An analysis of federal data for the first time has estimated a greater number of deaths across the United States -- exceeding the reported tally -- as coronavirus spread in its early weeks.

The analysis suggests that the deaths announced in the weeks leading up to April 4 failed to capture the full impact of the pandemic. The data is based on reports from state public health departments -- an analysis of federal data conducted for <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2020/04/27/covid-19-death-toll-undercounted/?arc404=true">The Washington Post</a> by a research team led by the Yale School of Public Health.

To be precise, in the early weeks of the coronavirus epidemic, the United States recorded an estimated 15,400 excess deaths, close to double of what was attributed to COVID-19 at the time. During the same time, the US reported 8,000 deaths from COVID-19.

This was especially true in New York and New Jersey, states hard-hit by the pandemic.

The team, however, could not show whether the increased deaths were due to coronavirus. But there are strong indications that they were. Interviews and 911 call data from other cities also suggest a spike in the numbers of people dying at home, a circumstance that makes them less likely to be tested for the coronavirus or included in the official death counts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-serious-investigations-against-china-over-coronavirus-says-trump-295192">Also read | 'Very serious investigations' against China over coronavirus, says Trump</a>

"In New York City, this discrepancy was even more stark, with three to four times as many excess all-cause deaths as pneumonia and influenza deaths," the team wrote. California had 101 reported deaths due to COVID-19 and 399 excess pneumonia and influenza deaths.

The Yale analysis estimates that, excluding New York City, approximately 1,700 more New York state residents than would be expected had died as of April 4 — far more than the 1,022 counted as COVID-19 deaths.

To this end, the report says the new coronavirus causes respiratory disease, and deaths would presumably be listed among the regular reports of deaths and illness from pneumonia and influenza. Also, patients already weakened by pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease may have had a death listed as being due to one of those causes, rather than coronavirus.

As of Sunday, more than 54,000 people had been killed by the novel coronavirus in the US, according to numbers reported by state health departments.

Some of Trump's defenders had earlier claimed that COVID-19 death figures are inflated because they may include people who died with the disease but not of it.

The problem of undercounting coronavirus deaths is not unique to the United States. In many countries, insufficient testing has been a major obstacle to understanding the scale of the pandemic.

Some public health experts had earlier also claimed that COVID-19 was almost certainly spreading in the United States in January and perhaps as early as December, long before the US reported the first official death.

Officials in California said last week that a 57-year-old woman who died February 6 had been infected with COVID-19 and was actually the first recorded death in the US from the virus. Before that announcement, the first coronavirus death in the US was thought to be that of a man in Washington on February 29.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-timeline-shifts-three-weeks-earlier-in-wake-of-new-disclosure-294142">Also read |&nbsp;US coronavirus timeline shifts three weeks earlier in wake of new disclosure</a>

An analysis of federal data for the first time has estimated a greater number of deaths across the United States -- exceeding the reported tally -- as coronavirus spread in its early weeks.

An analysis of federal data for the first time has estimated a greater number of deaths across the United States -- exceeding the reported tally -- as coronavirus spread in its early weeks. The analysis suggests that the deaths announced in the weeks leading up to April 4 failed to capture the full impact of the pandemic. The data is based on reports from state public health departments -- an analysis of federal data conducted for The Washington Post by a research team led by the Yale School of Public Health. To be precise, in the early weeks of the coronavirus epidemic, the United States recorded an estimated 15,400 excess deaths, close to double of what was attributed to COVID-19 at the time. During the same time, the US reported 8,000 deaths from COVID-19. This was especially true in New York and New Jersey, states hard-hit by the pandemic. The team, however, could not show whether the increased deaths were due to coronavirus. But there are strong indications that they were. Interviews and 911 call data from other cities also suggest a spike in the numbers of people dying at home, a circumstance that makes them less likely to be tested for the coronavirus or included in the official death counts. Also read | 'Very serious investigations' against China over coronavirus, says Trump "In New York City, this discrepancy was even more stark, with three to four times as many excess all-cause deaths as pneumonia and influenza deaths," the team wrote. California had 101 reported deaths due to COVID-19 and 399 excess pneumonia and influenza deaths. The Yale analysis estimates that, excluding New York City, approximately 1,700 more New York state residents than would be expected had died as of April 4 — far more than the 1,022 counted as COVID-19 deaths. To this end, the report says the new coronavirus causes respiratory disease, and deaths would presumably be listed among the regular reports of deaths and illness from pneumonia and influenza. Also, patients already weakened by pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease may have had a death listed as being due to one of those causes, rather than coronavirus. As of Sunday, more than 54,000 people had been killed by the novel coronavirus in the US, according to numbers reported by state health departments. Some of Trump's defenders had earlier claimed that COVID-19 death figures are inflated because they may include people who died with the disease but not of it. The problem of undercounting coronavirus deaths is not unique to the United States. In many countries, insufficient testing has been a major obstacle to understanding the scale of the pandemic. Some public health experts had earlier also claimed that COVID-19 was almost certainly spreading in the United States in January and perhaps as early as December, long before the US reported the first official death. Officials in California said last week that a 57-year-old woman who died February 6 had been infected with COVID-19 and was actually the first recorded death in the US from the virus. Before that announcement, the first coronavirus death in the US was thought to be that of a man in Washington on February 29. Also read | US coronavirus timeline shifts three weeks earlier in wake of new disclosure

Has US been undercounting COVID-19 deaths? A new analysis suggests so

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been speculation that this disruptive event will spark a new wave of government activism. The question is- Was Donald Trump's COVID-19 response adequate?

Was Donald Trump's COVID-19 response adequate?

By:

Priyata Brajabasi

The financial capital of India - Mumbai&nbsp;has become the biggest hotspot of the novel coronavirus in the country. Mumbai alone has more than 5,500 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/has-us-been-undercounting-covid-19-deaths-a-new-analysis-suggests-so-295223">COVID-19</a> cases out of the close to 29,500 cases reported in India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gives-go-head-to-malaysias-hydroxychloroquine-request-295300">Also Read:&nbsp;India gives go head to Malaysia's hydroxychloroquine request</a>

Twenty-four per cent of the deaths in India have occurred in Mumbai. The city also accounts for about 27 per cent of the cases in the country.

Every seventh case of COVID-19 in India has been coming from Mumbai and every fourth death in India is also happens to be from the financial hub.

The trajectory seems all too familiar compared to another city that has become a COVID-19 epicenter in the world - New York.

While the COVID-19 situation in Mumbai is far less grave when compared to New York, Mumbai could become as serious for India as New York did for the US if the trajectory of cases is anything to go by.

Mumbai currently has a mortality rate of 3.9 per cent, higher than India's average mortality rate which stands at 3.2 per cent. New York has a mortality rate of 7.7 per cent significantly higher than the country's mortality rate which stands at 5.6 per cent.

So why has Mumbai become a hotspot for the virus in India? The answer to that question lies in its similarities with New York.

Mumbai, like New York in the United States, is one of the most densely populated cities in India. At least 73,000 people reside in Mumbai per square mile. In New York City there are 28,000 people per square mile

Mumbai is the financial capital of the country just like New York City for the United States with both cities the melting pots of people from across the country. The cosmopolitan nature of the two cities attracts people of different races, cultures and economic backgrounds.

Mumbai is the home of the entertainment industry which once again brings people from across the country to make it their home. New York too is the cultural hub of United States. It is the home of broadway theatre, arts, and museums both are major tourist destinations. New York sees a footfall of about 60 million tourists every year. Mumbai too hosts close to 10 million tourists per year.

Another aspect of why COVID-19 has had such an outbreak in the two cities is because both New York and Mumbai are heavily dependent on their public transportation for commuting with more than 8 million people riding the Mumbai local trains every day.

New York too sees almost 5 million people ride the subways on a daily bases. New York reported its first coronavirus death on March 11 and incidentally, Mumbai reported its first case on the same day. Mumbai's first death took place on March 17, according to experts Mumbai could be 29 days behind New York if trajectories are to be believed.

New York City, of course, has had a far bigger outbreak of more than 160,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 12,200 deaths although the Maharashtra government has enforced a very strict lockdown in Mumbai to control the outbreak if Mumbai isn't careful, it too could become a massive breeding ground for the virus that has now claimed more than 200,000 deaths across the world.

By: Priyata Brajabasi The financial capital of India - Mumbai has become the biggest hotspot of the novel coronavirus in the country. Mumbai alone has more than 5,500 COVID-19 cases out of the close to 29,500 cases reported in India.

By: Priyata Brajabasi The financial capital of India - Mumbai has become the biggest hotspot of the novel coronavirus in the country. Mumbai alone has more than 5,500 COVID-19 cases out of the close to 29,500 cases reported in India. Also Read: India gives go head to Malaysia's hydroxychloroquine request Twenty-four per cent of the deaths in India have occurred in Mumbai. The city also accounts for about 27 per cent of the cases in the country. Every seventh case of COVID-19 in India has been coming from Mumbai and every fourth death in India is also happens to be from the financial hub. The trajectory seems all too familiar compared to another city that has become a COVID-19 epicenter in the world - New York. While the COVID-19 situation in Mumbai is far less grave when compared to New York, Mumbai could become as serious for India as New York did for the US if the trajectory of cases is anything to go by. Mumbai currently has a mortality rate of 3.9 per cent, higher than India's average mortality rate which stands at 3.2 per cent. New York has a mortality rate of 7.7 per cent significantly higher than the country's mortality rate which stands at 5.6 per cent. So why has Mumbai become a hotspot for the virus in India? The answer to that question lies in its similarities with New York. Mumbai, like New York in the United States, is one of the most densely populated cities in India. At least 73,000 people reside in Mumbai per square mile. In New York City there are 28,000 people per square mile Mumbai is the financial capital of the country just like New York City for the United States with both cities the melting pots of people from across the country. The cosmopolitan nature of the two cities attracts people of different races, cultures and economic backgrounds. Mumbai is the home of the entertainment industry which once again brings people from across the country to make it their home. New York too is the cultural hub of United States. It is the home of broadway theatre, arts, and museums both are major tourist destinations. New York sees a footfall of about 60 million tourists every year. Mumbai too hosts close to 10 million tourists per year. Another aspect of why COVID-19 has had such an outbreak in the two cities is because both New York and Mumbai are heavily dependent on their public transportation for commuting with more than 8 million people riding the Mumbai local trains every day. New York too sees almost 5 million people ride the subways on a daily bases. New York reported its first coronavirus death on March 11 and incidentally, Mumbai reported its first case on the same day. Mumbai's first death took place on March 17, according to experts Mumbai could be 29 days behind New York if trajectories are to be believed. New York City, of course, has had a far bigger outbreak of more than 160,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 12,200 deaths although the Maharashtra government has enforced a very strict lockdown in Mumbai to control the outbreak if Mumbai isn't careful, it too could become a massive breeding ground for the virus that has now claimed more than 200,000 deaths across the world.

COVID-19 outbreak: Is Mumbai turning into India's New York City?

Union Health Ministry of India on Tuesday addresses Press conference over current status of Coronavirus Pandemic. According to ministry, there are 29,435 positive cases and 934 deaths reported so far.

What makes COVID-19 so deadly?

Japan's March jobless rate rose to its highest in a year, while job availability slipped to a more than three-year low, official data showed on Tuesday, as the coronavirus outbreak and containment measures caused the nation's job market to ease.

While Japan`s comparatively low jobless rate is the envy of many nations, rises in the politically sensitive figure could lead to calls for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government to do more to stimulate the economy.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 2.5%, its highest level since March last year, internal affairs ministry data showed, and matching economists' 2.5% median forecast.

The unemployment rate stood at 2.2% in December, the lowest since 1992.

The jobs-to-applicants ratio fell to 1.39 in March, the lowest since September 2016 and below the median forecast of 1.40, health ministry figures showed.

"The employment situation is expected to worsen further in April, so I think it's still the start of a deterioration," said Atsushi Takeda, chief economist at Itochu Research Institute.

"There is no doubt that the number of unemployed people is rising," he said. "I think there will be a sharp reduction in job offers in April."

While conditions in Japan's labour market aren't as severe as in the United States, unemployment in the country could rise to 4% in the months ahead, Takeda said.

"A temporary increase (in unemployment) can`t be avoided, I think," he said.

The steep drop-off in the jobs-to-applicants ratio also reflected a change in the survey method from January, a health ministry official told Reuters.

The ratio had stayed at an over 40-year high of 1.63 from late 2018 through to early last year.

The latest batch of data is likely to increase pressure on the government and Bank of Japan to take steps to prevent the labour market from worsening as declining demand at home and abroad hits businesses' bottom lines.

To ease the pain on the economy, the BOJ on Monday unveiled fresh steps to ease corporate funding strains and pledged to buy unlimited amounts of bonds to keep borrowing costs low as the government tries to stimulate demand by increased spending.

The central bank also slashed its growth forecast and projected inflation would come in well below its 2% target for three more years, suggesting its near-term focus will be to fight the coronavirus crisis.

Last week, the government boosted its spending package to a record $1.1 trillion yen to expand cash payouts to every citizen, as the coronavirus outbreak threatens to hit large parts of the world`s third-largest economy.

The package will be funded partly by issuing more bonds, straining Japan`s already tattered finances.

Japan's March jobless rate rose to its highest in a year, while job availability slipped to a more than three-year low, official data showed on Tuesday, as the coronavirus outbreak and containment measures caused the nation's job market to ease.

Japan's March jobless rate rose to its highest in a year, while job availability slipped to a more than three-year low, official data showed on Tuesday, as the coronavirus outbreak and containment measures caused the nation's job market to ease. While Japan`s comparatively low jobless rate is the envy of many nations, rises in the politically sensitive figure could lead to calls for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government to do more to stimulate the economy. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 2.5%, its highest level since March last year, internal affairs ministry data showed, and matching economists' 2.5% median forecast. The unemployment rate stood at 2.2% in December, the lowest since 1992. The jobs-to-applicants ratio fell to 1.39 in March, the lowest since September 2016 and below the median forecast of 1.40, health ministry figures showed. "The employment situation is expected to worsen further in April, so I think it's still the start of a deterioration," said Atsushi Takeda, chief economist at Itochu Research Institute. "There is no doubt that the number of unemployed people is rising," he said. "I think there will be a sharp reduction in job offers in April." While conditions in Japan's labour market aren't as severe as in the United States, unemployment in the country could rise to 4% in the months ahead, Takeda said. "A temporary increase (in unemployment) can`t be avoided, I think," he said. The steep drop-off in the jobs-to-applicants ratio also reflected a change in the survey method from January, a health ministry official told Reuters. The ratio had stayed at an over 40-year high of 1.63 from late 2018 through to early last year. The latest batch of data is likely to increase pressure on the government and Bank of Japan to take steps to prevent the labour market from worsening as declining demand at home and abroad hits businesses' bottom lines. To ease the pain on the economy, the BOJ on Monday unveiled fresh steps to ease corporate funding strains and pledged to buy unlimited amounts of bonds to keep borrowing costs low as the government tries to stimulate demand by increased spending. The central bank also slashed its growth forecast and projected inflation would come in well below its 2% target for three more years, suggesting its near-term focus will be to fight the coronavirus crisis. Last week, the government boosted its spending package to a record $1.1 trillion yen to expand cash payouts to every citizen, as the coronavirus outbreak threatens to hit large parts of the world`s third-largest economy. The package will be funded partly by issuing more bonds, straining Japan`s already tattered finances.

Japan's March jobless rate rises to one-year high as coronavirus hits economy

New Zealand claimed it has "eliminated" the novel coronavirus as the country reported new cases in single figures.

At a news conference, New Zealand reported one new case, four "probable cases" and one new death.

New Zealand is set to ease restrictions from "level four" to "level three" -- that goes into effect at the start of Tuesday. It will allow businesses to partially reopen with some restrictions, including requiring physical distancing of two meters outside of home.

Ashley Bloomfield, New Zealand's Director General of Health, said their goal was elimination which means getting down to a small number of cases so that the country is able to stamp out any cases and any outbreak that might come out.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the coronavirus was "currently" eliminated but that the country needed to remain alert and could still expect to continue to see new cases.

On March 23 -- when there were 102 confirmed cases, and no deaths -- New Zealand entered "level 3" lockdown. Non-essential businesses were closed, events and gatherings canceled and schools closed to all children except those of essential workers.

New Zealand moved to the strictest level 4 lockdown at midnight on March 25, with people told not to leave home except for essential exercise near the home, while maintaining 2 meter distancing.

New Zealand also brought in widespread testing, and on April 9, despite a decline in cases, tightened border restrictions so that all citizens and permanent residents arriving in New Zealand were required to spend two weeks quarantined in an approved facility rather than at home.

New Zealand claimed it has "eliminated" the novel coronavirus as the country reported new cases in single figures. At a news conference, New Zealand reported one new case, four "probable cases" and one new death.

New Zealand claimed it has "eliminated" the novel coronavirus as the country reported new cases in single figures. At a news conference, New Zealand reported one new case, four "probable cases" and one new death. New Zealand is set to ease restrictions from "level four" to "level three" -- that goes into effect at the start of Tuesday. It will allow businesses to partially reopen with some restrictions, including requiring physical distancing of two meters outside of home. Ashley Bloomfield, New Zealand's Director General of Health, said their goal was elimination which means getting down to a small number of cases so that the country is able to stamp out any cases and any outbreak that might come out. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the coronavirus was "currently" eliminated but that the country needed to remain alert and could still expect to continue to see new cases. On March 23 -- when there were 102 confirmed cases, and no deaths -- New Zealand entered "level 3" lockdown. Non-essential businesses were closed, events and gatherings canceled and schools closed to all children except those of essential workers. New Zealand moved to the strictest level 4 lockdown at midnight on March 25, with people told not to leave home except for essential exercise near the home, while maintaining 2 meter distancing. New Zealand also brought in widespread testing, and on April 9, despite a decline in cases, tightened border restrictions so that all citizens and permanent residents arriving in New Zealand were required to spend two weeks quarantined in an approved facility rather than at home.

New Zealand reports new coronavirus cases in single digits

Continuing its support to the Maldives in times of COVID-19 crisis, New Delhi has activated a currency swap arrangement to help the Indian Ocean Island country to mitigate the impact of COVID crisis. The move is expected to help Maldive's financial system by stabilizing the exchange rate and ease liquidity.&nbsp;

India has given a foreign currency swap facility of $ 150 million to the Maldives Central Bank--Maldives Monetary Authority-- under the USD 400 million currency swap agreement signed in July 2019 between the two countries.

A currency swap is a transaction in which two parties exchange principal and interest in different currencies.

Companies doing business abroad often use currency swaps to get more favourable loan rates in the local currency than if they borrowed money from a local bank

Example if, the Maldives borrow 100 Rs From India and told India that it will repay 100 Rs in INR but the Interest in Maldivian rufiyaa or vice versa the Maldives borrow Rs 100 from India and gave back the principal amount in Maldivian rufiyaa and repaid interest in INR. Both parties benefit by hedging against interest rates.&nbsp;

The decision to activate the currency swap arrangement comes a week Indian PM Modi and Maldives President Solih spoke. The $ 400 million currency swap facility is a part of the $ 1.4 billion the economic package announced by India for the Maldives in December 2018 during the State Visit of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. That was the first visit of Maldives President to India after being elected in November of that year.

Indian govt is also considering extending the validity of the currency swap facility by one year. Maldives is the only SAARC country other than Bhutan, which has been extended USD 400 million currency swap facility. 
&nbsp;

Continuing its support to the Maldives in times of COVID-19 crisis, New Delhi has activated a currency swap arrangement to help the Indian Ocean Island country to mitigate the impact of COVID crisis.

Continuing its support to the Maldives in times of COVID-19 crisis, New Delhi has activated a currency swap arrangement to help the Indian Ocean Island country to mitigate the impact of COVID crisis. The move is expected to help Maldive's financial system by stabilizing the exchange rate and ease liquidity. India has given a foreign currency swap facility of $ 150 million to the Maldives Central Bank--Maldives Monetary Authority-- under the USD 400 million currency swap agreement signed in July 2019 between the two countries. A currency swap is a transaction in which two parties exchange principal and interest in different currencies. Companies doing business abroad often use currency swaps to get more favourable loan rates in the local currency than if they borrowed money from a local bank Example if, the Maldives borrow 100 Rs From India and told India that it will repay 100 Rs in INR but the Interest in Maldivian rufiyaa or vice versa the Maldives borrow Rs 100 from India and gave back the principal amount in Maldivian rufiyaa and repaid interest in INR. Both parties benefit by hedging against interest rates. The decision to activate the currency swap arrangement comes a week Indian PM Modi and Maldives President Solih spoke. The $ 400 million currency swap facility is a part of the $ 1.4 billion the economic package announced by India for the Maldives in December 2018 during the State Visit of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. That was the first visit of Maldives President to India after being elected in November of that year. Indian govt is also considering extending the validity of the currency swap facility by one year. Maldives is the only SAARC country other than Bhutan, which has been extended USD 400 million currency swap facility.

India activates currency swap to help the Maldives amid COVID-19

Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live, and will continue to dictate our social lives for the upcoming few months.

Germany, which has been lauded by critics and analysts alike for tackling the virus head on, has made masks mandatory for everyone.

Last week, Germany started relaxing restrictions placed on people. For instance, all shops bigger than 8,600 square feet were allowed to reopen. Additionally, all car dealers and bicycle stores have opened across the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-serious-investigations-against-china-over-coronavirus-says-trump-295192" hreflang="en">'Very serious investigations' against China over coronavirus, says Trump</a>

However, you could end up paying $5,412 for not wearing a mask in the country. As part of its precautionary measures, Germany has imposed fines between $16 to $5,412 for people who are caught not wearing a mask.

Even though some of the country’s 16 states are not imposing any fines, most states that have chosen to impose the fine have varied degrees of fines.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced a slew of measures to ensure relaxations do not lead to a relapse for the country.

She has that face coverings should be worn mandatorily across all public spaces.

''It is recommended that masks be used in public transport and while shopping,'' Merkel had announced on April 15.

As the lockdown continues to make people eager to step out, Merkel had warned against easing restrictions too quickly.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/germany-may-make-work-from-home-a-legal-right-countrys-labour-minister-put-efforts-for-the-same-295033/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

When reports came out of some big stores reopening, she warned against hurrying into reopening and said, “their implementation worries me. Partially, they appear to be very bold, maybe too bold." 
 
Just like the US, Germany has a decentralised system, no state can be forced to make masks mandatory. Regardless, every state has decided to uphold the rule, even with varying degrees.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-dismisses-reports-of-plot-to-poison-prague-mayor-295190" hreflang="en">Russia dismisses reports of plot to poison Prague mayor</a>

However, it is not mandatory to wear surgical masks, the basic idea is to cover one’s face.

Research suggests how masks, even though only partially effective in protecting people from the virus, can prevent the transmission of virus if worn by infected people.

In the state of Berlin, masks are not mandatory, and people may board public transport without covering their faces. However, the hardest hit state of Bavaria has made face covering compulsory, with fines of over $5,412 for store owners who fail to enforce social distancing and face covering norms.

Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live, and will continue to dictate our social lives for the upcoming few months. Germany, which has been lauded by critics and analysts alike for tackling the virus head on, has made masks mandatory for everyone.

Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live, and will continue to dictate our social lives for the upcoming few months. Germany, which has been lauded by critics and analysts alike for tackling the virus head on, has made masks mandatory for everyone. Last week, Germany started relaxing restrictions placed on people. For instance, all shops bigger than 8,600 square feet were allowed to reopen. Additionally, all car dealers and bicycle stores have opened across the country. Also read: 'Very serious investigations' against China over coronavirus, says Trump However, you could end up paying $5,412 for not wearing a mask in the country. As part of its precautionary measures, Germany has imposed fines between $16 to $5,412 for people who are caught not wearing a mask. Even though some of the country’s 16 states are not imposing any fines, most states that have chosen to impose the fine have varied degrees of fines. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced a slew of measures to ensure relaxations do not lead to a relapse for the country. She has that face coverings should be worn mandatorily across all public spaces. ''It is recommended that masks be used in public transport and while shopping,'' Merkel had announced on April 15. As the lockdown continues to make people eager to step out, Merkel had warned against easing restrictions too quickly. When reports came out of some big stores reopening, she warned against hurrying into reopening and said, “their implementation worries me. Partially, they appear to be very bold, maybe too bold." Just like the US, Germany has a decentralised system, no state can be forced to make masks mandatory. Regardless, every state has decided to uphold the rule, even with varying degrees. Also read: Russia dismisses reports of plot to poison Prague mayor However, it is not mandatory to wear surgical masks, the basic idea is to cover one’s face. Research suggests how masks, even though only partially effective in protecting people from the virus, can prevent the transmission of virus if worn by infected people. In the state of Berlin, masks are not mandatory, and people may board public transport without covering their faces. However, the hardest hit state of Bavaria has made face covering compulsory, with fines of over $5,412 for store owners who fail to enforce social distancing and face covering norms.

You could pay $5,000 for not wearing a mask in Germany

BRICS Foreign minister will meet today via video conference at 4.30 pm IST to discuss COVID crisis. The meet is expected to discuss a possible joint BRICS strategy to deal with the crisis that has engulfed the world.

The meet has been organised by Russia that is the chair of the grouping this year and will host all the BRICS meets this year.&nbsp;

It comes as a multilateral organisation such as G20 have seen activity on a globally coordinated approach to deal with COVID crisis.&nbsp;

The matter was discussed during the conversation between Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov. During the talks, both sides also talked about the close bilateral cooperation in ensuring the welfare of each other’s stranded citizens in their respective countries due to COVID crisis. About 15,000 Indian students in Russia and about 5000 Russian tourists are in India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Meanwhile, Russia has called Indian decision to send medicines as a "noble" one, saying it will be reciprocated. Speaking to WION, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev said,"The generous decision of the government of India to lift the ban on the export of important medicines to treat COVID-19 patients despite the increased demand in this country was very much appreciated in Russia. Be sure, it will be reciprocated."

He also lauded India's "Comprehensive efforts" that resulted in significant "decrease in the rate of infection". Last month Indian PM Modi and Russian President Putin had spoken on the COVID crisis issue.

&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Russian Government's main defence export body, Rosoboronexport has donated $2 million for PM CARES Fund formed to deal with the COVID crisis. &nbsp;Rosoboronexport is the first foreign donor to acknowledge its contribution to PM CARES fund.

BRICS Foreign minister will meet today via video conference at 4.30 pm IST to discuss COVID crisis. The meet is expected to discuss a possible joint BRICS strategy to deal with the crisis that has engulfed the world.

BRICS Foreign minister will meet today via video conference at 4.30 pm IST to discuss COVID crisis. The meet is expected to discuss a possible joint BRICS strategy to deal with the crisis that has engulfed the world. The meet has been organised by Russia that is the chair of the grouping this year and will host all the BRICS meets this year. It comes as a multilateral organisation such as G20 have seen activity on a globally coordinated approach to deal with COVID crisis. The matter was discussed during the conversation between Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov. During the talks, both sides also talked about the close bilateral cooperation in ensuring the welfare of each other’s stranded citizens in their respective countries due to COVID crisis. About 15,000 Indian students in Russia and about 5000 Russian tourists are in India. Meanwhile, Russia has called Indian decision to send medicines as a "noble" one, saying it will be reciprocated. Speaking to WION, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev said,"The generous decision of the government of India to lift the ban on the export of important medicines to treat COVID-19 patients despite the increased demand in this country was very much appreciated in Russia. Be sure, it will be reciprocated." He also lauded India's "Comprehensive efforts" that resulted in significant "decrease in the rate of infection". Last month Indian PM Modi and Russian President Putin had spoken on the COVID crisis issue. Meanwhile, the Russian Government's main defence export body, Rosoboronexport has donated $2 million for PM CARES Fund formed to deal with the COVID crisis. Rosoboronexport is the first foreign donor to acknowledge its contribution to PM CARES fund.

BRICS Foreign Ministers video conference meet on COVID-19 today

Athletes, celebrities and members of the public across the United Kingdom completed various physical feats as part of a campaign to raise money for charities that are struggling after the coronavirus outbreak cancelled fund-raising events.

Creative Brits join charity challenge

When Marcia Calderon began her study of reiki almost 20 years ago, she never imagined her knowledge of the Japanese healing art would be used during a worldwide deadly pandemic. But today, Calderon finds herself at the center of it, working with doctors, nurses and hospital staff to help calm their anxieties, fears and depression.

Bolivian reiki therapist helps anxious doctors, nurses find peace amid coronavirus fear

Spanish military personnel said on Monday (April 27) they have been training for years to fight situations such as the coronavirus emergency while disinfecting a nursing home in Segovia, north of Madrid, where a number of residents tested positive.

"We have been training years for this," says Spanish military disinfecting nursing home

Boeing Co said it would need to borrow more money over the next six months and that it did not expect to pay dividends again for years, as it wrestles with the coronavirus lockdown-induced economic fallout.

Boeing is trying to bring its 737 MAX jet back into service after two fatal crashes, even as the aviation industry slumps because of the coronavirus, which has dried up demand for passenger air travel.

The grounding of its 737 MAX jet has caused the US planemaker major losses.

Boeing would continue ordering parts and services from its suppliers to ensure the smaller companies have enough business to keep them afloat during the downturn.

Boeing expects it will take two to three years for travel to return to 2019 levels and an additional few years more for the industry's long-term trend growth to return. It, however, will resume paying dividends in the medium-term.

The largest US planemaker, which reports first-quarter earnings Wednesday, last month drew down its entire $13.8 billion credit line and suspended its dividend. Boeing's first- quarter deliveries were a third of the 149 seen a year earlier and the lowest since 1984 for the first quarter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-impact-airbus-warns-staff-of-deeper-job-cuts-survival-being-at-stake-294985">Also read | Coronavirus impact: Airbus warns staff of deeper job cuts, survival being 'at stake'</a>

Boeing shares closed down 0.3 per cent to $128.68.

Boeing also said on Monday it would resume 787 production in South Carolina next week after it resumed commercial airplane production last week in Washington state. Each of the company’s 12 board nominees received a majority of votes from shareholders, though five directors got a significant number of no votes.

Two proxy advisors, Glass Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), had recommended that Boeing shareholders vote against key board members to show objections to the company’s handling of the 737 MAX crisis.

Boeing Co said it would need to borrow more money over the next six months and that it did not expect to pay dividends again for years, as it wrestles with the coronavirus lockdown-induced economic fallout.

Boeing Co said it would need to borrow more money over the next six months and that it did not expect to pay dividends again for years, as it wrestles with the coronavirus lockdown-induced economic fallout. Boeing is trying to bring its 737 MAX jet back into service after two fatal crashes, even as the aviation industry slumps because of the coronavirus, which has dried up demand for passenger air travel. The grounding of its 737 MAX jet has caused the US planemaker major losses. Boeing would continue ordering parts and services from its suppliers to ensure the smaller companies have enough business to keep them afloat during the downturn. Boeing expects it will take two to three years for travel to return to 2019 levels and an additional few years more for the industry's long-term trend growth to return. It, however, will resume paying dividends in the medium-term. The largest US planemaker, which reports first-quarter earnings Wednesday, last month drew down its entire $13.8 billion credit line and suspended its dividend. Boeing's first- quarter deliveries were a third of the 149 seen a year earlier and the lowest since 1984 for the first quarter. Also read | Coronavirus impact: Airbus warns staff of deeper job cuts, survival being 'at stake' Boeing shares closed down 0.3 per cent to $128.68. Boeing also said on Monday it would resume 787 production in South Carolina next week after it resumed commercial airplane production last week in Washington state. Each of the company’s 12 board nominees received a majority of votes from shareholders, though five directors got a significant number of no votes. Two proxy advisors, Glass Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), had recommended that Boeing shareholders vote against key board members to show objections to the company’s handling of the 737 MAX crisis.

Boeing wrestles with coronavirus fallout, says will need to borrow more money

Israeli couple Osnat Baron and Yaniv Jenger staged a sanitary wedding on Monday (April 27) in an attempt to have their special day while respecting the government's social distancing and hygiene guidelines to battle the spread of coronavirus.

Coronavirus an unwelcome guest as Israelis wed with close family and masks

India's health ministry said today that 1,543 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-fresh-covid-19-case-reported-in-80-districts-in-seven-days-health-minister-harsh-vardhan-295321">coronavirus</a> cases were reported in the last 24 hours in the country taking the number of cases to 29,435.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-outbreak-is-mumbai-turning-into-indias-new-york-city-295323">Also Read:&nbsp;COVID-19 outbreak: Is Mumbai turning into India's New York City?</a>

The health ministry said 684 patients were cured of the virus&nbsp;in the last 24 hours with the recovery rate now being 23.3 per cent which is a "progressive increase"&nbsp;in recovery rate..

"Plasma therapy is being experimented, however, no evidence that this can be used as a treatment," health ministry official Lav Aggarwal said, adding,"national level study has been launched by ICMR to study its efficacy."

"Until ICMR concludes its study and a robust scientific proof is available, plasma therapy should be used only for research or trial purpose," the health ministry official said.

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Currently, there are no approved, definitive therapies for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. Convalescent plasma is one of the several emerging therapies. However, there is no robust evidence to support it for routine therapy. <a href="https://twitter.com/US_FDA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@US_FDA</a> has also viewed it as an experimental therapy (IND). 1/4
— ICMR (@ICMRDELHI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICMRDELHI/status/1255113279166222337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"If plasma therapy is not used in a proper manner under proper guideline then it can also cause life threatening complications," the ministry official asserted.

Meanwhile, the Rajashtan government said that there have been 2,328 coronavirus cases cases in the state with progress witnessed in the recovery process.&nbsp;

"We are also increasing our capacity to do coronavirus tests. In one week's time, we will be able to do 10,000 tests per day," Rajasthan health minister informed.

As the virus cases continued to rise, Bihar on Tuesday reported 13 more coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 359.

The government meanwhile has put Air India and Indian Navy on standby to evacuate Indians from Gulf, government officials said.

India's health ministry said today that 1,543 new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours in the country taking the number of cases to 29,435. Also Read: COVID-19 outbreak: Is Mumbai turning into India's New York City?

India's health ministry said today that 1,543 new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours in the country taking the number of cases to 29,435. Also Read: COVID-19 outbreak: Is Mumbai turning into India's New York City? The health ministry said 684 patients were cured of the virus in the last 24 hours with the recovery rate now being 23.3 per cent which is a "progressive increase" in recovery rate.. "Plasma therapy is being experimented, however, no evidence that this can be used as a treatment," health ministry official Lav Aggarwal said, adding,"national level study has been launched by ICMR to study its efficacy." "Until ICMR concludes its study and a robust scientific proof is available, plasma therapy should be used only for research or trial purpose," the health ministry official said. Currently, there are no approved, definitive therapies for #COVID19. Convalescent plasma is one of the several emerging therapies. However, there is no robust evidence to support it for routine therapy. @US_FDA has also viewed it as an experimental therapy (IND). 1/4 — ICMR (@ICMRDELHI) April 28, 2020 × "If plasma therapy is not used in a proper manner under proper guideline then it can also cause life threatening complications," the ministry official asserted. Meanwhile, the Rajashtan government said that there have been 2,328 coronavirus cases cases in the state with progress witnessed in the recovery process. "We are also increasing our capacity to do coronavirus tests. In one week's time, we will be able to do 10,000 tests per day," Rajasthan health minister informed. As the virus cases continued to rise, Bihar on Tuesday reported 13 more coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 359. The government meanwhile has put Air India and Indian Navy on standby to evacuate Indians from Gulf, government officials said.

No evidence plasma therapy can be used as treatment for COVID-19: Health ministry

Hundreds of surfers are back in the water at Bondi on the first morning since the beach was closed five weeks ago due to COVID-19 restrictions.

This is how Bondi beach looks like today in Australia

Health Ministry briefs Media over COVID-19 criris, says '29,435 positive cases, 934 deaths' so far

China on Tuesday said it was "deeply concerned" over the evaluation result of the COVID-19 rapid testing kits supplied to India by two Chinese companies and subsequent decision by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to not use the equipment, and hoped that New Delhi will resolve the issue "reasonably and properly".

The ICMR on Monday asked states and union territories to stop using the test kits procured from the Chinese companies Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Zhuhai Livzon Diagnostics due to "wide variations" in their performance.

"We are deeply concerned with the evaluation results and the decision made by the Indian Council of Medical Research. China attaches great importance to the quality of exported medical products," Chinese embassy Spokeperson Ji Rong said.

In a statement, she also said it is "unfair and irresponsible for certain individuals to label Chinese products as 'faulty' and look at the issues with preemptive prejudice."

Ji, however, did not clarify who are the individuals she was referring to.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-covid-19-loss-now-international-companies-show-interest-in-india-295156">Also read |&nbsp;China's COVID-19 loss: Now, international companies show interest in India</a>

At the same time, the spokesperson said China will continue to support India's fight against the pandemic and will jointly work with New Delhi to overcome the challenge "at an early date" to protect people of the two countries from the infection.

India procured around 5,00,000 rapid antibody test kits from the two Chinese firms nearly two weeks back and they were distributed to several states reporting rising cases of the coronavirus infection.

In a communication, the ICMR asked states and union territories to return the kits to the central government so that they can be sent back to the suppliers.

The government said not a single rupee will be lost as payments were not made to the Chinese suppliers of the kits.

The procurement of the kits from the two Chinese companies have been cancelled after the equipment were found under-performing, the government said.

In her statement, Ji said the Chinese Embassy has maintained close contact with the ICMR and the two Chinese companies to find out the "real situation", adding China not only sincerely supports India in its fight against COVID-19, but has also been taking concrete actions to help it.

"The COVID-19 antibody rapid test kits produced by these two Chinese companies have been exported to and well recognised in many countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America," Ji said.

"We have also learned that there are strict requirements for the storage, transportation and use of COVID-19 antibody rapid test kits. Any operation which is not carried out by professionals in accordance with the product specifications will lead to the testing accuracy variations," she added.

The Chinese embassy spokesperson hoped that India would respect "China's goodwill and sincerity, strengthen communication timely with relevant Chinese companies based on facts, and resolve it reasonably and properly."

"Viruses are common enemy of mankind. Only by working together, can we win this battle against the epidemic. Following India's epidemic situation, China has been feeling the same, shared its experiences in epidemic prevention, control and treatment, and donated medical materials to India," Ji said.

The spokesperson said China and India have maintained close communication and cooperation since the outbreak of COVID-19.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-india-gets-faulty-testing-kits-from-china-gravitas-293882">Watch |&nbsp;Coronavirus: India gets 'faulty' testing kits from China --&nbsp;Gravitas</a>

"We will continue to support India's efforts in fighting COVID-19, strengthen medical and health cooperation, and jointly work with India to overcome the difficulties at an early date, so as to safeguard the safety and health of our peoples as well as global and regional public health security," she added.

The government had decided to procure rapid antibody testing kits as the regular tests (RT-PCR) takes longer time.

A number of states, including Rajasthan and West Bengal, complained about the quality of the test kits, following which the ICMR asked them to temporarily not use them.

China on Tuesday said it was "deeply concerned" over the evaluation result of the COVID-19 rapid testing kits supplied to India by two Chinese companies and subsequent decision by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to not use the equipment, and hoped that New Delhi will resolve the issue "reasonably and properly".

China on Tuesday said it was "deeply concerned" over the evaluation result of the COVID-19 rapid testing kits supplied to India by two Chinese companies and subsequent decision by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to not use the equipment, and hoped that New Delhi will resolve the issue "reasonably and properly". The ICMR on Monday asked states and union territories to stop using the test kits procured from the Chinese companies Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Zhuhai Livzon Diagnostics due to "wide variations" in their performance. "We are deeply concerned with the evaluation results and the decision made by the Indian Council of Medical Research. China attaches great importance to the quality of exported medical products," Chinese embassy Spokeperson Ji Rong said. In a statement, she also said it is "unfair and irresponsible for certain individuals to label Chinese products as 'faulty' and look at the issues with preemptive prejudice." Ji, however, did not clarify who are the individuals she was referring to. Also read | China's COVID-19 loss: Now, international companies show interest in India At the same time, the spokesperson said China will continue to support India's fight against the pandemic and will jointly work with New Delhi to overcome the challenge "at an early date" to protect people of the two countries from the infection. India procured around 5,00,000 rapid antibody test kits from the two Chinese firms nearly two weeks back and they were distributed to several states reporting rising cases of the coronavirus infection. In a communication, the ICMR asked states and union territories to return the kits to the central government so that they can be sent back to the suppliers. The government said not a single rupee will be lost as payments were not made to the Chinese suppliers of the kits. The procurement of the kits from the two Chinese companies have been cancelled after the equipment were found under-performing, the government said. In her statement, Ji said the Chinese Embassy has maintained close contact with the ICMR and the two Chinese companies to find out the "real situation", adding China not only sincerely supports India in its fight against COVID-19, but has also been taking concrete actions to help it. "The COVID-19 antibody rapid test kits produced by these two Chinese companies have been exported to and well recognised in many countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America," Ji said. "We have also learned that there are strict requirements for the storage, transportation and use of COVID-19 antibody rapid test kits. Any operation which is not carried out by professionals in accordance with the product specifications will lead to the testing accuracy variations," she added. The Chinese embassy spokesperson hoped that India would respect "China's goodwill and sincerity, strengthen communication timely with relevant Chinese companies based on facts, and resolve it reasonably and properly." "Viruses are common enemy of mankind. Only by working together, can we win this battle against the epidemic. Following India's epidemic situation, China has been feeling the same, shared its experiences in epidemic prevention, control and treatment, and donated medical materials to India," Ji said. The spokesperson said China and India have maintained close communication and cooperation since the outbreak of COVID-19. Watch | Coronavirus: India gets 'faulty' testing kits from China -- Gravitas "We will continue to support India's efforts in fighting COVID-19, strengthen medical and health cooperation, and jointly work with India to overcome the difficulties at an early date, so as to safeguard the safety and health of our peoples as well as global and regional public health security," she added. The government had decided to procure rapid antibody testing kits as the regular tests (RT-PCR) takes longer time. A number of states, including Rajasthan and West Bengal, complained about the quality of the test kits, following which the ICMR asked them to temporarily not use them.

'Deeply concerned': Beijing on ICMR's decision to not use coronavirus rapid test kits from Chinese firms

Even as cities like Delhi, Los Angeles, and Seoul have registered a dramatic decrease in levels of air pollution in the face of the coronavirus-induced lockdown, Mexico City continues to report "poor" air quality.&nbsp;

This despite the traffic in the normally congested megacity of more than 20 million people thinning exponentially. Instead, festering garbage dumps, dirty diesel-fuelled generators and frequent forest fires have ensured the Mexican capital remains smog-filled.

Also, increased domestic use of gas and other fossil fuels, methane seeping from open-air waste dumps and continuing emissions from the surrounding industrial sprawl have mostly nullified the clean air benefits of an economy on hold.

Reuters photographs taken last week from hills that ring the capital show a thick haze blanketing the city, set in a high-altitude basin where smog forms easily and lingers.

Traffic is officially down by about 60 per cent and is likely to fall sharply again once the city implements a one-week driving ban on passenger vehicles from Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/has-us-been-undercounting-covid-19-deaths-a-new-analysis-suggests-so-295223">Also read |&nbsp;Has US been undercounting COVID-19 deaths? A new analysis suggests so</a>

The broader urban area encompassing the capital is home to some 30 million people who have been cooking and heating water more since shelter-in-place restrictions began last month. The area had some 400 open-air dumps and 50,000 industrial generators in hotels, offices and businesses, many of which were still operating despite the quarantine.

Experts now worry that COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, could prove more lethal in Mexico City than elsewhere.

Mexico had 14,677 known infections and 1,351 deaths as of Sunday.

Even as cities like Delhi, Los Angeles, and Seoul have registered a dramatic decrease in levels of air pollution in the face of the coronavirus-induced lockdown, Mexico City continues to report "poor" air quality.

Even as cities like Delhi, Los Angeles, and Seoul have registered a dramatic decrease in levels of air pollution in the face of the coronavirus-induced lockdown, Mexico City continues to report "poor" air quality. This despite the traffic in the normally congested megacity of more than 20 million people thinning exponentially. Instead, festering garbage dumps, dirty diesel-fuelled generators and frequent forest fires have ensured the Mexican capital remains smog-filled. Also, increased domestic use of gas and other fossil fuels, methane seeping from open-air waste dumps and continuing emissions from the surrounding industrial sprawl have mostly nullified the clean air benefits of an economy on hold. Reuters photographs taken last week from hills that ring the capital show a thick haze blanketing the city, set in a high-altitude basin where smog forms easily and lingers. Traffic is officially down by about 60 per cent and is likely to fall sharply again once the city implements a one-week driving ban on passenger vehicles from Thursday. Also read | Has US been undercounting COVID-19 deaths? A new analysis suggests so The broader urban area encompassing the capital is home to some 30 million people who have been cooking and heating water more since shelter-in-place restrictions began last month. The area had some 400 open-air dumps and 50,000 industrial generators in hotels, offices and businesses, many of which were still operating despite the quarantine. Experts now worry that COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, could prove more lethal in Mexico City than elsewhere. Mexico had 14,677 known infections and 1,351 deaths as of Sunday.

There's no silver lining for smog-filled Mexico City in coronavirus lockdown!

Extensive contract tracing, isolating cases, and testing may reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, a study carried out in China has suggested.

The impact of contact tracing, however, depends on identifying asymptomatic cases.

The new study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, found that contact tracing increased the speed at which new cases were confirmed by two days -- an average of 5.5 days initially, reduced to 3.2 with contact tracing. It also reduced the amount of time it took to isolate infected people by two days -- from an average of 4.6 days down to 2.7.

The length of time for which a person remains infectious is not yet known, but reducing the amount of time that infected people interacted with others appears to have helped reduce the virus spreading, the researchers said.

For the current study, the researchers analysed data from 391 people diagnosed with COVID-19 after they showed symptoms, and 1,286 of their close contacts. The contacts were tested irrespective of whether they had symptoms in order to identify infected people who were asymptomatic.

The study found that contact tracing reduced the length of time people were infectious in the community over 4 weeks in Shenzhen, China.

According to results from In Shenzhen, authorities identified whom to isolate based on their contact with confirmed cases, as well as isolating people who already had symptoms.

There were only three deaths in the study group during the study period, the researchers said.

To achieve similar results, the researchers noted that other countries might be able to combine near-universal testing and intensive contact tracing with social distancing and partial lockdowns.

Although no lockdown measures were introduced in Shenzhen until the end of the study period, Wuhan's lockdown could have significantly restricted the spread of coronavirus to Shenzhen.

Close contacts were defined as people who shared a household with infected patients up to 2 days before they started showing symptoms, or interacted with them socially by travelling or eating together.

For people who were isolated because they showed symptoms of COVID-19, it took an average of 4.6 days for them to be isolated following the first signs of infection. Contact tracing reduced this to an average of 2.7 days.

For people diagnosed with COVID-19 after being contact traced and tested (87 people), a fifth (17 out of 87 people) had not yet developed any symptoms, and 30 per cent (25 out of 87) did not have a fever.

Their contacts might, however, have been missed if they were asymptomatic, because the PCR test is not sensitive enough to pick up every case, according to the researchers.

Extensive contract tracing, isolating cases, and testing may reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, a study carried out in China has suggested. The impact of contact tracing, however, depends on identifying asymptomatic cases.

Extensive contract tracing, isolating cases, and testing may reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, a study carried out in China has suggested. The impact of contact tracing, however, depends on identifying asymptomatic cases. The new study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, found that contact tracing increased the speed at which new cases were confirmed by two days -- an average of 5.5 days initially, reduced to 3.2 with contact tracing. It also reduced the amount of time it took to isolate infected people by two days -- from an average of 4.6 days down to 2.7. The length of time for which a person remains infectious is not yet known, but reducing the amount of time that infected people interacted with others appears to have helped reduce the virus spreading, the researchers said. For the current study, the researchers analysed data from 391 people diagnosed with COVID-19 after they showed symptoms, and 1,286 of their close contacts. The contacts were tested irrespective of whether they had symptoms in order to identify infected people who were asymptomatic. The study found that contact tracing reduced the length of time people were infectious in the community over 4 weeks in Shenzhen, China. According to results from In Shenzhen, authorities identified whom to isolate based on their contact with confirmed cases, as well as isolating people who already had symptoms. There were only three deaths in the study group during the study period, the researchers said. To achieve similar results, the researchers noted that other countries might be able to combine near-universal testing and intensive contact tracing with social distancing and partial lockdowns. Although no lockdown measures were introduced in Shenzhen until the end of the study period, Wuhan's lockdown could have significantly restricted the spread of coronavirus to Shenzhen. Close contacts were defined as people who shared a household with infected patients up to 2 days before they started showing symptoms, or interacted with them socially by travelling or eating together. For people who were isolated because they showed symptoms of COVID-19, it took an average of 4.6 days for them to be isolated following the first signs of infection. Contact tracing reduced this to an average of 2.7 days. For people diagnosed with COVID-19 after being contact traced and tested (87 people), a fifth (17 out of 87 people) had not yet developed any symptoms, and 30 per cent (25 out of 87) did not have a fever. Their contacts might, however, have been missed if they were asymptomatic, because the PCR test is not sensitive enough to pick up every case, according to the researchers.

Extensive contact tracing, isolation key to control COVID-19 spread, says study

Restaurant reopen for Ramazan in Gaza, so that the people could break their Ramzan fast later in the day. This has been done under strict guidelines to follow social distancing and good hygiene.

Restaurant reopen for Ramzan in Gaza

Pakistan government is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the country, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said as the number of coronavirus cases crossed the 14,000-mark and claimed the lives of over 300 people.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, 3,233 people have fully recovered from the deadly virus.

The ministry said that Pakistan has reported 14,079 patients, as Punjab registered 5,640 patients, Sindh 4,956, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 1,984, Balochistan 853, Gilgit-Baltistan 320, Islamabad 261 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 65.

So far 157, 223 tests have been done, including 6,417, during the last 24 hours.

Prime Minister Khan on Monday said that the coronavirus intensity in Pakistan is not as severe as it is in other parts of the world, Dawn news reported.

He said that the government is closely monitoring the situation and would soon announce the next strategy on the lockdown.

He stated this while presiding over a meeting on impact of COVID-19 on the country's social fabric and economy, the report said. 
According to an official statement, the meeting was informed that the number of patients and deaths due to coronavirus is less than that in other countries of the world.

Pakistan on Tuesday advised all media houses here to ensure full protection of its staff after eight employees of a news channel tested positive for the deadly coronavirus. Prime Minister Khan will chair a meeting of Cabinet on Tuesday and will discuss the coronavirus situation.

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Hamza Shafqat issued advisory to all media houses in the capital for taking steps for protection of their workers after ARY News closed down its channel when around its seven employees were tested positive.

"They (media workers) must be provided with appropriate protection gears. We have provided some support to the reporters but more is required,"&nbsp;said Shafqat in a tweet.

"As a precautionary measure random testing was done in ARY Islamabad office ,8 reported positive out of 20 tests, 2 have shown symptoms. We have closed our isb office ,all staff will be tested and office to be sanitised.Till all staff is tested employees have been asked to stay at home," founder and CEO , ARY DIGITAL Network tweeted.

Pakistan government is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the country, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said as the number of coronavirus cases crossed the 14,000-mark and claimed the lives of over 300 people.

Pakistan government is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the country, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said as the number of coronavirus cases crossed the 14,000-mark and claimed the lives of over 300 people. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, 3,233 people have fully recovered from the deadly virus. The ministry said that Pakistan has reported 14,079 patients, as Punjab registered 5,640 patients, Sindh 4,956, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 1,984, Balochistan 853, Gilgit-Baltistan 320, Islamabad 261 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 65. So far 157, 223 tests have been done, including 6,417, during the last 24 hours. Prime Minister Khan on Monday said that the coronavirus intensity in Pakistan is not as severe as it is in other parts of the world, Dawn news reported. He said that the government is closely monitoring the situation and would soon announce the next strategy on the lockdown. He stated this while presiding over a meeting on impact of COVID-19 on the country's social fabric and economy, the report said. According to an official statement, the meeting was informed that the number of patients and deaths due to coronavirus is less than that in other countries of the world. Pakistan on Tuesday advised all media houses here to ensure full protection of its staff after eight employees of a news channel tested positive for the deadly coronavirus. Prime Minister Khan will chair a meeting of Cabinet on Tuesday and will discuss the coronavirus situation. Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Hamza Shafqat issued advisory to all media houses in the capital for taking steps for protection of their workers after ARY News closed down its channel when around its seven employees were tested positive. "They (media workers) must be provided with appropriate protection gears. We have provided some support to the reporters but more is required," said Shafqat in a tweet. "As a precautionary measure random testing was done in ARY Islamabad office ,8 reported positive out of 20 tests, 2 have shown symptoms. We have closed our isb office ,all staff will be tested and office to be sanitised.Till all staff is tested employees have been asked to stay at home," founder and CEO , ARY DIGITAL Network tweeted.

Coronavirus cases in Pakistan rise to 14,079; death toll 301

Australia's most populous state said on Tuesday it will relax some restrictions on movement, as beaches reopened amid hopes a policy of widespread medical testing will help sustain a decline in new cases of the coronavirus.

Bondi Beach and two neighbouring beaches in Sydney were reopened to local residents on Tuesday after being closed a month ago due to large crowds breaking social distancing rules.

Australia recorded just one new case of COVID-19 from an unknown source in the past 24 hours, suggesting community transmission had almost stopped, Health Minister Greg Hunt said.

"We are winning but we have not won yet," he said.

New South Wales (NSW) state, which is home to nearly half of Australia's roughly 6,700 cases of COVID-19, said it would let up to two adults visit another person's home from Friday, relaxing a stay-at-home policy and ban on non-essential movement.

"For many people, they've been cooped up in their homes for a number of weeks, and with the exception of exercising, medical needs or buying what they need to or going to work, many people have been isolated in their homes," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney.

"Two adults will be able to go and visit anybody else in their home on the basis of care, on the basis of reducing socialisation and everybody's mental health."

Children were allowed to accompany adults on house visits, Berejiklian added.

Australia, which closed its external and internal borders, imposed an early shutdown of businesses, and issued strict social distancing rules, has avoided the high numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths seen in other countries.

Australian states are starting to relax some restrictions as the local rate of new infections slows to barely 1per cent per day, compared to 25per cent a month ago.

The country recorded five new coronavirus fatalities on Tuesday after more residents from an aged care facility in the west of Sydney died from the virus.

There have now been 11 coronavirus deaths at the Anglicare Newmarch House, taking the national death toll to 88.

State governments have set up coronavirus testing centres and want people to undergo tests regardless of whether they have symptoms.

RECESSION LOOMING

Around 2.44 million Australians, or about 10per cent of the population, had downloaded a government "contact tracing" smartphone app to monitor the spread of the illness, less than two days since its launch.

That is short of the government's target to have about half the population with the software, but health minister Hunt said it was a sign people have overcome privacy concerns and "come together as a single Australian nation, as one single family".

Australia is expected to plunge into its first recession in 30 years due to the economic hit from the coronavirus, and the government has committed A$320 billion, or about 16per cent of GDP, in relief funding, the country's biggest emergency package ever.

At a Senate hearing, Australian Treasury secretary Stephen Kennedy said government data showed jobs in the accommodation, food, arts and recreation industries fell by up to a quarter in the three weeks to April 4.

Overall unemployment was expected to roughly double to more than 10per cent in the three months to end-June, he said.

"Unemployment rose to higher levels in the Great Depression, but it did that over the course of a couple of years. These movements are happening in just a couple of months," he told the hearing.

The country's second-largest lender, Westpac Banking Corp, said in a stock market filing that it will take an impairment charge of A$1.6 billion due to the coronavirus impact. A day earlier, National Australia Bank Ltd took an A$807 million charge due to the virus.

Trade Minister Simon Birmingham meanwhile said the government had rebuked the Chinese ambassador to Australia after the envoy said Chinese consumers might boycott Australian products and universities if it supported demands for an international investigation into the origins of the virus.

"We will not deviate from those policy positions under any threat of economic coercion or anything else," Birmingham told reporters in Adelaide.

"The least the world can expect is a transparent inquiry into the causes of COVID-19 so that we can understand how best to prevent a repeat episode any time in the future. We would hope that China, like any other country around the world, would see the merits in understanding how the world can be better prepared in the future," he added.

Australia's most populous state said on Tuesday it will relax some restrictions on movement, as beaches reopened amid hopes a policy of widespread medical testing will help sustain a decline in new cases of the coronavirus.

Australia's most populous state said on Tuesday it will relax some restrictions on movement, as beaches reopened amid hopes a policy of widespread medical testing will help sustain a decline in new cases of the coronavirus. Bondi Beach and two neighbouring beaches in Sydney were reopened to local residents on Tuesday after being closed a month ago due to large crowds breaking social distancing rules. Australia recorded just one new case of COVID-19 from an unknown source in the past 24 hours, suggesting community transmission had almost stopped, Health Minister Greg Hunt said. "We are winning but we have not won yet," he said. New South Wales (NSW) state, which is home to nearly half of Australia's roughly 6,700 cases of COVID-19, said it would let up to two adults visit another person's home from Friday, relaxing a stay-at-home policy and ban on non-essential movement. "For many people, they've been cooped up in their homes for a number of weeks, and with the exception of exercising, medical needs or buying what they need to or going to work, many people have been isolated in their homes," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney. "Two adults will be able to go and visit anybody else in their home on the basis of care, on the basis of reducing socialisation and everybody's mental health." Children were allowed to accompany adults on house visits, Berejiklian added. Australia, which closed its external and internal borders, imposed an early shutdown of businesses, and issued strict social distancing rules, has avoided the high numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths seen in other countries. Australian states are starting to relax some restrictions as the local rate of new infections slows to barely 1per cent per day, compared to 25per cent a month ago. The country recorded five new coronavirus fatalities on Tuesday after more residents from an aged care facility in the west of Sydney died from the virus. There have now been 11 coronavirus deaths at the Anglicare Newmarch House, taking the national death toll to 88. State governments have set up coronavirus testing centres and want people to undergo tests regardless of whether they have symptoms. RECESSION LOOMING Around 2.44 million Australians, or about 10per cent of the population, had downloaded a government "contact tracing" smartphone app to monitor the spread of the illness, less than two days since its launch. That is short of the government's target to have about half the population with the software, but health minister Hunt said it was a sign people have overcome privacy concerns and "come together as a single Australian nation, as one single family". Australia is expected to plunge into its first recession in 30 years due to the economic hit from the coronavirus, and the government has committed A$320 billion, or about 16per cent of GDP, in relief funding, the country's biggest emergency package ever. At a Senate hearing, Australian Treasury secretary Stephen Kennedy said government data showed jobs in the accommodation, food, arts and recreation industries fell by up to a quarter in the three weeks to April 4. Overall unemployment was expected to roughly double to more than 10per cent in the three months to end-June, he said. "Unemployment rose to higher levels in the Great Depression, but it did that over the course of a couple of years. These movements are happening in just a couple of months," he told the hearing. The country's second-largest lender, Westpac Banking Corp, said in a stock market filing that it will take an impairment charge of A$1.6 billion due to the coronavirus impact. A day earlier, National Australia Bank Ltd took an A$807 million charge due to the virus. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham meanwhile said the government had rebuked the Chinese ambassador to Australia after the envoy said Chinese consumers might boycott Australian products and universities if it supported demands for an international investigation into the origins of the virus. "We will not deviate from those policy positions under any threat of economic coercion or anything else," Birmingham told reporters in Adelaide. "The least the world can expect is a transparent inquiry into the causes of COVID-19 so that we can understand how best to prevent a repeat episode any time in the future. We would hope that China, like any other country around the world, would see the merits in understanding how the world can be better prepared in the future," he added.

Australia says 'winning' against coronavirus, eases lockdown

NYC set to start ‘Self-Swab’ Coronavirus testing. Self-Swab testing could be a better, faster and safer way of doing covid-19 testing. However it needs to be done under the supervision of an expert at the testing center.

NYC set to start ‘Self-Swab’ Coronavirus testing

India remains engaged with other countries including the US and Israel for a coordinated response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian envoy here has said.

India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, in a conversation with the influential American Jewish Committee (AJC), said that the Indian leadership is in a close contact with its friends and ready to step forward to help them.

As we battle this pandemic, India remains engaged with other countries including the United States and Israel in an effort to partner towards a coordinated response.

"Whether it is the form of ensuring supply of essential medicines or sharing expertise and knowhow or joint scientific collaborations, India stands ready to battle this pandemic shoulder to shoulder with our friends,"&nbsp;Sandhu said in his interaction with the AJC.

As a country of 1.3 billion people, India faces unique challenges in combating this common enemy, he said.

India has so far managed to slow the initial spread of the contagion since the first confirmed case in the country on January, 30.

India, he said, has taken preemptive measures under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enforce a total lockdown. 
Sandhu said that India and the US are global strategic partners with a multifaceted relationship which encompasses almost every aspect of human endeavour.

"Our defence and energy partnership has grown over the years as has our scientific collaboration. As democracies with shared values and global strategic partners, we are in a unique position today, walking together to combat the the COVID-19 crisis,"&nbsp;he said.

Jason Isaacson, AJC Associate Executive Director for Policy and Managing Director of Government, said that the US is deeply indebted to the Indian healthcare workers who are such an important part of the health system of the country.

The Indian medical device industry, the pharmaceutical industry continue to be essential, not only in India, but to the world, he said.

The world, he noted, has come to rely on these devices and protective equipment and pharmaceuticals from India, he said. 
Sandhu said India has assumed the leadership role in 'this very, very deadly'&nbsp;crisis.

"We took not only proactive measures in India, but we also took active measures in the region and the world at large,"&nbsp;the Indian envoy added.

The deadly coronavirus, which originated in China late last year, has so far killed more than two lakh people and infected over three million globally. The largest number of them are in the US: more than 56,000 deaths and over one million infections.

In India, mainly because of the early and aggressive preventive measures, the fatalities have remained comparatively low at 934 and infections at 29,435.&nbsp;

India remains engaged with other countries including the US and Israel for a coordinated response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian envoy here has said. India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, in a conversation with the influential American Jewish Committee (AJC), said that the Indian leadership is in a close contact with its friends and ready to step forward to help them.

India remains engaged with other countries including the US and Israel for a coordinated response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian envoy here has said. India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, in a conversation with the influential American Jewish Committee (AJC), said that the Indian leadership is in a close contact with its friends and ready to step forward to help them. As we battle this pandemic, India remains engaged with other countries including the United States and Israel in an effort to partner towards a coordinated response. "Whether it is the form of ensuring supply of essential medicines or sharing expertise and knowhow or joint scientific collaborations, India stands ready to battle this pandemic shoulder to shoulder with our friends," Sandhu said in his interaction with the AJC. As a country of 1.3 billion people, India faces unique challenges in combating this common enemy, he said. India has so far managed to slow the initial spread of the contagion since the first confirmed case in the country on January, 30. India, he said, has taken preemptive measures under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enforce a total lockdown. Sandhu said that India and the US are global strategic partners with a multifaceted relationship which encompasses almost every aspect of human endeavour. "Our defence and energy partnership has grown over the years as has our scientific collaboration. As democracies with shared values and global strategic partners, we are in a unique position today, walking together to combat the the COVID-19 crisis," he said. Jason Isaacson, AJC Associate Executive Director for Policy and Managing Director of Government, said that the US is deeply indebted to the Indian healthcare workers who are such an important part of the health system of the country. The Indian medical device industry, the pharmaceutical industry continue to be essential, not only in India, but to the world, he said. The world, he noted, has come to rely on these devices and protective equipment and pharmaceuticals from India, he said. Sandhu said India has assumed the leadership role in 'this very, very deadly' crisis. "We took not only proactive measures in India, but we also took active measures in the region and the world at large," the Indian envoy added. The deadly coronavirus, which originated in China late last year, has so far killed more than two lakh people and infected over three million globally. The largest number of them are in the US: more than 56,000 deaths and over one million infections. In India, mainly because of the early and aggressive preventive measures, the fatalities have remained comparatively low at 934 and infections at 29,435.

India engaged with countries including US for coordinated response to COVID-19: Envoy

The United Kingdom will hold one minute's silence at 11 am on Tuesday as a mark of tribute to frontline workers who have died in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The UK has so far reported 1,58,348 coronavirus cases, with 21,092 deaths. At least 90 National Health Service (NHS) and social care workers have lost their lives after testing positive for the deadly virus.

The silence has been organised by Unison, the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal of College of Nursing.

A spokesperson for Downing Street said: "We will be supporting the minute's silence. We will be asking everybody who works in the government to take part and we would hope that others will take part nationwide as well."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who returned to work on Monday after his own battle with coronavirus, is reportedly planning to refine lockdown rules in the coming days, amid mounting pressure for the government to set out the next steps before a review on May 7.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-coronavirus-pandemic-4093-people-arrested-in-london-for-domestic-violence-294956">Also read |&nbsp;Amid coronavirus pandemic, 4,093 people arrested in London for domestic violence</a>

The United Kingdom will hold one minute's silence at 11 am on Tuesday as a mark of tribute to frontline workers who have died in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The United Kingdom will hold one minute's silence at 11 am on Tuesday as a mark of tribute to frontline workers who have died in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The UK has so far reported 1,58,348 coronavirus cases, with 21,092 deaths. At least 90 National Health Service (NHS) and social care workers have lost their lives after testing positive for the deadly virus. The silence has been organised by Unison, the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal of College of Nursing. A spokesperson for Downing Street said: "We will be supporting the minute's silence. We will be asking everybody who works in the government to take part and we would hope that others will take part nationwide as well." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who returned to work on Monday after his own battle with coronavirus, is reportedly planning to refine lockdown rules in the coming days, amid mounting pressure for the government to set out the next steps before a review on May 7. Also read | Amid coronavirus pandemic, 4,093 people arrested in London for domestic violence

UK to hold a minute's silence for fallen frontline workers

Millions of migrant workers jobless in Russia amid Covid-19.Migrant workers from Russia’s neighbouring countries find themselves without jobs due to covid-19 restrictions. Without jobs and travel restrictions these workers are facing financial as well as emotional battle.

Millions of migrant workers jobless in Russia amid Covid-19 restrictions | WION

The Kerala BJP on Monday criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for not participating in the video conference called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation arising due to the coronavirus pandemic in the country.&nbsp;

BJP state chief K Surendran said while the whole country was fighting the pandemic together, it was “inappropriate” on part of the Kerala chief minister to miss the meeting.

“Kerala chief minister said he had attended the last meeting and hence he did not attend today’s meeting. However, most of the chief ministers, who attended the last meeting, had attended Monday’s meeting. While the whole country is fighting the pandemic together, his absence cannot be justified,” Surendran said in a statement.

However, Vijayan, in his daily COVID-19 evaluation press meet, said the Union cabinet secretary had on Sunday informed that only a few chief ministers will have a chance to speak at the video conference.

“We were asked to share the topics which we would like to share in the video conference. We had informed the cabinet secretary about it on Sunday itself. The cabinet secretary had informed us that only a few chief ministers will get a chance to speak during the conference,” Vijayan said.

Only nine chief ministers got the chance to speak during the video conference called by the prime minister. Kerala Chief Secretary Tom Jose participated in the conference.

Kerala had informed the cabinet secretary about the concerns of the state government on Sunday itself. Vijayan said the state government had said that the lockdown could be extended partially till May 15.

The Kerala BJP on Monday criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for not participating in the video conference called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation arising due to the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

The Kerala BJP on Monday criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for not participating in the video conference called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation arising due to the coronavirus pandemic in the country. BJP state chief K Surendran said while the whole country was fighting the pandemic together, it was “inappropriate” on part of the Kerala chief minister to miss the meeting. “Kerala chief minister said he had attended the last meeting and hence he did not attend today’s meeting. However, most of the chief ministers, who attended the last meeting, had attended Monday’s meeting. While the whole country is fighting the pandemic together, his absence cannot be justified,” Surendran said in a statement. However, Vijayan, in his daily COVID-19 evaluation press meet, said the Union cabinet secretary had on Sunday informed that only a few chief ministers will have a chance to speak at the video conference. “We were asked to share the topics which we would like to share in the video conference. We had informed the cabinet secretary about it on Sunday itself. The cabinet secretary had informed us that only a few chief ministers will get a chance to speak during the conference,” Vijayan said. Only nine chief ministers got the chance to speak during the video conference called by the prime minister. Kerala Chief Secretary Tom Jose participated in the conference. Kerala had informed the cabinet secretary about the concerns of the state government on Sunday itself. Vijayan said the state government had said that the lockdown could be extended partially till May 15.

‘Cannot be justified’: BJP slams Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan for skipping PM Modi’s COVID-19 meet with chief ministers

The coronavirus pandemic has been spreading like a wildfire. As the number of confirmed cases near the three million mark and a death toll of soaring past 200,000, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added more symptoms to the list.

The coronavirus pandemic has been spreading like a wildfire. As the number of confirmed cases near the three million mark and a death toll of soaring past 200,000, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added more symptoms to the list. Also read: US state asks Trump to declare coronavirus an 'act of God' to help oil producers Coronavirus previously had three symptoms - fever, cough, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. But the CDC has confirmed six new symptoms of coronavirus bringing the total number to nine. So if anybody is experiencing any such symptoms, they should get tested for the novel coronavirus. These new symptoms are: Chills Repeated shaking with chills Muscle pain Headache Sore throat New loss of taste or smell According to John Hopkins University, the actual number of the coronavirus cases are believed to be much higher due to shortage in testing kits, unreported cases and government tally not being accurate. The United States has been the worst-hit nation in terms of the pandemic with over 54,000 deaths and 936,293 confirmed infections. If we look at the continents, coronavirus has most impacted Europe with 122,171 deaths. In Italy, Spain and France, the death toll rose to 26,384, 22,902, and 22,614 respectively. The United Kingdom has witnessed 20,319 COVID-19 deaths so far.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists 6 new symptoms of coronavirus

Pakistan's coronavirus cases have climbed to 13,328 while the death toll from the pandemic has reached 281 with 12 more fatalities, the health ministry said on Monday.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, more than 3,000 people have recovered from the contagion.

The ministry said that Punjab has reported 5,446 cases, Sindh 4,615, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 1,864, Balochistan 781, Gilgit-Baltistan 318, Islamabad 245 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 59 cases.

The coronavirus tally in Pakistan has climbed to 13,328 while 281 people have died due to the sickness, including 12 in the last 24 hours, it said.

So far, 150,756 tests have been conducted including 6,391 in the last 24 hours, while the authorities announced to increase the number of daily tests to 20,000 from the next month.

The government said that an in-camera meeting of the special Parliamentary Committee on Coronavirus Disease will be held on Monday at the Parliament House to review the impact of the continuous lockdown on the country's economy.

It will also receive recommendations from representatives of traders and the business community for formulating a strategy to deal with the crisis.

President Dr Arif Alvi visited mosques in Bara Kahu area of Islamabad on Sunday night to check if the guidelines were being followed.

He directed the mosque administrations to ensure the implementation of preventive measures, necessary to control the spread of COVID-19.

The president and leading clerics singed a 20-point agreement to allow prayers in mosques on certain safety conditions.&nbsp;

Pakistan's coronavirus cases have climbed to 13,328 while the death toll from the pandemic has reached 281 with 12 more fatalities, the health ministry said on Monday.

Pakistan's coronavirus cases have climbed to 13,328 while the death toll from the pandemic has reached 281 with 12 more fatalities, the health ministry said on Monday. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, more than 3,000 people have recovered from the contagion. The ministry said that Punjab has reported 5,446 cases, Sindh 4,615, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 1,864, Balochistan 781, Gilgit-Baltistan 318, Islamabad 245 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 59 cases. The coronavirus tally in Pakistan has climbed to 13,328 while 281 people have died due to the sickness, including 12 in the last 24 hours, it said. So far, 150,756 tests have been conducted including 6,391 in the last 24 hours, while the authorities announced to increase the number of daily tests to 20,000 from the next month. The government said that an in-camera meeting of the special Parliamentary Committee on Coronavirus Disease will be held on Monday at the Parliament House to review the impact of the continuous lockdown on the country's economy. It will also receive recommendations from representatives of traders and the business community for formulating a strategy to deal with the crisis. President Dr Arif Alvi visited mosques in Bara Kahu area of Islamabad on Sunday night to check if the guidelines were being followed. He directed the mosque administrations to ensure the implementation of preventive measures, necessary to control the spread of COVID-19. The president and leading clerics singed a 20-point agreement to allow prayers in mosques on certain safety conditions.

Coronavirus cases in Pakistan rise to 13,328; death toll 281

A four-year-old Indian origin girl in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the youngest persons in the world to have recovered from the novel coronavirus.

She, known as Sivani, was given a fitting send off by medical staff at Al Futtaim Health Hub on April 20.

The minor had fought off a rare type of kidney cancer last year called ganglioneuroblastoma. Being a cancer survivor, doctors took extra precaution for her.

Sivani was admitted to the hospital on April 1, the Gulf News report said. She had contracted the virus from her mother -- a front line health worker -- who fell ill in March.

Both Sivani and father dad were also tested despite not having any symptoms and, unlike her father, Sivani was found to be positive.

Sivani remained under treatment for 20 days before two consecutive negative swab tests rendered her all clear. She will now undergo 14-day quarantine at home.

Her mother remains under observation and is expected to be released soon.

A four-year-old Indian origin girl in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the youngest persons in the world to have recovered from the novel coronavirus.

A four-year-old Indian origin girl in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the youngest persons in the world to have recovered from the novel coronavirus. She, known as Sivani, was given a fitting send off by medical staff at Al Futtaim Health Hub on April 20. The minor had fought off a rare type of kidney cancer last year called ganglioneuroblastoma. Being a cancer survivor, doctors took extra precaution for her. Sivani was admitted to the hospital on April 1, the Gulf News report said. She had contracted the virus from her mother -- a front line health worker -- who fell ill in March. Both Sivani and father dad were also tested despite not having any symptoms and, unlike her father, Sivani was found to be positive. Sivani remained under treatment for 20 days before two consecutive negative swab tests rendered her all clear. She will now undergo 14-day quarantine at home. Her mother remains under observation and is expected to be released soon.

4-yr-old Indian origin girl is one of the youngest persons to recover from COVID-19

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