The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Thursday said there was no concept of community transmission in the country as far as the spread of coronavirus is concerned. It also stressed on the importance of social distancing in the stemming of COVID-19.

Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, MoHFW, while addressing the reporters in a press briefing in New Delhi, also said India had sufficient expertise in this country in terms of management of this disease.

The government has issued several advisories asking people to avoid crowded places and stay at home as much as possible in order to prevent the spread of the disease. In furtherance, Agarwal said that no scheduled international commercial passenger flights shall be allowed to land in India from March 22 for one week.

"State governments shall issue appropriate directions so that all citizens above 65 (other than for medical assistance) except for public representatives/government servants/medical professionals are advised to remain at home. All children below 10 should be advised to stay at home and not to venture out," he added.

State governments are also requested to enforce work for home for private sector employees except those working in emergency/essential services. Railways and civil aviation shall suspend all concessional travel except for students, patients and divyang category.

Additionally, the ministry also informed the scribes that on March 21, 787 Dreamliner -- a 236 seater -- will airlift Indian nationals stuck in Rome, Italy. These people include pilgrims and students.

Agarwal also praised the state governments and said they have been doing great work in stemming the growth of the novel coronavirus work.

When asked about the availability of the N-95 masks, he said they were available in adequate quantity in the country.

"There is a need for awareness in the community that preventive measures need to be taken. There is no need to panic. We request people to visit the ministry's website for dos and don'ts," Agarwal further said.

The number of people in India infected with COVID-19 has risen to 169, the health ministry had earlier said. This includes the four who have died.&nbsp;

The fourth death was only recently reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 8 pm on Thursday over the coronavirus threat. The address comes after a high-level meeting PM Modi chaired on Wednesday to review the efforts to contain COVID-19.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-misused-humanitarian-platform-by-raising-kashmir-issue-india-on-pm-modis-video-conference-on-coronavirus-287371">Also read:&nbsp;Pak misused humanitarian platform by raising Kashmir issue: India on PM Modi's video conference on coronavirus</a>

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Thursday said there was no concept of community transmission in the country as far as the spread of coronavirus is concerned.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Thursday said there was no concept of community transmission in the country as far as the spread of coronavirus is concerned. It also stressed on the importance of social distancing in the stemming of COVID-19. Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, MoHFW, while addressing the reporters in a press briefing in New Delhi, also said India had sufficient expertise in this country in terms of management of this disease. The government has issued several advisories asking people to avoid crowded places and stay at home as much as possible in order to prevent the spread of the disease. In furtherance, Agarwal said that no scheduled international commercial passenger flights shall be allowed to land in India from March 22 for one week. "State governments shall issue appropriate directions so that all citizens above 65 (other than for medical assistance) except for public representatives/government servants/medical professionals are advised to remain at home. All children below 10 should be advised to stay at home and not to venture out," he added. State governments are also requested to enforce work for home for private sector employees except those working in emergency/essential services. Railways and civil aviation shall suspend all concessional travel except for students, patients and divyang category. Additionally, the ministry also informed the scribes that on March 21, 787 Dreamliner -- a 236 seater -- will airlift Indian nationals stuck in Rome, Italy. These people include pilgrims and students. Agarwal also praised the state governments and said they have been doing great work in stemming the growth of the novel coronavirus work. When asked about the availability of the N-95 masks, he said they were available in adequate quantity in the country. "There is a need for awareness in the community that preventive measures need to be taken. There is no need to panic. We request people to visit the ministry's website for dos and don'ts," Agarwal further said. The number of people in India infected with COVID-19 has risen to 169, the health ministry had earlier said. This includes the four who have died. The fourth death was only recently reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 8 pm on Thursday over the coronavirus threat. The address comes after a high-level meeting PM Modi chaired on Wednesday to review the efforts to contain COVID-19. Also read: Pak misused humanitarian platform by raising Kashmir issue: India on PM Modi's video conference on coronavirus

No evidence of community transmission of coronavirus in India; have enough expertise to deal with crisis: Health ministry

Britain is considering a partial lockdown in London to control the spread of novel coronavirus. This development comes in the aftermath of residents flouting the directive of staying indoors. It's believed the spread of the virus is more advanced in London than in the rest of the UK -- because not all residents are following the advice to work from home and stop going to crowded places.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, hence followed alarm rung by Londoners ignoring emergency health advice, and said: "We do not rule out, because it would be quite wrong to do so, taking further and faster measures in due course." He had earlier warned that the spread of the virus in London was ahead of the rest of the UK.

PM Johnson was speaking at the UK government's daily coronavirus press conference. He also said: "We live in land of liberty, as you know, and it's one of the great features of our lives we don't tend to impose those sorts of restrictions on people in this country. But I have to tell you we will rule nothing out and we will certainly wish to consider bringing forward further and faster measures where that is necessary."

"Actually I think a lot of people are taking a real heroic effort to comply with the advice we've given but as I've said tonight, and in the past few days, we keep everything under continuous review and we will not hesitate in bringing forward further and faster measures where we think that is necessary," PM Johnson further said, adding, "the more ruthlessly we can enforce upon ourselves the advice, the fewer deaths we will have and the less suffering there will be."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said, "I support the decision to introduce the new measures this week as part of our efforts to slow down the spread of the virus. Everyone should halt non-essential contact with others and stop all unnecessary travel. That means not going to pubs, clubs, restaurants or other people’s homes. Mass gatherings should not happen. I would repeat – because this is so important – that all Londoners must follow the advice that applies to them."

There is, however, no confirmation on specifics or timing on any further restrictions in the capital.

In case drastic measures are introduced, Londoners would be given plenty of notice before they came into place.

In his press conference, Johnson also remarked the UK would do the right thing at the right time and that all schools in the UK would close by the end of the week and that exams scheduled for the summer would not take place. 
&nbsp;

Britain is considering a partial lockdown in London to control the spread of novel coronavirus. This development comes in the aftermath of residents flouting the directive of staying indoors.

Britain is considering a partial lockdown in London to control the spread of novel coronavirus. This development comes in the aftermath of residents flouting the directive of staying indoors. It's believed the spread of the virus is more advanced in London than in the rest of the UK -- because not all residents are following the advice to work from home and stop going to crowded places. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, hence followed alarm rung by Londoners ignoring emergency health advice, and said: "We do not rule out, because it would be quite wrong to do so, taking further and faster measures in due course." He had earlier warned that the spread of the virus in London was ahead of the rest of the UK. PM Johnson was speaking at the UK government's daily coronavirus press conference. He also said: "We live in land of liberty, as you know, and it's one of the great features of our lives we don't tend to impose those sorts of restrictions on people in this country. But I have to tell you we will rule nothing out and we will certainly wish to consider bringing forward further and faster measures where that is necessary." "Actually I think a lot of people are taking a real heroic effort to comply with the advice we've given but as I've said tonight, and in the past few days, we keep everything under continuous review and we will not hesitate in bringing forward further and faster measures where we think that is necessary," PM Johnson further said, adding, "the more ruthlessly we can enforce upon ourselves the advice, the fewer deaths we will have and the less suffering there will be." London Mayor Sadiq Khan said, "I support the decision to introduce the new measures this week as part of our efforts to slow down the spread of the virus. Everyone should halt non-essential contact with others and stop all unnecessary travel. That means not going to pubs, clubs, restaurants or other people’s homes. Mass gatherings should not happen. I would repeat – because this is so important – that all Londoners must follow the advice that applies to them." There is, however, no confirmation on specifics or timing on any further restrictions in the capital. In case drastic measures are introduced, Londoners would be given plenty of notice before they came into place. In his press conference, Johnson also remarked the UK would do the right thing at the right time and that all schools in the UK would close by the end of the week and that exams scheduled for the summer would not take place.

UK considering partial lockdown in London as coronavirus scare deepens

Health and government officials across the world are calling on people to partake in social distancing, in an effort to control the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Social distancing -- an act of keeping oneself physically apart from large gatherings to lessen the increase in the infection by limiting human contact -- has become a trending topic on social media over the last week. While it looks far-fetched at the surface, it is not so. There are certain dos and don'ts that one should keep in mind.

DOs

First and foremost, stay home if you can. Wash your hands before and after going out in public.

Inform the authorities as soon as there's a suspected case in your vicinity. After this, people who have been in contact with the carrier are put under surveillance, and are tested.

People who have been in touch with the suspected carrier will be put under isolation for 14 days. If tested positive, those people will go under quarantine.

Other residents of the society or the vicinity are then tested for the infection. This implies that not all residents have to undergo self-quarantine.

The best way to deal with the situation is not panicking, and taking appropriate measures.

In addition to this, societies and apartments must amp up their sanitiation facilities. And take further measures to avoid large social gatherings.

DON'Ts

Don't spread or support rumours. And don't panic.

Don't ignore calls for social distancing, because anyone can contract the virus.

Social distancing has worked in the past, and it stands to benefit the larger population this time too, provided people follow it and not take COVID-19 lightly.

Health and government officials across the world are calling on people to partake in social distancing, in an effort to control the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Health and government officials across the world are calling on people to partake in social distancing, in an effort to control the spread of the novel coronavirus. Social distancing -- an act of keeping oneself physically apart from large gatherings to lessen the increase in the infection by limiting human contact -- has become a trending topic on social media over the last week. While it looks far-fetched at the surface, it is not so. There are certain dos and don'ts that one should keep in mind. DOs First and foremost, stay home if you can. Wash your hands before and after going out in public. Inform the authorities as soon as there's a suspected case in your vicinity. After this, people who have been in contact with the carrier are put under surveillance, and are tested. People who have been in touch with the suspected carrier will be put under isolation for 14 days. If tested positive, those people will go under quarantine. Other residents of the society or the vicinity are then tested for the infection. This implies that not all residents have to undergo self-quarantine. The best way to deal with the situation is not panicking, and taking appropriate measures. In addition to this, societies and apartments must amp up their sanitiation facilities. And take further measures to avoid large social gatherings. DON'Ts Don't spread or support rumours. And don't panic. Don't ignore calls for social distancing, because anyone can contract the virus. Social distancing has worked in the past, and it stands to benefit the larger population this time too, provided people follow it and not take COVID-19 lightly.

Social distancing: Do and don'ts to prevent coronavirus from spreading

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a global pandemic over a novel coronavirus which causes an illness known as COVID-19. It has spread to more than 150 countries and territories, killing over 8,000 people amid almost 2,00,000 cases.

The source of the coronavirus is believed to be a "wet market" in the Wuhan city of China, goading United States President Donald Trump to repeatedly term coronavirus as "Chinese virus".

The virus has now spread to more than 100 other countries, and the majority of cases are now outside China.

The US and China have been sparring over who is to blame for the meteoric rise in the number of cases across the world. And in the debate, China appears to be losing out on logic.

Firstly, because China, for months, ignored reports of the outbreak. It's said the first case in China could have emerged way back in November. Patients complained of dry cough, high fever and breathlessness. When the lung scans of these patients were carried out, results showed it was the usual pneumonia. 
The patients continued to get more sick...

The patients, even after getting administered with doses of medicine, did not show any improvement. But the authorities, it's said, did not pay much heed.

It was then when Ai Fen -- the director of Wuhan's central hospital -- decided to carry out a few tests. Her account was later published in the China News Weekly, a magazine.

The results of the tests came back by the end of December, indicating a SARS-like coronavirus.

Other doctors had then been noticing similar patterns in other reports. One of them was Dr Li Wenliang -- one of the first whistleblowers.

When Dr Li warned his colleagues about the outbreak over WeChat -- an application similar to WhatsApp -- China's internet police interfered and stopped the spread of the information. He was later accused of spreading lies and rumours.

It's said, despite this, Dr Li continued to treat coronavirus patients, and later died in February.

Another theory has it that on January 1, an employee of a Genomics company reportedly received a phone call from an official. This company was involved in the testing of the coronavirus samples.

The Hubei Provincial Health Commission had ordered them to stop the testing, and to destroy all existing samples.

Then, on January 3, China's National Health Commission ordered all institutions to not publish any information.

Six days later, China admitted it had been dealing with the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak.

Cutting it short, when the disease was detected, China refused to acknowledge. It tried to silence voices, when concerns were raised. The country's administrations even destroyed the proofs.

And when the other countries tried to show them some light, and imposed travel restrictions or issued warnings, China lashed out at them. It said they were spreading panic.

This brings us to the second major point -- China ignored, and targetted whistleblowers.&nbsp;

China also said it was gradually becoming victim of racism when its citizens faced scrutiny outside.

It's even said that the Chinese government indulged in aggressively promoting misinformation about the coronavirus -- to draw attention away from Beijing’s own responsibility for the global pandemic. China even floated a conspiracy theory that it was the US Army that brought the virus to Wuhan.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a global pandemic over a novel coronavirus which causes an illness known as COVID-19. It has spread to more than 150 countries and territories, killing over 8,000 people amid almost 2,00,000 cases.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a global pandemic over a novel coronavirus which causes an illness known as COVID-19. It has spread to more than 150 countries and territories, killing over 8,000 people amid almost 2,00,000 cases. The source of the coronavirus is believed to be a "wet market" in the Wuhan city of China, goading United States President Donald Trump to repeatedly term coronavirus as "Chinese virus". The virus has now spread to more than 100 other countries, and the majority of cases are now outside China. The US and China have been sparring over who is to blame for the meteoric rise in the number of cases across the world. And in the debate, China appears to be losing out on logic. Firstly, because China, for months, ignored reports of the outbreak. It's said the first case in China could have emerged way back in November. Patients complained of dry cough, high fever and breathlessness. When the lung scans of these patients were carried out, results showed it was the usual pneumonia. The patients continued to get more sick... The patients, even after getting administered with doses of medicine, did not show any improvement. But the authorities, it's said, did not pay much heed. It was then when Ai Fen -- the director of Wuhan's central hospital -- decided to carry out a few tests. Her account was later published in the China News Weekly, a magazine. The results of the tests came back by the end of December, indicating a SARS-like coronavirus. Other doctors had then been noticing similar patterns in other reports. One of them was Dr Li Wenliang -- one of the first whistleblowers. When Dr Li warned his colleagues about the outbreak over WeChat -- an application similar to WhatsApp -- China's internet police interfered and stopped the spread of the information. He was later accused of spreading lies and rumours. It's said, despite this, Dr Li continued to treat coronavirus patients, and later died in February. Another theory has it that on January 1, an employee of a Genomics company reportedly received a phone call from an official. This company was involved in the testing of the coronavirus samples. The Hubei Provincial Health Commission had ordered them to stop the testing, and to destroy all existing samples. Then, on January 3, China's National Health Commission ordered all institutions to not publish any information. Six days later, China admitted it had been dealing with the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak. Cutting it short, when the disease was detected, China refused to acknowledge. It tried to silence voices, when concerns were raised. The country's administrations even destroyed the proofs. And when the other countries tried to show them some light, and imposed travel restrictions or issued warnings, China lashed out at them. It said they were spreading panic. This brings us to the second major point -- China ignored, and targetted whistleblowers. China also said it was gradually becoming victim of racism when its citizens faced scrutiny outside. It's even said that the Chinese government indulged in aggressively promoting misinformation about the coronavirus -- to draw attention away from Beijing’s own responsibility for the global pandemic. China even floated a conspiracy theory that it was the US Army that brought the virus to Wuhan.

Misinformation and shifting blame: How China has lost out on the debate over coronavirus

The shutdown across the world over coronavirus concerns has precipitated an unexpected side-effect. The canals and lakes in Venice have become so still that dolphins and swans have returned.

Boats generally bring sediment to the surface, stopping the fauna to make an appearance. But since Italy -- one of the most affected countries with Italy with over 2,500 deaths and 31,500 cases &nbsp;-- has been in a lockdown, the sediment has settled at the bottom making the surface clearer. Boats frequenting the waters kick up sediment, causing the water to look dirty.

As a result, the usually murky waterways are clear enough to see the schools of fish under the water. White swans are also roaming the canals.

A dolphin was also filmed swimming in the port of Cagliari, one of the largest seaports in Italy.

People took to Twitter to marvel at this side-effect. One person posted: "One thing that gives me hope is how quickly mother nature is responding/recovering. Water clear in Venice canals and swans back. Dolphins on coasts. More birds around with less cars. Huge drop in pollution. Big lesson for us all. We can save our planet if we act NOW."

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✅ Acqua pulita a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Venezia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Venezia</a> con i pesci 🐠 che si tornano a vedere 
✅ Un cigno 🦢 sul Naviglio a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Milano?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Milano</a> 
✅ un delfino 🐬 nel porto di <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cagliari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cagliari</a> 
 
Tornare a inquinare sarebbe un delitto: sfruttiamo questa scia per ripensare a come sviluppare la società in armonia con la natura <a href="https://t.co/dH0PLqm4Q1">pic.twitter.com/dH0PLqm4Q1</a>
— Roberto Dupplicato (@duppli) <a href="https://twitter.com/duppli/status/1239491423243821058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Air quality in Venice has also improved since the lockdown.

A similar effect was observed in China. Since the lockdown and restricted movement of people throughout the country, there has been a sustained drop in air pollution. Experts have even said the lockdown has saved more lives by controlling pollution than preventing infection.

Also read: Coronavirus lockdown in China has saved more lives by controlling pollution than preventing infection

The shutdown across the world over coronavirus concerns has precipitated an unexpected side-effect. The canals and lakes in Venice have become so still that dolphins and swans have returned.

Boats generally bring sediment to the surface, stopping the fauna to make an appearance. But since Italy -- one of the most affected countries with Italy with over 2,500 deaths and 31,500 cases &nbsp;-- has been in a lockdown, the sediment has settled at the bottom making the surface clearer. Boats frequenting the waters kick up sediment, causing the water to look dirty.

As a result, the usually murky waterways are clear enough to see the schools of fish under the water. White swans are also roaming the canals.

A dolphin was also filmed swimming in the port of Cagliari, one of the largest seaports in Italy.

People took to Twitter to marvel at this side-effect. One person posted: "One thing that gives me hope is how quickly mother nature is responding/recovering. Water clear in Venice canals and swans back. Dolphins on coasts. More birds around with less cars. Huge drop in pollution. Big lesson for us all. We can save our planet if we act NOW."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
✅ Acqua pulita a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Venezia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Venezia</a> con i pesci 🐠 che si tornano a vedere 
✅ Un cigno 🦢 sul Naviglio a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Milano?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Milano</a> 
✅ un delfino 🐬 nel porto di <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cagliari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cagliari</a> 
 
Tornare a inquinare sarebbe un delitto: sfruttiamo questa scia per ripensare a come sviluppare la società in armonia con la natura <a href="https://t.co/dH0PLqm4Q1">pic.twitter.com/dH0PLqm4Q1</a>
— Roberto Dupplicato (@duppli) <a href="https://twitter.com/duppli/status/1239491423243821058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Air quality in Venice has also improved since the lockdown.

A similar effect was observed in China. Since the lockdown and restricted movement of people throughout the country, there has been a sustained drop in air pollution. Experts have even said the lockdown has saved more lives by controlling pollution than preventing infection.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-lockdown-in-china-has-saved-more-lives-by-controlling-pollution-than-preventing-infection-287195">Also read: Coronavirus lockdown in China has saved more lives by controlling pollution than preventing infection</a>

The shutdown across the world over coronavirus concerns has precipitated an unexpected side-effect. The canals and lakes in Venice have become so still that dolphins and swans have returned.

The shutdown across the world over coronavirus concerns has precipitated an unexpected side-effect. The canals and lakes in Venice have become so still that dolphins and swans have returned. Boats generally bring sediment to the surface, stopping the fauna to make an appearance. But since Italy -- one of the most affected countries with Italy with over 2,500 deaths and 31,500 cases -- has been in a lockdown, the sediment has settled at the bottom making the surface clearer. Boats frequenting the waters kick up sediment, causing the water to look dirty. As a result, the usually murky waterways are clear enough to see the schools of fish under the water. White swans are also roaming the canals. A dolphin was also filmed swimming in the port of Cagliari, one of the largest seaports in Italy. People took to Twitter to marvel at this side-effect. One person posted: "One thing that gives me hope is how quickly mother nature is responding/recovering. Water clear in Venice canals and swans back. Dolphins on coasts. More birds around with less cars. Huge drop in pollution. Big lesson for us all. We can save our planet if we act NOW." ✅ Acqua pulita a #Venezia con i pesci 🐠 che si tornano a vedere ✅ Un cigno 🦢 sul Naviglio a #Milano ✅ un delfino 🐬 nel porto di #Cagliari Tornare a inquinare sarebbe un delitto: sfruttiamo questa scia per ripensare a come sviluppare la società in armonia con la natura pic.twitter.com/dH0PLqm4Q1 — Roberto Dupplicato (@duppli) March 16, 2020 × Air quality in Venice has also improved since the lockdown. A similar effect was observed in China. Since the lockdown and restricted movement of people throughout the country, there has been a sustained drop in air pollution. Experts have even said the lockdown has saved more lives by controlling pollution than preventing infection. Also read: Coronavirus lockdown in China has saved more lives by controlling pollution than preventing infection The shutdown across the world over coronavirus concerns has precipitated an unexpected side-effect. The canals and lakes in Venice have become so still that dolphins and swans have returned. Boats generally bring sediment to the surface, stopping the fauna to make an appearance. But since Italy -- one of the most affected countries with Italy with over 2,500 deaths and 31,500 cases -- has been in a lockdown, the sediment has settled at the bottom making the surface clearer. Boats frequenting the waters kick up sediment, causing the water to look dirty. As a result, the usually murky waterways are clear enough to see the schools of fish under the water. White swans are also roaming the canals. A dolphin was also filmed swimming in the port of Cagliari, one of the largest seaports in Italy. People took to Twitter to marvel at this side-effect. One person posted: "One thing that gives me hope is how quickly mother nature is responding/recovering. Water clear in Venice canals and swans back. Dolphins on coasts. More birds around with less cars. Huge drop in pollution. Big lesson for us all. We can save our planet if we act NOW." ✅ Acqua pulita a #Venezia con i pesci 🐠 che si tornano a vedere ✅ Un cigno 🦢 sul Naviglio a #Milano ✅ un delfino 🐬 nel porto di #Cagliari Tornare a inquinare sarebbe un delitto: sfruttiamo questa scia per ripensare a come sviluppare la società in armonia con la natura pic.twitter.com/dH0PLqm4Q1 — Roberto Dupplicato (@duppli) March 16, 2020 × Air quality in Venice has also improved since the lockdown. A similar effect was observed in China. Since the lockdown and restricted movement of people throughout the country, there has been a sustained drop in air pollution. Experts have even said the lockdown has saved more lives by controlling pollution than preventing infection. Also read: Coronavirus lockdown in China has saved more lives by controlling pollution than preventing infection

Canals in Venice clear up as coronavirus shuts down tourism, waterways

WhatsApp on Wednesday announced it would launch a website to help combat misinformation surrounding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

This comes in the wake of coronavirus conspiracy theories and COVID-19 scams flooding the internet.

To help fight this, WhatsApp has planned to hand over $1 million to the Poynter Insitute's International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).

Also, a 'WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Hub' will see the Facebook-owned company partner with the WHO and UNICEF to provide reliable information to users, providing 'simple, actionable guidance' for people.

Users will be able to access the 'messaging hotlines' via the coronavirus information hub, available at whatsapp.com/coronavirus. &nbsp;

"We know that our users are reaching out on WhatsApp more than ever at this time of crisis, whether it's to friends and loved ones, doctors to patients, or teachers to students. We wanted to provide a simple resource that can help connect people at this time. We will also continue to work directly with health ministries around the world for them to provide updates right within WhatsApp," Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp in the statement, said.

WhatsApp, in its information hub, has listed seven firms -- out of 18 organisations listed under IFCN's fact-checking network -- to counter fake news.

WhatsApp on Wednesday announced it would launch a website to help combat misinformation surrounding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This comes in the wake of coronavirus conspiracy theories and COVID-19 scams flooding the internet.

WhatsApp on Wednesday announced it would launch a website to help combat misinformation surrounding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This comes in the wake of coronavirus conspiracy theories and COVID-19 scams flooding the internet. To help fight this, WhatsApp has planned to hand over $1 million to the Poynter Insitute's International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). Also, a 'WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Hub' will see the Facebook-owned company partner with the WHO and UNICEF to provide reliable information to users, providing 'simple, actionable guidance' for people. Users will be able to access the 'messaging hotlines' via the coronavirus information hub, available at whatsapp.com/coronavirus. "We know that our users are reaching out on WhatsApp more than ever at this time of crisis, whether it's to friends and loved ones, doctors to patients, or teachers to students. We wanted to provide a simple resource that can help connect people at this time. We will also continue to work directly with health ministries around the world for them to provide updates right within WhatsApp," Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp in the statement, said. WhatsApp, in its information hub, has listed seven firms -- out of 18 organisations listed under IFCN's fact-checking network -- to counter fake news.

WhatsApp launches 'coronavirus information hub', pledges $1 million to combat fake news

In the times of coronavirus, a well-intentioned advice can come in handy. Especially for people who stand a bigger risk of contracting the virus. Like thieves or robbers. No kidding here! And if the advice is wrapped in sweetness, and some dry humour, it can work wonders.

Or so it looked when the Puyallup Police Department in Washington posted a plea on its social media accounts.

The police department asked "all criminal activities and nefarious behavior to cease" while the coronavirus pandemic is underway. The tongue-in-cheek message was concluded with some serious advice everyone should follow. 
&nbsp; 
"Due to local cases of #COVID-19, PPD is asking all criminal activities and nefarious behavior to cease. We appreciate your anticipated cooperation in halting crime &amp; thank all the criminals in advance. We will certainly let you know when you can resume your normal criminal behavior. 
Until then.... #washyourhands &amp; #behaveyourself," it wrote.

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&nbsp;

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Due to local cases of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID</a>-19, PPD is asking all criminal activities and nefarious behavior to cease. We appreciate your cooperation in halting crime &amp; thank the criminals in advance. We will let you know when you can resume your normal behavior. Until then <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/washyourhands?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#washyourhands</a>
— Puyallup Police (@PuyallupPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/PuyallupPD/status/1239635569233154048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A similar post was put up by the Salt Lake City Police Department, Utah, a few days ago.

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Due to the confirmed case of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID%E3%83%BC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVIDー19</a> from community spread, SLCPD is asking all criminal activities/nefarious behavior to cease until further notice. We appreciate your anticipated cooperation in halting crime &amp; thank criminals in advance. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SocialDistancingNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SocialDistancingNow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/behaveyourself?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#behaveyourself</a> <a href="https://t.co/JeQnQKdXAT">pic.twitter.com/JeQnQKdXAT</a>
— SLC Police Dept. (@slcpd) <a href="https://twitter.com/slcpd/status/1238848450340352000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Puyallup declared a state of emergency on March 11 in light of COVID-19 scare. "This was done to more quickly and easily mobilize staff and supplies needed to respond to the existence of COVID-19," a city statement had said. 
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In the times of coronavirus, a well-intentioned advice can come in handy. Especially for people who stand a bigger risk of contracting the virus. Like thieves or robbers.

In the times of coronavirus, a well-intentioned advice can come in handy. Especially for people who stand a bigger risk of contracting the virus. Like thieves or robbers. No kidding here! And if the advice is wrapped in sweetness, and some dry humour, it can work wonders. Or so it looked when the Puyallup Police Department in Washington posted a plea on its social media accounts. The police department asked "all criminal activities and nefarious behavior to cease" while the coronavirus pandemic is underway. The tongue-in-cheek message was concluded with some serious advice everyone should follow. "Due to local cases of #COVID-19, PPD is asking all criminal activities and nefarious behavior to cease. We appreciate your anticipated cooperation in halting crime & thank all the criminals in advance. We will certainly let you know when you can resume your normal criminal behavior. Until then.... #washyourhands & #behaveyourself," it wrote. × Due to local cases of #COVID-19, PPD is asking all criminal activities and nefarious behavior to cease. We appreciate your cooperation in halting crime & thank the criminals in advance. We will let you know when you can resume your normal behavior. Until then #washyourhands — Puyallup Police (@PuyallupPD) March 16, 2020 × A similar post was put up by the Salt Lake City Police Department, Utah, a few days ago. Due to the confirmed case of #COVIDー19 from community spread, SLCPD is asking all criminal activities/nefarious behavior to cease until further notice. We appreciate your anticipated cooperation in halting crime & thank criminals in advance. #SocialDistancingNow #behaveyourself pic.twitter.com/JeQnQKdXAT — SLC Police Dept. (@slcpd) March 14, 2020 × Puyallup declared a state of emergency on March 11 in light of COVID-19 scare. "This was done to more quickly and easily mobilize staff and supplies needed to respond to the existence of COVID-19," a city statement had said.

Police in US asks lawbreakers to 'wash their hands off' 'normal criminal behaviour' to avoid coronavirus

India is currently at Stage 2 of the coronavirus pandemic. This, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), means that at present, there is no community transmission of the virus.

Additionally, India has taken a slew of important measures to control the spread of the novel coronavirus, which include putting people who had been exposed to the infection under quarantine. The government also has made arrangements for the quarantined people to not get bored while sitting at home.

The quarantined will soon be given a collection of speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to keep them company.

"We regularly distribute the copies of these speeches to various dignitaries, as well as to schools and colleges on various occasions," a source aware of the development told Business Standard. This reading material could also be distributed at all the quarantine centres across the country.

Among other measures taken by India, all international passengers coming to India are being screened at airports. Those who display symptoms or have a recent history of travel to or residence in countries reporting local transmission of COVID-19 are being compulsorily quarantined.&nbsp;

India has so far recorded 147 positive cases of COVID-19. Three people have passed away. 
&nbsp;

India is currently at Stage 2 of the coronavirus pandemic. This, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), means that at present, there is no community transmission of the virus.

India is currently at Stage 2 of the coronavirus pandemic. This, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), means that at present, there is no community transmission of the virus. Additionally, India has taken a slew of important measures to control the spread of the novel coronavirus, which include putting people who had been exposed to the infection under quarantine. The government also has made arrangements for the quarantined people to not get bored while sitting at home. The quarantined will soon be given a collection of speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to keep them company. "We regularly distribute the copies of these speeches to various dignitaries, as well as to schools and colleges on various occasions," a source aware of the development told Business Standard. This reading material could also be distributed at all the quarantine centres across the country. Among other measures taken by India, all international passengers coming to India are being screened at airports. Those who display symptoms or have a recent history of travel to or residence in countries reporting local transmission of COVID-19 are being compulsorily quarantined. India has so far recorded 147 positive cases of COVID-19. Three people have passed away.

In quarantine due to coronavirus? You have got company in PM Modi's speeches

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Wednesday wrote to the District Magistrate of South East Delhi to submit a report regarding the assembly of people at the Shaheen Bagh protest site amidst the coronavirus outbreak. In the letter, the NCPCR said it had received a complaint regarding the large gathering at the site which they said was taking place despite an advisory issued by the state and central government regarding safety and prevention for COVID-19.

The Delhi government has announced that any gathering — religious, family, social, political or cultural — of more than 50 people will not be allowed in the national capital till March 31 amid the coronavirus scare.

“You are kindly requested to take necessary action in view of advisory issued by the State Government and the Central Government regarding safety and prevention for COVID-19 and submit a report to the Commission within three days from the date of issue of this letter,” the letter from NCPCR said.

Hundreds of people, including women and children, are staying put on the road as part of their protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

Protests against the CAA had started on December 15 last year at Shaheen Bagh and eventually at other places in the national capital and elsewhere in the country.

The number of novel coronavirus cases in the country rose to 147 on Wednesday, with 10 fresh cases reported from various parts of the country, according to the Union health ministry.

The cases include 25 foreign nationals and the three persons who died in Delhi, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Over 5,700 people, who had come in contact with the COVID-19 positive cases, are under surveillance, the ministry said.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Wednesday wrote to the District Magistrate of South East Delhi to submit a report regarding the assembly of people at the Shaheen Bagh protest site amidst the coronavirus outbreak.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Wednesday wrote to the District Magistrate of South East Delhi to submit a report regarding the assembly of people at the Shaheen Bagh protest site amidst the coronavirus outbreak. In the letter, the NCPCR said it had received a complaint regarding the large gathering at the site which they said was taking place despite an advisory issued by the state and central government regarding safety and prevention for COVID-19. The Delhi government has announced that any gathering — religious, family, social, political or cultural — of more than 50 people will not be allowed in the national capital till March 31 amid the coronavirus scare. “You are kindly requested to take necessary action in view of advisory issued by the State Government and the Central Government regarding safety and prevention for COVID-19 and submit a report to the Commission within three days from the date of issue of this letter,” the letter from NCPCR said. Hundreds of people, including women and children, are staying put on the road as part of their protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). Protests against the CAA had started on December 15 last year at Shaheen Bagh and eventually at other places in the national capital and elsewhere in the country. The number of novel coronavirus cases in the country rose to 147 on Wednesday, with 10 fresh cases reported from various parts of the country, according to the Union health ministry. The cases include 25 foreign nationals and the three persons who died in Delhi, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Over 5,700 people, who had come in contact with the COVID-19 positive cases, are under surveillance, the ministry said.

Dissent in times of coronavirus: NCPCR seeks report on Shaheen Bagh protest

A Japanese anti-viral drug has been found to be effective in treating coronavirus patients in medical trials undertaken by China. The drug, Favipiravir, also known as Avigan, was approved for use in Japan in 2014 and is active against influenza strains, yellow fever, Ebola and foot-and-mouth disease.

"It has a high degree of safety and is clearly effective in treatment," Zhang Xinmin, an official at China’s science and technology ministry, told reporters on Tuesday.

China carried out clinical trials of 320 people in Shenzhen and Wuhan, in which the drug showed encouraging results in treating patients with COVID-19.

Favipiravir also proved to be effective in improving the lung conditions of those who received the treatment.

Other drug treatments have also been tested for COVID-19 treatment, and are in the process of development.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-the-coronavirus-self-check-test-circulating-on-social-media-is-not-helpful-at-all-287173">Also read: Why the coronavirus 'self-check test', circulating on social media, is not helpful at all</a>

No antiviral, however, has yet been approved or created. These drugs include remadesivir -- a compound developed by Gilead Sciences.

Doctors in Japan are using Favipiravir in clinical studies on coronavirus patients with mild to moderate symptoms. A Japanese health ministry source has, however, suggested the drug was not as effective in people with more severe symptoms.

The same limitations were observed when a combination of the HIV antiretrovirals lopinavir and ritonavir was used to treat COVID-19.

Favipiravir would still need government approval for full-scale use on COVID-19 patients. In 2016, the Japanese government supplied favipiravir as an emergency aid to counter the Ebola virus outbreak in Guinea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-lockdown-in-china-has-saved-more-lives-by-controlling-pollution-than-preventing-infection-287195">Also read: Coronavirus lockdown in China has saved more lives by controlling pollution than preventing infection</a>

A Japanese anti-viral drug has been found to be effective in treating coronavirus patients in medical trials undertaken by China. The drug, Favipiravir, also known as Avigan, was approved for use in Japan in 2014 and is active against influenza strains, yellow fever, Ebola and foot-and-mouth disease.

A Japanese anti-viral drug has been found to be effective in treating coronavirus patients in medical trials undertaken by China. The drug, Favipiravir, also known as Avigan, was approved for use in Japan in 2014 and is active against influenza strains, yellow fever, Ebola and foot-and-mouth disease. "It has a high degree of safety and is clearly effective in treatment," Zhang Xinmin, an official at China’s science and technology ministry, told reporters on Tuesday. China carried out clinical trials of 320 people in Shenzhen and Wuhan, in which the drug showed encouraging results in treating patients with COVID-19. Favipiravir also proved to be effective in improving the lung conditions of those who received the treatment. Other drug treatments have also been tested for COVID-19 treatment, and are in the process of development. Also read: Why the coronavirus 'self-check test', circulating on social media, is not helpful at all No antiviral, however, has yet been approved or created. These drugs include remadesivir -- a compound developed by Gilead Sciences. Doctors in Japan are using Favipiravir in clinical studies on coronavirus patients with mild to moderate symptoms. A Japanese health ministry source has, however, suggested the drug was not as effective in people with more severe symptoms. The same limitations were observed when a combination of the HIV antiretrovirals lopinavir and ritonavir was used to treat COVID-19. Favipiravir would still need government approval for full-scale use on COVID-19 patients. In 2016, the Japanese government supplied favipiravir as an emergency aid to counter the Ebola virus outbreak in Guinea. Also read: Coronavirus lockdown in China has saved more lives by controlling pollution than preventing infection

Japanese flu drug found to be effective in coronavirus treatment, says China after clinical trials

China has been contributing in controlling the spread of the deadly coronavirus by adopting a strict quarantine directive. The measures have not just helped in curbing the growth of the infection, but have also catalysed a sustained drop in air pollution. from factories and vehicles.

The decrease in pollution has saved the lives of tens of thousands of people, a Stanford University researcher said.

Marshall Burke, an assistant professor at Stanford's Department of Earth System Science, told CNN the better air quality could have saved between 50,000 and 75,000 people from dying prematurely. He averaged the drop in pollution levels and calculated the subsequent effect on mortality nationwide.

NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) pollution monitoring satellites have detected significant decreases in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-the-coronavirus-self-check-test-circulating-on-social-media-is-not-helpful-at-all-287173">Also read: Why the coronavirus 'self-check test', circulating on social media, is not helpful at all</a>

"The reductions in air pollution in China caused by this economic disruption likely saved twenty times more lives in China than have currently been lost due to infection with the virus in that country," Burke wrote on G-Feed.

G-Feed is a site run by a group of scientists researching the relationship between society and the environment.

The unexpected side-effect has been most dramatically seen in southern Chinese cities like Shanghai and Wuhan. In these cities, wintertime pollution comes mainly from cars and small industry.

China continues to be the most impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, with more than 2,000 deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/did-idris-elba-contract-covid-19-from-justin-trudeaus-wife-sophie-287126">Also read: Did Idris Elba contract COVID-19 from Justin Trudeau's wife Sophie?</a>

China has been contributing in controlling the spread of the deadly coronavirus by adopting a strict quarantine directive. The measures have not just helped in curbing the growth of the infection, but have also catalysed a sustained drop in air pollution.

China has been contributing in controlling the spread of the deadly coronavirus by adopting a strict quarantine directive. The measures have not just helped in curbing the growth of the infection, but have also catalysed a sustained drop in air pollution. from factories and vehicles. The decrease in pollution has saved the lives of tens of thousands of people, a Stanford University researcher said. Marshall Burke, an assistant professor at Stanford's Department of Earth System Science, told CNN the better air quality could have saved between 50,000 and 75,000 people from dying prematurely. He averaged the drop in pollution levels and calculated the subsequent effect on mortality nationwide. NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) pollution monitoring satellites have detected significant decreases in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over China. Also read: Why the coronavirus 'self-check test', circulating on social media, is not helpful at all "The reductions in air pollution in China caused by this economic disruption likely saved twenty times more lives in China than have currently been lost due to infection with the virus in that country," Burke wrote on G-Feed. G-Feed is a site run by a group of scientists researching the relationship between society and the environment. The unexpected side-effect has been most dramatically seen in southern Chinese cities like Shanghai and Wuhan. In these cities, wintertime pollution comes mainly from cars and small industry. China continues to be the most impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, with more than 2,000 deaths. Also read: Did Idris Elba contract COVID-19 from Justin Trudeau's wife Sophie?

Coronavirus lockdown in China has saved more lives by controlling pollution than preventing infection

A recent viral coronavirus "simple self-check test" has taken over the internet, and experts say it is not at all rooted in fact.

The three-part post falsely claims that people can find out whether they have coronavirus simply by holding their breath for more than 10 seconds. If you can hold your breath without coughing, discomfort, stiffness, or tightness, your lungs do not suffer from fibrosis. And you have no COVID-19 infection.

The post has gone viral on Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp.

The novel virus doesn't usually show signs of infection for many days. The post attributed to “Taiwan Experts,” “Stanford University,” or “Stanford Hospital Board” provided for this "simple self-check" that can be done every morning. They said people should self-check every morning in an environment with clean air.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-spain-grapple-with-coronavirus-epidemic-as-death-toll-rises-287087">Also read: Italy, Spain grapple with coronavirus epidemic as death toll rises</a>

Stanford Health Care, however, said they had nothing to do with the email. "A widely distributed email about COVID-19 that is attributed to a “Stanford Hospital board member” contains inaccurate information. It did not come from Stanford Medicine," it said, in a statement.

Dr Robert Legare Atmar, an infectious disease specialist at Baylor College of Medicine, also refuted the post.

"When someone has an acute viral infection it can be difficult to take a deep breath and not cough because the airways are irritated. That's all it means. It doesn't say anything about fibrosis, even though people with fibrosis might struggle doing it. Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds also doesn't mean someone doesn't have coronavirus," he told CNN.

Meanwhile, the deadly coronavirus outbreak continues to spread, despite increasingly strict quarantine measures around the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fourth-confirmed-case-of-coronavirus-in-noida-patient-with-travel-history-to-indonesia-287148">Also read: Fourth confirmed case of coronavirus in Noida, patient with travel history to Indonesia</a>

A recent viral coronavirus "simple self-check test" has taken over the internet, and experts say it is not at all rooted in fact. The three-part post falsely claims that people can find out whether they have coronavirus simply by holding their breath for more than 10 seconds.

A recent viral coronavirus "simple self-check test" has taken over the internet, and experts say it is not at all rooted in fact. The three-part post falsely claims that people can find out whether they have coronavirus simply by holding their breath for more than 10 seconds. If you can hold your breath without coughing, discomfort, stiffness, or tightness, your lungs do not suffer from fibrosis. And you have no COVID-19 infection. The post has gone viral on Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. The novel virus doesn't usually show signs of infection for many days. The post attributed to “Taiwan Experts,” “Stanford University,” or “Stanford Hospital Board” provided for this "simple self-check" that can be done every morning. They said people should self-check every morning in an environment with clean air. Also read: Italy, Spain grapple with coronavirus epidemic as death toll rises Stanford Health Care, however, said they had nothing to do with the email. "A widely distributed email about COVID-19 that is attributed to a “Stanford Hospital board member” contains inaccurate information. It did not come from Stanford Medicine," it said, in a statement. Dr Robert Legare Atmar, an infectious disease specialist at Baylor College of Medicine, also refuted the post. "When someone has an acute viral infection it can be difficult to take a deep breath and not cough because the airways are irritated. That's all it means. It doesn't say anything about fibrosis, even though people with fibrosis might struggle doing it. Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds also doesn't mean someone doesn't have coronavirus," he told CNN. Meanwhile, the deadly coronavirus outbreak continues to spread, despite increasingly strict quarantine measures around the world. Also read: Fourth confirmed case of coronavirus in Noida, patient with travel history to Indonesia

Why the coronavirus 'self-check test', circulating on social media, is not helpful at all

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