Samples of a virus that were sent out to Wuhan Institute of Virology in 2013 resembled the key characteristics of COVID-19, a new report has claimed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-induced-disruption-in-resources-may-cause-1-million-extra-deaths-due-to-other-diseases-311086" hreflang="en">Disruption in resources due to COVID-19 may cause 1 million extra deaths</a>

According to the report which ran in Sunday Times, the similarity of the samples was asserted. Wuhan was the initial epicentre of COVID-19, where the virus first emerged in November 2019.

Bats - the culprit!

Seven years ago, scientists had picked up samples from a copper mine in southwest China. Reportedly, six workers in the mine started showing visible symptoms of a pneumonia like disease, after which the samples were taken. Out of these six, three died of the probable coronavirus which was possibly contracted from one of the bats in the mines.

<h6><img alt="This aerial view shows the P4 laboratory (L) on the campus of the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on May 27, 2020. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75ce275b-8817-4f3a-9774-9c024ad675b0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_117.jpg" /> 
This aerial view shows the P4 laboratory (L) on the campus of the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on May 27, 2020. | AFP</h6>

The newspaper said that the virus may have spread from bat faeces, which was being cleared out by workers.

She Zhengli, another expert in viruses, studied the same mine and worked at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Dubbed as the “bat woman”, she had been conducting expeditions in bat caves. In February 2020, she claimed that the sample, named “RaTG13” had 96.2 per cent similarity to the current coronavirus - COVID-19. The sample in question was obtained in 2013 from a mine in Yunnan. 
 
"Most certainly"

According to the publication, RaTG13 is “certainly” the same virus found in the mines.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/7-killer-viruses-that-emerged-in-china-and-ravaged-the-world-311142" hreflang="en">7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world</a>

When conspiracies of a virus leaking from the Wuhan lab were making the rounds on social media, the institute’s director said that they did not possess a live sample of the RaTG13, dispelling all potential theories surrounding leakage.

The COVID-19 pandemic has infected over 11 million across the globe spanning&nbsp;188 countries, and has killed over 533,000. Over six million people have also recovered.

Samples of a virus that were sent out to Wuhan Institute of Virology in 2013 resembled the key characteristics of COVID-19, a new report has claimed. Also read: Disruption in resources due to COVID-19 may cause 1 million extra deaths According to the report which ran in Sunday Times, the similarity of the samples was asserted.

Samples of a virus that were sent out to Wuhan Institute of Virology in 2013 resembled the key characteristics of COVID-19, a new report has claimed. Also read: Disruption in resources due to COVID-19 may cause 1 million extra deaths According to the report which ran in Sunday Times, the similarity of the samples was asserted. Wuhan was the initial epicentre of COVID-19, where the virus first emerged in November 2019. Bats - the culprit! Seven years ago, scientists had picked up samples from a copper mine in southwest China. Reportedly, six workers in the mine started showing visible symptoms of a pneumonia like disease, after which the samples were taken. Out of these six, three died of the probable coronavirus which was possibly contracted from one of the bats in the mines. This aerial view shows the P4 laboratory (L) on the campus of the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on May 27, 2020. | AFP The newspaper said that the virus may have spread from bat faeces, which was being cleared out by workers. She Zhengli, another expert in viruses, studied the same mine and worked at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Dubbed as the “bat woman”, she had been conducting expeditions in bat caves. In February 2020, she claimed that the sample, named “RaTG13” had 96.2 per cent similarity to the current coronavirus - COVID-19. The sample in question was obtained in 2013 from a mine in Yunnan. "Most certainly" According to the publication, RaTG13 is “certainly” the same virus found in the mines. In pics: 7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world When conspiracies of a virus leaking from the Wuhan lab were making the rounds on social media, the institute’s director said that they did not possess a live sample of the RaTG13, dispelling all potential theories surrounding leakage. The COVID-19 pandemic has infected over 11 million across the globe spanning 188 countries, and has killed over 533,000. Over six million people have also recovered.

Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013

Another report published in a leading daily puts forward another latest theory about coronavirus. The theory confirms COVID-19 origin in China. Watch report.

Fineprint: Virus was sent to Wuhan lab in 2013, RaBtCoV/4991 is 96% similar to COVID-19

As many as 108 personnel from three Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) of the BSF, the ITBP and the CRPF tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, officials said.

The Border Security Force, the about 2.5-lakh personnel strong force, reported 36 fresh cases and 33 recoveries over the last 24 hours, officials said quoting the latest data.

The force has 1,348 coronavirus cases in total, out of which 526 personnel are under treatment while 816 have recovered.

There have been five deaths from the disease in the force, tasked to guard Indian fronts with Pakistan and Bangladesh, including the death of a personnel who was killed in a road accident and his COVID-19 positive report came later.

The Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), tasked to guard the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, reported 18 new infections while one personnel recovered in the last 24 hours, the officials said.

It has a total of 421 COVID-19 cases, out of which 151 personnel are under treatment while 270 have recovered from the disease.

The 90,000 personnel strength mountain-warfare trained force has had three deaths from the pandemic.

A total of 54 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel also tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday, while nine personnel were discharged after recovery, the officials said.

Out of the total 1,564 cases in the country's largest paramilitary force, 808 personnel are under treatment while 747 have recovered.

The about 3.25-lakh personnel strength force has reported nine deaths from the pandemic.

The maximum number of fresh COVID-19 cases in the three forces are of that personnel who are joining their units back and are put under mandatory quarantine of 14 days before they resume active duty, a senior official said.

A total of 22 CRPF personnel tested coronavirus positive on Sunday in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district, around 170 kms from here, an official said.

These men had rejoined duty a few days ago and were placed under institutional quarantine, where they were detected with the infection, he said.

Around 350-400 CRPF troopers were on leave and began returning to their reporting stations in the last 20-25 days, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Shailesh Balkawde told PTI.

"Personnel who return are kept in 14-day institutional quarantine and tested for coronavirus after seven to eight days from the date of their return. A total of 22 CRPF personnel tested positive on Sunday," he said.

As many as 108 personnel from three Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) of the BSF, the ITBP and the CRPF tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, officials said.

As many as 108 personnel from three Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) of the BSF, the ITBP and the CRPF tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, officials said. The Border Security Force, the about 2.5-lakh personnel strong force, reported 36 fresh cases and 33 recoveries over the last 24 hours, officials said quoting the latest data. The force has 1,348 coronavirus cases in total, out of which 526 personnel are under treatment while 816 have recovered. There have been five deaths from the disease in the force, tasked to guard Indian fronts with Pakistan and Bangladesh, including the death of a personnel who was killed in a road accident and his COVID-19 positive report came later. The Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), tasked to guard the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, reported 18 new infections while one personnel recovered in the last 24 hours, the officials said. It has a total of 421 COVID-19 cases, out of which 151 personnel are under treatment while 270 have recovered from the disease. The 90,000 personnel strength mountain-warfare trained force has had three deaths from the pandemic. A total of 54 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel also tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday, while nine personnel were discharged after recovery, the officials said. Out of the total 1,564 cases in the country's largest paramilitary force, 808 personnel are under treatment while 747 have recovered. The about 3.25-lakh personnel strength force has reported nine deaths from the pandemic. The maximum number of fresh COVID-19 cases in the three forces are of that personnel who are joining their units back and are put under mandatory quarantine of 14 days before they resume active duty, a senior official said. A total of 22 CRPF personnel tested coronavirus positive on Sunday in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district, around 170 kms from here, an official said. These men had rejoined duty a few days ago and were placed under institutional quarantine, where they were detected with the infection, he said. Around 350-400 CRPF troopers were on leave and began returning to their reporting stations in the last 20-25 days, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Shailesh Balkawde told PTI. "Personnel who return are kept in 14-day institutional quarantine and tested for coronavirus after seven to eight days from the date of their return. A total of 22 CRPF personnel tested positive on Sunday," he said.

COVID-19: 108 fresh cases in CAPFs, 22 CRPF personnel test positive in Gadchiroli

A plasma bank for treating COVID-19 patients has been set up at Kolkata Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), the first of its kind in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-triggered-the-india-china-standoff-and-why-is-beijing-irked-311176" hreflang="en">What triggered the India-China standoff, and why is Beijing irked?</a>

So far, around 12 people who have recovered from COVID-19 have donated their plasma in the state to help in the treatment of coronavirus infected people.

"The state health department has built a plasma bank at the Kolkata Medical College and Hospital's Immunohematology department for COVID-19 treatment," Banerjee said at the state secretariat on Monday.

It is the second such initiative in the country. A plasma bank had been recently set up at Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in Delhi.

COVID-19 patients are being given plasma therapy in some hospitals. It involves taking antibodies from the blood of a person who has recovered from COVID-19 and transfusing those into a coronavirus infected patient to help kick-start the immune system to fight the infection.

The facility at KMCH will be the nodal centre in the state for collection of plasma. Among the 12 people who have donated plasma in the state are a couple of doctors, a policeman, and a student/

Banerjee, who also holds the health portfolio, said that her government will build a centre of excellence at the Beliaghata Infectious Diseases Hospital - one of the dedicated COVID-19 facilities in the state.

Doctors at that hospital have been doing a commendable job in fighting the pandemic, she said.

The chief minister, during the press meet, also launched the 'Jol Swapno' scheme, which would connect at least two crore households in the rural areas of the state with drinking water facilities.

The project, estimated to cost Rs 58,000 crore, will be completed in five years, she said.

"Every household in rural Bengal will have access to drinking water. This is a very big task. This is our responsibility. It is called Jol Swapno. The project, under the Public Health and Engineering Department, will be completed in phases," she said.

Banerjee said that the initiative will also create job opportunities for the youth, and thus improve the socio-economic condition of rural Bengal.

A plasma bank for treating COVID-19 patients has been set up at Kolkata Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), the first of its kind in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Monday.

A plasma bank for treating COVID-19 patients has been set up at Kolkata Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), the first of its kind in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Monday. Also read: What triggered the India-China standoff, and why is Beijing irked? So far, around 12 people who have recovered from COVID-19 have donated their plasma in the state to help in the treatment of coronavirus infected people. "The state health department has built a plasma bank at the Kolkata Medical College and Hospital's Immunohematology department for COVID-19 treatment," Banerjee said at the state secretariat on Monday. It is the second such initiative in the country. A plasma bank had been recently set up at Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in Delhi. COVID-19 patients are being given plasma therapy in some hospitals. It involves taking antibodies from the blood of a person who has recovered from COVID-19 and transfusing those into a coronavirus infected patient to help kick-start the immune system to fight the infection. The facility at KMCH will be the nodal centre in the state for collection of plasma. Among the 12 people who have donated plasma in the state are a couple of doctors, a policeman, and a student/ Banerjee, who also holds the health portfolio, said that her government will build a centre of excellence at the Beliaghata Infectious Diseases Hospital - one of the dedicated COVID-19 facilities in the state. Doctors at that hospital have been doing a commendable job in fighting the pandemic, she said. The chief minister, during the press meet, also launched the 'Jol Swapno' scheme, which would connect at least two crore households in the rural areas of the state with drinking water facilities. The project, estimated to cost Rs 58,000 crore, will be completed in five years, she said. "Every household in rural Bengal will have access to drinking water. This is a very big task. This is our responsibility. It is called Jol Swapno. The project, under the Public Health and Engineering Department, will be completed in phases," she said. Banerjee said that the initiative will also create job opportunities for the youth, and thus improve the socio-economic condition of rural Bengal.

West Bengal gets its first plasma bank for COVID-19 patients

If airborne transmission is a significant factor in the pandemic, especially in crowded spaces with poor ventilation, the consequences for containment will be significant.

Scientists urge WHO to address airborne transmission of Coronavirus

A 106-year old man from Delhi, who had witnessed the 1918 Spanish Flu when he was four, has won the battle against COVID-19 and recovered faster than his son, in his 70s, at a dedicated coronavirus facility here, doctors said.

The 106-year-old patient was discharged from the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) recently after recovering, where his wife, son and another family member also recuperated after contracting the novel coronavirus infection, they said.

"Perhaps, he is the first reported case of COVID-19 in Delhi who also went through the dreaded Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 which like COVID-19 had also ravaged the world. And, he not only recovered from COVID-19, he recovered faster than his son, who is also very old," a senior doctor.

Spanish Flu was a pandemic which hit the world 102 years ago and affected nearly one-third of the global population at that time.

"The 1918 influenza pandemic was the most severe pandemic in recent history. It was caused by an H1N1 virus with genes of avian origin. Although there is no universal consensus regarding where the virus originated, it spread worldwide during 1918-1919," according to the Centre for Diseases Control (CDC) in the US.

In the US, it was first identified in military personnel in spring 1918. It is estimated that about 6,75,000 deaths occurred in America, it said.

According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, the pandemic of 1918-1919 called the Spanish Flu was particularly virulent and killed an estimated 40 million people worldwide.

In India, the disease is believed to have been brought in by the soldiers returning from World War I conflicts.

The first cases of Spanish Flu were reported in areas which are major ports of entry, such as Mumbai (then Bombay), Kolkata (Calcutta), Delhi and Chennai (Madras), where a large number of people returned from abroad.

The casualty count in India from the Spanish Flu is believed to be nearly one-fifth of the entire fatalities in the world, though the statistics for mortality in India are too wide-ranging and debatable.

Doctors at the RGSSH, a dedicated COVID-19 facility were amazed to see the recovery of this centenarian patient from the novel coronavirus, even though he was highly vulnerable to the infection.

"We don't know whether he was affected by the Spanish Flu or not. We haven't seen much documentation on the situation back then as far as Delhi is concerned, but very few hospitals were there at that time. It is amazing this 106-year-old showed the will power to survive," a senior doctor, who monitored his situation, said.

But, what is more, interesting is that he recovered faster than his son, who is in his 70s. So, he lived through the Spanish Flu and now survived COVID-19, hence, he lived through two pandemics, he said.

Notably, his wife and another family member also had contracted COVID-19, and have successfully recovered about a month-and-a-half ago., the doctor said.

The RGSSH has treated 1,000 COVID-19 patients so fare, and on Monday it is marking the milestone with a symbolic event where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendar Jain are slated to participate.

Delhi recorded 2,505 fresh coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the tally in the city to over 97,000-mark, while the death toll from the disease mounted to 3,004, authorities said.

The national capital, at present, is the worst-COVID-19-hit city across India.

According to the COVID-19 health bulletin, 68,256 patients have been recovered, or discharged or migrated so far. 
&nbsp;

A 106-year old man from Delhi, who had witnessed the 1918 Spanish Flu when he was four, has won the battle against COVID-19 and recovered faster than his son, in his 70s, at a dedicated coronavirus facility here, doctors said.

A 106-year old man from Delhi, who had witnessed the 1918 Spanish Flu when he was four, has won the battle against COVID-19 and recovered faster than his son, in his 70s, at a dedicated coronavirus facility here, doctors said. The 106-year-old patient was discharged from the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) recently after recovering, where his wife, son and another family member also recuperated after contracting the novel coronavirus infection, they said. "Perhaps, he is the first reported case of COVID-19 in Delhi who also went through the dreaded Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 which like COVID-19 had also ravaged the world. And, he not only recovered from COVID-19, he recovered faster than his son, who is also very old," a senior doctor. Spanish Flu was a pandemic which hit the world 102 years ago and affected nearly one-third of the global population at that time. "The 1918 influenza pandemic was the most severe pandemic in recent history. It was caused by an H1N1 virus with genes of avian origin. Although there is no universal consensus regarding where the virus originated, it spread worldwide during 1918-1919," according to the Centre for Diseases Control (CDC) in the US. In the US, it was first identified in military personnel in spring 1918. It is estimated that about 6,75,000 deaths occurred in America, it said. According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, the pandemic of 1918-1919 called the Spanish Flu was particularly virulent and killed an estimated 40 million people worldwide. In India, the disease is believed to have been brought in by the soldiers returning from World War I conflicts. The first cases of Spanish Flu were reported in areas which are major ports of entry, such as Mumbai (then Bombay), Kolkata (Calcutta), Delhi and Chennai (Madras), where a large number of people returned from abroad. The casualty count in India from the Spanish Flu is believed to be nearly one-fifth of the entire fatalities in the world, though the statistics for mortality in India are too wide-ranging and debatable. Doctors at the RGSSH, a dedicated COVID-19 facility were amazed to see the recovery of this centenarian patient from the novel coronavirus, even though he was highly vulnerable to the infection. "We don't know whether he was affected by the Spanish Flu or not. We haven't seen much documentation on the situation back then as far as Delhi is concerned, but very few hospitals were there at that time. It is amazing this 106-year-old showed the will power to survive," a senior doctor, who monitored his situation, said. But, what is more, interesting is that he recovered faster than his son, who is in his 70s. So, he lived through the Spanish Flu and now survived COVID-19, hence, he lived through two pandemics, he said. Notably, his wife and another family member also had contracted COVID-19, and have successfully recovered about a month-and-a-half ago., the doctor said. The RGSSH has treated 1,000 COVID-19 patients so fare, and on Monday it is marking the milestone with a symbolic event where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendar Jain are slated to participate. Delhi recorded 2,505 fresh coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the tally in the city to over 97,000-mark, while the death toll from the disease mounted to 3,004, authorities said. The national capital, at present, is the worst-COVID-19-hit city across India. According to the COVID-19 health bulletin, 68,256 patients have been recovered, or discharged or migrated so far.

106-year-old Delhi man who was child during Spanish Flu in 1918 survives COVID-19

The first-ever online Paris fashion week clicked&nbsp;off on Monday with the world of glitzy runway shows thrown into an existential crisis by the coronavirus.

Brands from Christian Dior to Chanel will participate, but the 'Ah' moment on the sidelines of the runway that designers so desire, while peeping out of the slit in the curtains backstage will be lost in the digital echo.

In a makeover caused by the coronavirus crisis, top designers will be experimenting with online showcases to try to keep clients hooked. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-designer-masks-make-a-fashion-statement-299733">Also Read: Now, designer masks make a fashion statement</a>

The pandemic has pushed the fashion industry into a soul-searching mode, reducing one of the biggest fashion shows on the planet into a clothing website.

“I will miss the audience, I will miss my friends,” said couturier Stephane Rolland.&nbsp;

Paris’s multiple fashion weeks generate some 1.2 billion euros ($1.35 billion) for the local economy every year, the federation grouping couture houses estimates. But, this year Paris has gone silent. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/gucci-terms-fashion-week-as-obsolete-to-create-seasonless-collections-twice-a-year-301063">Also Read:&nbsp;Gucci terms fashion week as 'obsolete', to create 'seasonless' collections twice a year</a>

Paris fashion week may return to the physical runway in September for the winter display and brands are already booking venues.&nbsp;

However, a second wave of the virus outbreak could unthread the entire fashion calendar this year.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The first-ever online Paris fashion week clicked off on Monday with the world of glitzy runway shows thrown into an existential crisis by the coronavirus. Brands from Christian Dior to Chanel will participate, but the 'Ah' moment on the sidelines of the runway that designers so desire, while peeping out of the slit in the curtains backstage will be lost in the digital echo.

The first-ever online Paris fashion week clicked off on Monday with the world of glitzy runway shows thrown into an existential crisis by the coronavirus. Brands from Christian Dior to Chanel will participate, but the 'Ah' moment on the sidelines of the runway that designers so desire, while peeping out of the slit in the curtains backstage will be lost in the digital echo. In a makeover caused by the coronavirus crisis, top designers will be experimenting with online showcases to try to keep clients hooked. Also Read: Now, designer masks make a fashion statement The pandemic has pushed the fashion industry into a soul-searching mode, reducing one of the biggest fashion shows on the planet into a clothing website. “I will miss the audience, I will miss my friends,” said couturier Stephane Rolland. Paris’s multiple fashion weeks generate some 1.2 billion euros ($1.35 billion) for the local economy every year, the federation grouping couture houses estimates. But, this year Paris has gone silent. Also Read: Gucci terms fashion week as 'obsolete', to create 'seasonless' collections twice a year Paris fashion week may return to the physical runway in September for the winter display and brands are already booking venues. However, a second wave of the virus outbreak could unthread the entire fashion calendar this year. (With inputs from agencies)

With no parties, first-ever virtual Paris fashion week clicks off

The coronavirus pandemic has absorbed the focus of all health agencies and relief groups, leaving in the lurch many suffering&nbsp;life-threatening diseases like HIV, AIDS, and TB.

Progress reversal?

A new report by the International AIDS Society claims that the progress achieved in managing and limiting the contraction of other diseases may be reversed owing to the mitigation of all available resources to battle the deadly coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/australia-state-border-sealed-first-time-in-100-years-after-surge-in-fresh-coronavirus-cases-310975" hreflang="en">Australia: State border sealed first time in 100 years after surge in fresh coronavirus cases</a>

The 23rd International AIDS conference is set to begin on Monday, where professionals will talk about the pandemic and how it has crippled existing control programmes for HIV and other diseases across the world, especially in the continent of Africa.

"The social distancing efforts and lockdowns to control the spread of it [coronavirus], have disrupted HIV prevention and treatment programs and put vital HIV research on hold," said Dr Anton Pozniak, president of the International AIDS Society.

Services disrupted

An earlier survey released in June by the Global Fund, which allocates resources for fighting AIDS, TB, and Malaria claimed that in 106 countries where it was active, over 85 per cent disruption in its HIV services was experienced. Additionally, 78 and 73 per cent disruptions were noted for tuberculosis and malaria respectively.

<h6><img alt="Relatives carry a coffin for the dead body of a victim, who died from the COVID-19 coronavirus, before the burial at a graveyard in New Delhi on July 6, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22a5466f-cafc-4553-90fc-675be2dd0f97" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_36.jpg" /> 
Relatives carry a coffin for the dead body of a victim, who died from the COVID-19 coronavirus, before the burial at a graveyard in New Delhi on July 6, 2020 | AFP</h6>

According to the calculations done by the World Health Organization, Stop TB partnership, and Imperial College in London, over 1 million deaths could be triggered by this disruption in services. This figure is above the already figure of deaths caused directly by coronavirus.

Another calculation made by the WHO and UNAIDS claimed that if a disruption lasted longer than six months, which it has, over 500,000 could die of AIDS-related illnesses in 2021, that too in the sub-Saharan Africa alone. This is an addition to the 470,000 deaths that will have occurred anyway, based on figures from 2018.

12 years behind?

According to the UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, this would roll back the progress made on HIV control by over 12 years, setting a chain of more fatalities over the next few years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/coronavirus-us-update-nearly-40000-new-cases-bring-tally-close-to-3-million-310954" hreflang="en">Coronavirus US update: Nearly 40,000 new cases bring tally close to 3 million</a>

"There is a risk that the hard-earned gains of the AIDS response will be sacrificed to the fight against COVID-19… But the right to health means that no one disease should be fought at the expense of the other”, Byanyima said in a statement in May.

Based on the numbers by Stop TB partnership, a “best-case scenario” would cause 1.8 million extra cases of TB across the globe, with over 340,000 extra deaths in the next five years. This is an addition to 10 million who catch TB every year, and 1.5 million who die of the disease each year.

The coronavirus pandemic has absorbed the focus of all health agencies and relief groups, leaving in the lurch many suffering life-threatening diseases like HIV, AIDS, and TB.

The coronavirus pandemic has absorbed the focus of all health agencies and relief groups, leaving in the lurch many suffering life-threatening diseases like HIV, AIDS, and TB. Progress reversal? A new report by the International AIDS Society claims that the progress achieved in managing and limiting the contraction of other diseases may be reversed owing to the mitigation of all available resources to battle the deadly coronavirus. Also read: Australia: State border sealed first time in 100 years after surge in fresh coronavirus cases The 23rd International AIDS conference is set to begin on Monday, where professionals will talk about the pandemic and how it has crippled existing control programmes for HIV and other diseases across the world, especially in the continent of Africa. "The social distancing efforts and lockdowns to control the spread of it [coronavirus], have disrupted HIV prevention and treatment programs and put vital HIV research on hold," said Dr Anton Pozniak, president of the International AIDS Society. Services disrupted An earlier survey released in June by the Global Fund, which allocates resources for fighting AIDS, TB, and Malaria claimed that in 106 countries where it was active, over 85 per cent disruption in its HIV services was experienced. Additionally, 78 and 73 per cent disruptions were noted for tuberculosis and malaria respectively. Relatives carry a coffin for the dead body of a victim, who died from the COVID-19 coronavirus, before the burial at a graveyard in New Delhi on July 6, 2020 | AFP According to the calculations done by the World Health Organization, Stop TB partnership, and Imperial College in London, over 1 million deaths could be triggered by this disruption in services. This figure is above the already figure of deaths caused directly by coronavirus. Another calculation made by the WHO and UNAIDS claimed that if a disruption lasted longer than six months, which it has, over 500,000 could die of AIDS-related illnesses in 2021, that too in the sub-Saharan Africa alone. This is an addition to the 470,000 deaths that will have occurred anyway, based on figures from 2018. 12 years behind? According to the UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, this would roll back the progress made on HIV control by over 12 years, setting a chain of more fatalities over the next few years. Also read: Coronavirus US update: Nearly 40,000 new cases bring tally close to 3 million "There is a risk that the hard-earned gains of the AIDS response will be sacrificed to the fight against COVID-19… But the right to health means that no one disease should be fought at the expense of the other”, Byanyima said in a statement in May. Based on the numbers by Stop TB partnership, a “best-case scenario” would cause 1.8 million extra cases of TB across the globe, with over 340,000 extra deaths in the next five years. This is an addition to 10 million who catch TB every year, and 1.5 million who die of the disease each year.

Coronavirus-induced disruption in resources may cause 1 million extra deaths due to other diseases

W.H.O halts trial of HIV drugs from COVID-19 treatment. W.H.O said that these drugs produced 'little or no reduction in mortality'.

W.H.O halts trial of HIV drugs from COVID-19 treatment

The US notched over 57,800 COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours. The cases are surging even as many hard-hit countries are easing lockdowns put in place to slow the spread of the virus while making extensive alterations to work and social life that could last for a year or more until a vaccine is available.

Four major US states witness record surge in COVID-19 cases

Pakistan on Sunday suffered a setback in fight against COVID-19 as 48 doctors working in the teaching hospitals of Punjab province resigned, citing non-provision of safety gear to protect them from the virus that has killed more than 4,700 people in the country.

According to a notification of the Punjab health department issued here on Sunday, 48 doctors, mostly young ones, resigned from the posts at the government teaching hospitals. Their resignations have been accepted, it said.

The doctors who resigned were from Lahore’s Mayo, Services, Jinnah, General, Lady Aitcheson, Children and Sheikh Zayed hospitals, Allied and Civil hospitals in Faisalabad, SZH Rahim Yar Khan and Nishter Hospital Multan.

"The doctors in question have resigned after the government’s failure to their repeated requests to provide them protective gear against the deadly coronavirus and other inadequate facilities," a senior doctor of a public hospital Lahore told PTI.

He said the government seems to be least interested about the protection of the medics.

"We are front-line soldiers in war against COVID-19 and see what the Imran Khan government is doing with us. A couple of days ago police baton charged doctors in Muzaffarabad (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), whose only sin was that they were protesting for not getting protective medical kits and salaries,” he lamented.

Following the arrest of 23 young doctors in Muzaffarabad the Young Doctors Association shutdown emergency wards in all hospitals in PoK.

The senior doctor warned that more doctors will quit their job if the government does not pay attention to this issue. Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, however, claimed that the government was providing required safety kits to doctors, nurses and para-medical staff.

More than 70 medics, most of them doctors, in Pakistan have lost their lives to COVID-19 and over 5,000 infected so far.

According to a report of the National Institute of Health, more than 70 health professionals including 47 doctors have lost their lives to the coronavirus. Of them, 35 victim doctors belong to Punjab province.

Over 5,000 health professionals including 3,000 doctors and 600 nurses have been infected by the deadly virus so far in the country.

Till Sunday, there are over 228,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases with over 4,700 deaths reported in Pakistan.

Pakistan on Sunday suffered a setback in fight against COVID-19 as 48 doctors working in the teaching hospitals of Punjab province resigned, citing non-provision of safety gear to protect them from the virus that has killed more than 4,700 people in the country.

Pakistan on Sunday suffered a setback in fight against COVID-19 as 48 doctors working in the teaching hospitals of Punjab province resigned, citing non-provision of safety gear to protect them from the virus that has killed more than 4,700 people in the country. According to a notification of the Punjab health department issued here on Sunday, 48 doctors, mostly young ones, resigned from the posts at the government teaching hospitals. Their resignations have been accepted, it said. The doctors who resigned were from Lahore’s Mayo, Services, Jinnah, General, Lady Aitcheson, Children and Sheikh Zayed hospitals, Allied and Civil hospitals in Faisalabad, SZH Rahim Yar Khan and Nishter Hospital Multan. "The doctors in question have resigned after the government’s failure to their repeated requests to provide them protective gear against the deadly coronavirus and other inadequate facilities," a senior doctor of a public hospital Lahore told PTI. He said the government seems to be least interested about the protection of the medics. "We are front-line soldiers in war against COVID-19 and see what the Imran Khan government is doing with us. A couple of days ago police baton charged doctors in Muzaffarabad (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), whose only sin was that they were protesting for not getting protective medical kits and salaries,” he lamented. Following the arrest of 23 young doctors in Muzaffarabad the Young Doctors Association shutdown emergency wards in all hospitals in PoK. The senior doctor warned that more doctors will quit their job if the government does not pay attention to this issue. Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, however, claimed that the government was providing required safety kits to doctors, nurses and para-medical staff. More than 70 medics, most of them doctors, in Pakistan have lost their lives to COVID-19 and over 5,000 infected so far. According to a report of the National Institute of Health, more than 70 health professionals including 47 doctors have lost their lives to the coronavirus. Of them, 35 victim doctors belong to Punjab province. Over 5,000 health professionals including 3,000 doctors and 600 nurses have been infected by the deadly virus so far in the country. Till Sunday, there are over 228,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases with over 4,700 deaths reported in Pakistan.

Doctors in Pakistan resign over inadequacy of safety gear to protect them from coronavirus

India has withdrawn a planned reopening of the Taj Mahal, citing the risk of new coronavirus infections spreading in Agra from visitors flocking to see the 17th century monument to love.

Local authorities issued a new advisory late on Sunday ordering an extension of lockdown curbs on monuments in and around Agra. The government order did not specify the duration of the lockdown for monuments that have been closed since March.

“In the interest of the public, it has been decided that opening monuments in Agra will not be advisable as of now”, the district authorities said in a notice published in Hindi.

Agra, one of India’s first big clusters of the virus, remains the worst-affected city in Uttar Pradesh, the country’s most populous state.

It was immediately not clear whether the government would scrap its plan to reopen other monuments across the country, such as New Delhi’s historic Red Fort.

<h3>INFECTIONS AT RECORD HIGH</h3>

India’s coronavirus infections are rising at the fastest pace in three months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-covid-19-tally-surpasses-russia-third-worst-affected-country-now-310930">Also read |&nbsp;India COVID-19 tally surpasses Russia; third worst-affected country now</a>

On Sunday, the health ministry reported a record single-day spike of 24,850 new cases and more than 600 deaths. That pushed India’s overall tally to 673,165 cases, closing in on Russia, the third-most affected country globally.

But the government has been lifting a vast lockdown of India’s 1.3 billion people that has left tens of thousands without work and shuttered businesses.

While international flights remain suspended, domestic travel has been opened up, and the government is hoping visitors will start to trickle back to some popular destinations.

Containment zones, areas identified as most affected by the virus, remain under strict lockdown, with restricted access and movement of only essential goods and services.

“We don’t expect visitors here because clusters around the Taj, including shops and hotels are closed,” a local district administration official said in Agra.

India has withdrawn a planned reopening of the Taj Mahal, citing the risk of new coronavirus infections spreading in Agra from visitors flocking to see the 17th century monument to love.

India has withdrawn a planned reopening of the Taj Mahal, citing the risk of new coronavirus infections spreading in Agra from visitors flocking to see the 17th century monument to love. Local authorities issued a new advisory late on Sunday ordering an extension of lockdown curbs on monuments in and around Agra. The government order did not specify the duration of the lockdown for monuments that have been closed since March. “In the interest of the public, it has been decided that opening monuments in Agra will not be advisable as of now”, the district authorities said in a notice published in Hindi. Agra, one of India’s first big clusters of the virus, remains the worst-affected city in Uttar Pradesh, the country’s most populous state. It was immediately not clear whether the government would scrap its plan to reopen other monuments across the country, such as New Delhi’s historic Red Fort. INFECTIONS AT RECORD HIGH India’s coronavirus infections are rising at the fastest pace in three months. Also read | India COVID-19 tally surpasses Russia; third worst-affected country now On Sunday, the health ministry reported a record single-day spike of 24,850 new cases and more than 600 deaths. That pushed India’s overall tally to 673,165 cases, closing in on Russia, the third-most affected country globally. But the government has been lifting a vast lockdown of India’s 1.3 billion people that has left tens of thousands without work and shuttered businesses. While international flights remain suspended, domestic travel has been opened up, and the government is hoping visitors will start to trickle back to some popular destinations. Containment zones, areas identified as most affected by the virus, remain under strict lockdown, with restricted access and movement of only essential goods and services. “We don’t expect visitors here because clusters around the Taj, including shops and hotels are closed,” a local district administration official said in Agra.

India puts back Taj Mahal reopening citing COVID-19 risks

India has recorded&nbsp;its highest-ever single-day jump of 24,850 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday.

With these new cases, India`s coronavirus count now stands at 6,73,165 cases of which 2,44,814 patients are active cases. India`s cured/discharged patients crossed the 4 lakh mark with 4,09,082 patients cured/discharged and while one patient has migrated.

613 deaths due to coronavirus were reported in the country in the last 24 hours taking the death toll in the country to 19,268.

As per the Health Ministry, coronavirus cases in Maharashtra -- the worst affected state from the infection -- has breached the 2 lakh mark with 2,00,064 cases including 8,671 deaths.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu has a total of 1,07,001 cases and 1,450 fatalities.

Delhi`s coronavirus tally nears the 1 lakh mark with 97,200 cases. 3,004 people have succumbed to the virus so far in the national capital. The total number of samples tested up to July 4 is 97,89,066 of which 2,48,934 samples were tested yesterday, informed the Indian Council of Medical Research on Sunday.&nbsp;

India has recorded its highest-ever single-day jump of 24,850 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday. With these new cases, India`s coronavirus count now stands at 6,73,165 cases of which 2,44,814 patients are active cases.

India has recorded its highest-ever single-day jump of 24,850 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday. With these new cases, India`s coronavirus count now stands at 6,73,165 cases of which 2,44,814 patients are active cases. India`s cured/discharged patients crossed the 4 lakh mark with 4,09,082 patients cured/discharged and while one patient has migrated. 613 deaths due to coronavirus were reported in the country in the last 24 hours taking the death toll in the country to 19,268. As per the Health Ministry, coronavirus cases in Maharashtra -- the worst affected state from the infection -- has breached the 2 lakh mark with 2,00,064 cases including 8,671 deaths. Tamil Nadu has a total of 1,07,001 cases and 1,450 fatalities. Delhi`s coronavirus tally nears the 1 lakh mark with 97,200 cases. 3,004 people have succumbed to the virus so far in the national capital. The total number of samples tested up to July 4 is 97,89,066 of which 2,48,934 samples were tested yesterday, informed the Indian Council of Medical Research on Sunday.

India sees highest single-day jump of 24,850 COVID-19 cases, tally reaches 6,73,165

Hundreds of scientists say there is evidence that novel coronavirus in smaller particles in the air can infect people and are calling for the World Health Organization to revise recommendations, the New York Times reported on Saturday.

The WHO has said the coronavirus disease spreads primarily from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or speaks.

In an open letter to the agency, which the researchers plan to publish in a scientific journal next week, 239 scientists in 32 countries outlined the evidence showing smaller particles can infect people, the NYT said.

The WHO did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Whether carried by large droplets that zoom through the air after a sneeze, or by much smaller exhaled droplets that may glide the length of a room, the coronavirus is borne through air and can infect people when inhaled, the scientists said, according to the NYT.

However, the health agency said the evidence for the virus being airborne was not convincing, according to the NYT.

"Especially in the last couple of months, we have been stating several times that we consider airborne transmission as possible but certainly not supported by solid or even clear evidence," Dr. Benedetta Allegranzi, the WHO's technical lead of infection prevention and control, was quoted as saying by the NYT.

 
&nbsp;

Hundreds of scientists say there is evidence that novel coronavirus in smaller particles in the air can infect people and are calling for the World Health Organization to revise recommendations, the New York Times reported on Saturday.

Hundreds of scientists say there is evidence that novel coronavirus in smaller particles in the air can infect people and are calling for the World Health Organization to revise recommendations, the New York Times reported on Saturday. The WHO has said the coronavirus disease spreads primarily from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or speaks. In an open letter to the agency, which the researchers plan to publish in a scientific journal next week, 239 scientists in 32 countries outlined the evidence showing smaller particles can infect people, the NYT said. The WHO did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. Whether carried by large droplets that zoom through the air after a sneeze, or by much smaller exhaled droplets that may glide the length of a room, the coronavirus is borne through air and can infect people when inhaled, the scientists said, according to the NYT. However, the health agency said the evidence for the virus being airborne was not convincing, according to the NYT. "Especially in the last couple of months, we have been stating several times that we consider airborne transmission as possible but certainly not supported by solid or even clear evidence," Dr. Benedetta Allegranzi, the WHO's technical lead of infection prevention and control, was quoted as saying by the NYT.

Hundreds of scientists say coronavirus is airborne, ask WHO to revise recommendations, says report

The commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration on Sunday refused to comment on President Donald Trump's claim that 99 per cent of coronavirus cases are "totally harmless". He repeatedly declined to say whether Trump's remark was true or false.

"I'm not going to get into who is right and who is wrong," Dr Stephen Hahn, a member of the White House coronavirus task force, told CNN.

Trump claimed without evidence that 99% of coronavirus cases "are totally harmless," during his remarks on Saturday at the White House Independence Day event.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 35% of cases are asymptomatic, but even people with mild or no symptoms can spread the virus to others.

"I totally support the CDC and the information that they're putting out with respect to this pandemic," Hahn said on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-surge-in-covid-19-cases-us-president-donald-trump-says-tremendous-victory-nearby-in-fight-against-pandemic-310766">Also read |&nbsp;Despite surge in COVID-19 cases, Trump says 'tremendous victory' nearby in fight against pandemic</a>

"What I'll say is that we have data in the White House task force. Those data show us that this is a serious problem. People need to take it seriously," Hahn said, adding, "if you don't follow local and state guidelines about what to do, if you're not following the CDC and White House task force guidelines, you are putting yourselves and you're putting your loved ones at risk."

While the World Health Organization has said the global fatality rate is likely less than 1%, it also stated that about 20% of all people who are diagnosed with coronavirus are sick enough to need oxygen or hospital care.

There have been more than 2.8 million cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 1,29,000 people have died.

Trump celebrated the Fourth of July at Mount Rushmore on Friday and at the White House's "Salute to America" on Saturday, where many attendees were seen neither socially distancing nor wearing masks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-secrecy-deception-and-cover-up-allowed-coronavirus-to-spread-all-over-world-trump-310775">Also read |&nbsp;China’s secrecy, deception and cover-up allowed coronavirus to spread all over world: Trump</a>

This year the Fourth of July celebrations were marred by a couple of factors -- rising number of coronavirus cases, the Black Lives Matter movement and Trump's Mt Rushmore speech.

The commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration on Sunday refused to comment on President Donald Trump's claim that 99 per cent of coronavirus cases are "totally harmless".

The commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration on Sunday refused to comment on President Donald Trump's claim that 99 per cent of coronavirus cases are "totally harmless". He repeatedly declined to say whether Trump's remark was true or false. "I'm not going to get into who is right and who is wrong," Dr Stephen Hahn, a member of the White House coronavirus task force, told CNN. Trump claimed without evidence that 99% of coronavirus cases "are totally harmless," during his remarks on Saturday at the White House Independence Day event. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 35% of cases are asymptomatic, but even people with mild or no symptoms can spread the virus to others. "I totally support the CDC and the information that they're putting out with respect to this pandemic," Hahn said on Sunday. Also read | Despite surge in COVID-19 cases, Trump says 'tremendous victory' nearby in fight against pandemic "What I'll say is that we have data in the White House task force. Those data show us that this is a serious problem. People need to take it seriously," Hahn said, adding, "if you don't follow local and state guidelines about what to do, if you're not following the CDC and White House task force guidelines, you are putting yourselves and you're putting your loved ones at risk." While the World Health Organization has said the global fatality rate is likely less than 1%, it also stated that about 20% of all people who are diagnosed with coronavirus are sick enough to need oxygen or hospital care. There have been more than 2.8 million cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 1,29,000 people have died. Trump celebrated the Fourth of July at Mount Rushmore on Friday and at the White House's "Salute to America" on Saturday, where many attendees were seen neither socially distancing nor wearing masks. Also read | China’s secrecy, deception and cover-up allowed coronavirus to spread all over world: Trump This year the Fourth of July celebrations were marred by a couple of factors -- rising number of coronavirus cases, the Black Lives Matter movement and Trump's Mt Rushmore speech.

US FDA commissioner declines to defend Trump's claim that 99% of COVID-19 cases are 'harmless'

The United States has reported over 43,000 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, as per a tally by Johns Hopkins University. The Baltimore-based university's tracker showed 43,742 more cases as of 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Sunday), bringing the country's total number of cases since the pandemic began to 2,836,764.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-surge-in-covid-19-cases-us-president-donald-trump-says-tremendous-victory-nearby-in-fight-against-pandemic-310766" hreflang="en">Despite surge in COVID-19 cases, US president Donald Trump says 'tremendous victory' nearby in fight against pandemic</a>

According to the university, the country also witnessed 252 deaths on Saturday, bringing the death toll to 129,657.&nbsp;

The coronavirus figures showed a slight decline after three days of a record-breaking surge in the country including record 57,683 on Friday.&nbsp;

However, the reason for the decline in figures could be due to less reporting during the July fourth national holiday.&nbsp;

The United States remains the hardest-hit country in terms of the pandemic. US President Donald Trump claimed, "tremendous victory" was at hand against the pandemic on the Fourth of July national holiday, despite a surge in coronavirus cases across the United States.

“It’s going to happen and it’s going to happen big,” the president said in a message to the nation. “Our country will be greater than ever before.”

Trump claimed: “We were doing better than any country had done in history ... and then we got hit with this terrible plague from China and now we’re getting closer to fighting our way out of it.”

“Our country is coming back, our jobs numbers are spectacular, a lot of things are happening that people don’t quite see yet. We’re on our way to a tremendous victory. It’s going to happen and it’s going to happen big. Our country will be greater than ever before,” he added.

The United States has reported over 43,000 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, as per a tally by Johns Hopkins University. The Baltimore-based university's tracker showed 43,742 more cases as of 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Sunday), bringing the country's total number of cases since the pandemic began to 2,836,764.

The United States has reported over 43,000 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, as per a tally by Johns Hopkins University. The Baltimore-based university's tracker showed 43,742 more cases as of 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Sunday), bringing the country's total number of cases since the pandemic began to 2,836,764. Also read: Despite surge in COVID-19 cases, US president Donald Trump says 'tremendous victory' nearby in fight against pandemic According to the university, the country also witnessed 252 deaths on Saturday, bringing the death toll to 129,657. The coronavirus figures showed a slight decline after three days of a record-breaking surge in the country including record 57,683 on Friday. However, the reason for the decline in figures could be due to less reporting during the July fourth national holiday. The United States remains the hardest-hit country in terms of the pandemic. US President Donald Trump claimed, "tremendous victory" was at hand against the pandemic on the Fourth of July national holiday, despite a surge in coronavirus cases across the United States. “It’s going to happen and it’s going to happen big,” the president said in a message to the nation. “Our country will be greater than ever before.” Trump claimed: “We were doing better than any country had done in history ... and then we got hit with this terrible plague from China and now we’re getting closer to fighting our way out of it.” “Our country is coming back, our jobs numbers are spectacular, a lot of things are happening that people don’t quite see yet. We’re on our way to a tremendous victory. It’s going to happen and it’s going to happen big. Our country will be greater than ever before,” he added.

Coronavirus: US reports over 43,000 cases, 252 deaths in last 24 hours

Mahender Yadav, a convict in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, passed away at a private hospital in Delhi on June 4, according to Sandeep Goel, Delhi Director General (Prisons) on Sunday. He died of COVID-19.

Yadav, 70, ex-MLA of Palam constituency, was lodged in jail number 14, Mandoli where he was serving a 10-year sentence.

The death of a coronavirus-positive inmate weeks earlier had led to the testing of those who shared barrack with him. 17 out of these 29 inmates had tested positive for the disease while five days later a repeat test was conducted in which three more persons, including Yadav, were found positive.

Yadav had developed uneasiness and heart related symptoms for which he was referred to DDU and then to LNJP on June 26.

Later, acting on his family's request he was allowed to shift to a private hospital, Akash Healthcare Hospital, Dwarka on June 30.&nbsp;

Mahender Yadav, a convict in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, passed away at a private hospital in Delhi on June 4, according to Sandeep Goel, Delhi Director General (Prisons) on Sunday.

Mahender Yadav, a convict in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, passed away at a private hospital in Delhi on June 4, according to Sandeep Goel, Delhi Director General (Prisons) on Sunday. He died of COVID-19. Yadav, 70, ex-MLA of Palam constituency, was lodged in jail number 14, Mandoli where he was serving a 10-year sentence. The death of a coronavirus-positive inmate weeks earlier had led to the testing of those who shared barrack with him. 17 out of these 29 inmates had tested positive for the disease while five days later a repeat test was conducted in which three more persons, including Yadav, were found positive. Yadav had developed uneasiness and heart related symptoms for which he was referred to DDU and then to LNJP on June 26. Later, acting on his family's request he was allowed to shift to a private hospital, Akash Healthcare Hospital, Dwarka on June 30.

1984 anti-Sikh riots convict serving sentence in jail dies of COVID-19

The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) on Saturday said its decision to fast-track development of a potential coronavirus vaccine was in line with international standards. This remark came after health experts raised concerns about the schedule for clinical trials.

The nodal agency issued a statement after a letter was leaked on Friday showing ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava as saying the agency “envisaged” launch of the vaccine for public health use by August 15, with the aim to begin patient enrolment for human trials by July 7.

The vaccine, being jointly developed by India’s Bharat Biotech and ICMR, is one of several candidates being tested globally to fight the coronavirus.

The ICMR's timeline drew criticism from health experts in India, who expressed concern the trials would compromise patient safety and ethics.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scientists-strike-note-of-caution-as-made-in-india-vaccine-programme-gains-momentum-310719">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists strike note of caution as 'Made in India' vaccine programme gains momentum</a>

The ICMR’s statement said the leaked letter “was meant to cut unnecessary red tape, without bypassing any necessary process, and speed up recruitment of participants.” The aim was “to complete these phases at the earliest, so that population-based trials for efficacy could be initiated without delay," it added.

“In the larger public health interest, it is important for ICMR to expedite the clinical trials with a promising indigenous vaccine.

“ICMR’s process is exactly in accordance with the globally accepted norms to fast-track the vaccine development for diseases of pandemic potential wherein human and animal trials can continue in parallel.”

Vaccine trials usually take years to complete, though regulators have allowed testing on some potential vaccines to be fast-tracked in light of the public health emergency.

The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) on Saturday said its decision to fast-track development of a potential coronavirus vaccine was in line with international standards.

The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) on Saturday said its decision to fast-track development of a potential coronavirus vaccine was in line with international standards. This remark came after health experts raised concerns about the schedule for clinical trials. The nodal agency issued a statement after a letter was leaked on Friday showing ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava as saying the agency “envisaged” launch of the vaccine for public health use by August 15, with the aim to begin patient enrolment for human trials by July 7. The vaccine, being jointly developed by India’s Bharat Biotech and ICMR, is one of several candidates being tested globally to fight the coronavirus. The ICMR's timeline drew criticism from health experts in India, who expressed concern the trials would compromise patient safety and ethics. Also read | Scientists strike note of caution as 'Made in India' vaccine programme gains momentum The ICMR’s statement said the leaked letter “was meant to cut unnecessary red tape, without bypassing any necessary process, and speed up recruitment of participants.” The aim was “to complete these phases at the earliest, so that population-based trials for efficacy could be initiated without delay," it added. “In the larger public health interest, it is important for ICMR to expedite the clinical trials with a promising indigenous vaccine. “ICMR’s process is exactly in accordance with the globally accepted norms to fast-track the vaccine development for diseases of pandemic potential wherein human and animal trials can continue in parallel.” Vaccine trials usually take years to complete, though regulators have allowed testing on some potential vaccines to be fast-tracked in light of the public health emergency.

India's medical research body defends timeline for coronavirus vaccine trials

The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised the Indian government for its efforts in tackling COVID-19, but has also said New Delhi should focus on data management originating from the pandemic too.

According to WHO, India's big challenge is "population", its geographic diversity, heterogeneity and the fact that it has multiple epidemics going on every state.

WHO appreciated the Indian government's strong political leadership to focus on important things like developing diagnostics and being able to scale that up, also being very systematic about the lockdown measures and unlocking in an organised manner.

This is now the next phase India and many other countries are facing and should think about a long-term strategy, says WHO.

In an interview with news agency ANI, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist at WHO, said, "The Government of India took extremely serious steps from the beginning and put in place certain measures in January itself based on the WHO recommendations. Today, India is doing more than 200 thousand tests a day. Now, India is developing testing kits. It is a big achievement for India that in the last couple of months as India has become self-sufficient in testing kits and being able to scale up."

"However, I would like to say that there should be a focus on data. By that, I mean that we need to have a systematic approach to looking at the data."

She said that the moment people start focussing on the total number of cases and the total number of deaths -- it gives only a part of the story.

"There needs to be some kind of national guidelines on how you report data. Otherwise, you cannot compare. Everybody is reporting things in different ways," she said citing an example that WHO has recommended certain criteria that the government can use to assess where the epidemic is.

She said that the first thing one must know is the epidemiology of the disease, i.e. where and what is the number of cases per million population and it all depends upon the tests.

"If we do not test, we are not going to find the case. Reporting of the case alone is not sufficient. We need to know how many tests have been done. Most importantly, we need to know the test positivity rate. This should be under 5 per cent. We also need to know the percentage of positivity of disease surveillance. SARI and ILI surveillance should be under 5 per cent. Then, we need to keep track of the doubling time," Dr Swaminathan stated.

"So, instead of focusing only on numbers, all we need to know things like -- how the epidemiology is going. Is it going up or down or it is on a plateau. That is what we need to know," said the WHO Chief Scientist.

Highlighting the importance of public health capacities in India, Dr Swaminathan said that it is very important to know how many contacts are traced for every case and how many of them are quarantined and within what period of time.

Dr Swaminathan explained, "If you can do it within 48 to 72 hours, then only it is helpful. There is no point tracing contact after 10 days. It is too late. As soon as cases are detected, we have to trace the contact and the higher the number of contacts you trace, the higher number you can put in quarantine is better. This shows how well our public health system is doing."

"Then we have another set of criteria in our clinical care is that to know what is the bed capacity for mild/severe cases, what is the ICU occupancy and then, of course, the death rate. The death has to be calculated properly because deaths follow after two or three weeks of the occupancy. You take as a numerator the number of deaths and denominators should be the number of cases you have two weeks ago, not today. That actually reflects your mortality rate/case fatality rate," she said.

Epidemiological parameters to detect the prevalence of antibodies in the community are essential to know the trend. "Like the ICMR did serosurvey-- something you need to do periodically to see how much of the population has been exposed."

She added, "We need to have a dashboard of criteria which every state should have and it helps every state to monitor how they are doing. This also helps to compare data across the states and the government can give more resources to those states which need more strengthening, like in terms of bed shortage, ICU."

Another important thing that Dr Swaminathan highlighted that healthcare system should also provide other services.

According to the Union Health Ministry, as of July 4, India has reported 6,48,315 confirmed cases and 18,655 deaths due to coronavirus.

(with inputs from ANI)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised the Indian government for its efforts in tackling COVID-19, but has also said New Delhi should focus on data management originating from the pandemic too.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised the Indian government for its efforts in tackling COVID-19, but has also said New Delhi should focus on data management originating from the pandemic too. According to WHO, India's big challenge is "population", its geographic diversity, heterogeneity and the fact that it has multiple epidemics going on every state. WHO appreciated the Indian government's strong political leadership to focus on important things like developing diagnostics and being able to scale that up, also being very systematic about the lockdown measures and unlocking in an organised manner. This is now the next phase India and many other countries are facing and should think about a long-term strategy, says WHO. In an interview with news agency ANI, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist at WHO, said, "The Government of India took extremely serious steps from the beginning and put in place certain measures in January itself based on the WHO recommendations. Today, India is doing more than 200 thousand tests a day. Now, India is developing testing kits. It is a big achievement for India that in the last couple of months as India has become self-sufficient in testing kits and being able to scale up." "However, I would like to say that there should be a focus on data. By that, I mean that we need to have a systematic approach to looking at the data." She said that the moment people start focussing on the total number of cases and the total number of deaths -- it gives only a part of the story. "There needs to be some kind of national guidelines on how you report data. Otherwise, you cannot compare. Everybody is reporting things in different ways," she said citing an example that WHO has recommended certain criteria that the government can use to assess where the epidemic is. She said that the first thing one must know is the epidemiology of the disease, i.e. where and what is the number of cases per million population and it all depends upon the tests. "If we do not test, we are not going to find the case. Reporting of the case alone is not sufficient. We need to know how many tests have been done. Most importantly, we need to know the test positivity rate. This should be under 5 per cent. We also need to know the percentage of positivity of disease surveillance. SARI and ILI surveillance should be under 5 per cent. Then, we need to keep track of the doubling time," Dr Swaminathan stated. "So, instead of focusing only on numbers, all we need to know things like -- how the epidemiology is going. Is it going up or down or it is on a plateau. That is what we need to know," said the WHO Chief Scientist. Highlighting the importance of public health capacities in India, Dr Swaminathan said that it is very important to know how many contacts are traced for every case and how many of them are quarantined and within what period of time. Dr Swaminathan explained, "If you can do it within 48 to 72 hours, then only it is helpful. There is no point tracing contact after 10 days. It is too late. As soon as cases are detected, we have to trace the contact and the higher the number of contacts you trace, the higher number you can put in quarantine is better. This shows how well our public health system is doing." "Then we have another set of criteria in our clinical care is that to know what is the bed capacity for mild/severe cases, what is the ICU occupancy and then, of course, the death rate. The death has to be calculated properly because deaths follow after two or three weeks of the occupancy. You take as a numerator the number of deaths and denominators should be the number of cases you have two weeks ago, not today. That actually reflects your mortality rate/case fatality rate," she said. Epidemiological parameters to detect the prevalence of antibodies in the community are essential to know the trend. "Like the ICMR did serosurvey-- something you need to do periodically to see how much of the population has been exposed." She added, "We need to have a dashboard of criteria which every state should have and it helps every state to monitor how they are doing. This also helps to compare data across the states and the government can give more resources to those states which need more strengthening, like in terms of bed shortage, ICU." Another important thing that Dr Swaminathan highlighted that healthcare system should also provide other services. According to the Union Health Ministry, as of July 4, India has reported 6,48,315 confirmed cases and 18,655 deaths due to coronavirus. (with inputs from ANI)

WHO praises India for efforts in handling COVID-19, but says it needs guidelines on how to report data

A man in Pune paid about $4,000 for a bespoke gold face mask to protect him from the coronavirus raging in the country.&nbsp;

The precious metal covering weighs 60 grams and took craftsmen eight days to make.

Businessman Shankar Kurhade, from the western city of Pune, told AFP: "It is a thin mask and has tiny pores that is helping me to breathe."

When going out, the 49-year-old said he likes to adorn himself with gold jewellery weighing a kilogramme, including a bracelet, necklace and rings on each finger of his right hand.&nbsp;

<img alt="Gold mask" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61b9da46-410c-4dc7-bf6c-d5375decde79" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/gold%20mask%20afp%202.jpg" />

"I am not sure if it will be effective to protect me from a coronavirus infection but I am taking other precautions," he added.&nbsp;

Kurhade said he got the idea for the gold face mask after seeing a media report about a man wearing one made from silver.&nbsp;

India has made face masks mandatory in public places in a bid to control the spread of the virus in the country, which has around 650,000 confirmed cases and more than 18,600 fatalities. &nbsp;

A man in Pune paid about $4,000 for a bespoke gold face mask to protect him from the coronavirus raging in the country. The precious metal covering weighs 60 grams and took craftsmen eight days to make.

A man in Pune paid about $4,000 for a bespoke gold face mask to protect him from the coronavirus raging in the country. The precious metal covering weighs 60 grams and took craftsmen eight days to make. Businessman Shankar Kurhade, from the western city of Pune, told AFP: "It is a thin mask and has tiny pores that is helping me to breathe." When going out, the 49-year-old said he likes to adorn himself with gold jewellery weighing a kilogramme, including a bracelet, necklace and rings on each finger of his right hand. "I am not sure if it will be effective to protect me from a coronavirus infection but I am taking other precautions," he added. Kurhade said he got the idea for the gold face mask after seeing a media report about a man wearing one made from silver. India has made face masks mandatory in public places in a bid to control the spread of the virus in the country, which has around 650,000 confirmed cases and more than 18,600 fatalities.

Indian man wears gold face mask to ward off coronavirus

People could get a drink in a pub, have a meal in a restaurant or get a haircut for the first time in over three months on Saturday as England took its biggest steps yet towards resumption of normal life.

Pubs were allowed to start serving from 6 a.m., sparking worries of over-indulgence on what the media dubbed a “Super Saturday” of coronavirus restrictions being eased. Some hairdressers were reported to have opened at the stroke of midnight.

The Holland Tringham pub in south London, part of the JD Wetherspoon chain, opened at 8 a.m. and was about three quarters full by 11.20 am.

“It’s beautiful just to get back and have a pint,” said Jim Martin, a 56-year old carpenter.

Julie Scott, a 43-year-old teacher, was there with her family for drinks and food.

“I think it’s just where everyone gets to socialise and catch up with people that they haven’t seen...it’s nice to just get together,” she said.

<img alt="'Beautiful' to have a pint" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54219bf5-7188-4eae-bac7-f8081cf5764b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pint%202.jpg" />

Others complained that the lockdown, which began in late March and has been gradually eased in recent weeks, had lasted too long.

“It’s about time they opened them up,” said pensioner Ron Lock.

Police chiefs are worried the reopening of pubs could fuel drunken and irresponsible behaviour, while hospitals have been warned to prepare for a New Year’s Eve-style weekend.

“There’s an element of decompression going on, particularly with younger people who’ve had some very responsible parents keeping them in over recent weeks,” Marc Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire, told BBC radio.

Britain has been the European country worst hit by the coronavirus, with more than 300,000 infections and an official death toll of 44,131. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government has faced criticism from the opposition over its handling of the pandemic - including locking down later than some other parts of Europe.

<h3>ACT ‘RESPONSIBLY’</h3>

The Sun newspaper predicted that 15 million pints (8.5 million litres) of beer would be sunk in England on Saturday, though some pub-goers may be deterred by the unsettled weather.

In another relaxation of lockdown rules two households can now meet indoors as long as social distancing is maintained, and overnight stays are allowed.

The rule changes apply only to England as the devolved nations in the United Kingdom - Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - have been setting their own timetables for easing lockdown restrictions.

Johnson called on people to behave responsibly and respect social distancing regulations as the risk of a resurgence of coronavirus remains. Mindful of an economy that has taken a hammering because of the lockdown, he also stressed the importance of supporting businesses.

<img alt="'Beautiful' to have a pint" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="defb290a-7363-46a9-9de4-f95c9cb4d505" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pint%203.jpg" />

“The success of these businesses, the livelihoods of those who rely on them, and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly,” he said at a news conference on Friday. “We must not let them down.”

Pub-goers will find the atmosphere rather different from the usual Saturday-night scrum.

Numbers are limited, no one can stand at the bar and there will be no live music. Patrons will also have to give their details to allow tracers to identify them if anyone later tests positive.

Wetherspoons, which is one of the UK’s biggest chains, said it had invested 11 million pounds ($13.7 million) in safety measures.

It is not taking bookings, but said at busy times numbers would be controlled by staff.

People could get a drink in a pub, have a meal in a restaurant or get a haircut for the first time in over three months on Saturday as England took its biggest steps yet towards resumption of normal life.

People could get a drink in a pub, have a meal in a restaurant or get a haircut for the first time in over three months on Saturday as England took its biggest steps yet towards resumption of normal life. Pubs were allowed to start serving from 6 a.m., sparking worries of over-indulgence on what the media dubbed a “Super Saturday” of coronavirus restrictions being eased. Some hairdressers were reported to have opened at the stroke of midnight. The Holland Tringham pub in south London, part of the JD Wetherspoon chain, opened at 8 a.m. and was about three quarters full by 11.20 am. “It’s beautiful just to get back and have a pint,” said Jim Martin, a 56-year old carpenter. Julie Scott, a 43-year-old teacher, was there with her family for drinks and food. “I think it’s just where everyone gets to socialise and catch up with people that they haven’t seen...it’s nice to just get together,” she said. Others complained that the lockdown, which began in late March and has been gradually eased in recent weeks, had lasted too long. “It’s about time they opened them up,” said pensioner Ron Lock. Police chiefs are worried the reopening of pubs could fuel drunken and irresponsible behaviour, while hospitals have been warned to prepare for a New Year’s Eve-style weekend. “There’s an element of decompression going on, particularly with younger people who’ve had some very responsible parents keeping them in over recent weeks,” Marc Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire, told BBC radio. Britain has been the European country worst hit by the coronavirus, with more than 300,000 infections and an official death toll of 44,131. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government has faced criticism from the opposition over its handling of the pandemic - including locking down later than some other parts of Europe. ACT ‘RESPONSIBLY’ The Sun newspaper predicted that 15 million pints (8.5 million litres) of beer would be sunk in England on Saturday, though some pub-goers may be deterred by the unsettled weather. In another relaxation of lockdown rules two households can now meet indoors as long as social distancing is maintained, and overnight stays are allowed. The rule changes apply only to England as the devolved nations in the United Kingdom - Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - have been setting their own timetables for easing lockdown restrictions. Johnson called on people to behave responsibly and respect social distancing regulations as the risk of a resurgence of coronavirus remains. Mindful of an economy that has taken a hammering because of the lockdown, he also stressed the importance of supporting businesses. “The success of these businesses, the livelihoods of those who rely on them, and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly,” he said at a news conference on Friday. “We must not let them down.” Pub-goers will find the atmosphere rather different from the usual Saturday-night scrum. Numbers are limited, no one can stand at the bar and there will be no live music. Patrons will also have to give their details to allow tracers to identify them if anyone later tests positive. Wetherspoons, which is one of the UK’s biggest chains, said it had invested 11 million pounds ($13.7 million) in safety measures. It is not taking bookings, but said at busy times numbers would be controlled by staff.

England takes its first steps towards normal life; pubs and hairdressers reopen

Researchers, led by an Indian scientist, have developed a cheap, electricity-free centrifuge to separate components in patient saliva samples for the detection of the novel coronavirus, an innovation that may increase accessibility of COVID-19 diagnostics in poor regions of the world.

According to the scientists, including Manu Prakash from Stanford University in the US, the 'Handyfuge' device spins tubes containing patient saliva at very high speeds, enough to separate the virus genome from other components in the sample, without needing electricity.

They said the cheap centrifuge, described in a yet-to-be peer-reviewed study published in the platform medRxiv, can be assembled using readily available components for a cost less than five USD per unit.

It can allow clinicians and scientists to carry out a quick and cheap diagnostic technique called the LAMP assay to detect the presence of the novel coronavirus genome in patient saliva samples, the scientists noted.

The LAMP protocol, according to Prakash and his team, "has the benefits of being simple, requiring no specialised equipment, rapid, requiring less than an hour from sample collection to readout, and cheap, costing around one dollar per reaction using commercial reagents."

While the assay has several merits, the Stanford scientists said there could be a variability in output in diagnostic methods based on viral genome detection in saliva samples. 
They explained that this is due to the saliva containing substances which can inhibit diagnostic reagents.

"Centrifugation to separate the reaction inhibitors from inactivated sample was shown to be an effective way to ensure reliable LAMP amplification," the scientists wrote in the study.

However, they said a centrifuge capable of safely achieving the necessary speeds of 2000 rotations per minute (RPM), for several minutes, costs hundreds of dollars, also requiring a power supply.

With Handyfuge, this hurdle can be over come, believes Prakash -- a professor of Bioengineering at Stanford University, whose lab had earlier developed a cheap "origami microscope" called 'Foldscope'.

The scientists explained that the novel device uses a mechanical strategy similar to that seen in 'Dyno-torch' flashlights to generate centrifugal force using kinetic input from the user.

"The user repeatedly squeezes the handle to spin a small freewheel connected to a centrifuge spindle," they wrote in the study.

After a designated amount of time, enough centrifugal force is applied to the sample-containing tubes, the scientists said, yielding a separated liquid layer that is free of chemicals that may inhibit the coronavirus genetic material, its RNA.

"This supernatant can then be reliably used for LAMP detection of SARS-CoV-2 or other viruses," the researchers wrote.

According to the study, the Handyfuge-LAMP assay works based on protocol for the diagnostic method developed by scientists, Brian Rabe and Constance Cepko, from Harvard University in the US.

"This simple electricity-free LAMP protocol builds on fantastic work by Cepko lab at Harvard, but with a hand powered centrifuge to make this assay completely electricity free for resource constrained settings," Prakash's lab mentioned in a tweet.

"The advantage for handyfuge is increased stability and limited fluctuations in RPM and it matches covid test need," the scientists noted on Twitter.

According to the scientists, the idea started from a flash light picked up from a toy store, which they hacked to build Handyfuge.

They said the Handyfuge, combined with the assay from Cepko and Rabe, works reliably in detecting synthetic COVID-19 RNA "down to 10-100 copies per microlitres in saliva."

Commenting on the study, virologist Upasana Ray from the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology in Kolkata said, "The mini-centrifuge is functionally equivalent to the ones used in molecular biology laboratories as bench top electricity driven ones."

However, Ray said, non specific results may arise, such as when genetic sequences that have some degree of similarities -- although otherwise might have different origins like host versus pathogen -- could be detected as wrongly same.

Despite this problem, Ray added that a combination of the methods can potentially help in short listing "doubtful/suspected samples."

These samples could then be validated further, she said.

"It's like picking up a handful of green peas. Later you find some of them are rotten. Earlier part is LAMP, later part is a more specific PCR reaction or real time PCR reaction," Ray explained.

"The authors have proposed the Handyfuge as a useful tool to clarify saliva samples. Saliva is an easily accessible totally noninvasive source. Thus taken together the proposed technology should be further validated on large sample sizes for a better understanding," Ray added.

Using insulated coolers for reagent supply chain and delivery, the assay can be completed without the need for electricity "or any laboratory scale infrastructure," the study noted. 
However, to determine the effectiveness of the device as a point of care tool, the researchers said it will need to be validated using actual patient samples.

"We are currently preparing to test this protocol and Handyfuge in field settings," they wrote in the study.

Researchers, led by an Indian scientist, have developed a cheap, electricity-free centrifuge to separate components in patient saliva samples for the detection of the novel coronavirus, an innovation that may increase accessibility of COVID-19 diagnostics in poor regions of the world.

Researchers, led by an Indian scientist, have developed a cheap, electricity-free centrifuge to separate components in patient saliva samples for the detection of the novel coronavirus, an innovation that may increase accessibility of COVID-19 diagnostics in poor regions of the world. According to the scientists, including Manu Prakash from Stanford University in the US, the 'Handyfuge' device spins tubes containing patient saliva at very high speeds, enough to separate the virus genome from other components in the sample, without needing electricity. They said the cheap centrifuge, described in a yet-to-be peer-reviewed study published in the platform medRxiv, can be assembled using readily available components for a cost less than five USD per unit. It can allow clinicians and scientists to carry out a quick and cheap diagnostic technique called the LAMP assay to detect the presence of the novel coronavirus genome in patient saliva samples, the scientists noted. The LAMP protocol, according to Prakash and his team, "has the benefits of being simple, requiring no specialised equipment, rapid, requiring less than an hour from sample collection to readout, and cheap, costing around one dollar per reaction using commercial reagents." While the assay has several merits, the Stanford scientists said there could be a variability in output in diagnostic methods based on viral genome detection in saliva samples. They explained that this is due to the saliva containing substances which can inhibit diagnostic reagents. "Centrifugation to separate the reaction inhibitors from inactivated sample was shown to be an effective way to ensure reliable LAMP amplification," the scientists wrote in the study. However, they said a centrifuge capable of safely achieving the necessary speeds of 2000 rotations per minute (RPM), for several minutes, costs hundreds of dollars, also requiring a power supply. With Handyfuge, this hurdle can be over come, believes Prakash -- a professor of Bioengineering at Stanford University, whose lab had earlier developed a cheap "origami microscope" called 'Foldscope'. The scientists explained that the novel device uses a mechanical strategy similar to that seen in 'Dyno-torch' flashlights to generate centrifugal force using kinetic input from the user. "The user repeatedly squeezes the handle to spin a small freewheel connected to a centrifuge spindle," they wrote in the study. After a designated amount of time, enough centrifugal force is applied to the sample-containing tubes, the scientists said, yielding a separated liquid layer that is free of chemicals that may inhibit the coronavirus genetic material, its RNA. "This supernatant can then be reliably used for LAMP detection of SARS-CoV-2 or other viruses," the researchers wrote. According to the study, the Handyfuge-LAMP assay works based on protocol for the diagnostic method developed by scientists, Brian Rabe and Constance Cepko, from Harvard University in the US. "This simple electricity-free LAMP protocol builds on fantastic work by Cepko lab at Harvard, but with a hand powered centrifuge to make this assay completely electricity free for resource constrained settings," Prakash's lab mentioned in a tweet. "The advantage for handyfuge is increased stability and limited fluctuations in RPM and it matches covid test need," the scientists noted on Twitter. According to the scientists, the idea started from a flash light picked up from a toy store, which they hacked to build Handyfuge. They said the Handyfuge, combined with the assay from Cepko and Rabe, works reliably in detecting synthetic COVID-19 RNA "down to 10-100 copies per microlitres in saliva." Commenting on the study, virologist Upasana Ray from the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology in Kolkata said, "The mini-centrifuge is functionally equivalent to the ones used in molecular biology laboratories as bench top electricity driven ones." However, Ray said, non specific results may arise, such as when genetic sequences that have some degree of similarities -- although otherwise might have different origins like host versus pathogen -- could be detected as wrongly same. Despite this problem, Ray added that a combination of the methods can potentially help in short listing "doubtful/suspected samples." These samples could then be validated further, she said. "It's like picking up a handful of green peas. Later you find some of them are rotten. Earlier part is LAMP, later part is a more specific PCR reaction or real time PCR reaction," Ray explained. "The authors have proposed the Handyfuge as a useful tool to clarify saliva samples. Saliva is an easily accessible totally noninvasive source. Thus taken together the proposed technology should be further validated on large sample sizes for a better understanding," Ray added. Using insulated coolers for reagent supply chain and delivery, the assay can be completed without the need for electricity "or any laboratory scale infrastructure," the study noted. However, to determine the effectiveness of the device as a point of care tool, the researchers said it will need to be validated using actual patient samples. "We are currently preparing to test this protocol and Handyfuge in field settings," they wrote in the study.

Indian-led team develops cheap, electricity free centrifuge for COVID-19 testing

A French court will open an inquiry into former prime minister Edouard Philippe and two cabinet ministers over their handling of the coronavirus crisis. The inquiry will be led by the Law Court of the Republic (CJR), which deals with claims of ministerial misconduct.

Philippe was replaced on Friday in the first stage of a government reshuffle. Other ministers under investigation are former health minister Agnes Buzyn -- who stepped down in February for an unsuccessful bid to become mayor of Paris -- and her successor Olivier Veran.

Veran was health minister during the peak of the crisis. It is not clear if he will keep his job in the reshuffle expected to be finalised in the coming days.

The inquiry will consider whether Philippe, Buzyn and Veran neglected their duties in the face of a disaster.

The CJR has received 90 complaints and examined 53 of them. It considered nine complaints admissible, which will form the basis of the inquiry. The complaints were filed by private individuals, doctors, associations and even prisoners.

The coronavirus outbreak has left 29,875 people dead in France so far, and has sparked anger against the government over a lack of protective equipment in the early stages of the pandemic.

(with inputs from AFP)

A French court will open an inquiry into former prime minister Edouard Philippe and two cabinet ministers over their handling of the coronavirus crisis. The inquiry will be led by the Law Court of the Republic (CJR), which deals with claims of ministerial misconduct.

A French court will open an inquiry into former prime minister Edouard Philippe and two cabinet ministers over their handling of the coronavirus crisis. The inquiry will be led by the Law Court of the Republic (CJR), which deals with claims of ministerial misconduct. Philippe was replaced on Friday in the first stage of a government reshuffle. Other ministers under investigation are former health minister Agnes Buzyn -- who stepped down in February for an unsuccessful bid to become mayor of Paris -- and her successor Olivier Veran. Veran was health minister during the peak of the crisis. It is not clear if he will keep his job in the reshuffle expected to be finalised in the coming days. The inquiry will consider whether Philippe, Buzyn and Veran neglected their duties in the face of a disaster. The CJR has received 90 complaints and examined 53 of them. It considered nine complaints admissible, which will form the basis of the inquiry. The complaints were filed by private individuals, doctors, associations and even prisoners. The coronavirus outbreak has left 29,875 people dead in France so far, and has sparked anger against the government over a lack of protective equipment in the early stages of the pandemic. (with inputs from AFP)

France to launch inquiry into ex-PM, ministers over coronavirus

Thailand's main international airport unveiled rapid coronavirus tests on Friday for some overseas arrivals -- after a three-month ban on foreign visitors was partially lifted this month.

All foreigners, except those with work permits, have been barred since March, but after more than five weeks with no recorded community transmission of the virus, Thailand is allowing in some groups of foreigners.

Business travellers, diplomats and government guests staying for less than 14 days are considered "fast track travellers" who will be swab tested for the disease at Suvarnabhumi airport to make ensure they are infection-free before entry.

The test itself takes around one hour and a half.

The airport test, costing 3,000 baht ($96) each, is one requirement for fast-track entry without spending 14 days in quarantine, and is required of other foreigners recently allowed in, ranging from those with resident status or family in the country, as well as international students.

About 1,700 foreigners have applied to visit Thailand for medical treatment such as cosmetic surgery or fertility treatment after a ban on medical tourism was lifted this month.

The government is considering a plan to open more international travel with a "travel bubble" arrangement with some countries in September. 
&nbsp;

Thailand's main international airport unveiled rapid coronavirus tests on Friday for some overseas arrivals -- after a three-month ban on foreign visitors was partially lifted this month.

Thailand's main international airport unveiled rapid coronavirus tests on Friday for some overseas arrivals -- after a three-month ban on foreign visitors was partially lifted this month. All foreigners, except those with work permits, have been barred since March, but after more than five weeks with no recorded community transmission of the virus, Thailand is allowing in some groups of foreigners. Business travellers, diplomats and government guests staying for less than 14 days are considered "fast track travellers" who will be swab tested for the disease at Suvarnabhumi airport to make ensure they are infection-free before entry. The test itself takes around one hour and a half. The airport test, costing 3,000 baht ($96) each, is one requirement for fast-track entry without spending 14 days in quarantine, and is required of other foreigners recently allowed in, ranging from those with resident status or family in the country, as well as international students. About 1,700 foreigners have applied to visit Thailand for medical treatment such as cosmetic surgery or fertility treatment after a ban on medical tourism was lifted this month. The government is considering a plan to open more international travel with a "travel bubble" arrangement with some countries in September.

Thailand's main airport offers rapid coronavirus test for international arrivals

Watch today in 'WION In Focus': Some stories related to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

WION In Focus: Some stories related to coronavirus pandemic | COVID-19 | Coronavirus News

After days of record spikes in new COVID-19 cases in the United States, Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said that it "is way beyond the worst spikes that we have seen."

United States records more than 53,000 COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours

US President Donald Trump has claimed coronavirus would "sort of just disappear" even as America recorded a recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

In an interview at the White House with Fox Business, the president reiterated the belief he has held on to for much of the year.

"I think we're (going to) be very good with the coronavirus. I think that at some point that's going to sort of just disappear, I hope," he said.

In February, he made a similar statement.

"It's going to disappear. One day, it's like a miracle, it will disappear," he said.

The United States reported its highest daily number of new COVID-19 cases with 53,000 on Wednesday -- according to data from Johns Hopkins University, marking the highest single-day total yet as the virus sweeps through Sun Belt states.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-trumps-resistance-to-intel-warnings-about-russia-led-his-team-to-brief-him-less-310180">Also read |&nbsp;How Trump's resistance to intel warnings about Russia led his team to brief him less</a>

Despite this, Trump celebrated a record-breaking rise in nonfarm payrolls in June. The US added 4.8 million jobs last month, according to the Labor Department.

Not only Trump, his deputy also seems to be too optimistic about the current scenario.

Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday vowed that the Trump administration would “keep opening up America”.

Pence told CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” that the White House would stay with state leaders “every step of the way as they continue to take steps to mitigate the expansion of the coronavirus.”

Pence also said he doesn’t believe “there’s a need for a national mandate” on masks.

Trump had also earlier said he doubted that a national mandate was necessary because “you have many places in the country where people stay very long distance.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-trump-says-will-wear-mask-if-in-tight-situation-with-people-310065">Also read |&nbsp;Now, Trump says will wear mask 'if in tight situation with people'</a>

Trump has so far refused to wear a mask to prevent the spread of coronavirus. A factory that makes medical supplies had to throw out an entire day's inventory because Trump refused to put on a mask during his visit.

But other administration officials, such as health expert Dr Anthony Fauci, have warned that the outbreak will be “very disturbing” if it is not reined in quickly. He said it was entirely possible that America could be seeing 100,000 new cases a day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-jobs-report-proves-us-economy-roaring-back-310276">Also read |&nbsp;Trump says jobs report proves US economy 'roaring back'</a>

US President Donald Trump has claimed coronavirus would "sort of just disappear" even as America recorded a recent surge in COVID-19 cases. In an interview at the White House with Fox Business, the president reiterated the belief he has held on to for much of the year.

US President Donald Trump has claimed coronavirus would "sort of just disappear" even as America recorded a recent surge in COVID-19 cases. In an interview at the White House with Fox Business, the president reiterated the belief he has held on to for much of the year. "I think we're (going to) be very good with the coronavirus. I think that at some point that's going to sort of just disappear, I hope," he said. In February, he made a similar statement. "It's going to disappear. One day, it's like a miracle, it will disappear," he said. The United States reported its highest daily number of new COVID-19 cases with 53,000 on Wednesday -- according to data from Johns Hopkins University, marking the highest single-day total yet as the virus sweeps through Sun Belt states. Also read | How Trump's resistance to intel warnings about Russia led his team to brief him less Despite this, Trump celebrated a record-breaking rise in nonfarm payrolls in June. The US added 4.8 million jobs last month, according to the Labor Department. Not only Trump, his deputy also seems to be too optimistic about the current scenario. Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday vowed that the Trump administration would “keep opening up America”. Pence told CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” that the White House would stay with state leaders “every step of the way as they continue to take steps to mitigate the expansion of the coronavirus.” Pence also said he doesn’t believe “there’s a need for a national mandate” on masks. Trump had also earlier said he doubted that a national mandate was necessary because “you have many places in the country where people stay very long distance.” Also read | Now, Trump says will wear mask 'if in tight situation with people' Trump has so far refused to wear a mask to prevent the spread of coronavirus. A factory that makes medical supplies had to throw out an entire day's inventory because Trump refused to put on a mask during his visit. But other administration officials, such as health expert Dr Anthony Fauci, have warned that the outbreak will be “very disturbing” if it is not reined in quickly. He said it was entirely possible that America could be seeing 100,000 new cases a day. Also read | Trump says jobs report proves US economy 'roaring back'

Trump says coronavirus will 'sort of just disappear' even as US sets new record for cases

US President Donald Trump at a press briefing on Thursday celebrated a government report showing the country gained 4.8 million jobs and the unemployment rate dropped to 11.1% last month, when states began allowing businesses to reopen from strict shutdowns aimed at containing the coronavirus pandemic.

"Today's announcement proves that our economy is roaring back," Trump said, rattling off different sectors that saw job gains according to the monthly report. "These are historic numbers."

Trump took the victory lap as the coronavirus resurges in states with large economies such as California, Texas and Florida, prompting local governments to once again shutter bars and other businesses where the deadly respiratory disease is thought to spread easily. A separate report on Thursday said that 1.43 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits during the final week of June.

Despite the swelling loads of new cases, Trump said he expected to see good employment numbers in the coming months and that the third quarter gross domestic product report, due days before the November presidential election, would also be strong.

Thursday's report, Trump said, "suggests that workers are confident about finding a new job." He added, though, that the White House and Congress continue to negotiate on another round of stimulus, frequently called "Phase 4," to help the economy withstand a pandemic now in its fourth month.

US President Donald Trump at a press briefing on Thursday celebrated a government report showing the country gained 4.8 million jobs and the unemployment rate dropped to 11.

US President Donald Trump at a press briefing on Thursday celebrated a government report showing the country gained 4.8 million jobs and the unemployment rate dropped to 11.1% last month, when states began allowing businesses to reopen from strict shutdowns aimed at containing the coronavirus pandemic. "Today's announcement proves that our economy is roaring back," Trump said, rattling off different sectors that saw job gains according to the monthly report. "These are historic numbers." Trump took the victory lap as the coronavirus resurges in states with large economies such as California, Texas and Florida, prompting local governments to once again shutter bars and other businesses where the deadly respiratory disease is thought to spread easily. A separate report on Thursday said that 1.43 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits during the final week of June. Despite the swelling loads of new cases, Trump said he expected to see good employment numbers in the coming months and that the third quarter gross domestic product report, due days before the November presidential election, would also be strong. Thursday's report, Trump said, "suggests that workers are confident about finding a new job." He added, though, that the White House and Congress continue to negotiate on another round of stimulus, frequently called "Phase 4," to help the economy withstand a pandemic now in its fourth month.

Trump says jobs report proves US economy 'roaring back'

The British government will effectively ditch its air bridge plans and simply end coronavirus quarantine rules for those arriving from 75 countries so that people can go on holiday, the Telegraph newspaper reported.

It said the UK would shortly lift a ban on non-essential travel to nearly all EU destinations, the British territories including Bermuda and Gibraltar, and Turkey, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand.

Asked about the report, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "As we set out earlier this week ... we will be easing health measures at the border by allowing passengers arriving from specific countries and territories to be exempted from self-isolation requirements."

He said the next steps in the policy would be set out this week.

Johnson's government has been grappling with how to open up international travel after it imposed a 2-week quarantine for arrivals, which has added to the woes of the tourism and travel industry.

It first discussed creating air bridges or travel corridors with countries popular with British tourists, but now seems to be favouring lifting the measures for certain countries.

Last Friday, Britain said it would ditch the 14-day quarantine period for people arriving from countries such as France, Greece and Spain.

Simon Clarke, a junior housing, communities and local government minister, said the government wanted to get the tourism sector back on its feet.

"We will provide this announcement as soon as it is safe," Clarke told Sky. "Clearly we want to get the tourism sector back on its feet as quickly as we can and I`m sure that we will be able to give good news in the near future."

The British government will effectively ditch its air bridge plans and simply end coronavirus quarantine rules for those arriving from 75 countries so that people can go on holiday, the Telegraph newspaper reported.

The British government will effectively ditch its air bridge plans and simply end coronavirus quarantine rules for those arriving from 75 countries so that people can go on holiday, the Telegraph newspaper reported. It said the UK would shortly lift a ban on non-essential travel to nearly all EU destinations, the British territories including Bermuda and Gibraltar, and Turkey, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. Asked about the report, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "As we set out earlier this week ... we will be easing health measures at the border by allowing passengers arriving from specific countries and territories to be exempted from self-isolation requirements." He said the next steps in the policy would be set out this week. Johnson's government has been grappling with how to open up international travel after it imposed a 2-week quarantine for arrivals, which has added to the woes of the tourism and travel industry. It first discussed creating air bridges or travel corridors with countries popular with British tourists, but now seems to be favouring lifting the measures for certain countries. Last Friday, Britain said it would ditch the 14-day quarantine period for people arriving from countries such as France, Greece and Spain. Simon Clarke, a junior housing, communities and local government minister, said the government wanted to get the tourism sector back on its feet. "We will provide this announcement as soon as it is safe," Clarke told Sky. "Clearly we want to get the tourism sector back on its feet as quickly as we can and I`m sure that we will be able to give good news in the near future."

UK to ditch travel quarantine for 75 countries

While the coronavirus pandemic has hit almost every country in the world, the Gulf economies have been worst affected.

The virus has triggered a constant free-fall in oil prices, with a lot of highly-skilled expats leaving the countries. Additionally, the debt continues to mount.

The International Monetary Fund has made a bleak prediction for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which includes six Arab states - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Major impact

The IMF expects these economies to shrink by 7.6 per cent this year, across both oil and non-oil sectors.

However, the biggest impact will be felt in oil revenues. The drop in prices this year has caused a loss of over 10 billion USD. By the end of 2020 - this could cross 20 billion USD.

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Before the pandemic, oil was selling at 75 USD per barrel, while it is being sold at 40 USD per barrel right now.

Saudi Arabia is facing a 6.8 per cent decline in its GDP. The profits of state-run oil explorer Saudi AramCo fell by 25 per cent.

As the lockdown cut the demand, OPEC decided to cut oil output.&nbsp;AramCo followed suit, and over 500 people were fired, mostly expats.

This has become the new normal in Gulf countries, where foreign workers are being sent home. This is worrying because expats make up close to half the population in some Gulf countries.&nbsp;Mostly working as builders and labourers, they are responsible for building the sprawling skylines in Gulf cities.

Gulf countries are highly-reliant on the expatriate population.&nbsp;GCC could lose four million expats by the end of this pandemic - almost 10 per cent of its total population.

What are these countries doing to plug the gaps? 

The countries have announced relief packages, amounting for two-three percent of their GDPs.

Six countries together have set aside over 50 billion USD.

However, most of these countries are already deep in debt which was to be paid with petro-Dollars. As of now, the debt has piled up over 300 billion USD, with the amount expected to increase.

Besides oil, tourism has also suffered a major hit, witnessing a decline of 7.4 per cent in 2020. All this while entertainment and media sector contracted by 5.6 per cent.

While the coronavirus pandemic has hit almost every country in the world, the Gulf economies have been worst affected. The virus has triggered a constant free-fall in oil prices, with a lot of highly-skilled expats leaving the countries.

While the coronavirus pandemic has hit almost every country in the world, the Gulf economies have been worst affected. The virus has triggered a constant free-fall in oil prices, with a lot of highly-skilled expats leaving the countries. Additionally, the debt continues to mount. The International Monetary Fund has made a bleak prediction for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which includes six Arab states - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Major impact The IMF expects these economies to shrink by 7.6 per cent this year, across both oil and non-oil sectors. However, the biggest impact will be felt in oil revenues. The drop in prices this year has caused a loss of over 10 billion USD. By the end of 2020 - this could cross 20 billion USD. Before the pandemic, oil was selling at 75 USD per barrel, while it is being sold at 40 USD per barrel right now. Saudi Arabia is facing a 6.8 per cent decline in its GDP. The profits of state-run oil explorer Saudi AramCo fell by 25 per cent. As the lockdown cut the demand, OPEC decided to cut oil output. AramCo followed suit, and over 500 people were fired, mostly expats. This has become the new normal in Gulf countries, where foreign workers are being sent home. This is worrying because expats make up close to half the population in some Gulf countries. Mostly working as builders and labourers, they are responsible for building the sprawling skylines in Gulf cities. Gulf countries are highly-reliant on the expatriate population. GCC could lose four million expats by the end of this pandemic - almost 10 per cent of its total population. What are these countries doing to plug the gaps? The countries have announced relief packages, amounting for two-three percent of their GDPs. Six countries together have set aside over 50 billion USD. However, most of these countries are already deep in debt which was to be paid with petro-Dollars. As of now, the debt has piled up over 300 billion USD, with the amount expected to increase. Besides oil, tourism has also suffered a major hit, witnessing a decline of 7.4 per cent in 2020. All this while entertainment and media sector contracted by 5.6 per cent.

Left in the desert: Coronavirus cripples Gulf economies

About 300 teens were exposed to the novel coronavirus at a "pong fest" party in Lakeway, Texas, on June 20, local officials say.

At the time of the party, several teens were waiting for their Covid-19 test results, and have since tested positive.

City and health officials are now urging all attendees to get tested and self-isolate.

The city mayor said the city has had 105 cases, 50 of which are currently active.

According to CNN, a pop-up testing site has been set up at the Baylor School &amp; White Specialty Clinic-Lakeway to help partygoers and those they interacted with in the past week get tested.

About 300 teens were exposed to the novel coronavirus at a "pong fest" party in Lakeway, Texas, on June 20, local officials say. At the time of the party, several teens were waiting for their Covid-19 test results, and have since tested positive.

About 300 teens were exposed to the novel coronavirus at a "pong fest" party in Lakeway, Texas, on June 20, local officials say. At the time of the party, several teens were waiting for their Covid-19 test results, and have since tested positive. City and health officials are now urging all attendees to get tested and self-isolate. The city mayor said the city has had 105 cases, 50 of which are currently active. According to CNN, a pop-up testing site has been set up at the Baylor School & White Specialty Clinic-Lakeway to help partygoers and those they interacted with in the past week get tested.

Hundreds of teens at 'pong fest' party in US exposed to coronavirus

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