Hand-washing to combat the spread of coronavirus is the order of the day, but it's an unaffordable luxury for millions in war-ravaged Yemen where clean water is dangerously scarce.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-panic-breaks-out-as-american-lead-virus-expert-missing-from-white-house-briefing-288200">COVID-19: Panic breaks out as American lead virus expert missing from White House briefing</a>

Yemen's broken healthcare system has yet to register any cases of the disease, but if the pandemic does hit, the impact will be unimaginable in a country where the long conflict has created what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Five years after a Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen to support the government against the Iran-backed Huthi rebels, some 80 percent of the population of 30 million is in need of aid.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-coronavirus-pandemic-yale-university-offering-free-happiness-course-online-288196">Amid coronavirus pandemic, Yale university offering free 'happiness course' online</a>

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said it was concerned many Yemenis have no access even to clean water or soap.

"We are extremely worried," Caroline Seguin, MSF's head of programmes in Yemen, Iraq and Jordan, told AFP.&nbsp;"We can recommend they wash their hands, but what if they don't have anything to wash with?"

Nearly 18 million people, including 9.2 million children, do not have regular access to safe water, according to UNICEF, and only a third of the population has access to piped supplies.

Yemen suffered one of its worst ever outbreaks of cholera in 2017 and Oxfam said Tuesday that the forthcoming rainy season could see another deadly episode that would be compounded by the new virus threat.

Hand-washing to combat the spread of coronavirus is the order of the day, but it's an unaffordable luxury for millions in war-ravaged Yemen where clean water is dangerously scarce.

Hand-washing to combat the spread of coronavirus is the order of the day, but it's an unaffordable luxury for millions in war-ravaged Yemen where clean water is dangerously scarce. Also read: COVID-19: Panic breaks out as American lead virus expert missing from White House briefing Yemen's broken healthcare system has yet to register any cases of the disease, but if the pandemic does hit, the impact will be unimaginable in a country where the long conflict has created what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Five years after a Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen to support the government against the Iran-backed Huthi rebels, some 80 percent of the population of 30 million is in need of aid. Also read: Amid coronavirus pandemic, Yale university offering free 'happiness course' online Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said it was concerned many Yemenis have no access even to clean water or soap. "We are extremely worried," Caroline Seguin, MSF's head of programmes in Yemen, Iraq and Jordan, told AFP. "We can recommend they wash their hands, but what if they don't have anything to wash with?" Nearly 18 million people, including 9.2 million children, do not have regular access to safe water, according to UNICEF, and only a third of the population has access to piped supplies. Yemen suffered one of its worst ever outbreaks of cholera in 2017 and Oxfam said Tuesday that the forthcoming rainy season could see another deadly episode that would be compounded by the new virus threat.

Hand-washing: a luxury millions of Yemenis can't afford

A 65-year-old coronavirus positive patient passed away in Mumbai on Monday. The deceased returned from UAE to Ahmedabad on March 15th and went to Mumbai on March 20th. After complaints of high blood pressure and diabetes, he was admitted to Kasturba hospital on March 23rd and died on the same evening in the hospital

Another coronavirus death reported in Indian city Maharashtra, Death toll rises to 10

As India is preparing to retrieve&nbsp;400 of its citizens from Iran in the coming days, diplomats at the Indian Mission in Iran are leaving no stone unturned to help stranded Indians. From Tehran to Qom city, Indian diplomats are reaching out to many Indians - from students to pilgrims stuck in the country in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sources in the Iranian Indian Mission&nbsp;told WION, "These are unusual times and the COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented in its scope and impact. We recognise that this requires that we put in all our efforts."

Adding, "We manage the enormous pressure we are under because we understand the gravity of the situation and we’re fully committed to helping each and every one of our people. All of us in the embassy are in good spirits and we back each other. "

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-evacuate-400-citizens-from-iran-as-coronavirus-death-toll-accelerates-288135" hreflang="en">India set to evacuate 400 citizens from Iran as coronavirus death toll accelerates</a>

Over 600 Indian nationals, including students, pilgrims and others, have been assisted and returned home.&nbsp;All Indians&nbsp;have been advised to restrict their movement.

The source further said, "Embassy officials worked tirelessly to make this happen. We are planning for the return of more pilgrims especially from Ladakh who are presently in Qom. This is a priority."

Qom is the epicentre of the crisis in the West Asian country. The Indian mission has been able to set up a quarantine centre in the city for the over 250 Indians infected with coronavirus, the largest such number anywhere outside India.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-flights-no-trains-and-no-buses-india-halts-its-transport-network-to-contain-coronavirus-288101" hreflang="en">No flights, no trains and no buses: India halts its transport network to contain coronavirus</a>

Explaining how Indian diplomats are reaching out to Indians in Qom, the source said, "In general, Mission’s officers are leading from the front and teams are deployed at&nbsp;various locations including the epicentre in Qom. We have in cooperation with the authorities in Qom, set up facilities for our pilgrims since lodges were ordered to close down. Government is bearing all the costs. We have also put in place help lines, advised and counselled people not to panic and to stay calm."

In Qom seminary students are helping Indian officials in rendering assistance to the stranded Indian pilgrims.

Asked about how diplomats are taking protection so that they don't get infected, the source said, "We do take care to adopt proper protection measures, take all precautions and bravely deal with the situation, day and night. Officers have made several visits to Qom, to meet local officials and comfort our citizens. We’ve been at this task without a break for over three weeks now. Our work goes on."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-scarcity-of-ventilators-could-be-coronaviruss-gateway-to-india-288070" hreflang="en">How scarcity of ventilators could be coronavirus's gateway to India</a>

Iran is among the worst impacted countries in the world due to coronavirus outbreak. Since the first two cases were announced on February 19, the number of infected cases has gone up to over 23,000&nbsp;with over 1800 deaths.

Iranian Government has imposed strict restrictions on public transportation, closed down malls , suspended football games, civil aviation and inter-province travel. Even mosques have been closed and Friday prayers suspended. On&nbsp;Nowruz or the Iranian New Year which was on March 20 and marks an important day for the country, celebrations were muted.

As India is preparing to retrieve 400 of its citizens from Iran in the coming days, diplomats at the Indian Mission in Iran are leaving no stone unturned to help stranded Indians.

As India is preparing to retrieve 400 of its citizens from Iran in the coming days, diplomats at the Indian Mission in Iran are leaving no stone unturned to help stranded Indians. From Tehran to Qom city, Indian diplomats are reaching out to many Indians - from students to pilgrims stuck in the country in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Sources in the Iranian Indian Mission told WION, "These are unusual times and the COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented in its scope and impact. We recognise that this requires that we put in all our efforts." Adding, "We manage the enormous pressure we are under because we understand the gravity of the situation and we’re fully committed to helping each and every one of our people. All of us in the embassy are in good spirits and we back each other. " Also read: India set to evacuate 400 citizens from Iran as coronavirus death toll accelerates Over 600 Indian nationals, including students, pilgrims and others, have been assisted and returned home. All Indians have been advised to restrict their movement. The source further said, "Embassy officials worked tirelessly to make this happen. We are planning for the return of more pilgrims especially from Ladakh who are presently in Qom. This is a priority." Qom is the epicentre of the crisis in the West Asian country. The Indian mission has been able to set up a quarantine centre in the city for the over 250 Indians infected with coronavirus, the largest such number anywhere outside India. Also read: No flights, no trains and no buses: India halts its transport network to contain coronavirus Explaining how Indian diplomats are reaching out to Indians in Qom, the source said, "In general, Mission’s officers are leading from the front and teams are deployed at various locations including the epicentre in Qom. We have in cooperation with the authorities in Qom, set up facilities for our pilgrims since lodges were ordered to close down. Government is bearing all the costs. We have also put in place help lines, advised and counselled people not to panic and to stay calm." In Qom seminary students are helping Indian officials in rendering assistance to the stranded Indian pilgrims. Asked about how diplomats are taking protection so that they don't get infected, the source said, "We do take care to adopt proper protection measures, take all precautions and bravely deal with the situation, day and night. Officers have made several visits to Qom, to meet local officials and comfort our citizens. We’ve been at this task without a break for over three weeks now. Our work goes on." Also read: How scarcity of ventilators could be coronavirus's gateway to India Iran is among the worst impacted countries in the world due to coronavirus outbreak. Since the first two cases were announced on February 19, the number of infected cases has gone up to over 23,000 with over 1800 deaths. Iranian Government has imposed strict restrictions on public transportation, closed down malls , suspended football games, civil aviation and inter-province travel. Even mosques have been closed and Friday prayers suspended. On Nowruz or the Iranian New Year which was on March 20 and marks an important day for the country, celebrations were muted.

Unsung heroes! From Tehran to Qom, Indian diplomats in Iran are leaving no stone unturned

Watch this report to know- What needs to be done if someone in your society neighbourhood or family tests positive of COVID-19?

What housing societies must keep in mind amid Coronavirus outbreak?

A man who was tested positive for COVID-19 infection died at a hospital in Kolkata on Monday. The man had returned from Italy recently.

This is West Bengal's first death case due to novel coronavirus.

According to the health ministry, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in India rose to 468, while active cases stand at 424.

Among the 468&nbsp;cases, there are 40 foreign nationals. Maharashtra is the worst-hit state with more than 80 cases.&nbsp;

These eight people include one each from Punjab, Bihar, Karnataka, Gujarat, West Bengal and Delhi and two from Maharashtra have lost their lives due to coronavirus.

According to the Health Ministry, 23 patients have been cured and discharged from hospitals while one patient migrated and seven deaths were reported in India so far.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has advised the state governments to monitor coronavirus situation round the clock, orders complete lockdown in 19 states, union territories and partial curbs in 6 states.

A man who was tested positive for COVID-19 infection died at a hospital in Kolkata on Monday. The man had returned from Italy recently. This is West Bengal's first death case due to novel coronavirus.

A man who was tested positive for COVID-19 infection died at a hospital in Kolkata on Monday. The man had returned from Italy recently. This is West Bengal's first death case due to novel coronavirus. According to the health ministry, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in India rose to 468, while active cases stand at 424. Among the 468 cases, there are 40 foreign nationals. Maharashtra is the worst-hit state with more than 80 cases. These eight people include one each from Punjab, Bihar, Karnataka, Gujarat, West Bengal and Delhi and two from Maharashtra have lost their lives due to coronavirus. According to the Health Ministry, 23 patients have been cured and discharged from hospitals while one patient migrated and seven deaths were reported in India so far. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has advised the state governments to monitor coronavirus situation round the clock, orders complete lockdown in 19 states, union territories and partial curbs in 6 states.

Coronavirus in India: Death toll rises to 9

A 68-year-old man from the Philippines, who tested positive for coronavirus earlier but recovered, died in Mumbai on Monday, taking the total number of deaths due to COVID-19 to 8, reported news agency PTI.

A 68-year-old man from the Philippines, who tested positive for coronavirus earlier but recovered, died in Mumbai on Monday, taking the total number of deaths due to COVID-19 to 8, reported news agency PTI. Three deaths were reported on Sunday. On Sunday Gujarat reported its first death. Each Maharashtra and Bihar also reported one death A 38-year-old man with travel history to Qatar succumbed to COVID-19 at the AIIMS in Patna. Similarly, a 63-year-old COVID19 patient succumbed to illness late Saturday. The deceased, who tested positive for Coronavirus, had a chronic history of diabetes, high blood pressure and ischemic heart disease.

68-year-old man from Philippines who recovered from COVID-19, dies in Mumbai 

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday imposed a lockdown for three weeks as the coronavirus cases in the region mounted to 72. 
 
PoK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider has announced that a complete lockdown will be imposed starting midnight on Monday, Dawn reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-suspends-six-officials-for-taking-selfie-with-coronavirus-infected-colleague-288099" hreflang="en">Pakistan suspends six officials for taking selfie with coronavirus-infected colleague</a> 
 
Amid the lockdown, people will not be allowed to travel or go outside unnecessarily; transport will be suspended. However, one person from each family will be allowed to go out to purchase food. 
 
Special passes will be issued to people for traveling in unavoidable circumstances.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cant-impose-lockdown-in-pakistan-as-one-fourth-of-population-survives-on-daily-wages-imran-khan-287959" hreflang="en">Can't impose lockdown in Pakistan as&nbsp;one-fourth of population survives&nbsp;on daily wages: Imran Khan</a> 
 
While PoK has announced a three-week complete lockdown, Punjab,Pakistan has imposed a 14-day partial lockdown, closing down parks and public places. Punjab province has reported 225 cases, second highest. 
The death toll from Coronavirus in the country reached six.

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday imposed a lockdown for three weeks as the coronavirus cases in the region mounted to 72. PoK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider has announced that a complete lockdown will be imposed starting midnight on Monday, Dawn reported.

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday imposed a lockdown for three weeks as the coronavirus cases in the region mounted to 72. PoK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider has announced that a complete lockdown will be imposed starting midnight on Monday, Dawn reported. Also read: Pakistan suspends six officials for taking selfie with coronavirus-infected colleague Amid the lockdown, people will not be allowed to travel or go outside unnecessarily; transport will be suspended. However, one person from each family will be allowed to go out to purchase food. Special passes will be issued to people for traveling in unavoidable circumstances. Also read: Can't impose lockdown in Pakistan as one-fourth of population survives on daily wages: Imran Khan While PoK has announced a three-week complete lockdown, Punjab,Pakistan has imposed a 14-day partial lockdown, closing down parks and public places. Punjab province has reported 225 cases, second highest. The death toll from Coronavirus in the country reached six.

Pakistan Occupied Kashmir under lockdown as coronavirus cases reach 72

Nepal on Monday announced a nationwide lockdown in order to curb the spread of coronavirus. 
 
This comes after the Himalayan nation reported its second coronavirus case. The nationwide lockdown in Nepal will be in place till March 31. 
 
The lockdown will begin on Tuesday 6:00 am. The decision was taken after a meeting of the high-level coordination committee for the control and prevention of COVID-19 took the decision to this effect, according to Himalayan Times.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-outbreak-nepal-seals-borders-with-india-china-288012" hreflang="en">Coronavirus outbreak: Nepal seals borders with India, China</a> 
 
Nepal has closed all entry points with India and China. A 19-year-old Nepali national with a travel history to France has been tested positive. 
 
Nepal, the first nation in South Asia to confirm the infection which started from China on 24th February reported the first case of COVID-19 which was then known as Novel Corona Virus. 
 
The Government of Nepal had announced the closure of cinema halls, cultural centres, stadium, sports grounds, health clubs, museums, swimming pools and other places of recreational activities, till April 30 in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/south-asian-governments-impose-coronavirus-curfews-border-controls-287798" hreflang="en">South Asian governments impose coronavirus curfews, border controls</a> 
 
The government has also set up a helpline to address queries about coronavirus and share information on the developing situation of the infection in the country.

Nepal on Monday announced a nationwide lockdown in order to curb the spread of coronavirus. This comes after the Himalayan nation reported its second coronavirus case.

Nepal on Monday announced a nationwide lockdown in order to curb the spread of coronavirus. This comes after the Himalayan nation reported its second coronavirus case. The nationwide lockdown in Nepal will be in place till March 31. The lockdown will begin on Tuesday 6:00 am. The decision was taken after a meeting of the high-level coordination committee for the control and prevention of COVID-19 took the decision to this effect, according to Himalayan Times. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: Nepal seals borders with India, China Nepal has closed all entry points with India and China. A 19-year-old Nepali national with a travel history to France has been tested positive. Nepal, the first nation in South Asia to confirm the infection which started from China on 24th February reported the first case of COVID-19 which was then known as Novel Corona Virus. The Government of Nepal had announced the closure of cinema halls, cultural centres, stadium, sports grounds, health clubs, museums, swimming pools and other places of recreational activities, till April 30 in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. Also read: South Asian governments impose coronavirus curfews, border controls The government has also set up a helpline to address queries about coronavirus and share information on the developing situation of the infection in the country.

Nepal announces nationwide lockdown till March 31 as coronavirus infects two

At Italy's Oglio Po hospital, 25 out of 90 doctors are infected with the coronavirus, compounding the strain faced by a health system overwhelmed by the world's second biggest outbreak.

Adding in nurses, technicians and other employees, a fifth of the hospital's personnel has tested positive, hospital director Daniela Ferrari said.

They and healthcare workers like them almost certainly unwittingly spread the virus before needing treatment or quarantine themselves, researchers and unions say.

The picture is the same at other hospitals, among family doctors and in nursing homes - exacerbated, unions, sector leaders and medics say, by them not having enough masks and gloves when the outbreak was detected a month ago.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-doctors-nurses-and-service-delivery-men-take-up-dancing-music-to-lift-their-spirits-up-at-work-288100" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Doctors, nurses and service delivery men take up dancing, music to lift their spirits up at work</a>

"We are at the end of our strength," said Doctor Romano Paolucci, who came out of retirement to help the Oglio Po hospital near Cremona, one of the worst hit towns in the Lombardy region.

"We do not have sufficient resources and especially staff because apart from everything else, now the staff are beginning to get sick."

In Lombardy, the Italian region with the highest number of cases and deaths, at least two hospitals became vehicles of contamination, with patients infecting medical staff who then spread the disease as they travelled around their communities before a stringent lockdown was imposed.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-doing-well-in-home-quarantine-288104" hreflang="en">Merkel 'doing well' in home quarantine</a>

That is one factor that has helped the virus spread so quickly, said Giuseppe Remuzzi, director of the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research.

"Patients infected other patients and doctors who then went out and contaminated others," Remuzzi said.

At a national level, 4,268 health workers - or 0.4 percent of the total - had contracted the virus as of March 20, according to the National Health Institute.

In Lombardy's northeastern city of Bergamo, 134 family doctors out of 600 - or 22% - had fallen sick or were quarantined, Guido Marinoni, the head of the local association of general practitioners, said. Three doctors have died.

In the city's nursing homes, the situation was even worse, with 1,464 health workers infected out of 5,805, he said. Bergamo has been so overwhelmed that the army has stepped in to move bodies to other provinces as the cemetery was too full.

Marinoni said that for the first two weeks after the disease was first detected in northern Italy on Feb. 21, family doctors lacked masks and gloves and so were easily contaminated by coughing and feverish patients who went to see them without knowing they had the coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-more-doctors-die-from-coronavirus-in-france-288080" hreflang="en">Two more doctors die from coronavirus in France</a>

"Toy gun"

Only in early March, the family doctors of Bergamo were given 25-30 surgical masks, he said.

"If a person with the disease contaminates on average another two people, a doctor who is moving around the community&nbsp;can contaminate at least another 10 people and this spreads the contagion in an exponential way," Marinoni said.

"It's like fighting a war with a toy gun. I hope the rest of Europe learn from the good things Italy did, but also from our mistakes."

The head of the government's coronavirus relief effort says Italy needs 90 million masks a month and it has "activated all possible channels" to achieve that.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-one-billion-people-self-isolating-globally-to-limit-the-spread-of-coronavirus-288061" hreflang="en">More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus</a>

Protective and medical equipment, including masks and ventilators, "are produced in faraway places, we don't have a national industry with the capacity to make them on a big scale", Domenico Arcuri told state television on Sunday.

Lombardy governor Attilio Fontana said on Thursday he had signed a contract for 4 million masks from Jordan.

At several hospitals and health centres of Italy's financial capital Milan, public and private, staff and unions also complain of inadequate measures to protect personnel.

At Milan's Niguarda hospital, a patient and a nurse in the psychiatric ward started showing symptoms a few hours apart from each other on March 10, according to a letter sent by CISL union representative Rossella Delcuratolo to hospital managers.

Within days, 11 patients and eight nurses in the ward had contracted the virus, Delcuratolo said.

"We are fighting the spread of the virus by imposing a lockdown on society, but we also need to stop it spreading within the health sector," she told Reuters. "Health workers live in fear of infecting people at work and at home."

Even in places where protective gear was present from the start, such as Policlinico San Marco near Bergamo, several staff were still infected, said Roberto Mezzetti, a vascular surgeon who volunteered to help out with coronavirus patients.

They probably contracted the virus outside the hospital as they went about their normal lives in the early stages of the outbreak, he said. Three of them were in serious condition.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/home-quarantine-no-option-for-thousands-in-philippines-288048" hreflang="en">Home quarantine no option for thousands in Philippines</a>

Many health workers say they should all be tested. Lombardy said at the weekend family doctors would be given swabs, while hospital staff would have their temperature taken daily.

But some doctors warn that if everyone is tested, the real rate of infection among medics could be so high that hospitals would stop working.

"I fear that hospitals would empty," said Mario Riccio, head of anaesthesiology at the Oglio Po hospital. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

At Italy's Oglio Po hospital, 25 out of 90 doctors are infected with the coronavirus, compounding the strain faced by a health system overwhelmed by the world's second biggest outbreak.

At Italy's Oglio Po hospital, 25 out of 90 doctors are infected with the coronavirus, compounding the strain faced by a health system overwhelmed by the world's second biggest outbreak. Adding in nurses, technicians and other employees, a fifth of the hospital's personnel has tested positive, hospital director Daniela Ferrari said. They and healthcare workers like them almost certainly unwittingly spread the virus before needing treatment or quarantine themselves, researchers and unions say. The picture is the same at other hospitals, among family doctors and in nursing homes - exacerbated, unions, sector leaders and medics say, by them not having enough masks and gloves when the outbreak was detected a month ago. Also read: COVID-19: Doctors, nurses and service delivery men take up dancing, music to lift their spirits up at work "We are at the end of our strength," said Doctor Romano Paolucci, who came out of retirement to help the Oglio Po hospital near Cremona, one of the worst hit towns in the Lombardy region. "We do not have sufficient resources and especially staff because apart from everything else, now the staff are beginning to get sick." In Lombardy, the Italian region with the highest number of cases and deaths, at least two hospitals became vehicles of contamination, with patients infecting medical staff who then spread the disease as they travelled around their communities before a stringent lockdown was imposed. Read more: Merkel 'doing well' in home quarantine That is one factor that has helped the virus spread so quickly, said Giuseppe Remuzzi, director of the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research. "Patients infected other patients and doctors who then went out and contaminated others," Remuzzi said. At a national level, 4,268 health workers - or 0.4 percent of the total - had contracted the virus as of March 20, according to the National Health Institute. In Lombardy's northeastern city of Bergamo, 134 family doctors out of 600 - or 22% - had fallen sick or were quarantined, Guido Marinoni, the head of the local association of general practitioners, said. Three doctors have died. In the city's nursing homes, the situation was even worse, with 1,464 health workers infected out of 5,805, he said. Bergamo has been so overwhelmed that the army has stepped in to move bodies to other provinces as the cemetery was too full. Marinoni said that for the first two weeks after the disease was first detected in northern Italy on Feb. 21, family doctors lacked masks and gloves and so were easily contaminated by coughing and feverish patients who went to see them without knowing they had the coronavirus. Also read: Two more doctors die from coronavirus in France "Toy gun" Only in early March, the family doctors of Bergamo were given 25-30 surgical masks, he said. "If a person with the disease contaminates on average another two people, a doctor who is moving around the community can contaminate at least another 10 people and this spreads the contagion in an exponential way," Marinoni said. "It's like fighting a war with a toy gun. I hope the rest of Europe learn from the good things Italy did, but also from our mistakes." The head of the government's coronavirus relief effort says Italy needs 90 million masks a month and it has "activated all possible channels" to achieve that. Also read: More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus Protective and medical equipment, including masks and ventilators, "are produced in faraway places, we don't have a national industry with the capacity to make them on a big scale", Domenico Arcuri told state television on Sunday. Lombardy governor Attilio Fontana said on Thursday he had signed a contract for 4 million masks from Jordan. At several hospitals and health centres of Italy's financial capital Milan, public and private, staff and unions also complain of inadequate measures to protect personnel. At Milan's Niguarda hospital, a patient and a nurse in the psychiatric ward started showing symptoms a few hours apart from each other on March 10, according to a letter sent by CISL union representative Rossella Delcuratolo to hospital managers. Within days, 11 patients and eight nurses in the ward had contracted the virus, Delcuratolo said. "We are fighting the spread of the virus by imposing a lockdown on society, but we also need to stop it spreading within the health sector," she told Reuters. "Health workers live in fear of infecting people at work and at home." Even in places where protective gear was present from the start, such as Policlinico San Marco near Bergamo, several staff were still infected, said Roberto Mezzetti, a vascular surgeon who volunteered to help out with coronavirus patients. They probably contracted the virus outside the hospital as they went about their normal lives in the early stages of the outbreak, he said. Three of them were in serious condition. Also read: Home quarantine no option for thousands in Philippines Many health workers say they should all be tested. Lombardy said at the weekend family doctors would be given swabs, while hospital staff would have their temperature taken daily. But some doctors warn that if everyone is tested, the real rate of infection among medics could be so high that hospitals would stop working. "I fear that hospitals would empty," said Mario Riccio, head of anaesthesiology at the Oglio Po hospital.

Italy's medics at 'end of our strength' as they too fall ill

Thomas Bach and the IOC should not be criticised for procrastination over the Tokyo Olympics as re-organising them is "mind-bogglingly complex", the movement's former head of marketing Michael Payne told AFP.

Payne, who in nearly two decades at the International Olympic Committee was widely credited with transforming its brand and finances through sponsorship, said Monday the IOC could have unilaterally cancelled the Games because of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, Payne believes that was never an option given Bach's experience as a sportsman of missing out on the 1980 Moscow Olympics due to the boycott by Western nations in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Payne said behind the scenes the IOC have been moving towards a postponement for a while.

"It is mind-bogglingly complex to make a sudden change after seven years of preparation for the biggest sporting event in the world," he told AFP in a phone interview.

"The IOC have been with increasing urgency looking to fall back on Plan B. The IOC remit allows them legally to cancel the Games unilaterally.

"Cancelling the Games though is not an option so to postpone the Games, you have to have your delivery partner (Japan) on board."

Payne said Japan would take its time to decide as until recently the local organisers had been enthusiastic about maintaining the Games in their scheduled slot.&nbsp;

"The Japanese have been holding out in the hope it might still be possible to hold the Games in July," he said.

"The cost to the Japanese of postponing them is loss of face and political capital to (Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo) Abe as this is very much his project.

"In the last few days Japan have been very up for them to go ahead but the problem is the rest of the world cannot get there."

Thomas Bach and the IOC should not be criticised for procrastination over the Tokyo Olympics as re-organising them is "mind-bogglingly complex", the movement's former head of marketing Michael Payne told AFP.

Thomas Bach and the IOC should not be criticised for procrastination over the Tokyo Olympics as re-organising them is "mind-bogglingly complex", the movement's former head of marketing Michael Payne told AFP. Payne, who in nearly two decades at the International Olympic Committee was widely credited with transforming its brand and finances through sponsorship, said Monday the IOC could have unilaterally cancelled the Games because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, Payne believes that was never an option given Bach's experience as a sportsman of missing out on the 1980 Moscow Olympics due to the boycott by Western nations in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Payne said behind the scenes the IOC have been moving towards a postponement for a while. "It is mind-bogglingly complex to make a sudden change after seven years of preparation for the biggest sporting event in the world," he told AFP in a phone interview. "The IOC have been with increasing urgency looking to fall back on Plan B. The IOC remit allows them legally to cancel the Games unilaterally. "Cancelling the Games though is not an option so to postpone the Games, you have to have your delivery partner (Japan) on board." Payne said Japan would take its time to decide as until recently the local organisers had been enthusiastic about maintaining the Games in their scheduled slot. "The Japanese have been holding out in the hope it might still be possible to hold the Games in July," he said. "The cost to the Japanese of postponing them is loss of face and political capital to (Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo) Abe as this is very much his project. "In the last few days Japan have been very up for them to go ahead but the problem is the rest of the world cannot get there."

Re-organising Olympics a Herculean task: former IOC marketing head

Six district administrative officials in the Pakistani province of Sindh were recently suspended after they took a picture with one of their colleagues who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

The notification was issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Khairpur yesterday. Based on information from authorities, the six revenue officials who were seen in the picture were suspended soon after people took notice of the image.

Allegedly, the revenue officials had no idea about the medical state of the person in question, who had recently returned from Iran. He was later tested positive for the novel coronavirus, as reported by The Dawn.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-babur-ii-missile-suffers-second-consecutive-setback-crashes-after-two-minutes-288073" hreflang="en">Pakistan's 'Babur II' missile suffers second consecutive setback; crashes after two minutes</a>

All suspended officials hail from different districts.

"Due to the information received through social media regarding selfie by the revenue staff with Irshad Ali Rajpar who recently returned from Iran and was reported as a positive case of coronavirus, the following staff in the selfie are hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect," said the notification.

<h6><img alt="oo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bf6a5fdf-dc06-442a-9059-7678cfe592c9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_109.jpg" /> 
The official government notification 
 
&nbsp;</h6>

So far, over 803 people in Pakistan have tested positive for coronavirus, with 150 new cases registered in the last 24 hours.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cant-impose-lockdown-in-pakistan-as-one-fourth-of-population-survives-on-daily-wages-imran-khan-287959" hreflang="en">Can't impose lockdown in Pakistan as&nbsp;one-fourth of population survives&nbsp;on daily wages: Imran Khan</a>

The death toll in the country now stands at six, after a doctor died of the virus in Gilgit-Baltistan region, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in southern Sindh province rose to 352, Punjab province to 225, in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to 31, western Balochistan province 108, Gilgit-Baltistan 71, the capital's Islamabad 15 while one case confirmed in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday rejected the proposal for the complete lockdown&nbsp;to combat the coronavirus outbreak, saying that state-imposed curfew is not possible in the country as one-fourth of its population is under the below&nbsp;the poverty line and survives on daily wages.

Six district administrative officials in the Pakistani province of Sindh were recently suspended after they took a picture with one of their colleagues who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Six district administrative officials in the Pakistani province of Sindh were recently suspended after they took a picture with one of their colleagues who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19. The notification was issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Khairpur yesterday. Based on information from authorities, the six revenue officials who were seen in the picture were suspended soon after people took notice of the image. Allegedly, the revenue officials had no idea about the medical state of the person in question, who had recently returned from Iran. He was later tested positive for the novel coronavirus, as reported by The Dawn. Also read: Pakistan's 'Babur II' missile suffers second consecutive setback; crashes after two minutes All suspended officials hail from different districts. "Due to the information received through social media regarding selfie by the revenue staff with Irshad Ali Rajpar who recently returned from Iran and was reported as a positive case of coronavirus, the following staff in the selfie are hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect," said the notification. The official government notification So far, over 803 people in Pakistan have tested positive for coronavirus, with 150 new cases registered in the last 24 hours. Also read: Can't impose lockdown in Pakistan as one-fourth of population survives on daily wages: Imran Khan The death toll in the country now stands at six, after a doctor died of the virus in Gilgit-Baltistan region, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in southern Sindh province rose to 352, Punjab province to 225, in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to 31, western Balochistan province 108, Gilgit-Baltistan 71, the capital's Islamabad 15 while one case confirmed in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday rejected the proposal for the complete lockdown to combat the coronavirus outbreak, saying that state-imposed curfew is not possible in the country as one-fourth of its population is under the below the poverty line and survives on daily wages.

Pakistan suspends six officials for taking selfie with coronavirus-infected colleague

A child in Iran slipped into a coma after drinking alcohol. Amid the coronavirus scare, rumours have been circulating online about potential cures against the virus, alcohol being one of them.

The child also lost his eye-sight in the process. Media reports indicated that the child was given booze by his family. Videos of the incident have been making rounds across social media.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-one-billion-people-self-isolating-globally-to-limit-the-spread-of-coronavirus-288061" hreflang="en">More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus</a>

With the coronavirus death toll increasing everyday across the globe, many people have slipped into panic mode.&nbsp;

In the recent weeks, over 200 people have died in Iran after drinking alcohol. Most people procured the alcohol from bootleggers who dilute the alcohol and mix additives in it, which can have life-threatening reactions.

In the video, a medical professional standing by the child’s bed can be heard claiming that the family had given the alcohol to him as a protective measure against coronavirus. Additionally, the doctor said that the child can no longer see and is in a coma.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Feeding <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/industrial_alcohol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#industrial_alcohol</a> to an innocent child by his family at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> for reason immunity versus <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Corona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Corona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/virus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#virus</a>! 
And tragic result! 
Blind 5years old son!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coma</a> position! 
plenty of regrets!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronavirusPandemic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronavirusPandemic</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid_19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid_19</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayAtHome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayAtHome</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ایران</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A7%D9%84%DA%A9%D9%84_%D8%B5%D9%86%D8%B9%D8%AA%DB%8C?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#الکل_صنعتی</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%83%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#كرونا</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronavirusOutbreak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronavirusOutbreak</a> <a href="https://t.co/HG7hj19eEK">pic.twitter.com/HG7hj19eEK</a>
— ARA (@persianport) <a href="https://twitter.com/persianport/status/1241454018033049601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“I beg of you, do not give alcohol to your children. It is very dangerous,” he added.

Due to the ban on alcohol in Iran, people are forced to make their alcohol or to buy it from bootleggers through illegal channels, which makes it very dangerous to consume. The ban was enforced in Iran starting 1979 but people prefer to resort to making alcohol at home. However, the homemade variants of alcohol have an extremely lethal concentration of methanol.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-seeks-first-imf-loan-in-6-decades-satellite-images-show-mass-graves-in-iran-286145/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Others drink industrial alcohol that comes in fruit flavours and is easily available across supermarkets. However, industrial alcohol is used as an alternative fuel soerce and as a pesticide, with high concentrations of methanol.

Alcohol poisoning is capable of causing permanent blindness, brain damage, and heart attacks if left out of check.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/iran-rejects-trumps-virus-aid-offer-as-toll-jumps-to-1685-287923" hreflang="en">Iran rejects Trump's virus aid offer as toll jumps to 1,685</a>

The COVID-19 pandemic has killed over 1,556 people in Iran, and has infected more than 20,000 people.

As of Saturday, 1,812 in Iran have died from coronavirus, and there are 23,049 confirmed cases. Over 127 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

As of now, based on the Johns Hopkins University tracker, at least 341,000 people have been infected with COVID-19. Around 14,700 have died.

Starting today, more than 750 million people in India have been placed under lockdown until March 31. Restrictions are travel, work, and movement based.

The US recently reported 400 deaths owing to the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-use-mobile-phones-to-track-people-at-risk-of-coronavirus-288076" hreflang="en">Russia to use mobile phones to track people at risk of coronavirus</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

A child in Iran slipped into a coma after drinking alcohol. Amid the coronavirus scare, rumours have been circulating online about potential cures against the virus, alcohol being one of them.

A child in Iran slipped into a coma after drinking alcohol. Amid the coronavirus scare, rumours have been circulating online about potential cures against the virus, alcohol being one of them. The child also lost his eye-sight in the process. Media reports indicated that the child was given booze by his family. Videos of the incident have been making rounds across social media. Also read: More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus With the coronavirus death toll increasing everyday across the globe, many people have slipped into panic mode. In the recent weeks, over 200 people have died in Iran after drinking alcohol. Most people procured the alcohol from bootleggers who dilute the alcohol and mix additives in it, which can have life-threatening reactions. In the video, a medical professional standing by the child’s bed can be heard claiming that the family had given the alcohol to him as a protective measure against coronavirus. Additionally, the doctor said that the child can no longer see and is in a coma. Feeding #industrial_alcohol to an innocent child by his family at #Iran for reason immunity versus #Corona #virus! And tragic result! Blind 5years old son!#coma position! plenty of regrets!#CoronavirusPandemic#Covid_19#StayAtHome#ایران#الکل_صنعتی#كرونا#CoronavirusOutbreak pic.twitter.com/HG7hj19eEK — ARA (@persianport) March 21, 2020 × “I beg of you, do not give alcohol to your children. It is very dangerous,” he added. Due to the ban on alcohol in Iran, people are forced to make their alcohol or to buy it from bootleggers through illegal channels, which makes it very dangerous to consume. The ban was enforced in Iran starting 1979 but people prefer to resort to making alcohol at home. However, the homemade variants of alcohol have an extremely lethal concentration of methanol. Others drink industrial alcohol that comes in fruit flavours and is easily available across supermarkets. However, industrial alcohol is used as an alternative fuel soerce and as a pesticide, with high concentrations of methanol. Alcohol poisoning is capable of causing permanent blindness, brain damage, and heart attacks if left out of check. Also read: Iran rejects Trump's virus aid offer as toll jumps to 1,685 The COVID-19 pandemic has killed over 1,556 people in Iran, and has infected more than 20,000 people. As of Saturday, 1,812 in Iran have died from coronavirus, and there are 23,049 confirmed cases. Over 127 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. As of now, based on the Johns Hopkins University tracker, at least 341,000 people have been infected with COVID-19. Around 14,700 have died. Starting today, more than 750 million people in India have been placed under lockdown until March 31. Restrictions are travel, work, and movement based. The US recently reported 400 deaths owing to the virus. Also read: Russia to use mobile phones to track people at risk of coronavirus (With inputs from agencies)

Iranian child loses sight, slips into coma after drinking liquor to protect against coronavirus

Two more doctors have died after contracting the coronavirus in France, officials said on Monday, a day after the country reported the first death of a doctor treating COVID-19 patients.

One of the doctors, a 66-year-old gynaecologist in Mulhouse near the border with Switzerland and Germany, was infected by a patient during a consultation, according to his clinic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-use-mobile-phones-to-track-people-at-risk-of-coronavirus-288076" hreflang="en">Russia to use mobile phones to track people at risk of coronavirus</a>

The other was a 60-year-old general practitioner at a hospital in Saint-Avold near Metz, further north along the German frontier, according to the town's mayor.

Both died on Sunday when officials announced the death of a 67-year-old doctor who was among the first to treat coronavirus cases in the northern Oise department, which has been badly hit by the outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-death-toll-tops-2000-after-462-deaths-in-24-hours-288065" hreflang="en">Spain death toll tops 2,000 after 462 deaths in 24 hours</a>

Health experts warn that many French hospitals are already overflowing with coronavirus cases even as the government races to set up military field hospitals to help cope with a shortage of beds.

Mulhouse has imposed its own nighttime curfew in addition to nationwide home-confinement rules seeking to curtail the virus, which has spread rapidly in France's eastern regions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-one-billion-people-self-isolating-globally-to-limit-the-spread-of-coronavirus-288061" hreflang="en">More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus</a>

France is also experiencing a shortfall of ventilators to care for seriously ill patients and face masks and other protective equipment for health workers.

France's national health service reported Sunday that 674 people had died in the country so far -- an increase of 112 in 24 hours.

Two more doctors have died after contracting the coronavirus in France, officials said on Monday, a day after the country reported the first death of a doctor treating COVID-19 patients.

Two more doctors have died after contracting the coronavirus in France, officials said on Monday, a day after the country reported the first death of a doctor treating COVID-19 patients. One of the doctors, a 66-year-old gynaecologist in Mulhouse near the border with Switzerland and Germany, was infected by a patient during a consultation, according to his clinic. Also read: Russia to use mobile phones to track people at risk of coronavirus The other was a 60-year-old general practitioner at a hospital in Saint-Avold near Metz, further north along the German frontier, according to the town's mayor. Both died on Sunday when officials announced the death of a 67-year-old doctor who was among the first to treat coronavirus cases in the northern Oise department, which has been badly hit by the outbreak. Also read: Spain death toll tops 2,000 after 462 deaths in 24 hours Health experts warn that many French hospitals are already overflowing with coronavirus cases even as the government races to set up military field hospitals to help cope with a shortage of beds. Mulhouse has imposed its own nighttime curfew in addition to nationwide home-confinement rules seeking to curtail the virus, which has spread rapidly in France's eastern regions. Also read: More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus France is also experiencing a shortfall of ventilators to care for seriously ill patients and face masks and other protective equipment for health workers. France's national health service reported Sunday that 674 people had died in the country so far -- an increase of 112 in 24 hours.

Two more doctors die from coronavirus in France

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Monday gave the authorities five days to develop a system to track people who have come into contact with anyone with coronavirus by using mobile phone geolocation data.

Under the new system, people would be sent information if they came into contact with someone who was infected and the same information would be passed on to special regional headquarters set up to fight the respiratory disease pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-death-toll-tops-2000-after-462-deaths-in-24-hours-288065" hreflang="en">Spain death toll tops 2,000 after 462 deaths in 24 hours</a>

The Kremlin said the measure was legal and part of a raft of measures Russia is taking to try to halt spread of the virus.

The measure will trace "citizens who are in contact with patients with new coronavirus infection on the basis of information from cellular operators about the geolocation of a cell phone of a particular person, which would allow citizens to be notified (over the phone) if they have been in contact with a person suffering from the new coronavirus, sending relevant messages to inform them of the need for self-isolation..." the communications ministry said in a statement.

Russia, which has a temporary ban on the entry of foreigners in place, has 438 confirmed cases of coronavirus so far and one virus-related death - less than many European countries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-provides-unexpected-boost-for-kenyan-fishermen-288063" hreflang="en">Coronavirus provides unexpected boost for Kenyan fishermen</a>

On Monday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin told residents of the Russian capital over the age of 65 and those with chronic illnesses to remain at home.

Russia is gradually tightening quarantine rules and readying its healthcare system for more cases. Sobyanin told the elderly and other vulnerable residents to only make trips to pharmacies and shops if absolutely necessary from Thursday until April 14.

Stay at home or dachas

Where possible, he also advised the elderly to leave the city and stay at their dachas - out-of-town cottages on private plots of land which many Russian families traditionally own.

The city, which has 262 confirmed infections out of the total of 438 reported across Russia, will give 4,000 roubles ($49) to all over 65s and people with chronic illnesses.

City hall has required mobile phone operators not to switch off phone and internet access for the elderly if their balance hits zero, and temporarily cancelled fines for late payment of utility bills.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-one-billion-people-self-isolating-globally-to-limit-the-spread-of-coronavirus-288061" hreflang="en">More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus</a>

Moscow has also changed its coronavirus testing system. Samples will no longer be sent to a lab in Siberia for a second round of testing to confirm a positive result received during tests conducted in labs in the capital, the city's coronavirus response headquarters said in a statement.

"The diagnosis of 'coronavirus infection' will be registered after the first positive test...Repeated testing, if necessary, will also be conducted in Moscow," the head office said.

Russia is also taking steps to prepare its food supply and medical system for a potential upsurge in coronavirus cases.

The government said on Monday it had asked the agriculture ministry and other officials to prepare proposals on whether exports of any food, essential products or medicine should be limited. [nL8N2BG1RX]

The government also ordered the labour and justice ministries to devise plans to prevent workers from being fired for coronavirus-related reasons, such as self-isolation.

"I believe that overall, we have the situation with coronavirus under control," Mishustin said. "But preparation for more serious challenges is necessary."

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Monday gave the authorities five days to develop a system to track people who have come into contact with anyone with coronavirus by using mobile phone geolocation data.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Monday gave the authorities five days to develop a system to track people who have come into contact with anyone with coronavirus by using mobile phone geolocation data. Under the new system, people would be sent information if they came into contact with someone who was infected and the same information would be passed on to special regional headquarters set up to fight the respiratory disease pandemic. Also read: Spain death toll tops 2,000 after 462 deaths in 24 hours The Kremlin said the measure was legal and part of a raft of measures Russia is taking to try to halt spread of the virus. The measure will trace "citizens who are in contact with patients with new coronavirus infection on the basis of information from cellular operators about the geolocation of a cell phone of a particular person, which would allow citizens to be notified (over the phone) if they have been in contact with a person suffering from the new coronavirus, sending relevant messages to inform them of the need for self-isolation..." the communications ministry said in a statement. Russia, which has a temporary ban on the entry of foreigners in place, has 438 confirmed cases of coronavirus so far and one virus-related death - less than many European countries. Also read: Coronavirus provides unexpected boost for Kenyan fishermen On Monday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin told residents of the Russian capital over the age of 65 and those with chronic illnesses to remain at home. Russia is gradually tightening quarantine rules and readying its healthcare system for more cases. Sobyanin told the elderly and other vulnerable residents to only make trips to pharmacies and shops if absolutely necessary from Thursday until April 14. Stay at home or dachas Where possible, he also advised the elderly to leave the city and stay at their dachas - out-of-town cottages on private plots of land which many Russian families traditionally own. The city, which has 262 confirmed infections out of the total of 438 reported across Russia, will give 4,000 roubles ($49) to all over 65s and people with chronic illnesses. City hall has required mobile phone operators not to switch off phone and internet access for the elderly if their balance hits zero, and temporarily cancelled fines for late payment of utility bills. Also read: More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus Moscow has also changed its coronavirus testing system. Samples will no longer be sent to a lab in Siberia for a second round of testing to confirm a positive result received during tests conducted in labs in the capital, the city's coronavirus response headquarters said in a statement. "The diagnosis of 'coronavirus infection' will be registered after the first positive test...Repeated testing, if necessary, will also be conducted in Moscow," the head office said. Russia is also taking steps to prepare its food supply and medical system for a potential upsurge in coronavirus cases. The government said on Monday it had asked the agriculture ministry and other officials to prepare proposals on whether exports of any food, essential products or medicine should be limited. [nL8N2BG1RX] The government also ordered the labour and justice ministries to devise plans to prevent workers from being fired for coronavirus-related reasons, such as self-isolation. "I believe that overall, we have the situation with coronavirus under control," Mishustin said. "But preparation for more serious challenges is necessary."

Russia to use mobile phones to track people at risk of coronavirus

The coronavirus death toll in Spain surged to 2,182 after 462 people died within 24 hours, the health ministry said on Monday.

The death rate showed a 27-percent increase on the figures released a day earlier, with the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 rising to 33,089 in Spain, one of the worst-hit countries in the world after China and Italy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-donates-720000-masks-to-health-workers-287990" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers</a>

Despite an unprecedented national lockdown which was put in place on March 14, the number of deaths and infections have spiralled in Spain, with the figures growing as the country steps up its capacity for testing.

And the lockdown, which was initially put in place for two weeks, will be extended until April 11 to try to curb the spread, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said -- in a measure which will be put to parliament on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The rise in infections in this country of 46 million people has brought Spain's healthcare system to the brink of collapse, particularly in Madrid, the worst-hit area, which has registered 10,575 cases, and where 1,263 people have died -- accounting for 58 percent of the national death toll.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-is-the-world-staring-at-another-great-depression-287950" hreflang="en">With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression?</a>

Some 3,910 healthcare workers have tested positive for the virus, or around 12 percent of those infected, the health ministry's emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon said.

Officials have repeatedly warned that the number of deaths and infections would continue to rise this week and that the worst was yet to come.&nbsp;

"We have yet to see the impact of the strongest, most damaging wave, which will test our material and moral capacities to the limit, as well as our spirit as a society," Sanchez said on Sunday.&nbsp;

In terms of people who have recovered, government figures show there are currently 3,355 cases, just over 60 percent of whom are in Madrid.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-one-billion-people-self-isolating-globally-to-limit-the-spread-of-coronavirus-288061">More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus</a>

The coronavirus death toll in Spain surged to 2,182 after 462 people died within 24 hours, the health ministry said on Monday. The death rate showed a 27-percent increase on the figures released a day earlier, with the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 rising to 33,089 in Spain, one of the worst-hit countries in the world after China and Italy.

The coronavirus death toll in Spain surged to 2,182 after 462 people died within 24 hours, the health ministry said on Monday. The death rate showed a 27-percent increase on the figures released a day earlier, with the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 rising to 33,089 in Spain, one of the worst-hit countries in the world after China and Italy. Also read: Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers Despite an unprecedented national lockdown which was put in place on March 14, the number of deaths and infections have spiralled in Spain, with the figures growing as the country steps up its capacity for testing. And the lockdown, which was initially put in place for two weeks, will be extended until April 11 to try to curb the spread, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said -- in a measure which will be put to parliament on Tuesday. The rise in infections in this country of 46 million people has brought Spain's healthcare system to the brink of collapse, particularly in Madrid, the worst-hit area, which has registered 10,575 cases, and where 1,263 people have died -- accounting for 58 percent of the national death toll. Also read: With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression? Some 3,910 healthcare workers have tested positive for the virus, or around 12 percent of those infected, the health ministry's emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon said. Officials have repeatedly warned that the number of deaths and infections would continue to rise this week and that the worst was yet to come. "We have yet to see the impact of the strongest, most damaging wave, which will test our material and moral capacities to the limit, as well as our spirit as a society," Sanchez said on Sunday. In terms of people who have recovered, government figures show there are currently 3,355 cases, just over 60 percent of whom are in Madrid. Also read: More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus

Spain death toll tops 2,000 after 462 deaths in 24 hours

The coronavirus pandemic has handed Kenyan fishermen an unexpected boon - a rush of customers who now shun imported Chinese frozen fillets in favour of freshly caught fish from Lake Victoria.

Kenya bought $23.2 million worth of frozen fish from China in 2018, according to the International Trade Center, almost all of its fish imports. Fishermen have long complained that the cheap imports were strangling local trade.

The coronavirus has slowed Chinese imports. Nervous customers have turned to local fish. But Kenya will soon face shortages unless imports from China resume; it produces just over a third of what it consumes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-donates-720000-masks-to-health-workers-287990" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers</a>

Kenyan fishermen like 38-year-old Maurice Misodhi, whose skin has been weathered by the sun and wind during two decades on the water, have had a bumper month. Based at Dunga Beach in Kisumu, customers want every fish he catches.

Misodhi says the Chinese lockdown seemed to have dried up imports of cheaper Chinese fish.

"As fishermen we can now smile, not because people are suffering from coronavirus, but because we can now sell our fish, and at a good price," he said.

The price of a kilo of Nile perch - 250 shillings ($2.50) a month ago - has shot up to 350 shillings.

Fish trader Mary Didi usually buys from Chinese suppliers but has now turned to Misodhi.

"The supply at the Chinese importers has gone down, and many of my customers were also scared of the Chinese fish, thinking they would contract the virus," she said. "To keep the business running, I had to turn to fish from the lake."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-is-the-world-staring-at-another-great-depression-287950" hreflang="en">With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression?</a>

Bob Otieno, chairman of Dunga Beach Management Unit, says sales have shot up. The beach registers a catch of between 1 and 1.5 tonnes of fish each day and sales have gone up from 50% of the catch to 90% in the last two weeks. Previously, fishermen would eat, barter or give away around half their catch.

"We used to have many fishermen sell their catch at low prices because of competition from the Chinese fish," he said.

Kenya produces 180,000 tonnes per year but consumes about 500,000 tonnes, according to 2019 government figures.

Christine Adhiambo, the government's assistant director of fisheries for the lake region, said the two biggest importers of Chinese fish had not shipped from China since November and were running down stocks. Kenya could face shortages soon, she said.

"Kenya cannot satisfy its local fish demand," she said. "That is why we heavily rely on supplements from China."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-one-billion-people-self-isolating-globally-to-limit-the-spread-of-coronavirus-288061">More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus</a>

The coronavirus pandemic has handed Kenyan fishermen an unexpected boon - a rush of customers who now shun imported Chinese frozen fillets in favour of freshly caught fish from Lake Victoria.

The coronavirus pandemic has handed Kenyan fishermen an unexpected boon - a rush of customers who now shun imported Chinese frozen fillets in favour of freshly caught fish from Lake Victoria. Kenya bought $23.2 million worth of frozen fish from China in 2018, according to the International Trade Center, almost all of its fish imports. Fishermen have long complained that the cheap imports were strangling local trade. The coronavirus has slowed Chinese imports. Nervous customers have turned to local fish. But Kenya will soon face shortages unless imports from China resume; it produces just over a third of what it consumes. Also read: Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers Kenyan fishermen like 38-year-old Maurice Misodhi, whose skin has been weathered by the sun and wind during two decades on the water, have had a bumper month. Based at Dunga Beach in Kisumu, customers want every fish he catches. Misodhi says the Chinese lockdown seemed to have dried up imports of cheaper Chinese fish. "As fishermen we can now smile, not because people are suffering from coronavirus, but because we can now sell our fish, and at a good price," he said. The price of a kilo of Nile perch - 250 shillings ($2.50) a month ago - has shot up to 350 shillings. Fish trader Mary Didi usually buys from Chinese suppliers but has now turned to Misodhi. "The supply at the Chinese importers has gone down, and many of my customers were also scared of the Chinese fish, thinking they would contract the virus," she said. "To keep the business running, I had to turn to fish from the lake." Also read: With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression? Bob Otieno, chairman of Dunga Beach Management Unit, says sales have shot up. The beach registers a catch of between 1 and 1.5 tonnes of fish each day and sales have gone up from 50% of the catch to 90% in the last two weeks. Previously, fishermen would eat, barter or give away around half their catch. "We used to have many fishermen sell their catch at low prices because of competition from the Chinese fish," he said. Kenya produces 180,000 tonnes per year but consumes about 500,000 tonnes, according to 2019 government figures. Christine Adhiambo, the government's assistant director of fisheries for the lake region, said the two biggest importers of Chinese fish had not shipped from China since November and were running down stocks. Kenya could face shortages soon, she said. "Kenya cannot satisfy its local fish demand," she said. "That is why we heavily rely on supplements from China." Also read: More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus

Coronavirus provides unexpected boost for Kenyan fishermen

More than a billion people have been directed to practice self-isolation and to stay at home, as per an AFP tally released today.&nbsp;

Almost 50 countries and territories around the world have enforced lockdowns to limit the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-donates-720000-masks-to-health-workers-287990" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers</a>

Countries with serious cases and escalating death toll like Italy have compulsory lockdown measures in place, while self-quarantining advisories have been put out in other countries.

More than 659 million people are currently isolated at their homes globally, centred in 34 countries with compulsory lockdowns in place. These countries include&nbsp;Italy, France, California in the US, Rwanda, Iraq, and Argentina.

The most recent imposition of mandatory isolation took place in Greece.

Starting Tuesday, Colombia will enforce a complete lockdown, followed by New Zealand on Wednesday.

However, lockdowns do not imply the discontinuation of essential services. All emergency services, including fire, healthcare, and police will function as usual, with grocery stores and ATMs running as they otherwise would.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d1cf7b7-7c0e-4738-a2d6-781fcf8fac6f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_89.jpg" /> 
Trains are seen idle on Amritsar Railway station during a one-day Janata (civil) curfew imposed as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus, in Amritsar on March 22, 2020 | AFP 
 
&nbsp;</h6>

Iran, Britain, and Germany, which have a collective population of over 228 million people, have requested their citizens to not venture outside their homes to limit social contact.

However, these optional lockdowns have not been completely successful in persuading the people. For instance, people in Britain gathered in parks and beaches over the weekend, while people in Iran didn’t cancel their travel plans for the Persian New Year.

Additionally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently advised countries to do more than lockdowns, for it is not enough to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-is-the-world-staring-at-another-great-depression-287950" hreflang="en">With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression?</a>

Many countries have issued curfews and some have barred travel after dark. These ten countries include Chile, the Philippines’ capital city Manila, Mauritania, Serbia, Burkina Faso, with Saudi Arabia to follow suit tonight. These countries account for 117 million people.

Many countries have also isolated major cities, limiting the entry and exit of people. Almaty and&nbsp; Bulgaria are among these countries that account for 10 million people.

As of now, based on the Johns Hopkins University tracker, at least 341,000 people have been infected with COVID-19. Around 14,700 have died.

Starting today, more than 750 million people in India have been placed under lockdown until March 31. Restrictions are travel, work, and movement based.

The US recently reported 400 deaths owing to the virus.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-inadequate-testing-techniques-causing-silent-carriers-to-spread-covid-19-288044">Are inadequate testing techniques causing 'silent carriers' to spread COVID-19?</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

More than a billion people have been directed to practice self-isolation and to stay at home, as per an AFP tally released today. Almost 50 countries and territories around the world have enforced lockdowns to limit the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19.

More than a billion people have been directed to practice self-isolation and to stay at home, as per an AFP tally released today. Almost 50 countries and territories around the world have enforced lockdowns to limit the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19. Also read: Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers Countries with serious cases and escalating death toll like Italy have compulsory lockdown measures in place, while self-quarantining advisories have been put out in other countries. More than 659 million people are currently isolated at their homes globally, centred in 34 countries with compulsory lockdowns in place. These countries include Italy, France, California in the US, Rwanda, Iraq, and Argentina. The most recent imposition of mandatory isolation took place in Greece. Starting Tuesday, Colombia will enforce a complete lockdown, followed by New Zealand on Wednesday. However, lockdowns do not imply the discontinuation of essential services. All emergency services, including fire, healthcare, and police will function as usual, with grocery stores and ATMs running as they otherwise would. Trains are seen idle on Amritsar Railway station during a one-day Janata (civil) curfew imposed as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus, in Amritsar on March 22, 2020 | AFP Iran, Britain, and Germany, which have a collective population of over 228 million people, have requested their citizens to not venture outside their homes to limit social contact. However, these optional lockdowns have not been completely successful in persuading the people. For instance, people in Britain gathered in parks and beaches over the weekend, while people in Iran didn’t cancel their travel plans for the Persian New Year. Additionally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently advised countries to do more than lockdowns, for it is not enough to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression? Many countries have issued curfews and some have barred travel after dark. These ten countries include Chile, the Philippines’ capital city Manila, Mauritania, Serbia, Burkina Faso, with Saudi Arabia to follow suit tonight. These countries account for 117 million people. Many countries have also isolated major cities, limiting the entry and exit of people. Almaty and Bulgaria are among these countries that account for 10 million people. As of now, based on the Johns Hopkins University tracker, at least 341,000 people have been infected with COVID-19. Around 14,700 have died. Starting today, more than 750 million people in India have been placed under lockdown until March 31. Restrictions are travel, work, and movement based. The US recently reported 400 deaths owing to the virus. Also read: Are inadequate testing techniques causing 'silent carriers' to spread COVID-19? (With inputs from agencies)

More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus

Coronavirus Pandemic in Italy: China provides medical facility Italy took a sigh of relief as the daily death toll of coronavirus in the country fell sharply after a record number of 800 deaths that took place on Saturday, but still, the country is facing worsen condition. China is ready to provide medical facility to Italy.

Coronavirus Pandemic in Italy: China provides medical facility

Thomas the Tank Engine beams from the front of Dobo Mambanza's ripped pullover. Unlike the cartoon train's face, Dobo's is blistered and scrunched as she struggles for breath, her eyes shuttered and weeping. The three-year-old is going blind.

Cradled by her mother, Dobo lies in the ward of a health centre in a remote town in northern Democratic Republic of Congo where mosquito nets on sticks droop over rusting metal beds, and doctors work frantically to contain a deadly virus.

Dobo does not have the new coronavirus or Ebola. She has measles, a preventable but extremely contagious disease that since January 2019 has ripped through Congo unchecked into remote regions. Some 6,400 people have died, according to official figures, though healthcare workers say the number is likely much higher because reporting rates are so low.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-donates-720000-masks-to-health-workers-287990" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers</a>

"I feel guilty because I’m afraid people might say it’s because I didn't get my daughter treatment quickly," Dobo’s mother Wanea Mabele said over her writhing child’s rattling breath.

Mabele is hardly to blame. Underfunded and delayed government vaccination drives in the vast Central African nation have left millions of hard-to-reach children vulnerable.

Dud vaccines have left thousands of others at risk without knowing, local and international health workers say, in a nation of 81 million people that is ten times the size of Britain.

Coronavirus, Ebola divert attention

Complicating matters, authorities have funnelled hundreds of millions of dollars and manpower into a 19-month Ebola outbreak in the east that has killed over 2,000 people, weakening efforts to contain measles, health officials say. Ebola is finally on the wane, but COVID-19 threatens to steal the limelight.

After a first case in the capital Kinshasa this month, reported infections rose to 18 by the weekend.

"Priority will be given to COVID-19 in the coming weeks or months depending on the trend of the disease. Consequently, we will face challenges in resources mobilization for measles," said Vincent Sodjinou, who leads the measles response for the World Heath Organization (WHO).

Measles is on the rise globally, but Congo is worst hit.

The disease, contracted when a carrier coughs or sneezes, carries risks of brain damage, blindness and deafness.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-is-the-world-staring-at-another-great-depression-287950" hreflang="en">With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression?</a>

Dobo’s ward sits among the palm and mango trees of Busu-Mandji, a dilapidated old colonial town deep in the jungle, 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) from Kinshasa. The nearest paved road is 125 km south in the city of Lisala.

Keeping vaccines refrigerated for the duration of the journey from the capital is vital but tricky. On a recent vaccination campaign, medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) flew 2,700 vials to Lisala in large cool boxes fitted with digital thermometers to ensure the temperature remains between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius in the equatorial heat.

In Lisala, the boxes were lashed to the back of a dozen motorbikes for a ten-hour ride along bamboo-thronged dirt tracks and precarious log bridges too pitted for 4X4 vehicles.

During the 10-hour ride to Busu-Mandji, the convoy was halted by three flat tyres, engine trouble and a broken chain. MSF workers said the vaccines remained in the right temperature range.

Tiny Graves

Congo's government has year-round vaccination campaigns, but there was no emergency response targeting high risk areas until an October-December 2019 campaign. When the government vaccines did finally come, health workers say some may have overheated.

Malnutrition and poorly-trained health workers make the vaccine, normally 85% effective, less efficient.

The health ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Mada Maddow lives at the edge of Macau, a village near Busu-Mandji where front gardens are peppered with tiny plots of freshly-turned earth, each a child's grave.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-inadequate-testing-techniques-causing-silent-carriers-to-spread-covid-19-288044" hreflang="en">Are inadequate testing techniques causing 'silent carriers' to spread COVID-19?</a>

Her seven children were vaccinated in the December campaign, she said, but they all subsequently contracted measles. One died.

It is unclear why the vaccines failed.

Official statistics suggest 100% of children have been vaccinated in the area, said Mushadi Gidion, a local official from the health ministry.

But that calculation is based on 1984 census data: health workers have no idea how many children actually need vaccinating, and there is no data on the effectiveness of the vaccine after it is administered in this setting.

"There can be many causes that can lead to the epidemic," Mushadi said. "Perhaps our vaccination campaign was not of high quality."

Thomas the Tank Engine beams from the front of Dobo Mambanza's ripped pullover. Unlike the cartoon train's face, Dobo's is blistered and scrunched as she struggles for breath, her eyes shuttered and weeping.

Thomas the Tank Engine beams from the front of Dobo Mambanza's ripped pullover. Unlike the cartoon train's face, Dobo's is blistered and scrunched as she struggles for breath, her eyes shuttered and weeping. The three-year-old is going blind. Cradled by her mother, Dobo lies in the ward of a health centre in a remote town in northern Democratic Republic of Congo where mosquito nets on sticks droop over rusting metal beds, and doctors work frantically to contain a deadly virus. Dobo does not have the new coronavirus or Ebola. She has measles, a preventable but extremely contagious disease that since January 2019 has ripped through Congo unchecked into remote regions. Some 6,400 people have died, according to official figures, though healthcare workers say the number is likely much higher because reporting rates are so low. Also read: Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers "I feel guilty because I’m afraid people might say it’s because I didn't get my daughter treatment quickly," Dobo’s mother Wanea Mabele said over her writhing child’s rattling breath. Mabele is hardly to blame. Underfunded and delayed government vaccination drives in the vast Central African nation have left millions of hard-to-reach children vulnerable. Dud vaccines have left thousands of others at risk without knowing, local and international health workers say, in a nation of 81 million people that is ten times the size of Britain. Coronavirus, Ebola divert attention Complicating matters, authorities have funnelled hundreds of millions of dollars and manpower into a 19-month Ebola outbreak in the east that has killed over 2,000 people, weakening efforts to contain measles, health officials say. Ebola is finally on the wane, but COVID-19 threatens to steal the limelight. After a first case in the capital Kinshasa this month, reported infections rose to 18 by the weekend. "Priority will be given to COVID-19 in the coming weeks or months depending on the trend of the disease. Consequently, we will face challenges in resources mobilization for measles," said Vincent Sodjinou, who leads the measles response for the World Heath Organization (WHO). Measles is on the rise globally, but Congo is worst hit. The disease, contracted when a carrier coughs or sneezes, carries risks of brain damage, blindness and deafness. Also read: With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression? Dobo’s ward sits among the palm and mango trees of Busu-Mandji, a dilapidated old colonial town deep in the jungle, 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) from Kinshasa. The nearest paved road is 125 km south in the city of Lisala. Keeping vaccines refrigerated for the duration of the journey from the capital is vital but tricky. On a recent vaccination campaign, medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) flew 2,700 vials to Lisala in large cool boxes fitted with digital thermometers to ensure the temperature remains between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius in the equatorial heat. In Lisala, the boxes were lashed to the back of a dozen motorbikes for a ten-hour ride along bamboo-thronged dirt tracks and precarious log bridges too pitted for 4X4 vehicles. During the 10-hour ride to Busu-Mandji, the convoy was halted by three flat tyres, engine trouble and a broken chain. MSF workers said the vaccines remained in the right temperature range. Tiny Graves Congo's government has year-round vaccination campaigns, but there was no emergency response targeting high risk areas until an October-December 2019 campaign. When the government vaccines did finally come, health workers say some may have overheated. Malnutrition and poorly-trained health workers make the vaccine, normally 85% effective, less efficient. The health ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Mada Maddow lives at the edge of Macau, a village near Busu-Mandji where front gardens are peppered with tiny plots of freshly-turned earth, each a child's grave. Also read: Are inadequate testing techniques causing 'silent carriers' to spread COVID-19? Her seven children were vaccinated in the December campaign, she said, but they all subsequently contracted measles. One died. It is unclear why the vaccines failed. Official statistics suggest 100% of children have been vaccinated in the area, said Mushadi Gidion, a local official from the health ministry. But that calculation is based on 1984 census data: health workers have no idea how many children actually need vaccinating, and there is no data on the effectiveness of the vaccine after it is administered in this setting. "There can be many causes that can lead to the epidemic," Mushadi said. "Perhaps our vaccination campaign was not of high quality."

In the shadow of Ebola and Covid-19, measles rips through Congo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with major media personnel in the country and discussed the media's role in the coronavirus outbreak.

PM Modi interacts with Media houses through video conferencing, COVID-19

Coronavirus pandemic: How can you protect yourself? All important questions answered

Former Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Shamsher Chaudhary has lauded the Indians for self-declared curfew that they observed on March 22 after following what their PM Narendra Modi had said.

Former Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh lauds Indians for self-declared curfew on March 22

In the United States, more than a hundred people have died due to the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours. The new deaths have brought the death toll to 389 deaths. The states of New York, Washington, and California have been hit the hardest. Watch report:

100 coronavirus deaths in US in last 24 hours: New York, Washington, California worst affected

Africa has recorded its first COVID-19 death after a slow start. The case tally has more than tripled in the space of a week. Watch report:

COVID-19 spreads across Africa, First death reported

France Parliament declares State health emergency in this pandemic situation. Lockdown in France, Spain and Italy may extend for two weeks more.

France Declares State Health Emergency

As the number of coronavirus cases is on the rise, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revised its testing strategy.

The revised guidelines include sample testing of all direct and high-risk contacts of COVID-19 positive cases. The contacts will now be tested once between day 5 and day 14 of coming in contact with patients.

The direct and high-risk contacts include those who live in the same household with a confirmed case. It includes healthcare workers who have examined COVID-19 positive patients without proper protective gear.

So far, those with symptoms were allowed to get tested. Now those with severe acute respiratory illnesses like pneumonia with fever, cough and breathlessness will be tested.

Private labs have also been authorised to carry out COVID-19 tests. The government has mandated that the maximum cost of testing must not exceed Rs 4,500. This includes Rs1,500 for a screening test and Rs 3,000 for a contamination test. While this is the upper limit set by the ICMR, the body has urged private labs to provide subsidized services as much as possible.

As the number of coronavirus cases is on the rise, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revised its testing strategy. The revised guidelines include sample testing of all direct and high-risk contacts of COVID-19 positive cases.

As the number of coronavirus cases is on the rise, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revised its testing strategy. The revised guidelines include sample testing of all direct and high-risk contacts of COVID-19 positive cases. The contacts will now be tested once between day 5 and day 14 of coming in contact with patients. The direct and high-risk contacts include those who live in the same household with a confirmed case. It includes healthcare workers who have examined COVID-19 positive patients without proper protective gear. So far, those with symptoms were allowed to get tested. Now those with severe acute respiratory illnesses like pneumonia with fever, cough and breathlessness will be tested. Private labs have also been authorised to carry out COVID-19 tests. The government has mandated that the maximum cost of testing must not exceed Rs 4,500. This includes Rs1,500 for a screening test and Rs 3,000 for a contamination test. While this is the upper limit set by the ICMR, the body has urged private labs to provide subsidized services as much as possible.

COVID-19: As number of cases rises, ICMR revises testing strategy  

Coronavirus has claimed more than 10,000 lives and infected close to 250,000 people globally. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the 10 biggest developments for Friday.

Gravitas: Top 10 headlines for Friday | Wuhan Coronavirus

With no definitive cure in sight, face masks have become the best weapon to fight the Coronavirus battle. This report tells you how masks became synonymous with some of the biggest events in recent history.

Gravitas: How masks are the symbol of the Coronavirus pandemic

The internet has become the most important tool for millions under lockdown. But the surge in demand could break the internet. WION's Palki Sharma tells you what tech companies are doing to handle the demand.

Gravitas: Can the internet break down? | Wuhan Coronavirus

In Parliament today, Congress MP Manish Tewari asked a question on the origins of the Wuhan virus to Health Minister Dr. Harsh Wardhan. Since the outbreak, WION has been the only channel to report on every aspect of the Wuhan Coronavirus.

Gravitas: Origin of the Wuhan Coronavirus outbreak raised in Indian Parliament

China's live animal markets have been called 'disease incubators'. The Wuhan coronavirus could have originated from one such market. China was warned against such markets twice after the SARS outbreak. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how Beijing ignored health warnings.

WION EDIT: How China ignored the warnings of Wuhan Coronavirus

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Coronavirus in India: Death toll rises to 9

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Two more doctors die from coronavirus in France

Russia to use mobile phones to track people at risk of coronavirus

Spain death toll tops 2,000 after 462 deaths in 24 hours

Coronavirus provides unexpected boost for Kenyan fishermen

More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus

Coronavirus Pandemic in Italy: China provides medical facility

In the shadow of Ebola and Covid-19, measles rips through Congo

PM Modi interacts with Media houses through video conferencing, COVID-19

Coronavirus pandemic: How can you protect yourself? All important questions answered

Former Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh lauds Indians for self-declared curfew on March 22

100 coronavirus deaths in US in last 24 hours: New York, Washington, California worst affected