The Indian capital territory of Delhi has come up with a new solution to deal with the ongoing influx of COVID-19 cases.

Delhi, officially a Union Territory, has been one of the hardest regions in the country. Now, to keep up with the increasing number of patients, luxury hotels in the city are being converted into care wards for the infected.

This marks the first&nbsp;government in the country to requisition its hotels. Starting today, June 22 -&nbsp;25 hotels across the capital city will be converted into coronavirus care centres. However, these will be used for people with mild to moderate symptoms. Severe cases will still be stationed in hospitals.

India’s healthcare system has been struggling as the number of cases continue to break records in the country everyday.

<h6><img alt="A health official collects a swab sample from a man to test for the COVID-19 coronavirus at a temporary free testing facility set up in a school after authorities eased restrictions imposed as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, in New Delhi on June 19, 2020. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8adefab0-a2cf-47e2-9300-31118e04fbce" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_32.jpg" /> 
A health official collects a swab sample from a man to test for the COVID-19 coronavirus at a temporary free testing facility set up in a school after authorities eased restrictions imposed as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, in New Delhi on June 19, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The Guardian reported that many hotel staff members are undergoing medical training to administer care to COVID-19 patients.

One of the trainers involved in the process of training the staff told the Guardian that they were “frightened for their safety”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-cases-per-lakh-population-one-of-the-lowest-globally-union-health-ministry-307710" hreflang="en">India’s Covid-19 cases per lakh population one of the lowest globally: Union health ministry</a>

However, medical personnel are expected to be present on the premises at all times. As part of regular protocol, they will be expected to wear PPE kits and to ensure hospital grade sanitisation.

To ensure communication between Delhi’s healthcare apparatus and the hotels, each hotel shall be linked with the nearest coronavirus health facility.

Currently, the city has 9,000 beds for the patients. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had recently claimed that they would need 150,000 beds by the end of July.

The city has registered 59,000+cases of coronavirus so far. Out of these 33,013 have recovered, while 2,175 have succumbed to the virus.

The Indian capital territory of Delhi has come up with a new solution to deal with the ongoing influx of COVID-19 cases. Delhi, officially a Union Territory, has been one of the hardest regions in the country.

The Indian capital territory of Delhi has come up with a new solution to deal with the ongoing influx of COVID-19 cases. Delhi, officially a Union Territory, has been one of the hardest regions in the country. Now, to keep up with the increasing number of patients, luxury hotels in the city are being converted into care wards for the infected. This marks the first government in the country to requisition its hotels. Starting today, June 22 - 25 hotels across the capital city will be converted into coronavirus care centres. However, these will be used for people with mild to moderate symptoms. Severe cases will still be stationed in hospitals. India’s healthcare system has been struggling as the number of cases continue to break records in the country everyday. A health official collects a swab sample from a man to test for the COVID-19 coronavirus at a temporary free testing facility set up in a school after authorities eased restrictions imposed as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, in New Delhi on June 19, 2020 | AFP The Guardian reported that many hotel staff members are undergoing medical training to administer care to COVID-19 patients. One of the trainers involved in the process of training the staff told the Guardian that they were “frightened for their safety”. Also read: India’s Covid-19 cases per lakh population one of the lowest globally: Union health ministry However, medical personnel are expected to be present on the premises at all times. As part of regular protocol, they will be expected to wear PPE kits and to ensure hospital grade sanitisation. To ensure communication between Delhi’s healthcare apparatus and the hotels, each hotel shall be linked with the nearest coronavirus health facility. Currently, the city has 9,000 beds for the patients. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had recently claimed that they would need 150,000 beds by the end of July. The city has registered 59,000+cases of coronavirus so far. Out of these 33,013 have recovered, while 2,175 have succumbed to the virus.

Indian capital Delhi to convert luxury hotels into care centres for 'mild' coronavirus patients

The Delhi High Court on Monday extended the interim bail of 2,961 undertrial prisoners by 45 days to de-congest jails during the coronavirus pandemic.

A bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Talwant Singh passed the order in view of a high-power committee's recommendation that it would be dangerous to send the prisoners back to jail as the risk still remains high.

The court said the interim bail of these undertrials is extended by 45 days from the date of expiry of the relief on the same terms and conditions and listed the matter for further hearing on August 4.

The committee, headed by Justice Hima Kohli, in its June 20 meeting said since there was no certainty when the threat of pandemic shall be over and requirement of social distancing no longer necessary, the interim bail of under-trial prisoners (UTPs) needs to be extended for a further period of 45 days from the date their respective interim bail is expiring.

During the hearing, Delhi government standing Counsel Rahul Mehra and advocate Chaitanya Gosain, appearing for the prison authorities, said they have no objection to the extension of bail.

"Accordingly, it is ordered that the interim bails for a period of 45 days granted to 2,961 UTPs, in view of the recommendations of HPC are hereby extended by another period of 45 days from the date of their respective expiry of interim bails on the same terms and conditions," the bench said.

It also directed the Director General (Prisons) to ensure that the order was conveyed to all 2,961 under-trial prisoners (UTPs) by telephone and other available modes.

During the hearing,Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) member secretary Kanwal Jeet Arora submitted that the situation was the same and it was not possible to take the undertrials back in jail at this time and urged the court to further extend the relief period.

Director General (Prisons) Sandeep Goel said before the process of de-congesting jails began, there were 18,000 inmates in jail against the holding capacity of 10,000.

After decongestion, though the jails population is still more than the holding capacity but it has reduced to 13,677 which is a great relief.

The committee, which was formed on the order of the Supreme Court to lay down guidelines to decongest jails and prevent the spread of the coronavirus, was also of the view that moving a separate application on behalf of each of the 2,961 UTPs would be "cumbersome" and lead to wastage of judicial time.

Therefore, it had recommended that the high court be requested to pass a judicial order to extend the interim bail of the prisoners by 45 days.

The matter was placed before Chief Justice D N Patel, who on May 7 issued verbal directions to set up the bench on Saturday, May 9.

The Delhi High Court on Monday extended the interim bail of 2,961 undertrial prisoners by 45 days to de-congest jails during the coronavirus pandemic. A bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Talwant Singh passed the order in view of a high-power committee's recommendation that it would be dangerous to send the prisoners back to jail as the risk still remains high.

The Delhi High Court on Monday extended the interim bail of 2,961 undertrial prisoners by 45 days to de-congest jails during the coronavirus pandemic. A bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Talwant Singh passed the order in view of a high-power committee's recommendation that it would be dangerous to send the prisoners back to jail as the risk still remains high. The court said the interim bail of these undertrials is extended by 45 days from the date of expiry of the relief on the same terms and conditions and listed the matter for further hearing on August 4. The committee, headed by Justice Hima Kohli, in its June 20 meeting said since there was no certainty when the threat of pandemic shall be over and requirement of social distancing no longer necessary, the interim bail of under-trial prisoners (UTPs) needs to be extended for a further period of 45 days from the date their respective interim bail is expiring. During the hearing, Delhi government standing Counsel Rahul Mehra and advocate Chaitanya Gosain, appearing for the prison authorities, said they have no objection to the extension of bail. "Accordingly, it is ordered that the interim bails for a period of 45 days granted to 2,961 UTPs, in view of the recommendations of HPC are hereby extended by another period of 45 days from the date of their respective expiry of interim bails on the same terms and conditions," the bench said. It also directed the Director General (Prisons) to ensure that the order was conveyed to all 2,961 under-trial prisoners (UTPs) by telephone and other available modes. During the hearing,Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) member secretary Kanwal Jeet Arora submitted that the situation was the same and it was not possible to take the undertrials back in jail at this time and urged the court to further extend the relief period. Director General (Prisons) Sandeep Goel said before the process of de-congesting jails began, there were 18,000 inmates in jail against the holding capacity of 10,000. After decongestion, though the jails population is still more than the holding capacity but it has reduced to 13,677 which is a great relief. The committee, which was formed on the order of the Supreme Court to lay down guidelines to decongest jails and prevent the spread of the coronavirus, was also of the view that moving a separate application on behalf of each of the 2,961 UTPs would be "cumbersome" and lead to wastage of judicial time. Therefore, it had recommended that the high court be requested to pass a judicial order to extend the interim bail of the prisoners by 45 days. The matter was placed before Chief Justice D N Patel, who on May 7 issued verbal directions to set up the bench on Saturday, May 9.

COVID-19: Delhi High Court extends by 45 days interim bail of 2,961 under-trial prisoners to de-congest jails

Maharashtra has put on hold three initial investment proposals from Chinese companies worth 50 billion rupees ($658 million), a state minister said on Monday, after a deadly border clash between the two nuclear-armed nations last week.&nbsp;

The decision by the state government of Maharashtra, home to India's financial capital of Mumbai, comes days after it signed the investment agreements with the three Chinese companies, including Great Wall Motor Co.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-communication-with-india-says-china-but-refrains-from-revealing-causalities-in-border-clash-307646" hreflang="en">In communication with India, says China but refrains from revealing causalities in border clash</a>

"In the current environment we will wait for the federal government to announce a clear policy regarding these projects," Maharashtra's industries minister, Subhash Desai said in a statement, adding that the agreements, however, are not being cancelled.

India said last Tuesday 20 of its soldiers had been killed in clashes with Chinese troops at a disputed border site, in a major escalation of a weeks-long standoff between the two Asian giants in the western Himalayas.

Maharashtra has put on hold three initial investment proposals from Chinese companies worth 50 billion rupees ($658 million), a state minister said on Monday, after a deadly border clash between the two nuclear-armed nations last week.

Maharashtra has put on hold three initial investment proposals from Chinese companies worth 50 billion rupees ($658 million), a state minister said on Monday, after a deadly border clash between the two nuclear-armed nations last week. The decision by the state government of Maharashtra, home to India's financial capital of Mumbai, comes days after it signed the investment agreements with the three Chinese companies, including Great Wall Motor Co. Also read: In communication with India, says China but refrains from revealing causalities in border clash "In the current environment we will wait for the federal government to announce a clear policy regarding these projects," Maharashtra's industries minister, Subhash Desai said in a statement, adding that the agreements, however, are not being cancelled. India said last Tuesday 20 of its soldiers had been killed in clashes with Chinese troops at a disputed border site, in a major escalation of a weeks-long standoff between the two Asian giants in the western Himalayas.

Maharashtra puts three Chinese investment proposals on hold after deadly border clash

The novel coronavirus pandemic is still accelerating and its effects will be felt for decades, the World Health Organization's director-general told an online conference on Monday. 
 
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual health forum organised by Dubai authorities that the greatest threat facing the world is not the virus itself, but "the lack of global solidarity and global leadership".&nbsp; 
 
"We cannot defeat this pandemic with a divided world," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/who-reports-record-daily-increase-in-global-coronavirus-cases-307555" hreflang="en">WHO reports record daily increase in global coronavirus cases</a> 
 
"The politicisation of the pandemic has exacerbated it. None of us is safe until all of us are safe." 
 
The WHO warned last week of a new and dangerous phase of the coronavirus pandemic, with people tiring of lockdowns despite the disease's rapid spread. 
 
The COVID-19 illness, which has now killed more than 465,000 people and infected almost nine million worldwide, is surging in the Americas and parts of Asia, even as Europe starts to ease restrictive measures.&nbsp; 
 
Lockdowns imposed to halt the spread of the virus have caused crippling economic damage, but the WHO says the pandemic still poses a major threat.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/who-warns-of-new-and-dangerous-phase-of-coronavirus-pandemic-307244" hreflang="en">WHO warns of 'new and dangerous phase' of coronavirus pandemic</a> 
 
"The pandemic is still accelerating,"&nbsp;Tedros told the virtual conference. 
 
"We know that the pandemic is much more than a health crisis, it is an economic crisis, a social crisis, and in many countries a political crisis," he said. 
 
"Its effects will be felt for decades to come." 
 
A vaccine remains months off at best despite several trials, while scientists are still discovering more about the virus, its symptoms and the extent to which it may have spread before being identified.

The novel coronavirus pandemic is still accelerating and its effects will be felt for decades, the World Health Organization's director-general told an online conference on Monday.

The novel coronavirus pandemic is still accelerating and its effects will be felt for decades, the World Health Organization's director-general told an online conference on Monday. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual health forum organised by Dubai authorities that the greatest threat facing the world is not the virus itself, but "the lack of global solidarity and global leadership". "We cannot defeat this pandemic with a divided world," he said. Also read: WHO reports record daily increase in global coronavirus cases "The politicisation of the pandemic has exacerbated it. None of us is safe until all of us are safe." The WHO warned last week of a new and dangerous phase of the coronavirus pandemic, with people tiring of lockdowns despite the disease's rapid spread. The COVID-19 illness, which has now killed more than 465,000 people and infected almost nine million worldwide, is surging in the Americas and parts of Asia, even as Europe starts to ease restrictive measures. Lockdowns imposed to halt the spread of the virus have caused crippling economic damage, but the WHO says the pandemic still poses a major threat. Also read: WHO warns of 'new and dangerous phase' of coronavirus pandemic "The pandemic is still accelerating," Tedros told the virtual conference. "We know that the pandemic is much more than a health crisis, it is an economic crisis, a social crisis, and in many countries a political crisis," he said. "Its effects will be felt for decades to come." A vaccine remains months off at best despite several trials, while scientists are still discovering more about the virus, its symptoms and the extent to which it may have spread before being identified.

We cannot defeat this pandemic with a divided world: WHO chief

Europeans are enjoying the gradual easing of coronavirus lockdown measures, but in hospitals they are already preparing for the next wave of infections.

Some intensive care specialists are trying to hire more permanent staff. Others want to create a reservist "army" of medical professionals ready to be deployed wherever needed to work in wards with seriously ill patients.&nbsp;

European countries have been giving medics crash courses in how to deal with COVID-19 patients, and are now looking at ways to retrain staff to avoid shortages of key workers if there is a second wave of the novel coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-second-wave-triggered-by-may-holiday-south-korea-307652" hreflang="en">Coronavirus second wave triggered by May holiday: South Korea</a>

"We need a healthcare army," said Maurizio Cecconi, president-elect of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM), which brings together medics from around the world who work in wards with extremely ill patients.

Cecconi, who heads the intensive care department at the Humanitas hospital in Milan, says medical staff need to be more flexible in the work they do, and more mobile.

"If there is another big wave, we should be prepared to deploy doctors and nurses from nearby regions within Italy. This did not happen a lot in the first wave," he told Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-reports-record-daily-increase-in-global-coronavirus-cases-307555" hreflang="en">WHO reports record daily increase in global coronavirus cases</a>

Many countries were caught unprepared by the COVID-19 pandemic in March and April, and hastily retrained medics to work with patients with severe cases of the disease, to ramp up numbers and replace those who fell sick.

Some sent medical students and retired doctors to help out in intensive care wards as hospital staff were overwhelmed. Those worst-hit by the pandemic had to provide more beds and essential equipment for acute care units, and some built new hospitals.

But problems and shortages persist. Italy, for example, may need to boost by 50% the number of anaesthetists, resuscitation experts and other medics it has working in intensive care, according to the Italian society of intensive care SIAARTI.&nbsp;

CRASH COURSES

Across Europe, hospitals have been re-training surgeons, cardiologists, internal medicine physicians and nurses from other departments, and have moved them to intensive care units when needed.&nbsp;

Many have attended crash courses on how to handle COVID-19 patients, said Jozef Kesecioglu, president of ESICM and head of intensive care at the University Medical Center of Utrecht, in the Netherlands.

"We gave them jobs with less responsibility, such as washing patients, turning patients around, checking the lungs or looking at scans," he told Reuters.

Intensive care specialists had continued to do the most delicate work, such as handling tubes in patients' throats or adjusting mechanical ventilation, Kesecioglu said.

He plans to call back the same people to offer them more training. Under normal circumstances, intensive care workers undergo years of training but he said: "We should not wait until the new wave comes, we should give them regular training."&nbsp;

The Netherlands is trying to recruit more skilled workers and hopes to narrow structural gaps in the intensive care workforce, said Rotterdam's Erasmus Medical Centre, one of the largest university hospitals in Europe.&nbsp;

SIAARTI says medical students who specialise in intensive care medicine should be fully integrated into wards for the last two years of their five-year training, and has recommended financial incentives be offered to attract more students.&nbsp;

The European Commission, the European Union's executive, funded cross-border transfers of medical staff to the most affected countries at the height of the coronavirus crisis.

In April, teams of "flying doctors" were sent from Norway and Romania to Italy.

But the experiment has failed to gather much support, and Cecconi said moving doctors from one country to another "should be an option but not the first option," as language barriers may make them less effective.&nbsp;

Some patients were also moved around to receive treatment. France transferred some to less-affected regions of the country and sent others to Germany, which also took in COVID-19 patients from Italy.

But Cecconi warned of transportation risks and logistical complications.&nbsp;

"Often our patients are very sick," he said. "I'd rather have skilled people who know how to work in my environment."&nbsp;

Europeans are enjoying the gradual easing of coronavirus lockdown measures, but in hospitals they are already preparing for the next wave of infections. Some intensive care specialists are trying to hire more permanent staff.

Europeans are enjoying the gradual easing of coronavirus lockdown measures, but in hospitals they are already preparing for the next wave of infections. Some intensive care specialists are trying to hire more permanent staff. Others want to create a reservist "army" of medical professionals ready to be deployed wherever needed to work in wards with seriously ill patients. European countries have been giving medics crash courses in how to deal with COVID-19 patients, and are now looking at ways to retrain staff to avoid shortages of key workers if there is a second wave of the novel coronavirus. Also read: Coronavirus second wave triggered by May holiday: South Korea "We need a healthcare army," said Maurizio Cecconi, president-elect of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM), which brings together medics from around the world who work in wards with extremely ill patients. Cecconi, who heads the intensive care department at the Humanitas hospital in Milan, says medical staff need to be more flexible in the work they do, and more mobile. "If there is another big wave, we should be prepared to deploy doctors and nurses from nearby regions within Italy. This did not happen a lot in the first wave," he told Reuters. Also read: WHO reports record daily increase in global coronavirus cases Many countries were caught unprepared by the COVID-19 pandemic in March and April, and hastily retrained medics to work with patients with severe cases of the disease, to ramp up numbers and replace those who fell sick. Some sent medical students and retired doctors to help out in intensive care wards as hospital staff were overwhelmed. Those worst-hit by the pandemic had to provide more beds and essential equipment for acute care units, and some built new hospitals. But problems and shortages persist. Italy, for example, may need to boost by 50% the number of anaesthetists, resuscitation experts and other medics it has working in intensive care, according to the Italian society of intensive care SIAARTI. CRASH COURSES Across Europe, hospitals have been re-training surgeons, cardiologists, internal medicine physicians and nurses from other departments, and have moved them to intensive care units when needed. Many have attended crash courses on how to handle COVID-19 patients, said Jozef Kesecioglu, president of ESICM and head of intensive care at the University Medical Center of Utrecht, in the Netherlands. "We gave them jobs with less responsibility, such as washing patients, turning patients around, checking the lungs or looking at scans," he told Reuters. Intensive care specialists had continued to do the most delicate work, such as handling tubes in patients' throats or adjusting mechanical ventilation, Kesecioglu said. He plans to call back the same people to offer them more training. Under normal circumstances, intensive care workers undergo years of training but he said: "We should not wait until the new wave comes, we should give them regular training." The Netherlands is trying to recruit more skilled workers and hopes to narrow structural gaps in the intensive care workforce, said Rotterdam's Erasmus Medical Centre, one of the largest university hospitals in Europe. SIAARTI says medical students who specialise in intensive care medicine should be fully integrated into wards for the last two years of their five-year training, and has recommended financial incentives be offered to attract more students. The European Commission, the European Union's executive, funded cross-border transfers of medical staff to the most affected countries at the height of the coronavirus crisis. In April, teams of "flying doctors" were sent from Norway and Romania to Italy. But the experiment has failed to gather much support, and Cecconi said moving doctors from one country to another "should be an option but not the first option," as language barriers may make them less effective. Some patients were also moved around to receive treatment. France transferred some to less-affected regions of the country and sent others to Germany, which also took in COVID-19 patients from Italy. But Cecconi warned of transportation risks and logistical complications. "Often our patients are very sick," he said. "I'd rather have skilled people who know how to work in my environment."

Fearing second COVID-19 wave, Europe aims to train 'army' of medics

An Israeli company expects a fabric it has developed will be able to neutralise close to 99% of the coronavirus, even after being washed multiple times, following a successful lab test.

Sonovia's reusable anti-viral masks are coated in zinc oxide nano-particles that destroy bacteria, fungi and viruses, which it says can help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Tests in the Microspectrum (Weipu Jishu) lab in Shanghai had demonstrated that the washable fabric used in its masks neutralised more than 90% of the coronavirus to which it was exposed, Sonovia said on Monday.

Liat Goldhammer, Sonovia's chief technology officer, said that in the coming weeks the fabric, which can also be used in textiles for hospitals, protective equipment and clothing, will be able to neutralise almost 99% of the coronavirus.

<h6><img alt="Employees of Israel's Sonovia Ltd, makers of washable and reusable antiviral masks, which the company says can help stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), work at their laboratory in Ramat Gan, Israel May 17, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c1c4fc71-30a5-4cbe-82fb-e845df1ea248" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_22.jpg" /> 
Employees of Israel's Sonovia Ltd, makers of washable and reusable antiviral masks, which the company says can help stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), work at their laboratory in Ramat Gan, Israel May 17, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

Sonovia says its clients include German manufacturers Bruckner and Weber Ultrasonics, and hospitals in Germany and the United States.&nbsp;

It is conducting a pilot at Adler Plastic in Italy to use its fabric in vehicles and public transport and is selling its masks online to retail consumers.

The tests in China were performed in accordance with the international standard for determining anti-viral activity of textile products, Sonovia said in a statement.

They follow a test last month on the material at Austria's HygCen medical lab using the Vaccinia virus, which has similar properties to the SARS-COVID family, and showed "a good virucidal effect", according to the lab report.

Sonovia, which is planning to go public on Nasdaq this year, is also awaiting a "significant series of tests in a German government-certified laboratory," Goldhammer said.

Asaf Levy, Sonovia's vice president for sales and operations, said Ernst &amp; Young is preparing a valuation and the company is talking with U.S. and Asian investors regarding participation in the planned stock market offering.

An Israeli company expects a fabric it has developed will be able to neutralise close to 99% of the coronavirus, even after being washed multiple times, following a successful lab test.

An Israeli company expects a fabric it has developed will be able to neutralise close to 99% of the coronavirus, even after being washed multiple times, following a successful lab test. Sonovia's reusable anti-viral masks are coated in zinc oxide nano-particles that destroy bacteria, fungi and viruses, which it says can help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Tests in the Microspectrum (Weipu Jishu) lab in Shanghai had demonstrated that the washable fabric used in its masks neutralised more than 90% of the coronavirus to which it was exposed, Sonovia said on Monday. Liat Goldhammer, Sonovia's chief technology officer, said that in the coming weeks the fabric, which can also be used in textiles for hospitals, protective equipment and clothing, will be able to neutralise almost 99% of the coronavirus. Employees of Israel's Sonovia Ltd, makers of washable and reusable antiviral masks, which the company says can help stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), work at their laboratory in Ramat Gan, Israel May 17, 2020 | Reuters Sonovia says its clients include German manufacturers Bruckner and Weber Ultrasonics, and hospitals in Germany and the United States. It is conducting a pilot at Adler Plastic in Italy to use its fabric in vehicles and public transport and is selling its masks online to retail consumers. The tests in China were performed in accordance with the international standard for determining anti-viral activity of textile products, Sonovia said in a statement. They follow a test last month on the material at Austria's HygCen medical lab using the Vaccinia virus, which has similar properties to the SARS-COVID family, and showed "a good virucidal effect", according to the lab report. Sonovia, which is planning to go public on Nasdaq this year, is also awaiting a "significant series of tests in a German government-certified laboratory," Goldhammer said. Asaf Levy, Sonovia's vice president for sales and operations, said Ernst & Young is preparing a valuation and the company is talking with U.S. and Asian investors regarding participation in the planned stock market offering.

Israel's miracle mask: Sonovia expects 99% coronavirus success after lab test

Beverage maker PepsiCo on Sunday has suspended its operations in Beijing after confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in the company.

The Beijing administrative officials are conducting COVID-19 tests on millions, especially employees of restaurants, food delivery services and market vendors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/is-china-lying-about-the-science-of-covid-19-297002">Also read: Is China lying about the science of COVID-19?</a> 
 
All of PepsiCo's 87 close contacts of a confirmed case in Beijing have been quarantined, and samples taken inside and outside its Beijing plant have come out negative. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-china-may-have-manufactured-covid-19-293388">Also read: Why China may have manufactured COVID-19</a>

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) said on Sunday that it had reported 32 new COVID-19 cases in the country.

The city of more than 20 million people reported its first case in the latest wave on June 11. The resurgence has been linked to a wholesale food centre in the southwest of Beijing, according to a Reuters report.

So far, 227 people in the city have been infected in the latest outbreak.

Meanwhile, Mainland China reported six new asymptomatic cases, those who are infected with the coronavirus but show no symptoms, down from seven a day earlier. Beijing accounted for three of the new cases.

China does not count asymptomatic patients as confirmed cases and as part of the official infection tally.

To date, China has 83,378 confirmed cases. The first infections were traced to Huanan seafood market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December.

No new deaths were reported in mainland China for June 20.

(With inputs from agencies)

Beverage maker PepsiCo on Sunday has suspended its operations in Beijing after confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in the company. The Beijing administrative officials are conducting COVID-19 tests on millions, especially employees of restaurants, food delivery services and market vendors.

Beverage maker PepsiCo on Sunday has suspended its operations in Beijing after confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in the company. The Beijing administrative officials are conducting COVID-19 tests on millions, especially employees of restaurants, food delivery services and market vendors. Also read: Is China lying about the science of COVID-19? All of PepsiCo's 87 close contacts of a confirmed case in Beijing have been quarantined, and samples taken inside and outside its Beijing plant have come out negative. Also read: Why China may have manufactured COVID-19 China’s National Health Commission (NHC) said on Sunday that it had reported 32 new COVID-19 cases in the country. The city of more than 20 million people reported its first case in the latest wave on June 11. The resurgence has been linked to a wholesale food centre in the southwest of Beijing, according to a Reuters report. So far, 227 people in the city have been infected in the latest outbreak. Meanwhile, Mainland China reported six new asymptomatic cases, those who are infected with the coronavirus but show no symptoms, down from seven a day earlier. Beijing accounted for three of the new cases. China does not count asymptomatic patients as confirmed cases and as part of the official infection tally. To date, China has 83,378 confirmed cases. The first infections were traced to Huanan seafood market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December. No new deaths were reported in mainland China for June 20. (With inputs from agencies)

PepsiCo suspends operations in Beijing after workers test positive for coronavirus, Beijing tests millions

The number of COVID-19 cases in India surpassed the 400,000 mark on Sunday, reaching 410,461, as the total deaths due to the virus crossed the 13,000 mark

India: COVID-19 cases surpass 400,000, deaths cross 13,000

More than 1,000 employees at German meat processing firm Toennies have tested positive for coronavirus, prompting local health authorities to order all 6,500 employees and their families to go into quarantine.

The localised lockdown is a setback for Germany's reopening strategy. Chancellor Angela Merkel had favoured maintaining lockdown discipline for longer, but eased restrictions following pressure from regional premiers.

Even though its management of the coronavirus crisis has been among the most successful in Europe, Germany has seen repeated outbreaks in slaughterhouses, whose employees are often migrants living in crowded company-provided accommodation.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the meat company's proprietor, Clemens Toennies, said the outbreak presented an "existential crisis" for his firm, which has suspended operations as authorities seek to control the outbreak.

"As a company we thought we had done everything right," Toennies said, adding that his firm had struggled to collect the personal data of employees and contractors so that authorities could trace the outbreak.

"As an entrepreneur I can only apologise. We have caused this and are fully responsible for it," Toennies said.

The outbreak may force the German state of North Rhine Westphalia to impose a broader lockdown.

The outbreak near Gutersloh was first reported on Wednesday, when 400 workers tested positive. By Friday, that number had doubled to 803 and it climbed further to 1,029 by Saturday.

On Thursday, China banned meat imports from the plant.

More than 1,000 employees at German meat processing firm Toennies have tested positive for coronavirus, prompting local health authorities to order all 6,500 employees and their families to go into quarantine.

More than 1,000 employees at German meat processing firm Toennies have tested positive for coronavirus, prompting local health authorities to order all 6,500 employees and their families to go into quarantine. The localised lockdown is a setback for Germany's reopening strategy. Chancellor Angela Merkel had favoured maintaining lockdown discipline for longer, but eased restrictions following pressure from regional premiers. Even though its management of the coronavirus crisis has been among the most successful in Europe, Germany has seen repeated outbreaks in slaughterhouses, whose employees are often migrants living in crowded company-provided accommodation. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the meat company's proprietor, Clemens Toennies, said the outbreak presented an "existential crisis" for his firm, which has suspended operations as authorities seek to control the outbreak. "As a company we thought we had done everything right," Toennies said, adding that his firm had struggled to collect the personal data of employees and contractors so that authorities could trace the outbreak. "As an entrepreneur I can only apologise. We have caused this and are fully responsible for it," Toennies said. The outbreak may force the German state of North Rhine Westphalia to impose a broader lockdown. The outbreak near Gutersloh was first reported on Wednesday, when 400 workers tested positive. By Friday, that number had doubled to 803 and it climbed further to 1,029 by Saturday. On Thursday, China banned meat imports from the plant.

Coronavirus outbreak at abattoir in Germany infects more than 1,000

The US National Institutes of Health has halted a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of hospitalised COVID-19 patients.

The study found that hydroxychloroquine did not provide any benefit to the patients, even though it did no harm, NIH said in a statement on Saturday.

Trump had promoted the drug as a potential treatment, saying in March it could turn out to be "one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine" when used in combination with the antibiotic azithromycin.

Earlier this week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said testing of hydroxychloroquine in its large multi-country trial of treatments for COVID-19 patients had been halted after new data and studies showed no benefit.

The US Food and Drug Administration revoked its emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 on Monday.

Last month, in a surprise announcement, Trump said he was taking a course of hydroxychloroquine as a preventative after two White House aides tested positive for the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

NIH announced its trial of hydroxychloroquine, which is used to treat malaria and rheumatoid conditions such as arthritis, in April.

(with inputs from Reuters)

The US National Institutes of Health has halted a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of hospitalised COVID-19 patients.

The US National Institutes of Health has halted a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of hospitalised COVID-19 patients. The study found that hydroxychloroquine did not provide any benefit to the patients, even though it did no harm, NIH said in a statement on Saturday. Trump had promoted the drug as a potential treatment, saying in March it could turn out to be "one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine" when used in combination with the antibiotic azithromycin. Earlier this week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said testing of hydroxychloroquine in its large multi-country trial of treatments for COVID-19 patients had been halted after new data and studies showed no benefit. The US Food and Drug Administration revoked its emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 on Monday. Last month, in a surprise announcement, Trump said he was taking a course of hydroxychloroquine as a preventative after two White House aides tested positive for the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. NIH announced its trial of hydroxychloroquine, which is used to treat malaria and rheumatoid conditions such as arthritis, in April. (with inputs from Reuters)

US halts test of Trump-touted hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 patients

A new device that fits on to the existing air vents inside an airplane cabin could help reduce the risk of inflight coronavirus transmission.

The simple device is called AirShield.

Seattle-based technology company Teague says the device enhances air flows that help minimise the spread of germs on board, creating an invisible 'shield' around passengers.

AirShield is a 3D-printed component that fits onto the Passenger Service Unit above each passenger in an airplane cabin. The unit usually contains a reading light and vents, known as air gaspers, which send air downward onto the seat occupant.

AirShield sculpts the flow into blades that ensure any respiratory droplets are retained within a single passenger's space, and shouldn't be breathed in by the occupant of a neighbouring seat.

The passenger can control the direction and velocity of the air that's blasting onto them in the same way that they can also decide if they want their light on or off.

Normally, air on board a passenger plane is fed in through the top of the cabin and then extracted by floor vents to be fed through high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filters that take out 99.9% of microbial content.

This makes the air that's coming back through the gaspers freshly purified.

AirShield is the latest in a slew of designs aim to reassure returning fliers in the wake of the pandemic. It received patent clearance earlier this month.

 
&nbsp;

A new device that fits on to the existing air vents inside an airplane cabin could help reduce the risk of inflight coronavirus transmission. The simple device is called AirShield.

A new device that fits on to the existing air vents inside an airplane cabin could help reduce the risk of inflight coronavirus transmission. The simple device is called AirShield. Seattle-based technology company Teague says the device enhances air flows that help minimise the spread of germs on board, creating an invisible 'shield' around passengers. AirShield is a 3D-printed component that fits onto the Passenger Service Unit above each passenger in an airplane cabin. The unit usually contains a reading light and vents, known as air gaspers, which send air downward onto the seat occupant. AirShield sculpts the flow into blades that ensure any respiratory droplets are retained within a single passenger's space, and shouldn't be breathed in by the occupant of a neighbouring seat. The passenger can control the direction and velocity of the air that's blasting onto them in the same way that they can also decide if they want their light on or off. Normally, air on board a passenger plane is fed in through the top of the cabin and then extracted by floor vents to be fed through high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filters that take out 99.9% of microbial content. This makes the air that's coming back through the gaspers freshly purified. AirShield is the latest in a slew of designs aim to reassure returning fliers in the wake of the pandemic. It received patent clearance earlier this month.

Could this invisible air shield protect fliers from coronavirus transmission?

Bus travel in Myanmar has gone from cramped seats to first-class, private pod seating, thanks to the coronavirus outbreak. As a social-distancing measure, local bus operator JJ Express has introduced cubicles in dozens of its buses where long-distance travellers sit with minimized contagion risk behind closed aluminum doors.

Myanmar bus launches private pod seats to discourage virus spread

Madrid-based Colombian actress and puppeteer Yohana Yara has been using her time in lockdown filming puppet shows on her balcony and creating an online fan base for her characters. She created a YouTube channel for her show "Leo the Lion and his Friends".

Locked-down puppeteer brings her characters to life in Madrid flat

As Chile reels from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, at least one business there is booming - the production of coffins. Coffin manufacturers are boosting production twice or three times over in a bid to keep pace with demand.

Coffin makers struggle to meet demand in Chile

One gym owner in Southern California found a unique solution to reopening during the pandemic: "workout pods" made from pipes and shower curtains.

California gym reopens with 'workout pods'

The first trial results of a coronavirus vaccine being developed by an unlisted German company are expected in two months.

According to German news agency dpa, CureVac said this week that the first meaningful results could be available in September or October and, under favourable conditions, the vaccine could be approved by the middle of next year.

The first results are now expected in two months, dpa reported, citing the clinical trial's lead researcher Peter Kremsner, from Tuebingen university hospital.

While checks of trial participants started on Thursday, the first vaccination was still pending.

The dpa report was also carried by German news website Focus Online.

The trial launch, first reported by Reuters on Tuesday, will see 144 participants in Germany and Belgium receive different dosages of the vaccine and a further 24 getting a placebo.

The German government said this week it planned to take a 23% stake in CureVac for 300 million euros ($336.4 million).

The first trial results of a coronavirus vaccine being developed by an unlisted German company are expected in two months. According to German news agency dpa, CureVac said this week that the first meaningful results could be available in September or October and, under favourable conditions, the vaccine could be approved by the middle of next year.

The first trial results of a coronavirus vaccine being developed by an unlisted German company are expected in two months. According to German news agency dpa, CureVac said this week that the first meaningful results could be available in September or October and, under favourable conditions, the vaccine could be approved by the middle of next year. The first results are now expected in two months, dpa reported, citing the clinical trial's lead researcher Peter Kremsner, from Tuebingen university hospital. While checks of trial participants started on Thursday, the first vaccination was still pending. The dpa report was also carried by German news website Focus Online. The trial launch, first reported by Reuters on Tuesday, will see 144 participants in Germany and Belgium receive different dosages of the vaccine and a further 24 getting a placebo. The German government said this week it planned to take a 23% stake in CureVac for 300 million euros ($336.4 million).

First results of German company's coronavirus vaccine trial expected in two months

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

Inspired by the ghouls and monsters he usually encounters in his line of work, Filipino prosthetic makeup artist Rene Abelardo is warding off the coronavirus with style.

Philippine SFX makeup artist wards off virus with horror-inspired masks

A mobile barbershop in Myanmar is attempting to trim coronavirus fears by going door-to-door, offering customers haircuts at their doorsteps.

Myanmar barbershop on wheels trims virus worries by going door-to-door

The #Classof2020 will forever be called the 'Generation of COVID-19'. The young graduates are staring at an uncertain future. How do we stop the pandemic from claiming the careers of the world's youth?

Gravitas: Worst Time To Enter The Job Market

The Wuhan virus has infected 79,00,000+ people across the world. India remains on the 4th spot with over 3 lakh cases & more than 9,000 deaths. WION's Palki gets you the latest numbers.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: 9,500+ lives lost in India

Spain's Alhambra palace and fortress complex, considered Europe's jewel of Moorish architecture, reopened to visitors in Granada, southern Spain, on Wednesday (June 17) after being shut for three months due to the coronavirus lockdown.

The Alhambra, Spain's jewel of Moorish architecture, reopens after three months

Electric bikes are starting to fill bike lanes in Paris as many commuters wary of taking the metro in the post-coronavirus lockdown period have resorted to two-wheel transport.

Paris sees spike in e-bike sales as virus lockdown winds down

A provincial minister died due to the coronavirus on Thursday, a week after he was diagnosed with COVID-19, becoming the latest political figure in Pakistan to succumb to the deadly disease.

Janbaz Khan, Minister for Agriculture in Gilgit-Baltistan, had been on a ventilator for four days, a doctor at Gilgit's city hospital - where the 64-year-old minister was admitted - was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.

"He had a heart related disease, besides diabetes," said the doctor, who is also treating Malik Miskeen, another senior politician from Diamer district.

Khan, who was five-time lawmaker, was the founding member of the Pakistan Muslim League in the region.

The minister is survived by two wives, five sons and four daughters.

So far five lawmakers, including two provincial ministers, have died in Pakistan due to the coronavirus which has infected several top politicians including former prime ministers Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Yusuf Raza Gilani.

Earlier this month, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Member of Punjab Assembly Shaukat Manzoor Cheema and Sindh Human Settlement Minister Ghulam Murtaza Baloch died to the novel coronavirus.

A provincial assembly member from Khyber-Pakhutnkhwa, Munir Orakzai, died on June 2, days after he had recovered from the virus.

Pakistan's Information Technology and Telecommunications Minister Syed Aminul Haq was tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday.

On Monday, Sindh's Minister For Women Development Syeda Shehla Raza was tested positive for the coronavirus.

Pakistan's coronavirus death toll crossed 3,000 with 118 more patients succumbing to the disease in the last 24 hours, while the total number of infections surpassed the 1,60,000-mark, the health ministry said on Thursday.

A provincial minister died due to the coronavirus on Thursday, a week after he was diagnosed with COVID-19, becoming the latest political figure in Pakistan to succumb to the deadly disease.

A provincial minister died due to the coronavirus on Thursday, a week after he was diagnosed with COVID-19, becoming the latest political figure in Pakistan to succumb to the deadly disease. Janbaz Khan, Minister for Agriculture in Gilgit-Baltistan, had been on a ventilator for four days, a doctor at Gilgit's city hospital - where the 64-year-old minister was admitted - was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune. "He had a heart related disease, besides diabetes," said the doctor, who is also treating Malik Miskeen, another senior politician from Diamer district. Khan, who was five-time lawmaker, was the founding member of the Pakistan Muslim League in the region. The minister is survived by two wives, five sons and four daughters. So far five lawmakers, including two provincial ministers, have died in Pakistan due to the coronavirus which has infected several top politicians including former prime ministers Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Yusuf Raza Gilani. Earlier this month, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Member of Punjab Assembly Shaukat Manzoor Cheema and Sindh Human Settlement Minister Ghulam Murtaza Baloch died to the novel coronavirus. A provincial assembly member from Khyber-Pakhutnkhwa, Munir Orakzai, died on June 2, days after he had recovered from the virus. Pakistan's Information Technology and Telecommunications Minister Syed Aminul Haq was tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday. On Monday, Sindh's Minister For Women Development Syeda Shehla Raza was tested positive for the coronavirus. Pakistan's coronavirus death toll crossed 3,000 with 118 more patients succumbing to the disease in the last 24 hours, while the total number of infections surpassed the 1,60,000-mark, the health ministry said on Thursday.

Another provincial minister dies due to coronavirus in Pakistan

After the coronavirus outbreak prompted the normally bustling streets of Mexico City to empty out, out-of-work musicians looking to make ends meet have been filling roadways with the melodies of their marimbas, trumpets and güiros.

Mexican street musicians bring melodies to people stuck at home

The Supreme Court of India today stays Jagannath yatra to avoid further spreading of Coronavirus amongst masses. The decision is taken under public interest. Moreover CJI SA Bobde says that 'If we allow Puri Yatra this year then lord jagannath will never forgive us'

India: Top Court halts Jagannath yatra to avoid spreading of COVID-19

As states across the country allow restaurants, shops and gyms to reopen, questions around safety remain. Experts are especially worried about gyms

What do post-COVID gyms look like?

Forget hydroxychloroquine. Try tea of jambu, also know as the toothache plant, that villagers in the eastern Amazon believe will help you keep new coronavirus at bay.

Amazon villagers take herbal tea to fight COVID-19

Hong Kong Disneyland on Wednesday (June 17) geared up for its grand reopening after more than four months of temporary closure due to the new coronavirus pandemic.

Hong Kong Disneyland gears up for reopening as virus restrictions ease

Ultra-wideband measures the time the signal takes to travel from one distancer to another and back again. This is a very, very, very precise measuring method.

German device makes social distancing amid COVID-19 high-tech

Pakistan on Wednesday said it is considering to use steroid dexamethasone, which has been shown to reduce the risk of death by up to one-third among severely ill coronavirus patients, as the COVID-19 death toll crossed 3,000 in the country.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza tweeted that an experts' committee would decide to include the drug for treatment of critically ill patients.

Researchers at Oxford University in England say they have the first evidence that the cheap and widely available anti-inflammatory steroid can improve survival from COVID-19. Results released Tuesday show it reduced deaths by up to one third in severely ill hospitalised patients. The drug did not appear to help less ill patients.

The UK government on Wednesday authorised the state-funded National Health Service (NHS) to use the drug.

Mirza in a tweet said, ?Positive results from the UK on use of dexamethaone in critical patients welcomed by WHO as a 1st treatment to be shown to reduce mortality in patients with COVID-19 requiring Oxygen or ventilator support. Expert Committee in Pakistan to consider inclusion."

In another tweet, he said the drug was only for critically ill COVID-19 patients and must not be used by patients suffering mild to moderate symptoms as the medicine may be dangerous due to its side effects.

The development came as Pakistan on Wednesday registered a record 166 deaths in one day due to COVID-19, taking the total fatalities to 3,005 while the number of infected cases rose to 1,56,875.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan, talking to reporters in Karachi, said that Pakistan was the only country to strike a balance between tackling the spread of the virus and saving the economy.

He said: "Corona is international. Pakistan is thankfully saved, we would have reached our peak anyway because we can't [afford to] lockdown."

He was in Karachi to overview the steps taken in Sindh province to control the spread of the coronavirus.

Pakistan on Wednesday said it is considering to use steroid dexamethasone, which has been shown to reduce the risk of death by up to one-third among severely ill coronavirus patients, as the COVID-19 death toll crossed 3,000 in the country.

Pakistan on Wednesday said it is considering to use steroid dexamethasone, which has been shown to reduce the risk of death by up to one-third among severely ill coronavirus patients, as the COVID-19 death toll crossed 3,000 in the country. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza tweeted that an experts' committee would decide to include the drug for treatment of critically ill patients. Researchers at Oxford University in England say they have the first evidence that the cheap and widely available anti-inflammatory steroid can improve survival from COVID-19. Results released Tuesday show it reduced deaths by up to one third in severely ill hospitalised patients. The drug did not appear to help less ill patients. The UK government on Wednesday authorised the state-funded National Health Service (NHS) to use the drug. Mirza in a tweet said, ?Positive results from the UK on use of dexamethaone in critical patients welcomed by WHO as a 1st treatment to be shown to reduce mortality in patients with COVID-19 requiring Oxygen or ventilator support. Expert Committee in Pakistan to consider inclusion." In another tweet, he said the drug was only for critically ill COVID-19 patients and must not be used by patients suffering mild to moderate symptoms as the medicine may be dangerous due to its side effects. The development came as Pakistan on Wednesday registered a record 166 deaths in one day due to COVID-19, taking the total fatalities to 3,005 while the number of infected cases rose to 1,56,875. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan, talking to reporters in Karachi, said that Pakistan was the only country to strike a balance between tackling the spread of the virus and saving the economy. He said: "Corona is international. Pakistan is thankfully saved, we would have reached our peak anyway because we can't [afford to] lockdown." He was in Karachi to overview the steps taken in Sindh province to control the spread of the coronavirus.

Pakistan mulls using dexamethasone for critically ill patients as COVID-19 death toll tops 3,000

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