Tanzania's president claimed the coronavirus "cannot sit in the body of Christ".

Israel's health minister dismissed a potential curfew by saying that "the Messiah will come and save us".

A global Muslim missionary movement held mass gatherings&nbsp;and took blame for spreading the disease.

While most leaders of major religions have supported governments' efforts to fight the pandemic by limiting gatherings, a minority of the faithful&nbsp;in both religious and secular institutions&nbsp;have not.

Some have insisted that in-person worship should continue because of the relief it can provide. Others have suggested that faith is an authority higher than science, and belief can turn back contagion.

The struggle to adapt religious behaviours to a pandemic that doesn't distinguish between denominations or national boundaries was especially urgent in its earliest weeks, before many countries fully locked down.

But as more officials trace virus hot spots back to faith gatherings, calls have grown louder for the devout to protect each other's physical well-being first.

"One of the things that most religious faiths stress in the first instance is to care for the most vulnerable in a community, to save others' lives as a primary focus," said L Gregory Jones, dean of Duke University's divinity school.

But for some people of faith -- particularly those whose churches, synagogues and mosques are important community centres that focus appears to conflict with the very fabric of their lives.

In majority-Christian Tanzania, President John Magufuli told a church congregation last month that he was "not afraid of coming here" because the virus could be combatted with belief.

Israeli Health Minister Yaakov Litzman had insisted on exempting synagogues and other religious institutions from limits on public gatherings, according to Israeli media reports, only to come down with the virus himself this month -- apparently after failing to heed the social distancing precautions he had publicly preached.

Litzman is now widely seen as a symbol of lax attitudes that led to a disproportionate number of cases in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community that he belongs to, which makes up just over 10% of the population.

Though he dismissed a possible Passover curfew last month, Israel ultimately imposed a national lockdown on the holiday's first night.

In India, the Muslim missionary movement Tablighi Jamaat came under fire with the online circulation of an audio clip said to be of its chief Maulana Saad, urging the faithful to continue to congregate at mosques.

"They say that the infection will spread if you gather at a mosque, this is false," Saad told worshippers. "If you die by coming to the mosque, then this is the best place to die."

Indeed, many Muslim clerics and religious authorities across the world have worked to promote mosque closures or other restrictions.

But the Pakistani government -- accused of moving too slowly to curb gatherings -- refused to order mosques closed. Instead, it limited congregants to five or less. Still, some hardliners remained defiant despite advice to stay at home from the country's Islamic Ideology Council.

Maulana Abdul Aziz, a cleric at the Red Mosque in Islamabad, urged the faithful to challenge restrictions, arguing it was a sin to keep mosques empty.

In India, authorities said they linked hundreds of infections to Tablighi Jamaat's activities and accused the movement's leadership of negligence.

Most US religious services have paused or shifted online as the federal government discourages group gatherings to help contain the virus. But a few faith leaders and congregants in America, where religious freedom was already a political minefield, have rebelled against those limits and claimed an incursion on their rights.

Others have taken less aggressive steps to assert the power of communal worship, pointing to what they see as the ability of belief to heal the pandemic's spiritual pain.

Retired Catholic moral theologian Janet Smith is among those in her faith urging bishops to support the restoration of the holy sacraments, delivered in person using tactics that wouldn't flout governmental orders.

"We believe that Jesus is really there and is bringing graces in the world that will help stop this coronavirus," said Smith, who recently retired from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. She suggested outdoor and drive-up meetings with priests as options for receiving sacraments.

Susannah Heschel, professor of Jewish studies at Dartmouth College, pointed to an assumption among some that "we control God, and we don't as if somehow, if we pray in a large number in a church or a mosque or synagogue, somehow this virus will come to an end".

Seeking solace in spirituality or relying on religious rituals for relief and protection, some believers across faiths have continued to shrug off coronavirus risks as they worship.

Last month in Iraq, some defied a curfew to observe the anniversary of the death of revered Shiite Imam Moussa al-Kadhim.

One of the visitors who have trekked to the imam's gold-domed shrine complex, Ayoub al-Moussawi, said he has over the years braved threats to perform religious visits.

"We have always been subjected to all sort of things from bombs to explosive devices, but protection comes from God. This time it's the corona pandemic," said al-Moussawi.

Tanzania's president claimed the coronavirus "cannot sit in the body of Christ". Israel's health minister dismissed a potential curfew by saying that "the Messiah will come and save us".

Tanzania's president claimed the coronavirus "cannot sit in the body of Christ". Israel's health minister dismissed a potential curfew by saying that "the Messiah will come and save us". A global Muslim missionary movement held mass gatherings and took blame for spreading the disease. While most leaders of major religions have supported governments' efforts to fight the pandemic by limiting gatherings, a minority of the faithful in both religious and secular institutions have not. Some have insisted that in-person worship should continue because of the relief it can provide. Others have suggested that faith is an authority higher than science, and belief can turn back contagion. The struggle to adapt religious behaviours to a pandemic that doesn't distinguish between denominations or national boundaries was especially urgent in its earliest weeks, before many countries fully locked down. But as more officials trace virus hot spots back to faith gatherings, calls have grown louder for the devout to protect each other's physical well-being first. "One of the things that most religious faiths stress in the first instance is to care for the most vulnerable in a community, to save others' lives as a primary focus," said L Gregory Jones, dean of Duke University's divinity school. But for some people of faith -- particularly those whose churches, synagogues and mosques are important community centres that focus appears to conflict with the very fabric of their lives. In majority-Christian Tanzania, President John Magufuli told a church congregation last month that he was "not afraid of coming here" because the virus could be combatted with belief. Israeli Health Minister Yaakov Litzman had insisted on exempting synagogues and other religious institutions from limits on public gatherings, according to Israeli media reports, only to come down with the virus himself this month -- apparently after failing to heed the social distancing precautions he had publicly preached. Litzman is now widely seen as a symbol of lax attitudes that led to a disproportionate number of cases in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community that he belongs to, which makes up just over 10% of the population. Though he dismissed a possible Passover curfew last month, Israel ultimately imposed a national lockdown on the holiday's first night. In India, the Muslim missionary movement Tablighi Jamaat came under fire with the online circulation of an audio clip said to be of its chief Maulana Saad, urging the faithful to continue to congregate at mosques. "They say that the infection will spread if you gather at a mosque, this is false," Saad told worshippers. "If you die by coming to the mosque, then this is the best place to die." Indeed, many Muslim clerics and religious authorities across the world have worked to promote mosque closures or other restrictions. But the Pakistani government -- accused of moving too slowly to curb gatherings -- refused to order mosques closed. Instead, it limited congregants to five or less. Still, some hardliners remained defiant despite advice to stay at home from the country's Islamic Ideology Council. Maulana Abdul Aziz, a cleric at the Red Mosque in Islamabad, urged the faithful to challenge restrictions, arguing it was a sin to keep mosques empty. In India, authorities said they linked hundreds of infections to Tablighi Jamaat's activities and accused the movement's leadership of negligence. Most US religious services have paused or shifted online as the federal government discourages group gatherings to help contain the virus. But a few faith leaders and congregants in America, where religious freedom was already a political minefield, have rebelled against those limits and claimed an incursion on their rights. Others have taken less aggressive steps to assert the power of communal worship, pointing to what they see as the ability of belief to heal the pandemic's spiritual pain. Retired Catholic moral theologian Janet Smith is among those in her faith urging bishops to support the restoration of the holy sacraments, delivered in person using tactics that wouldn't flout governmental orders. "We believe that Jesus is really there and is bringing graces in the world that will help stop this coronavirus," said Smith, who recently retired from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. She suggested outdoor and drive-up meetings with priests as options for receiving sacraments. Susannah Heschel, professor of Jewish studies at Dartmouth College, pointed to an assumption among some that "we control God, and we don't as if somehow, if we pray in a large number in a church or a mosque or synagogue, somehow this virus will come to an end". Seeking solace in spirituality or relying on religious rituals for relief and protection, some believers across faiths have continued to shrug off coronavirus risks as they worship. Last month in Iraq, some defied a curfew to observe the anniversary of the death of revered Shiite Imam Moussa al-Kadhim. One of the visitors who have trekked to the imam's gold-domed shrine complex, Ayoub al-Moussawi, said he has over the years braved threats to perform religious visits. "We have always been subjected to all sort of things from bombs to explosive devices, but protection comes from God. This time it's the corona pandemic," said al-Moussawi.

Coronavirus: A virus that hits all faiths tests religion's tie to science

China and other countries could be hit by a second wave of coronavirus in November, an expert has warned as the world's second largest economy limped back to normalcy after a three-month-long grim battle against the pandemic.

Zhang Wenhong, who heads the Covid-19 clinical expert team in Shanghai, said countries would have to take a flexible approach to recurring outbreaks.

While countries around the world may be able to bring the deadly pandemic under adequate control by autumn, the coming winter may bring a second wave of infections in China and elsewhere, he said.

Zhang's comments come even as Chinese officials gradually eased quarantine restrictions as part of efforts to revive the country's economy.

As of Wednesday, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in China reached 82,341. Altogether 3,342 people have died of the disease, according to the National Health Commission of China.&nbsp;

Predicting that the US will bring its outbreak under control by May, Zhang also called for the two countries to cooperate more closely on the pandemic.

China and other countries could be hit by a second wave of coronavirus in November, an expert has warned as the world's second largest economy limped back to normalcy after a three-month-long grim battle against the pandemic.

China and other countries could be hit by a second wave of coronavirus in November, an expert has warned as the world's second largest economy limped back to normalcy after a three-month-long grim battle against the pandemic. Zhang Wenhong, who heads the Covid-19 clinical expert team in Shanghai, said countries would have to take a flexible approach to recurring outbreaks. While countries around the world may be able to bring the deadly pandemic under adequate control by autumn, the coming winter may bring a second wave of infections in China and elsewhere, he said. Zhang's comments come even as Chinese officials gradually eased quarantine restrictions as part of efforts to revive the country's economy. As of Wednesday, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in China reached 82,341. Altogether 3,342 people have died of the disease, according to the National Health Commission of China. Predicting that the US will bring its outbreak under control by May, Zhang also called for the two countries to cooperate more closely on the pandemic.

China may be hit by second wave of coronavirus in November, says expert

World Is One News, WION exclusively speaks to Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Indian Ambassador to United States of America.

Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Indian envoy to US Exclusively speaks to WION

The United States government is exploring the possibility that the novel coronavirus originated in a Chinese laboratory rather than a wet market. Sources have, however, cautioned it was premature to draw any conclusions.

The novel coronavirus, ever since its outbreak in&nbsp;China's Wuhan, has developed into COVID-19 pandemic, claiming at least 1,36,908 lives.

More than 2 million people have been infected.

Fox News reported on Wednesday that the virus originated in a Wuhan laboratory not as a bioweapon, but as part of China’s effort to demonstrate that its efforts to identify and combat viruses are equal to or greater than the capabilities of the United States.

This report and others have suggested the Wuhan lab where virology experiments take place and lax safety standards there led to someone getting infected and appearing at a nearby “wet” market, where the virus began to spread.

The theory&nbsp;adds the virus&nbsp;was accidentally released to the public. It&nbsp;has been pushed by supporters of US President Donald Trump.

To this end,&nbsp;US President Donald Trump, in a press briefing on Wednesday, said his government is trying to determine whether the coronavirus emanated from a lab in Wuhan, China, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Beijing “needs to come clean” on what they know. “We are doing a very thorough examination of this horrible situation that happened,” he said.

Asked if he had raised the subject in his conversations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said: “I don’t want to discuss what I talked to him about the laboratory, I just don’t want to discuss, it’s inappropriate right now.”

Other sources told CNN that US intelligence hasn't been able to corroborate the theory but is trying to discern whether someone was infected in the lab through an accident or poor handling of materials and may have then infected others.

The Washington Post has reported on State Department cables from 2018 demonstrating concerns about the safety and the management of the Wuhan Institute of Virology biolab.

&nbsp;

The United States government is exploring the possibility that the novel coronavirus originated in a Chinese laboratory rather than a wet market. Sources have, however, cautioned it was premature to draw any conclusions.

The United States government is exploring the possibility that the novel coronavirus originated in a Chinese laboratory rather than a wet market. Sources have, however, cautioned it was premature to draw any conclusions. The novel coronavirus, ever since its outbreak in China's Wuhan, has developed into COVID-19 pandemic, claiming at least 1,36,908 lives. More than 2 million people have been infected. Fox News reported on Wednesday that the virus originated in a Wuhan laboratory not as a bioweapon, but as part of China’s effort to demonstrate that its efforts to identify and combat viruses are equal to or greater than the capabilities of the United States. This report and others have suggested the Wuhan lab where virology experiments take place and lax safety standards there led to someone getting infected and appearing at a nearby “wet” market, where the virus began to spread. The theory adds the virus was accidentally released to the public. It has been pushed by supporters of US President Donald Trump. To this end, US President Donald Trump, in a press briefing on Wednesday, said his government is trying to determine whether the coronavirus emanated from a lab in Wuhan, China, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Beijing “needs to come clean” on what they know. “We are doing a very thorough examination of this horrible situation that happened,” he said. Asked if he had raised the subject in his conversations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said: “I don’t want to discuss what I talked to him about the laboratory, I just don’t want to discuss, it’s inappropriate right now.” Other sources told CNN that US intelligence hasn't been able to corroborate the theory but is trying to discern whether someone was infected in the lab through an accident or poor handling of materials and may have then infected others. The Washington Post has reported on State Department cables from 2018 demonstrating concerns about the safety and the management of the Wuhan Institute of Virology biolab.

US investigating if coronavirus came from Wuhan lab, not wet market

Karachi -- one of the largest cities in Pakistan -- has seen an unusual rise in the number of bodies being brought to hospitals and of patients dying due to "severe medical ailments" within a few hours of their arrival. This has been happening even as the COVID-19 pandemic is ravaging the entire world, forcing people to suspect all of these cases are coronavirus-related.

Pakistan so far has reported a total of 6,506 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 123 deaths, including over 40 in Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital. &nbsp;

A report in the daily The News cited claims that more than 300 patients -- who were either dead on arrival (DOA) or extremely sick with “pneumonia-like symptoms” and died within hours of their arrival --&nbsp;were brought to&nbsp;hospitals in Karachi in the past 15 days.

Authorities in these cases were not able to ascertain whether or not the patients had contracted coronavirus because relatives refused permission for doctors to carry out autopsies of the bodies.

The "most likely" causes of deaths ranged from chronic liver disease, multiple organ failure, cardiopulmonary arrest, pneumonia and even acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Another report said at least 121 dead people were brought to one of the biggest hospitals in the city and 99 others died within a couple of hours of their arrival at the hospital.

To this end, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said his suspicion was that many infections were simply going undetected.

The Sindh government has imposed a complete lockdown, while in Pakistan, including the national capital of Islamabad, a partial lockdown is in place.

 
&nbsp;

Karachi -- one of the largest cities in Pakistan -- has seen an unusual rise in the number of bodies being brought to hospitals and of patients dying due to "severe medical ailments" within a few hours of their arrival.

Karachi -- one of the largest cities in Pakistan -- has seen an unusual rise in the number of bodies being brought to hospitals and of patients dying due to "severe medical ailments" within a few hours of their arrival. This has been happening even as the COVID-19 pandemic is ravaging the entire world, forcing people to suspect all of these cases are coronavirus-related. Pakistan so far has reported a total of 6,506 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 123 deaths, including over 40 in Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital. A report in the daily The News cited claims that more than 300 patients -- who were either dead on arrival (DOA) or extremely sick with “pneumonia-like symptoms” and died within hours of their arrival -- were brought to hospitals in Karachi in the past 15 days. Authorities in these cases were not able to ascertain whether or not the patients had contracted coronavirus because relatives refused permission for doctors to carry out autopsies of the bodies. The "most likely" causes of deaths ranged from chronic liver disease, multiple organ failure, cardiopulmonary arrest, pneumonia and even acute respiratory distress syndrome. Another report said at least 121 dead people were brought to one of the biggest hospitals in the city and 99 others died within a couple of hours of their arrival at the hospital. To this end, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said his suspicion was that many infections were simply going undetected. The Sindh government has imposed a complete lockdown, while in Pakistan, including the national capital of Islamabad, a partial lockdown is in place.

Are number of coronavirus deaths in Pakistan being under-reported?

Singer Rihanna's father Ronald Fenty tested positive for coronavirus in his home country of Barbados but has now beat COVID-19 thanks to the superstar`s help. 
 
According to Page Six, Rihanna's father recently shared with The Sun, "My daughter Robyn was checking in on me every day. I thought I was going to die to be honest. I have to say, I love you so much, Robyn. She did so much for me. I appreciate everything she has done."

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-rihanna-twitter-ceo-jack-dorsey-pledge-42million-for-people-affected-with-domestic-violence-amid-covid-19-crisis-291744"> Rihanna, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey pledge $4.2million for people affected with domestic violence amid COVID-19 crisis&nbsp;</a> 
 
The 32-year-old songstress sent a ventilator to his Caribbean home and gave him "more than enough" to battle the illness that left him feeling weak and frightened for his life. 
 
"I got a fever up inside my nose. I had a fever across my lips. It was just a lot of fever," Fenty revealed. "I feared the worst. I thought I was going to die, honestly."

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/initiatives-taken-by-global-icons-to-combat-coronavirus-pandemic-287487" hreflang="en">Initiatives taken by global icons&nbsp;to combat coronavirus pandemic</a> 
 
The Fenty Beauty founder's father was quarantined for two weeks at the Paragon Isolation Center, after which he was declared virus-free. He is now resting in his St. James home. 
 
Fenty asked of the public to stay at home and said, "I want everybody to stay home. This is a serious situation. More serious than people realize. Please stay home." 
 
The 'Work'` songstress is also using her time and money to help those globally affected by COVID-19, and she has donated $ 5 million&nbsp;to the cause via her Clara Lionel Foundation. 
 
She and Jay-Z also teamed up to donate 1 million USD each to those affected in Los Angeles and New York.Twitter boss Jack Dorsey is also collaborating with Rihanna to help domestic abuse survivors who may have been displaced during the coronavirus pandemic.

Singer Rihanna's father Ronald Fenty tested positive for coronavirus in his home country of Barbados but has now beat COVID-19 thanks to the superstar`s help. According to Page Six, Rihanna's father recently shared with The Sun, "My daughter Robyn was checking in on me every day.

Singer Rihanna's father Ronald Fenty tested positive for coronavirus in his home country of Barbados but has now beat COVID-19 thanks to the superstar`s help. According to Page Six, Rihanna's father recently shared with The Sun, "My daughter Robyn was checking in on me every day. I thought I was going to die to be honest. I have to say, I love you so much, Robyn. She did so much for me. I appreciate everything she has done." Also read: Rihanna, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey pledge $4.2million for people affected with domestic violence amid COVID-19 crisis The 32-year-old songstress sent a ventilator to his Caribbean home and gave him "more than enough" to battle the illness that left him feeling weak and frightened for his life. "I got a fever up inside my nose. I had a fever across my lips. It was just a lot of fever," Fenty revealed. "I feared the worst. I thought I was going to die, honestly." In pics: Initiatives taken by global icons to combat coronavirus pandemic The Fenty Beauty founder's father was quarantined for two weeks at the Paragon Isolation Center, after which he was declared virus-free. He is now resting in his St. James home. Fenty asked of the public to stay at home and said, "I want everybody to stay home. This is a serious situation. More serious than people realize. Please stay home." The 'Work'` songstress is also using her time and money to help those globally affected by COVID-19, and she has donated $ 5 million to the cause via her Clara Lionel Foundation. She and Jay-Z also teamed up to donate 1 million USD each to those affected in Los Angeles and New York.Twitter boss Jack Dorsey is also collaborating with Rihanna to help domestic abuse survivors who may have been displaced during the coronavirus pandemic.

Rihanna sent ventilator to dad Robert Fenty after he tested positive for COVID-19

A consignment of 5,50,000 antibody testing kits and 100,000 RNA extraction kits was dispatched by Chinese firms to India on Thursday morning for use in the country’s efforts to prevent and control the spread of Covid-19

MEA clears customs for speedy delivery of supplies from China

Self-isolating species that have mastered social distancing

A 28-year-old pregnant nurse from Britain has died after contracting coronavirus but her baby girl was delivered successfully and is healthy now.

Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who worked as a nurse on a general ward at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital for five years, died of COVID-19 on Sunday.

Her baby daughter was delivered successfully by caesarean section and is doing well, the hospital said.&nbsp;

"It is with great sadness that I can confirm the death of one of our nurses, Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who passed away on Sunday," said David Carter, chief executive of the trust.

"Mary worked here for five years and was a highly valued and loved member of our team, a fantastic nurse and a great example of what we stand for in this trust.

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary's family and friends at this sad time." The announcement of the death comes amid an ongoing row over the lack of protective equipment provided for frontline healthcare staff in the UK during the crisis.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK has reached 98,476. A total of 12,868 people confirmed to have had the virus have died. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A 28-year-old pregnant nurse from Britain has died after contracting coronavirus but her baby girl was delivered successfully and is healthy now. Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who worked as a nurse on a general ward at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital for five years, died of COVID-19 on Sunday.

A 28-year-old pregnant nurse from Britain has died after contracting coronavirus but her baby girl was delivered successfully and is healthy now. Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who worked as a nurse on a general ward at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital for five years, died of COVID-19 on Sunday. Her baby daughter was delivered successfully by caesarean section and is doing well, the hospital said. "It is with great sadness that I can confirm the death of one of our nurses, Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who passed away on Sunday," said David Carter, chief executive of the trust. "Mary worked here for five years and was a highly valued and loved member of our team, a fantastic nurse and a great example of what we stand for in this trust. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary's family and friends at this sad time." The announcement of the death comes amid an ongoing row over the lack of protective equipment provided for frontline healthcare staff in the UK during the crisis. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK has reached 98,476. A total of 12,868 people confirmed to have had the virus have died. (With inputs from agencies)

Pregnant UK nurse dies from COVID-19; but baby survives

At least nine Tableeghi Jamaat activists have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Pakistan's Punjab province, taking the total infections to 6,506 in the country, according to a media report on Thursday.

The new cases emerged on Tuesday in different districts of the Punjab province. Two weeks back, 198 Tableeghi Jamaat workers were quarantined in Pakpattan and nine of them have tested positive, Dawn newspaper reported.

"Their test reports were received and of them, one tested positive for the virus in Pakpattan. Similarly six other preachers tested positive for coronavirus in Sahiwal and two others tested positive in Bahawalpur," authorities were quoted as saying in the report.

According to the Johns Hopkins University data, over 2 million people are infected by the virus and more than 136,000 people have died of the disease globally.

Pakistan till now has reported a total of 6,506 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 123 deaths, the paper reported.

Quoting sources, the report said the district police has quarantined members of Tableeghi Jamaat in a mosques in Dhoore Kote near Khairpur Daha.

One of them developed symptoms of coronavirus and later became the first positive case in the area, police said.

The other Tableeghi Jamaat activist was also transported from a mosque to the hospital.

Earlier, the Tableeghi Jamaat held a convention in Lahore in March, ignoring warnings by officials and later its members spread the disease across the country.

At least nine Tableeghi Jamaat activists have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Pakistan's Punjab province, taking the total infections to 6,506 in the country, according to a media report on Thursday.

At least nine Tableeghi Jamaat activists have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Pakistan's Punjab province, taking the total infections to 6,506 in the country, according to a media report on Thursday. The new cases emerged on Tuesday in different districts of the Punjab province. Two weeks back, 198 Tableeghi Jamaat workers were quarantined in Pakpattan and nine of them have tested positive, Dawn newspaper reported. "Their test reports were received and of them, one tested positive for the virus in Pakpattan. Similarly six other preachers tested positive for coronavirus in Sahiwal and two others tested positive in Bahawalpur," authorities were quoted as saying in the report. According to the Johns Hopkins University data, over 2 million people are infected by the virus and more than 136,000 people have died of the disease globally. Pakistan till now has reported a total of 6,506 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 123 deaths, the paper reported. Quoting sources, the report said the district police has quarantined members of Tableeghi Jamaat in a mosques in Dhoore Kote near Khairpur Daha. One of them developed symptoms of coronavirus and later became the first positive case in the area, police said. The other Tableeghi Jamaat activist was also transported from a mosque to the hospital. Earlier, the Tableeghi Jamaat held a convention in Lahore in March, ignoring warnings by officials and later its members spread the disease across the country.

Nine Tableeghi Jamaat members test positive for coronavirus in Pakistan

The city council of Wagga Wagga announced&nbsp;to formally cut&nbsp;ties with its Chinese sister city,&nbsp;Kunming&nbsp;because of the ''death and destruction'' caused from the coronavirus outbreak for which the regime is held responsible.

The council last night narrowly voted to pass the motion. It was pushed through with the support of three conservative councillors, while others, including the city’s mayor Greg Conkey, were absent or unable to vote.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/potential-covid-19-vaccines-make-fast-progress-in-china-us-292572" hreflang="en">Potential COVID-19 vaccines make fast progress in China, US</a>

<img alt="Wagga Wagga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ae95133-d9a6-4bde-8b90-1a004312e4d5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/12150068-3x2-700x467.jpg" /> 
In picture:&nbsp;A delegation including the mayor visited Kunming for a conference in December.&nbsp;

(Image courtesy: Wagga Wagga City Council)

The councillor behind the push, Paul Funnell,&nbsp;the former president of the Democratic Labour party,&nbsp;said the "Chinese Communist Government that delights in lies, subterfuge and coverups" and the&nbsp;the council should not have a relationship with a communist regime.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-funding-halt-to-world-health-organisation-292533" hreflang="en">Trump announces funding halt to World Health Organisation</a>

Wes Fang, the Wagga Wagga-based Nationals member of the&nbsp;New South Wales&nbsp;upper house, last night said the decision was&nbsp;''nothing short of appalling'' and ''racially motivated dog whistling of the worst kind".

However,&nbsp;Funnell&nbsp;denied it was a racist move and said that the decision was about ''communism&nbsp;and&nbsp;not racism''.

“If we don’t sever ties with the afore mentioned (sic) anti-democratic organisations we are giving tacit approval to the PRC regime that what they are doing is alright, just by our ongoing relationship,'' he added.

He also said that ''we must show solidarity with all the victims of Covid-19, health care workers, frontline services, and also to our sister city and friends in places such as Fort Leavenworth in the United States. We must not show solidarity with the very regime that bears ultimate responsibility.''

Wagga Wagga, a city in New South Wales recognised Kunming as its Chinese sister city&nbsp;since 1988.

The city council of Wagga Wagga announced to formally cut ties with its Chinese sister city, Kunming because of the ''death and destruction'' caused from the coronavirus outbreak for which the regime is held responsible.

The city council of Wagga Wagga announced to formally cut ties with its Chinese sister city, Kunming because of the ''death and destruction'' caused from the coronavirus outbreak for which the regime is held responsible. The council last night narrowly voted to pass the motion. It was pushed through with the support of three conservative councillors, while others, including the city’s mayor Greg Conkey, were absent or unable to vote. Also read: Potential COVID-19 vaccines make fast progress in China, US In picture: A delegation including the mayor visited Kunming for a conference in December. (Image courtesy: Wagga Wagga City Council) The councillor behind the push, Paul Funnell, the former president of the Democratic Labour party, said the "Chinese Communist Government that delights in lies, subterfuge and coverups" and the the council should not have a relationship with a communist regime. Also read: Trump announces funding halt to World Health Organisation Wes Fang, the Wagga Wagga-based Nationals member of the New South Wales upper house, last night said the decision was ''nothing short of appalling'' and ''racially motivated dog whistling of the worst kind". However, Funnell denied it was a racist move and said that the decision was about ''communism and not racism''. “If we don’t sever ties with the afore mentioned (sic) anti-democratic organisations we are giving tacit approval to the PRC regime that what they are doing is alright, just by our ongoing relationship,'' he added. He also said that ''we must show solidarity with all the victims of Covid-19, health care workers, frontline services, and also to our sister city and friends in places such as Fort Leavenworth in the United States. We must not show solidarity with the very regime that bears ultimate responsibility.'' Wagga Wagga, a city in New South Wales recognised Kunming as its Chinese sister city since 1988.

Australian city severs tie with Chinese sister city due to COVID-19

Britain is currently standing on the threshold of its deepest recession in 300 years. The country has been warned of pay cuts and up to 2 million job losses caused by the coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

The death toll in UK has hit 12,107. Adding to this woes, government figures have predicted the country’s economy may be slashed by a record 35 per cent by June. Unemployment could rocket to 3.4 &nbsp;million and the deficit may spiral to £218 billion this year.

The figures, produced by the Office for Budget Responsibility, predict the worst GDP slump in a single quarter since records began in 1908.

A three-month lockdown would increase borrowing by £218 billion to £273 billion this financial year, amounting to 14 per cent of GDP.

The OBR also predicted that it would take another three years for the unemployment rate to fall below four percent.

The Chancellor, however, despite the pressure to get the economy back on track insisted it was vital to maintain the curfew. UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has pledged billions of pounds in wage subsidies and loan guarantees to help workers and businesses through the shutdown.

This comes as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it expected the global economy to shrink by three per cent this year. It warned the global economy would suffer its deepest plunge since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

It will also be the first time since the Depression that both advanced, emerging market and developing economies would all be in recession.

The IMF also predicted the UK economy would shrink by 6.5 per cent in 2020, compared with its January forecast for 1.4 per cent GDP growth. A decline of this magnitude would be bigger than the 4.2 per cent drop in output seen in the wake of the financial crisis.

(with inputs)

Britain is currently standing on the threshold of its deepest recession in 300 years. The country has been warned of pay cuts and up to 2 million job losses caused by the coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

Britain is currently standing on the threshold of its deepest recession in 300 years. The country has been warned of pay cuts and up to 2 million job losses caused by the coronavirus-enforced lockdown. The death toll in UK has hit 12,107. Adding to this woes, government figures have predicted the country’s economy may be slashed by a record 35 per cent by June. Unemployment could rocket to 3.4  million and the deficit may spiral to £218 billion this year. The figures, produced by the Office for Budget Responsibility, predict the worst GDP slump in a single quarter since records began in 1908. A three-month lockdown would increase borrowing by £218 billion to £273 billion this financial year, amounting to 14 per cent of GDP. The OBR also predicted that it would take another three years for the unemployment rate to fall below four percent. The Chancellor, however, despite the pressure to get the economy back on track insisted it was vital to maintain the curfew. UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has pledged billions of pounds in wage subsidies and loan guarantees to help workers and businesses through the shutdown. This comes as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it expected the global economy to shrink by three per cent this year. It warned the global economy would suffer its deepest plunge since the Great Depression of the 1930s. It will also be the first time since the Depression that both advanced, emerging market and developing economies would all be in recession. The IMF also predicted the UK economy would shrink by 6.5 per cent in 2020, compared with its January forecast for 1.4 per cent GDP growth. A decline of this magnitude would be bigger than the 4.2 per cent drop in output seen in the wake of the financial crisis. (with inputs)

Amid coronavirus-enforced lockdown, UK to face sharpest economic downturn in centuries

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and major US airlines have reached an agreement on aid amid the coronavirus pandemic, in a bid to pay workers and avoid bankruptcies in the industry.

The indsutry employs as many as 7,50,000 people.

On Tuesday, the Treasury came to terms with 10 airlines, including the four largest -- Delta Air Lines, Americans Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

Some were initially hesitant to accept the money for fear of nationalisation despite the damage done by the virus, which has brought air travel to a standstill.

Congress last month approved a USD 2.2 trillion stimulus plan to rescue the world's largest economy, which includes USD 25 billion for airlines to continue paying employees' salaries and benefits until September 30.

It's expected that the US government would become a minority shareholder in the airlines.

In his statement, Mnuchin said the deal "will support American workers and help preserve the strategic importance of the airline industry while allowing for appropriate compensation to the taxpayers."

In talks last Friday, the Treasury informed the airlines that they'd have to pay back 30 percent of the money they received.

The federal government also wanted warrants in exchange for the help.

Airlines are also eligible for another USD 25 billion in loans to help them resume operations after the pandemic caused air traffic to plunge, meaning carriers to suspended routes, cut back on orders and cancelled hundreds of flights.&nbsp;

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and major US airlines have reached an agreement on aid amid the coronavirus pandemic, in a bid to pay workers and avoid bankruptcies in the industry.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and major US airlines have reached an agreement on aid amid the coronavirus pandemic, in a bid to pay workers and avoid bankruptcies in the industry. The indsutry employs as many as 7,50,000 people. On Tuesday, the Treasury came to terms with 10 airlines, including the four largest -- Delta Air Lines, Americans Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Some were initially hesitant to accept the money for fear of nationalisation despite the damage done by the virus, which has brought air travel to a standstill. Congress last month approved a USD 2.2 trillion stimulus plan to rescue the world's largest economy, which includes USD 25 billion for airlines to continue paying employees' salaries and benefits until September 30. It's expected that the US government would become a minority shareholder in the airlines. In his statement, Mnuchin said the deal "will support American workers and help preserve the strategic importance of the airline industry while allowing for appropriate compensation to the taxpayers." In talks last Friday, the Treasury informed the airlines that they'd have to pay back 30 percent of the money they received. The federal government also wanted warrants in exchange for the help. Airlines are also eligible for another USD 25 billion in loans to help them resume operations after the pandemic caused air traffic to plunge, meaning carriers to suspended routes, cut back on orders and cancelled hundreds of flights.

US Treasury, airlines reach deal on aid to avoid bankruptcy amid coronavirus pandemic

The Indian stock market rose on Wednesday as banking and consumer goods shares followed a rise in US markets overnight. This happened despite India entering into an extended lockdown to contain the coronavirus.

The NSE Nifty 50 index rose 2.66% to 9,233.35 by 0502 GMT, while the benchmark S&amp;P BSE Sensex was up 2.68% at 31,513.43, as trading resumed after a holiday on Tuesday. 
"Domestic markets are now reacting to movement in the US and Asian markets over the last two days. We are catching up with global markets, which were up on some optimism that the COVID-19 situation is coming under control," said Deepak Jasani, head of research at HDFC Securities in Mumbai.

Sentiment was also supported after the government said on Wednesday it will allow opening up of some industries in rural areas after April 20 to reduce the distress caused to millions of people because of the lockdown.

The International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday it expected the global economy to shrink by 3.0% during 2020 in a coronavirus-driven collapse of activity that will mark the steepest downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

India extended a lockdown on its 1.3 billion people until at least May 3 on Tuesday as total COVID-19 cases exceeded 10,000.

Meanwhile, corporate India is heading into the March-quarter earnings season, with IT firm Wipro Ltd set to release its results later in the day. Wipro shares were up&nbsp;

Oil-to-retail conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd was the biggest boost to the indexes, climbing as much as 3.9% to its highest in more than five weeks.

Private-sector lender ICICI Bank Ltd jumped 5.3% and while consumer goods giant Hindustan Unilever Ltd rose 4.8%.

UPL Ltd, a producer of crop protection chemicals, surged 13.4% to a near one-month top after it said on Tuesday all its factories around the world were in operation, and that it does not see "significant" challenges in meeting customer demand. The stock was the top percentage gainer on the Nifty 50 index.

Aluminium producer Hindalco Industries Ltd jumped as much as 9% after its arm completed the $2.8 billion acquisition of U.S.-based rolled products major Aleris.

(with inputs from Reuters)

The Indian stock market rose on Wednesday as banking and consumer goods shares followed a rise in US markets overnight. This happened despite India entering into an extended lockdown to contain the coronavirus.

The Indian stock market rose on Wednesday as banking and consumer goods shares followed a rise in US markets overnight. This happened despite India entering into an extended lockdown to contain the coronavirus. The NSE Nifty 50 index rose 2.66% to 9,233.35 by 0502 GMT, while the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex was up 2.68% at 31,513.43, as trading resumed after a holiday on Tuesday. "Domestic markets are now reacting to movement in the US and Asian markets over the last two days. We are catching up with global markets, which were up on some optimism that the COVID-19 situation is coming under control," said Deepak Jasani, head of research at HDFC Securities in Mumbai. Sentiment was also supported after the government said on Wednesday it will allow opening up of some industries in rural areas after April 20 to reduce the distress caused to millions of people because of the lockdown. The International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday it expected the global economy to shrink by 3.0% during 2020 in a coronavirus-driven collapse of activity that will mark the steepest downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s. India extended a lockdown on its 1.3 billion people until at least May 3 on Tuesday as total COVID-19 cases exceeded 10,000. Meanwhile, corporate India is heading into the March-quarter earnings season, with IT firm Wipro Ltd set to release its results later in the day. Wipro shares were up Oil-to-retail conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd was the biggest boost to the indexes, climbing as much as 3.9% to its highest in more than five weeks. Private-sector lender ICICI Bank Ltd jumped 5.3% and while consumer goods giant Hindustan Unilever Ltd rose 4.8%. UPL Ltd, a producer of crop protection chemicals, surged 13.4% to a near one-month top after it said on Tuesday all its factories around the world were in operation, and that it does not see "significant" challenges in meeting customer demand. The stock was the top percentage gainer on the Nifty 50 index. Aluminium producer Hindalco Industries Ltd jumped as much as 9% after its arm completed the $2.8 billion acquisition of U.S.-based rolled products major Aleris. (with inputs from Reuters)

Nifty, Sensex get a boost despite extension of coronavirus lockdown

UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that misinfo-demic about COVID-19 on various social media platforms such as WhatsApp is proliferating falsehoods and announced a new UN initiative to flood the internet with facts and science to counter the poison of misinformation that is putting more lives at risk.

In a message on Tuesday, the UN secretary-general expressed grave concern over the global 'misinfo-demic' about the novel coronavirus that is spreading "harmful health advice and snake-oil solutions."

"As the world fights the deadly COVID-19 pandemic the most challenging crisis we have faced since the Second World War we are also seeing another epidemic, a dangerous epidemic of misinformation," Guterres said.

"Falsehoods are filling the airwaves. Wild conspiracy theories are infecting the Internet. Hatred is going viral, stigmatising and vilifying people and groups. The world must unite against this disease, too," he said.

Urging nations to reject the lies and nonsense out there, Guterres announced a new United Nations communications response initiative to flood the internet with facts and science while "countering the growing scourge of misinformation, a poison that is putting even more lives at risk." 
Spokesman for the secretary-general, Stephane Dujarric said there has been spread of disinformation about the pandemic on WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms that is not just wrong but that can be harmful to the efforts of treating the pandemic globally. 
He said as part of the new initiative, the UN will be in touch with various social media companies, who themselves have been very active in trying to root out misinformation, suspending accounts of people that are actively pushing out wrong and dangerous information.

"And we think there's a way to do this without hampering everyone's right to free speech," Dujarric said.

He added that the right to free speech needs to be respected and it's a balancing act that is played out every day around the world, even in the most free democracies.

"It is clear that news organisations, social media organisations have responsibilities to make sure not to spread information that is just highly detrimental, if not dangerous,? to global efforts to control the spread of the virus.

In this regard, when asked about comments by US President Donald Trump that hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat the virus when medical professionals have said that medication can be dangerous, Dujarric said the UN chief's message about misinformation is not targeted at one particular individual or one particular Member State.

"It is something that we have seen the world over and is of concern to the secretary-general, and that's why he decided to issue the message," he said.

Guterres said that the ?vaccine? to treat the falsehoods and misinformation is trust in science, in institutions and in each other.

"I salute the journalists and others fact-checking the mountain of misleading stories and social media posts. Social media companies must do more to root out hate and harmful assertions about COVID-19," he said, adding that there must be trust in institutions grounded in responsive, responsible, evidence-based governance and leadership. 
Guterres also underscored that mutual respect and upholding human rights must be "our compass in navigating this crisis."

"With common cause for common sense and facts, we can defeat COVID-19 -- and build a healthier, more equitable, just and resilient world."

Even before the pandemic officially began, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), issued warnings over some of the orchestrated misinformation campaigns designed to erode fact-based journalism.

"There seems to be barely an area left untouched by disinformation in relation to the COVID-19 crisis, ranging from the origin of the coronavirus, through to unproven prevention and cures', and encompassing responses by governments, companies, celebrities and others," UNESCO Director for Policies and Strategies Guy Berger told UN News earlier this week.

And the scale of the problem has prompted the UN agency leading the COVID-19 response, the World Health Organization (WHO), to add a mythbusters section to its online coronavirus advice pages.

Among the claims it refutes are that drinking potent alcoholic drinks, exposure to high temperatures - or conversely, cold weather - can kill the virus.

 
&nbsp;

UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that misinfo-demic about COVID-19 on various social media platforms such as WhatsApp is proliferating falsehoods and announced a new UN initiative to flood the internet with facts and science to counter the poison of misinformation that is putting more lives at risk.

UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that misinfo-demic about COVID-19 on various social media platforms such as WhatsApp is proliferating falsehoods and announced a new UN initiative to flood the internet with facts and science to counter the poison of misinformation that is putting more lives at risk. In a message on Tuesday, the UN secretary-general expressed grave concern over the global 'misinfo-demic' about the novel coronavirus that is spreading "harmful health advice and snake-oil solutions." "As the world fights the deadly COVID-19 pandemic the most challenging crisis we have faced since the Second World War we are also seeing another epidemic, a dangerous epidemic of misinformation," Guterres said. "Falsehoods are filling the airwaves. Wild conspiracy theories are infecting the Internet. Hatred is going viral, stigmatising and vilifying people and groups. The world must unite against this disease, too," he said. Urging nations to reject the lies and nonsense out there, Guterres announced a new United Nations communications response initiative to flood the internet with facts and science while "countering the growing scourge of misinformation, a poison that is putting even more lives at risk." Spokesman for the secretary-general, Stephane Dujarric said there has been spread of disinformation about the pandemic on WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms that is not just wrong but that can be harmful to the efforts of treating the pandemic globally. He said as part of the new initiative, the UN will be in touch with various social media companies, who themselves have been very active in trying to root out misinformation, suspending accounts of people that are actively pushing out wrong and dangerous information. "And we think there's a way to do this without hampering everyone's right to free speech," Dujarric said. He added that the right to free speech needs to be respected and it's a balancing act that is played out every day around the world, even in the most free democracies. "It is clear that news organisations, social media organisations have responsibilities to make sure not to spread information that is just highly detrimental, if not dangerous,? to global efforts to control the spread of the virus. In this regard, when asked about comments by US President Donald Trump that hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat the virus when medical professionals have said that medication can be dangerous, Dujarric said the UN chief's message about misinformation is not targeted at one particular individual or one particular Member State. "It is something that we have seen the world over and is of concern to the secretary-general, and that's why he decided to issue the message," he said. Guterres said that the ?vaccine? to treat the falsehoods and misinformation is trust in science, in institutions and in each other. "I salute the journalists and others fact-checking the mountain of misleading stories and social media posts. Social media companies must do more to root out hate and harmful assertions about COVID-19," he said, adding that there must be trust in institutions grounded in responsive, responsible, evidence-based governance and leadership. Guterres also underscored that mutual respect and upholding human rights must be "our compass in navigating this crisis." "With common cause for common sense and facts, we can defeat COVID-19 -- and build a healthier, more equitable, just and resilient world." Even before the pandemic officially began, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), issued warnings over some of the orchestrated misinformation campaigns designed to erode fact-based journalism. "There seems to be barely an area left untouched by disinformation in relation to the COVID-19 crisis, ranging from the origin of the coronavirus, through to unproven prevention and cures', and encompassing responses by governments, companies, celebrities and others," UNESCO Director for Policies and Strategies Guy Berger told UN News earlier this week. And the scale of the problem has prompted the UN agency leading the COVID-19 response, the World Health Organization (WHO), to add a mythbusters section to its online coronavirus advice pages. Among the claims it refutes are that drinking potent alcoholic drinks, exposure to high temperatures - or conversely, cold weather - can kill the virus.

'Misinfo-demic' about COVID-19 proliferating falsehoods, putting more lives at risk: UN chief

The man, whose social media posts allegedly led to a gathering of large number of migrant workers in suburban Bandra on Tuesday, has been arrested by Mumbai Police.

Vinay Dubey, a resident of neighbouring Navi Mumbai, was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday after he was questioned over his posts on Facebook and other social media platforms. He was initially detained by Navi Mumbai police and later handed over to the police in suburban Bandra.

Dubey had uploaded a video on social media in which he demanded that the Maharashtra government make travel arrangements for migrants, who are stranded due to the coronavirus-enforced lockdown and want to go back to their native places.

Dubey had also tweeted about the issue and called for a national-level protest if trains are not arranged till April 18 to ferry migrants workers to their native places.

He has been booked under IPC Sections 153 A (promoting disharmony, enmity or feelings of hatred between different groups), 117 (abetting commission of offence), 188 (disobedience of order by public servant), 269, 270 (negligent and malignant act likely to spread infection of disease danger to life) and provisions of the Epidemic Diseases Act, he said.

The police suspect his social media messages contributed to the protest by more than 1,000 migrant workers, most of them from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, near Bandra railway station on Tuesday afternoon. They were demanding that the state government make transport arrangements so that they can go back to their native towns and villages.

(with inputs form agencies)

The man, whose social media posts allegedly led to a gathering of large number of migrant workers in suburban Bandra on Tuesday, has been arrested by Mumbai Police.

The man, whose social media posts allegedly led to a gathering of large number of migrant workers in suburban Bandra on Tuesday, has been arrested by Mumbai Police. Vinay Dubey, a resident of neighbouring Navi Mumbai, was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday after he was questioned over his posts on Facebook and other social media platforms. He was initially detained by Navi Mumbai police and later handed over to the police in suburban Bandra. Dubey had uploaded a video on social media in which he demanded that the Maharashtra government make travel arrangements for migrants, who are stranded due to the coronavirus-enforced lockdown and want to go back to their native places. Dubey had also tweeted about the issue and called for a national-level protest if trains are not arranged till April 18 to ferry migrants workers to their native places. He has been booked under IPC Sections 153 A (promoting disharmony, enmity or feelings of hatred between different groups), 117 (abetting commission of offence), 188 (disobedience of order by public servant), 269, 270 (negligent and malignant act likely to spread infection of disease danger to life) and provisions of the Epidemic Diseases Act, he said. The police suspect his social media messages contributed to the protest by more than 1,000 migrant workers, most of them from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, near Bandra railway station on Tuesday afternoon. They were demanding that the state government make transport arrangements so that they can go back to their native towns and villages. (with inputs form agencies)

Coronavirus: Man who incited migrants to assemble in Mumbai's Bandra held

Three potential COVID-19 vaccines -- in the face of the coronavirus pandemic -- are making fast progress in early-stage testing in volunteers in China and the United States.&nbsp;

It's still a long way to go before any of these are readied to be used.

China's CanSino Biologics has begun the second phase of testing its vaccine candidate, China's Ministry of Science and Technology said Tuesday.

In the US, a shot made by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc. is also in works. The first person to receive that experimental vaccine last month returned to a Seattle clinic Tuesday for a second dose.

A third candidate, from Inovio Pharmaceuticals, began giving experimental shots for first-step safety testing last week in the US and hopes to expand its studies to China.

Initial tests focus on safety, and researchers in both countries are trying out different doses of different types of shots. The second phase allows vaccines to be tested in many more people to look for signs that they protect against infection.

The World Health Organisation this week counted more than five dozen other vaccine candidates in earlier stages of development being pursued around the world. Many research groups are teaming up to speed the work; in an announcement Tuesday, vaccine giants Sanofi and GSK became the latest to partner on a candidate.

Last week, CanSino filed a report showing it aimed to enroll 500 people in this next study, comparing two doses of the vaccine to dummy shots. As of Monday, 273 of the volunteers had been injected, state media said.

CanSino's vaccine is based on a genetically engineered shot it created to guard against ebola. The leading US Candidates use a different approach, made from copies of a piece of the coronavirus' genetic code.

(with inputs from AP)

Three potential COVID-19 vaccines -- in the face of the coronavirus pandemic -- are making fast progress in early-stage testing in volunteers in China and the United States.

Three potential COVID-19 vaccines -- in the face of the coronavirus pandemic -- are making fast progress in early-stage testing in volunteers in China and the United States. It's still a long way to go before any of these are readied to be used. China's CanSino Biologics has begun the second phase of testing its vaccine candidate, China's Ministry of Science and Technology said Tuesday. In the US, a shot made by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc. is also in works. The first person to receive that experimental vaccine last month returned to a Seattle clinic Tuesday for a second dose. A third candidate, from Inovio Pharmaceuticals, began giving experimental shots for first-step safety testing last week in the US and hopes to expand its studies to China. Initial tests focus on safety, and researchers in both countries are trying out different doses of different types of shots. The second phase allows vaccines to be tested in many more people to look for signs that they protect against infection. The World Health Organisation this week counted more than five dozen other vaccine candidates in earlier stages of development being pursued around the world. Many research groups are teaming up to speed the work; in an announcement Tuesday, vaccine giants Sanofi and GSK became the latest to partner on a candidate. Last week, CanSino filed a report showing it aimed to enroll 500 people in this next study, comparing two doses of the vaccine to dummy shots. As of Monday, 273 of the volunteers had been injected, state media said. CanSino's vaccine is based on a genetically engineered shot it created to guard against ebola. The leading US Candidates use a different approach, made from copies of a piece of the coronavirus' genetic code. (with inputs from AP)

Potential COVID-19 vaccines make fast progress in China, US

A potentially pathogenic coronavirus has been detected in Indian bats, stressing the need for enhancing screening for the deadly viruses in them. This was discovered under a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which was a step towards understanding the coronavirus circulation in Indian bats.&nbsp;

There have been studies and theories that the coronavirus pandemic which spread from Wuhan in China had originated from bats.

The ICMR study for the first time has found the presence of a different kind of coronavirus, bat coronavirus (BtCoV) in two bat species from these four states. According to the study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, there is no evidence to suggest that the bat coronaviruses can cause disease in humans.

Bats from the Rousettus and Pteropus species from the four states were found positive. These bat coronaviruses are not related to the SARS-CoV2 which is causing the Covid 19 pandemic. The Pteropus bat species were earlier found positive for Nipah virus in 2018 and 2019 in Kerala.

The study by the ICMR found the presence of a bat coronavirus in bat species from Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu.

"Bats are considered to be the natural reservoir for many viruses, of which some are potential human pathogens. In India, an association of Pteropus medius bats with the Nipah virus was reported in the past. It is suspected that the recently emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) also has its association with bats," the objective of the study titled 'Detection of coronaviruses in Pteropus and Rousettus species of bats from different states of India' said.

In conclusion, the study showed detection of pathogenic CoVs in two species of Indian bats. Continuous active surveillance is required to identify the emerging novel viruses with epidemic potential.

"There is a need of proactive surveillance of zoonotic infections in bats. Detection and identifications of such aetiological agents will provide leads for the development of diagnostic along with preparedness and readiness to deal with such emergent viruses thereby quickly containing them," the study said.

Although CoVs in the subfamily Coronavirinae do not usually produce clinical symptoms in their natural hosts (bats), accidental transmission of these viruses to humans and other animals may result in respiratory, enteric, hepatic or neurologic diseases of variable severity. It is still not understood as to why only certain CoVs can infect people, the study said.

A potentially pathogenic coronavirus has been detected in Indian bats, stressing the need for enhancing screening for the deadly viruses in them. This was discovered under a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which was a step towards understanding the coronavirus circulation in Indian bats.

A potentially pathogenic coronavirus has been detected in Indian bats, stressing the need for enhancing screening for the deadly viruses in them. This was discovered under a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which was a step towards understanding the coronavirus circulation in Indian bats. There have been studies and theories that the coronavirus pandemic which spread from Wuhan in China had originated from bats. The ICMR study for the first time has found the presence of a different kind of coronavirus, bat coronavirus (BtCoV) in two bat species from these four states. According to the study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, there is no evidence to suggest that the bat coronaviruses can cause disease in humans. Bats from the Rousettus and Pteropus species from the four states were found positive. These bat coronaviruses are not related to the SARS-CoV2 which is causing the Covid 19 pandemic. The Pteropus bat species were earlier found positive for Nipah virus in 2018 and 2019 in Kerala. The study by the ICMR found the presence of a bat coronavirus in bat species from Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. "Bats are considered to be the natural reservoir for many viruses, of which some are potential human pathogens. In India, an association of Pteropus medius bats with the Nipah virus was reported in the past. It is suspected that the recently emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) also has its association with bats," the objective of the study titled 'Detection of coronaviruses in Pteropus and Rousettus species of bats from different states of India' said. In conclusion, the study showed detection of pathogenic CoVs in two species of Indian bats. Continuous active surveillance is required to identify the emerging novel viruses with epidemic potential. "There is a need of proactive surveillance of zoonotic infections in bats. Detection and identifications of such aetiological agents will provide leads for the development of diagnostic along with preparedness and readiness to deal with such emergent viruses thereby quickly containing them," the study said. Although CoVs in the subfamily Coronavirinae do not usually produce clinical symptoms in their natural hosts (bats), accidental transmission of these viruses to humans and other animals may result in respiratory, enteric, hepatic or neurologic diseases of variable severity. It is still not understood as to why only certain CoVs can infect people, the study said.

Coronavirus, found in Indian bats, not evidently connected to COVID-19

The United Kingdom's true death toll from the novel coronavirus far exceeds estimates previously published by the government, according to broader official data that include deaths in the community such as in nursing homes.

Even before the new figures, the official British death toll was the fifth-highest globally and a senior scientific adviser to the government has said the country risks becoming the worst-hit in Europe.

The Office for National Statistics said 5,979 people in England had died by April 3 with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, mentioned on their death certificates -- 15% higher than numbers published by the health service.

"I am not remotely surprised there would be an undercounting," Bill Hanage, associate professor of epidemiology at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told Reuters.

"The UK hospital death toll that you are seeing -- the one on the news each night -- is a composite of things that have been trickling in over a period of time. It is not an exact number and does not include the numbers dying in places such as nursing homes."

The new numbers, which reflect both deaths caused primarily by COVID-19 and where it was mentioned as a factor, show how limited British official data has been so far.

Daily figures published by the health ministry record only COVID-19 deaths in hospitals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-death-toll-tops-12000-in-britain-292554">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19 death toll tops 12,000 in Britain</a>

Compared with the ONS figures, these daily counts had understated the true death toll for England and Wales by 52% as of April 3, although this had narrowed from 70% a week earlier.

Still, it raises the likelihood that the latest death toll for the UK as a whole -- 12,107 as of April 13 -- is in reality thousands higher when deaths outside hospitals are included. 
"These new figures ... clearly show the impact of COVID-19 for the first time," said Martin Hibberd, professor of emerging infectious disease at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

London was hit particularly hard in the week to April 3, when the ONS said nearly half (46.6%) of deaths in the capital involved COVID-19.

UK COVID RESPONSE

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is now recuperating from COVID-19 complications that almost cost him his life, initially refrained from imposing the same stringent controls as other European leaders to counter the outbreak.

But as projections showed 250,000 Britons could be lost to the virus, Johnson moved to shutter the world`s fifth-largest economy and told people to stay at home.

"The UK response was fractured and it was too late, and allowed a large number of people to become infected who didn't need to become infected," said Hanage at Harvard.

"This is the start of the pandemic, not the end, and people need to understand that."

Hanage suggested a focus on testing, using new digital technologies to give targetted advice to the population, or even detecting the virus in sewage.

Government scientists have said the United Kingdom will do well if it manages to keep the coronavirus death toll below 20,000. Italy has reported a death toll of more than 20,000.

Including Wales, some 6,235 people had died by April 3, the ONS said. Separate data from Scotland last week showed 354 deaths involved COVID-19 as of April 5. In Northern Ireland, the toll stood at 79 as of April 3.

Across England and Wales, deaths mentioning COVID-19 accounted for 21.2% of all deaths, compared with 4.8% in the previous week.

The broader reading of total deaths showed that 16,387 people died in the week ending April 3 -- the highest total since weekly death data started to be compiled in 2005.

The United Kingdom's true death toll from the novel coronavirus far exceeds estimates previously published by the government, according to broader official data that include deaths in the community such as in nursing homes.

The United Kingdom's true death toll from the novel coronavirus far exceeds estimates previously published by the government, according to broader official data that include deaths in the community such as in nursing homes. Even before the new figures, the official British death toll was the fifth-highest globally and a senior scientific adviser to the government has said the country risks becoming the worst-hit in Europe. The Office for National Statistics said 5,979 people in England had died by April 3 with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, mentioned on their death certificates -- 15% higher than numbers published by the health service. "I am not remotely surprised there would be an undercounting," Bill Hanage, associate professor of epidemiology at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told Reuters. "The UK hospital death toll that you are seeing -- the one on the news each night -- is a composite of things that have been trickling in over a period of time. It is not an exact number and does not include the numbers dying in places such as nursing homes." The new numbers, which reflect both deaths caused primarily by COVID-19 and where it was mentioned as a factor, show how limited British official data has been so far. Daily figures published by the health ministry record only COVID-19 deaths in hospitals. Also read | COVID-19 death toll tops 12,000 in Britain Compared with the ONS figures, these daily counts had understated the true death toll for England and Wales by 52% as of April 3, although this had narrowed from 70% a week earlier. Still, it raises the likelihood that the latest death toll for the UK as a whole -- 12,107 as of April 13 -- is in reality thousands higher when deaths outside hospitals are included. "These new figures ... clearly show the impact of COVID-19 for the first time," said Martin Hibberd, professor of emerging infectious disease at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. London was hit particularly hard in the week to April 3, when the ONS said nearly half (46.6%) of deaths in the capital involved COVID-19. UK COVID RESPONSE Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is now recuperating from COVID-19 complications that almost cost him his life, initially refrained from imposing the same stringent controls as other European leaders to counter the outbreak. But as projections showed 250,000 Britons could be lost to the virus, Johnson moved to shutter the world`s fifth-largest economy and told people to stay at home. "The UK response was fractured and it was too late, and allowed a large number of people to become infected who didn't need to become infected," said Hanage at Harvard. "This is the start of the pandemic, not the end, and people need to understand that." Hanage suggested a focus on testing, using new digital technologies to give targetted advice to the population, or even detecting the virus in sewage. Government scientists have said the United Kingdom will do well if it manages to keep the coronavirus death toll below 20,000. Italy has reported a death toll of more than 20,000. Including Wales, some 6,235 people had died by April 3, the ONS said. Separate data from Scotland last week showed 354 deaths involved COVID-19 as of April 5. In Northern Ireland, the toll stood at 79 as of April 3. Across England and Wales, deaths mentioning COVID-19 accounted for 21.2% of all deaths, compared with 4.8% in the previous week. The broader reading of total deaths showed that 16,387 people died in the week ending April 3 -- the highest total since weekly death data started to be compiled in 2005.

UK coronavirus death toll could be far higher than previously shown

The death toll from the novel coronavirus reached 12,107 in the United Kingdom on Tuesday, an increase of 778 in a single day.

The Department of Health and Social Care said a total of 93,873 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, and that 382,650 tests had concluded on Tuesday.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has suggested the total number of virus-related deaths in Britain is significantly higher than the figures published by the National Health Service (NHS) and the health department, which only count hospital deaths.

According to the ONS, around one in 10 coronavirus-related deaths registered up to April 3 in England and Wales took place outside hospitals.

"These are tough times and there will be more to come," said Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak during a Downing Street daily press briefing, adding that the latest death figures are a "powerful reminder" of the need for people to stick to social distancing rules.

Sunak stressed that Britain's strategy was not about "choosing" between people's health and the health of the economy, calling "not to take action to protect people`s health" as "self-defeating".

According to Xinhua news agency, earlier Tuesday, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) warned Britain's economy could shrink by 35 per cent in the second quarter, and the unemployment could rise by more than 2 million to 10 per cent during that period of time.

The provisional number of deaths registered in England and Wales in the week ending April 3 (week 14) was 16,387, representing an increase of 5,246 deaths registered compared with the previous week (week 13) and 6,082 more than the five-year average, according to the ONS.

The death toll from the novel coronavirus reached 12,107 in the United Kingdom on Tuesday, an increase of 778 in a single day. The Department of Health and Social Care said a total of 93,873 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, and that 382,650 tests had concluded on Tuesday.

The death toll from the novel coronavirus reached 12,107 in the United Kingdom on Tuesday, an increase of 778 in a single day. The Department of Health and Social Care said a total of 93,873 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, and that 382,650 tests had concluded on Tuesday. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has suggested the total number of virus-related deaths in Britain is significantly higher than the figures published by the National Health Service (NHS) and the health department, which only count hospital deaths. According to the ONS, around one in 10 coronavirus-related deaths registered up to April 3 in England and Wales took place outside hospitals. "These are tough times and there will be more to come," said Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak during a Downing Street daily press briefing, adding that the latest death figures are a "powerful reminder" of the need for people to stick to social distancing rules. Sunak stressed that Britain's strategy was not about "choosing" between people's health and the health of the economy, calling "not to take action to protect people`s health" as "self-defeating". According to Xinhua news agency, earlier Tuesday, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) warned Britain's economy could shrink by 35 per cent in the second quarter, and the unemployment could rise by more than 2 million to 10 per cent during that period of time. The provisional number of deaths registered in England and Wales in the week ending April 3 (week 14) was 16,387, representing an increase of 5,246 deaths registered compared with the previous week (week 13) and 6,082 more than the five-year average, according to the ONS.

COVID-19 death toll tops 12,000 in Britain

Coronavirus deaths in the United States rose by at least 2,228 on Tuesday, a single-day record.

The figures topped 28,300, according to a Reuters tally.

The increase of 2,228 deaths does not include a revision by New York City to include deaths presumed to be due to the novel coronavirus but never tested dating back to March 11. The city's health department said the death toll is now over 10,000.

The United States, with the world's third-largest population, passed a second milestone on Tuesday with over 6,00,000 reported cases, three times more than any other country.

The previous single-day record was 2,069, set last Friday.

Health officials have cautioned that deaths are a "lagging indicator" and do not mean that the sweeping stay-at-home restrictions are a failure.

Health experts had forecast deaths would peak this week and last week.

Meanwhile, the shutdown is costing the US economy perhaps $25 billion a day in lost output.

Coronavirus deaths in the United States rose by at least 2,228 on Tuesday, a single-day record. The figures topped 28,300, according to a Reuters tally. The increase of 2,228 deaths does not include a revision by New York City to include deaths presumed to be due to the novel coronavirus but never tested dating back to March 11.

Coronavirus deaths in the United States rose by at least 2,228 on Tuesday, a single-day record. The figures topped 28,300, according to a Reuters tally. The increase of 2,228 deaths does not include a revision by New York City to include deaths presumed to be due to the novel coronavirus but never tested dating back to March 11. The city's health department said the death toll is now over 10,000. The United States, with the world's third-largest population, passed a second milestone on Tuesday with over 6,00,000 reported cases, three times more than any other country. The previous single-day record was 2,069, set last Friday. Health officials have cautioned that deaths are a "lagging indicator" and do not mean that the sweeping stay-at-home restrictions are a failure. Health experts had forecast deaths would peak this week and last week. Meanwhile, the shutdown is costing the US economy perhaps $25 billion a day in lost output.

US records over 2,000 coronavirus deaths in one day, sets grim single-day record

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How Afghanistan is coping up with COVID-19?

Almost 4,000 people in New York City who never tested positive for coronavirus were presumed to have died from COVID-19, taking the death toll in the city to cross 10,000 on Tuesday.

The city's health department announced that 3,778 people had probably succumbed to the illness -- on top of the 6,589 confirmed fatalities.

The new figures saw the total number of deaths in the Big Apple, which quickly became America's coronavirus epicentre, soar to 10,367.

The probable deaths define someone "who had no known positive lab test but with a death certificate that lists as a cause of death 'COVID-19 or an equivalent'."

The "probable" numbers highlight a lack of widespread of testing for the virus.

Before the city updated its toll with the likely COVID-19 deaths, New York state had reported almost 11,000 fatalities.

New York state has borne the brunt of America's fast-spreading pandemic, accounting for almost half of fatalities from the crisis in the United States.

More than 25,400 people have died in the US, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University. 
&nbsp;

Almost 4,000 people in New York City who never tested positive for coronavirus were presumed to have died from COVID-19, taking the death toll in the city to cross 10,000 on Tuesday.

Almost 4,000 people in New York City who never tested positive for coronavirus were presumed to have died from COVID-19, taking the death toll in the city to cross 10,000 on Tuesday. The city's health department announced that 3,778 people had probably succumbed to the illness -- on top of the 6,589 confirmed fatalities. The new figures saw the total number of deaths in the Big Apple, which quickly became America's coronavirus epicentre, soar to 10,367. The probable deaths define someone "who had no known positive lab test but with a death certificate that lists as a cause of death 'COVID-19 or an equivalent'." The "probable" numbers highlight a lack of widespread of testing for the virus. Before the city updated its toll with the likely COVID-19 deaths, New York state had reported almost 11,000 fatalities. New York state has borne the brunt of America's fast-spreading pandemic, accounting for almost half of fatalities from the crisis in the United States. More than 25,400 people have died in the US, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University.

In US, New York City alone accounts for over 10,000 coronavirus deaths

The current lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19 exposes huge cracks in Africa. Many Africans are food insecure and are in desperate need of relief. Watch report.

Hunger to claim more lives than COVID-19 in Africa

The central government has come out with a list of economic activities that will be permitted after April 20, 2020, in certain areas keeping in view the interests of farmers and daily wage earners.

Indian Home Ministry issues new guidelines for lockdown: COVID-19 cases rise to 11,439

The lockdown has left everyone restricted to our homes leading to lack physical activity. Here are simple yoga poses which will help improve immunity, achieve a stable mind and healthy body.

Quick yoga tricks to boost immunity and manage anxiety during lockdown

Women leaders are the secret weapon in the fight against coronavirus as countries lead by them are all doing an exceptional job in their response to the&nbsp;crisis.

These countries&nbsp;have contained the pandemic through early, scientific intervention. They have implemented widespread testing, easy access to quality medical treatment, aggressive contact tracing and tough restrictions on social gatherings.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-germany-moving-towards-gradual-reopening-as-virus-cases-drops-292304">Coronavirus: Germany moving towards gradual reopening as virus cases drops</a>

German Chancellor Angela Merkel,&nbsp;told her countrymen that this the virus&nbsp;is ''serious'' and would&nbsp;infect up to 70 per cent&nbsp;of the population.&nbsp;

<img alt="Angela Merkel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b62a3d5-3a4c-4233-8113-9d3d8cc2281f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/86670-123.jpg" /> 
Angela Merkel

Despite being hard-hit by the virus its mortality rate is much lower than its neighbouring countries still struggling to cope up with the novel virus.

A number of factors fed&nbsp;Germany’s low death rates, including&nbsp;early and widespread testing&nbsp;and a large number of intensive care beds. Again, however, the country’s leadership plays a role.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-waits-to-see-if-lockdown-working-as-virus-cases-stay-low-289820">New Zealand waits to see if lockdown working, as virus cases stay low</a>

Among the first and the fastest moves from global leaders against COVID-19 came from Taiwan's President&nbsp;Tsai Ing-wen.

<img alt="Tsai Ing-wen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8c830758-dd1d-47d6-9082-9b94dd8ec891" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/117260-untitled-design.jpg" /> 
Tsai Ing-wen

At the first sign of a new illness, she set up an epidemic command center, ramped up production of personal protective equipment such as face masks and restricted all flights from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

She also introduced 124 measures to block the spread in January, without having to resort to the lockdowns that have become common elsewhere.

Taiwan is now sending 10 million face masks to the United States and Europe.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US State Department cites Taiwan's coronavirus success in calling for Taiwan to be given observer status in the WHO's World Health Assembly.

New Zealand, led by Jacinda Ardern, announced an early lockdown and closed borders to foreign visitors on March 19&nbsp;there were just 6 cases in the whole country.

<img alt="Jacinda Ardern" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bf64429a-cf91-4cf5-9336-1e70eaada9bc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/86902-2019-03-13t060439z1lynxmpef2c0k4rtroptp4eu-newzealand.jpg" /> 
Jacinda Ardern

The country has carried out&nbsp;widespread testing&nbsp;and recorded over 1,300 coronavirus cases, but only nine deaths.

Iceland, under the leadership of Prime Minister&nbsp;Katrín Jakobsdóttir, is offering&nbsp;free coronavirus testing&nbsp;to all its citizens.

Finland's Prime&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Sanna Marin&nbsp;invited&nbsp;influencers of any age to spread fact-based information on managing the pandemic.

Norway’s Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, used&nbsp;the innovative idea of using television to talk directly to her country’s children and address their doubts and queries.

The success of these and other women-led governments in dealing with a global pandemic is all the more noteworthy, given that women make up less than&nbsp;7 per cent&nbsp;of world leaders.

Women leaders are the secret weapon in the fight against coronavirus as countries lead by them are all doing an exceptional job in their response to the crisis. These countries have contained the pandemic through early, scientific intervention.

Women leaders are the secret weapon in the fight against coronavirus as countries lead by them are all doing an exceptional job in their response to the crisis. These countries have contained the pandemic through early, scientific intervention. They have implemented widespread testing, easy access to quality medical treatment, aggressive contact tracing and tough restrictions on social gatherings. Also read: Coronavirus: Germany moving towards gradual reopening as virus cases drops German Chancellor Angela Merkel, told her countrymen that this the virus is ''serious'' and would infect up to 70 per cent of the population. Angela Merkel Despite being hard-hit by the virus its mortality rate is much lower than its neighbouring countries still struggling to cope up with the novel virus. A number of factors fed Germany’s low death rates, including early and widespread testing and a large number of intensive care beds. Again, however, the country’s leadership plays a role. Also read: New Zealand waits to see if lockdown working, as virus cases stay low Among the first and the fastest moves from global leaders against COVID-19 came from Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen. Tsai Ing-wen At the first sign of a new illness, she set up an epidemic command center, ramped up production of personal protective equipment such as face masks and restricted all flights from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. She also introduced 124 measures to block the spread in January, without having to resort to the lockdowns that have become common elsewhere. Taiwan is now sending 10 million face masks to the United States and Europe. The US State Department cites Taiwan's coronavirus success in calling for Taiwan to be given observer status in the WHO's World Health Assembly. New Zealand, led by Jacinda Ardern, announced an early lockdown and closed borders to foreign visitors on March 19 there were just 6 cases in the whole country. Jacinda Ardern The country has carried out widespread testing and recorded over 1,300 coronavirus cases, but only nine deaths. Iceland, under the leadership of Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, is offering free coronavirus testing to all its citizens. Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin invited influencers of any age to spread fact-based information on managing the pandemic. Norway’s Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, used the innovative idea of using television to talk directly to her country’s children and address their doubts and queries. The success of these and other women-led governments in dealing with a global pandemic is all the more noteworthy, given that women make up less than 7 per cent of world leaders.

How countries with female leaders are faring better than others during global pandemic?

Pakistan will reopen construction activity that provides a lifeline for the largest number of its people after agriculture to reduce the pain of millions of people hit by a lengthy shutdown in its coronavirus battle.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced the extension of the nationwide lockdown with relaxation to some sectors.

"We made the hard decision of imposing lockdown in the country which was very well implemented due to cooperation of the people," he said, adding the spread of coronavirus had slowed down to 30 per cent of the projected target.

Export industries, such as garments, will also be permitted to begin production, said Industries Minister Hammad Azhar, adding that the government had made an assessment of the sectors least vulnerable to infection. He further said the industries that are exempted from the lockdown are export sector, chemical manufacturing plants, e-commerce, software development and planning, paper and packaging units, industries with labour on-site, cement and fertiliser plants, mines and minerals, plant nurseries, agricultural machinery plants, glass manufacturing plants, veterinary services, and bookshops.

Pakistan has 5,988 infections, including 107 deaths.

The country had imposed a lockdown to stem the spread of coronavirus&nbsp;last month.

Millions of people have been thrown out of work across South Asia since the lockdowns began last month.

Health experts fear the small numbers relative to some Western nations are a result of low levels of testing in the region and that actual infections could be far higher.

(with inputs from agencies)

Pakistan will reopen construction activity that provides a lifeline for the largest number of its people after agriculture to reduce the pain of millions of people hit by a lengthy shutdown in its coronavirus battle.

Pakistan will reopen construction activity that provides a lifeline for the largest number of its people after agriculture to reduce the pain of millions of people hit by a lengthy shutdown in its coronavirus battle. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced the extension of the nationwide lockdown with relaxation to some sectors. "We made the hard decision of imposing lockdown in the country which was very well implemented due to cooperation of the people," he said, adding the spread of coronavirus had slowed down to 30 per cent of the projected target. Export industries, such as garments, will also be permitted to begin production, said Industries Minister Hammad Azhar, adding that the government had made an assessment of the sectors least vulnerable to infection. He further said the industries that are exempted from the lockdown are export sector, chemical manufacturing plants, e-commerce, software development and planning, paper and packaging units, industries with labour on-site, cement and fertiliser plants, mines and minerals, plant nurseries, agricultural machinery plants, glass manufacturing plants, veterinary services, and bookshops. Pakistan has 5,988 infections, including 107 deaths. The country had imposed a lockdown to stem the spread of coronavirus last month. Millions of people have been thrown out of work across South Asia since the lockdowns began last month. Health experts fear the small numbers relative to some Western nations are a result of low levels of testing in the region and that actual infections could be far higher. (with inputs from agencies)

Pakistan extends coronavirus lockdown, seeks to lift some curbs

Prominent clerics are demanding the lifting of restrictions on congregational prayers at mosques in Pakistan, which has recorded 5,837 coronavirus cases and 96 related deaths.

Tuesday's call in a joint statement by clerics and leaders of religious parties in the world`s second largest Muslim country, said prayers were essential for Muslims and should be allowed as long as safety measures were observed.

Their demand came despite Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan saying he would meet religious scholars to discuss the restrictions on congregational prayers which were imposed last month and imposed a limit of five people gathering together.

"Restriction of three or five people at mosques is not proving practical, those who are sick, elderly should not come to mosques," Mufti Taqi Usmani, one of the top clerics in Pakistan, told a media briefing in Karachi.

The congregation restriction has provoked a backlash in Pakistan, with attacks on police for a second straight week last Friday as they attempted to halt prayers at a mosque in Karachi 
A policewoman was injured and in the earlier clashes police fired shots in the air to disperse demonstrators.

Khan announced a 14-day extension of a national lockdown on Tuesday, but said the government would make selective exemptions for essential industries to curtail rising unemployment.

Health experts have warned that congregations pose the biggest threat to Pakistan`s limited healthcare resources and infrastructure, which will crumble under the weight of a wide-spread outbreak of the coronavirus.

Usmani told the news briefing that carpets should be removed from mosques and floors should be wiped with disinfectants, sanitizers should be placed at the entrance of the mosques, and that people should maintain distance while offering prayers.

The clerics issued their statement despite an assurance from Khan that he would meet with religious scholars to work out a collective strategy for congregations with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, when mosque attendance usually spikes.

"Now, the lockdown will not be applicable on mosques, Friday and Ramadan prayers will be held at mosques," Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, another cleric, told reporters on Tuesday. Ramadan involves extra nighttime prayers for Muslims.

Prominent clerics are demanding the lifting of restrictions on congregational prayers at mosques in Pakistan, which has recorded 5,837 coronavirus cases and 96 related deaths.

Prominent clerics are demanding the lifting of restrictions on congregational prayers at mosques in Pakistan, which has recorded 5,837 coronavirus cases and 96 related deaths. Tuesday's call in a joint statement by clerics and leaders of religious parties in the world`s second largest Muslim country, said prayers were essential for Muslims and should be allowed as long as safety measures were observed. Their demand came despite Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan saying he would meet religious scholars to discuss the restrictions on congregational prayers which were imposed last month and imposed a limit of five people gathering together. "Restriction of three or five people at mosques is not proving practical, those who are sick, elderly should not come to mosques," Mufti Taqi Usmani, one of the top clerics in Pakistan, told a media briefing in Karachi. The congregation restriction has provoked a backlash in Pakistan, with attacks on police for a second straight week last Friday as they attempted to halt prayers at a mosque in Karachi A policewoman was injured and in the earlier clashes police fired shots in the air to disperse demonstrators. Khan announced a 14-day extension of a national lockdown on Tuesday, but said the government would make selective exemptions for essential industries to curtail rising unemployment. Health experts have warned that congregations pose the biggest threat to Pakistan`s limited healthcare resources and infrastructure, which will crumble under the weight of a wide-spread outbreak of the coronavirus. Usmani told the news briefing that carpets should be removed from mosques and floors should be wiped with disinfectants, sanitizers should be placed at the entrance of the mosques, and that people should maintain distance while offering prayers. The clerics issued their statement despite an assurance from Khan that he would meet with religious scholars to work out a collective strategy for congregations with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, when mosque attendance usually spikes. "Now, the lockdown will not be applicable on mosques, Friday and Ramadan prayers will be held at mosques," Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, another cleric, told reporters on Tuesday. Ramadan involves extra nighttime prayers for Muslims.

Coronavirus: Pakistan clerics call for lifting of congregational prayer limits

India has agreed to export hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets to Malaysia for use in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Malaysia has nearly 5,000 cases, 82 of whom have died.

India is the world's largest producer of hydroxychloroquine, sales of which have soared across the world including in the United States, especially after President Donald Trump touted it as a potential weapon against coronavirus.

New Delhi had last month put a hold on exports of hydroxychloroquine to secure supplies for itself, before agreeing this month to supply it to some of its neighbours as well as "nations who have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic".

"On 14 April, India has given permission for Malaysia to import 89,100 tablets," Malaysia's Deputy Foreign Minister Kamarudin Jaffar told Reuters on Wednesday.

Malaysia had asked for more than one million hydroxychloroquine tablets from India. It has been using hydroxychloroquine for mild to severe COVID-19 cases along with other drugs.

India has agreed to export hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets to Malaysia for use in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Malaysia has nearly 5,000 cases, 82 of whom have died.

India has agreed to export hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets to Malaysia for use in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Malaysia has nearly 5,000 cases, 82 of whom have died. India is the world's largest producer of hydroxychloroquine, sales of which have soared across the world including in the United States, especially after President Donald Trump touted it as a potential weapon against coronavirus. New Delhi had last month put a hold on exports of hydroxychloroquine to secure supplies for itself, before agreeing this month to supply it to some of its neighbours as well as "nations who have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic". "On 14 April, India has given permission for Malaysia to import 89,100 tablets," Malaysia's Deputy Foreign Minister Kamarudin Jaffar told Reuters on Wednesday. Malaysia had asked for more than one million hydroxychloroquine tablets from India. It has been using hydroxychloroquine for mild to severe COVID-19 cases along with other drugs.

India agrees to export HCQ to Malaysia to help fight COVID-19

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