World Health Organisation's World Health Assembly will be held on Monday virtually but China is blocking Taiwan's participation. Watch this video to know more.

Taiwan seeks observer status vote in W.H.A, China oposes

Beijing has announced that henceforth it would not be mandatory to wear a mask outdoors -- the first city in China and perhaps in the world to do so in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

The novel coronavirus, which broke out in China's Wuhan in December, 2019, has claimed 3,13,545 lives so far across the world. There are currently 47,36,389 confirmed cases in 213 countries.

State-run China Daily reported, "After months of wearing masks to prevent virus infection risks, people can now breathe freely outside without a mask in Beijing."

The new guidelines announced by the Beijing Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on Sunday said people don't need to wear masks outside, but still should avoid close contact with others. They also encouraged the public to take some outdoor exercise when the weather is good, which is helpful to increase the quality of life and health.

The announcement comes ahead of China's Parliament -- the National People's Congress (NPC) -- all set to hold its postponed annual session on May 22 amid a steady decline in the coronavirus cases in the country.

The annual session of the national advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is also expected to be held in Beijing on May 21.

The deadly virus has claimed 4,634 lives in the country.

As of Saturday, the number of coronavirus cases stood at 82,947 in China. Of the total cases, 86 patients were being treated, while 78,227 people had been discharged from hospitals after recovery.

Beijing has reported nine deaths due to the viral infection and a total of 593 cases since late January.

Beijing has announced that henceforth it would not be mandatory to wear a mask outdoors -- the first city in China and perhaps in the world to do so in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Beijing has announced that henceforth it would not be mandatory to wear a mask outdoors -- the first city in China and perhaps in the world to do so in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The novel coronavirus, which broke out in China's Wuhan in December, 2019, has claimed 3,13,545 lives so far across the world. There are currently 47,36,389 confirmed cases in 213 countries. State-run China Daily reported, "After months of wearing masks to prevent virus infection risks, people can now breathe freely outside without a mask in Beijing." The new guidelines announced by the Beijing Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on Sunday said people don't need to wear masks outside, but still should avoid close contact with others. They also encouraged the public to take some outdoor exercise when the weather is good, which is helpful to increase the quality of life and health. The announcement comes ahead of China's Parliament -- the National People's Congress (NPC) -- all set to hold its postponed annual session on May 22 amid a steady decline in the coronavirus cases in the country. The annual session of the national advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is also expected to be held in Beijing on May 21. The deadly virus has claimed 4,634 lives in the country. As of Saturday, the number of coronavirus cases stood at 82,947 in China. Of the total cases, 86 patients were being treated, while 78,227 people had been discharged from hospitals after recovery. Beijing has reported nine deaths due to the viral infection and a total of 593 cases since late January.

Beijing announces wearing masks outdoors not necessary

Two cities in China's northeast Jilin province imposed new restrictions in order to contain a new coronavirus outbreak. Jilin city has emerged as the source of a potential new wave of infections and the neighbouring city of Shulan was forced to adjust the risk level to "high" from "medium" at the weekend.

Another Chinese city becomes COVID-19 hotspot | WION News

The economic backlash against China is intensifying. The United States has joined a growing list of countries to clamp down on Chinese investments.

A bill has been moved in the US Congress. If passed, it would prevent predatory investments by the Chinese in American companies.

The bill has been introduced by Jim Banks. Someone who is seen as an influential lawmaker. He wanted to expand the scope of the committee on foreign investments in the United States.

This is an inter-agency committee which has the right to review foreign investments. Jim Banks wants this committee to review purchases by firms with links to the Communist Party.

Chinese companies have deep investments in America now. As of 2019, 156 Chinese companies were listed on the US exchanges. This includes 11 state-owned companies.&nbsp;

This bill is something that would suit Donald Trump. At the moment, the US president is considering aggressive economic measures against China.

The White House is planning to respond to China's diplomatic attacks. They are considering moves to curb China's access to supply chains. The Trump administration has taken some steps already.&nbsp;

Rules to export semiconductors to China have been tightened. Curbs could be placed on government pensions funds to stop them from buying Chinese stocks.&nbsp;

More countries now want to practice economic distancing from China. Governments are stepping up their protections to&nbsp;guard their companies against hostile takeovers.&nbsp;

Germany has amended its laws. Now the German government can intervene and open a review into foreign investment.

Spain has enacted a royal decree, any and all FDI now needs a government authorisation there. Italy has brought in similar restrictions too - they call it the "golden powers law".

Australia also plans to screen foreign investments. India recently introduced new rules for investments from China. They must go through the central government.

The new rules were branded as a move to keep investments from the neighbourhood in check, but it was aimed at China.

And now, it looks like America too wants to erect a firewall to block china from its economy.

&nbsp;

The economic backlash against China is intensifying. The United States has joined a growing list of countries to clamp down on Chinese investments. A bill has been moved in the US Congress.

The economic backlash against China is intensifying. The United States has joined a growing list of countries to clamp down on Chinese investments. A bill has been moved in the US Congress. If passed, it would prevent predatory investments by the Chinese in American companies. The bill has been introduced by Jim Banks. Someone who is seen as an influential lawmaker. He wanted to expand the scope of the committee on foreign investments in the United States. This is an inter-agency committee which has the right to review foreign investments. Jim Banks wants this committee to review purchases by firms with links to the Communist Party. Chinese companies have deep investments in America now. As of 2019, 156 Chinese companies were listed on the US exchanges. This includes 11 state-owned companies. This bill is something that would suit Donald Trump. At the moment, the US president is considering aggressive economic measures against China. The White House is planning to respond to China's diplomatic attacks. They are considering moves to curb China's access to supply chains. The Trump administration has taken some steps already. Rules to export semiconductors to China have been tightened. Curbs could be placed on government pensions funds to stop them from buying Chinese stocks. More countries now want to practice economic distancing from China. Governments are stepping up their protections to guard their companies against hostile takeovers. Germany has amended its laws. Now the German government can intervene and open a review into foreign investment. Spain has enacted a royal decree, any and all FDI now needs a government authorisation there. Italy has brought in similar restrictions too - they call it the "golden powers law". Australia also plans to screen foreign investments. India recently introduced new rules for investments from China. They must go through the central government. The new rules were branded as a move to keep investments from the neighbourhood in check, but it was aimed at China. And now, it looks like America too wants to erect a firewall to block china from its economy.

China faces risk of global economic backlash

For years, Jiang Zhuoyue enjoyed buying nice things and chasing discounts. In doing so, she filled wardrobe after wardrobe with clothes, shoes, handbags and other luxury items. After the coronavirus outbreak, the former shopaholic has now started to do the opposite.

Chinese former shopaholic empties wardrobes, turns thrifty due to COVID-19 outbreak

China has reported 14 new COVID-19 cases, including 12 asymptomatic ones, taking the number of infections in the country to 82,877 while over 4,630 people have succumbed to the deadly virus, health officials said on Sunday.

China's National Health Commission (NHC) said the two new confirmed cases were reported on Saturday which included one imported and another locally transmitted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-at-least-47-dead-75-injured-in-prison-riot-296355">Also read:&nbsp;Venezuela: At least 47 dead, 75 injured in prison riot</a>

The death toll remained 4,633 as no fatalities due to the coronavirus were reported on Saturday while the total number cases increased to 82,877 with 531 still undergoing treatment, it said.

China has reported a total of 1,672 imported cases so far, of which 451 Chinese coming from abroad are still being treated with six in severe conditions, the NHC said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-sees-over-1-million-visitors-on-may-day-296366">Also read:&nbsp;Shanghai sees over 1 million visitors on May Day</a>

Also on Saturday, 12 new asymptomatic cases were reported in China. So far, 968 asymptomatic cases, including 98 from abroad, are still under medical observation, it said.

The central Hubei province which was cleared of confirmed COVID-19 cases on April 26, reported 651 asymptomatic infections as of Saturday.

Asymptomatic cases refer to people who are tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. However, they pose a risk of spreading the disease to others.

The Chinese government has banned foreigners from entering the country and reduced the number of international flights, making it difficult for Chinese citizens to return from abroad.

The novel coronavirus which originated from the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year has claimed 243,829 lives and has infected over 3.4 million people, according to Johns Hopkins University data.&nbsp;

China has reported 14 new COVID-19 cases, including 12 asymptomatic ones, taking the number of infections in the country to 82,877 while over 4,630 people have succumbed to the deadly virus, health officials said on Sunday.

China has reported 14 new COVID-19 cases, including 12 asymptomatic ones, taking the number of infections in the country to 82,877 while over 4,630 people have succumbed to the deadly virus, health officials said on Sunday. China's National Health Commission (NHC) said the two new confirmed cases were reported on Saturday which included one imported and another locally transmitted. Also read: Venezuela: At least 47 dead, 75 injured in prison riot The death toll remained 4,633 as no fatalities due to the coronavirus were reported on Saturday while the total number cases increased to 82,877 with 531 still undergoing treatment, it said. China has reported a total of 1,672 imported cases so far, of which 451 Chinese coming from abroad are still being treated with six in severe conditions, the NHC said. Also read: Shanghai sees over 1 million visitors on May Day Also on Saturday, 12 new asymptomatic cases were reported in China. So far, 968 asymptomatic cases, including 98 from abroad, are still under medical observation, it said. The central Hubei province which was cleared of confirmed COVID-19 cases on April 26, reported 651 asymptomatic infections as of Saturday. Asymptomatic cases refer to people who are tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. However, they pose a risk of spreading the disease to others. The Chinese government has banned foreigners from entering the country and reduced the number of international flights, making it difficult for Chinese citizens to return from abroad. The novel coronavirus which originated from the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year has claimed 243,829 lives and has infected over 3.4 million people, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

China reports 14 new coronavirus cases, toll reaches 82,877

In China, 3 activists are said to have been detained for sharing "censored coronavirus material". Is Beijing intensifying crackdown on the critics of its coronavirus response?

Gravitas: China: 3 activists detained for sharing censored Covid-19 material

185 days are left for the US Presidential Election. US President Donald Trump is trying to build a new narrative amid the coronavirus crisis. It centres around his opponent - Joe Biden and China.

Trump's two adversaries: Biden and Beijing | Gravitas

Beijing's most high profile district is a new high risk zone. Chaoyang is now witnessing cluster transmission. Does China's capital city face the threat of a second wave of coronavirus cases?

Coronavirus: Foreign embassies in Beijing at risk? | Gravitas

U.S. President Donald Trump warned China on Saturday that it should face consequences if it was "knowingly responsible" for the coronavirus pandemic, as he ratcheted up criticism of Beijing over its handling of the outbreak.

Donald Trump: China could face consequences over COVID-19 pandemic

Every time China is blamed for the Coronavirus crisis, Beijing tends to hide behind the excuses of misinformation about its response and racism against its citizens. WION's Palki Sharma gets you 2 videos that expose China's duplicity.

Gravitas: 2 Videos that expose Chinese propaganda

McDonald's has apologised after its restaurant in China's Guangzhou refused to serve Africans. Racist attacks against the African diaspora in China are growing. African nations have decried the growing xenophobia in China. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about Beijing's latest diplomatic headache.

Gravitas: Africans in China face racism | Wuhan Coronavirus

The Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka is drawing flak for its unparliamentary language and undiplomatic actions. The Embassy's twitter account was temporarily suspended. Meanwhile, The Chinese embassy in India has slammed 'certain Indian media' - claiming that they are ignoring facts officially released by Beijing. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Chinese diplomats wage a battle on twitter

Anthrax, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, Ebola, SARS and now the coronavirus. All these diseases have something in common,&nbsp;they can all be traced to unhygienic animal markets.

Markets with extreme confinement levels. Markets where both live and dead animals are on offer. Not only are we harming animals, but have time and again, ended up endangering ourselves.

China claims its coronavirus lockdown is over, it says it has conquered this pandemic.&nbsp;Beijing has encouraged celebrations of victory across the country. 
&nbsp; 
The Chinese regime has supposedly banned exotic-meat trade. There's a draft in circulation which provides a 'white list' of animals allowed to be raised for meat.

It was released by the Chinese Agricultural Ministry and is being called a 'game-changer' for animal welfare in China because this draft exempts dogs from human consumption.

There are no other exemptions, from foxes to deer and minks, most wildlife has again been approved as farm-raised species. The draft doesn't even mention bats and pangolins - the alleged source of the coronavirus. China's wet markets have gone back to operating in exactly the same way as they did before this pandemic.

UK's Dailymail has in fact given a detailed account of what's happening at these wet markets. Terrified dogs and cats crammed into rusty cages, bats and scorpions are on sale for traditional medicine, rabbits and ducks are being skinned alive.

This is how China is celebrating its so-called victory over the coronavirus. The coronavirus is a result of the many variants of unnatural &amp; unnecessary practices that every society and culture can do better without. Even after several pandemics, the Chinese regime is yet to realise that its entire system is a flaw. 
&nbsp;

Anthrax, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, Ebola, SARS and now the coronavirus. All these diseases have something in common, they can all be traced to unhygienic animal markets.

Anthrax, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, Ebola, SARS and now the coronavirus. All these diseases have something in common, they can all be traced to unhygienic animal markets. Markets with extreme confinement levels. Markets where both live and dead animals are on offer. Not only are we harming animals, but have time and again, ended up endangering ourselves. China claims its coronavirus lockdown is over, it says it has conquered this pandemic. Beijing has encouraged celebrations of victory across the country. The Chinese regime has supposedly banned exotic-meat trade. There's a draft in circulation which provides a 'white list' of animals allowed to be raised for meat. It was released by the Chinese Agricultural Ministry and is being called a 'game-changer' for animal welfare in China because this draft exempts dogs from human consumption. There are no other exemptions, from foxes to deer and minks, most wildlife has again been approved as farm-raised species. The draft doesn't even mention bats and pangolins - the alleged source of the coronavirus. China's wet markets have gone back to operating in exactly the same way as they did before this pandemic. UK's Dailymail has in fact given a detailed account of what's happening at these wet markets. Terrified dogs and cats crammed into rusty cages, bats and scorpions are on sale for traditional medicine, rabbits and ducks are being skinned alive. This is how China is celebrating its so-called victory over the coronavirus. The coronavirus is a result of the many variants of unnatural & unnecessary practices that every society and culture can do better without. Even after several pandemics, the Chinese regime is yet to realise that its entire system is a flaw.

Can China change its eating habits?

A study by the Henry Jackson Society blames China for $6.5 Trillion in losses to G7 Nations. How can these nations then seek accountability from Beijing and make it pay for the damage done? WION's Palki gets you a list of legal remedies that can be pursued.

Gravitas: How the world can make China pay?

India has come under a complete lockdown as shops remain closed and there is a crunch for essentials.&nbsp;

The elderly in society are the most vulnerable. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-third-of-humanity-under-coronavirus-lockdown-288458">Covid-19 </a>has been found to have been more fatal among elderly people. The government has failed to offer any solution yet and it is for the community to lend them a helping hand.

Across the world community efforts and governments are innovating ways to show their care for the elderly.

What happened in Italy following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-overtakes-china-virus-toll-with-3434-deaths-government-288448">coronavirus outbreak </a>has a big lesson for India and other countries. After Japan, Italy has the biggest elderly population in the world. The high death toll in Italy explains how vulnerable is this section of the society in times of a pandemic.

More than 6000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271">persons have died</a> in Italy so far and 76 per cent of those deaths were aged 70 to 90. Of the 60 million population in Italy, the elderly account for nearly 23 per cent.

India too has a high number of senior citizens aged above 60 years. 2011 census pegs this number at 104 million. By 2021, this population is expected to grow to 140 million. Presently, the country is under lockdown and the elderly are at a loss with nobody around for help. They have been advised not to venture out. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-coronavirus-fight-close-to-end-but-cases-rise-288386">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump declares coronavirus fight close to end, but cases rise</a>

As a community, we can provide them a helping hand. A Czech volunteer group called 'Help for Seniors'&nbsp;are the busiest these days. They help senior citizens with groceries, medical prescriptions, or pet walks. Similar groups are offering help to the elderly in Brazil.

Tottenham head coach Jose Mourinho was spotted contributing for a community project that helps the elderly with groceries. Similar community organisations are at work in Britain.

Serbia is opening its supermarkets early on Sunday exclusively for the elderly. Between 4 am and 7 am, those above 65 are allowed to shop for their essentials

This is a crucial time to save the elderly. Global communities have come forward to protect them, India too can take a lesson or two from this gesture. 
&nbsp;

India has come under a complete lockdown as shops remain closed and there is a crunch for essentials. The elderly in society are the most vulnerable. Covid-19 has been found to have been more fatal among elderly people.

India has come under a complete lockdown as shops remain closed and there is a crunch for essentials. The elderly in society are the most vulnerable. Covid-19 has been found to have been more fatal among elderly people. The government has failed to offer any solution yet and it is for the community to lend them a helping hand. Across the world community efforts and governments are innovating ways to show their care for the elderly. What happened in Italy following the coronavirus outbreak has a big lesson for India and other countries. After Japan, Italy has the biggest elderly population in the world. The high death toll in Italy explains how vulnerable is this section of the society in times of a pandemic. More than 6000 persons have died in Italy so far and 76 per cent of those deaths were aged 70 to 90. Of the 60 million population in Italy, the elderly account for nearly 23 per cent. India too has a high number of senior citizens aged above 60 years. 2011 census pegs this number at 104 million. By 2021, this population is expected to grow to 140 million. Presently, the country is under lockdown and the elderly are at a loss with nobody around for help. They have been advised not to venture out. Also Read: Trump declares coronavirus fight close to end, but cases rise As a community, we can provide them a helping hand. A Czech volunteer group called 'Help for Seniors' are the busiest these days. They help senior citizens with groceries, medical prescriptions, or pet walks. Similar groups are offering help to the elderly in Brazil. Tottenham head coach Jose Mourinho was spotted contributing for a community project that helps the elderly with groceries. Similar community organisations are at work in Britain. Serbia is opening its supermarkets early on Sunday exclusively for the elderly. Between 4 am and 7 am, those above 65 are allowed to shop for their essentials This is a crucial time to save the elderly. Global communities have come forward to protect them, India too can take a lesson or two from this gesture.

People come together to help elderly amid coronavirus mayhem: Report

As the world acclimates to the coronavirus-induced lockdown in almost all continents, empty streets, deserted parks, and shuttered cafes are becoming common sights.

However, the country where all this began, is slowly returning to normal life.

The restaurants and cafes in Beijing were reopened over the weekend.&nbsp;

Liu, a worker in the engineering industry, said, "I feel that Beijing's overall situation is now relatively good”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-an-anti-jinping-wave-gaining-traction-in-the-chinese-communist-party-288506" hreflang="en">Is an anti-Jinping wave gaining traction in the Chinese Communist Party?</a>

As the world struggles to contain the virus, the place where it originated is returning to normal life.

Over 2 billion people across the world are currently under lockdown to contain the virus, while zoos are being reopened in Beijing.

"I am very happy as the weather has been good recently. When the weather is good, I would feel like going out for a walk. I'm rather excited”, Wang Ran, a 35-year-old visitor to the zoo told Reuters.

<h6><img alt="h" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="133cc615-57ed-4b11-bda0-1216aa61d642" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_27.jpg" /> 
People wearing face masks visit Beijing zoo on March 25, 2020, after it reopened its outdoor exhibit areas to the public after being closed due to the coronavirus outbreak | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Additionally, a part of the Great Wall of China was recently reopened. Badaling is the most popular section of wall.

However, no more than 20,000 can visit the spot in one day. The Wall is open to anybody who’s been in Beijing for the last two weeks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-third-of-humanity-under-coronavirus-lockdown-288458" hreflang="en">One third of humanity under coronavirus lockdown</a>

"I feel so excited. Also, I really wanted to get close to nature. So, this is the best! Also, I wanted to give nature a big hug”, said&nbsp;Wang Hua, a 42-year-old finance worker.

The country that exported the virus is now basking in an eerie sense of calm.

As the world acclimates to the coronavirus-induced lockdown in almost all continents, empty streets, deserted parks, and shuttered cafes are becoming common sights.

As the world acclimates to the coronavirus-induced lockdown in almost all continents, empty streets, deserted parks, and shuttered cafes are becoming common sights. However, the country where all this began, is slowly returning to normal life. The restaurants and cafes in Beijing were reopened over the weekend. Liu, a worker in the engineering industry, said, "I feel that Beijing's overall situation is now relatively good”. Also read: Is an anti-Jinping wave gaining traction in the Chinese Communist Party? As the world struggles to contain the virus, the place where it originated is returning to normal life. Over 2 billion people across the world are currently under lockdown to contain the virus, while zoos are being reopened in Beijing. "I am very happy as the weather has been good recently. When the weather is good, I would feel like going out for a walk. I'm rather excited”, Wang Ran, a 35-year-old visitor to the zoo told Reuters. People wearing face masks visit Beijing zoo on March 25, 2020, after it reopened its outdoor exhibit areas to the public after being closed due to the coronavirus outbreak | AFP Additionally, a part of the Great Wall of China was recently reopened. Badaling is the most popular section of wall. However, no more than 20,000 can visit the spot in one day. The Wall is open to anybody who’s been in Beijing for the last two weeks. Also read: One third of humanity under coronavirus lockdown "I feel so excited. Also, I really wanted to get close to nature. So, this is the best! Also, I wanted to give nature a big hug”, said Wang Hua, a 42-year-old finance worker. The country that exported the virus is now basking in an eerie sense of calm.

Beijing returns to normal as people flock to the zoo

The coronavirus has spread across 194 countries and territories around the world. The dangers, as well as precautions, have been covered adequately by all government communications/media/publications, as well as social media.

While there is adequate awareness, but there is also a varying degree of seriousness in dealing with the pandemic, as many segments of society chose to put individual preferences above potentially most devastating threat that looms the world.&nbsp;

The world meter indicates over 4,23,000 cases of coronavirus with 18296 deaths and 107,199 recoveries. The WHO puts the morbidity rate at 3.4 per cent, but the biggest danger being faced by mankind is the exponential rise in coronavirus cases due to community transfers.

It is necessary to understand the seriousness in adopting the safety measures being communicated by government agencies through various mediums. &nbsp;

The Epicenters&nbsp;

China is accused to have done global damage by hiding crucial timely information about the pandemic from the rest of the world. Wuhan, believed to be the origin and initial epicentre of the disease, was late in quarantining affected people and could not prevent community transfer.&nbsp;

China was quick to declare that it has conquered the disease with reporting 73,159 recovered cases, but 78 fresh cases, seven fresh deaths and 4735 active cases, mitigate the claim. The world will continue to accuse China for hiding the pandemic, with two legal notices already filed against it.&nbsp;

Italy (with 69176 cases and 6820 deaths) is another example of taking the disease lightly initially and trying to control it with all possible measures later. WHO warns USA to be next epicenter of COVID-19 having 54916 cases confirmed, out of which there are more than 25000 cases in New York. The US faces stalemate over $2 trillion allocations for combating the pandemic. The same is the case with South Korea and Japan.&nbsp;

The only advantage these countries enjoy is that they have much less population in comparison to countries like India and relatively better medical capacities per capita population to control. Iran continues to struggle with an initial spurt of carelessness and later with inadequate capacity. It needs to be noted that in most western countries the testing in terms of the percentage of the population has been fairly high; hence, the magnitude of the problem is better identified. &nbsp;

Taiwan's Success in Combatting Covid-19

Taiwan, with 23 million people, just off the coast of China, was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China and heavy rush of travellers to and from China. Considering the risk, having only 199 cases with two deaths and no new cases so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) with a branch focusing on large outbreak responses and acting as a central command post for direct, transparent communications, which was established after the SARS outbreak. Their actions included border control from the air and sea, identifying cases, quarantine of suspicious cases, managing resource allocation, daily press briefings, identifying false information and formulating economic policies to relieve families and businesses. Maximum use of ‘Big Data’ and technology was done to identify travellers, patients and suspects, and quarantining them. The support of the population was another major factor.&nbsp;

What Should be India's Next Response?

India has the second-largest population in the world with over 130 billion people. While there is no need to panic with 536 cases identified and 10 deaths so far, but as a developing country, its capacity to isolate communities is the biggest challenge in the world, which cannot be combatted without public participation.&nbsp;

The numbers identified so far are limited, due to limited testing facilities available in the country, which are being increased gradually. India needs to ensure not to enter into community spread (next stage) of COVID19 outbreak, otherwise, speed of infection will overtake the speed of capacity building of the country to handle it.&nbsp;

Although a lot is being done by the central and state governments, the biggest challenge is to convince the segments of the society, who chose to take it lightly, by superimposing personal priorities over public health. The 21-day lockdown of the complete country announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24, 2020, is the right step to break the chain of infection and flatten the upward curve of growing cases in India.&nbsp;

India does not have the luxury of a manageable population, and is yet to have the full capacity to deal with the third stage of the pandemic; hence the best option available is to quarantine and social distancing.

The partnership of people and the private sector for capacity building is required. Going by the example of Taiwan, the data of every citizen with the government is necessary to counter such emergencies better. India needs to take&nbsp;the spirit of ‘Janata Curfew’ forward with much more vigour, enthusiasm and discipline.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

The coronavirus has spread across 194 countries and territories around the world. The dangers, as well as precautions, have been covered adequately by all government communications/media/publications, as well as social media.

The coronavirus has spread across 194 countries and territories around the world. The dangers, as well as precautions, have been covered adequately by all government communications/media/publications, as well as social media. While there is adequate awareness, but there is also a varying degree of seriousness in dealing with the pandemic, as many segments of society chose to put individual preferences above potentially most devastating threat that looms the world. The world meter indicates over 4,23,000 cases of coronavirus with 18296 deaths and 107,199 recoveries. The WHO puts the morbidity rate at 3.4 per cent, but the biggest danger being faced by mankind is the exponential rise in coronavirus cases due to community transfers. It is necessary to understand the seriousness in adopting the safety measures being communicated by government agencies through various mediums. The Epicenters China is accused to have done global damage by hiding crucial timely information about the pandemic from the rest of the world. Wuhan, believed to be the origin and initial epicentre of the disease, was late in quarantining affected people and could not prevent community transfer. China was quick to declare that it has conquered the disease with reporting 73,159 recovered cases, but 78 fresh cases, seven fresh deaths and 4735 active cases, mitigate the claim. The world will continue to accuse China for hiding the pandemic, with two legal notices already filed against it. Italy (with 69176 cases and 6820 deaths) is another example of taking the disease lightly initially and trying to control it with all possible measures later. WHO warns USA to be next epicenter of COVID-19 having 54916 cases confirmed, out of which there are more than 25000 cases in New York. The US faces stalemate over $2 trillion allocations for combating the pandemic. The same is the case with South Korea and Japan. The only advantage these countries enjoy is that they have much less population in comparison to countries like India and relatively better medical capacities per capita population to control. Iran continues to struggle with an initial spurt of carelessness and later with inadequate capacity. It needs to be noted that in most western countries the testing in terms of the percentage of the population has been fairly high; hence, the magnitude of the problem is better identified. Taiwan's Success in Combatting Covid-19 Taiwan, with 23 million people, just off the coast of China, was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China and heavy rush of travellers to and from China. Considering the risk, having only 199 cases with two deaths and no new cases so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) with a branch focusing on large outbreak responses and acting as a central command post for direct, transparent communications, which was established after the SARS outbreak. Their actions included border control from the air and sea, identifying cases, quarantine of suspicious cases, managing resource allocation, daily press briefings, identifying false information and formulating economic policies to relieve families and businesses. Maximum use of ‘Big Data’ and technology was done to identify travellers, patients and suspects, and quarantining them. The support of the population was another major factor. What Should be India's Next Response? India has the second-largest population in the world with over 130 billion people. While there is no need to panic with 536 cases identified and 10 deaths so far, but as a developing country, its capacity to isolate communities is the biggest challenge in the world, which cannot be combatted without public participation. The numbers identified so far are limited, due to limited testing facilities available in the country, which are being increased gradually. India needs to ensure not to enter into community spread (next stage) of COVID19 outbreak, otherwise, speed of infection will overtake the speed of capacity building of the country to handle it. Although a lot is being done by the central and state governments, the biggest challenge is to convince the segments of the society, who chose to take it lightly, by superimposing personal priorities over public health. The 21-day lockdown of the complete country announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24, 2020, is the right step to break the chain of infection and flatten the upward curve of growing cases in India. India does not have the luxury of a manageable population, and is yet to have the full capacity to deal with the third stage of the pandemic; hence the best option available is to quarantine and social distancing. The partnership of people and the private sector for capacity building is required. Going by the example of Taiwan, the data of every citizen with the government is necessary to counter such emergencies better. India needs to take the spirit of ‘Janata Curfew’ forward with much more vigour, enthusiasm and discipline. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Coronavirus outbreak: Lockdown and beyond - a looming crisis

President Xi Jinping visited the city of Wuhan, the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, sending a message that Beijing has the situation under control. His visit comes as China recorded its lowest number of infections, just 19 on Tuesday, all in Wuhan apart from two who had arrived from overseas. Watch WION Ground Report:

WION Ground Report: Xi Jinping visits Wuhan since Coronavirus outbreak

Beijing has decided to donate USD 20 million to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in support of international cooperation over fighting the novel coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 3,600 people and infected over one lakh others worldwide.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, the WHO, under the leadership of Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has played an important role in promoting other countries to strengthen their prevention measures and tackle the epidemic in a scientific and rational way, and in helping relevant countries improve their health system capacity, which has been widely recognised by the international community, Xinhua news agency reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-27-new-virus-deaths-lowest-rise-in-cases-since-january-284962">China reports 27 new virus deaths, lowest rise in cases since January</a>

China highly appreciates WHO`s understanding and support of the country`s work in epidemic prevention and control.

Currently, the world is facing an escalating urgency of making global efforts in the joint prevention and control of the COVID-19, as the disease has broke out in multiple places and spread to more countries around the world.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-surge-past-100000-worldwide-21-cases-found-on-ship-off-san-francisco-284873">Coronavirus cases surge past 100,000 worldwide, 21 cases found on ship off San Francisco</a>

As a response to the WHO`s appeal, the donation is practical support for the organisation to continue playing a better coordinating role in the global fight against the epidemic, especially in helping medium and small-sized countries with weak public health systems cement their defence against the outbreak.

Beijing has decided to donate USD 20 million to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in support of international cooperation over fighting the novel coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 3,600 people and infected over one lakh others worldwide.

Beijing has decided to donate USD 20 million to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in support of international cooperation over fighting the novel coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 3,600 people and infected over one lakh others worldwide. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, the WHO, under the leadership of Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has played an important role in promoting other countries to strengthen their prevention measures and tackle the epidemic in a scientific and rational way, and in helping relevant countries improve their health system capacity, which has been widely recognised by the international community, Xinhua news agency reported. Also read: China reports 27 new virus deaths, lowest rise in cases since January China highly appreciates WHO`s understanding and support of the country`s work in epidemic prevention and control. Currently, the world is facing an escalating urgency of making global efforts in the joint prevention and control of the COVID-19, as the disease has broke out in multiple places and spread to more countries around the world. Also see: Coronavirus cases surge past 100,000 worldwide, 21 cases found on ship off San Francisco As a response to the WHO`s appeal, the donation is practical support for the organisation to continue playing a better coordinating role in the global fight against the epidemic, especially in helping medium and small-sized countries with weak public health systems cement their defence against the outbreak.

China to donate US$20 million to WHO to fight COVID-19

Imagine a day when you cannot step out of your house to purchase basic amenities. For those living in China, this is reality as the lethal coronavirus continues to claim lives and spread the infection across the borders. Watch report.

How is Beijing coping with Coronavirus

By Rowan Callick

Brand “People’s Republic of China” is wobbling, as if the massive picture of Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square was swaying with an earthquake tremor. But it can only actually fall if pushed from inside.

The handling of the coronavirus epidemic is undoubtedly sapping confidence in the Communist party and its formerly all-conquering general secretary, Xi Jinping.

Any country or ruling party would struggle if faced with a similarly massive challenge – exacerbated by the great annual domestic migration for Lunar New Year.

But the party and its leader shoulder especially great ambitions of entering a “new era” created by Xi to “realise the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.”

National elders selected Xi as a leader in 2012 to purge corruption and purify the party. He has replaced most senior officials, including in the People’s Liberation Army, with those who supported his rise through the provincial ranks in Fujian and Zhejiang.

Xi has restructured the party, personalised and centralised power. Leveraging the anti-corruption campaign, he has also built the central party’s vast surveillance and control powers.

Losing the ‘mandate of heaven’

The big question now is how this renovated party structure is holding up against the appalling coronavirus epidemic. Particularly as it compounds an economic slowdown already exacerbated by the trade-and-tech war with the US and Beijing’s struggles to subdue its troubled borderlands in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.

It would seem logical that since Xi claims all the glory for China’s economic rise and global influence, he would bear the responsibility for disasters, as well.

This would fit with the old imperial danger of losing the “mandate of heaven” – the notion that only a righteous ruler would retain the approval of the Gods.

But there’s a long history in China of people blaming local officials for problems, while retaining a belief in the power of the emperor or general secretary to resolve them. Hundreds of thousands still annually petition the central party leadership about regional and personal wrongs.

Many are still assessing where to pin the blame for the current crisis and are reluctant to accept what they are told officially. People are adroitly downloading and re-posting censored messages on social media, causing the “net police” constant whack-a-mole grief.

This is why the initial failings of the Wuhan authorities, which likely enabled the virus to spread rapidly, have aroused widespread anger in China. And why many rightly dubbed the whistleblowing doctor Li Wenliang, who died from the disease after being hauled in by police, a martyr.

In recent days, the central government has also blamed local authorities, replacing the party secretary in Hubei province. However, public anger and distrust of the authorities still burns.

Crises like the melamine-laced milk powder scandal that sickened more than 300,000 babies in 2008 and now coronavirus underline a basic reality: for all the vast sums spent on security in China, it remains fundamentally elusive for most people.

Alistair Nicholas, a Sydney-based business consultant with extensive China experience, told me his contacts in China have said, "&nbsp;The poor initial handling of the crisis by the Chinese authorities has ‘left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Chinese.’ Trust with their own government has been broken and those who can leave."

With hundreds of millions still staying largely at home, staring at smartphones, such sentiments seep out everywhere. 
 
Reform remains unlikely 
 
Xi will, of course, be aware it was in Wuchang, a district of Wuhan, where a rebellion began in 1911 that triggered the downfall of the Qing Dynasty.

Today, however, the extent of China’s online and offline controls almost rule out change – or even threat – coming from the “masses”.

They are not trusted to participate in their own governance. They are given no scope to organise. Since seizing power in 1949, the party has drawn a line under further revolutions.

In the last few days, two figures named Xu have challenged Xi, and suffered the consequences.

Xu Zhiyong, a civil rights activist and academic who called on Xi to resign over the virus response, has been arrested by security officials in Guangzhou.

And Xu Zhangrun, a famous law professor at Tsinghua University, has been placed under effective house arrest after posting a lengthy critique that said China’s political system.

There has also been sharp criticism of China’s response to the crisis overseas, but this, too, carries limited weight in Beijing.

Instead, China highlights and relishes the applause its governance receives, especially from agencies like the World Health Organisation. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus recently thanked China for its “transparency” and heaped particular praise on Xi for his “detailed knowledge of the outbreak”.

There are, of course, questions about when Xi’s knowledge of the outbreak actually began.

But rather than claiming ignorance of the severity of the outbreak at the outset, Xi has decided to take a different course. He’s persisting with his customary claim of omniscience and blaming local officials, while insisting China’s “war” against the virus has been valiant, as attested by the WHO and other international voices.

Who is going to take credible issue with that?

In today’s China, it is not intellectuals or the general public, but the 90 million party members who will determine whether this epidemic demands substantial change.

And that will ultimately depend on the tiny circle of elite cadres surrounding Xi. Unless a convincing crack appears at the top, the crucial band of middle-ranking party managers will sit tight.

‘Not just a problem for China, but for the world’

The personalisation of the system, combined with Xi’s reluctance to groom a successor is, however, steadily raising party anxiety about the future.

Xi said recently, " The long-term sound fundamentals of our economy haven’t changed … The impact of the outbreak will only be short-term."

But the rippling effects of coronavirus threaten to derail Xi’s vision of “rejuvenation” - a Chinese century of power and affluence. Economists ponder whether China will now spring the “middle-income trap” that has restrained the prosperity of other nations, risking a failure to “get rich before it grows old.”

The almost certain postponement of next month’s National People’s Congress is a further mark of a government in crisis. Despite making good health sense, this move would create political risk by acknowledging that even pillar state events are now eluding Xi’s control.

Once eventually summoned, though, the NPC delegates will be expected to cheer to the red rafters Xi’s victory in the “People’s War” against coronavirus.

But what does it mean, asks Jude Blanchette, who holds the Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, for Xi to dominate a party and government, "That appear unable to confront, diagnose, and effectively overcome complex domestic and international challenges? That’s not just a problem for China, but for the world."

Or as the stood-down law professor Xu Zhangrun asks, can a regime that cannot treat its own people well, treat the world well?

(Rowan Callick is Industry Fellow, Griffith University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-vulnerable-is-xi-jinping-over-coronavirus-in-todays-china-there-are-few-to-hold-him-to-account-131760">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

By Rowan Callick Brand “People’s Republic of China” is wobbling, as if the massive picture of Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square was swaying with an earthquake tremor.

By Rowan Callick Brand “People’s Republic of China” is wobbling, as if the massive picture of Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square was swaying with an earthquake tremor. But it can only actually fall if pushed from inside. The handling of the coronavirus epidemic is undoubtedly sapping confidence in the Communist party and its formerly all-conquering general secretary, Xi Jinping. Any country or ruling party would struggle if faced with a similarly massive challenge – exacerbated by the great annual domestic migration for Lunar New Year. But the party and its leader shoulder especially great ambitions of entering a “new era” created by Xi to “realise the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.” National elders selected Xi as a leader in 2012 to purge corruption and purify the party. He has replaced most senior officials, including in the People’s Liberation Army, with those who supported his rise through the provincial ranks in Fujian and Zhejiang. Xi has restructured the party, personalised and centralised power. Leveraging the anti-corruption campaign, he has also built the central party’s vast surveillance and control powers. Losing the ‘mandate of heaven’ The big question now is how this renovated party structure is holding up against the appalling coronavirus epidemic. Particularly as it compounds an economic slowdown already exacerbated by the trade-and-tech war with the US and Beijing’s struggles to subdue its troubled borderlands in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. It would seem logical that since Xi claims all the glory for China’s economic rise and global influence, he would bear the responsibility for disasters, as well. This would fit with the old imperial danger of losing the “mandate of heaven” – the notion that only a righteous ruler would retain the approval of the Gods. But there’s a long history in China of people blaming local officials for problems, while retaining a belief in the power of the emperor or general secretary to resolve them. Hundreds of thousands still annually petition the central party leadership about regional and personal wrongs. Many are still assessing where to pin the blame for the current crisis and are reluctant to accept what they are told officially. People are adroitly downloading and re-posting censored messages on social media, causing the “net police” constant whack-a-mole grief. This is why the initial failings of the Wuhan authorities, which likely enabled the virus to spread rapidly, have aroused widespread anger in China. And why many rightly dubbed the whistleblowing doctor Li Wenliang, who died from the disease after being hauled in by police, a martyr. In recent days, the central government has also blamed local authorities, replacing the party secretary in Hubei province. However, public anger and distrust of the authorities still burns. Crises like the melamine-laced milk powder scandal that sickened more than 300,000 babies in 2008 and now coronavirus underline a basic reality: for all the vast sums spent on security in China, it remains fundamentally elusive for most people. Alistair Nicholas, a Sydney-based business consultant with extensive China experience, told me his contacts in China have said, " The poor initial handling of the crisis by the Chinese authorities has ‘left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Chinese.’ Trust with their own government has been broken and those who can leave." With hundreds of millions still staying largely at home, staring at smartphones, such sentiments seep out everywhere. Reform remains unlikely Xi will, of course, be aware it was in Wuchang, a district of Wuhan, where a rebellion began in 1911 that triggered the downfall of the Qing Dynasty. Today, however, the extent of China’s online and offline controls almost rule out change – or even threat – coming from the “masses”. They are not trusted to participate in their own governance. They are given no scope to organise. Since seizing power in 1949, the party has drawn a line under further revolutions. In the last few days, two figures named Xu have challenged Xi, and suffered the consequences. Xu Zhiyong, a civil rights activist and academic who called on Xi to resign over the virus response, has been arrested by security officials in Guangzhou. And Xu Zhangrun, a famous law professor at Tsinghua University, has been placed under effective house arrest after posting a lengthy critique that said China’s political system. There has also been sharp criticism of China’s response to the crisis overseas, but this, too, carries limited weight in Beijing. Instead, China highlights and relishes the applause its governance receives, especially from agencies like the World Health Organisation. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus recently thanked China for its “transparency” and heaped particular praise on Xi for his “detailed knowledge of the outbreak”. There are, of course, questions about when Xi’s knowledge of the outbreak actually began. But rather than claiming ignorance of the severity of the outbreak at the outset, Xi has decided to take a different course. He’s persisting with his customary claim of omniscience and blaming local officials, while insisting China’s “war” against the virus has been valiant, as attested by the WHO and other international voices. Who is going to take credible issue with that? In today’s China, it is not intellectuals or the general public, but the 90 million party members who will determine whether this epidemic demands substantial change. And that will ultimately depend on the tiny circle of elite cadres surrounding Xi. Unless a convincing crack appears at the top, the crucial band of middle-ranking party managers will sit tight. ‘Not just a problem for China, but for the world’ The personalisation of the system, combined with Xi’s reluctance to groom a successor is, however, steadily raising party anxiety about the future. Xi said recently, " The long-term sound fundamentals of our economy haven’t changed … The impact of the outbreak will only be short-term." But the rippling effects of coronavirus threaten to derail Xi’s vision of “rejuvenation” - a Chinese century of power and affluence. Economists ponder whether China will now spring the “middle-income trap” that has restrained the prosperity of other nations, risking a failure to “get rich before it grows old.” The almost certain postponement of next month’s National People’s Congress is a further mark of a government in crisis. Despite making good health sense, this move would create political risk by acknowledging that even pillar state events are now eluding Xi’s control. Once eventually summoned, though, the NPC delegates will be expected to cheer to the red rafters Xi’s victory in the “People’s War” against coronavirus. But what does it mean, asks Jude Blanchette, who holds the Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, for Xi to dominate a party and government, "That appear unable to confront, diagnose, and effectively overcome complex domestic and international challenges? That’s not just a problem for China, but for the world." Or as the stood-down law professor Xu Zhangrun asks, can a regime that cannot treat its own people well, treat the world well? (Rowan Callick is Industry Fellow, Griffith University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How vulnerable is Xi Jinping over coronavirus?

While China continues to suffer from the deadly coronavirus outbreak, some stories of preserving and survival stand out in a crowd as the confirmed infections due to coronavirus continue to rise crossing the 70,000 mark. A fitness trainer whose business has taken a big hit due to the epidemic has come up with a new strategy to keep her livelihood afloat. Watch report:

How Beijing stays fit amid Coronavirus with online fitness trend?

A Chinese ship carrying cargo used to launch missiles has been intercepted by India. Is Beijing helping Islamabad boost its nuclear power?

Gravitas: India intercepts Pakistan bound Chinese ship

Beijing flower shop owner Cai Xiaoman wraps bouquets while wearing a face mask and gloves, and throws something extra into the arrangement before it is sent off for delivery - a small bottle of hand sanitiser.

Beijing flower shop adds hand sanitiser to Valentine's Day bouquets

By Ian M Mackay and Katherine Arden

A recent announcement by a Chinese health official suggested the new coronavirus might spread more easily than we thought, via an “airborne route”. The virus is now known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), while the name of the disease it causes is now called COVID-19.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention almost immediately corrected the announcement, noting SARS-CoV-2 was not known to be an airborne virus.

The centre confirmed the virus appears to spread via droplets, direct contact and by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. The World Health Organisation agrees.

So far no infectious virus has been recovered from captured air samples. This would need to occur to demonstrate the virus was airborne.

When we sneeze, cough or talk, we expel particles in a range of sizes.

The bigger, wet droplets larger than 5-10 millionths of a meter (µm or micrometre) fall to the ground within seconds or land on another surface.

These wet droplets are currently considered to be the highest risk routes for the SARS-CoV-2.

But smaller particles aren’t implicated in the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Smaller particles remain suspended in the air and evaporate very quickly (at less than one-tenth of a second in dry air). They leave behind gel-like particles made of proteins, salts and other things, including viruses.

These leftovers are called “droplet nuclei” and can be inhaled. They may remain aloft for hours, riding the air currents through a hospital corridor, shopping centre or office block. This is what we mean when we talk about something being airborne.

But there’s more to airborne spread. To infect humans, the droplet nuclei need to contain the infectious virus. The virus must be able to land on our mucous membranes – the soft lining of our ears, nose, conjunctiva (eyelid), throat and digestive tract and it must be able to enter our cells and replicate.

There also needs to be enough virus to overcome our early immune responses to the invader and start an infection.

So a few stars have to align for airborne infection to result.

But airborne transmission wouldn’t be a shock 
 
We already know the measles virus can remain aloft in a room for up to 30 minutes after an infected person leaves it.

Likewise, the MERS coronavirus has been captured in infectious form from hospital air samples and found to be infectious.

So there is some precedent.

Other viruses that can be infectious via an airborne route include rhinoviruses (the main causes of the common cold) and flu viruses.

The ability for common respiratory viruses to spread via airborne particles means it wouldn’t be a shock to find SARS-CoV-2 also had this capability.

But there is no evidence this is currently occurring.

Why would airborne spread be such a problem?

The airborne spread would mean the virus could travel further. It could spread through unfiltered air conditioning ducting and reach people further away from the infected person, despite them not being in their direct line of sight.

It would also affect how far away from the patient hard surfaces need cleaning and whether airborne personal protective equipment (PPE) precautions – such as P2 respirator masks – would need to be more widely used.

Our definition of “sufficient contact” for someone to be a possible new infection may broaden, which would mean more people need to be monitored, tested and possibly quarantined for each known patient.

But even if an airborne route is found in the future, it’s unlikely to be the major route of transmission.

People who are ill and show symptoms such as coughing and sneezing usually produce and expel viruses in greater amounts than those who show fewer symptoms. These sicker people are more likely to spread the virus via bigger wet droplets, physical contact and contamination of surfaces and objects.

Do I need to worry?

No. SARS-CoV-2 has been spreading the whole time, regardless of our understanding of how. That spread doesn’t look to be changing.

Currently, relatively few people infected with SARS-CoV-2 are outside of mainland China. Only 15 cases have been identified in Australia. Those found are isolated quickly and are well cared for.

The chances of catching SARS-CoV-2 outside of mainland China are, at the moment, remote (provided you aren’t on a certain cruise ship).

If the situation changes because infected travellers arrive in greater numbers than we can contain, then our best tools to mitigate spread remain the ones we already know:

1. Distancing ourselves from obviously ill people 
2. Hand-washing 
3. Cleaning surfaces 
4. Good cough etiquette (coughing into a tissue or your elbow and washing your hands) keeping our hands away from our face.

 
(Ian M Mackay is Adjunct assistant professor, The University of Queensland; Katherine Arden is Virologist, The University of Queensland) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/theres-no-evidence-the-new-coronavirus-spreads-through-the-air-but-its-still-possible-131653"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

By Ian M Mackay and Katherine Arden A recent announcement by a Chinese health official suggested the new coronavirus might spread more easily than we thought, via an “airborne route”.

By Ian M Mackay and Katherine Arden A recent announcement by a Chinese health official suggested the new coronavirus might spread more easily than we thought, via an “airborne route”. The virus is now known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), while the name of the disease it causes is now called COVID-19. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention almost immediately corrected the announcement, noting SARS-CoV-2 was not known to be an airborne virus. The centre confirmed the virus appears to spread via droplets, direct contact and by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. The World Health Organisation agrees. So far no infectious virus has been recovered from captured air samples. This would need to occur to demonstrate the virus was airborne. When we sneeze, cough or talk, we expel particles in a range of sizes. The bigger, wet droplets larger than 5-10 millionths of a meter (µm or micrometre) fall to the ground within seconds or land on another surface. These wet droplets are currently considered to be the highest risk routes for the SARS-CoV-2. But smaller particles aren’t implicated in the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Smaller particles remain suspended in the air and evaporate very quickly (at less than one-tenth of a second in dry air). They leave behind gel-like particles made of proteins, salts and other things, including viruses. These leftovers are called “droplet nuclei” and can be inhaled. They may remain aloft for hours, riding the air currents through a hospital corridor, shopping centre or office block. This is what we mean when we talk about something being airborne. But there’s more to airborne spread. To infect humans, the droplet nuclei need to contain the infectious virus. The virus must be able to land on our mucous membranes – the soft lining of our ears, nose, conjunctiva (eyelid), throat and digestive tract and it must be able to enter our cells and replicate. There also needs to be enough virus to overcome our early immune responses to the invader and start an infection. So a few stars have to align for airborne infection to result. But airborne transmission wouldn’t be a shock We already know the measles virus can remain aloft in a room for up to 30 minutes after an infected person leaves it. Likewise, the MERS coronavirus has been captured in infectious form from hospital air samples and found to be infectious. So there is some precedent. Other viruses that can be infectious via an airborne route include rhinoviruses (the main causes of the common cold) and flu viruses. The ability for common respiratory viruses to spread via airborne particles means it wouldn’t be a shock to find SARS-CoV-2 also had this capability. But there is no evidence this is currently occurring. Why would airborne spread be such a problem? The airborne spread would mean the virus could travel further. It could spread through unfiltered air conditioning ducting and reach people further away from the infected person, despite them not being in their direct line of sight. It would also affect how far away from the patient hard surfaces need cleaning and whether airborne personal protective equipment (PPE) precautions – such as P2 respirator masks – would need to be more widely used. Our definition of “sufficient contact” for someone to be a possible new infection may broaden, which would mean more people need to be monitored, tested and possibly quarantined for each known patient. But even if an airborne route is found in the future, it’s unlikely to be the major route of transmission. People who are ill and show symptoms such as coughing and sneezing usually produce and expel viruses in greater amounts than those who show fewer symptoms. These sicker people are more likely to spread the virus via bigger wet droplets, physical contact and contamination of surfaces and objects. Do I need to worry? No. SARS-CoV-2 has been spreading the whole time, regardless of our understanding of how. That spread doesn’t look to be changing. Currently, relatively few people infected with SARS-CoV-2 are outside of mainland China. Only 15 cases have been identified in Australia. Those found are isolated quickly and are well cared for. The chances of catching SARS-CoV-2 outside of mainland China are, at the moment, remote (provided you aren’t on a certain cruise ship). If the situation changes because infected travellers arrive in greater numbers than we can contain, then our best tools to mitigate spread remain the ones we already know: 1. Distancing ourselves from obviously ill people 2. Hand-washing 3. Cleaning surfaces 4. Good cough etiquette (coughing into a tissue or your elbow and washing your hands) keeping our hands away from our face. (Ian M Mackay is Adjunct assistant professor, The University of Queensland; Katherine Arden is Virologist, The University of Queensland) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

There’s no evidence new coronavirus spreads through the air – but it’s still possible

A bun shop in Beijing is using a piece of wooden board to deliver its buns to customers amid the coronavirus outbreak on February 12.

Beijing bun shop attempts to protect its workers from coronavirus

The Wuhan coronavirus could have a major impact on the Indian economy. From tourism to automakers and even the film industry, they all can be affected by this outbreak. Which industries will be the worst hit? WION's Palki Sharma breaks it down for you.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: Impact on Indian economy

Beijing's response to the coronavirus has sparked an explosion of anger among Chinese citizens. Two courageous citizens managed to get the truth out. Fang Bin & Chen Quishi revealed how China is struggling to respond to the crisis. WION's Palki Sharma brings you their revelations.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus Outbreak, China's clampdown on dissent

The Wuhan Coronavirus has forced many airlines to cancel flights to China. The outbreak has triggered fears among air travelers. Can air travel make you sick? WION's palki Sharma has the answers.

Gravitas: Wuhan coronavirus, Will air travel make you sick?

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