Coronavirus pandemic is spreading across India rapidly ass the lockdown restrictions are eased. The global health crisis has battered the country's economy. Watch report.

COVID-19 pandemic: India witnesses a drop in coronavirus deaths

A Chinese city of nearly six million people will introduce a wave of coronavirus testing to stamp out a small cluster of cases, authorities said Friday, with state media reporting communities will be locked down.

Since the virus first surfaced in the central city of Wuhan late last year, the country's official number of infections has been restricted to a trickle, mainly among arrivals from abroad. All mass lockdowns have been lifted.

But recent domestic outbreaks have proved the difficulty of stamping out the contagion entirely.

The port city of Dalian in Liaoning province has reported three cases in recent days after going nearly four months without any.

The fresh outbreak has been linked to a seafood processing company that deals with imported products.

On Friday, the Dalian health commission said the city had to "quickly enter wartime mode, go all-out, mobilise all people and resolutely curb the spread of the&nbsp;epidemic".

It announced strict new measures, including on-the-spot nucleic acid tests for everyone taking the subway line that passes the affected seafood company.

Kindergartens and nurseries have been closed, and some communities have been placed under lockdown, according to state-run newspaper Global Times.

City authorities said they would test more than 190,000 people, including employees at shopping malls, wholesale markets and warehouses.

The outbreak comes as hundreds of football players from the Chinese Super League -- which will kick off its much delayed season Saturday -- are in a sealed-off hotel in the city.

The league's 16 teams have been split into two groups for the first games of the drastically rejigged season, with the others to be played in Suzhou, near Shanghai.

The latest cluster has turned the spotlight on the country's food supply chain, and China has banned imports from a number of overseas food producers involved in virus outbreaks.

One Chinese importer told AFP that exporters had earlier been asked to guarantee their shipments were not contaminated.

A document published Thursday by China's State Council also warned that the country's public health system should prepare for a possible second wave of the virus in the&nbsp;winter.

At a press conference earlier this month, officials said samples taken from Whiteleg shrimp packaging in Dalian had tested positive for the virus.

There were 21 coronavirus cases reported in China on Friday, including two of the three recent Dalian cases and 13 in the western region of Xinjiang.

The other six were imported.

A Chinese city of nearly six million people will introduce a wave of coronavirus testing to stamp out a small cluster of cases, authorities said Friday, with state media reporting communities will be locked down.

A Chinese city of nearly six million people will introduce a wave of coronavirus testing to stamp out a small cluster of cases, authorities said Friday, with state media reporting communities will be locked down. Since the virus first surfaced in the central city of Wuhan late last year, the country's official number of infections has been restricted to a trickle, mainly among arrivals from abroad. All mass lockdowns have been lifted. But recent domestic outbreaks have proved the difficulty of stamping out the contagion entirely. The port city of Dalian in Liaoning province has reported three cases in recent days after going nearly four months without any. The fresh outbreak has been linked to a seafood processing company that deals with imported products. On Friday, the Dalian health commission said the city had to "quickly enter wartime mode, go all-out, mobilise all people and resolutely curb the spread of the epidemic". It announced strict new measures, including on-the-spot nucleic acid tests for everyone taking the subway line that passes the affected seafood company. Kindergartens and nurseries have been closed, and some communities have been placed under lockdown, according to state-run newspaper Global Times. City authorities said they would test more than 190,000 people, including employees at shopping malls, wholesale markets and warehouses. The outbreak comes as hundreds of football players from the Chinese Super League -- which will kick off its much delayed season Saturday -- are in a sealed-off hotel in the city. The league's 16 teams have been split into two groups for the first games of the drastically rejigged season, with the others to be played in Suzhou, near Shanghai. The latest cluster has turned the spotlight on the country's food supply chain, and China has banned imports from a number of overseas food producers involved in virus outbreaks. One Chinese importer told AFP that exporters had earlier been asked to guarantee their shipments were not contaminated. A document published Thursday by China's State Council also warned that the country's public health system should prepare for a possible second wave of the virus in the winter. At a press conference earlier this month, officials said samples taken from Whiteleg shrimp packaging in Dalian had tested positive for the virus. There were 21 coronavirus cases reported in China on Friday, including two of the three recent Dalian cases and 13 in the western region of Xinjiang. The other six were imported.

China steps up testing after coronavirus cluster in major port city

The U.S. government will pay nearly $2 billion to buy enough of a COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Pfizer Inc and German biotech BioNTech SE to innoculate 50 million people if it proves to be safe and effective, the companies said on Wednesday.

The contract for 100 million doses of the vaccine amounts to a $39 price tag for what is likely to be a two-dose course of treatment.

The contract is the most the United States has agreed to spend on a vaccine, although previous deals with other vaccine makers were intended to also help pay for development costs.

Pfizer and BioNTech will not receive any money from the government unless their vaccine succeeds in large clinical trials and can be successfully manufactured, according to a Pfizer spokeswoman.

Under the agreement, the government would also have an option to procure an additional 500 million doses. Pfizer said the price for the additional doses would be negotiated separately if the U.S. orders them.

The vaccine, if successful, will be made available to Americans at no cost, although their health insurance may be charged, the U.S. department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said.

Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla has said the company intends to make a profit on the vaccine. He has also said that spending its own money, rather than government money to develop the vaccine should help speed the process.

Pfizer hopes to start its pivotal late-stage trial of the vaccine as early as next week, pending regulatory approvals, Chief Scientific Officer Mikael Dolsten said in an interview.

"We`re already starting to the process of allocating vaccine vials to a variety of different clinical sites in the U.S. and elsewhere," Dolsten said. "We`re looking at the map and getting good advice from the CDC. Where do we have the greatest incidence of COVID-19 disease?"

Vaccine trials are more efficient if conducted in areas where high rates of active infection are prevelant.

The vaccine has already shown promise in early-stage small studies in humans, producing the type of neutralizing antibodies needed to fight the virus. In those trials, subjects received two doses of the vaccine.

The Pfizer/BioNTech candidate is one of the most advanced of over 150 vaccines being developed against COVID-19, which has claimed more than 600,000 lives globally and crippled economies.

The vaccine utilises the chemical messenger RNA to instruct cells to make proteins that mimic the surface of the coronavirus, which the immune system sees as a foreign invader and mounts an attack. Although the technology has been around for years, there has never been an approved messenger RNA (mRNA)vaccine.

The Trump administration has agreed to spend billions of dollars for the development and procurement of potential vaccines under its Operation Warp Speed programme.

The aim is to produce vaccines that can end the pandemic by protecting billions of people from infection or severe illness, and governments have signed deals with drugmakers to secure supplies of various candidates. Whether any will succeed remains far from clear.

Other vaccine makers that have signed deals to receive U.S. government funding for their efforts include Moderna Inc, AstraZeneca Plc and Novavax Inc.

Pfizer said it will deliver the doses if the product receives emergency use authorization or U.S. approval as early as October after demonstrating safety and efficacy in a large Phase III clinical trial involving up to 30,000 subjects.

Pfizer and BioNTech currently expect to manufacture up to 100 million doses globally by the end of 2020, and potentially more than 1.3 billion doses by the end of 2021, subject to final dose selection from their clinical trial.

On Monday, the companies agreed to supply the United Kingdom with 30 million doses of the vaccine candidate, but did not disclose a price.

Pfizer shares were up nearly 5%, while BioNTech`s U.S.-listed shares were up 13%.

The U.S. government will pay nearly $2 billion to buy enough of a COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Pfizer Inc and German biotech BioNTech SE to innoculate 50 million people if it proves to be safe and effective, the companies said on Wednesday.

The U.S. government will pay nearly $2 billion to buy enough of a COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Pfizer Inc and German biotech BioNTech SE to innoculate 50 million people if it proves to be safe and effective, the companies said on Wednesday. The contract for 100 million doses of the vaccine amounts to a $39 price tag for what is likely to be a two-dose course of treatment. The contract is the most the United States has agreed to spend on a vaccine, although previous deals with other vaccine makers were intended to also help pay for development costs. Pfizer and BioNTech will not receive any money from the government unless their vaccine succeeds in large clinical trials and can be successfully manufactured, according to a Pfizer spokeswoman. Under the agreement, the government would also have an option to procure an additional 500 million doses. Pfizer said the price for the additional doses would be negotiated separately if the U.S. orders them. The vaccine, if successful, will be made available to Americans at no cost, although their health insurance may be charged, the U.S. department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said. Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla has said the company intends to make a profit on the vaccine. He has also said that spending its own money, rather than government money to develop the vaccine should help speed the process. Pfizer hopes to start its pivotal late-stage trial of the vaccine as early as next week, pending regulatory approvals, Chief Scientific Officer Mikael Dolsten said in an interview. "We`re already starting to the process of allocating vaccine vials to a variety of different clinical sites in the U.S. and elsewhere," Dolsten said. "We`re looking at the map and getting good advice from the CDC. Where do we have the greatest incidence of COVID-19 disease?" Vaccine trials are more efficient if conducted in areas where high rates of active infection are prevelant. The vaccine has already shown promise in early-stage small studies in humans, producing the type of neutralizing antibodies needed to fight the virus. In those trials, subjects received two doses of the vaccine. The Pfizer/BioNTech candidate is one of the most advanced of over 150 vaccines being developed against COVID-19, which has claimed more than 600,000 lives globally and crippled economies. The vaccine utilises the chemical messenger RNA to instruct cells to make proteins that mimic the surface of the coronavirus, which the immune system sees as a foreign invader and mounts an attack. Although the technology has been around for years, there has never been an approved messenger RNA (mRNA)vaccine. The Trump administration has agreed to spend billions of dollars for the development and procurement of potential vaccines under its Operation Warp Speed programme. The aim is to produce vaccines that can end the pandemic by protecting billions of people from infection or severe illness, and governments have signed deals with drugmakers to secure supplies of various candidates. Whether any will succeed remains far from clear. Other vaccine makers that have signed deals to receive U.S. government funding for their efforts include Moderna Inc, AstraZeneca Plc and Novavax Inc. Pfizer said it will deliver the doses if the product receives emergency use authorization or U.S. approval as early as October after demonstrating safety and efficacy in a large Phase III clinical trial involving up to 30,000 subjects. Pfizer and BioNTech currently expect to manufacture up to 100 million doses globally by the end of 2020, and potentially more than 1.3 billion doses by the end of 2021, subject to final dose selection from their clinical trial. On Monday, the companies agreed to supply the United Kingdom with 30 million doses of the vaccine candidate, but did not disclose a price. Pfizer shares were up nearly 5%, while BioNTech`s U.S.-listed shares were up 13%.

US to pay Pfizer, BioNTech $1.95 billion for COVID-19 vaccine

US President Donald Trump has blamed anti-racism protests, travellers from Mexico and young bar-goers for a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases.

Trump sought on Wednesday to explain the rise in confirmed cases across the nation's South, Southwest and West as he held his second briefing ahead of the presidential election in as many days after a three-month hiatus.

Trump said cases among young Americans first started to rise "shortly after demonstrations."

"The protests following the death of George Floyd presumably triggered a broader relaxation of mitigation efforts nationwide. A substantial increase in travel around Memorial Day and summer vacations was also a driver of new cases," he said.

Young people closely congregating at bars and probably other places, maybe beaches, likely also led to new cases, he added.

Trump also blamed travellers crossing the US-Mexico border for spikes, as cases in his neighbouring country were increasing.

US President Donald Trump has blamed anti-racism protests, travellers from Mexico and young bar-goers for a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases. Trump sought on Wednesday to explain the rise in confirmed cases across the nation's South, Southwest and West as he held his second briefing ahead of the presidential election in as many days after a three-month hiatus.

US President Donald Trump has blamed anti-racism protests, travellers from Mexico and young bar-goers for a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases. Trump sought on Wednesday to explain the rise in confirmed cases across the nation's South, Southwest and West as he held his second briefing ahead of the presidential election in as many days after a three-month hiatus. Trump said cases among young Americans first started to rise "shortly after demonstrations." "The protests following the death of George Floyd presumably triggered a broader relaxation of mitigation efforts nationwide. A substantial increase in travel around Memorial Day and summer vacations was also a driver of new cases," he said. Young people closely congregating at bars and probably other places, maybe beaches, likely also led to new cases, he added. Trump also blamed travellers crossing the US-Mexico border for spikes, as cases in his neighbouring country were increasing.

Trump blames anti-racism protests, Mexico travellers for surge in COVID cases

The coronavirus pandemic has pushed Yemen to distorted famine and poverty. This is the Hasam Mirza Mohammad a ten-year-old boy who weighs only 9 kgs and just like him thousands of children are reeling under this crisis.

Hunger kills Yemenis amid COVID-19 pandemic | Children malnourished

Is staying home not safe anymore? A new study claims that people are more likely to contract the Coronavirus from their family members

Gravitas: Coronavirus: Staying home not safe enough?

A coronavirus vaccine candidate developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) could be ready for public use by the end of this year, state media reported on Wednesday.

Sinopharm Chairman Liu Jingzhen told state broadcaster CCTV the company expects to finish late-stage human testing within about three months.

Sinopharm's unit China National Biotec Group (CNBG) had earlier said the shot may not be ready until at least 2021 as a lack of new infections in China made it difficult to find people to test it on.

China has since overcome some of the obstacles it faces in the global race to produce a vaccine.

Sinopharm's experimental shot has entered a Phase III trial involving around 15,000 participants and two vaccine strains in the United Arab Emirates.

Another potential vaccine, developed by Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech using a similar technology, has also been given to participants in a Phase III trial in Brazil.

A vaccine candidate developed by CanSino Biologics Inc and China's military research unit, which appears to be safe and induced immune responses in most subjects in a closely-watched mid-stage study, is also looking for opportunities to run a Phase III trial outside China.

A coronavirus vaccine candidate developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) could be ready for public use by the end of this year, state media reported on Wednesday.

A coronavirus vaccine candidate developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) could be ready for public use by the end of this year, state media reported on Wednesday. Sinopharm Chairman Liu Jingzhen told state broadcaster CCTV the company expects to finish late-stage human testing within about three months. Sinopharm's unit China National Biotec Group (CNBG) had earlier said the shot may not be ready until at least 2021 as a lack of new infections in China made it difficult to find people to test it on. China has since overcome some of the obstacles it faces in the global race to produce a vaccine. Sinopharm's experimental shot has entered a Phase III trial involving around 15,000 participants and two vaccine strains in the United Arab Emirates. Another potential vaccine, developed by Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech using a similar technology, has also been given to participants in a Phase III trial in Brazil. A vaccine candidate developed by CanSino Biologics Inc and China's military research unit, which appears to be safe and induced immune responses in most subjects in a closely-watched mid-stage study, is also looking for opportunities to run a Phase III trial outside China.

China's Sinopharm says coronavirus vaccine could be ready by year-end

The United States continues to be the hardest-hit country by COVID-19, lodging in 1,000 deaths in the last 24 hours. It also has the world’s highest number of infections and deaths - more than 142,000 people have died of the virus in the country. California alone now has 400,000 cases of coronavirus.

However, a large section of people in the US do not believe these numbers. According to them, these are inflated.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-records-1000-deaths-in-one-day-from-covid-19-california-passes-400000-cases-315061" hreflang="en">US records 1,000 deaths in one day from COVID-19, California passes 400,000 cases</a>

A poll undertaken by Axios-Ipsos revealed that over 30 per cent respondents do not believe the numbers are real. They believe lesser Americans are dying than shown on record.

Whopping 31%

The 31 per cent pool of respondents signifies a surge in the scepticism surrounding American numbers, which stood at 23 per cent in May 2020.

This may be attributed to media consumption habits, the poll added. A whopping 62 per cent of Fox News watchers claims the statistics are inflated, while 48 per cent who identified with no single source of news believed the numbers do not reflect reality.&nbsp;On the other hand, only 7 per cent of CNN and MSNBC watchers felt the numbers were not real.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/daunting-covid-19-records-that-us-will-never-forget-314991" hreflang="en">Daunting COVID-19 records that US will never forget</a>

An earlier CNN report showed how denial surrounding the impact of the virus has increased in the US, right in the midst of ever-growing cases in the country, suggesting a dangerous trend.

Besides the federal government, the COVID-19 numbers are compiled by independent outlets based on data received from hospitals, local medical examiners, and coroners officers.

Underreporting or overreporting?&nbsp;

However, the total opposite of what Americans believe is happening in the country. Due to limited knowledge about the virus and new information coming in everyday, many deaths are falsely attributed to other ailments that may have qualified as co-morbid coronavirus-related deaths.

The global medical discourse has constantly acknowledged underreported cases instead of over reported cases. Testing more is actually considered a good thing, for it makes identification and tracking of hotspots possible, which can then prevent further transmission of the virus.

The country has almost 4 million cases of coronavirus. An additionally 60,000 new cases were added on Monday. This is over four times the pan-Europe figure.

Reiterating his previous bizarre claim that the virus would “simply disappear”, Trump pitched the magical disappearance theory again during an interview on Sunday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-is-considering-four-black-women-for-vice-president-315084" hreflang="en">Joe Biden is considering four Black women for vice-president</a>

Over the last two months, Republicans in the US have put forward claims of over reported cases in the country. In the aftermath of this, all hospitals are now submitting medical records to the federal Department of Health and Human Services, as opposed to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Following US are Brazil and India in terms of infections.

The United States continues to be the hardest-hit country by COVID-19, lodging in 1,000 deaths in the last 24 hours. It also has the world’s highest number of infections and deaths - more than 142,000 people have died of the virus in the country.

The United States continues to be the hardest-hit country by COVID-19, lodging in 1,000 deaths in the last 24 hours. It also has the world’s highest number of infections and deaths - more than 142,000 people have died of the virus in the country. California alone now has 400,000 cases of coronavirus. However, a large section of people in the US do not believe these numbers. According to them, these are inflated. Also read: US records 1,000 deaths in one day from COVID-19, California passes 400,000 cases A poll undertaken by Axios-Ipsos revealed that over 30 per cent respondents do not believe the numbers are real. They believe lesser Americans are dying than shown on record. Whopping 31% The 31 per cent pool of respondents signifies a surge in the scepticism surrounding American numbers, which stood at 23 per cent in May 2020. This may be attributed to media consumption habits, the poll added. A whopping 62 per cent of Fox News watchers claims the statistics are inflated, while 48 per cent who identified with no single source of news believed the numbers do not reflect reality. On the other hand, only 7 per cent of CNN and MSNBC watchers felt the numbers were not real. Also see: Daunting COVID-19 records that US will never forget An earlier CNN report showed how denial surrounding the impact of the virus has increased in the US, right in the midst of ever-growing cases in the country, suggesting a dangerous trend. Besides the federal government, the COVID-19 numbers are compiled by independent outlets based on data received from hospitals, local medical examiners, and coroners officers. Underreporting or overreporting? However, the total opposite of what Americans believe is happening in the country. Due to limited knowledge about the virus and new information coming in everyday, many deaths are falsely attributed to other ailments that may have qualified as co-morbid coronavirus-related deaths. The global medical discourse has constantly acknowledged underreported cases instead of over reported cases. Testing more is actually considered a good thing, for it makes identification and tracking of hotspots possible, which can then prevent further transmission of the virus. The country has almost 4 million cases of coronavirus. An additionally 60,000 new cases were added on Monday. This is over four times the pan-Europe figure. Reiterating his previous bizarre claim that the virus would “simply disappear”, Trump pitched the magical disappearance theory again during an interview on Sunday. Also read: Joe Biden is considering four Black women for vice-president Over the last two months, Republicans in the US have put forward claims of over reported cases in the country. In the aftermath of this, all hospitals are now submitting medical records to the federal Department of Health and Human Services, as opposed to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Following US are Brazil and India in terms of infections.

31% Americans believe coronavirus numbers are being over-reported: Poll

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party has desperately tried to convince the world that SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, was naturally transmitted from animals to humans.

That is, SARS-CoV-2, over time, naturally mutated in animals until it attained structures capable of infecting humans.

<a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.20.213280v1?rss=1">A new scientific study</a>, however, demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 could not have “jumped” from animals to humans in the way China claims, because it is probably incapable of infecting bats or pangolins (scaly anteaters), the only two animal hosts that could have harboured the virus.

The closest ancestor to SARS-CoV-2 so far <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2012-7?rel=outbound">identified</a> by China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology is the bat RaTG13 coronavirus with over 96% identity at the genomic level.

A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096098222030662X">newly reported</a> bat coronavirus, RmYN02, also found by China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology, shares 93.3% nucleotide identity with SARS-CoV-2, but apparently lacks the ability to infect humans.

Besides bat coronaviruses, two pangolin coronaviruses share up to <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1008421">90%</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7125936/">85.2%</a> sequence identity with SARS-CoV-2.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-scientific-misinformation-about-covid-19-has-become-chinese-propaganda-314436">Also read |&nbsp;How scientific misinformation about COVID-19 has become Chinese propaganda</a>

It is important to note, however, that, while SARS-CoV-2 appears to be of bat ancestry, there is still no definitive evidence of an intermediate host, such as pangolins, that could have transmitted the virus to humans.

When asked about that possibility of pangolins being the SARS-CoV-2 host, Dr Ralph Baric, a coronavirus expert from the University of North Carolina, in a March 15, 2020 <a href="https://www.microbe.tv/twiv/twiv-591/">interview</a>, stated pangolins were not the source.

“Pangolins have over 3,000 nucleotide changes - no way they are the reservoir species [for SARS-CoV-2], absolutely no chance," he said.

Most of the research on SARS-CoV-2 has been focussed on the cascade of events regulated by the protein part of the spike glycoprotein, or S-protein, which has two sections, S1, primarily responsible for binding to the human cell and S2, driving fusion with the cell membrane and entry.

The S1 section contains a sequence of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, called the receptor binding domain (RBD), which defines the coronavirus’ ability to bind to the specific human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 receptor (ACE2).

Several scientific studies have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 already demonstrated high-affinity human binding even in the earliest cases and that it appeared to be “<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/covid-19-scientific-disinformation-is-quite-literally-killing-us-313438">pre-adapted</a>” for human infection.

Between the S1 and S2 sections of SARS-CoV-2 is a furin polybasic cleavage site (amino acid sequence proline, arginine, arginine, alanine or PRRA), a distinctive feature widely known for its ability to enhance <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6832359/">pathogenicity </a>and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12250-020-00212-7">transmissibility in coronaviruses</a> , but <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1097276520302641#bib38">NOT PRESENT</a> in any closely related bat or pangolin coronavirus.

To summarise, it is believed that SARS-CoV binds to the human cell ACE2 receptor making the furin polybasic cleavage site more accessible to human cell protein cleavage enzymes. The cleavage of the SARS-CoV-2 protein at the S1 and S2 junction facilitates the fusion of the SARS-CoV-2 membrane with the human cell membrane allowing the insertion of viral genetic material for subsequent virus replication and release.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/covid-19-scientific-disinformation-is-quite-literally-killing-us-313438">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Scientific disinformation is, quite literally, killing us</a>

The most astounding finding of the new study is that insertion of the PRRA polybasic cleavage site into the bat RaTG13 coronavirus, the closest known relative to SARS-CoV-2, but lacks the PRRA site, caused the modified RaTG13 to lose its ability to infect both bats and pangolins.

It is, therefore, highly unlikely that SARS-CoV-2 could have originated naturally in bats or pangolins, if the addition of the PRRA furin polybasic cleavage site selects against the survival of the virus in either animal.

This new study further confirms the claim that SARS-CoV-2, which appears to have the “backbone” of a bat coronavirus, must have been genetically manipulated in the laboratory.

Lawrence Sellin, PhD is a retired US Army Reserve colonel. He has previously worked at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and conducted basic and clinical research in the pharmaceutical industry. His email address is lawrence.sellin@gmail.com.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party has desperately tried to convince the world that SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, was naturally transmitted from animals to humans.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party has desperately tried to convince the world that SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, was naturally transmitted from animals to humans. That is, SARS-CoV-2, over time, naturally mutated in animals until it attained structures capable of infecting humans. A new scientific study, however, demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 could not have “jumped” from animals to humans in the way China claims, because it is probably incapable of infecting bats or pangolins (scaly anteaters), the only two animal hosts that could have harboured the virus. The closest ancestor to SARS-CoV-2 so far identified by China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology is the bat RaTG13 coronavirus with over 96% identity at the genomic level. A newly reported bat coronavirus, RmYN02, also found by China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology, shares 93.3% nucleotide identity with SARS-CoV-2, but apparently lacks the ability to infect humans. Besides bat coronaviruses, two pangolin coronaviruses share up to 90% and 85.2% sequence identity with SARS-CoV-2. Also read | How scientific misinformation about COVID-19 has become Chinese propaganda It is important to note, however, that, while SARS-CoV-2 appears to be of bat ancestry, there is still no definitive evidence of an intermediate host, such as pangolins, that could have transmitted the virus to humans. When asked about that possibility of pangolins being the SARS-CoV-2 host, Dr Ralph Baric, a coronavirus expert from the University of North Carolina, in a March 15, 2020 interview, stated pangolins were not the source. “Pangolins have over 3,000 nucleotide changes - no way they are the reservoir species [for SARS-CoV-2], absolutely no chance," he said. Most of the research on SARS-CoV-2 has been focussed on the cascade of events regulated by the protein part of the spike glycoprotein, or S-protein, which has two sections, S1, primarily responsible for binding to the human cell and S2, driving fusion with the cell membrane and entry. The S1 section contains a sequence of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, called the receptor binding domain (RBD), which defines the coronavirus’ ability to bind to the specific human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 receptor (ACE2). Several scientific studies have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 already demonstrated high-affinity human binding even in the earliest cases and that it appeared to be “pre-adapted” for human infection. Between the S1 and S2 sections of SARS-CoV-2 is a furin polybasic cleavage site (amino acid sequence proline, arginine, arginine, alanine or PRRA), a distinctive feature widely known for its ability to enhance pathogenicity and transmissibility in coronaviruses , but NOT PRESENT in any closely related bat or pangolin coronavirus. To summarise, it is believed that SARS-CoV binds to the human cell ACE2 receptor making the furin polybasic cleavage site more accessible to human cell protein cleavage enzymes. The cleavage of the SARS-CoV-2 protein at the S1 and S2 junction facilitates the fusion of the SARS-CoV-2 membrane with the human cell membrane allowing the insertion of viral genetic material for subsequent virus replication and release. Also read | COVID-19: Scientific disinformation is, quite literally, killing us The most astounding finding of the new study is that insertion of the PRRA polybasic cleavage site into the bat RaTG13 coronavirus, the closest known relative to SARS-CoV-2, but lacks the PRRA site, caused the modified RaTG13 to lose its ability to infect both bats and pangolins. It is, therefore, highly unlikely that SARS-CoV-2 could have originated naturally in bats or pangolins, if the addition of the PRRA furin polybasic cleavage site selects against the survival of the virus in either animal. This new study further confirms the claim that SARS-CoV-2, which appears to have the “backbone” of a bat coronavirus, must have been genetically manipulated in the laboratory. Lawrence Sellin, PhD is a retired US Army Reserve colonel. He has previously worked at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and conducted basic and clinical research in the pharmaceutical industry. His email address is lawrence.sellin@gmail.com. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

New study refutes China’s narrative of COVID-19 being a natural animal-to-human transmission

A small South Korean survey of people with no history of COVID-19, but living in a city with the most cases, showed that one in nine had antibodies to the novel coronavirus, indicating the virus may have spread more widely than thought.

The study said based on the survey, roughly 185,290 people could have contracted the virus in Daegu city, which is the country's fourth-largest city with a population of 2.5 million.

"It was estimated that the number of undiagnosed missing cases may be 27-fold higher than the number of confirmed cases based on PCR testing in Daegu," the study said.

Daegu city recorded 6,886 coronavirus cases alone as of June 6, said the study published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science (JKMS) on July 16, but announced by the journal on Tuesday night according to local media.

The study done between May 25 and June 5 followed 198 people in Daegu city who had never been tested for COVID-19, and found 15 of them, or 7.6%, had antibodies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/this-can-happen-again-and-south-korea-will-need-more-hospital-beds-top-health-official-313700" hreflang="en">This can happen again, and South Korea will need more hospital beds: top health official</a>

That is a much higher infection rate than that found in a survey of more than 3,000 people in South Korea that excluded Daegu, in which only one person showed neutralising antibodies to the novel coronavirus earlier this month.

Antibody, or serology, tests show whether a person has been exposed to the virus. Similar studies have shown infection rates ranging from 0.1% in Tokyo to 17% in London and 5.2% in Spain nationwide.

South Korea, an early success story in containing the virus among its 51 million population after a severe outbreak in Daegu in March, has reported 13,879 cases and 297 deaths. The country is now battling small but persistent clusters of infections with 63 new cases reported on Tuesday.

A small South Korean survey of people with no history of COVID-19, but living in a city with the most cases, showed that one in nine had antibodies to the novel coronavirus, indicating the virus may have spread more widely than thought.

A small South Korean survey of people with no history of COVID-19, but living in a city with the most cases, showed that one in nine had antibodies to the novel coronavirus, indicating the virus may have spread more widely than thought. The study said based on the survey, roughly 185,290 people could have contracted the virus in Daegu city, which is the country's fourth-largest city with a population of 2.5 million. "It was estimated that the number of undiagnosed missing cases may be 27-fold higher than the number of confirmed cases based on PCR testing in Daegu," the study said. Daegu city recorded 6,886 coronavirus cases alone as of June 6, said the study published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science (JKMS) on July 16, but announced by the journal on Tuesday night according to local media. The study done between May 25 and June 5 followed 198 people in Daegu city who had never been tested for COVID-19, and found 15 of them, or 7.6%, had antibodies. Also read: This can happen again, and South Korea will need more hospital beds: top health official That is a much higher infection rate than that found in a survey of more than 3,000 people in South Korea that excluded Daegu, in which only one person showed neutralising antibodies to the novel coronavirus earlier this month. Antibody, or serology, tests show whether a person has been exposed to the virus. Similar studies have shown infection rates ranging from 0.1% in Tokyo to 17% in London and 5.2% in Spain nationwide. South Korea, an early success story in containing the virus among its 51 million population after a severe outbreak in Daegu in March, has reported 13,879 cases and 297 deaths. The country is now battling small but persistent clusters of infections with 63 new cases reported on Tuesday.

Undiagnosed virus infections could be 27 times higher in South Korea's Daegu city

The United States reported more than 1,000 deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, marking the first time since June 10 the nation has surpassed that grim milestone, as California closed in on passing New York in total infections.

Nearly 142,000 Americans have now died from the illness caused by the coronavirus, a toll that experts warn will likely surge following recent record spikes in case numbers and an alarming rise in hospitalizations in many states.

But in some states, governors and local officials continued to bicker over the best way to respond to the crisis.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portland-protest-crackdown-biden-accuses-trump-of-egregious-tactics-315040" hreflang="en">Portland protest crackdown: Biden accuses Trump of 'egregious tactics'</a>

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott said Hidalgo county could not order residents to stay home and said mask and social distancing rules were sufficient to keep businesses open in the Rio Grande Valley, on the U.S. border with Mexico.&nbsp;

In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp has sought to prevent Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms from enforcing an order that residents wear masks in public.

A court hearing on Kemp's lawsuit against Bottoms, a Democrat who has been mentioned as a possible running mate for presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, was postponed after two judges recused themselves.

In Florida, the state teachers' union has sued Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials in an attempt to halt his plans to reopen school classrooms as the state suffered a surge of more than 10,000 daily new COVID-19 cases for six out of the last seven days.

On average last week, 19% of Florida's tests for the virus came back positive, indicating widespread community transmission. Deaths have climbed 45% week-over-week.

"I think it's much better today than it was two weeks ago. And I think it will continue to improve," DeSantis said at a briefing on Tuesday, adding that hospitals were seeing plateaus in patient numbers.&nbsp;

About 20% of Florida's intensive care unit beds are available, 5% more than two weeks ago, after hospitals expanded capacity. The number of currently hospitalized coronavirus patients fell on Tuesday after rising to record highs at least nine days in a row, state data showed.

Neither Florida nor Georgia have issued statewide mask mandates. In Texas, Abbott initially resisted such an order but earlier this month agreed to require face coverings in most counties.

In Hidalgo County, cases have risen 59% in the last week to nearly 13,000 total. In just one week, deaths have doubled to over 300, according to a Reuters tally.

CALIFORNIA CASES RISE

California on Tuesday became the second U.S. state after New York to report more than 400,000 COVID-19 cases since the outbreak was first detected in the United States in January, according to a Reuters tally of county data.

New York - the epicenter of the pandemic earlier this year - has recorded by far the most deaths of any U.S. state at 32,218. California has reported more than 7,700 deaths.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-congressional-districts-to-disallow-illegal-aliens-from-voting-315041" hreflang="en">Trump orders congressional districts to disallow 'illegal aliens' from voting</a>

But New York now has one of the nation's lowest infection rates and reported just two coronavirus-related deaths on Tuesday. It has eased its once strict lockdown restrictions.

Mandatory mask wearing, which public health officials say can slow the spread of the virus, has become a political issue among Americans, with many conservatives calling such rules a violation of their Constitutional rights.

President Donald Trump has been reluctant to wear a mask himself in public, but encouraged Americans on Tuesday to wear one if they cannot maintain social distance, and avoid crowded bars.

The United States reported more than 1,000 deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, marking the first time since June 10 the nation has surpassed that grim milestone, as California closed in on passing New York in total infections.

The United States reported more than 1,000 deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, marking the first time since June 10 the nation has surpassed that grim milestone, as California closed in on passing New York in total infections. Nearly 142,000 Americans have now died from the illness caused by the coronavirus, a toll that experts warn will likely surge following recent record spikes in case numbers and an alarming rise in hospitalizations in many states. But in some states, governors and local officials continued to bicker over the best way to respond to the crisis. Also read: Portland protest crackdown: Biden accuses Trump of 'egregious tactics' In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott said Hidalgo county could not order residents to stay home and said mask and social distancing rules were sufficient to keep businesses open in the Rio Grande Valley, on the U.S. border with Mexico. In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp has sought to prevent Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms from enforcing an order that residents wear masks in public. A court hearing on Kemp's lawsuit against Bottoms, a Democrat who has been mentioned as a possible running mate for presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, was postponed after two judges recused themselves. In Florida, the state teachers' union has sued Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials in an attempt to halt his plans to reopen school classrooms as the state suffered a surge of more than 10,000 daily new COVID-19 cases for six out of the last seven days. On average last week, 19% of Florida's tests for the virus came back positive, indicating widespread community transmission. Deaths have climbed 45% week-over-week. "I think it's much better today than it was two weeks ago. And I think it will continue to improve," DeSantis said at a briefing on Tuesday, adding that hospitals were seeing plateaus in patient numbers. About 20% of Florida's intensive care unit beds are available, 5% more than two weeks ago, after hospitals expanded capacity. The number of currently hospitalized coronavirus patients fell on Tuesday after rising to record highs at least nine days in a row, state data showed. Neither Florida nor Georgia have issued statewide mask mandates. In Texas, Abbott initially resisted such an order but earlier this month agreed to require face coverings in most counties. In Hidalgo County, cases have risen 59% in the last week to nearly 13,000 total. In just one week, deaths have doubled to over 300, according to a Reuters tally. CALIFORNIA CASES RISE California on Tuesday became the second U.S. state after New York to report more than 400,000 COVID-19 cases since the outbreak was first detected in the United States in January, according to a Reuters tally of county data. New York - the epicenter of the pandemic earlier this year - has recorded by far the most deaths of any U.S. state at 32,218. California has reported more than 7,700 deaths. Also read: Trump orders congressional districts to disallow 'illegal aliens' from voting But New York now has one of the nation's lowest infection rates and reported just two coronavirus-related deaths on Tuesday. It has eased its once strict lockdown restrictions. Mandatory mask wearing, which public health officials say can slow the spread of the virus, has become a political issue among Americans, with many conservatives calling such rules a violation of their Constitutional rights. President Donald Trump has been reluctant to wear a mask himself in public, but encouraged Americans on Tuesday to wear one if they cannot maintain social distance, and avoid crowded bars.

US records 1,000 deaths in one day from COVID-19, California passes 400,000 cases

The rich are trying to buy access to virus-free safe zones. New Zealand is their top choice. What are the other options?

Gravitas: Rich are on the quest for a virus-free safe haven

A new study claims that in people with mild coronavirus infection, the antibodies sharply drop over the first three months of the contraction.

According to the study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, a research team at the University of California, Los Angeles, did an in-depth study of 34 people who had recovered from a mild infection. Their blood was tested two or three times over three months, Xinhua news agency reported on Tuesday.

The researchers found a rapid drop in antibodies - the immune system proteins that help stop viruses from infecting cells in the body. On average, the antibody levels fell by half every 73 days.

The findings raise concern that immunity against SARS-CoV-2 may not be long lasting in persons with mild illness, who compose the majority of persons with COVID-19, said the study.

A new study claims that in people with mild coronavirus infection, the antibodies sharply drop over the first three months of the contraction. According to the study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, a research team at the University of California, Los Angeles, did an in-depth study of 34 people who had recovered from a mild infection.

A new study claims that in people with mild coronavirus infection, the antibodies sharply drop over the first three months of the contraction. According to the study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, a research team at the University of California, Los Angeles, did an in-depth study of 34 people who had recovered from a mild infection. Their blood was tested two or three times over three months, Xinhua news agency reported on Tuesday. The researchers found a rapid drop in antibodies - the immune system proteins that help stop viruses from infecting cells in the body. On average, the antibody levels fell by half every 73 days. The findings raise concern that immunity against SARS-CoV-2 may not be long lasting in persons with mild illness, who compose the majority of persons with COVID-19, said the study.

Immunity drops quickly in mild COVID-19 cases, says study

Bolivian police have recovered more than 400 bodies from streets and homes over a five-day period, with 85 per cent of the dead believed to have had coronavirus.

A total of 191 bodies were recovered in the Cochabamba metropolitan area alone from July 15-20, with another 141 collected in La Paz. In the country's biggest city, Santa Cruz, authorities recovered 68 bodies.

The Santa Cruz metropolitan area is the worst affected by coronavirus in Bolivia and accounts for almost half of the country's more than 60,000 cases.

Some 85 per cent of the bodies were positive cases for COVID-19 and cases with COVID symptoms, so they will be recorded as suspected cases.

According to the national epidemiological office, the western regions of Cochabamba and La Paz are experiencing a "very rapid increase" in coronavirus cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-bolivian-city-a-fake-and-toxic-coronavirus-cure-proves-popular-314194">Also read |&nbsp;In Bolivian city, a fake and toxic coronavirus cure proves popular</a>

Bolivia has recorded more than 2,200 confirmed coronavirus deaths among its 11 million population.

Between April 1 and July 19 more than 3,000 bodies that were recovered outside of hospital settings had been identified as either confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases.

Bolivian police have recovered more than 400 bodies from streets and homes over a five-day period, with 85 per cent of the dead believed to have had coronavirus.

Bolivian police have recovered more than 400 bodies from streets and homes over a five-day period, with 85 per cent of the dead believed to have had coronavirus. A total of 191 bodies were recovered in the Cochabamba metropolitan area alone from July 15-20, with another 141 collected in La Paz. In the country's biggest city, Santa Cruz, authorities recovered 68 bodies. The Santa Cruz metropolitan area is the worst affected by coronavirus in Bolivia and accounts for almost half of the country's more than 60,000 cases. Some 85 per cent of the bodies were positive cases for COVID-19 and cases with COVID symptoms, so they will be recorded as suspected cases. According to the national epidemiological office, the western regions of Cochabamba and La Paz are experiencing a "very rapid increase" in coronavirus cases. Also read | In Bolivian city, a fake and toxic coronavirus cure proves popular Bolivia has recorded more than 2,200 confirmed coronavirus deaths among its 11 million population. Between April 1 and July 19 more than 3,000 bodies that were recovered outside of hospital settings had been identified as either confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases.

Hundreds of coronavirus-infected bodies recovered from Bolivian streets, homes

There is a lot about&nbsp;coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit.

Recently, a group of scientists had claimed that coronavirus is actually airborne, meaning it can be passed through the air, as opposed to what what earlier posited.

Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, scientists have been sure of the fact that COVID-19 is transmitted through the micodroplets released by patients when they're speaking or breathing. However, no proof existed until now of whether these particles were infectious

Replicated quickly!

A study undertaken at the University of Nebraska and released this week, for the first time showed how coronavirus derived from microdroplets (defined as under five microns) can spread even in lab conditions. 
 
This gives credence to the notion that simply speaking and breathing&nbsp;as opposed to coughing and sneezing can spread the virus from one person to another. Additionally, this nullifies the scientific value of the two metres distancing role adopted worldwide, for the infectious virus can travel beyond it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/opinions-blogs/is-the-airborne-route-a-major-source-of-coronavirus-transmission-311608" hreflang="en">Is the airborne route a major source of coronavirus transmission?</a> 
 
Even though the research has not been peer-reviewed, it is a revelation in a series of many such shocking details that have come regarding the virus recently. 
 
Published on medrxiv.org, the research was done by scientists who in March showed that the virus remained airborne in the hospital rooms of coronavirus patients. This study will soon be published in a journal. 
 
Joshua Santarpia, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center told AFP,&nbsp;"It is actually fairly difficult" to collect the samples.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hundreds-of-scientists-say-coronavirus-is-airborne-ask-who-to-revise-recommendations-says-report-310933" hreflang="en">Hundreds of scientists say coronavirus is airborne, ask WHO to revise recommendations, says report</a>

Infectious microdroplets

The device used to understand the virus was the size of cellular phone, however "the&nbsp;concentrations are typically very low, your chances of recovering material are small".

As part of their research, the scientists took samples of air from five rooms of coronavirus patients. The height at which the results were recorded was about 30 centimetres or a foot.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/who-acknowledges-emerging-evidence-on-airborne-coronavirus-transmission-311448" hreflang="en">WHO acknowledges 'emerging evidence' on airborne coronavirus transmission</a>

These recorded "aerosol", or what remains of us after talking, ie, microdroplets, while some were coughing.&nbsp;The researchers were able to collect droplets as small as one micron in diameter.

These samples were placed into a culture to see if they'd grow. They found that out of the 18 samples, three were able to replicate.

This, for the researchers, implies that microdroplets are indeed capable of infecting people. 
 
"It is replicated in cell culture and therefore infectious," he said.

There is a lot about coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit.

There is a lot about coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit. Recently, a group of scientists had claimed that coronavirus is actually airborne, meaning it can be passed through the air, as opposed to what what earlier posited. Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, scientists have been sure of the fact that COVID-19 is transmitted through the micodroplets released by patients when they're speaking or breathing. However, no proof existed until now of whether these particles were infectious Replicated quickly! A study undertaken at the University of Nebraska and released this week, for the first time showed how coronavirus derived from microdroplets (defined as under five microns) can spread even in lab conditions. This gives credence to the notion that simply speaking and breathing as opposed to coughing and sneezing can spread the virus from one person to another. Additionally, this nullifies the scientific value of the two metres distancing role adopted worldwide, for the infectious virus can travel beyond it. Also read: Is the airborne route a major source of coronavirus transmission? Even though the research has not been peer-reviewed, it is a revelation in a series of many such shocking details that have come regarding the virus recently. Published on medrxiv.org, the research was done by scientists who in March showed that the virus remained airborne in the hospital rooms of coronavirus patients. This study will soon be published in a journal. Joshua Santarpia, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center told AFP, "It is actually fairly difficult" to collect the samples. Also read: Hundreds of scientists say coronavirus is airborne, ask WHO to revise recommendations, says report Infectious microdroplets The device used to understand the virus was the size of cellular phone, however "the concentrations are typically very low, your chances of recovering material are small". As part of their research, the scientists took samples of air from five rooms of coronavirus patients. The height at which the results were recorded was about 30 centimetres or a foot. Also read: WHO acknowledges 'emerging evidence' on airborne coronavirus transmission These recorded "aerosol", or what remains of us after talking, ie, microdroplets, while some were coughing. The researchers were able to collect droplets as small as one micron in diameter. These samples were placed into a culture to see if they'd grow. They found that out of the 18 samples, three were able to replicate. This, for the researchers, implies that microdroplets are indeed capable of infecting people. "It is replicated in cell culture and therefore infectious," he said.

Research indicates airborne coronavirus remains actively infectious beyond 2 metres

Residents of Australia's second most populous city Melbourne must wear masks when leaving home from Wednesday, as tougher border restrictions were put in place with neighbouring New South Wales state to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Cross-border travel between Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) will now only be permitted for work, education or medical care, after the border was closed earlier this month for the first time in 100 years.

Staff or students travelling from Victoria into NSW to attend boarding schools or universities are now required to self-isolate for two weeks and test negative to coronavirus, while seasonal workers from Victoria are barred.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/australia-warns-coronavirus-outbreak-will-take-weeks-to-tame-314518" hreflang="en">Australia warns coronavirus outbreak will take weeks to tame</a>

Melbourne has seen a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases in recent weeks, with the virus spreading to many aged and nursing homes and some prisons.&nbsp;

Victoria has recorded just under 6,300 total confirmed cases of COVID-19, nearly half of the total infections in Australia. The state recorded 364 new cases on Tuesday.

Australia has recorded nearly 12,500 COVID-19 cases and 126 deaths since the pandemic began earlier this year. Though the overall health outcome is better than many of its rich world peers, authorities and policymakers are increasingly worried about spread of the virulent disease in Melbourne.

In NSW, of which Sydney is the capital city, 16 new COVID-19 cases were recorded with Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying the state was on "high alert" due to community transmissions and new locations of cases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/essential-to-stop-virus-australias-second-biggest-city-makes-mask-wearing-compulsory-in-public-314388" hreflang="en">'Essential to stop virus': Australia's second-biggest city makes mask-wearing compulsory in public</a>

She raised concerns over another Black Lives Matter protest planned next week, as a possible vehicle for the spread of the virus.

"Irrespective of the issue, we need to follow the health advice. Large crowds are a huge concern. We cannot allow that march to continue unfortunately," Berejiklian said.

"It’s just not sensible at this time to expose yourself and others to the spread of the virus. We’re at a critical point in New South Wales and we don’t want to see the virus spread and actions like that are a huge health risk."

Residents of Australia's second most populous city Melbourne must wear masks when leaving home from Wednesday, as tougher border restrictions were put in place with neighbouring New South Wales state to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Residents of Australia's second most populous city Melbourne must wear masks when leaving home from Wednesday, as tougher border restrictions were put in place with neighbouring New South Wales state to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Cross-border travel between Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) will now only be permitted for work, education or medical care, after the border was closed earlier this month for the first time in 100 years. Staff or students travelling from Victoria into NSW to attend boarding schools or universities are now required to self-isolate for two weeks and test negative to coronavirus, while seasonal workers from Victoria are barred. Also read: Australia warns coronavirus outbreak will take weeks to tame Melbourne has seen a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases in recent weeks, with the virus spreading to many aged and nursing homes and some prisons. Victoria has recorded just under 6,300 total confirmed cases of COVID-19, nearly half of the total infections in Australia. The state recorded 364 new cases on Tuesday. Australia has recorded nearly 12,500 COVID-19 cases and 126 deaths since the pandemic began earlier this year. Though the overall health outcome is better than many of its rich world peers, authorities and policymakers are increasingly worried about spread of the virulent disease in Melbourne. In NSW, of which Sydney is the capital city, 16 new COVID-19 cases were recorded with Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying the state was on "high alert" due to community transmissions and new locations of cases. Also read: 'Essential to stop virus': Australia's second-biggest city makes mask-wearing compulsory in public She raised concerns over another Black Lives Matter protest planned next week, as a possible vehicle for the spread of the virus. "Irrespective of the issue, we need to follow the health advice. Large crowds are a huge concern. We cannot allow that march to continue unfortunately," Berejiklian said. "It’s just not sensible at this time to expose yourself and others to the spread of the virus. We’re at a critical point in New South Wales and we don’t want to see the virus spread and actions like that are a huge health risk."

Melbourne residents ordered to wear masks as Australia coronavirus cases rise

A nurses' union placed 164 sets of white shoes outside the US Capitol on Tuesday in a tribute to their colleagues killed by coronavirus, calling on the Senate to pass a huge aid package meant to help fight the pandemic.

Two months ago "my colleagues and I stood in front of the White House surrounded by 88 pairs of shoes, each representing a nurse who had died from COVID," said Stephanie Simms, a Washington-based registered nurse.

"Today we have 164 pairs of shoes. They clearly show how this administration and this Congress has failed nurses who continue to die," said Simms,&nbsp;from the over 150,000-strong National Nurses United (NNU), which organized the display at the Capitol.

The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed the $3 trillion Heroes Act in mid-May.

However, the Republican-controlled Senate has blocked the measure, promising a new proposal.

The House bill would provide financial aid to households struggling during the coronavirus pandemic, help rescue the US economy and finance production of protective equipment for frontline workers.

The United States has recorded more than 141,000 deaths from the coronavirus pandemic amid some 3.86 million cases.

A nurses' union placed 164 sets of white shoes outside the US Capitol on Tuesday in a tribute to their colleagues killed by coronavirus, calling on the Senate to pass a huge aid package meant to help fight the pandemic.

A nurses' union placed 164 sets of white shoes outside the US Capitol on Tuesday in a tribute to their colleagues killed by coronavirus, calling on the Senate to pass a huge aid package meant to help fight the pandemic. Two months ago "my colleagues and I stood in front of the White House surrounded by 88 pairs of shoes, each representing a nurse who had died from COVID," said Stephanie Simms, a Washington-based registered nurse. "Today we have 164 pairs of shoes. They clearly show how this administration and this Congress has failed nurses who continue to die," said Simms, from the over 150,000-strong National Nurses United (NNU), which organized the display at the Capitol. The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed the $3 trillion Heroes Act in mid-May. However, the Republican-controlled Senate has blocked the measure, promising a new proposal. The House bill would provide financial aid to households struggling during the coronavirus pandemic, help rescue the US economy and finance production of protective equipment for frontline workers. The United States has recorded more than 141,000 deaths from the coronavirus pandemic amid some 3.86 million cases.

At US Capitol, 164 pairs of shoes represent nurses dead from COVID

Mexico on Tuesday passed 40,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus pandemic as the country, which has the fourth-highest COVID-19 death toll in the world, struggles to contain the disease. 
 
A daily technical report recorded a total of 40,400 deaths from the virus, after adding 915 more fatalities in the last 24 hours. The first case in Mexico was detected on February 28.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/at-least-23-bodies-found-in-mass-grave-in-mexico-314185" hreflang="en">At least 23 bodies found in mass grave in Mexico</a> 
 
This week President Manuel Lopez Obrador vowed to improve health standards in the nation to help its combat the virus threat.&nbsp; 
 
He pledged to protect those vulnerable to COVID-19, including tackling "diseases caused by hunger and poverty," launching "a permanent campaign" to promote healthier eating and lifestyles, and treating hypertension, diabetes and obesity as a priority.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/mexico-considers-selling-its-luxurious-presidential-jet-in-barter-deal-313511" hreflang="en">Mexico considers selling its luxurious presidential jet in barter deal</a> 
 
"We want to remember those who died from the COVID-19 pandemic, and send a loving, fraternal hug to their relatives, to their friends," Lopez Obrador said in a video released on social media. 
 
Mexico, with 127 million inhabitants, has the second-highest death toll in Latin America after Brazil, which has 80,000 deaths.&nbsp;

Mexico on Tuesday passed 40,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus pandemic as the country, which has the fourth-highest COVID-19 death toll in the world, struggles to contain the disease.

Mexico on Tuesday passed 40,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus pandemic as the country, which has the fourth-highest COVID-19 death toll in the world, struggles to contain the disease. A daily technical report recorded a total of 40,400 deaths from the virus, after adding 915 more fatalities in the last 24 hours. The first case in Mexico was detected on February 28. Also read: At least 23 bodies found in mass grave in Mexico This week President Manuel Lopez Obrador vowed to improve health standards in the nation to help its combat the virus threat. He pledged to protect those vulnerable to COVID-19, including tackling "diseases caused by hunger and poverty," launching "a permanent campaign" to promote healthier eating and lifestyles, and treating hypertension, diabetes and obesity as a priority. Also read: Mexico considers selling its luxurious presidential jet in barter deal "We want to remember those who died from the COVID-19 pandemic, and send a loving, fraternal hug to their relatives, to their friends," Lopez Obrador said in a video released on social media. Mexico, with 127 million inhabitants, has the second-highest death toll in Latin America after Brazil, which has 80,000 deaths.

Mexico's coronavirus death toll passes 40,000

China may shut the United States consulate&nbsp;in the original epicentre of COVID-19 in the country - the central city of Wuhan in Hubei after Washington asked China to shut its consulate in the US city of Houston on Wednesday.

"Unprecedented escalation"

After the order came through, China promised to retaliate. No official confirmation has been given by Chinese officials yet, but this is the most likely expected move in a series of diplomatic rows between the two countries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-may-lose-cyber-domain-to-china-says-senate-report-315144">United States may lose ‘cyber domain’ to China, says Senate report</a>

To counter China’s growing presence in the South China Sea, India and the US recently conducted naval exercises. Australia, too joined in later. This comes in after a growing anti-China sentiment across the world, in the light of its recent military excesses along the border with India, in Taiwan, in Tibet, and in the South China Sea.

In the next three days, China is required to shut its Houston consulate. The US cites protection of their intellectual property and information as the key reasons to do so.

China has referred to the move as an “unprecedented escalation”.

Souring relations

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, relations between both the countries have soured. US President Donald Trump, has on multiple occasions blamed China for spreading the virus across the globe. This birthed a number of conspiracies surrounding the virus, with many claiming that it was manufactured in a Wuhan lab, and others suggesting bio-warfare.

After China claimed that US ordered their consulate shut, the US immediately confirmed the closure.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-houston-consulate-closed-to-protect-american-intellectual-property-us-315168" hreflang="en">China's Houston consulate closed to 'protect intellectual property': US</a>

The consulate was "in order to protect American intellectual property and American's private information", State Department’s Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

"The United States will not tolerate the PRC's violations of our sovereignty and intimidation of our people, just as we have not tolerated the PRC's unfair trade practices, theft of American jobs, and other egregious behaviour," she added.

Recently, the US has been involved in clashes with China in various arenas. It recently claimed that Chinese hackers had been attempting to access sensitive coronavirus vaccine data. It has also launched attacks on the country for enforcing the National Security Law in Hong Kong, for which China is also in a spat with the United Kingdom, which recently suspended its extradition treaty.

China may shut the United States consulate in the original epicentre of COVID-19 in the country - the central city of Wuhan in Hubei after Washington asked China to shut its consulate in the US city of Houston on Wednesday.

China may shut the United States consulate in the original epicentre of COVID-19 in the country - the central city of Wuhan in Hubei after Washington asked China to shut its consulate in the US city of Houston on Wednesday. "Unprecedented escalation" After the order came through, China promised to retaliate. No official confirmation has been given by Chinese officials yet, but this is the most likely expected move in a series of diplomatic rows between the two countries. Also read: United States may lose ‘cyber domain’ to China, says Senate report To counter China’s growing presence in the South China Sea, India and the US recently conducted naval exercises. Australia, too joined in later. This comes in after a growing anti-China sentiment across the world, in the light of its recent military excesses along the border with India, in Taiwan, in Tibet, and in the South China Sea. In the next three days, China is required to shut its Houston consulate. The US cites protection of their intellectual property and information as the key reasons to do so. China has referred to the move as an “unprecedented escalation”. Souring relations Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, relations between both the countries have soured. US President Donald Trump, has on multiple occasions blamed China for spreading the virus across the globe. This birthed a number of conspiracies surrounding the virus, with many claiming that it was manufactured in a Wuhan lab, and others suggesting bio-warfare. After China claimed that US ordered their consulate shut, the US immediately confirmed the closure. Also read: China's Houston consulate closed to 'protect intellectual property': US The consulate was "in order to protect American intellectual property and American's private information", State Department’s Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. "The United States will not tolerate the PRC's violations of our sovereignty and intimidation of our people, just as we have not tolerated the PRC's unfair trade practices, theft of American jobs, and other egregious behaviour," she added. Recently, the US has been involved in clashes with China in various arenas. It recently claimed that Chinese hackers had been attempting to access sensitive coronavirus vaccine data. It has also launched attacks on the country for enforcing the National Security Law in Hong Kong, for which China is also in a spat with the United Kingdom, which recently suspended its extradition treaty.

'Unprecedented escalation': China may shut US consulate in Wuhan

South Korean epidemiologists have found that people were more likely to contract the new coronavirus from members of their own households than from contacts outside the home.

A study published in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on July 16 looked in detail at 5,706 “index patients” who had tested positive for the coronavirus and more than 59,000 people who came into contact with them.

The findings showed just two out of 100 infected people had caught the virus from non-household contacts, while one in 10 had contracted the disease from their own families.

By age group, the infection rate within the household was higher when the first confirmed cases were teenagers or people in their 60s and 70s.

“This is probably because these age groups are more likely to be in close contact with family members as the group is in more need of protection or support,” Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) and one of the authors of the study, told a briefing.

Children aged nine and under were least likely to be the index patient, said Dr. Choe Young-june, a Hallym University College of Medicine assistant professor who co-led the work, although he noted that the sample size of 29 was small compared to the 1,695 20-to-29-year-olds studied.

Children with COVID-19 were also more likely to be asymptomatic than adults, which made it harder to identify index cases within that group.

“The difference in age group has no huge significance when it comes to contracting COVID-19. Children could be less likely to transmit the virus, but our data is not enough to confirm this hypothesis,” said Choe.

Data for the study was collected between Jan. 20 and March 27, when the new coronavirus was spreading exponentially and as daily infections in South Korea reached their peak.

KCDC has reported 45 new infections as of Monday, bringing the country’s total cases to 13,816 with 296 deaths.

South Korean epidemiologists have found that people were more likely to contract the new coronavirus from members of their own households than from contacts outside the home.

South Korean epidemiologists have found that people were more likely to contract the new coronavirus from members of their own households than from contacts outside the home. A study published in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on July 16 looked in detail at 5,706 “index patients” who had tested positive for the coronavirus and more than 59,000 people who came into contact with them. The findings showed just two out of 100 infected people had caught the virus from non-household contacts, while one in 10 had contracted the disease from their own families. By age group, the infection rate within the household was higher when the first confirmed cases were teenagers or people in their 60s and 70s. “This is probably because these age groups are more likely to be in close contact with family members as the group is in more need of protection or support,” Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) and one of the authors of the study, told a briefing. Children aged nine and under were least likely to be the index patient, said Dr. Choe Young-june, a Hallym University College of Medicine assistant professor who co-led the work, although he noted that the sample size of 29 was small compared to the 1,695 20-to-29-year-olds studied. Children with COVID-19 were also more likely to be asymptomatic than adults, which made it harder to identify index cases within that group. “The difference in age group has no huge significance when it comes to contracting COVID-19. Children could be less likely to transmit the virus, but our data is not enough to confirm this hypothesis,” said Choe. Data for the study was collected between Jan. 20 and March 27, when the new coronavirus was spreading exponentially and as daily infections in South Korea reached their peak. KCDC has reported 45 new infections as of Monday, bringing the country’s total cases to 13,816 with 296 deaths.

People are more likely to contract COVID-19 at home, study finds

The initial epicentre of COVID-19, Wuhan in China welcomed its first group of tourists since the lockdown ended over 100 days ago.

Situated in the Hubei province, the first tour in the city known for its culture opened up. Meanwhile, the country is experiencing one of the worst floods in its history at the moment. Large areas in the country still remain submerged, and homes destroyed. Millions are affected by the devastating floods.

Once the epicentre

COVID-19 was first discovered in a food market in Wuhan, where the first case was lodged after people started showing symptoms of pneumonia.

The group of tourists came from the neighbouring province of Hunan, and consisted of people between the age of 12-82.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/chinas-wuhan-declares-red-alert-as-floods-disrupt-supply-chains-313959" hreflang="en">China's Wuhan declares red alert as floods disrupt supply chains</a>

Reuters reported that the tour bus was sterilised to avoid any potential transmission of coronavirus, which is currently wreaking havoc across 188 countries.

The tourists had to follow social distancing guidelines, with mandatory masks and a free distribution of sanitisers, after taking their temperature.

Tourism industry relieved

The pilot tourist group will see Wuhan’s landmarks like Chu River Han Street, Hubu Lane, and the Yellow Crane Tower.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/china-offers-rare-glimpse-of-wuhan-lab-centre-of-coronavirus-conspiracy-theories-311975" hreflang="en">China offers rare glimpse of Wuhan lab, centre of coronavirus conspiracy theories</a>

"We got some free tickets for out tourists and enhanced the accommodation level to the five-star-rated hotel where they could enjoy sumptuous buffet for dinner," said Qian Wenkang, the tour guide told Reuters.

"The resumption of inter-provincial travels is a great benefit to the entire tourism industry as well as a hopeful sign for the market to recover," said Lei Wenjie, the CPC committee secretary of the Hubei culture and tourism department.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/virus-samples-with-96-resemblance-to-covid-19-were-sent-to-wuhan-lab-in-2013-311205" hreflang="en">Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013</a>

However, a new research has pointed how temperature tests in the pursuit of identifying coronavirus cases is pretty much ineffective, as almost half the cases don’t even exhibit apparent symptoms of the virus. So if their temperature was normal, they could start be transmitting the disease to other people.

As of July 21, the country has 14 cases of coronavirus. In Hubei alone, over 68,135 cases were recorded, out of which 4,512 succumbed to the virus, and 63,623 recovered. The global tally has surpassed 15 million, with the US, Brazil, and India the hardest-hit countries at the moment. India currently has a recovery rate of 63 per cent, one of the highest in the world. China, on an average has been reporting 10 new cases of coronavirus everyday, which might explain why the former epicentre is now opening up for tourism.

The initial epicentre of COVID-19, Wuhan in China welcomed its first group of tourists since the lockdown ended over 100 days ago. Situated in the Hubei province, the first tour in the city known for its culture opened up.

The initial epicentre of COVID-19, Wuhan in China welcomed its first group of tourists since the lockdown ended over 100 days ago. Situated in the Hubei province, the first tour in the city known for its culture opened up. Meanwhile, the country is experiencing one of the worst floods in its history at the moment. Large areas in the country still remain submerged, and homes destroyed. Millions are affected by the devastating floods. Once the epicentre COVID-19 was first discovered in a food market in Wuhan, where the first case was lodged after people started showing symptoms of pneumonia. The group of tourists came from the neighbouring province of Hunan, and consisted of people between the age of 12-82. Also read: China's Wuhan declares red alert as floods disrupt supply chains Reuters reported that the tour bus was sterilised to avoid any potential transmission of coronavirus, which is currently wreaking havoc across 188 countries. The tourists had to follow social distancing guidelines, with mandatory masks and a free distribution of sanitisers, after taking their temperature. Tourism industry relieved The pilot tourist group will see Wuhan’s landmarks like Chu River Han Street, Hubu Lane, and the Yellow Crane Tower. Also read: China offers rare glimpse of Wuhan lab, centre of coronavirus conspiracy theories "We got some free tickets for out tourists and enhanced the accommodation level to the five-star-rated hotel where they could enjoy sumptuous buffet for dinner," said Qian Wenkang, the tour guide told Reuters. "The resumption of inter-provincial travels is a great benefit to the entire tourism industry as well as a hopeful sign for the market to recover," said Lei Wenjie, the CPC committee secretary of the Hubei culture and tourism department. Also read: Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013 However, a new research has pointed how temperature tests in the pursuit of identifying coronavirus cases is pretty much ineffective, as almost half the cases don’t even exhibit apparent symptoms of the virus. So if their temperature was normal, they could start be transmitting the disease to other people. As of July 21, the country has 14 cases of coronavirus. In Hubei alone, over 68,135 cases were recorded, out of which 4,512 succumbed to the virus, and 63,623 recovered. The global tally has surpassed 15 million, with the US, Brazil, and India the hardest-hit countries at the moment. India currently has a recovery rate of 63 per cent, one of the highest in the world. China, on an average has been reporting 10 new cases of coronavirus everyday, which might explain why the former epicentre is now opening up for tourism.

Wuhan welcomes tourists 100 days after lifting coronavirus-induced lockdown

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered to impose complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir division from the evening after a continuous spike in the number of CoronaVirus positive cases.

In a statement by the information department of the government, it said “complete lockdown in all Red districts (excluding Bandipora) of Kmr Div (Kashmir Division) from today evening till 6 am on 27-7-2020.”&nbsp;

It also says that agriculture and horticulture and construction activities will continue as per DMRR guidelines and movement of good carriers, LPG &amp; Oil tankers will continue without any hassle.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/a-local-daily-in-jk-surprises-readers-with-face-masks-as-cases-rise-314900" hreflang="en">A local daily in J&amp;K surprises readers with face masks as cases rise</a>

Earlier, the district administration Srinagar thought its official handle has tweeted about the COVID-19 situation which has reached a point where hospitals are running out of space.&nbsp;

Yesterday, J&amp;K crosses the 15 thousand mark with Srinagar, the summer capital, showing the upward trend with the highest cases in all 20 districts of the union territory. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/jk-joins-boycott-china-campaign-314629" hreflang="en">J&amp;K joins 'Boycott China' campaign</a>

The administration also canceled the annual Amarnath pilgrimage in wake of spike in COVID cases but said the shrine board will continue to live telecasts morning prayers for the devotees.

Meanwhile, district magistrate Srinagar has said all non-local laborers will be allowed into Srinagar after testing negative for COVID-19. People have been concerned about the incoming non-local laborers in wake of Coronavirus.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered to impose complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir division from the evening after a continuous spike in the number of CoronaVirus positive cases.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered to impose complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir division from the evening after a continuous spike in the number of CoronaVirus positive cases. In a statement by the information department of the government, it said “complete lockdown in all Red districts (excluding Bandipora) of Kmr Div (Kashmir Division) from today evening till 6 am on 27-7-2020.” It also says that agriculture and horticulture and construction activities will continue as per DMRR guidelines and movement of good carriers, LPG & Oil tankers will continue without any hassle. Also read: A local daily in J&K surprises readers with face masks as cases rise Earlier, the district administration Srinagar thought its official handle has tweeted about the COVID-19 situation which has reached a point where hospitals are running out of space. Yesterday, J&K crosses the 15 thousand mark with Srinagar, the summer capital, showing the upward trend with the highest cases in all 20 districts of the union territory. Also read: J&K joins 'Boycott China' campaign The administration also canceled the annual Amarnath pilgrimage in wake of spike in COVID cases but said the shrine board will continue to live telecasts morning prayers for the devotees. Meanwhile, district magistrate Srinagar has said all non-local laborers will be allowed into Srinagar after testing negative for COVID-19. People have been concerned about the incoming non-local laborers in wake of Coronavirus.

J&K: Administration orders complete lockdown in red zones after spike in COVID cases

As the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of abating globally, different countries are trying out various ways to identify and contain the virus and its carriers.

One of the most prominent techniques used by everyone ranging from airports to your next-door pharmacy is temperature checks. A man standing at the entry point will usually scan your temperature using a handheld device, pointing it at your forehead.

Based on the reading they receive and whether it qualifies are “not-corona”, they will let you enter, or simply ask you to leave.

But do these temperature checks achieve anything? The answer is unfortunately a scathing no.

Firstly, the biggest issue with COVID-19 is its unpredictability and the amount of information that scientists currently don’t have. For instance, earlier it was established the virus only spreads through person-to-person contact. But a recent research, which forced the WHO to change their stance claimed that the virus is actually airborne, implying it can spread through air.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ready-to-work-with-china-if-first-to-produce-successful-covid-19-vaccine-says-trump-315110" hreflang="en">US ready to work with China if first to produce successful COVID-19 vaccine, says Trump</a>

A new research now claims that this might be causing more harm than good.&nbsp;Reported by Popular Science, the executive Vice President of Scripps Research claimed that this practice is “of no value” and that “it should be abandoned”.&nbsp;Eric Topol also claimed that this practice is unable to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

"Unreliable"

This is a practice rooted in the SARS outbreak of 2000s. However, fever was a more reliable source of ascertaining infection in the case of SARS than it is for COVID-19. Over 86 per cent of SARS patients exhibited feverish symptoms.

SARS-CoV-2, on the other hand is very different from SARS, rendering the temperature checks useless. As suggested above, only half of the people who carry COVID-19 develop a fever. Additionally, the damage is done in terms of transmission way before temperature rises in patients.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/research-indicates-airborne-coronavirus-remains-actively-infectious-beyond-2-metres-315029">Research indicates airborne coronavirus remains actively infectious</a>

Research emanating from across the globe shows how youngsters sometimes don’t show any symptoms at all, while those who are simply not healthy enough may also not show symptoms.

Additionally, to filter out crowds based on fevers is absurd, given how it’s a common symptom for multiple ailments, or very simply could just be a fever.

This is more relevant for the US, for its flu season usually begins in the autumn, which is around the corner. This conflict of symptoms might keep out the non-carriers, but there’s no guarantee it will prevent those carrying the virus from venturing into public spaces that may become a breeding ground for the virus.

As the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of abating globally, different countries are trying out various ways to identify and contain the virus and its carriers.

As the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of abating globally, different countries are trying out various ways to identify and contain the virus and its carriers. One of the most prominent techniques used by everyone ranging from airports to your next-door pharmacy is temperature checks. A man standing at the entry point will usually scan your temperature using a handheld device, pointing it at your forehead. Based on the reading they receive and whether it qualifies are “not-corona”, they will let you enter, or simply ask you to leave. But do these temperature checks achieve anything? The answer is unfortunately a scathing no. Firstly, the biggest issue with COVID-19 is its unpredictability and the amount of information that scientists currently don’t have. For instance, earlier it was established the virus only spreads through person-to-person contact. But a recent research, which forced the WHO to change their stance claimed that the virus is actually airborne, implying it can spread through air. Also read: US ready to work with China if first to produce successful COVID-19 vaccine, says Trump A new research now claims that this might be causing more harm than good. Reported by Popular Science, the executive Vice President of Scripps Research claimed that this practice is “of no value” and that “it should be abandoned”. Eric Topol also claimed that this practice is unable to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. "Unreliable" This is a practice rooted in the SARS outbreak of 2000s. However, fever was a more reliable source of ascertaining infection in the case of SARS than it is for COVID-19. Over 86 per cent of SARS patients exhibited feverish symptoms. SARS-CoV-2, on the other hand is very different from SARS, rendering the temperature checks useless. As suggested above, only half of the people who carry COVID-19 develop a fever. Additionally, the damage is done in terms of transmission way before temperature rises in patients. Also read: Research indicates airborne coronavirus remains actively infectious Research emanating from across the globe shows how youngsters sometimes don’t show any symptoms at all, while those who are simply not healthy enough may also not show symptoms. Additionally, to filter out crowds based on fevers is absurd, given how it’s a common symptom for multiple ailments, or very simply could just be a fever. This is more relevant for the US, for its flu season usually begins in the autumn, which is around the corner. This conflict of symptoms might keep out the non-carriers, but there’s no guarantee it will prevent those carrying the virus from venturing into public spaces that may become a breeding ground for the virus.

Do temperature checks achieve anything in limiting the transmission of COVID-19?

Pakistanis with COVID-19 are risking their lives and navigating a shady black market to get blood plasma transfusions, despite scant medical proof about the remedy's effectiveness.

Convalescent plasma treatment, where the antibody-rich part of the blood from a recovered patient is transfused to a coronavirus sufferer, is growing in popularity across Pakistan amid widely circulating claims of success on social media.

Like some other nations, Pakistan is conducting medical trials on the treatment, which has shown promising signs but is far from proven.

But with lengthy wait times and uncertain access, people are turning to the black market and private clinics, where there are no guarantees about the safety or origin of the blood product.

"It's all born out of desperation because everyone wants to believe there is an answer to this (coronavirus) question," Fareeha Irfan, a public health specialist, told AFP.

"It is easy to exploit the people who are not very well versed in what's going on in the scientific world. It is very easy to coerce them."

Pakistan has declared about 260,000 cases of coronavirus and some 5,500 deaths. With low testing rates, the true figure is thought to be considerably higher.

The Pakistan Society of Haematology said plasma hype had led the public -- and even some health professionals -- to believe the therapy was standard treatment for the virus.

"Use of convalescent plasma can sometimes lead to life-threatening transfusion reactions and transmissions of infections," the society said.

Nawaz Murad, a lecturer from Lahore, said doctors advised him to organise plasma therapy as a last-ditch attempt to save his father, rapidly deteriorating from COVID-19.

Frantic, he turned to Facebook, where he found a donor within hours.

To complete the treatment quickly, the family did not get the blood screened, leaving open the risk of infections such as hepatitis or HIV.

"Of course it was worth the risk, there was no other option but to get the transfusion done as soon as possible," Murad told AFP.

"It was not a normal situation, my family were under immense stress."

The donor provided his plasma for free, but Murad paid the equivalent of about $100 to a doctor to provide the transfusion at home. Some private clinics are reportedly charging up to $300 in the impoverished country.

Legal expert Osama Malik said provincial and federal authorities are "looking the other way" as non-approved centres administer plasma therapy at high prices.

"The seven (official) centres are not enough to deal with the high number of desperate patients," he told AFP.

Murad's father has now recovered, and relatives believe the plasma treatment saved him.

BLACK MARKET DEALERS

While plasma therapy is so far unproven in fighting coronavirus, small studies have found it successful against other infectious diseases including Ebola and SARS.

Zoraiz Riaz Syed, who runs the "Corona Recovered Warriors" group of former patients on Facebook, said it had helped connect more than 750 people to blood donors.

His group is "providing a central platform for the whole of Pakistan", he said, adding that people trusted members of the community more than the country's creaking health care system.

A senior health official overseeing the government's clinical plasma trials said it was "near to impossible" for the government to stop unregulated transfusions.

Authorities are troubled by black-market sales, he told AFP, where dealers promise the quick delivery of a bag of blood to critical patients for prices hitting $900.

The coronavirus Facebook group has booted several members out for trying to sell their plasma, illegal in Pakistan in line with World Health Organization guidelines.

Pakistan's health ministry did not respond to requests for comment, but the government has set up a hotline for anyone forced into paying for plasma to file a complaint.&nbsp;

Freelance writer Amal Chaudhry said the plasma treatment her father underwent with the help of a donor she found on Facebook had so far proven successful.

"It all happened out of desperation," she said.

Now recovered, her father has posted online that he is ready to donate his plasma to other virus victims.

Pakistanis with COVID-19 are risking their lives and navigating a shady black market to get blood plasma transfusions, despite scant medical proof about the remedy's effectiveness.

Pakistanis with COVID-19 are risking their lives and navigating a shady black market to get blood plasma transfusions, despite scant medical proof about the remedy's effectiveness. Convalescent plasma treatment, where the antibody-rich part of the blood from a recovered patient is transfused to a coronavirus sufferer, is growing in popularity across Pakistan amid widely circulating claims of success on social media. Like some other nations, Pakistan is conducting medical trials on the treatment, which has shown promising signs but is far from proven. But with lengthy wait times and uncertain access, people are turning to the black market and private clinics, where there are no guarantees about the safety or origin of the blood product. "It's all born out of desperation because everyone wants to believe there is an answer to this (coronavirus) question," Fareeha Irfan, a public health specialist, told AFP. "It is easy to exploit the people who are not very well versed in what's going on in the scientific world. It is very easy to coerce them." Pakistan has declared about 260,000 cases of coronavirus and some 5,500 deaths. With low testing rates, the true figure is thought to be considerably higher. The Pakistan Society of Haematology said plasma hype had led the public -- and even some health professionals -- to believe the therapy was standard treatment for the virus. "Use of convalescent plasma can sometimes lead to life-threatening transfusion reactions and transmissions of infections," the society said. Nawaz Murad, a lecturer from Lahore, said doctors advised him to organise plasma therapy as a last-ditch attempt to save his father, rapidly deteriorating from COVID-19. Frantic, he turned to Facebook, where he found a donor within hours. To complete the treatment quickly, the family did not get the blood screened, leaving open the risk of infections such as hepatitis or HIV. "Of course it was worth the risk, there was no other option but to get the transfusion done as soon as possible," Murad told AFP. "It was not a normal situation, my family were under immense stress." The donor provided his plasma for free, but Murad paid the equivalent of about $100 to a doctor to provide the transfusion at home. Some private clinics are reportedly charging up to $300 in the impoverished country. Legal expert Osama Malik said provincial and federal authorities are "looking the other way" as non-approved centres administer plasma therapy at high prices. "The seven (official) centres are not enough to deal with the high number of desperate patients," he told AFP. Murad's father has now recovered, and relatives believe the plasma treatment saved him. BLACK MARKET DEALERS While plasma therapy is so far unproven in fighting coronavirus, small studies have found it successful against other infectious diseases including Ebola and SARS. Zoraiz Riaz Syed, who runs the "Corona Recovered Warriors" group of former patients on Facebook, said it had helped connect more than 750 people to blood donors. His group is "providing a central platform for the whole of Pakistan", he said, adding that people trusted members of the community more than the country's creaking health care system. A senior health official overseeing the government's clinical plasma trials said it was "near to impossible" for the government to stop unregulated transfusions. Authorities are troubled by black-market sales, he told AFP, where dealers promise the quick delivery of a bag of blood to critical patients for prices hitting $900. The coronavirus Facebook group has booted several members out for trying to sell their plasma, illegal in Pakistan in line with World Health Organization guidelines. Pakistan's health ministry did not respond to requests for comment, but the government has set up a hotline for anyone forced into paying for plasma to file a complaint. Freelance writer Amal Chaudhry said the plasma treatment her father underwent with the help of a donor she found on Facebook had so far proven successful. "It all happened out of desperation," she said. Now recovered, her father has posted online that he is ready to donate his plasma to other virus victims.

Pakistanis risk unproven plasma treatment in coronavirus fight

A report has claimed that Russia's elite have been given the experimental coronavirus vaccine. WION's Palki takes you inside the Russian lab that is working on the vaccine.

Gravitas: Inside the Russian lab that is making the Covid-19 vaccine

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that political leaders around the world should try to make the coronavirus vaccines available to everyone “for the public good”.

Speaking during a press conference at WHO’s Switzerland headquarters, he asserted the importance of ensuring equal access for all.

"Fair distribution"

"For the fair distribution and specially access to the poor and those who cannot afford, the most important element will be political commitment, especially by our leaders. And with political commitment, of course, that's the only way you can get fair distribution”, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-who-applauds-oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-data-but-warns-theres-still-a-long-way-to-go-314786">WHO hails ‘good news’ on COVID-19 vaccines, but warns there’s still a long way</a>

He also referred to “worrying patterns” in countries whereby the privilege of the affluent. ”But one of the worrying patterns we see is some countries moving the other direction. And when there is no consensus on having a vaccine, a global public good, it could be actually be owned by those who have money and those who cannot afford it may not have access to the vaccines. Some leaders have already have called and stressed the importance of making, when available, a vaccine or therapeutics global public good," he said.

While further talking about the vaccine, he said that the vaccines must not be seen as “charity” and should indeed be seen as a product for the global public good.

Ghebreyesus further claimed that the WHO has formulated and finalised a vaccine distribution framework even before any official vaccine has been approved. Additionally, the WHO chief added that how the fair distribution of vaccines will benefit the recovery of global economy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-months-of-resisting-wearing-one-trump-says-wearing-mask-patriotic-in-tweet-314794">After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic'</a>

"The advantage of using fairness or access to also poor countries is the world can really be lifted up and lift itself out of this pandemic together, which can speed up the economic recovery and the world, unless it's opened up its major part, I mean unless the whole world is opened up a in this globalized world, it would be a delaying the economic recovery," said Ghebreyesus.

"Long way to go"

The emergencies chief of WHO, Michael Ryan said that the two new studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a “positive result” but warned that “there is a long way to go”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/serum-institute-of-india-to-apply-for-local-trials-on-oxfords-vaccine-in-a-week-314785" hreflang="en">Serum Institute of India to apply for local trials on Oxford's vaccine</a>

“We now need to move into larger-scale real-world trials. But it is good to see more data and more products moving into this very important phase of vaccine discovery,” Dr Michael Ryan said.

Ryan's comments came as scientists at Oxford University claimed their experimental vaccine had exhibited a protective immune response in hundreds of people who received the vaccine.

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that political leaders around the world should try to make the coronavirus vaccines available to everyone “for the public good”.

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that political leaders around the world should try to make the coronavirus vaccines available to everyone “for the public good”. Speaking during a press conference at WHO’s Switzerland headquarters, he asserted the importance of ensuring equal access for all. "Fair distribution" "For the fair distribution and specially access to the poor and those who cannot afford, the most important element will be political commitment, especially by our leaders. And with political commitment, of course, that's the only way you can get fair distribution”, he said. Also read: WHO hails ‘good news’ on COVID-19 vaccines, but warns there’s still a long way He also referred to “worrying patterns” in countries whereby the privilege of the affluent. ”But one of the worrying patterns we see is some countries moving the other direction. And when there is no consensus on having a vaccine, a global public good, it could be actually be owned by those who have money and those who cannot afford it may not have access to the vaccines. Some leaders have already have called and stressed the importance of making, when available, a vaccine or therapeutics global public good," he said. While further talking about the vaccine, he said that the vaccines must not be seen as “charity” and should indeed be seen as a product for the global public good. Ghebreyesus further claimed that the WHO has formulated and finalised a vaccine distribution framework even before any official vaccine has been approved. Additionally, the WHO chief added that how the fair distribution of vaccines will benefit the recovery of global economy. Also read: After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' "The advantage of using fairness or access to also poor countries is the world can really be lifted up and lift itself out of this pandemic together, which can speed up the economic recovery and the world, unless it's opened up its major part, I mean unless the whole world is opened up a in this globalized world, it would be a delaying the economic recovery," said Ghebreyesus. "Long way to go" The emergencies chief of WHO, Michael Ryan said that the two new studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a “positive result” but warned that “there is a long way to go”. Also read: Serum Institute of India to apply for local trials on Oxford's vaccine “We now need to move into larger-scale real-world trials. But it is good to see more data and more products moving into this very important phase of vaccine discovery,” Dr Michael Ryan said. Ryan's comments came as scientists at Oxford University claimed their experimental vaccine had exhibited a protective immune response in hundreds of people who received the vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines should be made public for global good: WHO director-general

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has told its staff that wast majority can continue to work from home until next year. Watch report.

COVID-19 pandemic: RBS employees can work from home until 2021

The Philippines said on Tuesday it would ramp up testing for the novel coronavirus amid a sharp rise in infections and deaths since a lockdown was eased in June, while President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to arrest anyone not wearing a mask.

The government aimed to test 32,000 to 40,000 people a day compared with the current 20,000 to 23,000, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said in a televised meeeting with Duterte.&nbsp;

The Philippines has tested nearly 1.1 million people so far, but Duque said the aim was for 10 million people - or nearly a tenth of the population - to be tested by the second quarter of next year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/coronavirus-lockdown-could-lead-to-highest-births-in-philippines-in-two-decades-309355" hreflang="en">Coronavirus lockdown could lead to highest births in Philippines in two decades</a>

"We cannot test every citizen as no country has done it even the richest, the United States," Duque said.&nbsp;

In Southeast Asia, the Philippines ranks second to Indonesia in terms of the number of infections and deaths, with cases jumping nearly four-fold to 68,898 and deaths nearly doubling to 1,835 since the government relaxed lockdown measures in June.

Lockdowns have been reimposed in some of the hardest-hit areas.

Of 30 countries most impacted by the pandemic, the Philippines ranked 24th in terms of testing rate, data from statistics aggregator Statista showed.&nbsp;

Duterte threatened to arrest anyone who spread the virus, refused to wear masks or keep a safe distance from others. The tough-talking president warned in April that violators of lockdown rules could be shot for causing trouble.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/duterte-critic-journalist-maria-ressa-found-guilty-in-philippines-cyber-libel-case-305887" hreflang="en">Duterte-critic journalist Maria Ressa found guilty in Philippines cyber libel case</a>

"We do not have any qualms in arresting people," Duterte said in a recorded address aired on Tuesday. It was a "serious crime" to spread the COVID-19 respiratory disease, he added.

"If you are brought to the police station and detained there, that would give you a lesson for all time," he said of anyone caught not wearing a mask.

Last week, officials said health workers and police would take patients with mild or no symptoms from their homes and place them in isolation centres, raising concerns about possible human rights violations.

The Philippines said on Tuesday it would ramp up testing for the novel coronavirus amid a sharp rise in infections and deaths since a lockdown was eased in June, while President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to arrest anyone not wearing a mask.

The Philippines said on Tuesday it would ramp up testing for the novel coronavirus amid a sharp rise in infections and deaths since a lockdown was eased in June, while President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to arrest anyone not wearing a mask. The government aimed to test 32,000 to 40,000 people a day compared with the current 20,000 to 23,000, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said in a televised meeeting with Duterte. The Philippines has tested nearly 1.1 million people so far, but Duque said the aim was for 10 million people - or nearly a tenth of the population - to be tested by the second quarter of next year. Also read: Coronavirus lockdown could lead to highest births in Philippines in two decades "We cannot test every citizen as no country has done it even the richest, the United States," Duque said. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines ranks second to Indonesia in terms of the number of infections and deaths, with cases jumping nearly four-fold to 68,898 and deaths nearly doubling to 1,835 since the government relaxed lockdown measures in June. Lockdowns have been reimposed in some of the hardest-hit areas. Of 30 countries most impacted by the pandemic, the Philippines ranked 24th in terms of testing rate, data from statistics aggregator Statista showed. Duterte threatened to arrest anyone who spread the virus, refused to wear masks or keep a safe distance from others. The tough-talking president warned in April that violators of lockdown rules could be shot for causing trouble. Also read: Duterte-critic journalist Maria Ressa found guilty in Philippines cyber libel case "We do not have any qualms in arresting people," Duterte said in a recorded address aired on Tuesday. It was a "serious crime" to spread the COVID-19 respiratory disease, he added. "If you are brought to the police station and detained there, that would give you a lesson for all time," he said of anyone caught not wearing a mask. Last week, officials said health workers and police would take patients with mild or no symptoms from their homes and place them in isolation centres, raising concerns about possible human rights violations.

Philippines to ramp up coronavirus testing as Duterte warns of arrests

Taiwan's top diplomat in India has said that China continues to "intimidate" it amidst COVID pandemic and "dispatch military aircraft and vessels to circle Taiwan" Speaking exclusively to our&nbsp;Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Taiwan's&nbsp;Acting Ambassador Jack CH&nbsp;Chen said,"While countries are focusing on combating pandemic...China has used the opportunity to expand its military presence in the South and East China Seas". Speaking on India, Taiwan ties, the diplomat expressed his optimism that "through a joint effort following the pandemic, Taiwan and India will become staunch partners in the Indo-Pacific region." On its WHO membership, Chen said, "We hope that India, as the new Chair of WHO’s Executive Board, will help ensure the WHO Secretariat maintains a professional, neutral stance when considering issues related to Taiwan’s participation". 
&nbsp;

WION: China has shown an ambition to change the status quo amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, sending military aircraft and vessels into Taiwan’s airspace and territorial waters. How do you view this situation?

Jack CH&nbsp;Chen: China’s attempts to intimidate Taiwan militarily have never ceased. It continues to dispatch military aircraft and vessels to circle Taiwan and provoke us. China continues to state that it will not abandon the use of force against Taiwan. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the situation has grown more serious, and Chinese military aircraft and vessels have frequently circled Taiwan. In addition, while countries including the United States have been focusing on combating the pandemic, China has used the opportunity to expand its military presence in the South and East China Seas. It has bolstered its deployment on South China Sea islets and continues to dispatch military aircraft and vessels and Coast Guard vessels to the area. These actions have escalated tension in the region. China’s actions are not only detrimental to the positive development of cross-strait relations, they also seriously undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region at large.

In consideration of the global pandemic, China should be more transparent; allow for an independent, international investigation; and work more closely with the international community to discern the origins of the virus and what went wrong with disease containment measures so as to better contribute to the global healthcare system.

Taiwan strives to defend such values as democracy and freedom and spares no effort to support regional peace and stability. These efforts have earned high praise from the international community. Taiwan will never succumb to pressure. Rather, we will strive harder to defend our sovereignty, ensure our national interests, and reach out to the international community. We will seek to deepen substantive cooperation with like-minded nations and participate in related international organizations so as to make more concrete contributions to the international community.

 

WION: Is there a possibility for increased cooperation between Taiwan and India amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

Jack CH&nbsp;Chen:&nbsp;The global pandemic has shown the perils that come with reliance on a single or just a few sources of critical components. In the post-pandemic era, we will likely see a restructuring of the global supply chain. Apart from focusing on capacity building, Taiwan and India should carefully appraise our respective positions in the post-pandemic global supply chain and make plans to forge a partnership. Taiwan and India are natural tradings and industrial partners. Taiwan excels at hardware manufacturing, while India’s prowess lies in software development. India is now enjoying a demographic dividend and it is in an advantageous location with respect to market access in East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. There has long been a great potential for cooperation between India and Taiwan. Responding to the effects of the pandemic, India has doubled down on its Make in India initiative to reform the economy and attract foreign investment. Under this scheme, India has made a major effort to attract Taiwanese businesses. We are glad to see that India is continuing to improve its investment environment, as this benefits Taiwanese businesses looking to expand investment in India. Taiwan and India are both democratic countries and share such values as freedom, democracy, rule of law, and protection of human rights. Over the past few years, our nations have taken great strides toward cooperation in such areas as trade and investment. The pandemic, meanwhile, has helped us identify new areas for further cooperation, including e-commerce, online interaction, and biochemical technology. We hope that through a joint effort following the pandemic, Taiwan and India will become staunch partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

&nbsp;

WION: India will now chair WHO’s Executive Board. Does Taiwan have any expectations for India’s new role?

Jack CH&nbsp;Chen: Taiwan sincerely congratulates India on its new role as chair of WHO’s Executive Board. As the most important international organization guiding the development of global public health and defending the right to health, WHO should welcome participation by all stakeholders, including Taiwan. We hope that India, as the new Chair of WHO’s Executive Board, will help ensure the WHO Secretariat maintains a professional, neutral stance when considering issues related to Taiwan’s participation, such as granting Taiwan observer status at the World Health Assembly and including Taiwan in all WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities. This would help ensure the health and welfare of people in Taiwan and around the world.

 

WION: Are you confident that Taiwan will one day become a WHO member?

Jack CH&nbsp;Chen: Taiwan did not receive an invitation to the 2020 WHA held in May due to interference from China and WHO’s failure to maintain a professional, impartial stance. Other countries have noticed China’s unreasonable influence on international organizations and have publicly expressed support for Taiwan. There was an overwhelming outpouring of support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHA this year, which shows that the world recognizes the urgency and importance of Taiwan’s participation in WHO. This has been encouraging for Taiwan and we believe that the more international support we obtain, the closer we grow to our goal. Taiwan’s bids to participate in international organizations, including WHO, has always been based on the principles of being professional, pragmatic, and constructive. Our goal at the present time is to be invited to attend the WHA as an observer and to participate fully in WHO meetings, activities, and mechanisms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taiwan Model of successful containment measures has been praised around the world. Once we were able to supply our domestic needs, Taiwan selflessly began donating anti-pandemic medical supplies to more than 80 countries. We have shown the world that Taiwan can help, and Taiwan is helping.

 

WION: Do you think that China mishandled the COVID-19 crisis?

Jack CH&nbsp;Chen:&nbsp;China covered up and delayed notifying the world of the SARS outbreak in 2003. When the COVID-19 outbreak erupted in Wuhan in December 2019, other countries remained unaware of the situation. Even within China, information was not shared in a transparent manner. As a result, countries around the world were unable to respond quickly during the critical beginning stage of the outbreak. The golden opportunity to contain the outbreak was lost and it grew into a global pandemic. This highlights the terrible consequences of China’s lack of transparency.At the end of December 2019, Taiwan began noting information about related cases being shared on the internet and immediately realized the seriousness of the situation. Our officials notified WHO’s IHR focal point on December 31, asking them to pay special attention to the fact that patients with symptoms of atypical pneumonia had been isolated for treatment in Wuhan City. If China and WHO had responded quickly and alerted governments around the world to the situation, the outbreak could have been contained and the effect on humankind would have been significantly reduced.&nbsp;As a result of China’s mishandling of the outbreak, other countries have lost faith in China and have remained on alert. At the same time, the world sees Taiwan as a force for good even more than previously. We alerted WHO immediately after discovering a questionable situation, and have handled the outbreak in Taiwan transparently, showing that democratic countries are able to combat the virus in an open, honest, and transparent manner.

Taiwan's top diplomat in India has said that China continues to "intimidate" it amidst COVID pandemic and "dispatch military aircraft and vessels to circle Taiwan" Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Taiwan's Acting Ambassador Jack CH Chen said,"While countries are focusing on combating pandemic.

Taiwan's top diplomat in India has said that China continues to "intimidate" it amidst COVID pandemic and "dispatch military aircraft and vessels to circle Taiwan" Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Taiwan's Acting Ambassador Jack CH Chen said,"While countries are focusing on combating pandemic...China has used the opportunity to expand its military presence in the South and East China Seas". Speaking on India, Taiwan ties, the diplomat expressed his optimism that "through a joint effort following the pandemic, Taiwan and India will become staunch partners in the Indo-Pacific region." On its WHO membership, Chen said, "We hope that India, as the new Chair of WHO’s Executive Board, will help ensure the WHO Secretariat maintains a professional, neutral stance when considering issues related to Taiwan’s participation". WION: China has shown an ambition to change the status quo amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, sending military aircraft and vessels into Taiwan’s airspace and territorial waters. How do you view this situation? Jack CH Chen: China’s attempts to intimidate Taiwan militarily have never ceased. It continues to dispatch military aircraft and vessels to circle Taiwan and provoke us. China continues to state that it will not abandon the use of force against Taiwan. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the situation has grown more serious, and Chinese military aircraft and vessels have frequently circled Taiwan. In addition, while countries including the United States have been focusing on combating the pandemic, China has used the opportunity to expand its military presence in the South and East China Seas. It has bolstered its deployment on South China Sea islets and continues to dispatch military aircraft and vessels and Coast Guard vessels to the area. These actions have escalated tension in the region. China’s actions are not only detrimental to the positive development of cross-strait relations, they also seriously undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region at large. In consideration of the global pandemic, China should be more transparent; allow for an independent, international investigation; and work more closely with the international community to discern the origins of the virus and what went wrong with disease containment measures so as to better contribute to the global healthcare system. Taiwan strives to defend such values as democracy and freedom and spares no effort to support regional peace and stability. These efforts have earned high praise from the international community. Taiwan will never succumb to pressure. Rather, we will strive harder to defend our sovereignty, ensure our national interests, and reach out to the international community. We will seek to deepen substantive cooperation with like-minded nations and participate in related international organizations so as to make more concrete contributions to the international community.   WION: Is there a possibility for increased cooperation between Taiwan and India amidst the COVID-19 crisis? Jack CH Chen: The global pandemic has shown the perils that come with reliance on a single or just a few sources of critical components. In the post-pandemic era, we will likely see a restructuring of the global supply chain. Apart from focusing on capacity building, Taiwan and India should carefully appraise our respective positions in the post-pandemic global supply chain and make plans to forge a partnership. Taiwan and India are natural tradings and industrial partners. Taiwan excels at hardware manufacturing, while India’s prowess lies in software development. India is now enjoying a demographic dividend and it is in an advantageous location with respect to market access in East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. There has long been a great potential for cooperation between India and Taiwan. Responding to the effects of the pandemic, India has doubled down on its Make in India initiative to reform the economy and attract foreign investment. Under this scheme, India has made a major effort to attract Taiwanese businesses. We are glad to see that India is continuing to improve its investment environment, as this benefits Taiwanese businesses looking to expand investment in India. Taiwan and India are both democratic countries and share such values as freedom, democracy, rule of law, and protection of human rights. Over the past few years, our nations have taken great strides toward cooperation in such areas as trade and investment. The pandemic, meanwhile, has helped us identify new areas for further cooperation, including e-commerce, online interaction, and biochemical technology. We hope that through a joint effort following the pandemic, Taiwan and India will become staunch partners in the Indo-Pacific region. WION: India will now chair WHO’s Executive Board. Does Taiwan have any expectations for India’s new role? Jack CH Chen: Taiwan sincerely congratulates India on its new role as chair of WHO’s Executive Board. As the most important international organization guiding the development of global public health and defending the right to health, WHO should welcome participation by all stakeholders, including Taiwan. We hope that India, as the new Chair of WHO’s Executive Board, will help ensure the WHO Secretariat maintains a professional, neutral stance when considering issues related to Taiwan’s participation, such as granting Taiwan observer status at the World Health Assembly and including Taiwan in all WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities. This would help ensure the health and welfare of people in Taiwan and around the world.   WION: Are you confident that Taiwan will one day become a WHO member? Jack CH Chen: Taiwan did not receive an invitation to the 2020 WHA held in May due to interference from China and WHO’s failure to maintain a professional, impartial stance. Other countries have noticed China’s unreasonable influence on international organizations and have publicly expressed support for Taiwan. There was an overwhelming outpouring of support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHA this year, which shows that the world recognizes the urgency and importance of Taiwan’s participation in WHO. This has been encouraging for Taiwan and we believe that the more international support we obtain, the closer we grow to our goal. Taiwan’s bids to participate in international organizations, including WHO, has always been based on the principles of being professional, pragmatic, and constructive. Our goal at the present time is to be invited to attend the WHA as an observer and to participate fully in WHO meetings, activities, and mechanisms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taiwan Model of successful containment measures has been praised around the world. Once we were able to supply our domestic needs, Taiwan selflessly began donating anti-pandemic medical supplies to more than 80 countries. We have shown the world that Taiwan can help, and Taiwan is helping.   WION: Do you think that China mishandled the COVID-19 crisis? Jack CH Chen: China covered up and delayed notifying the world of the SARS outbreak in 2003. When the COVID-19 outbreak erupted in Wuhan in December 2019, other countries remained unaware of the situation. Even within China, information was not shared in a transparent manner. As a result, countries around the world were unable to respond quickly during the critical beginning stage of the outbreak. The golden opportunity to contain the outbreak was lost and it grew into a global pandemic. This highlights the terrible consequences of China’s lack of transparency.At the end of December 2019, Taiwan began noting information about related cases being shared on the internet and immediately realized the seriousness of the situation. Our officials notified WHO’s IHR focal point on December 31, asking them to pay special attention to the fact that patients with symptoms of atypical pneumonia had been isolated for treatment in Wuhan City. If China and WHO had responded quickly and alerted governments around the world to the situation, the outbreak could have been contained and the effect on humankind would have been significantly reduced. As a result of China’s mishandling of the outbreak, other countries have lost faith in China and have remained on alert. At the same time, the world sees Taiwan as a force for good even more than previously. We alerted WHO immediately after discovering a questionable situation, and have handled the outbreak in Taiwan transparently, showing that democratic countries are able to combat the virus in an open, honest, and transparent manner.

WION exclusive | China continues to intimidate us amidst COVID, says Taiwan's top diplomat in India

The European Union leaders broke the deadlock and solidified a deal to assist with post-pandemic recovery in the bloc. Officially announced on Tuesday morning, the deal with entail 750 billion Euros (roughly 859 billion USD) extended to member countries in the form of grants and loans in a bid to beat the recession triggered by COVID-19.

"Conclusions adopted"

An official present at the summit announced, “conclusions adopted!”

The massive stimulus plan will resuscitate affected economies back to life, four days after their summit began, and was caught in a deadlock after Dutch PM refused to accept preliminary terms, favouring grants and loans.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/european-unions-coronavirus-rescue-summit-moment-of-truth-says-macron-313966" hreflang="en">European Union's coronavirus rescue summit 'moment of truth', says Macron</a>

A new proposal was presented by EU Council President Charles Michel after countries were unable to reach a consensus. The 27 leaders perceived the 750 billion Euro deal differently, and critics believed that this would shed light on the future of EU.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/eu-leaders-extend-summit-as-they-grapple-over-coronavirus-recovery-plan-314359" hreflang="en">EU leaders grapple over coronavirus, recovery plan</a>

To make it workable for everybody, Michel made cuts to climate change schemes, and also reworked the overall package to ensure cooperation from all parties involved.

The EU was marred by a failed collective response to the pandemic, whereby almost every country dealt with the crisis on individual terms. Italy also lodged complaints over the lack of support, for once it was one of the hardest-hit countries in the world. The bloc has also been weakened by the departure of UK.

This deal was an opportunity for leaders to show they can stick up and beat the pandemic blues together.

"Billions"

The European Central Bank has put in billions into the economies of various countries to keep them afloat and to ensure unemployment does not soar.

EU leaders debated on the outcome throughout the weekend.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel showed optimism since the beginning and believed the stimulus package would come through, like it did. Additionally, they linked it to the 2021-2027 common budget of over 1.1 trillion Euros.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/mr-no-no-no-why-dutch-pm-rutte-plays-role-of-eu-bogeyman-314529" hreflang="en">'Mr No, No, No': Why Dutch PM Rutte plays role of EU bogeyman</a>

Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe experienced its deepest recession since World War 2, and lowered Italy’s borrowing&nbsp;costs, while pushing the Euro to a 19-week high.

As part of the recovery fund, reportedly 390 billion Euros will be non-repayable grants, which is significantly lower than the previously proposed 500 billion Euros. The rest will be in the form of repayable loans.

The Netherlands opted for a veto on aid for countries that weren’t pushing for economic reform, which caused delays.

The European Union leaders broke the deadlock and solidified a deal to assist with post-pandemic recovery in the bloc. Officially announced on Tuesday morning, the deal with entail 750 billion Euros (roughly 859 billion USD) extended to member countries in the form of grants and loans in a bid to beat the recession triggered by COVID-19.

The European Union leaders broke the deadlock and solidified a deal to assist with post-pandemic recovery in the bloc. Officially announced on Tuesday morning, the deal with entail 750 billion Euros (roughly 859 billion USD) extended to member countries in the form of grants and loans in a bid to beat the recession triggered by COVID-19. "Conclusions adopted" An official present at the summit announced, “conclusions adopted!” The massive stimulus plan will resuscitate affected economies back to life, four days after their summit began, and was caught in a deadlock after Dutch PM refused to accept preliminary terms, favouring grants and loans. Also read: European Union's coronavirus rescue summit 'moment of truth', says Macron A new proposal was presented by EU Council President Charles Michel after countries were unable to reach a consensus. The 27 leaders perceived the 750 billion Euro deal differently, and critics believed that this would shed light on the future of EU. Also read: EU leaders grapple over coronavirus, recovery plan To make it workable for everybody, Michel made cuts to climate change schemes, and also reworked the overall package to ensure cooperation from all parties involved. The EU was marred by a failed collective response to the pandemic, whereby almost every country dealt with the crisis on individual terms. Italy also lodged complaints over the lack of support, for once it was one of the hardest-hit countries in the world. The bloc has also been weakened by the departure of UK. This deal was an opportunity for leaders to show they can stick up and beat the pandemic blues together. "Billions" The European Central Bank has put in billions into the economies of various countries to keep them afloat and to ensure unemployment does not soar. EU leaders debated on the outcome throughout the weekend. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel showed optimism since the beginning and believed the stimulus package would come through, like it did. Additionally, they linked it to the 2021-2027 common budget of over 1.1 trillion Euros. Also read: 'Mr No, No, No': Why Dutch PM Rutte plays role of EU bogeyman Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe experienced its deepest recession since World War 2, and lowered Italy’s borrowing costs, while pushing the Euro to a 19-week high. As part of the recovery fund, reportedly 390 billion Euros will be non-repayable grants, which is significantly lower than the previously proposed 500 billion Euros. The rest will be in the form of repayable loans. The Netherlands opted for a veto on aid for countries that weren’t pushing for economic reform, which caused delays.

European Union breaks deadlock, inks a post-pandemic economic recovery deal

Sweden's health agency said on Monday it was changing its COVID-19 contact-tracing guidelines so that tracing is done to a larger extent by the individuals infected.

The new guidance breaks from a strategy adopted by most countries where authorities trace and notify people who have had close contact with a carrier of the disease.

An agency spokeswoman said it was much better that individuals themselves contact people they may have infected, rather than official tracking units which currently have this responsibility.

The existing system worked well when the number of infections was lower but had become less effective as the number grew, she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-must-be-willing-to-live-alongside-countries-of-different-cultures-china-314795" hreflang="en">US must be willing to live alongside countries of different cultures: China</a>

Unlike most tracing systems, the Swedish system is not anonymous as individuals are expected to deliver the news of their infection to anyone they've been in close contact with.

It is not yet clear how this will work in practice or whether authorities will check up on this do-it-yourself arrangement.&nbsp;

The health agency is expected to issue full guidelines in the coming days.

Although the number of infections in Sweden has slowed in recent weeks, a total of 78,048 people have been infected since the pandemic began, a figure far outstripping its Nordic neighbours.&nbsp;

Sweden decided to forego a hard lockdown and keep most schools open, and allow businesses to stay open, throughout the outbreak, a strategy that set it apart from most of Europe.

The spokeswoman said the new guidelines will not apply to individuals who are too ill to carry out the responsibility and that authorities will have the discretion in certain cases to do the tracing rather than the patient.

Sweden's health agency said on Monday it was changing its COVID-19 contact-tracing guidelines so that tracing is done to a larger extent by the individuals infected.

Sweden's health agency said on Monday it was changing its COVID-19 contact-tracing guidelines so that tracing is done to a larger extent by the individuals infected. The new guidance breaks from a strategy adopted by most countries where authorities trace and notify people who have had close contact with a carrier of the disease. An agency spokeswoman said it was much better that individuals themselves contact people they may have infected, rather than official tracking units which currently have this responsibility. The existing system worked well when the number of infections was lower but had become less effective as the number grew, she said. Also read: US must be willing to live alongside countries of different cultures: China Unlike most tracing systems, the Swedish system is not anonymous as individuals are expected to deliver the news of their infection to anyone they've been in close contact with. It is not yet clear how this will work in practice or whether authorities will check up on this do-it-yourself arrangement. The health agency is expected to issue full guidelines in the coming days. Although the number of infections in Sweden has slowed in recent weeks, a total of 78,048 people have been infected since the pandemic began, a figure far outstripping its Nordic neighbours. Sweden decided to forego a hard lockdown and keep most schools open, and allow businesses to stay open, throughout the outbreak, a strategy that set it apart from most of Europe. The spokeswoman said the new guidelines will not apply to individuals who are too ill to carry out the responsibility and that authorities will have the discretion in certain cases to do the tracing rather than the patient.

Sweden says people infected with COVID-19 should do contact tracing themselves

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