Spain reported the first cases of new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-who-probe-china-hails-its-success-curbing-coronavirus-352526">virus </a>strain which emerged from Britain even as the country received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tracking-wuhan-virus-mutations-352445/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The regional government informed that all four cases of new coronavirus variant were detected in Madrid.&nbsp;

The British government had annouced&nbsp;last week that the new strain was "70 per cent more transferable" than the current virus and had originated from South Africa.&nbsp;

All four cases discovered in Madrid were carried over from Britain, the regional government stated. On Friday, Germany had declared that one of its citizens had carried the new coronavirus strain into Frankfurt airport. The infected woman was immediately sent to quarantine in the city.

Meanwhile, EU countries began receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-vaccine-will-be-available-to-35000-health-workers-in-gurugram-352423">COVID-19</a> vaccine. Paris received its first tranche of the vaccine as it was delivered to the hospital with jabs set to be administered to an elderly home on Sunday.

European Union(EU) had announced earlier that vaccination across the continent will begin from December 27, after Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations which have mainly been subdued with several countries under partial lockdown with strict stay-at-home measures in place.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-gets-coronavirus-vaccine-352517">vaccine</a> sent to France is set to be delivered to an elderly care hospital in Sevran, outside Paris and old-age care home in Dijon, eastern France.

France had reported the new strain of the virus on Friday. The country has been hit hard with the virus reporting over 62,000 coronavirus fatalities.

The vaccines began arriving in Italy as well which was the hardest hit nation with the virus in the March-June even as Italian authorities detected the new strain in a patient in Rome.&nbsp;

WHO reported that the new strain was detected in Denmark and the Netherlands. 
&nbsp;

Spain reported the first cases of new virus strain which emerged from Britain even as the country received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Watch: The regional government informed that all four cases of new coronavirus variant were detected in Madrid.

Spain reported the first cases of new virus strain which emerged from Britain even as the country received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Watch: The regional government informed that all four cases of new coronavirus variant were detected in Madrid. The British government had annouced last week that the new strain was "70 per cent more transferable" than the current virus and had originated from South Africa. All four cases discovered in Madrid were carried over from Britain, the regional government stated. On Friday, Germany had declared that one of its citizens had carried the new coronavirus strain into Frankfurt airport. The infected woman was immediately sent to quarantine in the city. Meanwhile, EU countries began receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Paris received its first tranche of the vaccine as it was delivered to the hospital with jabs set to be administered to an elderly home on Sunday. European Union(EU) had announced earlier that vaccination across the continent will begin from December 27, after Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations which have mainly been subdued with several countries under partial lockdown with strict stay-at-home measures in place. The vaccine sent to France is set to be delivered to an elderly care hospital in Sevran, outside Paris and old-age care home in Dijon, eastern France. France had reported the new strain of the virus on Friday. The country has been hit hard with the virus reporting over 62,000 coronavirus fatalities. The vaccines began arriving in Italy as well which was the hardest hit nation with the virus in the March-June even as Italian authorities detected the new strain in a patient in Rome. WHO reported that the new strain was detected in Denmark and the Netherlands.

Spain confirms new virus strain as vaccines begin arriving in European nations

This coronavirus outbreak has confirmed that China cannot be trusted. Not with giving information about the Wuhan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-widespread-undetected-covid-19-community-transmission-we-have-won-that-battle-new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-295147">virus </a>and not giving medical supplies to fight it.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-to-reopen-factories-in-staged-end-to-europes-longest-coronavirus-lockdown-295135">Also Read:&nbsp;Italy to reopen factories in staged end to Europe's longest coronavirus lockdown</a>

What started with few complaints, has now become a global refrain. China is selling faulty kits and they did the same with India. After much outrage, India has decided to not use Chinese testing kits.

India has also cancelled orders to two Chinese companies. he government says it had not paid for the kits yet so no money has been lost. Last week, the central agency -ICMR had asked states to stop using these kits. India had bought them to study the trend but they were unusable.

Two states - Rajasthan and West Bengal complained. The testing kits had only 5.4 per cent accuracy. All others were faulty. The expected rate of accuracy was 90 per cent but what they got was more than 94 per cent of the results were wrong.

So, India has decided to ditch the Chinese kits. However, not many countries had such a lucky escape. They had paid for the Chinese kits and they were cheated.

Spain had received faulty supplies from China twice now they want their money back. Last month Spain had got Chinese testing kits but it didn't work. Spain is one of the worst affected countries in the world. A lack of testing kits impairs their fight against the virus.&nbsp;

In March, the Spanish prime minister issued a word of assurance.

"The faulty kits will be replaced." he had said.&nbsp;

"Regarding the tests, the same. Thing happens note that we follow a system to guarantee for everything that we buy, it is an institution, the Carlos-IIIi institution, that approves, in this case, the fast tests, it complies with the regulations and requirements needed to guarantee that the test are effective. In this very particular case, they have been returned to the provider and a different test with guarantees is going to be supplied," PM Pedro Sanchez said. 
&nbsp; 
The tests were replaced but, the new ones did not work either. Spain had paid for 6,40,000 testing kits out of these 58,000 didn't work.

Even after they were replaced. So Spain has decided to cancel the entire order and, it wants the Chinese company to pay up and refund, is just one part of the campaign to make China pay. The second is reparations. Countries, leaders, organisations want China to foot the bill for the pandemic.

There is now a deluge of legal claims against China. The latest comes from Italy. Two new lawsuits have been filed. The first one comes from an NGO called "on Europe". Their lawyers are evaluating how China can be made to pay for the damages due to the outbreak and what it has cost the economy.&nbsp;

The NGO claims that fewer people would have died had China been transparent.

The other lawsuit&nbsp;is a bit far fetched but this too has been filed. A ski resort in Italy has presented a subpoena to a local court. That's basically a summons. The hotel in the Dolomites is seeking compensation from China's health ministry.

They were fully booked before the outbreak but, due to the pandemic&nbsp;they had to dismiss their staff and cancel contracts. The lawsuit will most likely achieve nothing, technically but in terms of building pressure and making China see how much anger it faces, every case counts.

This coronavirus outbreak has confirmed that China cannot be trusted. Not with giving information about the Wuhan virus and not giving medical supplies to fight it.

This coronavirus outbreak has confirmed that China cannot be trusted. Not with giving information about the Wuhan virus and not giving medical supplies to fight it. Also Read: Italy to reopen factories in staged end to Europe's longest coronavirus lockdown What started with few complaints, has now become a global refrain. China is selling faulty kits and they did the same with India. After much outrage, India has decided to not use Chinese testing kits. India has also cancelled orders to two Chinese companies. he government says it had not paid for the kits yet so no money has been lost. Last week, the central agency -ICMR had asked states to stop using these kits. India had bought them to study the trend but they were unusable. Two states - Rajasthan and West Bengal complained. The testing kits had only 5.4 per cent accuracy. All others were faulty. The expected rate of accuracy was 90 per cent but what they got was more than 94 per cent of the results were wrong. So, India has decided to ditch the Chinese kits. However, not many countries had such a lucky escape. They had paid for the Chinese kits and they were cheated. Spain had received faulty supplies from China twice now they want their money back. Last month Spain had got Chinese testing kits but it didn't work. Spain is one of the worst affected countries in the world. A lack of testing kits impairs their fight against the virus. In March, the Spanish prime minister issued a word of assurance. "The faulty kits will be replaced." he had said. "Regarding the tests, the same. Thing happens note that we follow a system to guarantee for everything that we buy, it is an institution, the Carlos-IIIi institution, that approves, in this case, the fast tests, it complies with the regulations and requirements needed to guarantee that the test are effective. In this very particular case, they have been returned to the provider and a different test with guarantees is going to be supplied," PM Pedro Sanchez said. The tests were replaced but, the new ones did not work either. Spain had paid for 6,40,000 testing kits out of these 58,000 didn't work. Even after they were replaced. So Spain has decided to cancel the entire order and, it wants the Chinese company to pay up and refund, is just one part of the campaign to make China pay. The second is reparations. Countries, leaders, organisations want China to foot the bill for the pandemic. There is now a deluge of legal claims against China. The latest comes from Italy. Two new lawsuits have been filed. The first one comes from an NGO called "on Europe". Their lawyers are evaluating how China can be made to pay for the damages due to the outbreak and what it has cost the economy. The NGO claims that fewer people would have died had China been transparent. The other lawsuit is a bit far fetched but this too has been filed. A ski resort in Italy has presented a subpoena to a local court. That's basically a summons. The hotel in the Dolomites is seeking compensation from China's health ministry. They were fully booked before the outbreak but, due to the pandemic they had to dismiss their staff and cancel contracts. The lawsuit will most likely achieve nothing, technically but in terms of building pressure and making China see how much anger it faces, every case counts.

From India to Spain, anger over faulty Chinese COVID-19 testing kits

As Europe continues to combat the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-discharges-all-coronavirus-patients-reports-zero-new-cases-295018">coronavirus</a>, Spain on Monday reported 331 new virus deaths in the last 24 hours even as the country began to relax lockdown restrictions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-pack-southern-california-beaches-despite-coronavirus-concerns-295044">Also Read:&nbsp;Thousands pack southern California beaches despite coronavirus</a>

The total death count due to COVID-19 rose to 23, 591 in Spain with 226, 629 infections which is next only to Untied States which has over 965,900 cases of infection.

Spain allowed children to move out the house after six weeks on Sunday even as the COVID-19 death toll continued to rise.

On Sunday, Spain had recorded &nbsp;daily death toll of 288, which was lowest since March 20. However, on Monday the toll spiked again. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had said earlier that all citizens will be allowed out for exercise and to take walks from next weekend.

Spain my lift more restrictions from mid-May as the country comes to grip with the virus which has put Europe on a standstill.&nbsp;

Italy has also been hit hard with the highest number of deaths in Europe with over 26,000 casualties with France having lost 22, 856 people due to the virus. The number of cases in Italy has risen to 197, 675 as Europe continues to battle the virus.

The Spanish government meanwhile said that it would be "imprudent" to promise the much-awaited football season would restart before the summer.&nbsp;

"I can't tell you right now if professional football is going to be able to restart its activities before the summer. It would be imprudent on my part," health minister Salvador Illa said.

The lockdown in the country is due to last till May 9, with the Spanish government due to announce an exit strategy after the lockdown period which would likely involve restrictions.

As Europe continues to combat the coronavirus, Spain on Monday reported 331 new virus deaths in the last 24 hours even as the country began to relax lockdown restrictions.

As Europe continues to combat the coronavirus, Spain on Monday reported 331 new virus deaths in the last 24 hours even as the country began to relax lockdown restrictions. Also Read: Thousands pack southern California beaches despite coronavirus The total death count due to COVID-19 rose to 23, 591 in Spain with 226, 629 infections which is next only to Untied States which has over 965,900 cases of infection. Spain allowed children to move out the house after six weeks on Sunday even as the COVID-19 death toll continued to rise. On Sunday, Spain had recorded daily death toll of 288, which was lowest since March 20. However, on Monday the toll spiked again. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had said earlier that all citizens will be allowed out for exercise and to take walks from next weekend. Spain my lift more restrictions from mid-May as the country comes to grip with the virus which has put Europe on a standstill. Italy has also been hit hard with the highest number of deaths in Europe with over 26,000 casualties with France having lost 22, 856 people due to the virus. The number of cases in Italy has risen to 197, 675 as Europe continues to battle the virus. The Spanish government meanwhile said that it would be "imprudent" to promise the much-awaited football season would restart before the summer. "I can't tell you right now if professional football is going to be able to restart its activities before the summer. It would be imprudent on my part," health minister Salvador Illa said. The lockdown in the country is due to last till May 9, with the Spanish government due to announce an exit strategy after the lockdown period which would likely involve restrictions.

Spain records one-day jump in coronavirus deaths as toll crosses over 23,500

World Health Organization's(WHO) regional director Hans Kluge said that there was "unimaginable human tragedy" at Europe's care homes with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-uk-death-toll-drops-in-last-24-hours-as-infection-cases-rise-294338">coronavirus </a>outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-sweden-shuts-chinas-confucius-institutes-294344">Also Read:&nbsp;Now, Sweden shuts China's Confucius institutes</a>

Kluge informed that "up to half of those who have died from COVID-19 were residents in long-term care facilities", while describing the situation as "deeply concerning".

Kluge asserted that there was "an immediate and urgent need to rethink and adjust how long-term care facilities operate."

"Even among very old people who are frail and live with multiple chronic conditions, many have a good chance of recovery if they are well-cared for," he added.

Meanwhile, &nbsp;WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said leaving the elderly population islated was a difficult thing to manage.

"These are trade-offs that are very difficult to manage," Ryan said.

"There are many, many older people living in long-term care facilities who at the best of times are lonely, and the last number of weeks has been a terrible ordeal for them, both to be further isolated but also with the constant threat of potentially becoming sick with this disease," Ryan stressed.

Europe has been the hardest hit due to the virus with Italy, Spain, France and Germany reporting high casulties with over 45,000 casautlites majority of them have been the elderly.

Nearly half of all reported cases of the new coronavirus worldwide have been registered in the WHO's European region, which stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

World Health Organization's(WHO) regional director Hans Kluge said that there was "unimaginable human tragedy" at Europe's care homes with the coronavirus outbreak.

World Health Organization's(WHO) regional director Hans Kluge said that there was "unimaginable human tragedy" at Europe's care homes with the coronavirus outbreak. Also Read: Now, Sweden shuts China's Confucius institutes Kluge informed that "up to half of those who have died from COVID-19 were residents in long-term care facilities", while describing the situation as "deeply concerning". Kluge asserted that there was "an immediate and urgent need to rethink and adjust how long-term care facilities operate." "Even among very old people who are frail and live with multiple chronic conditions, many have a good chance of recovery if they are well-cared for," he added. Meanwhile, WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said leaving the elderly population islated was a difficult thing to manage. "These are trade-offs that are very difficult to manage," Ryan said. "There are many, many older people living in long-term care facilities who at the best of times are lonely, and the last number of weeks has been a terrible ordeal for them, both to be further isolated but also with the constant threat of potentially becoming sick with this disease," Ryan stressed. Europe has been the hardest hit due to the virus with Italy, Spain, France and Germany reporting high casulties with over 45,000 casautlites majority of them have been the elderly. Nearly half of all reported cases of the new coronavirus worldwide have been registered in the WHO's European region, which stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific

Unimaginable human tragedy in Europe's care homes: WHO on COVID-19 epidemic

Greece on Thursday extended the lockdown to May 4 even as the country reported relatively low death toll compared to the rest of Europe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-agents-fuelled-panic-in-us-by-spreading-fake-warnings-says-report-294154">Also Read:&nbsp;Chinese agents fuelled panic in US by spreading fake warnings, says report</a>

"Restrictive measures that apply until April 27 are extended by a week to May 4," the government said.

The lockdown was imposed on March 22 in the country with the government set for partial reopening of courts and land registers on April 27.

There have been 121 people who have died due to the virus in the country.

The country had earlier closed shops, bars and restaurants with only supermarkets, pharmacies and medical facilities have been allowed to stay open. The government had already shut schools and universities, courts, cinemas, gyms and public gathering.

Greece has been especially effective in combating the virus with the country managing to nearly double its number of ICUs.In February, Greece had just 560 intensive care unit beds but by March, the number was raised to 910. The country hired 4,000 additional doctors and nurses.&nbsp;

Greece managed to flatten the curve because of its quick response. The country managed to survive the coronavirus blow despite being embroiled in debt and despite its large elderly population even as casutlties in Europe continues to rise especially in Italy, Spain, Germany recording high number of casulties.

Greece on Thursday extended the lockdown to May 4 even as the country reported relatively low death toll compared to the rest of Europe. Also Read: Chinese agents fuelled panic in US by spreading fake warnings, says report "Restrictive measures that apply until April 27 are extended by a week to May 4," the government said.

Greece on Thursday extended the lockdown to May 4 even as the country reported relatively low death toll compared to the rest of Europe. Also Read: Chinese agents fuelled panic in US by spreading fake warnings, says report "Restrictive measures that apply until April 27 are extended by a week to May 4," the government said. The lockdown was imposed on March 22 in the country with the government set for partial reopening of courts and land registers on April 27. There have been 121 people who have died due to the virus in the country. The country had earlier closed shops, bars and restaurants with only supermarkets, pharmacies and medical facilities have been allowed to stay open. The government had already shut schools and universities, courts, cinemas, gyms and public gathering. Greece has been especially effective in combating the virus with the country managing to nearly double its number of ICUs.In February, Greece had just 560 intensive care unit beds but by March, the number was raised to 910. The country hired 4,000 additional doctors and nurses. Greece managed to flatten the curve because of its quick response. The country managed to survive the coronavirus blow despite being embroiled in debt and despite its large elderly population even as casutlties in Europe continues to rise especially in Italy, Spain, Germany recording high number of casulties.

Greece extends lockdown despite control on coronavirus outbreak