Hong Kong will end most of its strict Covid rules starting Thursday (December 29), meaning there will be no cap on public gatherings and the city's vaccine pass would also be scrapped.&nbsp; Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee said that all virus-related measures would be cancelled apart from wearing masks which still remains mandatory, a report by news agency Reuters said.&nbsp; 
 
"The city has reached a relatively high vaccination rate which builds an anti-epidemic barrier. Hong Kong has a sufficient amount of medicine to fight Covid, and healthcare workers have gained rich experience in facing the pandemic," Lee said and pointed out that authorities have been preparing for the scrapping of all restrictions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-announces-further-easing-of-covid-19-curbs-544713">Hong Kong announces further easing of Covid-19 curbs</a>

The chief executive also said that Hong Kong will no longer require arrivals to undergo RT-PCR tests, though they would be recommended to do rapid tests for five days, adding close contacts of infected persons will not be required to quarantine, the Straits Times reported. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The news of ending the strict Covid rules comes days after John Lee said that Hong Kong will reopen its borders with mainland China by mid-January, despite China seeing a massive surge in infections.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-bf7-outbreak-causes-blood-shortage-across-china-546600">New Covid BF.7 outbreak causes blood shortage across China</a>

Lee said last Saturday that authorities would aim to "gradually, orderly, and fully" re-open all entry points between the two sides, and coordinate with the government of Shenzhen to manage the flow of people.

Hong Kong and Beijing had shut their borders in 2020 when Covid first emerged and they remained closed since then.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Hong Kong will end most of its strict Covid rules starting Thursday (December 29), meaning there will be no cap on public gatherings and the city's vaccine pass would also be scrapped.

Hong Kong will end most of its strict Covid rules starting Thursday (December 29), meaning there will be no cap on public gatherings and the city's vaccine pass would also be scrapped. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee said that all virus-related measures would be cancelled apart from wearing masks which still remains mandatory, a report by news agency Reuters said. "The city has reached a relatively high vaccination rate which builds an anti-epidemic barrier. Hong Kong has a sufficient amount of medicine to fight Covid, and healthcare workers have gained rich experience in facing the pandemic," Lee said and pointed out that authorities have been preparing for the scrapping of all restrictions. ALSO READ | Hong Kong announces further easing of Covid-19 curbs The chief executive also said that Hong Kong will no longer require arrivals to undergo RT-PCR tests, though they would be recommended to do rapid tests for five days, adding close contacts of infected persons will not be required to quarantine, the Straits Times reported. The news of ending the strict Covid rules comes days after John Lee said that Hong Kong will reopen its borders with mainland China by mid-January, despite China seeing a massive surge in infections. ALSO READ | New Covid BF.7 outbreak causes blood shortage across China Lee said last Saturday that authorities would aim to "gradually, orderly, and fully" re-open all entry points between the two sides, and coordinate with the government of Shenzhen to manage the flow of people. Hong Kong and Beijing had shut their borders in 2020 when Covid first emerged and they remained closed since then. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong to end most Covid rules apart from mandatory mask wearing

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited his mother Heeraben Modi at the&nbsp;UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology &amp; Research Centre in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Earlier in the day, Heeraben was admitted to the hospital after some discomfort and the doctors said her condition is stable.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A statement issued by the hospital said, "Hon'ble Prime Minister's mother is admitted at the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology &amp; Research Centre, Ahmedabad and her health condition is stable."

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Heeraben Modi, mother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is admitted at UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology &amp; Research Centre in Ahemdabad and her health condition is stable, says the hospital <a href="https://t.co/D6N4PF2FGC">pic.twitter.com/D6N4PF2FGC</a>
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Heeraben Modi turned 100 on June 18 this year. Prime Minister Modi often meets his mother. Recently, Modi met her&nbsp;on December 4, seeking her blessings ahead of the second and the final phase of voting in the Gujarat assembly elections.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-prahlad-modi-vocal-critic-of-bjp-and-younger-brother-of-pm-narendra-modi-meets-with-car-accident-547106">Who is Prahlad Modi? Vocal critic of BJP and younger brother of PM Narendra Modi meets with car accident</a>

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's brother Prahlad Damodar Das Modi and his family were injured in a car accident in Mysuru, Karnataka on Tuesday afternoon. The family was travelling to Bandipur in a car. The accident occurred when the driver lost control and hit the road divider.&nbsp;

Prahlad Damodar Das Modi suffered injury on his chin. His son Mehul Prahlad Modi, daughter-in-law Jinal Modi and six-year-old grandson Menat Mehul Modi and driver Satyanarayana were also injured.

They were admitted to the JSS Hospital in Mysuru. On Wednesday, hospital authorities said the injured were being shifted to the general ward from the ICU. On the other hand, hospital sources told IANS&nbsp;that Prahlad and his family will remain in Mysuru for an additional two days following their discharge, while his grandson’s treatment will continue till Thursday.&nbsp; 
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India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited his mother Heeraben Modi at the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited his mother Heeraben Modi at the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Earlier in the day, Heeraben was admitted to the hospital after some discomfort and the doctors said her condition is stable. A statement issued by the hospital said, "Hon'ble Prime Minister's mother is admitted at the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre, Ahmedabad and her health condition is stable." Heeraben Modi, mother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is admitted at UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre in Ahemdabad and her health condition is stable, says the hospital pic.twitter.com/D6N4PF2FGC — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2022 × Heeraben Modi turned 100 on June 18 this year. Prime Minister Modi often meets his mother. Recently, Modi met her on December 4, seeking her blessings ahead of the second and the final phase of voting in the Gujarat assembly elections. ALSO READ | Who is Prahlad Modi? Vocal critic of BJP and younger brother of PM Narendra Modi meets with car accident Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's brother Prahlad Damodar Das Modi and his family were injured in a car accident in Mysuru, Karnataka on Tuesday afternoon. The family was travelling to Bandipur in a car. The accident occurred when the driver lost control and hit the road divider. Prahlad Damodar Das Modi suffered injury on his chin. His son Mehul Prahlad Modi, daughter-in-law Jinal Modi and six-year-old grandson Menat Mehul Modi and driver Satyanarayana were also injured. They were admitted to the JSS Hospital in Mysuru. On Wednesday, hospital authorities said the injured were being shifted to the general ward from the ICU. On the other hand, hospital sources told IANS that Prahlad and his family will remain in Mysuru for an additional two days following their discharge, while his grandson’s treatment will continue till Thursday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India’s PM visits mother at Ahmedabad hospital; her condition is stable, say doctors

Finland on Friday (December 23) asked Russia to guarantee the security of the Finnish embassy in Moscow following an incident where a group of masked people threw sledgehammers into the embassy's yard.&nbsp;

Finland's deputy head of the mission asked the Russian government to guarantee the security of staff and of the building, in keeping with the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations, news agency Reuters reported citing a Finnish foreign ministry spokesperson.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-showing-no-signs-of-ending-invasion-on-ukraine-says-us-secretary-of-state-blinken-545700">Russia showing no signs of ending invasion on Ukraine, says US Secretary of State Blinken</a>

The video of the incident, which has been doing rounds on social media, showed the group throwing sledgehammers and running away from the embassy premises.&nbsp;

No one was&nbsp;injured and there were&nbsp;no damages to the building, the Finnish foreign ministry said on Friday.&nbsp;

It is not yet known when did the incident took&nbsp;place. However, a report by YLE news on Saturday said the incident happened on Tuesday and sledgehammers were thrown in an apparent revenge attack.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Anton Gerashchenko, the adviser to Ukraine's internal affairs minister, shared the incident video on Twitter and questioned whether there were a lot of foreigners in Russia and did they feel safe.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-approve-ukraine-aid-of-45bn-including-arms-after-volodymyr-zelensky-visit-546158">US to approve Ukraine aid of $45bn including arms after Volodymyr Zelensky visit</a>

"Unidentified persons threw a sledgehammer at the Embassy of Finland in Moscow. I wonder whether there are a lot of foreigners now in Russia and do they feel safe?" Gerashchenko tweeted on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Soon after the war began in Ukraine, Finland and Sweden broke decades of military non-alignment and decided to apply for NATO membership in response to Russia's offensive.

The move requires unanimous approval of the alliance’s current 30 members.&nbsp;Turkey and Hungary remain the only member states to have failed to ratify the applications of the two Nordic countries.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Russia said that it would beef up its military presence in the country's northwestern parts in response to Finland and Sweden's bids to join NATO.&nbsp; 
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Finland on Friday (December 23) asked Russia to guarantee the security of the Finnish embassy in Moscow following an incident where a group of masked people threw sledgehammers into the embassy's yard.

Finland on Friday (December 23) asked Russia to guarantee the security of the Finnish embassy in Moscow following an incident where a group of masked people threw sledgehammers into the embassy's yard. Finland's deputy head of the mission asked the Russian government to guarantee the security of staff and of the building, in keeping with the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations, news agency Reuters reported citing a Finnish foreign ministry spokesperson. ALSO READ | Russia showing no signs of ending invasion on Ukraine, says US Secretary of State Blinken The video of the incident, which has been doing rounds on social media, showed the group throwing sledgehammers and running away from the embassy premises. No one was injured and there were no damages to the building, the Finnish foreign ministry said on Friday. It is not yet known when did the incident took place. However, a report by YLE news on Saturday said the incident happened on Tuesday and sledgehammers were thrown in an apparent revenge attack. Unidentified persons threw sledgehammer at the embassy of Finland in Moscow. I wonder whether there are a lot of foreigners now in Russia and do they feel safe? pic.twitter.com/IWFnSb6M3a — Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) December 20, 2022 × Anton Gerashchenko, the adviser to Ukraine's internal affairs minister, shared the incident video on Twitter and questioned whether there were a lot of foreigners in Russia and did they feel safe. ALSO READ | US to approve Ukraine aid of $45bn including arms after Volodymyr Zelensky visit "Unidentified persons threw a sledgehammer at the Embassy of Finland in Moscow. I wonder whether there are a lot of foreigners now in Russia and do they feel safe?" Gerashchenko tweeted on Wednesday. Soon after the war began in Ukraine, Finland and Sweden broke decades of military non-alignment and decided to apply for NATO membership in response to Russia's offensive. The move requires unanimous approval of the alliance’s current 30 members. Turkey and Hungary remain the only member states to have failed to ratify the applications of the two Nordic countries. On Wednesday, Russia said that it would beef up its military presence in the country's northwestern parts in response to Finland and Sweden's bids to join NATO. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Guarantee security': Finland tells Russia after incident at embassy in Moscow

At least five people were killed and 35 others were injured on Saturday (December 24) by a Russian missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Kherson, according to presidential aide Kyrylo Tymoshenko. Of those injured, 16 were heavily wounded, Tymoshenko said, according to a report by Reuters.&nbsp;

Taking to Telegram, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and shared pictures of the shelling. "Social networks will most likely mark these photos as 'sensitive content'. But this is not sensitive content – it is the real life of Ukraine and Ukrainians," Zelensky said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-official-killed-in-car-blast-in-russia-controlled-lyubimivka-545682">Ukraine war: Official killed in car blast in Russia-controlled Lyubimivka</a>

"These are not military facilities ... It is terror, it is killing for the sake of intimidation and pleasure," the President added.&nbsp;

Russia had occupied Kherson shortly after it began its special military operation in Ukraine in February this year. In November, Ukrainian forces recaptured the city in a significant military defeat for Moscow.&nbsp;

However, Kherson has been struck by Russian forces multiple times.&nbsp;

Saturday's attack comes more than a week after two people, including a Red Cross worker,&nbsp;were killed in Russian shelling in the city on December 15. Regional governor Yaroslav Yanushevych said the attack left Kherson completely without power. President Zelensky had said that Moscow bombed the city more than 16 times on this day.

More than 11,000 people have left Kherson since it was recaptured in November and most of them had been evacuated by the government, according to the ministry that was responsible for reintegrating the city. During Russia's control, regional officials estimated that 100,000 residents were in Kherson, AFP reported last week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/up-your-game-putin-tells-russian-defence-industry-546291">Up your game, Putin tells Russian defence industry</a>

The war in Ukraine has entered the 11th month with no possible end to Russia's aggression. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the defence industry to up its game to ensure that the army got all the weapons, equipment and military hardware that it needed to fight.&nbsp;

"The most important key task of our military-industrial complex is to provide our units and frontline forces with everything they need: weapons, equipment, ammunition, and gear in the necessary quantities and of the right quality in the shortest possible timeframes," Putin said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least five people were killed and 35 others were injured on Saturday (December 24) by a Russian missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Kherson, according to presidential aide Kyrylo Tymoshenko.

At least five people were killed and 35 others were injured on Saturday (December 24) by a Russian missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Kherson, according to presidential aide Kyrylo Tymoshenko. Of those injured, 16 were heavily wounded, Tymoshenko said, according to a report by Reuters. Taking to Telegram, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and shared pictures of the shelling. "Social networks will most likely mark these photos as 'sensitive content'. But this is not sensitive content – it is the real life of Ukraine and Ukrainians," Zelensky said. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Official killed in car blast in Russia-controlled Lyubimivka "These are not military facilities ... It is terror, it is killing for the sake of intimidation and pleasure," the President added. Russia had occupied Kherson shortly after it began its special military operation in Ukraine in February this year. In November, Ukrainian forces recaptured the city in a significant military defeat for Moscow. However, Kherson has been struck by Russian forces multiple times. Saturday's attack comes more than a week after two people, including a Red Cross worker, were killed in Russian shelling in the city on December 15. Regional governor Yaroslav Yanushevych said the attack left Kherson completely without power. President Zelensky had said that Moscow bombed the city more than 16 times on this day. More than 11,000 people have left Kherson since it was recaptured in November and most of them had been evacuated by the government, according to the ministry that was responsible for reintegrating the city. During Russia's control, regional officials estimated that 100,000 residents were in Kherson, AFP reported last week. ALSO READ | Up your game, Putin tells Russian defence industry The war in Ukraine has entered the 11th month with no possible end to Russia's aggression. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the defence industry to up its game to ensure that the army got all the weapons, equipment and military hardware that it needed to fight. "The most important key task of our military-industrial complex is to provide our units and frontline forces with everything they need: weapons, equipment, ammunition, and gear in the necessary quantities and of the right quality in the shortest possible timeframes," Putin said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Five killed, 35 injured in Russian shelling in Kherson; Zelensky terms it ‘killing for pleasure’

Amid a spike in Covid cases in some countries, India on Saturday made RT-PCR tests mandatory for passengers coming from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand. Speaking to news agency ANI, India's health minister Mansukh Mandaviya said "The RT-PCR test will be mandatory for international arrivals from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand."

Mandaviya added on arrival if any passenger from these five countries is found symptomatic or tests positive for Covid, then he or she will be put under quarantine. The government's Air Suvidha form filling to declare the current health status will also be made mandatory for passengers coming from these countries.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-three-cases-of-omicron-subvariant-bf7-ministry-steps-up-measures-545157">Covid: India reports 3 cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7, which is ravaging China now</a>

The announcement comes a day after Mandaviya chaired a virtual meeting with the health ministers of all states to review the pandemic situation in India. During the meeting, he said that the country needs to be on alert and be fully prepared to manage Covid. Mandaviya asked the health ministers to personally monitor and review the preparedness of all infrastructure and ensure adequate stock of essential medicines in their respective states.&nbsp;

He also stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns regarding adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour given the upcoming festive season in the country, ANI reported.&nbsp;

In the last 24 hours, India recorded 201 Covid cases and the overall recovery rate stands at 98.8%. The active cases stand at 3,397.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-steps-up-measures-amidst-china-covid-explosion-expert-says-hybrid-immunity-will-help-country-544957">India steps up measures amidst China Covid explosion, expert says 'hybrid immunity' will help country</a>

Even though the daily cases are less at present, the worsening pandemic situation in the above five countries, particularly China, can cause a spike in infections and deaths in India.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the Indian government decided to subject two per cent of the passengers arriving on international flights to random Covid tests starting from Saturday (December 24).

And yesterday, the country's civil aviation ministry asked airport operators to ensure compliance with government guidelines and told airlines to instruct their crew to lead and bring identified two per cent of international arriving passengers to the testing facility at the respective airports.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amid a spike in Covid cases in some countries, India on Saturday made RT-PCR tests mandatory for passengers coming from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand.

Amid a spike in Covid cases in some countries, India on Saturday made RT-PCR tests mandatory for passengers coming from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand. Speaking to news agency ANI, India's health minister Mansukh Mandaviya said "The RT-PCR test will be mandatory for international arrivals from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand." Mandaviya added on arrival if any passenger from these five countries is found symptomatic or tests positive for Covid, then he or she will be put under quarantine. The government's Air Suvidha form filling to declare the current health status will also be made mandatory for passengers coming from these countries. ALSO READ | Covid: India reports 3 cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7, which is ravaging China now The announcement comes a day after Mandaviya chaired a virtual meeting with the health ministers of all states to review the pandemic situation in India. During the meeting, he said that the country needs to be on alert and be fully prepared to manage Covid. Mandaviya asked the health ministers to personally monitor and review the preparedness of all infrastructure and ensure adequate stock of essential medicines in their respective states. He also stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns regarding adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour given the upcoming festive season in the country, ANI reported. In the last 24 hours, India recorded 201 Covid cases and the overall recovery rate stands at 98.8%. The active cases stand at 3,397. ALSO READ | India steps up measures amidst China Covid explosion, expert says 'hybrid immunity' will help country Even though the daily cases are less at present, the worsening pandemic situation in the above five countries, particularly China, can cause a spike in infections and deaths in India. On Thursday, the Indian government decided to subject two per cent of the passengers arriving on international flights to random Covid tests starting from Saturday (December 24). And yesterday, the country's civil aviation ministry asked airport operators to ensure compliance with government guidelines and told airlines to instruct their crew to lead and bring identified two per cent of international arriving passengers to the testing facility at the respective airports. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Covid scare: India makes RT-PCR tests mandatory for arrivals from China, four other nations

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has not received data from China on new Covid hospitalisations since the government lifted its Zero-Covid policy, a report by news agency Reuters said on Friday.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has not received data from China on new Covid hospitalisations since the government lifted its Zero-Covid policy, a report by news agency Reuters said on Friday. China is racing against time to combat the spike in infections with an overburdened health infrastructure, a shortage of life-saving medicines and a low rate of full vaccination among the elderly. Weekly reports of the WHO showed a rise in Covid hospitalisations in China running up to the government's December 7 decision to ease restrictions on movement that were imposed to stamp out any transmission of the virus, the report said. ALSO READ | China has 1 million Covid cases, 5k deaths a day, claims report as it plans to cut travellers' quarantine According to a graph by the WHO, hospitalisations peaked through to December 4, which was the highest reported figure in the country since the onset of the pandemic. But the figures were absent in the last two weekly reports. The United Nations health agency, however, said that gaps in hospitalisation data might be due to Chinese authorities struggling to tally infections. "I wouldn't like to say that China is actively not telling us what's going on. I think they're behind the curve," WHO emergencies chief Mike Ryan said, Reuters reported. The Chinese government has faced criticism for downplaying the spread of the pandemic and according to experts, the recently introduced criteria for identifying Covid deaths will "underestimate'' the actual figure. The criteria say that only those Covid patients who directly died of respiratory failure caused by the virus would be counted under Covid death statistics. Meanwhile, United States Secretary of States Antony Blinken on Thursday called on China to share details on the pandemic. "It is very important for all countries, including China, to focus on people getting vaccinated, making testing and treatment available and, importantly, sharing information with the world about what they're experiencing," Blinken told reporters and renewed an offer to share American vaccines with China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WHO didn't receive data from China on new Covid hospitalisations: Report

Spain's traditional Christmas lottery known as 'El Gordo' on Thursday rewarded many winners across several regions.

The winners of the Christmas lottery include a Peruvian-born unemployed mother of two and a Gambian man who crossed the Mediterranean by boat and eventually reached Spain in 2017. 
 
The first prize in the lottery was awarded to holders of ticket number 05490. The proceeds of this ticket number are $425,000 (€400,000), or around $345,150 (€325,000) after taxes. 
 
The second prize was given to ticket number 04074 and its holders will get around $132,750 (€125,000), according to a report by El Pais on Thursday. The third prize goes to ticket number 45250 and its holders will get around $53,100 (€50,000).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-blow-to-spains-meat-industry-man-accused-of-sexual-advances-acquitted-report-545671">In blow to Spain's meat industry, man accused of sexual advances acquitted: Report</a> 
 
The Peruvian-born mother, identified as Perla Gavidia, was immediately surrounded by reporters after her ticket number was announced. Gavidia said that she lost her job at a cafe in 2020 and bought 95 tickets, only one of which had the winning number- 05490, news agency Reuters reported. 
 
The woman, standing beside her two children, told reporters that she would spend the proceeds that amount to $425,000 before taxes on buying a new house, educating her children and also making a donation to the Catholic Church. 
 
In Catalonia, Ibrahim Cante originally from Gambia had ticket number 04074- which was given the second prize in the lottery. A musician by profession, Cante said he would invest the proceeds of $132,750 in a studio, according to the Guardian. He added that this was the first time he bought a lottery ticket since arriving in Spain.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/group-of-165-people-from-belgian-village-win-15118-million-in-euromillions-lottery-541508">Group of 165 people from Belgian village wins $151.18 million in EuroMillions lottery</a> 
 
The total prize money in 'El Gordo' reached $2.67 billion (€2.52 billion) compared to $2.55 billion (€2.41 billion) last year. In a nationally televised lottery draw at the Teatro Real opera house in Madrid on Thursday, young pupils from the San Ildefonso school picked the winning numbers and sang them out to the audience 
 
'El Gordo' has been happening since 1812 when Spain was under French occupation during the Napoleonic Wars. The lottery was designed to raise funds to fight the war. 
 
Ticket sales begin months ahead of the draw and for weeks before the winners are announced, there are long queues outside lottery offices. The lottery holds significance as Spain, like many countries in Europe, faces a cost-of-living crisis and stagnating wages.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Spain's traditional Christmas lottery known as 'El Gordo' on Thursday rewarded many winners across several regions. The winners of the Christmas lottery include a Peruvian-born unemployed mother of two and a Gambian man who crossed the Mediterranean by boat and eventually reached Spain in 2017.

Spain's traditional Christmas lottery known as 'El Gordo' on Thursday rewarded many winners across several regions. The winners of the Christmas lottery include a Peruvian-born unemployed mother of two and a Gambian man who crossed the Mediterranean by boat and eventually reached Spain in 2017. The first prize in the lottery was awarded to holders of ticket number 05490. The proceeds of this ticket number are $425,000 (€400,000), or around $345,150 (€325,000) after taxes. The second prize was given to ticket number 04074 and its holders will get around $132,750 (€125,000), according to a report by El Pais on Thursday. The third prize goes to ticket number 45250 and its holders will get around $53,100 (€50,000). ALSO READ | In blow to Spain's meat industry, man accused of sexual advances acquitted: Report The Peruvian-born mother, identified as Perla Gavidia, was immediately surrounded by reporters after her ticket number was announced. Gavidia said that she lost her job at a cafe in 2020 and bought 95 tickets, only one of which had the winning number- 05490, news agency Reuters reported. The woman, standing beside her two children, told reporters that she would spend the proceeds that amount to $425,000 before taxes on buying a new house, educating her children and also making a donation to the Catholic Church. In Catalonia, Ibrahim Cante originally from Gambia had ticket number 04074- which was given the second prize in the lottery. A musician by profession, Cante said he would invest the proceeds of $132,750 in a studio, according to the Guardian. He added that this was the first time he bought a lottery ticket since arriving in Spain. ALSO READ | Group of 165 people from Belgian village wins $151.18 million in EuroMillions lottery The total prize money in 'El Gordo' reached $2.67 billion (€2.52 billion) compared to $2.55 billion (€2.41 billion) last year. In a nationally televised lottery draw at the Teatro Real opera house in Madrid on Thursday, young pupils from the San Ildefonso school picked the winning numbers and sang them out to the audience 'El Gordo' has been happening since 1812 when Spain was under French occupation during the Napoleonic Wars. The lottery was designed to raise funds to fight the war. Ticket sales begin months ahead of the draw and for weeks before the winners are announced, there are long queues outside lottery offices. The lottery holds significance as Spain, like many countries in Europe, faces a cost-of-living crisis and stagnating wages. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Spain celebrates world's biggest lottery 'El Gordo'; prize money touches $2.67 billion

A police officer was killed and six people were injured in a suicide car bombing by two terrorists — a male and a female — at a checkpoint in Pakistan's capital city Islamabad on Friday. According to the police, the occupants of the car were terrorists and the explosion took place when the vehicle was asked to stop for routine checking.&nbsp;Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;The incident took place in Sector I-10/4 in Islamabad's upscale residential area, located barely 15km away from the garrison city of Rawalpindi, where Pakistan's powerful military establishment is located.

The Pakistani Taliban spokesperson claimed responsibility for the bombing saying it was done to avenge the death of senior leader Abdul Wali, who was killed in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan's&nbsp;Paktika province.

"Our initial information says that there was a man and a woman in the car," Islamabad operations police chief, Sohail Zafar told reporters on Friday, adding as the police officers chased the car, it blew up, a report by news agency Reuters said.&nbsp;

Zafar said it was a suicide blast and the injured were four police officers and six civilians.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-4-cops-killed-after-attack-on-police-station-in-lakki-marwat-district-544193">Pakistan: Four cops killed after attack on police station in Lakki Marwat district</a>

The incident has raised fears of the presence of terrorists in Islamabad, which is considered to be one of the safest cities in Pakistan.&nbsp;

The country has seen a series of terror attacks in recent times.&nbsp;

On December 18, suspected terrorists attacked a police station in the Lakki Marwat district, killing four police personnel. Three days later, dozens of armed terrorists stormed a police station in Wana city of South Waziristan, injuring a police constable.&nbsp;

In Bannu, terrorists,&nbsp;mostly belonging to the Pakistani Taliban, seized a counter-terrorism centre on December 18 and took hostages to negotiate with government authorities.

The government began hostage talks a day later. On Tuesday (December 20), security forces retook the counter-terrorism centre and rescued all hostages. Twenty-five of the 35 terrorists were killed in the raid while one hostage and two commandos died in the operation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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A police officer was killed and six people were injured in a suicide car bombing by two terrorists — a male and a female — at a checkpoint in Pakistan's capital city Islamabad on Friday.

A police officer was killed and six people were injured in a suicide car bombing by two terrorists — a male and a female — at a checkpoint in Pakistan's capital city Islamabad on Friday. According to the police, the occupants of the car were terrorists and the explosion took place when the vehicle was asked to stop for routine checking. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident took place in Sector I-10/4 in Islamabad's upscale residential area, located barely 15km away from the garrison city of Rawalpindi, where Pakistan's powerful military establishment is located. The Pakistani Taliban spokesperson claimed responsibility for the bombing saying it was done to avenge the death of senior leader Abdul Wali, who was killed in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan's Paktika province. "Our initial information says that there was a man and a woman in the car," Islamabad operations police chief, Sohail Zafar told reporters on Friday, adding as the police officers chased the car, it blew up, a report by news agency Reuters said. Zafar said it was a suicide blast and the injured were four police officers and six civilians. ALSO READ | Pakistan: Four cops killed after attack on police station in Lakki Marwat district The incident has raised fears of the presence of terrorists in Islamabad, which is considered to be one of the safest cities in Pakistan. The country has seen a series of terror attacks in recent times. On December 18, suspected terrorists attacked a police station in the Lakki Marwat district, killing four police personnel. Three days later, dozens of armed terrorists stormed a police station in Wana city of South Waziristan, injuring a police constable. In Bannu, terrorists, mostly belonging to the Pakistani Taliban, seized a counter-terrorism centre on December 18 and took hostages to negotiate with government authorities. The government began hostage talks a day later. On Tuesday (December 20), security forces retook the counter-terrorism centre and rescued all hostages. Twenty-five of the 35 terrorists were killed in the raid while one hostage and two commandos died in the operation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

One cop, two Pakistani Taliban militants killed, 6 injured in suicide car bombing in Islamabad

A hospital in Shanghai has told its staff to prepare for a 'tragic battle' against Covid amid a new wave of infections across China. Late Wednesday (December 21), the Shanghai Deji Hospital posted on its official WeChat account that there were about 5.43 million positive cases of the virus in Shanghai and that 12.5 million people in the city will get infected by the end of this year.&nbsp;

"This year's Christmas Eve, New Year's Day, and the Lunar New Year are destined to be unsafe," the hospital said, adding that in this tragic battle against Covid, the entire Greater Shanghai will fall.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/faced-with-a-spike-in-cases-china-accepts-germanys-mrna-covid-19-vaccines-distributes-free-fever-medicine-545497">Faced with a spike in cases China accepts Germany's mRNA Covid-19 vaccines, distributes free fever medicine</a>

"We will infect all the staff of the hospital! We will infect the whole family! Our patients will all be infected! We have no choice, and we cannot escape," the hospital said.&nbsp;

The post was no longer available on WeChat on Thursday afternoon, according to a report by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Shanghai's residents endured a two-month lockdown that ended in June. During these two months, hundreds of Covid patients died while hundreds and thousands were infected.&nbsp;

As China battles a fresh surge in infections, many areas of Shanghai were almost as deserted on Thursday as they were during the lockdown.&nbsp;

Many residents are isolating themselves voluntarily and businesses have been forced to shut down due to staff falling ill.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/schools-ordered-to-hold-online-classes-in-shanghai-to-control-covid-19-cases-544061">Schools ordered to hold online classes in Shanghai to control Covid-19 cases</a> 
&nbsp;

On December 17, the local government asked the city's schools to hold online classes from December 19 to keep infections in control.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, experts said on Thursday that China could see over a million Covid deaths next year given the relatively low rate of full vaccination among the country's elderly population. Citing government data, Reuters reported on Thursday that China's vaccination rate is more than 90%, but the rate of adults who received the booster dose dropped to 57.9% and to to 42.3% for people aged 80 and above.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A hospital in Shanghai has told its staff to prepare for a 'tragic battle' against Covid amid a new wave of infections across China. Late Wednesday (December 21), the Shanghai Deji Hospital posted on its official WeChat account that there were about 5.

A hospital in Shanghai has told its staff to prepare for a 'tragic battle' against Covid amid a new wave of infections across China. Late Wednesday (December 21), the Shanghai Deji Hospital posted on its official WeChat account that there were about 5.43 million positive cases of the virus in Shanghai and that 12.5 million people in the city will get infected by the end of this year. "This year's Christmas Eve, New Year's Day, and the Lunar New Year are destined to be unsafe," the hospital said, adding that in this tragic battle against Covid, the entire Greater Shanghai will fall. ALSO READ | Faced with a spike in cases China accepts Germany's mRNA Covid-19 vaccines, distributes free fever medicine "We will infect all the staff of the hospital! We will infect the whole family! Our patients will all be infected! We have no choice, and we cannot escape," the hospital said. The post was no longer available on WeChat on Thursday afternoon, according to a report by news agency Reuters. Earlier this year, Shanghai's residents endured a two-month lockdown that ended in June. During these two months, hundreds of Covid patients died while hundreds and thousands were infected. As China battles a fresh surge in infections, many areas of Shanghai were almost as deserted on Thursday as they were during the lockdown. Many residents are isolating themselves voluntarily and businesses have been forced to shut down due to staff falling ill. ALSO READ | Schools ordered to hold online classes in Shanghai to control Covid-19 cases On December 17, the local government asked the city's schools to hold online classes from December 19 to keep infections in control. Meanwhile, experts said on Thursday that China could see over a million Covid deaths next year given the relatively low rate of full vaccination among the country's elderly population. Citing government data, Reuters reported on Thursday that China's vaccination rate is more than 90%, but the rate of adults who received the booster dose dropped to 57.9% and to to 42.3% for people aged 80 and above. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'We cannot escape': Shanghai hospital warns staff of 'tragic battle' against Covid

Sixteen soldiers of the Indian Army were killed and four were injured in Sikkim on Friday (December 23) when the army truck transporting them skidded down a steep mountain slope and crashed.

According to the army, the truck was part of a three-vehicle convoy which was going from Chatten in the morning towards Thangu. "A rescue mission was immediately launched, and four injured soldiers have been air evacuated," the army's eastern command said in a statement on Friday and confirmed three Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs)&nbsp;and 13 soldiers died.&nbsp;

Political leaders in India including Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences. Taking to Twitter, Modi prayed for the recovery of the injured soldiers.&nbsp;

"Pained by the loss of lives of our brave army personnel due to a road mishap in Sikkim. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon," Modi said, according to a tweet by his office.&nbsp;

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Pained by the loss of lives of our brave army personnel due to a road mishap in Sikkim. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1606243759217418242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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President Droupadi Murmu said on Twitter, ''Anguished to learn about the loss of lives of brave soldiers of the Indian Army in a road accident in Sikkim. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh, while condoling the deaths of the 16 soldiers, tweeted the country is deeply grateful for their service and commitment.

"Deeply pained by the loss of lives of the Indian Army personnel due to a road accident in North Sikkim. The nation is deeply grateful for their service and commitment. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those who are injured," Singh said.&nbsp;

Sikkim has some of India's most dangerous high-altitude roads.&nbsp;

There have been many accidents in the past involving Indian Army vehicles near the country's vast boundary with China and Pakistan. In August this year, six paramilitary personnel were killed in an accident in Jammu and Kashmir when an armoured vehicle carrying them rolled down a mountain slope, news agency AFP reported.

 
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Sixteen soldiers of the Indian Army were killed and four were injured in Sikkim on Friday (December 23) when the army truck transporting them skidded down a steep mountain slope and crashed.

Sixteen soldiers of the Indian Army were killed and four were injured in Sikkim on Friday (December 23) when the army truck transporting them skidded down a steep mountain slope and crashed. According to the army, the truck was part of a three-vehicle convoy which was going from Chatten in the morning towards Thangu. "A rescue mission was immediately launched, and four injured soldiers have been air evacuated," the army's eastern command said in a statement on Friday and confirmed three Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and 13 soldiers died. Political leaders in India including Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences. Taking to Twitter, Modi prayed for the recovery of the injured soldiers. "Pained by the loss of lives of our brave army personnel due to a road mishap in Sikkim. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon," Modi said, according to a tweet by his office. Pained by the loss of lives of our brave army personnel due to a road mishap in Sikkim. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 23, 2022 × President Droupadi Murmu said on Twitter, ''Anguished to learn about the loss of lives of brave soldiers of the Indian Army in a road accident in Sikkim. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured." India's defence minister Rajnath Singh, while condoling the deaths of the 16 soldiers, tweeted the country is deeply grateful for their service and commitment. "Deeply pained by the loss of lives of the Indian Army personnel due to a road accident in North Sikkim. The nation is deeply grateful for their service and commitment. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of those who are injured," Singh said. Sikkim has some of India's most dangerous high-altitude roads. There have been many accidents in the past involving Indian Army vehicles near the country's vast boundary with China and Pakistan. In August this year, six paramilitary personnel were killed in an accident in Jammu and Kashmir when an armoured vehicle carrying them rolled down a mountain slope, news agency AFP reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

16 Indian Army soldiers killed, four injured in road accident in Sikkim; PM Modi tweets condolences

An official in the Russian-controlled village of Lyubimivka in southern Ukraine was killed in a car blast on Thursday, Moscow-installed authorities said. Lyubimivka is located on the eastern bank of the Dnipro river, which has been occupied by Russian troops after they retreated from Kherson last month, rendering the river a new frontline, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

Taking to Telegram, the authorities said the official- Andrei Nikolayevich Shtepa, "a sincere patriot of his native land, died tragically as a result of a car explosion." They blamed Ukraine for Shtepa's death.&nbsp;

This is the latest in the series of targeted attacks against Russian-installed officials in occupied areas of Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-claims-russia-will-find-an-antidote-to-us-patriot-missiles-given-to-ukraine-for-building-air-shield-545674">Putin claims Russia will find an 'antidote' to US Patriot missiles given to Ukraine for building air shield</a>

Earlier, Russian-appointed deputy head of Berdyansk city Oleg Boyko and his wife Lyudmyla, who headed the city's election commission for the referendum were killed in September. During the same month, the Lugansk separatist administration's top prosecutor and his deputy were also killed in an attack.&nbsp;

Meanwhile on Thursday the former head of Russia's space agency Dmitry Rogozin said he was injured by shelling in Ukraine's Donetsk- another city controlled by Russian troops.&nbsp;

According to the TASS news agency, the incident took place on Wednesday evening at a hotel where Rogozin was staying with a local official and a group of advisors. Russian authorities said the shelling left some dead and some injured.&nbsp;

The Russian news channel Rossiya 24 TV broadcast images of the damaged hotel and restaurant with parts of the roof destroyed and debris scattered around the rooms and outside in the garden.

In a Telegram post, Rogozin, who is an ardent supporter of Russia's offensive in Ukraine, said he suffered a back injury after a metal fragment was lodged above his right shoulder blade, adding he will be needing surgery.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelenskys-full-speech-in-us-congress-8-biggest-moments-from-his-address-545452">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's full speech in US Congress: 8 biggest moments from address</a>

The former head of the Russian space agency added that the shelling took place during a "work meeting" in the restaurant of the hotel. However, Rossiya 24 said Rogozin was celebrating his 59th birthday at the time of the attack.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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An official in the Russian-controlled village of Lyubimivka in southern Ukraine was killed in a car blast on Thursday, Moscow-installed authorities said. Lyubimivka is located on the eastern bank of the Dnipro river, which has been occupied by Russian troops after they retreated from Kherson last month, rendering the river a new frontline, news agency AFP reported.

An official in the Russian-controlled village of Lyubimivka in southern Ukraine was killed in a car blast on Thursday, Moscow-installed authorities said. Lyubimivka is located on the eastern bank of the Dnipro river, which has been occupied by Russian troops after they retreated from Kherson last month, rendering the river a new frontline, news agency AFP reported. Taking to Telegram, the authorities said the official- Andrei Nikolayevich Shtepa, "a sincere patriot of his native land, died tragically as a result of a car explosion." They blamed Ukraine for Shtepa's death. This is the latest in the series of targeted attacks against Russian-installed officials in occupied areas of Ukraine. ALSO READ | Putin claims Russia will find an 'antidote' to US Patriot missiles given to Ukraine for building air shield Earlier, Russian-appointed deputy head of Berdyansk city Oleg Boyko and his wife Lyudmyla, who headed the city's election commission for the referendum were killed in September. During the same month, the Lugansk separatist administration's top prosecutor and his deputy were also killed in an attack. Meanwhile on Thursday the former head of Russia's space agency Dmitry Rogozin said he was injured by shelling in Ukraine's Donetsk- another city controlled by Russian troops. According to the TASS news agency, the incident took place on Wednesday evening at a hotel where Rogozin was staying with a local official and a group of advisors. Russian authorities said the shelling left some dead and some injured. The Russian news channel Rossiya 24 TV broadcast images of the damaged hotel and restaurant with parts of the roof destroyed and debris scattered around the rooms and outside in the garden. In a Telegram post, Rogozin, who is an ardent supporter of Russia's offensive in Ukraine, said he suffered a back injury after a metal fragment was lodged above his right shoulder blade, adding he will be needing surgery. ALSO READ | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's full speech in US Congress: 8 biggest moments from address The former head of the Russian space agency added that the shelling took place during a "work meeting" in the restaurant of the hotel. However, Rossiya 24 said Rogozin was celebrating his 59th birthday at the time of the attack. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: Official killed in car blast in Russia-controlled Lyubimivka

With the increased spread of Covid in China, there is a shortage of antiviral medicines such as Pfizer's Paxlovid. As a result, citizens are turning to the black market to buy these medicines.

An abrupt U-turn by the government on the Zero-Covid policy earlier this month surprised health experts as well as residents, as officials appeared to have done little planning for the inevitable increase in infections that came with restarting activities, according to a report by news agency Bloomberg on Thursday.&nbsp;

The planning also includes having easy access to anti-viral therapies that can be used to treat people who are infected and are at a higher of hospitalisation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-cannot-escape-shanghai-hospital-warns-staff-of-tragic-battle-against-covid-545534">'We cannot escape': Shanghai hospital warns staff of 'tragic battle' against Covid</a>

The current spike in infections has boosted the demand for medicines. However, Chinese citizens are facing a shortage of supply and are seeking out online sales to get generic versions of the medicines that are made elsewhere and not approved for sale in the country, Bloomberg reported on Thursday citing social media posts and media reports.&nbsp;

Pfizer's Paxlovid is the only foreign medicine to treat Covid that has been approved by the Chinese government for nationwide use. Last week, China Meheco Co reached a deal with Pfizer to import and distribute Paxlovid. And in August, the American pharmaceutical announced a deal with Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co to make Paxlovid's ingredients inside the country, the report said.&nbsp;

In a statement, Pfizer said that it was collaborating with all stakeholders to secure an adequate supply of the drug in China and remained committed to fulfilling the needs of patients in the country and across the globe. The pharmaceutical added it was also committed to bringing medicines and therapies including Paxlovid that would benefit the country's patients as soon as possible, the report added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, ordinary residents in China have pointed out that they were not able to buy Paxlovid despite the government importing thousands of boxes of this life-saving medicine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/faced-with-a-spike-in-cases-china-accepts-germanys-mrna-covid-19-vaccines-distributes-free-fever-medicine-545497">Faced with a spike in cases China accepts Germany's mRNA Covid-19 vaccines, distributes free fever medicine</a>

A user on the Weibo platform said on December 17 that she was buying the generic Paxlovid made in Bangladesh because she had an elderly relative and couldn’t get a hold of the medicine in China.

Another Weibo user called for easier and quicker access to the pills.&nbsp;

People who are able to buy Pfizer's medicine are paying astronomical prices. According to a report by the 21st Century Business Herald, a white collar worker in Guangdong, who did not wish to be identified, paid 5,800 yuan ($830) to a Hong Kong agent for a box of Paxlovid, which is more than double the official price in mainland China. The report added that purchasing agents sold over 50,000 boxes of foreign anti-virals since the Chinese government's first steps towards easing the Zero-Covid policy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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With the increased spread of Covid in China, there is a shortage of antiviral medicines such as Pfizer's Paxlovid. As a result, citizens are turning to the black market to buy these medicines.

With the increased spread of Covid in China, there is a shortage of antiviral medicines such as Pfizer's Paxlovid. As a result, citizens are turning to the black market to buy these medicines. An abrupt U-turn by the government on the Zero-Covid policy earlier this month surprised health experts as well as residents, as officials appeared to have done little planning for the inevitable increase in infections that came with restarting activities, according to a report by news agency Bloomberg on Thursday. The planning also includes having easy access to anti-viral therapies that can be used to treat people who are infected and are at a higher of hospitalisation. ALSO READ | 'We cannot escape': Shanghai hospital warns staff of 'tragic battle' against Covid The current spike in infections has boosted the demand for medicines. However, Chinese citizens are facing a shortage of supply and are seeking out online sales to get generic versions of the medicines that are made elsewhere and not approved for sale in the country, Bloomberg reported on Thursday citing social media posts and media reports. Pfizer's Paxlovid is the only foreign medicine to treat Covid that has been approved by the Chinese government for nationwide use. Last week, China Meheco Co reached a deal with Pfizer to import and distribute Paxlovid. And in August, the American pharmaceutical announced a deal with Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co to make Paxlovid's ingredients inside the country, the report said. In a statement, Pfizer said that it was collaborating with all stakeholders to secure an adequate supply of the drug in China and remained committed to fulfilling the needs of patients in the country and across the globe. The pharmaceutical added it was also committed to bringing medicines and therapies including Paxlovid that would benefit the country's patients as soon as possible, the report added. However, ordinary residents in China have pointed out that they were not able to buy Paxlovid despite the government importing thousands of boxes of this life-saving medicine. ALSO READ | Faced with a spike in cases China accepts Germany's mRNA Covid-19 vaccines, distributes free fever medicine A user on the Weibo platform said on December 17 that she was buying the generic Paxlovid made in Bangladesh because she had an elderly relative and couldn’t get a hold of the medicine in China. Another Weibo user called for easier and quicker access to the pills. People who are able to buy Pfizer's medicine are paying astronomical prices. According to a report by the 21st Century Business Herald, a white collar worker in Guangdong, who did not wish to be identified, paid 5,800 yuan ($830) to a Hong Kong agent for a box of Paxlovid, which is more than double the official price in mainland China. The report added that purchasing agents sold over 50,000 boxes of foreign anti-virals since the Chinese government's first steps towards easing the Zero-Covid policy. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Covid spike in China causes citizens to turn to black market for medicines

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