Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a meeting with ''COVID-19 management Team-11 on Thursday, ordered senior administrative and health officers to set up camps in all the coronavirus-hit districts. This decision has been made to make sure all the precautions are taken and containment measures are implemented in all the districts which have more than 20 cases.

The decision was taken after the chief minister held a meeting to review the coronavirus situation in the state. "He has directed to post senior administrative and health officers in each district with 20 or more coronavirus cases," said Additional Chief Secretary, Information, Awanish Awasthi.

"There are 15 such districts in the state. As officers are already there in Gautam Buddh Nagar, in the rest 14, they will be sent. These officers will have to camp there for a week and oversee the implementation of lockdown and other health-related issues," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/coronavirus-crisis-a-lot-needs-to-be-done-for-the-migrant-labour-293978">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus crisis: &nbsp;A lot needs to be done for the migrant labour</a>

Yogi Adityanath also&nbsp;asked his officials to tighten the checking of vehicles being used during the transportation of essential goods. "Such vehicles should be run only with driver and helper. If anyone is found carrying passengers or misusing it, the vehicle will be seized. This is a strict warning for drivers," Awasthi said.

A health department official reported 58 new positive cases which increased the total positive cases to 1,507 in Uttar Pradesh. Agra, Lucknow, Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Raebareli, Bijnore, Shamli and&nbsp;Amroha are few of the most affected areas by the virus.&nbsp;

Awasthi also informed that a record volume of ration has been distributed in the state through the Public Distribution System (PDS). "Currently, 53,000 fertilizer outlets, 33,000 pesticide outlets and 36,000 seed outlets are operating in the state to facilitate agricultural activities", he said.&nbsp;Rs 16,413 crore have been paid to cane farmers in the state.

He also assured that the state is taking care that students do not miss out their education. Till now 93,652 e-contents have been uploaded by universities and institutions, and 6.8 lakh students are taking part in online classes.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a meeting with ''COVID-19 management Team-11 on Thursday, ordered senior administrative and health officers to set up camps in all the coronavirus-hit districts.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a meeting with ''COVID-19 management Team-11 on Thursday, ordered senior administrative and health officers to set up camps in all the coronavirus-hit districts. This decision has been made to make sure all the precautions are taken and containment measures are implemented in all the districts which have more than 20 cases. The decision was taken after the chief minister held a meeting to review the coronavirus situation in the state. "He has directed to post senior administrative and health officers in each district with 20 or more coronavirus cases," said Additional Chief Secretary, Information, Awanish Awasthi. "There are 15 such districts in the state. As officers are already there in Gautam Buddh Nagar, in the rest 14, they will be sent. These officers will have to camp there for a week and oversee the implementation of lockdown and other health-related issues," he added. Also read: Coronavirus crisis: A lot needs to be done for the migrant labour Yogi Adityanath also asked his officials to tighten the checking of vehicles being used during the transportation of essential goods. "Such vehicles should be run only with driver and helper. If anyone is found carrying passengers or misusing it, the vehicle will be seized. This is a strict warning for drivers," Awasthi said. A health department official reported 58 new positive cases which increased the total positive cases to 1,507 in Uttar Pradesh. Agra, Lucknow, Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Raebareli, Bijnore, Shamli and Amroha are few of the most affected areas by the virus. Awasthi also informed that a record volume of ration has been distributed in the state through the Public Distribution System (PDS). "Currently, 53,000 fertilizer outlets, 33,000 pesticide outlets and 36,000 seed outlets are operating in the state to facilitate agricultural activities", he said. Rs 16,413 crore have been paid to cane farmers in the state. He also assured that the state is taking care that students do not miss out their education. Till now 93,652 e-contents have been uploaded by universities and institutions, and 6.8 lakh students are taking part in online classes.

UP health officials to set camp in worst-hit 15 districts to oversee coronavirus response

Chinese agents are amplifying fake news in America and causing panic. Last month, posts like these went viral in the United States.&nbsp;

The coronavirus was quickly spreading. Several people received this message. It says America will go into a "mandatory quarantine" or a "national lockdown". &nbsp;

There are several versions of this message. But, all of them say pretty much the same thing. There will be a lockdown in the United States, enforced by the military.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Stock up on what you need. And a request to forward the message to friends and family.&nbsp;

<img alt="mm," data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="09ea491b-7bf6-4136-bb80-1952aa22ebdd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/corona_natguard.jpg" /> 
 
&nbsp;The message spread like wildfire. Americans would understand the full import of this idiom.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
On March 16, the US National Security Council put out a tweet.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
They clearly said there will be "no national lockdown".&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Text message rumors of a national <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/quarantine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#quarantine</a> are FAKE. There is no national lockdown. <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CDCgov</a> has and will continue to post the latest guidance on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a>
— NSC (@WHNSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHNSC/status/1239398218292748292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The top national security body of the US president had to step in to handle a case of fake news. That's how serious the issue had become. The situation was alarming.&nbsp;

US intelligence agencies launched an investigation. &nbsp;On Wednesday, the New York Times published this story.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
American officials have evidence to believe that Chinese agents were involved. They pushed misinformation and fake news on different platforms.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The source or the origin of disinformation is not yet clear.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
But, American officials believe that Chinese operatives amplified fake messages. And this is what triggered panic among American citizens.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The United States is a regular target of disinformation campaigns now. The Cambridge Analytica scandal exposed how social media platforms can be compromised and misused.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;But, this campaign was much more sophisticated. Reports suggest Chinese agents used text messages and encrypted messaging apps.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Applications like WhatsApp. Since they are encrypted it's much harder for intelligence agencies to track them.&nbsp;

China has denied these charges. They called the report "complete nonsense". The United States and China are locked in an information war.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
America blames china for supplying "bad information" and China is hitting back with some rather crude remarks. 
&nbsp; 
In China's case, its actions to cover up the coronavirus outbreak certainly speak much louder than all the stories it's spinning.

Chinese agents are amplifying fake news in America and causing panic. Last month, posts like these went viral in the United States. The coronavirus was quickly spreading.

Chinese agents are amplifying fake news in America and causing panic. Last month, posts like these went viral in the United States. The coronavirus was quickly spreading. Several people received this message. It says America will go into a "mandatory quarantine" or a "national lockdown". There are several versions of this message. But, all of them say pretty much the same thing. There will be a lockdown in the United States, enforced by the military. Stock up on what you need. And a request to forward the message to friends and family. The message spread like wildfire. Americans would understand the full import of this idiom. On March 16, the US National Security Council put out a tweet. They clearly said there will be "no national lockdown". Text message rumors of a national #quarantine are FAKE. There is no national lockdown. @CDCgov has and will continue to post the latest guidance on #COVID19. #coronavirus — NSC (@WHNSC) March 16, 2020 × The top national security body of the US president had to step in to handle a case of fake news. That's how serious the issue had become. The situation was alarming. US intelligence agencies launched an investigation. On Wednesday, the New York Times published this story. American officials have evidence to believe that Chinese agents were involved. They pushed misinformation and fake news on different platforms. The source or the origin of disinformation is not yet clear. But, American officials believe that Chinese operatives amplified fake messages. And this is what triggered panic among American citizens. The United States is a regular target of disinformation campaigns now. The Cambridge Analytica scandal exposed how social media platforms can be compromised and misused. But, this campaign was much more sophisticated. Reports suggest Chinese agents used text messages and encrypted messaging apps. Applications like WhatsApp. Since they are encrypted it's much harder for intelligence agencies to track them. China has denied these charges. They called the report "complete nonsense". The United States and China are locked in an information war. America blames china for supplying "bad information" and China is hitting back with some rather crude remarks. In China's case, its actions to cover up the coronavirus outbreak certainly speak much louder than all the stories it's spinning.

'There is no national lockdown': United States alleges China's role in fake news spread

France on Friday reported 389 more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-after-uss-theodore-roosevelt-us-sailors-test-positive-in-another-warship-294641">coronavirus </a>deaths as the number of hospitalizations fell providing much-needed relief to French authorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-to-launch-who-covid-19-plan-but-us-wont-take-part-294566">Also Read:&nbsp;World leaders to launch WHO COVID-19 plan, but US won't take part</a>

The death toll due to coronavirus has now risen to 22,245 in the country with 159, 495 infected cases.

French health official Jerome Salomon said that there were now 561 less people in hospital and 183 less in intensive care bringing some cheer to officials who have been fighting an uphill battle against the virus.

However, Salomon cautioned saying: "The circulation of the virus remains high. We must be mobilised and respect social distancing, which must become a reflex."

Meanwhile, the French armed forces ministry said it had bought a consignment of the anti-malarial drug chloroquine from China as a "precaution".

As the virus continued to spread, French President Macron said: "The virus does not like the French way of life because it is spread mainly by human contact, while vowing to keep cafes and restaurants afloat.

France has been contemplating opening the country in phases with no set date decided, however, Macron had said earlier that he would opening the country only if the infected cases showed improvement after May 11.

French businesses have taken a major hit due to the lockdown with pressure growing on authorities to open up the economy.

France on Friday reported 389 more coronavirus deaths as the number of hospitalizations fell providing much-needed relief to French authorities. Also Read: World leaders to launch WHO COVID-19 plan, but US won't take part The death toll due to coronavirus has now risen to 22,245 in the country with 159, 495 infected cases.

France on Friday reported 389 more coronavirus deaths as the number of hospitalizations fell providing much-needed relief to French authorities. Also Read: World leaders to launch WHO COVID-19 plan, but US won't take part The death toll due to coronavirus has now risen to 22,245 in the country with 159, 495 infected cases. French health official Jerome Salomon said that there were now 561 less people in hospital and 183 less in intensive care bringing some cheer to officials who have been fighting an uphill battle against the virus. However, Salomon cautioned saying: "The circulation of the virus remains high. We must be mobilised and respect social distancing, which must become a reflex." Meanwhile, the French armed forces ministry said it had bought a consignment of the anti-malarial drug chloroquine from China as a "precaution". As the virus continued to spread, French President Macron said: "The virus does not like the French way of life because it is spread mainly by human contact, while vowing to keep cafes and restaurants afloat. France has been contemplating opening the country in phases with no set date decided, however, Macron had said earlier that he would opening the country only if the infected cases showed improvement after May 11. French businesses have taken a major hit due to the lockdown with pressure growing on authorities to open up the economy.

Death toll in France due to coroanvirus crosses 22,200; hospitalizations fall

The demand to hold China accountable is now growing and Australia seems to be taking an aggressive stance. It has emerged as one of the most forceful critics of China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-may-have-four-times-more-covid-19-cases-than-reported-study-294601">Also Read: China may have four times more COVID-19 cases than reported</a>

Today, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison appeared before the media and called for an independent review into the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-to-launch-who-covid-19-plan-but-us-wont-take-part-294566">coronavirus </a>pandemic. A global investigation backed by members of the WHO.

"We will need an independent inquiry, that looks at what has occurred here so we can learn the lessons. Now, there will be debates about the timing of that. We are in the middle of dealing with the pandemic right now and I understand some of the hesitations that have been expressed about the timing of that particular inquiry," Australian PM Scott Morrison said.

"Our purpose here is just pretty simple - we'd like the world to be safer when it comes to viruses. It seems like a pretty honest ambition that I'm sure most people in the world would agree with. So it would be great if we could achieve that and that's the spirit in which we're pursuing this and I would certainly hope that any other nation, be it China or anyone else, would share that objective."

It has been brewing for a week now. Australia's foreign minister Marise Payne had raised this demand first. Something that the Australian PM has agreed with. In fact, Australia wants to push for the probe at the world health assembly, it is the decision making body of the WHO. Australia sits on the executive board of the assembly.

A body, that determines WHO policies and appoints the director-general. The world health assembly will meet on&nbsp;&nbsp;May 17.

Australia might find some support from its neighbour. New Zealand Deputy PM backs the investigation demand. Winston Peters backs "a totally comprehensive, world class investigation" into the origin of the coronavirus.

He said that he is surprised that China is not "welcoming it themselves".&nbsp;

The demand to hold China accountable is now growing and Australia seems to be taking an aggressive stance. It has emerged as one of the most forceful critics of China.

The demand to hold China accountable is now growing and Australia seems to be taking an aggressive stance. It has emerged as one of the most forceful critics of China. Also Read: China may have four times more COVID-19 cases than reported Today, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison appeared before the media and called for an independent review into the coronavirus pandemic. A global investigation backed by members of the WHO. "We will need an independent inquiry, that looks at what has occurred here so we can learn the lessons. Now, there will be debates about the timing of that. We are in the middle of dealing with the pandemic right now and I understand some of the hesitations that have been expressed about the timing of that particular inquiry," Australian PM Scott Morrison said. "Our purpose here is just pretty simple - we'd like the world to be safer when it comes to viruses. It seems like a pretty honest ambition that I'm sure most people in the world would agree with. So it would be great if we could achieve that and that's the spirit in which we're pursuing this and I would certainly hope that any other nation, be it China or anyone else, would share that objective." It has been brewing for a week now. Australia's foreign minister Marise Payne had raised this demand first. Something that the Australian PM has agreed with. In fact, Australia wants to push for the probe at the world health assembly, it is the decision making body of the WHO. Australia sits on the executive board of the assembly. A body, that determines WHO policies and appoints the director-general. The world health assembly will meet on May 17. Australia might find some support from its neighbour. New Zealand Deputy PM backs the investigation demand. Winston Peters backs "a totally comprehensive, world class investigation" into the origin of the coronavirus. He said that he is surprised that China is not "welcoming it themselves".

Now, Australia calls for coronavirus probe in China with WHO's assistance

China has taken a combative approach towards lawsuits. It has rejected any and all demands for reparations. On the question of numbers,&nbsp;Beijing says it has been transparent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-to-launch-who-covid-19-plan-but-us-wont-take-part-294566">Also Read:&nbsp;World leaders to launch WHO COVID-19 plan, but US won't take part</a>

However, the repeated statements have not settled the debate. China has reported more than 80,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-osaka-mayor-under-fire-after-he-says-men-should-do-grocery-shopping-as-women-are-indecisive-294530">coronavirus </a>cases with over 4,000 deaths. Far less than the other hotspots.

For some experts&nbsp;that doesn't add up and now, a new study published in The Lancet has stirred up the debate.

It claims China has&nbsp;more than two lakh cases in the mainland which is four times more than the official numbers. Researchers from Hong Kong have put together these estimates.

How did they come up with that number? Is China hiding 75 per cent of its cases?

The researchers revisited the first wave of cases. They say that initially&nbsp;the diagnostic criteria was very narrow. It was revisited several times between the January 15 and March 15.

China kept changing its testing criteria. The study analyses numbers upto February 20. The same data, that was given to the WHO. They found that with each change of the diagnostic criteria, the cases rose until February, there were as many as five such revisions.

If last criteria is applied throughout the outbreak, then there would be 2,30,000 cases. At that time, China had reported just a little more than 55,000 cases.

China hasn't allowed any independent verification of the numbers. Just last week, China had revised the numbers for Wuhan increasing the death toll by 50 per cent.

The revision only led to more doubts and more questions. So far, the claims over China's real coronavirus numbers have been based on hearsay, speculation and circumstantial evidence.

The Tencent data glitch is a case in point. The Chinese tech giant had published thE data on its website at the beginning of February with over 24,000 deaths and over one lakh cases but Tencent later said it was a glitch.

Thermal images of Wuhan allegedly recorded mass burials in Wuhan suggesting a much higher death toll.

China has taken a combative approach towards lawsuits. It has rejected any and all demands for reparations. On the question of numbers, Beijing says it has been transparent.

China has taken a combative approach towards lawsuits. It has rejected any and all demands for reparations. On the question of numbers, Beijing says it has been transparent. Also Read: World leaders to launch WHO COVID-19 plan, but US won't take part However, the repeated statements have not settled the debate. China has reported more than 80,000 coronavirus cases with over 4,000 deaths. Far less than the other hotspots. For some experts that doesn't add up and now, a new study published in The Lancet has stirred up the debate. It claims China has more than two lakh cases in the mainland which is four times more than the official numbers. Researchers from Hong Kong have put together these estimates. How did they come up with that number? Is China hiding 75 per cent of its cases? The researchers revisited the first wave of cases. They say that initially the diagnostic criteria was very narrow. It was revisited several times between the January 15 and March 15. China kept changing its testing criteria. The study analyses numbers upto February 20. The same data, that was given to the WHO. They found that with each change of the diagnostic criteria, the cases rose until February, there were as many as five such revisions. If last criteria is applied throughout the outbreak, then there would be 2,30,000 cases. At that time, China had reported just a little more than 55,000 cases. China hasn't allowed any independent verification of the numbers. Just last week, China had revised the numbers for Wuhan increasing the death toll by 50 per cent. The revision only led to more doubts and more questions. So far, the claims over China's real coronavirus numbers have been based on hearsay, speculation and circumstantial evidence. The Tencent data glitch is a case in point. The Chinese tech giant had published thE data on its website at the beginning of February with over 24,000 deaths and over one lakh cases but Tencent later said it was a glitch. Thermal images of Wuhan allegedly recorded mass burials in Wuhan suggesting a much higher death toll.

China may have four times more COVID-19 cases than reported: Study

There were 1,752 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-requests-pm-to-help-bring-back-the-remains-of-nkrs-who-died-due-to-non-covid-reasons-in-gulf-countries-294540">coronavirus</a> cases with 37 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the country's health department said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-may-see-second-wave-of-covid-19-outbreak-in-monsoon-say-scientists-294483">Also Read: India may see second wave of COVID-19 outbreak in monsoon, say scientists</a>

The total number of cases has now risen to 23,452, including 1,7915 active cases.

724 people have died due to the virus in the country.

Mumbai's slum area Dharavi reported six new coronavirus cases taking the number of positive cases in the area to 220 which includes 14 deaths.

Kerala reported three new coronavirus cases in Kasaragod district in the last 24 hours, taking total number of cases in the state to 450.&nbsp;

In Karnataka, 29 new cases of coronavirus were detected taking the total number of cases in the state to 474. Eighteen people have died due to the virus in the state. There are 304 active cases in the state out of which five patients are in the ICU, the state health department informed.

In West Bengal, 51 more coronavirus cases were detected taking the total number of cases in the state to 385 on Friday evena as the Punjab government reported eleven more cases of the virus.

In Punjab, the death toll reached 17 after the number of cases reached 298.

&nbsp;&nbsp;

There were 1,752 new coronavirus cases with 37 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the country's health department said on Friday. Also Read: India may see second wave of COVID-19 outbreak in monsoon, say scientists The total number of cases has now risen to 23,452, including 1,7915 active cases.

There were 1,752 new coronavirus cases with 37 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the country's health department said on Friday. Also Read: India may see second wave of COVID-19 outbreak in monsoon, say scientists The total number of cases has now risen to 23,452, including 1,7915 active cases. 724 people have died due to the virus in the country. Mumbai's slum area Dharavi reported six new coronavirus cases taking the number of positive cases in the area to 220 which includes 14 deaths. Kerala reported three new coronavirus cases in Kasaragod district in the last 24 hours, taking total number of cases in the state to 450. In Karnataka, 29 new cases of coronavirus were detected taking the total number of cases in the state to 474. Eighteen people have died due to the virus in the state. There are 304 active cases in the state out of which five patients are in the ICU, the state health department informed. In West Bengal, 51 more coronavirus cases were detected taking the total number of cases in the state to 385 on Friday evena as the Punjab government reported eleven more cases of the virus. In Punjab, the death toll reached 17 after the number of cases reached 298.

Dharavi slum area in Mumbai reports six new COVID-19 cases

As the country prepared for Ramazan, the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-in-pakistan-due-to-coronavirus-rises-to-212-punjab-sindh-worst-affected-294307">coronaviru</a>s cases surged to over 11,500 in Pakistan with the death toll climbing to 242 on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-79-covid-19-cases-in-pakistan-caused-by-local-transmission-294427">Also Read:&nbsp;At least 79% COVID-19 cases in Pakistan caused by local transmission</a>

Sindh and Punjab provinces reported more the 8,000 coroanvirus cases combined as the country struggled to keep the infections under control.

The government put strict norms on Ramazan with the Sindh government releasing the timings for offices as the province reported two more deaths today with 274 new cases. Sindh has recorded 3,945 cases of COVID-19 so far. The Sindh government has put stringent regulation in place for Ramzan with lockdown to be imposed after 7pm.

At least&nbsp;49 patients are in critical condition, authorities said.

The Imran Khan government still hasn't ordered a complete lockdown of the country citing problems for the poor with authorities saying low-income families will suffer.

In Punjab which has registered 4,851 cases so far which is the highest in the country, on Friday it reported 84 new COVID-19 cases. The province also recorded three deaths due to the virus.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan army declared today that all its resources are being used to fight coronavirus. The Pakistan government has told citizens to stay at home in order to keep the situation under control as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to surge.

As the country prepared for Ramazan, the number of coronavirus cases surged to over 11,500 in Pakistan with the death toll climbing to 242 on Friday. Also Read: At least 79% COVID-19 cases in Pakistan caused by local transmission Sindh and Punjab provinces reported more the 8,000 coroanvirus cases combined as the country struggled to keep the infections under control.

As the country prepared for Ramazan, the number of coronavirus cases surged to over 11,500 in Pakistan with the death toll climbing to 242 on Friday. Also Read: At least 79% COVID-19 cases in Pakistan caused by local transmission Sindh and Punjab provinces reported more the 8,000 coroanvirus cases combined as the country struggled to keep the infections under control. The government put strict norms on Ramazan with the Sindh government releasing the timings for offices as the province reported two more deaths today with 274 new cases. Sindh has recorded 3,945 cases of COVID-19 so far. The Sindh government has put stringent regulation in place for Ramzan with lockdown to be imposed after 7pm. At least 49 patients are in critical condition, authorities said. The Imran Khan government still hasn't ordered a complete lockdown of the country citing problems for the poor with authorities saying low-income families will suffer. In Punjab which has registered 4,851 cases so far which is the highest in the country, on Friday it reported 84 new COVID-19 cases. The province also recorded three deaths due to the virus. Meanwhile, the Pakistan army declared today that all its resources are being used to fight coronavirus. The Pakistan government has told citizens to stay at home in order to keep the situation under control as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to surge.

As Pakistan prepares for Ramazan, coronavirus cases surge to over 11,500; 242 dead

After French researchers in a study concluded that nicotine could protect people from contracting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-reports-lowest-number-of-coronavirus-related-deaths-in-the-past-month-294527">coronavirus</a>, France on Friday limited the sale of nicotine substitutes to avoid stockpiling.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/27-million-in-new-york-may-have-coronavirus-survey-suggests-294543">Also Read: 2.7 million in New York may have coronavirus, survey suggests</a>

Authorities have already stopped the sale of nicotine online.

The government in a statement said, "firstly prevent the health risks from excessive consumption or misuse linked to media coverage of the possible protective effect of nicotine against coronavirus, and secondly, &nbsp;it guarantees continuous and appropriate supply to people requiring medical support to stop smoking."

Researchers at a Paris hospital had earlier released a study which said that out of 500 coronavirus patients in the country only five per cent smoked.

In a similar study earlier, the New England Journal of Medicine found that 12.6 per cent of 1,000 Chinese cases were smokers, compared to 26 per cent of China's population.&nbsp;

The country has been on lockdown with President Macron signaling it could be eased next month provided virus cases improve. France is one of the countries hit hardest due to the virus with over 21,800 deaths and 159, 495 infections.

According to researchers, nicotine helps to block the virus from entering the cells. French researchers are now awaiting government authorization to use nicotine on health workers in the Paris hospital to assess if it helps to protect them against COVID-19 infection.

However, French health minister Olivier Veran warned citizens not to buy excessive quantities since several thousands die in the country due to smoking but he added that research was "interesting".

After French researchers in a study concluded that nicotine could protect people from contracting coronavirus, France on Friday limited the sale of nicotine substitutes to avoid stockpiling.

After French researchers in a study concluded that nicotine could protect people from contracting coronavirus, France on Friday limited the sale of nicotine substitutes to avoid stockpiling. Also Read: 2.7 million in New York may have coronavirus, survey suggests Authorities have already stopped the sale of nicotine online. The government in a statement said, "firstly prevent the health risks from excessive consumption or misuse linked to media coverage of the possible protective effect of nicotine against coronavirus, and secondly, it guarantees continuous and appropriate supply to people requiring medical support to stop smoking." Researchers at a Paris hospital had earlier released a study which said that out of 500 coronavirus patients in the country only five per cent smoked. In a similar study earlier, the New England Journal of Medicine found that 12.6 per cent of 1,000 Chinese cases were smokers, compared to 26 per cent of China's population. The country has been on lockdown with President Macron signaling it could be eased next month provided virus cases improve. France is one of the countries hit hardest due to the virus with over 21,800 deaths and 159, 495 infections. According to researchers, nicotine helps to block the virus from entering the cells. French researchers are now awaiting government authorization to use nicotine on health workers in the Paris hospital to assess if it helps to protect them against COVID-19 infection. However, French health minister Olivier Veran warned citizens not to buy excessive quantities since several thousands die in the country due to smoking but he added that research was "interesting".

Nicotine to help fight coronavirus? French authorities limit sale of product

Governor Andrew Cuomo said that according to a survey as many as 2.7 million New Yorkers may have been infected with<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-viral-drug-being-hailed-as-coronavirus-cure-fails-first-clinical-trial-294417"> coronavirus </a>which suggests that the number of infected cases may be higher than recorded.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/covid-19-an-end-of-american-hegemony-294491">Also Read:&nbsp;COVID 19: An end of American hegemony?</a>

"If the infection rate is 13.9 per cent, then it changes the theories of what the death rate is if you get infected," Cuomo said.

According to a survey, more than one in five New Yorkers may already have&nbsp;the new coronavirus.

"It's vital for any state, I believe, to first get a baseline study of where you are on the infection rate," Cuomo said.

"I want to see snapshots of what is happening with that rate – is it going up, is it flat, is it going down," the New York governor said.

Cuomo said the official death rate 15,500 was an undercount since it included people who had died in hospitals or nursing homes and not those who died at home without coronavirus diagnosis.

According to a survey by the University of Southern California, the death rate of 863 people was lower than the previous count, including the fact that the virus could have spread widely by people who were not diagnosed with the virus.

The New York governor had said earlier that hospitalizations had fallen 578 to 15,021 patients on Wednesday which was the tenth day of decline.

The United States has the highest number of infected cases in the world with 869,172 cases.&nbsp;

Governor Andrew Cuomo said that according to a survey as many as 2.7 million New Yorkers may have been infected with coronavirus which suggests that the number of infected cases may be higher than recorded.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said that according to a survey as many as 2.7 million New Yorkers may have been infected with coronavirus which suggests that the number of infected cases may be higher than recorded. Also Read: COVID 19: An end of American hegemony? "If the infection rate is 13.9 per cent, then it changes the theories of what the death rate is if you get infected," Cuomo said. According to a survey, more than one in five New Yorkers may already have the new coronavirus. "It's vital for any state, I believe, to first get a baseline study of where you are on the infection rate," Cuomo said. "I want to see snapshots of what is happening with that rate – is it going up, is it flat, is it going down," the New York governor said. Cuomo said the official death rate 15,500 was an undercount since it included people who had died in hospitals or nursing homes and not those who died at home without coronavirus diagnosis. According to a survey by the University of Southern California, the death rate of 863 people was lower than the previous count, including the fact that the virus could have spread widely by people who were not diagnosed with the virus. The New York governor had said earlier that hospitalizations had fallen 578 to 15,021 patients on Wednesday which was the tenth day of decline. The United States has the highest number of infected cases in the world with 869,172 cases.

2.7 million in New York may have coronavirus, survey suggests

India's health ministry said today that in the last 24 hours, 1,684 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-professor-develops-software-to-detect-covid-19-within-five-seconds-using-x-ray-scan-294473">coronavirus</a> cases were reported in the country with the total number of confirmed cases rising to 23,077.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-may-see-second-wave-of-covid-19-outbreak-in-monsoon-say-scientists-294483">Also Read:&nbsp;India may see second wave of COVID-19 outbreak in monsoon, say, scientists</a>

"In the last 28 days, 15 districts have had no new case. There are 80 districts in the country that have reported no new cases in last 14 days," health ministry official Lav Agarwal said while briefing reporters at a press conference.

The official said India's recovery rate of coronavirus is now at 20.57 per cent.

The National Centre for Disease Control declared that "surveillance" is its "primary weapon" in the fight against coronavirus.

"About 9.45 lakh people are on surveillance system," Sujeet Singh, Director of National Centre for Disease Control, said.

Amid the crisis, the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) wrote to the West Bengal chief secretary after visiting hospitals dealing with coronavirus patients in Kolkata, and said that wait-time for COVID=19 test results for some patients was over 5 days. It recommended increasing tests to 2,500-5000 a day.

Meanwhile, in Bihar 15 more coronavirus cases were reported taking the number of cases to 197 even as Uttarakhand police informed that 2,112 cases have been registered and 9,320 people arrested in connection with violation the norms of the lockdown.

India's health ministry said today that in the last 24 hours, 1,684 coronavirus cases were reported in the country with the total number of confirmed cases rising to 23,077.

India's health ministry said today that in the last 24 hours, 1,684 coronavirus cases were reported in the country with the total number of confirmed cases rising to 23,077. Also Read: India may see second wave of COVID-19 outbreak in monsoon, say, scientists "In the last 28 days, 15 districts have had no new case. There are 80 districts in the country that have reported no new cases in last 14 days," health ministry official Lav Agarwal said while briefing reporters at a press conference. The official said India's recovery rate of coronavirus is now at 20.57 per cent. The National Centre for Disease Control declared that "surveillance" is its "primary weapon" in the fight against coronavirus. "About 9.45 lakh people are on surveillance system," Sujeet Singh, Director of National Centre for Disease Control, said. Amid the crisis, the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) wrote to the West Bengal chief secretary after visiting hospitals dealing with coronavirus patients in Kolkata, and said that wait-time for COVID=19 test results for some patients was over 5 days. It recommended increasing tests to 2,500-5000 a day. Meanwhile, in Bihar 15 more coronavirus cases were reported taking the number of cases to 197 even as Uttarakhand police informed that 2,112 cases have been registered and 9,320 people arrested in connection with violation the norms of the lockdown.

1,684 coronavirus cases in 24 hours, confirmed cases nationwide at 23,077: India health ministry

South Africa which had announced stringent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-viral-drug-being-hailed-as-coronavirus-cure-fails-first-clinical-trial-294417">lockdown </a>measures on March 27 said it would ease it next month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-death-toll-passes-190000-us-has-most-fatalities-with-over-50000-294484">Also Read:&nbsp;Global coronavirus death toll passes 190,000; US has most fatalities with over 50,000</a>

The country has over 4,000 coronavirus cases with 75 deaths reportedly the highest in Africa, however, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that easing of lockdown would enable people to "earn a living."

In an address to the nation, President Ramaphosa said: "We have accordingly decided that beyond Thursday the 30th of April, we should begin a gradual and phased recovery, adding,"we will implement what we call a risk-adjusted strategy through which we take a deliberate and cautious approach to the easing of current lockdown restrictions."

"While a nationwide lockdown is probably the most effective means to contain the spread of the virus, it cannot be sustained indefinitely," the South African president added.

"Our people need to eat, they need to earn a living. Companies need to produce and trade," Ramaphosa asserted.

Several thousand health workers have been deployed across the country in a bid to contain the virus with aggressive screening and testing.

Last week the country saw a sudden surge in cases with 318 new cases in one day and the death toll rising from 10 to 75. The sudden toll worried authorities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised South Africa earlier for taking proactive measures to fight the virus with &nbsp;"primary prevention, lockdown, and enhanced surveillance".&nbsp;

South Africa which had announced stringent lockdown measures on March 27 said it would ease it next month. Also Read: Global coronavirus death toll passes 190,000; US has most fatalities with over 50,000 The country has over 4,000 coronavirus cases with 75 deaths reportedly the highest in Africa, however, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that easing of lockdown would enable people to "earn a living.

South Africa which had announced stringent lockdown measures on March 27 said it would ease it next month. Also Read: Global coronavirus death toll passes 190,000; US has most fatalities with over 50,000 The country has over 4,000 coronavirus cases with 75 deaths reportedly the highest in Africa, however, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that easing of lockdown would enable people to "earn a living." In an address to the nation, President Ramaphosa said: "We have accordingly decided that beyond Thursday the 30th of April, we should begin a gradual and phased recovery, adding,"we will implement what we call a risk-adjusted strategy through which we take a deliberate and cautious approach to the easing of current lockdown restrictions." "While a nationwide lockdown is probably the most effective means to contain the spread of the virus, it cannot be sustained indefinitely," the South African president added. "Our people need to eat, they need to earn a living. Companies need to produce and trade," Ramaphosa asserted. Several thousand health workers have been deployed across the country in a bid to contain the virus with aggressive screening and testing. Last week the country saw a sudden surge in cases with 318 new cases in one day and the death toll rising from 10 to 75. The sudden toll worried authorities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised South Africa earlier for taking proactive measures to fight the virus with "primary prevention, lockdown, and enhanced surveillance".

South Africa set to ease lockdown

Rajasthan today reported forty-four cases &amp; three deaths taking the total number of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-professor-develops-software-to-detect-covid-19-within-five-seconds-using-x-ray-scan-294473"> coronavirus</a> cases to 2008 in the state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-may-see-second-wave-of-covid-19-outbreak-in-monsoon-say-scientists-294483">Also Read:&nbsp;India may see second wave of COVID-19 outbreak in monsoon, say scientists</a>

According to the Rajasthan health department, 31 people have died due to the virus in the state.

Meanwhile, AIIMS authorities said that at least 40 healthcare staff including doctors, nurses and paramedics posted at the gastroenterology department at AIIMS are under self-quarantine after a nurse was detected with COVID-19.

Andhra Pradesh reported 62 more cases and&nbsp;two deaths in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases in the state jumping to 955.

There are 781 active COVID-19 cases with 29 fatalities in Andhra Pradesh.

Amid the coronavirus crisis, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking to bring back the bodies of NRIs whose death occurred due to reasons other than COVID-19 even as Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed to people who have recovered from coronavirus to donate blood plasma. 
&nbsp;

Rajasthan today reported forty-four cases & three deaths taking the total number of coronavirus cases to 2008 in the state. Also Read: India may see second wave of COVID-19 outbreak in monsoon, say scientists According to the Rajasthan health department, 31 people have died due to the virus in the state.

Rajasthan today reported forty-four cases & three deaths taking the total number of coronavirus cases to 2008 in the state. Also Read: India may see second wave of COVID-19 outbreak in monsoon, say scientists According to the Rajasthan health department, 31 people have died due to the virus in the state. Meanwhile, AIIMS authorities said that at least 40 healthcare staff including doctors, nurses and paramedics posted at the gastroenterology department at AIIMS are under self-quarantine after a nurse was detected with COVID-19. Andhra Pradesh reported 62 more cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases in the state jumping to 955. There are 781 active COVID-19 cases with 29 fatalities in Andhra Pradesh. Amid the coronavirus crisis, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking to bring back the bodies of NRIs whose death occurred due to reasons other than COVID-19 even as Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed to people who have recovered from coronavirus to donate blood plasma.

Donate blood plasma, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal appeals to recovered COVID-19 patients

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