<p>The United States continues to grapple with an increasing number of coronavirus-related deaths. New York, the hardest hit state has alone recorded over 87,000 positive cases. So far, over 5,000 people have died in the state.</p>

<p>Hart Island, which is famous as a resting place for people who have no takers, is now being used to bury people who died of the virus unclaimed.</p>

<p>"It is likely that people who have passed away from (coronavirus).... will be buried on the Island in the coming days," New York City Mayor Press Secretary Freddi Goldstein told CNN.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-may-be-approaching-saturation-point-in-terms-of-coronavirus-infections-says-virologist-291776" hreflang="en">World may be approaching saturation point in terms of coronavirus infections, says virologist</a></p>

<p>Managed by the Department of Corrections, Hart Island has been used a public cemetery for over 150 years. If bodies are not claimed by family members or friends in 30-60 days, those people are buried here.</p>

<p>According to CNN, over one million have been buried at the site.</p>

<p>The Guardian also reported today that mass burial sites have emerged in the city to deal with an influx of corpses. Recently, reports of funeral homes refusing bodies owing to overcrowding made the rounds on social media.</p>

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c58ab414-16eb-44b8-9af0-73a0a68fc5f6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-10.jpg" /><br />
<em>The Pelham Cemetery on City Island and Hart Island in Long Island Sound are viewed on April 7, 2020 in New York. Hart Island has been the location of a Union Civil War prison camp, a psychiatric institution, a tuberculosis sanatorium, a potter's field among other uses | AFP</em><br />
&nbsp;</h6>

<p>This is not unheard of, similar things were happening in Italy, China, and Spain, which all recorded unprecedented deaths due to the virus.</p>

<p>As per new rules, if the bodies remain unclaimed for over two weeks, they will be sent to Hart Island for burial.</p>

<p>However, if contact with relatives is established within 14 days, the bodies will be buried as per the family’s wishes.</p>

<p>"These are people who, for two weeks, we have not been able to find anyone who says 'I know that person I love that person I will handle the burial,'" Goldstein said in conversation with CNN.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cautiously-optimistic-as-coronavirus-curve-appears-to-flatten-291657" hreflang="en">US cautiously optimistic as coronavirus curve appears to flatten</a></p>

<p>"These are people who we have made zero contact with the family”, Goldstein added.</p>

<p>The burial site, which used to record 25 burials every week is now recording 25 burials everyday!</p>

<p>The US is seeing signs of recovery as the curve seems to be flattening. However, with number of infections over 1,59,937, authorities have asked people to refrain from celebrating too soon. The number of cases could spike again if the lockdown rules are not adhered to.</p>


The United States continues to grapple with an increasing number of coronavirus-related deaths. New York, the hardest hit state has alone recorded over 87,000 positive cases.

The United States continues to grapple with an increasing number of coronavirus-related deaths. New York, the hardest hit state has alone recorded over 87,000 positive cases. So far, over 5,000 people have died in the state. Hart Island, which is famous as a resting place for people who have no takers, is now being used to bury people who died of the virus unclaimed. "It is likely that people who have passed away from (coronavirus).... will be buried on the Island in the coming days," New York City Mayor Press Secretary Freddi Goldstein told CNN. Also read: World may be approaching saturation point in terms of coronavirus infections, says virologist Managed by the Department of Corrections, Hart Island has been used a public cemetery for over 150 years. If bodies are not claimed by family members or friends in 30-60 days, those people are buried here. According to CNN, over one million have been buried at the site. The Guardian also reported today that mass burial sites have emerged in the city to deal with an influx of corpses. Recently, reports of funeral homes refusing bodies owing to overcrowding made the rounds on social media. The Pelham Cemetery on City Island and Hart Island in Long Island Sound are viewed on April 7, 2020 in New York. Hart Island has been the location of a Union Civil War prison camp, a psychiatric institution, a tuberculosis sanatorium, a potter's field among other uses | AFP This is not unheard of, similar things were happening in Italy, China, and Spain, which all recorded unprecedented deaths due to the virus. As per new rules, if the bodies remain unclaimed for over two weeks, they will be sent to Hart Island for burial. However, if contact with relatives is established within 14 days, the bodies will be buried as per the family’s wishes. "These are people who, for two weeks, we have not been able to find anyone who says 'I know that person I love that person I will handle the burial,'" Goldstein said in conversation with CNN. Also read: US cautiously optimistic as coronavirus curve appears to flatten "These are people who we have made zero contact with the family”, Goldstein added. The burial site, which used to record 25 burials every week is now recording 25 burials everyday! The US is seeing signs of recovery as the curve seems to be flattening. However, with number of infections over 1,59,937, authorities have asked people to refrain from celebrating too soon. The number of cases could spike again if the lockdown rules are not adhered to.

From 25 unclaimed burials a week to 25 a day: What a pandemic can do to a megacity like New York

<p>Obesity or being overweight is a major risk for people infected with the new coronavirus, an epidemiologist has said.</p>

<p>The United States is particularly vulnerable because of high obesity levels there, France’s chief epidemiologist, Professor Jean-François Delfraissy, further said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Delfraissy heads the scientific council that advises the government on the epidemic.</p>

<p>He added that as many as 17 million of France’s 67 million citizens were seriously at risk from the coronavirus because of age, pre-existing illness or obesity.</p>

<p>"Those who are overweight really need to be careful," Delfraissy told franceinfo radio.</p>

<p>The mortality rate for young people entering hospital with severe COVID-19 respiratory disease was about 2 per cent, but rose to 14 per cent for people who are more fragile.</p>

<p>The global COVID-19 death toll approached&nbsp;95,000 as of Thursday afternoon out of the more than 1.5 million confirmed cases.</p>

<p>Though social distancing measure have brought a little respite, countries like the US, Spain, Italy, and France continue to suffer. They account for nearly 830,000 cases between them, and almost 60,000 deaths.</p>

<p>Obesity has been cited as a possible explanation for higher than average per-capita COVID-19 death rates in the US city of New Orleans and in Mexico.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Obesity or being overweight is a major risk for people infected with the new coronavirus, an epidemiologist has said. The United States is particularly vulnerable because of high obesity levels there, France’s chief epidemiologist, Professor Jean-François Delfraissy, further said on Wednesday.

Obesity or being overweight is a major risk for people infected with the new coronavirus, an epidemiologist has said. The United States is particularly vulnerable because of high obesity levels there, France’s chief epidemiologist, Professor Jean-François Delfraissy, further said on Wednesday. Delfraissy heads the scientific council that advises the government on the epidemic. He added that as many as 17 million of France’s 67 million citizens were seriously at risk from the coronavirus because of age, pre-existing illness or obesity. "Those who are overweight really need to be careful," Delfraissy told franceinfo radio. The mortality rate for young people entering hospital with severe COVID-19 respiratory disease was about 2 per cent, but rose to 14 per cent for people who are more fragile. The global COVID-19 death toll approached 95,000 as of Thursday afternoon out of the more than 1.5 million confirmed cases. Though social distancing measure have brought a little respite, countries like the US, Spain, Italy, and France continue to suffer. They account for nearly 830,000 cases between them, and almost 60,000 deaths. Obesity has been cited as a possible explanation for higher than average per-capita COVID-19 death rates in the US city of New Orleans and in Mexico.

Obesity is a major COVID-19 risk factor, says epidemiologist

<p>China&nbsp;has drawn up new guidelines to reclassify&nbsp;dogs&nbsp;as pets rather than livestock, the agriculture ministry said, part of a response to the coronavirus outbreak that the Humane Society called a potential "game changer" in animal welfare.</p>

<p>Though dog meat remains a delicacy in many regions, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a notice published stated that&nbsp;dogs&nbsp;would no longer be considered as livestock.</p>

<p>It uses that designation for animals that can be bred to provide food, milk, fur, fibre and medicine, or to serve the needs of sports or the military.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-suggests-coronavirus-spread-in-wuhan-started-earlier-than-china-reported-291637" hreflang="en">Report suggests coronavirus spread in Wuhan started earlier than China reported</a></strong></p>

<p>"As far as&nbsp;dogs&nbsp;are concerned, along with the progress of human civilisation and the public concern and love for animal protection,&nbsp;dogs&nbsp;have been 'specialised' to become companion animals, and internationally are not considered to be livestock, and they will not be regulated as livestock in&nbsp;China," it said.</p>

<p>The coronavirus is widely believed to have originated in horseshoe bats, and could have been passed onto humans by intermediary species on sale in the markets of the city of Wuhan, where the pathogen was first identified.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-grips-china-japan-us-take-lead-to-pull-out-companies-291634" hreflang="en">As coronavirus grips China, Japan &amp; US take lead to pull out companies</a></strong></p>

<p>China&nbsp;subsequently banned the breeding, trading and consumption of wildlife, and revoked all existing licenses. It has also promised to revise legislation to make the ban permanent.</p>

<p>The draft guidelines published on Wednesday, which have been opened to the public for consultation, listed 18 traditional livestock species - including cattle, pigs, poultry and camels.</p>

<p>It also added 13 "special" species that would also be exempt from wild animal trading restrictions, including reindeer, alpaca, pheasants, ostriches and foxes.</p>

<p>Dog consumption has become increasingly unpopular in&nbsp;China, and the southern city of Shenzhen became the first to ban it last month.</p>

<p>However, the Humane Society International, an animal welfare group, estimated that around 10 million&nbsp;dogs&nbsp;a year are still killed in&nbsp;China&nbsp;for meat, including stolen pets. The city of Yulin in the region of Guangxi holds an annual dog meat festival in June.</p>

<p>"This draft proposal could signal a game-changer moment for animal protection in&nbsp;China," said Wendy Higgins, a Humane Society International spokeswoman.</p>


China has drawn up new guidelines to reclassify dogs as pets rather than livestock, the agriculture ministry said, part of a response to the coronavirus outbreak that the Humane Society called a potential "game changer" in animal welfare.

China has drawn up new guidelines to reclassify dogs as pets rather than livestock, the agriculture ministry said, part of a response to the coronavirus outbreak that the Humane Society called a potential "game changer" in animal welfare. Though dog meat remains a delicacy in many regions, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a notice published stated that dogs would no longer be considered as livestock. It uses that designation for animals that can be bred to provide food, milk, fur, fibre and medicine, or to serve the needs of sports or the military. Also read: Report suggests coronavirus spread in Wuhan started earlier than China reported "As far as dogs are concerned, along with the progress of human civilisation and the public concern and love for animal protection, dogs have been 'specialised' to become companion animals, and internationally are not considered to be livestock, and they will not be regulated as livestock in China," it said. The coronavirus is widely believed to have originated in horseshoe bats, and could have been passed onto humans by intermediary species on sale in the markets of the city of Wuhan, where the pathogen was first identified. Also read: As coronavirus grips China, Japan & US take lead to pull out companies China subsequently banned the breeding, trading and consumption of wildlife, and revoked all existing licenses. It has also promised to revise legislation to make the ban permanent. The draft guidelines published on Wednesday, which have been opened to the public for consultation, listed 18 traditional livestock species - including cattle, pigs, poultry and camels. It also added 13 "special" species that would also be exempt from wild animal trading restrictions, including reindeer, alpaca, pheasants, ostriches and foxes. Dog consumption has become increasingly unpopular in China, and the southern city of Shenzhen became the first to ban it last month. However, the Humane Society International, an animal welfare group, estimated that around 10 million dogs a year are still killed in China for meat, including stolen pets. The city of Yulin in the region of Guangxi holds an annual dog meat festival in June. "This draft proposal could signal a game-changer moment for animal protection in China," said Wendy Higgins, a Humane Society International spokeswoman.

China reclassifies dogs as pets, not livestock, in post-virus regulatory push

<p>With more than 1.5 million people infected worldwide, the planet is battling the one of the worst health tragdies of the modern world -- the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The death toll from COVID-19 -- a disease caused by coronavirus -- has exceeded 90,000 worldwide. More than 192 countries are under lockdown, and the global economy is staring at an unprecedented recession.</p>

<p>So will there be any respite from this pandemic? And any time soon? Belgian virologist Guido Vanham, the former head of virology at the Institute for Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, says the countries may be reaching a saturation point in terms of infections. But that does not mean the tragedy is getting over any time soon.</p>

<p>"It will probably never end, in the sense that this virus is clearly here to stay unless we eradicate it. And the only way to eradicate such a virus would be with a very effective vaccine that is delivered to every human being. We have done that with smallpox, but that's the only example - and that has taken many years," Vanham said, in an interaction with the World Economic Forum.</p>

<p>It may reappear seasonally, he said, adding, "but at some point in this epidemic - and certainly in the countries that are most affected, like Italy and Spain -- there will be saturation. Because the virus just has fewer people to infect -- and so the epidemic will come down naturally. And that's what happened in in all the previous epidemics when we didn't have any [treatments]. The rate of infection and the number of those susceptible will determine when that happens."</p>

<p>In the researches being done on the deadly virus, there has been an unresolved question about what determines an individual's susceptibility to this disease.</p>

<p>There's age, and there's the history of other diseases.</p>

<p>"People’s immune systems weaken with age. But then there is this concept of co-morbidities, which means that some people, even younger people, get ill because they have other diseases.</p>

<p>"It's logical that when you have cancer or diabetes, that you are more susceptible to infections. But what is remarkable - what we do not really understand - is that people with simple hypertension are also very vulnerable to developing this disease. So that's one of the unresolved questions," Vanham said.</p>

<p>Vanham also said that a research is underway on people who are infected but do not get ill.</p>

<p>"The result can be really interesting," he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, US coronavirus deaths topped 16,400 on Thursday, according to a Reuters tally. The cases topped 459,000, up 27,000 from the prior day.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-covid-19-exceeds-90000-worldwide-291655"><strong>Also read | Death toll from COVID-19 exceeds 90,000 worldwide</strong></a></p>

<p>Italy saw the most deaths, standing at 17,669 among 139,422 confirmed cases, followed by Spain, with 15,238 deaths among 152,446 cases.</p>


With more than 1.5 million people infected worldwide, the planet is battling the one of the worst health tragdies of the modern world -- the coronavirus pandemic.

With more than 1.5 million people infected worldwide, the planet is battling the one of the worst health tragdies of the modern world -- the coronavirus pandemic. The death toll from COVID-19 -- a disease caused by coronavirus -- has exceeded 90,000 worldwide. More than 192 countries are under lockdown, and the global economy is staring at an unprecedented recession. So will there be any respite from this pandemic? And any time soon? Belgian virologist Guido Vanham, the former head of virology at the Institute for Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, says the countries may be reaching a saturation point in terms of infections. But that does not mean the tragedy is getting over any time soon. "It will probably never end, in the sense that this virus is clearly here to stay unless we eradicate it. And the only way to eradicate such a virus would be with a very effective vaccine that is delivered to every human being. We have done that with smallpox, but that's the only example - and that has taken many years," Vanham said, in an interaction with the World Economic Forum. It may reappear seasonally, he said, adding, "but at some point in this epidemic - and certainly in the countries that are most affected, like Italy and Spain -- there will be saturation. Because the virus just has fewer people to infect -- and so the epidemic will come down naturally. And that's what happened in in all the previous epidemics when we didn't have any [treatments]. The rate of infection and the number of those susceptible will determine when that happens." In the researches being done on the deadly virus, there has been an unresolved question about what determines an individual's susceptibility to this disease. There's age, and there's the history of other diseases. "People’s immune systems weaken with age. But then there is this concept of co-morbidities, which means that some people, even younger people, get ill because they have other diseases. "It's logical that when you have cancer or diabetes, that you are more susceptible to infections. But what is remarkable - what we do not really understand - is that people with simple hypertension are also very vulnerable to developing this disease. So that's one of the unresolved questions," Vanham said. Vanham also said that a research is underway on people who are infected but do not get ill. "The result can be really interesting," he said. Meanwhile, US coronavirus deaths topped 16,400 on Thursday, according to a Reuters tally. The cases topped 459,000, up 27,000 from the prior day. Also read | Death toll from COVID-19 exceeds 90,000 worldwide Italy saw the most deaths, standing at 17,669 among 139,422 confirmed cases, followed by Spain, with 15,238 deaths among 152,446 cases.

World may be approaching saturation point in terms of coronavirus infections, says virologist

<p>Jeff Bezos made the rounds on social media when he visited an Amazon warehouse earlier this week.</p>

<p>Recently, Amazon employees around the world have accused the company of not exercising enough precautionary measures in its warehouses.</p>

<p>After a walkout in New York City led to the dismissal of one of the employees, many workers organisations demanded Bezos to reinstate his job.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-app-records-300-surge-in-marriage-appointments-as-wuhan-lockdown-ends-291751" hreflang="en">Chinese app records 300% surge in marriage appointments as Wuhan lockdown ends</a></p>

<p>He had claimed that Amazon warehouse in NYC was not following security protocols and there were no sanitation measures in places.</p>

<p>Turns out, the warehouse visited by the Chief Executive has reported its first positive case of the killer virus.</p>

<p>A message sent out to Amazon employees on Thursday confirmed the same.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today's visits by our founder and CEO <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffBezos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeffBezos</a> to say thank you to Amazon fulfillment center and Whole Foods employees. We're all incredibly proud of the thousands of our colleagues working on the front lines to get critical goods to people everywhere during this crisis. <a href="https://t.co/dygb345wDM">pic.twitter.com/dygb345wDM</a></p>
— Amazon News (@amazonnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/amazonnews/status/1248092828070301697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bezos had visited the warehouse on Wednesday, and Amazon recently claimed that the tested employee was present on site that day.</p>

<p>“Consistent with our daily processes, the site has undergone enhanced cleanings since the associate’s last day,” said the message, Bloomberg reported.</p>

<p>The warehouse called “FTW6” is situated north of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Amazon employees worldwide are having to deal with the surge in orders as physical stores continue to shut down amid a disrupted supply of chain.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-faces-the-worst-crisis-since-great-depression-imf-chief-291720" hreflang="en">World faces the worst crisis since 'Great depression': IMF chief</a></p>

<p>The US has over 100 such warehouses where employees are still working.</p>

<p>The vide showed Bezos wearing a mask and waving at employees.</p>


Jeff Bezos made the rounds on social media when he visited an Amazon warehouse earlier this week. Recently, Amazon employees around the world have accused the company of not exercising enough precautionary measures in its warehouses.

Jeff Bezos made the rounds on social media when he visited an Amazon warehouse earlier this week. Recently, Amazon employees around the world have accused the company of not exercising enough precautionary measures in its warehouses. After a walkout in New York City led to the dismissal of one of the employees, many workers organisations demanded Bezos to reinstate his job. Also read: Chinese app records 300% surge in marriage appointments as Wuhan lockdown ends He had claimed that Amazon warehouse in NYC was not following security protocols and there were no sanitation measures in places. Turns out, the warehouse visited by the Chief Executive has reported its first positive case of the killer virus. A message sent out to Amazon employees on Thursday confirmed the same. Today's visits by our founder and CEO @JeffBezos to say thank you to Amazon fulfillment center and Whole Foods employees. We're all incredibly proud of the thousands of our colleagues working on the front lines to get critical goods to people everywhere during this crisis. pic.twitter.com/dygb345wDM — Amazon News (@amazonnews) April 9, 2020 × Bezos had visited the warehouse on Wednesday, and Amazon recently claimed that the tested employee was present on site that day. “Consistent with our daily processes, the site has undergone enhanced cleanings since the associate’s last day,” said the message, Bloomberg reported. The warehouse called “FTW6” is situated north of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Amazon employees worldwide are having to deal with the surge in orders as physical stores continue to shut down amid a disrupted supply of chain. Also read: World faces the worst crisis since 'Great depression': IMF chief The US has over 100 such warehouses where employees are still working. The vide showed Bezos wearing a mask and waving at employees.

Amazon warehouse recently visited by Bezos records first coronavirus case

<p>Pakistan is not imposing a lockdown in its country despite witnessing a rise in the coronavirus cases in the country, with the officials claiming that the situation is under control.</p>

<p>The country's first case of coronavirus, a&nbsp;22-year-old university student who had returned from Iran, was reported on February 26.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-cases-in-pakistan-near-5000-flight-ban-extended-291689" hreflang="en">Coronavirus cases in Pakistan near 5,000; flight ban extended</a></strong></p>

<p>Iran, a country of eighty-three million people, had&nbsp;become one of the global epicentres of the coronavirus in the same month.</p>

<p>Just a few days after he had returned from a visit to Iran, Yahya Jafri, a Pakistani national, became “patient zero” of the country's now explosive coronavirus outbreak.</p>

<p>After he was tested positive,&nbsp;his family was moved to Aga Khan Hospital in Karachi, according to Meeran Yousuf, a spokesperson for Sindh province’s Health Department.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-pledges-3-million-to-saarc-covid-19-emergency-fund-291686" hreflang="en">Pakistan pledges $3 million to SAARC Covid-19 emergency Fund</a></strong></p>

<p>Around the same time several other Pakistanis returning from pilgrimage in Iran also tested positive for the virus, prompting authorities to suspend all flights to Iran.</p>

<p>Pakistan also took steps to&nbsp;close down its 960-km border with Iran&nbsp;in late February, in order to stem any spillover from the devastating impact of the epidemic on its neighbour.</p>

<p>But it could not deter&nbsp;Pakistani citizens from travelling to Iran in large numbers for pilgrimage.</p>

<p>As the situation became worse in Iran, the Pakistani government allowed some pilgrims to trickle back&nbsp;in batches, as they had been waiting at the border in dire conditions.</p>

<p>It is because of this reason that the country's cumulative total of those&nbsp;infected by the virus has risen to 4,601 people and claimed 66 lives in the country.</p>


Pakistan is not imposing a lockdown in its country despite witnessing a rise in the coronavirus cases in the country, with the officials claiming that the situation is under control.

Pakistan is not imposing a lockdown in its country despite witnessing a rise in the coronavirus cases in the country, with the officials claiming that the situation is under control. The country's first case of coronavirus, a 22-year-old university student who had returned from Iran, was reported on February 26. Also read: Coronavirus cases in Pakistan near 5,000; flight ban extended Iran, a country of eighty-three million people, had become one of the global epicentres of the coronavirus in the same month. Just a few days after he had returned from a visit to Iran, Yahya Jafri, a Pakistani national, became “patient zero” of the country's now explosive coronavirus outbreak. After he was tested positive, his family was moved to Aga Khan Hospital in Karachi, according to Meeran Yousuf, a spokesperson for Sindh province’s Health Department. Also read: Pakistan pledges $3 million to SAARC Covid-19 emergency Fund Around the same time several other Pakistanis returning from pilgrimage in Iran also tested positive for the virus, prompting authorities to suspend all flights to Iran. Pakistan also took steps to close down its 960-km border with Iran in late February, in order to stem any spillover from the devastating impact of the epidemic on its neighbour. But it could not deter Pakistani citizens from travelling to Iran in large numbers for pilgrimage. As the situation became worse in Iran, the Pakistani government allowed some pilgrims to trickle back in batches, as they had been waiting at the border in dire conditions. It is because of this reason that the country's cumulative total of those infected by the virus has risen to 4,601 people and claimed 66 lives in the country.

Why has Pakistan recorded a surge in COVID-19 cases?

<p>As many as 450 inmates and staff at Chicago’s largest jail have tested positive for coronavirus. This also implies the Cook County Jail marks one of the nation’s largest outbreaks of the respiratory illness at a single site so far in the pandemic.</p>

<p>The situation gained national attention earlier this week when inmates posted handmade signs pleading for help in the windows of their cells overlooking a public street.</p>

<p>To this end, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office said in a written statement on Thursday: "Sheriff’s officers and county medical professionals are aggressively working round-the-clock to combat the unprecedented global coronavirus pandemic."</p>

<p>According to Reuters, the measures include opening an off-site 500-bed quarantine and care facility for prisoners, an effort to move as many inmates as possible from double to single cells, and the opening of a testing site at the jail.</p>

<p>In addition, front line staff members are being checked for fever at the start of each shift and issued protective equipment if they interact with inmates.</p>

<p>In a similar case in Monroe, Washington, inmates at a minimum-security prison vandalised the facility in a protest on Wednesday evening after officials announced that six prisoners had tested positive for COVID-19.</p>

<p>Across the United States more than 16,600 people have died from COVID-19 and 463,000 positive cases have been confirmed.</p>

<p>Thousands of inmates are now being released from detention to determine if they may be infected by the coronavirus and at risk of spreading it into the community.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


As many as 450 inmates and staff at Chicago’s largest jail have tested positive for coronavirus. This also implies the Cook County Jail marks one of the nation’s largest outbreaks of the respiratory illness at a single site so far in the pandemic.

As many as 450 inmates and staff at Chicago’s largest jail have tested positive for coronavirus. This also implies the Cook County Jail marks one of the nation’s largest outbreaks of the respiratory illness at a single site so far in the pandemic. The situation gained national attention earlier this week when inmates posted handmade signs pleading for help in the windows of their cells overlooking a public street. To this end, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office said in a written statement on Thursday: "Sheriff’s officers and county medical professionals are aggressively working round-the-clock to combat the unprecedented global coronavirus pandemic." According to Reuters, the measures include opening an off-site 500-bed quarantine and care facility for prisoners, an effort to move as many inmates as possible from double to single cells, and the opening of a testing site at the jail. In addition, front line staff members are being checked for fever at the start of each shift and issued protective equipment if they interact with inmates. In a similar case in Monroe, Washington, inmates at a minimum-security prison vandalised the facility in a protest on Wednesday evening after officials announced that six prisoners had tested positive for COVID-19. Across the United States more than 16,600 people have died from COVID-19 and 463,000 positive cases have been confirmed. Thousands of inmates are now being released from detention to determine if they may be infected by the coronavirus and at risk of spreading it into the community.

Chicago jail reports 450 coronavirus cases among inmates, staff

<p>After reports claiming a spike in divorce rates last month made rounds on social media, a strikingly opposite take is now gaining traction.</p>

<p>An online application in China used for online marriage applications is now crashing due to the overwhelming number of demands.</p>

<p>Turns out, the lockdown has made some relationships more solid.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-faces-the-worst-crisis-since-great-depression-imf-chief-291720" hreflang="en">World faces the worst crisis since 'Great depression': IMF chief</a></p>

<p>The 76-day lockdown was lifted on Wednesday in the city where the virus initially emerged.</p>

<p>According to a statement released by the company Alipay, a 300 per cent surge was recorded on the portal after the removal of the lockdown.</p>

<p>“The number of visits to the wedding appointment applet in Wuhan exceeded expectations, about 300 percent... which caused a temporary freeze. The appointment system did not collapse, but it may be a bit slow. Just refresh it a few more times,” the company said in a statement.</p>

<p>As 11 million people were quarantined from the rest of the world in February, marriage applications were halted.</p>

<p>Owing to this unexpected surge in the number of cases, the app was grounded for a few hours.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-deaths-top-16000-cases-near-500000-291694" hreflang="en">US coronavirus deaths top 16,000; cases near 5,00,000</a></p>

<p>However, once the application was fixed, the number of registrations surged monumentally.</p>

<p>Marriage won’t be easy for Wuhan residents, as they must prove that they are coronavirus negative, otherwise they will not be given a registration appointment.</p>

<p>The app also offers an option to check trending baby names.</p>

<p>Alipay “didn’t expect the strong demand for marriage services after an earlier surge in divorce appointments.”</p>


After reports claiming a spike in divorce rates last month made rounds on social media, a strikingly opposite take is now gaining traction. An online application in China used for online marriage applications is now crashing due to the overwhelming number of demands.

After reports claiming a spike in divorce rates last month made rounds on social media, a strikingly opposite take is now gaining traction. An online application in China used for online marriage applications is now crashing due to the overwhelming number of demands. Turns out, the lockdown has made some relationships more solid. Also read: World faces the worst crisis since 'Great depression': IMF chief The 76-day lockdown was lifted on Wednesday in the city where the virus initially emerged. According to a statement released by the company Alipay, a 300 per cent surge was recorded on the portal after the removal of the lockdown. “The number of visits to the wedding appointment applet in Wuhan exceeded expectations, about 300 percent... which caused a temporary freeze. The appointment system did not collapse, but it may be a bit slow. Just refresh it a few more times,” the company said in a statement. As 11 million people were quarantined from the rest of the world in February, marriage applications were halted. Owing to this unexpected surge in the number of cases, the app was grounded for a few hours. Also read: US coronavirus deaths top 16,000; cases near 5,00,000 However, once the application was fixed, the number of registrations surged monumentally. Marriage won’t be easy for Wuhan residents, as they must prove that they are coronavirus negative, otherwise they will not be given a registration appointment. The app also offers an option to check trending baby names. Alipay “didn’t expect the strong demand for marriage services after an earlier surge in divorce appointments.”

Chinese app records 300% surge in marriage appointments as Wuhan lockdown ends

A new report claims that State-owned Chinese companies are looking for investment opportunities in Europe. European countries fear hostile takeovers of businesses by China. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how Italy, Germany, and Spain are now tightening their foreign investment rules.

Gravitas: European nations fear hostile takeovers of businesses by China | Wuhan Coronavirus

<p>United States President Donald Trump has thanked India for its decision to increase exports of the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine -- which has been identified by the US Food and Drug Administration as a possible treatment for the COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hydroxychloroquine is being tested on more than 1,500 coronavirus patients in New York.</p>

<p>India said on Tuesday it would allow limited exports of hydroxychloroquine after Trump urged New Delhi to release supplies of the drug seen as a possible treatment for COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A sizeable chunk of the 29 million doses of hydroxychloroquine bought by the US to combat the coronavirus pandemic was from India. Trump had earlier acknowledged that PM Modi was "great" when he sought his help to allow the sale of the anti-malaria drug to treat the growing number of COVID-19 patients in America.</p>

<p><a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/us-bought-over-29-million-hydroxychloroquine-doses-from-india-trump-291292"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US bought over 29 million hydroxychloroquine doses from India: Trump</strong></a></p>

<p>To this end, Trump wrote on Twitter on Wednesday, "Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you Prime Minister @NarendraModi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a> for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!</p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1247950299408498693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Trump and Prime Minister Modi spoke over the phone last week. During the call, Trump requested Modi to lift the hold on the American order of hydroxychloroquine, of which India is the major producer.</p>

<p>Later, Trump had even said there would be a possible retaliation if India does not give in to the demand.</p>

<p>India has got a request from about 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine--from the US to Brazil to countries in Europe, Gulf and ASEAN. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday had a telephone conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State, Stephen E. Biegun regarding COVID-19 cooperation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gives-green-signal-to-hydroxychloroquine-order-placed-by-spain-291412"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India gives green signal to hydroxychloroquine order placed by Spain</strong></a></p>


United States President Donald Trump has thanked India for its decision to increase exports of the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine -- which has been identified by the US Food and Drug Administration as a possible treatment for the COVID-19.

United States President Donald Trump has thanked India for its decision to increase exports of the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine -- which has been identified by the US Food and Drug Administration as a possible treatment for the COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine is being tested on more than 1,500 coronavirus patients in New York. India said on Tuesday it would allow limited exports of hydroxychloroquine after Trump urged New Delhi to release supplies of the drug seen as a possible treatment for COVID-19. A sizeable chunk of the 29 million doses of hydroxychloroquine bought by the US to combat the coronavirus pandemic was from India. Trump had earlier acknowledged that PM Modi was "great" when he sought his help to allow the sale of the anti-malaria drug to treat the growing number of COVID-19 patients in America. Also read | US bought over 29 million hydroxychloroquine doses from India: Trump To this end, Trump wrote on Twitter on Wednesday, "Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you Prime Minister @NarendraModi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!" Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you Prime Minister @NarendraModi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 8, 2020 × Trump and Prime Minister Modi spoke over the phone last week. During the call, Trump requested Modi to lift the hold on the American order of hydroxychloroquine, of which India is the major producer. Later, Trump had even said there would be a possible retaliation if India does not give in to the demand. India has got a request from about 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine--from the US to Brazil to countries in Europe, Gulf and ASEAN. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday had a telephone conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State, Stephen E. Biegun regarding COVID-19 cooperation. Also read | India gives green signal to hydroxychloroquine order placed by Spain

Humanity in times of COVID-19: Trump thanks India, PM Modi for decision on HCQ

<p>The world has so far seen more than 1.5 million cases of the novel coronavirus, according to a tally compiled by AFP.</p>

<p>Of the 1,502,478 infections, 87,320 people have died across 192 countries and territories since the epidemic first emerged in China late last year.</p>

<p>The World Health Organisation (WHO) termed COVID-19, a disease caused by coronavirus, a pandemic on March 11. Since then, governments across the world have imposed lockdown in their respective countries in order to stem the spread of the deadly virus.</p>

<p>According to a Reuters tally, Italy has the most reported deaths in the world at 17,669, while fatalities in the United States topped 14,600 on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Spain is in third place with 14,555.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-covid-19-can-push-half-a-billion-people-into-poverty-291463"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;How COVID-19 can push half a billion people into poverty?</strong></a></p>

<p>US officials warned Americans to expect alarming numbers of coronavirus deaths this week.</p>

<p>The coronavirus pandemic has killed more than 60,000 people in Europe. That figure accounts for more than 70 per cent of the deaths worldwide.</p>

<p><em><strong>(with inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-coronavirus-pandemic-epicentre-wuhan-sees-620000-public-transport-users-after-end-of-lockdown-291484"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Wuhan sees 6,20,000 public transport users after end of lockdown</strong></a></p>


The world has so far seen more than 1.5 million cases of the novel coronavirus, according to a tally compiled by AFP. Of the 1,502,478 infections, 87,320 people have died across 192 countries and territories since the epidemic first emerged in China late last year.

The world has so far seen more than 1.5 million cases of the novel coronavirus, according to a tally compiled by AFP. Of the 1,502,478 infections, 87,320 people have died across 192 countries and territories since the epidemic first emerged in China late last year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) termed COVID-19, a disease caused by coronavirus, a pandemic on March 11. Since then, governments across the world have imposed lockdown in their respective countries in order to stem the spread of the deadly virus. According to a Reuters tally, Italy has the most reported deaths in the world at 17,669, while fatalities in the United States topped 14,600 on Wednesday. Spain is in third place with 14,555. Also read | How COVID-19 can push half a billion people into poverty? US officials warned Americans to expect alarming numbers of coronavirus deaths this week. The coronavirus pandemic has killed more than 60,000 people in Europe. That figure accounts for more than 70 per cent of the deaths worldwide. (with inputs from agencies) Also read | Wuhan sees 6,20,000 public transport users after end of lockdown

Over 1.5 million cases of coronavirus registered across 192 countries

<p>American singer Luke Bryan has postponed the release of his new album, 'Born Here Live Here Die Here',&nbsp;from April 24 to August 7, the singer announced Tuesday.<br />
<br />
According to the news agency, the 'American Idol'&nbsp;judge has also pushed back the start of his 'Proud to Be Here'&nbsp;tour, that was due to kick off May 28 in Cincinnati.</p>

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<p>The tour is now scheduled to start on July 10 in Alabama and will be concluded on October 30 in Louisiana. Bryan said in a statement, alluding to the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected more than 1 million people worldwide, "What an incredibly confusing and scary time our world is facing right now, and it is important we continue to follow the guidelines we have been given and do our part to keep everyone safe."</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-pdFTcgsNR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Last night was amazing. Hope y’all enjoyed “Most People Are Good” from my house to yours.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lukebryan/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Luke Bryan Official</a> (@lukebryan) on <time datetime="2020-04-06T17:27:40+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 6, 2020 at 10:27am PDT</time></p>
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<p>The 'Knockin Boots'&nbsp;crooner added, "With that in mind, we are choosing to stay home at this time so we can have fun sharing this music and tour with you this summer. I truly believe that music can provide all forms of emotional connections for everyone and I can't wait to get on the road and share these new songs with you soon."<br />
<br />
The openers for select dates included Musical group 'Runaway June', American country music singer Morgen Wallen and singer Caylee Hammack. And the tour was scheduled to hit arenas and amphitheatres.<br />
<br />
'Born Here Live Here Die Here'&nbsp;is Bryan's seventh studio album signed to Capitol Nashville, a division of Universal Music Group.</p>


American singer Luke Bryan has postponed the release of his new album, 'Born Here Live Here Die Here', from April 24 to August 7, the singer announced Tuesday. According to the news agency, the 'American Idol' judge has also pushed back the start of his 'Proud to Be Here' tour, that was due to kick off May 28 in Cincinnati.

American singer Luke Bryan has postponed the release of his new album, 'Born Here Live Here Die Here', from April 24 to August 7, the singer announced Tuesday. According to the news agency, the 'American Idol' judge has also pushed back the start of his 'Proud to Be Here' tour, that was due to kick off May 28 in Cincinnati. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Bryan Official (@lukebryan) on Apr 7, 2020 at 2:30pm PDT × The tour is now scheduled to start on July 10 in Alabama and will be concluded on October 30 in Louisiana. Bryan said in a statement, alluding to the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected more than 1 million people worldwide, "What an incredibly confusing and scary time our world is facing right now, and it is important we continue to follow the guidelines we have been given and do our part to keep everyone safe." View this post on Instagram Last night was amazing. Hope y’all enjoyed “Most People Are Good” from my house to yours. A post shared by Luke Bryan Official (@lukebryan) on Apr 6, 2020 at 10:27am PDT × The 'Knockin Boots' crooner added, "With that in mind, we are choosing to stay home at this time so we can have fun sharing this music and tour with you this summer. I truly believe that music can provide all forms of emotional connections for everyone and I can't wait to get on the road and share these new songs with you soon." The openers for select dates included Musical group 'Runaway June', American country music singer Morgen Wallen and singer Caylee Hammack. And the tour was scheduled to hit arenas and amphitheatres. 'Born Here Live Here Die Here' is Bryan's seventh studio album signed to Capitol Nashville, a division of Universal Music Group.

Luke Bryan postpones tour, album release due to COVID-19 outbreak

<p>The Chinese city of Wuhan, the origin point for the coronavirus pandemic, began allowing its residents to travel in and out, as the shutdown ended on Wednesday. The wet city witnessed over 6,20,000 people using public transport on the day the 76-day lockdown was lifted.</p>

<p>At least 346 bus and boat lines, seven subway lines as well as taxis resumed service.</p>

<p>According to Xinhua news agency, over 624,300 passengers used the city's public transport from midnight to 5 pm Wednesday -- 184,000 on buses, 336,300 on subways, and 104,000 taking taxis.</p>

<p>As many as 52,000 people left Wuhan by train, air and bus, while 31,000 others entered the city.</p>

<p>Earlier at midnight, a light show on either side of the Yangtze river, which flows through Wuhan, brightened up the skyline and marked the culmination of the coronavirus lockdown in the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China ended coronavirus lockdown measures in Wuhan 11 weeks after it became the epicentre of what has since developed into a global crisis. The shutdown came as the coronavirus began spreading to the rest of China and overseas during the Lunar New Year holiday in late January, when many Chinese travel.</p>

<p>Wuhan residents are, however, still urged not to leave their neighbourhoods, the city and even the province unless necessary, health officials said on Tuesday.</p>

<p><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/wuhan-chinas-coronavirus-pandemic-epicentre-ends-76-day-lockdown-291254"><strong>Also read | Wuhan, China's coronavirus pandemic epicentre, ends 76-day lockdown</strong></a></p>

<p>The total number of coronavirus cases in China as of Thursday was 82,809, while the death toll stood at 3,339.</p>

<p>The US on Thursday accounted for the highest number of infections in the world with 431,838 confirmed coronavirus cases. Its death toll stood at 14,817. Italy has the highest death toll globally with 17,669 fatalities, while in terms of infections it was the third highest with 139,422 confirmed cases.</p>

<p>Spain ranked second highest in terms of both deaths and confirmed cases at 14,792 and 148,220, respectively.</p>

<p><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/a-spectacular-light-show-preceded-ending-of-coronavirus-lockdown-in-wuhan-291326"><strong>Also read | A spectacular light show preceded ending of coronavirus lockdown in Wuhan</strong></a></p>


The Chinese city of Wuhan, the origin point for the coronavirus pandemic, began allowing its residents to travel in and out, as the shutdown ended on Wednesday. The wet city witnessed over 6,20,000 people using public transport on the day the 76-day lockdown was lifted.

The Chinese city of Wuhan, the origin point for the coronavirus pandemic, began allowing its residents to travel in and out, as the shutdown ended on Wednesday. The wet city witnessed over 6,20,000 people using public transport on the day the 76-day lockdown was lifted. At least 346 bus and boat lines, seven subway lines as well as taxis resumed service. According to Xinhua news agency, over 624,300 passengers used the city's public transport from midnight to 5 pm Wednesday -- 184,000 on buses, 336,300 on subways, and 104,000 taking taxis. As many as 52,000 people left Wuhan by train, air and bus, while 31,000 others entered the city. Earlier at midnight, a light show on either side of the Yangtze river, which flows through Wuhan, brightened up the skyline and marked the culmination of the coronavirus lockdown in the city. China ended coronavirus lockdown measures in Wuhan 11 weeks after it became the epicentre of what has since developed into a global crisis. The shutdown came as the coronavirus began spreading to the rest of China and overseas during the Lunar New Year holiday in late January, when many Chinese travel. Wuhan residents are, however, still urged not to leave their neighbourhoods, the city and even the province unless necessary, health officials said on Tuesday. Also read | Wuhan, China's coronavirus pandemic epicentre, ends 76-day lockdown The total number of coronavirus cases in China as of Thursday was 82,809, while the death toll stood at 3,339. The US on Thursday accounted for the highest number of infections in the world with 431,838 confirmed coronavirus cases. Its death toll stood at 14,817. Italy has the highest death toll globally with 17,669 fatalities, while in terms of infections it was the third highest with 139,422 confirmed cases. Spain ranked second highest in terms of both deaths and confirmed cases at 14,792 and 148,220, respectively. Also read | A spectacular light show preceded ending of coronavirus lockdown in Wuhan

China's coronavirus pandemic epicentre, Wuhan sees 6,20,000 public transport users after end of lockdown

Former Miss England Bhasha Mukherjee in an exclusive conversation spoke to WION. She has returned to NHS to work as a doctor and given up her crown. She decided to help the people when the nation and the entire world is dealing with coronavirus pandemic.

Former Miss England Bhasha Mukherjee returns to work as doctor amid coronavirus pandemic

<p>US President Donald Trump has fired a fresh salvo at the World Health Organization, accusing its chief of siding with China and "politicising" the coronavirus pandemic while repeating his threat to freeze the UN agency's funding.</p>

<p>Trump's allegation comes a day after the US President threatened to put a "very powerful" hold on US' funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) and criticised it for having "missed the call" in its response to the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-defends-who-after-trump-coronavirus-jibe-291459" hreflang="en">UN chief defends WHO after Trump coronavirus jibe</a></strong></p>

<p>Trump slammed the Geneva-based global health agency for its early guidance aimed at countering the international spread of the coronavirus.</p>

<p>The president's fresh allegation comes after WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautioned against politicisation of COVID-19 and said that such a move will only result in "many more body bags".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-4-lakh-infected-with-coronavirus-in-us-report-291455" hreflang="en">Over 4 lakh infected with coronavirus in US: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>"If you want to be exploited and if you want to have many more body bags, then you [politicize the virus]. If you don't want many more body bags, then you refrain from politicizing it," Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Hours later at the White House conference, Trump agreed that the COVID-19 should not be politicised, but alleged that the WHO chief was doing exactly that and was siding with China.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-urges-coronavirus-unity-after-trump-attack-291437" hreflang="en">World Health Organisation urges coronavirus unity after Trump attack</a></p>

<p>"When he (Ghebreyesus) says politicizing, he's politicizing. That shouldn't be. We spend USD 450 million last year, hundreds of millions in previous years. And they got to do better than that. They got to do better. When you talk about politics, I can't believe he's talking about politics look at the relationship they have to China," Trump said in response to a question.</p>

<p>"China spends USD 42 million. We spend USD 450 million and everything seems to be China's way. That's not right. It's not fair to us. And honestly, it's not fair to the world," he said.</p>

<p>The United States is reevaluating its funding with respect to the WHO, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at the White House.</p>

<p>"This is very consistent with what President Trump said since the beginning of his campaign. Organizations have to work," he added.</p>

<p>"They have to deliver the outcomes for which they were intended and we need to make sure that only the WHO but every international organization that we take taxpayer money and give it to them for the benefit of America we need to make sure it is delivering on this taxpayer dollars. The WHO is no different in that respect," the top American diplomat said.</p>

<p>Trump asserted that the WHO had to get its priority right. "I think they have to get their priorities right and their priorities are that everybody has to be treated properly, every country. And it doesn't seem that way,&nbsp;he said.</p>

<p>"It doesn't seem that way so we are going to do study investigation and we are going to make a determination as to what we are doing. In the meantime, we are holding back, we are going very unfair to the United States USD 452 million compared to USD 42 million that is to the World Health Organization. That is not good, that is not good, not fair," he said.</p>

<p>"Not fair at all and other countries as you know also gave very substantially less than the United States and the world WHO got it wrong. I mean they got it very wrong, in many ways they were wrong. They also minimised the threat very strongly and not good," Trump said.</p>


US President Donald Trump has fired a fresh salvo at the World Health Organization, accusing its chief of siding with China and "politicising" the coronavirus pandemic while repeating his threat to freeze the UN agency's funding.

US President Donald Trump has fired a fresh salvo at the World Health Organization, accusing its chief of siding with China and "politicising" the coronavirus pandemic while repeating his threat to freeze the UN agency's funding. Trump's allegation comes a day after the US President threatened to put a "very powerful" hold on US' funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) and criticised it for having "missed the call" in its response to the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: UN chief defends WHO after Trump coronavirus jibe Trump slammed the Geneva-based global health agency for its early guidance aimed at countering the international spread of the coronavirus. The president's fresh allegation comes after WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautioned against politicisation of COVID-19 and said that such a move will only result in "many more body bags". Also read: Over 4 lakh infected with coronavirus in US: Report "If you want to be exploited and if you want to have many more body bags, then you [politicize the virus]. If you don't want many more body bags, then you refrain from politicizing it," Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday. Hours later at the White House conference, Trump agreed that the COVID-19 should not be politicised, but alleged that the WHO chief was doing exactly that and was siding with China. Also read: World Health Organisation urges coronavirus unity after Trump attack "When he (Ghebreyesus) says politicizing, he's politicizing. That shouldn't be. We spend USD 450 million last year, hundreds of millions in previous years. And they got to do better than that. They got to do better. When you talk about politics, I can't believe he's talking about politics look at the relationship they have to China," Trump said in response to a question. "China spends USD 42 million. We spend USD 450 million and everything seems to be China's way. That's not right. It's not fair to us. And honestly, it's not fair to the world," he said. The United States is reevaluating its funding with respect to the WHO, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at the White House. "This is very consistent with what President Trump said since the beginning of his campaign. Organizations have to work," he added. "They have to deliver the outcomes for which they were intended and we need to make sure that only the WHO but every international organization that we take taxpayer money and give it to them for the benefit of America we need to make sure it is delivering on this taxpayer dollars. The WHO is no different in that respect," the top American diplomat said. Trump asserted that the WHO had to get its priority right. "I think they have to get their priorities right and their priorities are that everybody has to be treated properly, every country. And it doesn't seem that way, he said. "It doesn't seem that way so we are going to do study investigation and we are going to make a determination as to what we are doing. In the meantime, we are holding back, we are going very unfair to the United States USD 452 million compared to USD 42 million that is to the World Health Organization. That is not good, that is not good, not fair," he said. "Not fair at all and other countries as you know also gave very substantially less than the United States and the world WHO got it wrong. I mean they got it very wrong, in many ways they were wrong. They also minimised the threat very strongly and not good," Trump said.

WHO chief 'politicising' COVID-19 pandemic, siding with China: Trump

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged United States President Donald Trump's gratitude, and said drastic times like the COVID-19 pandemic bring friends closer referring to the India-US partnership, which he said was now stronger than ever.</p>

<p>Trump had pressed India for lifting restrictions on the export of the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine -- which has been identified by the US Food and Drug Administration as a possible treatment for the COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump took to Twitter on Wednesday thank India and PM Modi for their generosity.</p>

<p>In reply, PM Modi on Thursday morning tweeted: "Fully agree with you President&nbsp;@realDonaldTrump. Times like these bring friends closer. The India-US partnership is stronger than ever. India shall do everything possible to help humanity's fight against COVID-19. We shall win this together."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fully agree with you President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. Times like these bring friends closer. The India-US partnership is stronger than ever.<br />
<br />
India shall do everything possible to help humanity's fight against COVID-19.<br />
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We shall win this together. <a href="https://t.co/0U2xsZNexE">https://t.co/0U2xsZNexE</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1248110109487591424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Modi government had imposed a ban on export of the drug since the coronavirus outbreak hit India. But on Monday, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade notified lifting restrictions on 14 drugs, including hydroxychloroquine.</p>

<p>Trump thanked PM Modi in a tweet that said, "Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you Prime Minister @NarendraModi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a> for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!</p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1247950299408498693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump and Prime Minister Modi spoke over the phone last week. During the call, Trump requested Modi to lift the hold on the American order of hydroxychloroquine, of which India is the major producer.</p>

<p>Later, Trump had even said there would be a possible retaliation if India does not give in to the demand.</p>

<p>India had&nbsp;got a request from about 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine -- from the US to Brazil to countries in Europe, Gulf and ASEAN. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday had a telephone conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State, Stephen E Biegun regarding COVID-19 cooperation.</p>

<p>Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has also thanked India for allowing export of raw materials to increase the production of hydroxychloroquine.</p>

<p>While addressing the nation on Wednesday, the President said that the country was scheduled to receive a shipment of raw material from India to increase chloroquine production, which is being discussed in the international scientific community about its use and effectiveness.</p>

<p>Brazil has registered 800 deaths from COVID-19, 133 in the last 24 hours, and nearly 16,000 confirmed cases.</p>

<p>Bolsonaro thanked "Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for such timely help to the people of Brazil", adding that as a result of a direct conversation between the two leaders, Brazil will receive "by Saturday, raw materials to continue production of hydroxychloroquine so we can treat patients of COVID-19 as well as of lupus, malaria, and arthritis".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/humanity-in-times-of-covid-19-trump-thanks-india-pm-modi-for-decision-on-hcq-291430"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Humanity in times of COVID-19: Trump thanks India, PM Modi for decision on HCQ</strong></a></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged United States President Donald Trump's gratitude, and said drastic times like the COVID-19 pandemic bring friends closer referring to the India-US partnership, which he said was now stronger than ever.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged United States President Donald Trump's gratitude, and said drastic times like the COVID-19 pandemic bring friends closer referring to the India-US partnership, which he said was now stronger than ever. Trump had pressed India for lifting restrictions on the export of the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine -- which has been identified by the US Food and Drug Administration as a possible treatment for the COVID-19. Trump took to Twitter on Wednesday thank India and PM Modi for their generosity. In reply, PM Modi on Thursday morning tweeted: "Fully agree with you President @realDonaldTrump. Times like these bring friends closer. The India-US partnership is stronger than ever. India shall do everything possible to help humanity's fight against COVID-19. We shall win this together." Fully agree with you President @realDonaldTrump. Times like these bring friends closer. The India-US partnership is stronger than ever. India shall do everything possible to help humanity's fight against COVID-19. We shall win this together. https://t.co/0U2xsZNexE — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2020 × The Modi government had imposed a ban on export of the drug since the coronavirus outbreak hit India. But on Monday, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade notified lifting restrictions on 14 drugs, including hydroxychloroquine. Trump thanked PM Modi in a tweet that said, "Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you Prime Minister @NarendraModi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!" Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you Prime Minister @NarendraModi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 8, 2020 × Trump and Prime Minister Modi spoke over the phone last week. During the call, Trump requested Modi to lift the hold on the American order of hydroxychloroquine, of which India is the major producer. Later, Trump had even said there would be a possible retaliation if India does not give in to the demand. India had got a request from about 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine -- from the US to Brazil to countries in Europe, Gulf and ASEAN. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday had a telephone conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State, Stephen E Biegun regarding COVID-19 cooperation. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has also thanked India for allowing export of raw materials to increase the production of hydroxychloroquine. While addressing the nation on Wednesday, the President said that the country was scheduled to receive a shipment of raw material from India to increase chloroquine production, which is being discussed in the international scientific community about its use and effectiveness. Brazil has registered 800 deaths from COVID-19, 133 in the last 24 hours, and nearly 16,000 confirmed cases. Bolsonaro thanked "Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for such timely help to the people of Brazil", adding that as a result of a direct conversation between the two leaders, Brazil will receive "by Saturday, raw materials to continue production of hydroxychloroquine so we can treat patients of COVID-19 as well as of lupus, malaria, and arthritis". Also read | Humanity in times of COVID-19: Trump thanks India, PM Modi for decision on HCQ

It's humanity's fight against COVID-19: PM Modi in response to Trump thanking India for HCQ decision

<p>One medical worker called it "insane," another said it induces paranoia - the speed with which patients are declining and dying from the novel coronavirus is shocking even veteran doctors and nurses as they scramble to determine how to stop such sudden deterioration.</p>

<p>Patients "look fine, feel fine, then you turn around and they're unresponsive," said Diana Torres, a nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States, where the virus has infected more than 415,000 people. "I'm paranoid, scared to walk out of their room."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-deaths-soar-in-us-europe-as-trump-sees-light-at-end-of-tunnel-291427" hreflang="en">Coronavirus deaths soar in US, Europe as Trump sees light at end of tunnel</a></strong></p>

<p>It isn’t just elderly or patients with underlying health conditions who can be fine one minute and at death's door the next. It can happen for the young and healthy, too, health professionals told Reuters.</p>

<p>A young woman died unexpectedly while nurse Laurie Douglas was on duty at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After 34 years on the job, Douglas said she normally has&nbsp;"an intuition of who is going to fade and who may improve."</p>

<p>"But these people are throwing that out the window," Douglas said.&nbsp;"Last week, she was planning her wedding. This week, her family is planning her funeral," she said, referring to the deceased patient.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-super-spreaders-in-us-a-funeral-a-birthday-party-and-a-trail-of-death-291428" hreflang="en">Coronavirus super spreaders in US: A funeral, a birthday party and a trail of death</a></strong></p>

<p>Patients might enter the hospital with strong oxygen levels and be engaged in happy conversation, said a resident emergency doctor at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, only to be "gasping for breath" and intubated a few hours later.</p>

<p>"The scary thing is there are no rules to it," said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity.</p>

<p>These scenes are playing out everywhere as COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus, has infected more than 1.4 million worldwide and killed more than 83,400 as of Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The quick turns for the worse are likely products of an "overly exuberant" reaction by the immune system as it fights the virus, said Dr. Otto Yang, an infectious disease specialist at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.</p>

<p>Called a cytokine storm, it occurs when the body overproduces immune cells and their activating compounds - cytokines - causing dangerously high blood pressure, lung damage and organ failure.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>'MELTDOWN'</p>

<p>Emily Muzyka, 25, a nurse in the New York suburbs, said she reached her breaking point last week, when a relatively healthy 44-year-old woman needed sudden intubation.</p>

<p>"I had a meltdown that night," she said. "I cried to my boyfriend."</p>

<p>In the case of COVID-19 patients, intubation refers to inserting a tube into the mouth and through the airway of a patient struggling to breathe, so they can be hooked to a mechanical ventilator.</p>

<p>Associated Press journalist Anick Jesdanun, who was in good health and had run 83 marathons, died last week from COVID-19, according to a post on Facebook by his cousin, Prinda Mulpramook.</p>

<p>Jesdanun, who was 51, at first didn't need hospitalization, according to the post. He had begun to recover and showed clear lungs and strong vital signs during a doctor's visit in late March. But "a sudden setback" sent him to the emergency room on April 1, and "13 hours later we lost him," Mulpramook wrote.</p>

<p>A nurse at Mount Sinai’s intensive care unit recalled watching patients' kidneys quickly shut down, adding that many require intravenous drips of the blood thinner Heparin. "It's insane how sick they get, how quickly," the nurse said. "We're really trying hard to figure out how to treat them."</p>

<p>Doctors say they are having limited success saving patients that require intubation.</p>

<p>At Columbia University Irving Medical Center, intubated patients are spending around two weeks on ventilators, chief surgeon Dr. Craig Smith said in a public newsletter on Friday.</p>

<p>The resident emergency doctor at New York-Presbyterian said more patients than usual are dying while on the machines. The exact numbers were still not known while the epidemic rages and with hospitals sometimes working in chaotic conditions.</p>

<p>Some of those hospitals are experimenting with unproven drugs in hopes of helping patients, including the anti-malaria medication hydroxychloroquine.</p>

<p>"We're essentially throwing the kitchen sink at these patients," the New York-Presbyterian resident said.</p>


One medical worker called it "insane," another said it induces paranoia - the speed with which patients are declining and dying from the novel coronavirus is shocking even veteran doctors and nurses as they scramble to determine how to stop such sudden deterioration.

One medical worker called it "insane," another said it induces paranoia - the speed with which patients are declining and dying from the novel coronavirus is shocking even veteran doctors and nurses as they scramble to determine how to stop such sudden deterioration. Patients "look fine, feel fine, then you turn around and they're unresponsive," said Diana Torres, a nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States, where the virus has infected more than 415,000 people. "I'm paranoid, scared to walk out of their room." Also read: Coronavirus deaths soar in US, Europe as Trump sees light at end of tunnel It isn’t just elderly or patients with underlying health conditions who can be fine one minute and at death's door the next. It can happen for the young and healthy, too, health professionals told Reuters. A young woman died unexpectedly while nurse Laurie Douglas was on duty at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After 34 years on the job, Douglas said she normally has "an intuition of who is going to fade and who may improve." "But these people are throwing that out the window," Douglas said. "Last week, she was planning her wedding. This week, her family is planning her funeral," she said, referring to the deceased patient. Also read: Coronavirus super spreaders in US: A funeral, a birthday party and a trail of death Patients might enter the hospital with strong oxygen levels and be engaged in happy conversation, said a resident emergency doctor at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, only to be "gasping for breath" and intubated a few hours later. "The scary thing is there are no rules to it," said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity. These scenes are playing out everywhere as COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus, has infected more than 1.4 million worldwide and killed more than 83,400 as of Wednesday. The quick turns for the worse are likely products of an "overly exuberant" reaction by the immune system as it fights the virus, said Dr. Otto Yang, an infectious disease specialist at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. Called a cytokine storm, it occurs when the body overproduces immune cells and their activating compounds - cytokines - causing dangerously high blood pressure, lung damage and organ failure. 'MELTDOWN' Emily Muzyka, 25, a nurse in the New York suburbs, said she reached her breaking point last week, when a relatively healthy 44-year-old woman needed sudden intubation. "I had a meltdown that night," she said. "I cried to my boyfriend." In the case of COVID-19 patients, intubation refers to inserting a tube into the mouth and through the airway of a patient struggling to breathe, so they can be hooked to a mechanical ventilator. Associated Press journalist Anick Jesdanun, who was in good health and had run 83 marathons, died last week from COVID-19, according to a post on Facebook by his cousin, Prinda Mulpramook. Jesdanun, who was 51, at first didn't need hospitalization, according to the post. He had begun to recover and showed clear lungs and strong vital signs during a doctor's visit in late March. But "a sudden setback" sent him to the emergency room on April 1, and "13 hours later we lost him," Mulpramook wrote. A nurse at Mount Sinai’s intensive care unit recalled watching patients' kidneys quickly shut down, adding that many require intravenous drips of the blood thinner Heparin. "It's insane how sick they get, how quickly," the nurse said. "We're really trying hard to figure out how to treat them." Doctors say they are having limited success saving patients that require intubation. At Columbia University Irving Medical Center, intubated patients are spending around two weeks on ventilators, chief surgeon Dr. Craig Smith said in a public newsletter on Friday. The resident emergency doctor at New York-Presbyterian said more patients than usual are dying while on the machines. The exact numbers were still not known while the epidemic rages and with hospitals sometimes working in chaotic conditions. Some of those hospitals are experimenting with unproven drugs in hopes of helping patients, including the anti-malaria medication hydroxychloroquine. "We're essentially throwing the kitchen sink at these patients," the New York-Presbyterian resident said.

From fine to flailing - rapid health declines in COVID-19 patients jar doctors, nurses

<p>Ever since the novel coronavirus broke out in the United States with New York as the epicentre in February, scientists have been searching for an answer their questions -- how the deadly virus made its way to America.</p>

<p>Looks like this is a start to finding answers, as a scientist in New York has said the strain so far identified in local samples came from Europe.</p>

<p>"It's very interesting that so far, the majority seem to be coming from Europe, and this is in part I think because there was a focus on stopping travel from China," Adriana Heguy, a geneticist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine who led the research, told AFP.</p>

<p>The findings also stand substantiated with a slew of mysterious pneumonia cases that New York physicians were treating before large scale testing began in the city.</p>

<p>Heguy and her team determined the viral sequences of 75 samples taken from the nasal swabs of patients at Tisch Hospital, NYU Winthrop Hospital and NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn.</p>

<p>To trace back the ancestry of the virus, the New York team uploaded the samples they had taken to a server run by the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID EpiFlu) where scientists from around the world share data. The first patient they studied had no relevant travel history, meaning he had been infected by someone in their community.</p>

<p>In addition, if, as scientists suspect, the virus is seasonal and returns in a smaller second wave, they can immediately sequence its genome from infected patients, then take samples from the neighborhood where they live to determine if there is a community outbreak.</p>


Ever since the novel coronavirus broke out in the United States with New York as the epicentre in February, scientists have been searching for an answer their questions -- how the deadly virus made its way to America.

Ever since the novel coronavirus broke out in the United States with New York as the epicentre in February, scientists have been searching for an answer their questions -- how the deadly virus made its way to America. Looks like this is a start to finding answers, as a scientist in New York has said the strain so far identified in local samples came from Europe. "It's very interesting that so far, the majority seem to be coming from Europe, and this is in part I think because there was a focus on stopping travel from China," Adriana Heguy, a geneticist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine who led the research, told AFP. The findings also stand substantiated with a slew of mysterious pneumonia cases that New York physicians were treating before large scale testing began in the city. Heguy and her team determined the viral sequences of 75 samples taken from the nasal swabs of patients at Tisch Hospital, NYU Winthrop Hospital and NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn. To trace back the ancestry of the virus, the New York team uploaded the samples they had taken to a server run by the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID EpiFlu) where scientists from around the world share data. The first patient they studied had no relevant travel history, meaning he had been infected by someone in their community. In addition, if, as scientists suspect, the virus is seasonal and returns in a smaller second wave, they can immediately sequence its genome from infected patients, then take samples from the neighborhood where they live to determine if there is a community outbreak.

Coronavirus began spreading in New York in February, came via Europe, says scientist

<p>More than half a billion people across the world can be pushed&nbsp;below the poverty line due to the coronavirus pandemic, Oxfam&nbsp;has warned.</p>

<p>A report was presented by it before virtual meetings of finance ministers of the G20 group of leading developed and developing nations, the International Monetary Fund and the&nbsp;World Bank to give suggestions on how the dire situation can be avoided.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/covid-19-could-lead-to-deepest-economic-recession-of-our-lifetime-wto-291380" hreflang="en">COVID-19 could lead to deepest economic recession of our lifetime: WTO</a></strong></p>

<p>It cited research by the King's College London and Australian National University estimating that 8 per cent of the world's population could be forced into poverty due to the adverse impact of COVID-19.</p>

<p>The International aid group&nbsp;on Thursday urged world leaders to agree a comprehensive rescue package to muster some $2.5 trillion needed to prevent this outcome.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-commissioners-prod-germany-over-coronabonds-290836" hreflang="en">European commissioners prod Germany over 'coronabonds'</a></strong></p>

<p>Among the measures that should be undertaken include the immediate cancellation of $1 trillion worth of developing country debt payments in 2020 and the creation of at least US$1 trillion in new international reserves.</p>

<p>According to it, the economic fallout of the coronavirus risked setting back the fight against poverty by a decade, and as much as 30 years in some regions including Africa and the Middle East.</p>

<p>"G20 Finance Ministers, the IMF and World Bank must give developing countries an immediate cash injection to help them bail out poor and vulnerable communities," said Jose Maria Vera,&nbsp;Oxfam&nbsp;International Interim Executive Director.</p>

<p>Oxfam&nbsp;warned that while many wealthy nations have introduced multi-billion-dollar economic stimulus packages to support business and workers "most developing nations lack the financial firepower to follow suit."</p>

<p>The warning comes right ahead of three key international meetings next week.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


More than half a billion people across the world can be pushed below the poverty line due to the coronavirus pandemic, Oxfam has warned. A report was presented by it before virtual meetings of finance ministers of the G20 group of leading developed and developing nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to give suggestions on how the dire situation can be avoided.

More than half a billion people across the world can be pushed below the poverty line due to the coronavirus pandemic, Oxfam has warned. A report was presented by it before virtual meetings of finance ministers of the G20 group of leading developed and developing nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to give suggestions on how the dire situation can be avoided. Also read: COVID-19 could lead to deepest economic recession of our lifetime: WTO It cited research by the King's College London and Australian National University estimating that 8 per cent of the world's population could be forced into poverty due to the adverse impact of COVID-19. The International aid group on Thursday urged world leaders to agree a comprehensive rescue package to muster some $2.5 trillion needed to prevent this outcome. Also read: European commissioners prod Germany over 'coronabonds' Among the measures that should be undertaken include the immediate cancellation of $1 trillion worth of developing country debt payments in 2020 and the creation of at least US$1 trillion in new international reserves. According to it, the economic fallout of the coronavirus risked setting back the fight against poverty by a decade, and as much as 30 years in some regions including Africa and the Middle East. "G20 Finance Ministers, the IMF and World Bank must give developing countries an immediate cash injection to help them bail out poor and vulnerable communities," said Jose Maria Vera, Oxfam International Interim Executive Director. Oxfam warned that while many wealthy nations have introduced multi-billion-dollar economic stimulus packages to support business and workers "most developing nations lack the financial firepower to follow suit." The warning comes right ahead of three key international meetings next week.

How COVID-19 can push half a billion people into poverty?

<p>Pakistan police have arrested at least 50 doctors who were protesting against the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) kits for health workers on the frontline of the country's battle against the novel coronavirus.</p>

<p>Representatives of the Young Doctors Association (YDA), who organised the protest, said at least 67 members were arrested on Monday in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta.</p>

<p>The arrests occurred after more than 100 doctors and paramedics rallied near the city's main hospital and then moved to protest in front of the chief minister's residence, according to&nbsp;AFP.&nbsp;Police even&nbsp;used batons to disperse the group,</p>

<p>Later, release orders were issued for those detained. The doctors, however, refused to leave the police stations until their demands were met.</p>

<p>The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan has risen, with 584 additional cases bringing the country's number of active cases to 3,378, with 54 deaths.</p>

<p>Pakistan has been struggling to provide sufficient PPE kits to these doctors, making them vulnerable to contract the virus. Quetta is the capital of Balochistan, Pakistan's largest but least-populated and poorest province.</p>

<p>Last month, both a doctor and nurse in Pakistan died after contracting the novel coronavirus, while at least two dozen other medical workers have recently tested positive for COVID-19.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan police have arrested at least 50 doctors who were protesting against the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) kits for health workers on the frontline of the country's battle against the novel coronavirus.

Pakistan police have arrested at least 50 doctors who were protesting against the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) kits for health workers on the frontline of the country's battle against the novel coronavirus. Representatives of the Young Doctors Association (YDA), who organised the protest, said at least 67 members were arrested on Monday in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta. The arrests occurred after more than 100 doctors and paramedics rallied near the city's main hospital and then moved to protest in front of the chief minister's residence, according to AFP. Police even used batons to disperse the group, Later, release orders were issued for those detained. The doctors, however, refused to leave the police stations until their demands were met. The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan has risen, with 584 additional cases bringing the country's number of active cases to 3,378, with 54 deaths. Pakistan has been struggling to provide sufficient PPE kits to these doctors, making them vulnerable to contract the virus. Quetta is the capital of Balochistan, Pakistan's largest but least-populated and poorest province. Last month, both a doctor and nurse in Pakistan died after contracting the novel coronavirus, while at least two dozen other medical workers have recently tested positive for COVID-19.

Pakistan police arrest doctors in Quetta during protest against lack of PPEs

<p>UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the necessity of the World Health Organisation (WHO) during the COVID-19 crisis, in the face of a jibe US President Donald Trump took at the agency.</p>

<p>Trump on Tuesday criticised the WHO's response to COVID-19 and threatened to freeze US funding for it. Trump also accused the agency of favouring China -- which&nbsp;has been held responsible for the outbreak of coronavirus.</p>

<p>"The WHO, with thousands of its staff, is on the front lines, supporting member states and their societies, especially the most vulnerable among them, with guidance, training, equipment and concrete life-saving services as they fight the virus," Guterres said in a statement on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"It is my belief that the WHO must be supported, as it is absolutely critical to the world's efforts to win the war against COVID-19," he said.</p>

<p>Guterres said that once the current health crisis is over, there will be time to study how such a disease emerged and spread its devastation so quickly and to evaluate the performance of all involved.</p>

<p>But now is not that time. Now is the time for unity, for the international community to work together in solidarity to stop this virus and its shattering consequences, he said.</p>

<p><strong>HOW THE UNITED NATIONS IS HELPING</strong></p>

<p>The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific reports in a study that COVID-19 is having far-reaching economic and social consequences for the region, with strong cross-border spillover effects through trade, tourism and financial linkages.</p>

<p>The WHO has also been working with governments across Africa to scale up their capacities in critical response areas such as coordination, surveillance, isolation, case management and contact tracing, infection prevention and control, risk communication and community engagement.</p>

<p>The chief spokesman for the secretary-general, Stephane Dujarric, said the United Nations was supporting the Nigerian government in efforts to curb the spread of the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Zimbabwe, he said, a severe climate- and recession-induced hunger is deepening the COVID-19 crisis. The World Food Programme said it is urgently calling for US $130 million through August to help millions of the most vulnerable people in the country.</p>

<p>A recent nationwide assessment found that the number of acutely food insecure Zimbabweans has risen to 4.3 million from 3.8 million at the end of last year, the spokesman said. More than half, 7.7 million people, of the country`s population are regarded as food insecure.</p>

<p>In Venezuela, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for the country, Peter Grohmann, said the first shipment of 90 tons of UN life-saving supplies was scheduled to arrive on Wednesday to support the COVID-19 response.</p>

<p>The supplies have been financed by the international donor community, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund and UN agencies.</p>

<p><em><strong>(with inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>


UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the necessity of the World Health Organisation (WHO) during the COVID-19 crisis, in the face of a jibe US President Donald Trump took at the agency.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the necessity of the World Health Organisation (WHO) during the COVID-19 crisis, in the face of a jibe US President Donald Trump took at the agency. Trump on Tuesday criticised the WHO's response to COVID-19 and threatened to freeze US funding for it. Trump also accused the agency of favouring China -- which has been held responsible for the outbreak of coronavirus. "The WHO, with thousands of its staff, is on the front lines, supporting member states and their societies, especially the most vulnerable among them, with guidance, training, equipment and concrete life-saving services as they fight the virus," Guterres said in a statement on Wednesday. "It is my belief that the WHO must be supported, as it is absolutely critical to the world's efforts to win the war against COVID-19," he said. Guterres said that once the current health crisis is over, there will be time to study how such a disease emerged and spread its devastation so quickly and to evaluate the performance of all involved. But now is not that time. Now is the time for unity, for the international community to work together in solidarity to stop this virus and its shattering consequences, he said. HOW THE UNITED NATIONS IS HELPING The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific reports in a study that COVID-19 is having far-reaching economic and social consequences for the region, with strong cross-border spillover effects through trade, tourism and financial linkages. The WHO has also been working with governments across Africa to scale up their capacities in critical response areas such as coordination, surveillance, isolation, case management and contact tracing, infection prevention and control, risk communication and community engagement. The chief spokesman for the secretary-general, Stephane Dujarric, said the United Nations was supporting the Nigerian government in efforts to curb the spread of the virus. In Zimbabwe, he said, a severe climate- and recession-induced hunger is deepening the COVID-19 crisis. The World Food Programme said it is urgently calling for US $130 million through August to help millions of the most vulnerable people in the country. A recent nationwide assessment found that the number of acutely food insecure Zimbabweans has risen to 4.3 million from 3.8 million at the end of last year, the spokesman said. More than half, 7.7 million people, of the country`s population are regarded as food insecure. In Venezuela, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for the country, Peter Grohmann, said the first shipment of 90 tons of UN life-saving supplies was scheduled to arrive on Wednesday to support the COVID-19 response. The supplies have been financed by the international donor community, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund and UN agencies. (with inputs from agencies)

UN chief defends WHO after Trump coronavirus jibe

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Back in late February, when the US thought it had sealed itself off from the coronavirus, a Chicago resident with mild respiratory symptoms went to pay his respects at a funeral as a friend of the family | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-super-spreaders-in-us-a-funeral-a-birthday-party-and-a-trail-of-death-291428"><strong>Read more</strong></a></p>

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<p><strong><img alt="Greg Mortimer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9c8fb31d-bb32-4452-b158-914df8c356ac" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/greg.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-reacts-to-trumps-china-centric-jibe-291445"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WHO reacts to Trump's 'China-Centric' jibe</strong></a></p>

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Coronavirus deaths soar in US, Europe as Trump sees light at end of tunnel The United States saw nearly 2,000 coronavirus deaths for a second day running as the

Coronavirus deaths soar in US, Europe as Trump sees light at end of tunnel The United States saw nearly 2,000 coronavirus deaths for a second day running as the toll soared again in Europe, despite US President Donald Trump's insistence that there is light at the end of the tunnel | Read more Humanity in times of COVID-19: Trump thanks India, PM Modi for decision on HCQ United States President Donald Trump has thanked India for its decision to increase exports of the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine -- which has been identified by the US Food and Drug Administration as a possible treatment for the COVID-19 | Read more Coronavirus super spreaders in US: A funeral, a birthday party and a trail of death Back in late February, when the US thought it had sealed itself off from the coronavirus, a Chicago resident with mild respiratory symptoms went to pay his respects at a funeral as a friend of the family | Read more Coronavirus-stricken Antarctica cruise ship to dock in Montevideo The coronavirus-stricken Antarctica cruise ship has been allowed to dock in Montevideo and the passengers will subsequently be flown home, Uruguay's foreign ministry said on Wednesday | Read more WATCH | WHO reacts to Trump's 'China-Centric' jibe ×

Morning news brief: Trump sees light at end of tunnel, and more

<p>The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited applications from all government and private medical colleges for establishing COVID-19 testing facilities.</p>

<p>This is being done to strengthen the apex health research body's testing capacity in view of the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/humanity-in-times-of-covid-19-trump-thanks-india-pm-modi-for-decision-on-hcq-291430" hreflang="en">Humanity in times of COVID-19: Trump thanks India, PM Modi for decision on HCQ</a></strong></p>

<p>ICMR said the private medical colleges are required to submit a copy of the NABL accreditation certificate and scope of accreditation for real-time PCR for RNA viruses.</p>

<p>"These medical colleges should have the availability of a BSL-2 level laboratory facility along with molecular biology setup for virological diagnosis and functioning and calibrated Biosafety cabinet type 2A/2B in the laboratory can apply," ICMR said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-calls-social-media-poster-to-honour-him-mischief-to-drag-me-in-controversies-291410" hreflang="en">Modi calls social media poster to honour him 'mischief to drag me in controversies'&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>The requirement of cold centrifuge/microfuge for RNA extraction and functioning and calibrated real-time PCR machine is a must.</p>

<p>Besides, the medical microbiologists and technicians should have experience of work in virology and handling clinical specimens, especially respiratory samples.</p>

<p>They should also pose a good understanding of laboratory bio-safety and bio-security, trained for handling respiratory samples for viral diagnosis, RNA extraction and real-time PCR.</p>

<p>Till Wednesday there has been 5,274 COVID-19 cases in the country, an increase of 485 cases in the last 24 hours, and 149 deaths according to the Union Health Ministry.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited applications from all government and private medical colleges for establishing COVID-19 testing facilities.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited applications from all government and private medical colleges for establishing COVID-19 testing facilities. This is being done to strengthen the apex health research body's testing capacity in view of the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country. Also read: Humanity in times of COVID-19: Trump thanks India, PM Modi for decision on HCQ ICMR said the private medical colleges are required to submit a copy of the NABL accreditation certificate and scope of accreditation for real-time PCR for RNA viruses. "These medical colleges should have the availability of a BSL-2 level laboratory facility along with molecular biology setup for virological diagnosis and functioning and calibrated Biosafety cabinet type 2A/2B in the laboratory can apply," ICMR said. Also read: Modi calls social media poster to honour him 'mischief to drag me in controversies' The requirement of cold centrifuge/microfuge for RNA extraction and functioning and calibrated real-time PCR machine is a must. Besides, the medical microbiologists and technicians should have experience of work in virology and handling clinical specimens, especially respiratory samples. They should also pose a good understanding of laboratory bio-safety and bio-security, trained for handling respiratory samples for viral diagnosis, RNA extraction and real-time PCR. Till Wednesday there has been 5,274 COVID-19 cases in the country, an increase of 485 cases in the last 24 hours, and 149 deaths according to the Union Health Ministry.

ICMR asks medical colleges to create COVID-19 testing facilities

<p>The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday pleaded for global unity in fighting the coronavirus, following US President Donald Trump's stinging attack on its handling of the pandemic.</p>

<p>As the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;prepares to mark 100 days on Thursday since it was first notified of the outbreak in China, director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hit back at accusations that it had been too close to Beijing.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-stricken-antarctica-cruise-ship-to-dock-in-montevideo-291433" hreflang="en">Coronavirus-stricken Antarctica cruise ship to dock in Montevideo</a></strong></p>

<p>The UN's health agency has faced criticism in the past both for overreacting and for moving too slowly in fighting epidemics, but it has rarely faced as much scrutiny as with the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>Trump piled in on Tuesday, accusing the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;having "called it wrong" and months too late, while taking US money but favouring China.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-deaths-soar-in-us-europe-as-trump-sees-light-at-end-of-tunnel-291427" hreflang="en">Coronavirus deaths soar in US, Europe as Trump sees light at end of tunnel</a></strong></p>

<p>The new coronavirus, which first appeared in China in December, has gone on to kill more than 80,000 people, while more than 1.4 million people have tested positive.</p>

<p>However, French President Emmanuel Macron later "reiterated his belief that the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;must be part of the solution" during a conversation with Tedros, according to a presidential official.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He refuses to see (the&nbsp;WHO) locked in this war between China and the United States," the official said of Macron.</p>

<p>Tedros urged the United States to join with China in combating the disease rather than indulging in a blame game, as he issued a stern defence of the&nbsp;WHO's management of the pandemic.</p>

<p>"The&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;really blew it. For some reason, funded largely by the United States, yet very China centric. We will be giving that a good look," Trump said on Twitter.</p>

<p>"Fortunately I rejected their advice on keeping our borders open to China early on. Why did they give us such a faulty recommendation?"</p>


The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday pleaded for global unity in fighting the coronavirus, following US President Donald Trump's stinging attack on its handling of the pandemic.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday pleaded for global unity in fighting the coronavirus, following US President Donald Trump's stinging attack on its handling of the pandemic. As the WHO prepares to mark 100 days on Thursday since it was first notified of the outbreak in China, director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hit back at accusations that it had been too close to Beijing. Also read: Coronavirus-stricken Antarctica cruise ship to dock in Montevideo The UN's health agency has faced criticism in the past both for overreacting and for moving too slowly in fighting epidemics, but it has rarely faced as much scrutiny as with the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump piled in on Tuesday, accusing the WHO having "called it wrong" and months too late, while taking US money but favouring China. Also read: Coronavirus deaths soar in US, Europe as Trump sees light at end of tunnel The new coronavirus, which first appeared in China in December, has gone on to kill more than 80,000 people, while more than 1.4 million people have tested positive. However, French President Emmanuel Macron later "reiterated his belief that the WHO must be part of the solution" during a conversation with Tedros, according to a presidential official. "He refuses to see (the WHO) locked in this war between China and the United States," the official said of Macron. Tedros urged the United States to join with China in combating the disease rather than indulging in a blame game, as he issued a stern defence of the WHO's management of the pandemic. "The WHO really blew it. For some reason, funded largely by the United States, yet very China centric. We will be giving that a good look," Trump said on Twitter. "Fortunately I rejected their advice on keeping our borders open to China early on. Why did they give us such a faulty recommendation?"

World Health Organisation urges coronavirus unity after Trump attack

<p>The US authorised pharmacies on Wednesday to carry out tests for the coronavirus, including newly developed antibody tests that detect whether a person who has recovered from illness had COVID-19.</p>

<p>Health secretary Alex Azar, announced that all tests approved by regulators could be carried out by pharmacies as the country seeks to ramp up its testing efforts.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-super-spreaders-in-us-a-funeral-a-birthday-party-and-a-trail-of-death-291428" hreflang="en">Coronavirus super spreaders in US: A funeral, a birthday party and a trail of death</a></strong></p>

<p>"The Trump Administration is pleased to give pharmacists the chance to play a bigger role in the COVID-19 response, alongside all of America's heroic healthcare workers," he said.</p>

<p>A nasal swab test can detect whether a person currently has the coronavirus.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-deaths-soar-in-us-europe-as-trump-sees-light-at-end-of-tunnel-291427" hreflang="en">Coronavirus deaths soar in US, Europe as Trump sees light at end of tunnel</a></strong></p>

<p>After they have recovered, a test that looks at whether their body developed antibodies that fought off the virus and can be used -- even if the person never showed symptoms.</p>

<p>There are different kinds of antibody tests and they can't yet tell whether a person has sufficient antibodies to be protected against future infection.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Chinese study posted this week, but not yet peer reviewed, showed that some former patients had relatively low levels of antibodies in the blood.</p>

<p>In Washington on Wednesday, a private medical center announced that it was offering a 15-minute serology test, at a cost of $290.</p>


The US authorised pharmacies on Wednesday to carry out tests for the coronavirus, including newly developed antibody tests that detect whether a person who has recovered from illness had COVID-19.

The US authorised pharmacies on Wednesday to carry out tests for the coronavirus, including newly developed antibody tests that detect whether a person who has recovered from illness had COVID-19. Health secretary Alex Azar, announced that all tests approved by regulators could be carried out by pharmacies as the country seeks to ramp up its testing efforts. Also read: Coronavirus super spreaders in US: A funeral, a birthday party and a trail of death "The Trump Administration is pleased to give pharmacists the chance to play a bigger role in the COVID-19 response, alongside all of America's heroic healthcare workers," he said. A nasal swab test can detect whether a person currently has the coronavirus. Also read: Coronavirus deaths soar in US, Europe as Trump sees light at end of tunnel After they have recovered, a test that looks at whether their body developed antibodies that fought off the virus and can be used -- even if the person never showed symptoms. There are different kinds of antibody tests and they can't yet tell whether a person has sufficient antibodies to be protected against future infection. A Chinese study posted this week, but not yet peer reviewed, showed that some former patients had relatively low levels of antibodies in the blood. In Washington on Wednesday, a private medical center announced that it was offering a 15-minute serology test, at a cost of $290.

US pharmacies authorised to test for coronavirus

In its efforts to provide protection equipment to the police personnel fighting the COVID-19 across Jammu and Kashmir. Police have directed its welfare centres to make masks and gowns out of locally procured clothing. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Handmade masks for police personnel in Jammu and Kashmir

<p>Australian police has raided the coronavirus-stricken Ruby Princess cruise ship and seized its black box.</p>

<p>The Ruby Princess berthed on Monday after weeks stranded at sea to allow doctors to assess sick crew members and take the most serious cases ashore for medical treatment.</p>

<p>Police have launched a criminal investigation into operator Carnival Australia over the circumstances that led to thousands of passengers disembarking in mid-March despite some exhibiting flu-like symptoms.</p>

<p>New South Wales Police said they wore protective suits and masks, and boarded the vessel in Port Kembla, some 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Sydney, on Wednesday night. At least 15 died later, and hundreds of passengers were diagnosed with coronavirus. Over a thousand crew members remain on the vessel and the majority wanted to stay onboard.</p>

<p>These fatalities account for nearly a third of Australia's death toll of 51. The country has recorded over 6,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19.</p>

<p>In a similar case, another&nbsp;coronavirus-stricken cruise ship was&nbsp;allowed to dock in Montevideo and the passengers will subsequently be flown home. The cruise ship, Greg Mortimer, with more than 100 infected people on board, is anchored some 24 kilometers (15 miles) offshore and will be allowed to dock on Friday.</p>

<p>Of 217 people on the ship, the Greg Mortimer, 128 had tested positive for the virus that causes the COVID-2019 disease and 89 tested negative.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-stricken-antarctica-cruise-ship-to-dock-in-montevideo-291433"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Coronavirus-stricken Antarctica cruise ship to dock in Montevideo</strong></a></p>


Australian police has raided the coronavirus-stricken Ruby Princess cruise ship and seized its black box. The Ruby Princess berthed on Monday after weeks stranded at sea to allow doctors to assess sick crew members and take the most serious cases ashore for medical treatment.

Australian police has raided the coronavirus-stricken Ruby Princess cruise ship and seized its black box. The Ruby Princess berthed on Monday after weeks stranded at sea to allow doctors to assess sick crew members and take the most serious cases ashore for medical treatment. Police have launched a criminal investigation into operator Carnival Australia over the circumstances that led to thousands of passengers disembarking in mid-March despite some exhibiting flu-like symptoms. New South Wales Police said they wore protective suits and masks, and boarded the vessel in Port Kembla, some 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Sydney, on Wednesday night. At least 15 died later, and hundreds of passengers were diagnosed with coronavirus. Over a thousand crew members remain on the vessel and the majority wanted to stay onboard. These fatalities account for nearly a third of Australia's death toll of 51. The country has recorded over 6,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19. In a similar case, another coronavirus-stricken cruise ship was allowed to dock in Montevideo and the passengers will subsequently be flown home. The cruise ship, Greg Mortimer, with more than 100 infected people on board, is anchored some 24 kilometers (15 miles) offshore and will be allowed to dock on Friday. Of 217 people on the ship, the Greg Mortimer, 128 had tested positive for the virus that causes the COVID-2019 disease and 89 tested negative. Also read | Coronavirus-stricken Antarctica cruise ship to dock in Montevideo

Australia seizes black box in raid on coronavirus-hit Ruby Princess cruise ship

<p>The coronavirus-stricken Antarctica cruise ship has been allowed to dock in Montevideo and the passengers will subsequently be flown home, Uruguay's foreign ministry said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The cruise ship, Greg Mortimer, with more than 100 infected people on board, is anchored some 24 kilometers (15 miles) offshore and will be allowed to dock on Friday.</p>

<p>Of 217 people on the ship, the Greg Mortimer, 128 had tested positive for the virus that causes the COVID-2019 disease and 89 tested negative.</p>

<p>The infected people were all asymptomatic, said Aurora Expeditions, the Australian operator of the Greg Mortimer ship that is working to disembark the crew and passengers and arrange flights to their home countries.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-shipwreck-many-people-on-antarctica-cruise-ship-have-covid-19-291251"><strong>Also read | Another shipwreck? Many people on Antarctica cruise ship have COVID-19</strong></a></p>

<p>A medical plane to evacuate Australian and New Zealand passengers will arrive in Uruguay on Thursday and will depart at dawn on Saturday for Melbourne.</p>

<p>An Australian couple suffering from a deteriorating COVID-19 condition were evacuated from the ship earlier on Wednesday, bringing to eight the number of passengers and crew to have been hospitalised in the Uruguayan capital.</p>

<p>The Airbus A340 plane contracted to fly them home is configured with medical facilities aboard... To look after the health and security of everyone.</p>

<p>However, there are no plans yet to repatriate a small number of European and American passengers.</p>

<p>Those to have tested negative could be evacuated in the coming days subject to a second test and permission from the Uruguayan government.</p>

<p>The cruise ship was originally due to tour Antarctica, South Georgia and Elephant Island but the expedition was called off on March 21 after South American countries and Australia started closing their borders and imposing strict lockdown regulations.</p>

<p>With ports all along the Atlantic coast of South America closed, the Greg Mortimer was forced to sail to Montevideo, more than 2,600 kilometers from South Georgia.</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>


The coronavirus-stricken Antarctica cruise ship has been allowed to dock in Montevideo and the passengers will subsequently be flown home, Uruguay's foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

The coronavirus-stricken Antarctica cruise ship has been allowed to dock in Montevideo and the passengers will subsequently be flown home, Uruguay's foreign ministry said on Wednesday. The cruise ship, Greg Mortimer, with more than 100 infected people on board, is anchored some 24 kilometers (15 miles) offshore and will be allowed to dock on Friday. Of 217 people on the ship, the Greg Mortimer, 128 had tested positive for the virus that causes the COVID-2019 disease and 89 tested negative. The infected people were all asymptomatic, said Aurora Expeditions, the Australian operator of the Greg Mortimer ship that is working to disembark the crew and passengers and arrange flights to their home countries. Also read | Another shipwreck? Many people on Antarctica cruise ship have COVID-19 A medical plane to evacuate Australian and New Zealand passengers will arrive in Uruguay on Thursday and will depart at dawn on Saturday for Melbourne. An Australian couple suffering from a deteriorating COVID-19 condition were evacuated from the ship earlier on Wednesday, bringing to eight the number of passengers and crew to have been hospitalised in the Uruguayan capital. The Airbus A340 plane contracted to fly them home is configured with medical facilities aboard... To look after the health and security of everyone. However, there are no plans yet to repatriate a small number of European and American passengers. Those to have tested negative could be evacuated in the coming days subject to a second test and permission from the Uruguayan government. The cruise ship was originally due to tour Antarctica, South Georgia and Elephant Island but the expedition was called off on March 21 after South American countries and Australia started closing their borders and imposing strict lockdown regulations. With ports all along the Atlantic coast of South America closed, the Greg Mortimer was forced to sail to Montevideo, more than 2,600 kilometers from South Georgia. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus-stricken Antarctica cruise ship to dock in Montevideo

<p>Back in late February, when the US thought it had sealed itself off from the coronavirus, a Chicago resident with mild respiratory symptoms went to pay his respects at a funeral as a friend of the family.</p>

<p>Three days later, he would celebrate at a birthday party with his own relatives.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-records-new-death-toll-peak-as-governor-cuomo-says-curve-flattening-291411" hreflang="en">New York records new death toll peak as Governor Cuomo says 'curve flattening'</a></strong></p>

<p>The man, who was unaware he had the COVID-19 illness, set off a chain of transmissions that infected 15 other people, three of whom died, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Wednesday.</p>

<p>The state of Illinois, of which Chicago is the biggest city, did not enact a lockdown order until weeks later on March 21 -- around a similar time to many other jurisdictions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-timeline-from-covid-19s-origin-to-spread-291354" hreflang="en">Coronavirus timeline: From COVID-19's origin to spread</a></strong></p>

<p>But the case is a telling example of how vital abiding by social distancing recommendations and lockdown orders are, the CDC said, as it revealed in a detailed report how the super spreading event happened.</p>

<p>It all started when the man, referred to as the "index patient," enjoyed a takeout meal using shared plates the night before the funeral with two members of another family he was friends with.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/smart-toilet-can-look-for-signs-of-diseases-claim-scientists-291344" hreflang="en">'Smart Toilet' can look for signs of diseases, claim scientists</a></strong></p>

<p>Three developed COVID-19 symptoms within two to six days, including one who had to be hospitalized and eventually died almost a month later.</p>

<p>The other two were managed as outpatients and recovered.</p>

<p>While the patient who eventually died was being treated in intensive care, they were visited by another member of their family who had been in contact with the index patient at the funeral.</p>

<p>This individual, who did not wear protective gear, later developed a cough and fever but recovered.</p>

<p>Over dinner, which lasted approximately three hours, and the funeral, which lasted about two hours and involved a shared "potluck-style" meal, the man reported embracing four people, including the two he met the night before to express condolences.</p>

<p>Three days after the funeral, the index patient went to a birthday party that was attended by nine members of his own family, and came into close contact with all of them over the course of three hours.</p>

<p>Seven subsequently developed COVID-19 three to seven days after the event. Two were hospitalized and required ventilation, and both died.</p>

<p>Two people involved in caring for one of the people who died, including a family member and a home care professional who was not related, both developed probable COVID-19.</p>

<p>The family member likely transmitted the virus to another relative, who did not attend the party.</p>

<p>Three of the birthday attendees who had symptoms went to church six days after developing their first symptoms, where they likely infected an unrelated health care professional.</p>

<p>The health care worker sat in close proximity and conversed with them over a period of 90 minutes.</p>

<p>The CDC wrote that the patients ranged in age from five to 86 years.</p>

<p>"Extended family gatherings (a birthday party, funeral, and church attendance), all of which occurred before major social distancing policies were implemented, might have facilitated transmission of SARS-CoV-2 beyond household contacts into the broader community," it said.</p>

<p>The story highlights just how contagious the virus is, with scientists still trying to understand better how it is transmitted.</p>

<p>Early on in the pandemic, it was said to be more contagious than the flu and less than measles -- though it isn't clear if this is really the case, and it may be just as or even more contagious than measles.</p>

<p>Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing that fell directly on a person or came from touching contaminated surfaces were thought to be the main driver, but growing scholarship suggests an infected person breathing and speaking may be enough.</p>

<p>What's more, a very high portion of infected people are now believed to be asymptomatic -- between 25 and 50 percent -- strengthening the argument for everyone to cover their faces while outdoors, which is the updated CDC advice.</p>


Back in late February, when the US thought it had sealed itself off from the coronavirus, a Chicago resident with mild respiratory symptoms went to pay his respects at a funeral as a friend of the family.

Back in late February, when the US thought it had sealed itself off from the coronavirus, a Chicago resident with mild respiratory symptoms went to pay his respects at a funeral as a friend of the family. Three days later, he would celebrate at a birthday party with his own relatives. Also read: New York records new death toll peak as Governor Cuomo says 'curve flattening' The man, who was unaware he had the COVID-19 illness, set off a chain of transmissions that infected 15 other people, three of whom died, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Wednesday. The state of Illinois, of which Chicago is the biggest city, did not enact a lockdown order until weeks later on March 21 -- around a similar time to many other jurisdictions. Also read: Coronavirus timeline: From COVID-19's origin to spread But the case is a telling example of how vital abiding by social distancing recommendations and lockdown orders are, the CDC said, as it revealed in a detailed report how the super spreading event happened. It all started when the man, referred to as the "index patient," enjoyed a takeout meal using shared plates the night before the funeral with two members of another family he was friends with. Also read: 'Smart Toilet' can look for signs of diseases, claim scientists Three developed COVID-19 symptoms within two to six days, including one who had to be hospitalized and eventually died almost a month later. The other two were managed as outpatients and recovered. While the patient who eventually died was being treated in intensive care, they were visited by another member of their family who had been in contact with the index patient at the funeral. This individual, who did not wear protective gear, later developed a cough and fever but recovered. Over dinner, which lasted approximately three hours, and the funeral, which lasted about two hours and involved a shared "potluck-style" meal, the man reported embracing four people, including the two he met the night before to express condolences. Three days after the funeral, the index patient went to a birthday party that was attended by nine members of his own family, and came into close contact with all of them over the course of three hours. Seven subsequently developed COVID-19 three to seven days after the event. Two were hospitalized and required ventilation, and both died. Two people involved in caring for one of the people who died, including a family member and a home care professional who was not related, both developed probable COVID-19. The family member likely transmitted the virus to another relative, who did not attend the party. Three of the birthday attendees who had symptoms went to church six days after developing their first symptoms, where they likely infected an unrelated health care professional. The health care worker sat in close proximity and conversed with them over a period of 90 minutes. The CDC wrote that the patients ranged in age from five to 86 years. "Extended family gatherings (a birthday party, funeral, and church attendance), all of which occurred before major social distancing policies were implemented, might have facilitated transmission of SARS-CoV-2 beyond household contacts into the broader community," it said. The story highlights just how contagious the virus is, with scientists still trying to understand better how it is transmitted. Early on in the pandemic, it was said to be more contagious than the flu and less than measles -- though it isn't clear if this is really the case, and it may be just as or even more contagious than measles. Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing that fell directly on a person or came from touching contaminated surfaces were thought to be the main driver, but growing scholarship suggests an infected person breathing and speaking may be enough. What's more, a very high portion of infected people are now believed to be asymptomatic -- between 25 and 50 percent -- strengthening the argument for everyone to cover their faces while outdoors, which is the updated CDC advice.

Coronavirus super spreaders in US: A funeral, a birthday party and a trail of death

<p>The icon of French New Wave cinema, Jean-Luc Godard went live on Instagram recently much to the delight of his fans world over. The veteran filmmaker, film critic gave a masterclass over Instagram on Monday as he spoke about 'images at the time of coronavirus' with Lionel Baier, head of the cinema department of ECAL (University of Art and Design Lausanne). Godard spoke for 90 minutes from his home in Switzerland while smoking a fat cigar.</p>

<p>Terming the virus as a means of 'communication,' the director said, "we are not going to die of it, but maybe we are not able to live well."</p>

<p>The majority of the conversation, however, was not about coronavirus, but about Godard’s own philosophies.<br />
<br />
Godard returned to a subject that he has frequently explored in his work – the inadequacy of language – and paid tribute to the late Jacques Rivette and Eric Rohmer, both former New Wave colleagues.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-oqE-lgj5b/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">UPDATE: Available soon with English subtitles on www.ecal.ch - #ECAL #Instagram #Live with #legendary #Swiss &amp; #French #filmmaker #JeanLucGodard - discussing the topic of «images in times of Coronavirus» with #LionelBaier - Head of ECAL #Cinema Department - Tuesday 14h30 (CEST) @ecal_ch - #instagood #typeface Rungli by @kplehmann @ecal_ch</a></p>

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<p>The veteran filmmaker also revealed his method of writing. “I write by hand if possible. Before I typed, but I prefer to write by hand. Very often I write very small. Afterward, I cannot read myself again. So I have to rewrite it,"&nbsp; the director said.<br />
<br />
He also gave advice to young filmmakers: “During the New Wave, I thought that cinema should be taught at the University. As now it takes baccalaureate X years for everything, I would rather recommend that they go home and do something else."</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I3FP_zV4BqQ" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>For many Godard's Instagram live session may have come as a surprise but the director is not completely new to the world of social media. While promoting his film 'The Image Book' at Cannes in 2018, the legendary director held a press conference via Face Time where the journalists posed questions to the filmmaker via smartphone held by one of the festival organizers.</p>


The icon of French New Wave cinema, Jean-Luc Godard went live on Instagram recently much to the delight of his fans world over. The veteran filmmaker, film critic gave a masterclass over Instagram on Monday as he spoke about 'images at the time of coronavirus' with Lionel Baier, head of the cinema department of ECAL (University of Art and Design Lausanne).

The icon of French New Wave cinema, Jean-Luc Godard went live on Instagram recently much to the delight of his fans world over. The veteran filmmaker, film critic gave a masterclass over Instagram on Monday as he spoke about 'images at the time of coronavirus' with Lionel Baier, head of the cinema department of ECAL (University of Art and Design Lausanne). Godard spoke for 90 minutes from his home in Switzerland while smoking a fat cigar. Terming the virus as a means of 'communication,' the director said, "we are not going to die of it, but maybe we are not able to live well." The majority of the conversation, however, was not about coronavirus, but about Godard’s own philosophies. Godard returned to a subject that he has frequently explored in his work – the inadequacy of language – and paid tribute to the late Jacques Rivette and Eric Rohmer, both former New Wave colleagues. View this post on Instagram UPDATE: Available soon with English subtitles on www.ecal.ch - #ECAL #Instagram #Live with #legendary #Swiss & #French #filmmaker #JeanLucGodard - discussing the topic of «images in times of Coronavirus» with #LionelBaier - Head of ECAL #Cinema Department - Tuesday 14h30 (CEST) @ecal_ch - #instagood #typeface Rungli by @kplehmann @ecal_ch A post shared by ECAL (@ecal_ch) on Apr 6, 2020 at 2:59am PDT × The veteran filmmaker also revealed his method of writing. “I write by hand if possible. Before I typed, but I prefer to write by hand. Very often I write very small. Afterward, I cannot read myself again. So I have to rewrite it," the director said. He also gave advice to young filmmakers: “During the New Wave, I thought that cinema should be taught at the University. As now it takes baccalaureate X years for everything, I would rather recommend that they go home and do something else." For many Godard's Instagram live session may have come as a surprise but the director is not completely new to the world of social media. While promoting his film 'The Image Book' at Cannes in 2018, the legendary director held a press conference via Face Time where the journalists posed questions to the filmmaker via smartphone held by one of the festival organizers.

French new wave cinema icon Jean-Luc Godard takes masterclass live on Instagram amid lockdown

<p>Data gathered from 2 million people in Britain using a new COVID-19 symptom tracker app suggests lockdown measures are slowing the spread of the disease, researchers said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The rate of new coronavirus symptoms reported in Britain has slowed significantly in the past few days, the King's College London scientists said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-covid-19-can-push-half-a-billion-people-into-poverty-291463" hreflang="en">How COVID-19 can push half a billion people into poverty?</a></strong></p>

<p>Their latest figures suggest that around 1.4 million people in Britain aged between 20 and 69 currently have symptomatic COVID-19, a fall from 1.9 million on April 1, as some have recovered and fewer people report new symptoms.</p>

<p>The drop in new symptoms suggests that although the numbers of COVID-19 patients being admitted to hospital are rising, as are the numbers dying, these should start to fall in about two weeks if social distancing measures are kept in place.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-fine-to-flailing-rapid-health-declines-in-covid-19-patients-jar-doctors-nurses-291431" hreflang="en">From fine to flailing - rapid health declines in COVID-19 patients jar doctors, nurses</a></strong></p>

<p>Official figures show Britain's total hospital deaths from COVID-19 rose by 786 to 6,159 as of 1600 GMT on April 6.</p>

<p>Like many other countries hit by the pandemic, Britain has imposed strict social distancing along with shop and school closures. Introducing the measures more than 2 weeks ago, authorities also asked everyone to stay at home except for essential travel.</p>

<p>Tim Spector, who led the King's team analyzing the symptom tracker data (https://joinzoe.carto.com/me), said the signs were "encouraging."</p>

<p>"Even though hospital admissions and deaths are still on the rise, we hope that these figures offer a much needed light at the end of the tunnel," he said.</p>

<p>Spector's analysis comes after preliminary work by researchers at the London School of Hygiene &amp; Tropical Medicine published a week ago also showed that social distancing may already be working by dramatically reducing the number of daily contacts between people.</p>

<p>Spector said his data showed, however, that Britain's larger cities like London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Liverpool "continue to have very high levels of symptoms in the community."</p>

<p>London Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Wednesday that Britain is in no position to ease the shutdown as the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak is still likely to be more than a week away.</p>


Data gathered from 2 million people in Britain using a new COVID-19 symptom tracker app suggests lockdown measures are slowing the spread of the disease, researchers said on Wednesday.

Data gathered from 2 million people in Britain using a new COVID-19 symptom tracker app suggests lockdown measures are slowing the spread of the disease, researchers said on Wednesday. The rate of new coronavirus symptoms reported in Britain has slowed significantly in the past few days, the King's College London scientists said. Also read: How COVID-19 can push half a billion people into poverty? Their latest figures suggest that around 1.4 million people in Britain aged between 20 and 69 currently have symptomatic COVID-19, a fall from 1.9 million on April 1, as some have recovered and fewer people report new symptoms. The drop in new symptoms suggests that although the numbers of COVID-19 patients being admitted to hospital are rising, as are the numbers dying, these should start to fall in about two weeks if social distancing measures are kept in place. Also read: From fine to flailing - rapid health declines in COVID-19 patients jar doctors, nurses Official figures show Britain's total hospital deaths from COVID-19 rose by 786 to 6,159 as of 1600 GMT on April 6. Like many other countries hit by the pandemic, Britain has imposed strict social distancing along with shop and school closures. Introducing the measures more than 2 weeks ago, authorities also asked everyone to stay at home except for essential travel. Tim Spector, who led the King's team analyzing the symptom tracker data (https://joinzoe.carto.com/me), said the signs were "encouraging." "Even though hospital admissions and deaths are still on the rise, we hope that these figures offer a much needed light at the end of the tunnel," he said. Spector's analysis comes after preliminary work by researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine published a week ago also showed that social distancing may already be working by dramatically reducing the number of daily contacts between people. Spector said his data showed, however, that Britain's larger cities like London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Liverpool "continue to have very high levels of symptoms in the community." London Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Wednesday that Britain is in no position to ease the shutdown as the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak is still likely to be more than a week away.

Two weeks in, Britain's COVID-19 lockdown having an effect, study shows

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