<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-jumps-to-no-2-in-worldwide-coronavirus-cases-behind-the-us-300497" hreflang="en">Brazil jumps to No. 2 in worldwide coronavirus cases, behind the US</a></p>

<p><img alt="Brazil" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d699bd64-a3b0-4cc7-a3ad-ac673461d9cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/138005-untitled-design-2_0.jpg" /></p>

<p>Brazil overtook Russia Friday as the country with the second-highest number of coronavirus infections worldwide behind the United States, as the Americas emerged as a new epicenter of the pandemic. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-jumps-to-no-2-in-worldwide-coronavirus-cases-behind-the-us-300497">Read more</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-no-new-coronavirus-cases-on-may-22-first-time-since-pandemic-began-300498" hreflang="en">China reports no new coronavirus cases on May 22, first time since pandemic began</a></p>

<p><img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f7e8708e-89a0-45c7-803e-3ca7457024e8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/139929-china-reuters.jpg" /></p>

<p>China recorded no new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the mainland for May 22, down from four the previous day, news agency Reuters report said quoting a statement from National Health Commission (NHC) on Saturday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-no-new-coronavirus-cases-on-may-22-first-time-since-pandemic-began-300498">Read more</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-governors-to-reopen-places-of-worship-immediately-300499" hreflang="en">Trump orders governors to reopen places of worship immediately</a></p>

<p><img alt="Donald Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7a49de6-3042-44ae-8cf2-b489abd05978" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/141290-untitled-design-72.jpg" /><br />
President Donald Trump on Friday demanded that US state governors allow places of worship to reopen immediately, as the country moves gradually towards a lifting of COVID-19 lockdown measures. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-governors-to-reopen-places-of-worship-immediately-300499">Read more</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-announces-date-of-second-round-of-virus-delayed-elections-300500" hreflang="en">France announces date of second round of virus-delayed elections</a></p>

<p><img alt="Macron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="49f48b39-1d8e-4c8f-b13e-a8d842948805" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/77431-untitled-design.jpg" /><br />
France will be called on to vote on June 28 in a postponed second round of local elections, unless a new coronavirus flare-up makes it too risky, the government said Friday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-announces-date-of-second-round-of-virus-delayed-elections-300500">Read more</a></p>

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Brazil jumps to No. 2 in worldwide coronavirus cases, behind the US Brazil overtook Russia Friday as the country with the second-highest number of coronavirus infections worldwide behind the United States, as the Americas emerged as a new epicenter of the pandemic.

Brazil jumps to No. 2 in worldwide coronavirus cases, behind the US Brazil overtook Russia Friday as the country with the second-highest number of coronavirus infections worldwide behind the United States, as the Americas emerged as a new epicenter of the pandemic. Read more China reports no new coronavirus cases on May 22, first time since pandemic began China recorded no new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the mainland for May 22, down from four the previous day, news agency Reuters report said quoting a statement from National Health Commission (NHC) on Saturday. Read more Trump orders governors to reopen places of worship immediately President Donald Trump on Friday demanded that US state governors allow places of worship to reopen immediately, as the country moves gradually towards a lifting of COVID-19 lockdown measures. Read more France announces date of second round of virus-delayed elections France will be called on to vote on June 28 in a postponed second round of local elections, unless a new coronavirus flare-up makes it too risky, the government said Friday. Read more

Morning news brief: Brazil jumps to number two, no new cases in China, and more

<p>France will be called on to vote on June 28 in a postponed second round of local elections, unless a new coronavirus flare-up makes it too risky, the government said Friday.</p>

<p>The poll, originally set for March 22, was called off amid the lockdown due to the pandemic.</p>

<p>"After weighing the pros and cons, we believe that our democratic life must resume," Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said at a press conference with Interior Minister Christophe Castaner.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-emmanuel-macron-loses-parliamentary-majority-after-defections-299830">French President Emmanuel Macron loses parliamentary majority after defections</a></strong></p>

<p>Masks will be obligatory, and voters will again be urged to come with their own pens for signing registries in a bid to minimise contagion risk.</p>

<p>Philippe said the government's scientific advisory panel had estimated that sufficient safeguards can be taken to mitigate contagion risks for the 16 million people in nearly 5,000 cities and towns eligible to vote after a clear winner did not emerge in the first round on March 15.</p>

<p>He acknowledged that political parties were divided on when to hold the new vote, with some urging a delay until September or later because of the likelihood of low turnout.</p>

<p>Others argued that candidates could not effectively campaign behind face masks and without public meetings, handicaps that would give incumbents an edge.</p>

<p>But if the vote was pushed back beyond the summer break, Philippe said the government would have to hold a re-run of the first round.</p>

<p>"It's a complex question, and the answer will cause disagreements," Philippe said.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, I've become used to having to choose between options that are all open to criticism".</p>

<p>The government drew heavy criticism after going ahead with the first round of voting just one day after ordering all bars, restaurants, cinemas and other non-essential businesses to close in the coronavirus fight.</p>

<p>The lockdown prompted many voters to stay home, with the abstention rate hitting a French record of 55 percent.</p>

<p>On March 16, the day after the first-round vote, President Emmanuel Macron called off the second round, originally set for March 22.</p>


France will be called on to vote on June 28 in a postponed second round of local elections, unless a new coronavirus flare-up makes it too risky, the government said Friday.

France will be called on to vote on June 28 in a postponed second round of local elections, unless a new coronavirus flare-up makes it too risky, the government said Friday. The poll, originally set for March 22, was called off amid the lockdown due to the pandemic. "After weighing the pros and cons, we believe that our democratic life must resume," Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said at a press conference with Interior Minister Christophe Castaner. Also read: French President Emmanuel Macron loses parliamentary majority after defections Masks will be obligatory, and voters will again be urged to come with their own pens for signing registries in a bid to minimise contagion risk. Philippe said the government's scientific advisory panel had estimated that sufficient safeguards can be taken to mitigate contagion risks for the 16 million people in nearly 5,000 cities and towns eligible to vote after a clear winner did not emerge in the first round on March 15. He acknowledged that political parties were divided on when to hold the new vote, with some urging a delay until September or later because of the likelihood of low turnout. Others argued that candidates could not effectively campaign behind face masks and without public meetings, handicaps that would give incumbents an edge. But if the vote was pushed back beyond the summer break, Philippe said the government would have to hold a re-run of the first round. "It's a complex question, and the answer will cause disagreements," Philippe said. "Unfortunately, I've become used to having to choose between options that are all open to criticism". The government drew heavy criticism after going ahead with the first round of voting just one day after ordering all bars, restaurants, cinemas and other non-essential businesses to close in the coronavirus fight. The lockdown prompted many voters to stay home, with the abstention rate hitting a French record of 55 percent. On March 16, the day after the first-round vote, President Emmanuel Macron called off the second round, originally set for March 22.

France announces date of second round of virus-delayed elections

<p>A San Francisco nurse who contracted Covid-19 shared pictures of himself showing the impact the virus had on his body.</p>

<p>Mike Schultz, 43, a nurse from San Francisco with no underlying health conditions, weighed about 190 pounds before getting infected by the deadly coronavirus after which he dropped&nbsp;50 pounds.</p>

<p><img alt="Mike Schultz" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e62768c-5479-41f7-86c9-8ea7f27a2438" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NINTCHDBPICT000584146522.jpg" /><br />
<em>Mike Schultz</em></p>

<p>He shared&nbsp;two images&nbsp;to his 30,000 Instagram followers, one taken about a month before he fell ill, the other snapped at a Boston hospital.</p>

<p>''I wanted to show it can happen to anyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, have pre-existing conditions or not. It can affect you,''&nbsp;Schultz said.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CADT4IXjsMl/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I wanted to show everyone how badly being sedated for 6 weeks on a ventilator or intubated can be. Amongst other things, covid19 reduced my lung capacity with pneumonia. Over 8 weeks I’ve been away from family and friends Getting stronger everyday and working to increase my lung capacity. I’ll get back to where I was in healthier ways this time....maybe even do cardio 😱. #covid19 #caronavirus #recovery #godblessmynurses</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebearded_nurse/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Mike</a> (@thebearded_nurse) on <time datetime="2020-05-11T14:56:53+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 11, 2020 at 7:56am PDT</time></p>
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<p>"I knew what I thought going in [about the coronavirus]. I didn’t think it was as serious as it was until after things started happening,” he said. “I thought I was young enough for it not to affect me, and I know a lot of people think that.''</p>

<p>Schultz, who went to the hospital March 16, also had completely lost track of time.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-shocking-weight-loss-from-coronavirus-300484/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>He contracted coronavirus in March after attending a party on Miami beach that has been linked to several COVID cases. This happened before any social distancing restrictions were in place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After being admitted on March 16, he was treated for pneumonia and had acute respiratory distress syndrome and put on ventilator. It took four and a half weeks for him to start breathing on his own again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I didn't even recognize myself," Schultz said about&nbsp;his shocking transformation. "I pretty much cried when I looked in the mirror."</p>

<p>He is now on the road to recovery and planning to get his body back "in healthier ways this time".&nbsp;</p>


A San Francisco nurse who contracted Covid-19 shared pictures of himself showing the impact the virus had on his body. Mike Schultz, 43, a nurse from San Francisco with no underlying health conditions, weighed about 190 pounds before getting infected by the deadly coronavirus after which he dropped 50 pounds.

A San Francisco nurse who contracted Covid-19 shared pictures of himself showing the impact the virus had on his body. Mike Schultz, 43, a nurse from San Francisco with no underlying health conditions, weighed about 190 pounds before getting infected by the deadly coronavirus after which he dropped 50 pounds. Mike Schultz He shared two images to his 30,000 Instagram followers, one taken about a month before he fell ill, the other snapped at a Boston hospital. ''I wanted to show it can happen to anyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, have pre-existing conditions or not. It can affect you,'' Schultz said. View this post on Instagram I wanted to show everyone how badly being sedated for 6 weeks on a ventilator or intubated can be. Amongst other things, covid19 reduced my lung capacity with pneumonia. Over 8 weeks I’ve been away from family and friends Getting stronger everyday and working to increase my lung capacity. I’ll get back to where I was in healthier ways this time....maybe even do cardio 😱. #covid19 #caronavirus #recovery #godblessmynurses A post shared by Mike (@thebearded_nurse) on May 11, 2020 at 7:56am PDT × "I knew what I thought going in [about the coronavirus]. I didn’t think it was as serious as it was until after things started happening,” he said. “I thought I was young enough for it not to affect me, and I know a lot of people think that.'' Schultz, who went to the hospital March 16, also had completely lost track of time. He contracted coronavirus in March after attending a party on Miami beach that has been linked to several COVID cases. This happened before any social distancing restrictions were in place. After being admitted on March 16, he was treated for pneumonia and had acute respiratory distress syndrome and put on ventilator. It took four and a half weeks for him to start breathing on his own again. "I didn't even recognize myself," Schultz said about his shocking transformation. "I pretty much cried when I looked in the mirror." He is now on the road to recovery and planning to get his body back "in healthier ways this time".

COVID-19 survivor, male nurse shares shocking transformation pictures

<p>A bipartisan group of lawmakers have for the first time introduced a legislation in both the chambers of the US Congress proposing major reforms in the H-1B work visas by giving priority to the best and brightest US-educated foreign youth, a move that could benefit Indian students already in the country.</p>

<p>The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-working-to-temporarily-ban-work-based-visas-like-h-1b-report-297634">Trump administration working to temporarily ban work-based visas, like H-1B: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>On April 1, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that the US received nearly 275,000 unique registration requests for the Congressional mandated 85,000 H-1B visas for foreign technology professionals, of which more than 67 per cent are from India.</p>

<p>As far as the students are concerned, India accounts for the second largest number of foreign students in the US after China. There are more than 200,000 Indian students in the US.</p>

<p>The H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act, as introduced in the House of Representatives and the Senate, will require US Citizenship and Immigration Services to prioritize for the first time the annual allocation of H-1B visas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2-lakh-indians-stuck-in-united-states-after-trump-announces-h1-b-visa-curbs-295665">2 lakh Indians stuck in United States after Trump announces H1-B visa curbs</a></strong></p>

<p>The new system would ensure that the best and brightest students being educated in the US receive preference for an H-1B visa, including advanced degree holders, those being paid a high wage, and those with valuable skills, proponents of this major legislative reforms said on Friday.</p>

<p>In the Senate, it was introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin. In the House of Representatives, it was introduced by Congressmen Bill Pascrell, Paul Gosar, Ro Khanna, Frank Pallone and Lance Gooden.</p>

<p>The legislation reinstates Congress' original intent in the H-1B and L-1 visa programmes by increasing enforcement, modifying wage requirements and securing protection for both American workers and visa holders, the lawmakers said.</p>

<p>The legislation, among other things, explicitly prohibits the replacement of American workers by H-1B or L-1 visa holders, clarifying that working conditions of similarly employed American workers may not be adversely affected by the hiring of an H-1B worker, including H-1B workers who have been placed by another employer at the American worker's worksite.</p>

<p>These provisions address the types of abuses that have been well-documented.</p>

<p>Importantly, the legislation proposes increased crackdown on outsourcing companies that import large numbers of H-1B and L-1 workers for temporary training purposes only to send the workers back to their home countries to do the same job.</p>

<p>Specifically, the bill would prohibit companies with more than 50 employees, of which at least half are H-1B or L-1 holders, from hiring additional H-1B employees.</p>

<p>The bill gives the US Department of Labor enhanced authority to review, investigate, and audit employer compliance with programme requirements, as well as to penalise fraudulent or abusive conduct. It requires the production of extensive statistical data about the H-1B and L-1 programs, including wage data, worker education levels, place of employment, and gender.</p>

<p>In addition, the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act encompasses several reforms of the L-1 visa programme, including establishment of a wage floor for L-1 workers; authority for the US Department of Homeland Security to investigate, audit, and enforce compliance with L-1 program requirements; assurance that intra-company transfers occur between legitimate branches of a company and don't involve, shell,&nbsp;facilities; and a change to the definition of&nbsp;specialized knowledge,&nbsp;to ensure that L-1 visas are reserved only for truly key personnel.</p>

<p>Asserting that Congress created these programmes to complement America's high-skilled workforce, not replace it, Grassley said that unfortunately, some companies are trying to exploit the programmes by cutting American workers for cheaper labour.</p>

<p>We need programmes dedicated to putting American workers first. When skilled foreign workers are needed to meet the demands of our labour market, we must also ensure that visa applicants who honed their skills at American colleges and universities are a priority over the importation of more foreign workers. Our bill takes steps to ensure that the programmes work for Americans and skilled foreign workers alike,&nbsp;he said.</p>

<p>Reforming the H-1B and L-1 visa programmes is a critical component of fixing the broken immigration system. For years, outsourcing companies have used loopholes in the laws to displace qualified American workers and facilitate the outsourcing of American jobs, Durbin said.</p>

<p>This legislation would end these abuses and protect American and foreign workers from exploitation, Durbin said.<br />
Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna said that American immigrants come to this country with some of the most innovative, transformative ideas this world has ever seen.</p>

<p>"If we're going to continue to foster a culture of creativity, we must reform the H-1 and L-1 visa programmes to protect all workers from abuses. Immigrants coming here on H-1B visas have made important contributions to Silicon Valley's leadership in the digital revolution. We want to make sure that talent is coming to the US, but we also want to make sure that it's being done with proper compensation,&nbsp;Khanna said.<br />
Congressman Pallone said that the US must ensure that qualified American workers have access to job opportunities in this country.&nbsp;</p>


A bipartisan group of lawmakers have for the first time introduced a legislation in both the chambers of the US Congress proposing major reforms in the H-1B work visas by giving priority to the best and brightest US-educated foreign youth, a move that could benefit Indian students already in the country.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers have for the first time introduced a legislation in both the chambers of the US Congress proposing major reforms in the H-1B work visas by giving priority to the best and brightest US-educated foreign youth, a move that could benefit Indian students already in the country. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. Also read:Trump administration working to temporarily ban work-based visas, like H-1B: Report On April 1, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that the US received nearly 275,000 unique registration requests for the Congressional mandated 85,000 H-1B visas for foreign technology professionals, of which more than 67 per cent are from India. As far as the students are concerned, India accounts for the second largest number of foreign students in the US after China. There are more than 200,000 Indian students in the US. The H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act, as introduced in the House of Representatives and the Senate, will require US Citizenship and Immigration Services to prioritize for the first time the annual allocation of H-1B visas. Also read: 2 lakh Indians stuck in United States after Trump announces H1-B visa curbs The new system would ensure that the best and brightest students being educated in the US receive preference for an H-1B visa, including advanced degree holders, those being paid a high wage, and those with valuable skills, proponents of this major legislative reforms said on Friday. In the Senate, it was introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin. In the House of Representatives, it was introduced by Congressmen Bill Pascrell, Paul Gosar, Ro Khanna, Frank Pallone and Lance Gooden. The legislation reinstates Congress' original intent in the H-1B and L-1 visa programmes by increasing enforcement, modifying wage requirements and securing protection for both American workers and visa holders, the lawmakers said. The legislation, among other things, explicitly prohibits the replacement of American workers by H-1B or L-1 visa holders, clarifying that working conditions of similarly employed American workers may not be adversely affected by the hiring of an H-1B worker, including H-1B workers who have been placed by another employer at the American worker's worksite. These provisions address the types of abuses that have been well-documented. Importantly, the legislation proposes increased crackdown on outsourcing companies that import large numbers of H-1B and L-1 workers for temporary training purposes only to send the workers back to their home countries to do the same job. Specifically, the bill would prohibit companies with more than 50 employees, of which at least half are H-1B or L-1 holders, from hiring additional H-1B employees. The bill gives the US Department of Labor enhanced authority to review, investigate, and audit employer compliance with programme requirements, as well as to penalise fraudulent or abusive conduct. It requires the production of extensive statistical data about the H-1B and L-1 programs, including wage data, worker education levels, place of employment, and gender. In addition, the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act encompasses several reforms of the L-1 visa programme, including establishment of a wage floor for L-1 workers; authority for the US Department of Homeland Security to investigate, audit, and enforce compliance with L-1 program requirements; assurance that intra-company transfers occur between legitimate branches of a company and don't involve, shell, facilities; and a change to the definition of specialized knowledge, to ensure that L-1 visas are reserved only for truly key personnel. Asserting that Congress created these programmes to complement America's high-skilled workforce, not replace it, Grassley said that unfortunately, some companies are trying to exploit the programmes by cutting American workers for cheaper labour. We need programmes dedicated to putting American workers first. When skilled foreign workers are needed to meet the demands of our labour market, we must also ensure that visa applicants who honed their skills at American colleges and universities are a priority over the importation of more foreign workers. Our bill takes steps to ensure that the programmes work for Americans and skilled foreign workers alike, he said. Reforming the H-1B and L-1 visa programmes is a critical component of fixing the broken immigration system. For years, outsourcing companies have used loopholes in the laws to displace qualified American workers and facilitate the outsourcing of American jobs, Durbin said. This legislation would end these abuses and protect American and foreign workers from exploitation, Durbin said. Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna said that American immigrants come to this country with some of the most innovative, transformative ideas this world has ever seen. "If we're going to continue to foster a culture of creativity, we must reform the H-1 and L-1 visa programmes to protect all workers from abuses. Immigrants coming here on H-1B visas have made important contributions to Silicon Valley's leadership in the digital revolution. We want to make sure that talent is coming to the US, but we also want to make sure that it's being done with proper compensation, Khanna said. Congressman Pallone said that the US must ensure that qualified American workers have access to job opportunities in this country.

Lawmakers introduce H-1B legislation in Congress to give priority to US-educated foreign youth

United we stand: Muslims praying in Berlin church during Ramzan

<p>One of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's top advisers, Dominic Cummings, drew police attention after allegedly breaking the coronavirus lockdown, reports said Friday.</p>

<p>Dominic Cummings travelled hundreds of miles from London to County Durham during the lockdown when he had coronavirus symptoms.</p>

<p>Cummings and his wife went to his parents' home to self-isolate, a source close to the PM's chief aide said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-introduce-quarantine-for-international-arrivals-from-june-8-300503" hreflang="en">UK to introduce quarantine for international arrivals from June 8</a></strong></p>

<p>The main opposition Labour party demanded&nbsp;a "swift explanation" by Boris Johnson for Cummings' actions,&nbsp;saying the reports suggested Cummings viewed himself as&nbsp;above the law, while the smaller Liberal Democrats said it could be a resigning issue.</p>

<p>"If accurate, the prime minister's chief adviser appears to have breached the lockdown rules. The government's guidance was very clear: stay at home and no non-essential travel," a spokesman said.</p>

<p>"The British people do not expect there to be one rule for them and another rule for Dominic Cummings."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police in Durham confirmed they received a tip-off on March 31 about someone who had travelled to the city from London.</p>

<p>"Officers made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house," the force said in a statement.</p>

<p>"In line with national policing guidance, officers explained to the family the guidelines around self-isolation and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel."</p>

<p>Cummings was later spotted near his parents' home with a small child, believed to be his son, the report said.</p>

<p>At the time, Johnson's government was advising people to only go out for essential purposes to slow the spread of coronavirus, and for anyone with symptoms to stay at home.</p>

<p>Cummings was a key member of the 2016 Brexit campaign alongside Johnson, and the latter brought him into Downing Street when he took office last year.</p>


One of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's top advisers, Dominic Cummings, drew police attention after allegedly breaking the coronavirus lockdown, reports said Friday.

One of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's top advisers, Dominic Cummings, drew police attention after allegedly breaking the coronavirus lockdown, reports said Friday. Dominic Cummings travelled hundreds of miles from London to County Durham during the lockdown when he had coronavirus symptoms. Cummings and his wife went to his parents' home to self-isolate, a source close to the PM's chief aide said. Also read: UK to introduce quarantine for international arrivals from June 8 The main opposition Labour party demanded a "swift explanation" by Boris Johnson for Cummings' actions, saying the reports suggested Cummings viewed himself as above the law, while the smaller Liberal Democrats said it could be a resigning issue. "If accurate, the prime minister's chief adviser appears to have breached the lockdown rules. The government's guidance was very clear: stay at home and no non-essential travel," a spokesman said. "The British people do not expect there to be one rule for them and another rule for Dominic Cummings." Police in Durham confirmed they received a tip-off on March 31 about someone who had travelled to the city from London. "Officers made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house," the force said in a statement. "In line with national policing guidance, officers explained to the family the guidelines around self-isolation and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel." Cummings was later spotted near his parents' home with a small child, believed to be his son, the report said. At the time, Johnson's government was advising people to only go out for essential purposes to slow the spread of coronavirus, and for anyone with symptoms to stay at home. Cummings was a key member of the 2016 Brexit campaign alongside Johnson, and the latter brought him into Downing Street when he took office last year.

Boris Johnson's top aide visited parents while having symptoms of COVID-19

<p>Two Naxals, one of them carrying a reward on his head, were on Saturday gunned down in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, police said.</p>

<p>The gun battle broke out at around 12:30 pm in the forest of Mankapal village under Gadiras police station area when a team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) was out on a counter-insurgency operation, Inspector General of Police (Bastar range) Sundarraj P told PTI.</p>

<p>The operation was launched on a specific input about the presence ultras, he said. After a brief exchange of fire, the ultras fled into the dense forest, he said. During search, police recovered bodies of two male ultras, he added.</p>

<p>They are identified as Gundadhur, an LGS (local guerrilla squad) commander of Malangir area committee of Maoists, and Aaytu who was a security guard of a senior cadre Vinod (a divisional committee member), the IG said.</p>

<p>Gundadhur was carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh on his head, he said. Further details are awaited, he added.</p>


Two Naxals, one of them carrying a reward on his head, were on Saturday gunned down in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, police said.

Two Naxals, one of them carrying a reward on his head, were on Saturday gunned down in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, police said. The gun battle broke out at around 12:30 pm in the forest of Mankapal village under Gadiras police station area when a team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) was out on a counter-insurgency operation, Inspector General of Police (Bastar range) Sundarraj P told PTI. The operation was launched on a specific input about the presence ultras, he said. After a brief exchange of fire, the ultras fled into the dense forest, he said. During search, police recovered bodies of two male ultras, he added. They are identified as Gundadhur, an LGS (local guerrilla squad) commander of Malangir area committee of Maoists, and Aaytu who was a security guard of a senior cadre Vinod (a divisional committee member), the IG said. Gundadhur was carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh on his head, he said. Further details are awaited, he added.

Two naxals killed in encounter with police in Chhattisgarh

<p>At a time when there is stand-off at three locations in the Ladakh sector with Chinese troops, Army Chief General MM Naravane visited Leh to review the ongoing situation with the field commanders here.<br />
<br />
The top military field Commanders in Leh including the Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General YK Joshi, 14 Corps Chief Lieutenant&nbsp;General Harinder Singh and other senior officers briefed the Army Chief on the LAC situation.<br />
<br />
Sources said there is stand-off situation at three locations including the Galwan Nala area where over 300 troops each from the Chinese side have come to stake claim.<br />
<br />
The Indian Army field Commanders have been holding talks with their Chinese counterparts on the situation and finding a way out of it, the sources said.<br />
<br />
The stand offs have taken place mainly due to the Chinese objection to Indian road construction activities in the Galwan Nala area and the DBO sector.<br />
<br />
Sources said that it was after the Chinese infrastructure development that the Indian side also built proper network of roads on its side of the LAC using the Border Roads Organisation.<br />
<br />
Even though the Chinese choppers have been flying close to the Indian patrolling line in the Galwan Nala area, they raise objections over Indian flying activities in the area.<br />
<br />
The situation is being monitored closely by the top brass in the national security domain and efforts are being made to deescalate the situation.</p>


At a time when there is stand-off at three locations in the Ladakh sector with Chinese troops, Army Chief General MM Naravane visited Leh to review the ongoing situation with the field commanders here.

At a time when there is stand-off at three locations in the Ladakh sector with Chinese troops, Army Chief General MM Naravane visited Leh to review the ongoing situation with the field commanders here. The top military field Commanders in Leh including the Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General YK Joshi, 14 Corps Chief Lieutenant General Harinder Singh and other senior officers briefed the Army Chief on the LAC situation. Sources said there is stand-off situation at three locations including the Galwan Nala area where over 300 troops each from the Chinese side have come to stake claim. The Indian Army field Commanders have been holding talks with their Chinese counterparts on the situation and finding a way out of it, the sources said. The stand offs have taken place mainly due to the Chinese objection to Indian road construction activities in the Galwan Nala area and the DBO sector. Sources said that it was after the Chinese infrastructure development that the Indian side also built proper network of roads on its side of the LAC using the Border Roads Organisation. Even though the Chinese choppers have been flying close to the Indian patrolling line in the Galwan Nala area, they raise objections over Indian flying activities in the area. The situation is being monitored closely by the top brass in the national security domain and efforts are being made to deescalate the situation.

Army chief visits Ladakh to review LAC situation amid rising tensions

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asked the Railway Ministry not to send Shramik Special trains to the state till May 26 in view of Cyclone Amphan.</p>

<p>The letter from West Bengal Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha to Chairman of Railway board V K Yadav dated May 22, stated that the state has been severely impacted by Super Cyclone Amphan on May 20-21 which caused extensive damage to the infrastructure.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wb-govt-not-allowing-trains-with-migrants-to-reach-state-shah-writes-to-mamata-297621">WB govt not allowing trains with migrants to reach state; Shah writes to Mamata</a></strong></p>

<p>"As the district administrations are involved in relief and rehabilitation works, it will not be possible to receive special trains for the next few days. It is therefore requested that no train should be sent to West Bengal till May 26," she said.</p>

<p>At least 86 people in West Bengal have died due to Cyclone Amphan. With normal life thrown out of gear by the region's worst weather disaster, the authorities have been scrambling to restore normalcy.</p>

<p>West Bengal has received the least number of Shramik Special trains since such service began to ferry migrant labourers back home amid the coronavirus-forced lockdown.</p>

<p>In fact, Home Minister Amit Shah in a letter had alleged that Bengal was not allowing its migrants to return. Later, it was decided that the consent of the destination state was not required to operate these trains.</p>

<p>So far, over 2,000 Shramik Special trains have been operated since May 1 ferrying over 31 lakh migrant workers. Around 25 trains have terminated in Bengal so far.</p>


West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asked the Railway Ministry not to send Shramik Special trains to the state till May 26 in view of Cyclone Amphan. The letter from West Bengal Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha to Chairman of Railway board V K Yadav dated May 22, stated that the state has been severely impacted by Super Cyclone Amphan on May 20-21 which caused extensive damage to the infrastructure.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asked the Railway Ministry not to send Shramik Special trains to the state till May 26 in view of Cyclone Amphan. The letter from West Bengal Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha to Chairman of Railway board V K Yadav dated May 22, stated that the state has been severely impacted by Super Cyclone Amphan on May 20-21 which caused extensive damage to the infrastructure. Also read: WB govt not allowing trains with migrants to reach state; Shah writes to Mamata "As the district administrations are involved in relief and rehabilitation works, it will not be possible to receive special trains for the next few days. It is therefore requested that no train should be sent to West Bengal till May 26," she said. At least 86 people in West Bengal have died due to Cyclone Amphan. With normal life thrown out of gear by the region's worst weather disaster, the authorities have been scrambling to restore normalcy. West Bengal has received the least number of Shramik Special trains since such service began to ferry migrant labourers back home amid the coronavirus-forced lockdown. In fact, Home Minister Amit Shah in a letter had alleged that Bengal was not allowing its migrants to return. Later, it was decided that the consent of the destination state was not required to operate these trains. So far, over 2,000 Shramik Special trains have been operated since May 1 ferrying over 31 lakh migrant workers. Around 25 trains have terminated in Bengal so far.

West Bengal asks Railways not to send Shramik Special trains to state till May 26

<p>A Long Island man suspected of fatally stabbing his father on a live&nbsp;Zoom&nbsp;call confessed to the caught-on-camera killing after police found him trying to wash blood off his body with Dr Pepper, prosecutors said on Friday.</p>

<p>Thomas Scully-Powers, 32, was arraigned via video and ordered jailed without bail after pleading not guilty to a murder charge in the attack on Long Island,&nbsp;New York, on Thursday that left 72-year-old Dwight Powers nearly decapitated as horrified call participants scrambled to dial 911.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-church-sues-zoom-app-after-zoombombing-of-bible-study-session-298874">US church sues Zoom app after 'zoombombing' of bible study session</a></strong></p>

<p>Such virtual meetings have become ubiquitous during the coronavirus pandemic, allowing people to see and talk to each other in groups without the risk of physical proximity. Because many meetings are recorded as they unfold, there’s a chance prosecutors will be able to obtain video of the attack taking place.</p>

<p>After his arrest, Scully-Powers told police he stabbed his father approximately 15 times in the back, neck and torso, switching knives because the blades were bending, according to prosecutors.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-man-was-sentenced-to-death-in-nigeria-via-zoom-app-inviting-backlash-297390">A man was sentenced to death in Nigeria via Zoom app, inviting backlash</a></strong></p>

<p>The county medical examiner said Powers sustained multiple stab wounds to his chest and back, with one slash across his neck nearly decapitating him.</p>

<p>The murder took place in the town of Amityville, known in particular for the horror book series bearing its name and related film, which came out in 1979.</p>

<p>"This is a shocking and disturbing case," Suffolk District Attorney Timothy Sini said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"By the defendant's own admissions, he brutally stabbed his own father repeatedly until he was certain he was dead."</p>

<p>When officers arrived at the scene, Scully-Powers jumped from a second-story window, police said, attempting to flee on foot.</p>

<p>He ran to a nearby deli and allegedly began pouring Dr. Pepper soda on himself in a bid to wash off the blood.</p>

<p>Police quickly apprehended him nearby, they said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They also found evidence at the apartment, which Scully-Powers shared with his father, of apparent attempts to clean the scene, including a mop and bucket in the bathroom along with a blood-soaked bed sheet found in a garbage bag.</p>


A Long Island man suspected of fatally stabbing his father on a live Zoom call confessed to the caught-on-camera killing after police found him trying to wash blood off his body with Dr Pepper, prosecutors said on Friday.

A Long Island man suspected of fatally stabbing his father on a live Zoom call confessed to the caught-on-camera killing after police found him trying to wash blood off his body with Dr Pepper, prosecutors said on Friday. Thomas Scully-Powers, 32, was arraigned via video and ordered jailed without bail after pleading not guilty to a murder charge in the attack on Long Island, New York, on Thursday that left 72-year-old Dwight Powers nearly decapitated as horrified call participants scrambled to dial 911. Also read: US church sues Zoom app after 'zoombombing' of bible study session Such virtual meetings have become ubiquitous during the coronavirus pandemic, allowing people to see and talk to each other in groups without the risk of physical proximity. Because many meetings are recorded as they unfold, there’s a chance prosecutors will be able to obtain video of the attack taking place. After his arrest, Scully-Powers told police he stabbed his father approximately 15 times in the back, neck and torso, switching knives because the blades were bending, according to prosecutors. Also read: A man was sentenced to death in Nigeria via Zoom app, inviting backlash The county medical examiner said Powers sustained multiple stab wounds to his chest and back, with one slash across his neck nearly decapitating him. The murder took place in the town of Amityville, known in particular for the horror book series bearing its name and related film, which came out in 1979. "This is a shocking and disturbing case," Suffolk District Attorney Timothy Sini said in a statement. "By the defendant's own admissions, he brutally stabbed his own father repeatedly until he was certain he was dead." When officers arrived at the scene, Scully-Powers jumped from a second-story window, police said, attempting to flee on foot. He ran to a nearby deli and allegedly began pouring Dr. Pepper soda on himself in a bid to wash off the blood. Police quickly apprehended him nearby, they said. They also found evidence at the apartment, which Scully-Powers shared with his father, of apparent attempts to clean the scene, including a mop and bucket in the bathroom along with a blood-soaked bed sheet found in a garbage bag.

New Yorker confesses fatally stabbing dad during Zoom chat

<p>Indonesia&nbsp;is probing how 2.3 million voters' personal information was leaked online, the election commission said Friday.</p>

<p>The data breach, which included names, home addresses and national identification numbers, appeared to be from the 2014 election voter list, according to the General Election Commission.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravediggers-in-indonesia-working-overtime-amid-covid-19-pandemic-299805/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Agency commissioner Viryan Azis said an investigation had been launched into the source of the leak earlier this week.</p>

<p>"We're trying to find the truth about these claims since the data source is clearly not the election commission," he said.</p>

<p>Azis denied the information were scooped from the commission's servers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said the details had previously been shared with political parties under election regulations in the world's third-biggest democracy.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Indonesian e-commerce site Tokopedia said it was probing the alleged data leak of some 91 million user accounts.</p>


Indonesia is probing how 2.3 million voters' personal information was leaked online, the election commission said Friday. The data breach, which included names, home addresses and national identification numbers, appeared to be from the 2014 election voter list, according to the General Election Commission.

Indonesia is probing how 2.3 million voters' personal information was leaked online, the election commission said Friday. The data breach, which included names, home addresses and national identification numbers, appeared to be from the 2014 election voter list, according to the General Election Commission. Agency commissioner Viryan Azis said an investigation had been launched into the source of the leak earlier this week. "We're trying to find the truth about these claims since the data source is clearly not the election commission," he said. Azis denied the information were scooped from the commission's servers. He said the details had previously been shared with political parties under election regulations in the world's third-biggest democracy. Earlier this month, Indonesian e-commerce site Tokopedia said it was probing the alleged data leak of some 91 million user accounts.

Indonesia investigates leak of more than two million voters' personal information

<p>Sweden has revealed&nbsp;that despite adopting more relaxed measures to curb COVID-19, merely&nbsp;7.3 per cent&nbsp;of Stockholm’s inhabitants had developed Covid-19 antibodies by the end of April, according to recent study.</p>

<p>The study carried out by Sweden's Public Health Agency determined the potential 'herd immunity' in the population, based on 1,118 tests carried out in one week.</p>

<p>The research&nbsp;showed&nbsp;the country&nbsp;is well below the 70-90 per cent&nbsp;needed to create herd immunity&nbsp;in a population.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-increase-in-sweden-after-resistance-to-complete-lockdown-295355">Coronavirus cases increase in Sweden after 'resistance' to complete lockdown</a></strong></p>

<p>Herd immunity&nbsp;occurs when a large enough percentage of a population becomes immune to a virus, either through infection or vaccination, thus preventing further spread throughout the group.</p>

<p>In April, officials estimated&nbsp;one third of Stockholm residents&nbsp;would have developed antibodies to the coronavirus by early May, subsequently suggesting that the capital could reach herd immunity of between 40 per cent&nbsp;and 60 per cent&nbsp;by the middle of June.</p>

<p>Sweden’s state epidemiologist, Anders Tegnell,said ''it means either the calculations made by the agency and myself are quite wrong, which is possible, but if that’s the case it’s surprising they are so wrong. Or more people have been infected than developed.antibodies.''</p>

<p>The country&nbsp;has adopted a different strategy to other Nordic nations during the pandemic, choosing to avoid a lockdown and keeping most schools, restaurants, salons and bars open. It did, however, ask people to refrain from making long journeys, placing an emphasis on personal responsibility.</p>

<p>The strategy was criticized by Swedish researchers early on, who said that attempting to create herd immunity had low support. But the authorities denied that achieving herd immunity was their goal.</p>


Sweden has revealed that despite adopting more relaxed measures to curb COVID-19, merely 7.3 per cent of Stockholm’s inhabitants had developed Covid-19 antibodies by the end of April, according to recent study.

Sweden has revealed that despite adopting more relaxed measures to curb COVID-19, merely 7.3 per cent of Stockholm’s inhabitants had developed Covid-19 antibodies by the end of April, according to recent study. The study carried out by Sweden's Public Health Agency determined the potential 'herd immunity' in the population, based on 1,118 tests carried out in one week. The research showed the country is well below the 70-90 per cent needed to create herd immunity in a population. Also read: Coronavirus cases increase in Sweden after 'resistance' to complete lockdown Herd immunity occurs when a large enough percentage of a population becomes immune to a virus, either through infection or vaccination, thus preventing further spread throughout the group. In April, officials estimated one third of Stockholm residents would have developed antibodies to the coronavirus by early May, subsequently suggesting that the capital could reach herd immunity of between 40 per cent and 60 per cent by the middle of June. Sweden’s state epidemiologist, Anders Tegnell,said ''it means either the calculations made by the agency and myself are quite wrong, which is possible, but if that’s the case it’s surprising they are so wrong. Or more people have been infected than developed.antibodies.'' The country has adopted a different strategy to other Nordic nations during the pandemic, choosing to avoid a lockdown and keeping most schools, restaurants, salons and bars open. It did, however, ask people to refrain from making long journeys, placing an emphasis on personal responsibility. The strategy was criticized by Swedish researchers early on, who said that attempting to create herd immunity had low support. But the authorities denied that achieving herd immunity was their goal.

Sweden's 'herd immunity' policy fails; falls short on required antibodies

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