New York, New Jersey and Connecticut issued a travel advisory Wednesday that requires people arriving from states with high coronavirus rates to quarantine for 14 days.

The travel advisory applies to anyone coming from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average or a state with a 10 per cent&nbsp;or higher positivity rate over a seven-day rolling average, according to a joint announcement from the governors of the three states.

"We have to make sure the virus doesn't come in on a plane," said New York Governor&nbsp;Andrew Cuomo.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-us-records-highest-single-day-spike-california-texas-among-states-worst-hit-308413">COVID-19: US records highest single day spike; death toll rises to 121,000</a>

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"We worked very hard to get the viral transmission rate down, and we don't want to see it go up," he added.

Currently, those states are&nbsp;Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Utah,&nbsp;the governor of New York state Andrew Cuomo told reporters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-who-warns-possible-lack-of-oxygen-as-cases-near-10-million-308449">COVID 19: WHO warns possible lack of oxygen as cases near 10 million</a>

People coming from those states, including returning New York, New Jersey and Connecticut residents, will be asked to quarantine upon arrival for 14 days.

Anyone found breaking the quarantine could face fines of $1,000&nbsp;rising to $5,000 for repeated violations, Cuomo said. He added that US states would be added or taken off the quarantine list depending on the number of new cases per 100,000 people or the rate of positive tests.

New Jersey's Phil Murphy said people in the three states had been "through hell and back" and did not want "another round" of virus infections.

Some southern and western states have been reporting record numbers of cases.

The University of Washington predicts 180,000 US deaths by October&nbsp;or 146,000 if 95 per cent&nbsp;of Americans wear masks.

So far, the US has recorded more than 2.3 million cases of the virus and more than 121,000 deaths. Health officials say the coming weeks will be crucial to stem the outbreaks.

New York, New Jersey and Connecticut issued a travel advisory Wednesday that requires people arriving from states with high coronavirus rates to quarantine for 14 days.

New York, New Jersey and Connecticut issued a travel advisory Wednesday that requires people arriving from states with high coronavirus rates to quarantine for 14 days. The travel advisory applies to anyone coming from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average or a state with a 10 per cent or higher positivity rate over a seven-day rolling average, according to a joint announcement from the governors of the three states. "We have to make sure the virus doesn't come in on a plane," said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Also read: COVID-19: US records highest single day spike; death toll rises to 121,000 "We worked very hard to get the viral transmission rate down, and we don't want to see it go up," he added. Currently, those states are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Utah, the governor of New York state Andrew Cuomo told reporters. Also read: COVID 19: WHO warns possible lack of oxygen as cases near 10 million People coming from those states, including returning New York, New Jersey and Connecticut residents, will be asked to quarantine upon arrival for 14 days. Anyone found breaking the quarantine could face fines of $1,000 rising to $5,000 for repeated violations, Cuomo said. He added that US states would be added or taken off the quarantine list depending on the number of new cases per 100,000 people or the rate of positive tests. New Jersey's Phil Murphy said people in the three states had been "through hell and back" and did not want "another round" of virus infections. Some southern and western states have been reporting record numbers of cases. The University of Washington predicts 180,000 US deaths by October or 146,000 if 95 per cent of Americans wear masks. So far, the US has recorded more than 2.3 million cases of the virus and more than 121,000 deaths. Health officials say the coming weeks will be crucial to stem the outbreaks.

New York imposes quarantine on eight US states with high COVID-19 rates

World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom said on Wednesday he expected the number of novel coronavirus cases around the world, now at about 9.3 million, to reach 10 million next week.

Tedros also told a news briefing he backed Saudi Arabia's decision to ban pilgrims from abroad from attending the annual Haj pilgrimage to help limit the spread of the virus.

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He said WHO is now supporting many countries in dealing with difficulties obtaining oxygen concentrators, devices that boost the flow of oxygen to support the breathing of COVID-19 sufferers. "Demand is outstripping supply," he said.

Dr Mike Ryan, head of the WHO emergencies programme, said the pandemic for many countries in the Americas had not yet peaked, and that it was "still intense", especially in Central and South America.

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"I would characterise the situation as still evolving, not having reached its peak yet, and likely to result in sustained numbers of cases and deaths in the coming weeks," Ryan said.

Many countries in the region have experienced 25-50 per cent&nbsp;increases in cases in the last week, he said.

World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom said on Wednesday he expected the number of novel coronavirus cases around the world, now at about 9.3 million, to reach 10 million next week.

World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom said on Wednesday he expected the number of novel coronavirus cases around the world, now at about 9.3 million, to reach 10 million next week. Tedros also told a news briefing he backed Saudi Arabia's decision to ban pilgrims from abroad from attending the annual Haj pilgrimage to help limit the spread of the virus. Also read: Amid coronavirus pandemic, Saudi Arabia to hold 'very limited' hajj this year He said WHO is now supporting many countries in dealing with difficulties obtaining oxygen concentrators, devices that boost the flow of oxygen to support the breathing of COVID-19 sufferers. "Demand is outstripping supply," he said. Dr Mike Ryan, head of the WHO emergencies programme, said the pandemic for many countries in the Americas had not yet peaked, and that it was "still intense", especially in Central and South America. Also read: Latin America and Caribbean pass 100,000 coronavirus deaths: Report "I would characterise the situation as still evolving, not having reached its peak yet, and likely to result in sustained numbers of cases and deaths in the coming weeks," Ryan said. Many countries in the region have experienced 25-50 per cent increases in cases in the last week, he said.

WHO director Tedros expects world to hit 10 million coronavirus cases next week

Seven US states have reported their highest coronavirus patient admissions in the pandemic so far, as cases surge in the&nbsp;US&nbsp;following the easing of restrictions.

These states are&nbsp;Arizona, Arkansas, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. They also confirmed a record daily case increase on Tuesday, each admitted record numbers of infected people to hospital,&nbsp;the Washington Post reported.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-has-brought-the-united-states-on-its-knees-cdc-director-308102">'Coronavirus pandemic has brought the United States on its knees': CDC director</a>

California saw record infections, too, with more than 5,000 in a single day for the first time, as Arizona, Nevada and Missouri also reported record case increases.

In Florida, Homestead hospital warned that its intensive care unit&nbsp;was at capacity, NBC reported. Florida confirmed 3,200 new cases on Tuesday, which marked the sixth day of more than 25,000 cases.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/top-us-public-health-officials-testify-on-covid-19-testing-308287/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As Trump spoke of his success in managing the pandemic, and accused Democrats of wanting to keep the economy closed so that “numbers would be bad” at a student rally in Arizona, Dr Anthony Fauci pleaded with people to wear masks in busy public spaces. “Plan A, don’t go in a crowd. Plan B, if you do, make sure you wear a mask,” Fauci said at a Congress hearing.

The next few weeks would be critical to tamping down a disturbing coronavirus surge, he said.

Fauci, the head of infectious diseases at the US National Institutes of Health, and other top health officials also said they had not been asked to slow down virus testing, in contrast to Trump’s claim last weekend that he had ordered fewer tests be performed because they were uncovering too many infections. Trump said earlier on Tuesday that he wasn’t kidding when he made that remark.

The US has the highest Covid-19 cases worldwide, with more than 2.3 million, or a quarter of the global total. At least 121,217 people have died in the US so far.

Seven US states have reported their highest coronavirus patient admissions in the pandemic so far, as cases surge in the US following the easing of restrictions.

Seven US states have reported their highest coronavirus patient admissions in the pandemic so far, as cases surge in the US following the easing of restrictions. These states are Arizona, Arkansas, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. They also confirmed a record daily case increase on Tuesday, each admitted record numbers of infected people to hospital, the Washington Post reported. Also read: 'Coronavirus pandemic has brought the United States on its knees': CDC director California saw record infections, too, with more than 5,000 in a single day for the first time, as Arizona, Nevada and Missouri also reported record case increases. In Florida, Homestead hospital warned that its intensive care unit was at capacity, NBC reported. Florida confirmed 3,200 new cases on Tuesday, which marked the sixth day of more than 25,000 cases. As Trump spoke of his success in managing the pandemic, and accused Democrats of wanting to keep the economy closed so that “numbers would be bad” at a student rally in Arizona, Dr Anthony Fauci pleaded with people to wear masks in busy public spaces. “Plan A, don’t go in a crowd. Plan B, if you do, make sure you wear a mask,” Fauci said at a Congress hearing. The next few weeks would be critical to tamping down a disturbing coronavirus surge, he said. Fauci, the head of infectious diseases at the US National Institutes of Health, and other top health officials also said they had not been asked to slow down virus testing, in contrast to Trump’s claim last weekend that he had ordered fewer tests be performed because they were uncovering too many infections. Trump said earlier on Tuesday that he wasn’t kidding when he made that remark. The US has the highest Covid-19 cases worldwide, with more than 2.3 million, or a quarter of the global total. At least 121,217 people have died in the US so far.

Seven US states report highest COVID-19 hospitalisations amid Trump's claim of successful management

The International Monetary Fund has said the global economy will take a $12 trillion&nbsp;hit from the Covid-19 pandemic after slashing its already gloomy growth projections for the UK and other developed countries in 2020.

The IMF said it would take two years for world output to return to levels at the end of 2019 and warned that governments should be cautious about removing financial support to their fragile economies.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/impact-of-coronavirus-on-global-economy-278907">How coronavirus is affecting the global economy</a>

In an update to forecasts published in April, the Washington-based IMF said it now expected the global economy to contract by 4.9 per cent&nbsp;this year, compared with a&nbsp;3 per cent&nbsp;drop expected in the spring.

The IMF said the coronavirus pandemic had been more negative for activity in the first half of 2020 than expected, and recovery was also projected to be slower. Global growth is forecast to be 5.4 per cent&nbsp;in 2021, down from 5.8% in April, but would plummet to zero in the event of a second wave of the pandemic early next year.

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“The Covid-19 pandemic pushed economies into a Great Lockdown, which helped contain the virus and save lives but also triggered the worst recession since the Great Depression,” said the IMF’s economic counsellor, Gita Gopinath. She noted that the fall in output in 2020 would be half as bad as the 10&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;drop in the early 1930s, and said there would be a fall in living standards for 95&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of countries this year.

The near-5 per cent&nbsp;drop in global output this year would be much deeper than the drop of 0.1 per cent&nbsp;recorded in 2009, after the near meltdown of the global banking system the previous autumn. The IMF had already envisaged 2020 as the worst year for global growth since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

The revised World Economic Outlook said the lockdown had dealt a “catastrophic hit” to the global labour market, adding that rising share prices were out of kilter with the deepest recession of the postwar era.

Every one of the G7 industrial nations and the leading developing nations has had its growth projection revised down, in what the IMF described as a “crisis like no other”.

The International Monetary Fund has said the global economy will take a $12 trillion hit from the Covid-19 pandemic after slashing its already gloomy growth projections for the UK and other developed countries in 2020.

The International Monetary Fund has said the global economy will take a $12 trillion hit from the Covid-19 pandemic after slashing its already gloomy growth projections for the UK and other developed countries in 2020. The IMF said it would take two years for world output to return to levels at the end of 2019 and warned that governments should be cautious about removing financial support to their fragile economies. Also see: How coronavirus is affecting the global economy In an update to forecasts published in April, the Washington-based IMF said it now expected the global economy to contract by 4.9 per cent this year, compared with a 3 per cent drop expected in the spring. The IMF said the coronavirus pandemic had been more negative for activity in the first half of 2020 than expected, and recovery was also projected to be slower. Global growth is forecast to be 5.4 per cent in 2021, down from 5.8% in April, but would plummet to zero in the event of a second wave of the pandemic early next year. Also read: UN forecasts coronavirus to shrink world economy by 3.2%; India's growth rate projected to slow to 1.2% in 2020 “The Covid-19 pandemic pushed economies into a Great Lockdown, which helped contain the virus and save lives but also triggered the worst recession since the Great Depression,” said the IMF’s economic counsellor, Gita Gopinath. She noted that the fall in output in 2020 would be half as bad as the 10 per cent drop in the early 1930s, and said there would be a fall in living standards for 95 per cent of countries this year. The near-5 per cent drop in global output this year would be much deeper than the drop of 0.1 per cent recorded in 2009, after the near meltdown of the global banking system the previous autumn. The IMF had already envisaged 2020 as the worst year for global growth since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The revised World Economic Outlook said the lockdown had dealt a “catastrophic hit” to the global labour market, adding that rising share prices were out of kilter with the deepest recession of the postwar era. Every one of the G7 industrial nations and the leading developing nations has had its growth projection revised down, in what the IMF described as a “crisis like no other”.

Global economy will take $12 trillion hit from COVID-19: International Monetary Fund

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States was working with countries in Europe and elsewhere on how to reopen for travel safely following coronavirus-linked shutdowns, after details emerged of EU criteria that could keep out Americans due to high rates of coronavirus infections.

"We're working on finding the right way to do that, the right timing to do it, the right tactics to have in place," Pompeo told a news conference.

"We certainly don't want to cause problems any place else. I'm very confident in the coming weeks, we'll figure that out, as between, not only the United States and the EU, but the United States and other parts of the world."

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The European Union hopes to reopen borders for outsiders beginning in July, but will review nations' COVID-19 situation fortnightly, according to diplomats and a document seen by Reuters laying out criteria that could keep Americans and Russians out.

Draft recommendations from the EU's current presidency, Croatia, suggest allowing non-EU nationals in from countries with stable or decreasing infections, and those with a "comparable or better epidemiological situation" than Europe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-seeks-immediate-release-of-two-canadians-detained-by-china-on-groundless-charges-307832">Mike Pompeo seeks immediate release of two Canadians detained by China on 'groundless' charges</a>

That epidemiological criteria is defined as 16 to 20 new cases of infection reported over 14 days per 100,000 people.

Nations would also be assessed for their records on testing, contact tracing and treatment, reliability of data, and reciprocal travel arrangements for EU residents, according to the document, to be debated in Brussels on Wednesday.

Based on data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the methodology could rule out travelers from the United States and Mexico, most of South America, South Africa, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan, among others.

The United States, where President Donald Trump banned European visitors at the start of the crisis, has by far the highest number of deaths and cases.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States was working with countries in Europe and elsewhere on how to reopen for travel safely following coronavirus-linked shutdowns, after details emerged of EU criteria that could keep out Americans due to high rates of coronavirus infections.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States was working with countries in Europe and elsewhere on how to reopen for travel safely following coronavirus-linked shutdowns, after details emerged of EU criteria that could keep out Americans due to high rates of coronavirus infections. "We're working on finding the right way to do that, the right timing to do it, the right tactics to have in place," Pompeo told a news conference. "We certainly don't want to cause problems any place else. I'm very confident in the coming weeks, we'll figure that out, as between, not only the United States and the EU, but the United States and other parts of the world." Also read: European Union may block American travellers over failure to curb virus: Report The European Union hopes to reopen borders for outsiders beginning in July, but will review nations' COVID-19 situation fortnightly, according to diplomats and a document seen by Reuters laying out criteria that could keep Americans and Russians out. Draft recommendations from the EU's current presidency, Croatia, suggest allowing non-EU nationals in from countries with stable or decreasing infections, and those with a "comparable or better epidemiological situation" than Europe. Also read: Mike Pompeo seeks immediate release of two Canadians detained by China on 'groundless' charges That epidemiological criteria is defined as 16 to 20 new cases of infection reported over 14 days per 100,000 people. Nations would also be assessed for their records on testing, contact tracing and treatment, reliability of data, and reciprocal travel arrangements for EU residents, according to the document, to be debated in Brussels on Wednesday. Based on data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the methodology could rule out travelers from the United States and Mexico, most of South America, South Africa, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan, among others. The United States, where President Donald Trump banned European visitors at the start of the crisis, has by far the highest number of deaths and cases.

US working with Europe on how to reopen travel safely, says Pompeo

A roadside bombing killed at least six Afghan civilians travelling in a rickshaw in a northern province, an official said on Wednesday.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to the interior ministry spokesman, Tariq Arian, the bombing in Jawzjan province took place the previous evening when the rickshaw struck the roadside bomb in Mardyan district. One civilian was also wounded in the explosion.

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Arian blamed Taliban insurgents for the attack. Afghanistan has seen a recent spike in violence, with most attacks claimed by the local affiliate of the Islamic State group.

In early June, IS claimed responsibility for a bombing at a mosque in Kabul that killed two people, including the prayer leader. Eight worshippers were wounded in that attack.

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A week later, another prayer leader and three worshipers were killed in a bomb blast inside another mosque in Kabul. Eight other worshippers were wounded. The Taliban condemned the mosque attacks.

Also, the United States blamed IS for a horrific attack last month on a maternity hospital in the capital that killed 24 people, including two infants and several new mothers.

The Islamic State group, which reviles Shiites as heretics, has declared war on Afghanistan's minority Shiite Muslims, but has also attacked Sunni Muslims and mosques.&nbsp;

A roadside bombing killed at least six Afghan civilians travelling in a rickshaw in a northern province, an official said on Wednesday. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

A roadside bombing killed at least six Afghan civilians travelling in a rickshaw in a northern province, an official said on Wednesday. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. According to the interior ministry spokesman, Tariq Arian, the bombing in Jawzjan province took place the previous evening when the rickshaw struck the roadside bomb in Mardyan district. One civilian was also wounded in the explosion. Also read: Hundreds killed in further Taliban attacks with peace talks ahead Arian blamed Taliban insurgents for the attack. Afghanistan has seen a recent spike in violence, with most attacks claimed by the local affiliate of the Islamic State group. In early June, IS claimed responsibility for a bombing at a mosque in Kabul that killed two people, including the prayer leader. Eight worshippers were wounded in that attack. Also read: Sikh abducted in Afghanistan, Afghan American Sikhs seek India's support A week later, another prayer leader and three worshipers were killed in a bomb blast inside another mosque in Kabul. Eight other worshippers were wounded. The Taliban condemned the mosque attacks. Also, the United States blamed IS for a horrific attack last month on a maternity hospital in the capital that killed 24 people, including two infants and several new mothers. The Islamic State group, which reviles Shiites as heretics, has declared war on Afghanistan's minority Shiite Muslims, but has also attacked Sunni Muslims and mosques.

Roadside bombing kills 6 civilians in northern Afghanistan

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson dismissed criticism on Wednesday of his government's plans to implement local lockdowns if there are flare-ups of the novel coronavirus and of an app to trace the spread of the virus.

At prime minister's questions in parliament, the opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer suggested both systems were not yet ready before England eases its coronavirus lockdown from July 4.

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In response, Johnson said: "We have a very effective cluster-busting operation which is designed to ensure that we keep those outbreaks under control.

"I am not going to pretend ... that this thing is beaten or that the virus has gone away ... We have to remain vigilant and local councils will be supported in doing their vital work in implementing local lockdowns," he added, challenging Starmer to find any other country that has a functioning tracing app.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beware-second-wave-of-coronavirus-medics-warn-britain-308318" hreflang="en">Beware second wave of coronavirus, medics warn Britain</a>

A spokesman for Starmer pointed to Germany, which has had a large number of people downloading its app, and a number of countries "which are far ahead of us in terms of developing their apps", such as Singapore and South Korea.

"We've spent 12 million pounds on an app which hasn't even been launched," the spokesman told reporters. "I think it was another example of a dodgy answer from a prime minister who wasn't on top of the detail."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson dismissed criticism on Wednesday of his government's plans to implement local lockdowns if there are flare-ups of the novel coronavirus and of an app to trace the spread of the virus.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson dismissed criticism on Wednesday of his government's plans to implement local lockdowns if there are flare-ups of the novel coronavirus and of an app to trace the spread of the virus. At prime minister's questions in parliament, the opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer suggested both systems were not yet ready before England eases its coronavirus lockdown from July 4. Also read: UK says no deadline for US trade deal, talks tough on terms In response, Johnson said: "We have a very effective cluster-busting operation which is designed to ensure that we keep those outbreaks under control. "I am not going to pretend ... that this thing is beaten or that the virus has gone away ... We have to remain vigilant and local councils will be supported in doing their vital work in implementing local lockdowns," he added, challenging Starmer to find any other country that has a functioning tracing app. Also read: Beware second wave of coronavirus, medics warn Britain A spokesman for Starmer pointed to Germany, which has had a large number of people downloading its app, and a number of countries "which are far ahead of us in terms of developing their apps", such as Singapore and South Korea. "We've spent 12 million pounds on an app which hasn't even been launched," the spokesman told reporters. "I think it was another example of a dodgy answer from a prime minister who wasn't on top of the detail."

British PM Johnson dismisses criticism on local lockdowns, coronavirus app

A US&nbsp;appeals court on Wednesday directed a federal judge to drop a criminal case against President Donald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI, handing a victory to the Justice Department and effectively ending the politically charged case.

In a split decision, a three-judge panel of the US&nbsp;Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of Flynn and the Trump administration in preventing US&nbsp;District Judge Emmet Sullivan from exercising his discretion on whether to grant the department's motion to clear Flynn, who twice pleaded guilty.

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The ruling prevents Sullivan from hearing arguments at a July 16 hearing from retired judge John Gleeson, whom he appointed as a "friend of the court" to argue against dropping the case.

"In this case, the district court’s actions will result in specific harms to the exercise of the executive branch’s exclusive prosecutorial power," wrote Judge Neomi Rao, who was appointed by Trump.

"The contemplated proceedings would likely require the Executive to reveal the internal deliberative process behind its exercise of prosecutorial discretion," she added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-special-counsel-mueller-recommends-no-jail-time-for-michael-flynn-181551">US Special Counsel Mueller recommends no jail time for Michael Flynn</a>

Judge Robert Wilkins, an Obama administration appointee, dissented.

Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general, was one of several former Trump aides charged under former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation that detailed Moscow's interference in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election.

Flynn twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his conversations with Russia's then-ambassador, Sergey Kislyak.

He switched lawyers to pursue a new scorched-earth tactic that accused the FBI of entrapping him, and asked the judge to dismiss the charge.

A US appeals court on Wednesday directed a federal judge to drop a criminal case against President Donald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI, handing a victory to the Justice Department and effectively ending the politically charged case.

A US appeals court on Wednesday directed a federal judge to drop a criminal case against President Donald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI, handing a victory to the Justice Department and effectively ending the politically charged case. In a split decision, a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of Flynn and the Trump administration in preventing US District Judge Emmet Sullivan from exercising his discretion on whether to grant the department's motion to clear Flynn, who twice pleaded guilty. Also read: Charges dropped against Trump's ex-adviser, despite twice guilty affirmations The ruling prevents Sullivan from hearing arguments at a July 16 hearing from retired judge John Gleeson, whom he appointed as a "friend of the court" to argue against dropping the case. "In this case, the district court’s actions will result in specific harms to the exercise of the executive branch’s exclusive prosecutorial power," wrote Judge Neomi Rao, who was appointed by Trump. "The contemplated proceedings would likely require the Executive to reveal the internal deliberative process behind its exercise of prosecutorial discretion," she added. Also read: US Special Counsel Mueller recommends no jail time for Michael Flynn Judge Robert Wilkins, an Obama administration appointee, dissented. Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general, was one of several former Trump aides charged under former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation that detailed Moscow's interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Flynn twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his conversations with Russia's then-ambassador, Sergey Kislyak. He switched lawyers to pursue a new scorched-earth tactic that accused the FBI of entrapping him, and asked the judge to dismiss the charge.

US appeals court orders dismissal of criminal case against Michael Flynn

The leader of Hong Kong’s Catholics has said the city churches’ relations with the Vatican should not be deemed as “collusion with foreign forces” under the impending national security law.

Cardinal John Tong Hon, apostolic administrator of Hong Kong, also said he appreciated the need for a national security legislation but hoped governments in the city and in mainland China could do more to ease people’s concerns.

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Tong hoped the operations of the church and the religious freedoms Hong Kong enjoys would remain intact after the implementation of the law, which targets secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign or external forces.

The cardinal’s comments were reported in the latest issue of the church’s Chinese-language weekly&nbsp;posted on its website on Wednesday. The remarks are the clearest official stance offered so far by the church over the controversial legislation.

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“The Catholic Church in Hong Kong has always maintained a subordinate relationship with the Vatican. Our links with the Vatican should be viewed as internal affairs. After the implementation of the national security law, it should not be viewed as collusion with foreign forces,” Tong was quoted as saying in the&nbsp;report.

“China and the Holy See have built up a friendly connection. What the church treasures are the spiritual and pastoral work.”

Beijing broke diplomatic ties with the Vatican in 1951 and the Holy See recognises Taiwan, which the central government views as a breakaway province.

In recent years, signs emerged that Beijing’s relations with the Vatican have turned warmer. Under a deal signed in 2018, both sides now have a say in the appointment of bishops.

The leader of Hong Kong’s Catholics has said the city churches’ relations with the Vatican should not be deemed as “collusion with foreign forces” under the impending national security law.

The leader of Hong Kong’s Catholics has said the city churches’ relations with the Vatican should not be deemed as “collusion with foreign forces” under the impending national security law. Cardinal John Tong Hon, apostolic administrator of Hong Kong, also said he appreciated the need for a national security legislation but hoped governments in the city and in mainland China could do more to ease people’s concerns. Also read| China slams European Union criticism over Hong Kong law Tong hoped the operations of the church and the religious freedoms Hong Kong enjoys would remain intact after the implementation of the law, which targets secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign or external forces. The cardinal’s comments were reported in the latest issue of the church’s Chinese-language weekly posted on its website on Wednesday. The remarks are the clearest official stance offered so far by the church over the controversial legislation. Also read| China's puppet in Hong Kong Carrie Lam: A leader who killed her own city “The Catholic Church in Hong Kong has always maintained a subordinate relationship with the Vatican. Our links with the Vatican should be viewed as internal affairs. After the implementation of the national security law, it should not be viewed as collusion with foreign forces,” Tong was quoted as saying in the report. “China and the Holy See have built up a friendly connection. What the church treasures are the spiritual and pastoral work.” Beijing broke diplomatic ties with the Vatican in 1951 and the Holy See recognises Taiwan, which the central government views as a breakaway province. In recent years, signs emerged that Beijing’s relations with the Vatican have turned warmer. Under a deal signed in 2018, both sides now have a say in the appointment of bishops.

Hong Kong: Catholic leader hopes ties with the Vatican will not fall foul of legislation

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Iran on Wednesday said that it was ready for talks with the United States if Washington apologises for withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and compensates Tehran, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-its-ready-for-talks-if-us-apologises-for-withdrawing-from-nuclear-deal-308179">Read more</a>

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Spain will try out a new app to contain the spread of coronavirus from Friday for two weeks. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/spain-to-try-new-coronavirus-tracing-app-for-2-weeks-before-rolling-out-nationwide-308237">Read more</a>

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The United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, has expressed hope that&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;will hear global calls and will not go ahead with annexation of parts of the West Bank, which would undermine a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-antonio-guterres-urges-israel-to-back-away-from-west-bank-annexation-308206">Read more</a>

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Twitter on Tuesday hid a tweet from US President Donald Trump saying that it broke rules over abusive content. This was the first time that the social media platform moved against the president for a tweet. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-hides-trumps-tweet-targeting-protestors-in-washington-dc-labels-it-as-abusive-content-308136">Read more</a>

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North Korea has suspended military action plans against South Korea, Reuters reported quoting the official KCNA news agency on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-suspends-military-action-plans-against-south-korea-report-308122">Read more</a>

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Trump defends suspending green card applications till December 31 US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to suspend issuing of green cards till the end of the year, saying it was needed to give jobs to Americans.

Trump defends suspending green card applications till December 31 US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to suspend issuing of green cards till the end of the year, saying it was needed to give jobs to Americans. Read more Australia calls military to help tackle coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne Australia's military was called in Wednesday to help tackle a coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne, a surge in infections that has rattled the country's second-most populous city. Read more Singapore prime minister’s brother joins opposition party before polls Lee Hsien Yang, the estranged brother of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, has joined the opposition Progress Singapore Party a day after the city-state called for general elections to be held in July. Read more Iran says it's ready for talks if US apologises for withdrawing from deal Iran on Wednesday said that it was ready for talks with the United States if Washington apologises for withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and compensates Tehran, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said. Read more Spain to try new coronavirus app for 2 weeks before rolling out nationwide Spain will try out a new app to contain the spread of coronavirus from Friday for two weeks. Read more UN chief Antonio Guterres urges Israel to back away from West Bank annexation The United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, has expressed hope that Israel will hear global calls and will not go ahead with annexation of parts of the West Bank, which would undermine a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Read more European Union may block American travellers over failure to curb virus: Report According to a New York Times report, European Union(EU) is mulling blocking Americans from entering its territory since the United States has failed to properly curb the coronavirus pandemic. Read more Twitter hides Trump's tweet targeting protestors in Washington DC; labels it as 'abusive content' Twitter on Tuesday hid a tweet from US President Donald Trump saying that it broke rules over abusive content. This was the first time that the social media platform moved against the president for a tweet. Read more North Korea suspends military action plans against South Korea: Report North Korea has suspended military action plans against South Korea, Reuters reported quoting the official KCNA news agency on Wednesday. Read more Latin America and Caribbean pass 100,000 coronavirus deaths: Report Latin America and the Caribbean on Tuesday surpassed 100,000 coronavirus deaths, more than half of them in Brazil, according to Reuters and AFP tally. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Trump defends green card decision, Australia calls military to tackle coronavirus wave and more

The new coronavirus outbreak that has infected 256 people in Beijing since early June is "under control", officials in the Chinese capital said Wednesday, but fears still remain over the risk of community transmission.

<article 47="" id="post-194264" itemscope="" itemtype="https://schema.org/Article">
Deputy Director of&nbsp;China’s Ministry of Health,&nbsp;Feng Zijian, claims “the level of transmission is very low” and that the cases of people who were exposed to the Xinfadi market “are coming to an end”, reports the South China Morning Post.

Zijian, added that “the new cases of coronavirus are mainly due to the spread of those who had been exposed to the market in one way or another.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijings-xinfadi-market-in-focus-after-virus-reportedly-detected-on-salmon-chopping-boards-306196">Beijing's Xinfadi market in focus after virus reportedly detected on salmon chopping boards</a>

“The outbreak in Beijing was discovered very early and strong control measures have stopped the spread of the disease,” Feng said during a televised interview reported by the Chinese newspaper.

Authorities have raced to contain the outbreak linked to the largest wholesale food market in Beijing after the first case was announced on June 11, leading to a partial lockdown of the city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-announces-wearing-masks-outdoors-not-necessary-299199">Beijing announces wearing masks outdoors not necessary</a>

Since the first cases were confirmed on June 11, 249 cases have been linked to Xinfadi, and the authorities have ordered the closure of schools and shopping centres, changes in public transport routes and the confinement of areas close to the new outbreak.

"The Beijing epidemic directly linked to Xinfadi (market) is basically under control, but at the same time we have discovered household and workplace cluster infections and cases of community transmission," said Beijing municipal government spokesman&nbsp;Xu Hejian at a briefing. 
 
"The prevention and control situation remains complicated, we cannot lower our guard in the slightest." Officials found that 253 out of 256 Beijing cases were linked to Xinfadi in the south of the city, while contact tracing for the remaining three&nbsp;was still ongoing. 
 
The city announced seven new cases on Wednesday, with the rate of infection slowing since the start of this week. 
&nbsp;
</article>

The new coronavirus outbreak that has infected 256 people in Beijing since early June is "under control", officials in the Chinese capital said Wednesday, but fears still remain over the risk of community transmission.

The new coronavirus outbreak that has infected 256 people in Beijing since early June is "under control", officials in the Chinese capital said Wednesday, but fears still remain over the risk of community transmission. Deputy Director of China’s Ministry of Health, Feng Zijian, claims “the level of transmission is very low” and that the cases of people who were exposed to the Xinfadi market “are coming to an end”, reports the South China Morning Post. Zijian, added that “the new cases of coronavirus are mainly due to the spread of those who had been exposed to the market in one way or another. Also read: Beijing's Xinfadi market in focus after virus reportedly detected on salmon chopping boards “The outbreak in Beijing was discovered very early and strong control measures have stopped the spread of the disease,” Feng said during a televised interview reported by the Chinese newspaper. Authorities have raced to contain the outbreak linked to the largest wholesale food market in Beijing after the first case was announced on June 11, leading to a partial lockdown of the city. Also read: Beijing announces wearing masks outdoors not necessary Since the first cases were confirmed on June 11, 249 cases have been linked to Xinfadi, and the authorities have ordered the closure of schools and shopping centres, changes in public transport routes and the confinement of areas close to the new outbreak. "The Beijing epidemic directly linked to Xinfadi (market) is basically under control, but at the same time we have discovered household and workplace cluster infections and cases of community transmission," said Beijing municipal government spokesman Xu Hejian at a briefing. "The prevention and control situation remains complicated, we cannot lower our guard in the slightest." Officials found that 253 out of 256 Beijing cases were linked to Xinfadi in the south of the city, while contact tracing for the remaining three was still ongoing. The city announced seven new cases on Wednesday, with the rate of infection slowing since the start of this week.

Beijing’s officials declare COVID-19 resurgence to be 'under control'

As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19, the novel virus has forced people across the globe to observe several festivities at home.

From&nbsp;easter to ramzaan, the pandemic altered&nbsp;this year's religious calendar.

The festivals which were celebrated with joy turned sombre amid&nbsp;prayers at home to combat the Wuhan virus.

However, after six months into 2020, things are beginning to change.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-coronavirus-pandemic-saudi-arabia-to-hold-very-limited-hajj-this-year-307851" hreflang="en">Amid coronavirus pandemic, Saudi Arabia to hold 'very limited' hajj this year</a>

Places&nbsp;of worship including the nativity church in Bethlaham, Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque and India's Golden Temple have reopened.

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Saudi&nbsp;Arabia has announced it will hold a "very limited" hajj this year, with pilgrims already present&nbsp;in the kingdom allowed to perform the annual ritual.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/jagannath-rath-yatra-in-puri-begins-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-307876">Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri begins amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

The development comes as the country moves to contain&nbsp;the biggest coronavirus outbreak in the Gulf.

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia is struggling&nbsp;to contain a major spike in virus, which have now risen to more than 161,000 cases,&nbsp;the highest in the Gulf&nbsp;and over 1,300 deaths.

The move was welcomed&nbsp;by the Arab countries as well as nations worldwide.

But lost in the cheer was a critical question: is a limited hajj synonymous to a safe Hajj?

As places of worship reopen one after another,&nbsp;can we rule out the risk of Covid-19?

The hajj, a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime, could be a major source of contagion, as it packs millions of pilgrims into congested religious sites.

A single coronvirus patient who attended a Sunday mass in South Korea was suffice to&nbsp;drag the country&nbsp;into the Covid-19 whirlpool.

A similar scenario can occur at any other religious place of worship.

Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra or the chariot festival has begun in India. While all checks were in place on paper, the reality was quite contrary.

Social distancing norms were flouted by worshippers who seemed to be relying on God's grace for their survival.

According to a Dinanath Nayak, servitor at Jagannath Puri Temple, "now that bhagwan (god Jagannath) has come out on the streets to watch the woes of his subjects, he will cure the world. The chariot procession will definitely happen."

Similar sentiments were echoed in Indonesia in mid-April. When the world was respecting a modified ramzan, worshippers in the aceh&nbsp;province wanted to pray together.&nbsp;Today, Indonesia has nearly 50,000 cases.

Even god helps those who help themselves. Is it too hard to stay at home and pray at home, for one odd year? 
&nbsp;

As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19, the novel virus has forced people across the globe to observe several festivities at home. From easter to ramzaan, the pandemic altered this year's religious calendar.

As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19, the novel virus has forced people across the globe to observe several festivities at home. From easter to ramzaan, the pandemic altered this year's religious calendar. The festivals which were celebrated with joy turned sombre amid prayers at home to combat the Wuhan virus. However, after six months into 2020, things are beginning to change. Also read: Amid coronavirus pandemic, Saudi Arabia to hold 'very limited' hajj this year Places of worship including the nativity church in Bethlaham, Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque and India's Golden Temple have reopened. × Saudi Arabia has announced it will hold a "very limited" hajj this year, with pilgrims already present in the kingdom allowed to perform the annual ritual. Also see: Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri begins amid coronavirus pandemic The development comes as the country moves to contain the biggest coronavirus outbreak in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia is struggling to contain a major spike in virus, which have now risen to more than 161,000 cases, the highest in the Gulf and over 1,300 deaths. The move was welcomed by the Arab countries as well as nations worldwide. But lost in the cheer was a critical question: is a limited hajj synonymous to a safe Hajj? As places of worship reopen one after another, can we rule out the risk of Covid-19? The hajj, a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime, could be a major source of contagion, as it packs millions of pilgrims into congested religious sites. A single coronvirus patient who attended a Sunday mass in South Korea was suffice to drag the country into the Covid-19 whirlpool. A similar scenario can occur at any other religious place of worship. Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra or the chariot festival has begun in India. While all checks were in place on paper, the reality was quite contrary. Social distancing norms were flouted by worshippers who seemed to be relying on God's grace for their survival. According to a Dinanath Nayak, servitor at Jagannath Puri Temple, "now that bhagwan (god Jagannath) has come out on the streets to watch the woes of his subjects, he will cure the world. The chariot procession will definitely happen." Similar sentiments were echoed in Indonesia in mid-April. When the world was respecting a modified ramzan, worshippers in the aceh province wanted to pray together. Today, Indonesia has nearly 50,000 cases. Even god helps those who help themselves. Is it too hard to stay at home and pray at home, for one odd year?

How religious places of worship can become breeding grounds of COVID-19

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Vyomica Berry

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