The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to open a special liquidity facility of upto Rs 50,000 &nbsp;crores ($6.6 billion) to help mutual funds tide over a severe liquidity strain imposed by the coronavirus pandemic and redemption pressures.

The prominent Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund said on Thursday it would wind up six credit funds for lack of liquidity following which fund houses in India have struggled to allay investors' fears of a flood of redemption requests.

"The stress is, however, confined to the high-risk debt mutual fund segment at this stage; the larger industry remains liquid," the RBI said, in a statement.

The RBI will now conduct repo operations for 90 days' tenor at the fixed repo rate and the funds will be available on-tap and open-ended.

Banks will need to access the funds from the RBI at the repo window and extend loans to mutual funds, buy outright corporate bonds or commercial papers from them or extend the funds against collateral through a repo.

Exposures under this facility will not be reckoned under the large exposures framework and stand to be classified as "held-to-maturity", even in excess of the permissible 25% of total investments, the central bank added.

India has reported 27,892&nbsp;coronavirus infections and 872&nbsp;deaths as of Monday morning.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to open a special liquidity facility of upto Rs 50,000 crores ($6.6 billion) to help mutual funds tide over a severe liquidity strain imposed by the coronavirus pandemic and redemption pressures.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to open a special liquidity facility of upto Rs 50,000 crores ($6.6 billion) to help mutual funds tide over a severe liquidity strain imposed by the coronavirus pandemic and redemption pressures. The prominent Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund said on Thursday it would wind up six credit funds for lack of liquidity following which fund houses in India have struggled to allay investors' fears of a flood of redemption requests. "The stress is, however, confined to the high-risk debt mutual fund segment at this stage; the larger industry remains liquid," the RBI said, in a statement. The RBI will now conduct repo operations for 90 days' tenor at the fixed repo rate and the funds will be available on-tap and open-ended. Banks will need to access the funds from the RBI at the repo window and extend loans to mutual funds, buy outright corporate bonds or commercial papers from them or extend the funds against collateral through a repo. Exposures under this facility will not be reckoned under the large exposures framework and stand to be classified as "held-to-maturity", even in excess of the permissible 25% of total investments, the central bank added. India has reported 27,892 coronavirus infections and 872 deaths as of Monday morning.

Coronavirus: RBI to open special liquidity window for mutual funds

Coronavirus pandemic spreads across prisons worldwide

A country in Central America has historically been marred by gang-related violence and continues to grapple with in-prison violence, closely related to drug gangs.

On Friday, the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele had announced a 24-hour lockdown of prisons after record 22 murders were witnessed in a single-day! 
 
Additionally, all of the gang members, especially their leaders were put in solitary confinement after the number of murders spiked out of the blue.

“No contact with the outside world. Shops will remain closed and all activities are suspended until further notice,” Bukele said in a tweet.

“Gang leaders will go into solitary confinement”, Bukele added.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5472131a-e7f5-4afc-ac1e-e01102139617" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-6.jpg" /> 
Handout picture released on April 26, 2020 by El Salvador's Presidency press office showing inmates at the Izalco prison | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The investigation into 22 murders is underway, however, authorities believe all the murders are gang-related.

The maximum emergency lockdown has been put in place to ensure that the police investigation may be conducted freely. 
 
This is the highest number recorded in the country in terms of single day murders since Bukele assumed office last June, The Guardian reported. 
 
The number of murders in El Salvador has fallen significantly in the recent years though, under Bukele administration. In the last few months, the country has gone for days without a single murder, a big feat for the country. 
 
The lockdown measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 are among the strictest across the world in the country.

El Salvador has been marred by street gang violence for years. Known as “maras”, these gangs led to the country’s notoriously high homicide rate. In fact, it has remained highest across the Americas.

A country in Central America has historically been marred by gang-related violence and continues to grapple with in-prison violence, closely related to drug gangs.

A country in Central America has historically been marred by gang-related violence and continues to grapple with in-prison violence, closely related to drug gangs. On Friday, the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele had announced a 24-hour lockdown of prisons after record 22 murders were witnessed in a single-day! Additionally, all of the gang members, especially their leaders were put in solitary confinement after the number of murders spiked out of the blue. “No contact with the outside world. Shops will remain closed and all activities are suspended until further notice,” Bukele said in a tweet. “Gang leaders will go into solitary confinement”, Bukele added. Handout picture released on April 26, 2020 by El Salvador's Presidency press office showing inmates at the Izalco prison | AFP The investigation into 22 murders is underway, however, authorities believe all the murders are gang-related. The maximum emergency lockdown has been put in place to ensure that the police investigation may be conducted freely. This is the highest number recorded in the country in terms of single day murders since Bukele assumed office last June, The Guardian reported. The number of murders in El Salvador has fallen significantly in the recent years though, under Bukele administration. In the last few months, the country has gone for days without a single murder, a big feat for the country. The lockdown measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 are among the strictest across the world in the country. El Salvador has been marred by street gang violence for years. Known as “maras”, these gangs led to the country’s notoriously high homicide rate. In fact, it has remained highest across the Americas.

This small American country witnessed 22 prison homicides in one day!

The governor of the US state of Oklahoma has called on US President Donald Trump to declare the coronavirus pandemic an "act of God" -- in order to help oil-producing states contend with a crude glut that caused futures prices to close below $0 last week for the first time.

Declaring a "force majeure" or "act of God" would allow oil companies to halt operations without risking that land leases will be cancelled for stopping production, Governor J. Kevin Stitt said in a letter to Trump that he posted on Twitter late on Saturday.

Oklahoma's energy regulator said on Wednesday that producers could close money-losing wells without losing their leases, the first victory for struggling US oil companies seeking relief from states after the market crash.

US production reached a record-high of near 13 million barrels per day late last year, but the pandemic has cut global consumption by 20 per cent to 30 per cent, or up to 30 million bpd.

The governor of the US state of Oklahoma has called on US President Donald Trump to declare the coronavirus pandemic an "act of God" -- in order to help oil-producing states contend with a crude glut that caused futures prices to close below $0 last week for the first time.

The governor of the US state of Oklahoma has called on US President Donald Trump to declare the coronavirus pandemic an "act of God" -- in order to help oil-producing states contend with a crude glut that caused futures prices to close below $0 last week for the first time. Declaring a "force majeure" or "act of God" would allow oil companies to halt operations without risking that land leases will be cancelled for stopping production, Governor J. Kevin Stitt said in a letter to Trump that he posted on Twitter late on Saturday. Oklahoma's energy regulator said on Wednesday that producers could close money-losing wells without losing their leases, the first victory for struggling US oil companies seeking relief from states after the market crash. US production reached a record-high of near 13 million barrels per day late last year, but the pandemic has cut global consumption by 20 per cent to 30 per cent, or up to 30 million bpd.

US state asks Trump to declare coronavirus an 'act of God' to help oil producers

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has returned to Downing Street, after recovering from COVID-19 -- to take charge of the UK's response to the pandemic outbreak in the country.

The 55-year-old has been recuperating at his prime ministerial countryside retreat at Chequers in Buckinghamshire since he was discharged on April 12 and had put UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab in charge as his deputy.

Johnson was admitted for a week in St Thomas' Hospital in central London on April 5, including three nights in intensive care.

Johnson will now resume full-time duties, although it is unclear at this stage whether he will lead the press briefing on Monday on the country's fight against the coronavirus.

He, however, is expected to chair the regular morning Cabinet meeting on Covid-19 on Monday before holding talks with senior ministers and officials.

The prime minister is under immense pressure to start finalising plans to ease the severe social distancing restrictions in place at least until May 7, when the government is legally bound to review the lockdown measures.

The UK on Sunday reported 413 deaths, taking the total number of fatalities in the country's hospitals to 20,732.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has returned to Downing Street, after recovering from COVID-19 -- to take charge of the UK's response to the pandemic outbreak in the country.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has returned to Downing Street, after recovering from COVID-19 -- to take charge of the UK's response to the pandemic outbreak in the country. The 55-year-old has been recuperating at his prime ministerial countryside retreat at Chequers in Buckinghamshire since he was discharged on April 12 and had put UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab in charge as his deputy. Johnson was admitted for a week in St Thomas' Hospital in central London on April 5, including three nights in intensive care. Johnson will now resume full-time duties, although it is unclear at this stage whether he will lead the press briefing on Monday on the country's fight against the coronavirus. He, however, is expected to chair the regular morning Cabinet meeting on Covid-19 on Monday before holding talks with senior ministers and officials. The prime minister is under immense pressure to start finalising plans to ease the severe social distancing restrictions in place at least until May 7, when the government is legally bound to review the lockdown measures. The UK on Sunday reported 413 deaths, taking the total number of fatalities in the country's hospitals to 20,732.

UK PM Boris Johnson, recuperating from COVID-19, returns to Downing Street

As the world deals with lockdown blues, people are coming up with strange excuses and strategies to circumvent the rules.

In India, a man bought a huge stock of onions so that he may be able to move from the southern part of the country to its northern state.

The hardest hit continent - Europe has largely remained under lockdown over the last few weeks. However, as the recovery rate starts to improve and the number of infections continue to drop, people are sneaking out and about.

Spain has a loophole in its lockdown rules: people with pets may leave their homes to walk their pets. However, not everybody is walking their pets.

With no clear dictation of what encapsulates pets, people have taken full liberty.

Just on Friday, the Spanish National Police shared an image on Twitter whereby a man was fined for walking an unusual pet… a fish in a bowl! The incident happened in Lograno, a town in northern Spain. He was later penalised by the authorities for breaking the code. 
 
The tweet below translates into "Agents of the police force&nbsp;have found a person for going out to "walk" their fish on the street. Agents spotted him on #Logroño carrying a fish tank against what is stipulated in the RD of the State of Alarm."

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Agentes de la <a href="https://twitter.com/policia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@policia</a> han sancionado a una persona por salir a "pasear" a sus peces por la calle. Los agentes le avistaron en <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Logro%C3%B1o?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Logroño</a> portando una pecera en contra de lo estipulado en el RD del Estado de Alarma. 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EsteVirusLoParamosUnidos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EsteVirusLoParamosUnidos</a> <a href="https://t.co/lOFVnDX6Fi">pic.twitter.com/lOFVnDX6Fi</a>
— Policía Nacional (@policia) <a href="https://twitter.com/policia/status/1253594777418776577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, on March 25, a man was seen walking his hen. Take a look below!

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoTieneGracia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoTieneGracia</a> 
 
Guardias civiles de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lanzarote?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lanzarote</a> denuncian a una persona por incumplir las medidas de limitación de circulación impuestas en por el estado de alarma paseando una gallina<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EsteVirusLoParamosUnidos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EsteVirusLoParamosUnidos</a> <a href="https://t.co/kZ7vGuTKE5">pic.twitter.com/kZ7vGuTKE5</a>
— Guardia Civil 🇪🇸 (@guardiacivil) <a href="https://twitter.com/guardiacivil/status/1242814616561909761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The police tweeted, "Civil guards of #Lanzarote fined&nbsp;a person for failing to comply with the movement limitation measures imposed by the state of alarm while walking a hen".

In another bizarre incident in Spain, an unidentified citizen in Murcia was seen dressed as a Tyrannosaurus rex. The images went viral on social media!

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En estado de alarma se permite el paseo de mascotas acompañadas de una persona, siempre con paseos cortos para hacer sus necesidades. 
 
El que tengas complejo de Tyrannosaurus rex no está contemplado.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/qu%C3%A9dateencasa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#quédateencasa</a> <a href="https://t.co/C8dWkrvAdm">pic.twitter.com/C8dWkrvAdm</a>
— Policía Local Murcia (@MurciaPolicia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MurciaPolicia/status/1239659731377098752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It only gets stranger in the land of Spain: Another person was arrested for walking a toy dog on a leash. Video below:

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Pedimos SENSATEZ durante el <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EstadoDeEmergencia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EstadoDeEmergencia</a> por culpa del <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. 
 
Estamos ante una situación MUY GRAVE como para andar por la calle intentando engañar a la <a href="https://twitter.com/policia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@policia</a>... NO nos engañas y además serás sancionado. 
 
Es una cuestión de salud pública.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EsteVirusLoParamosUnidos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EsteVirusLoParamosUnidos</a> <a href="https://t.co/67cjOMNdC3">pic.twitter.com/67cjOMNdC3</a>
— JUPOL (@JupolNacional) <a href="https://twitter.com/JupolNacional/status/1239652064004911104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After this clip went viral, the police announced:&nbsp;"Do not try to deceive us!"

Spain recently decided to extend its lockdown until May 9, to ensure that the slowing rate of infections continues steadily. In Spain alone, over 20,000 people have died of the virus so far. If the lockdown officially ends on May 9, the country would have spent six weeks under lockdown in total.

As the world deals with lockdown blues, people are coming up with strange excuses and strategies to circumvent the rules. In India, a man bought a huge stock of onions so that he may be able to move from the southern part of the country to its northern state.

As the world deals with lockdown blues, people are coming up with strange excuses and strategies to circumvent the rules. In India, a man bought a huge stock of onions so that he may be able to move from the southern part of the country to its northern state. The hardest hit continent - Europe has largely remained under lockdown over the last few weeks. However, as the recovery rate starts to improve and the number of infections continue to drop, people are sneaking out and about. Spain has a loophole in its lockdown rules: people with pets may leave their homes to walk their pets. However, not everybody is walking their pets. With no clear dictation of what encapsulates pets, people have taken full liberty. Just on Friday, the Spanish National Police shared an image on Twitter whereby a man was fined for walking an unusual pet… a fish in a bowl! The incident happened in Lograno, a town in northern Spain. He was later penalised by the authorities for breaking the code. The tweet below translates into "Agents of the police force have found a person for going out to "walk" their fish on the street. Agents spotted him on #Logroño carrying a fish tank against what is stipulated in the RD of the State of Alarm." Agentes de la @policia han sancionado a una persona por salir a "pasear" a sus peces por la calle. Los agentes le avistaron en #Logroño portando una pecera en contra de lo estipulado en el RD del Estado de Alarma. #EsteVirusLoParamosUnidos pic.twitter.com/lOFVnDX6Fi — Policía Nacional (@policia) April 24, 2020 × Earlier, on March 25, a man was seen walking his hen. Take a look below! #NoTieneGracia Guardias civiles de #Lanzarote denuncian a una persona por incumplir las medidas de limitación de circulación impuestas en por el estado de alarma paseando una gallina#EsteVirusLoParamosUnidos pic.twitter.com/kZ7vGuTKE5 — Guardia Civil 🇪🇸 (@guardiacivil) March 25, 2020 × The police tweeted, "Civil guards of #Lanzarote fined a person for failing to comply with the movement limitation measures imposed by the state of alarm while walking a hen". In another bizarre incident in Spain, an unidentified citizen in Murcia was seen dressed as a Tyrannosaurus rex. The images went viral on social media! En estado de alarma se permite el paseo de mascotas acompañadas de una persona, siempre con paseos cortos para hacer sus necesidades. El que tengas complejo de Tyrannosaurus rex no está contemplado.#quédateencasa pic.twitter.com/C8dWkrvAdm — Policía Local Murcia (@MurciaPolicia) March 16, 2020 × It only gets stranger in the land of Spain: Another person was arrested for walking a toy dog on a leash. Video below: Pedimos SENSATEZ durante el #EstadoDeEmergencia por culpa del #COVID19. Estamos ante una situación MUY GRAVE como para andar por la calle intentando engañar a la @policia... NO nos engañas y además serás sancionado. Es una cuestión de salud pública.#EsteVirusLoParamosUnidos pic.twitter.com/67cjOMNdC3 — JUPOL (@JupolNacional) March 16, 2020 × After this clip went viral, the police announced: "Do not try to deceive us!" Spain recently decided to extend its lockdown until May 9, to ensure that the slowing rate of infections continues steadily. In Spain alone, over 20,000 people have died of the virus so far. If the lockdown officially ends on May 9, the country would have spent six weeks under lockdown in total.

Hens? Fish? Spaniards walk strange 'pets' as country extends lockdown to May 9

A bucking bull event took place in an empty arena in the United States on Sunday with cowboys in facemasks clinging onto 1,500-pound (680.39 kg) bulls while most professional sports remained on coronavirus lockdown.

The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) competition kicked off on Saturday.

The event comes amid widespread questions over when and how major North American professional sports leagues could re-start, as lockdown measures remain in place for millions across the country.

Members of the safety crew wrangled errant bulls while wearing masks in Guthrie, Oklahoma's Lazy E Arena, as riders swapped their protective headgear for face coverings after completing rides in the two-day PBR Las Vegas Invitational.

Stands were empty due to social distancing guidelines for what would otherwise have been a rowdy affair featuring American and Brazilian competitors and leading bulls such as 'Fearless', 'Two Socks' and 'Skeeter Peter' after a 41-day hiatus.

US President Donald Trump's leading infectious disease advisor said earlier this month that sports could potentially resume in empty stadiums.

PBR CEO Sean Gleason oversaw an event that would have scarcely seemed possible a month ago when sport was put on hold.

"Some might ask, 'Why buck bulls during a pandemic?'," Gleason tweeted on Saturday.&nbsp;

Every person involved in the event was housed on the Lazy E grounds.

The US&nbsp;has recorded 9,39,991 novel coronavirus cases with 53,822 deaths.

(with inputs from Reuters)

A bucking bull event took place in an empty arena in the United States on Sunday with cowboys in facemasks clinging onto 1,500-pound (680.39 kg) bulls while most professional sports remained on coronavirus lockdown.

A bucking bull event took place in an empty arena in the United States on Sunday with cowboys in facemasks clinging onto 1,500-pound (680.39 kg) bulls while most professional sports remained on coronavirus lockdown. The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) competition kicked off on Saturday. The event comes amid widespread questions over when and how major North American professional sports leagues could re-start, as lockdown measures remain in place for millions across the country. Members of the safety crew wrangled errant bulls while wearing masks in Guthrie, Oklahoma's Lazy E Arena, as riders swapped their protective headgear for face coverings after completing rides in the two-day PBR Las Vegas Invitational. Stands were empty due to social distancing guidelines for what would otherwise have been a rowdy affair featuring American and Brazilian competitors and leading bulls such as 'Fearless', 'Two Socks' and 'Skeeter Peter' after a 41-day hiatus. US President Donald Trump's leading infectious disease advisor said earlier this month that sports could potentially resume in empty stadiums. PBR CEO Sean Gleason oversaw an event that would have scarcely seemed possible a month ago when sport was put on hold. "Some might ask, 'Why buck bulls during a pandemic?'," Gleason tweeted on Saturday. Every person involved in the event was housed on the Lazy E grounds. The US has recorded 9,39,991 novel coronavirus cases with 53,822 deaths. (with inputs from Reuters)

Bucking bull event goes ahead in US amid coronavirus-induced restrictions

Scientists across the globe have turned to sewage as the latest&nbsp;method to measure the prevalence of the hidden cases of the virus&nbsp;in their communities.

Several local governments in the US are also using the same method&nbsp;to&nbsp;detect traces of RNA, the genetic material of coronavirus, in fecal matter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curb-coronavirus-root-cause-or-bear-worse-pandemics-say-worlds-leading-scientists-295122" hreflang="en">Curb coronavirus' root cause or bear worse pandemics, say world’s leading scientists</a>

The data can be used to gain a sense of how many people may have had the virus asymptomatically and are passing it through, in addition to those testing positive because they are outwardly sick.

According to Matt Meyer, the County Executive of New Castle, his county in Delaware has partnered with Biobot, an MIT-based startup,&nbsp;to screen wastewater for coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dietary-supplements-may-help-fight-off-viral-diseases-like-covid-19-study-295061" hreflang="en">Dietary supplements may help fight off viral diseases like COVID-19: Study</a>

Biobot is testing sewage in 150 facilities across 30 states, according to a company spokeswoman.

In its pilot 24-hour test, Biobot estimated there were 15,200 cases of Covid-19 in New Castle County alone.

These results outweigh&nbsp;the 4,034 estimated number of confirmed cases in the state, as per the data of Johns Hopkins University.

Meanwhile, in the Syracuse area of New York, four professors across three universities have partnered up to test Onondaga County wastewater using a centrifugal process to isolate the virus, a process they say could significantly speed up detection of Covid-19 outbreaks.

Scientists in other countries have also been using their sewerage systems to conduct mass tests for coronavirus, though they express caution on how accurately wastewater samples reflect community levels of the virus.

In early April, the journal Nature reported&nbsp;that more than a dozen research groups around the world were analyzing wastewater for Covid-19, with traces of the virus found in wastewater in the US, Netherlands and Sweden.

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Scientists across the globe have turned to sewage as the latest method to measure the prevalence of the hidden cases of the virus in their communities. Several local governments in the US are also using the same method to detect traces of RNA, the genetic material of coronavirus, in fecal matter.

Scientists across the globe have turned to sewage as the latest method to measure the prevalence of the hidden cases of the virus in their communities. Several local governments in the US are also using the same method to detect traces of RNA, the genetic material of coronavirus, in fecal matter. Also read: Curb coronavirus' root cause or bear worse pandemics, say world’s leading scientists The data can be used to gain a sense of how many people may have had the virus asymptomatically and are passing it through, in addition to those testing positive because they are outwardly sick. According to Matt Meyer, the County Executive of New Castle, his county in Delaware has partnered with Biobot, an MIT-based startup, to screen wastewater for coronavirus. Also read: Dietary supplements may help fight off viral diseases like COVID-19: Study Biobot is testing sewage in 150 facilities across 30 states, according to a company spokeswoman. In its pilot 24-hour test, Biobot estimated there were 15,200 cases of Covid-19 in New Castle County alone. These results outweigh the 4,034 estimated number of confirmed cases in the state, as per the data of Johns Hopkins University. Meanwhile, in the Syracuse area of New York, four professors across three universities have partnered up to test Onondaga County wastewater using a centrifugal process to isolate the virus, a process they say could significantly speed up detection of Covid-19 outbreaks. Scientists in other countries have also been using their sewerage systems to conduct mass tests for coronavirus, though they express caution on how accurately wastewater samples reflect community levels of the virus. In early April, the journal Nature reported that more than a dozen research groups around the world were analyzing wastewater for Covid-19, with traces of the virus found in wastewater in the US, Netherlands and Sweden.

Sewage: New way to deduct prevalence of COVID-19 by scientists

Europe was recently the hardest hit by COVID-19 across the globe. Over time, the rate of infection seems to have slowed down. 
 
With strict lockdowns and rigorous testing, the numbers seem to have been brought under control.

However, public anger against lockdown has turned into protests across the globe, based on a pattern which started appearing across the United States as people demanded reopening of the economy. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boston-dynamics-spot-robot-helping-doctors-remotely-combat-covid-19-294866" hreflang="en">Boston Dynamics' Spot robot helping doctors 'remotely' combat COVID-19</a> 
 
For the first time since the lockdown began, public support for it has fallen below 50 per cent in France, a poll by the Huffington Post has shown. 
 
The French government intends to phase out the reopening process in the country, starting May 11. The proposals will be presented by the government to the Assemblee Nationale and then put forth for voting.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/doorstep-meal-delivery-in-france-cheer-up-isolated-senior-citizens-294276/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the new survey, only 43 per cent of the population now supports the strict enforcement of lockdown. Last week, the lockdown had the support of the majority, with over 51 per cent of the population in its favour. The strict confinement measures in place refer to a complete shutdown of industry and all non-essential services including schools and businesses without which the majority of the population can survive. 
 
The survey further shed light on what the citizens expect from the government. 82 per cent of them expect the government to provide free masks to the general population, and more than three quarters want the blanket ban on cultural and sports gatherings to continue.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-complaints-of-faulty-kits-by-several-nations-china-confiscates-89-million-face-masks-294838" hreflang="en">Amid complaints of faulty kits by several nations, China confiscates 89 million face masks</a> 
 
The public is also in line with the government’s demands to ensure that people work from home. However, school teachers believe that they are being used to improve the general population’s immunity against the virus. 
 
The government has repeatedly asserted the risk of reopening schools and universities too early, and intends to do it in a “progressive and careful” way.

Many who need to access public transport to reach their respective schools and workplaces have expressed fear over what may transpire if they try to venture out too early.

The government intends to make wearing masks on public transport compulsory.

Europe was recently the hardest hit by COVID-19 across the globe. Over time, the rate of infection seems to have slowed down. With strict lockdowns and rigorous testing, the numbers seem to have been brought under control.

Europe was recently the hardest hit by COVID-19 across the globe. Over time, the rate of infection seems to have slowed down. With strict lockdowns and rigorous testing, the numbers seem to have been brought under control. However, public anger against lockdown has turned into protests across the globe, based on a pattern which started appearing across the United States as people demanded reopening of the economy. Also read: Boston Dynamics' Spot robot helping doctors 'remotely' combat COVID-19 For the first time since the lockdown began, public support for it has fallen below 50 per cent in France, a poll by the Huffington Post has shown. The French government intends to phase out the reopening process in the country, starting May 11. The proposals will be presented by the government to the Assemblee Nationale and then put forth for voting. According to the new survey, only 43 per cent of the population now supports the strict enforcement of lockdown. Last week, the lockdown had the support of the majority, with over 51 per cent of the population in its favour. The strict confinement measures in place refer to a complete shutdown of industry and all non-essential services including schools and businesses without which the majority of the population can survive. The survey further shed light on what the citizens expect from the government. 82 per cent of them expect the government to provide free masks to the general population, and more than three quarters want the blanket ban on cultural and sports gatherings to continue. Also read: Amid complaints of faulty kits by several nations, China confiscates 89 million face masks The public is also in line with the government’s demands to ensure that people work from home. However, school teachers believe that they are being used to improve the general population’s immunity against the virus. The government has repeatedly asserted the risk of reopening schools and universities too early, and intends to do it in a “progressive and careful” way. Many who need to access public transport to reach their respective schools and workplaces have expressed fear over what may transpire if they try to venture out too early. The government intends to make wearing masks on public transport compulsory.

Only 43% of this hard-hit country now supports lockdown measures

A total of 260 people died from COVID-19 in Italy in the last 24 hours -- the lowest one-day death toll since March 15, bringing the tally to 26,644 as of Sunday.

According to latest data released by the country's Civil Protection Department, the number of new cases also fell with 2,324 reported over the last 24 hours, 33 fewer than on Saturday. The figure is the lowest in six days.

Also, the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units (ICUs) continued to decline, a trend that started three weeks ago. On Sunday, 2,009 patients were in ICUs, down from 2,102 a day earlier.

Italy entered into a nationwide lockdown on March 10 to contain the spread of coronavirus. The lockdown, which is expected to last until May 3, will be followed by a "Phase Two", which involves "the gradual resumption of social, economic and productive activities," the Italian government has explained. Schools in the country, however, would remain closed until September.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is expected to address the nation later on Sunday.

A total of 260 people died from COVID-19 in Italy in the last 24 hours -- the lowest one-day death toll since March 15, bringing the tally to 26,644 as of Sunday.

A total of 260 people died from COVID-19 in Italy in the last 24 hours -- the lowest one-day death toll since March 15, bringing the tally to 26,644 as of Sunday. According to latest data released by the country's Civil Protection Department, the number of new cases also fell with 2,324 reported over the last 24 hours, 33 fewer than on Saturday. The figure is the lowest in six days. Also, the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units (ICUs) continued to decline, a trend that started three weeks ago. On Sunday, 2,009 patients were in ICUs, down from 2,102 a day earlier. Italy entered into a nationwide lockdown on March 10 to contain the spread of coronavirus. The lockdown, which is expected to last until May 3, will be followed by a "Phase Two", which involves "the gradual resumption of social, economic and productive activities," the Italian government has explained. Schools in the country, however, would remain closed until September. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is expected to address the nation later on Sunday.

Coronavirus: Italy registers lowest one-day death toll in six weeks

The Indian government has brushed off the idea about levying coronavirus tax on the super rich to help pay for the lockdown-induced economic fallout -- a concept proposed by a group of Indian Revenue Service officers.

Some 50 officers of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) recommended raising the highest tax rate to 40 per cent for people with annual income above 10 million rupees ($1,31,130) or a wealth tax for those with net worth of 50 million or more in a report sent to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and shared on Twitter on Saturday.

Economic activity has ground almost to a halt in India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed a 40-day lockdown last month to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. This is expected to severely impact direct and indirect tax collections, which were already suffering from an economic slowdown before the pandemic.

To this end, in a tweet late on Sunday, the Income Tax Department, governed by the CBDT, said the report did not reflect the official views of the CBDT and the finance ministry. It said an inquiry was being launched into why the report was shared with the public.

Sources said that neither the IRS association nor any group of officers mentioned in report were ever asked by the government to give any report on the subject. It was not part of their duty to prepare such a report and taking personal views to the media constituted an act of indiscipline, the sources said.

The report, dated April 23, said: "In times like these, the so called `super rich` have a higher obligation towards ensuring the larger public good."

The report also suggested a surcharge for foreign companies with a permanent establishment in India.

The revenue generated by the proposals should be used for specific projects identified by the government and aimed at having a decisive impact on reviving the economy, the report added.

The report also said the government would need to support the underprivileged as well as small and medium enterprises. Along with other measures, it suggested a one-time COVID relief tax of 4 per cent for individuals with taxable income of more than 1 million rupees.

The Indian government has brushed off the idea about levying coronavirus tax on the super rich to help pay for the lockdown-induced economic fallout -- a concept proposed by a group of Indian Revenue Service officers.

The Indian government has brushed off the idea about levying coronavirus tax on the super rich to help pay for the lockdown-induced economic fallout -- a concept proposed by a group of Indian Revenue Service officers. Some 50 officers of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) recommended raising the highest tax rate to 40 per cent for people with annual income above 10 million rupees ($1,31,130) or a wealth tax for those with net worth of 50 million or more in a report sent to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and shared on Twitter on Saturday. Economic activity has ground almost to a halt in India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed a 40-day lockdown last month to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. This is expected to severely impact direct and indirect tax collections, which were already suffering from an economic slowdown before the pandemic. To this end, in a tweet late on Sunday, the Income Tax Department, governed by the CBDT, said the report did not reflect the official views of the CBDT and the finance ministry. It said an inquiry was being launched into why the report was shared with the public. Sources said that neither the IRS association nor any group of officers mentioned in report were ever asked by the government to give any report on the subject. It was not part of their duty to prepare such a report and taking personal views to the media constituted an act of indiscipline, the sources said. The report, dated April 23, said: "In times like these, the so called `super rich` have a higher obligation towards ensuring the larger public good." The report also suggested a surcharge for foreign companies with a permanent establishment in India. The revenue generated by the proposals should be used for specific projects identified by the government and aimed at having a decisive impact on reviving the economy, the report added. The report also said the government would need to support the underprivileged as well as small and medium enterprises. Along with other measures, it suggested a one-time COVID relief tax of 4 per cent for individuals with taxable income of more than 1 million rupees.

No coronavirus tax on the super rich in India

A deadlier and more destructive catastrophe than the coronavirus pandemic will engulf the world if the root cause of COVID-19, that is&nbsp;the rampant destruction of the natural world, is rapidly halted, the world’s leading biodiversity experts have warned.

According to them, ''there is a single species responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic -&nbsp;human beings.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-discharges-all-coronavirus-patients-reports-zero-new-cases-295018">Wuhan discharges all coronavirus patients, reports zero new cases</a>

''Recent pandemics are a direct consequence of human activity, particularly our global financial and economic systems that prize economic growth at any cost. We have a small window of opportunity, in overcoming the challenges of the current crisis, to avoid sowing the seeds of future ones.''

In an article published on Monday, Peter Daszak, who is preparing&nbsp;Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), said, ''rampant deforestation, uncontrolled expansion of agriculture, intensive farming, mining and infrastructure development, as well as the exploitation of wild species have created a ‘perfect storm’ for the spillover of diseases.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-allegedly-reached-out-to-germany-seeking-positive-comments-on-its-covid-19-protocol-295070" hreflang="en">China allegedly reached out to Germany seeking 'positive comments' on its COVID-19 protocol</a>

These activities cause pandemics by bringing more people into contact and conflict with animals, from which 70 per cent&nbsp;of emerging human diseases originate.

''COVID-19 may be only the beginning as future pandemics are likely to happen more frequently, spread more rapidly, have greater economic impact and kill more people if we are not extremely careful about the possible impacts of the choices we make today,''&nbsp;Daszak said.

“The health of people is intimately connected to the health of wildlife, the health of livestock and the health of the environment.'' he added.

The top scientists of the world have also recommended that the relief packages being issued by the governments across the wold should be used for the welfare of the environment.

A deadlier and more destructive catastrophe than the coronavirus pandemic will engulf the world if the root cause of COVID-19, that is the rampant destruction of the natural world, is rapidly halted, the world’s leading biodiversity experts have warned.

A deadlier and more destructive catastrophe than the coronavirus pandemic will engulf the world if the root cause of COVID-19, that is the rampant destruction of the natural world, is rapidly halted, the world’s leading biodiversity experts have warned. According to them, ''there is a single species responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic - human beings.'' Also read: Wuhan discharges all coronavirus patients, reports zero new cases ''Recent pandemics are a direct consequence of human activity, particularly our global financial and economic systems that prize economic growth at any cost. We have a small window of opportunity, in overcoming the challenges of the current crisis, to avoid sowing the seeds of future ones.'' In an article published on Monday, Peter Daszak, who is preparing Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), said, ''rampant deforestation, uncontrolled expansion of agriculture, intensive farming, mining and infrastructure development, as well as the exploitation of wild species have created a ‘perfect storm’ for the spillover of diseases.'' Also read: China allegedly reached out to Germany seeking 'positive comments' on its COVID-19 protocol These activities cause pandemics by bringing more people into contact and conflict with animals, from which 70 per cent of emerging human diseases originate. ''COVID-19 may be only the beginning as future pandemics are likely to happen more frequently, spread more rapidly, have greater economic impact and kill more people if we are not extremely careful about the possible impacts of the choices we make today,'' Daszak said. “The health of people is intimately connected to the health of wildlife, the health of livestock and the health of the environment.'' he added. The top scientists of the world have also recommended that the relief packages being issued by the governments across the wold should be used for the welfare of the environment.

Curb coronavirus' root cause or bear worse pandemics, say world’s leading scientists

Globally, the number of COVID-19-related deaths has crossed 200,000. The total cases stand at over 2.8 million. Of these, 200,698 patients have died and more than 810,000 have recovered

India battles COVID-19: Health Ministry briefs media over Coronavirus crisis

A six-month-old giant panda cub Jia Jia zai, son of his mother Jia Jia, began to meet visitors through the glasses of the panda house in the Shanghai Wildlife Zoo on Saturday.

Panda cub meets visitors in Shanghai

After 42 days of lockdown, sea promenades, streets and main esplanades in Spain were seen busy again as under 14s were allowed outside for the first time since the government declared a state of emergency on March 14 and shut down most public life and economic activity.

Parents take out kids after six-week confinement in Spain

Mexicans cheer and sing "A Song of Joy" every night to express their admiration for the medical staff, who are fighting the coronavirus in the Latin American country.

Mexicans serenade healthcare workers from balconies with "A Song of Joy"

A 64-year old coronavirus patient in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a Greek hospital received a birthday surprise from the medical staff on Friday (April 24).

Greek coronavirus ICU patient gets birthday surprise

The Delhi High Court has capped the maximum price of each coronavirus rapid test kit imported by Matrix Labs at Rs 400. The price cap includes GST.

The court was hearing a plea by Rare Metabolics Life Sciences to seek release of 7.24 lakh COVID-19 rapid test kits and other related material being imported by the respondent from China.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had placed an order with Rare Metabolics for 5,00,000 test kits at Rs 600 each on March 27 and 28 for a total of Rs 30 crore.

Rare Metabolics routed the order through Matrix, which imported the kits at Rs 245 each, or a total of Rs 12.25 crore. It supplied the kits to Rare Metabolics for Rs 21 crore.

This implied that Rare Metabolics in turn made a profit of Rs 9 crore "despite no value addition to the imported medical material.".

To this end, the court observed that the country is going through an unprecedented medical crisis affecting public order, and that public interest must outweigh private gain.

While the firms have delivered 276,000 kits to the ICMR, the court has instructed that the remaining 224,000 kits be delivered when the consignment lands in India.

The Delhi High Court has capped the maximum price of each coronavirus rapid test kit imported by Matrix Labs at Rs 400. The price cap includes GST. The court was hearing a plea by Rare Metabolics Life Sciences to seek release of 7.

The Delhi High Court has capped the maximum price of each coronavirus rapid test kit imported by Matrix Labs at Rs 400. The price cap includes GST. The court was hearing a plea by Rare Metabolics Life Sciences to seek release of 7.24 lakh COVID-19 rapid test kits and other related material being imported by the respondent from China. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had placed an order with Rare Metabolics for 5,00,000 test kits at Rs 600 each on March 27 and 28 for a total of Rs 30 crore. Rare Metabolics routed the order through Matrix, which imported the kits at Rs 245 each, or a total of Rs 12.25 crore. It supplied the kits to Rare Metabolics for Rs 21 crore. This implied that Rare Metabolics in turn made a profit of Rs 9 crore "despite no value addition to the imported medical material.". To this end, the court observed that the country is going through an unprecedented medical crisis affecting public order, and that public interest must outweigh private gain. While the firms have delivered 276,000 kits to the ICMR, the court has instructed that the remaining 224,000 kits be delivered when the consignment lands in India.

Delhi High Court fixes coronavirus rapid test kit price at Rs 400

Dietary supplements containing vitamins C and D, and other micronutrients may be an effective and low-cost means of helping the immune system fight off viral infections such as COVID-19 and other acute respiratory tract diseases, according to a study.

The research, published in the journal Nutrients, also suggests that public health officials should issue a clear set of nutritional recommendations to complement messages about the role of hand washing and vaccinations in preventing the spread of infections.

"Around the world, acute respiratory tract infections kill more than 2.5 million people every year," said Adrian Gombart, a professor at Oregon State University (OSU) in the US.

"Meanwhile, there is a wealth of data that shows the role that good nutrition plays in supporting the immune system. As a society we need to be doing a better job of getting that message across along with the other important, more common messages," Gombart said.

Specific vitamins, minerals and fatty acids have key jobs to play in helping the immune system, he said.

Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are particularly critical for immune function, according to the researchers, including those from University of Southampton in the UK, the University of Otago, New Zealand, and University Medical Center in the Netherlands.

"The roles that vitamins C and D play in immunity are particularly well known," said Gombart.

He explained that vitamin C has roles in several aspects of immunity, including the growth and function of immune cells and antibody production, while vitamin D receptors on immune cells also affect their function.

"This means that vitamin D profoundly influences your response to infections. The problem is that people simply aren't eating enough of these nutrients," Gombart said.

"This could destroy your resistance to infections. Consequently, we will see an increase in disease and all of the extra burdens that go along with that increase," he said.

The noted that not only a daily multivitamin, but doses of 200 milligrammes (mg) or more of vitamin C -- higher than the suggested guidelines of 90mg for men and 75mg for women in the US -- and 2,000 international units of vitamin D, rather than the 400 to 800 recommended depending on age.

"A number of standard public health practices have been developed to help limit the spread and impact of respiratory viruses: regular hand washing, avoiding those showing symptoms of infection, and covering coughs," Gombart said.

"And for certain viruses like influenza, there are annual vaccination campaigns," Gombart noted.

There is no doubt that vaccines, when available, can be effective, but they are not foolproof, he said.

Gombart emphasised that current public health practices -- stressing social distancing, hygiene and vaccinations -- are important and effective but in need of complementary strategies.

The researchers noted that a nutritional focus on the immune system could help minimise the impact of many kinds of infections.

"The present situation with COVID-19 and the number of people dying from other respiratory infections make it clear that we are not doing enough," he said.

"We strongly encourage public health officials to include nutritional strategies in their arsenal," Gombart added.&nbsp;

Dietary supplements containing vitamins C and D, and other micronutrients may be an effective and low-cost means of helping the immune system fight off viral infections such as COVID-19 and other acute respiratory tract diseases, according to a study.

Dietary supplements containing vitamins C and D, and other micronutrients may be an effective and low-cost means of helping the immune system fight off viral infections such as COVID-19 and other acute respiratory tract diseases, according to a study. The research, published in the journal Nutrients, also suggests that public health officials should issue a clear set of nutritional recommendations to complement messages about the role of hand washing and vaccinations in preventing the spread of infections. "Around the world, acute respiratory tract infections kill more than 2.5 million people every year," said Adrian Gombart, a professor at Oregon State University (OSU) in the US. "Meanwhile, there is a wealth of data that shows the role that good nutrition plays in supporting the immune system. As a society we need to be doing a better job of getting that message across along with the other important, more common messages," Gombart said. Specific vitamins, minerals and fatty acids have key jobs to play in helping the immune system, he said. Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are particularly critical for immune function, according to the researchers, including those from University of Southampton in the UK, the University of Otago, New Zealand, and University Medical Center in the Netherlands. "The roles that vitamins C and D play in immunity are particularly well known," said Gombart. He explained that vitamin C has roles in several aspects of immunity, including the growth and function of immune cells and antibody production, while vitamin D receptors on immune cells also affect their function. "This means that vitamin D profoundly influences your response to infections. The problem is that people simply aren't eating enough of these nutrients," Gombart said. "This could destroy your resistance to infections. Consequently, we will see an increase in disease and all of the extra burdens that go along with that increase," he said. The noted that not only a daily multivitamin, but doses of 200 milligrammes (mg) or more of vitamin C -- higher than the suggested guidelines of 90mg for men and 75mg for women in the US -- and 2,000 international units of vitamin D, rather than the 400 to 800 recommended depending on age. "A number of standard public health practices have been developed to help limit the spread and impact of respiratory viruses: regular hand washing, avoiding those showing symptoms of infection, and covering coughs," Gombart said. "And for certain viruses like influenza, there are annual vaccination campaigns," Gombart noted. There is no doubt that vaccines, when available, can be effective, but they are not foolproof, he said. Gombart emphasised that current public health practices -- stressing social distancing, hygiene and vaccinations -- are important and effective but in need of complementary strategies. The researchers noted that a nutritional focus on the immune system could help minimise the impact of many kinds of infections. "The present situation with COVID-19 and the number of people dying from other respiratory infections make it clear that we are not doing enough," he said. "We strongly encourage public health officials to include nutritional strategies in their arsenal," Gombart added.

Dietary supplements may help fight off viral diseases like COVID-19: Study

German government officials claim that Chinese diplomats reached out to them with requests to put out positive comments about Beijing’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis, as international pressure on the country grows everyday.

This was revealed by the German Interior Ministry recently.

“The German government is aware of individual contacts made by Chinese diplomats with the aim of effecting positive public statements on the coronavirus management by the People’s Republic of China,” said the letter, Reuters reported.

“The federal government has not complied with these requests.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dietary-supplements-may-help-fight-off-viral-diseases-like-covid-19-study-295061" hreflang="en">Dietary supplements may help fight off viral diseases like COVID-19: Study</a>

Dated April 22, the letter was allegedly sent to the Green Party member of parliament Margarete Bause. The Chinese Embassy in Berlin has rejected the claims.

In the last few weeks, China has faced mounting pressure and criticism globally for withholding information about the virus and for fudging numbers. Recently, the authorities increased the death toll of Wuhan by 50 per cent out of the blue.

Increasing pressure

In the midst of this all, China is facing questions from the global community, who are wondering whether China could have averted a global crisis by reporting it early.

Recently, many countries including Australia called for independent query into the virus’ origins. China threatened with consumer retaliation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-still-doesnt-have-enough-ppes-for-doctors-study-295048" hreflang="en">UK still doesn't have enough PPEs for doctors: Study</a>

US President Donald Trump has also repeatedly asserted plans to hold China accountable if any link is found between the authorities and the origin of the virus, and in case of any negligence shown.

Recently, Trump administration stopped its funding of the World Health Organization (WHO) for its late response to the virus.

Given the nature of the virus, which sometimes manifests itself without any symptoms has raised fears of reinfection, as it spreads at a much faster rate than SARS but has a lower fatality rate than it.

German government officials claim that Chinese diplomats reached out to them with requests to put out positive comments about Beijing’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis, as international pressure on the country grows everyday.

German government officials claim that Chinese diplomats reached out to them with requests to put out positive comments about Beijing’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis, as international pressure on the country grows everyday. This was revealed by the German Interior Ministry recently. “The German government is aware of individual contacts made by Chinese diplomats with the aim of effecting positive public statements on the coronavirus management by the People’s Republic of China,” said the letter, Reuters reported. “The federal government has not complied with these requests.” Also read: Dietary supplements may help fight off viral diseases like COVID-19: Study Dated April 22, the letter was allegedly sent to the Green Party member of parliament Margarete Bause. The Chinese Embassy in Berlin has rejected the claims. In the last few weeks, China has faced mounting pressure and criticism globally for withholding information about the virus and for fudging numbers. Recently, the authorities increased the death toll of Wuhan by 50 per cent out of the blue. Increasing pressure In the midst of this all, China is facing questions from the global community, who are wondering whether China could have averted a global crisis by reporting it early. Recently, many countries including Australia called for independent query into the virus’ origins. China threatened with consumer retaliation. Also read: UK still doesn't have enough PPEs for doctors: Study US President Donald Trump has also repeatedly asserted plans to hold China accountable if any link is found between the authorities and the origin of the virus, and in case of any negligence shown. Recently, Trump administration stopped its funding of the World Health Organization (WHO) for its late response to the virus. Given the nature of the virus, which sometimes manifests itself without any symptoms has raised fears of reinfection, as it spreads at a much faster rate than SARS but has a lower fatality rate than it.

China allegedly reached out to Germany seeking 'positive comments' on its COVID-19 protocol

Yahoo! India on Friday released a list of search trends in India before and after the nationwide lockdown was enforced in the country.

The report states that the trends reflect every user’s daily search habits.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-bill-gates-defends-china-calls-blame-game-a-distraction-295021" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Bill Gates defends China, calls blame-game a 'distraction'</a>

Additionally, it took into account not only what the user read, but also based on what they shared with other users.

The words “novel coronavirus” witnessed a jump of over 427 per cent in terms of search pattern across the country. 
 
COVID-19 fever

The top five keywords related to coronavirus included - COVID-19 updates, COVID-19 treatment, COVID-19 death toll, symptoms of COVID-19, and live COVID-19 tracker.

The top overall searches related to the virus included: Lockdown in India, vaccine for coronavirus, social distancing, and Hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus. 
 
Before COVID

Way before COVID-19 gained traction in the country, people in the country were searching for Delhi election results, Delhi riots, Delhi violence, and JNU violence.

The keywords that received most hits earlier were US President Donald Trump, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, and politician Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lockdown-has-yielded-positive-results-says-pm-states-want-extension-with-relaxations-295055" hreflang="en">Lockdown has yielded positive results, says PM; States want extension with relaxations</a>

In terms of online tools to ease working from home, Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, and GoToMeeting gained the most steam in the country.

In terms of celebrities, Kanika Kapoor, the singer who had tested positive for the virus and has recovered since then received the most hits online, followed by Priyanka Chopra, Disha Patani, and Deepika Padukone.

Yahoo! India on Friday released a list of search trends in India before and after the nationwide lockdown was enforced in the country. The report states that the trends reflect every user’s daily search habits.

Yahoo! India on Friday released a list of search trends in India before and after the nationwide lockdown was enforced in the country. The report states that the trends reflect every user’s daily search habits. Also read: COVID-19: Bill Gates defends China, calls blame-game a 'distraction' Additionally, it took into account not only what the user read, but also based on what they shared with other users. The words “novel coronavirus” witnessed a jump of over 427 per cent in terms of search pattern across the country. COVID-19 fever The top five keywords related to coronavirus included - COVID-19 updates, COVID-19 treatment, COVID-19 death toll, symptoms of COVID-19, and live COVID-19 tracker. The top overall searches related to the virus included: Lockdown in India, vaccine for coronavirus, social distancing, and Hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus. Before COVID Way before COVID-19 gained traction in the country, people in the country were searching for Delhi election results, Delhi riots, Delhi violence, and JNU violence. The keywords that received most hits earlier were US President Donald Trump, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, and politician Jyotiraditya Scindia. Also read: Lockdown has yielded positive results, says PM; States want extension with relaxations In terms of online tools to ease working from home, Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, and GoToMeeting gained the most steam in the country. In terms of celebrities, Kanika Kapoor, the singer who had tested positive for the virus and has recovered since then received the most hits online, followed by Priyanka Chopra, Disha Patani, and Deepika Padukone.

COVID fever, quite literally? Yahoo! reveals most searched words before and after lockdown in India

United Kingdom’s doctors haven’t been shy in talking about shortages faced by them since the COVID-19 pandemic took over the country.

However, a new research suggests that doctors are still finding it hard to procure personal protection kits even after reaffirmation from authorities over the last few weeks.

Very recently, the Royal College of Physicians condemned the lack of preparedness by calling it “truly terrible” while adding that the lives of frontline workers continues to be at risk due to the non-availability of PPE kits.

A survey undertaken by the college claims that doctors who undertake AGPs (Aerosol-generating procedures) whereby people are asked to expel droplets from their mouths, over 37 per cent don’t have access to a visor while over 31 per cent don’t have full-length gowns.

<img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0aee99d3-2e94-4245-863f-eb3805549121" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_94.jpg" />

To be put in the line of direct particles containing COVID-19, a doctor has to wear a head to toe PPE gear.

The survey witnessed responses by 2,129 doctors, The Guardian reported.

Turns out, over 27 per cent doctors claimed to have no access the kits required to ensure their safety. In the beginning of April, the number was much lower - at 22 per cent.

This could in turn disrupt the treatment process, as doctors may refuse to treat patients in the absence of kits.

Are masks the key?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly asserted that face masks are solely for healthcare workers, not the general public. However, the Chinese authorities have claimed that masks should be worn by everyone at all times.

Many studies have also found that the rate of infection can be lowered by ensuring masks are being worn by both the infected and the non-infected.

“Wearing a medical mask is one of the prevention measures that can limit the spread of certain respiratory viral diseases, including Covid-19. However, the use of a mask alone is insufficient to provide an adequate level of protection, and other measures should also be adopted,” the WHO said.

However, masks are not the straightaway solution, for the frontals of these masks could be infected with the virus and could still infect people when they take it off.

Additionally, the world is currently witnessing a shortage of medical grade masks, putting the lives of healthcare workers at risk. 
 
Doctors fear for their lives

A separate survey claims that over 61 per cent of family doctors in the UK are now refusing to treat patients in the absence of availability of PPEs. Additionally, 74 per cent claim that they fear for their life and health.

Most doctors have switched to online consultations, but many requiring surgeries and hands-on treatment are visiting their doctors.

Although many GP appointments are now being conducted by telephone or video link, some patients are still coming into surgeries for a face-to-face consultation.

United Kingdom’s doctors haven’t been shy in talking about shortages faced by them since the COVID-19 pandemic took over the country. However, a new research suggests that doctors are still finding it hard to procure personal protection kits even after reaffirmation from authorities over the last few weeks.

United Kingdom’s doctors haven’t been shy in talking about shortages faced by them since the COVID-19 pandemic took over the country. However, a new research suggests that doctors are still finding it hard to procure personal protection kits even after reaffirmation from authorities over the last few weeks. Very recently, the Royal College of Physicians condemned the lack of preparedness by calling it “truly terrible” while adding that the lives of frontline workers continues to be at risk due to the non-availability of PPE kits. A survey undertaken by the college claims that doctors who undertake AGPs (Aerosol-generating procedures) whereby people are asked to expel droplets from their mouths, over 37 per cent don’t have access to a visor while over 31 per cent don’t have full-length gowns. To be put in the line of direct particles containing COVID-19, a doctor has to wear a head to toe PPE gear. The survey witnessed responses by 2,129 doctors, The Guardian reported. Turns out, over 27 per cent doctors claimed to have no access the kits required to ensure their safety. In the beginning of April, the number was much lower - at 22 per cent. This could in turn disrupt the treatment process, as doctors may refuse to treat patients in the absence of kits. Are masks the key? The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly asserted that face masks are solely for healthcare workers, not the general public. However, the Chinese authorities have claimed that masks should be worn by everyone at all times. Many studies have also found that the rate of infection can be lowered by ensuring masks are being worn by both the infected and the non-infected. “Wearing a medical mask is one of the prevention measures that can limit the spread of certain respiratory viral diseases, including Covid-19. However, the use of a mask alone is insufficient to provide an adequate level of protection, and other measures should also be adopted,” the WHO said. However, masks are not the straightaway solution, for the frontals of these masks could be infected with the virus and could still infect people when they take it off. Additionally, the world is currently witnessing a shortage of medical grade masks, putting the lives of healthcare workers at risk. Doctors fear for their lives A separate survey claims that over 61 per cent of family doctors in the UK are now refusing to treat patients in the absence of availability of PPEs. Additionally, 74 per cent claim that they fear for their life and health. Most doctors have switched to online consultations, but many requiring surgeries and hands-on treatment are visiting their doctors. Although many GP appointments are now being conducted by telephone or video link, some patients are still coming into surgeries for a face-to-face consultation.

UK still doesn't have enough PPEs for doctors: Study

A heat wave lured people to Southern California beaches on Saturday and Sunday, amid the coronavirus pandemic, despite a statewide stay-at-home order implemented by the governor last month.

Temperatures were close to 90 degrees.

While beaches in Los Angeles and San Diego counties remained closed, they were open in Ventura and Orange counties on the weekend.

Tens of thousands of people packed the sand at Newport Beach in Orange County, where residents compared weekend crowds to the Fourth of July and lifeguards reminded people to stay apart if they were in groups of six or more.

Neighbouring Huntington Beach also saw big gatherings, despite the closure of parking lots and metered parking restricted along Pacific Coast Highway.

<img alt="Orange County beach" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="06bde12a-31fc-4bb4-bc17-85dac8c0fe33" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/beach%202%20afp.jpg" />

Authorities, however, said both Ventura and Orange counties reported excellent behaviour by beachgoers, who they said were diligently observing social distancing rules.

By Sunday, temperatures had fallen down. But that did not deter people from going out to the beaches.

The scenes at Ventura and Orange County beaches were a stark contrast to the empty neighbouring Southern California beaches.

Under the county's stay-home order, beaches -- as well as beach parking lots, restrooms, showers and accessways -- will remain closed through May 15.

San Diego beaches are also closed under a similar order. Authorities, however, announced they would allow access to the water beginning Monday for swimming and surfing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-positive-cases-near-3-million-mark-globally-death-toll-passes-2-lacs-294998">Also read | COVID-19 positive cases near 3-million mark globally; death toll passes 2 lakhs</a>

A heat wave lured people to Southern California beaches on Saturday and Sunday, amid the coronavirus pandemic, despite a statewide stay-at-home order implemented by the governor last month.

A heat wave lured people to Southern California beaches on Saturday and Sunday, amid the coronavirus pandemic, despite a statewide stay-at-home order implemented by the governor last month. Temperatures were close to 90 degrees. While beaches in Los Angeles and San Diego counties remained closed, they were open in Ventura and Orange counties on the weekend. Tens of thousands of people packed the sand at Newport Beach in Orange County, where residents compared weekend crowds to the Fourth of July and lifeguards reminded people to stay apart if they were in groups of six or more. Neighbouring Huntington Beach also saw big gatherings, despite the closure of parking lots and metered parking restricted along Pacific Coast Highway. Authorities, however, said both Ventura and Orange counties reported excellent behaviour by beachgoers, who they said were diligently observing social distancing rules. By Sunday, temperatures had fallen down. But that did not deter people from going out to the beaches. The scenes at Ventura and Orange County beaches were a stark contrast to the empty neighbouring Southern California beaches. Under the county's stay-home order, beaches -- as well as beach parking lots, restrooms, showers and accessways -- will remain closed through May 15. San Diego beaches are also closed under a similar order. Authorities, however, announced they would allow access to the water beginning Monday for swimming and surfing. Also read | COVID-19 positive cases near 3-million mark globally; death toll passes 2 lakhs

Thousands pack Southern California beaches despite coronavirus concerns

European planemaker Airbus has issued an assessment of the impact of the coronavirus crisis, telling the company's employees to brace for potentially deeper job cuts and warning its survival is at stake without immediate action.&nbsp;

A letter was sent to its 1,35,000 employees late on Friday, days before the company is due to give first-quarter results overshadowed by a pandemic that has left airlines struggling to survive and virtually halted jet deliveries since mid-March.

Chief Executive Guillaume Faury, in the letter, said Airbus was "bleeding cash at an unprecedented speed". He also said that a recent drop of a third or more in production rates did not reflect the worst-case scenario and would be kept under review.

"The survival of Airbus is in question if we don`t act now," he added.

People familiar with the matter say Airbus is also in active discussions with European governments about tapping schemes to assist struggling industries, including state-guaranteed loans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-positive-cases-near-3-million-mark-globally-death-toll-passes-2-lacs-294998">Also read | COVID-19 positive cases near 3-million mark globally; death toll passes 2 lakhs</a>

Industry sources have said a new restructuring plan similar to its 2007 Power8 which saw 10,000 job cuts could be launched in the summer.

To stem the outflow of cash, Airbus this month said it would slash benchmark narrow-body jet production by a third to 40 jets a month. It also issued targets for wide-body jets implying cuts up to 42% compared with previously published rates.

It was earlier reported that Airbus was looking at scenarios involving output cuts of up to a half, and analysts say Boeing is expected to unveil comparable cuts along with lay-offs this week, lowering monthly 787 output to as low as 6 jets.

Airbus's new production plan would remain for as long as it took to make a more thorough assessment of demand. Analysts and airlines have so far mostly spoken of a downturn lasting no more than 3-4 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-plane-maker-airbus-warn-its-employees-on-job-cut-as-it-faces-financial-impact-295012">WATCH |&nbsp;European plane maker Airbus warn its employees on job cut as it faces financial impact</a>

Rival Boeing, with even weaker finances due to the year-old grounding of its 737 MAX, scrapped a $4.2 billion tie-up with Brazil`s Embraer on Saturday in a move widely seen as triggered by the crisis, though it cited contractual reasons.

(with inputs from Reuters)

European planemaker Airbus has issued an assessment of the impact of the coronavirus crisis, telling the company's employees to brace for potentially deeper job cuts and warning its survival is at stake without immediate action.

European planemaker Airbus has issued an assessment of the impact of the coronavirus crisis, telling the company's employees to brace for potentially deeper job cuts and warning its survival is at stake without immediate action. A letter was sent to its 1,35,000 employees late on Friday, days before the company is due to give first-quarter results overshadowed by a pandemic that has left airlines struggling to survive and virtually halted jet deliveries since mid-March. Chief Executive Guillaume Faury, in the letter, said Airbus was "bleeding cash at an unprecedented speed". He also said that a recent drop of a third or more in production rates did not reflect the worst-case scenario and would be kept under review. "The survival of Airbus is in question if we don`t act now," he added. People familiar with the matter say Airbus is also in active discussions with European governments about tapping schemes to assist struggling industries, including state-guaranteed loans. Also read | COVID-19 positive cases near 3-million mark globally; death toll passes 2 lakhs Industry sources have said a new restructuring plan similar to its 2007 Power8 which saw 10,000 job cuts could be launched in the summer. To stem the outflow of cash, Airbus this month said it would slash benchmark narrow-body jet production by a third to 40 jets a month. It also issued targets for wide-body jets implying cuts up to 42% compared with previously published rates. It was earlier reported that Airbus was looking at scenarios involving output cuts of up to a half, and analysts say Boeing is expected to unveil comparable cuts along with lay-offs this week, lowering monthly 787 output to as low as 6 jets. Airbus's new production plan would remain for as long as it took to make a more thorough assessment of demand. Analysts and airlines have so far mostly spoken of a downturn lasting no more than 3-4 years. WATCH | European plane maker Airbus warn its employees on job cut as it faces financial impact Rival Boeing, with even weaker finances due to the year-old grounding of its 737 MAX, scrapped a $4.2 billion tie-up with Brazil`s Embraer on Saturday in a move widely seen as triggered by the crisis, though it cited contractual reasons. (with inputs from Reuters)

Coronavirus impact: Airbus warns staff of deeper job cuts, survival being 'at stake'

A new study has found that people who relied on social media or conservative news outlets in early days of the coronavirus outbreak were more likely to be misinformed about the pandemic. They are also more likely to believe conspiracy theories surrounding the novel coronavirus.

The study, published in the journal Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review, found that there were notable differences in views about the coronavirus that correlated with people's media consumption.

The Annenberg Science Knowledge (ASK) survey on COVID-19 was conducted in early March, among a nationally representative sample of 1,008 US adults, and was led by the researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the US.

Mainstream broadcast and print media usage correlated with higher levels of the correct information and lower levels of misinformation, the study said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-discharges-all-coronavirus-patients-reports-zero-new-cases-295018">Also read | Wuhan discharges all coronavirus patients, reports zero new cases</a>

People who consumed broadcast news (such as ABC News, CBS News, NBC News) were more likely to say, correctly, that the novel coronavirus is more lethal than the seasonal flu.

People who consume mainstream print news (such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal) were more likely to hold accurate beliefs about the virus.

In contrast, conservative media usage correlated with higher levels of misinformation and belief in conspiracies about the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

The survey found that more than 23 per cent people thought it was probably or definitely true that the Chinese had created the virus as a bioweapon. In reality, there is no evidence that can prove this.

More than 21 per cent participants thought taking vitamin C can probably or definitely prevent infection by the coronavirus. It does not.

Social media and web aggregator usage was associated with lower levels of information and higher levels of misinformation, the researchers added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-prisons-struggle-to-combat-covid-19-fears-295004">WATCH |&nbsp;US Prisons struggle to combat COVID-19 fears</a>

People who used social media were more likely to believe that taking vitamin C can prevent infection with the coronavirus; that some in the CDC were exaggerating the threat to harm the president and that the virus was created by the US government.

People who used web aggregators (such as Google News, Yahoo News) were less likely to believe in the effectiveness of handwashing and avoidance of symptomatic individuals as ways to prevent transmission of the virus (in early March, the asymptomatic transmission was less clear).

A new study has found that people who relied on social media or conservative news outlets in early days of the coronavirus outbreak were more likely to be misinformed about the pandemic.

A new study has found that people who relied on social media or conservative news outlets in early days of the coronavirus outbreak were more likely to be misinformed about the pandemic. They are also more likely to believe conspiracy theories surrounding the novel coronavirus. The study, published in the journal Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review, found that there were notable differences in views about the coronavirus that correlated with people's media consumption. The Annenberg Science Knowledge (ASK) survey on COVID-19 was conducted in early March, among a nationally representative sample of 1,008 US adults, and was led by the researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the US. Mainstream broadcast and print media usage correlated with higher levels of the correct information and lower levels of misinformation, the study said. Also read | Wuhan discharges all coronavirus patients, reports zero new cases People who consumed broadcast news (such as ABC News, CBS News, NBC News) were more likely to say, correctly, that the novel coronavirus is more lethal than the seasonal flu. People who consume mainstream print news (such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal) were more likely to hold accurate beliefs about the virus. In contrast, conservative media usage correlated with higher levels of misinformation and belief in conspiracies about the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The survey found that more than 23 per cent people thought it was probably or definitely true that the Chinese had created the virus as a bioweapon. In reality, there is no evidence that can prove this. More than 21 per cent participants thought taking vitamin C can probably or definitely prevent infection by the coronavirus. It does not. Social media and web aggregator usage was associated with lower levels of information and higher levels of misinformation, the researchers added. WATCH | US Prisons struggle to combat COVID-19 fears People who used social media were more likely to believe that taking vitamin C can prevent infection with the coronavirus; that some in the CDC were exaggerating the threat to harm the president and that the virus was created by the US government. People who used web aggregators (such as Google News, Yahoo News) were less likely to believe in the effectiveness of handwashing and avoidance of symptomatic individuals as ways to prevent transmission of the virus (in early March, the asymptomatic transmission was less clear).

Social media rampant source of misinformation on coronavirus, says study

The coronavirus-induced restrictions are vital to managing the pandemic, but unfortunately it has also left current and potential victims of domestic abuse even more vulnerable and isolated.

At least 4,093 people were arrested from across London for domestic abuse offences -- nearly 100 a day on an average -- during the coronavirus lockdown in the UK. The time period accounted for here is from March 9 till April 19.

The Metropolitan Police has revealed that charges and cautions have increased by 24 per cent since March 9, when people with COVID-19 symptoms were asked to self-isolate, compared to last year.

Domestic incidents have seen a 3 per cent increase since last year, and jumped by 9 per cent between March 9 and April 19.

The Met Police gave examples of some of the cases it has dealt with in recent weeks, including one in which police discovered that a man reported by a victim was linked to firearms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-43-of-this-hard-hit-country-now-supports-lockdown-measures-294938">Also read | Only 43% of this hard-hit country now supports lockdown measures</a>

A cannabis factory was also discovered. The man was subsequently charged and is awaiting trial.

Officers were also called to help a pregnant victim in east London, who had gone to a hospital to seek refuge after her partner assaulted and tormented her.

To this end, an influential parliamentary committee of British lawmakers on Monday called for urgent action from the government. The committee called for a comprehensive cross-governmental Covid-19 strategy on domestic abuse, both for lockdown and the period afterwards when needs may be high.

The UK has reported 1,54,037 coronavirus cases, with 20,794 deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-post-lockdown-strategy-of-manufacturing-and-service-sector-295015">Also read | Explained: Post-lockdown strategy of manufacturing and service sector</a>

The coronavirus-induced restrictions are vital to managing the pandemic, but unfortunately it has also left current and potential victims of domestic abuse even more vulnerable and isolated.

The coronavirus-induced restrictions are vital to managing the pandemic, but unfortunately it has also left current and potential victims of domestic abuse even more vulnerable and isolated. At least 4,093 people were arrested from across London for domestic abuse offences -- nearly 100 a day on an average -- during the coronavirus lockdown in the UK. The time period accounted for here is from March 9 till April 19. The Metropolitan Police has revealed that charges and cautions have increased by 24 per cent since March 9, when people with COVID-19 symptoms were asked to self-isolate, compared to last year. Domestic incidents have seen a 3 per cent increase since last year, and jumped by 9 per cent between March 9 and April 19. The Met Police gave examples of some of the cases it has dealt with in recent weeks, including one in which police discovered that a man reported by a victim was linked to firearms. Also read | Only 43% of this hard-hit country now supports lockdown measures A cannabis factory was also discovered. The man was subsequently charged and is awaiting trial. Officers were also called to help a pregnant victim in east London, who had gone to a hospital to seek refuge after her partner assaulted and tormented her. To this end, an influential parliamentary committee of British lawmakers on Monday called for urgent action from the government. The committee called for a comprehensive cross-governmental Covid-19 strategy on domestic abuse, both for lockdown and the period afterwards when needs may be high. The UK has reported 1,54,037 coronavirus cases, with 20,794 deaths. Also read | Explained: Post-lockdown strategy of manufacturing and service sector

Amid coronavirus pandemic, 4,093 people arrested in London for domestic violence

Amazon has come under fire from French authorities for delivering non-essential products and luxury items during the pandemic.

A new ruling by the French court clearly states that Amazon can now only deliver goods related to medicine and its supplies, products related to hygiene and cleaning, and food items for as long as the pandemic lasts. 
 
Additionally, the court ordered the company to constantly conduct risk assessments of its warehouses, in conjunction with labour unions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/amazon-says-it-may-close-french-warehouses-after-court-ruling-292679" hreflang="en">Amazon says it may close French warehouses after court ruling&nbsp;</a>

The labour unions had recently dragged the mega-company to court for allegedly being unable to protect its employees from exposure to the virus.

The company tweeted in response to the ruling, “We have heard the outcome of our appeal and remain puzzled by the decision. We are currently assessing the implications for our sites as well as for our employees and customers in France.”

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/amazon-employees-protest-demand-safety-measures-amidst-covid-19-outbreak-289655/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
If Amazon is found to be in violation of these rulings, the company would be liable to pay $108,000 for every non-essential item it delivers, as per The Versailles Court of Appeals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/amazon-warehouse-recently-visited-by-bezos-records-first-coronavirus-case-291774" hreflang="en">Amazon warehouse recently visited by Bezos records first coronavirus case</a> 
 
The court will revisit its ruling based on the company’s performance next month, and keeping in mind the stage of the pandemic.

Recently, protests erupted across Amazon warehouses in the United States, where employees complained of insufficient precautionary measures, and staged a walkout.

In response to this, Amazon fired the employee who came up with the idea of the walkout. This move invited ire from labour unions across the globe.

Amazon has come under fire from French authorities for delivering non-essential products and luxury items during the pandemic. A new ruling by the French court clearly states that Amazon can now only deliver goods related to medicine and its supplies, products related to hygiene and cleaning, and food items for as long as the pandemic lasts.

Amazon has come under fire from French authorities for delivering non-essential products and luxury items during the pandemic. A new ruling by the French court clearly states that Amazon can now only deliver goods related to medicine and its supplies, products related to hygiene and cleaning, and food items for as long as the pandemic lasts. Additionally, the court ordered the company to constantly conduct risk assessments of its warehouses, in conjunction with labour unions. Also read: Amazon says it may close French warehouses after court ruling The labour unions had recently dragged the mega-company to court for allegedly being unable to protect its employees from exposure to the virus. The company tweeted in response to the ruling, “We have heard the outcome of our appeal and remain puzzled by the decision. We are currently assessing the implications for our sites as well as for our employees and customers in France.” If Amazon is found to be in violation of these rulings, the company would be liable to pay $108,000 for every non-essential item it delivers, as per The Versailles Court of Appeals. Also read: Amazon warehouse recently visited by Bezos records first coronavirus case The court will revisit its ruling based on the company’s performance next month, and keeping in mind the stage of the pandemic. Recently, protests erupted across Amazon warehouses in the United States, where employees complained of insufficient precautionary measures, and staged a walkout. In response to this, Amazon fired the employee who came up with the idea of the walkout. This move invited ire from labour unions across the globe.

French court orders Amazon to pay up for every non-essential delivery

Researchers at a&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;university say they have developed an antiviral coating which could provide 90 days of "significant" protection against bacteria and viruses such as the one causing COVID-19.

The coating, called MAP-1, took 10 years to develop and can be sprayed on surfaces that are frequently used by the public, such as elevator buttons and handrails, researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) say.

"These places are frequently touched, and, at the same time, serve as a very effective medium for transmission of diseases," said HKUST Adjunct Professor Joseph Kwan, one of the chief researchers in the team that developed the product.

The coating that forms after spraying has millions of nano-capsules containing disinfectants, which Kwan says remain effective in killing bacteria, viruses and spores even after the coating has dried.

Unlike common disinfecting methods such as diluted bleach and alcohol, MAP-1 is further boosted by heat-sensitive polymers that encapsulate and release disinfectants upon human contact, Kwan said.

It is non-toxic and safe for skin and the environment, the researchers say.

Following clinical tests this year at a&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;hospital and a home for the elderly, the coating has been made available for commercial purchase by Germagic, a unit of the university`s industrial partner, Chiaphua Industries Ltd.

The coating was approved for official and mass consumer use in February, and will hit&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;stores next month.

With help from a&nbsp;local charity, the non-toxic coating has already been sprayed around the homes of more than a thousand low-income families in the city.

"I feel like it has strengthened our protection against the virus," said Law Ha-yu, a mother of two who lives in a 110-square-foot subdivided unit that was recently sprayed with the coating.&nbsp;

The researchers said shopping malls, schools and sport training facilities in the city have adopted the coating.

Applying the coating at schools costs HK$20,000 ($2,600) to HK$50,000, depending on the size of the sprayed area. The company also plans to introduce 50ml and 200ml domestic use versions with prices ranging from HK$70-250.

Hong Kong reported no new coronavirus cases on Sunday, keeping the total at 1,038 infections and four deaths.

Researchers at a Hong Kong university say they have developed an antiviral coating which could provide 90 days of "significant" protection against bacteria and viruses such as the one causing COVID-19.

Researchers at a Hong Kong university say they have developed an antiviral coating which could provide 90 days of "significant" protection against bacteria and viruses such as the one causing COVID-19. The coating, called MAP-1, took 10 years to develop and can be sprayed on surfaces that are frequently used by the public, such as elevator buttons and handrails, researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) say. "These places are frequently touched, and, at the same time, serve as a very effective medium for transmission of diseases," said HKUST Adjunct Professor Joseph Kwan, one of the chief researchers in the team that developed the product. The coating that forms after spraying has millions of nano-capsules containing disinfectants, which Kwan says remain effective in killing bacteria, viruses and spores even after the coating has dried. Unlike common disinfecting methods such as diluted bleach and alcohol, MAP-1 is further boosted by heat-sensitive polymers that encapsulate and release disinfectants upon human contact, Kwan said. It is non-toxic and safe for skin and the environment, the researchers say. Following clinical tests this year at a Hong Kong hospital and a home for the elderly, the coating has been made available for commercial purchase by Germagic, a unit of the university`s industrial partner, Chiaphua Industries Ltd. The coating was approved for official and mass consumer use in February, and will hit Hong Kong stores next month. With help from a local charity, the non-toxic coating has already been sprayed around the homes of more than a thousand low-income families in the city. "I feel like it has strengthened our protection against the virus," said Law Ha-yu, a mother of two who lives in a 110-square-foot subdivided unit that was recently sprayed with the coating. The researchers said shopping malls, schools and sport training facilities in the city have adopted the coating. Applying the coating at schools costs HK$20,000 ($2,600) to HK$50,000, depending on the size of the sprayed area. The company also plans to introduce 50ml and 200ml domestic use versions with prices ranging from HK$70-250. Hong Kong reported no new coronavirus cases on Sunday, keeping the total at 1,038 infections and four deaths.

Hong Kong scientists say new antiviral coating can protect surfaces for 90 days

Wuhan, the initial epicentre of COVID-19 in China has now discharged all of its patients. 
 
Over the last few weeks, the number of new patients in the city were declining continuously. Only three new cases have been registered across China with no fresh fatalities.

China’s National Health Commission claims that Wuhan now has zero new patients.

“Thanks to the joint efforts of Wuhan and medical staff from around the country,” said Mi Feng, a spokesman for the commission.

Out of the three new reported cases in the country on Sunday, two were imported infections, ie, they were transmitted or originated from outside China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-original-epicentre-of-coronavirus-wuhan-really-recovered-288306">Has Wuhan really recovered?&nbsp;</a>

The third was a case transmitted in the northeastern border town of Heilongjiang, which has recently witnessed a surge in cases in cases as people from Russia make their way back into the country.

After months of lockdown in China, the country is reopening slowly. So far, over 82,000 cases have been recorded in the country, and over 4,633 people have died.

However, authorities are fearful of a second wave. On Sunday, Beijing announced a slew of measures to promote “civilised behaviour”. As part of this, citizens have been advised not to sneeze and cough in public. Additionally, they have been asked not to eat in public and also to don a mask during sickness.

Further, restaurants across the country have been instructed to provide utensils and to stop serving family style meals in favour of individual portions.

All these provisions are expected to come into force starting June 1.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/china-claims-zero-covid-19-cases-in-wuhan-all-patients-discharged-in-wuhan-294910/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the last few weeks, China has faced mounting pressure and criticism globally for withholding information about the virus and for fudging numbers. Recently, the authorities increased the death toll of Wuhan by 50 per cent out of the blue.

Given the nature of the virus, which sometimes manifests itself without any symptoms has raised fears of reinfection, as it spreads at a much faster rate than SARS but has a lower fatality rate than it.

Those who have recovered and underwent 14 days of isolation are now required to be put under observation for an extra seven days, whereby they shall be barred from venturing outside.

The city of Shenzhen now has 461 infections, and anybody entering the city through its ports is forced to undergo quarantine. Over the last month, everyone entering the city was put in 14 days of isolation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-positive-cases-near-3-million-mark-globally-death-toll-passes-2-lacs-294998" hreflang="en">COVID-19 positive cases near 3-million mark globally; death toll passes 2 lacs</a>

In the midst of this all, China is facing questions from the global community, who are wondering whether China could have averted a global crisis by reporting it early.

Recently, many countries including Australia called for independent query into the virus’ origins. China threatened with consumer retaliation.

US President Donald Trump has also repeatedly asserted plans to hold China accountable if any link is found between the authorities and the origin of the virus, and in case of any negligence shown.

Recently, Trump administration stopped its funding of the World Health Organization (WHO) for its late response to the virus.

Wuhan, the initial epicentre of COVID-19 in China has now discharged all of its patients. Over the last few weeks, the number of new patients in the city were declining continuously.

Wuhan, the initial epicentre of COVID-19 in China has now discharged all of its patients. Over the last few weeks, the number of new patients in the city were declining continuously. Only three new cases have been registered across China with no fresh fatalities. China’s National Health Commission claims that Wuhan now has zero new patients. “Thanks to the joint efforts of Wuhan and medical staff from around the country,” said Mi Feng, a spokesman for the commission. Out of the three new reported cases in the country on Sunday, two were imported infections, ie, they were transmitted or originated from outside China. Also read: Has Wuhan really recovered? The third was a case transmitted in the northeastern border town of Heilongjiang, which has recently witnessed a surge in cases in cases as people from Russia make their way back into the country. After months of lockdown in China, the country is reopening slowly. So far, over 82,000 cases have been recorded in the country, and over 4,633 people have died. However, authorities are fearful of a second wave. On Sunday, Beijing announced a slew of measures to promote “civilised behaviour”. As part of this, citizens have been advised not to sneeze and cough in public. Additionally, they have been asked not to eat in public and also to don a mask during sickness. Further, restaurants across the country have been instructed to provide utensils and to stop serving family style meals in favour of individual portions. All these provisions are expected to come into force starting June 1. In the last few weeks, China has faced mounting pressure and criticism globally for withholding information about the virus and for fudging numbers. Recently, the authorities increased the death toll of Wuhan by 50 per cent out of the blue. Given the nature of the virus, which sometimes manifests itself without any symptoms has raised fears of reinfection, as it spreads at a much faster rate than SARS but has a lower fatality rate than it. Those who have recovered and underwent 14 days of isolation are now required to be put under observation for an extra seven days, whereby they shall be barred from venturing outside. The city of Shenzhen now has 461 infections, and anybody entering the city through its ports is forced to undergo quarantine. Over the last month, everyone entering the city was put in 14 days of isolation. Also read: COVID-19 positive cases near 3-million mark globally; death toll passes 2 lacs In the midst of this all, China is facing questions from the global community, who are wondering whether China could have averted a global crisis by reporting it early. Recently, many countries including Australia called for independent query into the virus’ origins. China threatened with consumer retaliation. US President Donald Trump has also repeatedly asserted plans to hold China accountable if any link is found between the authorities and the origin of the virus, and in case of any negligence shown. Recently, Trump administration stopped its funding of the World Health Organization (WHO) for its late response to the virus.

Wuhan discharges all coronavirus patients, reports zero new cases

European plane maker Airbus has warned around 1,35,000 of its employees on job cut as it is facing financial impact amid the outbreak of pandemic Coronavirus.

European plane maker Airbus warn its employees on job cut as it faces financial impact

A Muslim cleric has tested positive for coronavirus after he led Ramzan prayers for a group of over 20 people at a local mosque in southwestern Bangladesh.

The cleric conducted the prayers at a mosque in Adadanga village in Magura district on April 2, and was found to be infected with the disease the following day, bdnews24 reported.

Authorities are now making a list of people who attended the prayers.

The cleric's Bagharpara Pashchima village, which is one-and-a-half kilometres from the mosque, has been put under lockdown following the discovery.

Bangladesh reported 5,416 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 145 deaths till Sunday. It had decided to extend the nationwide COVID-19 shutdown until May 5 amid warnings of heightening risks of coronavirus infections in the country, including among doctors and healthcare workers.

The country had on April 6 suspended prayers for the public at mosques in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.

A Muslim cleric has tested positive for coronavirus after he led Ramzan prayers for a group of over 20 people at a local mosque in southwestern Bangladesh. The cleric conducted the prayers at a mosque in Adadanga village in Magura district on April 2, and was found to be infected with the disease the following day, bdnews24 reported.

A Muslim cleric has tested positive for coronavirus after he led Ramzan prayers for a group of over 20 people at a local mosque in southwestern Bangladesh. The cleric conducted the prayers at a mosque in Adadanga village in Magura district on April 2, and was found to be infected with the disease the following day, bdnews24 reported. Authorities are now making a list of people who attended the prayers. The cleric's Bagharpara Pashchima village, which is one-and-a-half kilometres from the mosque, has been put under lockdown following the discovery. Bangladesh reported 5,416 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 145 deaths till Sunday. It had decided to extend the nationwide COVID-19 shutdown until May 5 amid warnings of heightening risks of coronavirus infections in the country, including among doctors and healthcare workers. The country had on April 6 suspended prayers for the public at mosques in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.

Bangladesh cleric tests positive for coronavirus after conducting Ramzan prayers

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