An effective track-and-trace system will&nbsp;prevent second peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, save&nbsp;lives, and can&nbsp;reduce the number of working hours lost to illness by as much as 50 per cent, according to a major global study.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) said the effective testing and tracing of infections was essential if employers wanted staff to return to work and for them to stay healthy.

The Geneva-based, United Nations body estimates that working hour losses can be reduced from about 14 per cent&nbsp;in countries that put in place weak track-and-trace systems down to 7 per cent&nbsp;in countries with the ''highest intensity of tracking and tracing.''

England's National Health Service&nbsp;had&nbsp;introduced a test and trace service on Tuesday,&nbsp;with 25,000 contact tracing staff&nbsp;and the capacity to trace the 10,000 contacts per day.

According to ILO's COVID-19 monitor ''testing and tracing can itself create new jobs, even if temporary, which can be targeted towards youth and other priority groups.''

A track and test and trace system reduces reliance on strict confinement measures; promotes the public confidence and so encourages consumption and supports employment; and helps minimise operational disruption at the workplace

The&nbsp;International Labour Organisation&nbsp;said an effective system was needed or employers and workers would miss out on much of the benefit of returning to work.

If workers remained wary about the health threats of returning to work, it would leave many vulnerable people excluded and exposed to the threat of redundancy.

''Creating an employment-rich recovery that also promotes equity and sustainability means getting people and enterprises working again as soon as possible, in safe conditions,''&nbsp;said the ILO’s director general, Guy Ryder.

''Testing and tracing can be an important part of the policy package if we are to fight fear, reduce risk and get our economies and societies moving again quickly.''

An effective track-and-trace system will prevent second peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, save lives, and can reduce the number of working hours lost to illness by as much as 50 per cent, according to a major global study.

An effective track-and-trace system will prevent second peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, save lives, and can reduce the number of working hours lost to illness by as much as 50 per cent, according to a major global study. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) said the effective testing and tracing of infections was essential if employers wanted staff to return to work and for them to stay healthy. The Geneva-based, United Nations body estimates that working hour losses can be reduced from about 14 per cent in countries that put in place weak track-and-trace systems down to 7 per cent in countries with the ''highest intensity of tracking and tracing.'' England's National Health Service had introduced a test and trace service on Tuesday, with 25,000 contact tracing staff and the capacity to trace the 10,000 contacts per day. According to ILO's COVID-19 monitor ''testing and tracing can itself create new jobs, even if temporary, which can be targeted towards youth and other priority groups.'' A track and test and trace system reduces reliance on strict confinement measures; promotes the public confidence and so encourages consumption and supports employment; and helps minimise operational disruption at the workplace The International Labour Organisation said an effective system was needed or employers and workers would miss out on much of the benefit of returning to work. If workers remained wary about the health threats of returning to work, it would leave many vulnerable people excluded and exposed to the threat of redundancy. ''Creating an employment-rich recovery that also promotes equity and sustainability means getting people and enterprises working again as soon as possible, in safe conditions,'' said the ILO’s director general, Guy Ryder. ''Testing and tracing can be an important part of the policy package if we are to fight fear, reduce risk and get our economies and societies moving again quickly.''

Effective track-and-trace system to prevent second COVID-19 wave: UN

The UN's weather agency warned Tuesday that COVID-19 would amplify the risks of what was expected to be a record-breaking hot summer in the northern hemisphere.

The World Meteorological Organization urged governments to make plans to keep people safe during heatwaves without spreading the novel coronavirus.

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This year is expected to be "another record-breaking heat season in the northern hemisphere", WMO spokeswoman Clare Nullis Kapp told a virtual briefing in Geneva.

"We're currently experiencing one of the hottest years on record.

"COVID-19 amplifies the health risks of hot weather for many people, and it complicates the task of managing it."

The United Nations agency teamed up Tuesday with non-governmental organisations to call for stronger preparations to keep people safe in hot weather while keeping a lid on the pandemic.

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The information series, which covers topics such as ventilation, vulnerable populations and personal protection equipment, is being issued "to alert decision-makers to try to help them manage the duel challenge of heat and COVID," said Nullis Kapp.

India is currently experiencing a widespread heatwave, with temperatures reaching 47.5 degrees Celsius&nbsp;in the city of Churu in the northwestern Rajasthan state.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-imd-issues-red-alert-for-several-parts-of-north-india-300746">Heatwave: IMD issues 'red alert' for several parts of North India</a>

"India is experiencing a heatwave, and this is at the same time as India is relaxing the lockdown measures," said Nullis Kapp.

"Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more intense because of climate change. This is putting an increasing stress on human health and human health systems," she added.

The UN's weather agency warned Tuesday that COVID-19 would amplify the risks of what was expected to be a record-breaking hot summer in the northern hemisphere. The World Meteorological Organization urged governments to make plans to keep people safe during heatwaves without spreading the novel coronavirus.

The UN's weather agency warned Tuesday that COVID-19 would amplify the risks of what was expected to be a record-breaking hot summer in the northern hemisphere. The World Meteorological Organization urged governments to make plans to keep people safe during heatwaves without spreading the novel coronavirus. This year is expected to be "another record-breaking heat season in the northern hemisphere", WMO spokeswoman Clare Nullis Kapp told a virtual briefing in Geneva. "We're currently experiencing one of the hottest years on record. "COVID-19 amplifies the health risks of hot weather for many people, and it complicates the task of managing it." The United Nations agency teamed up Tuesday with non-governmental organisations to call for stronger preparations to keep people safe in hot weather while keeping a lid on the pandemic. The information series, which covers topics such as ventilation, vulnerable populations and personal protection equipment, is being issued "to alert decision-makers to try to help them manage the duel challenge of heat and COVID," said Nullis Kapp. India is currently experiencing a widespread heatwave, with temperatures reaching 47.5 degrees Celsius in the city of Churu in the northwestern Rajasthan state. Also read: Heatwave: IMD issues 'red alert' for several parts of North India "India is experiencing a heatwave, and this is at the same time as India is relaxing the lockdown measures," said Nullis Kapp. "Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more intense because of climate change. This is putting an increasing stress on human health and human health systems," she added.

Coronavirus pandemic heightening heatwave health risks: UN

The coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;has starkly exposed inequalities worldwide and could set back human development for the first time since 1990, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

It said the crisis had, though, revealed the strength of collective action in the face of a common threat and urged the world to show the same force on climate change.

''The Covid-19 pandemic is unleashing a human development crisis,''&nbsp;the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said in a report.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-19-vaccine-produces-antibodies-in-mice-guinea-pigs-300037">US: COVID-19 vaccine produces antibodies in mice, guinea pigs</a>

Other shocks such as the financial crisis of 2007-2009 or the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014-2016 have dealt a blow but did not prevent year-on-year development gains overall, said UNDP head Achim Steiner.

''Covid-19, with its triple hit to health, education, and income, may change this trend,''&nbsp;he added.

Besides deaths from Covid-19, which have now topped 320,000, the crisis could indirectly mean an extra 6,000 children die each day from preventable causes in the next six months, UNDP said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nasa-finds-evidence-of-parallel-universe-where-time-runs-backward-299949" hreflang="en">NASA finds evidence of parallel universe where time runs backward</a>

Six out of 10 children globally are not getting an education due to school closures, and with deep recessions hitting most economies, the decline in UNDP's human development index would be equivalent to erasing all the progress of the past six years.

The decline is affecting rich and poor nations, but is expected to be far steeper in developing countries that are less able to cope with the pandemic’s social and economic fallout.

''If we fail to bring equity into the policy toolkit, many will fall further behind,''&nbsp;said Pedro Conceição, director of the UNDP office that produces its annual Human Development Report.

''This is particularly important for the 'new necessities'&nbsp;of the 21st century, such as access to the internet, which is helping us to benefit from tele-education, telemedicine, and to work from home,''&nbsp;he added in a statement.

UNDP estimated that 86 per cent of children in primary education are effectively out of school in countries with low development, because they lack the tools for web-based learning, compared with just 20 per cent in the wealthiest nations.

Expanding access to the internet in low- and middle-income countries would cost US$100 billion, about 15 per cent of the income they will lose this year and 1 per cent of the fiscal stimulus the world has committed in response to Covid-19, the report said.

The coronavirus pandemic has starkly exposed inequalities worldwide and could set back human development for the first time since 1990, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

The coronavirus pandemic has starkly exposed inequalities worldwide and could set back human development for the first time since 1990, the United Nations said on Wednesday. It said the crisis had, though, revealed the strength of collective action in the face of a common threat and urged the world to show the same force on climate change. ''The Covid-19 pandemic is unleashing a human development crisis,'' the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said in a report. Also read: US: COVID-19 vaccine produces antibodies in mice, guinea pigs Other shocks such as the financial crisis of 2007-2009 or the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014-2016 have dealt a blow but did not prevent year-on-year development gains overall, said UNDP head Achim Steiner. ''Covid-19, with its triple hit to health, education, and income, may change this trend,'' he added. Besides deaths from Covid-19, which have now topped 320,000, the crisis could indirectly mean an extra 6,000 children die each day from preventable causes in the next six months, UNDP said. Also read: NASA finds evidence of parallel universe where time runs backward Six out of 10 children globally are not getting an education due to school closures, and with deep recessions hitting most economies, the decline in UNDP's human development index would be equivalent to erasing all the progress of the past six years. The decline is affecting rich and poor nations, but is expected to be far steeper in developing countries that are less able to cope with the pandemic’s social and economic fallout. ''If we fail to bring equity into the policy toolkit, many will fall further behind,'' said Pedro Conceição, director of the UNDP office that produces its annual Human Development Report. ''This is particularly important for the 'new necessities' of the 21st century, such as access to the internet, which is helping us to benefit from tele-education, telemedicine, and to work from home,'' he added in a statement. UNDP estimated that 86 per cent of children in primary education are effectively out of school in countries with low development, because they lack the tools for web-based learning, compared with just 20 per cent in the wealthiest nations. Expanding access to the internet in low- and middle-income countries would cost US$100 billion, about 15 per cent of the income they will lose this year and 1 per cent of the fiscal stimulus the world has committed in response to Covid-19, the report said.

Coronavirus pandemic may reverse human development for first time in three decades: UN

US&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;on Wednesday said he may seek to revive a face-to-face meeting of Group of Seven leaders near Washington, after earlier canceling the in-person gathering of world leaders due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

"I am considering rescheduling the G-7, on the same or similar date, in Washington, D.C., at the legendary Camp David,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said in a Twitter post.

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Now that our Country is “Transitioning back to Greatness”, I am considering rescheduling the G-7, on the same or similar date, in Washington, D.C., at the legendary Camp David. The other members are also beginning their COMEBACK. It would be a great sign to all - normalization!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1263113203749453827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The other members are also beginning their comeback. It would be a great sign to all - normalization!"

In March, the Republican president canceled the physical summit scheduled for June, moving to a video conference as nations grappled with the shutdown of international travel and multiple closures to fight the outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/new-cluster-of-cases-shows-coronavirus-may-be-mutating-299964" hreflang="en">New cluster of cases shows coronavirus may be mutating</a>

The leaders' April and May discussions were also moved to teleconference.

But&nbsp;Trump, who is head of the G7 this year, said an in-person summit would be a symbol of the United States and other countries seeking to return to normal, something the president has urged should happen quickly despite concerns from public health experts.

French President Emmanuel Macron is open to traveling to the United States for an in-person meeting of Group of Seven leaders if the coronavirus epidemic situation allows, an Elysee official said on Wednesday.

"He's open, he's even willing to go there, but obviously with this caveat: only if the sanitary conditions allow," the official said, after the two leaders talked on the phone.

All 50 US&nbsp;states have sought to re-open at least partially as of Wednesday, although the nation's capital and its suburbs remain largely shuttered. Camp David is an hour's drive north of Washington in Thurmont, Maryland.

The pandemic has afflicted the United States more than any other country, with more than 1.5 million known infections and more than 90,000 deaths.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he may seek to revive a face-to-face meeting of Group of Seven leaders near Washington, after earlier canceling the in-person gathering of world leaders due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he may seek to revive a face-to-face meeting of Group of Seven leaders near Washington, after earlier canceling the in-person gathering of world leaders due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. "I am considering rescheduling the G-7, on the same or similar date, in Washington, D.C., at the legendary Camp David," Trump said in a Twitter post. Now that our Country is “Transitioning back to Greatness”, I am considering rescheduling the G-7, on the same or similar date, in Washington, D.C., at the legendary Camp David. The other members are also beginning their COMEBACK. It would be a great sign to all - normalization! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 20, 2020 × "The other members are also beginning their comeback. It would be a great sign to all - normalization!" In March, the Republican president canceled the physical summit scheduled for June, moving to a video conference as nations grappled with the shutdown of international travel and multiple closures to fight the outbreak. Also read: New cluster of cases shows coronavirus may be mutating The leaders' April and May discussions were also moved to teleconference. But Trump, who is head of the G7 this year, said an in-person summit would be a symbol of the United States and other countries seeking to return to normal, something the president has urged should happen quickly despite concerns from public health experts. French President Emmanuel Macron is open to traveling to the United States for an in-person meeting of Group of Seven leaders if the coronavirus epidemic situation allows, an Elysee official said on Wednesday. "He's open, he's even willing to go there, but obviously with this caveat: only if the sanitary conditions allow," the official said, after the two leaders talked on the phone. All 50 US states have sought to re-open at least partially as of Wednesday, although the nation's capital and its suburbs remain largely shuttered. Camp David is an hour's drive north of Washington in Thurmont, Maryland. The pandemic has afflicted the United States more than any other country, with more than 1.5 million known infections and more than 90,000 deaths.

Trump expresses possibility of hosting G7 meeting in-person despite pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed from a&nbsp;health crisis to a humanitarian crisis.&nbsp;It was&nbsp;declared a&nbsp;global emergency&nbsp;by the World&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Organization on January 31.

The fatal virus has been contracted by over 45 lakh people while it has claimed&nbsp;more than 3 lakh lives.

There are millions around the world who are not included in the official list of the number of infections or the death toll of COVID-19 but their story is equally painful.

Their condition is deplorable and their survival&nbsp;depends solely on charity and&nbsp;emergency aid.

From South Africa to Europe, people are queuing up food.

<img alt="Africa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1fcfa944-c593-4ddd-9285-7a8003ad48a3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/138855-untitled-design-6.jpg" /> 
People stand in 4 km-long queue for food in South Africa amid coronavirus pandemic

These long lines speak volumes about their plight and desperate condition.

To help migrant workers&nbsp;who are in dire need, train and bus services&nbsp;have been resumed to ferry these daily wage labourers to their homes according to initiatives taken by the&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;government.

However, there still remains some migrants who have yet not received the benefits of this initiative.

The Wuhan virus is not just threatening the&nbsp;health of human beings, it has also put the well-being of numerous&nbsp;people along with the survival of several communities at stake.

People who have the means to help such needy people should come forward and contribute&nbsp;whatever they can do as individuals... as family, as a community because every help counts.

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed from a health crisis to a humanitarian crisis. It was declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization on January 31.

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed from a health crisis to a humanitarian crisis. It was declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization on January 31. The fatal virus has been contracted by over 45 lakh people while it has claimed more than 3 lakh lives. There are millions around the world who are not included in the official list of the number of infections or the death toll of COVID-19 but their story is equally painful. Their condition is deplorable and their survival depends solely on charity and emergency aid. From South Africa to Europe, people are queuing up food. People stand in 4 km-long queue for food in South Africa amid coronavirus pandemic These long lines speak volumes about their plight and desperate condition. To help migrant workers who are in dire need, train and bus services have been resumed to ferry these daily wage labourers to their homes according to initiatives taken by the Indian government. However, there still remains some migrants who have yet not received the benefits of this initiative. The Wuhan virus is not just threatening the health of human beings, it has also put the well-being of numerous people along with the survival of several communities at stake. People who have the means to help such needy people should come forward and contribute whatever they can do as individuals... as family, as a community because every help counts.

Transformation of coronavirus pandemic from health to humanitarian crisis

American&nbsp;pharmaceuticals and conglomerates which produce facemasks are making hefty profit from coronavirus pandemic because of their monopoly and clutch of the medical market.

They are taking advantage of the&nbsp;global health emergency and&nbsp;prioritising personal gain over&nbsp;human lives by holding back the scale of production.

The biggest mask making companies in the world are American. According to an estimate, eight&nbsp;out of top ten suppliers of facemasks are from US. 3M&nbsp;and Honeywell are on top of the list.

While suppliers are trying to catch up with the high demand&nbsp;and massive shortage of protection equipment worldwide, US President Donald Trump had to force 3M to stop exporting masks by invoking&nbsp;the Korean war era Defence Production Act.

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We hit 3M hard today after seeing what they were doing with their Masks. “P Act” all the way. Big surprise to many in government as to what they were doing - will have a big price to pay!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1245876816922972162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The company had to bow down in front of Trump and&nbsp;strike a deal&nbsp;to bring more than 160 million masks to America.&nbsp;

3M is currently making the best N-95 maks in the world.

However, several big firms are still taking undue advantage of their patents even during the coronavirus crisis.

As a result, governments&nbsp;are taking necessary measures&nbsp;to introduce compulsory licencing to ensure that frontline workers such&nbsp;the doctors, nurses, the staff and police officers, who are selflessly contributing in the battle against coronavirus, are well protected.&nbsp;

Kentucky governor Andy Beshear had asked 3M&nbsp;to release the patent that allows them to control the technology that is used to make the N95 mask.&nbsp;

In Chile, a resolution was passed to introduce compulsory licencing. Israel issued compulsory licences for lopinavir and ritonavir.&nbsp;

Ecuador allowed the country's Health Minister to issue compulsory licences over all patents related to COVID-19.&nbsp;While, Canada and Germany amended their laws that make compulsory licencing easier.&nbsp;

American pharmaceuticals and conglomerates which produce facemasks are making hefty profit from coronavirus pandemic because of their monopoly and clutch of the medical market.

American pharmaceuticals and conglomerates which produce facemasks are making hefty profit from coronavirus pandemic because of their monopoly and clutch of the medical market. They are taking advantage of the global health emergency and prioritising personal gain over human lives by holding back the scale of production. The biggest mask making companies in the world are American. According to an estimate, eight out of top ten suppliers of facemasks are from US. 3M and Honeywell are on top of the list. While suppliers are trying to catch up with the high demand and massive shortage of protection equipment worldwide, US President Donald Trump had to force 3M to stop exporting masks by invoking the Korean war era Defence Production Act. We hit 3M hard today after seeing what they were doing with their Masks. “P Act” all the way. Big surprise to many in government as to what they were doing - will have a big price to pay! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 3, 2020 × The company had to bow down in front of Trump and strike a deal to bring more than 160 million masks to America. 3M is currently making the best N-95 maks in the world. However, several big firms are still taking undue advantage of their patents even during the coronavirus crisis. As a result, governments are taking necessary measures to introduce compulsory licencing to ensure that frontline workers such the doctors, nurses, the staff and police officers, who are selflessly contributing in the battle against coronavirus, are well protected. Kentucky governor Andy Beshear had asked 3M to release the patent that allows them to control the technology that is used to make the N95 mask. In Chile, a resolution was passed to introduce compulsory licencing. Israel issued compulsory licences for lopinavir and ritonavir. Ecuador allowed the country's Health Minister to issue compulsory licences over all patents related to COVID-19. While, Canada and Germany amended their laws that make compulsory licencing easier.

American pharmaceuticals and conglomerates making hefty profit from coronavirus pandemic

The severity of the coronavirus was ''intentionally'' hidden by the Chinese government&nbsp;according a report by the United States Homeland Security&nbsp;Department.

According to report,&nbsp;"China likely cut its exports of medical supplies prior to its January WHO (World Health Organization) notification that COVID-19 is a contagion."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-pompeo-says-enormous-evidence-virus-came-from-wuhan-lab-296446" hreflang="en">US Secretary of State Pompeo says 'enormous evidence' virus came from Wuhan lab</a>

The report, which assessed export and import data earlier this year, was circulated within the federal government on Friday, the source said.

Earlier,&nbsp;US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday that there was "enormous evidence" that the coronavirus pandemic originated in a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-have-coronavirus-vaccine-by-end-of-year-says-trump-296461" hreflang="en">US will have coronavirus vaccine by end of year, says Trump</a>

"We can confirm that the Chinese Communist Party did all that it could to make sure that the world didn't learn in a timely fashion about what was taking place," he added.

Pompeo's comments come as the&nbsp;Trump administration is formulating a solid long-term plan&nbsp;to punish China on multiple fronts for the coronavirus pandemic,

The severity of the coronavirus was ''intentionally'' hidden by the Chinese government according a report by the United States Homeland Security Department. According to report, "China likely cut its exports of medical supplies prior to its January WHO (World Health Organization) notification that COVID-19 is a contagion.

The severity of the coronavirus was ''intentionally'' hidden by the Chinese government according a report by the United States Homeland Security Department. According to report, "China likely cut its exports of medical supplies prior to its January WHO (World Health Organization) notification that COVID-19 is a contagion." Also read: US Secretary of State Pompeo says 'enormous evidence' virus came from Wuhan lab The report, which assessed export and import data earlier this year, was circulated within the federal government on Friday, the source said. Earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday that there was "enormous evidence" that the coronavirus pandemic originated in a laboratory in Wuhan, China. Also read: US will have coronavirus vaccine by end of year, says Trump "We can confirm that the Chinese Communist Party did all that it could to make sure that the world didn't learn in a timely fashion about what was taking place," he added. Pompeo's comments come as the Trump administration is formulating a solid long-term plan to punish China on multiple fronts for the coronavirus pandemic,

US report reveals China 'intentionally' concealed severity of coronavirus

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-hes-seen-evidence-coronavirus-originated-in-chinese-lab-295950">Trump claims he's seen evidence coronavirus originated in Chinese lab</a>

United States President Donald Trump has contradicted a statement from his own intelligence community by claiming he had seen evidence that proved the novel coronavirus originated in a laboratory in Wuhan, China. He, however, declined to provide details to validate his assertion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-of-emergency-in-japan-to-extended-by-one-month-pm-abe-on-covid-19-296123" hreflang="en">State of emergency in Japan to extended by one month: PM Abe on COVID-19</a>

As the country battles&nbsp;coronavirus, Japan PM &nbsp;Shinzo Abe said his government would be extending the&nbsp;"state of emergency by about one month as the base scenario for swiftly drafting plans that will fit the needs of the regions".

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-happened-democratic-presidential-candidate-joe-biden-denies-sexual-assault-accusations-296117" hreflang="en">Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden denies sexual assault accusations</a>

In first public remarks, US Presidential candidate Joe Biden on Friday denied any sexual assault allegations related to a former staffer in his US Senate office.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-rumours-of-kim-jong-uns-demise-intensify-un-denies-having-information-296010" hreflang="en">As rumours of Kim Jong-un's demise intensify, UN denies having information</a>

In a series of social media speculations, Kim Jong-un’s death has twittered across platforms over the last couple of weeks.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/journalist-jailed-for-15-years-as-chinese-government-intensifies-free-speech-clampdown-296111" hreflang="en">Journalist jailed for 15-years as Chinese government intensifies free-speech clampdown</a>

In one of the harshest sentence in China, the government arrested a journalist on Thursday for "attacking" the ruling party. The journalist has been sentenced for 15-years.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-infections-in-iran-rise-to-95646-death-toll-at-6091-health-ministry-296086" hreflang="en">Coronavirus infections in Iran rise to 95,646; death toll at 6,091: Health Ministry</a>

The death toll due to coronavirus in Iran jumped to 6,091 after health ministry reported 64 new deaths in the last 24 hours on Friday.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/keen-to-work-with-international-partners-at-chinas-invitation-to-investigate-animal-origins-of-virus-who-296083" hreflang="en">Keen to work with international partners at China's invitation to investigate animal origins of virus: WHO</a>

WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told AFP in an email that the UN body hopes China would invite it to take part in its investigations into the "animal origins of the&nbsp;coronavirus."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-global-death-toll-passes-230000-confirmed-recoveries-hit-1-million-295999" hreflang="en">Coronavirus global death toll passes 230,000; confirmed recoveries hit 1 million</a>

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.2 million worldwide on Friday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-eases-lockdown-amid-fear-of-second-wave-of-infections-295983" hreflang="en">Germany eases lockdown amid fear of second wave of infections</a>

Germany is set to reopen playgrounds, museums and churches from Monday to go with the small shops that reopened this week despite the risk of a new outbreak of the novel coronavirus. The country will decide within days about schools and sports events as it eases its way out of lockdown.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-might-impose-tariff-on-china-for-coronavirus-damages-likens-who-to-beijings-pr-agency-295948" hreflang="en">Trump might impose tariff on China for coronavirus damages, likens WHO to Beijing's PR agency</a>

United States President Donald Trump has hinted at imposing tariff on China as a punishment for the coronavirus outbreak. He, however, ruled out considering cancelling US debt obligations to the country.

Trump claims he's seen evidence coronavirus originated in Chinese lab United States President Donald Trump has contradicted a statement from his own intelligence community by claiming he had seen evidence that proved the novel coronavirus originated in a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

Trump claims he's seen evidence coronavirus originated in Chinese lab United States President Donald Trump has contradicted a statement from his own intelligence community by claiming he had seen evidence that proved the novel coronavirus originated in a laboratory in Wuhan, China. He, however, declined to provide details to validate his assertion. State of emergency in Japan to extended by one month: PM Abe on COVID-19 As the country battles coronavirus, Japan PM Shinzo Abe said his government would be extending the "state of emergency by about one month as the base scenario for swiftly drafting plans that will fit the needs of the regions". Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden denies sexual assault accusations In first public remarks, US Presidential candidate Joe Biden on Friday denied any sexual assault allegations related to a former staffer in his US Senate office. As rumours of Kim Jong-un's demise intensify, UN denies having information In a series of social media speculations, Kim Jong-un’s death has twittered across platforms over the last couple of weeks. Journalist jailed for 15-years as Chinese government intensifies free-speech clampdown In one of the harshest sentence in China, the government arrested a journalist on Thursday for "attacking" the ruling party. The journalist has been sentenced for 15-years. Coronavirus infections in Iran rise to 95,646; death toll at 6,091: Health Ministry The death toll due to coronavirus in Iran jumped to 6,091 after health ministry reported 64 new deaths in the last 24 hours on Friday. Keen to work with international partners at China's invitation to investigate animal origins of virus: WHO WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told AFP in an email that the UN body hopes China would invite it to take part in its investigations into the "animal origins of the coronavirus." Coronavirus global death toll passes 230,000; confirmed recoveries hit 1 million Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.2 million worldwide on Friday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Germany eases lockdown amid fear of second wave of infections Germany is set to reopen playgrounds, museums and churches from Monday to go with the small shops that reopened this week despite the risk of a new outbreak of the novel coronavirus. The country will decide within days about schools and sports events as it eases its way out of lockdown. Trump might impose tariff on China for coronavirus damages, likens WHO to Beijing's PR agency United States President Donald Trump has hinted at imposing tariff on China as a punishment for the coronavirus outbreak. He, however, ruled out considering cancelling US debt obligations to the country.

Top 10 world news today: Trump's proof against China, emergency in Japan and more