The last three coronavirus patients in Wuhan, the first epicentre of the COVID-19, have been discharged and the central Chinese city has recorded zero cases of the virus after mass testing of about 10 million people, state-media reported on Friday.

According to the China's National Health Commission (NHC), five imported cases, including four in Shanghai and one in Sichuan Province, were reported in China on Thursday.

Also on Thursday, three new asymptomatic cases were reported taking the total of such cases under medical observation to 297, the NHC said.

As of Thursday, the overall confirmed cases on the mainland have reached 83,027, including 66 patients who were still being treated, and 78,327 people who had been discharged after recovery.

Altogether 4,634 people have died of the disease, the NHC said.

The last three COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, capital of the Hubei Province, have recovered and been discharged from a hospital, state-run People's Daily reported on Friday.

They were discharged on Thursday after they tested negative for two nucleic acid tests within 24 hours, their temperatures fell to normal levels and their symptoms disappeared, according to the report.

By Thursday, all COVID-19 patients in Hubei, the province most affected by the COVID-19 epidemic in China, have been discharged from the hospitals. In total, the province reported 68,135 cases, with 63,623 recovered and discharged. In all 4,512 people died due to coronavirus in the province.

As of Wednesday, Wuhan still has 245 people with asymptomatic symptoms were under quarantine.

Asymptomatic cases also known as silent spreaders, pose a problem as the patients are tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. However, they pose a risk of spreading the disease to others.

Hubei has accomplished seven ?zeros? by Thursday: zero new COVID-19 cases, zero new suspected cases, zero new deaths, zero silent carriers, zero imported cases, zero existing confirmed cases and zero existing suspected cases, state-run Global Times reported.

All districts in Wuhan, about 10 million have been tested and are now assessed to be low risk for the coronavirus infection. Dongxihu district, the last medium-risk district in the city, reported zero new cases for 14 consecutive days to June 1 and its risk level was adjusted to low on June 2, the report said.&nbsp;

The last three coronavirus patients in Wuhan, the first epicentre of the COVID-19, have been discharged and the central Chinese city has recorded zero cases of the virus after mass testing of about 10 million people, state-media reported on Friday.

The last three coronavirus patients in Wuhan, the first epicentre of the COVID-19, have been discharged and the central Chinese city has recorded zero cases of the virus after mass testing of about 10 million people, state-media reported on Friday. According to the China's National Health Commission (NHC), five imported cases, including four in Shanghai and one in Sichuan Province, were reported in China on Thursday. Also on Thursday, three new asymptomatic cases were reported taking the total of such cases under medical observation to 297, the NHC said. As of Thursday, the overall confirmed cases on the mainland have reached 83,027, including 66 patients who were still being treated, and 78,327 people who had been discharged after recovery. Altogether 4,634 people have died of the disease, the NHC said. The last three COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, capital of the Hubei Province, have recovered and been discharged from a hospital, state-run People's Daily reported on Friday. They were discharged on Thursday after they tested negative for two nucleic acid tests within 24 hours, their temperatures fell to normal levels and their symptoms disappeared, according to the report. By Thursday, all COVID-19 patients in Hubei, the province most affected by the COVID-19 epidemic in China, have been discharged from the hospitals. In total, the province reported 68,135 cases, with 63,623 recovered and discharged. In all 4,512 people died due to coronavirus in the province. As of Wednesday, Wuhan still has 245 people with asymptomatic symptoms were under quarantine. Asymptomatic cases also known as silent spreaders, pose a problem as the patients are tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. However, they pose a risk of spreading the disease to others. Hubei has accomplished seven ?zeros? by Thursday: zero new COVID-19 cases, zero new suspected cases, zero new deaths, zero silent carriers, zero imported cases, zero existing confirmed cases and zero existing suspected cases, state-run Global Times reported. All districts in Wuhan, about 10 million have been tested and are now assessed to be low risk for the coronavirus infection. Dongxihu district, the last medium-risk district in the city, reported zero new cases for 14 consecutive days to June 1 and its risk level was adjusted to low on June 2, the report said.

China's Wuhan city discharges last three COVID-19 patients from hospital

At this time of the year, Deng Jinling would normally be welcoming foreign buyers to her vacuum flask showroom or cramming her goods into containers to be shipped to customers in the United States.

The coronavirus outbreak has changed all that.

Now desperate exporters are turning to the domestic market, and they are seeking out e-commerce and even social media mobile apps to lift their fortunes.

Stuck with unsold stock and cancelled export orders, Deng has laid off both her sales staff and 80 factory workers, and has since March begun seeking local customers on Chinese e-commerce platforms, paying livestreaming stars to market her products.

Her business, Lucky Bird, is one of thousands of Chinese exporters and manufacturers of mass market goods from lamps to blankets who are now counting on the domestic market after the pandemic slammed overseas demand.

An official China manufacturing survey this week suggested any recovery is months away, with export orders in May shrinking for the fifth straight month.

Given the heightened uncertainty, export goods manufacturers are opening online stores on the likes of Alibaba Group's Taobao platform as well as JD.com and Pinduoduo, or turning to second-hand sites or sellers on social media app WeChat to offload their stock at bargain prices.

"The orders are all gone. I've been in the industry for 15 years and this year is so extraordinary," Deng told Reuters from her showroom in Yiwu, China's export capital for small commodities ranging from Christmas trees to souvenirs and toys. 
"Anyone in the export business must now try sales online in China."

WAKE-UP CALL

The strain on exporters has been a shot in the arm for online platforms, which in previous years have been trying to recruit such companies to expand their vendor base.

JD.com in April announced that it would waive fees and give out loans as part of a campaign to recruit manufacturers to its Jingxi arm and aims to lure 10,000 merchants in the toy manufacturing hub of Shantou to its site this year.

Pinduoduo has tied up with the Dongguan government to reach a goal of helping 1,000 brands and manufacturers make a combined 100 billion yuan ($14.06 billion)in sales.

"The coronavirus pandemic is a wake-up call for China’s contract manufacturers to not put all their eggs in one basket," a spokesman for the firm said.

Alibaba said 160% more export-oriented firms opened online stores on Taobao in the past three months to redirect their focus toward the domestic market. In March the e-commerce giant also launched an app for manufacturers to promote direct-from-factory deals.

Tencent Holdings's WeChat messaging app has also been a popular tool, with factories outsourcing their excess stock to individuals, who set up chat groups to sell them to friends and contacts.

One WeChat seller, Cheng Xiaote, said she procured thousands of makeup boxes made for German brand Zmile this way at a low price and was able to sell them off at 99 yuan ($14) a piece. They usually sell for 18.99 euros ($21.51) on Amazon Germany.

"For the factory, selling to me at the lowest price is better than having inventories sitting in the warehouse," she said. "It was an immediate hit."

China's commerce minister Zhong Shan said last month that domestic sales by exporters rose 17% in April and encouraged them to further increase their local market share.

Many exporters, however, said they did not see the shift to the domestic market as a long-term solution. For one, most products made for Western consumers are shunned by the locals, and it is usually more profitable to sell in bulk to overseas customers.

Chen Zhen, co-owner of Yi Qiao Jewellery which also has a showroom in Yiwu, said many of the hair clip designs on the recently opened online store failed to sell.

But she wants to keep it open.

"We will give more importance to online sales in China in the future as we find relying totally on export is risky."

At this time of the year, Deng Jinling would normally be welcoming foreign buyers to her vacuum flask showroom or cramming her goods into containers to be shipped to customers in the United States.

At this time of the year, Deng Jinling would normally be welcoming foreign buyers to her vacuum flask showroom or cramming her goods into containers to be shipped to customers in the United States. The coronavirus outbreak has changed all that. Now desperate exporters are turning to the domestic market, and they are seeking out e-commerce and even social media mobile apps to lift their fortunes. Stuck with unsold stock and cancelled export orders, Deng has laid off both her sales staff and 80 factory workers, and has since March begun seeking local customers on Chinese e-commerce platforms, paying livestreaming stars to market her products. Her business, Lucky Bird, is one of thousands of Chinese exporters and manufacturers of mass market goods from lamps to blankets who are now counting on the domestic market after the pandemic slammed overseas demand. An official China manufacturing survey this week suggested any recovery is months away, with export orders in May shrinking for the fifth straight month. Given the heightened uncertainty, export goods manufacturers are opening online stores on the likes of Alibaba Group's Taobao platform as well as JD.com and Pinduoduo, or turning to second-hand sites or sellers on social media app WeChat to offload their stock at bargain prices. "The orders are all gone. I've been in the industry for 15 years and this year is so extraordinary," Deng told Reuters from her showroom in Yiwu, China's export capital for small commodities ranging from Christmas trees to souvenirs and toys. "Anyone in the export business must now try sales online in China." WAKE-UP CALL The strain on exporters has been a shot in the arm for online platforms, which in previous years have been trying to recruit such companies to expand their vendor base. JD.com in April announced that it would waive fees and give out loans as part of a campaign to recruit manufacturers to its Jingxi arm and aims to lure 10,000 merchants in the toy manufacturing hub of Shantou to its site this year. Pinduoduo has tied up with the Dongguan government to reach a goal of helping 1,000 brands and manufacturers make a combined 100 billion yuan ($14.06 billion)in sales. "The coronavirus pandemic is a wake-up call for China’s contract manufacturers to not put all their eggs in one basket," a spokesman for the firm said. Alibaba said 160% more export-oriented firms opened online stores on Taobao in the past three months to redirect their focus toward the domestic market. In March the e-commerce giant also launched an app for manufacturers to promote direct-from-factory deals. Tencent Holdings's WeChat messaging app has also been a popular tool, with factories outsourcing their excess stock to individuals, who set up chat groups to sell them to friends and contacts. One WeChat seller, Cheng Xiaote, said she procured thousands of makeup boxes made for German brand Zmile this way at a low price and was able to sell them off at 99 yuan ($14) a piece. They usually sell for 18.99 euros ($21.51) on Amazon Germany. "For the factory, selling to me at the lowest price is better than having inventories sitting in the warehouse," she said. "It was an immediate hit." China's commerce minister Zhong Shan said last month that domestic sales by exporters rose 17% in April and encouraged them to further increase their local market share. Many exporters, however, said they did not see the shift to the domestic market as a long-term solution. For one, most products made for Western consumers are shunned by the locals, and it is usually more profitable to sell in bulk to overseas customers. Chen Zhen, co-owner of Yi Qiao Jewellery which also has a showroom in Yiwu, said many of the hair clip designs on the recently opened online store failed to sell. But she wants to keep it open. "We will give more importance to online sales in China in the future as we find relying totally on export is risky."

As coronavirus sinks global demand, China’s exporters go online to tap domestic market

In Nevada, the casino coronavirus closure has ended. Cards are being dealt, dice are rolling and slot machines flash and jingle for the customers who started gambling again early Thursday in Las Vegas and throughout the state.

Las Vegas reopens casinos after COVID-19 closure

Danish researchers have developed a fully automated robot that can take coronavirus swabs so that health care professionals are not exposed to the risk of infection.

Could this throat-swabbing robot speed up COVID-19 testing?

A city in northeast China has started testing all of its residents for COVID-19, the second city in the country that launched such mass testing following the hardest-hit Wuhan.

Mass test for COVID-19 in northeastern city of China

A handful of rubber floats tumbled down the giant slide at South Korea's largest waterpark Caribbean Bay on Friday (June 5), its first day back in business since the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Testing the waters: South Korea's largest waterpark opens under new anti-virus measures

Nations across the globe have witnessed severe impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their economy.

A report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs has projected that the world economy is set to lose nearly $8.5 trillion over the next 2 years. COVID-19 is likely to push more than 34 million people into extreme poverty, the report further said.

The total number of coronavirus cases has increased to over 6.6 million, claiming more than 390,000 lives. Economies are struggling to cope with the fallout of the crisis. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-billionaires-get-richer-during-coronavirus-pandemic-combined-wealth-soar-by-half-a-trillion-303632">Also Read: US billionaires get richer during coronavirus pandemic</a> 
 
Here are five worst-affected sectors:

Oil

After nearly two-thirds of the world went into lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus, the demand for oil fell by over 30 million barrels per day.

In April 2020, US oil prices collapsed to a historic low, close to minus $37 per barrel. Oil has recovered as most countries have lifted lockdowns,&nbsp;but oil&nbsp;remains on the slippery ground.

Prices are expected to touch at least $40 dollars per barrel by the end of the year if a second wave doesn't force more lockdowns.

Automobiles

The pandemic has smashed the automobile sector like never before. Global auto sales are expected to fall by 20 per cent in 2020.&nbsp; 
 
It may also take some time before the car manufacturing units go on full steam with a full roster of workers.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-are-short-term-schemes-and-stimulus-are-insufficient-to-tackle-covid-19-303676">Also Read: Why are short term schemes and stimulus are insufficient to tackle COVID-19</a>

Aviation&nbsp;

The first measure governments adopted to stop the spread of the virus was stopping air travel. Global air passenger traffic plunged 94 per cent in April.

Airlines across the world have reached out for relief. Leading aircraft makers, Boeing and Airbus, have cautioned their respective governments that they may fold up if no help arrives.

Several countries have restarted domestic flights now and international air travel is also expected to resume in mid-June, but the turbulence will remain for a while.

Tourism

International tourism could decline by 60 to 80 per cent this year, resulting in a revenue loss of over one trillion dollars. 
 
Many countries are wholly-reliant on tourists to drive their economy. It's one of the most labour-intensive industries in the world and over 100 million jobs are at risk.

Luxury Goods

Over the last two months, luxury goods sales have slipped by close to 80 per cent. The industry took a major hit after e-commerce platforms deemed luxury goods deliveries as non-essential.

Nearly 40 per cent of the luxury goods in the world are manufactured in Italy which was one of the severely-affected countries. And thus, fashion brands lost their manufacturing base.

Some countries are opening malls, but the industry will have to wait to see its fortunes revive. 
&nbsp;

Nations across the globe have witnessed severe impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their economy. A report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs has projected that the world economy is set to lose nearly $8.

Nations across the globe have witnessed severe impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their economy. A report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs has projected that the world economy is set to lose nearly $8.5 trillion over the next 2 years. COVID-19 is likely to push more than 34 million people into extreme poverty, the report further said. The total number of coronavirus cases has increased to over 6.6 million, claiming more than 390,000 lives. Economies are struggling to cope with the fallout of the crisis. Also Read: US billionaires get richer during coronavirus pandemic Here are five worst-affected sectors: Oil After nearly two-thirds of the world went into lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus, the demand for oil fell by over 30 million barrels per day. In April 2020, US oil prices collapsed to a historic low, close to minus $37 per barrel. Oil has recovered as most countries have lifted lockdowns, but oil remains on the slippery ground. Prices are expected to touch at least $40 dollars per barrel by the end of the year if a second wave doesn't force more lockdowns. Automobiles The pandemic has smashed the automobile sector like never before. Global auto sales are expected to fall by 20 per cent in 2020. It may also take some time before the car manufacturing units go on full steam with a full roster of workers. Also Read: Why are short term schemes and stimulus are insufficient to tackle COVID-19 Aviation The first measure governments adopted to stop the spread of the virus was stopping air travel. Global air passenger traffic plunged 94 per cent in April. Airlines across the world have reached out for relief. Leading aircraft makers, Boeing and Airbus, have cautioned their respective governments that they may fold up if no help arrives. Several countries have restarted domestic flights now and international air travel is also expected to resume in mid-June, but the turbulence will remain for a while. Tourism International tourism could decline by 60 to 80 per cent this year, resulting in a revenue loss of over one trillion dollars. Many countries are wholly-reliant on tourists to drive their economy. It's one of the most labour-intensive industries in the world and over 100 million jobs are at risk. Luxury Goods Over the last two months, luxury goods sales have slipped by close to 80 per cent. The industry took a major hit after e-commerce platforms deemed luxury goods deliveries as non-essential. Nearly 40 per cent of the luxury goods in the world are manufactured in Italy which was one of the severely-affected countries. And thus, fashion brands lost their manufacturing base. Some countries are opening malls, but the industry will have to wait to see its fortunes revive.

Coronavirus impact: Sectors that took the worst hit

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

WION In Focus: Some stories related to coronavirus pandemic

An art gallery in Paris has turned to 'winged' headware inspired by an ancient Chinese dynasty to ensure its visitors respect coronavirus social distancing rules as they peruse the displays.

Winged hats introduced at Paris gallery for social distancing

A zoo in northwest England is in a battle for survival as the COVID-19 crisis threatens to wipeout its summer season. Chester Zoo has been closed to visitors since Britain went into lockdown in March - meaning zero income from admissions or retail.

Tough times ahead for UK zoo forced to stay shut due to COVID-19

Scientists around the world are resuming trials of the controversial drug hydroxychloroquine for possible use against COVID-19, after the retraction of a heavily criticised study into its effects and side-effects. Now the paper has been retracted, and the WHO trials are back on after several of the paper's authors said they were not able to verify the contents of a database at the heart of the study.

Lancet cities lack of data authenticity: Study that paused HCQ trails now retracted

The anti-China sentiment is growing stronger in the midst of coronavirus pandemic. The impact of this sentiment is now evident in technology too.

Recently, a new smartphone application called “Remove China Apps” surfaced on the Google Play Store.This is a tool to delete all Chinese apps from your phone.

Its developers say it’s for “educational purposes only”, but the app is a byproduct of the global outcry against China. Many countries have now started calling for decreasing their dependence on China, and Chinese products.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-boycottchina-trend-gains-traction-302740/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India too, has followed suit with this application, alongside Prime Minister’s calls for a self-reliant India. The border standoff with China in Ladakh is also adding to the anti-China sentiment in the country.&nbsp;From Chinese food to Chinese goods, Indians are now boycotting all things China.

The hashtag #BoycottChina on Twitter now features thousands of posts advocating a complete boycott of Chinese products.

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Chalo China ko haraye.. 
"Sena Degi Bullet se, Aap Dijiye Wallet se"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottMadeInChina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottMadeInChina</a> 
 
All Software in a Week. 
All Hardware in a Year. 
 
"Beginning Today."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottChina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottChina</a> <a href="https://t.co/KmTnfQarvf">pic.twitter.com/KmTnfQarvf</a>
— Krishna Yadav (@Krish206Yadav) <a href="https://twitter.com/Krish206Yadav/status/1266738645886738432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This user posted a lengthy guide, detailing every major Chinese consumer company.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BanTikTokInIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BanTikTokInIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottChina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottChina</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottChineseProducts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottChineseProducts</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottMadeInChina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottMadeInChina</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottChineseApp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottChineseApp</a> 
 
Use alt. app and promote indian products. 
🧡 
🤍 
💚 🇮🇳 🙏🏻 <a href="https://t.co/UwviPuroIG">pic.twitter.com/UwviPuroIG</a>
— 𝐌𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 ツ (@Soulful_banda) <a href="https://twitter.com/Soulful_banda/status/1267500462305091590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This one went a step further. Apart from naming specific Chinese applications, the user even suggested alternatives.

Even Indian film stars have hopped on the trend.

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I am consciously going to stop using everything that is Chinese. As they are a part of most of the things we use, it will take time but I know, one day I’ll be Chinese free. You should try it too ...
— Arshad Warsi (@ArshadWarsi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArshadWarsi/status/1266660927354494977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Actor Arshad Warsi wrote that he is “consciously going to stop using everything that is Chinese”. He wants his followers to try this too.

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Bilkul. Beshaq. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottChina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottChina</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CKMKB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CKMKB</a>
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) <a href="https://twitter.com/RanvirShorey/status/1266452559734009856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ranvir Shorey was more direct.&nbsp;“Absolutely. Without a doubt” he wrote in Hindi on twitter.

The #BoycottChina campaign only represents the growing public anger against Beijing.

Chinese diplomats tried to counter the angst with social media posts of their own.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EidMubarak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EidMubarak</a> to you all! May this Eid bring joy and love to you and your loved ones. Stay healthy, stay safe! <a href="https://t.co/0UB6kIW7uh">pic.twitter.com/0UB6kIW7uh</a>
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1264743944610410496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Chinese ambassador to India has tweeted festive greetings to Indians.

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Heartfelt blessings from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chinese?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chinese</a> students &amp; scholars who used to study in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>. They wish all their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> teachers &amp; friends staying healthy &amp; safe, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> join hands &amp; win this battle against epidemic together at an early date. Jai <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> people! <a href="https://t.co/EOLsmMwjcY">pic.twitter.com/EOLsmMwjcY</a>
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1263725710192959488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He even shared messages in Hindi from Chinese scholars.

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Glad to share Jackie Chan <a href="https://twitter.com/EyeOfJackieChan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EyeOfJackieChan</a>, famous Chinese movie star's good wishes &amp; support to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>. Jia You Yindu! Come on India! Fight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. <a href="https://t.co/l3XJkJRwoO">pic.twitter.com/l3XJkJRwoO</a>
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1262607020294733827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Chinese even roped in Jackie Chan to win Indian hearts.

However, it is proving hard to simmer the public anger against China for negligence in the early stages of coronavirus pandemic.

The anti-China sentiment is growing stronger in the midst of coronavirus pandemic. The impact of this sentiment is now evident in technology too. Recently, a new smartphone application called “Remove China Apps” surfaced on the Google Play Store.

The anti-China sentiment is growing stronger in the midst of coronavirus pandemic. The impact of this sentiment is now evident in technology too. Recently, a new smartphone application called “Remove China Apps” surfaced on the Google Play Store.This is a tool to delete all Chinese apps from your phone. Its developers say it’s for “educational purposes only”, but the app is a byproduct of the global outcry against China. Many countries have now started calling for decreasing their dependence on China, and Chinese products. India too, has followed suit with this application, alongside Prime Minister’s calls for a self-reliant India. The border standoff with China in Ladakh is also adding to the anti-China sentiment in the country. From Chinese food to Chinese goods, Indians are now boycotting all things China. The hashtag #BoycottChina on Twitter now features thousands of posts advocating a complete boycott of Chinese products. Chalo China ko haraye.. "Sena Degi Bullet se, Aap Dijiye Wallet se"#BoycottMadeInChina All Software in a Week. All Hardware in a Year. "Beginning Today."#BoycottChina pic.twitter.com/KmTnfQarvf — Krishna Yadav (@Krish206Yadav) May 30, 2020 × This user posted a lengthy guide, detailing every major Chinese consumer company. #BanTikTokInIndia #BoycottChina #BoycottChineseProducts #BoycottMadeInChina #BoycottChineseApp Use alt. app and promote indian products. 🧡 🤍 💚 🇮🇳 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/UwviPuroIG — 𝐌𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 ツ (@Soulful_banda) June 1, 2020 × This one went a step further. Apart from naming specific Chinese applications, the user even suggested alternatives. Even Indian film stars have hopped on the trend. I am consciously going to stop using everything that is Chinese. As they are a part of most of the things we use, it will take time but I know, one day I’ll be Chinese free. You should try it too ... — Arshad Warsi (@ArshadWarsi) May 30, 2020 × Actor Arshad Warsi wrote that he is “consciously going to stop using everything that is Chinese”. He wants his followers to try this too. Bilkul. Beshaq. #BoycottChina. #CKMKB — Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) May 29, 2020 × Ranvir Shorey was more direct. “Absolutely. Without a doubt” he wrote in Hindi on twitter. The #BoycottChina campaign only represents the growing public anger against Beijing. Chinese diplomats tried to counter the angst with social media posts of their own. #EidMubarak to you all! May this Eid bring joy and love to you and your loved ones. Stay healthy, stay safe! pic.twitter.com/0UB6kIW7uh — Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) May 25, 2020 × The Chinese ambassador to India has tweeted festive greetings to Indians. Heartfelt blessings from #Chinese students & scholars who used to study in #India. They wish all their #Indian teachers & friends staying healthy & safe, #China & #India join hands & win this battle against epidemic together at an early date. Jai #Indian people! pic.twitter.com/EOLsmMwjcY — Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) May 22, 2020 × He even shared messages in Hindi from Chinese scholars. Glad to share Jackie Chan @EyeOfJackieChan, famous Chinese movie star's good wishes & support to #India. Jia You Yindu! Come on India! Fight #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/l3XJkJRwoO — Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) May 19, 2020 × The Chinese even roped in Jackie Chan to win Indian hearts. However, it is proving hard to simmer the public anger against China for negligence in the early stages of coronavirus pandemic.

'Remove China Apps': Tool to delete Chinese apps from phone goes viral in India

Drug major Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Friday said it has commenced phase-2 clinical trials on AQCH, a plant-derived drug, for potential treatment of COVID-19.

The company received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for conducting the trials of the phytopharmaceutical drug in April this year, Sun Pharma said in a statement.

"The clinical trials will be conducted across 12 centres in India on 210 patients. The treatment duration for patients will be 10 days. The results of the clinical trials are expected by October 2020," it added.

Human safety study of AQCH has already been completed and the drug has been found safe at the recommended dose for phase-2 study, Sun Pharma said.

"This is the first phytopharmaceutical drug approved for clinical trials by the DCGI as a potential treatment for COVID-19. AQCH has shown anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects in in-vitro studies conducted in collaboration with ICGEB, Italy," Sun Pharma MD Dilip Shanghvi said.

These results combined with information on mechanism of action through in-vitro and small animal studies give us the confidence to evaluate this potential treatment option for COVID-19 patients, he added.

AQCH, which is being developed for dengue, has shown broad antiviral effect in in vitro studies and hence is being tested as a potential treatment option for COVID-19, Sun Pharma said.

"Our efforts to develop a safe, effective and affordable drug against dengue started about 13 years ago. The collaborating team quickly initiated studies for the development of a drug against COVID-19," Department of Biotechnology Secretary Renu Swarup said.

Stating that Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has had a close association with the Indian pharma industry, CSIR DG Shekhar C Mande said the council ?welcomes this collaboration with Sun Pharma in taking forward AQCH into clinical trials for COVID-19 patients. This collaboration aligns with our scientific rationale for the quickest way to develop drugs against SARS-CoV-2".

Shares of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries were trading at Rs 504.15 per scrip on BSE, up 1.67 per cent from their previous close.&nbsp;

Drug major Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Friday said it has commenced phase-2 clinical trials on AQCH, a plant-derived drug, for potential treatment of COVID-19.

Drug major Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Friday said it has commenced phase-2 clinical trials on AQCH, a plant-derived drug, for potential treatment of COVID-19. The company received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for conducting the trials of the phytopharmaceutical drug in April this year, Sun Pharma said in a statement. "The clinical trials will be conducted across 12 centres in India on 210 patients. The treatment duration for patients will be 10 days. The results of the clinical trials are expected by October 2020," it added. Human safety study of AQCH has already been completed and the drug has been found safe at the recommended dose for phase-2 study, Sun Pharma said. "This is the first phytopharmaceutical drug approved for clinical trials by the DCGI as a potential treatment for COVID-19. AQCH has shown anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects in in-vitro studies conducted in collaboration with ICGEB, Italy," Sun Pharma MD Dilip Shanghvi said. These results combined with information on mechanism of action through in-vitro and small animal studies give us the confidence to evaluate this potential treatment option for COVID-19 patients, he added. AQCH, which is being developed for dengue, has shown broad antiviral effect in in vitro studies and hence is being tested as a potential treatment option for COVID-19, Sun Pharma said. "Our efforts to develop a safe, effective and affordable drug against dengue started about 13 years ago. The collaborating team quickly initiated studies for the development of a drug against COVID-19," Department of Biotechnology Secretary Renu Swarup said. Stating that Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has had a close association with the Indian pharma industry, CSIR DG Shekhar C Mande said the council ?welcomes this collaboration with Sun Pharma in taking forward AQCH into clinical trials for COVID-19 patients. This collaboration aligns with our scientific rationale for the quickest way to develop drugs against SARS-CoV-2". Shares of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries were trading at Rs 504.15 per scrip on BSE, up 1.67 per cent from their previous close.

Indian drug major initiates phase-2 clinical trials for potential COVID-19 medicine

Over 100 scientists have slammed Lancet Medical Journal over its study on using hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to treat Covid-19. The authenticity of the study is under question. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Was Lancet study on Hydroxychloroquine fabricated?

Is considering a genetic-manipulation origin for SARS-CoV-2 a conspiracy theory that must be censored?

That is the title of a <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340924249_Is_considering_a_genetic-manipulation_origin_for_SARS-CoV-2_a_conspiracy_theory_that_must_be_censored">new scientific analysis</a> of the structure of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the course of answering that question, the authors provide unequivocal evidence that SARS-CoV-2 was not naturally-occurring.

The theory that the Wuhan’s Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market was the first source for animal–human viral transmission, long promoted by China, some Western scientists and the media, is now totally<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/news/the-chinese-cdc-now-says-the-coronavirus-didnt-jump-to-people-at-the-wuhan-wet-market-instead-it-was-the-site-of-a-super-spreader-event/articleshow/76081634.cms"> discredited</a>, even by the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The claim that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring outbreak has been based, nearly entirely, on a single, but widely-cited scientific article entitled “The Proximal Origin of SAR-CoV-2,” the arguments of which are thoroughly dissected and dismantled by the authors of the present study.

Although China is now promoting a new “multiple origin” theory based on alleged genetic differences observed in the virus taken from a small sample of Chinese COVID-19 patients and published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/nsr/advance-article/doi/10.1093/nsr/nwaa036/5775463">March</a> and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2355-0">May</a>, the validity and significance of those findings are already in <a href="https://virological.org/t/response-to-on-the-origin-and-continuing-evolution-of-sars-cov-2/418">dispute</a>.

There remains no credible scientific evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic was naturally-occurring.

The evidence to the contrary, that the coronavirus responsible, SARS-CoV-2, was man-made is now substantial.

The most conspicuous sign of genetic manipulation is the presence of a furin polybasic cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2, a structure that is not present in any of the coronaviruses so far identified as possible recent ancestors.

According to the new study, the furin site was created by a genetic, nucleotide insertion that coded for amino acids proline, arginine, arginine, alanine (PRRA). The two arginines are coded by nucleotide “codons,” consisting of a sequence of three nucleotides each, CGG-CGG.

The codon CGG is rare. Only 5% of arginines are coded by CGG in SARS-CoV-2 or its closest identified bat coronavirus relative, RaTG13 and it is the only instance of a double CGG-CGG codon.

Also, the CGG-CGG insert includes a FauI restriction site, of which there are six instances in SAR-CoV-2, a “marker” used in cloning and the screening of genetic mutations.

Engineering of the cleavage sites can make a coronavirus more dangerous because furin is an enzyme found in multiple human organ systems.

Such a modification may have given SARS-CoV-2 the ability to infect cells and organs otherwise insensitive to unaltered coronaviruses.

Furthermore, the authors suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is a chimer, an artificially-created virus consisting of a pangolin (scaly anteater) receptor protein “spliced” onto a bat coronavirus backbone.

This ground-breaking article concludes:

“Due to the gravity of SARS-CoV-2 impact on humanity, researchers have the responsibility to carry out a thorough analysis, beyond any personal research interests, of all possible causes for SARS-CoV-2 emergence. Unfortunately, theories that consider a possible artificial origin for SARS-CoV-2 are censored by international scientific journals as they seem to support conspiracy theories. Genetic manipulation of SARS-CoV-2 may have been carried out in any laboratory in the world with access to the backbone sequence and the necessary equipment. New technologies based on synthetic genetics platforms even allow the reconstruction of viruses based on their genomic sequence, without the need of a natural isolate.”

Either the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is the product of a highly improbable and still unknown sequence of naturally-occurring coincidences or it is a laboratory creation.

You decide. 
 
&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Is considering a genetic-manipulation origin for SARS-CoV-2 a conspiracy theory that must be censored? That is the title of a new scientific analysis of the structure of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is considering a genetic-manipulation origin for SARS-CoV-2 a conspiracy theory that must be censored? That is the title of a new scientific analysis of the structure of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. In the course of answering that question, the authors provide unequivocal evidence that SARS-CoV-2 was not naturally-occurring. The theory that the Wuhan’s Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market was the first source for animal–human viral transmission, long promoted by China, some Western scientists and the media, is now totally discredited, even by the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The claim that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring outbreak has been based, nearly entirely, on a single, but widely-cited scientific article entitled “The Proximal Origin of SAR-CoV-2,” the arguments of which are thoroughly dissected and dismantled by the authors of the present study. Although China is now promoting a new “multiple origin” theory based on alleged genetic differences observed in the virus taken from a small sample of Chinese COVID-19 patients and published in March and May, the validity and significance of those findings are already in dispute. There remains no credible scientific evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic was naturally-occurring. The evidence to the contrary, that the coronavirus responsible, SARS-CoV-2, was man-made is now substantial. The most conspicuous sign of genetic manipulation is the presence of a furin polybasic cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2, a structure that is not present in any of the coronaviruses so far identified as possible recent ancestors. According to the new study, the furin site was created by a genetic, nucleotide insertion that coded for amino acids proline, arginine, arginine, alanine (PRRA). The two arginines are coded by nucleotide “codons,” consisting of a sequence of three nucleotides each, CGG-CGG. The codon CGG is rare. Only 5% of arginines are coded by CGG in SARS-CoV-2 or its closest identified bat coronavirus relative, RaTG13 and it is the only instance of a double CGG-CGG codon. Also, the CGG-CGG insert includes a FauI restriction site, of which there are six instances in SAR-CoV-2, a “marker” used in cloning and the screening of genetic mutations. Engineering of the cleavage sites can make a coronavirus more dangerous because furin is an enzyme found in multiple human organ systems. Such a modification may have given SARS-CoV-2 the ability to infect cells and organs otherwise insensitive to unaltered coronaviruses. Furthermore, the authors suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is a chimer, an artificially-created virus consisting of a pangolin (scaly anteater) receptor protein “spliced” onto a bat coronavirus backbone. This ground-breaking article concludes: “Due to the gravity of SARS-CoV-2 impact on humanity, researchers have the responsibility to carry out a thorough analysis, beyond any personal research interests, of all possible causes for SARS-CoV-2 emergence. Unfortunately, theories that consider a possible artificial origin for SARS-CoV-2 are censored by international scientific journals as they seem to support conspiracy theories. Genetic manipulation of SARS-CoV-2 may have been carried out in any laboratory in the world with access to the backbone sequence and the necessary equipment. New technologies based on synthetic genetics platforms even allow the reconstruction of viruses based on their genomic sequence, without the need of a natural isolate.” Either the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is the product of a highly improbable and still unknown sequence of naturally-occurring coincidences or it is a laboratory creation. You decide. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Evidence suggests genetic manipulation in COVID-19

COVID-19 fatalities in Maharashtra spiked by 122 on Wednesday, the highest in a single day, including 49 from worst-hit Mumbai, taking the death toll to 2,587, Health department said.

The number of cases shot up by 2,560 to 74,860, it said.

A total of 996 patients were discharged from hospitals in the day, taking the tally of the recovered cases to 32,329 so far, a statement said.

The number of active cases in the state now stands at 39,935, it said, adding that a total of 4,97,276 samples have been tested so far.

"Of the 122 deaths, 60 fatalities were reported from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including 49 from Mumbai alone," the statement said.

Pune city, another major hotspot, reported 19 more deaths in a day, it added.

Mumbai on Wednesday reported 1,276 new COVID-19 cases and 49 deaths, taking the case count to 43,262 and the number of fatalities to 1,417, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

A total of 259 patients were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours from various COVID facilities, taking the tally of recovered cases to 17,472, it said.

The number of active cases now stands at 24,373.

"27 of the 49 deceased had pre-existing underlying health conditions," the BMC said in a release.

A total of 795 new suspected patients have been admitted in various hospitals.

Meanwhile, as rains lashed parts of Mumbai and suburbs earlier in the day, the civic body has issued an advisory fearing a rise in monsoon-related diseases in addition to the coronavirus infections.

"All citizens are requested not to ignore any fever and not to self-medicate," it said.

The civic body also asked citizens to visit nearby clinics or inform community health volunteers if they experience symptoms like fever with chills, joint pains, rashes, cough, breathlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, and jaundice.

"All high-risk citizens having co-morbidities should continue to take their prescribed medicines and senior citizens take special care and not to go out of house," it said.

The civic body appealed to citizens to maintain premises of their residential buildings and surrounding areas clean to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes in any disposed articles.

It also asked people to void outside food and to follow personal hygiene.

The MMR accounts for 56,794 coronavirus cases and 1,742 deaths, it stated.

The total number of cases in Pune Municipal Corporation limits now stands at 7,390 with 343 deaths, while the Aurangabad city has reported 1,609 cases and 83 fatalities, it said.

The case count for Solapur city stood at 973 and fatalities at 80.

Malegaon, a hotspot in Nashik district, did not report any fresh case or death on Wednesday.

As of Tuesday, it had reported 762 cases and 58 deaths, it said.

The tally of cases in Nagpur city is 596 with 11 deaths.

601 cases with 27 fatalities have been recorded in Akola city till date.

The number of containment zones in Maharashtra now stands at 3,661.

The COVID 19 tally in Maharashtra: total cases 74,860, recoveries 32,329, deaths 2,587, active cases 39,935 and people tested 4,97,276.

COVID-19 fatalities in Maharashtra spiked by 122 on Wednesday, the highest in a single day, including 49 from worst-hit Mumbai, taking the death toll to 2,587, Health department said.

COVID-19 fatalities in Maharashtra spiked by 122 on Wednesday, the highest in a single day, including 49 from worst-hit Mumbai, taking the death toll to 2,587, Health department said. The number of cases shot up by 2,560 to 74,860, it said. A total of 996 patients were discharged from hospitals in the day, taking the tally of the recovered cases to 32,329 so far, a statement said. The number of active cases in the state now stands at 39,935, it said, adding that a total of 4,97,276 samples have been tested so far. "Of the 122 deaths, 60 fatalities were reported from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including 49 from Mumbai alone," the statement said. Pune city, another major hotspot, reported 19 more deaths in a day, it added. Mumbai on Wednesday reported 1,276 new COVID-19 cases and 49 deaths, taking the case count to 43,262 and the number of fatalities to 1,417, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. A total of 259 patients were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours from various COVID facilities, taking the tally of recovered cases to 17,472, it said. The number of active cases now stands at 24,373. "27 of the 49 deceased had pre-existing underlying health conditions," the BMC said in a release. A total of 795 new suspected patients have been admitted in various hospitals. Meanwhile, as rains lashed parts of Mumbai and suburbs earlier in the day, the civic body has issued an advisory fearing a rise in monsoon-related diseases in addition to the coronavirus infections. "All citizens are requested not to ignore any fever and not to self-medicate," it said. The civic body also asked citizens to visit nearby clinics or inform community health volunteers if they experience symptoms like fever with chills, joint pains, rashes, cough, breathlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, and jaundice. "All high-risk citizens having co-morbidities should continue to take their prescribed medicines and senior citizens take special care and not to go out of house," it said. The civic body appealed to citizens to maintain premises of their residential buildings and surrounding areas clean to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes in any disposed articles. It also asked people to void outside food and to follow personal hygiene. The MMR accounts for 56,794 coronavirus cases and 1,742 deaths, it stated. The total number of cases in Pune Municipal Corporation limits now stands at 7,390 with 343 deaths, while the Aurangabad city has reported 1,609 cases and 83 fatalities, it said. The case count for Solapur city stood at 973 and fatalities at 80. Malegaon, a hotspot in Nashik district, did not report any fresh case or death on Wednesday. As of Tuesday, it had reported 762 cases and 58 deaths, it said. The tally of cases in Nagpur city is 596 with 11 deaths. 601 cases with 27 fatalities have been recorded in Akola city till date. The number of containment zones in Maharashtra now stands at 3,661. The COVID 19 tally in Maharashtra: total cases 74,860, recoveries 32,329, deaths 2,587, active cases 39,935 and people tested 4,97,276.

Maharashtra COVID-19 cases up by 2,560 to 74,860; 122 die in one day

About 40 students and staff of a primary school in China were injured when a security guard attacked them with a knife, official media reported on Thursday, the latest such incident of mass attack by disgruntled people in the country.

The incident happened at a school in southern Guangxi province, state-run China Daily said in a brief report.

Three of the injured are in serious condition, state-run CGTN TV reported. The man has been detained by the police and the injured have been sent to a hospital, it said.

The incident happened on Thursday at 8.30 am, at Wangfu Town Central Primary School in Wuzhou city, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

A press release on the incident released by the Wangfu Town government said the alleged attacker was a school security guard 50-year-old Li Xiaomin, Hong Kong based South China Morning Post reported.

The press release said "around 40 people" were hurt, including three severely injured --&nbsp;the school's principal, another security guard and a student.

It said eight ambulances were sent to the scene, and all the wounded were sent to the Wuzhou city hospital and the town's health centres for treatment.

A video by Xiaoxiang Morning News showed doctors and nurses attending to at least 10 students with bandages on their head and bodies, and helping them to leave the school building.

At least one student had to be carried out by adults and some students were treated with a drip.

There was a long queue of anxious parents waiting in front of the Wangfu government clinic.

One parent requested anonymity and said many of the injured pupils were from the preschool class, aged around six.

"Around 8.30am, I heard loud screams and cries from the school as I live nearby. I rushed to school and saw some pupils run out," the Post report quoted a parent.

"A bystander told me a man with a knife is attacking the school. I rushed in to get my boy out. Fortunately, my son was just a bit shaken but not hurt," he said.

The suspected attacker has been detained by local police for questioning.

Knife attacks by disgruntled people have been taking place in different parts of China in the past few years.

The attackers targetted mainly kindergarten and primary schools besides public transport to vent their anger.

In September last year, eight students of a primary school in central China were killed and two others injured in a brutal knife attack carried out by a man, released recently from jail.

About 40 students and staff of a primary school in China were injured when a security guard attacked them with a knife, official media reported on Thursday, the latest such incident of mass attack by disgruntled people in the country.

About 40 students and staff of a primary school in China were injured when a security guard attacked them with a knife, official media reported on Thursday, the latest such incident of mass attack by disgruntled people in the country. The incident happened at a school in southern Guangxi province, state-run China Daily said in a brief report. Three of the injured are in serious condition, state-run CGTN TV reported. The man has been detained by the police and the injured have been sent to a hospital, it said. The incident happened on Thursday at 8.30 am, at Wangfu Town Central Primary School in Wuzhou city, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A press release on the incident released by the Wangfu Town government said the alleged attacker was a school security guard 50-year-old Li Xiaomin, Hong Kong based South China Morning Post reported. The press release said "around 40 people" were hurt, including three severely injured -- the school's principal, another security guard and a student. It said eight ambulances were sent to the scene, and all the wounded were sent to the Wuzhou city hospital and the town's health centres for treatment. A video by Xiaoxiang Morning News showed doctors and nurses attending to at least 10 students with bandages on their head and bodies, and helping them to leave the school building. At least one student had to be carried out by adults and some students were treated with a drip. There was a long queue of anxious parents waiting in front of the Wangfu government clinic. One parent requested anonymity and said many of the injured pupils were from the preschool class, aged around six. "Around 8.30am, I heard loud screams and cries from the school as I live nearby. I rushed to school and saw some pupils run out," the Post report quoted a parent. "A bystander told me a man with a knife is attacking the school. I rushed in to get my boy out. Fortunately, my son was just a bit shaken but not hurt," he said. The suspected attacker has been detained by local police for questioning. Knife attacks by disgruntled people have been taking place in different parts of China in the past few years. The attackers targetted mainly kindergarten and primary schools besides public transport to vent their anger. In September last year, eight students of a primary school in central China were killed and two others injured in a brutal knife attack carried out by a man, released recently from jail.

Forty primary students, teachers stabbed in primary school in China

Pakistan on Thursday surpassed China, the first epicentre of the coronavirus, after a record 4,688 new cases were registered during the last 24 hours to take the tally to 85,246.

China with 84,160 patients has been placed at 18th position, one step lower than Pakistan, according to the data of Johns Hopkins University.

On Thursday, the Ministry of National Health Services said till now Pakistan has witnessed the deaths of 1,770 patients with COVID-19, including 82 in the last 24 hours.

The country registered 4,688 new COVID-19 cases during the period, the highest in a single day, the ministry said. 
Another 30,128 had recovered.

Sindh so far reported 32,910 patients of coronavirus, Punjab 31,104, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 11,373, Balochistan 5,224, Islamabad 3,544, Gilgit-Baltistan 824 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir reported 285 cases of the viral disease.

On the positive side a record 20,167 tests were done in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of tests conducted so far to 615,511.

As the number of infections continue to go up, Minister for Planning Asad Umar said an effective media campaign is being launched across the country to create awareness and to educate the masses for voluntary compliance of Standard Operating Procedures.

Chairing a meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre, Umar said there should be a clear message conveyed to the masses that the government is going to spearhead stringent actions to ensure social distancing and compliance of safety guidelines in public places and high risk areas, Radio Pakistan reported.

He said administrative actions would be initiated across the country against the violators of standard operating procedure put at place to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The coronavirus epidemic, which originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan last year, has infected over 6,511,000 people and killed over 3,86,000 across the world.

Pakistan on Thursday surpassed China, the first epicentre of the coronavirus, after a record 4,688 new cases were registered during the last 24 hours to take the tally to 85,246.

Pakistan on Thursday surpassed China, the first epicentre of the coronavirus, after a record 4,688 new cases were registered during the last 24 hours to take the tally to 85,246. China with 84,160 patients has been placed at 18th position, one step lower than Pakistan, according to the data of Johns Hopkins University. On Thursday, the Ministry of National Health Services said till now Pakistan has witnessed the deaths of 1,770 patients with COVID-19, including 82 in the last 24 hours. The country registered 4,688 new COVID-19 cases during the period, the highest in a single day, the ministry said. Another 30,128 had recovered. Sindh so far reported 32,910 patients of coronavirus, Punjab 31,104, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 11,373, Balochistan 5,224, Islamabad 3,544, Gilgit-Baltistan 824 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir reported 285 cases of the viral disease. On the positive side a record 20,167 tests were done in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of tests conducted so far to 615,511. As the number of infections continue to go up, Minister for Planning Asad Umar said an effective media campaign is being launched across the country to create awareness and to educate the masses for voluntary compliance of Standard Operating Procedures. Chairing a meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre, Umar said there should be a clear message conveyed to the masses that the government is going to spearhead stringent actions to ensure social distancing and compliance of safety guidelines in public places and high risk areas, Radio Pakistan reported. He said administrative actions would be initiated across the country against the violators of standard operating procedure put at place to contain the spread of COVID-19. The coronavirus epidemic, which originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan last year, has infected over 6,511,000 people and killed over 3,86,000 across the world.

Pakistan surpasses China in COVID-19 cases; infections surges to 85,246

11 participants take part in a three-day intermediate course near Ku-ring-gai National Park, Ingleside, north of Sydney. While the Bushcraft Survival Australia course teaches basic survival skills, it also offers wisdom and insight into traditional indigenous cultures.

Pandemic drives Australians into the bush to study survivalist skills

On Wednesday, men piled up dozens of newly made, plastic-lined coffins in the outskirts of Lima. Geserela Llanos, owner of the coffin factory "Eternal Life", said those were the models introduced to fulfill the increased demand of the recent months since deaths by COVID-19 have risen in Peru.

Coffin factory in Lima doubles production with virus deaths

In the bustling kitchen of one of Bogota's trendiest restaurants, a team of chefs that usually caters to the Colombian capital's well-heeled citizens is preparing meals for a community of people cut off from work and housing during the Andean country's coronavirus quarantine.

For Colombia's quarantined poor, lunch is served - by trendy restaurants

It is highly likely to be passed by parliament, where Moon's Democratic party has an overall majority.

COVID-19: South Korea announces $29 billion stimulus

Amazon.com Inc has been sued for allegedly fostering the spread of the coronavirus by mandating unsafe working conditions.

The working conditions allegedly caused at least one employee to contract the deadly virus, bring it home, and see her cousin die.

One employee, Barbara Chandler, said she tested positive for coronavirus in March and later saw several household members became sick, including a cousin who died on April 7.

The lawsuit said Amazon has made JFK8, which employs about 5,000, a "place of danger" by impeding efforts to stop the coronavirus's spread, and boost productivity at the expense of safety.

The complaint was filed on Wednesday in the federal court in Brooklyn, New York, by three employees of the JFK8 fulfillment centre in Staten Island, and by family members.

It said Amazon forces employees to work at "dizzying speeds, even if doing so prevents them from socially distancing, washing their hands, and sanitizing their work spaces."

The Seattle-based company has benefitted from the coronavirus pandemic, which forced many consumers unable to visit physical stores to shop online more. But naysayers said Amazon has fired some critics of warehouse conditions.

At least 800 workers in US distribution centers have tested positive for COVID-19, according to an employee's unofficial tally.

Chief Executive Jeff Bezos said last week that Amazon has not fired people for raising such concerns, but such criticism would not excuse unrelated policy violations.

Amazon is spending more than $800 million (635.6 million pounds) on coronavirus safety in this year's first half, including for cleaning, temperature checks and face masks.

Wednesday's lawsuit seeks an injunction requiring that Amazon comply with worker safety and public nuisance laws, and not punish employees who develop COVID-19 symptoms or are quarantined. 
&nbsp;

Amazon.com Inc has been sued for allegedly fostering the spread of the coronavirus by mandating unsafe working conditions. The working conditions allegedly caused at least one employee to contract the deadly virus, bring it home, and see her cousin die.

Amazon.com Inc has been sued for allegedly fostering the spread of the coronavirus by mandating unsafe working conditions. The working conditions allegedly caused at least one employee to contract the deadly virus, bring it home, and see her cousin die. One employee, Barbara Chandler, said she tested positive for coronavirus in March and later saw several household members became sick, including a cousin who died on April 7. The lawsuit said Amazon has made JFK8, which employs about 5,000, a "place of danger" by impeding efforts to stop the coronavirus's spread, and boost productivity at the expense of safety. The complaint was filed on Wednesday in the federal court in Brooklyn, New York, by three employees of the JFK8 fulfillment centre in Staten Island, and by family members. It said Amazon forces employees to work at "dizzying speeds, even if doing so prevents them from socially distancing, washing their hands, and sanitizing their work spaces." The Seattle-based company has benefitted from the coronavirus pandemic, which forced many consumers unable to visit physical stores to shop online more. But naysayers said Amazon has fired some critics of warehouse conditions. At least 800 workers in US distribution centers have tested positive for COVID-19, according to an employee's unofficial tally. Chief Executive Jeff Bezos said last week that Amazon has not fired people for raising such concerns, but such criticism would not excuse unrelated policy violations. Amazon is spending more than $800 million (635.6 million pounds) on coronavirus safety in this year's first half, including for cleaning, temperature checks and face masks. Wednesday's lawsuit seeks an injunction requiring that Amazon comply with worker safety and public nuisance laws, and not punish employees who develop COVID-19 symptoms or are quarantined.

Amazon sued over New York worker who brought coronavirus home

Cyclone Nisarga is fast approaching the northern coast of Maharashtra with a speed of 11 kilometres per hour, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Nisarga will make landfall as 'severe cyclonic storm' close to Alibag, 94 kms south of Mumbai on Wednesday afternoon with a wind speed of 100-110 kmh gusting to 120 kmh.

This is perhaps the first such storm to threaten Mumbai in more than 70 years.

To this end, the Mumbai Police has imposed Section 144 in the city -- which will be in effect till Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;The police has also banned citizens from visiting places like beaches, parks and promenades along the coastline.&nbsp;

Maharashtra and Gujarat have evacuated more than 1,00,000 people from coastal areas, especially those staying in slums and makeshift houses to places of shelter, officials from both the states said.

In Mumbai, authorities shifted 150 patients from newly built makeshift Covid-19 hospital to other hospitals as the new structure was located in low-lying area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-evacuates-several-districts-ahead-of-cyclone-nisarga-302629">Also read |&nbsp;Gujarat evacuates several districts ahead of cyclone Nisarga</a>

"Cyclone Nisarga is approaching North Maharashtra coast with a speed of 11 kmph. It is about 200 km South-SouthWest of Alibag and about 250 km South-SouthWest of Mumbai at 02:30 am IST of June 3," according to a tweet by the IMD.

The weather forecast agency further said that at 4:30 am the wind speed had increased to 22 kmph at Santacruz in Mumbai. It has also predicted that light to moderate rainfall would take place at most places with isolated heavy falls very likely over coastal Karnataka and Marathawada during the next six hours.

Extremely heavy falls (above 20 centimetres in 24 hours) is also likely at isolated places over North Konkan (Mumbai, Palghar, Thane, Raigad districts) and North Madhya Maharashtra on Wednesday.

After the landfall, the 'severe cyclonic storm' is likely to maintain its cyclonic storm intensity for about six hours while moving north-northeastwards across North Madhya Maharashtra.&nbsp; 
Under its influence, gale wind reaching 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph is very likely to prevail over Pune, Ahmadnagar and 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph adjoining Beed, Nashik and Aurangabad districts of Maharashtra.

The IMD had earlier stated that the Severe Cyclonic Storm is expected to impact the Maharashtra coast by the afternoon/evening of June 3.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nisarga-likely-to-turn-into-severe-cyclonic-storm-in-next-24-hours-imd-302607">Also read |&nbsp;Nisarga likely to turn into 'severe cyclonic storm' in next 24 hours: IMD</a>

In view of impending Cyclone Nisarga, Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh has issued prohibitory orders restricting any presence or movement of persons in public places along the coast on Tuesday.

The prohibitory orders will remain in effect from midnight of Tuesday to 12 noon Wednesday, as per the statement.

NDRF Director General SN Pradhan, to this end, said that ten teams were deployed in Maharashtra and 11 in Gujarat. Five more NDRF teams were sent to Gujarat and Maharashtra respectively for joining the ongoing operations.

Nisarga comes close on the heels of Cyclone Amphan which killed more than 100 people when it hit eastern India and Bangladesh in May, flattening villages, destroying farms and leaving millions without electricity.

FLIGHTS CANCELLED OR DELAYED

Keeping the cyclone in consideration, only 19 flights, including 11 departures and eight arrivals, will be operated from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Wednesday.

According to GVK MIAL, which manages the CSMIA, the aforementioned flights will be operated by five airlines, including Air Asia India, Air India, IndiGo, GoAir, and SpiceJet.

The authority also cautioned passengers about probable changes in the schedule of the flights due to the cyclone and urged them to check with their respective airliners before leaving for the airport.

IndiGo Airline on Tuesday cancelled 17 flights to and from Mumbai.

"Due to severe cyclonic storm currently moving towards the country`s western coasts, IndiGo has cancelled 17 flights to and from Mumbai. IndiGo will only operate three flights from Mumbai on June 3, 2020," IndiGo said in a statement.

"The airline will operate three flights to Chandigarh, Ranchi and Patna from Mumbai on June 3, 2020," it further said.&nbsp;

All the passengers of the affected domestic flights have been notified."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-on-red-alert-as-cyclone-nisarga-to-strike-pandemic-hit-city-302509">Also read |&nbsp;Mumbai on red alert as Cyclone Nisarga to strike pandemic-hit city</a>

At IndiGo, we are customer centric and have empowered our customers by offering PLAN B, sent to each individual, an option of re-booking on alternate flight starting next day or to protect PNR as credit account," it said.

Vistara also cancelled its flights scheduled to and from Mumbai on June 3 due to the warning of severe storm on the western coast.&nbsp;

"Following the warning of a severe storm that Cyclone Nisarga may cause on the western coast of India, Vistara has cancelled its flights scheduled to and from Mumbai on 3 June 2020. Affected customers are being informed of the cancellations and will be offered alternative flight options. Safety of our customers and staff is most important to us," Vistara spokesperson said in a statement.

Meanwhile, CSMIA convened a meeting with its stakeholders to devise preventive measures to tackle potential adversities accompanied by the cyclone.&nbsp;

CSMIA has undertaken various measures to safeguard the passengers and airlines at the airport.

Preventive checks at different airport functions have been carried out and the airport has ensured that DG sets are in place to provide the uninterrupted power supply. Water pumps have been positioned across the airport to clear water in case of waterlogging.

Furthermore, food and beverage counters will be operational 24x7 at the airport for passengers. These counters will continue to operate the safety measures adopted against ongoing pandemic."

A dedicated team has been placed on standby at the airport to assist in this wary situation. Some of the measures undertaken by the airport include efficient personnel management to account for the possibility that the relieving team might not be able to reach the airport to take over their shift. Logistical supports like vehicles, food and tea/coffee have been arranged," CSMIA said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cyclone-nisarga-to-make-landfall-later-today-near-mumbai-302786">Watch |&nbsp;Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall later today near Mumbai</a>

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RAILWAYS

Also, the Central Railways has rescheduled eight trains which were supposed to arrive or depart from the state capital on Wednesday. The timings of 02542 LTT-Gorakhpur, 06345 LTT-Thiruvananthapuram, 01061 LTT-Darbhanga, 01071 LTT-Varanasi, 01019 CSMT-Bhubaneshwar special trains which were scheduled to leave Mumbai area during daytime were changed to night.

Similarly, special trains from Patna, Varanasi, and Thiruvananthapuram, which were scheduled to reach during the daytime were regulated and will now arrive in Mumbai behind schedule.

Cyclone Nisarga is fast approaching the northern coast of Maharashtra with a speed of 11 kilometres per hour, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Cyclone Nisarga is fast approaching the northern coast of Maharashtra with a speed of 11 kilometres per hour, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Nisarga will make landfall as 'severe cyclonic storm' close to Alibag, 94 kms south of Mumbai on Wednesday afternoon with a wind speed of 100-110 kmh gusting to 120 kmh. This is perhaps the first such storm to threaten Mumbai in more than 70 years. To this end, the Mumbai Police has imposed Section 144 in the city -- which will be in effect till Thursday afternoon. The police has also banned citizens from visiting places like beaches, parks and promenades along the coastline. Maharashtra and Gujarat have evacuated more than 1,00,000 people from coastal areas, especially those staying in slums and makeshift houses to places of shelter, officials from both the states said. In Mumbai, authorities shifted 150 patients from newly built makeshift Covid-19 hospital to other hospitals as the new structure was located in low-lying area. Also read | Gujarat evacuates several districts ahead of cyclone Nisarga "Cyclone Nisarga is approaching North Maharashtra coast with a speed of 11 kmph. It is about 200 km South-SouthWest of Alibag and about 250 km South-SouthWest of Mumbai at 02:30 am IST of June 3," according to a tweet by the IMD. The weather forecast agency further said that at 4:30 am the wind speed had increased to 22 kmph at Santacruz in Mumbai. It has also predicted that light to moderate rainfall would take place at most places with isolated heavy falls very likely over coastal Karnataka and Marathawada during the next six hours. Extremely heavy falls (above 20 centimetres in 24 hours) is also likely at isolated places over North Konkan (Mumbai, Palghar, Thane, Raigad districts) and North Madhya Maharashtra on Wednesday. After the landfall, the 'severe cyclonic storm' is likely to maintain its cyclonic storm intensity for about six hours while moving north-northeastwards across North Madhya Maharashtra. Under its influence, gale wind reaching 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph is very likely to prevail over Pune, Ahmadnagar and 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph adjoining Beed, Nashik and Aurangabad districts of Maharashtra. The IMD had earlier stated that the Severe Cyclonic Storm is expected to impact the Maharashtra coast by the afternoon/evening of June 3. Also read | Nisarga likely to turn into 'severe cyclonic storm' in next 24 hours: IMD In view of impending Cyclone Nisarga, Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh has issued prohibitory orders restricting any presence or movement of persons in public places along the coast on Tuesday. The prohibitory orders will remain in effect from midnight of Tuesday to 12 noon Wednesday, as per the statement. NDRF Director General SN Pradhan, to this end, said that ten teams were deployed in Maharashtra and 11 in Gujarat. Five more NDRF teams were sent to Gujarat and Maharashtra respectively for joining the ongoing operations. Nisarga comes close on the heels of Cyclone Amphan which killed more than 100 people when it hit eastern India and Bangladesh in May, flattening villages, destroying farms and leaving millions without electricity. FLIGHTS CANCELLED OR DELAYED Keeping the cyclone in consideration, only 19 flights, including 11 departures and eight arrivals, will be operated from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Wednesday. According to GVK MIAL, which manages the CSMIA, the aforementioned flights will be operated by five airlines, including Air Asia India, Air India, IndiGo, GoAir, and SpiceJet. The authority also cautioned passengers about probable changes in the schedule of the flights due to the cyclone and urged them to check with their respective airliners before leaving for the airport. IndiGo Airline on Tuesday cancelled 17 flights to and from Mumbai. "Due to severe cyclonic storm currently moving towards the country`s western coasts, IndiGo has cancelled 17 flights to and from Mumbai. IndiGo will only operate three flights from Mumbai on June 3, 2020," IndiGo said in a statement. "The airline will operate three flights to Chandigarh, Ranchi and Patna from Mumbai on June 3, 2020," it further said. All the passengers of the affected domestic flights have been notified." Also read | Mumbai on red alert as Cyclone Nisarga to strike pandemic-hit city At IndiGo, we are customer centric and have empowered our customers by offering PLAN B, sent to each individual, an option of re-booking on alternate flight starting next day or to protect PNR as credit account," it said. Vistara also cancelled its flights scheduled to and from Mumbai on June 3 due to the warning of severe storm on the western coast. "Following the warning of a severe storm that Cyclone Nisarga may cause on the western coast of India, Vistara has cancelled its flights scheduled to and from Mumbai on 3 June 2020. Affected customers are being informed of the cancellations and will be offered alternative flight options. Safety of our customers and staff is most important to us," Vistara spokesperson said in a statement. Meanwhile, CSMIA convened a meeting with its stakeholders to devise preventive measures to tackle potential adversities accompanied by the cyclone. CSMIA has undertaken various measures to safeguard the passengers and airlines at the airport. Preventive checks at different airport functions have been carried out and the airport has ensured that DG sets are in place to provide the uninterrupted power supply. Water pumps have been positioned across the airport to clear water in case of waterlogging. Furthermore, food and beverage counters will be operational 24x7 at the airport for passengers. These counters will continue to operate the safety measures adopted against ongoing pandemic." A dedicated team has been placed on standby at the airport to assist in this wary situation. Some of the measures undertaken by the airport include efficient personnel management to account for the possibility that the relieving team might not be able to reach the airport to take over their shift. Logistical supports like vehicles, food and tea/coffee have been arranged," CSMIA said in a statement. Watch | Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall later today near Mumbai × RAILWAYS Also, the Central Railways has rescheduled eight trains which were supposed to arrive or depart from the state capital on Wednesday. The timings of 02542 LTT-Gorakhpur, 06345 LTT-Thiruvananthapuram, 01061 LTT-Darbhanga, 01071 LTT-Varanasi, 01019 CSMT-Bhubaneshwar special trains which were scheduled to leave Mumbai area during daytime were changed to night. Similarly, special trains from Patna, Varanasi, and Thiruvananthapuram, which were scheduled to reach during the daytime were regulated and will now arrive in Mumbai behind schedule.

Mumbai braces for Cyclone Nisarga; 1,00,000 people, including coronavirus patients, moved to safety

South Korea has approved the emergency use of Remdesivir to treat COVID-19 after a government panel last week cited positive results for the anti-viral drug in other countries.

Gilead Sciences Inc's Remdesivir, which is administered intravenously, is the first drug to show improvement in COVID-19 patients in formal clinical trials.

South Korea's Ministry for Food and Drug Safety made the announcement on Tuesday.

Gilead reported the drug provided a modest benefit in patients with moderate COVID-19 given a five-day course of the treatment, on Monday.

The US Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorisation (EUA) last month, citing results from a United States government study that showed the drug reduced hospitalisation stays by 31%, or about four days, compared to a placebo. Japanese health authorities have also approved use of the drug.

Under the guidelines, doctors can administer one dose of remdesivir a day, with five doses overall for patients with moderate symptoms, and 10 doses for patients with severe symptoms and who need oxygen support.

The ministry said it would cooperate with Gilead, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other ministries to swiftly import the drug.

All patients must undergo a liver function test before taking the drug as possible side effects include elevated levels of liver enzymes.

South Korea has so far reported 11,590 coronavirus cases with 273 deaths. 
&nbsp;

South Korea has approved the emergency use of Remdesivir to treat COVID-19 after a government panel last week cited positive results for the anti-viral drug in other countries.

South Korea has approved the emergency use of Remdesivir to treat COVID-19 after a government panel last week cited positive results for the anti-viral drug in other countries. Gilead Sciences Inc's Remdesivir, which is administered intravenously, is the first drug to show improvement in COVID-19 patients in formal clinical trials. South Korea's Ministry for Food and Drug Safety made the announcement on Tuesday. Gilead reported the drug provided a modest benefit in patients with moderate COVID-19 given a five-day course of the treatment, on Monday. The US Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorisation (EUA) last month, citing results from a United States government study that showed the drug reduced hospitalisation stays by 31%, or about four days, compared to a placebo. Japanese health authorities have also approved use of the drug. Under the guidelines, doctors can administer one dose of remdesivir a day, with five doses overall for patients with moderate symptoms, and 10 doses for patients with severe symptoms and who need oxygen support. The ministry said it would cooperate with Gilead, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other ministries to swiftly import the drug. All patients must undergo a liver function test before taking the drug as possible side effects include elevated levels of liver enzymes. South Korea has so far reported 11,590 coronavirus cases with 273 deaths.

South Korea approves emergency use of Remdesivir to treat COVID-19

Family members of newborns in the unit at Kennedy Hospital are speaking to their babies via hundreds of video calls organized by staff.

Video calls connect mothers and newborns separated by coronavirus in Colombia

Lithuania celebrated its emergence from the coronavirus pandemic on Monday (June 1) with a series of live musical performances across the country.

Lithuania gives artistic thanks for quick virus containment

A cafe styled as "Britain's smallest coffee shop" has reopened after 10 weeks of lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak.

'Britain's smallest coffee shop' reopens as lockdown eases

The mother-daughter are separated by a translucent plastic curtain outfitted with holes for Dircyree's arms, which are themselves wrapped in protective equipment. But the duo do not seem to mind. The pair hugged and danced together in an emotional reunion.

Cuddle curtain reunites separated Brazilians during pandemic

In the rural Zimbabwe district of Wedza, a new electric-powered motorcycle is helping bring income to poor women during lockdown, and easing the burden of looking after families.

Electric motorcycle sets Zimbabwe rural women on path to prosperity

Grigore Lup, a Romanian shoemaker from the Transylvanian city of Cluj came up with the idea of long-nosed leather shoes to help keep people apart and respect the rules of social distancing.

Romanian cobbler keeps people apart with size 75 shoes

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