A CISF official in Kolkata died of coronavirus, taking the death toll due to the disease in the paramilitary forces to six with 18 fresh cases being reported on Tuesday, officials said.

The total active COVID-19 cases in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), with the latest additions and as per data accessed by PTI, stands at 779 now.

CISF Assistant Sub Inspector Jharu Burman, 55, posted at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSEL) security unit in Kolkata, died of coronavirus on Monday, a senior official of the force said.

The GRSEL is a strategically important warship building facility on the banks of the Hooghly river that caters to the combat requirements of the Navy and the Coast Guard.

The CISF was deployed here in 2016 for proving an anti-terror cover to the facility.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Burman was under treatment at a Kolkata hospital since he tested positive for the disease on May 5, he said.

The official was a resident of Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal.

Earlier, a Central Industrial Security Force ASI posted at the Indian Museum in Kolkata and a head constable-rank official posted to guard the Mumbai international airport had died of COVID-19.

This is the sixth death due to COVID-19 in the CAPFs or paramilitary forces, under the command of the Union home ministry, with two casualties in the Border Security Force and one in the Central Reserve Police Force.

The CISF, with about 1.62 lakh personnel, also saw five new cases of the disease over the last 24 hours, all of them in a unit that guards the Delhi Metro.

The maximum of COVID-19 cases in the CISF, at 28, are contingent that guards the Mumbai international airport, followed by 24 in the Delhi Metro security unit. The force has 68 active cases now.

The BSF, which has the maximum positive cases among the CAPFs, saw nine fresh cases since Monday.

It has a total of 288 active coronavirus cases now apart from one trooper who has recovered from the infection.

The country's largest paramilitary, the about 3.25 lakh personnel strength Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), saw two fresh cases from its units based in Delhi, taking the active number of cases in its establishment to 243.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which guards the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control with China, saw two fresh cases, taking the number of its active COVID-19 cases to 159.

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the 80,000 personnel strong force guarding Nepal and Bhutan borders, reported no fresh case on Tuesday and its active cases are 21 at present.

A CISF official in Kolkata died of coronavirus, taking the death toll due to the disease in the paramilitary forces to six with 18 fresh cases being reported on Tuesday, officials said.

A CISF official in Kolkata died of coronavirus, taking the death toll due to the disease in the paramilitary forces to six with 18 fresh cases being reported on Tuesday, officials said. The total active COVID-19 cases in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), with the latest additions and as per data accessed by PTI, stands at 779 now. CISF Assistant Sub Inspector Jharu Burman, 55, posted at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSEL) security unit in Kolkata, died of coronavirus on Monday, a senior official of the force said. The GRSEL is a strategically important warship building facility on the banks of the Hooghly river that caters to the combat requirements of the Navy and the Coast Guard. The CISF was deployed here in 2016 for proving an anti-terror cover to the facility. Assistant Sub-Inspector Burman was under treatment at a Kolkata hospital since he tested positive for the disease on May 5, he said. The official was a resident of Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal. Earlier, a Central Industrial Security Force ASI posted at the Indian Museum in Kolkata and a head constable-rank official posted to guard the Mumbai international airport had died of COVID-19. This is the sixth death due to COVID-19 in the CAPFs or paramilitary forces, under the command of the Union home ministry, with two casualties in the Border Security Force and one in the Central Reserve Police Force. The CISF, with about 1.62 lakh personnel, also saw five new cases of the disease over the last 24 hours, all of them in a unit that guards the Delhi Metro. The maximum of COVID-19 cases in the CISF, at 28, are contingent that guards the Mumbai international airport, followed by 24 in the Delhi Metro security unit. The force has 68 active cases now. The BSF, which has the maximum positive cases among the CAPFs, saw nine fresh cases since Monday. It has a total of 288 active coronavirus cases now apart from one trooper who has recovered from the infection. The country's largest paramilitary, the about 3.25 lakh personnel strength Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), saw two fresh cases from its units based in Delhi, taking the active number of cases in its establishment to 243. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which guards the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control with China, saw two fresh cases, taking the number of its active COVID-19 cases to 159. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the 80,000 personnel strong force guarding Nepal and Bhutan borders, reported no fresh case on Tuesday and its active cases are 21 at present.

CISF official dies of COVID-19 in Kolkata; CAPFs cases over 770

Skies in the national capital have been showing an unprecedented -- yet fantastic -- side-effect amid the nationwide coronavirus-enforced lockdown. They have turned blue and, perhaps, breathable.

The nationwide lockdown has&nbsp;enforced restrictions and self-quarantine measures, which reduced emissions from transportation and industries. To this end, the latest air quality index (AQI) says Delhi has shown 49 per cent reduction in pollution.

The capital city has witnessed 87.9 per cent decline in nitrogen oxide, whose main contributor is transport. Due to the lockdown, a study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi stated, "Delhi observed the maximum reduction of 49 per cent in AQI. This reduction in AQI was also associated with a change in dominant pollutants in many cities."

AQI captures various air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and so on.

According to the study, the country has witnessed 43, 31, 10, and 18 per cent decreases in PM 2.5, PM 10, CO, and NO2 levels during the lockdown period compared to previous years.&nbsp;

In Delhi, the country's most polluted city, transport contributes 41 per cent to pollution, industry 18.61 per cent, power 4.92 per cent and residential emissions 2.96 per cent.

A slight increase in sulphur dioxide concentrations was, however, observed during this period compared to the previous year. Ozone also increased by 10 per cent as compared to the last three years.

Additionally, according to the Central government's System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, all sources of pollution have decreased during the lockdown, other than bio-fuel emissions.

Also, India's carbon dioxide emissions have also fallen for the first time in four decades, according to a study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

Skies in the national capital have been showing an unprecedented -- yet fantastic -- side-effect amid the nationwide coronavirus-enforced lockdown. They have turned blue and, perhaps, breathable.

Skies in the national capital have been showing an unprecedented -- yet fantastic -- side-effect amid the nationwide coronavirus-enforced lockdown. They have turned blue and, perhaps, breathable. The nationwide lockdown has enforced restrictions and self-quarantine measures, which reduced emissions from transportation and industries. To this end, the latest air quality index (AQI) says Delhi has shown 49 per cent reduction in pollution. The capital city has witnessed 87.9 per cent decline in nitrogen oxide, whose main contributor is transport. Due to the lockdown, a study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi stated, "Delhi observed the maximum reduction of 49 per cent in AQI. This reduction in AQI was also associated with a change in dominant pollutants in many cities." AQI captures various air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and so on. According to the study, the country has witnessed 43, 31, 10, and 18 per cent decreases in PM 2.5, PM 10, CO, and NO2 levels during the lockdown period compared to previous years. In Delhi, the country's most polluted city, transport contributes 41 per cent to pollution, industry 18.61 per cent, power 4.92 per cent and residential emissions 2.96 per cent. A slight increase in sulphur dioxide concentrations was, however, observed during this period compared to the previous year. Ozone also increased by 10 per cent as compared to the last three years. Additionally, according to the Central government's System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, all sources of pollution have decreased during the lockdown, other than bio-fuel emissions. Also, India's carbon dioxide emissions have also fallen for the first time in four decades, according to a study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

Delhi's air pollution drops by 49% owing to coronavirus-induced lockdown

The Cannes Film Festival will not take place in May as planned due to the spread of the coronavirus, organizers said on Thursday (March 19), adding several options were being considered including postponing the festival until the end of June.

Cannes Film Festival won't take place in May due to coronavirus, organizers say

A Swedish couple has opened a "COVID-19-safe" restaurant in a meadow with one chair and one table and on Sunday (May 10) the "Table for One" pop-up restaurant welcomed its first guest.

COVID-19-safe pop-up restaurant opens in meadow with one chair, one table

Malaysia has detained 1,368 undocumented migrants in an area under coronavirus-enforced lockdown in a raid.

People from Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh were rounded up in an area near a large market just outside the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, the Immigration Department said in a statement on Tuesday.

The raid happened despite fears the crackdown could push vulnerable people into hiding and increase the risk of coronavirus infection in overcrowded detention centres. Also, last week, the United Nations had urged Malaysia to avoid detaining migrants and release all children and their caregivers, warning that packed detention centres heightened infection risks.

The raid on Monday included 261 women and 98 children. The migrants' offences included lacking proper identification, overstaying, and holding false papers.

The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) said many of those arrested on Monday were asylum-seekers not formally registered by the United Nations' refugee agency UNHCR.

With 6,742 cases and 109 deaths, Malaysia eased movement curbs earlier this month but has kept tight restrictions on several areas where there have been new outbreaks of the novel coronavirus.

Around the world, migrants have been particularly vulnerable during the pandemic. In neighbouring Singapore, thousands of infections have been linked to migrant worker dormitories.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-to-test-all-migrant-workers-living-in-dormitories-for-coronavirus-298218">Also read |&nbsp;Singapore to test all migrant workers living in dormitories for coronavirus</a>

Malaysia has detained 1,368 undocumented migrants in an area under coronavirus-enforced lockdown in a raid. People from Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh were rounded up in an area near a large market just outside the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, the Immigration Department said in a statement on Tuesday.

Malaysia has detained 1,368 undocumented migrants in an area under coronavirus-enforced lockdown in a raid. People from Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh were rounded up in an area near a large market just outside the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, the Immigration Department said in a statement on Tuesday. The raid happened despite fears the crackdown could push vulnerable people into hiding and increase the risk of coronavirus infection in overcrowded detention centres. Also, last week, the United Nations had urged Malaysia to avoid detaining migrants and release all children and their caregivers, warning that packed detention centres heightened infection risks. The raid on Monday included 261 women and 98 children. The migrants' offences included lacking proper identification, overstaying, and holding false papers. The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) said many of those arrested on Monday were asylum-seekers not formally registered by the United Nations' refugee agency UNHCR. With 6,742 cases and 109 deaths, Malaysia eased movement curbs earlier this month but has kept tight restrictions on several areas where there have been new outbreaks of the novel coronavirus. Around the world, migrants have been particularly vulnerable during the pandemic. In neighbouring Singapore, thousands of infections have been linked to migrant worker dormitories. Also read | Singapore to test all migrant workers living in dormitories for coronavirus

Malaysia detains over 1,000 migrants in latest lockdown raid

Crowds of people flocked to a restaurant in Castel Rock, Colorado after it reopened for Mother's Day on Sunday (May 10), defying social distancing rules that were put in place to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Crowds pack Colorado restaurant defying coronavirus restrictions

Pakistan has reduced the quarantine period before testing for inbound air passengers from 48 hours to the earliest possible in an effort to bring back more citizens stranded abroad amidst the coronavirus-induced travel restrictions.

Following Prime Minister Imran Khan's directive to bring stranded citizens back home, the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), in coordination with the provinces and health professionals, reduced the quarantine period before testing for inbound air passengers from 48 hours to earliest possible, Dawn reported.

According to the paper, passengers will be transported to quarantine centres and will stay there until the return of tests results, after which they may be quarantined or instructed to self-isolate at home as per the provincial health authorities' directions.

This strategy will allow to raise the weekly cap for inbound passengers from 7,000-8,000 to 11,000-12,000 under the current policy, it said.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr Moeed Yusuf announced the new policy during on Monday and said the authorities were working day and night to resolve problems of stranded Pakistanis.

Inbound passengers will be allowed a preference between two modes of quarantine, free of cost government quarantine centers or paid government regulated hotels/facilities, he said.

Testing will be conducted as soon as possible after arrival at a quarantine facility. The passengers with negative results to be sent home with guidelines on home isolation for completion of 14-day period, it said, adding that symptomatic patients will be treated as per prescribed health protocols.

Positive cases will not be returned to home province until completion of quarantine period. 
The total number of passengers planned from May 11 to 21 is approximately 11,000, with stranded passengers being repatriated from at least 22 countries. Countries from which majority flights are incoming are the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the US and Oman.

"We have been able to repatriate about 23,000 Pakistanis so far, with a total of about 100,000 Pakistanis still registered as stranded across the globe," Yusuf said.

On Monday, a Pakistan International Airl?ines (PIA) special flight carrying 179 passengers arrived at Islamabad International Airport from Washington after US granted permission to operate chartered flights for repatriation of stranded Pakistanis from America.

All passengers and crew members were subjected to thermal scanning test by the health authorities. However, no suspected case of coronavirus was detected.

The United States Department of Transportation has granted permission to PIA to operate 12 round-trip or one-way chartered flights to evacuate citizens stranded in both countries.

A hospital in St. Petersburg will stop using the Aventa-M model of lung ventilators until the investigation into a fire that killed five coronavirus patients there is complete, the TASS news agency reported on Tuesday.

Russian authorities said they would look into the safety of artificial lung ventilators used to treat patients suffering from the coronavirus after a second hospital fire in less than a week.

Pakistan has reduced the quarantine period before testing for inbound air passengers from 48 hours to the earliest possible in an effort to bring back more citizens stranded abroad amidst the coronavirus-induced travel restrictions.

Pakistan has reduced the quarantine period before testing for inbound air passengers from 48 hours to the earliest possible in an effort to bring back more citizens stranded abroad amidst the coronavirus-induced travel restrictions. Following Prime Minister Imran Khan's directive to bring stranded citizens back home, the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), in coordination with the provinces and health professionals, reduced the quarantine period before testing for inbound air passengers from 48 hours to earliest possible, Dawn reported. According to the paper, passengers will be transported to quarantine centres and will stay there until the return of tests results, after which they may be quarantined or instructed to self-isolate at home as per the provincial health authorities' directions. This strategy will allow to raise the weekly cap for inbound passengers from 7,000-8,000 to 11,000-12,000 under the current policy, it said. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr Moeed Yusuf announced the new policy during on Monday and said the authorities were working day and night to resolve problems of stranded Pakistanis. Inbound passengers will be allowed a preference between two modes of quarantine, free of cost government quarantine centers or paid government regulated hotels/facilities, he said. Testing will be conducted as soon as possible after arrival at a quarantine facility. The passengers with negative results to be sent home with guidelines on home isolation for completion of 14-day period, it said, adding that symptomatic patients will be treated as per prescribed health protocols. Positive cases will not be returned to home province until completion of quarantine period. The total number of passengers planned from May 11 to 21 is approximately 11,000, with stranded passengers being repatriated from at least 22 countries. Countries from which majority flights are incoming are the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the US and Oman. "We have been able to repatriate about 23,000 Pakistanis so far, with a total of about 100,000 Pakistanis still registered as stranded across the globe," Yusuf said. On Monday, a Pakistan International Airl?ines (PIA) special flight carrying 179 passengers arrived at Islamabad International Airport from Washington after US granted permission to operate chartered flights for repatriation of stranded Pakistanis from America. All passengers and crew members were subjected to thermal scanning test by the health authorities. However, no suspected case of coronavirus was detected. The United States Department of Transportation has granted permission to PIA to operate 12 round-trip or one-way chartered flights to evacuate citizens stranded in both countries. A hospital in St. Petersburg will stop using the Aventa-M model of lung ventilators until the investigation into a fire that killed five coronavirus patients there is complete, the TASS news agency reported on Tuesday. Russian authorities said they would look into the safety of artificial lung ventilators used to treat patients suffering from the coronavirus after a second hospital fire in less than a week.

Pakistan reduces quarantine period for inbound air passengers

Dubai's 828-metre Burj Khalifa has been turned into a glowing charity donation box, raising money for food for United Arab Emirates residents suffering the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The UAE has so far recorded 19,661 coronavirus cases and 203 deaths, the second highest death toll after Saudi Arabia of the six Gulf states. Dubai's economy has been hit hard by the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Many people have lost jobs or had incomes reduced.

To this end, each of the world's tallest building's 1.2 million external lights was 'sold' for 10 dirhams ($2.70), enough to buy one meal. As donations came in, the tower 'filled up', and people could also bid to claim the light at the very top.

The donation box has raised funds for more than 1.2 million meals so far.

The fundraising drive is part of a campaign to fund 10 million meals for low-income families during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan by MBRGI, patronised by Dubai's ruler and UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Dubai's 828-metre Burj Khalifa has been turned into a glowing charity donation box, raising money for food for United Arab Emirates residents suffering the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Dubai's 828-metre Burj Khalifa has been turned into a glowing charity donation box, raising money for food for United Arab Emirates residents suffering the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The UAE has so far recorded 19,661 coronavirus cases and 203 deaths, the second highest death toll after Saudi Arabia of the six Gulf states. Dubai's economy has been hit hard by the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Many people have lost jobs or had incomes reduced. To this end, each of the world's tallest building's 1.2 million external lights was 'sold' for 10 dirhams ($2.70), enough to buy one meal. As donations came in, the tower 'filled up', and people could also bid to claim the light at the very top. The donation box has raised funds for more than 1.2 million meals so far. The fundraising drive is part of a campaign to fund 10 million meals for low-income families during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan by MBRGI, patronised by Dubai's ruler and UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. (with inputs from Reuters)

Dubai turns 828-metre Burj Khalifa into coronavirus charity box

Singapore has planned to test all 3,23,000 migrant workers living in cramped dormitories for coronavirus.

The dorms have become a hotbed for coronavirus in the tiny city-state.

The island's tally of 24,671 infections is one of Asia's highest, and a vast majority of these cases is made up by migrant workers squeezed into often unsanitary dormitories on the nation's fringes.

Infections in the dormitories had earlier stabilised with the daily average having fallen to about 700 in the past week from more than 1,000 in late April.

Some businesses, such as hairdressers, laundry services and pet suppliers, re-opened on Tuesday in the city-state, but most workplaces and schools remain closed under Singapore's virus measures due to run until June 1.

Singapore has planned to test all 3,23,000 migrant workers living in cramped dormitories for coronavirus. The dorms have become a hotbed for coronavirus in the tiny city-state.

Singapore has planned to test all 3,23,000 migrant workers living in cramped dormitories for coronavirus. The dorms have become a hotbed for coronavirus in the tiny city-state. The island's tally of 24,671 infections is one of Asia's highest, and a vast majority of these cases is made up by migrant workers squeezed into often unsanitary dormitories on the nation's fringes. Infections in the dormitories had earlier stabilised with the daily average having fallen to about 700 in the past week from more than 1,000 in late April. Some businesses, such as hairdressers, laundry services and pet suppliers, re-opened on Tuesday in the city-state, but most workplaces and schools remain closed under Singapore's virus measures due to run until June 1.

Singapore to test all migrant workers living in dormitories for coronavirus

Two recovered coronavirus patients at the King George's Medical University in Lucknow have donated their plasma to treat severally-ill cases of COVID-19.

Faizan and Javed donated their plasma late on Monday night after 'iftaar'. Faizan's plasma is AB positive while that of Javed is A positive, Dr Tulika Chandra, Head of Department of Transfusion Medicine, KGMU told PTI.

With this, five corona warriors have so far donated their plasma to the KGMU.

The three other donors include KGMU's resident doctor Tauseef Khan, a woman doctor from Canada and another patient, who recovered from the disease.

On April 27, a 58-year-old doctor from Orai in Jalaun district became the first recipient of plasma therapy and the donor was the woman doctor from Canada, the first COVID-19 patient admitted to KGMU.

However, the doctor from Orai died on May 9 following a heart attack. Convalescent Plasma Therapy is an experimental procedure for treating COVID-19 patients.

In this treatment, plasma, a blood component, from a cured patient is transfused to a critically ill coronavirus patient.

The blood of a person who has recovered from COVID-19 develops antibodies to fight the virus.

This therapy uses the antibodies from the blood of a cured patient to treat another critical patient.

Two recovered coronavirus patients at the King George's Medical University in Lucknow have donated their plasma to treat severally-ill cases of COVID-19. Faizan and Javed donated their plasma late on Monday night after 'iftaar'.

Two recovered coronavirus patients at the King George's Medical University in Lucknow have donated their plasma to treat severally-ill cases of COVID-19. Faizan and Javed donated their plasma late on Monday night after 'iftaar'. Faizan's plasma is AB positive while that of Javed is A positive, Dr Tulika Chandra, Head of Department of Transfusion Medicine, KGMU told PTI. With this, five corona warriors have so far donated their plasma to the KGMU. The three other donors include KGMU's resident doctor Tauseef Khan, a woman doctor from Canada and another patient, who recovered from the disease. On April 27, a 58-year-old doctor from Orai in Jalaun district became the first recipient of plasma therapy and the donor was the woman doctor from Canada, the first COVID-19 patient admitted to KGMU. However, the doctor from Orai died on May 9 following a heart attack. Convalescent Plasma Therapy is an experimental procedure for treating COVID-19 patients. In this treatment, plasma, a blood component, from a cured patient is transfused to a critically ill coronavirus patient. The blood of a person who has recovered from COVID-19 develops antibodies to fight the virus. This therapy uses the antibodies from the blood of a cured patient to treat another critical patient.

Two recovered COVID-19 patients donate plasma in Lucknow

"The Pantry of Sharing" help those in need, with small pantry cabinets in community areas constantly filled with food and necessity items - all up for grabs. As the supplies were picked up, more local residents drop by to fill it up with food, bottled drinks, rice grain, soap bars, and tissue rolls.

Growing like mushrooms: free food pantries help feed coronavirus-hit Thais

Children, teens, and young adults are at greater risk for severe complications from COVID-19 than previously thought and expected, according to a study.

According to the study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, children are more likely to get very sick if they have other chronic conditions like obesity.

It is also important to note that children without chronic illness are also at risk.

The study is the first to describe the characteristics of seriously ill pediatric COVID-19 patients in North America. In the research, the scientists assessed 48 children and young adults -- from newborns to 21 years old -- who were admitted to pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in the US and Canada for COVID-19 in March and April.

The study noted that more than 80 per cent of the children had chronic underlying conditions, such as immune suppression, obesity, diabetes, seizures, or chronic lung disease.

Of these children, 40 per cent depended on technological support due to developmental&nbsp; 
delays or genetic anomalies, the researchers said.

More than 20 per cent experienced failure of two or more organ systems due to COVID-19, they said, adding that nearly 40 per cent required a breathing tube and ventilator. 
At the end of the follow-up period, about 33 percent of the children were still hospitalised due to COVID-19, the scientists reported in the study.

Three of the children still required ventilator support and one of them was still on life support.

The study also noted that two of the children admitted during the three-week study period died.

Compared with mortality rates of up to 62 per cent among adults admitted to ICUs for&nbsp; 
The mortality rate for PICU patients is 4.2 per cent.

(with inputs)

Children, teens, and young adults are at greater risk for severe complications from COVID-19 than previously thought and expected, according to a study. According to the study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, children are more likely to get very sick if they have other chronic conditions like obesity.

Children, teens, and young adults are at greater risk for severe complications from COVID-19 than previously thought and expected, according to a study. According to the study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, children are more likely to get very sick if they have other chronic conditions like obesity. It is also important to note that children without chronic illness are also at risk. The study is the first to describe the characteristics of seriously ill pediatric COVID-19 patients in North America. In the research, the scientists assessed 48 children and young adults -- from newborns to 21 years old -- who were admitted to pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in the US and Canada for COVID-19 in March and April. The study noted that more than 80 per cent of the children had chronic underlying conditions, such as immune suppression, obesity, diabetes, seizures, or chronic lung disease. Of these children, 40 per cent depended on technological support due to developmental delays or genetic anomalies, the researchers said. More than 20 per cent experienced failure of two or more organ systems due to COVID-19, they said, adding that nearly 40 per cent required a breathing tube and ventilator. At the end of the follow-up period, about 33 percent of the children were still hospitalised due to COVID-19, the scientists reported in the study. Three of the children still required ventilator support and one of them was still on life support. The study also noted that two of the children admitted during the three-week study period died. Compared with mortality rates of up to 62 per cent among adults admitted to ICUs for The mortality rate for PICU patients is 4.2 per cent. (with inputs)

Children face greater risk from coronavirus than previously expected, says study

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned that a mass vaccine for the novel coronavirus may be over a year away and, in the worst-case scenario, may in fact never be found.

In his foreword to the government's new 50-page guidance on a step by step easing of the lockdown measures in place to control the spread of the deadly virus, the UK prime minister lays out plans for businesses to gradually start reopening with "COVID-19 Secure" measures of social distancing and for the public to use "good solid British common sense" as the economy is unlocked.

"A mass vaccine or treatment may be more than a year away," said Johnson, highlighting the work being done in the UK by scientists at Oxford University and Imperial College London towards this mission.

"Indeed, in a worst-case scenario, we may never find a vaccine. So our plan must countenance a situation where we are in this, together, for the long haul, even while doing all we can to avoid that outcome," he said.

Admitting that a vaccine or drug-based treatment is the only "feasible long-term solution", he said the UK has accelerated this with "promising" vaccine development programmes and a collaboration between Oxford University and pharma major AstraZeneca was a vital step that could help rapidly advance the manufacture of a COVID-19 vaccine when it is ready.

As part of global efforts, he flagged the 388 million pound in aid funding for research into vaccines, tests and treatment, including 250 million to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

"But while we hope for a breakthrough, hope is not a plan," he said, as he unveiled his plan for starting to lift lockdown restrictions from this week in phases.

Following a televised address to the nation on Sunday night and a statement in Parliament on Monday, the guidance comes into effect in public life across England from Wednesday when people will be allowed one-to-one contact with people other than those they live with, as long as they remain outside and two metres apart.

They are allowed to play sport with a friend or family member from outside their household or socialise with them in the open air for the first time in more than six weeks since the lockdown was imposed.

People are still advised to work from home where possible but start heading into work where necessary, in sectors such as construction and manufacturing, keeping the social distancing norms in place.

Under the step by step plan, by the start of next month non-essential shops will also reopen, with some hairdressers, pubs and cinemas to follow from July. However, as part of a COVID-19 Alert System, if infection rates are seen to be rising again, restrictions would be tightened "possibly at short notice".

Fines for breaching the new rules will also be increased to 100 pound and will double for each repeat offence, up to a maximum of 3,200 pound.

Johnson said: "I must ask the country to be patient with a continued disruption to our normal way of life, but to be relentless in pursuing our mission to build the systems we need. The worst possible outcome would be a return to the virus being out of control " with the cost to human life, and " through the inevitable re-imposition of severe restrictions " the cost to the economy. We must stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives.

"Then, as vaccines and treatment become available, we will move to another new phase, where we will learn to live with COVID-19 for the longer term without it dominating our lives."

The devolved administrations of Scotland and Wales are putting their own measures in place and keeping the "stay at home" message in place, rather than switch to the new "stay alert" message.

The UK government's latest messaging has come under attack from the Opposition and other sections of society over a feared lack of clarity for the general public.

China halts beef imports from four Australian firms as COVID-19 spat sours trade 
China has suspended beef imports from four of Australia's largest meat processors, as the trade of several key agricultural commodities suffers in the wake of souring ties stemming from a dispute over the COVID-19 pandemic.

The suspension comes after Australia last month called for an independent inquiry into the origins of the novel coronavirus and just days after China proposed introducing an 80% tariff on Australian barley shipments.

Trade Minister Simon Birmingham described the import suspension as "disappointing", but denied it was retribution by China over Australia's desire for a coronavirus inquiry.

China has rejected the need for an independent inquiry, and Beijing's ambassador to Australia, Cheng Jingye, in late April said Chinese consumers could shun Australian goods in response to Canberra's support for such an investigation.

Birmingham said Kilcoy Pastoral Company, JBS's Beef City and Dinmore plants, and the Northern Cooperative Meat Company have been banned from exporting beef to China due to issues with labelling and health certificates.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters that China's customs agency "continuously" found instances of the Australian companies having violated inspection and quarantine requirements and suspended the imports to "ensure the safety and health of Chinese consumers".

"(China's customs) notified the relevant Australian departments and required them to investigate completely the reason for the problem and to fix it," Zhao said during a daily briefing in Beijing.

He added that the suspension was unrelated to the bilateral dispute over COVID-19. 
Labelling issues were also cited by Beijing when the same companies and two others lost their licences to ship beef to China in 2017 for several months.

"Thousands of jobs relate to these meat processing facilities. Many more farmers rely upon them in terms of selling cattle into those facilities," Birmingham told reporters in Canberra. 
Australian Meat Industry Council Chief Executive Patrick Hutchinson said the companies made up approximately 20% of Australian beef exports to China.

Australian meat exporters were aware of Chinese labelling requirements, Hutchinson said.

"Sometimes their tolerance levels go up and down. This time we have a situation where the tolerance is quite low for this issue".

TRADE CONCERNS WEIGH

Worth more than A$3 billion ($1.94 billion), Chinese demand for Australian beef surged in 2019, fuelled by a growing middle class and as consumers switched to eating beef as pork availability fell during a swine fever outbreak which decimated Chinese hog herds.

China is by far Australia's largest trading partner, taking around 38% of all exports in 2019, and the growing spat weighed on the Australian dollar on Tuesday.

"First barley now beef," said Stephen Innes, Chief Global Market Strategist at AxiCorp. "The Aussie has been under pressure most of the day due to tariff issues with China."

Australia was China's third largest beef supplier in 2019, after Brazil and Argentina. China's beef imports surged in the first quarter of 2020, despite a sharp slowdown in demand as consumers stay away from restaurants following the coronavirus outbreak.

"The impact on China is very small," said a Chinese beef buyer with a state-owned trading firm. "There are a lot of other countries exporting to China. There are no products (from Australia) that cannot be replaced."

"There's too much beef around and prices are weak," said the importer.

JBS said in a statement it was working with Australian officials "to understand the technical issues that China has raised" and would take corrective action.

Kilcoy Pastoral Company, its owner China's New Hope Group, and Northern Cooperative did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

China has committed to increase its purchases of US agriculture including beef under a phase one trade agreement with the administration of President Donald Trump.

U.S growers of corn and sorghum could also benefit should Australian barley exports to China be hit by a big tariff. Barley, like corn and sorghum, is often used in animal feed in China.

Australia is China's top supplier of barley, sending it about A$1.5-A$2 billion of the grain each year. China takes more than half of Australia's barley exports.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned that a mass vaccine for the novel coronavirus may be over a year away and, in the worst-case scenario, may in fact never be found.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned that a mass vaccine for the novel coronavirus may be over a year away and, in the worst-case scenario, may in fact never be found. In his foreword to the government's new 50-page guidance on a step by step easing of the lockdown measures in place to control the spread of the deadly virus, the UK prime minister lays out plans for businesses to gradually start reopening with "COVID-19 Secure" measures of social distancing and for the public to use "good solid British common sense" as the economy is unlocked. "A mass vaccine or treatment may be more than a year away," said Johnson, highlighting the work being done in the UK by scientists at Oxford University and Imperial College London towards this mission. "Indeed, in a worst-case scenario, we may never find a vaccine. So our plan must countenance a situation where we are in this, together, for the long haul, even while doing all we can to avoid that outcome," he said. Admitting that a vaccine or drug-based treatment is the only "feasible long-term solution", he said the UK has accelerated this with "promising" vaccine development programmes and a collaboration between Oxford University and pharma major AstraZeneca was a vital step that could help rapidly advance the manufacture of a COVID-19 vaccine when it is ready. As part of global efforts, he flagged the 388 million pound in aid funding for research into vaccines, tests and treatment, including 250 million to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. "But while we hope for a breakthrough, hope is not a plan," he said, as he unveiled his plan for starting to lift lockdown restrictions from this week in phases. Following a televised address to the nation on Sunday night and a statement in Parliament on Monday, the guidance comes into effect in public life across England from Wednesday when people will be allowed one-to-one contact with people other than those they live with, as long as they remain outside and two metres apart. They are allowed to play sport with a friend or family member from outside their household or socialise with them in the open air for the first time in more than six weeks since the lockdown was imposed. People are still advised to work from home where possible but start heading into work where necessary, in sectors such as construction and manufacturing, keeping the social distancing norms in place. Under the step by step plan, by the start of next month non-essential shops will also reopen, with some hairdressers, pubs and cinemas to follow from July. However, as part of a COVID-19 Alert System, if infection rates are seen to be rising again, restrictions would be tightened "possibly at short notice". Fines for breaching the new rules will also be increased to 100 pound and will double for each repeat offence, up to a maximum of 3,200 pound. Johnson said: "I must ask the country to be patient with a continued disruption to our normal way of life, but to be relentless in pursuing our mission to build the systems we need. The worst possible outcome would be a return to the virus being out of control " with the cost to human life, and " through the inevitable re-imposition of severe restrictions " the cost to the economy. We must stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives. "Then, as vaccines and treatment become available, we will move to another new phase, where we will learn to live with COVID-19 for the longer term without it dominating our lives." The devolved administrations of Scotland and Wales are putting their own measures in place and keeping the "stay at home" message in place, rather than switch to the new "stay alert" message. The UK government's latest messaging has come under attack from the Opposition and other sections of society over a feared lack of clarity for the general public. China halts beef imports from four Australian firms as COVID-19 spat sours trade China has suspended beef imports from four of Australia's largest meat processors, as the trade of several key agricultural commodities suffers in the wake of souring ties stemming from a dispute over the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension comes after Australia last month called for an independent inquiry into the origins of the novel coronavirus and just days after China proposed introducing an 80% tariff on Australian barley shipments. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham described the import suspension as "disappointing", but denied it was retribution by China over Australia's desire for a coronavirus inquiry. China has rejected the need for an independent inquiry, and Beijing's ambassador to Australia, Cheng Jingye, in late April said Chinese consumers could shun Australian goods in response to Canberra's support for such an investigation. Birmingham said Kilcoy Pastoral Company, JBS's Beef City and Dinmore plants, and the Northern Cooperative Meat Company have been banned from exporting beef to China due to issues with labelling and health certificates. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters that China's customs agency "continuously" found instances of the Australian companies having violated inspection and quarantine requirements and suspended the imports to "ensure the safety and health of Chinese consumers". "(China's customs) notified the relevant Australian departments and required them to investigate completely the reason for the problem and to fix it," Zhao said during a daily briefing in Beijing. He added that the suspension was unrelated to the bilateral dispute over COVID-19. Labelling issues were also cited by Beijing when the same companies and two others lost their licences to ship beef to China in 2017 for several months. "Thousands of jobs relate to these meat processing facilities. Many more farmers rely upon them in terms of selling cattle into those facilities," Birmingham told reporters in Canberra. Australian Meat Industry Council Chief Executive Patrick Hutchinson said the companies made up approximately 20% of Australian beef exports to China. Australian meat exporters were aware of Chinese labelling requirements, Hutchinson said. "Sometimes their tolerance levels go up and down. This time we have a situation where the tolerance is quite low for this issue". TRADE CONCERNS WEIGH Worth more than A$3 billion ($1.94 billion), Chinese demand for Australian beef surged in 2019, fuelled by a growing middle class and as consumers switched to eating beef as pork availability fell during a swine fever outbreak which decimated Chinese hog herds. China is by far Australia's largest trading partner, taking around 38% of all exports in 2019, and the growing spat weighed on the Australian dollar on Tuesday. "First barley now beef," said Stephen Innes, Chief Global Market Strategist at AxiCorp. "The Aussie has been under pressure most of the day due to tariff issues with China." Australia was China's third largest beef supplier in 2019, after Brazil and Argentina. China's beef imports surged in the first quarter of 2020, despite a sharp slowdown in demand as consumers stay away from restaurants following the coronavirus outbreak. "The impact on China is very small," said a Chinese beef buyer with a state-owned trading firm. "There are a lot of other countries exporting to China. There are no products (from Australia) that cannot be replaced." "There's too much beef around and prices are weak," said the importer. JBS said in a statement it was working with Australian officials "to understand the technical issues that China has raised" and would take corrective action. Kilcoy Pastoral Company, its owner China's New Hope Group, and Northern Cooperative did not immediately respond to requests for comment. China has committed to increase its purchases of US agriculture including beef under a phase one trade agreement with the administration of President Donald Trump. U.S growers of corn and sorghum could also benefit should Australian barley exports to China be hit by a big tariff. Barley, like corn and sorghum, is often used in animal feed in China. Australia is China's top supplier of barley, sending it about A$1.5-A$2 billion of the grain each year. China takes more than half of Australia's barley exports.

Coronavirus vaccine may never be found, warns UK PM Boris Johnson

A massive fire in a hospital treating coronavirus patients in Russia claimed the lives of five patients.

The five patients had been connected to ventilating equipment, the TASS news agency reported.

The fire broke out on the sixth floor of an intensive care unit at the St George Hospital in St Petersburg. It also forced the evacuation of 150 people, state news agencies reported.

Prima facie, the police said, the fire might have been caused by a short circuit in a ventilator or its malfunction.

A criminal investigation has been opened into the matter.

In a similar case, a fire broke out late Saturday at a Moscow hospital, killing one person and forcing the evacuation of patients.

Russia has so far reported 2,21,344 coronavirus cases, making it the third highest count in the world for confirmed cases, behind the US and Spain.

Moscow is the worst hit city in Russia, with 1,15,909 cases.

A massive fire in a hospital treating coronavirus patients in Russia claimed the lives of five patients. The five patients had been connected to ventilating equipment, the TASS news agency reported.

A massive fire in a hospital treating coronavirus patients in Russia claimed the lives of five patients. The five patients had been connected to ventilating equipment, the TASS news agency reported. The fire broke out on the sixth floor of an intensive care unit at the St George Hospital in St Petersburg. It also forced the evacuation of 150 people, state news agencies reported. Prima facie, the police said, the fire might have been caused by a short circuit in a ventilator or its malfunction. A criminal investigation has been opened into the matter. In a similar case, a fire broke out late Saturday at a Moscow hospital, killing one person and forcing the evacuation of patients. Russia has so far reported 2,21,344 coronavirus cases, making it the third highest count in the world for confirmed cases, behind the US and Spain. Moscow is the worst hit city in Russia, with 1,15,909 cases.

Fire in Russia hospital kills five ventilated coronavirus patients

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out a cautious plan on Monday, for how the UK's lockdown measures would slowly be lifted.

UK PM Boris Johnson unveils 50 page lockdown exit plan

A telethon broadcast in New York City on Monday (May 11) collected $115 million for coronavirus relief, according to organisers.

Billy Joel, Sting, Mariah Carey raise $115 million on coronavirus telethon

Saudi Arabian state oil giant Aramco on Tuesday reported a 25% fall in first-quarter net profit

Saudi Aramco Q1 net profit slides 25% as oil prices fall

Saudi Arabia on Monday announced a slew of austerity measures as the country grapples with the combination of low oil prices and the COVID-19 impact on the world economy.

Saudi Arabia triples VAT, cuts state allowances amid pandemic

Garment factories across Bangladesh have reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has locked down most of the country.

A new fear has seeped in among garment workers, as they are forced to restart working in conditions not suitable to ensure social distancing. Additionally, wearing masks cannot be enforced in garment factories.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/fineprint-restaurants-reopen-amid-covid-19-outbreak-for-ramzan-in-dhaka-bangladesh-296164/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Bangladesh’s garment factories make clothes for some of the world’s biggest brands, and amounts for over 84 per cent of the country’s total exports, The Guardian reported.

The factories have been permitted to reopen, but only if social distancing measures are followed.

A few workers, while speaking to The Guardian asserted how social distancing measures remain unenforced across factories. Reportedly, the workers are transported in overcrowded buses. Even though the risks associated with such social contact are high, workers fear that they would lose their jobs by not complying.

Another worker told The Guardian that workers had to embark on a strike to ensure a supply of protective gear like masks.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ac64bbd-0d56-403a-9855-a25b359bef49" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_4.jpg" /> 
Labourers wearing facemasks work in a garment factory during a government-imposed lockdown as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Dhaka on May 2, 2020 | AFP</h6>

&nbsp;

Even though Bangladesh has only 10,000 cases of coronavirus, the country has been criticised for not testing enough.

Bangladesh’s garment industry employs over 4 million people across 4,500 factories and generates revenue worth $34 billion.

This season, the industry has suffered a loss of $3.5 billion as orders remain cancelled or suspended. Brands that procure their clothes from Bangladesh include Asda, Sports Direct, Peacocks, and Topshop, among many.

Recently, Debenhams, a fashion retailer stalled all its orders and was unable to pay for the ordered garments due to the loss incurred by COVID-19. As of now, the garments are stationed across ports, and the company is expecting discounts from&nbsp;Bangladesh.

A sudden disruption has made the lives of workers especially hard. Just in March, over 150,000 workers did not receive their wages. After this, protests happened across the country, demanding help.

As of now, over 1,000 factories are reproducing garments. This was partly done due to the fear of factories moving to Vietnam and Cambodia, which are also important players in the garment industry.

Garment factories across Bangladesh have reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has locked down most of the country. A new fear has seeped in among garment workers, as they are forced to restart working in conditions not suitable to ensure social distancing.

Garment factories across Bangladesh have reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has locked down most of the country. A new fear has seeped in among garment workers, as they are forced to restart working in conditions not suitable to ensure social distancing. Additionally, wearing masks cannot be enforced in garment factories. Bangladesh’s garment factories make clothes for some of the world’s biggest brands, and amounts for over 84 per cent of the country’s total exports, The Guardian reported. The factories have been permitted to reopen, but only if social distancing measures are followed. A few workers, while speaking to The Guardian asserted how social distancing measures remain unenforced across factories. Reportedly, the workers are transported in overcrowded buses. Even though the risks associated with such social contact are high, workers fear that they would lose their jobs by not complying. Another worker told The Guardian that workers had to embark on a strike to ensure a supply of protective gear like masks. Labourers wearing facemasks work in a garment factory during a government-imposed lockdown as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Dhaka on May 2, 2020 | AFP Even though Bangladesh has only 10,000 cases of coronavirus, the country has been criticised for not testing enough. Bangladesh’s garment industry employs over 4 million people across 4,500 factories and generates revenue worth $34 billion. This season, the industry has suffered a loss of $3.5 billion as orders remain cancelled or suspended. Brands that procure their clothes from Bangladesh include Asda, Sports Direct, Peacocks, and Topshop, among many. Recently, Debenhams, a fashion retailer stalled all its orders and was unable to pay for the ordered garments due to the loss incurred by COVID-19. As of now, the garments are stationed across ports, and the company is expecting discounts from Bangladesh. A sudden disruption has made the lives of workers especially hard. Just in March, over 150,000 workers did not receive their wages. After this, protests happened across the country, demanding help. As of now, over 1,000 factories are reproducing garments. This was partly done due to the fear of factories moving to Vietnam and Cambodia, which are also important players in the garment industry.

Workers fear for their lives as Bangladesh reopens garment factories

India -- as part of the Mission Sagar -- will send 600 tonnes of food items to the Maldives via Indian Naval Ship Kesari amid the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

India's gift comes even as the country observes Ramzan. The package includes 200 tonnes of rice, 140 tonnes of wheat flour, 120 tonnes of yellow dal, 80 tonnes of sugar, 26 tonnes of onions and 14 tonnes of Potato.

India's envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir last week told WION, "Within a week's time, we will also be gifting 580 tonnes of essential food items including wheat, flour, eggs, sugar, potatoes and onions to the government of Maldives."

Onboard with INS Kesari will be two medical assistance teams which will be deployed in Mauritius and Comoros, helping the Governments in those countries deal with coronavirus emergency and dengue fever (in case of Comoros).

All in all India will be reaching out to five Indian ocean countries under the "Mission Sagar" -- Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles. The Indian navy ship is carrying consignments of COVID-19 related essential medicines and food items to all these countries.&nbsp;

Essential medicines will be sent to four countries -- Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles. The medical consignments meant for Madagascar and Comoros will include Hydroxychloroquine tablets, which have already been sent earlier to Mauritius, Maldives and Seychelles.&nbsp;

"In line with its time-tested role as the first responder in the region, India has already supported the efforts of the Governments of Maldives, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Seychelles by providing them consignments of Covid-19 related essential medicines," a statement by the MEA said.

It is also interesting to know that New Delhi is sending a special consignment of Ayurvedic medicines to Mauritius.&nbsp;

Mauritius was one of the first partner countries to which India sent medicines. The first consignment of around 13 tonnes of medicines -- including half a million tablets of Hydroxychloroquine -- from India arrived in Mauritius on April 15.

India -- as part of the Mission Sagar -- will send 600 tonnes of food items to the Maldives via Indian Naval Ship Kesari amid the coronavirus crisis. India's gift comes even as the country observes Ramzan.

India -- as part of the Mission Sagar -- will send 600 tonnes of food items to the Maldives via Indian Naval Ship Kesari amid the coronavirus crisis. India's gift comes even as the country observes Ramzan. The package includes 200 tonnes of rice, 140 tonnes of wheat flour, 120 tonnes of yellow dal, 80 tonnes of sugar, 26 tonnes of onions and 14 tonnes of Potato. India's envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir last week told WION, "Within a week's time, we will also be gifting 580 tonnes of essential food items including wheat, flour, eggs, sugar, potatoes and onions to the government of Maldives." Onboard with INS Kesari will be two medical assistance teams which will be deployed in Mauritius and Comoros, helping the Governments in those countries deal with coronavirus emergency and dengue fever (in case of Comoros). All in all India will be reaching out to five Indian ocean countries under the "Mission Sagar" -- Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles. The Indian navy ship is carrying consignments of COVID-19 related essential medicines and food items to all these countries. Essential medicines will be sent to four countries -- Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles. The medical consignments meant for Madagascar and Comoros will include Hydroxychloroquine tablets, which have already been sent earlier to Mauritius, Maldives and Seychelles. "In line with its time-tested role as the first responder in the region, India has already supported the efforts of the Governments of Maldives, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Seychelles by providing them consignments of Covid-19 related essential medicines," a statement by the MEA said. It is also interesting to know that New Delhi is sending a special consignment of Ayurvedic medicines to Mauritius. Mauritius was one of the first partner countries to which India sent medicines. The first consignment of around 13 tonnes of medicines -- including half a million tablets of Hydroxychloroquine -- from India arrived in Mauritius on April 15.

In Ramzan, India gifts 600 tonnes of essential food items to Maldives

As coronavirus cases across major hotspots in Europe and North America continue to drop, the fear of new hotspots still remains.

Many believe that the next killer wave could start anywhere in Africa or South Asia.

Recently, sex workers in Zambia garnered attention for assisting authorities in contact tracing of coronavirus carriers.

The border town of Nakonde recently witnessed a spike in the number of infections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/border-chinese-city-imposes-martial-law-after-11-new-cases-of-coronavirus-297903" hreflang="en">Border Chinese city imposes martial law after 11 new cases of coronavirus</a>

The BBC reported that over 76 out of the 85 newly reported cases can be traced to sex workers or lorry drivers.

An official told BBC that sex workers have displayed cooperation and providing the government all the information.

"Sex workers have been very co-operative”.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/covid-19-exposes-gaping-holes-in-africas-health-care-system-297565/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Cooperative effort

A month-long lockdown ended last week as restaurants and gyms reopened. The shutdown lasted for over a month to ensure social distancing.

Currently, Zambia has over 267 confirmed cases of coronavirus, which has also led to seven deaths.

The President, Edgar Lungu has expressed concerns over the potential spread and has ordered the border to be “temporarily closed”.

Usually, Nakonde is flooded with people and lorries coming in and out of Tanzania. It is very common for lorry drivers to have several sex partners, which makes them more susceptible to catching coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-media-post-on-mt-everest-sparks-debate-with-nepal-on-twitter-297850" hreflang="en">Chinese media post on Mt Everest sparks debate with Nepal on Twitter</a>

The official further claimed that "we don't want to stigmatise or discriminate against them [sex workers]. They are being very useful in contact tracing”.

Turns out, the authorities were able to trace a cluster of infections with the help of a sex worker. The worker showed symptoms and then linked up the government with the potential infector, who was then found to have been carrying COVID-19.

Many authorities across Africa have warned of lorry drivers transporting the virus from place to place.

As coronavirus cases across major hotspots in Europe and North America continue to drop, the fear of new hotspots still remains. Many believe that the next killer wave could start anywhere in Africa or South Asia.

As coronavirus cases across major hotspots in Europe and North America continue to drop, the fear of new hotspots still remains. Many believe that the next killer wave could start anywhere in Africa or South Asia. Recently, sex workers in Zambia garnered attention for assisting authorities in contact tracing of coronavirus carriers. The border town of Nakonde recently witnessed a spike in the number of infections. Also read: Border Chinese city imposes martial law after 11 new cases of coronavirus The BBC reported that over 76 out of the 85 newly reported cases can be traced to sex workers or lorry drivers. An official told BBC that sex workers have displayed cooperation and providing the government all the information. "Sex workers have been very co-operative”. Cooperative effort A month-long lockdown ended last week as restaurants and gyms reopened. The shutdown lasted for over a month to ensure social distancing. Currently, Zambia has over 267 confirmed cases of coronavirus, which has also led to seven deaths. The President, Edgar Lungu has expressed concerns over the potential spread and has ordered the border to be “temporarily closed”. Usually, Nakonde is flooded with people and lorries coming in and out of Tanzania. It is very common for lorry drivers to have several sex partners, which makes them more susceptible to catching coronavirus. Also read: Chinese media post on Mt Everest sparks debate with Nepal on Twitter The official further claimed that "we don't want to stigmatise or discriminate against them [sex workers]. They are being very useful in contact tracing”. Turns out, the authorities were able to trace a cluster of infections with the help of a sex worker. The worker showed symptoms and then linked up the government with the potential infector, who was then found to have been carrying COVID-19. Many authorities across Africa have warned of lorry drivers transporting the virus from place to place.

How sex workers in Zambia helped contact-trace coronavirus carriers

The Chinese city of Shulan has imposed martial law after 11 fresh cases of coronavirus. The city borders North Korea and fears a second wave of the killer virus.

According to state media like Global Times, all new cases were transmitted by a laundrywoman.

The secretary of the Jilin Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, Bayin Chaolu called for the imposition of martial law while stressing on the need to ensure “highest-risk level prevention and control”.

Chaolu further claimed that the fresh cluster poses a grave danger to public health, and displays the shortcomings in dealing with the virus. Local media claims that action will be taken against those who did not take appropriate measures.

As China resumes to normalcy, Shulan is now the only Chinese city to have such a high pandemic response rating.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/china-to-revamp-public-health-care-system-297882/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Lockdown intensified

Over the weekend, Shulan intensified its lockdown efforts by imposing it across villages, and by blocking the entry and exit points. All visitors are being monitored, and only one door has been put in place for local residents.

Additionally, only one person per family is permitted to buy essentials everyday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-media-post-on-mt-everest-sparks-debate-with-nepal-on-twitter-297850" hreflang="en">Chinese media post on Mt Everest sparks debate with Nepal on Twitter</a>

As of now, no trains are plying to and from Shulan. Furthermore, public transport services have been halted. No taxis are allowed to leave the city, which is home to over 630,000 people.

This raises the questions about the resurgence of COVID-19, as countries around the world start to relax their versions of lockdowns. China too, had recently lifted restrictions with the declining number of cases.

Virus in Hubei again

The province of Hubei reported a fresh coronavirus case yesterday, with the country’s tally of fresh cases now at 14. As of now, over 82,901 have been infected in the country so far, with over 4,630 deaths.

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) data claims that out of these 14, 12 cases were transmitted domestically. 11 alone were reported from Jilin province which houses Shulan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-covid-19-cases-surge-past-4-million-mark-death-toll-at-282700-297872" hreflang="en">Global Covid-19 cases surge past 4 million mark, death toll at 282,700</a>

For 35 days, the initial epicentre of the outbreak, Hubei had remained free of the virus but reported a new case yesterday.

Jilin is situated across the China-North Korea border.

China is now tracing asymptomatic cases. Just on Saturday, over 20 cases without symptoms were identified. So far over 794 people have been placed under observation.

The data suggests that Hubei alone has over 600 asymptomatic cases, the highest number in the country.

The Chinese city of Shulan has imposed martial law after 11 fresh cases of coronavirus. The city borders North Korea and fears a second wave of the killer virus.

The Chinese city of Shulan has imposed martial law after 11 fresh cases of coronavirus. The city borders North Korea and fears a second wave of the killer virus. According to state media like Global Times, all new cases were transmitted by a laundrywoman. The secretary of the Jilin Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, Bayin Chaolu called for the imposition of martial law while stressing on the need to ensure “highest-risk level prevention and control”. Chaolu further claimed that the fresh cluster poses a grave danger to public health, and displays the shortcomings in dealing with the virus. Local media claims that action will be taken against those who did not take appropriate measures. As China resumes to normalcy, Shulan is now the only Chinese city to have such a high pandemic response rating. Lockdown intensified Over the weekend, Shulan intensified its lockdown efforts by imposing it across villages, and by blocking the entry and exit points. All visitors are being monitored, and only one door has been put in place for local residents. Additionally, only one person per family is permitted to buy essentials everyday. Also read: Chinese media post on Mt Everest sparks debate with Nepal on Twitter As of now, no trains are plying to and from Shulan. Furthermore, public transport services have been halted. No taxis are allowed to leave the city, which is home to over 630,000 people. This raises the questions about the resurgence of COVID-19, as countries around the world start to relax their versions of lockdowns. China too, had recently lifted restrictions with the declining number of cases. Virus in Hubei again The province of Hubei reported a fresh coronavirus case yesterday, with the country’s tally of fresh cases now at 14. As of now, over 82,901 have been infected in the country so far, with over 4,630 deaths. China’s National Health Commission (NHC) data claims that out of these 14, 12 cases were transmitted domestically. 11 alone were reported from Jilin province which houses Shulan. Also read: Global Covid-19 cases surge past 4 million mark, death toll at 282,700 For 35 days, the initial epicentre of the outbreak, Hubei had remained free of the virus but reported a new case yesterday. Jilin is situated across the China-North Korea border. China is now tracing asymptomatic cases. Just on Saturday, over 20 cases without symptoms were identified. So far over 794 people have been placed under observation. The data suggests that Hubei alone has over 600 asymptomatic cases, the highest number in the country.

Border Chinese city imposes martial law after 11 new cases of coronavirus

Libya has an estimated 654,000 migrants – more than 48,000 of them registered asylum seekers or refugees - many of them living in cramped conditions with little access to healthcare.

Migrants left with no food in Libya

Like the combat against SARS years ago, the ongoing fight against Covid-19 is showcasing to the world the Chinese government’s capabilities in deploying and allocating resources across the whole country.

China to revamp public health care system

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said on Saturday it would allow state health departments to distribute Gilead Sciences Inc’s remdesivir drug to fight COVID-19

White House to distribute Remdesivir to American people

Russia recorded the highest number of daily coronavirus infections today with 11,656 additions.

As of now, Russia has 221,344 cases of COVID-19 and is the third most infected country. In terms of the growing rate of infections, Russia is right behind the United States.

In the last 24 hours, ninety-four deaths have been recorded in the country, with a total tally of 2,009.

End of non-working period

On Monday, President Vladimir Putin announced the end of Russia’s non-working period from Tuesday.

The period was put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

"Starting from tomorrow, May 12, the national period of non-working days will be over for all sectors of the economy," the president said.

According to him, during the period of non-activity, Russia invested in improving and expanding its healthcare services.

This had allowed the country to save “many thousands of lives”, as Putin said. He further asserted plans to gradually reopen the economy over the course of the upcoming weeks.

Starting Sunday, the rate of infection has been jumping phenomenally in Russia. Now, over 10,000 infections are reported daily. On the other hand, west Europe is now in the process of easing lockdown restrictions.

Moscow officials claim that the increase is owing to the increased rate of testing, and also by taking into account patients that are asymptomatic.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="de6af5c3-e8fe-4910-82ce-b2d7a3f83bc6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_5.jpg" /> 
Russian President Vladimir Putin looks at military aircrafts flying over the Kremlin and Red Square to mark the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, Moscow, May 9, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Russia uses different classification methods to count the infected, and has a mortality rate lower than other countries.

Moscow has remained the hotspot of the virus, and will now remain under restrictions upto May 31.

Starting Tuesday, people in Moscow will be fined for not wearing masks and gloves while using public transport services or in shops.

In Moscow, people may only leave their homes for quick grocery runs, to work, if necessary, and to walk their dogs.

Russia was under a non-working period until May 11.

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Dampened Victory Day celebration

Saturday marked the occasion of Soviet victory in World War II, but was not met with large-scale parades.

The Soviet Union lost an estimated 26 million people including 8.5 million soldiers in the war.

Putin on Saturday laid flowers at the tomb of the unknown soldier just outside the Kremlin walls and gave a short address honouring the valour and suffering of the Soviet army during the war.

While speaking on the day, President Vladimir Putin did not mention coronavirus at all.

Victory Day is Russia's most important secular holiday. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the remarkable day. The celebrations, however, were shorn of the usual Red Square military parade and a mass procession called The Immortal Regiment as part of measures to stifle the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Some 75 warplanes and helicopters, however, flew over central Moscow to display the country's&nbsp;military might.

(With inputs from AFP)

Russia recorded the highest number of daily coronavirus infections today with 11,656 additions. As of now, Russia has 221,344 cases of COVID-19 and is the third most infected country.

Russia recorded the highest number of daily coronavirus infections today with 11,656 additions. As of now, Russia has 221,344 cases of COVID-19 and is the third most infected country. In terms of the growing rate of infections, Russia is right behind the United States. In the last 24 hours, ninety-four deaths have been recorded in the country, with a total tally of 2,009. End of non-working period On Monday, President Vladimir Putin announced the end of Russia’s non-working period from Tuesday. The period was put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country. "Starting from tomorrow, May 12, the national period of non-working days will be over for all sectors of the economy," the president said. According to him, during the period of non-activity, Russia invested in improving and expanding its healthcare services. This had allowed the country to save “many thousands of lives”, as Putin said. He further asserted plans to gradually reopen the economy over the course of the upcoming weeks. Starting Sunday, the rate of infection has been jumping phenomenally in Russia. Now, over 10,000 infections are reported daily. On the other hand, west Europe is now in the process of easing lockdown restrictions. Moscow officials claim that the increase is owing to the increased rate of testing, and also by taking into account patients that are asymptomatic. Russian President Vladimir Putin looks at military aircrafts flying over the Kremlin and Red Square to mark the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, Moscow, May 9, 2020 | AFP Russia uses different classification methods to count the infected, and has a mortality rate lower than other countries. Moscow has remained the hotspot of the virus, and will now remain under restrictions upto May 31. Starting Tuesday, people in Moscow will be fined for not wearing masks and gloves while using public transport services or in shops. In Moscow, people may only leave their homes for quick grocery runs, to work, if necessary, and to walk their dogs. Russia was under a non-working period until May 11. Dampened Victory Day celebration Saturday marked the occasion of Soviet victory in World War II, but was not met with large-scale parades. The Soviet Union lost an estimated 26 million people including 8.5 million soldiers in the war. Putin on Saturday laid flowers at the tomb of the unknown soldier just outside the Kremlin walls and gave a short address honouring the valour and suffering of the Soviet army during the war. While speaking on the day, President Vladimir Putin did not mention coronavirus at all. Victory Day is Russia's most important secular holiday. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the remarkable day. The celebrations, however, were shorn of the usual Red Square military parade and a mass procession called The Immortal Regiment as part of measures to stifle the spread of the novel coronavirus. Some 75 warplanes and helicopters, however, flew over central Moscow to display the country's military might. (With inputs from AFP)

Putin lifts non-working period, daily infections in Russia cross 11,000

World slowly but surely eases out of coronavirus-induced lockdowns

Carrie Lam, the leader of Hong Kong, recently announced plans to rework the city’s education system in view of the protests that have rocked the city multiple times since 2019.

Lam, who is mostly perceived as pro-China claimed that the “liberal studies curriculum” had fuelled the protests which had become violent and demanded for more democratisation of Hong Kong.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 infection, the numbers of which have now simmered across the city, more protests erupted demanding less interference into the city from Beijing.

In pictures:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/photos/flash-mobs-mass-arrests-pepper-spray-highlights-of-hong-kong-protests-on-mothers-day-297909" hreflang="en">Flash mobs, mass arrests, pepper spray: Highlights of Hong Kong protests on Mother's Day</a>

Over the weekend, the city police collided with protesters. According to agencies, at least 18 people were injured. Additionally, over 200 people were arrested and journalists were pepper-sprayed.

According to Lam, the current education system is “chicken coop without a roof” promised to bring in changes.

Reportedly, she also called for the protection of students against being “poisoned” from “false and biased information”.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2629fc32-6625-4897-aee2-e322c3f7e6e5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-9.jpg" /> 
Police detain a group of people during a pro-democracy protest calling for the city's independence in Hong Kong on May 10, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

“In terms of handling the subject of liberal studies in the future, we will definitely make things clear to the public within this year,” she toldTa Kung Pao, a newspaper.

Recently, China had promised not to “stand idly if” if the protests escalated.

In recent clips, the police are visibly shooting pepper balls at people in a shopping mall. In the process, they also detained two minor student journalists, aged 12 and 16.

Besides cracking down on the protesters, the police are using pandemic prevention laws to quell the gathering of protesters.

The protests began last June and continue to resurface after the coronavirus lockdown rules saw relaxation.

Carrie Lam, the leader of Hong Kong, recently announced plans to rework the city’s education system in view of the protests that have rocked the city multiple times since 2019.

Carrie Lam, the leader of Hong Kong, recently announced plans to rework the city’s education system in view of the protests that have rocked the city multiple times since 2019. Lam, who is mostly perceived as pro-China claimed that the “liberal studies curriculum” had fuelled the protests which had become violent and demanded for more democratisation of Hong Kong. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 infection, the numbers of which have now simmered across the city, more protests erupted demanding less interference into the city from Beijing. In pictures: Flash mobs, mass arrests, pepper spray: Highlights of Hong Kong protests on Mother's Day Over the weekend, the city police collided with protesters. According to agencies, at least 18 people were injured. Additionally, over 200 people were arrested and journalists were pepper-sprayed. According to Lam, the current education system is “chicken coop without a roof” promised to bring in changes. Reportedly, she also called for the protection of students against being “poisoned” from “false and biased information”. Police detain a group of people during a pro-democracy protest calling for the city's independence in Hong Kong on May 10, 2020 | AFP “In terms of handling the subject of liberal studies in the future, we will definitely make things clear to the public within this year,” she toldTa Kung Pao, a newspaper. Recently, China had promised not to “stand idly if” if the protests escalated. In recent clips, the police are visibly shooting pepper balls at people in a shopping mall. In the process, they also detained two minor student journalists, aged 12 and 16. Besides cracking down on the protesters, the police are using pandemic prevention laws to quell the gathering of protesters. The protests began last June and continue to resurface after the coronavirus lockdown rules saw relaxation.

Carrie Lam blames education system for protests in Hong Kong, vows to reform it

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 34 new infections, the highest since April 9, after a small outbreak emerged around a slew of nightclubs

COVID-19 cases surge in South Korea

Bollywood starlet Poonam Pandey has landed herself in controversy yet again. The model-actress was booked on Sunday for violating lockdown norms. 
 
An FIR was registered against Pandey and a person accompanying her by the Marine Drive Police. 
 
She was found roaming in her high-end car at Marine Drive without any reason, the police stated to a news agency. 
 
"A case has been registered against Pandey and Sam Ahmad Bombay (46) under sections 269 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 188 (Disobedience of order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and under provisions of the National Disaster Act," senior police inspector Mrityunjay Hiremath said. 
 
Her car has reportedly been seized by the police.

Bollywood starlet Poonam Pandey has landed herself in controversy yet again. The model-actress was booked on Sunday for violating lockdown norms. An FIR was registered against Pandey and a person accompanying her by the Marine Drive Police.

Bollywood starlet Poonam Pandey has landed herself in controversy yet again. The model-actress was booked on Sunday for violating lockdown norms. An FIR was registered against Pandey and a person accompanying her by the Marine Drive Police. She was found roaming in her high-end car at Marine Drive without any reason, the police stated to a news agency. "A case has been registered against Pandey and Sam Ahmad Bombay (46) under sections 269 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 188 (Disobedience of order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and under provisions of the National Disaster Act," senior police inspector Mrityunjay Hiremath said. Her car has reportedly been seized by the police.

Bollywood starlet booked by Mumbai police for violating lockdown rules

An inflammatory illness recently observed in dozens of New York children -- one that state health officials say may be linked to Covid-19

New York probes deaths due to Kawasaki disease

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