Save&nbsp;the&nbsp;Children&nbsp;on Saturday urged&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;to halt the&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;to Morocco of hundreds of unaccompanied&nbsp;minors&nbsp;who were among thousands of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta three months ago.

The international NGO accused Madrid of failing to protect the rights of the&nbsp;children.

Up to 10,000 migrants flooded across the border in North Africa into Ceuta&nbsp;over&nbsp;several days in May as Moroccan border guards stood aside.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-die-dozens-rescued-as-migrant-boat-capsizes-off-spains-tenerife-373576">Three die, dozens rescued as migrant boat capsizes off Spain's Tenerife</a>&nbsp;

This was widely seen as retaliation for&nbsp;Spain's decision to host Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, which has for decades fought Morocco for the independence of Western Sahara, for medical treatment.

Spain&nbsp;on Friday began sending back more than 700 unaccompanied&nbsp;minors&nbsp;to Morocco.

"Repatriations from Ceuta continue today,"&nbsp;Save&nbsp;the&nbsp;Children&nbsp;posted on Twitter Saturday.

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Hoy continúan las repatriaciomes desde Ceuta. Estamos viendo como sacan a niños desde el pabellón deportivo de Santa Amelia para llevarlos a Marruecos. Pedimos el cese de estas reagrupaciones, España no está garantizando la protección de los menores. <a href="https://t.co/SSuBZH5IqP">pic.twitter.com/SSuBZH5IqP</a>
— Save the Children Es (@SaveChildrenEs) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaveChildrenEs/status/1426458830897045506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The NGO called "for an end" to these. "Spain&nbsp;is not guaranteeing the protection of&nbsp;minors," it said.

The interior ministry has not officially announced the repatriations and was not immediately available when contacted by AFP.

Ione Belarra, leader of the far-left Podemos, the junior member of&nbsp;Spain's ruling coalition, also criticised the transfers in a letter to Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-opens-migrant-camps-in-the-canaries-expecting-fresh-influx-359667">Spain opens migrant camps in the Canaries expecting fresh influx</a>

"We have been informed by&nbsp;children's organisations on the ground that the&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;of&nbsp;minors&nbsp;has begun," she wrote in the letter published in online daily El Confidencial.

She said that the operation might be taking place "without strict observance" of various Spanish and international laws.

Save the Children on Saturday urged Spain to halt the repatriation to Morocco of hundreds of unaccompanied minors who were among thousands of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta three months ago.

Save the Children on Saturday urged Spain to halt the repatriation to Morocco of hundreds of unaccompanied minors who were among thousands of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta three months ago. The international NGO accused Madrid of failing to protect the rights of the children. Up to 10,000 migrants flooded across the border in North Africa into Ceuta over several days in May as Moroccan border guards stood aside. Also read | Three die, dozens rescued as migrant boat capsizes off Spain's Tenerife This was widely seen as retaliation for Spain's decision to host Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, which has for decades fought Morocco for the independence of Western Sahara, for medical treatment. Spain on Friday began sending back more than 700 unaccompanied minors to Morocco. "Repatriations from Ceuta continue today," Save the Children posted on Twitter Saturday. Hoy continúan las repatriaciomes desde Ceuta. Estamos viendo como sacan a niños desde el pabellón deportivo de Santa Amelia para llevarlos a Marruecos. Pedimos el cese de estas reagrupaciones, España no está garantizando la protección de los menores. pic.twitter.com/SSuBZH5IqP — Save the Children Es (@SaveChildrenEs) August 14, 2021 × The NGO called "for an end" to these. "Spain is not guaranteeing the protection of minors," it said. The interior ministry has not officially announced the repatriations and was not immediately available when contacted by AFP. Ione Belarra, leader of the far-left Podemos, the junior member of Spain's ruling coalition, also criticised the transfers in a letter to Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Also read | Spain opens migrant camps in the Canaries expecting fresh influx "We have been informed by children's organisations on the ground that the repatriation of minors has begun," she wrote in the letter published in online daily El Confidencial. She said that the operation might be taking place "without strict observance" of various Spanish and international laws.

Save the Children slams Spain over repatriation of minors

Left-wing British filmmaker&nbsp;Ken&nbsp;Loach&nbsp;said on Saturday that he had been expelled from the Labour Party in a "purge" by leader Keir Starmer.

Veteran socialist&nbsp;Loach, 85, said he had been kicked out after refusing to "disown" other far-left members who have already been ejected.

"Labour HQ finally decided I'm not fit to be a member of their party, as I will not disown those already expelled," he tweeted.

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'I am proud to stand with the good friends and comrades victimised by the purge. There is indeed a witch hunt....' KL
— Ken Loach &amp; Sixteen Films (@KenLoachSixteen) <a href="https://twitter.com/KenLoachSixteen/status/1426478743225315331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Starmer is battling to hold his party together, with supporters of his far-left predecessor Jeremy Corbyn frequently criticising his leadership.

Corbyn's tenure was dogged by incidents of anti-Semitism among the party's more radical members, and Labour last month expelled four associated groups for not being "compatible" with its values.

Loach&nbsp;tweeted that Starmer's "clique" would not succeed.

"I am proud to stand with the good friends and comrades victimised by the purge. There is indeed a witch hunt.

"Starmer and his clique will never lead a party of the people. We are many, they are few," he added.

Loach&nbsp;has explored his socialist ideology through films including "Kes" and "I, Daniel Blake".

Labour MP John McDonnell, the shadow finance minister under Corbyn, called the move a "disgrace".

"To expel such a fine socialist who has done so much to further the cause of socialism is a disgrace," he tweeted.

"Ken's films have exposed the inequalities in our society, have given us hope for change &amp; inspired us to fight back. I send my solidarity to my friend and comrade."

Left-wing British filmmaker Ken Loach said on Saturday that he had been expelled from the Labour Party in a "purge" by leader Keir Starmer. Veteran socialist Loach, 85, said he had been kicked out after refusing to "disown" other far-left members who have already been ejected.

Left-wing British filmmaker Ken Loach said on Saturday that he had been expelled from the Labour Party in a "purge" by leader Keir Starmer. Veteran socialist Loach, 85, said he had been kicked out after refusing to "disown" other far-left members who have already been ejected. "Labour HQ finally decided I'm not fit to be a member of their party, as I will not disown those already expelled," he tweeted. 'I am proud to stand with the good friends and comrades victimised by the purge. There is indeed a witch hunt....' KL — Ken Loach & Sixteen Films (@KenLoachSixteen) August 14, 2021 × Starmer is battling to hold his party together, with supporters of his far-left predecessor Jeremy Corbyn frequently criticising his leadership. Corbyn's tenure was dogged by incidents of anti-Semitism among the party's more radical members, and Labour last month expelled four associated groups for not being "compatible" with its values. Loach tweeted that Starmer's "clique" would not succeed. "I am proud to stand with the good friends and comrades victimised by the purge. There is indeed a witch hunt. "Starmer and his clique will never lead a party of the people. We are many, they are few," he added. Loach has explored his socialist ideology through films including "Kes" and "I, Daniel Blake". Labour MP John McDonnell, the shadow finance minister under Corbyn, called the move a "disgrace". "To expel such a fine socialist who has done so much to further the cause of socialism is a disgrace," he tweeted. "Ken's films have exposed the inequalities in our society, have given us hope for change & inspired us to fight back. I send my solidarity to my friend and comrade."

UK Labour Party kicks out veteran filmmaker Ken Loach

Nicaraguan police on Friday raided the premises of independent newspaper La Prensa, which had branded the government a "dictatorship" after being forced to suspend its print edition.

The publication announced the suspension on Thursday, blaming customs for refusing to release its paper imports.

La Prensa was the only national independent daily newspaper remaining in circulation at a time when the government is accused of repressing opponents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicaraguan-police-raid-la-prensa-newspaper-charge-directors-with-fraud-405266">Nicaraguan police raid La Prensa newspaper, charge directors with fraud</a>

Nicaragua is gearing up for a general election in November but since the beginning of June, authorities have detained 32 opposition figures, including seven with aspirations of challenging President Daniel Ortega, who is seeking a fourth successive term.

According to an official police statement, the newspaper's managers are being investigated for "customs fraud and money laundering."

Police took control of the premises at midday and said the newspaper's warehouses were in "custody."

During the raid, some of the paper's journalists said internet access and electricity were cut off, while officers prevented them from using their mobile telephones in the building.

Pro-government media published photos of La Prensa's warehouses on social media, claiming they had no reason to halt their print version.

"In the warehouses of La Prensa newspaper, there is plenty of paper available so the company can continue printing its newspaper," Canal 4 posted on social media.

However, La Prensa staff said that the amount of paper was not enough to print even one edition.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and its special rapporteur for freedom of expression criticized the raid and condemned the "constant official persecution of the press in Nicaragua."

On Twitter, they said, "direct or indirect pressure aimed at silencing the work of the press affects democratic debate and is incompatible with the right to freedom of expression."

The episode marks the second time the 95-year-old newspaper, a tough critic of the government, has suspended its print edition, having previously done so in 2019 when it similarly accused customs of refusing to release primary materials.

Since Ortega came to power in 2007, at least 20 independent media have disappeared due to confiscations of raw materials and forced closures, according to the Central American nation's business union.

Three years ago, the Nuevo Diario, one of the newspapers, most critical of Ortega, announced it had published its last edition because of a year-long government blockade of its newsprint imports.

Between 2018 and February 2020, customs retained 92 tons of press materials.

Most of the media that have disappeared did so after a violent crackdown in 2018, on&nbsp;anti-government protests that left at least 328 people dead and 2,000 injured, according to rights groups.

Ortega's government faces sanctions from the United States and the European Union, which accuse him of human rights violations and the repression of opposition figures.

For his part, Ortega accuses the opposition of trying to overthrow him with the support of the United States.

Nicaraguan police on Friday raided the premises of independent newspaper La Prensa, which had branded the government a "dictatorship" after being forced to suspend its print edition.

Nicaraguan police on Friday raided the premises of independent newspaper La Prensa, which had branded the government a "dictatorship" after being forced to suspend its print edition. The publication announced the suspension on Thursday, blaming customs for refusing to release its paper imports. La Prensa was the only national independent daily newspaper remaining in circulation at a time when the government is accused of repressing opponents. Also read | Nicaraguan police raid La Prensa newspaper, charge directors with fraud Nicaragua is gearing up for a general election in November but since the beginning of June, authorities have detained 32 opposition figures, including seven with aspirations of challenging President Daniel Ortega, who is seeking a fourth successive term. According to an official police statement, the newspaper's managers are being investigated for "customs fraud and money laundering." Police took control of the premises at midday and said the newspaper's warehouses were in "custody." During the raid, some of the paper's journalists said internet access and electricity were cut off, while officers prevented them from using their mobile telephones in the building. Pro-government media published photos of La Prensa's warehouses on social media, claiming they had no reason to halt their print version. "In the warehouses of La Prensa newspaper, there is plenty of paper available so the company can continue printing its newspaper," Canal 4 posted on social media. However, La Prensa staff said that the amount of paper was not enough to print even one edition. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and its special rapporteur for freedom of expression criticized the raid and condemned the "constant official persecution of the press in Nicaragua." On Twitter, they said, "direct or indirect pressure aimed at silencing the work of the press affects democratic debate and is incompatible with the right to freedom of expression." The episode marks the second time the 95-year-old newspaper, a tough critic of the government, has suspended its print edition, having previously done so in 2019 when it similarly accused customs of refusing to release primary materials. Since Ortega came to power in 2007, at least 20 independent media have disappeared due to confiscations of raw materials and forced closures, according to the Central American nation's business union. Three years ago, the Nuevo Diario, one of the newspapers, most critical of Ortega, announced it had published its last edition because of a year-long government blockade of its newsprint imports. Between 2018 and February 2020, customs retained 92 tons of press materials. Most of the media that have disappeared did so after a violent crackdown in 2018, on anti-government protests that left at least 328 people dead and 2,000 injured, according to rights groups. Ortega's government faces sanctions from the United States and the European Union, which accuse him of human rights violations and the repression of opposition figures. For his part, Ortega accuses the opposition of trying to overthrow him with the support of the United States.

Police raid Nicaragua paper that branded govt a 'dictatorship'

One day in March 2020, Rosemary Bily suddenly grew so tired she could barely get out of bed. “She slept a lot,” said her son-in-law Rich Lamanno. “She was wiped out for most of a month.” Bily, now 86, also developed nausea and diarrhoea, along with a slight cough, and subsisted mostly on Tylenol and Gatorade.

A few days later her husband, Eugene Bily, 90, started coughing and became lethargic as well.

Had it not been for a family gathering a few days earlier, the Bilys’ children would not have suspected the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>. They might have blamed the flu, or simply advancing age. “What we heard on TV was ‘high fever, can’t breathe — and they had neither,” Lamanno recalled.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-come-together-to-help-elderly-amid-coronavirus-mayhem-report-288519">People come together to help elderly amid coronavirus mayhem: Report</a>

But about a dozen guests had gathered at a restaurant in Rockville Centre, Long Island, earlier that month to celebrate a niece’s birthday, and one by one most of them fell ill with COVID, including Lamanno and his wife.

As the symptoms spread, doctors told the worried family that the Bilys most likely had COVID-19. Because tests were in short supply at the time, neither was tested; the family also feared taking them to overflowing local hospitals. But subsequent antibody tests confirmed that Eugene and Rosemary Bily, who live in Oceanside, New York, had contracted and survived the virus.

The population older than 65, most vulnerable to the virus’ effects, got an early start on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID vaccination</a> and has the highest rate in the country — more than 80 per cent are fully vaccinated. But with infections increasing once more, and hospitalization rising among older adults, a large-scale new study in the Journals of Gerontology provides a timely warning: COVID can look different in older patients.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-elderly-affected-with-coronavirus-have-other-fears-too-293374">Belgium: Elderly affected with coronavirus have other fears too</a>

“People expect fever, cough, shortness of breath,” said Allison Marziliano, lead author of the study. She is a social and health psychologist at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, part of the large Northwell Health system across New York state.

But when the researchers combed through the electronic health records of nearly 5,000 people, all older than 65, who were hospitalized for COVID at a dozen Northwell hospitals in March and April 2020, they found that one-third had arrived with other symptoms, unexpected ones.

The team, searching through records using language software, found that about one-quarter of older patients reported a functional decline. “This was falls, fatigue, weakness, difficulty walking or getting out of bed,” Marziliano said.

Eleven per cent experienced altered mental status — “confusion, agitation, forgetfulness, lethargy,” she said. About half the group with atypical symptoms also suffered from at least one of the classic COVID problems — fever, trouble breathing, coughing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-issues-guidelines-on-vaccinating-elderly-differently-abled-near-home-387884">Government issues guidelines on vaccinating elderly, differently-abled near home</a>

“Clinicians should know, older adults should know, their caregivers should know: If you see certain atypical symptoms, it could be COVID,” Marziliano said.

The rate of atypical symptoms rose significantly with age, affecting about 31 per cent of those 65 to 74, but more than 44 per cent of those older than 85. These symptoms occurred more commonly in women, in Black patients (but not in Hispanics) and in those who had other chronic diseases, particularly diabetes or dementia.

Because people in the atypical group were less likely to experience breathing problems and require ventilation, they were less likely to need intensive care. But both groups spent about 10 days in the hospital, and roughly one-third of each group died.

“These people were in the hospital for as long,” Marziliano said. “Their mortality rate was as high. So this shouldn’t be dismissed.”

The research mirrors findings from other, smaller studies of older people conducted early in the pandemic in the United States and Europe. During a COVID outbreak in a nursing home in Providence, Rhode Island, for instance, a Brown University study found that the most common symptom was the loss of appetite, followed by lethargy, diarrhoea and fatigue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-coffee-reduces-risk-of-contracting-coronavirus-study-397490">Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting coronavirus: Study</a>

“We’re not necessarily surprised by this,” said Dr Maria Carney, a geriatrician and an author of the Northwell study. “Older adults don’t always present like other adults. They may not mount a fever. Their metabolisms are different.”

Younger diabetics, for instance, may become sweaty and experience palpitations if their blood sugar falls, Carney explained. An older person with low blood sugar could faint without warning. Older people who suffer from depression may have appetite loss or insomnia but not necessarily feel sad.

In May 2020, Carney heard from a daughter worried about her mother, who was in her 80s and had suddenly grown weaker. “She didn’t have fever or a cough, but she was just not herself,” Carney recalled. Doctors at a local emergency room had diagnosed a urinary tract infection and prescribed antibiotics, the daughter reported. But five days later, her mother’s condition was worsening. “She needs a COVID test,” Carney advised.

Diagnosing COVID quickly in older patients can make a world of difference. “We have things to offer now that we didn’t have in the first wave,” said Dr Eleftherios Mylonakis, chief of infectious diseases at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, who led the Providence nursing home study. “We have better understanding, more treatments, better support.”

Among the improvements: using anticoagulant drugs to prevent clotting and using monoclonal antibodies (the treatment that former President Donald Trump received at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland) that strengthen the immune system. But, Mylonakis added, “It’s paramount to start any kind of treatment early.”

With widespread vaccination, the symptoms of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> in older adults may become even more subtle. Fevers are easy to measure, and difficulty breathing will send anyone to an emergency room, Carney pointed out, whereas “we don’t necessarily notice if someone has stopped eating.”

Her counsel, for older patients and their caregivers and doctors, is to stay alert for changes that occur quickly, over a matter of days. “When there’s a change in behavior, physical or cognitive, it may not look like an infection, but keep COVID at the top of your list,” she said.

The woman with the worried daughter had indeed contracted the virus; she died in a hospital.

But the Bilys pulled through and still live in their Oceanside split-level home. Eugene Bily contended with many health problems even before the pandemic. In the past 18 months, he underwent two hip surgeries and several other hospitalizations. In June, he began receiving home hospice care.

Rosemary Bily, however, has fully recovered from the virus. At 86, she drives to the supermarket and the drugstore visits her hair salon weekly, keeps in touch with family via iPad and smartphone and helps care for her granddaughters.

“She’s doing well,” Lamanno said. “She has resumed her normal life.”

One day in March 2020, Rosemary Bily suddenly grew so tired she could barely get out of bed. “She slept a lot,” said her son-in-law Rich Lamanno. “She was wiped out for most of a month.

One day in March 2020, Rosemary Bily suddenly grew so tired she could barely get out of bed. “She slept a lot,” said her son-in-law Rich Lamanno. “She was wiped out for most of a month.” Bily, now 86, also developed nausea and diarrhoea, along with a slight cough, and subsisted mostly on Tylenol and Gatorade. A few days later her husband, Eugene Bily, 90, started coughing and became lethargic as well. Had it not been for a family gathering a few days earlier, the Bilys’ children would not have suspected the new coronavirus. They might have blamed the flu, or simply advancing age. “What we heard on TV was ‘high fever, can’t breathe — and they had neither,” Lamanno recalled. Also read | People come together to help elderly amid coronavirus mayhem: Report But about a dozen guests had gathered at a restaurant in Rockville Centre, Long Island, earlier that month to celebrate a niece’s birthday, and one by one most of them fell ill with COVID, including Lamanno and his wife. As the symptoms spread, doctors told the worried family that the Bilys most likely had COVID-19. Because tests were in short supply at the time, neither was tested; the family also feared taking them to overflowing local hospitals. But subsequent antibody tests confirmed that Eugene and Rosemary Bily, who live in Oceanside, New York, had contracted and survived the virus. The population older than 65, most vulnerable to the virus’ effects, got an early start on COVID vaccination and has the highest rate in the country — more than 80 per cent are fully vaccinated. But with infections increasing once more, and hospitalization rising among older adults, a large-scale new study in the Journals of Gerontology provides a timely warning: COVID can look different in older patients. Also read | Belgium: Elderly affected with coronavirus have other fears too “People expect fever, cough, shortness of breath,” said Allison Marziliano, lead author of the study. She is a social and health psychologist at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, part of the large Northwell Health system across New York state. But when the researchers combed through the electronic health records of nearly 5,000 people, all older than 65, who were hospitalized for COVID at a dozen Northwell hospitals in March and April 2020, they found that one-third had arrived with other symptoms, unexpected ones. The team, searching through records using language software, found that about one-quarter of older patients reported a functional decline. “This was falls, fatigue, weakness, difficulty walking or getting out of bed,” Marziliano said. Eleven per cent experienced altered mental status — “confusion, agitation, forgetfulness, lethargy,” she said. About half the group with atypical symptoms also suffered from at least one of the classic COVID problems — fever, trouble breathing, coughing. Also read | Government issues guidelines on vaccinating elderly, differently-abled near home “Clinicians should know, older adults should know, their caregivers should know: If you see certain atypical symptoms, it could be COVID,” Marziliano said. The rate of atypical symptoms rose significantly with age, affecting about 31 per cent of those 65 to 74, but more than 44 per cent of those older than 85. These symptoms occurred more commonly in women, in Black patients (but not in Hispanics) and in those who had other chronic diseases, particularly diabetes or dementia. Because people in the atypical group were less likely to experience breathing problems and require ventilation, they were less likely to need intensive care. But both groups spent about 10 days in the hospital, and roughly one-third of each group died. “These people were in the hospital for as long,” Marziliano said. “Their mortality rate was as high. So this shouldn’t be dismissed.” The research mirrors findings from other, smaller studies of older people conducted early in the pandemic in the United States and Europe. During a COVID outbreak in a nursing home in Providence, Rhode Island, for instance, a Brown University study found that the most common symptom was the loss of appetite, followed by lethargy, diarrhoea and fatigue. Also read | Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting coronavirus: Study “We’re not necessarily surprised by this,” said Dr Maria Carney, a geriatrician and an author of the Northwell study. “Older adults don’t always present like other adults. They may not mount a fever. Their metabolisms are different.” Younger diabetics, for instance, may become sweaty and experience palpitations if their blood sugar falls, Carney explained. An older person with low blood sugar could faint without warning. Older people who suffer from depression may have appetite loss or insomnia but not necessarily feel sad. In May 2020, Carney heard from a daughter worried about her mother, who was in her 80s and had suddenly grown weaker. “She didn’t have fever or a cough, but she was just not herself,” Carney recalled. Doctors at a local emergency room had diagnosed a urinary tract infection and prescribed antibiotics, the daughter reported. But five days later, her mother’s condition was worsening. “She needs a COVID test,” Carney advised. Diagnosing COVID quickly in older patients can make a world of difference. “We have things to offer now that we didn’t have in the first wave,” said Dr Eleftherios Mylonakis, chief of infectious diseases at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, who led the Providence nursing home study. “We have better understanding, more treatments, better support.” Among the improvements: using anticoagulant drugs to prevent clotting and using monoclonal antibodies (the treatment that former President Donald Trump received at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland) that strengthen the immune system. But, Mylonakis added, “It’s paramount to start any kind of treatment early.” With widespread vaccination, the symptoms of COVID-19 in older adults may become even more subtle. Fevers are easy to measure, and difficulty breathing will send anyone to an emergency room, Carney pointed out, whereas “we don’t necessarily notice if someone has stopped eating.” Her counsel, for older patients and their caregivers and doctors, is to stay alert for changes that occur quickly, over a matter of days. “When there’s a change in behavior, physical or cognitive, it may not look like an infection, but keep COVID at the top of your list,” she said. The woman with the worried daughter had indeed contracted the virus; she died in a hospital. But the Bilys pulled through and still live in their Oceanside split-level home. Eugene Bily contended with many health problems even before the pandemic. In the past 18 months, he underwent two hip surgeries and several other hospitalizations. In June, he began receiving home hospice care. Rosemary Bily, however, has fully recovered from the virus. At 86, she drives to the supermarket and the drugstore visits her hair salon weekly, keeps in touch with family via iPad and smartphone and helps care for her granddaughters. “She’s doing well,” Lamanno said. “She has resumed her normal life.”

For seniors especially, Covid can be stealthy

The&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;government will adjust foreign worker policies to address concerns among locals over competition for jobs, even as the global business hub remains open to talent from overseas, its prime minister said on Sunday.

"We have to adjust our policies to manage the quality, numbers and concentrations of foreigners in&nbsp;Singapore," Lee Hsien Loong said in his National Day Message. "If we do this well, we can continue to welcome foreign workers and new immigrants, as we must.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-to-ease-some-covid-19-curbs-as-vaccination-rate-soars-403577">Singapore to ease some COVID-19 curbs as vaccination rate soars</a>

Foreign labour has long been a hot button issue in&nbsp;Singapore, but uncertainties due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 pandemic</a> have increased employment worries among locals as the city-state recovers from last year's record recession.

The issue was also highlighted by opposition parties during last year's general election campaign as they mounted a historic challenge to Lee's People's Action Party, which has ruled&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;since its independence in 1965.

Just under 30 per cent of&nbsp;Singapore's 5.7 million population are non-residents, up from around 10 per cent in 1990, according to government statistics.

Lee warned that turning inwards would damage&nbsp;Singapore's standing as a global and regional hub. "It would cost us jobs and opportunities."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/neither-side-can-put-the-other-one-down-singapore-pm-on-us-china-rivalry-402709">'Neither side can put the other one down': Singapore PM on US-China rivalry</a>

His government has been tightening foreign worker policies for several years while taking steps to promote local hiring, including by raising the salary threshold for issuing work permits.

The number of people living in&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;declined 0.3 per cent last year, the first drop since 2003, as travel curbs and job losses brought about by the pandemic pushed foreign workers from the country.

The Singapore government will adjust foreign worker policies to address concerns among locals over competition for jobs, even as the global business hub remains open to talent from overseas, its prime minister said on Sunday.

The Singapore government will adjust foreign worker policies to address concerns among locals over competition for jobs, even as the global business hub remains open to talent from overseas, its prime minister said on Sunday. "We have to adjust our policies to manage the quality, numbers and concentrations of foreigners in Singapore," Lee Hsien Loong said in his National Day Message. "If we do this well, we can continue to welcome foreign workers and new immigrants, as we must. Also read | Singapore to ease some COVID-19 curbs as vaccination rate soars Foreign labour has long been a hot button issue in Singapore, but uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic have increased employment worries among locals as the city-state recovers from last year's record recession. The issue was also highlighted by opposition parties during last year's general election campaign as they mounted a historic challenge to Lee's People's Action Party, which has ruled Singapore since its independence in 1965. Just under 30 per cent of Singapore's 5.7 million population are non-residents, up from around 10 per cent in 1990, according to government statistics. Lee warned that turning inwards would damage Singapore's standing as a global and regional hub. "It would cost us jobs and opportunities." Also read | 'Neither side can put the other one down': Singapore PM on US-China rivalry His government has been tightening foreign worker policies for several years while taking steps to promote local hiring, including by raising the salary threshold for issuing work permits. The number of people living in Singapore declined 0.3 per cent last year, the first drop since 2003, as travel curbs and job losses brought about by the pandemic pushed foreign workers from the country.

Singapore to tweak foreign worker policies amid local job concerns

According to World Health Organization (WHO) expert Maria Van Kerkhove, the organisation is in the process of exploring new names for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> variants. Currently, the WHO is using the Greek alphabet, of the 24 letters it offers, 11 have already been taken up. Expressing concern, she said that new variants of Covid may appear which might be able to avoid the existing&nbsp;vaccines. Reportedly, WHO is considering naming future variants after constellations.

In other news, according to former US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a> onetime press secretary Sean Spicer, in spite of losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, Donald Trump will run for the US 2024 Election. He says that even though he was earlier not certain that Trump will run again, convincing him not to run for the post of President would be almost impossible.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/constellation-names-for-new-covid-variants-that-could-evade-vaccines-who-404058">Constellation names for new Covid variants that could evade vaccines: WHO</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/02/05/127467-untitled-design.jpg" />An expert at the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that new variants of Coronavirus might emerge, which could cause the vaccines to no longer work.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-run-for-us-presidential-election-2024-sean-spicer-claims-403990">Donald Trump to run for US Presidential election 2024, Sean Spicer claims</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/01/200675-trump1.jpg" />Even though he lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, Donald Trump will run for the US elections in 2024.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-averages-100000-covid-19-cases-as-delta-variant-surges-florida-worst-hit-403955">US averages 100,000 COVID-19 cases as Delta variant surges; Florida worst-hit</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/28/204210-k1.jpg" />

The US recorded 100,000 new Coronavirus cases each day for the past 7 days with Florida reporting 20,000 cases of Delta variant during this period as hospitalizations of minors increased substantially.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-compensates-families-of-covid-19-health-worker-victims-404057">Saudi compensates families of COVID-19 health worker victims</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/03/17/133348-untitled-design.jpg" />Since Saudi Arabia announced last year that each family would receive $133,000 after a health worker died of the Coronavirus, it has now begun compensating their families.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-about-citizenship-macron-urges-french-locals-to-get-vaccinated-soon-404028">'It’s about citizenship': Macron urges French locals to get vaccinated soon</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/08/08/205768-vaccine-passport.jpg" />In France, protesters took to the streets in response to President Macron's idea of a vaccination passport. Despite this, Macron has his sights set on vaccine passports and has appealed to citizens to band together to protect themselves and each other.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cambodia-begins-booster-shots-to-fight-covid-19-404020">Cambodia begins booster shots to fight COVID-19</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/17/198819-corbevax.JPG" />Cambodia has begun offering a third dose of COVID-19 booster shots on Sunday, switching between the AstraZeneca and Chinese versions of the vaccine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-opens-umrah-pilgrimage-to-vaccinated-worshipers-from-abroad-report-403986">Saudi Arabia opens Umrah pilgrimage to vaccinated worshipers from abroad: Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/11/02/167860-untitled-design-11.jpg" />Beginning August 9, Saudi Arabia will take on vaccinated Umrah pilgrimage requests from abroad following a year and a half of not receiving them due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/upcoming-un-climate-report-presents-starkest-warning-yet-403984">Upcoming UN climate report presents 'starkest warning yet'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/03/01/184952-pjimage-8.jpg" />Alok Sharma, COP26 president from the United Kingdom, described a forthcoming UN report on climate change as offering the international community its strongest warning about accelerating climate change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/victoria-to-make-astrazeneca-available-to-people-under-40s-404053">Victoria to make AstraZeneca available to people under 40s</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/06/197442-oof.jpg" />The Victorian government has decided to provide the AstraZeneca vaccine to under-40s at its state-run vaccine clinics.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-condemns-zimbabwe-child-marriages-after-14-year-old-girl-dies-giving-birth-404019">UN condemns Zimbabwe child marriages after 14 year old girl dies giving birth</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/08/08/205755-untitled-design-2021-08-08t170143945.jpg" />Child marriage in Zimbabwe has been condemned by the UN after 14-year-old girl died after giving birth in a church shrine. The death of the girl has caused outrage among citizens and human rights activists alike.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) expert Maria Van Kerkhove, the organisation is in the process of exploring new names for coronavirus variants. Currently, the WHO is using the Greek alphabet, of the 24 letters it offers, 11 have already been taken up.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) expert Maria Van Kerkhove, the organisation is in the process of exploring new names for coronavirus variants. Currently, the WHO is using the Greek alphabet, of the 24 letters it offers, 11 have already been taken up. Expressing concern, she said that new variants of Covid may appear which might be able to avoid the existing vaccines. Reportedly, WHO is considering naming future variants after constellations. In other news, according to former US President Donald Trump's onetime press secretary Sean Spicer, in spite of losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, Donald Trump will run for the US 2024 Election. He says that even though he was earlier not certain that Trump will run again, convincing him not to run for the post of President would be almost impossible. Click on headlines to read more Constellation names for new Covid variants that could evade vaccines: WHO An expert at the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that new variants of Coronavirus might emerge, which could cause the vaccines to no longer work. Donald Trump to run for US Presidential election 2024, Sean Spicer claims Even though he lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, Donald Trump will run for the US elections in 2024. US averages 100,000 COVID-19 cases as Delta variant surges; Florida worst-hit The US recorded 100,000 new Coronavirus cases each day for the past 7 days with Florida reporting 20,000 cases of Delta variant during this period as hospitalizations of minors increased substantially. Saudi compensates families of COVID-19 health worker victims Since Saudi Arabia announced last year that each family would receive $133,000 after a health worker died of the Coronavirus, it has now begun compensating their families. 'It’s about citizenship': Macron urges French locals to get vaccinated soon In France, protesters took to the streets in response to President Macron's idea of a vaccination passport. Despite this, Macron has his sights set on vaccine passports and has appealed to citizens to band together to protect themselves and each other. Cambodia begins booster shots to fight COVID-19 Cambodia has begun offering a third dose of COVID-19 booster shots on Sunday, switching between the AstraZeneca and Chinese versions of the vaccine. Saudi Arabia opens Umrah pilgrimage to vaccinated worshipers from abroad: Report Beginning August 9, Saudi Arabia will take on vaccinated Umrah pilgrimage requests from abroad following a year and a half of not receiving them due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Upcoming UN climate report presents 'starkest warning yet' Alok Sharma, COP26 president from the United Kingdom, described a forthcoming UN report on climate change as offering the international community its strongest warning about accelerating climate change. Victoria to make AstraZeneca available to people under 40s The Victorian government has decided to provide the AstraZeneca vaccine to under-40s at its state-run vaccine clinics. UN condemns Zimbabwe child marriages after 14 year old girl dies giving birth Child marriage in Zimbabwe has been condemned by the UN after 14-year-old girl died after giving birth in a church shrine. The death of the girl has caused outrage among citizens and human rights activists alike.

Top 10 news: New Covid variant names, Trump's plans for 2024 elections & more

British COP26 president Alok Sharma described a forthcoming UN report about climate change in stark terms; as&nbsp;offering the international community&nbsp;its clearest warning about the risks of accelerating climate change.

An Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report to be released on Monday will show that the world is on the brink of a disaster, the chief for the November summit in Glasgow told the Observer newspaper.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-vital-signs-are-worsening-due-to-climate-change-scientists-warn-401135">Earth's 'vital signs' are worsening due to climate change, scientists warn</a>

"This is going to be the starkest warning yet that human behaviour is alarmingly accelerating global warming and this is why COP26 has to be the moment we get this right," Sharma said.

Two years, five years, ten years won't suffice, this is the time, he explained, adding that without countries taking action now, time will soon run out.

As Britain strives to galvanise international action on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">climate change</a>, Sharma was forced to defend the country's own fossil-fuel projects, which include plans to license new oil and gas fields in the North Sea.

"Future (fossil fuel) licences are going to have to adhere to the fact we have committed to go to net zero by 2050 in legislation," the COP26 president said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/our-response-to-climate-change-is-missing-something-big-scientists-say-390706">Our response to climate change is missing something big, scientists say</a>

"There will be a climate check on any licences," he added.

Paris-based watchdog International Energy Agency (IAE) has warned that fossil fuel exploration and development must cease this year in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius.

In recent weeks there have been a number of natural disasters, including floods and fires around the world, including in Europe and Asia. Sharma said these issues have drawn attention to the issue of global warming.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heres-an-idea-to-reverse-climate-change-alter-the-orbit-of-the-moon-390689">Here's an idea to reverse climate change: Alter the orbit of the Moon</a>

"We're seeing the impacts across the world," Sharma said. "Every day you will see a new high being recorded in one way or another across the world," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

British COP26 president Alok Sharma described a forthcoming UN report about climate change in stark terms; as offering the international community its clearest warning about the risks of accelerating climate change.

British COP26 president Alok Sharma described a forthcoming UN report about climate change in stark terms; as offering the international community its clearest warning about the risks of accelerating climate change. An Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report to be released on Monday will show that the world is on the brink of a disaster, the chief for the November summit in Glasgow told the Observer newspaper. Also read | Earth's 'vital signs' are worsening due to climate change, scientists warn "This is going to be the starkest warning yet that human behaviour is alarmingly accelerating global warming and this is why COP26 has to be the moment we get this right," Sharma said. Two years, five years, ten years won't suffice, this is the time, he explained, adding that without countries taking action now, time will soon run out. As Britain strives to galvanise international action on climate change, Sharma was forced to defend the country's own fossil-fuel projects, which include plans to license new oil and gas fields in the North Sea. "Future (fossil fuel) licences are going to have to adhere to the fact we have committed to go to net zero by 2050 in legislation," the COP26 president said. Also read | Our response to climate change is missing something big, scientists say "There will be a climate check on any licences," he added. Paris-based watchdog International Energy Agency (IAE) has warned that fossil fuel exploration and development must cease this year in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius. In recent weeks there have been a number of natural disasters, including floods and fires around the world, including in Europe and Asia. Sharma said these issues have drawn attention to the issue of global warming. Also read | Here's an idea to reverse climate change: Alter the orbit of the Moon "We're seeing the impacts across the world," Sharma said. "Every day you will see a new high being recorded in one way or another across the world," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Upcoming UN climate report presents 'starkest warning yet'

The Taliban tightened the noose over northern Afghanistan Sunday, capturing two more provincial capitals as they take their fight to the cities after seizing much of the countryside in recent months.

The insurgents have snatched up four provincial capitals in Afghanistan since Friday in a lightning offensive that appears to have overwhelmed government forces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-why-us-strategy-in-afghanistan-failed-against-taliban-pakistan-nexus-403844">Opinion | Why US strategy in Afghanistan failed against Taliban-Pakistan nexus?</a>

Kunduz and Sar-e-Pul in the north fell within hours of each other Sunday, lawmakers and residents in the cities confirmed, but not without fierce fighting.

Pro-Taliban social media accounts claimed the insurgents were also close to overrunning the provincial capital of Taloqan.

In Kunduz, one resident described the city as being enveloped in "total chaos".

"After some fierce fighting, the mujahideen, with the grace of God, captured the capital of Kunduz," the Taliban said in a statement.

"The mujahideen also captured Sar-e-Pul city, the government buildings and all the installations there."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-captures-key-installations-in-kunduz-heavy-fighting-underway-in-herat-kandahar-403938">Taliban captures key installations in Kunduz, heavy fighting underway in Herat, Kandahar</a>

Parwina Azimi, a women's rights activist in Sar-e-Pul, told AFP by phone that government officials and the remaining forces had retreated to an army barracks about three kilometres (two miles) from the city.

The Taliban had the compound "surrounded", said Mohammad Hussein Mujahidzada, a member of the provincial council.

Perennial target

Kunduz is the most significant Taliban gain since the insurgents launched an offensive in May as foreign forces began the final stages of their withdrawal.&nbsp;

It has been a perennial target for the Taliban, who briefly overran the city in 2015 and again in 2016 but never managed to hold it for long.&nbsp;

The ministry of defence said government forces were fighting to retake key installations.

"The commando forces have launched a clearing operation. Some areas, including the national radio and TV buildings, have been cleared of the terrorist Taliban," it said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-taliban-claims-to-capture-urban-parts-in-kunduz-403956/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kabul's ability to hold the north may prove crucial to the government's long-term survival.

Northern Afghanistan has long been considered an anti-Taliban stronghold that saw some of the stiffest resistance to militant rule in the 1990s.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-taliban-held-nimroz-public-property-gets-looted-403846">In Taliban-held Nimroz, public property gets ‘looted’</a>

The region remains home to several militias and is also a fertile recruiting ground for the country's armed forces.&nbsp;

"The capture of Kunduz is quite significant because it will free up a large number of Taliban forces who might then be mobilised in other parts of the north," said Ibraheem Thurial, a consultant for International Crisis Group.

Vivid footage of the fighting was posted on social media over the weekend, including what appeared to be large numbers of prisoners being freed from jails in captured cities.

The Taliban frequently target prisons to release incarcerated fighters to replenish their ranks.

On Friday, the insurgents seized their first provincial capital, Zaranj in southwestern Nimroz on the border with Iran, and followed it up by taking&nbsp;Sheberghan&nbsp;in northern Jawzjan province the next day.

US airstrikes&nbsp;

Fighting was also reported on the outskirts of Herat in the west, and Lashkar Gah and Kandahar in the south.

The pace of Taliban advances has caught government forces flatfooted, but they won some respite late Saturday after US warplanes bombed Taliban positions in&nbsp;Sheberghan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-orders-b-52-bombers-spectre-gunships-to-target-taliban-says-report-403840">US orders B-52 bombers, Spectre gunships to target Taliban, says report</a> &nbsp;

"US forces have conducted several air strikes in defence of our Afghan partners in recent days," Major Nicole Ferrara, a Central Command spokesperson, told AFP in Washington.

Sheberghan&nbsp;is the stronghold of notorious Afghan warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum, whose militiamen and government forces were reportedly retreating east to Mazar-i-Sharif in Balkh province.

Dostum has overseen one of the largest militias in the north and garnered a fearsome reputation fighting the Taliban in the 1990s -- along with accusations his forces massacred thousands of insurgent prisoners of war.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-international-community-worries-for-afghans-404044/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A retreat of his fighters dents the government's recent hopes that militias could help the overstretched military.

The government has said little about the fall of the provincial capitals, other than vowing to retake them.

That has been a familiar response to most Taliban gains in recent weeks, although government forces have largely failed to make good on promises to retake dozens of districts and border posts.

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have been displaced by the recent fighting, and on Saturday, 12 people were killed when their bus was struck by a roadside bomb as they tried to flee Gardez in Paktia province.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-violence-in-herat-city-prompt-mass-evacuation-403959/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I lost my mother, father, two brothers, two sisters-in-law and other members of the family," said Noor Jan.

The withdrawal of foreign forces is due to finish at the end of this month ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The US-led invasion sparked by 9/11 toppled the first Taliban regime in 2001.

The Taliban tightened the noose over northern Afghanistan Sunday, capturing two more provincial capitals as they take their fight to the cities after seizing much of the countryside in recent months.

The Taliban tightened the noose over northern Afghanistan Sunday, capturing two more provincial capitals as they take their fight to the cities after seizing much of the countryside in recent months. The insurgents have snatched up four provincial capitals in Afghanistan since Friday in a lightning offensive that appears to have overwhelmed government forces. Also read | Opinion | Why US strategy in Afghanistan failed against Taliban-Pakistan nexus? Kunduz and Sar-e-Pul in the north fell within hours of each other Sunday, lawmakers and residents in the cities confirmed, but not without fierce fighting. Pro-Taliban social media accounts claimed the insurgents were also close to overrunning the provincial capital of Taloqan. In Kunduz, one resident described the city as being enveloped in "total chaos". "After some fierce fighting, the mujahideen, with the grace of God, captured the capital of Kunduz," the Taliban said in a statement. "The mujahideen also captured Sar-e-Pul city, the government buildings and all the installations there." Also read | Taliban captures key installations in Kunduz, heavy fighting underway in Herat, Kandahar Parwina Azimi, a women's rights activist in Sar-e-Pul, told AFP by phone that government officials and the remaining forces had retreated to an army barracks about three kilometres (two miles) from the city. The Taliban had the compound "surrounded", said Mohammad Hussein Mujahidzada, a member of the provincial council. Perennial target Kunduz is the most significant Taliban gain since the insurgents launched an offensive in May as foreign forces began the final stages of their withdrawal. It has been a perennial target for the Taliban, who briefly overran the city in 2015 and again in 2016 but never managed to hold it for long. The ministry of defence said government forces were fighting to retake key installations. "The commando forces have launched a clearing operation. Some areas, including the national radio and TV buildings, have been cleared of the terrorist Taliban," it said. Kabul's ability to hold the north may prove crucial to the government's long-term survival. Northern Afghanistan has long been considered an anti-Taliban stronghold that saw some of the stiffest resistance to militant rule in the 1990s. Also read | In Taliban-held Nimroz, public property gets ‘looted’ The region remains home to several militias and is also a fertile recruiting ground for the country's armed forces. "The capture of Kunduz is quite significant because it will free up a large number of Taliban forces who might then be mobilised in other parts of the north," said Ibraheem Thurial, a consultant for International Crisis Group. Vivid footage of the fighting was posted on social media over the weekend, including what appeared to be large numbers of prisoners being freed from jails in captured cities. The Taliban frequently target prisons to release incarcerated fighters to replenish their ranks. On Friday, the insurgents seized their first provincial capital, Zaranj in southwestern Nimroz on the border with Iran, and followed it up by taking Sheberghan in northern Jawzjan province the next day. US airstrikes Fighting was also reported on the outskirts of Herat in the west, and Lashkar Gah and Kandahar in the south. The pace of Taliban advances has caught government forces flatfooted, but they won some respite late Saturday after US warplanes bombed Taliban positions in Sheberghan. Also read | US orders B-52 bombers, Spectre gunships to target Taliban, says report "US forces have conducted several air strikes in defence of our Afghan partners in recent days," Major Nicole Ferrara, a Central Command spokesperson, told AFP in Washington. Sheberghan is the stronghold of notorious Afghan warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum, whose militiamen and government forces were reportedly retreating east to Mazar-i-Sharif in Balkh province. Dostum has overseen one of the largest militias in the north and garnered a fearsome reputation fighting the Taliban in the 1990s -- along with accusations his forces massacred thousands of insurgent prisoners of war. A retreat of his fighters dents the government's recent hopes that militias could help the overstretched military. The government has said little about the fall of the provincial capitals, other than vowing to retake them. That has been a familiar response to most Taliban gains in recent weeks, although government forces have largely failed to make good on promises to retake dozens of districts and border posts. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have been displaced by the recent fighting, and on Saturday, 12 people were killed when their bus was struck by a roadside bomb as they tried to flee Gardez in Paktia province. "I lost my mother, father, two brothers, two sisters-in-law and other members of the family," said Noor Jan. The withdrawal of foreign forces is due to finish at the end of this month ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The US-led invasion sparked by 9/11 toppled the first Taliban regime in 2001.

Taliban seize two more Afghan provincial capitals in northern blitz

Myanmar protesters on Sunday marked the anniversary of a 1988 pro-democracy uprising that brought Aung San Suu Kyi to prominence, with flash mobs and marches of defiance against the ruling junta.

The country has been in turmoil since the generals launched their February putsch and subsequent crackdown on dissent that has killed more than 900 people, according to a local monitoring group.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asean-envoy-to-myanmar-calls-for-full-access-to-all-parties-403749">ASEAN envoy to Myanmar calls for full access to all parties</a>

But protesters remain undeterred, taking to the streets daily in lightning-quick rallies to demand the end to the State Administration Council -- as the junta's so-called "caretaker" government has dubbed itself.

On Sunday, flash mobs popped up across Yangon and second city Mandalay to commemorate the 1988 uprising -- a massive pro-democracy movement which the military violently quelled by opening fire on protesters and jailing thousands.

Following the calls of an online campaign, red-clad protesters on Sunday flashed an eight-finger salute and carried banners that read "Let's return the old blood debt of 1988 in 2021."

"In 1988, our country sacrificed a lot -- many people lost their lives. But the dictatorship is still alive," said Ko Sai Win, who joined a morning protest in Mandalay.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-says-plot-against-myanmar-un-envoy-fits-disturbing-pattern-403812">US says plot against Myanmar UN envoy fits 'disturbing pattern'</a>

"It is like a black shadow on our country."

The 1988 uprising heralded the rise of Suu Kyi, who had returned to Myanmar just before protests kicked off to care for her ailing mother.

Thanks to her stature as the daughter of General Aung San, who fought for independence against the British, and her rousing speeches, Suu Kyi emerged as a pro-democracy icon, later receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

A shadow "National Unity Government" -- formed largely of MPs from her ousted party -- vowed in a statement Sunday to continue the fight for democracy.

British ambassador to Myanmar Pete&nbsp;Vowles also voiced support for the anti-junta movement.

"The UK stood by the people of Myanmar in 1988 and we stand by them today in 2021," he said in a video posted on the British embassy's official Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today we remember the 33rd anniversary of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/8888uprising?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#8888uprising</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Myanmar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Myanmar</a> - a nationwide pro-democracy movement, which began 🇲🇲 transition from military rule to democracy. 
Hear from our ambassador, <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteVowles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PeteVowles</a> here. <a href="https://t.co/bzzCZVHH1I">pic.twitter.com/bzzCZVHH1I</a>
— UK in Myanmar 🇬🇧 (@ukinmyanmar) <a href="https://twitter.com/ukinmyanmar/status/1424190743489306625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The junta has alleged widespread electoral fraud by Suu Kyi's NLD party to justify its power grab, and the Nobel laureate is facing an eclectic raft of charges including for the illegal possession of walkie-talkies and breaking coronavirus rules.

Myanmar protesters on Sunday marked the anniversary of a 1988 pro-democracy uprising that brought Aung San Suu Kyi to prominence, with flash mobs and marches of defiance against the ruling junta.

Myanmar protesters on Sunday marked the anniversary of a 1988 pro-democracy uprising that brought Aung San Suu Kyi to prominence, with flash mobs and marches of defiance against the ruling junta. The country has been in turmoil since the generals launched their February putsch and subsequent crackdown on dissent that has killed more than 900 people, according to a local monitoring group. Also read | ASEAN envoy to Myanmar calls for full access to all parties But protesters remain undeterred, taking to the streets daily in lightning-quick rallies to demand the end to the State Administration Council -- as the junta's so-called "caretaker" government has dubbed itself. On Sunday, flash mobs popped up across Yangon and second city Mandalay to commemorate the 1988 uprising -- a massive pro-democracy movement which the military violently quelled by opening fire on protesters and jailing thousands. Following the calls of an online campaign, red-clad protesters on Sunday flashed an eight-finger salute and carried banners that read "Let's return the old blood debt of 1988 in 2021." "In 1988, our country sacrificed a lot -- many people lost their lives. But the dictatorship is still alive," said Ko Sai Win, who joined a morning protest in Mandalay. Also read | US says plot against Myanmar UN envoy fits 'disturbing pattern' "It is like a black shadow on our country." The 1988 uprising heralded the rise of Suu Kyi, who had returned to Myanmar just before protests kicked off to care for her ailing mother. Thanks to her stature as the daughter of General Aung San, who fought for independence against the British, and her rousing speeches, Suu Kyi emerged as a pro-democracy icon, later receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. A shadow "National Unity Government" -- formed largely of MPs from her ousted party -- vowed in a statement Sunday to continue the fight for democracy. British ambassador to Myanmar Pete Vowles also voiced support for the anti-junta movement. "The UK stood by the people of Myanmar in 1988 and we stand by them today in 2021," he said in a video posted on the British embassy's official Twitter. Today we remember the 33rd anniversary of the #8888uprising in #Myanmar - a nationwide pro-democracy movement, which began 🇲🇲 transition from military rule to democracy. Hear from our ambassador, @PeteVowles here. pic.twitter.com/bzzCZVHH1I — UK in Myanmar 🇬🇧 (@ukinmyanmar) August 8, 2021 × The junta has alleged widespread electoral fraud by Suu Kyi's NLD party to justify its power grab, and the Nobel laureate is facing an eclectic raft of charges including for the illegal possession of walkie-talkies and breaking coronavirus rules.

Myanmar protesters mark pivotal 1988 uprising anniversary

Students across the United States have begun to head back to school, starting in Atlanta this week. But parents’ hopes for a return to normal instruction in the fall have begun to evaporate as the highly contagious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278">delta variant</a> drives up cases and hospitalizations.

With policymakers from local school boards to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/the-white-house">White House</a> scrambling to balance public health and children’s learning needs, a patchwork of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> rules is emerging nationwide, provoking debates, division and anxieties among families, teachers and education officials.

Some large school districts like Los Angeles are requiring all staff members to get tested for the virus each week. States led by Democrats, including New Jersey, California and Illinois, have imposed statewide mask mandates in schools.

Also read |&nbsp;Delta variant fuels concerns for children's health in Florida

Meanwhile, states with Republican-controlled governments, such as Florida, Arizona and Arkansas, have forbidden districts to impose mask rules, casting mandates as an infringement on personal freedom and parental rights.

New York City will retain its school mask requirement, but the state of New York has not imposed a statewide policy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a> and federal health officials have emphasized that remote learning should not be used as a strategy to counter the delta variant surge. Even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised their guidance last week and called for universal masking in schools, the agency stressed the need for students to return to class.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-schools-begin-reopening-in-the-us-403746/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“We can and we must open schools this fall, full time,” Biden said recently. “It’s better for our children’s mental and emotional well-being, and we can’t afford another year out of the classroom.”

But with mask rules varying from state to state, and even within states and counties, the long-awaited return to school has many parents confused and unnerved.

Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, an expert on infectious diseases at the University of Southern California, said certain mask mandates make sense, but interventions “should be tied to the metrics.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/long-term-covid-symptoms-very-rare-in-children-study-confirms-402937">Long term Covid symptoms very rare in children, study confirms</a>

Cases may rise as school gets underway, he said, but severe illness in children from Covid&nbsp;is rare. In the last year and a half, about 64,700 people in California have died from the virus. Klausner said just 23 deaths were of children between 5 and 17 years old.

Students across the United States have begun to head back to school, starting in Atlanta this week. But parents’ hopes for a return to normal instruction in the fall have begun to evaporate as the highly contagious delta variant drives up cases and hospitalizations.

Students across the United States have begun to head back to school, starting in Atlanta this week. But parents’ hopes for a return to normal instruction in the fall have begun to evaporate as the highly contagious delta variant drives up cases and hospitalizations. With policymakers from local school boards to the White House scrambling to balance public health and children’s learning needs, a patchwork of coronavirus rules is emerging nationwide, provoking debates, division and anxieties among families, teachers and education officials. Some large school districts like Los Angeles are requiring all staff members to get tested for the virus each week. States led by Democrats, including New Jersey, California and Illinois, have imposed statewide mask mandates in schools. Also read | Delta variant fuels concerns for children's health in Florida Meanwhile, states with Republican-controlled governments, such as Florida, Arizona and Arkansas, have forbidden districts to impose mask rules, casting mandates as an infringement on personal freedom and parental rights. New York City will retain its school mask requirement, but the state of New York has not imposed a statewide policy. President Joe Biden and federal health officials have emphasized that remote learning should not be used as a strategy to counter the delta variant surge. Even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised their guidance last week and called for universal masking in schools, the agency stressed the need for students to return to class. “We can and we must open schools this fall, full time,” Biden said recently. “It’s better for our children’s mental and emotional well-being, and we can’t afford another year out of the classroom.” But with mask rules varying from state to state, and even within states and counties, the long-awaited return to school has many parents confused and unnerved. Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, an expert on infectious diseases at the University of Southern California, said certain mask mandates make sense, but interventions “should be tied to the metrics.” Also read | Long term Covid symptoms very rare in children, study confirms Cases may rise as school gets underway, he said, but severe illness in children from Covid is rare. In the last year and a half, about 64,700 people in California have died from the virus. Klausner said just 23 deaths were of children between 5 and 17 years old.

Delta variant fuels anxiety and mask debates as students return to school

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