The number of coronavirus cases in India now stands at more than 21,000. This is a sharp jump of 1409 cases in the last 24-hours and the death toll now stands at 681.

1409 new COVID-19 cases, 41 fatalities in last 24-hours in India

For Russia, misinformation is a legitimate weapon to achieve foreign policy goals. Experts who have studied the Russian playbook say the kremlin deploys several tools including fake stories, digital troll, and shadowy blogs. And now, Russia's latest playground is Europe.

A report published on US-based media site, politico claimed that Russian sources are pushing fake news in Europe in an attempt to undermine the European Union.

The EU foreign service says Russia and China are "carpet bombing" Europeans with coronavirus lies.

Another report was published on European online newspaper, which also claimed that the Russian state media is indeed spreading misleading advice like baking soda, lemon, vitamin C, and zinc would kill the coronavirus while washing hands is ineffective.

A website name "orientalreview" which is believed to be a pro-Kremlin site published an article in March in which it downplayed that coronavirus pandemic which has killed over 180,000 people globally and claimed that the deadly virus is less harmful than seasonal influenza.

"The great COVID-19 legacy will leave far fewer deaths than common influenza when the panic has dissipated". If this piece downplays the crisis.

While another pro-Russian blog called "Geopolitica" published an article with a headline reading, "The plague gods: The geopolitics of epidemic and the bubbles of nothing" in which it claimed that the "coronavirus will end the civilisation."

The problem of misinformation is real and while Europe iis the worst affected continent from coronavirus with over a million cases of infection, the infodemic is only adding to Europe's troubles.

Last month, the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen had to release a video to bust some of the fake claims herself.

Oxford's Reuters Institute tracked the spread of 225 fake claims during which they that 88 per cent of the misleading claims of the coronavirus appeared on social media platforms.

Out of this, 9% of these claims ran on television; 8% in other news outlets.

For Russia, misinformation is a legitimate weapon to achieve foreign policy goals. Experts who have studied the Russian playbook say the kremlin deploys several tools including fake stories, digital troll, and shadowy blogs.

For Russia, misinformation is a legitimate weapon to achieve foreign policy goals. Experts who have studied the Russian playbook say the kremlin deploys several tools including fake stories, digital troll, and shadowy blogs. And now, Russia's latest playground is Europe. A report published on US-based media site, politico claimed that Russian sources are pushing fake news in Europe in an attempt to undermine the European Union. The EU foreign service says Russia and China are "carpet bombing" Europeans with coronavirus lies. Another report was published on European online newspaper, which also claimed that the Russian state media is indeed spreading misleading advice like baking soda, lemon, vitamin C, and zinc would kill the coronavirus while washing hands is ineffective. A website name "orientalreview" which is believed to be a pro-Kremlin site published an article in March in which it downplayed that coronavirus pandemic which has killed over 180,000 people globally and claimed that the deadly virus is less harmful than seasonal influenza. "The great COVID-19 legacy will leave far fewer deaths than common influenza when the panic has dissipated". If this piece downplays the crisis. While another pro-Russian blog called "Geopolitica" published an article with a headline reading, "The plague gods: The geopolitics of epidemic and the bubbles of nothing" in which it claimed that the "coronavirus will end the civilisation." The problem of misinformation is real and while Europe iis the worst affected continent from coronavirus with over a million cases of infection, the infodemic is only adding to Europe's troubles. Last month, the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen had to release a video to bust some of the fake claims herself. Oxford's Reuters Institute tracked the spread of 225 fake claims during which they that 88 per cent of the misleading claims of the coronavirus appeared on social media platforms. Out of this, 9% of these claims ran on television; 8% in other news outlets.

Amid coronavirus pandemic, Russia spreads misinformation to undermine European Union: Report

The coronavirus timeline in the United States has shifted weeks earlier as it is being reported that two people with COVID-19 died in California as much as three weeks before the US "registered" its first death from the disease in late February.

The two Santa Clara County patients died at home -- a 57-year-old woman on February 6 and a 69-year-old man on February 17. Neither had travelled out of the country to a coronavirus outbreak area.

The infections in the two patients were confirmed by way of autopsy tissue samples that were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for analysis. The county coroner's office received the results on Tuesday. County officials said the tissue samples from the two patients were, however, sent to the CDC in mid-March.

This gap, experts say, only may have led to delays in issuing stay-at-home orders in the nation's most populous state.

Dr Sara Cody, health director in Northern California's Santa Clara County, on Wednesday said the deaths were missed because of a scarcity of testing and the federal government's limited guidance on who should be tested.

The epidemic emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late December.

Family members identified the woman as Patricia Dowd of San Jose, a manager at a semiconductor company who became sick in late January with flu-like symptoms. She appeared to recover and was working from home the day she died. Her daughter found her, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Dowd travelled to various countries several times a year and had planned to visit China later in the year, her brother-in-law, Jeff Macias, told the paper.

The first known death from the virus in the US was reported on February 29 in Kirkland, Washington, a Seattle suburb. Officials later attributed two February 26 deaths to the virus.

The February 6 death suggests the virus was circulating in California in late January, if not earlier.

Previously, the first infection reported anywhere in the US was in the Seattle area on January 21. California put all 40 million of its residents under a near-lockdown on March 20.

The coronavirus timeline in the United States has shifted weeks earlier as it is being reported that two people with COVID-19 died in California as much as three weeks before the US "registered" its first death from the disease in late February.

The coronavirus timeline in the United States has shifted weeks earlier as it is being reported that two people with COVID-19 died in California as much as three weeks before the US "registered" its first death from the disease in late February. The two Santa Clara County patients died at home -- a 57-year-old woman on February 6 and a 69-year-old man on February 17. Neither had travelled out of the country to a coronavirus outbreak area. The infections in the two patients were confirmed by way of autopsy tissue samples that were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for analysis. The county coroner's office received the results on Tuesday. County officials said the tissue samples from the two patients were, however, sent to the CDC in mid-March. This gap, experts say, only may have led to delays in issuing stay-at-home orders in the nation's most populous state. Dr Sara Cody, health director in Northern California's Santa Clara County, on Wednesday said the deaths were missed because of a scarcity of testing and the federal government's limited guidance on who should be tested. The epidemic emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late December. Family members identified the woman as Patricia Dowd of San Jose, a manager at a semiconductor company who became sick in late January with flu-like symptoms. She appeared to recover and was working from home the day she died. Her daughter found her, the Los Angeles Times reported. Dowd travelled to various countries several times a year and had planned to visit China later in the year, her brother-in-law, Jeff Macias, told the paper. The first known death from the virus in the US was reported on February 29 in Kirkland, Washington, a Seattle suburb. Officials later attributed two February 26 deaths to the virus. The February 6 death suggests the virus was circulating in California in late January, if not earlier. Previously, the first infection reported anywhere in the US was in the Seattle area on January 21. California put all 40 million of its residents under a near-lockdown on March 20.

US coronavirus timeline shifts three weeks earlier in wake of new disclosure

With people reluctant to touch knobs and door handles in public places fearing to catch the novel coronavirus, hands-free door handles were being tested in a Finnish supermarket on Monday (April 20).

New hands-free door handles tested in Finnish supermarket

China reported 27 new asymptomatic coronavirus cases on Wednesday, taking their total to 984.

Asymptomatic cases refer to people who are tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. However, they pose a risk of spreading the disease to others.

Besides the 27 asymptomatic patients, 10 new confirmed COVID cases, including six from Chinese returning from abroad, were reported in the country on Wednesday.

No death was reported on Wednesday.

With this, the overall confirmed COVID-19 cases in China increased to 82,798, including 4,632 fatalities and 1,616 imported cases.

The 27 new asymptomatic cases, including one from abroad, were reported on the mainland, and 984 such asymptomatic patients, including 166 from abroad, were still under medical observation.

Meanwhile, as of Wednesday, 1,033 confirmed cases, including four deaths, were reported in Hong Kong. Macao registered 45 COVID-19 cases and Taiwan 426, including six fatalities.

A total of 678 patients in Hong Kong, 26 in Macao and 236 in Taiwan have been recovered.&nbsp;

China reported 27 new asymptomatic coronavirus cases on Wednesday, taking their total to 984. Asymptomatic cases refer to people who are tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat.

China reported 27 new asymptomatic coronavirus cases on Wednesday, taking their total to 984. Asymptomatic cases refer to people who are tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. However, they pose a risk of spreading the disease to others. Besides the 27 asymptomatic patients, 10 new confirmed COVID cases, including six from Chinese returning from abroad, were reported in the country on Wednesday. No death was reported on Wednesday. With this, the overall confirmed COVID-19 cases in China increased to 82,798, including 4,632 fatalities and 1,616 imported cases. The 27 new asymptomatic cases, including one from abroad, were reported on the mainland, and 984 such asymptomatic patients, including 166 from abroad, were still under medical observation. Meanwhile, as of Wednesday, 1,033 confirmed cases, including four deaths, were reported in Hong Kong. Macao registered 45 COVID-19 cases and Taiwan 426, including six fatalities. A total of 678 patients in Hong Kong, 26 in Macao and 236 in Taiwan have been recovered.

China's asymptomatic cases increase to over 980

The two ducks resting on the plinth of a statue in front of Paris's Musee D'Orsay had struck out boldly from their usual habitat: to get there from the River Seine involves waddling across a four-lane highway.

What lockdown? Birds go out in Paris with humans in confinement

Two cats in New York have become the first pets in the United States to test positive for the novel coronavirus.

The cats, from separate areas of New York state, had mild respiratory illness and are expected to make a full recovery. It is believed that they contracted the virus from people in their households or neighbourhoods. There is, however, no evidence that pets can spread the virus to humans.

Earlier this month a study suggested that cats can become infected with the new coronavirus but dogs appear not to be vulnerable, prompting the World Health Organisation to say it will take a closer look at transmission of the virus between humans and pets.

There are few known COVID-19 infections of pets globally. One cat in Hong Kong tested positive without displaying symptoms, while a cat in Belgium recovered nine days after falling ill.

Five tigers and three lions at the Bronx Zoo in New York have also tested positive for COVID-19, including one tiger who never developed a cough, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that owners not let their pets interact with people or other animals outside the household. Cats should be kept indoors and dogs should be walked on a leash, maintaining at least six feet (1.8 meters) from other animals and people, it said.

The CDC is not recommending routine testing of animals at this juncture.

A recent study published on the website of the journal Science found that cats and ferrets can become infected with coronavirus. The study, based on research conducted in China in January and February, found, however, that dogs, chickens, pigs and ducks are not likely to catch the virus.

Two cats in New York have become the first pets in the United States to test positive for the novel coronavirus. The cats, from separate areas of New York state, had mild respiratory illness and are expected to make a full recovery.

Two cats in New York have become the first pets in the United States to test positive for the novel coronavirus. The cats, from separate areas of New York state, had mild respiratory illness and are expected to make a full recovery. It is believed that they contracted the virus from people in their households or neighbourhoods. There is, however, no evidence that pets can spread the virus to humans. Earlier this month a study suggested that cats can become infected with the new coronavirus but dogs appear not to be vulnerable, prompting the World Health Organisation to say it will take a closer look at transmission of the virus between humans and pets. There are few known COVID-19 infections of pets globally. One cat in Hong Kong tested positive without displaying symptoms, while a cat in Belgium recovered nine days after falling ill. Five tigers and three lions at the Bronx Zoo in New York have also tested positive for COVID-19, including one tiger who never developed a cough, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that owners not let their pets interact with people or other animals outside the household. Cats should be kept indoors and dogs should be walked on a leash, maintaining at least six feet (1.8 meters) from other animals and people, it said. The CDC is not recommending routine testing of animals at this juncture. A recent study published on the website of the journal Science found that cats and ferrets can become infected with coronavirus. The study, based on research conducted in China in January and February, found, however, that dogs, chickens, pigs and ducks are not likely to catch the virus.

Two pet cats in US test positive for COVID-19

Singaporean Reverend Samuel Gift Stephen originally intended to donate just a lunch to thousands of migrant workers undergoing quarantine for Good Friday (April 10).

Coronavirus Outbreak: Singapore pastor battles food crisis for migrants

In a bid to curb misinformation spread on social media, Twitter has decided to take down "unverified claims" on a conspiracy theory that falsely linked the cell towers to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

"We have broadened our guidance on unverified claims that incite people to engage in a harmful activity, could lead to the destruction or damage of critical 5G infrastructure or could lead to widespread panic, social unrest, or large-scale disorder," the Twitter safety team said on Wednesday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conspiracy-theorists-continue-burning-5g-towers-claiming-link-to-coronavirus-293796">Conspiracy theorists continue burning 5G towers claiming link to coronavirus</a>

The latest move is part of efforts to curb the spread of misinformation on social media. Earlier this month, several incidents of arson and vandalism of 5G&nbsp;towers were reported in European countries after several conspiracy theories linked coronavirus to the cells towers made rounds on social media.

In the UK, some 50 fires targetting cell towers and other equipment were reported this month. Meanwhile, telecom engineers have been abused on the job 80 times, making the UK the nucleus of the attacks.

Some 16 towers have been torched in the Netherlands, with attacks also reported in Ireland, Cyprus, and Belgium.

The current wave of 5G theories dates back to January, when a Belgian doctor suggested a link to COVID-19. The theories gained momentum in 2019 from Russian state media outlets, which helped push them into US Domestic conversation, disinformation experts say. But there's no evidence that wireless communications - whether 5G or earlier versions - harm the immune system.

 
&nbsp;

In a bid to curb misinformation spread on social media, Twitter has decided to take down "unverified claims" on a conspiracy theory that falsely linked the cell towers to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a bid to curb misinformation spread on social media, Twitter has decided to take down "unverified claims" on a conspiracy theory that falsely linked the cell towers to the coronavirus pandemic. "We have broadened our guidance on unverified claims that incite people to engage in a harmful activity, could lead to the destruction or damage of critical 5G infrastructure or could lead to widespread panic, social unrest, or large-scale disorder," the Twitter safety team said on Wednesday. Also read: Conspiracy theorists continue burning 5G towers claiming link to coronavirus The latest move is part of efforts to curb the spread of misinformation on social media. Earlier this month, several incidents of arson and vandalism of 5G towers were reported in European countries after several conspiracy theories linked coronavirus to the cells towers made rounds on social media. In the UK, some 50 fires targetting cell towers and other equipment were reported this month. Meanwhile, telecom engineers have been abused on the job 80 times, making the UK the nucleus of the attacks. Some 16 towers have been torched in the Netherlands, with attacks also reported in Ireland, Cyprus, and Belgium. The current wave of 5G theories dates back to January, when a Belgian doctor suggested a link to COVID-19. The theories gained momentum in 2019 from Russian state media outlets, which helped push them into US Domestic conversation, disinformation experts say. But there's no evidence that wireless communications - whether 5G or earlier versions - harm the immune system.

Twitter to block tweets on conspiracy theory linking COVID-19 spread to 5G towers

Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, on Wednesday, announced a 30 per cent cut in the salaries and honorarium of all elected representatives in the state to overcome the COVID-19-induced financial crisis.

While briefing the press, Vijayan said that the government will deduct the salary of state employees -- ministers, MLAs, members of different boards under the government and members of local self-government bodies for six days every month for the next five months. While those earning less than Rs 20,000 per month would be exempted from the scheme.&nbsp;

"The state is going through a fiscal crisis as the tax collection revenue has fallen drastically and remittances from expatriates have also stopped,” said Vijayan. “Expenses for healthcare services and food safety are unavoidable," he added.

Vijayan also said that the government needs to mop up additional resources within the state and it is a matter of relief that people across different sections of the society have contributed to the Chief Minister`s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).

Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, on Wednesday, announced a 30 per cent cut in the salaries and honorarium of all elected representatives in the state to overcome the COVID-19-induced financial crisis.

Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, on Wednesday, announced a 30 per cent cut in the salaries and honorarium of all elected representatives in the state to overcome the COVID-19-induced financial crisis. While briefing the press, Vijayan said that the government will deduct the salary of state employees -- ministers, MLAs, members of different boards under the government and members of local self-government bodies for six days every month for the next five months. While those earning less than Rs 20,000 per month would be exempted from the scheme. "The state is going through a fiscal crisis as the tax collection revenue has fallen drastically and remittances from expatriates have also stopped,” said Vijayan. “Expenses for healthcare services and food safety are unavoidable," he added. Vijayan also said that the government needs to mop up additional resources within the state and it is a matter of relief that people across different sections of the society have contributed to the Chief Minister`s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).

Kerala government takes 30 per cent cut in salary to overcome COVID-19-induced financial crisis

US President Donald Trump has now officially signed the executive orders suspending the immigration into the United States. Watch report.

Donald Trump suspends immigration into US: Immediate relatives of US citizens exempted

With a rapid increase in coronavirus cases in Iran, the officials have announced 94 new deaths due to COVID- 19. Since it's first case in February, Iran has struggled to flatten the curve. After these 94 new deaths were announced, the death toll increased to 5,391. The number of positive cases increased by 1,194, bringing the total number of cases to 85,996.

Iran reports over 1,194 COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours

Fourteen more cases of coronavirus infections have been confirmed on an Italian cruise ship docked for repairs at Japan's Nagasaki prefecture.

This brings the coronavirus tally on the cruise ship, the Costa Atlantica, to 48, raising concerns about the impact on the local community.

The Italian cruise ship is carrying 623 crew members and no passengers, officials have said.&nbsp;Half of them were cooks and the other half staff in charge of serving food to the crew, the official told a livestreamed news conference.

As of Wednesday, 34 crew members on the Costa Atlantica had tested positive for the new coronavirus.

The Costa Cruises-operated ship was taken into a shipyard in Nagasaki city in western Japan in late February by a unit of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries after the COVID-19 pandemic had scuttled plans for scheduled repairs in China.

The Costa Atlantica infections come after the cases on the Diamond Princess in Yokohama two months ago, where more than 700 were found to be infected.

Japan has seen more than 11,500 infections and close to 300 deaths from the new coronavirus, excluding figures from the Diamond Princess.

Fourteen more cases of coronavirus infections have been confirmed on an Italian cruise ship docked for repairs at Japan's Nagasaki prefecture. This brings the coronavirus tally on the cruise ship, the Costa Atlantica, to 48, raising concerns about the impact on the local community.

Fourteen more cases of coronavirus infections have been confirmed on an Italian cruise ship docked for repairs at Japan's Nagasaki prefecture. This brings the coronavirus tally on the cruise ship, the Costa Atlantica, to 48, raising concerns about the impact on the local community. The Italian cruise ship is carrying 623 crew members and no passengers, officials have said. Half of them were cooks and the other half staff in charge of serving food to the crew, the official told a livestreamed news conference. As of Wednesday, 34 crew members on the Costa Atlantica had tested positive for the new coronavirus. The Costa Cruises-operated ship was taken into a shipyard in Nagasaki city in western Japan in late February by a unit of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries after the COVID-19 pandemic had scuttled plans for scheduled repairs in China. The Costa Atlantica infections come after the cases on the Diamond Princess in Yokohama two months ago, where more than 700 were found to be infected. Japan has seen more than 11,500 infections and close to 300 deaths from the new coronavirus, excluding figures from the Diamond Princess.

Italian cruise ship docked in Japan has 48 coronavirus cases

The United States on Wednesday recorded 1,738 deaths from coronavirus in the last 24 hours, a lower toll than the day before.&nbsp;

According to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University, the new deaths brought the total number of COVID-19 fatalities in the US to 46,583 since the outbreak.&nbsp;

US deaths totalled 47,050 on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally.

Since the outbreak in the US, the death toll has soared to the highest in the world. The deaths increased by 2,792 on Tuesday alone. As many as 2,806 deaths were recorded in a single day on April 15.

A University of Washington model has projected a total of nearly 66,000 US coronavirus deaths by August 4, an upward revision from its most recent previous estimate of 60,000 deaths. At current rates, US deaths could reach 50,000 later this week.

New York state, the epicentre of the US outbreak, reported 474 new deaths on Wednesday, the smallest increase since April 1. Some nearby states such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey reported record single-day deaths tolls on Tuesday.

The United States has by far the world's largest number of confirmed coronavirus cases at over 8,30,000. Cases rose 20,000 so far on Wednesday and were on track to continue the slow but steady decline seen throughout April.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday applauded steps taken by a handful of Republican-led US states, including Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, to start reopening their economies despite warnings of a potential fresh surge of coronavirus infections.

The United States on Wednesday recorded 1,738 deaths from coronavirus in the last 24 hours, a lower toll than the day before. According to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University, the new deaths brought the total number of COVID-19 fatalities in the US to 46,583 since the outbreak.

The United States on Wednesday recorded 1,738 deaths from coronavirus in the last 24 hours, a lower toll than the day before. According to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University, the new deaths brought the total number of COVID-19 fatalities in the US to 46,583 since the outbreak. US deaths totalled 47,050 on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally. Since the outbreak in the US, the death toll has soared to the highest in the world. The deaths increased by 2,792 on Tuesday alone. As many as 2,806 deaths were recorded in a single day on April 15. A University of Washington model has projected a total of nearly 66,000 US coronavirus deaths by August 4, an upward revision from its most recent previous estimate of 60,000 deaths. At current rates, US deaths could reach 50,000 later this week. New York state, the epicentre of the US outbreak, reported 474 new deaths on Wednesday, the smallest increase since April 1. Some nearby states such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey reported record single-day deaths tolls on Tuesday. The United States has by far the world's largest number of confirmed coronavirus cases at over 8,30,000. Cases rose 20,000 so far on Wednesday and were on track to continue the slow but steady decline seen throughout April. President Donald Trump on Wednesday applauded steps taken by a handful of Republican-led US states, including Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, to start reopening their economies despite warnings of a potential fresh surge of coronavirus infections.

US sees 1,738 new coronavirus deaths in 24 hours, toll nears 50,000

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

WION In Focus: Some Stories Related To Coronavirus Pandemic | COVID-19 | Coronavirus News

The coronavirus pandemic has so far claimed over 25,000 lives in Italy. With this, the total number of active infections, fatalities and recoveries now stands at 1,87,327.

According to the latest data released by the country's Civil Protection Department, Wednesday saw 437 new deaths, bringing the total to 25,085 fatalities since the pandemic first broke out in the northern Lombardy region on February 21.

A total of 2,943 additional recoveries were registered on Wednesday compared to Tuesday, bringing the total to 54,543, Xinhua news agency reported. It was also the biggest daily recoveries recorded so far.

A positive trend was also confirmed in the number of patients hospitalised.

Meanwhile, the number of doctors who have died from the coronavirus infections grew to 144, after two more fatalities were registered in the last 24 hours.

Italy entered into a national lockdown on March 10 to contain the pandemic. The lockdown, which is expected to last until May 3, will be followed by a "Phase Two," involving "the gradual resumption of social, economic and productive activities," the Italian government has explained.

The coronavirus pandemic has so far claimed over 25,000 lives in Italy. With this, the total number of active infections, fatalities and recoveries now stands at 1,87,327.

The coronavirus pandemic has so far claimed over 25,000 lives in Italy. With this, the total number of active infections, fatalities and recoveries now stands at 1,87,327. According to the latest data released by the country's Civil Protection Department, Wednesday saw 437 new deaths, bringing the total to 25,085 fatalities since the pandemic first broke out in the northern Lombardy region on February 21. A total of 2,943 additional recoveries were registered on Wednesday compared to Tuesday, bringing the total to 54,543, Xinhua news agency reported. It was also the biggest daily recoveries recorded so far. A positive trend was also confirmed in the number of patients hospitalised. Meanwhile, the number of doctors who have died from the coronavirus infections grew to 144, after two more fatalities were registered in the last 24 hours. Italy entered into a national lockdown on March 10 to contain the pandemic. The lockdown, which is expected to last until May 3, will be followed by a "Phase Two," involving "the gradual resumption of social, economic and productive activities," the Italian government has explained.

Italy's coronavirus death toll reaches 25,000

President Trump signed an executive order banning some legal immigration for 60 days due to the novel coronavirus, saying he was doing so to protect American workers during the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-economy-contracts-job-losses-mount-294065">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid coronavirus outbreak, China's economy contracts, job losses mount</a>

The order will prevent foreigners from obtaining green cards to enter the country if they are outside the US and do not already have valid visas or other travel documents — although there are exceptions.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/make-no-mistake-coronavirus-will-be-with-us-for-a-long-time-who-chief-tedros-294088">Make no mistake, coronavirus will be with us for a long time: WHO chief Tedros</a> 
 
"In order to protect our great American workers, I've just signed an executive order temporarily suspending immigration into the United States. This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens," he told a press conference.

"Without intervention, the United States faces a potentially protracted economic recovery with persistently high unemployment," the presidential order read.

Trump has already made restrictions on immigration -- both legal and illegal -- a cornerstone of his nationalist "America First" presidency. The dramatic-sounding but ultimately limited new ban is expected to fuel his bid for a second term in November.

Trump said the order initially would last for 60 days and could be renewed for the same period or longer, and that a second immigration-focused order was under consideration.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Trump signed an executive order banning some legal immigration for 60 days due to the novel coronavirus, saying he was doing so to protect American workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

President Trump signed an executive order banning some legal immigration for 60 days due to the novel coronavirus, saying he was doing so to protect American workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Also Read: Amid coronavirus outbreak, China's economy contracts, job losses mount The order will prevent foreigners from obtaining green cards to enter the country if they are outside the US and do not already have valid visas or other travel documents — although there are exceptions. Make no mistake, coronavirus will be with us for a long time: WHO chief Tedros "In order to protect our great American workers, I've just signed an executive order temporarily suspending immigration into the United States. This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens," he told a press conference. "Without intervention, the United States faces a potentially protracted economic recovery with persistently high unemployment," the presidential order read. Trump has already made restrictions on immigration -- both legal and illegal -- a cornerstone of his nationalist "America First" presidency. The dramatic-sounding but ultimately limited new ban is expected to fuel his bid for a second term in November. Trump said the order initially would last for 60 days and could be renewed for the same period or longer, and that a second immigration-focused order was under consideration. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump signs executive order to suspend immigration to US for 60 days

When pedicab operator Sarah Grant and French Quarter street violinist Anna Roznowska realized about five weeks ago their livelihoods and lifestyles were threatened by New Orleans stay-at-home orders caused by the novel coronavirus, they were initially at a loss.

New Orleans violinist and pedicab operator take show on the road to lift spirits

President Trump signed an executive order to "temporarily suspend immigration into the United States" due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-records-440-deaths-as-coronavirus-death-toll-crosses-22000-294239">coronavirus</a> crisis.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Fully signed and ready to go! <a href="https://t.co/MdpgII3kuq">https://t.co/MdpgII3kuq</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1253297383414390788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-timeline-shifts-three-weeks-earlier-in-wake-of-new-disclosure-294142">Also Read: US coronavirus timeline shifts three weeks earlier in wake of new disclosure</a>

"In order to protect our great American workers, I've just signed an executive order temporarily suspending immigration into the United States. This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens," Trump said.

The suspension meant for sixty days denies people applying for green cards or permanent residency although seasonal workers in the farm sector will be allowed to go ahead.

With over 22 million Americans declaring unemployment, Trump's order said the United States faces a potentially protracted economic recovery with "persistently high unemployment".

Trump tweeted the order was "fully signed and ready to go!" even as critics doubted his larger plan of stopping immigrants into the country which has been the president's election campaign rhetoric since 2016, heading into polls this year.

Amid the coronavirus crisis, Trump said it was still "it's too soon" for those businesses to resume operations after Republican governors Brian Kemp, governor of the southern state of Georgia, and Florida's Ron DeSantis announced easing of restrictions.

"I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities which are in violation of the Phase One guidelines" for reopening issued last week.

"I respect him and I will let him make his decision. Would I do that? No. I'd keep them (closed) a little bit longer. I want to protect people's lives," Trump said.

The Trump administration has asserted that there should be 14 days of declining infection numbers before a reopening is announced.

President Trump signed an executive order to "temporarily suspend immigration into the United States" due to the coronavirus crisis. Fully signed and ready to go!

President Trump signed an executive order to "temporarily suspend immigration into the United States" due to the coronavirus crisis. Fully signed and ready to go! https://t.co/MdpgII3kuq — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 23, 2020 × Also Read: US coronavirus timeline shifts three weeks earlier in wake of new disclosure "In order to protect our great American workers, I've just signed an executive order temporarily suspending immigration into the United States. This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens," Trump said. The suspension meant for sixty days denies people applying for green cards or permanent residency although seasonal workers in the farm sector will be allowed to go ahead. With over 22 million Americans declaring unemployment, Trump's order said the United States faces a potentially protracted economic recovery with "persistently high unemployment". Trump tweeted the order was "fully signed and ready to go!" even as critics doubted his larger plan of stopping immigrants into the country which has been the president's election campaign rhetoric since 2016, heading into polls this year. Amid the coronavirus crisis, Trump said it was still "it's too soon" for those businesses to resume operations after Republican governors Brian Kemp, governor of the southern state of Georgia, and Florida's Ron DeSantis announced easing of restrictions. "I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities which are in violation of the Phase One guidelines" for reopening issued last week. "I respect him and I will let him make his decision. Would I do that? No. I'd keep them (closed) a little bit longer. I want to protect people's lives," Trump said. The Trump administration has asserted that there should be 14 days of declining infection numbers before a reopening is announced.

'Fully signed and ready to go': Trump approves order to temporarily suspend immigration into US

Amid the global coronavirus pandemic, the United States Secretary Mike Pompeo hit out at China&nbsp;over coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday. During media briefings,&nbsp;Pompeo refused to rule out that deadly coronavirus leaked out of a laboratory in China's Wuhan city and pressed to allow inspectors into the sensitive laboratories surrounding the city.

"You have to remember -- these labs are still open inside of China these labs that contain complex pathogens that were being studied. It's not just the Wuhan Institute of Virology," Pompeo told reporters.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-china-could-have-made-covid-19-while-hiding-its-origin-294223">How China could have made COVID-19 while hiding its origin</a>

"It's important that those materials are being handled in a safe and secure way such that there isn't accidental release," Pompeo told reporters.

During the media briefing, Pompeo also said that the United States "strongly believed" Beijing had failed to report the outbreak in a timely manner, in breach of World Health Organisation rules, and had failed to report human-to-human transmission of the virus "for a month until it was in every province inside of China."

China had halted testing of new virus samples, "destroyed existing samples" and failed to share samples with the outside world, "making it impossible to track the disease’s evolution," Pompeo also said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-china-announces-additional-usd-30-million-grant-for-who-294221">China announces additional USD 30 million grant for WHO</a>

The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised China's handling of the coronavirus outbreak, which began late last year in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has grown into a global pandemic. The outbreak has killed around 180,000 people globally, including more than 45,000 in the United States, according to a Reuters tally.

Chinese authorities initially suppressed news of the deadly virus, including detaining a prominent whistleblower.

Chinese scientists have since said that they suspect that the virus emerged late last year in a Wuhan meat market that butchered exotic animals.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joshua-wong-effect-china-set-to-disallow-local-gamers-to-play-with-foreigners-294079">Joshua Wong effect - China set to disallow local gamers to play with foreigners</a>

But questions immediately arose because of the presence nearby of the maximum-security virology lab, with senior US officials bringing into the mainstream what was initially an online conspiracy theory.

Critics say President Donald Trump is eager to deflect from blame over his own handling of the pandemic, which has killed some 45,000 people in the United States, more than any other country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the global coronavirus pandemic, the United States Secretary Mike Pompeo hit out at China over coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday. During media briefings, Pompeo refused to rule out that deadly coronavirus leaked out of a laboratory in China's Wuhan city and pressed to allow inspectors into the sensitive laboratories surrounding the city.

Amid the global coronavirus pandemic, the United States Secretary Mike Pompeo hit out at China over coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday. During media briefings, Pompeo refused to rule out that deadly coronavirus leaked out of a laboratory in China's Wuhan city and pressed to allow inspectors into the sensitive laboratories surrounding the city. "You have to remember -- these labs are still open inside of China these labs that contain complex pathogens that were being studied. It's not just the Wuhan Institute of Virology," Pompeo told reporters. Also read: How China could have made COVID-19 while hiding its origin "It's important that those materials are being handled in a safe and secure way such that there isn't accidental release," Pompeo told reporters. During the media briefing, Pompeo also said that the United States "strongly believed" Beijing had failed to report the outbreak in a timely manner, in breach of World Health Organisation rules, and had failed to report human-to-human transmission of the virus "for a month until it was in every province inside of China." China had halted testing of new virus samples, "destroyed existing samples" and failed to share samples with the outside world, "making it impossible to track the disease’s evolution," Pompeo also said. Also read: China announces additional USD 30 million grant for WHO The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised China's handling of the coronavirus outbreak, which began late last year in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has grown into a global pandemic. The outbreak has killed around 180,000 people globally, including more than 45,000 in the United States, according to a Reuters tally. Chinese authorities initially suppressed news of the deadly virus, including detaining a prominent whistleblower. Chinese scientists have since said that they suspect that the virus emerged late last year in a Wuhan meat market that butchered exotic animals. Also read: Joshua Wong effect - China set to disallow local gamers to play with foreigners But questions immediately arose because of the presence nearby of the maximum-security virology lab, with senior US officials bringing into the mainstream what was initially an online conspiracy theory. Critics say President Donald Trump is eager to deflect from blame over his own handling of the pandemic, which has killed some 45,000 people in the United States, more than any other country. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: Mike Pompeo hits out at China over not allowing lab inspections

Continuing its anti-India propaganda on social media platforms, a Pakistani Twitter account changed its handle name to pose as Omani princess and tweeted anti-India material. Interestingly, several old tweets have been dug out from the same account, which has been deleted now, and it clearly shows Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) is behind the account.

Pakistan foreign minister quotes fake account, Oman princess denies links to account

UK's chief medical officer said on April 22, Restrictions on everyday life in Britain to slow the spread of COVID-19 are likely to be needed for the "next calendar year" due to the time needed to develop and roll out vaccines or find a cure.

UK chief medic: Social distancing likely for next year

Maria Cecilia Osorio and Alfonso Ardila met just a month ago, in a shelter for people made homeless during Colombia's nationwide coronavirus lockdown. The pair now share space in a tent at the shelter and are looking ahead to the end of quarantine, scheduled for May 11.

The bridesmaids wore masks: Colombian couple meets, marries in coronavirus shelter

Harvard University has announced it would reject USD 8.7 million in federal coronavirus relief. This came a day after United States President Donald Trump excoriated the wealthy Ivy League school over taxpayer money it stood to receive.

It followed similar actions at Stanford and Princeton universities, which said they too would turn down millions of dollars in federal funding amid growing scrutiny of wealthy colleges.

Officials at Harvard said the school still faces significant financial challenges due to the pandemic but would refuse the money over concerns that "intense focus by politicians" will undermine the relief programme created by Congress.

"While we understand any reallocation of these resources is a matter for the Department of Education, we hope that special consideration will be given to Massachusetts institutions that are struggling to serve their communities and meet the needs of their students through these difficult and challenging times," Harvard said in a statement.

Congress had offered USD 14 billion to the nation's colleges and universities as part of a USD 2.2 trillion rescue package.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-plans-to-keep-stimulus-grant-after-trump-vows-it-will-be-returned-294005">Also read |&nbsp;Harvard plans to keep stimulus grant after Trump vows it will be returned</a>

But Trump said on Tuesday that Harvard shouldn't take its share because it has such deep financial reserves. It echoed concerns from other critics, who said Harvard doesn't need the money and can rely on its nearly USD 40 billion endowment.

Harvard had previously committed to spending its entire share on students, and on Wednesday said it was "fully committed to providing the financial support that it has promised to its students".

Stanford, which has an endowment of nearly USD 28 billion, said it told the Education Department on Monday it would refuse USD 7.4 million allocated in the package.

Officials at Princeton said they will reject USD 2.4 million in aid, but not because of the pressure from DeVos.

The University of Southern California, which had an endowment of USD 5.7 billion last year, was allotted nearly USD 20 million.

Columbia University, with an endowment of USD 11 billion, was allotted nearly USD 13 million.

The University of Notre Dame said Wednesday it also would accept its USD 5.8 million allotment and direct it all to students. The school's endowment totals USD 11.3 billion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-not-happy-over-harvard-receiving-millions-in-coronavirus-aid-wants-it-back-293903">Also read |&nbsp;Trump not happy over Harvard receiving millions in coronavirus aid, wants it back</a>

Harvard University has announced it would reject USD 8.7 million in federal coronavirus relief. This came a day after United States President Donald Trump excoriated the wealthy Ivy League school over taxpayer money it stood to receive.

Harvard University has announced it would reject USD 8.7 million in federal coronavirus relief. This came a day after United States President Donald Trump excoriated the wealthy Ivy League school over taxpayer money it stood to receive. It followed similar actions at Stanford and Princeton universities, which said they too would turn down millions of dollars in federal funding amid growing scrutiny of wealthy colleges. Officials at Harvard said the school still faces significant financial challenges due to the pandemic but would refuse the money over concerns that "intense focus by politicians" will undermine the relief programme created by Congress. "While we understand any reallocation of these resources is a matter for the Department of Education, we hope that special consideration will be given to Massachusetts institutions that are struggling to serve their communities and meet the needs of their students through these difficult and challenging times," Harvard said in a statement. Congress had offered USD 14 billion to the nation's colleges and universities as part of a USD 2.2 trillion rescue package. Also read | Harvard plans to keep stimulus grant after Trump vows it will be returned But Trump said on Tuesday that Harvard shouldn't take its share because it has such deep financial reserves. It echoed concerns from other critics, who said Harvard doesn't need the money and can rely on its nearly USD 40 billion endowment. Harvard had previously committed to spending its entire share on students, and on Wednesday said it was "fully committed to providing the financial support that it has promised to its students". Stanford, which has an endowment of nearly USD 28 billion, said it told the Education Department on Monday it would refuse USD 7.4 million allocated in the package. Officials at Princeton said they will reject USD 2.4 million in aid, but not because of the pressure from DeVos. The University of Southern California, which had an endowment of USD 5.7 billion last year, was allotted nearly USD 20 million. Columbia University, with an endowment of USD 11 billion, was allotted nearly USD 13 million. The University of Notre Dame said Wednesday it also would accept its USD 5.8 million allotment and direct it all to students. The school's endowment totals USD 11.3 billion. Also read | Trump not happy over Harvard receiving millions in coronavirus aid, wants it back

Under pressure, Harvard will turn down US coronavirus relief aid

A sea lion performed its usual routine to empty crowds on Tuesday (April 21) in its pool at the Palmyre Zoo in western France, which has closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Seals, monkeys perform to empty crowds at French zoo amid virus crisis

At least four scientists and companies in Europe are leading the charge for developing a vaccine for coronavirus, and will soon begin human trials.

Potential COVID-19 vaccines are being developed by two private research laboratories outside of Rome, Italy, and could enter into a testing phase as soon as in September.

Advent-IRBM and Takis Biotech, two biotechnology companies based in Pomezia, a town around 30 km south of Rome, are among a handful of them.

Takis Biotech was among the first companies in Europe to switch its focus to developing a vaccine against the coronavirus.&nbsp;

According to Xinhua news agency, Advent-IRBM is set to start advanced studies on its potential vaccine in conjunction with the Jenner Institute, which is part of Oxford University in the United Kingdom. Advent-IRBM has announced it would send samples to the Jenner Institute on Thursday, where it will be developed in part with local funding.

The said research is based on the use of adenovirus, a mild virus that infects chimpanzees, with a genetic modification that carries part of the coronavirus.

Another research team has been working at the University of Oxford. Trials, which have had 5,000 volunteers, are set to begin on Thursday, the BBC reported.

Professor Sarah Gilbert, head of a team, said they would just start with two people on the first day.

Professor Robin Shattock, who leads Imperial College London's effort, said it would be available next year before the vaccine could be rolled out around the world.

At least four scientists and companies in Europe are leading the charge for developing a vaccine for coronavirus, and will soon begin human trials. Potential COVID-19 vaccines are being developed by two private research laboratories outside of Rome, Italy, and could enter into a testing phase as soon as in September.

At least four scientists and companies in Europe are leading the charge for developing a vaccine for coronavirus, and will soon begin human trials. Potential COVID-19 vaccines are being developed by two private research laboratories outside of Rome, Italy, and could enter into a testing phase as soon as in September. Advent-IRBM and Takis Biotech, two biotechnology companies based in Pomezia, a town around 30 km south of Rome, are among a handful of them. Takis Biotech was among the first companies in Europe to switch its focus to developing a vaccine against the coronavirus. According to Xinhua news agency, Advent-IRBM is set to start advanced studies on its potential vaccine in conjunction with the Jenner Institute, which is part of Oxford University in the United Kingdom. Advent-IRBM has announced it would send samples to the Jenner Institute on Thursday, where it will be developed in part with local funding. The said research is based on the use of adenovirus, a mild virus that infects chimpanzees, with a genetic modification that carries part of the coronavirus. Another research team has been working at the University of Oxford. Trials, which have had 5,000 volunteers, are set to begin on Thursday, the BBC reported. Professor Sarah Gilbert, head of a team, said they would just start with two people on the first day. Professor Robin Shattock, who leads Imperial College London's effort, said it would be available next year before the vaccine could be rolled out around the world.

Several scientists, companies in UK could put COVID-19 vaccine in human trials soon

By: Anila Chowdhry

The notion that coronavirus does not discriminate is being debunked by new evidence that Asian, Black and minority ethnic&nbsp;groups are in fact being disproportionally affected.

In the United Kingdom, more than a third of people who tested positive for coronavirus when they died were from Asian, black and minority ethnic groups, according to new data by National Health Service (NHS) of England.

As per the figures, 13,918 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 at time of death by April 17, 16.2 per cent were from Asian, black and minority ethnic groups. The statistics also showed that people of Indian heritage were the most affected.

Although it is unclear why these communities are so highly affected, but various reasons have been suggested by the experts including that people from these ethnic minorities are more likely to be in frontline jobs like NHS, care workers or bus drivers which puts them at a greater risk of getting the infection.

According to a report, over 40% of doctors and 20% of nurses are from Asian, black and ethnic backgrounds in the UK. The first ten doctors to die in the UK from COVID-19 were all from these communities.

Among the various other reason, "a socio-economical factor also plays a role in putting these communities at high risk of coronavirus infection," Doctor Hina Shahid told WION.

"Data shows ethnic communities experience a high level of unemployment and are more likely to be in jobs that have a higher risk. They also suffer from long working hours, and other issues like poor income and overcrowded housing; all these factors make it difficult for people to actually observe self-distancing and self-isolation," Dr Hina said.&nbsp;

"There are households in ethnic minority communities, they tend to be more multi-generational. So you will have people who are older and more at risk of getting sicker living with younger people who may be bringing home the infection".

Discrimination is also among the important factors which make these ethnic minority communities more prone to getting infected.

She also said that issues like ethnic minorities facing difficulties in access to healthcare also put them at higher risk of infection.

"Before coronavirus, we know that people with ethnic background face barriers to accessing healthcare due to which when they actually visit a hospital they are already sicker."&nbsp;

To combat some of those socio-economic and cultural barriers, some British-Asian celebrities have joined forces to create a video appeal aimed at promoting safety measures within the minority communities during the pandemic.

The three-minute video features stars of music, TV and media like Sanjeev Bhaskar, comedian Meera Syal, naughty boy, Adil Ray OBE, Saira Khan, Shivani Ghai and one of the organisers of the video, Adil.

Meanwhile, the British government has launched a review to look into why people from Asian, black and ethnic groups have been disproportionately affected the coronavirus.

By: Anila Chowdhry The notion that coronavirus does not discriminate is being debunked by new evidence that Asian, Black and minority ethnic groups are in fact being disproportionally affected.

By: Anila Chowdhry The notion that coronavirus does not discriminate is being debunked by new evidence that Asian, Black and minority ethnic groups are in fact being disproportionally affected. In the United Kingdom, more than a third of people who tested positive for coronavirus when they died were from Asian, black and minority ethnic groups, according to new data by National Health Service (NHS) of England. As per the figures, 13,918 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 at time of death by April 17, 16.2 per cent were from Asian, black and minority ethnic groups. The statistics also showed that people of Indian heritage were the most affected. Although it is unclear why these communities are so highly affected, but various reasons have been suggested by the experts including that people from these ethnic minorities are more likely to be in frontline jobs like NHS, care workers or bus drivers which puts them at a greater risk of getting the infection. According to a report, over 40% of doctors and 20% of nurses are from Asian, black and ethnic backgrounds in the UK. The first ten doctors to die in the UK from COVID-19 were all from these communities. Among the various other reason, "a socio-economical factor also plays a role in putting these communities at high risk of coronavirus infection," Doctor Hina Shahid told WION. "Data shows ethnic communities experience a high level of unemployment and are more likely to be in jobs that have a higher risk. They also suffer from long working hours, and other issues like poor income and overcrowded housing; all these factors make it difficult for people to actually observe self-distancing and self-isolation," Dr Hina said. "There are households in ethnic minority communities, they tend to be more multi-generational. So you will have people who are older and more at risk of getting sicker living with younger people who may be bringing home the infection". Discrimination is also among the important factors which make these ethnic minority communities more prone to getting infected. She also said that issues like ethnic minorities facing difficulties in access to healthcare also put them at higher risk of infection. "Before coronavirus, we know that people with ethnic background face barriers to accessing healthcare due to which when they actually visit a hospital they are already sicker." To combat some of those socio-economic and cultural barriers, some British-Asian celebrities have joined forces to create a video appeal aimed at promoting safety measures within the minority communities during the pandemic. The three-minute video features stars of music, TV and media like Sanjeev Bhaskar, comedian Meera Syal, naughty boy, Adil Ray OBE, Saira Khan, Shivani Ghai and one of the organisers of the video, Adil. Meanwhile, the British government has launched a review to look into why people from Asian, black and ethnic groups have been disproportionately affected the coronavirus.

Why people from ethnic communities are worst affected by coronavirus in UK

A hospital in Chile has installed a thermal imaging system that automatically screens its employees' temperatures in order to identify those that are running a fever and potentially infected with the new coronavirus.

Chilean hospital installs thermal cameras to screen for fever amid coronavirus fears

Cash-strapped Pakistan has received an emergency loan of USD 1.39 billion from the IMF to boost its foreign exchange reserves in the wake of the further economic downturn due to the coronavirus crisis.

The USD 1.39 billion loan is in addition to the USD 6 billion bailout package that Pakistan has signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in July last year to stave off a balance of payment crisis.

"SBP (State Bank of Pakistan) has received $1.39 billion under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) from the IMF," the central bank said in a tweet on Wednesday.

Pakistan in March had requested the global money lender for a low-cost, fast-disbursing loan under its Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) to deal with the adverse economic impact of COVID-19.

The RFI is used to provide financial assistance to IMF member countries facing an urgent balance of payments need without requiring them to put a full-fledged programme in place.

According to a report in The Express Tribune, the USD 1,39 billion loan will push Pakistan's foreign currency reserves apparently to a one-month high above USD 12 billion.

The IMF executive board approved the low-cost emergency loan last week to help Pakistan meet the urgent balance of the international payment needs in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent IMF statement.

With the latest recovery of Rs 0.76 in the inter-bank market on Wednesday, the rupee has cumulatively regained Rs 7.53, or 4.5 per cent, in the past two weeks to a one-month high at Rs 160.36 to the US dollar, the SBP said in a statement.

Earlier, the foreign currency reserves had dropped to a four-month low at USD 10.97 billion on April 10, 2020, according to the central bank's weekly update on Thursday last week. 
The reserves had partly depleted due to capital pullout worth around USD 2.69 billion by short-term foreign investors from Pakistan's debt market over the past five to six weeks.

Many of them sold premature treasury bills and long-term Pakistan Investment Bonds in panic following the fast spread of the coronavirus across the world.

Foreign debt repayments also consumed the foreign currency reserves in the past four months.

Pakistan has also approached other multilateral donors for additional funds to fight the pandemic and its economic implications.

The World Bank has earlier approved USD 1 billion and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) USD 1.5 billion for Pakistan to keep its economy afloat.

Cash-strapped Pakistan has received an emergency loan of USD 1.39 billion from the IMF to boost its foreign exchange reserves in the wake of the further economic downturn due to the coronavirus crisis.

Cash-strapped Pakistan has received an emergency loan of USD 1.39 billion from the IMF to boost its foreign exchange reserves in the wake of the further economic downturn due to the coronavirus crisis. The USD 1.39 billion loan is in addition to the USD 6 billion bailout package that Pakistan has signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in July last year to stave off a balance of payment crisis. "SBP (State Bank of Pakistan) has received $1.39 billion under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) from the IMF," the central bank said in a tweet on Wednesday. Pakistan in March had requested the global money lender for a low-cost, fast-disbursing loan under its Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) to deal with the adverse economic impact of COVID-19. The RFI is used to provide financial assistance to IMF member countries facing an urgent balance of payments need without requiring them to put a full-fledged programme in place. According to a report in The Express Tribune, the USD 1,39 billion loan will push Pakistan's foreign currency reserves apparently to a one-month high above USD 12 billion. The IMF executive board approved the low-cost emergency loan last week to help Pakistan meet the urgent balance of the international payment needs in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent IMF statement. With the latest recovery of Rs 0.76 in the inter-bank market on Wednesday, the rupee has cumulatively regained Rs 7.53, or 4.5 per cent, in the past two weeks to a one-month high at Rs 160.36 to the US dollar, the SBP said in a statement. Earlier, the foreign currency reserves had dropped to a four-month low at USD 10.97 billion on April 10, 2020, according to the central bank's weekly update on Thursday last week. The reserves had partly depleted due to capital pullout worth around USD 2.69 billion by short-term foreign investors from Pakistan's debt market over the past five to six weeks. Many of them sold premature treasury bills and long-term Pakistan Investment Bonds in panic following the fast spread of the coronavirus across the world. Foreign debt repayments also consumed the foreign currency reserves in the past four months. Pakistan has also approached other multilateral donors for additional funds to fight the pandemic and its economic implications. The World Bank has earlier approved USD 1 billion and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) USD 1.5 billion for Pakistan to keep its economy afloat.

Pakistan receives $1.39 billion emergency loan from IMF to deal with coronavirus crisis

Plasma therapy to fight <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/21797-covid-19-cases-in-india-confirmed-says-icmr-5-lakh-samples-tested-294152">COVID-19</a> infection has been a much discussed topic over the last few months.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/is-india-on-right-track-to-defeat-coronavirus-what-numbers-tell-294174">Also Read:&nbsp;Is India on right track to defeat coronavirus?&nbsp;</a>

On April 20, the ICMR gave permission to a Bengaluru-based research team to carry out a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma as a therapy to combat coronavirus.

Convalescent plasma therapy is an experimental procedure for COVID-19 patients. In this treatment, plasma from a recovered COVID-19 patient is transfused into a coronavirus patient who is in critical condition.

The principle behind this therapy is that immunity can be transferred from a healthy person to a sick patient using convalescent plasma. The blood of the recovered patient would have developed antibodies against COVID-19, which may be beneficial to treat severely sick patients.&nbsp;

Dr Vishal Rao, a renowned Oncologist from Bengaluru, and his team are researching three different approaches to treating COVID-19 as of now - convalescent plasma protocol, cytokine therapy protocol and mesenchymal protocol for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

"In principle what we decided was that there are four groups of patients in COVID-19 which can be divided into three stages. Now 80 per cent of them do not require any treatment other than home rest and isolation. Another 15 per cent will require ICU admission at some point in time. Another 5 per cent will require ventilator support. Now the Cytokine therapy will be targeted on patients who are symptomatic - those who have fever, cough, cold without breathlessness. The second group of patients are those who have breathlessness and on them we are proposing to use Convalescent Plasma. When it comes to the ventilator-dependent patients - Mesenchymal protocol can be used," Dr Vishal Rao told WION.&nbsp;

In 2014, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had recommended plasma therapy to treat the Ebola virus disease. The plasma therapy was also used during Spanish flu pandemic and the H1N1 infection of 2009 as well.&nbsp;

The US-FDA has granted permission for use of convalescent plasma in COVID-19 patients with the therapy being administered in some critical cases. China, where the outbreak first emerged, had used this treatment to treat critical COVID-19 patients as well. Two trials of plasma therapy were conducted on 15 coronavirus patients and they showed improvement.&nbsp;

"The most important aspect here is safety of the clinical trial. When any new therapy is added to any new illness, we need to test its efficacy and check whether it is useful or not and whether it creates any complications," Dr Vishal Rao said.&nbsp;

The therapy, through transfusion of convalescent plasma, may prevent infection or blunt the severity of the infection in individuals with relatively recent exposure to the virus. In India, the Government Medical College in Delhi is also carrying out a trial for the same therapy.&nbsp;

"The way the immune system responds in every virus and every infection is different. Will the same tablet work in every patient? We know the answer is no. In the same way we don’t know how it will work in the current setting. Will it be helpful? What are the complications that might happen? As this is a new virus, our body is responding to it in a different way. That is why it is called a novel coronavirus," Dr Vishal Rao asserted.&nbsp;

The researchers are now arranging the required protocols to be met to start the clinical trial. Fortunately, they don’t have to wait too long for the results. The initial response after administering the plasma to the patient will be within a span of 48 hours.&nbsp;

The first set of results will be assessed within a week of the trials beginning. The trial will be based out of HCG Hospitals in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

According to data from cochrane community - a global independent network of researchers, at least 400 clinical trials are registered across the world for COVID-19 pandemic of which 55 are focused on Convalescent plasma usage.&nbsp;

Plasma therapy to fight COVID-19 infection has been a much discussed topic over the last few months. Also Read: Is India on right track to defeat coronavirus? On April 20, the ICMR gave permission to a Bengaluru-based research team to carry out a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma as a therapy to combat coronavirus.

Plasma therapy to fight COVID-19 infection has been a much discussed topic over the last few months. Also Read: Is India on right track to defeat coronavirus? On April 20, the ICMR gave permission to a Bengaluru-based research team to carry out a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma as a therapy to combat coronavirus. Convalescent plasma therapy is an experimental procedure for COVID-19 patients. In this treatment, plasma from a recovered COVID-19 patient is transfused into a coronavirus patient who is in critical condition. The principle behind this therapy is that immunity can be transferred from a healthy person to a sick patient using convalescent plasma. The blood of the recovered patient would have developed antibodies against COVID-19, which may be beneficial to treat severely sick patients. Dr Vishal Rao, a renowned Oncologist from Bengaluru, and his team are researching three different approaches to treating COVID-19 as of now - convalescent plasma protocol, cytokine therapy protocol and mesenchymal protocol for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. "In principle what we decided was that there are four groups of patients in COVID-19 which can be divided into three stages. Now 80 per cent of them do not require any treatment other than home rest and isolation. Another 15 per cent will require ICU admission at some point in time. Another 5 per cent will require ventilator support. Now the Cytokine therapy will be targeted on patients who are symptomatic - those who have fever, cough, cold without breathlessness. The second group of patients are those who have breathlessness and on them we are proposing to use Convalescent Plasma. When it comes to the ventilator-dependent patients - Mesenchymal protocol can be used," Dr Vishal Rao told WION. In 2014, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had recommended plasma therapy to treat the Ebola virus disease. The plasma therapy was also used during Spanish flu pandemic and the H1N1 infection of 2009 as well. The US-FDA has granted permission for use of convalescent plasma in COVID-19 patients with the therapy being administered in some critical cases. China, where the outbreak first emerged, had used this treatment to treat critical COVID-19 patients as well. Two trials of plasma therapy were conducted on 15 coronavirus patients and they showed improvement. "The most important aspect here is safety of the clinical trial. When any new therapy is added to any new illness, we need to test its efficacy and check whether it is useful or not and whether it creates any complications," Dr Vishal Rao said. The therapy, through transfusion of convalescent plasma, may prevent infection or blunt the severity of the infection in individuals with relatively recent exposure to the virus. In India, the Government Medical College in Delhi is also carrying out a trial for the same therapy. "The way the immune system responds in every virus and every infection is different. Will the same tablet work in every patient? We know the answer is no. In the same way we don’t know how it will work in the current setting. Will it be helpful? What are the complications that might happen? As this is a new virus, our body is responding to it in a different way. That is why it is called a novel coronavirus," Dr Vishal Rao asserted. The researchers are now arranging the required protocols to be met to start the clinical trial. Fortunately, they don’t have to wait too long for the results. The initial response after administering the plasma to the patient will be within a span of 48 hours. The first set of results will be assessed within a week of the trials beginning. The trial will be based out of HCG Hospitals in Bengaluru. According to data from cochrane community - a global independent network of researchers, at least 400 clinical trials are registered across the world for COVID-19 pandemic of which 55 are focused on Convalescent plasma usage.

Bengaluru team to conduct trial on convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients

During coronavirus lockdown in France, Bordeaux town hall has reinforced its meal delivery service for isolated senior citizens, assuring 1,100 to 1,200 meals daily compared to 600 before the COVID-19 crisis.

Doorstep meal delivery in France cheer up isolated senior citizens

covid-19-0

Covid 19, News on Covid 19, stories on Covid 19, articles on Covid 19, Covid 19 stories at Wion, Covid 19 news, Covid 19 latest news

covid 19-0