Two fresh cases of coronavirus were reported from Kerala on Saturday, both being foreign returnees who&nbsp;were among the expatriates airlifted by the Centre&nbsp;on Thursday, as part of its mission to bring back stranded Indians abroad.

One of the infected individuals is being treated in Kozhikode, while the other is receiving treatment in Kochi.&nbsp;They reached the state on May 7 in the Abu Dhabi- Kochi and Dubai-Kozhikode flights

This has taken the number of coronavirus cases in the state to 505, with 17 people now in hospital.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a press briefing, said more people non-resident Keralites (NRKs) would arrive and the state was ready with all arrangements in place.&nbsp;

"We have 207 state-run and 125 private hospitals. 27 hospitals have been kept ready to be turned into full-time COVID-19 hospitals," he added.

Air India is further scheduled to operate 64 paid flights between May 7 and May 13, and the Indian Navy conducting similar exercises on water. As many as 698 Indians are being transported from the Maldives to Kochi via Indian Navy warship INS Jalashwa.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-190000-indians-will-be-brought-home-civil-aviation-minister-to-wion-297492">Also read |&nbsp;Over 190,000 Indians will be brought home: Civil aviation minister to Wion</a>

Those that land in India will be required to go through levels of screening and a mandatory quarantine period.

India has been under lockdown since March 25 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. All commercial passenger flights were suspended for this period.

The first and second phase of lockdown in India was from March 25 to April 14 and April 15 to May 3, respectively. The third phase began from May 4 and would end on May 17.

Whenever the government resumes commercial passenger flights, it would be done in a graded manner, the civil aviation ministry had said.

The novel coronavirus has infected more than 59,662 people and killed around 1,981 people in India till now.

Two fresh cases of coronavirus were reported from Kerala on Saturday, both being foreign returnees who were among the expatriates airlifted by the Centre on Thursday, as part of its mission to bring back stranded Indians abroad.

Two fresh cases of coronavirus were reported from Kerala on Saturday, both being foreign returnees who were among the expatriates airlifted by the Centre on Thursday, as part of its mission to bring back stranded Indians abroad. One of the infected individuals is being treated in Kozhikode, while the other is receiving treatment in Kochi. They reached the state on May 7 in the Abu Dhabi- Kochi and Dubai-Kozhikode flights This has taken the number of coronavirus cases in the state to 505, with 17 people now in hospital. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a press briefing, said more people non-resident Keralites (NRKs) would arrive and the state was ready with all arrangements in place. "We have 207 state-run and 125 private hospitals. 27 hospitals have been kept ready to be turned into full-time COVID-19 hospitals," he added. Air India is further scheduled to operate 64 paid flights between May 7 and May 13, and the Indian Navy conducting similar exercises on water. As many as 698 Indians are being transported from the Maldives to Kochi via Indian Navy warship INS Jalashwa. Also read | Over 190,000 Indians will be brought home: Civil aviation minister to Wion Those that land in India will be required to go through levels of screening and a mandatory quarantine period. India has been under lockdown since March 25 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. All commercial passenger flights were suspended for this period. The first and second phase of lockdown in India was from March 25 to April 14 and April 15 to May 3, respectively. The third phase began from May 4 and would end on May 17. Whenever the government resumes commercial passenger flights, it would be done in a graded manner, the civil aviation ministry had said. The novel coronavirus has infected more than 59,662 people and killed around 1,981 people in India till now.

Two Indian nationals flown back from Gulf to Kerala test coronavirus positive

Russia President Vladimir Putin marked Victory Day, the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, in a ceremony dampened by the coronavirus pandemic.

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. In his speech, Putin did not mention coronavirus.

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 as the conventional show of military might.

In stark contrast, the ceremonies went ahead in full attendance in neighbouring Belarus.

A full military parade of some 3,000 soldiers was held Saturday in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, which has not imposed restrictions to block the virus' spread despite sharply rising infection figures.

Earlier in the day, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier described May 8 as the day Germany, too, was liberated from Nazi dictatorship.

Russia has so far reported 1,98,676 coronavirus cases and 1,827 deaths.

Russia President Vladimir Putin marked Victory Day, the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, in a ceremony dampened by the coronavirus pandemic.

Russia President Vladimir Putin marked Victory Day, the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, in a ceremony dampened by the coronavirus pandemic. 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. In his speech, Putin did not mention coronavirus. 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 as the conventional show of military might. In stark contrast, the ceremonies went ahead in full attendance in neighbouring Belarus. A full military parade of some 3,000 soldiers was held Saturday in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, which has not imposed restrictions to block the virus' spread despite sharply rising infection figures. Earlier in the day, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier described May 8 as the day Germany, too, was liberated from Nazi dictatorship. Russia has so far reported 1,98,676 coronavirus cases and 1,827 deaths.

Russia marks Victory Day with coronavirus-reduced ceremony, Belarus with full fervour

The British government is set to introduce a 14-day quarantine period for most people arriving from abroad to try to avoid a second peak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Under measures that are likely to come into force in early June, travellers will have to provide the address at which they will self-isolate on arrival, The Times newspaper said.

The report said Prime Minister Boris Johnson would on Sunday announce that passengers arriving at airports and ports, including Britons returning from abroad, will have to self-isolate for a fortnight.

The Times report said travellers from Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man would be exempt from the quarantine, as would lorry drivers bringing crucial supplies. 
It said the authorities would carry out spot checks and those found to be breaking the rules would face fines or deportation.

Airlines UK, which represents British Airways, Easyjet and other national airlines, however, said the move required a credible exit plan and should be reviewed weekly. It said it would seek assurances that the move is led by the science and that airlines would need support measures to ensure the aviation sector gets through the quarantine period.

Airport operators said it could have a devastating impact on the aviation industry and the broader economy. They said a quarantine would compound damage done by the pandemic to the aviation industry as it would put people off travelling when lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Britain has reported 31,241 deaths from COVID-19.

Boris Johnson is due on Sunday to announce the next steps in Britain's battle to tackle the novel coronavirus following a review by ministers of measures that have all but shut the economy and kept millions at home for more than six weeks.

The British government is set to introduce a 14-day quarantine period for most people arriving from abroad to try to avoid a second peak of the coronavirus pandemic.

The British government is set to introduce a 14-day quarantine period for most people arriving from abroad to try to avoid a second peak of the coronavirus pandemic. Under measures that are likely to come into force in early June, travellers will have to provide the address at which they will self-isolate on arrival, The Times newspaper said. The report said Prime Minister Boris Johnson would on Sunday announce that passengers arriving at airports and ports, including Britons returning from abroad, will have to self-isolate for a fortnight. The Times report said travellers from Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man would be exempt from the quarantine, as would lorry drivers bringing crucial supplies. It said the authorities would carry out spot checks and those found to be breaking the rules would face fines or deportation. Airlines UK, which represents British Airways, Easyjet and other national airlines, however, said the move required a credible exit plan and should be reviewed weekly. It said it would seek assurances that the move is led by the science and that airlines would need support measures to ensure the aviation sector gets through the quarantine period. Airport operators said it could have a devastating impact on the aviation industry and the broader economy. They said a quarantine would compound damage done by the pandemic to the aviation industry as it would put people off travelling when lockdown restrictions are lifted. Britain has reported 31,241 deaths from COVID-19. Boris Johnson is due on Sunday to announce the next steps in Britain's battle to tackle the novel coronavirus following a review by ministers of measures that have all but shut the economy and kept millions at home for more than six weeks.

UK to quarantine travellers for 14 days, says airlines association

The National Debt Clock hangs above New York City's Avenue of the Americas as a persistent reminder of a clear message: The United States is recklessly living beyond its means, and this will have grave future consequences.

'Trump Death Clock' at Times Sqaure shows govt's inaction towards COVID-19

The United States is mulling to temporarily ban the issuance of&nbsp;work-based visas including&nbsp;H-1B, popular among highly-skilled Indian IT professionals, amidst the high level of unemployment due to the coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers from countries like India and China in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

The ban may even be extended to student visas, and work authorisation that accompanies them, as well.

"The president's immigration advisors are drawing up plans for a coming executive order, expected this month, that would ban the issuance of some new temporary, work-based visas," The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

The Wall Street Journal report came a day after a group of four Republican Senators in a letter urged Trump to suspend all new guest worker visas for 60 days and some of its categories, including the H-1B visa, for at least the next year or until unemployment figures return to normal levels in the country.&nbsp;

Nearly 5,00,000 migrant workers are employed in the US in the H-1B status.&nbsp;

The order, the report said, is expected to focus on visa categories including H-1B, designed for highly skilled workers, and H-2B, for seasonal migrant workers, as well as student visas and the work authorization that accompanies them.

More than 33 million Americans have lost their jobs in the last two months due to the coronavirus pandemic that has brought the US economy to a grinding halt.

The IMF and the World Bank have projected a negative growth rate for the country. White House officials say that the US economy is likely to grow at negative 15 to 20 per cent in the second quarter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/american-dream-comes-crashing-down-as-over-200000-h-1b-workers-face-the-threat-of-losing-legal-status-by-june-295464">Also read |&nbsp;American dream comes crashing down as over 200,000 H-1B workers face the threat of losing legal status by June</a>

The monthly jobs report on Friday said that the unemployment rate in the US for the month of April rose to 14.7 per cent.

To this end, The Wall Street Journal report added that the Trump administration, having temporarily closed borders and curtailed immigration in response to the coronavirus pandemic, is moving to expand those restrictions while the president's advisors push to leave them in place for months or even years to come.

Last month, Trump had signed an executive order temporarily barring new immigrants for 60 days, including family members of US citizens.

The coming changes, the administration has suggested, will build on this April action, the journal said.

Given the high level of unemployment and joblessness, according to the daily, senior administration officials are operating on the assumption that the public, during the pandemic, will be willing to accept new limits on immigration.

"Though the scope of the order hasn't yet been decided, administration officials said it could range from suspensions of entire visa categories to the creation of incentives to hire Americans in industries hardest-hit by layoffs," the report said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hindu-priest-recites-vedic-prayer-from-yajurveda-at-white-house-on-national-day-of-prayer-297505">Also read |&nbsp;Hindu priest recites Vedic prayer from Yajurveda at White House on National Day of Prayer</a>

The United States is mulling to temporarily ban the issuance of work-based visas including H-1B, popular among highly-skilled Indian IT professionals, amidst the high level of unemployment due to the coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

The United States is mulling to temporarily ban the issuance of work-based visas including H-1B, popular among highly-skilled Indian IT professionals, amidst the high level of unemployment due to the coronavirus-enforced lockdown. The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers from countries like India and China in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The ban may even be extended to student visas, and work authorisation that accompanies them, as well. "The president's immigration advisors are drawing up plans for a coming executive order, expected this month, that would ban the issuance of some new temporary, work-based visas," The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. The Wall Street Journal report came a day after a group of four Republican Senators in a letter urged Trump to suspend all new guest worker visas for 60 days and some of its categories, including the H-1B visa, for at least the next year or until unemployment figures return to normal levels in the country. Nearly 5,00,000 migrant workers are employed in the US in the H-1B status. The order, the report said, is expected to focus on visa categories including H-1B, designed for highly skilled workers, and H-2B, for seasonal migrant workers, as well as student visas and the work authorization that accompanies them. More than 33 million Americans have lost their jobs in the last two months due to the coronavirus pandemic that has brought the US economy to a grinding halt. The IMF and the World Bank have projected a negative growth rate for the country. White House officials say that the US economy is likely to grow at negative 15 to 20 per cent in the second quarter. Also read | American dream comes crashing down as over 200,000 H-1B workers face the threat of losing legal status by June The monthly jobs report on Friday said that the unemployment rate in the US for the month of April rose to 14.7 per cent. To this end, The Wall Street Journal report added that the Trump administration, having temporarily closed borders and curtailed immigration in response to the coronavirus pandemic, is moving to expand those restrictions while the president's advisors push to leave them in place for months or even years to come. Last month, Trump had signed an executive order temporarily barring new immigrants for 60 days, including family members of US citizens. The coming changes, the administration has suggested, will build on this April action, the journal said. Given the high level of unemployment and joblessness, according to the daily, senior administration officials are operating on the assumption that the public, during the pandemic, will be willing to accept new limits on immigration. "Though the scope of the order hasn't yet been decided, administration officials said it could range from suspensions of entire visa categories to the creation of incentives to hire Americans in industries hardest-hit by layoffs," the report said. Also read | Hindu priest recites Vedic prayer from Yajurveda at White House on National Day of Prayer

Trump administration working to temporarily ban work-based visas, like H-1B: Report

A combination of three antiviral drugs appears to help patients recover more quickly from coronavirus infection, doctors in Hong Kong have claimed.

Researchers said when the combination of these drugs is mixed with an immune system booster, the results are even better.

They tested the HIV drug combination of ritonavir and lopanivir along with the general antiviral drug ribavirin and a multiple sclerosis drug called beta interferon.

The patients who got the cocktail tested negative for coronavirus after seven days on average. Those who just got the HIV drugs, often sold under the brand name Kaletra, were positive on average for 12 days, the team reported in the Lancet medical journal.

Patients in the study all had mild to moderate symptoms and were treated within seven days of testing positive. Some doctors thought treating patients earlier in the course of the infection might be better.

The patients given the cocktail also felt better quicker -- within four days.

There were, however, a few side-effects too.

The approach needs more testing but it could offer another treatment possibility for COVID-19 patients.&nbsp;

A combination of three antiviral drugs appears to help patients recover more quickly from coronavirus infection, doctors in Hong Kong have claimed. Researchers said when the combination of these drugs is mixed with an immune system booster, the results are even better.

A combination of three antiviral drugs appears to help patients recover more quickly from coronavirus infection, doctors in Hong Kong have claimed. Researchers said when the combination of these drugs is mixed with an immune system booster, the results are even better. They tested the HIV drug combination of ritonavir and lopanivir along with the general antiviral drug ribavirin and a multiple sclerosis drug called beta interferon. The patients who got the cocktail tested negative for coronavirus after seven days on average. Those who just got the HIV drugs, often sold under the brand name Kaletra, were positive on average for 12 days, the team reported in the Lancet medical journal. Patients in the study all had mild to moderate symptoms and were treated within seven days of testing positive. Some doctors thought treating patients earlier in the course of the infection might be better. The patients given the cocktail also felt better quicker -- within four days. There were, however, a few side-effects too. The approach needs more testing but it could offer another treatment possibility for COVID-19 patients.

Triple drug therapy helps coronavirus patients recover more quickly, says study

As Goa is preparing to go back to their normal life, Shobit Saxena, SP Special Branch on Saturday told the media that the number of criminal cases in Goa has decreased drastically.

So, now since the lockdown began, all tourism activities have been suspended. While that has led to a drastic decrease in the revenue generated, the suspension of tourism has led to good news too.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/welcome-lockdown-extension-goa-cm-296229">Also read:&nbsp;Welcome lockdown extension: Goa CM</a>

Due to the decrease in tourism, the number of criminal cases in Goa has reduced by as much as 67 per cent. There has also been a major reduction in drug seizures. This is a result of less demand, as the tourists are not present in Goa anymore.

Goa has always been a tourist location and has attracted tourists from India as well as abroad. The economy of Goa mainly depends on tourism. So, the lockdown&nbsp;has&nbsp;caused major financial problems for the people involved in tourism business.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/migrant-workers-denied-entry-into-karnataka-goa-offers-help-297214">Also read:&nbsp;Migrant workers denied entry into Karnataka; Goa offers help</a>

"We have to recreate the Goa of the 1960s to kickstart our tourism again. In 1960s, Goa was beautiful and now in 2020 it is very different with more than 8 million visiting tourists," said Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar.

"What we are trying to do along with experts, is to take Goa back to the 1960s. We do not want tourists who consume drugs, cook on our roads or who create nuisance on beaches. We want good tourists who are wealthy and who can appreciate Goa and its culture," he continued.

Goa was applauded for the way it handled the coronavirus pandemic situation. It was declared as a green zone, after all the patients were successfully treated and discharged before the lockdown 2.0 ended.

However, Goa government has carried on with partial lockdown 3.0, but with few relaxations for the public.&nbsp;

As Goa is preparing to go back to their normal life, Shobit Saxena, SP Special Branch on Saturday told the media that the number of criminal cases in Goa has decreased drastically.

As Goa is preparing to go back to their normal life, Shobit Saxena, SP Special Branch on Saturday told the media that the number of criminal cases in Goa has decreased drastically. So, now since the lockdown began, all tourism activities have been suspended. While that has led to a drastic decrease in the revenue generated, the suspension of tourism has led to good news too. Also read: Welcome lockdown extension: Goa CM Due to the decrease in tourism, the number of criminal cases in Goa has reduced by as much as 67 per cent. There has also been a major reduction in drug seizures. This is a result of less demand, as the tourists are not present in Goa anymore. Goa has always been a tourist location and has attracted tourists from India as well as abroad. The economy of Goa mainly depends on tourism. So, the lockdown has caused major financial problems for the people involved in tourism business. Also read: Migrant workers denied entry into Karnataka; Goa offers help "We have to recreate the Goa of the 1960s to kickstart our tourism again. In 1960s, Goa was beautiful and now in 2020 it is very different with more than 8 million visiting tourists," said Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar. "What we are trying to do along with experts, is to take Goa back to the 1960s. We do not want tourists who consume drugs, cook on our roads or who create nuisance on beaches. We want good tourists who are wealthy and who can appreciate Goa and its culture," he continued. Goa was applauded for the way it handled the coronavirus pandemic situation. It was declared as a green zone, after all the patients were successfully treated and discharged before the lockdown 2.0 ended. However, Goa government has carried on with partial lockdown 3.0, but with few relaxations for the public.

Criminal cases in Goa decrease by 67%

In Canada, a devout Sikh doctor has put service before belief. Dr. Sanjeet Singh Saluja shaved his beard to continue serving his patients. WION's Palki Sharma gets you his story.

Gravitas: Sikh Medic puts service before belief

After President Trump's military aide tested positive for coronavirus, US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would undergo the COVID-19 test every day. A military aide of Trump, whom officials described as a personal vale, tested positive for coronavirus. The president said he had very little contact with him.

Nearly 1.3 million COVID-19 cases in the United States

A whistleblower has drawn attention to how United States President Donald Trump responded to the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

The complaint by Rick Bright, who headed a federal agency called the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or BARDA, until April 20, has said the Trump administration retaliated against a scientist who sent early coronavirus warnings. The case also provides an insider account of the dysfunction critics say paralysed the Department of Health and Human Services at the dawn of the COVID-19 response.

Bright, whose lawyers filed the complaint with the US Office of Special Counsel, is expected to testify about his allegations next week to Congress.

The new complaint says HHS Secretary Alex Azar and his top aides dismissed experts’ warnings about the impending epidemic, failed to implement vital procedures and got sidetracked with political backbiting.

The whistleblower complaint asserts Harrison and Deputy Chief of Staff Judy Stecker blocked Bright, the government’s top vaccine expert, from key HHS meetings in January.&nbsp;

Bright’s complaint was on Tuesday the subject of media reports for its description of the administration's scramble to make malaria drugs available at Trump’s behest. The complaint also offers fresh details that haven’t been highlighted.&nbsp;

It shows how tensions between public health agencies likely delayed a more aggressive early government response.

When Bright pushed top management in late January to move aggressively, the complaint said, HHS leaders “responded with surprise at his dire predictions and urgency, and asserted that the United States would be able to contain the virus and keep it out of the United States.”

In an email to a colleague in January, Bright wondered why his group was left out but noted that other health agencies were involved, so his was an “obvious group to cut if shrinking the table. But we have a significant role.”

In his whistleblower complaint, he said it became clear to him why he was pushed aside. “It was obvious that Bright’s persistent demands for urgent action to respond to the pandemic had caused a ‘shit storm’ and a ‘commotion’ and were unwelcome in the office of the HHS Secretary.

Consequently, HHS leadership excluded Dr. Bright and BARDA from these recurring meetings and from the critical discussions about addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Reuters earlier reported, Harrison had also blocked the Food and Drug Administration commissioner, Stephen Hahn, from a White House task force set up in January to address the public health crisis.

In his complaint, Bright also asserts the federal government didn’t initiate a key disaster procedure until the fourth week of January.&nbsp;

The complaint also recounts a frustrating attempt to get samples of the actual virus from China, which Bright says “were critical to begin development of vaccines, diagnostics, and medicines.” He said he pushed HHS officials on January 10, 21 and 23 “to obtain sequencing and virus samples from China, to no avail.”

A whistleblower has drawn attention to how United States President Donald Trump responded to the coronavirus outbreak in the country. The complaint by Rick Bright, who headed a federal agency called the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or BARDA, until April 20, has said the Trump administration retaliated against a scientist who sent early coronavirus warnings.

A whistleblower has drawn attention to how United States President Donald Trump responded to the coronavirus outbreak in the country. The complaint by Rick Bright, who headed a federal agency called the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or BARDA, until April 20, has said the Trump administration retaliated against a scientist who sent early coronavirus warnings. The case also provides an insider account of the dysfunction critics say paralysed the Department of Health and Human Services at the dawn of the COVID-19 response. Bright, whose lawyers filed the complaint with the US Office of Special Counsel, is expected to testify about his allegations next week to Congress. The new complaint says HHS Secretary Alex Azar and his top aides dismissed experts’ warnings about the impending epidemic, failed to implement vital procedures and got sidetracked with political backbiting. The whistleblower complaint asserts Harrison and Deputy Chief of Staff Judy Stecker blocked Bright, the government’s top vaccine expert, from key HHS meetings in January. Bright’s complaint was on Tuesday the subject of media reports for its description of the administration's scramble to make malaria drugs available at Trump’s behest. The complaint also offers fresh details that haven’t been highlighted. It shows how tensions between public health agencies likely delayed a more aggressive early government response. When Bright pushed top management in late January to move aggressively, the complaint said, HHS leaders “responded with surprise at his dire predictions and urgency, and asserted that the United States would be able to contain the virus and keep it out of the United States.” In an email to a colleague in January, Bright wondered why his group was left out but noted that other health agencies were involved, so his was an “obvious group to cut if shrinking the table. But we have a significant role.” In his whistleblower complaint, he said it became clear to him why he was pushed aside. “It was obvious that Bright’s persistent demands for urgent action to respond to the pandemic had caused a ‘shit storm’ and a ‘commotion’ and were unwelcome in the office of the HHS Secretary. Consequently, HHS leadership excluded Dr. Bright and BARDA from these recurring meetings and from the critical discussions about addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. As Reuters earlier reported, Harrison had also blocked the Food and Drug Administration commissioner, Stephen Hahn, from a White House task force set up in January to address the public health crisis. In his complaint, Bright also asserts the federal government didn’t initiate a key disaster procedure until the fourth week of January. The complaint also recounts a frustrating attempt to get samples of the actual virus from China, which Bright says “were critical to begin development of vaccines, diagnostics, and medicines.” He said he pushed HHS officials on January 10, 21 and 23 “to obtain sequencing and virus samples from China, to no avail.”

Whistleblower complaint draws attention to Trump administration's flawed COVID-19 response

Up to 6.3 million more people are predicted to develop TB between now and 2025 and 1.4 million more people are expected to die as cases go diagnosed and untreated during the lockdown.

Over 6.3 million predicted to develop Tuberculosis by 2025

Indian retail inflation fell to a five month low in April amid the nationwide lockdown imposed to quell the spread of the coronavirus.

According to a Reuters poll, the economic inactivity caused by the lockdown has been a big driver for inflation in April, leading to a broad-based deceleration in price pressures across all components except food.

The May 5-7 poll median of more than 40 economists predicted India's annual consumer price inflation fell to 5.68 per cent in April from March's 5.91 per cent, still above the Reserve Bank of India`s (RBI) medium-term target of 4.00 per cent.

Forecasts in the Reuters poll ranged between 4.50 per cent and 7.00 per cent and about 80 per cent of participants expected inflation to be below the upper band of the RBI`s inflation target range of 2.00-6.00 per cent.

While the lockdown was extended to May 17, the government has allowed considerable relaxations in lower-risk districts, which might help lift the economic slowdown experienced since March.

That inflation rate, if realised, would allow the central bank to keep policy loose to combat the unprecedented impact of the pandemic which has battered the economy.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Indian retail inflation fell to a five month low in April amid the nationwide lockdown imposed to quell the spread of the coronavirus. According to a Reuters poll, the economic inactivity caused by the lockdown has been a big driver for inflation in April, leading to a broad-based deceleration in price pressures across all components except food.

Indian retail inflation fell to a five month low in April amid the nationwide lockdown imposed to quell the spread of the coronavirus. According to a Reuters poll, the economic inactivity caused by the lockdown has been a big driver for inflation in April, leading to a broad-based deceleration in price pressures across all components except food. The May 5-7 poll median of more than 40 economists predicted India's annual consumer price inflation fell to 5.68 per cent in April from March's 5.91 per cent, still above the Reserve Bank of India`s (RBI) medium-term target of 4.00 per cent. Forecasts in the Reuters poll ranged between 4.50 per cent and 7.00 per cent and about 80 per cent of participants expected inflation to be below the upper band of the RBI`s inflation target range of 2.00-6.00 per cent. While the lockdown was extended to May 17, the government has allowed considerable relaxations in lower-risk districts, which might help lift the economic slowdown experienced since March. That inflation rate, if realised, would allow the central bank to keep policy loose to combat the unprecedented impact of the pandemic which has battered the economy. (with inputs from Reuters)

India inflation likely eased to a five-month low in April amid coronavirus-enforced lockdown

Minorities are being hit harder by COVID-19. In United States 58% deaths in counties with more black residents. Watch report.

US: 58% deaths in counties with more black residents

African nations are facing a surge of COVID-19 cases with less than one intensive care bed and one ventilator per 100,000 people, a Reuters survey has found.

W.H.O. projects up to 44 million could be infected in Africa with COVID-19

It doesn't get much more Italian than pizza - piping hot, cheese melting, straight out of the oven of the thousands of traditional pizzerias on streets all over the country. Pizzerias were finally able to open their doors again this week after almost two months in lockdown - and Italians were savouring every bite.

Stringy cheese, fresh out the oven - hoorah pizza is back

Social distancing public benches were installed in the northwestern district of Kestel on Thursday (May 7) as Turkey sets out new social guidelines and business practices to prevent any resurgence of coronavirus outbreak.

Social distancing benches become new normal in Turkey

Swiss violinist, Debora Vonwiller, performed on Wednesday (May 6) in front of the residents of a Retirement Homes Foundation in Zurich, bringing at least one of them to tears. The care home's residents are all over 65 years old and have hardly left their apartments for weeks.

Swiss violinist plays music for elderly during coronavirus lockdown

India's COVID-19 tally continued to rise with the total number of confirmed cases touching 56,342 on Friday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed.&nbsp;

Of the total cases in the country, 37,916 are active cases while 16,539 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 1,886 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry.

The total number of cases also include 111 foreign nationals.

Around the world, over 38.45 lakh coronavirus cases have been detected. The most number of COVID 19 positive cases have been detected in the US, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdon and Russia. Over 2.69 COVID 19 related deaths have been reported across the globe. The US, UK, Italy and Spain have recorded more deaths than other countries, as per the information shared by the Johns Hopkins University and Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved 21 institutions for participating in a randomised controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma to limit complications associated with COVID-19. The sample size of the study is 452. Once 400 patients are enrolled, no more sites will be added. The clinical trial liability insurance has been bought centrally by the ICMR, officials said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 tally continued to rise with the total number of confirmed cases touching 56,342 on Friday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed.

India's COVID-19 tally continued to rise with the total number of confirmed cases touching 56,342 on Friday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed. Of the total cases in the country, 37,916 are active cases while 16,539 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 1,886 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry. The total number of cases also include 111 foreign nationals. Around the world, over 38.45 lakh coronavirus cases have been detected. The most number of COVID 19 positive cases have been detected in the US, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdon and Russia. Over 2.69 COVID 19 related deaths have been reported across the globe. The US, UK, Italy and Spain have recorded more deaths than other countries, as per the information shared by the Johns Hopkins University and Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved 21 institutions for participating in a randomised controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma to limit complications associated with COVID-19. The sample size of the study is 452. Once 400 patients are enrolled, no more sites will be added. The clinical trial liability insurance has been bought centrally by the ICMR, officials said. (With inputs from agencies)

Total COVID-19 cases in India cross 56,000-mark; 16539 patients cured

The easing of the coronavirus lockdown has people back on the streets of Bangkok -- and cats back at work. Their work at the Caturday Cat Cafe consists of lounging around and being petted by customers who want to take their minds off of the stresses the pandemic has brought to them.

Cats help Thais cope with coronavirus stress

Firefighter Saul Pena and his colleague Miguel Angel Pisadon have designed a simple and practical disinfection station they provide free of charge to nursing homes around Valladolid, northwestern Spain, as they hope to contain the spread of coronavirus among the most vulnerable and their carers.

Spanish firefighters build disinfection shower to ease decontamination of PPE users

Los Angeles' downtown flower market saw a brisk trade on Thursday morning (May 7) after California Governor Gavin Newsom gave the green light to retail florist stores to begin opening on Friday (May 8), ahead of Mother's Day in the U.S.

Los Angeles wholesale flower market busy ahead of florists re-opening for Mother's Day

The number of cases have not reduced at all in Russia. Total positive cases rise by more than 10,699 in the past 24 hours.

After this new tally, Russia's total toll of coronavirus cases stands at&nbsp;187,859 now,&nbsp;the coronavirus crisis response centre said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-the-covid-19-pandemic-deepens-virus-symptoms-multiply-297322">Also read:&nbsp;As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply</a>

Although, the highest peak was on Thursday when the country recorded 11,231 new cases, this is the sixth consecutive day when the number of cases have increased by more than 10,000.

It also reported 98 new fatalities from COVID-19, bringing the total death toll in Russia to 1,723. However, the mortality rate in Russia is still less than the rest of the European countries.

Russia ranks fourth in the overall number of reported cases in Europe and fifth in the world, according to an AFP tally. Russian health officials have reported that they have conducted almost 5&nbsp;million tests.

Moscow has been an epicentre in Russia, even though the government closed the borders of the capital in the initial phase. There are more than 92,600 cases in Moscow, as on Friday.

The number of cases have not reduced at all in Russia. Total positive cases rise by more than 10,699 in the past 24 hours. After this new tally, Russia's total toll of coronavirus cases stands at 187,859 now, the coronavirus crisis response centre said on Friday.

The number of cases have not reduced at all in Russia. Total positive cases rise by more than 10,699 in the past 24 hours. After this new tally, Russia's total toll of coronavirus cases stands at 187,859 now, the coronavirus crisis response centre said on Friday. Also read: As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply Although, the highest peak was on Thursday when the country recorded 11,231 new cases, this is the sixth consecutive day when the number of cases have increased by more than 10,000. It also reported 98 new fatalities from COVID-19, bringing the total death toll in Russia to 1,723. However, the mortality rate in Russia is still less than the rest of the European countries. Russia ranks fourth in the overall number of reported cases in Europe and fifth in the world, according to an AFP tally. Russian health officials have reported that they have conducted almost 5 million tests. Moscow has been an epicentre in Russia, even though the government closed the borders of the capital in the initial phase. There are more than 92,600 cases in Moscow, as on Friday.

Russia records over 10,600 new coronavirus cases in last 24 hours

Dozens of emerging painters' work is now being curated at an online exhibition gallery, MYART, sponsored by Art TV. The online gallery has received praise from Pakistan's artist community. Despite the millions of views that the exhibition received, only a few paintings have been sold.

Pakistan holds 'first' online-only art exhibition amid coronavirus lockdown

After recording over 10,000 cases for 4 days in a row, Russia on Thursday recorded another record jump in the number of cases. 11,231 new cases were recorded in 24 hours. Taking the total number of cases in the country to over 177,000.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Russia records highest COVID-19 cases in one day

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while addressing a meeting of the National Coordination Committee said on Thursday that the coronavirus lockdown in the country will be lifted in phases from Saturday.

Gradual lifting of lockdown from May 9 in Pakistan

Sikh doctor duo shaved their beard to serve better during time of pandemic in Canada. Watch this video to know more.

Canada: Sikh medics shave their beard to serve

Air India, under the Vande Bharat mission, has been assigned to operate 64 flights from May 7 to May 13 to bring back as many as 14,800 Indian nationals stranded abroad amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown. To this end, India's Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has termed this operation as the "largest evacuation programme undertaken by any government using civil aviation assets in decades."

Puri, in an exclusive conversation with Wion, said the ministry has so far drawn up the programme for only a week, and the further details shall soon be shared.

"This is the largest evacuation programme undertaken by any government using civil aviation assets in decades. We had earlier presumed that the number of people wanting to come back home would be 190,000. But as we started off with the programme, we realised this was on the conservative side," Puri said.

He added, "We have so far drawn up the programme for the first week, that is starting from May 7 till 14. In this phase, we plan to bring home about 14,800 Indians stranded in 12 countries through 64 flights.

"But as I said the number is on the conservative side, this may increase as we go forward."

These 64 flights would be conducted by Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express to repatriate Indians from 12 countries such as the UAE, the UK, the US, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

India will conduct 10 flights to the UAE, seven flights each to the US and the UK, five flights to Saudi Arabia, five flights to Singapore and two flights to Qatar to repatriate Indian nationals between May 7 and May 13.

During this time period, India will also conduct seven flights each to Malaysia and Bangladesh, five flights each to Kuwait and Philippines, two flights each to Oman and Bahrain, Puri had earlier announced.

Private airlines may be roped in if need arises, he said.

On arrival from abroad, all passengers will be screened and put under quarantine for a period of 14 days as a COVID-19 precautionary measure.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-flight-part-of-vande-bharat-mission-from-singapore-lands-at-delhi-with-234-passengers-297425">Also read |&nbsp;Air India flight, part of Vande Bharat mission, from Singapore lands at Delhi with 234 passengers</a>

"The challenge is not that the flights are arranged, but that the measures are properly executed. The passengers shall be tested when they board the plane and when they disembark it," he said, adding, "most importantly, at the point of disembarkation, there are arrangements of quarantining all passengers for a mandatory period of a fortnight."

The airports are fully geared to ensure the social distancing guidelines, he said.

When asked about the economic downturn, Puri said this was not a civil aviation industry-specific issue.

"Airlines are not operating. Airports are also not being run; so there's no revenue. Then there are tour operators and hotels that&nbsp;are also not getting their commission. So in short, it's not a civil aviation industry-specific issue. It's a larger issue; a multi-layered intertwined job. And we have to ensure that we try and resume the economic activity as soon as possible to benefit every industry," he said.

About a stimulus package, Puri said, "The finance minister and her team will have to assess the demands and necessities of every industry, and accordingly prioritise in consultation with the prime minister."

The aviation sector has been hit hard due to the suspension of all scheduled commercial passenger flights during the lockdown in the country which began on March 25.&nbsp;

Puri, to this end, also assured that the disinvestment process will soon be started with "full force" -- as soon as the economic activity is resumed in the post-coronavirus phase.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-conversation-with-indias-civil-aviation-minister-hardeep-singh-puri-297455">Also watch | WION exclusive conversation with India's Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri</a>

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Those availing the repatriation flights will be charged, Puri had earlier said.

A passenger on a London-Delhi flight will be charged Rs 50,000 and on a Dhaka-Delhi flight Rs 12,000.

India has been under lockdown since March 25 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. All commercial passenger flights were suspended for this period.

The first and second phase of lockdown in India was from March 25 to April 14 and April 15 to May 3, respectively. The third phase began from May 4 and would end on May 17.

Whenever the government resumes commercial passenger flights, it would be done in a graded manner, Puri had said.

The novel coronavirus has infected more than 46,400 people and killed around 1,560 people in India till now.

Meanwhile, an Air India repatriation flight from Singapore landed at the Delhi airport on Friday morning with 234 passengers.

On Thursday, two special flights from the UAE carrying a total of 363 Indian nationals, including nine infants, landed in Kerala.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Mission Vande Bharat begins. 
 
First two flights bring home Indian citizens from the UAE. 
 
177 passengers plus 4 infants reach Cochin from Abu Dhabi. 
177 passengers plus 5 infants reach Kozhikode from Dubai. 
 
State govt will now arrange for their mandatory 14 day quarantine. <a href="https://t.co/sVteZkd2Tj">pic.twitter.com/sVteZkd2Tj</a>
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri/status/1258447488434012161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Air India, under the Vande Bharat mission, has been assigned to operate 64 flights from May 7 to May 13 to bring back as many as 14,800 Indian nationals stranded abroad amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

Air India, under the Vande Bharat mission, has been assigned to operate 64 flights from May 7 to May 13 to bring back as many as 14,800 Indian nationals stranded abroad amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown. To this end, India's Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has termed this operation as the "largest evacuation programme undertaken by any government using civil aviation assets in decades." Puri, in an exclusive conversation with Wion, said the ministry has so far drawn up the programme for only a week, and the further details shall soon be shared. "This is the largest evacuation programme undertaken by any government using civil aviation assets in decades. We had earlier presumed that the number of people wanting to come back home would be 190,000. But as we started off with the programme, we realised this was on the conservative side," Puri said. He added, "We have so far drawn up the programme for the first week, that is starting from May 7 till 14. In this phase, we plan to bring home about 14,800 Indians stranded in 12 countries through 64 flights. "But as I said the number is on the conservative side, this may increase as we go forward." These 64 flights would be conducted by Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express to repatriate Indians from 12 countries such as the UAE, the UK, the US, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. India will conduct 10 flights to the UAE, seven flights each to the US and the UK, five flights to Saudi Arabia, five flights to Singapore and two flights to Qatar to repatriate Indian nationals between May 7 and May 13. During this time period, India will also conduct seven flights each to Malaysia and Bangladesh, five flights each to Kuwait and Philippines, two flights each to Oman and Bahrain, Puri had earlier announced. Private airlines may be roped in if need arises, he said. On arrival from abroad, all passengers will be screened and put under quarantine for a period of 14 days as a COVID-19 precautionary measure. Also read | Air India flight, part of Vande Bharat mission, from Singapore lands at Delhi with 234 passengers "The challenge is not that the flights are arranged, but that the measures are properly executed. The passengers shall be tested when they board the plane and when they disembark it," he said, adding, "most importantly, at the point of disembarkation, there are arrangements of quarantining all passengers for a mandatory period of a fortnight." The airports are fully geared to ensure the social distancing guidelines, he said. When asked about the economic downturn, Puri said this was not a civil aviation industry-specific issue. "Airlines are not operating. Airports are also not being run; so there's no revenue. Then there are tour operators and hotels that are also not getting their commission. So in short, it's not a civil aviation industry-specific issue. It's a larger issue; a multi-layered intertwined job. And we have to ensure that we try and resume the economic activity as soon as possible to benefit every industry," he said. About a stimulus package, Puri said, "The finance minister and her team will have to assess the demands and necessities of every industry, and accordingly prioritise in consultation with the prime minister." The aviation sector has been hit hard due to the suspension of all scheduled commercial passenger flights during the lockdown in the country which began on March 25. Puri, to this end, also assured that the disinvestment process will soon be started with "full force" -- as soon as the economic activity is resumed in the post-coronavirus phase. Also watch | WION exclusive conversation with India's Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri × Those availing the repatriation flights will be charged, Puri had earlier said. A passenger on a London-Delhi flight will be charged Rs 50,000 and on a Dhaka-Delhi flight Rs 12,000. India has been under lockdown since March 25 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. All commercial passenger flights were suspended for this period. The first and second phase of lockdown in India was from March 25 to April 14 and April 15 to May 3, respectively. The third phase began from May 4 and would end on May 17. Whenever the government resumes commercial passenger flights, it would be done in a graded manner, Puri had said. The novel coronavirus has infected more than 46,400 people and killed around 1,560 people in India till now. Meanwhile, an Air India repatriation flight from Singapore landed at the Delhi airport on Friday morning with 234 passengers. On Thursday, two special flights from the UAE carrying a total of 363 Indian nationals, including nine infants, landed in Kerala. Mission Vande Bharat begins. First two flights bring home Indian citizens from the UAE. 177 passengers plus 4 infants reach Cochin from Abu Dhabi. 177 passengers plus 5 infants reach Kozhikode from Dubai. State govt will now arrange for their mandatory 14 day quarantine. pic.twitter.com/sVteZkd2Tj — Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) May 7, 2020 ×

Over 190,000 Indians will be brought home: Civil aviation minister to Wion

States in the US are slowly reopening and the country has reported nearly 77,000 deaths from COVID-19. Watch report.

US death toll nears 77,000 mark: Pelosi outlines next COVID-19 aid package

Lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 may not lead to a rise in population, according to a study&nbsp;published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The study looked at parenthood desires during the ongoing pandemic crisis using data from 1,482 interviews with people under lockdown, carried out online.

Based on their findings, the scientists, including those from the University of Florence in Italy, said nearly 1,214 (81.9 per cent) of the people did not intend to conceive during the pandemic crisis.

Moreover, 260 participants were planning to have a child before the pandemic, but later abandoned the intention.

According to the researchers, the main reasons that led people to this decision included worries related to future economic difficulties, and any potential consequences on pregnancy due to the infectious disease.

Mental wellbeing during lockdown also had an impact on the desire to have a baby.

Although almost half of the people referred no interruption in their job activity, and no variations of salaries, the scientists said, over 40 per cent of participants reported a worrying reduction of monthly profits.

Despite most people not wanting to conceive during the pandemic, 60 per cent of the 268 correspondents already planning to conceive have carried on in their quest.

About 140 (11.5 per cent) of the people revealed a new desire for parenthood during quarantine.

In most cases, the respondents referred "the will for change", and "the need for positivity" to be the main reasons of this intention.

Only six out of the 140 (4.3 per cent), however effectively tried to get pregnant in this period. 
The study also measured people's reported levels of sexual activity.

About 60 per cent of the couples who were already involved in childbearing attempts, continued in this project and did not report a reduction in the number of sexual intercourses.

Commenting on the limitations of the study, the scientists said, "it is unknown whether these findings will result in a substantial modification of birth rate in the near future."

(with inputs from PTI)

Lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 may not lead to a rise in population, according to a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 may not lead to a rise in population, according to a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology. The study looked at parenthood desires during the ongoing pandemic crisis using data from 1,482 interviews with people under lockdown, carried out online. Based on their findings, the scientists, including those from the University of Florence in Italy, said nearly 1,214 (81.9 per cent) of the people did not intend to conceive during the pandemic crisis. Moreover, 260 participants were planning to have a child before the pandemic, but later abandoned the intention. According to the researchers, the main reasons that led people to this decision included worries related to future economic difficulties, and any potential consequences on pregnancy due to the infectious disease. Mental wellbeing during lockdown also had an impact on the desire to have a baby. Although almost half of the people referred no interruption in their job activity, and no variations of salaries, the scientists said, over 40 per cent of participants reported a worrying reduction of monthly profits. Despite most people not wanting to conceive during the pandemic, 60 per cent of the 268 correspondents already planning to conceive have carried on in their quest. About 140 (11.5 per cent) of the people revealed a new desire for parenthood during quarantine. In most cases, the respondents referred "the will for change", and "the need for positivity" to be the main reasons of this intention. Only six out of the 140 (4.3 per cent), however effectively tried to get pregnant in this period. The study also measured people's reported levels of sexual activity. About 60 per cent of the couples who were already involved in childbearing attempts, continued in this project and did not report a reduction in the number of sexual intercourses. Commenting on the limitations of the study, the scientists said, "it is unknown whether these findings will result in a substantial modification of birth rate in the near future." (with inputs from PTI)

Coronavirus lockdown may not lead to a rise in population, says study

Sri Lanka will target high-spending tourists to revive the tourism sector which has been shattered by the coronavirus pandemic, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said.

Widespread travel restrictions and the closure of airports and national borders to curb the spread of the virus had plunged international tourism into its worst crisis.

During a meeting with the members of the newly-appointed Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication, Gotabaya Rajapaksa said tourism sector which make a huge contribution to the national economy should be revitalized to suit the changing situations.

He proposed that Sri Lanka take steps to issue visas with a recognised health certificate when tourists begin to return to the island country, the Colombo Gazette reported.

He also proposed that Sri Lanka Tourism target countries where the coronavirus has been contained.

The president emphasised the need to focus promoting medical tourism by highlighting the "successful efforts taken by Sri Lanka to contain the spread of the coronavirus."

He also urged the authorities to target long-term tourists who often travel to other countries during the winter season.

The president also noted that promoting domestic tourism can ensure the hotel industry is protected.

Tourism accounts for about five per cent of the economy, with Britain, India and China the main markets.

The number of international tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka declined in March 2020 by 70.8 per cent in comparison to a year ago as the tourism industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak.

The president expressed optimism that the economy adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic could be re-built on a solid basis as the government is preparing to resume day-to-day life and work from next week.

The number of coronavirus patients in Sri Lanka on Friday reached 824, the Ministry of Health said.

The Ministry of Health added that 9 deaths due to COVID -19 have been reported so far in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka will target high-spending tourists to revive the tourism sector which has been shattered by the coronavirus pandemic, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said.

Sri Lanka will target high-spending tourists to revive the tourism sector which has been shattered by the coronavirus pandemic, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said. Widespread travel restrictions and the closure of airports and national borders to curb the spread of the virus had plunged international tourism into its worst crisis. During a meeting with the members of the newly-appointed Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication, Gotabaya Rajapaksa said tourism sector which make a huge contribution to the national economy should be revitalized to suit the changing situations. He proposed that Sri Lanka take steps to issue visas with a recognised health certificate when tourists begin to return to the island country, the Colombo Gazette reported. He also proposed that Sri Lanka Tourism target countries where the coronavirus has been contained. The president emphasised the need to focus promoting medical tourism by highlighting the "successful efforts taken by Sri Lanka to contain the spread of the coronavirus." He also urged the authorities to target long-term tourists who often travel to other countries during the winter season. The president also noted that promoting domestic tourism can ensure the hotel industry is protected. Tourism accounts for about five per cent of the economy, with Britain, India and China the main markets. The number of international tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka declined in March 2020 by 70.8 per cent in comparison to a year ago as the tourism industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. The president expressed optimism that the economy adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic could be re-built on a solid basis as the government is preparing to resume day-to-day life and work from next week. The number of coronavirus patients in Sri Lanka on Friday reached 824, the Ministry of Health said. The Ministry of Health added that 9 deaths due to COVID -19 have been reported so far in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka to target high-spending tourists to revive tourism

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