A mother goose has been winning the internet and how!

She made her home in a raised flowerbed in the middle of the main concourse at York railway station -- after laying her fourth egg.

The area is normally crowded with commuters and tourists but it has seen just a fraction of its normal footfall over the last few weeks due to the coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

The goose then took advantage of the situation and settled in. She is now watched daily by thousands of people via a series of goosecam feeds posted by the rail firm London North Eastern Railway (LNER), which runs the station.

The firm posted footage on Twitter on Wednesday evening which said: “HONK. There is nothing wrong with your #goosecam set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This afternoon PCSO Ridley was on patrol at York Train Station when he noticed this goose had laid an egg amongst the flowers in the normally extremely busy main entrance. Amazing. 
Thank you to all those who continue to support our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHSheroes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHSheroes</a> in obeying the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lockdown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lockdown</a> 👌 
👮‍♂️🚂🦆 <a href="https://t.co/D9pBZVBSjf">pic.twitter.com/D9pBZVBSjf</a>
— BTP North Yorkshire (@BTPNorthYorks) <a href="https://twitter.com/BTPNorthYorks/status/1251937952546127873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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People watching the footage from the cameras said they are now waiting for the babies to emerge.

The goose was first spotted 10 days ago by a British Transport Police community support officer who posted pictures on Twitter and said: “This afternoon PCSO Ridley was on patrol at York Train Station when he noticed this goose had laid an egg amongst the flowers in the normally extremely busy main entrance. Amazing.

“Thank you to all those who continue to support our #NHSheroes in obeying the #lockdown.”

A mother goose has been winning the internet and how! She made her home in a raised flowerbed in the middle of the main concourse at York railway station -- after laying her fourth egg.

A mother goose has been winning the internet and how! She made her home in a raised flowerbed in the middle of the main concourse at York railway station -- after laying her fourth egg. The area is normally crowded with commuters and tourists but it has seen just a fraction of its normal footfall over the last few weeks due to the coronavirus-enforced lockdown. The goose then took advantage of the situation and settled in. She is now watched daily by thousands of people via a series of goosecam feeds posted by the rail firm London North Eastern Railway (LNER), which runs the station. The firm posted footage on Twitter on Wednesday evening which said: “HONK. There is nothing wrong with your #goosecam set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture." This afternoon PCSO Ridley was on patrol at York Train Station when he noticed this goose had laid an egg amongst the flowers in the normally extremely busy main entrance. Amazing. Thank you to all those who continue to support our #NHSheroes in obeying the #lockdown 👌 👮‍♂️🚂🦆 pic.twitter.com/D9pBZVBSjf — BTP North Yorkshire (@BTPNorthYorks) April 19, 2020 × People watching the footage from the cameras said they are now waiting for the babies to emerge. The goose was first spotted 10 days ago by a British Transport Police community support officer who posted pictures on Twitter and said: “This afternoon PCSO Ridley was on patrol at York Train Station when he noticed this goose had laid an egg amongst the flowers in the normally extremely busy main entrance. Amazing. “Thank you to all those who continue to support our #NHSheroes in obeying the #lockdown.”

Mother goose sets up home in middle of quiet train station during coronavirus lockdown; wins internet

The coronavirus cases in India have surpassed 33,000 mark and reached 33,050. The death toll is 1,074. Meanwhile, the government has allowed inter-state movement of stranded people. Watch report.

Govt allows inter-state movement: Stranded workers allowed to return home, India COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic cases in South Korea seems to slow down as the country hasn't recorded any new domestic cases. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: South Korea reports no new domestic cases

India's health ministry said today that 1,718 new coronavirus cases &amp; 66 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours with the total death toll rising to &nbsp;1,079 deaths in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1718-new-coronavirus-cases-66-deaths-in-24-hours-in-india-government-295741">Also Read: Coronavirus deaths cross the 1,000 mark in India, biggest jump in the last 24 hours</a>

The total number of coronavirus cases in India rose to 33,062 on Thursday. So far, 1,079 people have died due to Covid-19 in the country.&nbsp;

The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 23,651, while 8,324 people have recovered and one patient has migrated. The total number of cases include 111 foreign nationals, the ministry said.

Indian states hit with most cases are Maharashtra (9,915), Gujarat (4,082), Delhi (3,439), Madhya Pradesh (2,561), Rajasthan (2,438), Tamil Nadu (2,162), and Uttar Pradesh (2,134).

India's health ministry said today that 1,718 new coronavirus cases & 66 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours with the total death toll rising to 1,079 deaths in the country.

India's health ministry said today that 1,718 new coronavirus cases & 66 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours with the total death toll rising to 1,079 deaths in the country. Also Read: Coronavirus deaths cross the 1,000 mark in India, biggest jump in the last 24 hours The total number of coronavirus cases in India rose to 33,062 on Thursday. So far, 1,079 people have died due to Covid-19 in the country. The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 23,651, while 8,324 people have recovered and one patient has migrated. The total number of cases include 111 foreign nationals, the ministry said. Indian states hit with most cases are Maharashtra (9,915), Gujarat (4,082), Delhi (3,439), Madhya Pradesh (2,561), Rajasthan (2,438), Tamil Nadu (2,162), and Uttar Pradesh (2,134).

1,718 new coronavirus cases, 66 deaths in 24 hours in India: Government

Meat-processing plant workers are unhappy about United States President Donald Trump's executive order that compels plants to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Trump on Tuesday ordered meat-processing plants to stay open to protect the food supply in his country, despite concerns about coronavirus outbreak.

Trump issued an executive order using the Defense Production Act to mandate that the plants continue to function -- with concerns about food shortages and supply chain disruptions in consideration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-order-meat-processing-plants-to-stay-open-even-as-they-become-coronavirus-hot-spots-295427">Also read |&nbsp;Trump to order meat processing plants to stay open even as they become coronavirus hot spots</a>

The executive order, released Tuesday evening, said the closure of just one large beef-processing plant could result in 10 million fewer individual servings of beef in a day.

But these meat plant employees are among America's most vulnerable workers, and some say they expect staff will refuse to come to work.

"All I know is, this is crazy to me, because I can't see all these people going back into work," said a worker. "I don't think people are going to go back in there."

Over the past several weeks, a number of major meat suppliers have announced temporary closures as workers fell ill with COVID-19. Twenty meatpacking and food processing workers have died so far in the country.

By invoking the Defense Production Act, Trump is requiring plants to remain open with some of the most dangerous conditions during the pandemic.

Meat-processing plant workers are unhappy about United States President Donald Trump's executive order that compels plants to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic.

Meat-processing plant workers are unhappy about United States President Donald Trump's executive order that compels plants to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic. Trump on Tuesday ordered meat-processing plants to stay open to protect the food supply in his country, despite concerns about coronavirus outbreak. Trump issued an executive order using the Defense Production Act to mandate that the plants continue to function -- with concerns about food shortages and supply chain disruptions in consideration. Also read | Trump to order meat processing plants to stay open even as they become coronavirus hot spots The executive order, released Tuesday evening, said the closure of just one large beef-processing plant could result in 10 million fewer individual servings of beef in a day. But these meat plant employees are among America's most vulnerable workers, and some say they expect staff will refuse to come to work. "All I know is, this is crazy to me, because I can't see all these people going back into work," said a worker. "I don't think people are going to go back in there." Over the past several weeks, a number of major meat suppliers have announced temporary closures as workers fell ill with COVID-19. Twenty meatpacking and food processing workers have died so far in the country. By invoking the Defense Production Act, Trump is requiring plants to remain open with some of the most dangerous conditions during the pandemic.

'This is crazy': Meat plant workers on Trump's order compelling processing firms to stay open

The UK has ditched the framework proposed by tech giants Apple and Google for its National Health Service (NHS) coronavirus contact tracing app.

The framework proposed by Apple and Google is a decentralised one, meaning that the tracking information will not be stored in a central server.

NHSX, the digital arm of the country's health organisation, is instead creating a centralised app -- despite privacy and security concerns. It, in a blog over the weekend, said it has prioritised security and privacy in all stages of the app`s development, starting with the initial design, and user testing.

Apple and Google have also offered their expertise to help NHSX build its own app.

"We are working with Apple and Google on their welcome support for tracing apps around the world," NHSX said.

The NHS app is likely to be rolled out in two to three weeks -- only after it is tested in a trial with a small number of people.

Google and Apple decided, earlier this month, to pull their expertise for tracking COVID-19 spread with the help of smartphones. They said that their Bluetooth-driven exposure notification system to enable iOS and Android phones trace the spread of coronavirus was completely safe.

The UK has ditched the framework proposed by tech giants Apple and Google for its National Health Service (NHS) coronavirus contact tracing app. The framework proposed by Apple and Google is a decentralised one, meaning that the tracking information will not be stored in a central server.

The UK has ditched the framework proposed by tech giants Apple and Google for its National Health Service (NHS) coronavirus contact tracing app. The framework proposed by Apple and Google is a decentralised one, meaning that the tracking information will not be stored in a central server. NHSX, the digital arm of the country's health organisation, is instead creating a centralised app -- despite privacy and security concerns. It, in a blog over the weekend, said it has prioritised security and privacy in all stages of the app`s development, starting with the initial design, and user testing. Apple and Google have also offered their expertise to help NHSX build its own app. "We are working with Apple and Google on their welcome support for tracing apps around the world," NHSX said. The NHS app is likely to be rolled out in two to three weeks -- only after it is tested in a trial with a small number of people. Google and Apple decided, earlier this month, to pull their expertise for tracking COVID-19 spread with the help of smartphones. They said that their Bluetooth-driven exposure notification system to enable iOS and Android phones trace the spread of coronavirus was completely safe.

UK will not use coronavirus tracking app proposed by Apple-Google

China accused Australia of resorting to 'petty tricks' on Wednesday in dispute over Canberra's push for an international inquiry into the coronavirus outbreak, which in turn stands to affect diplomatic and economic ties between the countries.

Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison had said his proposed inquiry into how the coronavirus broke out and spread would not be targetted at China but was needed given COVID-19 had killed more than 2,00,000 people and shut down much of the global economy.

Australian ministers have repeatedly said China, the country's largest trade partner, was threatening "economic coercion" after its ambassador, Cheng Jingye, said this week that Chinese consumers could boycott Australian products and universities because of the calls for the inquiry.

To this end, the Chinese embassy then released a statement detailing what it said was discussed on the call, prompting another rebuke from DFAT.

On Wednesday, the Chinese embassy returned fire, saying on its website that details of the call had first been "obviously leaked by some Australian officials" and it needed to set the record straight.

"The Embassy of China doesn't play petty tricks, this is not our tradition. But if others do, we have to reciprocate," an embassy spokesman said in the statement.

Chinese state media has fiercely rounded on Morrison, with Australian studies scholar Chen Hong writing in the Global Times tabloid on Wednesday that Australia was "spearheading" a "malicious campaign to frame and incriminate China".

Hu Xijin, the editor-in-chief of the paper which is affiliated to the Beijing-controlled People's Daily newspaper, said on Chinese social media that Australia was always making trouble.

New Zealand, which also has China as its largest trading partner, on Wednesday sided with neighbouring Australia in supporting an inquiry into the pandemic.

Australia`s call for an inquiry has so far only received lukewarm support more widely, with France and the United Kingdom saying it was not the right time to focus on an inquiry.

US President Donald Trump has, however, repeatedly said China could have stopped the coronavirus before it swept the globe and that his administration was conducting "serious investigations" into what happened.

China accused Australia of resorting to 'petty tricks' on Wednesday in dispute over Canberra's push for an international inquiry into the coronavirus outbreak, which in turn stands to affect diplomatic and economic ties between the countries.

China accused Australia of resorting to 'petty tricks' on Wednesday in dispute over Canberra's push for an international inquiry into the coronavirus outbreak, which in turn stands to affect diplomatic and economic ties between the countries. Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison had said his proposed inquiry into how the coronavirus broke out and spread would not be targetted at China but was needed given COVID-19 had killed more than 2,00,000 people and shut down much of the global economy. Australian ministers have repeatedly said China, the country's largest trade partner, was threatening "economic coercion" after its ambassador, Cheng Jingye, said this week that Chinese consumers could boycott Australian products and universities because of the calls for the inquiry. To this end, the Chinese embassy then released a statement detailing what it said was discussed on the call, prompting another rebuke from DFAT. On Wednesday, the Chinese embassy returned fire, saying on its website that details of the call had first been "obviously leaked by some Australian officials" and it needed to set the record straight. "The Embassy of China doesn't play petty tricks, this is not our tradition. But if others do, we have to reciprocate," an embassy spokesman said in the statement. Chinese state media has fiercely rounded on Morrison, with Australian studies scholar Chen Hong writing in the Global Times tabloid on Wednesday that Australia was "spearheading" a "malicious campaign to frame and incriminate China". Hu Xijin, the editor-in-chief of the paper which is affiliated to the Beijing-controlled People's Daily newspaper, said on Chinese social media that Australia was always making trouble. New Zealand, which also has China as its largest trading partner, on Wednesday sided with neighbouring Australia in supporting an inquiry into the pandemic. Australia`s call for an inquiry has so far only received lukewarm support more widely, with France and the United Kingdom saying it was not the right time to focus on an inquiry. US President Donald Trump has, however, repeatedly said China could have stopped the coronavirus before it swept the globe and that his administration was conducting "serious investigations" into what happened.

China accuses Australia of 'petty tricks' in coronavirus dispute

British Airways is set to cut more than a quarter of its jobs due to the coronavirus crisis, forecasting that passenger numbers will take years to return to 2019 levels. British Airways has 45,000 employees, including 16,500 cabin crew and 3,900 pilots, according to its website.

British Airways plans to cut up to 12,000 jobs | COVID-19 Pandemic

European countries have announced plans to ease restrictions on social life, transport and cross-border travel put in place since mid-March to battle the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The new coronavirus has killed more than 1,50,00 people in Europe with more than three quarters of those fatalities in Italy, France, Spain and Britain.

However, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, back at work on Monday after being in intensive care with the disease, said it was too soon to relax the restrictions.

Johnson, 55, spent three nights in intensive care with COVID-19. His his stand-in Dominic Raab said, "We are at a delicate and dangerous stage and we need to make sure that the next steps are sure-footed."

Apart from Britain, other European countries have a few plans in place to accomplish the mammoth task of easing the coronavirus lockdown.

Here's a list:

SPAIN 
Spain announced a four-phase plan on Tuesday to lift one of the toughest coronavirus lockdowns in Europe and return to normality by the end of June. 
Following are the key points of the plan -- 
Preparatory Phase 0 (May 4-11) 
- Hairdressers and other businesses that offer service by appointment can reopen. 
- Restaurants can offer take-away services. 
- Professional sports leagues will go back to training. 
- Short walks and individual sporting activities allowed starting on May 2. 
Phase 1 (about two weeks from May 11) 
- All provinces that meet the requirements will move to phase 1 on May 11, except for three islands in the Canaries archipelago - La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa - and the Balearic island of Formentera, where phase 1 begins on May 4 as an exception. 
- Small businesses to reopen under strict safety conditions. 
- Bars and restaurants can reopen their terraces with no more than 30% occupation. 
- Hotels and other tourist accommodation can reopen, excluding common areas. 
- Shops and other service providers must set aside preferential times for customers aged over 65 to visit. 
- Places of worship will also be reopened, limiting the capacity to one third. 
Phase 2 (about two weeks from late May) 
- Theatres and cinemas to reopen, filling no more than a third of their capacity. 
- Cultural centres such as art galleries and museums will reopen, again operating only at a third of regular capacity. 
- Places of worship will increase their capacity to 50%. 
- Hunting and sport fishing will be allowed. 
- Some schools will reopen, though most will stay closed until September. 
Phase 3 (around the end of June) 
- Shops will be allowed to open at half capacity with distancing of 2 meters between clients. 
- Restrictions on restaurants and bars will be further loosened. 
- Opening of beaches.

ITALY 
The government planned to extend the lockdown until May 3. The lockdown, closing most Italian businesses and preventing people leaving their homes for all but essential needs was due to end on April 13.

FRANCE 
President Emmanuel Macron is aiming to ease some of the lockdown measures on May 11 by initially re-opening schools, although the government has yet to finalise how this might work in practice. France has also offered retailers some relief by saying it wants them to reopen on May 11, although some curbs could remain in certain areas to delay any new wave of the virus.

The scientific council advising the government on the pandemic wrote over the weekend that school children aged 11-18 should wear masks to help thwart the virus.

Politicians are also debating whether or not to proceed with a software and mobile phone application aimed at being able to trace the coronavirus, with some expressing concerns over the potential for data abuse and privacy violations.

AUSTRIA 
Shopping malls, hairdressers and larger stores should reopen from May 1, though the plan could change if infections accelerate. Restaurants and hotels could reopen step by step from mid-May, although details have yet to be announced.

DENMARK 
A ban on gathering of more than 10 people and closure of cafes, restaurants, gyms and hairdressers will apply at least until May 10.

(compiled from agencies)

European countries have announced plans to ease restrictions on social life, transport and cross-border travel put in place since mid-March to battle the spread of the novel coronavirus.

European countries have announced plans to ease restrictions on social life, transport and cross-border travel put in place since mid-March to battle the spread of the novel coronavirus. The new coronavirus has killed more than 1,50,00 people in Europe with more than three quarters of those fatalities in Italy, France, Spain and Britain. However, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, back at work on Monday after being in intensive care with the disease, said it was too soon to relax the restrictions. Johnson, 55, spent three nights in intensive care with COVID-19. His his stand-in Dominic Raab said, "We are at a delicate and dangerous stage and we need to make sure that the next steps are sure-footed." Apart from Britain, other European countries have a few plans in place to accomplish the mammoth task of easing the coronavirus lockdown. Here's a list: SPAIN Spain announced a four-phase plan on Tuesday to lift one of the toughest coronavirus lockdowns in Europe and return to normality by the end of June. Following are the key points of the plan -- Preparatory Phase 0 (May 4-11) - Hairdressers and other businesses that offer service by appointment can reopen. - Restaurants can offer take-away services. - Professional sports leagues will go back to training. - Short walks and individual sporting activities allowed starting on May 2. Phase 1 (about two weeks from May 11) - All provinces that meet the requirements will move to phase 1 on May 11, except for three islands in the Canaries archipelago - La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa - and the Balearic island of Formentera, where phase 1 begins on May 4 as an exception. - Small businesses to reopen under strict safety conditions. - Bars and restaurants can reopen their terraces with no more than 30% occupation. - Hotels and other tourist accommodation can reopen, excluding common areas. - Shops and other service providers must set aside preferential times for customers aged over 65 to visit. - Places of worship will also be reopened, limiting the capacity to one third. Phase 2 (about two weeks from late May) - Theatres and cinemas to reopen, filling no more than a third of their capacity. - Cultural centres such as art galleries and museums will reopen, again operating only at a third of regular capacity. - Places of worship will increase their capacity to 50%. - Hunting and sport fishing will be allowed. - Some schools will reopen, though most will stay closed until September. Phase 3 (around the end of June) - Shops will be allowed to open at half capacity with distancing of 2 meters between clients. - Restrictions on restaurants and bars will be further loosened. - Opening of beaches. ITALY The government planned to extend the lockdown until May 3. The lockdown, closing most Italian businesses and preventing people leaving their homes for all but essential needs was due to end on April 13. FRANCE President Emmanuel Macron is aiming to ease some of the lockdown measures on May 11 by initially re-opening schools, although the government has yet to finalise how this might work in practice. France has also offered retailers some relief by saying it wants them to reopen on May 11, although some curbs could remain in certain areas to delay any new wave of the virus. The scientific council advising the government on the pandemic wrote over the weekend that school children aged 11-18 should wear masks to help thwart the virus. Politicians are also debating whether or not to proceed with a software and mobile phone application aimed at being able to trace the coronavirus, with some expressing concerns over the potential for data abuse and privacy violations. AUSTRIA Shopping malls, hairdressers and larger stores should reopen from May 1, though the plan could change if infections accelerate. Restaurants and hotels could reopen step by step from mid-May, although details have yet to be announced. DENMARK A ban on gathering of more than 10 people and closure of cafes, restaurants, gyms and hairdressers will apply at least until May 10. (compiled from agencies)

Europe begins to consider easing coronavirus lockdowns. Here's what the countries have planned

Watch today in 'WION In Focus': Some Stories Related To Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic.

WION In Focus: Some Stories Related To Coronavirus Pandemic

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Tuesday restrictions on citizens' movements would be lifted and more shops allowed to reopen from May 4 in a gradual easing of a lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

Greece to ease COVID-19 lockdown from May 4 | Coronavirus Pandemic

In this segment of WION, we bring you report on two twin brothers both killed by pandemics but 100 years apart.

Two twin brothers killed by two pandemics | COVID-19 Pandemic | WION News

The Indian government had weeks ago claimed initial success in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, saying it would have been hit with 8,20,000 cases in some time had it not imposed a nationwide lockdown.

Experts also predicted that the world's second-most populous country could expect millions of coronavirus cases. Onlookers worried that the virus could spread like wildfire through India's slums, where residents live in cramped quarters and basic sanitation often isn't available.

All over the world, mortality rates are being scrutinised to determine the true impact of the coronavirus, which emerged in China late last year and is known to have infected more than 2.7 million people globally, with over 2,00,000 deaths.

But so far, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's India, or Modi's India -- as the nation is referred to in articles in foreign media, seems to have been on the right track.

As of Tuesday, India had reported 31,360 coronavirus cases and 1,008 deaths -- implying about 0.76 deaths per million.&nbsp;

If compared with the United States, where the number of deaths per million is more than 175 -- with, PM Modi's nationwide lockdown seems to have halted the spread of COVID-19, at least for now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-in-us-top-1-million-death-toll-at-57266-295419">Also read |&nbsp;Coronavirus cases in US top 1 million; death toll at 57,266</a>

To this end, an analysis report in CNN explains what has worked for India, and what has not. It also wonders if it is too early for the country to rejoice.

The reality behind India's numbers is more complicated -- and experts caution that it is too early for India to congratulate itself, it says.

India began screening people coming from overseas a fortnight before the first positive case surfaced on January 30 -- while Italy started 25 days after its first case.

"India moved into lockdown relatively quickly -- it was announced when the country had reported 519 coronavirus cases. By comparison, Italy waited until it had more than 9,200 coronavirus cases before it went into a nationwide lockdown, while the United Kingdom had about 6,700," the report says.

India reported its first case on January 30 -- a student who had been studying at Wuhan University in China.

"It was around the same time that the UK, France, and Italy also reported their first cases, although their coronavirus outbreaks followed dramatically different trajectories. All three countries now have well over 1,00,000 coronavirus cases," the report says.

A chart-analysis shows the urgency with which India tackled the issue seems to have worked for it.
<img alt="Courtesy: CNN" data-align="center" data-caption="Graphic courtesy: CNN" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6afb6333-39c6-46be-bdb1-98aef866e098" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/CNN%20India.jpg" />
India suspended all tourist visas, and announced that all travellers who had been in the most-affected areas of the world in the past few weeks would be quarantined for at least 14 days, on March 11 -- the day the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 was a global pandemic.&nbsp;

On March 22, a Janata curfew was organised to motivate people to stay indoors. The same day, all international commercial flights were banned from landing in India and all passenger train services in the country were suspended.

"The United States, by comparison, has restricted foreigners travelling from China, Iran, and certain European countries, but there is no blanket ban on foreigners entering the country," the report adds.

A recent report said the toll should be weighed depending on the number of tests a country has carried out. According to India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country had conducted more than 6,25,000 tests as of Sunday -- more than South Korea, which has been praised for its approach to testing.

"According to Mike Ryan, the executive director of the WHO's Health Emergencies Programs, a good benchmark is to have at least 10 negative cases for every positive one," the report says.

For India, the rate is 4% -- well below that benchmark.&nbsp;

"It's also a significantly lower rate than the US, where the rate is about 17%, according to data from Johns Hopkins University (JHU). It's also lower than the UK, where the rate is around 21%, based on government data," the CNN analysis says.

But the sadder part is India's testing rate is extremely low per capita.&nbsp;

"Only about 48 out of every 100,000 people have been tested, compared with around 1,175 in South Korea and 1,740 in the US," the report says.

Another useful measure is the proportion of cases that are fatal.&nbsp;

"In India, about 3% of cases have died, compared with more than 13% in Italy, the UK and France, according to JHU. That suggests that India is testing people besides those with the most serious symptoms."

In any case, there does not seem to be a huge disparity in the reported numbers. If there was a huge surge in COVID-19 cases that weren't being caught by testing, then hospitals would be crowded with cases and there would be a spike in influenza-like symptoms in the community. This has not been the case in any part of the country.

Experts still, however, aren't sure why the virus would have shown a different pattern of spread in India. Point in consideration -- the WHO says the evidence so far shows the virus can be transmitted in all areas, including those with hot and humid weather.

Another possibility is that India's population may be less susceptible due to the country's policy of universal Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination. BCG -- which was developed to fight tuberculosis -- is being studied in clinical trials around the world as a possible way to fight the novel coronavirus.

However, the WHO notes that there is no evidence that the BCG vaccine protects people against infection from coronavirus, and the WHO does not recommend the vaccine as a prevention against COVID-19, says the report.

WHAT LIES AHEAD?

More than the reason behind the slower rate, the possibility of a dire future is what keeping the researchers on their toes.

"A surge is going to happen ... as soon as we go back from the nationwide lockdown. That is my hunch," an expert has said.

Social distancing will need to be maintained, but one thing that will not work in India's favour is age-specific lockdown.

Around the world, the elderly have been at a higher risk of dying from coronavirus -- in the US, 80% of deaths have been those aged 65 or older.

"India has a relatively young population -- 44% of the population are 24 or younger, compared with 23% in Italy and 29% in China, according to data from the CIA World Factbook. But many Indians live in a three-generation household, meaning that there is significant contact between younger and older generations," the report adds.

The government needs to strengthen the public health system to prepare for a possible return and resurgence in the winter, another expert adds.

Modi's India made to the international headlines a couple of weeks ago too with a Reuters report -- "In Modi's India, virus fallout inflames divisions between Muslims and Hindus". This was reported in the face of growing number of coronavirus cases due to the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz episode.

(with inputs from <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/28/india/india-coronavirus-outbreak-explained-intl-hnk/index.html">CNN</a> and Reuters)

The Indian government had weeks ago claimed initial success in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, saying it would have been hit with 8,20,000 cases in some time had it not imposed a nationwide lockdown.

The Indian government had weeks ago claimed initial success in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, saying it would have been hit with 8,20,000 cases in some time had it not imposed a nationwide lockdown. Experts also predicted that the world's second-most populous country could expect millions of coronavirus cases. Onlookers worried that the virus could spread like wildfire through India's slums, where residents live in cramped quarters and basic sanitation often isn't available. All over the world, mortality rates are being scrutinised to determine the true impact of the coronavirus, which emerged in China late last year and is known to have infected more than 2.7 million people globally, with over 2,00,000 deaths. But so far, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's India, or Modi's India -- as the nation is referred to in articles in foreign media, seems to have been on the right track. As of Tuesday, India had reported 31,360 coronavirus cases and 1,008 deaths -- implying about 0.76 deaths per million. If compared with the United States, where the number of deaths per million is more than 175 -- with, PM Modi's nationwide lockdown seems to have halted the spread of COVID-19, at least for now. Also read | Coronavirus cases in US top 1 million; death toll at 57,266 To this end, an analysis report in CNN explains what has worked for India, and what has not. It also wonders if it is too early for the country to rejoice. The reality behind India's numbers is more complicated -- and experts caution that it is too early for India to congratulate itself, it says. India began screening people coming from overseas a fortnight before the first positive case surfaced on January 30 -- while Italy started 25 days after its first case. "India moved into lockdown relatively quickly -- it was announced when the country had reported 519 coronavirus cases. By comparison, Italy waited until it had more than 9,200 coronavirus cases before it went into a nationwide lockdown, while the United Kingdom had about 6,700," the report says. India reported its first case on January 30 -- a student who had been studying at Wuhan University in China. "It was around the same time that the UK, France, and Italy also reported their first cases, although their coronavirus outbreaks followed dramatically different trajectories. All three countries now have well over 1,00,000 coronavirus cases," the report says. A chart-analysis shows the urgency with which India tackled the issue seems to have worked for it. India suspended all tourist visas, and announced that all travellers who had been in the most-affected areas of the world in the past few weeks would be quarantined for at least 14 days, on March 11 -- the day the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 was a global pandemic. On March 22, a Janata curfew was organised to motivate people to stay indoors. The same day, all international commercial flights were banned from landing in India and all passenger train services in the country were suspended. "The United States, by comparison, has restricted foreigners travelling from China, Iran, and certain European countries, but there is no blanket ban on foreigners entering the country," the report adds. A recent report said the toll should be weighed depending on the number of tests a country has carried out. According to India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country had conducted more than 6,25,000 tests as of Sunday -- more than South Korea, which has been praised for its approach to testing. "According to Mike Ryan, the executive director of the WHO's Health Emergencies Programs, a good benchmark is to have at least 10 negative cases for every positive one," the report says. For India, the rate is 4% -- well below that benchmark. "It's also a significantly lower rate than the US, where the rate is about 17%, according to data from Johns Hopkins University (JHU). It's also lower than the UK, where the rate is around 21%, based on government data," the CNN analysis says. But the sadder part is India's testing rate is extremely low per capita. "Only about 48 out of every 100,000 people have been tested, compared with around 1,175 in South Korea and 1,740 in the US," the report says. Another useful measure is the proportion of cases that are fatal. "In India, about 3% of cases have died, compared with more than 13% in Italy, the UK and France, according to JHU. That suggests that India is testing people besides those with the most serious symptoms." In any case, there does not seem to be a huge disparity in the reported numbers. If there was a huge surge in COVID-19 cases that weren't being caught by testing, then hospitals would be crowded with cases and there would be a spike in influenza-like symptoms in the community. This has not been the case in any part of the country. Experts still, however, aren't sure why the virus would have shown a different pattern of spread in India. Point in consideration -- the WHO says the evidence so far shows the virus can be transmitted in all areas, including those with hot and humid weather. Another possibility is that India's population may be less susceptible due to the country's policy of universal Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination. BCG -- which was developed to fight tuberculosis -- is being studied in clinical trials around the world as a possible way to fight the novel coronavirus. However, the WHO notes that there is no evidence that the BCG vaccine protects people against infection from coronavirus, and the WHO does not recommend the vaccine as a prevention against COVID-19, says the report. WHAT LIES AHEAD? More than the reason behind the slower rate, the possibility of a dire future is what keeping the researchers on their toes. "A surge is going to happen ... as soon as we go back from the nationwide lockdown. That is my hunch," an expert has said. Social distancing will need to be maintained, but one thing that will not work in India's favour is age-specific lockdown. Around the world, the elderly have been at a higher risk of dying from coronavirus -- in the US, 80% of deaths have been those aged 65 or older. "India has a relatively young population -- 44% of the population are 24 or younger, compared with 23% in Italy and 29% in China, according to data from the CIA World Factbook. But many Indians live in a three-generation household, meaning that there is significant contact between younger and older generations," the report adds. The government needs to strengthen the public health system to prepare for a possible return and resurgence in the winter, another expert adds. Modi's India made to the international headlines a couple of weeks ago too with a Reuters report -- "In Modi's India, virus fallout inflames divisions between Muslims and Hindus". This was reported in the face of growing number of coronavirus cases due to the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz episode. (with inputs from CNN and Reuters)

Around 1,000 coronavirus deaths in a country of 1.3 bn people? What's the deal with Modi's India!

The U.S. Air Force's elite flying squad, the Thunderbirds, and the Navy's Blue Angels, flew over New York and New Jersey on Tuesday (April 28) to thank first responders, military personnel and essential workers who have been on the frontlines of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Military jets flyover New York City in formation to thank first responders

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered meat-processing plants to stay open to protect the food supply in his country, despite concerns about coronavirus outbreaks.

Trump issued an executive order using the Defense Production Act to mandate that the plants continue to function -- with concerns about food shortages and supply chain disruptions in consideration. The order is designed in part to give companies legal cover with more liability protection in case employees catch the virus as a result of having to go to work.

The executive order, released Tuesday evening, said the closure of just one large beef-processing plant could result in 10 million fewer individual servings of beef in a day.

The world's biggest meat companies, including Smithfield Foods Inc , Cargill Inc , JBS USA [JBS.UL] and Tyson, have halted operations at about 20 slaughterhouses and processing plants in North America as workers fall ill, stoking global fears of a meat shortage.

Unions were not impressed. Some farmers said it was too late because pigs had been euthanised already instead of the pork going to market.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-in-us-top-1-million-death-toll-at-57266-295419">Also read |&nbsp;Coronavirus cases in US top 1 million; death toll at 57,266</a>

US meat companies slaughtered an estimated 283,000 hogs on Tuesday, down about 43% from before plants began shutting because of the pandemic, according to US Department of Agriculture data. Processors slaughtered about 76,000 cattle, down about 38%.

Critics, however, said the slaughterhouses had been closed for a reason. More than 6,500 meat- and food-processing workers have been infected with or exposed to the new coronavirus, and 20 have died.

(with inputs from Reuters)

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered meat-processing plants to stay open to protect the food supply in his country, despite concerns about coronavirus outbreaks.

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered meat-processing plants to stay open to protect the food supply in his country, despite concerns about coronavirus outbreaks. Trump issued an executive order using the Defense Production Act to mandate that the plants continue to function -- with concerns about food shortages and supply chain disruptions in consideration. The order is designed in part to give companies legal cover with more liability protection in case employees catch the virus as a result of having to go to work. The executive order, released Tuesday evening, said the closure of just one large beef-processing plant could result in 10 million fewer individual servings of beef in a day. The world's biggest meat companies, including Smithfield Foods Inc , Cargill Inc , JBS USA [JBS.UL] and Tyson, have halted operations at about 20 slaughterhouses and processing plants in North America as workers fall ill, stoking global fears of a meat shortage. Unions were not impressed. Some farmers said it was too late because pigs had been euthanised already instead of the pork going to market. Also read | Coronavirus cases in US top 1 million; death toll at 57,266 US meat companies slaughtered an estimated 283,000 hogs on Tuesday, down about 43% from before plants began shutting because of the pandemic, according to US Department of Agriculture data. Processors slaughtered about 76,000 cattle, down about 38%. Critics, however, said the slaughterhouses had been closed for a reason. More than 6,500 meat- and food-processing workers have been infected with or exposed to the new coronavirus, and 20 have died. (with inputs from Reuters)

Trump to order meat processing plants to stay open even as they become coronavirus hot spots

Brazil's indigenous chief Raoni Metuktire asked for financial help to face the COVID-19 pandemic, dubbing the virus a "serious problem."

Brazil's indigenous chief Raoni pleads for financial during COVID-19 crisis

BRICS countries have agreed to set up $15 billion loan instrument to finance projects for the economic rebuilding of BRICS countries due to Covid crisis. This was among the key outcome of the BRICS foreign ministers meet via video conference on Tuesday.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who initiated the meet being said," BRICS agreed to increase bilateral partnership at the international organisations like UN, G20, WHO, WTO, IMF &amp; World Bank. We decided to set up a special loan instrument to finance projects for the economic rebuilding of BRICS countries. In total, we decided to allocate $15 billion. Russia advised about the ideas that we need to jointly respond to the crisis"

BRICS economic experts will meet on April 29th,&nbsp;followed by BRICS health ministers meet on May 7th.

India also highlighted the economic impact of the pandemic with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying the crisis not only poses a "great risk to the health and well being of humanity but is also severely impacting global economy and output by disruption of global trade and supply chains."

Highlighting how economic activity across sectors has been "negatively impacted leading to loss of jobs and livelihoods", Jaishanker said, "we need to provide support to businesses, especially MSMEs, to tide over the crisis and ensure livelihoods are not lost."

He also called for the need for "reform of multilateral systems", comments clearly indicating at reforms at world bodies including WHO which is under increased criticism for failing to warn about the pandemic.

Other BRICS members were also informed about India's actions to deal with COVID crisis including measures in South Asia with the creation of COVID-19 emergency fund and providing assistance of medicines to 85 countries.

Interestingly, no BRICS joint statement on COVID-19 was released after the meeting of foreign ministers. The meet saw the participation of Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, India by EAM S Jaishankar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil Amb. Ernesto Araújo, Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi &amp; Minister of International Relations Grace Naledi Pandor.

BRICS bring together 42% of the global population and has evolved rapidly since the first decade of the current century.

BRICS countries have agreed to set up $15 billion loan instrument to finance projects for the economic rebuilding of BRICS countries due to Covid crisis. This was among the key outcome of the BRICS foreign ministers meet via video conference on Tuesday.

BRICS countries have agreed to set up $15 billion loan instrument to finance projects for the economic rebuilding of BRICS countries due to Covid crisis. This was among the key outcome of the BRICS foreign ministers meet via video conference on Tuesday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who initiated the meet being said," BRICS agreed to increase bilateral partnership at the international organisations like UN, G20, WHO, WTO, IMF & World Bank. We decided to set up a special loan instrument to finance projects for the economic rebuilding of BRICS countries. In total, we decided to allocate $15 billion. Russia advised about the ideas that we need to jointly respond to the crisis" BRICS economic experts will meet on April 29th, followed by BRICS health ministers meet on May 7th. India also highlighted the economic impact of the pandemic with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying the crisis not only poses a "great risk to the health and well being of humanity but is also severely impacting global economy and output by disruption of global trade and supply chains." Highlighting how economic activity across sectors has been "negatively impacted leading to loss of jobs and livelihoods", Jaishanker said, "we need to provide support to businesses, especially MSMEs, to tide over the crisis and ensure livelihoods are not lost." He also called for the need for "reform of multilateral systems", comments clearly indicating at reforms at world bodies including WHO which is under increased criticism for failing to warn about the pandemic. Other BRICS members were also informed about India's actions to deal with COVID crisis including measures in South Asia with the creation of COVID-19 emergency fund and providing assistance of medicines to 85 countries. Interestingly, no BRICS joint statement on COVID-19 was released after the meeting of foreign ministers. The meet saw the participation of Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, India by EAM S Jaishankar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil Amb. Ernesto Araújo, Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi & Minister of International Relations Grace Naledi Pandor. BRICS bring together 42% of the global population and has evolved rapidly since the first decade of the current century.

COVID-19: BRICS to set up $15 billion loan support as India calls for reform of multilateral system

British World War Two veteran Captain Tom Moore is in for a very special 100th birthday on Thursday (April 30) after well-wishers from around the world repaid his record-breaking fundraising efforts by sending tens of thousands of birthday cards.

Birthday tributes flood in for fund-raising British veteran 'Captain Tom'

British Airways is set to cut more than a quarter of its jobs due to the coronavirus crisis, forecasting that passenger numbers will take years to&nbsp;return to 2019 levels.

BA has 45,000 employees, including 16,500 cabin crew and 3,900 pilots, according to its website.

International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (IAG), which owns British Airways, reported a first-quarter operating loss reflecting the full extent of travel lockdowns during the pandemic. Revenue dropped 13% to 4.6 billion euros.

IAG said it expected significantly worse losses in the second quarter due to the decline in passenger capacity and traffic, despite some relief from government job retention and wage support schemes.

In a statement, it said the sweeping restructuring at BA will probably "affect most of British Airways' employees and may result in the redundancy of up to 12,000 of them."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-reports-586-covid-19-deaths-in-last-24-hours-death-toll-crosses-21600-295396">Also read |&nbsp;UK reports 586 COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hours; death toll crosses 21,600</a>

Union leaders criticised the plans and said the airline should have worked to secure more government aid to avoid cutting jobs.

The pilots union BALPA said staff were devastated.

Earlier this month, BA used Britain's COVID-19 jobs retention scheme to furlough 22,626 employees. Under the scheme, the government takes on part of the cost of retaining staff who remain on the payroll while being sent home during the crisis.

Governments in Europe and the United States are providing payroll support to airlines while the industry battles its biggest ever crisis. Estimated global airline losses from the coronavirus pandemic have climbed to $314 billion, the International Air Transport Association said on April 14. More than half the world's airplanes are in storage.

British Airways is set to cut more than a quarter of its jobs due to the coronavirus crisis, forecasting that passenger numbers will take years to return to 2019 levels.

British Airways is set to cut more than a quarter of its jobs due to the coronavirus crisis, forecasting that passenger numbers will take years to return to 2019 levels. BA has 45,000 employees, including 16,500 cabin crew and 3,900 pilots, according to its website. International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (IAG), which owns British Airways, reported a first-quarter operating loss reflecting the full extent of travel lockdowns during the pandemic. Revenue dropped 13% to 4.6 billion euros. IAG said it expected significantly worse losses in the second quarter due to the decline in passenger capacity and traffic, despite some relief from government job retention and wage support schemes. In a statement, it said the sweeping restructuring at BA will probably "affect most of British Airways' employees and may result in the redundancy of up to 12,000 of them." Also read | UK reports 586 COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hours; death toll crosses 21,600 Union leaders criticised the plans and said the airline should have worked to secure more government aid to avoid cutting jobs. The pilots union BALPA said staff were devastated. Earlier this month, BA used Britain's COVID-19 jobs retention scheme to furlough 22,626 employees. Under the scheme, the government takes on part of the cost of retaining staff who remain on the payroll while being sent home during the crisis. Governments in Europe and the United States are providing payroll support to airlines while the industry battles its biggest ever crisis. Estimated global airline losses from the coronavirus pandemic have climbed to $314 billion, the International Air Transport Association said on April 14. More than half the world's airplanes are in storage.

Coronavirus fallout: British Airways plans to cut more than a quarter of its jobs

Pakistan's coronavirus tally has climbed to 14,885 while the death toll from the pandemic has reached 327, the health ministry said on Wednesday.

As many as 806 new cases and 26 more fatalities were recorded in the last 24 hours.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, 3,425 people have recovered from the contagion while 129 were still in critical condition.

The ministry said that Punjab has reported 5,827, Sindh 5,291, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 2,160, Balochistan 915, Gilgit-Baltistan 330, Islamabad 297 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 65 cases.

So far, 1,65,911 tests have been conducted, including 8,530 on April 28.

Sindh has banned all religious gatherings during the holy month of Ramzan in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus. According to a notification released by the province's Home Department all religious gatherings "being not mandatory shall not be held."

Pakistan's coronavirus tally has climbed to 14,885 while the death toll from the pandemic has reached 327, the health ministry said on Wednesday. As many as 806 new cases and 26 more fatalities were recorded in the last 24 hours.

Pakistan's coronavirus tally has climbed to 14,885 while the death toll from the pandemic has reached 327, the health ministry said on Wednesday. As many as 806 new cases and 26 more fatalities were recorded in the last 24 hours. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, 3,425 people have recovered from the contagion while 129 were still in critical condition. The ministry said that Punjab has reported 5,827, Sindh 5,291, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 2,160, Balochistan 915, Gilgit-Baltistan 330, Islamabad 297 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 65 cases. So far, 1,65,911 tests have been conducted, including 8,530 on April 28. Sindh has banned all religious gatherings during the holy month of Ramzan in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus. According to a notification released by the province's Home Department all religious gatherings "being not mandatory shall not be held."

Coronavirus tally in Pakistan rises to 14,885; death toll at 327

Brazil's death toll due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-begins-to-consider-easing-coronavirus-lockdowns-heres-what-the-countries-have-planned-295470">coronavirus</a> crossed 5,000 on Wednesday, the country's health ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-mike-pence-does-the-contrary-visits-clinic-without-wearing-mask-295448">Also Read:&nbsp;US vice-president Mike Pence visits clinic without wearing mask</a>

There are now 5,107 fatalities due to COVID-19 in the country with 71,886 infected cases.

The country recorded 474 deaths in the last 24 hour hours with Sao Paulo being the hardest hit due to the virus even as the country prepares to resume economic activity after May 11.

President Jair Bolsonaro has been quite candid over his displeasure with the restrictions imposed by governors across the country even as the death toll mounts. Last week the Brazilian president had said that he wanted the quarantines imposed by state governors to be lifted.

"I hope that this is the last week of the quarantine, that way of fighting the virus with everyone in their home," Bolsonaro had said last week. The President had sacked his health minister earlier as health officials predicted that the virus will reach its peak in May and June.

Brazil, a country of over 210 million has the most number of COVID-19 cases in South America &nbsp;

US President Trump had said on Tuesday that his administration was considering ordering coronavirus tests for people arriving in the United States on international flights while singling out Brazil.

"We're probably going to be doing that. Brazil has pretty much had an outbreak, as you know," the US president said, adding,"we're talking with others also that have a lot of business coming in from South America, Latin America, and we'll make a determination."

Last week the country had seen the death toll cross 3,000 amid reports of shortage of equipment in ICU units.&nbsp;

Brazil's death toll due to coronavirus crossed 5,000 on Wednesday, the country's health ministry said. Also Read: US vice-president Mike Pence visits clinic without wearing mask There are now 5,107 fatalities due to COVID-19 in the country with 71,886 infected cases.

Brazil's death toll due to coronavirus crossed 5,000 on Wednesday, the country's health ministry said. Also Read: US vice-president Mike Pence visits clinic without wearing mask There are now 5,107 fatalities due to COVID-19 in the country with 71,886 infected cases. The country recorded 474 deaths in the last 24 hour hours with Sao Paulo being the hardest hit due to the virus even as the country prepares to resume economic activity after May 11. President Jair Bolsonaro has been quite candid over his displeasure with the restrictions imposed by governors across the country even as the death toll mounts. Last week the Brazilian president had said that he wanted the quarantines imposed by state governors to be lifted. "I hope that this is the last week of the quarantine, that way of fighting the virus with everyone in their home," Bolsonaro had said last week. The President had sacked his health minister earlier as health officials predicted that the virus will reach its peak in May and June. Brazil, a country of over 210 million has the most number of COVID-19 cases in South America US President Trump had said on Tuesday that his administration was considering ordering coronavirus tests for people arriving in the United States on international flights while singling out Brazil. "We're probably going to be doing that. Brazil has pretty much had an outbreak, as you know," the US president said, adding,"we're talking with others also that have a lot of business coming in from South America, Latin America, and we'll make a determination." Last week the country had seen the death toll cross 3,000 amid reports of shortage of equipment in ICU units.

Brazil's coronavirus death toll crosses 5,000

A recently released report has raised questions over antibody test that checks for prior COVID-19 infection, citing they had high rates of false positives in screenings performed by a consortium of California laboratories.

A false positive is a potential danger as people could then think they were immune to the virus when they're actually still vulnerable.

Of the 12 antibody tests that were studied by the COVID-19 Testing Project, one of the tests gave false positives more than 15% of the time. Three other tests gave false positives more than 10% of the time.

According to experts, their false positive rates should be 5% or lower, or ideally 2% or lower.

A good antibody testing is critical to getting back to normal, since they might help assess who in the US has immunity. That's why the false positives are so dangerous.

The COVID-19 Testing Project is a consortium of researchers and physicians at the University of California San Francisco, the University of California Berkeley, the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, and the Innovative Genomics Institute.

The faulty tests have their root cause in the guidelines and the relaxation given for them. In mid-March, when it became clear that COVID-19 was starting to whirl out of control, the FDA allowed companies to sell tests without first providing evidence that they worked.&nbsp; 
Some 175 test developers took advantage of these new rules and could legally market their antibody tests without first having their validation data evaluated by the FDA, a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at UCSF School of Medicine said.

The California researchers obtained as many tests as possible, but so far have been unable to screen antibody tests by large test makers such as Roche and Abbott, because they require proprietary instruments to run the tests, which the California tests did not have.

A recently released report has raised questions over antibody test that checks for prior COVID-19 infection, citing they had high rates of false positives in screenings performed by a consortium of California laboratories.

A recently released report has raised questions over antibody test that checks for prior COVID-19 infection, citing they had high rates of false positives in screenings performed by a consortium of California laboratories. A false positive is a potential danger as people could then think they were immune to the virus when they're actually still vulnerable. Of the 12 antibody tests that were studied by the COVID-19 Testing Project, one of the tests gave false positives more than 15% of the time. Three other tests gave false positives more than 10% of the time. According to experts, their false positive rates should be 5% or lower, or ideally 2% or lower. A good antibody testing is critical to getting back to normal, since they might help assess who in the US has immunity. That's why the false positives are so dangerous. The COVID-19 Testing Project is a consortium of researchers and physicians at the University of California San Francisco, the University of California Berkeley, the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, and the Innovative Genomics Institute. The faulty tests have their root cause in the guidelines and the relaxation given for them. In mid-March, when it became clear that COVID-19 was starting to whirl out of control, the FDA allowed companies to sell tests without first providing evidence that they worked. Some 175 test developers took advantage of these new rules and could legally market their antibody tests without first having their validation data evaluated by the FDA, a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at UCSF School of Medicine said. The California researchers obtained as many tests as possible, but so far have been unable to screen antibody tests by large test makers such as Roche and Abbott, because they require proprietary instruments to run the tests, which the California tests did not have.

Coronavirus antibody tests may give false positives, says new research

The number of coronavirus cases in the United States crossed 1 million on Tuesday, according to the Centre for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.

A total of 10,12,000 cases and 58,356 deaths related to the disease have been recorded in the country.

The deaths toll has now surpassed the total of US troop fatalities during the Vietnam War. A total of 58,220 Americans died during the war in Vietnam, where fighting lasted more than 10 years.

The first known US coronavirus-related fatality was February 6, less than three months ago.

According to the tally, New York remains the hardest-hit state, with 2,91,996 cases and 22,668 deaths, followed by New Jersey where 1,11,188 cases and 6,442 deaths have been reported.

Other states with over 40,000 cases include Massachusetts, Illinois, California and Pennsylvania.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-reports-586-covid-19-deaths-in-last-24-hours-death-toll-crosses-21600-295396">Also read |&nbsp;UK reports 586 COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hours; death toll crosses 21,600</a>

The number of coronavirus cases in the United States crossed 1 million on Tuesday, according to the Centre for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.

The number of coronavirus cases in the United States crossed 1 million on Tuesday, according to the Centre for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University. A total of 10,12,000 cases and 58,356 deaths related to the disease have been recorded in the country. The deaths toll has now surpassed the total of US troop fatalities during the Vietnam War. A total of 58,220 Americans died during the war in Vietnam, where fighting lasted more than 10 years. The first known US coronavirus-related fatality was February 6, less than three months ago. According to the tally, New York remains the hardest-hit state, with 2,91,996 cases and 22,668 deaths, followed by New Jersey where 1,11,188 cases and 6,442 deaths have been reported. Other states with over 40,000 cases include Massachusetts, Illinois, California and Pennsylvania. Also read | UK reports 586 COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hours; death toll crosses 21,600

Coronavirus cases in US top 1 million; death toll greater than that of Vietnam War

The city of Beijing plans to ease quarantine rules for some domestic travellers&nbsp;from low-risk areas in China as soon as Thursday, according to two sources familiar with the situation, as the Chinese capital prepares for a major political gathering.

People arriving from elsewhere in China will no longer be required to be quarantined for two weeks unless they come from high-risk areas such as Heilongjiang in the north and some parts of Guangdong in the southeast, the sources said, requesting anonymity as the information has not been disclosed publicly.

Beijing`s municipal government did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment.

Currently, even Chinese citizens who reside in Beijing are not allowed to return home without first quarantining except under special circumstances, and those who refuse to do so or follow official rules to curb the contagion can be punished.

The easing in quarantine rules will not apply for travellers from overseas, the sources said. 
Beijing started in March to quarantine all travellers from overseas, including Chinese citizens, at designated locations for 14 days.

As domestic confirmed cases of the virus decline, restrictions across the country have slowly eased. Beijing has not reported any locally-transmitted cases of the virus since April 15.

State media reported on Wednesday that parliament will start its key annual session on May 22, the latest sign that the country is trying to return to business as normal. The gatherings of the National People`s Congress traditionally see more than 5,000 delegates descend on Beijing from all over China for at least 10 days.

The city of Beijing plans to ease quarantine rules for some domestic travellers from low-risk areas in China as soon as Thursday, according to two sources familiar with the situation, as the Chinese capital prepares for a major political gathering.

The city of Beijing plans to ease quarantine rules for some domestic travellers from low-risk areas in China as soon as Thursday, according to two sources familiar with the situation, as the Chinese capital prepares for a major political gathering. People arriving from elsewhere in China will no longer be required to be quarantined for two weeks unless they come from high-risk areas such as Heilongjiang in the north and some parts of Guangdong in the southeast, the sources said, requesting anonymity as the information has not been disclosed publicly. Beijing`s municipal government did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment. Currently, even Chinese citizens who reside in Beijing are not allowed to return home without first quarantining except under special circumstances, and those who refuse to do so or follow official rules to curb the contagion can be punished. The easing in quarantine rules will not apply for travellers from overseas, the sources said. Beijing started in March to quarantine all travellers from overseas, including Chinese citizens, at designated locations for 14 days. As domestic confirmed cases of the virus decline, restrictions across the country have slowly eased. Beijing has not reported any locally-transmitted cases of the virus since April 15. State media reported on Wednesday that parliament will start its key annual session on May 22, the latest sign that the country is trying to return to business as normal. The gatherings of the National People`s Congress traditionally see more than 5,000 delegates descend on Beijing from all over China for at least 10 days.

City of Beijing may ease quarantine rules as early as Thursday, say sources

Men and women are equally likely to contract the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19), but men are more than twice as likely to die from the disease as compared to women, a study has found.

So far, researchers have confirmed that older COVID-19 patients and those with certain underlying conditions, such as heart disease and respiratory conditions, are at greater risk of severe disease and death.

The new research results, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, however, suggest that additional care may be required for older men or those with underlying conditions.

The researchers at Beijing Tongren Hospital in China noticed a trend among COVID-19 patients who died -- that the number of men dying from COVID-19 appeared to be higher than the number of women.

For the findings, the research team analysed several patient datasets to see if there were differences in how men and women respond to COVID-19.

Strikingly, in the largest COVID-19 dataset, over 70 per cent of the patients who died were men, meaning that men had almost 2.5 times the death rate of women.

The virus responsible for COVID-19 is similar to the virus behind the 2003 SARS outbreak. In the SARS dataset from 2003, the researchers found a similar trend, with a significantly higher mortality rate amongst males compared with females.

Further research is now needed to determine exactly why men with COVID-19 tend to fare worse than women.

Men and women are equally likely to contract the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19), but men are more than twice as likely to die from the disease as compared to women, a study has found.

Men and women are equally likely to contract the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19), but men are more than twice as likely to die from the disease as compared to women, a study has found. So far, researchers have confirmed that older COVID-19 patients and those with certain underlying conditions, such as heart disease and respiratory conditions, are at greater risk of severe disease and death. The new research results, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, however, suggest that additional care may be required for older men or those with underlying conditions. The researchers at Beijing Tongren Hospital in China noticed a trend among COVID-19 patients who died -- that the number of men dying from COVID-19 appeared to be higher than the number of women. For the findings, the research team analysed several patient datasets to see if there were differences in how men and women respond to COVID-19. Strikingly, in the largest COVID-19 dataset, over 70 per cent of the patients who died were men, meaning that men had almost 2.5 times the death rate of women. The virus responsible for COVID-19 is similar to the virus behind the 2003 SARS outbreak. In the SARS dataset from 2003, the researchers found a similar trend, with a significantly higher mortality rate amongst males compared with females. Further research is now needed to determine exactly why men with COVID-19 tend to fare worse than women.

Men are more than twice as likely to die from COVID-19, says study

More the 500 Indian organisations across the world have pledged support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the country's fight against the novel coronavirus.

In a letter headlined as "a message of solidarity and appeal from Indian organisations around the world", these 568 organisations -- ranging from national and regional to cultural -- have also expressed solidarity with the proactive measures taken by India in order to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

The organisations have also applauded the efforts of the frontline workers who have been tirelessly working -- often putting themselves at a huge risk.

"We the millions of people of Indian origin from across the globe salute the efforts of all those individuals who along with international organizations, national governments, private, public and social sector organizations are working tirelessly and often at huge personal risk to tackle this crisis and save precious human life," they said, in a letter addressed to the people of the country.

They also commended the mammoth efforts taken by&nbsp;the Indian government and PM Modi in view to alleviate the inevitable hardship the poor would endure during the coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sees-sharpest-death-count-rise-total-covid-19-cases-29435-295218">Also read |&nbsp;India sees sharpest death count rise; total Covid-19 cases 29,435</a>

They said, "We would especially like to commend the mammoth efforts of the Indian government and states working under the able leadership of Prime Minister Modi for the wide ranging and timely measures to address this issue and to alleviate the inevitable hardship that they will endure during this time of lockdown. We salute the citizens of India for your fortitude, patience, disciple, and social consciousness at this testing time.&nbsp;

"We appeal to you all, sisters and brothers to continue to keep trust, keep strong and follow the continued advice and guidance of Prime Minister Modi during these testing times. All of us share in the suffering and stand united in our resolve to see the world through this crisis for a brighter and better tomorrow."

The Indian community is also working round the clock in helping the vulnerable sections like students by providing them essential items, accommodation, visa consultations, counselling and appealing to universities to provide relief in terms of fees and other educational matters and in various other ways.

Many organisations have appreciated the effort of PM Modi in helping the international community while even fighting COVID-19 in India, by sending medicines to various parts of the world. This indeed has elevated India’s image amongst local natives.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-doctor-describes-covid-19-swab-sample-collection-295226">Also read |&nbsp;Maharashtra doctor describes COVID-19 swab sample collection</a>

More the 500 Indian organisations across the world have pledged support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the country's fight against the novel coronavirus. In a letter headlined as "a message of solidarity and appeal from Indian organisations around the world", these 568 organisations -- ranging from national and regional to cultural -- have also expressed solidarity with the proactive measures taken by India in order to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

More the 500 Indian organisations across the world have pledged support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the country's fight against the novel coronavirus. In a letter headlined as "a message of solidarity and appeal from Indian organisations around the world", these 568 organisations -- ranging from national and regional to cultural -- have also expressed solidarity with the proactive measures taken by India in order to curb the spread of the deadly virus. The organisations have also applauded the efforts of the frontline workers who have been tirelessly working -- often putting themselves at a huge risk. "We the millions of people of Indian origin from across the globe salute the efforts of all those individuals who along with international organizations, national governments, private, public and social sector organizations are working tirelessly and often at huge personal risk to tackle this crisis and save precious human life," they said, in a letter addressed to the people of the country. They also commended the mammoth efforts taken by the Indian government and PM Modi in view to alleviate the inevitable hardship the poor would endure during the coronavirus-enforced lockdown. Also read | India sees sharpest death count rise; total Covid-19 cases 29,435 They said, "We would especially like to commend the mammoth efforts of the Indian government and states working under the able leadership of Prime Minister Modi for the wide ranging and timely measures to address this issue and to alleviate the inevitable hardship that they will endure during this time of lockdown. We salute the citizens of India for your fortitude, patience, disciple, and social consciousness at this testing time. "We appeal to you all, sisters and brothers to continue to keep trust, keep strong and follow the continued advice and guidance of Prime Minister Modi during these testing times. All of us share in the suffering and stand united in our resolve to see the world through this crisis for a brighter and better tomorrow." The Indian community is also working round the clock in helping the vulnerable sections like students by providing them essential items, accommodation, visa consultations, counselling and appealing to universities to provide relief in terms of fees and other educational matters and in various other ways. Many organisations have appreciated the effort of PM Modi in helping the international community while even fighting COVID-19 in India, by sending medicines to various parts of the world. This indeed has elevated India’s image amongst local natives. Also read | Maharashtra doctor describes COVID-19 swab sample collection

Indian organisations across the world pledge support to PM Modi in fight against coronavirus pandemic

A rising number of children in London are becoming ill with a rare syndrome that could be linked to coronavirus. Reported cases show symptoms of abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms and cardiac inflammation with some children testing positive for coronavirus.

The number of COVID-19 cases among children remains small and while some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases till date.

To this end, on Sunday, the Paediatric Intensive Care Society UK (PICS) tweeted an "urgent alert" from the National Health Service England about a small rise in the number of cases of critically ill children presenting "overlapping features of toxic shock syndrome and atypical Kawasaki disease with blood parameters" -- with some of the children testing positive for COVID-19.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-another-patient-new-zealand-nurse-tells-of-treating-british-pm-for-coronavirus-294210">Also read | 'Just another patient': New Zealand nurse tells of treating British PM for coronavirus</a>

Kawasaki disease, also known as Kawasaki syndrome, is a rare childhood illness that causes the walls of the blood vessels in the body to become inflamed.

The alert added there was a growing concern that a [COVID-19] related inflammatory syndrome is emerging in children in the UK, or that there may be another, as yet unidentified, infectious pathogen associated with these cases.

In a statement sent over the weekend to medical professionals who look after critically ill children, PICS said "the cases have in common overlapping features of toxic shock syndrome and atypical Kawasaki disease with blood parameters consistent with severe Covid-19 in children. Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms have been a common feature as has cardiac inflammation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-potential-vaccine-human-trials-begin-in-uk-294599">Watch | Coronavirus potential vaccine human trials begin in UK</a>

The group, however, said there were a "small number of children nationally" who fit the clinical picture described in the NHS alert.

Racial disparities, reports say, have also been emerging among COVID-19 cases in children -- as younger African-Americans and Latinos were being affected more severely and actually being hospitalised.

In a similar case, doctors in northern Italy, one of the world's hardest-hit areas during the pandemic, have reported extraordinarily large numbers of children under age 9 with severe cases of what appears to be Kawasaki disease, more common in parts of Asia.

In the United States, a leading paediatric society says it has yet to see something similar.

A rising number of children in London are becoming ill with a rare syndrome that could be linked to coronavirus. Reported cases show symptoms of abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms and cardiac inflammation with some children testing positive for coronavirus.

A rising number of children in London are becoming ill with a rare syndrome that could be linked to coronavirus. Reported cases show symptoms of abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms and cardiac inflammation with some children testing positive for coronavirus. The number of COVID-19 cases among children remains small and while some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases till date. To this end, on Sunday, the Paediatric Intensive Care Society UK (PICS) tweeted an "urgent alert" from the National Health Service England about a small rise in the number of cases of critically ill children presenting "overlapping features of toxic shock syndrome and atypical Kawasaki disease with blood parameters" -- with some of the children testing positive for COVID-19. Also read | 'Just another patient': New Zealand nurse tells of treating British PM for coronavirus Kawasaki disease, also known as Kawasaki syndrome, is a rare childhood illness that causes the walls of the blood vessels in the body to become inflamed. The alert added there was a growing concern that a [COVID-19] related inflammatory syndrome is emerging in children in the UK, or that there may be another, as yet unidentified, infectious pathogen associated with these cases. In a statement sent over the weekend to medical professionals who look after critically ill children, PICS said "the cases have in common overlapping features of toxic shock syndrome and atypical Kawasaki disease with blood parameters consistent with severe Covid-19 in children. Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms have been a common feature as has cardiac inflammation." Watch | Coronavirus potential vaccine human trials begin in UK The group, however, said there were a "small number of children nationally" who fit the clinical picture described in the NHS alert. Racial disparities, reports say, have also been emerging among COVID-19 cases in children -- as younger African-Americans and Latinos were being affected more severely and actually being hospitalised. In a similar case, doctors in northern Italy, one of the world's hardest-hit areas during the pandemic, have reported extraordinarily large numbers of children under age 9 with severe cases of what appears to be Kawasaki disease, more common in parts of Asia. In the United States, a leading paediatric society says it has yet to see something similar.

Coronavirus could be tied to a rare but serious illness in children

The United States has enlisted new federal plans designed to help restaurants, schools, churches and businesses safely reopen as the country looks to gradually lift their coronavirus restrictions.

A few of the recommendations offered are -- businesses should close break rooms; restaurants should consider disposable menus and plates; and schools should have students eat lunch in their classrooms.

The draft guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been sent to Washington but still could be revised before the Trump administration unveils it to the public.

The CDC put together decision trees for at least seven types of organizations: schools, camps, childcare centers, religious facilities, mass transit systems, workplaces, and bars/restaurants.

White House officials previously released a three-phase reopening plan for the nation that mentioned schools and other organisations that come back online at different points.

The new guidance still amounts to little more than advice. State and local officials will be the ones to adopt and enforce them. Some state and local governments have already put rules in place for businesses that are operating.

The United States has enlisted new federal plans designed to help restaurants, schools, churches and businesses safely reopen as the country looks to gradually lift their coronavirus restrictions.

The United States has enlisted new federal plans designed to help restaurants, schools, churches and businesses safely reopen as the country looks to gradually lift their coronavirus restrictions. A few of the recommendations offered are -- businesses should close break rooms; restaurants should consider disposable menus and plates; and schools should have students eat lunch in their classrooms. The draft guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been sent to Washington but still could be revised before the Trump administration unveils it to the public. The CDC put together decision trees for at least seven types of organizations: schools, camps, childcare centers, religious facilities, mass transit systems, workplaces, and bars/restaurants. White House officials previously released a three-phase reopening plan for the nation that mentioned schools and other organisations that come back online at different points. The new guidance still amounts to little more than advice. State and local officials will be the ones to adopt and enforce them. Some state and local governments have already put rules in place for businesses that are operating.

US compiles new guidelines to help organisations reopen

California will step up enforcement of coronavirus-related public health restrictions after crowds jammed its beaches over the weekend.

Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement came after officials in Orange and Ventura Counties received flak for the crowds at the Southern California beaches. The officials had allowed access to their beaches even as state parks remained closed, prompting families and groups to head to the ocean on a warm spring weekend.

The two counties that opened their beaches are reconsidering their plans after people thronged their shoreline spots, prompting criticism from public health authorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-pack-southern-california-beaches-despite-coronavirus-concerns-295044">Also read |&nbsp;Thousands pack Southern California beaches despite coronavirus concerns</a>

The crowds could delay a loosening of restrictions that was just weeks away, the governor said while announcing the decision.

Newsom added he would not direct state police or park rangers to issue citations to individuals who were just out quietly with their children or walking their dogs.

The coronavirus outbreak was not over in California, where 45 people have of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours and 1,300 more cases were diagnosed.

Late on Monday, seven Bay Area public health officials issued a statement saying the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara as well as the city of Berkeley would issue revised "shelter-in-place" orders this week. 
The current orders will expire on May 3.

Two additional states, Nevada and Colorado, have joined California, Oregon and Washington to develop a Western regional plan for reopening their economies and allowing residents to begin more typical social interactions.

However, Washington Governor Jay Inslee said his state's parks and other outdoor areas would reopen on May 5 for golf, hunting, fishing and other recreational activities.

California will step up enforcement of coronavirus-related public health restrictions after crowds jammed its beaches over the weekend. Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement came after officials in Orange and Ventura Counties received flak for the crowds at the Southern California beaches.

California will step up enforcement of coronavirus-related public health restrictions after crowds jammed its beaches over the weekend. Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement came after officials in Orange and Ventura Counties received flak for the crowds at the Southern California beaches. The officials had allowed access to their beaches even as state parks remained closed, prompting families and groups to head to the ocean on a warm spring weekend. The two counties that opened their beaches are reconsidering their plans after people thronged their shoreline spots, prompting criticism from public health authorities. Also read | Thousands pack Southern California beaches despite coronavirus concerns The crowds could delay a loosening of restrictions that was just weeks away, the governor said while announcing the decision. Newsom added he would not direct state police or park rangers to issue citations to individuals who were just out quietly with their children or walking their dogs. The coronavirus outbreak was not over in California, where 45 people have of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours and 1,300 more cases were diagnosed. Late on Monday, seven Bay Area public health officials issued a statement saying the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara as well as the city of Berkeley would issue revised "shelter-in-place" orders this week. The current orders will expire on May 3. Two additional states, Nevada and Colorado, have joined California, Oregon and Washington to develop a Western regional plan for reopening their economies and allowing residents to begin more typical social interactions. However, Washington Governor Jay Inslee said his state's parks and other outdoor areas would reopen on May 5 for golf, hunting, fishing and other recreational activities.

California to step up enforcement of coronavirus restrictions in view of beach crowd

The coronavirus pandemic has been ravaging the entire planet. And the human tribe that has been the most helpful in stemming the spread of the virus are the doctors.

Even collecting the swab samples is a tough task, leave alone treating the infected patients.

To this end, a doctor working at a hospital for treatment of coronavirus patients in Aurangabad in Maharashtra has revealed the challenges they face in collecting swab samples of the suspected patients.

The process of swab sample collection of a person does not take more than 30 to 40 seconds, but it is a "high-risk job", Dr Pushkar Dahiwal, who collects 80 to 100 swab samples in a day at the government hospital in Aurangabad, told PTI.

The doctors work for three days and then remain self- quarantined for 14 days.

During the six-hour duty, doctors have to keep wearing the personal protective equipment (PPE) and amidst the fast-paced work, they do not even get a chance to drink water, he said.

A 10 to 12 cm long stick is used to collect a sample from a person's throat, while the stick used for collecting a sample from the nose is comparatively longer and thinner.

Dr Pushkar Dahiwal also said that at times they need to counsel coronavirus suspects as some of them think they don't have the infection but carry fear in mind.

The nurse and other accompanying staff also need to stay alert as the swab samples are to be sealed immediately and kept in a proper storage facility.

Dr Pushkar Dahiwal also had taken care of victims of the 26/11 terror attack in 2008 at the Saint George Hospital in Mumbai.

The coronavirus pandemic has been ravaging the entire planet. And the human tribe that has been the most helpful in stemming the spread of the virus are the doctors.

The coronavirus pandemic has been ravaging the entire planet. And the human tribe that has been the most helpful in stemming the spread of the virus are the doctors. Even collecting the swab samples is a tough task, leave alone treating the infected patients. To this end, a doctor working at a hospital for treatment of coronavirus patients in Aurangabad in Maharashtra has revealed the challenges they face in collecting swab samples of the suspected patients. The process of swab sample collection of a person does not take more than 30 to 40 seconds, but it is a "high-risk job", Dr Pushkar Dahiwal, who collects 80 to 100 swab samples in a day at the government hospital in Aurangabad, told PTI. The doctors work for three days and then remain self- quarantined for 14 days. During the six-hour duty, doctors have to keep wearing the personal protective equipment (PPE) and amidst the fast-paced work, they do not even get a chance to drink water, he said. A 10 to 12 cm long stick is used to collect a sample from a person's throat, while the stick used for collecting a sample from the nose is comparatively longer and thinner. Dr Pushkar Dahiwal also said that at times they need to counsel coronavirus suspects as some of them think they don't have the infection but carry fear in mind. The nurse and other accompanying staff also need to stay alert as the swab samples are to be sealed immediately and kept in a proper storage facility. Dr Pushkar Dahiwal also had taken care of victims of the 26/11 terror attack in 2008 at the Saint George Hospital in Mumbai.

Maharashtra doctor describes COVID-19 swab sample collection

The coronavirus pandemic is "far from over" and is still disrupting normal health services, especially life-saving immunisation for children in the poorest countries, the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday.

The novel coronavirus, which emerged late last year in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, has already infected 2.97 million and claimed 205,948 lives, according to the latest Reuters tally.

The UN&nbsp;agency is concerned about rising numbers of cases and deaths in Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and some Asian countries, even as the numbers flatten or decline in some wealthier nations.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, at a virtual news conference in Geneva, expressed concern that the health of children was being threatened by the impact of the coronavirus emergency on vaccination programmes for other diseases,&nbsp;adding that a second wave of infections could be prevented with the right actions.

Some 13 million people have been affected worldwide by delays in regular immunisations against diseases including polio, measles, cholera, yellow fever and meningitis, he said.

Shortages of vaccines against other diseases are being reported in 21 countries as a result of border restrictions and disruptions to travel caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Tedros said, citing the GAVI global vaccine alliance.

(with inputs from Reuters)

The coronavirus pandemic is "far from over" and is still disrupting normal health services, especially life-saving immunisation for children in the poorest countries, the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday.

The coronavirus pandemic is "far from over" and is still disrupting normal health services, especially life-saving immunisation for children in the poorest countries, the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday. The novel coronavirus, which emerged late last year in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, has already infected 2.97 million and claimed 205,948 lives, according to the latest Reuters tally. The UN agency is concerned about rising numbers of cases and deaths in Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and some Asian countries, even as the numbers flatten or decline in some wealthier nations. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, at a virtual news conference in Geneva, expressed concern that the health of children was being threatened by the impact of the coronavirus emergency on vaccination programmes for other diseases, adding that a second wave of infections could be prevented with the right actions. Some 13 million people have been affected worldwide by delays in regular immunisations against diseases including polio, measles, cholera, yellow fever and meningitis, he said. Shortages of vaccines against other diseases are being reported in 21 countries as a result of border restrictions and disruptions to travel caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Tedros said, citing the GAVI global vaccine alliance. (with inputs from Reuters)

Coronavirus pandemic far from over, worried about children: WHO chief

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