A fish processing vessel owned by American Seafoods now account for 86 cases of coronavirus.

In a statement released on Sunday, the company announced that crew members onboard one of their vessels, “American Dynasty” were tested for the deadly respiratory disease recently. The testing was conducted at the port of Bellingham in the US state of Washington, before the vessel took off for Seattle.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-question-authenticity-of-study-on-hydroxychloroquine-drugs-302287" hreflang="en">Scientists question authenticity of study on hydroxychloroquine drugs</a>

The vessel can carry 142 crew members. Even though everybody was tested, the results of nine crew members is still being fetched, Reuters reported.

The seafood company is based in Seattle and is responsible for six fish processing vessels in the North Pacific Ocean. The company is touted as one of the largest processors of wild pacific hake, and wild Alaska pollock fish.

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As coronavirus-induced hysteria hit the meat industry, over twenty plants in the United States were shut down recently after new clusters emerged at units across the country. Big corporations like McDonald’s and Smithfield Foods were recently sued for not adhering to health and safety measures to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-supremacists-or-antifa-or-multiple-theories-float-on-who-caused-violence-in-us-302348" hreflang="en">White supremacists or Antifa or _ ? Multiple theories float on who caused violence in US</a>

Based on numbers from May 31, the US state of Washington alone has 22,000 positive cases of coronavirus, with over 1.8 million infections across the country - the highest in the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left no country untouched from its impact and has triggered one of the biggest recessions in the history of modern civilisation. Most economic activity has been suspended and chains of supply have been disrupted causing trouble for all economies which are now reopening slowly to recover from the impact.

As per now, no vaccine has been approved to contain the spread of COVID-19. The deadly virus continues to claim lives of people across the globe, with over 100,000 deaths in the United States alone. The number of cases are jumping rapidly in Brazil and India.

(With inputs from Reuters)

A fish processing vessel owned by American Seafoods now account for 86 cases of coronavirus. In a statement released on Sunday, the company announced that crew members onboard one of their vessels, “American Dynasty” were tested for the deadly respiratory disease recently.

A fish processing vessel owned by American Seafoods now account for 86 cases of coronavirus. In a statement released on Sunday, the company announced that crew members onboard one of their vessels, “American Dynasty” were tested for the deadly respiratory disease recently. The testing was conducted at the port of Bellingham in the US state of Washington, before the vessel took off for Seattle. Also read: Scientists question authenticity of study on hydroxychloroquine drugs The vessel can carry 142 crew members. Even though everybody was tested, the results of nine crew members is still being fetched, Reuters reported. The seafood company is based in Seattle and is responsible for six fish processing vessels in the North Pacific Ocean. The company is touted as one of the largest processors of wild pacific hake, and wild Alaska pollock fish. As coronavirus-induced hysteria hit the meat industry, over twenty plants in the United States were shut down recently after new clusters emerged at units across the country. Big corporations like McDonald’s and Smithfield Foods were recently sued for not adhering to health and safety measures to contain the spread of coronavirus. Also read: White supremacists or Antifa or _ ? Multiple theories float on who caused violence in US Based on numbers from May 31, the US state of Washington alone has 22,000 positive cases of coronavirus, with over 1.8 million infections across the country - the highest in the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has left no country untouched from its impact and has triggered one of the biggest recessions in the history of modern civilisation. Most economic activity has been suspended and chains of supply have been disrupted causing trouble for all economies which are now reopening slowly to recover from the impact. As per now, no vaccine has been approved to contain the spread of COVID-19. The deadly virus continues to claim lives of people across the globe, with over 100,000 deaths in the United States alone. The number of cases are jumping rapidly in Brazil and India. (With inputs from Reuters)

American seafood company's vessel spawns a coronavirus cluster with 86 new cases

Flights and car travel resumed between Turkey's big cities on Monday while cafes, restaurants and Istanbul's Grand Bazaar reopened in the country's biggest step to ease restrictions taken to contain the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Traffic levels jumped in the commercial hub of Istanbul, with many Turks returning to work as the government sought to revive an economy hit hard by the pandemic. Employees of government offices and public facilities joined the many factory workers who restarted last month.

Masked shopkeepers opened and cleaned their stores at the Grand Bazaar, which media reports said was the scene of one of the first virus outbreaks in March. A key tourist destination, the sprawling covered market was closed for more than two months.&nbsp;

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/opinions-blogs/poor-relations-between-uae-and-turkey-have-further-complicated-conflicts-in-the-middle-east-300864" hreflang="en">Poor relations between UAE and Turkey have further complicated conflicts in the Middle East</a>

President Tayyip Erdogan's government has slowly removed some restrictions in recent weeks and authorities say the outbreak is under control. The COVID-19 infection has killed more than 4,500 and infected more than 160,000 in Turkey, though new daily cases and deaths are sharply down.

Transport Minister Adil Karaismailoglu sought to reassure passengers at a ceremony to mark the first regular flight from Istanbul to the capital Ankara in two months.

"We are entering a period of travel focused on isolation, from the entry into airports until the exit from them," he said on TV, adding that six domestic airports had so far been certified to meet hygiene and safety standards.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/greece-fears-border-standoff-with-turkey-over-migrants-return-301172" hreflang="en">Greece fears border standoff with Turkey over migrants' return</a>

International flights are expected to start next week. Shares of Turkish airports and carriers including Turkish Airlines rose.

Parks, gyms, beaches, libraries and museums also re-opened, including in Istanbul, the centre of Turkey's outbreak.&nbsp;

Economic activity took a nose dive beginning in March and it is unclear how badly Turkey's key tourism sector will suffer this summer. Some provinces, including Istanbul, were still subject to weekend lockdowns this past weekend.

A survey showed on Monday that manufacturing activity continued to contract sharply in May, though at a slower pace than in April, with output and new orders shrinking again and companies decreasing employment and purchasing.

Flights and car travel resumed between Turkey's big cities on Monday while cafes, restaurants and Istanbul's Grand Bazaar reopened in the country's biggest step to ease restrictions taken to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

Flights and car travel resumed between Turkey's big cities on Monday while cafes, restaurants and Istanbul's Grand Bazaar reopened in the country's biggest step to ease restrictions taken to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Traffic levels jumped in the commercial hub of Istanbul, with many Turks returning to work as the government sought to revive an economy hit hard by the pandemic. Employees of government offices and public facilities joined the many factory workers who restarted last month. Masked shopkeepers opened and cleaned their stores at the Grand Bazaar, which media reports said was the scene of one of the first virus outbreaks in March. A key tourist destination, the sprawling covered market was closed for more than two months. Also read: Poor relations between UAE and Turkey have further complicated conflicts in the Middle East President Tayyip Erdogan's government has slowly removed some restrictions in recent weeks and authorities say the outbreak is under control. The COVID-19 infection has killed more than 4,500 and infected more than 160,000 in Turkey, though new daily cases and deaths are sharply down. Transport Minister Adil Karaismailoglu sought to reassure passengers at a ceremony to mark the first regular flight from Istanbul to the capital Ankara in two months. "We are entering a period of travel focused on isolation, from the entry into airports until the exit from them," he said on TV, adding that six domestic airports had so far been certified to meet hygiene and safety standards. Also read: Greece fears border standoff with Turkey over migrants' return International flights are expected to start next week. Shares of Turkish airports and carriers including Turkish Airlines rose. Parks, gyms, beaches, libraries and museums also re-opened, including in Istanbul, the centre of Turkey's outbreak. Economic activity took a nose dive beginning in March and it is unclear how badly Turkey's key tourism sector will suffer this summer. Some provinces, including Istanbul, were still subject to weekend lockdowns this past weekend. A survey showed on Monday that manufacturing activity continued to contract sharply in May, though at a slower pace than in April, with output and new orders shrinking again and companies decreasing employment and purchasing.

Grand Bazaar, cafes open and flights resume as Turkey eases up

Russia is set to using the first approved drug in the country meant to treat COVID-19 patients. Starting next week, “a game changer” drug will be administered on people, Reuters reported.

The country has enough stock of the drug in question, “Avifavir” to treat 60,000 coronavirus patients in one month, and the hospitals across the country will begin administering it from June 11, 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left no country untouched from its impact and has triggered one of the biggest recessions in the history of modern civilisation. Most economic activity has been suspended and chains of supply have been disrupted causing trouble for all economies which are now reopening slowly to recover from the impact.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-question-authenticity-of-study-on-hydroxychloroquine-drugs-302287" hreflang="en">Scientists question authenticity of study on hydroxychloroquine drugs</a>

As per now, no vaccine has been approved to contain the spread of COVID-19. The deadly virus continues to claim lives of people across the globe, with over 100,000 deaths in the United States alone. The number of cases are jumping rapidly in Brazil and India.

Russia saw a major increase in the number of cases two weeks ago, with fears of it becoming a hotspot. 
 
Related video: Russian economy contracts by 12% in April as a result of Coronavirus lockdown

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The modified antiviral drug “Avifavir” was approved by Russian health ministry very recently. After conducting clinical trials, the drug was officially approved for use on Saturday. According to Reuters, over 330 people were part of this trial, and they found that the drug was able to successfully treat patients within four days of beginning treatment.

More trials are expected to continue in the country to ascertain the usefulness of the drug. The country has begun manufacturing the drug in March itself, which will soon be used for mass treatments.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trampoline-is-working-hysteria-is-not-russian-space-agency-taunts-donald-trump-302248" hreflang="en">Trampoline is working, hysteria is not; Russian space agency taunts Donald Trump</a>

Touted by Russia as a “game changer”, the health ministry believes the “drug is key to resuming full activity in Russia”. The new drug, however has some side effects and is not suggested for treating pregnant women.

The third most hard-hit country in the world, Russia has witnessed 4,693 deaths due to the pandemic, but has recorded a low fatality rate.

The drug was initially developed in the 1990s by a Japanese health company, which is now owned by Fujifilm. The generic name of the drug is “favipiravir”.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Russia is set to using the first approved drug in the country meant to treat COVID-19 patients. Starting next week, “a game changer” drug will be administered on people, Reuters reported.

Russia is set to using the first approved drug in the country meant to treat COVID-19 patients. Starting next week, “a game changer” drug will be administered on people, Reuters reported. The country has enough stock of the drug in question, “Avifavir” to treat 60,000 coronavirus patients in one month, and the hospitals across the country will begin administering it from June 11, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has left no country untouched from its impact and has triggered one of the biggest recessions in the history of modern civilisation. Most economic activity has been suspended and chains of supply have been disrupted causing trouble for all economies which are now reopening slowly to recover from the impact. Also read: Scientists question authenticity of study on hydroxychloroquine drugs As per now, no vaccine has been approved to contain the spread of COVID-19. The deadly virus continues to claim lives of people across the globe, with over 100,000 deaths in the United States alone. The number of cases are jumping rapidly in Brazil and India. Russia saw a major increase in the number of cases two weeks ago, with fears of it becoming a hotspot. Related video: Russian economy contracts by 12% in April as a result of Coronavirus lockdown The modified antiviral drug “Avifavir” was approved by Russian health ministry very recently. After conducting clinical trials, the drug was officially approved for use on Saturday. According to Reuters, over 330 people were part of this trial, and they found that the drug was able to successfully treat patients within four days of beginning treatment. More trials are expected to continue in the country to ascertain the usefulness of the drug. The country has begun manufacturing the drug in March itself, which will soon be used for mass treatments. Also read: Trampoline is working, hysteria is not; Russian space agency taunts Donald Trump Touted by Russia as a “game changer”, the health ministry believes the “drug is key to resuming full activity in Russia”. The new drug, however has some side effects and is not suggested for treating pregnant women. The third most hard-hit country in the world, Russia has witnessed 4,693 deaths due to the pandemic, but has recorded a low fatality rate. The drug was initially developed in the 1990s by a Japanese health company, which is now owned by Fujifilm. The generic name of the drug is “favipiravir”. (With inputs from Reuters)

Russia to start administering 'game changer' drug to treat coronavirus patients

4,000 drivers had camped on the highway over delayed testing by the Uganda authorities.

Trucks carrying food stuck at Ugandan border

Levels of two major air pollutants drastically reduced globally since lockdowns began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Air Quality Improves In Industrial Hubs

Destiny had a surprise -- albeit, a sad one -- in store for a Gujarati family hours after they performed the last rites of a 71-year-old man.

He had died as a "coronavirus suspect" at a government hospital in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. But his kin later received a call saying his sample had tested negative and, hence, they should shift him to a non-COVID ward.

The call led to panic and confusion among relatives of deceased Devram Bhosikar who worried if they had cremated the right person as they had not seen the face since the corpse was wrapped as per COVID-19 protocol.

The Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, where the man died, had, however, correctly confirmed his identity.

"On May 28 afternoon, I admitted my father-in-law in the trauma centre of GCRI. From there, he was transferred to the COVID ward and his sample collected for testing. On the second day, I received a call from the COVID centre saying that my father was doing fine," his son-in-law Nileshbhai said.

"Soon after, I received another call and was told his condition was critical and I was needed in the hospital. I insisted on connecting with him through a video call where he said he was doing fine. Soon after, I received a call from the hospital informing me about my father's death," he said.

At the time of the death, the family had not got the coronavirus test report, he added.

The family then got a call from a operator at the hospital on May 29 night informing them the man's report was negative and that they should now shift him to the non-COVID ward at the facility.

"We wondered if we had performed the last rites of our father or someone else as we had not seen his face," the son- in-law said.

In a statement, Shashank Pandya, Director, GCRI, said there was no truth in the claim that relatives were handed over the body of another person.

Devram Bhosikar had indeed died -- but not of COVID-19.

"Devram Bhosikar was admitted to the hospital on May 28 and suffered from cough, had trouble breathing, and his relatives said he was suffering like this since the last four days. As per his chest X-ray, he likely suffered from pneumonia and was already in serious condition," Pandya said.

"As per COVID-19 protocol, we collected his swab for coronavirus testing. On May 29, he passed away even before his COVID-19 report was made available. He was counted as a coronavirus suspect case because he showed symptoms and hence, his last rites was performed as per the protocol," he said.

"His coronavirus report was received at 10:30 on the night of May 29. His relative was thereby informed about this. The man at the control room has no idea about the last status of the patient, and hence, he informed the relatives that they can transfer the patient from COVID ward to the normal ward, which actually confused them," he said in a statement.

(with inputs from PTI)

Destiny had a surprise -- albeit, a sad one -- in store for a Gujarati family hours after they performed the last rites of a 71-year-old man. He had died as a "coronavirus suspect" at a government hospital in Gujarat's Ahmedabad.

Destiny had a surprise -- albeit, a sad one -- in store for a Gujarati family hours after they performed the last rites of a 71-year-old man. He had died as a "coronavirus suspect" at a government hospital in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. But his kin later received a call saying his sample had tested negative and, hence, they should shift him to a non-COVID ward. The call led to panic and confusion among relatives of deceased Devram Bhosikar who worried if they had cremated the right person as they had not seen the face since the corpse was wrapped as per COVID-19 protocol. The Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, where the man died, had, however, correctly confirmed his identity. "On May 28 afternoon, I admitted my father-in-law in the trauma centre of GCRI. From there, he was transferred to the COVID ward and his sample collected for testing. On the second day, I received a call from the COVID centre saying that my father was doing fine," his son-in-law Nileshbhai said. "Soon after, I received another call and was told his condition was critical and I was needed in the hospital. I insisted on connecting with him through a video call where he said he was doing fine. Soon after, I received a call from the hospital informing me about my father's death," he said. At the time of the death, the family had not got the coronavirus test report, he added. The family then got a call from a operator at the hospital on May 29 night informing them the man's report was negative and that they should now shift him to the non-COVID ward at the facility. "We wondered if we had performed the last rites of our father or someone else as we had not seen his face," the son- in-law said. In a statement, Shashank Pandya, Director, GCRI, said there was no truth in the claim that relatives were handed over the body of another person. Devram Bhosikar had indeed died -- but not of COVID-19. "Devram Bhosikar was admitted to the hospital on May 28 and suffered from cough, had trouble breathing, and his relatives said he was suffering like this since the last four days. As per his chest X-ray, he likely suffered from pneumonia and was already in serious condition," Pandya said. "As per COVID-19 protocol, we collected his swab for coronavirus testing. On May 29, he passed away even before his COVID-19 report was made available. He was counted as a coronavirus suspect case because he showed symptoms and hence, his last rites was performed as per the protocol," he said. "His coronavirus report was received at 10:30 on the night of May 29. His relative was thereby informed about this. The man at the control room has no idea about the last status of the patient, and hence, he informed the relatives that they can transfer the patient from COVID ward to the normal ward, which actually confused them," he said in a statement. (with inputs from PTI)

Confusion over a coronavirus suspect's death at Gujarat hospital hours after he was cremated

Bottlenecks at borders as government screen lorry drivers to contain the new coronavirus are putting the delivery of vital food supplies in East Africa at risk, the U.N.'s World Food Programme (WFP) warned.

East Africa battles hunger amid COVID-19 pandemic

Inter-state travel by road, air and trains from Maharashtra will remain prohibited in the latest phase of the lockdown until June 30 with exceptions being made for migrant workers, stranded people and 'Shramik' special trains, as per the latest guidelines issued on Sunday.

Announcing the extension of the lockdown, which it called the "Mission Begin Again", the state government has granted a slew of relaxations in the form of reopening of all markets, market areas and shops, except malls, from June 5 on the odd-even basis in non-containment zones.

However, religious places, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants will continue to remain closed.

"Inter-state road movement as well as air, train and metro travel will continue to remain prohibited in Maharashtra, except the travel of migrant workers, stranded persons and Shramik special trains," as per the guidelines.

Plying of buses within and outside Maharashtra will not be allowed in Red zones and in containment zones. However, intra-district plying of buses is allowed in remaining parts of the state, the guidelines said.

Worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic, Maharashtra has reported 65,168 cases and 2,197 deaths by May 30.

Inter-state travel by road, air and trains from Maharashtra will remain prohibited in the latest phase of the lockdown until June 30 with exceptions being made for migrant workers, stranded people and 'Shramik' special trains, as per the latest guidelines issued on Sunday.

Inter-state travel by road, air and trains from Maharashtra will remain prohibited in the latest phase of the lockdown until June 30 with exceptions being made for migrant workers, stranded people and 'Shramik' special trains, as per the latest guidelines issued on Sunday. Announcing the extension of the lockdown, which it called the "Mission Begin Again", the state government has granted a slew of relaxations in the form of reopening of all markets, market areas and shops, except malls, from June 5 on the odd-even basis in non-containment zones. However, religious places, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants will continue to remain closed. "Inter-state road movement as well as air, train and metro travel will continue to remain prohibited in Maharashtra, except the travel of migrant workers, stranded persons and Shramik special trains," as per the guidelines. Plying of buses within and outside Maharashtra will not be allowed in Red zones and in containment zones. However, intra-district plying of buses is allowed in remaining parts of the state, the guidelines said. Worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic, Maharashtra has reported 65,168 cases and 2,197 deaths by May 30.

Inter-state travel from Maharashtra remains banned with exceptions

Renault acknowledged that its global ambitions had been unrealistic, announcing plans to cut about 15,000 jobs, shrink production and restructure French plants as it pressed the reset button and sought to banish the spectre of Carlos Ghosn.

Renault to lay-off 15,000 people globally | COVID-19 crisis

A director-level officer of the Rail Ministry at Rail Bhavan, Delhi has tested positive for coronavirus -- the sixth case detected in the building since May 13.

This has prompted authorities to send 29 staffers to home quarantine. The officer last came to work at the rail headquarters on May 22.

The latest case came to light on Saturday, five days after a fourth-grade multitasking staffer tested positive for the disease. Nine of his contacts have been sent into home quarantine till June 2.

The director-level officer's 29 contacts have been sent to home quarantine till June 5. 
Another senior official tested positive on May 24, days after another was found positive on May 22.

On May 14, a contractual worker, who served to drive out monkeys from the building, tested positive, and an RPF staffer did so on May 13.

The railways had sealed the building for two days each on May 14 and May 15 and in May 26 and May 27 for deep sanitisation.

At least 50 railway staffers who have come in contact with those who tested positive are home quarantined.&nbsp;

A director-level officer of the Rail Ministry at Rail Bhavan, Delhi has tested positive for coronavirus -- the sixth case detected in the building since May 13. This has prompted authorities to send 29 staffers to home quarantine.

A director-level officer of the Rail Ministry at Rail Bhavan, Delhi has tested positive for coronavirus -- the sixth case detected in the building since May 13. This has prompted authorities to send 29 staffers to home quarantine. The officer last came to work at the rail headquarters on May 22. The latest case came to light on Saturday, five days after a fourth-grade multitasking staffer tested positive for the disease. Nine of his contacts have been sent into home quarantine till June 2. The director-level officer's 29 contacts have been sent to home quarantine till June 5. Another senior official tested positive on May 24, days after another was found positive on May 22. On May 14, a contractual worker, who served to drive out monkeys from the building, tested positive, and an RPF staffer did so on May 13. The railways had sealed the building for two days each on May 14 and May 15 and in May 26 and May 27 for deep sanitisation. At least 50 railway staffers who have come in contact with those who tested positive are home quarantined.

Another senior Rail Bhavan official tests positive for coronavirus

Air India has made it mandatory for its pilots and cabin crew members to check and confirm that their pre-flight COVID-19 test results are negative before they operate an aircraft.

This comes in the wake of an Air India flight from Delhi to Moscow with no passenger on-board being asked to return midway on Saturday after its ground staff realised that one of the pilots of the plane had tested positive for coronavirus but was assigned the duty following an oversight by a team checking pre-flight medical reports of the crew.

The Executive Director (Operations), Air India in a circular, which was accessed by PTI said there was a possibility of an oversight due to a shortage of staff in office.

However, it is imperative that the individual crew member also checks and reconfirms his or her test result, the circular said.

Any laxity in this matter will be dealt with severity, it added.

THE INCIDENT

The Airbus A320 plane departed around 7.15 am on Saturday for Moscow to bring back a group of stranded Indians under the Vande Bharat evacuation mission and it was back in Delhi by 12.30 pm following orders from the authorities.

The airline officials, it is speculated, tasked to examine medical reports of the crew did not look at the pilot's test results properly before assigning him the duty.

According to standard operating procedure, pilots and other crew members of any flight are required to undergo mandatory testing for coronavirus and are assigned duties if the laboratory results are negative.

The plane with registration number VT-EXR was in the airspace of Uzbekistan when it was told to return. All crew members including the Delhi-based pilot with coronavirus infection have been quarantined after they arrived in Delhi, the officials said,

In a statement, Air India had said on Saturday that it recalled the aircraft immediately when it was noticed that one of the cockpit crew had tested positive in the pre-flight COVID-19 test.

Aviation regulator DGCA has already begun an investigation into the case based on a preliminary report by the airline.

(with inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

Air India has made it mandatory for its pilots and cabin crew members to check and confirm that their pre-flight COVID-19 test results are negative before they operate an aircraft.

Air India has made it mandatory for its pilots and cabin crew members to check and confirm that their pre-flight COVID-19 test results are negative before they operate an aircraft. This comes in the wake of an Air India flight from Delhi to Moscow with no passenger on-board being asked to return midway on Saturday after its ground staff realised that one of the pilots of the plane had tested positive for coronavirus but was assigned the duty following an oversight by a team checking pre-flight medical reports of the crew. The Executive Director (Operations), Air India in a circular, which was accessed by PTI said there was a possibility of an oversight due to a shortage of staff in office. However, it is imperative that the individual crew member also checks and reconfirms his or her test result, the circular said. Any laxity in this matter will be dealt with severity, it added. THE INCIDENT The Airbus A320 plane departed around 7.15 am on Saturday for Moscow to bring back a group of stranded Indians under the Vande Bharat evacuation mission and it was back in Delhi by 12.30 pm following orders from the authorities. The airline officials, it is speculated, tasked to examine medical reports of the crew did not look at the pilot's test results properly before assigning him the duty. According to standard operating procedure, pilots and other crew members of any flight are required to undergo mandatory testing for coronavirus and are assigned duties if the laboratory results are negative. The plane with registration number VT-EXR was in the airspace of Uzbekistan when it was told to return. All crew members including the Delhi-based pilot with coronavirus infection have been quarantined after they arrived in Delhi, the officials said, In a statement, Air India had said on Saturday that it recalled the aircraft immediately when it was noticed that one of the cockpit crew had tested positive in the pre-flight COVID-19 test. Aviation regulator DGCA has already begun an investigation into the case based on a preliminary report by the airline. (with inputs from PTI)

AI makes it mandatory for crew to check if their pre-flight coronavirus test results are negative

Researchers have demonstrated that exposing the novel coronavirus to the vitamin riboflavin and ultraviolet light reduces the viral count in human plasma and whole-blood products, an advance that may help lower the possibility of transmission of the virus via blood transfusion.

The scientists from Colorado State University (CSU) in the US, said it is still unknown if the novel coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2, behind the COVID-19 pandemic, can be transmitted by blood transfusion.

In the study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, they used a device called the Mirasol Pathogen Reduction Technology System to treat nine plasma and three whole-blood products.

"We eliminated a huge amount of virus and we could not detect the virus post-treatment," said Izabela Ragan, study co-author from CSU.

The device, invented by Ray Goodrich, senior author of the study from CSU, works by exposing the blood product or plasma to UV light.

Heather Pidcoke, another co-author on the study, explained that the blood product or plasma is placed in a specially designed storage bag, following which riboflavin solution is added to this, and the mixture is then exposed to UV light.

The device gently shakes the bag to circulate the blood cells, so the cells come to the surface where they are exposed to the UV light, the study noted.

However, the authors caution that this is not an experiment to try at home.

They said the light does not penetrate the entire bag, so it's not the same as exposing body parts to UV light.

The researchers said the device may help avoid what happened in the 1980s, when HIV was transmitted through blood and blood products while scientists were still trying to isolate and identify what might be causing the spread of the virus.

However, Goodrich noted that the Mirasol system is currently only approved for use outside of the US, mainly in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

"Our research may help inform people outside the US who are using it," he said.

"They may breathe a sigh of relief knowing that while we continue to study this, there is some potential mitigation in place just in case," Goodrich added.&nbsp;

Researchers have demonstrated that exposing the novel coronavirus to the vitamin riboflavin and ultraviolet light reduces the viral count in human plasma and whole-blood products, an advance that may help lower the possibility of transmission of the virus via blood transfusion.

Researchers have demonstrated that exposing the novel coronavirus to the vitamin riboflavin and ultraviolet light reduces the viral count in human plasma and whole-blood products, an advance that may help lower the possibility of transmission of the virus via blood transfusion. The scientists from Colorado State University (CSU) in the US, said it is still unknown if the novel coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2, behind the COVID-19 pandemic, can be transmitted by blood transfusion. In the study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, they used a device called the Mirasol Pathogen Reduction Technology System to treat nine plasma and three whole-blood products. "We eliminated a huge amount of virus and we could not detect the virus post-treatment," said Izabela Ragan, study co-author from CSU. The device, invented by Ray Goodrich, senior author of the study from CSU, works by exposing the blood product or plasma to UV light. Heather Pidcoke, another co-author on the study, explained that the blood product or plasma is placed in a specially designed storage bag, following which riboflavin solution is added to this, and the mixture is then exposed to UV light. The device gently shakes the bag to circulate the blood cells, so the cells come to the surface where they are exposed to the UV light, the study noted. However, the authors caution that this is not an experiment to try at home. They said the light does not penetrate the entire bag, so it's not the same as exposing body parts to UV light. The researchers said the device may help avoid what happened in the 1980s, when HIV was transmitted through blood and blood products while scientists were still trying to isolate and identify what might be causing the spread of the virus. However, Goodrich noted that the Mirasol system is currently only approved for use outside of the US, mainly in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "Our research may help inform people outside the US who are using it," he said. "They may breathe a sigh of relief knowing that while we continue to study this, there is some potential mitigation in place just in case," Goodrich added.

Scientists develop method to reduce coronavirus count in plasma, blood products

Brazil's death toll due to novel coronavirus jumped to 27,878, surpassing the toll of hard-hit Spain and making it the country with the fifth-highest number of fatalities.

Brazil's death toll due to novel coronavirus jumped to 27,878, surpassing the toll of hard-hit Spain and making it the country with the fifth-highest number of fatalities. According to the country's health ministry, the epicentre of the South American coronavirus outbreak, Brazil saw 1,124 deaths in 24 hours, the Ministry of Health said. It also had a record number of new cases -- 26,928 in one day -- bringing the total number of infections to 465,166. The United States, Britain, Italy and France lead the world in coronavirus deaths. As of Friday Spain had recorded 27,121 deaths, with virus fatalities there rapidly slowing. Brazil could soon surpass France, which has seen 28,714 deaths. Brazil is second in the number of confirmed cases, though trailing far behind the United States which has 1.7 million infections. Brazil has seen 131.2 coronavirus deaths per one million people -- compared to more than 300 in the United States and 580 in Spain -- but the pandemic has yet to peak in the South American country. "There is no way to foresee" when the outbreak will peak, the Ministry of Health said, and experts say the number of cases in Brazil could be 15 times higher than the confirmed figure because there has been no widespread testing.

Brazil COVID-19 death toll jumps to 27,878, surpasses hard-hit Spain

The apex health research body,?ICMR, has advised states to conduct sero-survey to assess the proportion of population including asymptomatic individuals exposed to coronavirus infection.

A sero-survey involves testing of blood serum of a group of individuals for the presence of antibodies against that infection to know who has been infected in the past and has now recovered.

Depending upon the level of sero-prevalence of infection, appropriate public health interventions can be planned and implemented for prevention and control of the disease, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said.

The health research body has suggested that the blood serum samples of high risk or vulnerable populations like health care workers, frontline workers, immune-compromised individuals, individuals in containment zones,?police personnel among others should be tested for COVID-19 antibodies.

The ICMR is simultaneously is conducting a sero-survey to estimate the prevalence of community transmission of the infection among the Indian population.

People from 70 districts will be tested for COVID-19 at random to check whether they have developed antibodies against the infection even though they remained asymptomatic, an ICMR official said.

"The findings could be released by next week end," he said.

In its advice to the states, the ICMR said periodic sero-surveys are useful to guide the policy makers and stressed that IgG ELISA test should be used for carrying out such surveys.

Antibodies generally start appearing after two weeks of onset of infection, once the individual has recovered, and last for several months.

"Therefore, the IgG test is not useful for detecting acute infection but indicates episode of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the past.

"The-PCR test is considered gold standard frontline test for clinical diagnosis of COVID19. The test is useful only when performed in the acute stage of infection (&lt; 7 days). For several viral infections, antibody tests are useful for disease detection after 5?7 days of illness," the body said in statement.

In an attempt to decide the future course of action against the pandemic, ICMR has communicated a detailed plan to all the states to measure coronavirus exposure in general population as well as in high-risk populations.

"Such sero-survey will guide appropriate public health intervention," it said.

The ICMR listed immuno-compromised patients like people living with HIV, patients on immuno-suppressive treatment,?SARI, patients on dialysis among others and individuals in containment zones and buffer zones and healthcare workers be considered for testing.

Security personnel, police personnel and volunteers involved in duties facing a large number of individuals or those coming in contact with potentially infected individuals, fomites or places should be tested for the presence of antibodies against the coronavirus infection.

Besides, the ICMR has also suggested testing press reporters, migrant workers who have travelled back from urban and peri-urban areas to rural, tribal, hard to reach areas in the country as well as natives after coming in contact with returned migrants, industrial workers or labour force, farmers, vendors visiting large markets,?municipal staff working in areas like sanitation, water supply, electricity, etc. Where interactions with citizens is expected.

Drivers of hospital ambulances, hearse, buses, auto, taxies, etc. Who have been on work facing a large number of individuals, bus conductors, cleaners and helping staff also should be included, it said.

People working in banks, couriers, telecom offices, shop, air travel related staff, all members of overseas operations and people staying or working in slums with very high population density with poorly ventilated buildings, those staying in institutional settings like old age homes, orphanage, asylums, shelters for homeless, hostels and prisons should be considered for testing.

The sero-survey would be conducted using an IgG ELISA kit.

Scientists at ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune have developed and validated an indigenous IgG ELISA test for antibody detection for SARS-CoV-2.

The test has undergone intense validation in three stages and has been found to have high sensitivity and specificity, the ICMR said.

To fast track production and increase availability of the IgG ELISA test, ICMR has transferred this technology to many pharma companies like Zydus Cadila, J Mitra and Company, Meril Diagnostics, Voxtur Bio, Trivitron Healthcare, Karwah Enterprises, Avecon Healthcare, etc.

The technology has been transferred to various entities without exclusivity clause and therefore can be further shared with others as per demand and capability, the health research body said.

The apex health research body,?ICMR, has advised states to conduct sero-survey to assess the proportion of population including asymptomatic individuals exposed to coronavirus infection.

The apex health research body,?ICMR, has advised states to conduct sero-survey to assess the proportion of population including asymptomatic individuals exposed to coronavirus infection. A sero-survey involves testing of blood serum of a group of individuals for the presence of antibodies against that infection to know who has been infected in the past and has now recovered. Depending upon the level of sero-prevalence of infection, appropriate public health interventions can be planned and implemented for prevention and control of the disease, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said. The health research body has suggested that the blood serum samples of high risk or vulnerable populations like health care workers, frontline workers, immune-compromised individuals, individuals in containment zones,?police personnel among others should be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. The ICMR is simultaneously is conducting a sero-survey to estimate the prevalence of community transmission of the infection among the Indian population. People from 70 districts will be tested for COVID-19 at random to check whether they have developed antibodies against the infection even though they remained asymptomatic, an ICMR official said. "The findings could be released by next week end," he said. In its advice to the states, the ICMR said periodic sero-surveys are useful to guide the policy makers and stressed that IgG ELISA test should be used for carrying out such surveys. Antibodies generally start appearing after two weeks of onset of infection, once the individual has recovered, and last for several months. "Therefore, the IgG test is not useful for detecting acute infection but indicates episode of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the past. "The-PCR test is considered gold standard frontline test for clinical diagnosis of COVID19. The test is useful only when performed in the acute stage of infection (< 7 days). For several viral infections, antibody tests are useful for disease detection after 5?7 days of illness," the body said in statement. In an attempt to decide the future course of action against the pandemic, ICMR has communicated a detailed plan to all the states to measure coronavirus exposure in general population as well as in high-risk populations. "Such sero-survey will guide appropriate public health intervention," it said. The ICMR listed immuno-compromised patients like people living with HIV, patients on immuno-suppressive treatment,?SARI, patients on dialysis among others and individuals in containment zones and buffer zones and healthcare workers be considered for testing. Security personnel, police personnel and volunteers involved in duties facing a large number of individuals or those coming in contact with potentially infected individuals, fomites or places should be tested for the presence of antibodies against the coronavirus infection. Besides, the ICMR has also suggested testing press reporters, migrant workers who have travelled back from urban and peri-urban areas to rural, tribal, hard to reach areas in the country as well as natives after coming in contact with returned migrants, industrial workers or labour force, farmers, vendors visiting large markets,?municipal staff working in areas like sanitation, water supply, electricity, etc. Where interactions with citizens is expected. Drivers of hospital ambulances, hearse, buses, auto, taxies, etc. Who have been on work facing a large number of individuals, bus conductors, cleaners and helping staff also should be included, it said. People working in banks, couriers, telecom offices, shop, air travel related staff, all members of overseas operations and people staying or working in slums with very high population density with poorly ventilated buildings, those staying in institutional settings like old age homes, orphanage, asylums, shelters for homeless, hostels and prisons should be considered for testing. The sero-survey would be conducted using an IgG ELISA kit. Scientists at ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune have developed and validated an indigenous IgG ELISA test for antibody detection for SARS-CoV-2. The test has undergone intense validation in three stages and has been found to have high sensitivity and specificity, the ICMR said. To fast track production and increase availability of the IgG ELISA test, ICMR has transferred this technology to many pharma companies like Zydus Cadila, J Mitra and Company, Meril Diagnostics, Voxtur Bio, Trivitron Healthcare, Karwah Enterprises, Avecon Healthcare, etc. The technology has been transferred to various entities without exclusivity clause and therefore can be further shared with others as per demand and capability, the health research body said.

ICMR asks states to do sero-survey in high-risk populations to assess exposure to COVID-19

A nephew of Belgium's King Philippe, Prince Joachim, has tested positive for coronavirus after attending a gathering in Spain.

The 28-year-old prince tested positive after attending the party in the southern city of Cordoba on May 26, a spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace said on Saturday.

Spanish media said the party broke a number of lockdown rules.

Joachim travelled to Spain from Belgium on May 24 for an internship and was still there.

El Pais newspaper said the prince, who is tenth in line to the Belgian throne, attended the party along with 26 other people -- even though in the province of Cordoba, the maximum number of people permitted to meet is currently 15.

All 27 people who attended the party are now in quarantine.

Spanish police has launched an investigation into the incident and those who breached restrictions could face fines of between 600 and 10,000 euros.

A nephew of Belgium's King Philippe, Prince Joachim, has tested positive for coronavirus after attending a gathering in Spain. The 28-year-old prince tested positive after attending the party in the southern city of Cordoba on May 26, a spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace said on Saturday.

A nephew of Belgium's King Philippe, Prince Joachim, has tested positive for coronavirus after attending a gathering in Spain. The 28-year-old prince tested positive after attending the party in the southern city of Cordoba on May 26, a spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace said on Saturday. Spanish media said the party broke a number of lockdown rules. Joachim travelled to Spain from Belgium on May 24 for an internship and was still there. El Pais newspaper said the prince, who is tenth in line to the Belgian throne, attended the party along with 26 other people -- even though in the province of Cordoba, the maximum number of people permitted to meet is currently 15. All 27 people who attended the party are now in quarantine. Spanish police has launched an investigation into the incident and those who breached restrictions could face fines of between 600 and 10,000 euros.

Belgian prince tests positive for coronavirus after attending gathering in Spain

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has listed the Centre's response to coronavirus and its reaching out to other countries as two of the main achievements in the first year of Modi government 2.0.

On COVID-19 response, MEA highlighted how it sent medical supplies to over 154 countries and coordinated the massive repatriation effort -- Vande Bharat Mission. The mission helped the return of 40,000 Indians in over 230 flights and naval ships.&nbsp;

Other than this, e-ITEC courses on COVID-19 healthcare management are being offered under MEA’s Development Partnership initiative to several countries in the neighbourhood and to many countries in Africa.

Virtual diplomacy at the time under COVID crisis was another aspect. Over 100 virtual diplomatic meetings have taken place on combating COVID crisis -- PM Modi had taken part in SAARC, G-20, NAM meets on COVID virtually and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had spoken to several of his counterparts via video conference.&nbsp;

While it comes to reaching out, India's many development and infrastructure projects were the key highlights. In Bhutan, it was the inauguration of 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydropower Project and Ground Earth Station during PM Modi's visit to the country; in Nepal, it was the Motihari-Amlekhgunj cross-border petroleum products pipeline, the first cross country oil pipeline in South Asia and the Integrated Check Post at Biratnagar inaugurated both of which were done virtually by Indian PM Modi and Nepal's PM KP Sharma Oli.&nbsp;

With the Maldives, a country with which India has been able to build very close partnership, it was the gifting of 'Made in India' Coast Guard Ships and launching of fish processing plants and water and sanitation projects. For Sri Lanka, MEA highlighted the Emergency Ambulance Service and Cultural Centre in Jaffna; and for Bangladesh, it was the Joint Inauguration of 3 projects by PM Modi and PM Sheikh Hasina -- LPG supply pipeline, &nbsp;Vivekananda Bhaban (students hostel) in Dhaka and Professional Skill Development Institute at Khulna.&nbsp;

For Mauritius, it was projects like ENT Hospital, Supreme Court Building and&nbsp;Metro Express. It is interesting to know, ENT hospital in the country is currently being used for COVID operations.

When it comes to ties with US, Russia and China -- MEA listed the "Howdy Modi" and "Namaste Trump" mega-events in Texas and Gujarat, PM Modi's Russia visit in September of 2019 which saw New Delhi announcing $1 billion credit line for Russian far East and the Chennai Connect informal summit between Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in October 2019 as major achievements.

India also reached out to Carrabean and Pacific with first-ever India-Pacific Islands Developing States Summit and First ever India-CARICOM Leaders meet on the sidelines of UNGA in New York.&nbsp;

When it comes to Europe, it was the first time India participated in Europe-based forums -- Mediterranean Dialogue, Munich Security Conference. In fact, President Kovind paid visits to Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia while VP visited the Baltic countries last year and EAM Jaishankar visited 10 European countries.

When it comes to Africa, India opened new missions in Eswatini, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Congo. President Kovind visited Benin, The Gambia, Guinea and VP visited Comoros and Sierra Leone last year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has listed the Centre's response to coronavirus and its reaching out to other countries as two of the main achievements in the first year of Modi government 2.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has listed the Centre's response to coronavirus and its reaching out to other countries as two of the main achievements in the first year of Modi government 2.0. On COVID-19 response, MEA highlighted how it sent medical supplies to over 154 countries and coordinated the massive repatriation effort -- Vande Bharat Mission. The mission helped the return of 40,000 Indians in over 230 flights and naval ships. Other than this, e-ITEC courses on COVID-19 healthcare management are being offered under MEA’s Development Partnership initiative to several countries in the neighbourhood and to many countries in Africa. Virtual diplomacy at the time under COVID crisis was another aspect. Over 100 virtual diplomatic meetings have taken place on combating COVID crisis -- PM Modi had taken part in SAARC, G-20, NAM meets on COVID virtually and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had spoken to several of his counterparts via video conference. While it comes to reaching out, India's many development and infrastructure projects were the key highlights. In Bhutan, it was the inauguration of 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydropower Project and Ground Earth Station during PM Modi's visit to the country; in Nepal, it was the Motihari-Amlekhgunj cross-border petroleum products pipeline, the first cross country oil pipeline in South Asia and the Integrated Check Post at Biratnagar inaugurated both of which were done virtually by Indian PM Modi and Nepal's PM KP Sharma Oli. With the Maldives, a country with which India has been able to build very close partnership, it was the gifting of 'Made in India' Coast Guard Ships and launching of fish processing plants and water and sanitation projects. For Sri Lanka, MEA highlighted the Emergency Ambulance Service and Cultural Centre in Jaffna; and for Bangladesh, it was the Joint Inauguration of 3 projects by PM Modi and PM Sheikh Hasina -- LPG supply pipeline, Vivekananda Bhaban (students hostel) in Dhaka and Professional Skill Development Institute at Khulna. For Mauritius, it was projects like ENT Hospital, Supreme Court Building and Metro Express. It is interesting to know, ENT hospital in the country is currently being used for COVID operations. When it comes to ties with US, Russia and China -- MEA listed the "Howdy Modi" and "Namaste Trump" mega-events in Texas and Gujarat, PM Modi's Russia visit in September of 2019 which saw New Delhi announcing $1 billion credit line for Russian far East and the Chennai Connect informal summit between Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in October 2019 as major achievements. India also reached out to Carrabean and Pacific with first-ever India-Pacific Islands Developing States Summit and First ever India-CARICOM Leaders meet on the sidelines of UNGA in New York. When it comes to Europe, it was the first time India participated in Europe-based forums -- Mediterranean Dialogue, Munich Security Conference. In fact, President Kovind paid visits to Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia while VP visited the Baltic countries last year and EAM Jaishankar visited 10 European countries. When it comes to Africa, India opened new missions in Eswatini, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Congo. President Kovind visited Benin, The Gambia, Guinea and VP visited Comoros and Sierra Leone last year.

MEA lists COVID-19 response as one of top achievements in first year of Modi govt 2.0

Thousands of Bosnians took to the streets on Saturday to protest against bad governance and corruption as senior government officials face graft accusations.

These accusations were related to the procurement of defective ventilators for COVID-19 patients.

The protest was organised by a small moderate party, the Platform for Progress, and joined by leaders of other opposition groups.

People followed coronavirus lockdown guidelines and wore masks. They marched peacefully from Sarajevo's Old Town to the national parliament building.&nbsp;

Many carried yellow balloons with the Bosnian flag.

Bosnia has been plagued by corruption scandals, often linked to officials from the ruling parties, but most of them have not been charged.

In the latest corruption scandal, the premier of Bosnia's autonomous Bosniak-Croat Federation, Fadil Novalic, has denied accusations of irregularities in the procurement of the Chinese ventilators.

The protestors said they wanted elections that are not rigged and an end to corruption.

Local elections scheduled for October 4 have been postponed for more than a month due to a lack of funding after the government had failed to pass a 2020 budget.

Thousands of Bosnians took to the streets on Saturday to protest against bad governance and corruption as senior government officials face graft accusations. These accusations were related to the procurement of defective ventilators for COVID-19 patients.

Thousands of Bosnians took to the streets on Saturday to protest against bad governance and corruption as senior government officials face graft accusations. These accusations were related to the procurement of defective ventilators for COVID-19 patients. The protest was organised by a small moderate party, the Platform for Progress, and joined by leaders of other opposition groups. People followed coronavirus lockdown guidelines and wore masks. They marched peacefully from Sarajevo's Old Town to the national parliament building. Many carried yellow balloons with the Bosnian flag. Bosnia has been plagued by corruption scandals, often linked to officials from the ruling parties, but most of them have not been charged. In the latest corruption scandal, the premier of Bosnia's autonomous Bosniak-Croat Federation, Fadil Novalic, has denied accusations of irregularities in the procurement of the Chinese ventilators. The protestors said they wanted elections that are not rigged and an end to corruption. Local elections scheduled for October 4 have been postponed for more than a month due to a lack of funding after the government had failed to pass a 2020 budget.

People in Bosnia protest as officials accused of COVID-19 graft

A Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine could be ready for market as early as the end of this year, China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) said in a social media post.

In trials, more than 2,000 people have received vaccines developed by the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products and the Beijing

Institute of Biological Products. A vaccine could be ready for the market as early as the end of this year or early 2021, according to the May 29 post on Chinese social media platform WeChat.

Vaccines from the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products and the Beijing Institute of Biological Products had entered Phase II clinical trials. Both groups are affiliated with state-owned pharmaceutical group Sinopharm, whose management is overseen by SASAC.

The Beijing Institute of Biological Products'&nbsp;production line will have an annual manufacturing capacity of 100 million to 120 million doses, according to the article.

China has five coronavirus vaccines in human trials. Neither company could be reached for comment on Saturday evening.

A Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine could be ready for market as early as the end of this year, China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) said in a social media post.

A Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine could be ready for market as early as the end of this year, China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) said in a social media post. In trials, more than 2,000 people have received vaccines developed by the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products and the Beijing Institute of Biological Products. A vaccine could be ready for the market as early as the end of this year or early 2021, according to the May 29 post on Chinese social media platform WeChat. Vaccines from the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products and the Beijing Institute of Biological Products had entered Phase II clinical trials. Both groups are affiliated with state-owned pharmaceutical group Sinopharm, whose management is overseen by SASAC. The Beijing Institute of Biological Products' production line will have an annual manufacturing capacity of 100 million to 120 million doses, according to the article. China has five coronavirus vaccines in human trials. Neither company could be reached for comment on Saturday evening.

Chinese vaccine could be ready by year-end, government body says

The novel coronavirus possibly emerged from a combination of genetic shuffling and evolutionary selection of genes among specific bat and pangolin viruses before it reached humans, a new research has claimed.

A team led by Duke University in North Carolina got the study published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances. Their research showed the virus' entire receptor binding motif (RBM), a component that plays a key role in viral entry into host cells, was introduced through recombination with pangolin coronaviruses.

Understanding the origins of the novel coronavirus -- SARS-CoV-2 -- is critical for deterring future zoonosis, discovering new drugs, and developing a vaccine.

The study joins ongoing efforts to identify the source of the virus that causes COVID-19.

"Proximity of different species in a wet market setting, for example, may increase the potential for cross-species spillover infections, by enabling recombination between more distant coronaviruses and the emergence of mutations," the authors wrote.

They found evidence of strong evolutionary selection around the RBM among the bat, pangolin, and human coronaviruses they studied.

Amino acid sequences from these viruses and SARS-CoV-2 were identical or nearly identical in the regions adjacent to the RBM, suggesting that common evolutionary mechanisms shaped these distinct viral strains.

Together, evolutionary selection and frequent recombination among coronaviruses from bats, pangolins, and humans may have allowed the closely related viruses to readily jump between species, leading to the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 in humans.

This study also makes it clear that reducing or eliminating direct human contact with wild animals is critical to preventing new coronavirus zoonoses in the future.

The novel coronavirus possibly emerged from a combination of genetic shuffling and evolutionary selection of genes among specific bat and pangolin viruses before it reached humans, a new research has claimed.

The novel coronavirus possibly emerged from a combination of genetic shuffling and evolutionary selection of genes among specific bat and pangolin viruses before it reached humans, a new research has claimed. A team led by Duke University in North Carolina got the study published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances. Their research showed the virus' entire receptor binding motif (RBM), a component that plays a key role in viral entry into host cells, was introduced through recombination with pangolin coronaviruses. Understanding the origins of the novel coronavirus -- SARS-CoV-2 -- is critical for deterring future zoonosis, discovering new drugs, and developing a vaccine. The study joins ongoing efforts to identify the source of the virus that causes COVID-19. "Proximity of different species in a wet market setting, for example, may increase the potential for cross-species spillover infections, by enabling recombination between more distant coronaviruses and the emergence of mutations," the authors wrote. They found evidence of strong evolutionary selection around the RBM among the bat, pangolin, and human coronaviruses they studied. Amino acid sequences from these viruses and SARS-CoV-2 were identical or nearly identical in the regions adjacent to the RBM, suggesting that common evolutionary mechanisms shaped these distinct viral strains. Together, evolutionary selection and frequent recombination among coronaviruses from bats, pangolins, and humans may have allowed the closely related viruses to readily jump between species, leading to the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 in humans. This study also makes it clear that reducing or eliminating direct human contact with wild animals is critical to preventing new coronavirus zoonoses in the future.

Novel coronavirus emerged from gene shuffling across bats, pangolin: Study

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Frankfurt airport, India's envoy to Germany Mukta Dutta Tomar highlighted the key role played by Gurudwaras in the country in providing food and support to stranded in Indians. Remember Gurudwaras in countries like Australia, Portugal, Canada, the US have been helping out the stranded Indian nationals.

Mukta Dutta Tomar: We will increase our efforts to get people back to India

COVID-19 doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care about who you are or how famous you might be. Since early March, many big names in the entertainment industry have contracted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/films-that-had-prominent-characters-don-masks-way-before-coronavirus-scare-300400">COVID-19</a>. While many survived, a few lost their fight to the novel virus.

On May 26, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli revealed that he has recovered from COVID-19. The famed singer, who has been completely blind since the age of 12, delivered a lockdown high point on April 12, when he performed at an empty cathedral in Milan for easter.

The 61-year-old tested positive for the coronavirus more than a month before his headline-making concert. His wife and their 8-year-old daughter also contracted the virus in their native Italy. The singer said he didn't reveal that he was sick because he didn't want to alarm his fans, and also wanted to protect his family's privacy. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tom-hanks-donates-plasma-to-help-in-the-fight-against-covid-19-shares-images-on-instagram-301575">Also Read: Tom Hanks donates plasma to help in the fight against Covid-19</a>

Earlier this week, he and his wife donated blood plasma to help scientists develop a vaccine.

On May 11, Emmy-winning actor Tony Shalhoub also announced that he and his wife, actress Brooke Adams, had both fully recovered from coronavirus infection.

"It was a pretty rough few weeks, but we realise that so many other people have and had it a lot worse," he said during&nbsp;an online episode of "At Home Variety Show."&nbsp;

On May 11, pop singer Madonna confirmed that she had the coronavirus infection. The 61-year-old wrote, "When you test positive for anti-bodies it means you had the virus which I clearly did as I was sick at the end of my tour in Paris over 7 weeks ago along with many other artists in my show." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-red-carpets-look-for-coronavirus-makeover-301227">Also Read: Hollywood red carpets look for coronavirus makeover</a>

The singer has made full recovery now and also donated $1.1 million towards the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The entertainment industry has also lost a few much-loved stars to COVID-19 this month. On May 8, magician Roy Horn died of COVID-19 complications.&nbsp;

The magician, who starred &nbsp;alongside Siegfried Fischbacher in a popular long-running Las Vegas act built around rare tigers, died at the age of 75

On May 3, the stranglers' keyboard player Dave Greenfield also passed away after testing positive for COVID-19. An announcement on the veteran British Punk Rock Band's official website said Greenfield had been admitted for heart problems, but he also tested positive for coronavirus.

British rapper Ty, Ben Chijioke, also died from complications due to the novel coronavirus. The Nigerian British artist was only 47. The mercury prize nominee had contracted pneumonia while recovering from the virus.&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

COVID-19 doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care about who you are or how famous you might be. Since early March, many big names in the entertainment industry have contracted COVID-19.

COVID-19 doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care about who you are or how famous you might be. Since early March, many big names in the entertainment industry have contracted COVID-19. While many survived, a few lost their fight to the novel virus. On May 26, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli revealed that he has recovered from COVID-19. The famed singer, who has been completely blind since the age of 12, delivered a lockdown high point on April 12, when he performed at an empty cathedral in Milan for easter. The 61-year-old tested positive for the coronavirus more than a month before his headline-making concert. His wife and their 8-year-old daughter also contracted the virus in their native Italy. The singer said he didn't reveal that he was sick because he didn't want to alarm his fans, and also wanted to protect his family's privacy. Also Read: Tom Hanks donates plasma to help in the fight against Covid-19 Earlier this week, he and his wife donated blood plasma to help scientists develop a vaccine. On May 11, Emmy-winning actor Tony Shalhoub also announced that he and his wife, actress Brooke Adams, had both fully recovered from coronavirus infection. "It was a pretty rough few weeks, but we realise that so many other people have and had it a lot worse," he said during an online episode of "At Home Variety Show." On May 11, pop singer Madonna confirmed that she had the coronavirus infection. The 61-year-old wrote, "When you test positive for anti-bodies it means you had the virus which I clearly did as I was sick at the end of my tour in Paris over 7 weeks ago along with many other artists in my show." Also Read: Hollywood red carpets look for coronavirus makeover The singer has made full recovery now and also donated $1.1 million towards the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. The entertainment industry has also lost a few much-loved stars to COVID-19 this month. On May 8, magician Roy Horn died of COVID-19 complications. The magician, who starred alongside Siegfried Fischbacher in a popular long-running Las Vegas act built around rare tigers, died at the age of 75 On May 3, the stranglers' keyboard player Dave Greenfield also passed away after testing positive for COVID-19. An announcement on the veteran British Punk Rock Band's official website said Greenfield had been admitted for heart problems, but he also tested positive for coronavirus. British rapper Ty, Ben Chijioke, also died from complications due to the novel coronavirus. The Nigerian British artist was only 47. The mercury prize nominee had contracted pneumonia while recovering from the virus.

Celebrities who encountered coronavirus this month

The lack of adequate ventilation in homes and offices increases the risk of airborne spread of the novel coronavirus, according to a study which says preventing such transmission should be the next front of the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the study, published in the City and Environment Interaction journal, the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, like many viruses, is less than 100 microns in size.

However, it said expiratory droplets from people who have coughed or sneezed contain water, salts, and other organic material, along with the virus itself.

The researchers, including those from the University of Surrey in the UK, noted that as the water content from the droplets evaporate, the microscopic matter becomes small and light enough to stay suspended in the air.

Over time, they said, the concentration of the virus can build up, increasing the risk of infection -- particularly if the air is stagnant like in many indoor environments.

"Mechanical ventilation is common in many commercial and public buildings, but it may be ineffective, and may instead create situations that increase the residence time of contaminated air inside a built space," the researchers noted.

In the study, the scientists highlighted the need for improving building ventilation as a possible route to tackling indoor transmission of COVID-19.

They said there is an immediate need for the identification of individuals at high risk of infection and appropriate implementation of targeted measures for places and activities. 
Clear guidelines are required on short-term for situation-specific use of masks, the scientists added.

"An improved indoor ventilation is an important step that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection," said Prashant Kumar, lead author of the study from the University of Surrey.

However, Kumar said, more studies must be conducted to recognise and understand airborne transmission of COVID-19 and similar viruses, to minimise the build-up of virus-laden air in places typically containing high densities of people.

The lack of adequate ventilation in homes and offices increases the risk of airborne spread of the novel coronavirus, according to a study which says preventing such transmission should be the next front of the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lack of adequate ventilation in homes and offices increases the risk of airborne spread of the novel coronavirus, according to a study which says preventing such transmission should be the next front of the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the study, published in the City and Environment Interaction journal, the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, like many viruses, is less than 100 microns in size. However, it said expiratory droplets from people who have coughed or sneezed contain water, salts, and other organic material, along with the virus itself. The researchers, including those from the University of Surrey in the UK, noted that as the water content from the droplets evaporate, the microscopic matter becomes small and light enough to stay suspended in the air. Over time, they said, the concentration of the virus can build up, increasing the risk of infection -- particularly if the air is stagnant like in many indoor environments. "Mechanical ventilation is common in many commercial and public buildings, but it may be ineffective, and may instead create situations that increase the residence time of contaminated air inside a built space," the researchers noted. In the study, the scientists highlighted the need for improving building ventilation as a possible route to tackling indoor transmission of COVID-19. They said there is an immediate need for the identification of individuals at high risk of infection and appropriate implementation of targeted measures for places and activities. Clear guidelines are required on short-term for situation-specific use of masks, the scientists added. "An improved indoor ventilation is an important step that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection," said Prashant Kumar, lead author of the study from the University of Surrey. However, Kumar said, more studies must be conducted to recognise and understand airborne transmission of COVID-19 and similar viruses, to minimise the build-up of virus-laden air in places typically containing high densities of people.

Poor indoor ventilation may increase coronavirus spread: Study

Thirty countries led by Costa Rica and the World Health Organisation launched an initiative on Friday aimed at sharing vaccines, medicines and diagnostic tools to tackle the global coronavirus pandemic.

While the developing nations' push, called the COVID-19 Technology Access Pool, was welcomed by groups including Doctors Without Borders, a drug industry alliance questioned if it would really boost collaboration or broaden access to COVID-19 medicines.

The WHO effort comes amid concerns rich countries pumping resources into finding vaccines - more than 100 are in development - will muscle their way to the front of the queue, once a candidate succeeds.

Switzerland, home of big drugmakers Roche and Novartis, has also raised fears of "vaccine nationalism", saying it wants to ensure fair access.

"Vaccines, tests, diagnostics, treatments and other key tools in the coronavirus response must be made universally available as global public goods," Costa Rica President Carlos Alvarado said, of the voluntary initiative.

The effort, originally proposed in March, aims to provide a one-stop shop for scientific knowledge, data and intellectual property amid a pandemic that has infected more than 5.8 million people and killed some 360,000.

The WHO issued a "Solidarity Call to Action", asking other stakeholders to join the push. 
However, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers &amp; Associations raised concerns about undermining intellectual property protections, which the industry group said enable collaboration and will be needed after the pandemic is over, to prepare health systems for new challenges.

"By urging licences or non-enforcement declarations for COVID-19 treatments and vaccines to be granted on a non-exclusive global basis, the 'Solidarity Call to Action' promotes a one-size-fits all model that disregards the specific circumstances of each situation, each product and each country," the federation said.

Countries to sign up are Argentina, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Indonesia, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Mozambique, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Sudan, the Netherlands, East Timor and Uruguay, the WHO said.

Thirty countries led by Costa Rica and the World Health Organisation launched an initiative on Friday aimed at sharing vaccines, medicines and diagnostic tools to tackle the global coronavirus pandemic.

Thirty countries led by Costa Rica and the World Health Organisation launched an initiative on Friday aimed at sharing vaccines, medicines and diagnostic tools to tackle the global coronavirus pandemic. While the developing nations' push, called the COVID-19 Technology Access Pool, was welcomed by groups including Doctors Without Borders, a drug industry alliance questioned if it would really boost collaboration or broaden access to COVID-19 medicines. The WHO effort comes amid concerns rich countries pumping resources into finding vaccines - more than 100 are in development - will muscle their way to the front of the queue, once a candidate succeeds. Switzerland, home of big drugmakers Roche and Novartis, has also raised fears of "vaccine nationalism", saying it wants to ensure fair access. "Vaccines, tests, diagnostics, treatments and other key tools in the coronavirus response must be made universally available as global public goods," Costa Rica President Carlos Alvarado said, of the voluntary initiative. The effort, originally proposed in March, aims to provide a one-stop shop for scientific knowledge, data and intellectual property amid a pandemic that has infected more than 5.8 million people and killed some 360,000. The WHO issued a "Solidarity Call to Action", asking other stakeholders to join the push. However, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations raised concerns about undermining intellectual property protections, which the industry group said enable collaboration and will be needed after the pandemic is over, to prepare health systems for new challenges. "By urging licences or non-enforcement declarations for COVID-19 treatments and vaccines to be granted on a non-exclusive global basis, the 'Solidarity Call to Action' promotes a one-size-fits all model that disregards the specific circumstances of each situation, each product and each country," the federation said. Countries to sign up are Argentina, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Indonesia, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Mozambique, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Sudan, the Netherlands, East Timor and Uruguay, the WHO said.

Thirty countries launch alliance to share COVID-19 tools

In an effort to revive the coronavirus-hit tourism industry, Japan has proposed 'Go To' travel campaign under which the government will pay a portion of the domestic travel bill of the citizens.

The government will provide subsidies worth up to $185 per day to people going on domestic trips within the country. The proposed campaign will cost japan 1.7 trillion yen or $15.8 billion dollars.

Earlier, a media report said that the campaign would pay half of the tourists’ travel expenses, however, the Japan Tourism Agency has issued a clarification, saying that the initiative will only cover a portion of domestic travel expenses.

Japan's tourism sector, which accounts for 7 per cent of the Japanese economy, has been among the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. 
&nbsp; 
Japan PM Shinzo Abe lifted the state of emergency in the country on Monday after a decline in the number of cases. Although, the country had begun to take off the restrictions since last week but the government decided to make the decision after looking at the cases in Tokyo and northern Hokkaido which were the hardest hit due to the virus.

As the country emerges from the virus and begins economic activity, world's third-largest economy has slipped into a recession for the first time since 2015, with fears of deflation looming over the government. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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In an effort to revive the coronavirus-hit tourism industry, Japan has proposed 'Go To' travel campaign under which the government will pay a portion of the domestic travel bill of the citizens.

In an effort to revive the coronavirus-hit tourism industry, Japan has proposed 'Go To' travel campaign under which the government will pay a portion of the domestic travel bill of the citizens. The government will provide subsidies worth up to $185 per day to people going on domestic trips within the country. The proposed campaign will cost japan 1.7 trillion yen or $15.8 billion dollars. Earlier, a media report said that the campaign would pay half of the tourists’ travel expenses, however, the Japan Tourism Agency has issued a clarification, saying that the initiative will only cover a portion of domestic travel expenses. Japan's tourism sector, which accounts for 7 per cent of the Japanese economy, has been among the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Japan PM Shinzo Abe lifted the state of emergency in the country on Monday after a decline in the number of cases. Although, the country had begun to take off the restrictions since last week but the government decided to make the decision after looking at the cases in Tokyo and northern Hokkaido which were the hardest hit due to the virus. As the country emerges from the virus and begins economic activity, world's third-largest economy has slipped into a recession for the first time since 2015, with fears of deflation looming over the government. (With inputs from agencies) Also watch ×

To revive tourism, Japan plans to subsidise a portion of domestic travel expenses

The United States has seen a spike in harassment of Asian-Americans since the coronavirus pandemic began. It has hence led community activists in the country to fight back -- forming street patrols, rallying on social media, and supporting each other online.

The FBI has warned of a rise in hate crimes against Asian-Americans since the coronavirus pandemic began, according to Reuters.

Asians of varying national backgrounds have suffered a surge of attacks this year, which activists linked to the pandemic's emergence in China. They fear the harassment has worsened in the US election year.

Since March 19, over 1,800 cases of harassment related to the coronavirus pandemic have been reported to Stop AAPI Hate, a website Jeung created with two advocacy groups.

Nine out of 10 victims were targetted because of their race, with 37% of incidents taking place in public areas, the organisation said. Verbal harassment and shunning occurred in over 90% of the cases. Victims were physically assaulted, or coughed or spat on, in some 15% of cases.

To this end, the New York City Commission on Human Rights launched a multilingual campaign to combat COVID-19-related discrimination after it received over 350 such complaints from February 1 to May 15. Of these, 133, or 37%, targetted Asians. That compared with just 11 complaints of discrimination targetted at Asians during the same period in 2019.

In some Chinatowns, volunteer patrols have been formed to protect residents and confront harassers. The Guardian Angels, with patrols in over 130 cities worldwide, are recruiting in US Asian communities for the first time in 41 years. Members include seniors and women, who are often targets of abuse.

The campaigns recall the Pan-Asian US civil rights movement in 1982, when Japan was blamed for the Detroit auto industry's downturn, said Helen Zia, a journalist-activist at the forefront of that wave.

(with inputs from Reuters)

The United States has seen a spike in harassment of Asian-Americans since the coronavirus pandemic began. It has hence led community activists in the country to fight back -- forming street patrols, rallying on social media, and supporting each other online.

The United States has seen a spike in harassment of Asian-Americans since the coronavirus pandemic began. It has hence led community activists in the country to fight back -- forming street patrols, rallying on social media, and supporting each other online. The FBI has warned of a rise in hate crimes against Asian-Americans since the coronavirus pandemic began, according to Reuters. Asians of varying national backgrounds have suffered a surge of attacks this year, which activists linked to the pandemic's emergence in China. They fear the harassment has worsened in the US election year. Since March 19, over 1,800 cases of harassment related to the coronavirus pandemic have been reported to Stop AAPI Hate, a website Jeung created with two advocacy groups. Nine out of 10 victims were targetted because of their race, with 37% of incidents taking place in public areas, the organisation said. Verbal harassment and shunning occurred in over 90% of the cases. Victims were physically assaulted, or coughed or spat on, in some 15% of cases. To this end, the New York City Commission on Human Rights launched a multilingual campaign to combat COVID-19-related discrimination after it received over 350 such complaints from February 1 to May 15. Of these, 133, or 37%, targetted Asians. That compared with just 11 complaints of discrimination targetted at Asians during the same period in 2019. In some Chinatowns, volunteer patrols have been formed to protect residents and confront harassers. The Guardian Angels, with patrols in over 130 cities worldwide, are recruiting in US Asian communities for the first time in 41 years. Members include seniors and women, who are often targets of abuse. The campaigns recall the Pan-Asian US civil rights movement in 1982, when Japan was blamed for the Detroit auto industry's downturn, said Helen Zia, a journalist-activist at the forefront of that wave. (with inputs from Reuters)

US sees Asians being harassed over coronavirus, pushed back on streets, social media

The Centre is likely to retain a limited role and allow states and union territories to take decisions on whether to tighten or give additional relaxations in the nationwide lockdown in their respective jurisdictions from June 1, officials said on Friday.

The central government may, however, advise state authorities to continue with strict curbs in COVID-19 containment zones in the worst-affected 30 municipal areas that account for 80 per cent of the positive cases in the country.

These 30 municipal areas are from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Odisha.

"There is every possibility that the Centre will have very limited role with regards to imposing restrictions or giving relaxations from June 1. The states and UTs will take decisions on such issues depending on the situation locally," a senior government official told PTI.

The central government may continue with the suspension on operation of international flights and political gatherings as well as closure of malls and cinema halls, besides ordering mandatory wearing of face mask by people in public places and maintenance of social distancing norms everywhere.

On reopening of schools or restarting metro train services, the states may be allowed to take a call.

"From now onwards, lockdown measures will be reviewed every fortnight where states will have major say in every decision related to their respective jurisdictions," the official said.

The states may also be allowed to take a decision on allowing religious places, which have been shut since March 25, when the lockdown had begun.

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had recently said that he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him that Karnataka be allowed to reopen temples, mosques, churches and other religious places.

The nationwide lockdown was first announced by the Prime Minister on March 24 for 21 days in a bid to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. It was first extended till May 3 and then again till May 17. The lockdown has been further extended till May 31.

Hectic parleys are still going on in the central government to assess the impact of the lockdown so far and the role to be played by the centre government and the States and Union Territories after the fourth phase of the curb comes to an end on Sunday.

The central government is particularly concerned over the COVID-19 situation in 30 cities, including four metros of Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai, where positive cases are spiralling.

On Thursday, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba had a meeting with municipal commissioners and District Magistrates of 13 of these 30 cities and took stock of their work to check the virus.

The 13 cities are Chennai, Delhi/New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Thane, Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata/Howrah, Indore, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Chengalpattu and Thiruvallur.

To take views of the state governments on the future course of action with regards to the lockdown, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to all Chief Ministers of the country.

During his talks with the chief ministers, Shah sought to know the areas of concern of the states and the sectors they want to open up further from June 1, another official said.

Interestingly, till now, it was Prime Minister Modi who had interacted with all chief ministers through video conference before extension of each phase of the coronavirus-induced lockdown and sought their views.

This was for the first time that the home minister spoke to the chief ministers individually before the end of another phase of the lockdown.

Shah was present in all the conferences of chief ministers along with the prime minister.

It is understood that majority of the chief ministers wanted the lockdown to continue in some form but also favoured opening up of the economic activities and gradual return of the normal life, the official said.

After his talks with Shah, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he felt the lockdown may be extended for 15 more days.

"However, we want some more relaxations like opening of restaurants with social distancing at 50 per cent capacity," he said.

The central government is also taking into account the rapid increase of coronavirus cases in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam and Karnataka after arrival of migrant workers and other people from big cities or virus-hit regions.

"Some states want curb on travel of people from outside. However, such blanket decisions are not acceptable to everyone," the official said.

The Karnataka government on Thursday decided to suspend air travel from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, saying a large number of people arriving from these states have tested positive for COVID-19.

While extending the fourth phase of the lockdown from May 18 till May 31, the central government had announced continuation of prohibition on opening of schools, colleges and malls but allowed opening of shops and markets.

The government, however, allowed limited operations of train and domestic flights. The Indian Railways is also running special trains since May 1 for transportation of migrant workers from different parts of the country to their native states.

The number of COVID-19 cases in India has climbed to 1,65,799 on Friday, making it the world's ninth worst-hit country by the coronavirus pandemic. The Health Ministry said the death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 4,706 in the country.&nbsp;

The Centre is likely to retain a limited role and allow states and union territories to take decisions on whether to tighten or give additional relaxations in the nationwide lockdown in their respective jurisdictions from June 1, officials said on Friday.

The Centre is likely to retain a limited role and allow states and union territories to take decisions on whether to tighten or give additional relaxations in the nationwide lockdown in their respective jurisdictions from June 1, officials said on Friday. The central government may, however, advise state authorities to continue with strict curbs in COVID-19 containment zones in the worst-affected 30 municipal areas that account for 80 per cent of the positive cases in the country. These 30 municipal areas are from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Odisha. "There is every possibility that the Centre will have very limited role with regards to imposing restrictions or giving relaxations from June 1. The states and UTs will take decisions on such issues depending on the situation locally," a senior government official told PTI. The central government may continue with the suspension on operation of international flights and political gatherings as well as closure of malls and cinema halls, besides ordering mandatory wearing of face mask by people in public places and maintenance of social distancing norms everywhere. On reopening of schools or restarting metro train services, the states may be allowed to take a call. "From now onwards, lockdown measures will be reviewed every fortnight where states will have major say in every decision related to their respective jurisdictions," the official said. The states may also be allowed to take a decision on allowing religious places, which have been shut since March 25, when the lockdown had begun. Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had recently said that he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him that Karnataka be allowed to reopen temples, mosques, churches and other religious places. The nationwide lockdown was first announced by the Prime Minister on March 24 for 21 days in a bid to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. It was first extended till May 3 and then again till May 17. The lockdown has been further extended till May 31. Hectic parleys are still going on in the central government to assess the impact of the lockdown so far and the role to be played by the centre government and the States and Union Territories after the fourth phase of the curb comes to an end on Sunday. The central government is particularly concerned over the COVID-19 situation in 30 cities, including four metros of Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai, where positive cases are spiralling. On Thursday, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba had a meeting with municipal commissioners and District Magistrates of 13 of these 30 cities and took stock of their work to check the virus. The 13 cities are Chennai, Delhi/New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Thane, Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata/Howrah, Indore, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Chengalpattu and Thiruvallur. To take views of the state governments on the future course of action with regards to the lockdown, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to all Chief Ministers of the country. During his talks with the chief ministers, Shah sought to know the areas of concern of the states and the sectors they want to open up further from June 1, another official said. Interestingly, till now, it was Prime Minister Modi who had interacted with all chief ministers through video conference before extension of each phase of the coronavirus-induced lockdown and sought their views. This was for the first time that the home minister spoke to the chief ministers individually before the end of another phase of the lockdown. Shah was present in all the conferences of chief ministers along with the prime minister. It is understood that majority of the chief ministers wanted the lockdown to continue in some form but also favoured opening up of the economic activities and gradual return of the normal life, the official said. After his talks with Shah, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he felt the lockdown may be extended for 15 more days. "However, we want some more relaxations like opening of restaurants with social distancing at 50 per cent capacity," he said. The central government is also taking into account the rapid increase of coronavirus cases in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam and Karnataka after arrival of migrant workers and other people from big cities or virus-hit regions. "Some states want curb on travel of people from outside. However, such blanket decisions are not acceptable to everyone," the official said. The Karnataka government on Thursday decided to suspend air travel from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, saying a large number of people arriving from these states have tested positive for COVID-19. While extending the fourth phase of the lockdown from May 18 till May 31, the central government had announced continuation of prohibition on opening of schools, colleges and malls but allowed opening of shops and markets. The government, however, allowed limited operations of train and domestic flights. The Indian Railways is also running special trains since May 1 for transportation of migrant workers from different parts of the country to their native states. The number of COVID-19 cases in India has climbed to 1,65,799 on Friday, making it the world's ninth worst-hit country by the coronavirus pandemic. The Health Ministry said the death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 4,706 in the country.

Centre likely to retain limited role and allow states have more say after Lockdown 4.0

Pakistan is set to allow international flights to resume, after largely closing its airspace to commercial flights since March to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

"Both national and foreign airlines shall be allowed to operate from all international airports of Pakistan with exception of Gwadar and Turbat," said Abdul Sattar Khokhar, Senior Joint Secretary at the Civil Aviation Authority in a statement.

The flights will be allowed from Saturday.

Pakistan has rolled back its lockdown measures in a phased manner. It resumed domestic flights this month despite a rise in the rate of coronavirus infections.

Pakistan is set to allow international flights to resume, after largely closing its airspace to commercial flights since March to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Pakistan is set to allow international flights to resume, after largely closing its airspace to commercial flights since March to curb the spread of the coronavirus. "Both national and foreign airlines shall be allowed to operate from all international airports of Pakistan with exception of Gwadar and Turbat," said Abdul Sattar Khokhar, Senior Joint Secretary at the Civil Aviation Authority in a statement. The flights will be allowed from Saturday. Pakistan has rolled back its lockdown measures in a phased manner. It resumed domestic flights this month despite a rise in the rate of coronavirus infections.

Pakistan to resume international flight operations on Saturday

Over 170 Indians stranded in Sri Lanka due to the global travel restrictions left for their homes on Friday aboard a special Air India flight.

The Indian High Commission said the flight AI 0276, carrying 176 Indians under the 'Vande Bharat Mission', took off from Colombo for Mumbai, Bhubaneswar and Kolkata.

Apart from the flight, Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa will make a voyage to Tuticorin from Colombo Port on Monday to repatriate nearly 700 Indians stranded in the country amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Arrangements were being made in coordination with the government of Sri Lanka. The voyage will be under Samudra Setu, the naval repatriation exercises under Vande Bharat Mission.

Based on the applications received by the Indian High Commission, a passenger list has been prepared for the voyage, officials said.

Priority is being given to compelling cases in distress, including migrant workers who have been lost their jobs, persons facing expiry of visa, medical emergencies, pregnant women, elderly people, people required to return home due to death in the family, and students, the Ministry of Home Affairs has said.

Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay recalled the Indian government's assistance in helping over 1,000 Sri Lankans return home. He said India is committed to rendering all possible assistance to bring back Sri Lankan nationals.

Over 170 Indians stranded in Sri Lanka due to the global travel restrictions left for their homes on Friday aboard a special Air India flight. The Indian High Commission said the flight AI 0276, carrying 176 Indians under the 'Vande Bharat Mission', took off from Colombo for Mumbai, Bhubaneswar and Kolkata.

Over 170 Indians stranded in Sri Lanka due to the global travel restrictions left for their homes on Friday aboard a special Air India flight. The Indian High Commission said the flight AI 0276, carrying 176 Indians under the 'Vande Bharat Mission', took off from Colombo for Mumbai, Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. Apart from the flight, Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa will make a voyage to Tuticorin from Colombo Port on Monday to repatriate nearly 700 Indians stranded in the country amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Arrangements were being made in coordination with the government of Sri Lanka. The voyage will be under Samudra Setu, the naval repatriation exercises under Vande Bharat Mission. Based on the applications received by the Indian High Commission, a passenger list has been prepared for the voyage, officials said. Priority is being given to compelling cases in distress, including migrant workers who have been lost their jobs, persons facing expiry of visa, medical emergencies, pregnant women, elderly people, people required to return home due to death in the family, and students, the Ministry of Home Affairs has said. Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay recalled the Indian government's assistance in helping over 1,000 Sri Lankans return home. He said India is committed to rendering all possible assistance to bring back Sri Lankan nationals.

COVID-19: 176 Indians evacuated from Sri Lanka

Chilean authorities are calling on young people to respect the measures imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and say that over 50% of coronavirus cases are people under 40-years-old.

Chilean youth flaunting guidelines pose coronavirus risk

South Africa says it has a backlog of nearly 100,000 unprocessed tests for the novel coronavirus.

A health ministry statement overnight put the backlog as of Monday at 96,480. It said this challenge was caused by the limited availability of test kits globally.

In South Africa, hence, priority is being given to processing tests from patients admitted to hospitals and health workers.&nbsp;

South Africa has conducted more tests for the virus than any other country in Africa - more than 655,000 - and has more confirmed cases than any other country on the continent with 27,403.

Meanwhile, South Africa is set to allow most economic sectors including mining and manufacturing to fully resume operations from next month as the country further eases coronavirus lockdown regulations.

South Africa has reported 25,937 cases of the novel coronavirus, with 552 deaths.

(with inputs from agencies)

South Africa says it has a backlog of nearly 100,000 unprocessed tests for the novel coronavirus. A health ministry statement overnight put the backlog as of Monday at 96,480.

South Africa says it has a backlog of nearly 100,000 unprocessed tests for the novel coronavirus. A health ministry statement overnight put the backlog as of Monday at 96,480. It said this challenge was caused by the limited availability of test kits globally. In South Africa, hence, priority is being given to processing tests from patients admitted to hospitals and health workers. South Africa has conducted more tests for the virus than any other country in Africa - more than 655,000 - and has more confirmed cases than any other country on the continent with 27,403. Meanwhile, South Africa is set to allow most economic sectors including mining and manufacturing to fully resume operations from next month as the country further eases coronavirus lockdown regulations. South Africa has reported 25,937 cases of the novel coronavirus, with 552 deaths. (with inputs from agencies)

South Africa has a backlog of nearly 100,000 coronavirus tests

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