaccinations to residents as young as 16, she said. City Health Director Dr LaQuandra Nesbitt acknowledged that vaccine reluctance remained an issue, but called on residents to encourage skeptical friends and relatives to take the step. It's time for people to start having talks with their friends and say, Hey, we're not hanging out with you unless you get vaccinated, Nesbitt said.

Washington DC, to loosen virus restrictions this weekend

Hong Kong will reopen bars and nightclubs from April 29 for people who have been vaccinated and who use a government mobile phone application, the Asian financial hub's health secretary said on Tuesday.

Sophia Chan told a press briefing the measures extended to bathhouses and karaoke lounges and would enable the venues to stay open until 2&nbsp;am. All staff and customers must have received at least one vaccine dose for the venue to be operational and they must operate at half capacity, she said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="Hong Kong's new immigration bill could give authorities arbitrary control over people's movement">Hong Kong's new immigration bill could give authorities arbitrary control over people's movement</a>

We all hope life can return to normal but we need to allow some time for everyone to adapt to these new measures," Chan said.

The former British colony has recorded over 11,700 total coronavirus cases, far lower than other developed cities. 
Hong Kong has banned non-residents in the city since March 2020, but announced this week a long-delayed travel bubble with Singapore will begin on May 26, its first bilateral resumption of travel ties with another city.

Chan's announcement comes as authorities try to incentivise residents to get vaccinated with only around 11% of the city's 7.5 million population having received their first vaccine dose.

The take up of vaccines has been sluggish since the scheme began in the Chinese special administrative region in February due to a lack of confidence in China's Sinovac vaccine and fears of adverse reactions.

Hong Kong began vaccinating residents with doses from Sinovac in February and started offering a vaccine developed by Germany's BioNTech in March.

The BioNTech shot has shown far greater take up since its launch with two to three times more people booking it on a daily basis than for Sinovac, according to government figures.

Under the new rules, restaurants in the city will be allowed to increase the number of diners per table to six from four currently, provided staff and customers have also received their first vaccine dose. They will be able to dine until midnight, from 10&nbsp;pm&nbsp;now.

Restaurants will set up different areas for customers who are not vaccinated and for those who choose to write their contact details down on paper rather than registering with the government app. This segment will only be allowed to dine up to four people to a table.

A tracing app pushed by the government has met with distrust.

Hong Kong will reopen bars and nightclubs from April 29 for people who have been vaccinated and who use a government mobile phone application, the Asian financial hub's health secretary said on Tuesday.

Hong Kong will reopen bars and nightclubs from April 29 for people who have been vaccinated and who use a government mobile phone application, the Asian financial hub's health secretary said on Tuesday. Sophia Chan told a press briefing the measures extended to bathhouses and karaoke lounges and would enable the venues to stay open until 2 am. All staff and customers must have received at least one vaccine dose for the venue to be operational and they must operate at half capacity, she said. Also Read: Hong Kong's new immigration bill could give authorities arbitrary control over people's movement We all hope life can return to normal but we need to allow some time for everyone to adapt to these new measures," Chan said. The former British colony has recorded over 11,700 total coronavirus cases, far lower than other developed cities. Hong Kong has banned non-residents in the city since March 2020, but announced this week a long-delayed travel bubble with Singapore will begin on May 26, its first bilateral resumption of travel ties with another city. Chan's announcement comes as authorities try to incentivise residents to get vaccinated with only around 11% of the city's 7.5 million population having received their first vaccine dose. The take up of vaccines has been sluggish since the scheme began in the Chinese special administrative region in February due to a lack of confidence in China's Sinovac vaccine and fears of adverse reactions. Hong Kong began vaccinating residents with doses from Sinovac in February and started offering a vaccine developed by Germany's BioNTech in March. The BioNTech shot has shown far greater take up since its launch with two to three times more people booking it on a daily basis than for Sinovac, according to government figures. Under the new rules, restaurants in the city will be allowed to increase the number of diners per table to six from four currently, provided staff and customers have also received their first vaccine dose. They will be able to dine until midnight, from 10 pm now. Restaurants will set up different areas for customers who are not vaccinated and for those who choose to write their contact details down on paper rather than registering with the government app. This segment will only be allowed to dine up to four people to a table. A tracing app pushed by the government has met with distrust.

Hong Kong to reopen bars, nightclubs from April 29 for vaccinated customers

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