Prince Charles opened a new 4,000-bed temporary hospital in a conference centre in east London on Friday, the first of several being built in Britain to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.

The new state-run National Health Service (NHS) Hospital is named after the trailblazing 19th-century nurse Florence Nightingale and has been built in just nine days.

Queen Elizabeth II's eldest son and heir officially launched the facility via videolink from Scotland, where he has been in self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.

He paid tribute to everyone involved, calling it "quite frankly incredible" to have transformed the giant ExCeL centre into a critical care facility in such a short space of time.

"I was one of the lucky ones to have COVID-19 relatively mildly," he said. "But for some, it will be a much harder journey.

"I am therefore so relieved that everyone can now have the reassurance that they will receive all the necessary technical care they may need, and every chance to return to a normal life."

With Nightingale often named "The Lady of the Lamp" and seen as one of the founders of modern nursing, he said the name was appropriate.&nbsp;

"In this dark time, this place will place will be a shining light," the prince said, but added that he hoped it would not required for long.

NHS Nightingale London will initially take 500 people in the coming days, said Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who has also tested positive for COVID-19.

It will take intensive care patients with COVID-19 from other London hospitals, which have seen the most number of cases across Britain.

'Invisible killer'

The size of 10 district general hospitals, the new facility has more than 80 wards, each containing 42 beds, and when fully operational will require more than 16,000 staff to run.

Hancock praised the NHS, a taxpayer-funded service free at the point of use, which has been struggling in recent years as a result of public spending cuts.

"In these troubled times, with this invisible killer stalking the whole world, the fact that in this country we have the NHS is even more valuable than before," he said.

Temporary hospitals are also being built in exhibition centres in the cities of Birmingham and Manchester, with a capacity of up to 3,000 beds between them.&nbsp;

A third is under construction in Glasgow and plans are also in place to build two more in Bristol, in western England, and the northern city of Harrogate offering 1,500 beds.

NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said he hoped the extra two sites would not be needed.

"That will partly depend on continuing public support for measures to reduce growth in the infection rate by staying at home to save lives," he said in a statement.

Britons have been told to stay at home wherever possible and non-essential shops and services have been shut since March 23, as part a nationwide lockdown designed to stem the spread of coronavirus.

However, health officials say the measures will take time to have an effect and the death toll continues to mount rapidly, reaching 2,921 on Wednesday.

Prince Charles opened a new 4,000-bed temporary hospital in a conference centre in east London on Friday, the first of several being built in Britain to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.

Prince Charles opened a new 4,000-bed temporary hospital in a conference centre in east London on Friday, the first of several being built in Britain to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. The new state-run National Health Service (NHS) Hospital is named after the trailblazing 19th-century nurse Florence Nightingale and has been built in just nine days. Queen Elizabeth II's eldest son and heir officially launched the facility via videolink from Scotland, where he has been in self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19. He paid tribute to everyone involved, calling it "quite frankly incredible" to have transformed the giant ExCeL centre into a critical care facility in such a short space of time. "I was one of the lucky ones to have COVID-19 relatively mildly," he said. "But for some, it will be a much harder journey. "I am therefore so relieved that everyone can now have the reassurance that they will receive all the necessary technical care they may need, and every chance to return to a normal life." With Nightingale often named "The Lady of the Lamp" and seen as one of the founders of modern nursing, he said the name was appropriate. "In this dark time, this place will place will be a shining light," the prince said, but added that he hoped it would not required for long. NHS Nightingale London will initially take 500 people in the coming days, said Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who has also tested positive for COVID-19. It will take intensive care patients with COVID-19 from other London hospitals, which have seen the most number of cases across Britain. 'Invisible killer' The size of 10 district general hospitals, the new facility has more than 80 wards, each containing 42 beds, and when fully operational will require more than 16,000 staff to run. Hancock praised the NHS, a taxpayer-funded service free at the point of use, which has been struggling in recent years as a result of public spending cuts. "In these troubled times, with this invisible killer stalking the whole world, the fact that in this country we have the NHS is even more valuable than before," he said. Temporary hospitals are also being built in exhibition centres in the cities of Birmingham and Manchester, with a capacity of up to 3,000 beds between them. A third is under construction in Glasgow and plans are also in place to build two more in Bristol, in western England, and the northern city of Harrogate offering 1,500 beds. NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said he hoped the extra two sites would not be needed. "That will partly depend on continuing public support for measures to reduce growth in the infection rate by staying at home to save lives," he said in a statement. Britons have been told to stay at home wherever possible and non-essential shops and services have been shut since March 23, as part a nationwide lockdown designed to stem the spread of coronavirus. However, health officials say the measures will take time to have an effect and the death toll continues to mount rapidly, reaching 2,921 on Wednesday.

New 4,000-bed coronavirus field hospital opens in London

There has been a steep rise in COVID-19 cases in Uttar Pradesh with at least 46 fresh cases being reported in the last 24 hours, taking to 172 the total number of coronavirus patients in the state as on Friday, a senior health official said.

The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in UP was reported to be 126 on Thursday night.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-asks-citizens-to-light-diyas-and-candles-on-sunday-night-twitter-lights-up-with-humour-290335" hreflang="en">PM Modi asks citizens to light diyas and candles on Sunday night. Twitter lights up with humour</a>

"Till Friday afternoon the total number of positive COVID-19 cases across the state are 172," a senior health official told PTI.

The sharp increase in the number of cases, officials said, was due to confirmation of coronavirus in the samples of over three dozen people across the state who had attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-cases-rise-to-2301-in-india-290314" hreflang="en">Coronavirus cases rise to 2,301 in India</a>

"The exact breakup of the districts will be made available later," they said.

Earlier,the total number of positive cases in the state was 134 as on Friday morning with a total of eight fresh cases reported in Agra and Jaunpur.

While six cases were found to be positive in Agra, two positive cases were reported in Jaunpur, they said. 
"Six more COVID-19 positive cases have found here. The total number of cases in the district are 18 now," Agra District Magistrate Prabhu Narain Singh said.

"Two more case have been found to be coronavirus positive in Jaunpur. Now the total positive cases in the district are three," Jaunpur District Magistrate Dinesh Kumar Singh said. The two fresh cases are of those who attended the Tablighi Jamat congregation in New Delhi, he said.

According to officials, the district-wise tally of 134 coronavirus cases as on Friday morning included - Gautambudh Nagar (48), Meerut (24), Agra (18), Lucknow (10), Ghaziabad (9), Bareilly (6), Bulandshahr and Jaunpur (3 each), Basti, Varanasi, and Pilibhit (2 each), Ghazipur, Hapur, Baghpat, Shamli, Moradabad, Kanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri (1 each). 
Of these 134 cases, 17 have been fully cured and discharged while two have died, one each in Meerut and Basti.

Principal Secretary (Medical and Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said, "The good thing is that there has been a decrease in the average rate of infection in the state".

He said the Health Department has been maintaining an aggressive containment exercise in and around various districts from where positive cases have been reported and this has helped to some extent in containing the spread of the virus.

There has been a steep rise in COVID-19 cases in Uttar Pradesh with at least 46 fresh cases being reported in the last 24 hours, taking to 172 the total number of coronavirus patients in the state as on Friday, a senior health official said.

There has been a steep rise in COVID-19 cases in Uttar Pradesh with at least 46 fresh cases being reported in the last 24 hours, taking to 172 the total number of coronavirus patients in the state as on Friday, a senior health official said. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in UP was reported to be 126 on Thursday night. Also read: PM Modi asks citizens to light diyas and candles on Sunday night. Twitter lights up with humour "Till Friday afternoon the total number of positive COVID-19 cases across the state are 172," a senior health official told PTI. The sharp increase in the number of cases, officials said, was due to confirmation of coronavirus in the samples of over three dozen people across the state who had attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi. Also read: Coronavirus cases rise to 2,301 in India "The exact breakup of the districts will be made available later," they said. Earlier,the total number of positive cases in the state was 134 as on Friday morning with a total of eight fresh cases reported in Agra and Jaunpur. While six cases were found to be positive in Agra, two positive cases were reported in Jaunpur, they said. "Six more COVID-19 positive cases have found here. The total number of cases in the district are 18 now," Agra District Magistrate Prabhu Narain Singh said. "Two more case have been found to be coronavirus positive in Jaunpur. Now the total positive cases in the district are three," Jaunpur District Magistrate Dinesh Kumar Singh said. The two fresh cases are of those who attended the Tablighi Jamat congregation in New Delhi, he said. According to officials, the district-wise tally of 134 coronavirus cases as on Friday morning included - Gautambudh Nagar (48), Meerut (24), Agra (18), Lucknow (10), Ghaziabad (9), Bareilly (6), Bulandshahr and Jaunpur (3 each), Basti, Varanasi, and Pilibhit (2 each), Ghazipur, Hapur, Baghpat, Shamli, Moradabad, Kanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri (1 each). Of these 134 cases, 17 have been fully cured and discharged while two have died, one each in Meerut and Basti. Principal Secretary (Medical and Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said, "The good thing is that there has been a decrease in the average rate of infection in the state". He said the Health Department has been maintaining an aggressive containment exercise in and around various districts from where positive cases have been reported and this has helped to some extent in containing the spread of the virus.

Coronavirus cases rise to 172 in Uttar Pradesh

US immigration officials say they have a plan if detention centers get hit with coronavirus outbreaks: They will transfer detainees with serious symptoms to hospitals with "expertise in high risk care."

But many centers - each housing hundreds of people, often in close quarters - are located in remote communities, far from hospitals able to handle a rush of patients with COVID-19. Detention center outbreaks in such areas could quickly swamp local hospitals, threatening their ability to treat local residents along with detainees.

About a third of the 43,000 immigrants in detention as of March 2 were housed at facilities that have only one hospital - or none - with intensive-care beds within 25 miles, according to a Reuters analysis of data from the American Hospital Directory and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The seven sites with no such hospitals nearby held a total of about 5,000 detainees, according to the analysis, which examined centers that averaged 100 or more detainees.

The shortage of available care is especially acute in Louisiana, according to interviews with local health workers, hospital administrators and current and former detention-center employees. The administration of President Donald Trump has quadrupled the number of detainees in the state - to nearly 7,000 - as part of a larger immigration crackdown. And Louisiana hospitals are already straining to handle one of the world’s fastest-growing coronavirus outbreaks.

The closest hospital to four of the Louisiana sites - which together house an average of 3,700 detainees - is Winn Parish Medical Center, which has just 46 beds and five intensive-care beds. Such tiny rural facilities would be forced to send patients to a handful of larger regional hospitals.

Doctors and nurses at both the small and larger hospitals said that a severe outbreak at even one detention center could overwhelm their ability to respond. One of the four centers, for example, is LaSalle ICE Processing Center in Jena, Louisiana - among the nation’s largest with a daily average of about 1,200 detainees. The nearest larger hospitals are about 40 miles away in Alexandria.

One nurse at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria said she worried about the threat of an outbreak at a prison or detention center when she recently saw a man flanked by two guards in the hospital’s COVID-19 unit.

"We don't have enough staff or equipment to handle something like that," the nurse said, noting that workers have been duct-taping the door frames of makeshift isolation rooms. "It`s already chaotic.”

Six ICE detainees - five in New Jersey and one in Arizona - have tested positive for the disease, along with five ICE staffers, working in detention centers in New Jersey, Texas and Colorado, and two employees of privately run detention centers, according to ICE and the private operators. One of the employees worked at Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, which housed more than 1,500 detainees as of early March.

ICE spokespeople said the agency has a detailed pandemic response plan and is following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control protocols for testing and monitoring the disease. The agency said it would focus enforcement actions on the most serious criminals during the pandemic and seek alternatives to detention when appropriate. By the end of March, the number of immigrants in custody nationally had fallen to about 35,600, according to ICE, but the agency could not provide updated data by facility.

ICE spokesman Bryan Cox said that examining hospital resources near Louisiana detention centers is "speculative" because there are currently no confirmed COVID-19 cases at ICE facilities there. Cox and ICE spokeswoman Danielle Bennett said they did not know how many coronavirus tests ICE has administered, in Louisiana or nationally, and could not say whether the agency tracks that information.

OUTBREAK 'WOULD BE OVERWHELMING'

Public health experts say the risks to detention centers are serious. Carlos Franco-Paredes - an infectious disease doctor in Colorado who has worked in detention centers - said an outbreak in a population of 1,500 detainees could require between 150 and 175 intensive-care admissions.

The South Louisiana ICE Processing Center is near the town of Basile - population 1,700. About 40 minutes away is the Pine Prairie Processing Center, in another small community. Together, the centers house an average of 1,300 detainees. The two facilities, along with the Jena detention center, are run by Geo Group, a private company contracting with ICE.

About halfway between the two detention facilities is the Savoy Medical Center - with just 10 intensive-care beds and 6 ventilators, said chief executive Gene Burge.

An outbreak "would be overwhelming for an area like this,” Burge said.

‘TICKING TIME BOMB’

ICE facilities have in-house medical care, but available services and equipment vary widely, said Scott Allen, a doctor and Department of Homeland Security consultant who has inspected detention centers.

Some rural centers have one person providing medical services, a problem if that caregiver gets ill, Allen said in a March 19 letter he wrote with another doctor to the U.S. Congress. Local hospitals would be unable to provide ventilators to both detainees and local residents, the letter warned, causing people from both groups to "die unnecessarily."

Five detainees inside the South Louisiana center, which houses more than 670 men and women, said in interviews that the conditions inside the center don’t allow them to protect themselves by, for instance, frequently washing their hands or maintaining social distance. They said they each only recently received a miniature bar of soap and have not been provided cleaning products.

Daimy Garcia, 28, an asylum seeker from Cuba, said more detainees have been recently transferred into her unit, making social distancing harder. She said her unit now holds more than 70 women from Cameroon, China, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico and Central America.

"This is a ticking time bomb," Garcia said.

Pablo Paez, a spokesman for Geo Group said such allegations were "unfounded" and "being instigated by outside groups with political agendas." He said all the company's facilities provide access to regular handwashing and 24/7 access to healthcare. He referred questions about local hospital resources to ICE.

HIDING SYMPTOMS, SHARING BATHROOMS

The Catahoula Correctional Center near Harrisonburg, Louisiana houses a daily average of 500 detainees - just outside a town of 330 residents.

Four detainees at the center told Reuters that some immigrants have hidden symptoms of illness to avoid being isolated in the same solitary confinement cells the center uses for punishment.

Alfonso Diaz, a 58-year-old asylum seeker from Cuba with heart problems, said he shares a dorm with 100 other men, all sleeping in three-tier bunk beds and sharing four toilets and six showers. He said guards do not wear protective gear and told the detainees to ignore news about the virus.

Scott Sutterfield, a spokesman for the private company LaSalle Corrections that runs Catahoula said that it has implemented a pandemic contingency plan at its facilities, which includes screening, testing, treatment and infection-control measures. Sutterfield did not respond to the specific concerns of the detainees interviewed by Reuters or answer questions about limited hospital capacity nearby.

The Catahoula facility is about 40 minutes away from River Correctional Center, another new ICE site housing detainees in Ferriday, Louisiana. The two locations average about 900 detainees combined.

The nearest hospital to both centers is the tiny Riverland Medical Center in Ferriday. The center has five intensive care beds but is only staffed for two critically ill patients.

Patients could also be sent to Merit Health Natchez, in nearby Mississippi, which had 15 intensive care beds as of last year, according to federal records. Natchez is also home to a facility that recently started housing 1,000 ICE detainees.

Blane Mire, a doctor at Merit Health, said on a March 26 call with town officials that his hospital was low on medicine and protective gear and full of coronavirus patients - three of them on ventilators. With hospitals in major urban centers also in need of supplies, he said, rural areas could be left behind. As Mire put it: "Natchez isn`t going to be on the priority list."

US immigration officials say they have a plan if detention centers get hit with coronavirus outbreaks: They will transfer detainees with serious symptoms to hospitals with "expertise in high risk care.

US immigration officials say they have a plan if detention centers get hit with coronavirus outbreaks: They will transfer detainees with serious symptoms to hospitals with "expertise in high risk care." But many centers - each housing hundreds of people, often in close quarters - are located in remote communities, far from hospitals able to handle a rush of patients with COVID-19. Detention center outbreaks in such areas could quickly swamp local hospitals, threatening their ability to treat local residents along with detainees. About a third of the 43,000 immigrants in detention as of March 2 were housed at facilities that have only one hospital - or none - with intensive-care beds within 25 miles, according to a Reuters analysis of data from the American Hospital Directory and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The seven sites with no such hospitals nearby held a total of about 5,000 detainees, according to the analysis, which examined centers that averaged 100 or more detainees. The shortage of available care is especially acute in Louisiana, according to interviews with local health workers, hospital administrators and current and former detention-center employees. The administration of President Donald Trump has quadrupled the number of detainees in the state - to nearly 7,000 - as part of a larger immigration crackdown. And Louisiana hospitals are already straining to handle one of the world’s fastest-growing coronavirus outbreaks. The closest hospital to four of the Louisiana sites - which together house an average of 3,700 detainees - is Winn Parish Medical Center, which has just 46 beds and five intensive-care beds. Such tiny rural facilities would be forced to send patients to a handful of larger regional hospitals. Doctors and nurses at both the small and larger hospitals said that a severe outbreak at even one detention center could overwhelm their ability to respond. One of the four centers, for example, is LaSalle ICE Processing Center in Jena, Louisiana - among the nation’s largest with a daily average of about 1,200 detainees. The nearest larger hospitals are about 40 miles away in Alexandria. One nurse at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria said she worried about the threat of an outbreak at a prison or detention center when she recently saw a man flanked by two guards in the hospital’s COVID-19 unit. "We don't have enough staff or equipment to handle something like that," the nurse said, noting that workers have been duct-taping the door frames of makeshift isolation rooms. "It`s already chaotic.” Six ICE detainees - five in New Jersey and one in Arizona - have tested positive for the disease, along with five ICE staffers, working in detention centers in New Jersey, Texas and Colorado, and two employees of privately run detention centers, according to ICE and the private operators. One of the employees worked at Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, which housed more than 1,500 detainees as of early March. ICE spokespeople said the agency has a detailed pandemic response plan and is following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control protocols for testing and monitoring the disease. The agency said it would focus enforcement actions on the most serious criminals during the pandemic and seek alternatives to detention when appropriate. By the end of March, the number of immigrants in custody nationally had fallen to about 35,600, according to ICE, but the agency could not provide updated data by facility. ICE spokesman Bryan Cox said that examining hospital resources near Louisiana detention centers is "speculative" because there are currently no confirmed COVID-19 cases at ICE facilities there. Cox and ICE spokeswoman Danielle Bennett said they did not know how many coronavirus tests ICE has administered, in Louisiana or nationally, and could not say whether the agency tracks that information. OUTBREAK 'WOULD BE OVERWHELMING' Public health experts say the risks to detention centers are serious. Carlos Franco-Paredes - an infectious disease doctor in Colorado who has worked in detention centers - said an outbreak in a population of 1,500 detainees could require between 150 and 175 intensive-care admissions. The South Louisiana ICE Processing Center is near the town of Basile - population 1,700. About 40 minutes away is the Pine Prairie Processing Center, in another small community. Together, the centers house an average of 1,300 detainees. The two facilities, along with the Jena detention center, are run by Geo Group, a private company contracting with ICE. About halfway between the two detention facilities is the Savoy Medical Center - with just 10 intensive-care beds and 6 ventilators, said chief executive Gene Burge. An outbreak "would be overwhelming for an area like this,” Burge said. ‘TICKING TIME BOMB’ ICE facilities have in-house medical care, but available services and equipment vary widely, said Scott Allen, a doctor and Department of Homeland Security consultant who has inspected detention centers. Some rural centers have one person providing medical services, a problem if that caregiver gets ill, Allen said in a March 19 letter he wrote with another doctor to the U.S. Congress. Local hospitals would be unable to provide ventilators to both detainees and local residents, the letter warned, causing people from both groups to "die unnecessarily." Five detainees inside the South Louisiana center, which houses more than 670 men and women, said in interviews that the conditions inside the center don’t allow them to protect themselves by, for instance, frequently washing their hands or maintaining social distance. They said they each only recently received a miniature bar of soap and have not been provided cleaning products. Daimy Garcia, 28, an asylum seeker from Cuba, said more detainees have been recently transferred into her unit, making social distancing harder. She said her unit now holds more than 70 women from Cameroon, China, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico and Central America. "This is a ticking time bomb," Garcia said. Pablo Paez, a spokesman for Geo Group said such allegations were "unfounded" and "being instigated by outside groups with political agendas." He said all the company's facilities provide access to regular handwashing and 24/7 access to healthcare. He referred questions about local hospital resources to ICE. HIDING SYMPTOMS, SHARING BATHROOMS The Catahoula Correctional Center near Harrisonburg, Louisiana houses a daily average of 500 detainees - just outside a town of 330 residents. Four detainees at the center told Reuters that some immigrants have hidden symptoms of illness to avoid being isolated in the same solitary confinement cells the center uses for punishment. Alfonso Diaz, a 58-year-old asylum seeker from Cuba with heart problems, said he shares a dorm with 100 other men, all sleeping in three-tier bunk beds and sharing four toilets and six showers. He said guards do not wear protective gear and told the detainees to ignore news about the virus. Scott Sutterfield, a spokesman for the private company LaSalle Corrections that runs Catahoula said that it has implemented a pandemic contingency plan at its facilities, which includes screening, testing, treatment and infection-control measures. Sutterfield did not respond to the specific concerns of the detainees interviewed by Reuters or answer questions about limited hospital capacity nearby. The Catahoula facility is about 40 minutes away from River Correctional Center, another new ICE site housing detainees in Ferriday, Louisiana. The two locations average about 900 detainees combined. The nearest hospital to both centers is the tiny Riverland Medical Center in Ferriday. The center has five intensive care beds but is only staffed for two critically ill patients. Patients could also be sent to Merit Health Natchez, in nearby Mississippi, which had 15 intensive care beds as of last year, according to federal records. Natchez is also home to a facility that recently started housing 1,000 ICE detainees. Blane Mire, a doctor at Merit Health, said on a March 26 call with town officials that his hospital was low on medicine and protective gear and full of coronavirus patients - three of them on ventilators. With hospitals in major urban centers also in need of supplies, he said, rural areas could be left behind. As Mire put it: "Natchez isn`t going to be on the priority list."

As coronavirus pandemic rages, US immigrants detained in areas with few hospitals

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved legislation which permits the government to declare a state of national emergency to control the COVID-19 pandemic from spreading further.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-has-enough-ventilators-for-only-six-more-days-290333">New York has enough ventilators for only six more days</a>

As per Russian law, only the President has the power to invoke a state of emergency. This too, can be done with the support of the upper house of the Parliament.&nbsp;

However, starting Tuesday, the whole cabinet of ministers will have the same powers to announce an emergency.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-domestic-violence-against-women-soars-due-to-lockdown-europe-tries-something-new-290311" hreflang="en">As domestic violence against women soars due to lockdown, Europe tries something new!</a>

Yesterday, Putin had announced the extension of non-working period in Russia to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Now the shutdown is expected to last until April 30.

"I've taken a decision to extend the period of non-working days until April 30," Putin said in an address broadcast on state television, adding that people will still receive their salaries.

Not one for televised appearances, Putin announced a week-long break earlier on TV as the number of cases continue to dramatically increase in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earth-is-less-noisy-during-covid-19-say-seismologists-290292" hreflang="en">Earth is less noisy during COVID-19, say seismologists</a>

After consulting with health officials, Putin enforced a longer work-free period. The country needs to be shut for longer to avert a crisis.

Even with a shutdown in place, the number of cases continue to spike in the country. Just yesterday, over 771 new infections were reported in the country. Additionally, 30 people have died so far.

"The threat remains," Putin announced.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved legislation which permits the government to declare a state of national emergency to control the COVID-19 pandemic from spreading further.

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved legislation which permits the government to declare a state of national emergency to control the COVID-19 pandemic from spreading further. Also read: New York has enough ventilators for only six more days As per Russian law, only the President has the power to invoke a state of emergency. This too, can be done with the support of the upper house of the Parliament. However, starting Tuesday, the whole cabinet of ministers will have the same powers to announce an emergency. Also read: As domestic violence against women soars due to lockdown, Europe tries something new! Yesterday, Putin had announced the extension of non-working period in Russia to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Now the shutdown is expected to last until April 30. "I've taken a decision to extend the period of non-working days until April 30," Putin said in an address broadcast on state television, adding that people will still receive their salaries. Not one for televised appearances, Putin announced a week-long break earlier on TV as the number of cases continue to dramatically increase in the country. Also read: Earth is less noisy during COVID-19, say seismologists After consulting with health officials, Putin enforced a longer work-free period. The country needs to be shut for longer to avert a crisis. Even with a shutdown in place, the number of cases continue to spike in the country. Just yesterday, over 771 new infections were reported in the country. Additionally, 30 people have died so far. "The threat remains," Putin announced. (With inputs from agencies)

Now, all of Russian cabinet has the power to invoke national emergency!

Google Maps has begun offering user location data to help public health officials spot increase or decrease of movement across high-level categories of places. With its help, health officials with also be able to go to the 'COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports' website, pick their country and download a document that chronicles the community movements.

The listed categories will include retail and recreation, groceries and pharmacies, parks, transit stations, workplaces and residential areas.

"Just like how people can use Google Maps to identify when a local business tends to be the most crowded, we're using the same aggregated, anonymised data to provide high-level insights into what has changed," the company said in a statement on Thursday.

"While we display a percentage point increase or decrease in visits, we do not share the absolute number of visits," the company added.

To this end, Jen Fitzpatrick, Senior Vice President, Google Maps, said in a blog post: "We have heard from public health officials that this same type of aggregated, anonymised data could be helpful as they make critical decisions to combat COVID-19.

"We're publishing an early release of our COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports to provide insights into what has changed in response to work from home, shelter in place, and other policies aimed at flattening the curve of this pandemic."

The report will show trends over several weeks. This information could help officials understand changes in essential trips that can shape recommendations on business hours or inform delivery service offerings.

The company will improvise by adding additional countries and regions.&nbsp;

Google Maps has begun offering user location data to help public health officials spot increase or decrease of movement across high-level categories of places. With its help, health officials with also be able to go to the 'COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports' website, pick their country and download a document that chronicles the community movements.

Google Maps has begun offering user location data to help public health officials spot increase or decrease of movement across high-level categories of places. With its help, health officials with also be able to go to the 'COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports' website, pick their country and download a document that chronicles the community movements. The listed categories will include retail and recreation, groceries and pharmacies, parks, transit stations, workplaces and residential areas. "Just like how people can use Google Maps to identify when a local business tends to be the most crowded, we're using the same aggregated, anonymised data to provide high-level insights into what has changed," the company said in a statement on Thursday. "While we display a percentage point increase or decrease in visits, we do not share the absolute number of visits," the company added. To this end, Jen Fitzpatrick, Senior Vice President, Google Maps, said in a blog post: "We have heard from public health officials that this same type of aggregated, anonymised data could be helpful as they make critical decisions to combat COVID-19. "We're publishing an early release of our COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports to provide insights into what has changed in response to work from home, shelter in place, and other policies aimed at flattening the curve of this pandemic." The report will show trends over several weeks. This information could help officials understand changes in essential trips that can shape recommendations on business hours or inform delivery service offerings. The company will improvise by adding additional countries and regions.

Coronavirus pandemic: Google Maps offers user location data to public health officials

At Thursday’s coronavirus briefing, US President Donald Trump endorsed scarves as a better option than masks.

While referring to the question of advising citizens to wear masks, Trump claimed that scarves with more thickness than masks are more effective against the coronavirus.

Surgical masks, which are mostly produced in China, have run out of stock globally. US is currently faces shortages of medical supplies, ventilators, and masks, as is rest of the infected world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vacation-gone-awry-over-40-american-students-return-home-with-covid-19-290351" hreflang="en">Vacation gone awry? Over 40 American students return home with COVID-19</a>

Exports of such items from China and South Korea have begun rapidly.

"In many cases the scarf is better; it's thicker. I mean you can -- depending on the material, it's thicker," the President said.

Additionally, Trump announced that his administration would soon release fresh recommendations regarding the usage of masks.

However, as CNN reported in a fact-check report, Trump’s claim of scarves providing better protection than masks is not endorsed by any global medical organisation or by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-domestic-violence-against-women-soars-due-to-lockdown-europe-tries-something-new-290311" hreflang="en">As domestic violence against women soars due to lockdown, Europe tries something new!</a>

Even though scarves are capable of providing protection, the CDC has clearly advised against using alternative masks, unless there are no alternatives available at all!

As per the CDC guidelines, people “might use homemade masks” along the lines of scarves, bandannas etc “for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort”.

Furthermore, the advisory claims that "caution should be exercised when considering this option". If possible, further protective gear like face shields should be used over these homemade alternatives.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-has-enough-ventilators-for-only-six-more-days-290333">New York has enough ventilators for only six more days</a>

At Thursday’s coronavirus briefing, US President Donald Trump endorsed scarves as a better option than masks. While referring to the question of advising citizens to wear masks, Trump claimed that scarves with more thickness than masks are more effective against the coronavirus.

At Thursday’s coronavirus briefing, US President Donald Trump endorsed scarves as a better option than masks. While referring to the question of advising citizens to wear masks, Trump claimed that scarves with more thickness than masks are more effective against the coronavirus. Surgical masks, which are mostly produced in China, have run out of stock globally. US is currently faces shortages of medical supplies, ventilators, and masks, as is rest of the infected world. Also read: Vacation gone awry? Over 40 American students return home with COVID-19 Exports of such items from China and South Korea have begun rapidly. "In many cases the scarf is better; it's thicker. I mean you can -- depending on the material, it's thicker," the President said. Additionally, Trump announced that his administration would soon release fresh recommendations regarding the usage of masks. However, as CNN reported in a fact-check report, Trump’s claim of scarves providing better protection than masks is not endorsed by any global medical organisation or by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also read: As domestic violence against women soars due to lockdown, Europe tries something new! Even though scarves are capable of providing protection, the CDC has clearly advised against using alternative masks, unless there are no alternatives available at all! As per the CDC guidelines, people “might use homemade masks” along the lines of scarves, bandannas etc “for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort”. Furthermore, the advisory claims that "caution should be exercised when considering this option". If possible, further protective gear like face shields should be used over these homemade alternatives. Also read: New York has enough ventilators for only six more days

Trump claims scarves offer better protection than masks, but is that true?

Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has hit out at Serie A officials for letting the league continue despite a player being diagnosed of the coronavirus.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-sports-minister-very-very-doubtful-about-serie-a-returning-in-may-288814">Italian sports minister 'very, very doubtful' about Serie A returning in May</a>

Juventus defender Daniele Rugani was the first player in Serie A to be tested positive for coronavirus pandemic. But Rugani had played a match with Inter on March 8 behind closed doors.&nbsp;

Lukaku had an interview with Thierry Henry via Puma's Instagram where he lashed out by saying: "Health comes first. Why should we play if there are people in the world who are risking their lives?"

"Why was it only necessary for a player to test positive in order for football to stop? It's not normal.

"I will admit that I do miss football, but now the most important thing is people's health. Everything else comes secondary to that."

Italy has been the worst-hit nation in terms of coronavirus outbreak. Over 30,098 people in Europe have now died - with Italy, France, and Spain adding most numbers to this toll.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced all the sporting seasons across the globe to come to halt.

Serie A was a part of the decision where all sporting activities were suspended until April 3 due to the on-going global coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has hit out at Serie A officials for letting the league continue despite a player being diagnosed of the coronavirus. Also read: Italian sports minister 'very, very doubtful' about Serie A returning in May Juventus defender Daniele Rugani was the first player in Serie A to be tested positive for coronavirus pandemic.

Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has hit out at Serie A officials for letting the league continue despite a player being diagnosed of the coronavirus. Also read: Italian sports minister 'very, very doubtful' about Serie A returning in May Juventus defender Daniele Rugani was the first player in Serie A to be tested positive for coronavirus pandemic. But Rugani had played a match with Inter on March 8 behind closed doors. Lukaku had an interview with Thierry Henry via Puma's Instagram where he lashed out by saying: "Health comes first. Why should we play if there are people in the world who are risking their lives?" "Why was it only necessary for a player to test positive in order for football to stop? It's not normal. "I will admit that I do miss football, but now the most important thing is people's health. Everything else comes secondary to that." Italy has been the worst-hit nation in terms of coronavirus outbreak. Over 30,098 people in Europe have now died - with Italy, France, and Spain adding most numbers to this toll. The coronavirus pandemic has forced all the sporting seasons across the globe to come to halt. Serie A was a part of the decision where all sporting activities were suspended until April 3 due to the on-going global coronavirus pandemic.

Milan star Lukaku lashes out at Serie A officials for continuing league despite COVID-19 scare

Spring break, considered a vacation ritual among American youth, has now created a new cluster of COVID-19!

As reported by CNN, over 44 out of 70 people who went to Mexico from Texas two weeks ago are now down with the virus.

All in their 20s, the youth circumvented the warning set in course by White House officials, who had directed people not to gather in large numbers, and to avoid inessential travel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-domestic-violence-against-women-soars-due-to-lockdown-europe-tries-something-new-290311" hreflang="en">As domestic violence against women soars due to lockdown, Europe tries something new!</a>

All 44 cases are students of the University of Texas, Austin.

"Quit being an a**," Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen told CNN, in a harshly worded message to people not following protocol. "Get over yourselves. Whether you think this is an issue or not, it is. Whether you think it could affect you or not, it does. The reality of it is, if I'm a college kid who's going to spring break in Mexico, you're affecting a lot of people. Grow up."

What’s scarier is that the flight taken by students carried multiple other passengers, to whom they may have given the virus, or perhaps contracted from.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earth-is-less-noisy-during-covid-19-say-seismologists-290292" hreflang="en">Earth is less noisy during COVID-19, say seismologists</a>

The Austin Public Health Department has traced other passengers from the flight and is now monitoring them.

"The virus often hides in the healthy and is given to those who are at grave risk of being hospitalised or dying," Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority Mark Escott said in a statement.&nbsp;

"While younger people have less risk for complications, they are not immune from severe illness and death from COVID-19."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-has-enough-ventilators-for-only-six-more-days-290333">New York has enough ventilators for only six more days</a>

"The university is working closely with Austin Public Health to assist in contact tracing," university spokesman JB Bird said. "The incident is a reminder of the vital importance of taking seriously the warnings of public health authorities on the risks of becoming infected with COVID-19 and spreading it to others."

All the COVID-19 positive students have been put into isolation.

Spring break, considered a vacation ritual among American youth, has now created a new cluster of COVID-19! As reported by CNN, over 44 out of 70 people who went to Mexico from Texas two weeks ago are now down with the virus.

Spring break, considered a vacation ritual among American youth, has now created a new cluster of COVID-19! As reported by CNN, over 44 out of 70 people who went to Mexico from Texas two weeks ago are now down with the virus. All in their 20s, the youth circumvented the warning set in course by White House officials, who had directed people not to gather in large numbers, and to avoid inessential travel. Also read: As domestic violence against women soars due to lockdown, Europe tries something new! All 44 cases are students of the University of Texas, Austin. "Quit being an a**," Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen told CNN, in a harshly worded message to people not following protocol. "Get over yourselves. Whether you think this is an issue or not, it is. Whether you think it could affect you or not, it does. The reality of it is, if I'm a college kid who's going to spring break in Mexico, you're affecting a lot of people. Grow up." What’s scarier is that the flight taken by students carried multiple other passengers, to whom they may have given the virus, or perhaps contracted from. Also read: Earth is less noisy during COVID-19, say seismologists The Austin Public Health Department has traced other passengers from the flight and is now monitoring them. "The virus often hides in the healthy and is given to those who are at grave risk of being hospitalised or dying," Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority Mark Escott said in a statement. "While younger people have less risk for complications, they are not immune from severe illness and death from COVID-19." Also read: New York has enough ventilators for only six more days "The university is working closely with Austin Public Health to assist in contact tracing," university spokesman JB Bird said. "The incident is a reminder of the vital importance of taking seriously the warnings of public health authorities on the risks of becoming infected with COVID-19 and spreading it to others." All the COVID-19 positive students have been put into isolation.

Vacation gone awry? Over 40 American students return home with COVID-19

While we are in the midst of a pandemic, hundreds of factories have shut, travel has been halted, planes are no longer flying. Many researchers claimed that the air has cleared out over major industrial cities in view of the coronavirus-induced shutdown.

Turns out, it’s not making much of a difference!

According to the World Meteorological Organization, climate change will witness little to no impact from the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-domestic-violence-against-women-soars-due-to-lockdown-europe-tries-something-new-290311" hreflang="en">As domestic violence against women soars due to lockdown, Europe tries something new!</a>

Even though reduction in emissions is&nbsp;expected, those will likely be temporary.&nbsp;

"It does not mean much for climate," said Lars Peter Riishojgaard, a representative of the WMO.

While media outlets across the globe have been reporting that this might help overturn the ill-effects of pollution and global warming, he responded to all such queries by suggesting that “it probably does not mean very much”.

As pollution generating vehicles no longer ply on the road, carbon dioxide emissions will suddenly dip. However, as the world kick starts back into action soon, it will all go back to normal.

“we expect the impact will be fairly short-lived", Riishojgaard said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earth-is-less-noisy-during-covid-19-say-seismologists-290292" hreflang="en">Earth is less noisy during COVID-19, say seismologists</a>

"The pandemic will be over at some point and the world will start going back to work and with that, the CO2 emissions will pick up again, maybe or maybe not to quite the same level."

Pollution in cities such as New Delhi had dipped recently owing to fewer fumes, but he referred to it as an “artificial halt” to normal activity.

"You could see it as maybe a science experiment: what happens if all of a sudden we turn the whole thing off?" said Riishojgaard. "It will lead some people, and perhaps also some governments, to rethink."

In 2008, during the Beijing Olympics, China had halted industrial production to limit the pollution in the city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-has-enough-ventilators-for-only-six-more-days-290333">New York has enough ventilators for only six more days</a>

"They demonstrated very clearly that you can absolutely, if you have enough control over the situation, you can turn off the air pollution," he said.&nbsp;

The COVID-19 pandemic has now infected over 1 million people worldwide, and killed over 50,000.

While we are in the midst of a pandemic, hundreds of factories have shut, travel has been halted, planes are no longer flying. Many researchers claimed that the air has cleared out over major industrial cities in view of the coronavirus-induced shutdown.

While we are in the midst of a pandemic, hundreds of factories have shut, travel has been halted, planes are no longer flying. Many researchers claimed that the air has cleared out over major industrial cities in view of the coronavirus-induced shutdown. Turns out, it’s not making much of a difference! According to the World Meteorological Organization, climate change will witness little to no impact from the pandemic. Also read: As domestic violence against women soars due to lockdown, Europe tries something new! Even though reduction in emissions is expected, those will likely be temporary. "It does not mean much for climate," said Lars Peter Riishojgaard, a representative of the WMO. While media outlets across the globe have been reporting that this might help overturn the ill-effects of pollution and global warming, he responded to all such queries by suggesting that “it probably does not mean very much”. As pollution generating vehicles no longer ply on the road, carbon dioxide emissions will suddenly dip. However, as the world kick starts back into action soon, it will all go back to normal. “we expect the impact will be fairly short-lived", Riishojgaard said. Also read: Earth is less noisy during COVID-19, say seismologists "The pandemic will be over at some point and the world will start going back to work and with that, the CO2 emissions will pick up again, maybe or maybe not to quite the same level." Pollution in cities such as New Delhi had dipped recently owing to fewer fumes, but he referred to it as an “artificial halt” to normal activity. "You could see it as maybe a science experiment: what happens if all of a sudden we turn the whole thing off?" said Riishojgaard. "It will lead some people, and perhaps also some governments, to rethink." In 2008, during the Beijing Olympics, China had halted industrial production to limit the pollution in the city. Also read: New York has enough ventilators for only six more days "They demonstrated very clearly that you can absolutely, if you have enough control over the situation, you can turn off the air pollution," he said. The COVID-19 pandemic has now infected over 1 million people worldwide, and killed over 50,000.

Are coronavirus-induced lockdowns really slowing down climate change?

The US state of New York has reported over 90,000 positive cases of COVID-19 so far.

During one of his daily briefings, Governor Andrew Cuomo claimed that the state has enough ventilators to last six days.

Additionally, he claimed that the federal government will not be able to provide the number of ventilators needed in the coming days.

As masks also increasingly run out in New York City, the mayor Bill De Blasio has requested citizens to make masks at home, or to simply cover using a cloth to limit spreading the virus.

“When you put on that face covering, you’re protecting everyone else,” he said.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/new-york-city-from-a-global-cultural-capital-to-a-ghost-town-290305" hreflang="en">New York City: From a global cultural capital to a ghost town!</a>

He requested the people to wear anything ranging from a scarf to a bandanna. He further added to avoid wearing surgical masks which are in shortage and are required by healthcare workers on the frontline.

A recent study in Singapore claims that over 10 per cent of infections are spread by people who carry the virus but do not experience symptoms.

Since then, the American approach has changed from only-wear-masks-if-you’re-sick to everybody-needs masks.

As the US cases approach 215,000, the death toll has increased to 5,000.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-records-highest-one-day-covid-19-death-toll-with-1169-fatalities-290246" hreflang="en">United States records highest one-day COVID-19 death toll with 1,169 fatalities</a>

Recently, the state had released 400 ventilators for use by New York City.

As of now, the state stockpile has over 2,200 ventilators and more will be released to the city based on the need. According to Cuomo, over 350 people come to hospitals everyday seeking assistance in breathing.

The state of New York has recorded 2,373 deaths alone. The number was 1,941 yesterday. The state is being dubbed as the American epicentre of the virus, as it accounts for nearly half of the coronavirus-related deaths in the entire country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-domestic-violence-against-women-soars-due-to-lockdown-europe-tries-something-new-290311" hreflang="en">As domestic violence against women soars due to lockdown, Europe tries something new!</a>

According to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker, global deaths have now surpassed 50,000, while over 1 million people have now tested positive for the virus.

However, New York is also witnessing a high discharge rate, as is the rest of the US, if compared to other countries.&nbsp;

To meet the increasing demand, New York has constructed makeshift hospitals at the Javits centre and the Brooklyn cruise terminal to increase the bed capacity.

“Beds we can find,” Cuomo said. “The harder component is the staff and the supplies.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earth-is-less-noisy-during-covid-19-say-seismologists-290292" hreflang="en">Earth is less noisy during COVID-19, say seismologists</a>

The US state of New York has reported over 90,000 positive cases of COVID-19 so far. During one of his daily briefings, Governor Andrew Cuomo claimed that the state has enough ventilators to last six days.

The US state of New York has reported over 90,000 positive cases of COVID-19 so far. During one of his daily briefings, Governor Andrew Cuomo claimed that the state has enough ventilators to last six days. Additionally, he claimed that the federal government will not be able to provide the number of ventilators needed in the coming days. As masks also increasingly run out in New York City, the mayor Bill De Blasio has requested citizens to make masks at home, or to simply cover using a cloth to limit spreading the virus. “When you put on that face covering, you’re protecting everyone else,” he said. In pics: New York City: From a global cultural capital to a ghost town! He requested the people to wear anything ranging from a scarf to a bandanna. He further added to avoid wearing surgical masks which are in shortage and are required by healthcare workers on the frontline. A recent study in Singapore claims that over 10 per cent of infections are spread by people who carry the virus but do not experience symptoms. Since then, the American approach has changed from only-wear-masks-if-you’re-sick to everybody-needs masks. As the US cases approach 215,000, the death toll has increased to 5,000. Also read: United States records highest one-day COVID-19 death toll with 1,169 fatalities Recently, the state had released 400 ventilators for use by New York City. As of now, the state stockpile has over 2,200 ventilators and more will be released to the city based on the need. According to Cuomo, over 350 people come to hospitals everyday seeking assistance in breathing. The state of New York has recorded 2,373 deaths alone. The number was 1,941 yesterday. The state is being dubbed as the American epicentre of the virus, as it accounts for nearly half of the coronavirus-related deaths in the entire country. Also read: As domestic violence against women soars due to lockdown, Europe tries something new! According to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker, global deaths have now surpassed 50,000, while over 1 million people have now tested positive for the virus. However, New York is also witnessing a high discharge rate, as is the rest of the US, if compared to other countries. To meet the increasing demand, New York has constructed makeshift hospitals at the Javits centre and the Brooklyn cruise terminal to increase the bed capacity. “Beds we can find,” Cuomo said. “The harder component is the staff and the supplies.” Also read: Earth is less noisy during COVID-19, say seismologists

New York has enough ventilators for only six more days

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday appealed to the nation to light diyas and candles on Sunday (April 5) at 9 pm -- people would also switch off the electric lights at their homes. And in order to dispel the darkness that the coronavirus pandemic has brought along, citizens would observe this for nine minutes.

As much as it sounds like a mini-Diwali, Twitterverse had it no less. The micro-blogging site had a field day, and celebrated the announcement with a little humour.

First things first, the memers rejoiced. Because, content.

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Modi ji announced something...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiVideoMessage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiVideoMessage</a> <a href="https://t.co/bvCi27aL0i">pic.twitter.com/bvCi27aL0i</a>
— Faisal Khan (@_faisalism) <a href="https://twitter.com/_faisalism/status/1245945884036067329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Hmmm! Okay!

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Indians on 5th April be like 🤣 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiVideoMessage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiVideoMessage</a> <a href="https://t.co/sJIrayeXbz">pic.twitter.com/sJIrayeXbz</a>
— Deepthi #StayHomeStaySafe 🌹 (@DeepRK994) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeepRK994/status/1245943504557068290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Kabhi kabhi lagta hai Bigg Boss-ichh hi bhagwaan hai...

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T:792<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiVideoMessage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiVideoMessage</a> 
On a lighter note 🤣🤣 
BIG BOSS aapko is haftey ka luxury budget task de rahey hain 
(Pic courtesy: Twitter) <a href="https://t.co/Gbyo9jV6YI">pic.twitter.com/Gbyo9jV6YI</a>
— Mayank Sengar (@Sengar_S_Mayank) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sengar_S_Mayank/status/1245947737272549381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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You have been warned.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiVideoMessage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiVideoMessage</a> 
This should not happen ...Its for 9 min only that too at home 😂😂 <a href="https://t.co/NUMnZxLjUE">pic.twitter.com/NUMnZxLjUE</a>
— हिन्दुत्व 💥💥🗨 (@HindutwaB) <a href="https://twitter.com/HindutwaB/status/1245961401144709128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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We got content from the WhatsApp university of Fake News too!

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Was waiting for WhatsApp and boom, got it 
Good job, WhatsApp university 😀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiVideoMessage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiVideoMessage</a> <a href="https://t.co/O6Uw9KH1Au">pic.twitter.com/O6Uw9KH1Au</a>
— Muskan (@mayurock) <a href="https://twitter.com/mayurock/status/1245965908993949696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Do not try this at home!

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Modiji: Light Candles at 9PM on Sunday 
 
Modiji's fanbois @ 9PM on Sunday: <a href="https://t.co/0ZHH6GZj9h">pic.twitter.com/0ZHH6GZj9h</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiVideoMessage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiVideoMessage</a>
— Amit Chaturvedi (@Amit_knc) <a href="https://twitter.com/Amit_knc/status/1245931221751713792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Well, we agree.

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On 5th April, Akshay Kumar gonna be like:<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Baje9Minutes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Baje9Minutes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiVideoMessage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiVideoMessage</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19Pandemic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19Pandemic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@akshaykumar</a> <a href="https://t.co/OuDFSuZWS6">pic.twitter.com/OuDFSuZWS6</a>
— 𝕻𝖊𝖜𝖉𝖊𝖓𝖉𝖗𝖆 𝕻𝖎𝖊 (@Psychh_Fam) <a href="https://twitter.com/Psychh_Fam/status/1245962869256175621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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If you don't know what we are talking about, read this:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-urges-citizens-to-light-diyas-candles-on-sunday-at-9-pm-for-9-mins-to-dispel-darkness-brought-by-coronavirus-290268">&nbsp;PM Modi urges citizens to light diyas, candles on Sunday at 9 pm for 9 mins to 'dispel darkness brought by coronavirus'</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday appealed to the nation to light diyas and candles on Sunday (April 5) at 9 pm -- people would also switch off the electric lights at their homes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday appealed to the nation to light diyas and candles on Sunday (April 5) at 9 pm -- people would also switch off the electric lights at their homes. And in order to dispel the darkness that the coronavirus pandemic has brought along, citizens would observe this for nine minutes. As much as it sounds like a mini-Diwali, Twitterverse had it no less. The micro-blogging site had a field day, and celebrated the announcement with a little humour. First things first, the memers rejoiced. Because, content. Modi ji announced something...#ModiVideoMessage pic.twitter.com/bvCi27aL0i — Faisal Khan (@_faisalism) April 3, 2020 × Hmmm! Okay! Indians on 5th April be like 🤣 #ModiVideoMessage pic.twitter.com/sJIrayeXbz — Deepthi #StayHomeStaySafe 🌹 (@DeepRK994) April 3, 2020 × Kabhi kabhi lagta hai Bigg Boss-ichh hi bhagwaan hai... T:792#ModiVideoMessage On a lighter note 🤣🤣 BIG BOSS aapko is haftey ka luxury budget task de rahey hain (Pic courtesy: Twitter) pic.twitter.com/Gbyo9jV6YI — Mayank Sengar (@Sengar_S_Mayank) April 3, 2020 × You have been warned. #ModiVideoMessage This should not happen ...Its for 9 min only that too at home 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/NUMnZxLjUE — हिन्दुत्व 💥💥🗨 (@HindutwaB) April 3, 2020 × We got content from the WhatsApp university of Fake News too! Was waiting for WhatsApp and boom, got it Good job, WhatsApp university 😀#ModiVideoMessage pic.twitter.com/O6Uw9KH1Au — Muskan (@mayurock) April 3, 2020 × Do not try this at home! Modiji: Light Candles at 9PM on Sunday Modiji's fanbois @ 9PM on Sunday: pic.twitter.com/0ZHH6GZj9h #ModiVideoMessage — Amit Chaturvedi (@Amit_knc) April 3, 2020 × Well, we agree. On 5th April, Akshay Kumar gonna be like:#9Baje9Minutes #ModiVideoMessage #COVID19Pandemic @akshaykumar pic.twitter.com/OuDFSuZWS6 — 𝕻𝖊𝖜𝖉𝖊𝖓𝖉𝖗𝖆 𝕻𝖎𝖊 (@Psychh_Fam) April 3, 2020 × If you don't know what we are talking about, read this: PM Modi urges citizens to light diyas, candles on Sunday at 9 pm for 9 mins to 'dispel darkness brought by coronavirus'

PM Modi asks citizens to light diyas and candles on Sunday night. Twitter lights up with humour

The world has come to an abrupt halt, quite literally!

As the killer COVID-19 pandemic slows down the economy, the streets look more doomsday than ever before!

Turns out, the earth is also less noisy! Seismologists around the world have now observed that the ambient seismic noise is way lesser than it was a month ago.

For clarity, ambient seismic noise refers to subtle noise pollution caused by vehicles, public transport, and essentially, people!

Owing to this, the planet’s upper crust is witnessing lesser movement.

First recorded at the Royal Observatory in Belgium by Thomas Lecocq, a seismologist, the city of Brussels witnessed a whooping 30 to 50 per cent reduction in seismic noises.

As social distancing becomes the norm, most institutions remain shut. In Christian countries, the same noise level is recorded on Christmas Day, the major yearly festival.

<h6><img alt="lo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bf4774-39c7-4c42-b201-9d6e19bbbce2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_62.jpg" /> 
Earth from space | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

What does this mean?

The effect of decreased noise is simple: seismologists can now record smaller earthquakes and certain smaller events. If this were the norm, many earthquakes could be recorded earlier with quicker mitigation measures!

In conversation with CNN, Lecocq said that the Brussels station is otherwise useless.

Usually, such stations are situated outside cities to evade the noise and for better performance. However, the one in Brussels was made over a century ago, with the city growing around it.

This suggests that people over the world are, for once, not ignoring the warnings by authorities to stay inside and minimise outdoor activity.

This data, in turn, could be used to understand the success and failure of containment measures, ie, where they’ve been more effective and where not.

Based on this, quick mitigation strategies could be organised in states performing badly.

The world has come to an abrupt halt, quite literally! As the killer COVID-19 pandemic slows down the economy, the streets look more doomsday than ever before! Turns out, the earth is also less noisy!

The world has come to an abrupt halt, quite literally! As the killer COVID-19 pandemic slows down the economy, the streets look more doomsday than ever before! Turns out, the earth is also less noisy! Seismologists around the world have now observed that the ambient seismic noise is way lesser than it was a month ago. For clarity, ambient seismic noise refers to subtle noise pollution caused by vehicles, public transport, and essentially, people! Owing to this, the planet’s upper crust is witnessing lesser movement. First recorded at the Royal Observatory in Belgium by Thomas Lecocq, a seismologist, the city of Brussels witnessed a whooping 30 to 50 per cent reduction in seismic noises. As social distancing becomes the norm, most institutions remain shut. In Christian countries, the same noise level is recorded on Christmas Day, the major yearly festival. Earth from space | AFP What does this mean? The effect of decreased noise is simple: seismologists can now record smaller earthquakes and certain smaller events. If this were the norm, many earthquakes could be recorded earlier with quicker mitigation measures! In conversation with CNN, Lecocq said that the Brussels station is otherwise useless. Usually, such stations are situated outside cities to evade the noise and for better performance. However, the one in Brussels was made over a century ago, with the city growing around it. This suggests that people over the world are, for once, not ignoring the warnings by authorities to stay inside and minimise outdoor activity. This data, in turn, could be used to understand the success and failure of containment measures, ie, where they’ve been more effective and where not. Based on this, quick mitigation strategies could be organised in states performing badly.

Earth is less noisy during COVID-19, say seismologists

More than 95 per cent people who died due to coronavirus-related complications in Europe were aged 60 and above, as per World Health Organization’s figures.

The head of WHO in Europe, Dr Hans Kluge however added that age is not the risk factor for COVID-19. “The very notion that COVID-19 only affects older people is factually wrong”, Kluge said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-records-highest-one-day-covid-19-death-toll-with-1169-fatalities-290246" hreflang="en">United States records highest one-day COVID-19 death toll with 1,169 fatalities</a>

An online conference was organised by the WHO in Copenhagen yesterday, whereby Klugee added “young people are not invincible”, a sentiment which was recently echoed by WHO’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

According to UN data, only 10-15 per cent of people aged below 50 contract moderate to severe infection.

“Severe cases of the disease have been seen in people in their teens or 20s with many requiring intensive care and some unfortunately passing away,” Kluge added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-domestic-violence-against-women-soars-due-to-lockdown-europe-tries-something-new-290311" hreflang="en">As domestic violence against women soars due to lockdown, Europe tries something new!</a>

Kluge also said that over 30,098 people in Europe have now died - with Italy, France, and Spain adding most numbers to this toll.

“We know that over 95 percent of these deaths occurred in those older than 60 years,” he said, with more than half aged over 80.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earth-is-less-noisy-during-covid-19-say-seismologists-290292" hreflang="en">Earth is less noisy during COVID-19, say seismologists</a>

Almost four out of five who died were suffering from other conditions, like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

“On a positive note, there are reports of people over the age of 100 who were admitted to hospital for COVID-19 and have now — since — made a complete recovery,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 95 per cent people who died due to coronavirus-related complications in Europe were aged 60 and above, as per World Health Organization’s figures. The head of WHO in Europe, Dr Hans Kluge however added that age is not the risk factor for COVID-19.

More than 95 per cent people who died due to coronavirus-related complications in Europe were aged 60 and above, as per World Health Organization’s figures. The head of WHO in Europe, Dr Hans Kluge however added that age is not the risk factor for COVID-19. “The very notion that COVID-19 only affects older people is factually wrong”, Kluge said. Also read: United States records highest one-day COVID-19 death toll with 1,169 fatalities An online conference was organised by the WHO in Copenhagen yesterday, whereby Klugee added “young people are not invincible”, a sentiment which was recently echoed by WHO’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. According to UN data, only 10-15 per cent of people aged below 50 contract moderate to severe infection. “Severe cases of the disease have been seen in people in their teens or 20s with many requiring intensive care and some unfortunately passing away,” Kluge added. Also read: As domestic violence against women soars due to lockdown, Europe tries something new! Kluge also said that over 30,098 people in Europe have now died - with Italy, France, and Spain adding most numbers to this toll. “We know that over 95 percent of these deaths occurred in those older than 60 years,” he said, with more than half aged over 80. Also read: Earth is less noisy during COVID-19, say seismologists Almost four out of five who died were suffering from other conditions, like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. “On a positive note, there are reports of people over the age of 100 who were admitted to hospital for COVID-19 and have now — since — made a complete recovery,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Do old people constitute the majority of COVID-19 fatalities?

The World Bank on Thursday (April 2) approved $1 billion emergency financing to India in order to support better screening of COVID-10 patients, contact tracing and laboratory diagnostics.

World Bank allocates funds to fight coronavirus

Pakistan will start a week-long repatriation flight programme on Saturday in order to bring back its nationals stranded overseas because of tightening of travel restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said 17 repatriation flights would be flown between April 4-11.

The Dawn reported that the plan has been approved by the National Coordination Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic, and phased repatriation would be carried out under which priority would be given to those held up in transit, followed by those, whose visas were expiring. Pakistanis working or studying overseas would be third on the priority list.

Under the plan, all returning passengers would be subject to coronavirus testing at the airports for which the testing and quarantine capacity was being augmented.

The Pakistan International Airlines had earlier operated special flights to bring back stranded Pakistanis from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar and Thailand.

Pakistan has so far reported 2,441 confirmed coronavirus cases, with 35 deaths.

Pakistan will start a week-long repatriation flight programme on Saturday in order to bring back its nationals stranded overseas because of tightening of travel restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Pakistan will start a week-long repatriation flight programme on Saturday in order to bring back its nationals stranded overseas because of tightening of travel restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said 17 repatriation flights would be flown between April 4-11. The Dawn reported that the plan has been approved by the National Coordination Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic, and phased repatriation would be carried out under which priority would be given to those held up in transit, followed by those, whose visas were expiring. Pakistanis working or studying overseas would be third on the priority list. Under the plan, all returning passengers would be subject to coronavirus testing at the airports for which the testing and quarantine capacity was being augmented. The Pakistan International Airlines had earlier operated special flights to bring back stranded Pakistanis from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar and Thailand. Pakistan has so far reported 2,441 confirmed coronavirus cases, with 35 deaths.

Coronavirus fallout: Pakistan to start week-long repatriation flight programme

Global aviation industry isbeing hammered because of the coronavirus outbreak. The Qatar Airways is now at risk of bankruptcy.

Global aviation industry hammered, Qatar Airways at risk of bankruptcy

Coronavirus cases in Spain surpassed 100,000 mark, a hospital in the northeastern region of Catalonia has been forced to turn its library into an Intensive Care Unit to deal with the influx of COVID-19 patients in critical condition.

Spain: Hospital's library transforms into ICU for coronavirus patients

Global Coronavirus cases are nearing 1 million now. The death toll continues to rise in the US and Europe. WION's Palki Sharma brings you the latest numbers in India and around the world.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: More than 9,00,000

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is leading the coronavirus fight. China has been criticised for its response to the outbreak. But Dr Tedros has ignored China's criminal negligence. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why the WHO Chief is turning a blind eye to China's actions.

Gravitas: Coronavirus: Why is the WHO Director General toeing China's line?

In March, China blocked an attempt to discuss the Coronavirus outbreak at the Security Council. China held the Presidency of the council last month. Now, Dominican Republic has assumed the Presidency. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the UNSC could discuss the outbreak now.

Gravitas: Trouble for China? UN Security Council could take up coronavirus outbreak

The Wuhan Coronavirus outbreak is not just a health emergency. It has triggered an economic crisis. Markets are bleeding, growth has slumped and people are losing their jobs. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why the possibility of pay cuts now looks real.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: Should you brace for pay cut?

From the United States to Germany, thousands of people have been left on the streets in some of the world's richest nations. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the homeless are struggling for basic supplies.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: World's richest nations have deserted the poor

The global economy could shrink by up to one per cent in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, a reversal from the previous forecast of 2.5 per cent growth, the UN has said, warning that it may contract even further if restrictions on the economic activities are extended without adequate fiscal responses.

The analysis by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) said the COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting global supply chains and international trade. With nearly 100 countries closing national borders during the past month, the movement of people and tourism flows have come to a screeching halt.

"Millions of workers in these countries are facing the bleak prospect of losing their jobs. Governments are considering and rolling out large stimulus packages to avert a sharp downturn of their economies which could potentially plunge the global economy into a deep recession. In the worst-case scenario, the world economy could contract by 0.9 per cent in 2020," the DESA said, adding that the world economy had contracted by 1.7 per cent during the global financial crisis in 2009.

It added that the contraction could be even higher if governments fail to provide income support and help boost consumer spending.

The analysis noted that before the outbreak of the COVID-19, world output was expected to expand at a modest pace of 2.5 per cent in 2020, as reported in the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2020.

Taking into account rapidly changing economic conditions, the UN DESA's World Economic Forecasting Model has estimated best and worst-case scenarios for global growth in 2020. 
In the best-case scenario with moderate declines in private consumption, investment and exports and offsetting increases in government spending in the G-7 countries and China ? global growth would fall to 1.2 per cent in 2020.

"In the worst-case scenario, the global output would contract by 0.9 per cent instead of growing by 2.5 per cent ? in 2020," it said, adding that the scenario is based on demand-side shocks of different magnitudes to China, Japan, South Korea, the US and the EU, as well as an oil price decline of 50 per cent against our baseline of USD 61 per barrel. 
The severity of the economic impact will largely depend on two factors - the duration of restrictions on the movement of people and economic activities in major economies; and the actual size and efficacy of fiscal responses to the crisis.

A well-designed fiscal stimulus package, prioritising health spending to contain the spread of the virus and providing income support to households most affected by the pandemic would help to minimise the likelihood of a deep economic recession, it said.

According to the forecast, lockdowns in Europe and North America are hitting the service sector hard, particularly industries that involve physical interactions such as retail trade, leisure and hospitality, recreation and transportation services. Collectively, such industries account for more than a quarter of all jobs in these economies.

The DESA said as businesses lose revenue, unemployment is likely to increase sharply, transforming a supply-side shock to a wider demand-side shock for the economy. 
Against this backdrop, the UN-DESA is joining a chorus of voices across the UN system calling for well-designed fiscal stimulus packages which prioritize health spending and support households most affected by the pandemic.

?Urgent and bold policy measures are needed, not only to contain the pandemic and save lives, but also to protect the most vulnerable in our societies from economic ruin and to sustain economic growth and financial stability, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Liu Zhenmin said.

The analysis also warns that the adverse effects of prolonged economic restrictions in developed economies will soon spill over to developing countries via trade and investment channels.

A sharp decline in consumer spending in the European Union and the United States will reduce imports of consumer goods from developing countries.

Developing countries, particularly those dependent on tourism and commodity exports, face heightened economic risks. Global manufacturing production could contract significantly, and the plummeting number of travellers is likely to hurt the tourism sector in small island developing States, which employs millions of low-skilled workers, it said.

Meanwhile, the decline in commodity-related revenues and a reversal of capital flows are increasing the likelihood of debt distress for many nations. Governments may be forced to curtail public expenditure at a time when they need to ramp up spending to contain the pandemic and support consumption and investment.

UN Chief Economist and Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development Elliot Harris said the collective goal must be a resilient recovery which puts the planet back on a sustainable track. We must not lose sight how it is affecting the most vulnerable population and what that means for sustainable development, he said.

The alarms raised by UN-DESA echo another report, released on March 31, in which UN experts issued a broad appeal for a large-scale, coordinated, comprehensive multilateral response amounting to at least 10 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP).

According to estimates by the Johns Hopkins University, confirmed coronavirus cases across the world now stand at over 932,600 and over 42,000 deaths.

The global economy could shrink by up to one per cent in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, a reversal from the previous forecast of 2.5 per cent growth, the UN has said, warning that it may contract even further if restrictions on the economic activities are extended without adequate fiscal responses.

The global economy could shrink by up to one per cent in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, a reversal from the previous forecast of 2.5 per cent growth, the UN has said, warning that it may contract even further if restrictions on the economic activities are extended without adequate fiscal responses. The analysis by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) said the COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting global supply chains and international trade. With nearly 100 countries closing national borders during the past month, the movement of people and tourism flows have come to a screeching halt. "Millions of workers in these countries are facing the bleak prospect of losing their jobs. Governments are considering and rolling out large stimulus packages to avert a sharp downturn of their economies which could potentially plunge the global economy into a deep recession. In the worst-case scenario, the world economy could contract by 0.9 per cent in 2020," the DESA said, adding that the world economy had contracted by 1.7 per cent during the global financial crisis in 2009. It added that the contraction could be even higher if governments fail to provide income support and help boost consumer spending. The analysis noted that before the outbreak of the COVID-19, world output was expected to expand at a modest pace of 2.5 per cent in 2020, as reported in the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2020. Taking into account rapidly changing economic conditions, the UN DESA's World Economic Forecasting Model has estimated best and worst-case scenarios for global growth in 2020. In the best-case scenario with moderate declines in private consumption, investment and exports and offsetting increases in government spending in the G-7 countries and China ? global growth would fall to 1.2 per cent in 2020. "In the worst-case scenario, the global output would contract by 0.9 per cent instead of growing by 2.5 per cent ? in 2020," it said, adding that the scenario is based on demand-side shocks of different magnitudes to China, Japan, South Korea, the US and the EU, as well as an oil price decline of 50 per cent against our baseline of USD 61 per barrel. The severity of the economic impact will largely depend on two factors - the duration of restrictions on the movement of people and economic activities in major economies; and the actual size and efficacy of fiscal responses to the crisis. A well-designed fiscal stimulus package, prioritising health spending to contain the spread of the virus and providing income support to households most affected by the pandemic would help to minimise the likelihood of a deep economic recession, it said. According to the forecast, lockdowns in Europe and North America are hitting the service sector hard, particularly industries that involve physical interactions such as retail trade, leisure and hospitality, recreation and transportation services. Collectively, such industries account for more than a quarter of all jobs in these economies. The DESA said as businesses lose revenue, unemployment is likely to increase sharply, transforming a supply-side shock to a wider demand-side shock for the economy. Against this backdrop, the UN-DESA is joining a chorus of voices across the UN system calling for well-designed fiscal stimulus packages which prioritize health spending and support households most affected by the pandemic. ?Urgent and bold policy measures are needed, not only to contain the pandemic and save lives, but also to protect the most vulnerable in our societies from economic ruin and to sustain economic growth and financial stability, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Liu Zhenmin said. The analysis also warns that the adverse effects of prolonged economic restrictions in developed economies will soon spill over to developing countries via trade and investment channels. A sharp decline in consumer spending in the European Union and the United States will reduce imports of consumer goods from developing countries. Developing countries, particularly those dependent on tourism and commodity exports, face heightened economic risks. Global manufacturing production could contract significantly, and the plummeting number of travellers is likely to hurt the tourism sector in small island developing States, which employs millions of low-skilled workers, it said. Meanwhile, the decline in commodity-related revenues and a reversal of capital flows are increasing the likelihood of debt distress for many nations. Governments may be forced to curtail public expenditure at a time when they need to ramp up spending to contain the pandemic and support consumption and investment. UN Chief Economist and Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development Elliot Harris said the collective goal must be a resilient recovery which puts the planet back on a sustainable track. We must not lose sight how it is affecting the most vulnerable population and what that means for sustainable development, he said. The alarms raised by UN-DESA echo another report, released on March 31, in which UN experts issued a broad appeal for a large-scale, coordinated, comprehensive multilateral response amounting to at least 10 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP). According to estimates by the Johns Hopkins University, confirmed coronavirus cases across the world now stand at over 932,600 and over 42,000 deaths.

Coronavirus: Global economy could shrink by 1%, says UN-DESA

A man who coughed on a police officer, and claimed to be suffering from COVID-19, has been jailed for six months.

Adam Lewis was sentenced at UK's Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after being convicted of an assault on an emergency worker.

It's said police first tried to detain Lewis for search. When he did not cooperate, police verbally threatened the officer, telling him: “I am Covid and I am going to cough in your face and you will get it.”

He then coughed on the officer, but fell to the floor by the policeman's force.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A man who coughed on &amp; tried to spit at a police officer after claiming to have the Coronavirus has been sent to jail for six months today. 
 
Adam Lewis, 55, was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates' Court.<a href="https://t.co/2v3DixE4zS">https://t.co/2v3DixE4zS</a>
— Metropolitan Police | #StayHomeSaveLives (@metpoliceuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk/status/1245430404636643329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Lewis then attempted to cough up phlegm, before trying to spit in his face.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had earlier said coughing will be charged as an assault on an emergency worker, or common assault if used against other key workers or members of the public. People who deliberately cough on emergency workers during the coronavirus outbreak will be jailed for up to two years, prosecutors had warned.

The case is believed to be the first jail sentence in London for a Covid-19-related assault involving a police officer.

The coronavirus death toll in the UK rose by 563 in 24 hours, according to the health ministy, a record jump that brought the number of patients who died in hospital to 2,352.

A man who coughed on a police officer, and claimed to be suffering from COVID-19, has been jailed for six months. Adam Lewis was sentenced at UK's Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after being convicted of an assault on an emergency worker.

A man who coughed on a police officer, and claimed to be suffering from COVID-19, has been jailed for six months. Adam Lewis was sentenced at UK's Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after being convicted of an assault on an emergency worker. It's said police first tried to detain Lewis for search. When he did not cooperate, police verbally threatened the officer, telling him: “I am Covid and I am going to cough in your face and you will get it.” He then coughed on the officer, but fell to the floor by the policeman's force. A man who coughed on & tried to spit at a police officer after claiming to have the Coronavirus has been sent to jail for six months today. Adam Lewis, 55, was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates' Court.https://t.co/2v3DixE4zS — Metropolitan Police | #StayHomeSaveLives (@metpoliceuk) April 1, 2020 × Lewis then attempted to cough up phlegm, before trying to spit in his face. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had earlier said coughing will be charged as an assault on an emergency worker, or common assault if used against other key workers or members of the public. People who deliberately cough on emergency workers during the coronavirus outbreak will be jailed for up to two years, prosecutors had warned. The case is believed to be the first jail sentence in London for a Covid-19-related assault involving a police officer. The coronavirus death toll in the UK rose by 563 in 24 hours, according to the health ministy, a record jump that brought the number of patients who died in hospital to 2,352.

Coronavirus in UK: Man who coughed on a police officer jailed for six months

The world is in dire need of love, hope and kindness. It’s&nbsp;heartwarming to see our favourite celebrities walking the extra mile in doing their bit for the world around them. 
 
Ali Fazal, who has been holed up in his Bandra home since March 10, decided to play sueprhero by helping people in his vicinity.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-salman-khan-to-priyanka-chopra-indian-celebs-help-daily-wage-earners-amid-lockdown-289290" hreflang="en">From Salman Khan to Priyanka Chopra, Indian celebs help daily wage earners amid lockdown</a>

When Ali Fazal heard&nbsp;from his regular vegetable vendor that he has been struggling to make ends meet for his family, the actor took it upon himself to help some people. He wore his Batman mask, bought extra supplies for people and distributed among people who need it the most including his area's security guard, house help and others.&nbsp; 
 
Ali has been a Bandra boy for the last 5 years now and over the years he has made his own network of people who keep his life functioning on a day to day basis.

The world is in dire need of love, hope and kindness. It’s heartwarming to see our favourite celebrities walking the extra mile in doing their bit for the world around them.

The world is in dire need of love, hope and kindness. It’s heartwarming to see our favourite celebrities walking the extra mile in doing their bit for the world around them. Ali Fazal, who has been holed up in his Bandra home since March 10, decided to play sueprhero by helping people in his vicinity. In pics: From Salman Khan to Priyanka Chopra, Indian celebs help daily wage earners amid lockdown When Ali Fazal heard from his regular vegetable vendor that he has been struggling to make ends meet for his family, the actor took it upon himself to help some people. He wore his Batman mask, bought extra supplies for people and distributed among people who need it the most including his area's security guard, house help and others. Ali has been a Bandra boy for the last 5 years now and over the years he has made his own network of people who keep his life functioning on a day to day basis.

Ali Fazal turns superhero amid Covid 19 scare, steps out for those in need

Pankaj Tripathi is considered as one of the finest actors of the current times. A man who knows his craft impeccably well, it looks like Tripathi might be planning to dabble in other fine skills too. 
 
The actor is a passionate storyteller.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-salman-khan-to-priyanka-chopra-indian-celebs-help-daily-wage-earners-amid-lockdown-289290" hreflang="en">From Salman Khan to Priyanka Chopra, Indian celebs help daily wage earners amid lockdown</a>

Reportedly, his friends in the industry asked him to take up writing seriously and now Pankaj has ample time to hone this skill. Whilethe world finds ways to spend time in isolation, Pankaj has quite a task at hand. 
 
Pankaj is currently at his&nbsp;Madh Island home for the last one week.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/contagion-to-simpsons-movies-shows-that-predicted-coronavirus-years-ago-289509" hreflang="en">'Contagion' to 'Simpsons', movies-shows that predicted coronavirus years ago</a> 
 
Speaking about the new found love of writing, Pankaj said,&nbsp;“Actors are often closely associated with writing, even in the projects that they are just acting in. As artists, we communicate to the audience what the writer is trying to tell through his body language, his ability to emote on screen. Writing is a creative extension of me and I am not doing it with the motive of writing a screenplay really. I started with penning down my thoughts for the sake of keeping my skills sharpened. Writing and acting are interconnected for me. I am writing to fulfil my own creative quest. Let me see how the finished product turns out and if it is my satisfaction, I will figure out what I want to do with it.”

Pankaj Tripathi is considered as one of the finest actors of the current times. A man who knows his craft impeccably well, it looks like Tripathi might be planning to dabble in other fine skills too.

Pankaj Tripathi is considered as one of the finest actors of the current times. A man who knows his craft impeccably well, it looks like Tripathi might be planning to dabble in other fine skills too. The actor is a passionate storyteller. In pics: From Salman Khan to Priyanka Chopra, Indian celebs help daily wage earners amid lockdown Reportedly, his friends in the industry asked him to take up writing seriously and now Pankaj has ample time to hone this skill. Whilethe world finds ways to spend time in isolation, Pankaj has quite a task at hand. Pankaj is currently at his Madh Island home for the last one week. In pics: 'Contagion' to 'Simpsons', movies-shows that predicted coronavirus years ago Speaking about the new found love of writing, Pankaj said, “Actors are often closely associated with writing, even in the projects that they are just acting in. As artists, we communicate to the audience what the writer is trying to tell through his body language, his ability to emote on screen. Writing is a creative extension of me and I am not doing it with the motive of writing a screenplay really. I started with penning down my thoughts for the sake of keeping my skills sharpened. Writing and acting are interconnected for me. I am writing to fulfil my own creative quest. Let me see how the finished product turns out and if it is my satisfaction, I will figure out what I want to do with it.”

Pankaj Tripathi takes this time of lockdown to work towards writing and developing content

The first of its kind decontamination and sanitization tunnel was on Thursday installed in Chest Disease hospital in Srinagar, to combat the spread of Coronavirus in the valley.

COVID-19: Disinfection and Sanitation tunnels in J&K

The death toll due to coronavirus in the United States touched a new single-day high with 884 fatalities. The number of total death across the United States has now reached 4,475.

Donald Trump hopeful of overcoming medical supplies shortage

Padma Shri and former 'Hazoori Raagi' at the Golden Temple, Nirmal Singh died of coronavirus in Punjab early this morning. He breathed his last in Amritsar at around 4.30 am.&nbsp;

Nirmal Singh had a foreign-travel history and was admitted to hospital after he complained of breathlessness and dizziness on March 30. He tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday, after which he was put on a ventilator.

Reports say Singh had met a number of people after he returned from abroad. He had been to Delhi and Chandigarh. He had also performed a "kirtan'' at a house in Chandigarh on March 19.

His two daughters, son, wife, a driver and six others who were with him at these events have been isolated at a hospital.

Nirmal Sing received the Padma Shri in 2009.

According to health ministry, there are 1,834 coronavirus cases in India, including 41 deaths. Punjab has 46 coronavirus cases, and Nirmal Singh is the fifth death in the state.

Padma Shri and former 'Hazoori Raagi' at the Golden Temple, Nirmal Singh died of coronavirus in Punjab early this morning. He breathed his last in Amritsar at around 4.

Padma Shri and former 'Hazoori Raagi' at the Golden Temple, Nirmal Singh died of coronavirus in Punjab early this morning. He breathed his last in Amritsar at around 4.30 am. Nirmal Singh had a foreign-travel history and was admitted to hospital after he complained of breathlessness and dizziness on March 30. He tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday, after which he was put on a ventilator. Reports say Singh had met a number of people after he returned from abroad. He had been to Delhi and Chandigarh. He had also performed a "kirtan'' at a house in Chandigarh on March 19. His two daughters, son, wife, a driver and six others who were with him at these events have been isolated at a hospital. Nirmal Sing received the Padma Shri in 2009. According to health ministry, there are 1,834 coronavirus cases in India, including 41 deaths. Punjab has 46 coronavirus cases, and Nirmal Singh is the fifth death in the state.

Padma Shri Nirmal Singh dies of coronavirus in Punjab

As the COVID-19 pandemic takes over the world, scientists across the globe are scrambling to find a suitable cure for the virus that has now affected over 900,000 people worldwide.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-scientists-find-antibodies-for-covid-19-290204">Coronavirus outbreak: Pakistan backs Chinese propaganda</a> 
 
There is currently no proven treatment for this disease, which originated in China and is spreading across the world at an exponential level.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-global-cases-cross-900000-death-toll-rises-to-47522-290148">Also read: Global cases cross 900000; death toll rises to 47,522</a>

However, a team of Chinese scientists has isolated several antibodies that it says are "extremely effective" at blocking the ability of the new coronavirus to enter cells, which eventually could help treat COVID-19.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-deaths-top-10000-infections-cross-110000-mark-290118">Also read: Spain deaths top 10,000, infections cross 110,000 mark</a>

Scientist Zhang Linqi at Tsinghua University in Beijing says a drug made with antibodies like the ones his team has found could be used more effectively than the current options, including what he called "borderline" treatment such as plasma.

Plasma contains antibodies but is restricted by blood type.

"The importance of antibodies has been proven in the world of medicine for decades now. they can be used to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases. so we have reason to believe that these antibodies we have discovered can be extremely effective on coronavirus patients for both prevention and treatment," Linqi said.

In early January, Zhang’s team and a group at the third people’s hospital in Shenzhen began analysing antibodies from blood taken from recovered COVID-19 patients, isolating 206 monoclonal antibodies which showed a "strong" ability to bind with the virus’ proteins.

Then they conducted another test to see if they could actually prevent the virus from entering cells.

Among the first 20 antibodies tested, four were able to block viral entry and of those, two were "exceedingly good" at doing so, according to Dr Linqi.

"Fortunately we are the first in the world to report the isolation of those antibodies from recovered patients. As we learned from previous experience, those antibodies, in the infectious disease world if able to block our replication will have a great potential to develop into a prevention and treatment drugs. That's why we feel so excited and we reckon this is really the big discovery in our overall effort to treat and prevent SARS COVID 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection," he also said.

Linqi, who posted the findings online, also said that he hopes the antibodies can be tested on humans in six months.&nbsp;

The team is now focused on identifying the most powerful antibodies and possibly combining them to mitigate the risk of the new coronavirus mutating.

If all goes well, interested developers could mass-produce them for testing, first on animals and eventually on humans.

Antibodies are not a vaccine but could potentially be given to at-risk people with the aim of preventing them from contracting COVID-19.&nbsp;

Normally it takes around two years for a drug even to get close to approval for use on patients, but due to rapidly rising COVID-19 cases, things are moving faster. 
&nbsp;

As the COVID-19 pandemic takes over the world, scientists across the globe are scrambling to find a suitable cure for the virus that has now affected over 900,000 people worldwide.

As the COVID-19 pandemic takes over the world, scientists across the globe are scrambling to find a suitable cure for the virus that has now affected over 900,000 people worldwide. Coronavirus outbreak: Pakistan backs Chinese propaganda There is currently no proven treatment for this disease, which originated in China and is spreading across the world at an exponential level. Also read: Global cases cross 900000; death toll rises to 47,522 However, a team of Chinese scientists has isolated several antibodies that it says are "extremely effective" at blocking the ability of the new coronavirus to enter cells, which eventually could help treat COVID-19. Also read: Spain deaths top 10,000, infections cross 110,000 mark Scientist Zhang Linqi at Tsinghua University in Beijing says a drug made with antibodies like the ones his team has found could be used more effectively than the current options, including what he called "borderline" treatment such as plasma. Plasma contains antibodies but is restricted by blood type. "The importance of antibodies has been proven in the world of medicine for decades now. they can be used to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases. so we have reason to believe that these antibodies we have discovered can be extremely effective on coronavirus patients for both prevention and treatment," Linqi said. In early January, Zhang’s team and a group at the third people’s hospital in Shenzhen began analysing antibodies from blood taken from recovered COVID-19 patients, isolating 206 monoclonal antibodies which showed a "strong" ability to bind with the virus’ proteins. Then they conducted another test to see if they could actually prevent the virus from entering cells. Among the first 20 antibodies tested, four were able to block viral entry and of those, two were "exceedingly good" at doing so, according to Dr Linqi. "Fortunately we are the first in the world to report the isolation of those antibodies from recovered patients. As we learned from previous experience, those antibodies, in the infectious disease world if able to block our replication will have a great potential to develop into a prevention and treatment drugs. That's why we feel so excited and we reckon this is really the big discovery in our overall effort to treat and prevent SARS COVID 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection," he also said. Linqi, who posted the findings online, also said that he hopes the antibodies can be tested on humans in six months. The team is now focused on identifying the most powerful antibodies and possibly combining them to mitigate the risk of the new coronavirus mutating. If all goes well, interested developers could mass-produce them for testing, first on animals and eventually on humans. Antibodies are not a vaccine but could potentially be given to at-risk people with the aim of preventing them from contracting COVID-19. Normally it takes around two years for a drug even to get close to approval for use on patients, but due to rapidly rising COVID-19 cases, things are moving faster.

Chinese scientists find antibodies for COVID-19

The United States is the worst affected country in the world with more than 2 lakh positive cases. American hospitals are flooded with patients making conditions worse is the shortage of medical equipment, protective gear, and medicines. Watch report:

Fineprint: US becomes the most infected country: New York is the hotspot of coronavirus

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