<p>We've heard of blind dates but neverending dates? That's new. But anything is possible in these crazy times. Picture this, a man and a woman go on a date and bam! There's a Covid lockdown in the city. The couple is then forced to spend the lockdown together. This can quickly become a nightmare if both of them regard each other to be 'swipe left' material. But it can be wonderful if situation is otherwise.</p>

<p>A couple in China's Shaanxi province has decided to get engaged after a turn of fate made them go on a neverending date of sorts</p>

<p>Zhao Xiaoqing, a 28-year-old woman from northern China's Shaanxi province, thought her date in mid-December with a young man living in a different city would be a one-day affair where she would also get to know his family.</p>

<p>Young Chinese in smaller cities and rural communities often rely on family and friends to introduce potential matches and can meet their date's family at the same time.</p>

<p>"I never thought about staying the night, because it's pretty awkward," Zhao Xiaoqing, who was meeting the man for only the second time, told local media Jimu News on Monday.</p>

<p>But authorities in her date's city of Xianyang suddenly ordered a lockdown due to a spike in virus cases, leaving the woman unable to return home.<br />
The man's parents urged the pair to get engaged after just one week together -- but Zhao said she felt it was "too rushed."</p>

<p>Zhao said she was "not too interested" when she first saw a photograph of the man -- named Zhao Fei -- but later thought he looked better in real life.</p>

<p>Despite the awkward start, the pair began to develop feelings for each other, and have now decided to get engaged.</p>

<p>"We get along very well," Zhao Xiaoqing, who is an online apple trader, told Jimu News.</p>

<p>"I have to sell apples on livestream at his house, but no matter how late it is he's always by my side. I'm very touched by this," she said.</p>

<p>"Our souls are compatible, we get along very well, and both our parents are happy," she said.</p>

<p>The story captured the imagination of online audiences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But while some swooned over the relentless march of fate, others warned again rushed decisions.</p>

<p>"Then after a year or two you'll get tired of each other and divorce... I've seen too many of these kinds of flash marriages," wrote one.</p>

<p>"Sis, think clearly about this," warned another.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zhao's story went viral on Chinese social media just days after another pair made headlines for being trapped on a week-long blind date thanks to a Covid lockdown.</p>

<p>Wang, a woman in central China's Henan province, has been stuck in her suitor's apartment since going for a home-cooked meal as their first date in early January.</p>

<p>But romance has not blossomed for Wang, who complained her date was as talkative as a "wooden mannequin".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


We've heard of blind dates but neverending dates? That's new. But anything is possible in these crazy times. Picture this, a man and a woman go on a date and bam!

We've heard of blind dates but neverending dates? That's new. But anything is possible in these crazy times. Picture this, a man and a woman go on a date and bam! There's a Covid lockdown in the city. The couple is then forced to spend the lockdown together. This can quickly become a nightmare if both of them regard each other to be 'swipe left' material. But it can be wonderful if situation is otherwise. A couple in China's Shaanxi province has decided to get engaged after a turn of fate made them go on a neverending date of sorts Zhao Xiaoqing, a 28-year-old woman from northern China's Shaanxi province, thought her date in mid-December with a young man living in a different city would be a one-day affair where she would also get to know his family. Young Chinese in smaller cities and rural communities often rely on family and friends to introduce potential matches and can meet their date's family at the same time. "I never thought about staying the night, because it's pretty awkward," Zhao Xiaoqing, who was meeting the man for only the second time, told local media Jimu News on Monday. But authorities in her date's city of Xianyang suddenly ordered a lockdown due to a spike in virus cases, leaving the woman unable to return home. The man's parents urged the pair to get engaged after just one week together -- but Zhao said she felt it was "too rushed." Zhao said she was "not too interested" when she first saw a photograph of the man -- named Zhao Fei -- but later thought he looked better in real life. Despite the awkward start, the pair began to develop feelings for each other, and have now decided to get engaged. "We get along very well," Zhao Xiaoqing, who is an online apple trader, told Jimu News. "I have to sell apples on livestream at his house, but no matter how late it is he's always by my side. I'm very touched by this," she said. "Our souls are compatible, we get along very well, and both our parents are happy," she said. The story captured the imagination of online audiences. But while some swooned over the relentless march of fate, others warned again rushed decisions. "Then after a year or two you'll get tired of each other and divorce... I've seen too many of these kinds of flash marriages," wrote one. "Sis, think clearly about this," warned another. Zhao's story went viral on Chinese social media just days after another pair made headlines for being trapped on a week-long blind date thanks to a Covid lockdown. Wang, a woman in central China's Henan province, has been stuck in her suitor's apartment since going for a home-cooked meal as their first date in early January. But romance has not blossomed for Wang, who complained her date was as talkative as a "wooden mannequin". (With inputs from agencies)

Couple on neverending date due to Covid lockdown gets engaged

<p>France's education minister is facing calls to quit after it was revealed that while on vacation in Ibiza, he issued a severe COVID-testing policy for schools just before the start of the January school year.</p>

<p>In a video interview with the Parisien newspaper on January 2, Jean-Michel Blanquer, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, disclosed the new testing and isolation guidelines, just hours before classes were to start following the holiday break.</p>

<p>Blanquer, who has enraged teachers with a series of protocol changes that sparked a huge protest last week, was speaking from the Spanish island resort of Ibiza, according to the daily, which included a photo of him in his office.</p>

<p>Thousands of classrooms were forced to close as a result of the new laws, and pupils and their parents stood in enormous queues outside pharmacies and labs for tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The measures included increased testing for school-age children following a classmate testing positive, to avoid closing classes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to data from the French health ministry, France reported a daily high of 464,769 new Covid-19 infections on Tuesday, exceeding the previous daily high of nearly 100,000 instances set last week.</p>

<p>According to Johns Hopkins University, 375 more people died, increasing the total death toll in the country to 128,629 people. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


France's education minister is facing calls to quit after it was revealed that while on vacation in Ibiza, he issued a severe COVID-testing policy for schools just before the start of the January school year.

France's education minister is facing calls to quit after it was revealed that while on vacation in Ibiza, he issued a severe COVID-testing policy for schools just before the start of the January school year. In a video interview with the Parisien newspaper on January 2, Jean-Michel Blanquer, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, disclosed the new testing and isolation guidelines, just hours before classes were to start following the holiday break. Blanquer, who has enraged teachers with a series of protocol changes that sparked a huge protest last week, was speaking from the Spanish island resort of Ibiza, according to the daily, which included a photo of him in his office. Thousands of classrooms were forced to close as a result of the new laws, and pupils and their parents stood in enormous queues outside pharmacies and labs for tests. The measures included increased testing for school-age children following a classmate testing positive, to avoid closing classes. According to data from the French health ministry, France reported a daily high of 464,769 new Covid-19 infections on Tuesday, exceeding the previous daily high of nearly 100,000 instances set last week. According to Johns Hopkins University, 375 more people died, increasing the total death toll in the country to 128,629 people. (With inputs from agencies)

French education minister criticised for announcing COVID-19 measures from Ibiza trip

<p>Soumya Swaminathan, the top scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), stated that there is no evidence that healthy children and adolescents require COVID-19 booster doses.</p>

<p>In the case of Omicron, she stated that each new variety does not necessitate the development of a new vaccination.</p>

<p>At a press conference on Wednesday, she said, "There is no evidence right now that healthy children or healthy adolescents need boosters," "No evidence at all."</p>

<p>This comes as other countries, including the United States, Germany, and Israel, have begun to distribute booster doses to children.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/naftali-bennett-says-israeli-study-finds-fourth-covid-19-vaccine-dose-boosts-antibodies-five-fold-442256">Naftali Bennett says Israeli study finds fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose boosts antibodies five-fold</a></p>

<p>In the meantime, India began vaccination of youngsters aged 15 to 18 years old earlier this month.</p>

<p>The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of a third dosage of the Pfizer and BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine as a "booster" shot for children aged 12 to 15 years earlier this month, putting the US in the lead in delivering booster doses to children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The WHO, on the other hand, has not totally discarded the need for booster doses in certain vulnerable groups of the population.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazenecas-covid-vaccine-immunity-declines-after-3-months-says-lancet-study-438907">AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study</a></p>

<p>According to Swaminathan, a group of renowned academics will meet later this week to discuss how governments should consider distributing boosters to their populations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The aim is to protect the most vulnerable, to protect those at the highest risk of severe disease and death," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Those are our elderly populations, immuno-compromised people with underlying conditions, but also healthcare workers."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Soumya Swaminathan, the top scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), stated that there is no evidence that healthy children and adolescents require COVID-19 booster doses.

Soumya Swaminathan, the top scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), stated that there is no evidence that healthy children and adolescents require COVID-19 booster doses. In the case of Omicron, she stated that each new variety does not necessitate the development of a new vaccination. At a press conference on Wednesday, she said, "There is no evidence right now that healthy children or healthy adolescents need boosters," "No evidence at all." This comes as other countries, including the United States, Germany, and Israel, have begun to distribute booster doses to children. Also read | Naftali Bennett says Israeli study finds fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose boosts antibodies five-fold In the meantime, India began vaccination of youngsters aged 15 to 18 years old earlier this month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of a third dosage of the Pfizer and BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine as a "booster" shot for children aged 12 to 15 years earlier this month, putting the US in the lead in delivering booster doses to children. The WHO, on the other hand, has not totally discarded the need for booster doses in certain vulnerable groups of the population. Also read | AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study According to Swaminathan, a group of renowned academics will meet later this week to discuss how governments should consider distributing boosters to their populations. "The aim is to protect the most vulnerable, to protect those at the highest risk of severe disease and death," she said. "Those are our elderly populations, immuno-compromised people with underlying conditions, but also healthcare workers." (With inputs from agencies)

Do healthy kids need booster shots against COVID? WHO's chief scientist answers

<p>US President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday that it will be distributing 400 million high quality Covid N95 masks for free to Americans . The step will be taken in order to rein in the coronavirus pandemic. The masks will be made available next week.</p>

<p>Tens of thousands of distribution points will be set up nationwide in order to give away masks. Pharmacies and community centres are expected to be main distribution centres. The White House said that the distribution drive will kick into full gear in February.</p>

<p>"This is the largest deployment of personal protective equipment in US history," an unnamed White House official said in a statement.</p>

<p>The US is currently facing a surge of Covid cases due to Omicron variant of coronavirus. Other than the initiative to distribute masks, the White House is also focussing on expanding Covid-19 testing.</p>

<p>On Tuesday it launched a website where each American household can order free tests, to be performed at home.</p>

<p>The government aims to distribute one billion rapid tests in the United States, the country whose Covid-19 death toll of 853,000 is the world's highest.</p>

<p>US also has a problem of anti-vaxxers, those who have raised questions about side effects of Covid vaccines. More often, these doubts have been based on unscientific into propagated by individuals online. There is a strong public opinion in the US that vaccination must not be compulsory.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday that it will be distributing 400 million high quality Covid N95 masks for free to Americans . The step will be taken in order to rein in the coronavirus pandemic.

US President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday that it will be distributing 400 million high quality Covid N95 masks for free to Americans . The step will be taken in order to rein in the coronavirus pandemic. The masks will be made available next week. Tens of thousands of distribution points will be set up nationwide in order to give away masks. Pharmacies and community centres are expected to be main distribution centres. The White House said that the distribution drive will kick into full gear in February. "This is the largest deployment of personal protective equipment in US history," an unnamed White House official said in a statement. The US is currently facing a surge of Covid cases due to Omicron variant of coronavirus. Other than the initiative to distribute masks, the White House is also focussing on expanding Covid-19 testing. On Tuesday it launched a website where each American household can order free tests, to be performed at home. The government aims to distribute one billion rapid tests in the United States, the country whose Covid-19 death toll of 853,000 is the world's highest. US also has a problem of anti-vaxxers, those who have raised questions about side effects of Covid vaccines. More often, these doubts have been based on unscientific into propagated by individuals online. There is a strong public opinion in the US that vaccination must not be compulsory. (With inputs from agencies)

US government to distribute 400 million Covid N95 masks for free

<p>During a virtual address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Davos Agenda 2022 on Monday (January 17), the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted urgent actions needed to help developing countries amid climate, coronavirus (COVID-19) and other crises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Guterres appealed to the business leaders to support developing countries in order to reform the global financial system. In the current scenario, developing and low-income countries need access to COVID-19 vaccines, they need assistance to combat the climate crisis and its related consequences.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-offer-a-bouquet-of-hope-to-world-modi-pitches-invest-in-india-at-wef-davos-2022-445514">‘We offer a bouquet of hope to world’: Modi pitches ‘invest in India’ at WEF Davos 2022</a></strong></p>

<p>During the address, Guterres said that the low-income countries are at a huge disadvantage. "They're experiencing their slowest growth in a generation," Guterres said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The burdens of record inflation, shrinking fiscal space, high-interest rates and soaring energy and food prices are hitting every corner of the world and blocking recovery — especially in low- and some middle-income countries," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about Covid vaccine equity, he said, "Last fall, the World Health Organization unveiled a strategy to vaccinate 40 per cent of people in all countries by the end of last year and 70 per cent by the middle of this year. We are nowhere near these targets."</p>

<p>"Vaccination rates in high-income countries are shamefully seven times higher than in African countries, and we need vaccine equity now," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Guterres, who began a second five-year term as UN chief on January&nbsp;1. has long been pushing for more global action to address COVID-19 vaccine inequity and climate change and for reform of the global financial system.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Special Address by <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@antonioguterres</a>, Secretary-General, <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/borgebrende?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@borgebrende</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DavosAgenda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DavosAgenda</a> <a href="https://t.co/daBRBJi4HF">https://t.co/daBRBJi4HF</a></p>
— World Economic Forum (@wef) <a href="https://twitter.com/wef/status/1483113128871153668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, in the latest report by Oxfam released on Sunday, it has been stated that the wealth of some richest people in the world has increased and how taxing them will benefit millions who face the worst of situations due to extreme poverty. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Abby Maxman, who is the president of Oxfam America said that one of the "single most powerful tools" is there to address the level of "egregious and deadly inequality" is to tax the rich.</p>

<p>In a news release, she added that instead of lining the pockets of the ultra-wealthy, there's a need to invest billions of dollars in the economy, children and planet, paving the way for a more "equal and sustainable future".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses WEF’s Online Davos Agenda 2022 Summit</strong></p>

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During a virtual address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Davos Agenda 2022 on Monday (January 17), the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted urgent actions needed to help developing countries amid climate, coronavirus (COVID-19) and other crises.

During a virtual address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Davos Agenda 2022 on Monday (January 17), the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted urgent actions needed to help developing countries amid climate, coronavirus (COVID-19) and other crises. Guterres appealed to the business leaders to support developing countries in order to reform the global financial system. In the current scenario, developing and low-income countries need access to COVID-19 vaccines, they need assistance to combat the climate crisis and its related consequences. ALSO READ | ‘We offer a bouquet of hope to world’: Modi pitches ‘invest in India’ at WEF Davos 2022 During the address, Guterres said that the low-income countries are at a huge disadvantage. "They're experiencing their slowest growth in a generation," Guterres said. "The burdens of record inflation, shrinking fiscal space, high-interest rates and soaring energy and food prices are hitting every corner of the world and blocking recovery — especially in low- and some middle-income countries," he added. Talking about Covid vaccine equity, he said, "Last fall, the World Health Organization unveiled a strategy to vaccinate 40 per cent of people in all countries by the end of last year and 70 per cent by the middle of this year. We are nowhere near these targets." "Vaccination rates in high-income countries are shamefully seven times higher than in African countries, and we need vaccine equity now," he added. Guterres, who began a second five-year term as UN chief on January 1. has long been pushing for more global action to address COVID-19 vaccine inequity and climate change and for reform of the global financial system. Special Address by @antonioguterres, Secretary-General, @UN with @borgebrende #DavosAgenda https://t.co/daBRBJi4HF — World Economic Forum (@wef) January 17, 2022 × Meanwhile, in the latest report by Oxfam released on Sunday, it has been stated that the wealth of some richest people in the world has increased and how taxing them will benefit millions who face the worst of situations due to extreme poverty. Abby Maxman, who is the president of Oxfam America said that one of the "single most powerful tools" is there to address the level of "egregious and deadly inequality" is to tax the rich. In a news release, she added that instead of lining the pockets of the ultra-wealthy, there's a need to invest billions of dollars in the economy, children and planet, paving the way for a more "equal and sustainable future". WATCH | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses WEF’s Online Davos Agenda 2022 Summit ×

Davos Agenda 2022: At WEF, UN chief urges businesses to help low-income nations amid Covid and climate crises

<p>Researchers in the United Kingdom discovered that even after a 10-day quarantine, some people who get SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can still transmit the infection to others.</p>

<p>The test identifies live virus levels and was used on people who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 using a traditional PCR test.</p>

<p>After 10 days, 13 percent of the 176 participants still had "clinically relevant" levels of live virus, with some demonstrating substantial levels for up to 68 days.</p>

<p>They believe this new test should be applied in settings where people are vulnerable to COVID-19 to stop the spread of the disease.<br />
<br />
<strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-main-cities-record-sharp-fall-in-covid-infections-445558">India’s main cities record sharp fall in Covid infections</a></strong></p>

<p>"While this is a relatively small study, our results suggest that potentially active viruses may sometimes persist beyond a 10 day period, and could pose a potential risk of onward transmission," said Professor Lorna Harries, of the University of Exeter Medical School, who oversaw the study.</p>

<p>Furthermore, there was nothing clinically remarkable about these people, which means we wouldn't be able to predict who they were, Harries said.</p>

<p>The presence of viral pieces is tested using traditional PCR techniques.<br />
<br />
<strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-office-locked-with-workers-trapped-inside-after-omicron-case-detected-445537">China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected</a></strong></p>

<p>These tests can indicate if someone has had the virus lately, but they can't tell if it's still active and the individual is contagious.</p>

<p>The test employed in the latest study, on the other hand, only yields a positive result when the virus is active and possibly transmittable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In some settings, such as people returning to care homes after illness, people continuing to be infectious after ten days could pose a serious public health risk," said study lead author Merlin Davies, of the University of Exeter Medical School.</p>

<p>"We may need to ensure people in those settings have a negative active virus test to ensure people are no longer infectious," Davies added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Researchers in the United Kingdom discovered that even after a 10-day quarantine, some people who get SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can still transmit the infection to others.

Researchers in the United Kingdom discovered that even after a 10-day quarantine, some people who get SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can still transmit the infection to others. The test identifies live virus levels and was used on people who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 using a traditional PCR test. After 10 days, 13 percent of the 176 participants still had "clinically relevant" levels of live virus, with some demonstrating substantial levels for up to 68 days. They believe this new test should be applied in settings where people are vulnerable to COVID-19 to stop the spread of the disease. ALSO READ | India’s main cities record sharp fall in Covid infections "While this is a relatively small study, our results suggest that potentially active viruses may sometimes persist beyond a 10 day period, and could pose a potential risk of onward transmission," said Professor Lorna Harries, of the University of Exeter Medical School, who oversaw the study. Furthermore, there was nothing clinically remarkable about these people, which means we wouldn't be able to predict who they were, Harries said. The presence of viral pieces is tested using traditional PCR techniques. ALSO READ | China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected These tests can indicate if someone has had the virus lately, but they can't tell if it's still active and the individual is contagious. The test employed in the latest study, on the other hand, only yields a positive result when the virus is active and possibly transmittable. "In some settings, such as people returning to care homes after illness, people continuing to be infectious after ten days could pose a serious public health risk," said study lead author Merlin Davies, of the University of Exeter Medical School. "We may need to ensure people in those settings have a negative active virus test to ensure people are no longer infectious," Davies added. (With inputs from agencies)

One in ten COVID-19 patients could be infectious even after 10 days

About 100 horses jumped through bonfires in a purification ceremony on January 16 during the Spanish festival of "Las Luminarias," which was held for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The traditional night time celebration takes place in San Bartolome de Pinares every Jan. 16, the eve of Saint Anthony's Day, Spain's patron saint of animals.

Purification Ceremony: Horses jump over fire during 'Las Luminarias' festival

<p>Nick Kyrgios promised COVID-weary fans a show after recovering from his own infection and duly delivered on Tuesday with a tweener-laden 6-4 6-4 6-3 win over Briton Liam Broady on Tuesday to reach the Australian Open second round.</p>

<p>Kyrgios matches are box office gold but have dwindled through the pandemic, and there was danger home fans would miss the Australian at Melbourne Park this year after he tested positive in the leadup.</p>

<p>But after exiting isolation on Sunday, the tennis maverick returned to the combustible John Cain Arena and gave raucous fans a night to remember as he set up a blockbuster clash with second seed Daniil Medvedev.</p>

<p>Sealing the win with a furious backhand return down the line, Kyrgios dropped an "F-bomb" in his televised on-court interview and performed Cristiano Ronaldo`s trademark post-goal celebration.</p>

<p>On his way out of the arena, he took a swig of beer from a cup offered by a fan. COVID-19 be damned.</p>

<p>"I served ... well today," said Kyrgios with an obscenity as fans roared in agreement.</p>

<p>"I don’t know what I have done to this crowd as you guys are a zoo now. I am super happy to be here again."<br />
It took only minutes for Kyrgios to ignite the terraces by breaking Broady in the opening game. He closed out the next game with an under-arm "tweener".</p>

<p>Having lit a fire in the crowd, Kyrgios proved unable to control it, as fans hooted between serves and yelled at Broady to go home.</p>

<p>"I kind of know I`ve created this ... show, anyway," he said to chair umpire Nico Helwerth, urging the German to do more to quell the commotion.</p>

<p>Relegated to the straight man in Kyrgios`s routine, there was little for 128th-ranked qualifier Broady to do but grin and bear it as fans jeered and 41 winners fired past him.</p>

<p>"Everyone is telling me, like, `Oh you`ll really enjoy it. It`s going to be amazing`. But I thought it was absolutely awful," said Broady.</p>

<p>"It`s the first time I`ve ever walked onto a tennis court and been booed, which for me was a crazy experience."</p>

<p>Kyrgios has a 2-0 career record over U.S. Open champion Medvedev, both wins in 2019, but never faced him at a Grand Slam. Playing a long match against the super-fit Russian may be tough for Kyrgios after his recent illness -- and especially if the match is held away from John Cain Arena.</p>

<p>"We`re going to be playing on Rod Laver Arena ... Let`s be honest, I think we are," he said.</p>


Nick Kyrgios promised COVID-weary fans a show after recovering from his own infection and duly delivered on Tuesday with a tweener-laden 6-4 6-4 6-3 win over Briton Liam Broady on Tuesday to reach the Australian Open second round.

Nick Kyrgios promised COVID-weary fans a show after recovering from his own infection and duly delivered on Tuesday with a tweener-laden 6-4 6-4 6-3 win over Briton Liam Broady on Tuesday to reach the Australian Open second round. Kyrgios matches are box office gold but have dwindled through the pandemic, and there was danger home fans would miss the Australian at Melbourne Park this year after he tested positive in the leadup. But after exiting isolation on Sunday, the tennis maverick returned to the combustible John Cain Arena and gave raucous fans a night to remember as he set up a blockbuster clash with second seed Daniil Medvedev. Sealing the win with a furious backhand return down the line, Kyrgios dropped an "F-bomb" in his televised on-court interview and performed Cristiano Ronaldo`s trademark post-goal celebration. On his way out of the arena, he took a swig of beer from a cup offered by a fan. COVID-19 be damned. "I served ... well today," said Kyrgios with an obscenity as fans roared in agreement. "I don’t know what I have done to this crowd as you guys are a zoo now. I am super happy to be here again." It took only minutes for Kyrgios to ignite the terraces by breaking Broady in the opening game. He closed out the next game with an under-arm "tweener". Having lit a fire in the crowd, Kyrgios proved unable to control it, as fans hooted between serves and yelled at Broady to go home. "I kind of know I`ve created this ... show, anyway," he said to chair umpire Nico Helwerth, urging the German to do more to quell the commotion. Relegated to the straight man in Kyrgios`s routine, there was little for 128th-ranked qualifier Broady to do but grin and bear it as fans jeered and 41 winners fired past him. "Everyone is telling me, like, `Oh you`ll really enjoy it. It`s going to be amazing`. But I thought it was absolutely awful," said Broady. "It`s the first time I`ve ever walked onto a tennis court and been booed, which for me was a crazy experience." Kyrgios has a 2-0 career record over U.S. Open champion Medvedev, both wins in 2019, but never faced him at a Grand Slam. Playing a long match against the super-fit Russian may be tough for Kyrgios after his recent illness -- and especially if the match is held away from John Cain Arena. "We`re going to be playing on Rod Laver Arena ... Let`s be honest, I think we are," he said.

Showman Nick Kyrgios goes from sick-bed to Australian Open second round after win over Liam Broady

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid4VgbXnCuqAoc" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Nepal Government has opened up COVID-19 vaccine booster dose to frontline workers as infection surge in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ministry of Health and Population said to qualify, it must be at least six months since the person's second dose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The booster shots will be restricted to frontline workers for one week after which they'll be offered to people 60 and older.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The same vaccines that had been administered in the prior phases will be provided to the receivers. In the frontline it includes, doctors, nurses, paramedics, hospital staff, journalists, bureaucrats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>COVID-19 infections are increasing in Nepal, with<strong>&nbsp;</strong>3,648<strong>&nbsp;</strong>new infections reported on average each day. That’s 41 per cent of the peak — the highest daily average reported on May 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As of Monday, 122,13032 people, or 40.2 per cent of over 30 million population, have been fully vaccinated in Nepal. The country has received 40,388,840 doses of vaccines so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anticipating a new wave of infections, Nepal has banned large public gatherings and closed schools across the Himalayan nation for nearly three weeks after a spike in coronavirus cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The COVID-19 Crisis Management Committee (CCMC) has also made vaccination cards compulsory to enter public places such as government offices, hotels, cinema halls, stadiums and domestic flights, effective from January 17.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Nepal also banned on gatherings of more than 25 people in public spaces and announced the closing down of schools till January 29.</p>

<p>The Ministry of Health has intensified its COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the three districts of the Valley amid the recent rise in coronavirus cases.</p>


Nepal Government has opened up COVID-19 vaccine booster dose to frontline workers as infection surge in the country. The Ministry of Health and Population said to qualify, it must be at least six months since the person's second dose.

Nepal Government has opened up COVID-19 vaccine booster dose to frontline workers as infection surge in the country. The Ministry of Health and Population said to qualify, it must be at least six months since the person's second dose. The booster shots will be restricted to frontline workers for one week after which they'll be offered to people 60 and older. The same vaccines that had been administered in the prior phases will be provided to the receivers. In the frontline it includes, doctors, nurses, paramedics, hospital staff, journalists, bureaucrats. COVID-19 infections are increasing in Nepal, with 3,648 new infections reported on average each day. That’s 41 per cent of the peak — the highest daily average reported on May 12. As of Monday, 122,13032 people, or 40.2 per cent of over 30 million population, have been fully vaccinated in Nepal. The country has received 40,388,840 doses of vaccines so far. Anticipating a new wave of infections, Nepal has banned large public gatherings and closed schools across the Himalayan nation for nearly three weeks after a spike in coronavirus cases. The COVID-19 Crisis Management Committee (CCMC) has also made vaccination cards compulsory to enter public places such as government offices, hotels, cinema halls, stadiums and domestic flights, effective from January 17. Earlier, Nepal also banned on gatherings of more than 25 people in public spaces and announced the closing down of schools till January 29. The Ministry of Health has intensified its COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the three districts of the Valley amid the recent rise in coronavirus cases.

Nepal opens up COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to frontline workers

<p>Amid a rise in the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases globally after the emergence of the Omicron variant, experts and medical scientists are working to investigate the immune escape potential.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As governments across the world are pushing ahead with booster shots to protect amid the emergence of new variants, latest Israeli study regarding Pfizer and Moderna vaccines impact on Omicron gives valuable inputs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The authors of an Israeli trial said on Monday&nbsp;that the fourth doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines against Covid are only "partially" effective for the Omicron variant of the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-main-cities-record-sharp-fall-in-covid-infections-445558">India’s main cities record sharp fall in Covid infections</a></strong></p>

<p>A trial was conducted by a team from Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv in December on fourth doses of coronavirus vaccines, inoculating 154 hospital personnel with Pfizer jabs and 120 other volunteers with Moderna doses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per a statement released by the hospital, the initial results showed that "the vaccines are safe and have shown to produce substantial antibodies, but are only partially effective in defending against the Omicron variant."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Professor Gili Regev-Yochay, who leads the study, said that while there was an increase in antibodies after administering the fourth dose, it nonetheless "only offers a partial defenser against the virus" for those infected with the Omicron variant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-office-locked-with-workers-trapped-inside-after-omicron-case-detected-445537">China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected</a></strong></p>

<p>"The vaccine, which was very effective against the previous strains, is less effective against the Omicron strain," Regev-Yochay said as quoted by The Times Of Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We see an increase in antibodies, higher than after the third dose. However, we see many infected with Omicron who received the fourth dose. Granted, a bit less than in the control group, but still a lot of infections," she added.</p>

<p>"The bottom line is that the vaccine is excellent against the Alpha and Delta [variants], for Omicron it’s not good enough," she said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged countries to delay booster programs as people around the world are yet to get their&nbsp;initial vaccine jabs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>COVID-19 situation in Israel</strong></p>

<p>In Israel, official figures showed that a total of more than 1.7 million infections have been recorded since the start of the pandemic, including more than 8,300 deaths.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel was among the first countries to launch mass immunisation campaigns for its population. It then began offering booster shots last summer. More than 537,000 Israelis have received a fourth dose of vaccine, according to the health ministry's latest figures.&nbsp;</p>

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Amid a rise in the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases globally after the emergence of the Omicron variant, experts and medical scientists are working to investigate the immune escape potential.

Amid a rise in the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases globally after the emergence of the Omicron variant, experts and medical scientists are working to investigate the immune escape potential. As governments across the world are pushing ahead with booster shots to protect amid the emergence of new variants, latest Israeli study regarding Pfizer and Moderna vaccines impact on Omicron gives valuable inputs. The authors of an Israeli trial said on Monday that the fourth doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines against Covid are only "partially" effective for the Omicron variant of the virus. ALSO READ | India’s main cities record sharp fall in Covid infections A trial was conducted by a team from Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv in December on fourth doses of coronavirus vaccines, inoculating 154 hospital personnel with Pfizer jabs and 120 other volunteers with Moderna doses. As per a statement released by the hospital, the initial results showed that "the vaccines are safe and have shown to produce substantial antibodies, but are only partially effective in defending against the Omicron variant." Professor Gili Regev-Yochay, who leads the study, said that while there was an increase in antibodies after administering the fourth dose, it nonetheless "only offers a partial defenser against the virus" for those infected with the Omicron variant. ALSO READ | China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected "The vaccine, which was very effective against the previous strains, is less effective against the Omicron strain," Regev-Yochay said as quoted by The Times Of Israel. "We see an increase in antibodies, higher than after the third dose. However, we see many infected with Omicron who received the fourth dose. Granted, a bit less than in the control group, but still a lot of infections," she added. "The bottom line is that the vaccine is excellent against the Alpha and Delta [variants], for Omicron it’s not good enough," she said. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged countries to delay booster programs as people around the world are yet to get their initial vaccine jabs. COVID-19 situation in Israel In Israel, official figures showed that a total of more than 1.7 million infections have been recorded since the start of the pandemic, including more than 8,300 deaths. Israel was among the first countries to launch mass immunisation campaigns for its population. It then began offering booster shots last summer. More than 537,000 Israelis have received a fourth dose of vaccine, according to the health ministry's latest figures. ×

COVID-19: Fourth dose of vaccine 'not good enough' against Omicron variant, reveals Israeli study

<p>India on Monday (January 17) recorded 258,089 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 37.38 million. A positive sign for the nation as the number of new infections is 13,113 less than yesterday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, there is a spike in the daily positivity rate as it is up from 16.28 per cent to 19.65 cert cent. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 14.41 per cent.</p>

<p>The health ministry said there were 1,51,740 recoveries in the last 24 hours and the active cases are 16,56,341. Deaths rose by 385 for a toll of 486,451, the ministry added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>8,209 cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus have been detected across 29 states and union territories so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-govt-urges-india-to-stop-construction-at-lipulekh-border-445298">Nepal govt urges India to stop construction at Lipulekh border</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Look at the data here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unite2FightCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unite2FightCorona</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LargestVaccineDrive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LargestVaccineDrive</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OmicronVariant?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OmicronVariant</a><br />
<br />
𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗛<a href="https://t.co/WZbhSpQGPu">https://t.co/WZbhSpQGPu</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Jcrmuw0IU">pic.twitter.com/6Jcrmuw0IU</a></p>
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1482922385477349381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unite2FightCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unite2FightCorona</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LargestVaccineDrive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LargestVaccineDrive</a><br />
<br />
➡️ India’s Cumulative <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> Vaccination Coverage exceeds 157.20 Cr (1,57,20,41,825).<br />
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➡️ More than 39 Lakh doses administered in the last 24 hours.<br />
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➡️ More than 44 lakh Precaution Doses administered so far.<a href="https://t.co/6e53eUC9qf">https://t.co/6e53eUC9qf</a> <a href="https://t.co/JWFdCR3YRi">pic.twitter.com/JWFdCR3YRi</a></p>
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1482928715113779201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Global COVID-19 cases</strong></p>

<p>According to Johns Hopkins University, the global coronavirus caseload has topped 327.7 million,&nbsp;while the deaths have surged to more than 5.53 million and vaccinations to over 9.62 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In its latest update on Monday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 327,729,989 and 5,539,053, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered has increased to 9,620,454,823.</p>


India on Monday (January 17) recorded 258,089 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 37.38 million. A positive sign for the nation as the number of new infections is 13,113 less than yesterday.

India on Monday (January 17) recorded 258,089 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 37.38 million. A positive sign for the nation as the number of new infections is 13,113 less than yesterday. However, there is a spike in the daily positivity rate as it is up from 16.28 per cent to 19.65 cert cent. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 14.41 per cent. The health ministry said there were 1,51,740 recoveries in the last 24 hours and the active cases are 16,56,341. Deaths rose by 385 for a toll of 486,451, the ministry added. 8,209 cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus have been detected across 29 states and union territories so far. ALSO READ | Nepal govt urges India to stop construction at Lipulekh border Look at the data here: #Unite2FightCorona#LargestVaccineDrive#OmicronVariant 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗛https://t.co/WZbhSpQGPu pic.twitter.com/6Jcrmuw0IU — Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) January 17, 2022 × #Unite2FightCorona#LargestVaccineDrive ➡️ India’s Cumulative #COVID19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 157.20 Cr (1,57,20,41,825). ➡️ More than 39 Lakh doses administered in the last 24 hours. ➡️ More than 44 lakh Precaution Doses administered so far.https://t.co/6e53eUC9qf pic.twitter.com/JWFdCR3YRi — Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) January 17, 2022 × Global COVID-19 cases According to Johns Hopkins University, the global coronavirus caseload has topped 327.7 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 5.53 million and vaccinations to over 9.62 billion. In its latest update on Monday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 327,729,989 and 5,539,053, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered has increased to 9,620,454,823.

India records 258,089 new COVID-19 cases, 13,113 less than yesterday; spike in positivity rate

<p>Tickets for the Winter Olympics set to begin on Feb. 4 will be distributed to "targeted" groups of people and will not be sold to the general public, the organising committee said on Monday, in the latest setback to the Games inflicted by COVID-19.</p>

<p>Organisers had said in September that there would not be any international spectators at the Games, under COVID-19 prevention policies that have all but shut China`s borders to international travellers.</p>

<p>It cited the "severe and complex" COVID-19 situation and the need to protect the safety of Olympics personnel and spectators in Monday`s announcement.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/you-are-our-champion-deported-novak-djokovic-welcomed-back-to-serbia-445438">'You are our champion': Deported Novak Djokovic welcomed back to Serbia</a></strong></p>

<p>Local spectators who receive tickets must observe strict COVID-19 prevention measures before, during and after attending Olympic events, the committee said. It did not give further details, or further specify how tickets would be distributed.</p>

<p>China, which has largely managed to curb local COVID-19 infections, is scrambling to prevent the spread of scattered outbreaks of the highly infections Omicron variant just as the busy Lunar New Year travel period begins.</p>

<p>The Olympics, to be held in the Chinese capital and neighbouring Hebei province, will take place in a "closed loop" that will keep athletes and other Games personnel separated from the general Chinese public. Most participants will arrive on special charter planes.</p>

<p>Last month, North America`s National Hockey League said its players would not participate in the Olympic tournament in Beijing due to COVID-19 disruptions of the league schedule.</p>


Tickets for the Winter Olympics set to begin on Feb. 4 will be distributed to "targeted" groups of people and will not be sold to the general public, the organising committee said on Monday, in the latest setback to the Games inflicted by COVID-19.

Tickets for the Winter Olympics set to begin on Feb. 4 will be distributed to "targeted" groups of people and will not be sold to the general public, the organising committee said on Monday, in the latest setback to the Games inflicted by COVID-19. Organisers had said in September that there would not be any international spectators at the Games, under COVID-19 prevention policies that have all but shut China`s borders to international travellers. It cited the "severe and complex" COVID-19 situation and the need to protect the safety of Olympics personnel and spectators in Monday`s announcement. Read Also | 'You are our champion': Deported Novak Djokovic welcomed back to Serbia Local spectators who receive tickets must observe strict COVID-19 prevention measures before, during and after attending Olympic events, the committee said. It did not give further details, or further specify how tickets would be distributed. China, which has largely managed to curb local COVID-19 infections, is scrambling to prevent the spread of scattered outbreaks of the highly infections Omicron variant just as the busy Lunar New Year travel period begins. The Olympics, to be held in the Chinese capital and neighbouring Hebei province, will take place in a "closed loop" that will keep athletes and other Games personnel separated from the general Chinese public. Most participants will arrive on special charter planes. Last month, North America`s National Hockey League said its players would not participate in the Olympic tournament in Beijing due to COVID-19 disruptions of the league schedule.

COVID-19 prohibits public sale of Beijing Olympics tickets

<p>There is some&nbsp;positive sign for the United Kingdom as the daily coronavirus (COVID-19) cases were at the lowest level in a month after another 81,713 cases were reported on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the emergence of the Omicron variant in the country, Covid cases were at a record high, with authorities have struggled to contain the spread of the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the number of deaths within 28 days of a test remains high with 1,843 over the past seven days. The data means a 45 per cent rise from the previous week.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-reports-first-local-omicron-case-weeks-ahead-of-olympic-games-445071">Beijing reports first local Omicron case weeks ahead of Olympic games</a></strong></p>

<p>Is Covid coming to an end in the UK? An expert has said as quoted by BCC that "we're almost there, it is now the beginning of the end, at least in the UK."</p>

<p>The comments were made by Prof Julian Hiscox, who is a chairman in infection and global health at the University of Liverpool said, "I think life in 2022 will be almost back to before the pandemic."</p>

<p>UK Health Security Agency chief medical adviser Dr Susan Hopkins told BBC Radio 4's Today program&nbsp;as reported on Saturday (January 15): "We are seeing a slowdown in the number of admissions to hospital, but they are slowing down rather than reversing at the moment, so there are still more than 2,000 admissions to hospital across the UK, and nearly 2,500 yesterday."</p>

<p>"There is still a high rate of infection around the country, about one in 15 in England, and about one in 20 in other parts of the UK," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We see that infections are plateauing in the community, which is good, in London and the South East and the East of England. There are still risings, but much slower in the northern parts of the country," she added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Self-isolation guidance has been updated for people who test positive for COVID-19 in England.<br />
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From Monday, people can leave self-isolation after 5 full days if they test negative on days 5 and 6.<br />
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For more detail ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/ao12L8HeQ5">https://t.co/ao12L8HeQ5</a></p>
— NHS (@NHSuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHSuk/status/1481652758553923595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>UK's <a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/2022/01/hundreds-of-thousands-of-teens-to-get-boosted-on-nhs-2/">National Health Service</a> has confirmed that booster slots will open for ages 16 to 17 in England. The mentioned age group will be able to book their slots.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 40,000 teens will be eligible for their top-up dose when the national booking service opens to them on Monday, with more able to get boosted in the coming weeks as they reach three months since their second jab.</p>

<p>NHS said that previously, booster shots were only recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for clinically vulnerable 16 and 17-year-olds who are most at risk from COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency showed that two doses of the vaccine are not enough to stop people becoming unwell from Omicron, but a booster significantly increases protection against the variant.&nbsp;</p>

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There is some positive sign for the United Kingdom as the daily coronavirus (COVID-19) cases were at the lowest level in a month after another 81,713 cases were reported on Saturday.

There is some positive sign for the United Kingdom as the daily coronavirus (COVID-19) cases were at the lowest level in a month after another 81,713 cases were reported on Saturday. After the emergence of the Omicron variant in the country, Covid cases were at a record high, with authorities have struggled to contain the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, the number of deaths within 28 days of a test remains high with 1,843 over the past seven days. The data means a 45 per cent rise from the previous week. ALSO READ | Beijing reports first local Omicron case weeks ahead of Olympic games Is Covid coming to an end in the UK? An expert has said as quoted by BCC that "we're almost there, it is now the beginning of the end, at least in the UK." The comments were made by Prof Julian Hiscox, who is a chairman in infection and global health at the University of Liverpool said, "I think life in 2022 will be almost back to before the pandemic." UK Health Security Agency chief medical adviser Dr Susan Hopkins told BBC Radio 4's Today program as reported on Saturday (January 15): "We are seeing a slowdown in the number of admissions to hospital, but they are slowing down rather than reversing at the moment, so there are still more than 2,000 admissions to hospital across the UK, and nearly 2,500 yesterday." "There is still a high rate of infection around the country, about one in 15 in England, and about one in 20 in other parts of the UK," she said. "We see that infections are plateauing in the community, which is good, in London and the South East and the East of England. There are still risings, but much slower in the northern parts of the country," she added. Self-isolation guidance has been updated for people who test positive for COVID-19 in England. From Monday, people can leave self-isolation after 5 full days if they test negative on days 5 and 6. For more detail ➡️ https://t.co/ao12L8HeQ5 — NHS (@NHSuk) January 13, 2022 × UK's National Health Service has confirmed that booster slots will open for ages 16 to 17 in England. The mentioned age group will be able to book their slots. Around 40,000 teens will be eligible for their top-up dose when the national booking service opens to them on Monday, with more able to get boosted in the coming weeks as they reach three months since their second jab. NHS said that previously, booster shots were only recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for clinically vulnerable 16 and 17-year-olds who are most at risk from COVID-19. Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency showed that two doses of the vaccine are not enough to stop people becoming unwell from Omicron, but a booster significantly increases protection against the variant. ×

Covid in UK: Teens to get boosted, reported cases at lowest in a month

<p>British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a massive backlash for breaking coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown for Downing Street parties. Now, another photo has emerged showing Johnson's wife Carrie flouting social distancing rules during the country-wide lockdown in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The photo is claimed to be of the time when the authorities in the United Kingdom warned the public that they should keep their distance from anyone they do not live with.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-rishi-sunak-tipped-to-replace-johnson-as-pm-report-445193">Indian-origin Rishi Sunak tipped to replace Johnson as PM: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The image, which was&nbsp;first published by The Telegraph, shows Carrie Johnson with an old school friend Anna Pinder at a private members' club.</p>

<p>As per the media reports, both were celebrating Pinder's engagement&nbsp;on September 17 in&nbsp;2020 at The Conduit, which is a private members' club in Covent Garden,&nbsp;London.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The picture shows Carrie hugging her friend and they also can be seen sitting side-by-side on a sofa.&nbsp;Image grabs of the same media report were circulated on social media forums. <strong>Check it out here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Carrie Johnson pictured breaking covid rules<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GTTO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GTTO</a> <a href="https://t.co/a3AkDCGfIE">pic.twitter.com/a3AkDCGfIE</a></p>
— UK is with EU (@ukiswitheu) <a href="https://twitter.com/ukiswitheu/status/1482496386033754113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, Johnson apologised on Wednesday for attending a "bring your own booze" gathering at his official residence during Britain's first coronavirus lockdown, as a senior figure in his party and opponents said he should resign.</p>

<p>Not just this, reports have emerged of several other parties, including weekly gatherings, termed as 'wine-time Fridays', which were even put into the electronic calendars of 50 Downing Street staff every week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his apology, Johnson admitted for the first time that he had attended the party at 10 Downing Street in May 2020 when COVID-19 rules limited social gatherings to a bare minimum, saying he understood public anger.</p>

<p>"I know the rage they feel with me over the government I lead when they think that in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules," an ashen-faced Johnson told parliament.</p>

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a massive backlash for breaking coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown for Downing Street parties. Now, another photo has emerged showing Johnson's wife Carrie flouting social distancing rules during the country-wide lockdown in 2020.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a massive backlash for breaking coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown for Downing Street parties. Now, another photo has emerged showing Johnson's wife Carrie flouting social distancing rules during the country-wide lockdown in 2020. The photo is claimed to be of the time when the authorities in the United Kingdom warned the public that they should keep their distance from anyone they do not live with. ALSO READ | Indian-origin Rishi Sunak tipped to replace Johnson as PM: Report The image, which was first published by The Telegraph, shows Carrie Johnson with an old school friend Anna Pinder at a private members' club. As per the media reports, both were celebrating Pinder's engagement on September 17 in 2020 at The Conduit, which is a private members' club in Covent Garden, London. The picture shows Carrie hugging her friend and they also can be seen sitting side-by-side on a sofa. Image grabs of the same media report were circulated on social media forums. Check it out here: Carrie Johnson pictured breaking covid rules#GTTO pic.twitter.com/a3AkDCGfIE — UK is with EU (@ukiswitheu) January 15, 2022 × Earlier, Johnson apologised on Wednesday for attending a "bring your own booze" gathering at his official residence during Britain's first coronavirus lockdown, as a senior figure in his party and opponents said he should resign. Not just this, reports have emerged of several other parties, including weekly gatherings, termed as 'wine-time Fridays', which were even put into the electronic calendars of 50 Downing Street staff every week. In his apology, Johnson admitted for the first time that he had attended the party at 10 Downing Street in May 2020 when COVID-19 rules limited social gatherings to a bare minimum, saying he understood public anger. "I know the rage they feel with me over the government I lead when they think that in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules," an ashen-faced Johnson told parliament. ×

After Boris Johnson, his wife pictured breaking COVID-19 rules, hugging friend - see pic

'Water is an immediate need': Tonga assesses damage after volcanic eruption, COVID-19 threat looms

<p>Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in India continue to rise as the nation has recorded&nbsp;2,71,202 virus cases on Sunday (January 16), which is 2,369 more than a day before.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country has also reported 314 deaths and 1,38,331 recoveries in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, the active case in the country is 15,50,377.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The daily positivity rate has reached 16.28 per cent which is a&nbsp;marginal improvement&nbsp;and the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 13.69 per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Is COVID-19 peaking in India?</strong></p>

<p>The country has seen a sharp rise in the number of cases after the emergence of a highly transmissible Omicron variant. Experts have claimed that the nation is currently in the grip of the third wave. But the question here is: when India will witness a peak in COVID-19 cases?</p>

<p>Manindra Agrawal, who is a professor at IIT Kanpur recently said that India will witness a peak in COVID-19 infection cases around January 15.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-promote-culture-of-start-ups-january-16-to-be-celebrated-as-national-start-up-day-says-pm-modi-445103">To promote culture of start-ups, January 16 to be celebrated as 'National Start-up Day,' says PM Modi</a></strong></p>

<p>Agrawal, who has been tracking the COVID-19 curve in the country using the SUTRA model, had also noted that the&nbsp;bigger cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata will report the maximum number of cases. As predicted, the mentioned cities have seen a spike in cases in the previous three-four days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Weighing in on when the cases will start to decline, Professor Agrawal told India-based news agency ANI on Monday, "We expect the decline also to be equally sharp and if the peak hits in January, then by the middle of March, the wave will be over."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unite2FightCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unite2FightCorona</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LargestVaccineDrive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LargestVaccineDrive</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OmicronVariant?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OmicronVariant</a><br />
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𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗛<a href="https://t.co/choZMigFeE">https://t.co/choZMigFeE</a> <a href="https://t.co/HBR9j7iB2H">pic.twitter.com/HBR9j7iB2H</a></p>
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1482562307943448580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Omicron cases in India</strong></p>

<p>7,743 cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19 have been detected so far in the country. A total of 70,24,48,838 samples were tested so far of which 16,65,404 samples were tested yesterday.</p>

<p><strong>Here's the COVID-19 data of January 15:</strong></p>

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𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗛<a href="https://t.co/4vvWVz8twI">https://t.co/4vvWVz8twI</a> <a href="https://t.co/6wJ3rQWdzO">pic.twitter.com/6wJ3rQWdzO</a></p>
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1482206730549628932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Health infrastructure under pressure in Brazil amid a massive spike in COVID cases fueled by Omicron</strong></p>

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in India continue to rise as the nation has recorded 2,71,202 virus cases on Sunday (January 16), which is 2,369 more than a day before.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in India continue to rise as the nation has recorded 2,71,202 virus cases on Sunday (January 16), which is 2,369 more than a day before. The country has also reported 314 deaths and 1,38,331 recoveries in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, the active case in the country is 15,50,377. The daily positivity rate has reached 16.28 per cent which is a marginal improvement and the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 13.69 per cent. Is COVID-19 peaking in India? The country has seen a sharp rise in the number of cases after the emergence of a highly transmissible Omicron variant. Experts have claimed that the nation is currently in the grip of the third wave. But the question here is: when India will witness a peak in COVID-19 cases? Manindra Agrawal, who is a professor at IIT Kanpur recently said that India will witness a peak in COVID-19 infection cases around January 15. ALSO READ | To promote culture of start-ups, January 16 to be celebrated as 'National Start-up Day,' says PM Modi Agrawal, who has been tracking the COVID-19 curve in the country using the SUTRA model, had also noted that the bigger cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata will report the maximum number of cases. As predicted, the mentioned cities have seen a spike in cases in the previous three-four days. Weighing in on when the cases will start to decline, Professor Agrawal told India-based news agency ANI on Monday, "We expect the decline also to be equally sharp and if the peak hits in January, then by the middle of March, the wave will be over." #Unite2FightCorona#LargestVaccineDrive#OmicronVariant 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗛https://t.co/choZMigFeE pic.twitter.com/HBR9j7iB2H — Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) January 16, 2022 × Omicron cases in India 7,743 cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19 have been detected so far in the country. A total of 70,24,48,838 samples were tested so far of which 16,65,404 samples were tested yesterday. Here's the COVID-19 data of January 15: #Unite2FightCorona#LargestVaccineDrive#OmicronVariant 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗛https://t.co/4vvWVz8twI pic.twitter.com/6wJ3rQWdzO — Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) January 15, 2022 × WATCH | Health infrastructure under pressure in Brazil amid a massive spike in COVID cases fueled by Omicron ×

Is COVID-19 peaking in India? Nation logs 2,71,202 new cases, positivity rate at 16.28%

<p>Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on Sunday that country will be first in Europe to make Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory for adults in February. He acknowledged that this was a 'sensitive topic'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nehammer, a conservative who took office in December, said those who didn't comply would face a hefty fine.</p>

<p>"We will decide on compulsory vaccination as planned. It will come into force at the beginning of February" for adults, he told a news conference.</p>

<p>Austria has seen debate on the issue ever since plans for compulsory vaccinations were first announced last year.</p>

<p>To date 71.5 percent of eligible Austrian residents have had their jabs -- several percentage points below many of the country's EU neighbours.</p>

<p>Nehammer acknowledged the decision covered "a totally sensitive topic" but said it followed careful consideration.</p>

<p>He warned that after an "entry phase" for the policy, restrictions would be "tightened accordingly" in mid-March on those holding out against the jab, including fines of between 600-3,600 euros ($684-$4,100).</p>

<p>On Saturday, about 27,000 people held demonstrations against compulsory vaccination measure. Opponents dub the compulsion as an attack on personal freedoms.</p>

<p>On Thursday Parliament is due to pass into law a bill which initially was set to cover all people from 14 upwards but now will cover adults only.</p>

<p>Exceptions will be made for pregnant women and those who can show they have a medical exemption.</p>

<p>The government has widespread support for a policy which only the far-right is opposing.</p>

<p>Austria has to date seen almost 14,000 Covid-related deaths and 1.4 million cases in a population of some nine million.</p>

<p>Compulsory vaccinations against Covid remain rare worldwide, though Ecuador, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Indonesia and Micronesia have introduced such schemes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on Sunday that country will be first in Europe to make Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory for adults in February. He acknowledged that this was a 'sensitive topic'.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on Sunday that country will be first in Europe to make Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory for adults in February. He acknowledged that this was a 'sensitive topic'. Nehammer, a conservative who took office in December, said those who didn't comply would face a hefty fine. "We will decide on compulsory vaccination as planned. It will come into force at the beginning of February" for adults, he told a news conference. Austria has seen debate on the issue ever since plans for compulsory vaccinations were first announced last year. To date 71.5 percent of eligible Austrian residents have had their jabs -- several percentage points below many of the country's EU neighbours. Nehammer acknowledged the decision covered "a totally sensitive topic" but said it followed careful consideration. He warned that after an "entry phase" for the policy, restrictions would be "tightened accordingly" in mid-March on those holding out against the jab, including fines of between 600-3,600 euros ($684-$4,100). On Saturday, about 27,000 people held demonstrations against compulsory vaccination measure. Opponents dub the compulsion as an attack on personal freedoms. On Thursday Parliament is due to pass into law a bill which initially was set to cover all people from 14 upwards but now will cover adults only. Exceptions will be made for pregnant women and those who can show they have a medical exemption. The government has widespread support for a policy which only the far-right is opposing. Austria has to date seen almost 14,000 Covid-related deaths and 1.4 million cases in a population of some nine million. Compulsory vaccinations against Covid remain rare worldwide, though Ecuador, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Indonesia and Micronesia have introduced such schemes. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid vaccination to be compulsory from February, says Austrian chancellor

<p>Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic was detained in Australia again on Saturday (January 15) after the government authorities revoked his visa&nbsp;for a second time. The 'unvaccinated player' was declared a threat to the public.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Djokovic's bid for a record 21st Grand Slam title has been marred by controversies over his stance of not getting the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The visa row, which is being heard by the Australian court, became a massive hurdle for his participation in this year's first Grand Slam - the Australian Open.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/boris-johnson-kim-kardashian-novak-djokovic-heres-a-list-of-most-famous-covid-19-rulebreakers-444829">Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers</a></strong></p>

<p>While cancelling the visa, the Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke on Friday said that Djokovic's ongoing presence in the country might cause an "increase in anti-vaccination sentiment" or even "civil unrest".</p>

<p>Court documents showed the 34-year-old Serbian was currently being detained at an address in Melbourne, as his appeal against deportation is heard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a separate court filing, Australian authorities argued Djokovic's continued presence in the country "may foster anti-vaccination sentiment" and called for his removal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-which-face-mask-is-better-experts-weigh-in-on-how-long-should-you-wear-n95-masks-444754">COVID-19: Which face mask is better? Experts weigh in on how long should you wear N95 masks</a></strong></p>

<p>Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic accuses Australia of "mistreating" tennis star Novak Djokovic after authorities revoked his visa for a second time.</p>

<p>The Serbian leader's comments come hours after Australia stripped Djokovic of his visa on Friday and plans to detain him, just days ahead of his bid to win a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in Melbourne.</p>

<p><strong>Osaka and Nadal react</strong></p>

<p>Defending Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka called the Djokovic saga "unfortunate" and "sad" as players complained the scandal was overshadowing the opening Grand Slam of the year.</p>

<p>"I think it's an unfortunate situation. He's such a great player and it's kind of sad that some people might remember (him) in this way," she said on Saturday, two days before the start of the tournament.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Rafael Nadal took a swipe at Djokovic on Saturday (Jan 15), saying: "The Australian Open is much more important than any player."</p>

<p>Ahead of the start of the Grand Slam on Monday, Nadal told reporters at Melbourne Park: "Australian Open will be a great Australian Open with or without him."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Stefanos Tsitsipas speaks to WION on the Djokovic controversy</strong></p>

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Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic was detained in Australia again on Saturday (January 15) after the government authorities revoked his visa for a second time.

Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic was detained in Australia again on Saturday (January 15) after the government authorities revoked his visa for a second time. The 'unvaccinated player' was declared a threat to the public. Djokovic's bid for a record 21st Grand Slam title has been marred by controversies over his stance of not getting the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. The visa row, which is being heard by the Australian court, became a massive hurdle for his participation in this year's first Grand Slam - the Australian Open. ALSO READ | Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers While cancelling the visa, the Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke on Friday said that Djokovic's ongoing presence in the country might cause an "increase in anti-vaccination sentiment" or even "civil unrest". Court documents showed the 34-year-old Serbian was currently being detained at an address in Melbourne, as his appeal against deportation is heard. In a separate court filing, Australian authorities argued Djokovic's continued presence in the country "may foster anti-vaccination sentiment" and called for his removal. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Which face mask is better? Experts weigh in on how long should you wear N95 masks Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic accuses Australia of "mistreating" tennis star Novak Djokovic after authorities revoked his visa for a second time. The Serbian leader's comments come hours after Australia stripped Djokovic of his visa on Friday and plans to detain him, just days ahead of his bid to win a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in Melbourne. Osaka and Nadal react Defending Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka called the Djokovic saga "unfortunate" and "sad" as players complained the scandal was overshadowing the opening Grand Slam of the year. "I think it's an unfortunate situation. He's such a great player and it's kind of sad that some people might remember (him) in this way," she said on Saturday, two days before the start of the tournament. On the other hand, Rafael Nadal took a swipe at Djokovic on Saturday (Jan 15), saying: "The Australian Open is much more important than any player." Ahead of the start of the Grand Slam on Monday, Nadal told reporters at Melbourne Park: "Australian Open will be a great Australian Open with or without him." WATCH | Stefanos Tsitsipas speaks to WION on the Djokovic controversy ×

Novak Djokovic back in detention as Australia cancels visa again

<p>British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised after reports of Downing Street parties and after-parties emerged. He faced a massive backlash from the opposition party and common people when reports suggested that the parties were held when such gatherings and festivities were banned in the country owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reports of more parties keep coming, the question here is: what will happen next? Will there be an official investigation? Will Boris resign? Read here what are the possibilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Boris Johnson to resign?</strong></p>

<p>In a recent interview with Sky News, former Prime Minister David Cameron said, "He's [Boris] always been able to get away with things that mere mortals can't."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports have stated that Johnson might treat the apology that he issued on Wednesday (January 12) as enough to get him off the hook.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/boris-johnson-kim-kardashian-novak-djokovic-heres-a-list-of-most-famous-covid-19-rulebreakers-444829">Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>A possible police action?</strong></p>

<p>Boris could also be largely exonerated from responsibility by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray, who is conducting a fact-finding investigation into the claims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Times on Friday said Gray's report was likely to conclude there was no criminal breach of coronavirus rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>London police have said they have been in touch with the Cabinet Office about the garden party claims but said Thursday their next step depends on what Gray says.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has been criticised for declaring it would not retrospectively investigate potential breaches of coronavirus restrictions. Should it launch a criminal probe, the pressure on Johnson would mount.</p>

<p><strong>The story so far...</strong></p>

<p>Johnson has faced heavy criticism over multiple incidents related to the handling of coronavirus (COVID-19). Firstly, reports emerged of Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15. The photo of the same went viral. In the photo, Johnson's staff can be seen laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Secondly, Boris apologised for attending a party held in the Downing Street office during the lockdown after Dominic Cummings said that the investigation should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Telegraph reported two leaving parties or farewell parties were held in No 10 on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral. Downing Street apologises to the Queen for two parties held in Downing Street the night before Prince Philip's funeral.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest media reports have claimed that Downing Street held gatherings every week throughout the pandemic. The staff even invested in a £142 refrigerator to keep their beer and wine cold.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised after reports of Downing Street parties and after-parties emerged. He faced a massive backlash from the opposition party and common people when reports suggested that the parties were held when such gatherings and festivities were banned in the country owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in 2020.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised after reports of Downing Street parties and after-parties emerged. He faced a massive backlash from the opposition party and common people when reports suggested that the parties were held when such gatherings and festivities were banned in the country owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in 2020. As reports of more parties keep coming, the question here is: what will happen next? Will there be an official investigation? Will Boris resign? Read here what are the possibilities. Boris Johnson to resign? In a recent interview with Sky News, former Prime Minister David Cameron said, "He's [Boris] always been able to get away with things that mere mortals can't." Reports have stated that Johnson might treat the apology that he issued on Wednesday (January 12) as enough to get him off the hook. ALSO READ | Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers A possible police action? Boris could also be largely exonerated from responsibility by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray, who is conducting a fact-finding investigation into the claims. The Times on Friday said Gray's report was likely to conclude there was no criminal breach of coronavirus rules. London police have said they have been in touch with the Cabinet Office about the garden party claims but said Thursday their next step depends on what Gray says. It has been criticised for declaring it would not retrospectively investigate potential breaches of coronavirus restrictions. Should it launch a criminal probe, the pressure on Johnson would mount. The story so far... Johnson has faced heavy criticism over multiple incidents related to the handling of coronavirus (COVID-19). Firstly, reports emerged of Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15. The photo of the same went viral. In the photo, Johnson's staff can be seen laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country. Secondly, Boris apologised for attending a party held in the Downing Street office during the lockdown after Dominic Cummings said that the investigation should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020. Telegraph reported two leaving parties or farewell parties were held in No 10 on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral. Downing Street apologises to the Queen for two parties held in Downing Street the night before Prince Philip's funeral. The latest media reports have claimed that Downing Street held gatherings every week throughout the pandemic. The staff even invested in a £142 refrigerator to keep their beer and wine cold. × (With inputs from agencies)

Boris Johnson 'partygate': Resignation or police action? What could happen next?

<p>The sports section in every newspaper or various portals, so far in 2022, has been hogged by only one man, i.e. Novak Djokovic. The world number 1 tennis star has been caught in a huge controversy before the Australian Open -- the first-ever Grand Slam of the calendar year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the marquee tournament, the nine-time Australian Open champion Djokovic landed in Melbourne, on January 4, with a medical exemption for Covid-19 vaccination. For the unversed, ATP had made it clear that all players need to be fully vaccinated to take part in the Aus Open. The Serbian, however, got an exemption from the Victorian government before travelling Down Under.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On his arrival, Djokovic was taken aback with his exemption being tarnished and his visa getting cancelled. As a result, he was sent to a detention center, i.e. an immigration hotel in Melbourne, for four days before his lawyers managed to free him as Australian Judge Anthony&nbsp;Kelly ordered his release, on January 10, with immediate effect.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-kicking-him-whilst-hes-down-says-andy-murray-on-novak-djokovics-australian-open-saga-444770"><strong>Not kicking him whilst he's down, says Andy Murray on Novak Djokovic's Australian Open saga</strong></a></p>

<p>Djokovic's Aus Open saga didn't die down there itself. As the Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke comprises discretionary personal powers to revoke anyone's visa on various grounds, he did the same for the Serbian on Friday (January 14). "Today I exercised my power... to cancel the visa held by Mr Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so," the Immigration Minister said in a statement.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison&nbsp;said that the decision followed "careful consideration".</p>

<p>Amid all this, the 34-year-old Djokovic admitted to have breached Covid protocols as he went ahead with an interview to a French-newspaper L'equipe's journalist&nbsp;despite a positive report with regard to the infection in December, 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition, Djokovic shifted the blame on his agent for incorrectly filling details in his travel form on arrival Down Under (he also&nbsp;acknowledged that his travel declaration form contained falsehoods about his whereabouts the 14 days preceding his flight to Australia).</p>

<p>Thus, Djokovic has dug his own grave in many ways ahead of the Aus Open. As the entire saga continues to get complicated with each passing day,&nbsp;with the star player set to take his fight against deportation from Australia to a Federal Court on January 15 (Saturday),&nbsp;here's reliving some big controversies surrounding the Serbian:&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>1)Hitting female line judge</strong></p>

<p>During the 2020 US Open, Djokovic was disqualified after hitting a female line judge in frustration during his fourth-round match versus Spain's Pablo Busta.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Serbian did so after a fall and dropping a serve to trail 5-6. While it wasn't intentional, Djokovic's fate was sealed under the Grand Slam rules. After the incident, Djokovic had said in a statement, "This whole situation has left me really sad and empty. I checked on the linesperson and the tournament told me that thank God she is feeling OK. I'm extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-draw-shaken-up-with-world-no-1-novak-djokovics-visa-cancellation-444677"><strong>Australian Open draw shaken up with World No. 1 Novak Djokovic's visa cancellation</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>2) The infamous Covid tour</strong></p>

<p>Amit the pandemic, in 2020, Djokovic has organised an Adrian tour,&nbsp;i.e. a series of exhibition games in Balkans with professional tennis entirely shut down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the tournament was abandoned due to Bulgarian player Grigor Dimitrov testing positive. As a result, Djokovic, his wife and many other players also tested positive.&nbsp;The players were heavily criticised for embaring a nightclub and partying during the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>3) 'Djokovic is a tool'</strong></p>

<p>During the 2021 Aus Open, Djokovic arrived in Melbourne and again landed himself in controversy by demanding that tennis players should be given private homes along with tennis courts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To this, Aussie player Nick Krygios tweeted in response by saying, "Djokovic is a tool."</p>

<p><strong>4) Exaggerating injuries and taking medical breaks</strong></p>

<p>Djokovic has been accused of taking unnecessary medical breaks and exaggerating injuries whenever the going gets tough for him during a game. In 2008 US Open, he took two medical timeouts during his five-set thrilling win over Tommy Robredo, upsetting the Spaniard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Djokovic didn't hesitate in breaking the flow of the game once again during his 2020 French Open quarter-final clash versus Carreon Busta.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Back then, Busta had stated, "Every time a match gets complicated he asks for medical assistance."</p>

<p>Thus, Djokovic isn't alien to controversies. He, however, is currently going through his biggest battle off the court and dominating the headlines for all the wrong reasons; acting as a buzzkill for many tennis loyalists worldwide prior to the Aus Open.</p>


The sports section in every newspaper or various portals, so far in 2022, has been hogged by only one man, i.e. Novak Djokovic. The world number 1 tennis star has been caught in a huge controversy before the Australian Open -- the first-ever Grand Slam of the calendar year.

The sports section in every newspaper or various portals, so far in 2022, has been hogged by only one man, i.e. Novak Djokovic. The world number 1 tennis star has been caught in a huge controversy before the Australian Open -- the first-ever Grand Slam of the calendar year. Ahead of the marquee tournament, the nine-time Australian Open champion Djokovic landed in Melbourne, on January 4, with a medical exemption for Covid-19 vaccination. For the unversed, ATP had made it clear that all players need to be fully vaccinated to take part in the Aus Open. The Serbian, however, got an exemption from the Victorian government before travelling Down Under. On his arrival, Djokovic was taken aback with his exemption being tarnished and his visa getting cancelled. As a result, he was sent to a detention center, i.e. an immigration hotel in Melbourne, for four days before his lawyers managed to free him as Australian Judge Anthony Kelly ordered his release, on January 10, with immediate effect. ALSO READ | Not kicking him whilst he's down, says Andy Murray on Novak Djokovic's Australian Open saga Djokovic's Aus Open saga didn't die down there itself. As the Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke comprises discretionary personal powers to revoke anyone's visa on various grounds, he did the same for the Serbian on Friday (January 14). "Today I exercised my power... to cancel the visa held by Mr Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so," the Immigration Minister said in a statement. On the other hand, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the decision followed "careful consideration". Amid all this, the 34-year-old Djokovic admitted to have breached Covid protocols as he went ahead with an interview to a French-newspaper L'equipe's journalist despite a positive report with regard to the infection in December, 2021. In addition, Djokovic shifted the blame on his agent for incorrectly filling details in his travel form on arrival Down Under (he also acknowledged that his travel declaration form contained falsehoods about his whereabouts the 14 days preceding his flight to Australia). Thus, Djokovic has dug his own grave in many ways ahead of the Aus Open. As the entire saga continues to get complicated with each passing day, with the star player set to take his fight against deportation from Australia to a Federal Court on January 15 (Saturday), here's reliving some big controversies surrounding the Serbian: 1)Hitting female line judge During the 2020 US Open, Djokovic was disqualified after hitting a female line judge in frustration during his fourth-round match versus Spain's Pablo Busta. The Serbian did so after a fall and dropping a serve to trail 5-6. While it wasn't intentional, Djokovic's fate was sealed under the Grand Slam rules. After the incident, Djokovic had said in a statement, "This whole situation has left me really sad and empty. I checked on the linesperson and the tournament told me that thank God she is feeling OK. I'm extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong." ALSO READ | Australian Open draw shaken up with World No. 1 Novak Djokovic's visa cancellation 2) The infamous Covid tour Amit the pandemic, in 2020, Djokovic has organised an Adrian tour, i.e. a series of exhibition games in Balkans with professional tennis entirely shut down. However, the tournament was abandoned due to Bulgarian player Grigor Dimitrov testing positive. As a result, Djokovic, his wife and many other players also tested positive. The players were heavily criticised for embaring a nightclub and partying during the pandemic. 3) 'Djokovic is a tool' During the 2021 Aus Open, Djokovic arrived in Melbourne and again landed himself in controversy by demanding that tennis players should be given private homes along with tennis courts. To this, Aussie player Nick Krygios tweeted in response by saying, "Djokovic is a tool." 4) Exaggerating injuries and taking medical breaks Djokovic has been accused of taking unnecessary medical breaks and exaggerating injuries whenever the going gets tough for him during a game. In 2008 US Open, he took two medical timeouts during his five-set thrilling win over Tommy Robredo, upsetting the Spaniard. On the other hand, Djokovic didn't hesitate in breaking the flow of the game once again during his 2020 French Open quarter-final clash versus Carreon Busta. Back then, Busta had stated, "Every time a match gets complicated he asks for medical assistance." Thus, Djokovic isn't alien to controversies. He, however, is currently going through his biggest battle off the court and dominating the headlines for all the wrong reasons; acting as a buzzkill for many tennis loyalists worldwide prior to the Aus Open.

Novak Djokovic: Serbia's pride and controversy's favourite child

<p>As per the latest study published&nbsp;in the <a href="https://www.ucf.edu/news/face-masks-cut-distance-airborne-pathogens-could-travel-in-half-new-study-finds/">Journal of Infectious Diseases</a>, the face masks help in reducing the distance airborne pathogens could travel when speaking or coughing by more than half compared to not wearing a mask. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Ever since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic wreaked havoc across the world, scientists and health experts have been advocating the usage of face masks to curb the spread of the virus.</p>

<p>Now, the new study by researchers at the University of Central Florida offers&nbsp;insight. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of face masks has been a debated topic by some people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Covid cases continue to rise globally due to the Omicron variant, protection against the virus should be the priority.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-benefit-face-masks-help-people-look-good-says-uk-study-444609">Covid pandemic benefit? Face masks help people look good, says UK study</a></strong></p>

<p>The latest study found that&nbsp;without face coverings, droplets/aerosols were detected up to a maximum of 1.25m during speech and up to 1.37m while coughing.</p>

<p>The study mentioned that in addition, the use of face coverings was highly effective in reducing the count of expelled aerosols also.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The coverings made up of cloth reduced maximum axial distances to 0.61m for speech and to 0.67m while coughing respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, the safe distance was reduced further to 0.15m measured for both emission scenarios while using the disposable face covering.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What about N95 masks? How long should you wear your N95 face masks?</strong></p>

<p>As reported by CNN, properly fitted N95 face masks better prevent tiny particles from getting into your nose or mouth as compared to cloth masks.</p>

<p>The material that is used to make N95, such as polypropylene fibres, act as both mechanical and electrostatic barriers to shared air.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-staff-accused-of-hosting-covid-rule-breaking-parties-on-the-eve-of-prince-philips-funeral-444602" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson's staff accused of hosting Covid rule-breaking parties on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Are N95 face masks reusable? </strong></p>

<p>This has been one of the most debated topics during the pandemic so far. The comparative higher price has been one of the reasons for such talks as people use their N95s multiple times. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"I wear mine for a week,"&nbsp;Linsey Marr, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech as quoted by CNN.</p>

<p>"An N95 mask's material and filtration ability aren't going to degrade unless you physically rub it or poke holes in it. You'd have to be in really polluted air... for several days before it lost its ability to filter out particles. So, you can really wear them for a long time," Marr said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"People have been talking about 40 hours - I think that's fine. Really, it's going to get gross from your face or the straps will get too loose or maybe break before you're going to lose filtration ability," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Erin Bromage, who is an associate professor of biology at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth weighed in on would the N95s be used more than one time.</p>

<p>As quoted by CNN,&nbsp;Bromage said that the reason why N95 masks are designated as "single-use" is that they're categorised as medical masks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Bromage added that if a person is safely reusing N95 maks, then one mask can be used for at least two or three days.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Are N95s reusable?</strong></p>

<p>Both the experts, Marr and&nbsp;have said that if the mask becomes damp, dirty, bent, creased, it should be replaced.</p>

<p>"The longer you wear it, the more it's actually trapping material - which means that the breathability, the resistance of the mask, starts to decrease," Bromage said.</p>

<p><strong>How to sanitise N95s?</strong></p>

<p>Marr said that the contamination particles will go away over the course of a few to several hours. It can happen faster if the N95s are put aside in sunlight. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The CNN report also mentioned that N95 masks have a special static charge that helps filter out viruses and if a person wants to sanitise it, he/she can wash the masks because water will dissipate the charge.</p>

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As per the latest study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, the face masks help in reducing the distance airborne pathogens could travel when speaking or coughing by more than half compared to not wearing a mask.

As per the latest study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, the face masks help in reducing the distance airborne pathogens could travel when speaking or coughing by more than half compared to not wearing a mask. Ever since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic wreaked havoc across the world, scientists and health experts have been advocating the usage of face masks to curb the spread of the virus. Now, the new study by researchers at the University of Central Florida offers insight. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of face masks has been a debated topic by some people. As Covid cases continue to rise globally due to the Omicron variant, protection against the virus should be the priority. ALSO READ | Covid pandemic benefit? Face masks help people look good, says UK study The latest study found that without face coverings, droplets/aerosols were detected up to a maximum of 1.25m during speech and up to 1.37m while coughing. The study mentioned that in addition, the use of face coverings was highly effective in reducing the count of expelled aerosols also. The coverings made up of cloth reduced maximum axial distances to 0.61m for speech and to 0.67m while coughing respectively. On the other hand, the safe distance was reduced further to 0.15m measured for both emission scenarios while using the disposable face covering. What about N95 masks? How long should you wear your N95 face masks? As reported by CNN, properly fitted N95 face masks better prevent tiny particles from getting into your nose or mouth as compared to cloth masks. The material that is used to make N95, such as polypropylene fibres, act as both mechanical and electrostatic barriers to shared air. ALSO READ | Boris Johnson's staff accused of hosting Covid rule-breaking parties on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral Are N95 face masks reusable? This has been one of the most debated topics during the pandemic so far. The comparative higher price has been one of the reasons for such talks as people use their N95s multiple times. "I wear mine for a week," Linsey Marr, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech as quoted by CNN. "An N95 mask's material and filtration ability aren't going to degrade unless you physically rub it or poke holes in it. You'd have to be in really polluted air... for several days before it lost its ability to filter out particles. So, you can really wear them for a long time," Marr said. "People have been talking about 40 hours - I think that's fine. Really, it's going to get gross from your face or the straps will get too loose or maybe break before you're going to lose filtration ability," she added. On the other hand, Erin Bromage, who is an associate professor of biology at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth weighed in on would the N95s be used more than one time. As quoted by CNN, Bromage said that the reason why N95 masks are designated as "single-use" is that they're categorised as medical masks. But Bromage added that if a person is safely reusing N95 maks, then one mask can be used for at least two or three days. Are N95s reusable? Both the experts, Marr and have said that if the mask becomes damp, dirty, bent, creased, it should be replaced. "The longer you wear it, the more it's actually trapping material - which means that the breathability, the resistance of the mask, starts to decrease," Bromage said. How to sanitise N95s? Marr said that the contamination particles will go away over the course of a few to several hours. It can happen faster if the N95s are put aside in sunlight. The CNN report also mentioned that N95 masks have a special static charge that helps filter out viruses and if a person wants to sanitise it, he/she can wash the masks because water will dissipate the charge. ×

COVID-19: Which face mask is better? Experts weigh in on how long should you wear N95 masks

<p>The global health governing body - the World Health Organization has approved two new treatments of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Friday (January 14) amid a sharp rise in the virus cases globally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the efforts to counter the threat imposed by the COVID-19 and its variants, experts and scientists around the world are working to find treatments to minimise the risk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest approval came as several countries are witnessing a steep surge in the number of Covid cases fuelled by the 'variant of concern' Omicron.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also important to note that the Covid treatment recommendations by WHO are updated regularly based on new data from clinical trials.</p>

<p>Now, arthritis drug baricitinib used with corticosteroids to treat severe or critical Covid patients led to better survival rates and reduced need for ventilators, the WHO experts said in their recommendation in <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/376/bmj.o97">British medical Journal the BMJ</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib, which is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, is strongly recommended for patients with severe or critical covid-19 in combination with corticosteroids, an expert group from the World Health Organization has written in The BMJ," a part of the journal read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts also recommended synthetic antibody treatment Sotrovimab for people with non-serious Covid at highest risk of hospitalisation, such as the elderly, people with immunodeficiencies or chronic diseases such as diabetes.</p>

<p>Sotrovimab's benefits for people not at risk of hospitalisation were deemed insignificant and the WHO said its effectiveness against new variants like Omicron was "still uncertain".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disappointed-us-supreme-court-blocks-bidens-vaccine-mandate-for-businesses-444557">'Disappointed': US Supreme Court blocks Biden's vaccine mandate for businesses</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Other treatments approved by WHO</strong></p>

<p>Only three other treatments for Covid have received WHO approval, starting with corticosteroids for severely ill patients in September 2020. Corticosteroids are inexpensive and widely available and fight inflammation that commonly accompanies severe cases.</p>

<p>Arthritis drugs tocilizumab and sarilumab, which the WHO endorsed in July, are IL-6 inhibitors that suppress a dangerous overreaction of the immune system to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.</p>

<p>Baricitinib is in a different class of drugs known as Janus kinase inhibitors, but it falls under the same guidelines as the IL-6 inhibitors.</p>

<p>"When both are available, choose one based on issues including cost and clinician experience," the guidelines say.</p>

<p>Synthetic antibody treatment Regeneron was approved by the WHO in September and the guidelines say Sotrovimab can be used for the same type of patients.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;US hospitalisation witness an increase by 33% and deaths by 40%</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The global health governing body - the World Health Organization has approved two new treatments of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Friday (January 14) amid a sharp rise in the virus cases globally.

The global health governing body - the World Health Organization has approved two new treatments of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Friday (January 14) amid a sharp rise in the virus cases globally. In the efforts to counter the threat imposed by the COVID-19 and its variants, experts and scientists around the world are working to find treatments to minimise the risk. The latest approval came as several countries are witnessing a steep surge in the number of Covid cases fuelled by the 'variant of concern' Omicron. Also important to note that the Covid treatment recommendations by WHO are updated regularly based on new data from clinical trials. Now, arthritis drug baricitinib used with corticosteroids to treat severe or critical Covid patients led to better survival rates and reduced need for ventilators, the WHO experts said in their recommendation in British medical Journal the BMJ. "The Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib, which is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, is strongly recommended for patients with severe or critical covid-19 in combination with corticosteroids, an expert group from the World Health Organization has written in The BMJ," a part of the journal read. Experts also recommended synthetic antibody treatment Sotrovimab for people with non-serious Covid at highest risk of hospitalisation, such as the elderly, people with immunodeficiencies or chronic diseases such as diabetes. Sotrovimab's benefits for people not at risk of hospitalisation were deemed insignificant and the WHO said its effectiveness against new variants like Omicron was "still uncertain". ALSO READ | 'Disappointed': US Supreme Court blocks Biden's vaccine mandate for businesses Other treatments approved by WHO Only three other treatments for Covid have received WHO approval, starting with corticosteroids for severely ill patients in September 2020. Corticosteroids are inexpensive and widely available and fight inflammation that commonly accompanies severe cases. Arthritis drugs tocilizumab and sarilumab, which the WHO endorsed in July, are IL-6 inhibitors that suppress a dangerous overreaction of the immune system to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Baricitinib is in a different class of drugs known as Janus kinase inhibitors, but it falls under the same guidelines as the IL-6 inhibitors. "When both are available, choose one based on issues including cost and clinician experience," the guidelines say. Synthetic antibody treatment Regeneron was approved by the WHO in September and the guidelines say Sotrovimab can be used for the same type of patients. WATCH: US hospitalisation witness an increase by 33% and deaths by 40% × (With inputs from agencies)

Two new COVID-19 treatments approved by World Health Organization

Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers

There have been precious few positives during the Covid pandemic but British academics may have unearthed one: people look more attractive in protective masks.

People wearing face masks are more attractive, UK study reveals

<p>While countries around the world are vouching for vaccinations against coronavirus (COVID-19), a bizarre trend has come to notice as some people in Italy are reportedly willing to pay money to have dinner and wine with the Covid-positive people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On one side, the world is facing the wrath of the COVID-19 wave mostly fuelled by Delta and Omicron variants but on the other side, a rather unconventional and worrying method has been adopted by anti-vaxxers to avoid getting jabbed.</p>

<p>As per reports, Italian anti-vaxxers are paying £110 for the dinner and wine to avoid the vaccines. It is important to note that as per Italy's latest vaccine mandate, anyone above 50 years of age is set to be vaccinated from February 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Those who are unvaccinated in the country face the risk of paying a large amount of money as fines. Also, they can lose their jobs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>COVID-19 dinners in Italy</strong></p>

<p>As per a report by Daily Mail&nbsp;a similar party was uncovered, which was hosted in Tuscany. The report mentioned that the party included a truffle dinner with Barolo wine, along with a Covid-positive person and the attendance cost is reported to be £110.</p>

<p>The Daily Beast reported citing Italian police that one anti-vaxxer wrote online: "I am urgently looking for a positive and I am willing to pay."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-staff-accused-of-hosting-covid-rule-breaking-parties-on-the-eve-of-prince-philips-funeral-444602">Boris Johnson's staff accused of hosting Covid rule-breaking parties on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral</a></strong></p>

<p>An infectious disease expert Pier Luigi Lopalco told Italian television that such Covid parties were against the law and he demanded arrests of those involved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This uses the same logic as playing Russian roulette. For a person who has never had COVID, who has not been vaccinated, encountering this virus can mean a mild form of the disease, but it can also it means ending up in intensive care," he was quoted as saying in local media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The discriminating factor between these two occurrences, probably, lies in genetics. And there is nothing that can be done to know in advance," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Pox parties in Australia?</strong></p>

<p>Reports quoted the Queensland chief health officer John Gerrard as saying as he thrashed the notion as "utterly ridiculous".</p>

<p>He added, "The best way to get immunity to this virus is through vaccination, not through these parties. Please, please stop."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrews-trials-and-tribulations-the-sex-assault-case-saga-so-far-444620">Prince Andrew's trials and tribulations: The sex assault case saga so far</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>What are pox parties?</strong></p>

<p>Similar reports have also emerged from Australia as health authorities of Queensland condemned "pox parties" that were held by groups of unvaccinated residents on the Gold Coast. The reports of such parties were first published by the Australia-based Gold Coast Bulletin.</p>

<p>The concept of mingling with a person with viral infection or flu has been practised. It is popularly known as pox parties, also known as flu parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such parties are social activities in which people, especially children are deliberately exposed to infectious diseases such as chickenpox.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some reports have claimed that such parties originated so that people can avoid vaccines or if vaccines are not available or maybe if a person is unable to take vaccines due to health reasons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But are such practices wise in the case of coronavirus which is deadly and highly infectious?&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


While countries around the world are vouching for vaccinations against coronavirus (COVID-19), a bizarre trend has come to notice as some people in Italy are reportedly willing to pay money to have dinner and wine with the Covid-positive people.

While countries around the world are vouching for vaccinations against coronavirus (COVID-19), a bizarre trend has come to notice as some people in Italy are reportedly willing to pay money to have dinner and wine with the Covid-positive people. On one side, the world is facing the wrath of the COVID-19 wave mostly fuelled by Delta and Omicron variants but on the other side, a rather unconventional and worrying method has been adopted by anti-vaxxers to avoid getting jabbed. As per reports, Italian anti-vaxxers are paying £110 for the dinner and wine to avoid the vaccines. It is important to note that as per Italy's latest vaccine mandate, anyone above 50 years of age is set to be vaccinated from February 1. Those who are unvaccinated in the country face the risk of paying a large amount of money as fines. Also, they can lose their jobs. COVID-19 dinners in Italy As per a report by Daily Mail a similar party was uncovered, which was hosted in Tuscany. The report mentioned that the party included a truffle dinner with Barolo wine, along with a Covid-positive person and the attendance cost is reported to be £110. The Daily Beast reported citing Italian police that one anti-vaxxer wrote online: "I am urgently looking for a positive and I am willing to pay." ALSO READ | Boris Johnson's staff accused of hosting Covid rule-breaking parties on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral An infectious disease expert Pier Luigi Lopalco told Italian television that such Covid parties were against the law and he demanded arrests of those involved. "This uses the same logic as playing Russian roulette. For a person who has never had COVID, who has not been vaccinated, encountering this virus can mean a mild form of the disease, but it can also it means ending up in intensive care," he was quoted as saying in local media reports. "The discriminating factor between these two occurrences, probably, lies in genetics. And there is nothing that can be done to know in advance," he added. Pox parties in Australia? Reports quoted the Queensland chief health officer John Gerrard as saying as he thrashed the notion as "utterly ridiculous". He added, "The best way to get immunity to this virus is through vaccination, not through these parties. Please, please stop." ALSO READ | Prince Andrew's trials and tribulations: The sex assault case saga so far What are pox parties? Similar reports have also emerged from Australia as health authorities of Queensland condemned "pox parties" that were held by groups of unvaccinated residents on the Gold Coast. The reports of such parties were first published by the Australia-based Gold Coast Bulletin. The concept of mingling with a person with viral infection or flu has been practised. It is popularly known as pox parties, also known as flu parties. Such parties are social activities in which people, especially children are deliberately exposed to infectious diseases such as chickenpox. Some reports have claimed that such parties originated so that people can avoid vaccines or if vaccines are not available or maybe if a person is unable to take vaccines due to health reasons. But are such practices wise in the case of coronavirus which is deadly and highly infectious? ×

What are pox parties? Why are some Italians paying for dinner with people infected with COVID-19?

<p>When Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain was hospitalized with COVID in April 2020, the alarming news bulletin came soon after a televised address by Queen Elizabeth II in which she reassured the British public that after the pandemic ebbed, “We will meet again.”</p>

<p>Stoic, dignified and comforting, the queen’s words helped anchor the country during the fretful days that followed — not the first time the monarchy has acted as a stabilizing force for the government during tumultuous events.</p>

<p>This week, however, both of these grand British institutions pitched simultaneously into crisis. On Wednesday, Johnson admitted attending a garden party not long after he had recovered from the virus, which violated lockdown rules and set off a chorus of calls for him to resign. Hours later, a federal judge in Manhattan rejected a bid by the queen’s second son, Prince Andrew, to throw out a sex abuse lawsuit against him.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Buckingham Palace announced that it would force Andrew to relinquish all his military titles and the honorific, “His Royal Highness.” He “is defending this case as a private citizen,” the palace said in a terse statement that underscored the finality of the prince’s exile from royal life.</p>

<p>While these cases are about starkly different issues, they both feature privileged middle-aged men under fire for their behavior, raising age-old questions of class, entitlement and double standards.</p>

<p>“Boris Johnson and Prince Andrew,” Alastair Campbell, a former communications director for Prime Minister Tony Blair, said in a Twitter post. “What an image the world is getting of Global Britain.”</p>

<p>Campbell was involved in a now-celebrated episode in which a more stable government helped a monarchy in crisis: In 1997, he and Blair, a popular Labour leader coming off a landslide election victory, persuaded the queen to strike a more empathetic tone in reacting to the death of Princess Diana in a car crash. That defused a growing tide of resentment against the monarch.</p>

<p>“Normally,” Campbell said, “they avoid crises at the same time.”</p>

<p>Commentators said, half in jest, that the legal ruling against Andrew, 61, helped Johnson, 57, because it deflected attention from his grilling in the House of Commons, where opposition lawmakers accused him of lying and demanded that he resign. But both men are at the mercy of forces largely out of their control.</p>

<p>Johnson has asked lawmakers to defer judgment on him, pending the results of an internal investigation into Downing Street’s parties by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray. If she determines that Johnson misled Parliament in his previous statements, it will almost certainly cost him his job.</p>

<p>Andrew, by failing to win the dismissal of a suit brought by Virginia Giuffre, faces the prospect of damning disclosures in depositions of him and Giuffre, who claimed he raped her when she was a teenager. She says she was trafficked to Andrew by his friend, convicted sex predator Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew flatly denies the charge and has said he has no recollection of meeting Giuffre.</p>

<p>What the two cases have in common, critics said, is a lack of accountability on the part of the main actors.</p>

<p>Johnson, in apologizing for the party, acknowledged the anger that the public would feel “when they think in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules.” But he insisted that he viewed the gathering as a “work event” — one that he attended for only 25 minutes — an alibi that placed the blame on his subordinates who organized the gathering.</p>

<p>Andrew has not commented on his legal setback. But he and his lawyers have maneuvered to avoid confronting Giuffre’s accusations at a trial. He scrambled to avoid being served with legal papers in Britain. His lawyers tried to get the case dismissed on jurisdictional grounds and, most recently, on the basis of a settlement agreement between Giuffre and Epstein.</p>

<p>With so much at stake, especially in a year in which the queen is celebrating 70 years on the throne, royal watchers speculate that Andrew will seek his own settlement with Giuffre. Who would pay that settlement and with what money are already questions being asked by British newspapers.</p>

<p>Buckingham Palace’s announcement that it would remove Andrew’s military titles and deny him “His Royal Highness” suggests he has no path to rehabilitate himself. It is the kind of ruthless action that Conservative Party lawmakers have yet to take against Johnson, despite their frustration with him.</p>

<p>As a constitutional monarch, the queen will steer clear of any questions about Johnson’s political future — or of politics in general. But that does not mean she is without influence. Legal experts say the monarchy, because of its longevity and constancy, can have a moderating effect on the most extreme forces in politics.</p>

<p>“The monarchy acts as a ‘balance wheel,’ in the sense of being an institution that, when political actors have tipped the ship of state too far in one direction, can tip it back in the other,” said Harold Hongju Koh, an American legal scholar who is a visiting professor at the University of Oxford this year.</p>

<p>It is a delicate balance. In late 2019, Johnson came under criticism for asking the queen to approve his government’s suspension of Parliament, a move that Britain’s Supreme Court later ruled unlawful because it was designed to squelch debate over his plans to pull the country out of the European Union.</p>

<p>Unlike in April 2020, when the queen sent an ailing Johnson her best wishes, she is almost certain to remain silent about his current plight. If anything, her disciplined adherence to social distancing rules — captured most poignantly when she grieved alone in a choir stall at the funeral of her husband, Prince Philip, last year — is a vivid contrast to the prime minister’s after-work socializing.</p>

<p>For Johnson, the illicit parties are so damaging because they register with the public in a way that other scandals, like the costly redecoration of his apartment on Downing Street or his defense of an ethically challenged lawmaker, do not. The sense of a double standard, once implanted, is hard to shake.</p>

<p>“Most people are not interested in politics, and so many issues which excite the political commentators have no resonance with them. But this is different,” said Vernon Bogdanor, a professor of government at King’s College London. “There are so many people who could not see elderly, ailing or dying relatives during this period,” he said. “They will tell their family and friends.”</p>


When Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain was hospitalized with COVID in April 2020, the alarming news bulletin came soon after a televised address by Queen Elizabeth II in which she reassured the British public that after the pandemic ebbed, “We will meet again.

When Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain was hospitalized with COVID in April 2020, the alarming news bulletin came soon after a televised address by Queen Elizabeth II in which she reassured the British public that after the pandemic ebbed, “We will meet again.” Stoic, dignified and comforting, the queen’s words helped anchor the country during the fretful days that followed — not the first time the monarchy has acted as a stabilizing force for the government during tumultuous events. This week, however, both of these grand British institutions pitched simultaneously into crisis. On Wednesday, Johnson admitted attending a garden party not long after he had recovered from the virus, which violated lockdown rules and set off a chorus of calls for him to resign. Hours later, a federal judge in Manhattan rejected a bid by the queen’s second son, Prince Andrew, to throw out a sex abuse lawsuit against him. On Thursday, Buckingham Palace announced that it would force Andrew to relinquish all his military titles and the honorific, “His Royal Highness.” He “is defending this case as a private citizen,” the palace said in a terse statement that underscored the finality of the prince’s exile from royal life. While these cases are about starkly different issues, they both feature privileged middle-aged men under fire for their behavior, raising age-old questions of class, entitlement and double standards. “Boris Johnson and Prince Andrew,” Alastair Campbell, a former communications director for Prime Minister Tony Blair, said in a Twitter post. “What an image the world is getting of Global Britain.” Campbell was involved in a now-celebrated episode in which a more stable government helped a monarchy in crisis: In 1997, he and Blair, a popular Labour leader coming off a landslide election victory, persuaded the queen to strike a more empathetic tone in reacting to the death of Princess Diana in a car crash. That defused a growing tide of resentment against the monarch. “Normally,” Campbell said, “they avoid crises at the same time.” Commentators said, half in jest, that the legal ruling against Andrew, 61, helped Johnson, 57, because it deflected attention from his grilling in the House of Commons, where opposition lawmakers accused him of lying and demanded that he resign. But both men are at the mercy of forces largely out of their control. Johnson has asked lawmakers to defer judgment on him, pending the results of an internal investigation into Downing Street’s parties by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray. If she determines that Johnson misled Parliament in his previous statements, it will almost certainly cost him his job. Andrew, by failing to win the dismissal of a suit brought by Virginia Giuffre, faces the prospect of damning disclosures in depositions of him and Giuffre, who claimed he raped her when she was a teenager. She says she was trafficked to Andrew by his friend, convicted sex predator Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew flatly denies the charge and has said he has no recollection of meeting Giuffre. What the two cases have in common, critics said, is a lack of accountability on the part of the main actors. Johnson, in apologizing for the party, acknowledged the anger that the public would feel “when they think in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules.” But he insisted that he viewed the gathering as a “work event” — one that he attended for only 25 minutes — an alibi that placed the blame on his subordinates who organized the gathering. Andrew has not commented on his legal setback. But he and his lawyers have maneuvered to avoid confronting Giuffre’s accusations at a trial. He scrambled to avoid being served with legal papers in Britain. His lawyers tried to get the case dismissed on jurisdictional grounds and, most recently, on the basis of a settlement agreement between Giuffre and Epstein. With so much at stake, especially in a year in which the queen is celebrating 70 years on the throne, royal watchers speculate that Andrew will seek his own settlement with Giuffre. Who would pay that settlement and with what money are already questions being asked by British newspapers. Buckingham Palace’s announcement that it would remove Andrew’s military titles and deny him “His Royal Highness” suggests he has no path to rehabilitate himself. It is the kind of ruthless action that Conservative Party lawmakers have yet to take against Johnson, despite their frustration with him. As a constitutional monarch, the queen will steer clear of any questions about Johnson’s political future — or of politics in general. But that does not mean she is without influence. Legal experts say the monarchy, because of its longevity and constancy, can have a moderating effect on the most extreme forces in politics. “The monarchy acts as a ‘balance wheel,’ in the sense of being an institution that, when political actors have tipped the ship of state too far in one direction, can tip it back in the other,” said Harold Hongju Koh, an American legal scholar who is a visiting professor at the University of Oxford this year. It is a delicate balance. In late 2019, Johnson came under criticism for asking the queen to approve his government’s suspension of Parliament, a move that Britain’s Supreme Court later ruled unlawful because it was designed to squelch debate over his plans to pull the country out of the European Union. Unlike in April 2020, when the queen sent an ailing Johnson her best wishes, she is almost certain to remain silent about his current plight. If anything, her disciplined adherence to social distancing rules — captured most poignantly when she grieved alone in a choir stall at the funeral of her husband, Prince Philip, last year — is a vivid contrast to the prime minister’s after-work socializing. For Johnson, the illicit parties are so damaging because they register with the public in a way that other scandals, like the costly redecoration of his apartment on Downing Street or his defense of an ethically challenged lawmaker, do not. The sense of a double standard, once implanted, is hard to shake. “Most people are not interested in politics, and so many issues which excite the political commentators have no resonance with them. But this is different,” said Vernon Bogdanor, a professor of government at King’s College London. “There are so many people who could not see elderly, ailing or dying relatives during this period,” he said. “They will tell their family and friends.”

Twin crises for monarchy and government

<p>Amid a high-risk situation due to the rising coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, Hong Kong has decided to suspend transit flights from around 150 countries and territories considered dangerous for a month. The suspension will come into force on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement on its website, the Hong Kong International Airport said: "Passenger transfer/transit services via Hong Kong International Airport for any persons who have stayed in Group A specified place(s) in the past 21 days will be suspended."&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the statement, any persons who have stayed in places classified as high risk by health authorities in the 21 days before travelling cannot transit through the city from January 16 until February 15.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-new-covid-19-treatments-approved-by-world-health-organization-444562">Two new COVID-19 treatments approved by World Health Organization</a></strong></p>

<p>Hong Kong currently classifies more than 150 countries and territories as high risk and the latest measure was taken "in order to control the spread of the highly infectious Omicron variant".</p>

<p>Since the 'variant of concern' Omicron was detected in November last year, Hong Kong has seen around 50 cases caused by it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, Hong Kong banned incoming flights from Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Britain and the United States, including interchanges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the authorities have tightened the quarantine restrictions on aircrew and reintroduced curbs on social life.</p>

<p><strong>New COVID-19 treatments</strong></p>

<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved two new treatments of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Friday (January 14) amid a sharp rise in the virus cases globally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Arthritis drug baricitinib used with corticosteroids to treat severe or critical Covid patients led to better survival rates and reduced need for ventilators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, the experts also recommended synthetic antibody treatment Sotrovimab for people with non-serious Covid at highest risk of hospitalisation, such as the elderly, people with immunodeficiencies or chronic diseases such as diabetes.</p>

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Amid a high-risk situation due to the rising coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, Hong Kong has decided to suspend transit flights from around 150 countries and territories considered dangerous for a month.

Amid a high-risk situation due to the rising coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, Hong Kong has decided to suspend transit flights from around 150 countries and territories considered dangerous for a month. The suspension will come into force on Sunday. In a statement on its website, the Hong Kong International Airport said: "Passenger transfer/transit services via Hong Kong International Airport for any persons who have stayed in Group A specified place(s) in the past 21 days will be suspended." As per the statement, any persons who have stayed in places classified as high risk by health authorities in the 21 days before travelling cannot transit through the city from January 16 until February 15. ALSO READ | Two new COVID-19 treatments approved by World Health Organization Hong Kong currently classifies more than 150 countries and territories as high risk and the latest measure was taken "in order to control the spread of the highly infectious Omicron variant". Since the 'variant of concern' Omicron was detected in November last year, Hong Kong has seen around 50 cases caused by it. Previously, Hong Kong banned incoming flights from Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Britain and the United States, including interchanges. Meanwhile, the authorities have tightened the quarantine restrictions on aircrew and reintroduced curbs on social life. New COVID-19 treatments The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved two new treatments of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Friday (January 14) amid a sharp rise in the virus cases globally. Arthritis drug baricitinib used with corticosteroids to treat severe or critical Covid patients led to better survival rates and reduced need for ventilators. Also, the experts also recommended synthetic antibody treatment Sotrovimab for people with non-serious Covid at highest risk of hospitalisation, such as the elderly, people with immunodeficiencies or chronic diseases such as diabetes. ×

Amid COVID-19 threat, Hong Kong suspends transit flights from around 150 countries

<p>Amid growing calls of resignation, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised on Wednesday (January 12) for attending a party held in the Downing Street office during coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in May 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From COVID-19 handling to expensive refurbishment of his apartment, Boris has been facing criticism over a range of issues and the reports of lockdown-breaching parties came as a massive blow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Important to note that the latest update about the gathering at Downing Street is different from the wine and cheese garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15 and a photo of the same went viral.</p>

<p>Boris has been facing criticism from not only the opposition leaders, as some senior Tories have also called for him to resign and the latest piece of news has angered common people over the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-would-be-a-better-prime-minister-for-uk-than-boris-johnson-poll-443631">Rishi Sunak would be a better prime minister for UK than Boris Johnson: Poll</a></strong></p>

<p>The news was brought to notice by Dominic Cummings, who is a former aide of PM Johnson. In his blog post, he wrote that the investigation should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Keir Starmer, leader of the main opposition Labour party, said the public believed Johnson was "lying through his teeth". "The only question is will the British public kick him out, will his party kick him out, or will he do the decent thing and resign? The prime minister's a man without shame," Starmer added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Senior Conservative MP Roger Gale said it was now clear that Johnson had misled parliament and was, politically, a "dead man walking". "Unfortunately what the prime minister has said today leaves people like me in an impossible situation," he told the BBC, warning that Tory backbenchers could now hold a no-confidence vote.</p>

<p>Nigel Mills, another Conservative lawmaker, said: "If the prime minister knowingly attended a party I don't see how he can survive, having accepted resignations for far less."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bring-your-own-booze-party-row-johnson-says-sorry-as-oppn-tears-into-his-worthless-apology-444158">‘Bring your own booze party’ row: Johnson says sorry as oppn tears into his ‘worthless’ apology</a></strong></p>

<p>In his apology, Boris said that he did not appreciate how the event would look to millions of Britons who were respecting Covid rules, even missing out on farewells to dying relatives.</p>

<p>"And to them and to this House I offer my heartfelt apologies," Johnson said in the UK's House of Commons. "With hindsight I should have sent everyone back inside. I should have found some other way to thank them (his staff)," he added, admitting he had been present for about 25 minutes.</p>

<p>After the apology, netizens have flooded the social media platforms with memes&nbsp;to criticise Boris Johnson. Take a look at some of the reactions starting with Irish airline Ryanair's post in which UK PM's face has been used in an edited party-related meme with the caption: "Boris Johnson for 25 minutes on 20 May 2020".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Boris Johnson for 25 minutes on 20 May 2020 <a href="https://t.co/pFqIz6dIqr">pic.twitter.com/pFqIz6dIqr</a></p>
— Ryanair (@Ryanair) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ryanair/status/1481238702013796352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I'm 86, I've seen 17 Prime Ministers, some good, some bad - but Boris Johnson is the first who through a mixture of arrogance incompetence and dishonesty has actually managed to make the people less healthy and less wealthy, whilst simultaneously undermining democracy.<br />
Go. Now. <a href="https://t.co/kaRVoUz7z7">pic.twitter.com/kaRVoUz7z7</a></p>
— Roger Roberts (@LordRRoberts) <a href="https://twitter.com/LordRRoberts/status/1480888761730969604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Very striking that <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> speaks again and again of “mistakes made” &amp; “mistakes we made” but he can’t bring himself to add the word “I”. Begs the question - is he apologising for his behaviour, that of his staff or just how things look?</p>
— Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) <a href="https://twitter.com/bbcnickrobinson/status/1481240279550251010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s not the crime that gets you, it’s the cover-up!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrinceAndrew?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrinceAndrew</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BorisJohnson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BorisJohnson</a> <a href="https://t.co/5tiZrbL9I3">pic.twitter.com/5tiZrbL9I3</a></p>
— Andy (@andy64410137) <a href="https://twitter.com/andy64410137/status/1481286509496094724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No lockdown rules were broken in this meme. 🤣<a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> - What I would have given for a party with my mates (or even work colleagues) in May 2020! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/uk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#uk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/covid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#covid</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/government?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#government</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shambles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shambles</a> <a href="https://t.co/2ZIVQtxHaY">pic.twitter.com/2ZIVQtxHaY</a></p>
— Kevin McKay (@kevinmckay) <a href="https://twitter.com/kevinmckay/status/1481307146084040707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Excuse me whilst I just post <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/borisjohnson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#borisjohnson</a> memes all night <a href="https://t.co/7kNEVjalog">pic.twitter.com/7kNEVjalog</a></p>
— LunaStar #F4VL (@LunaStarx1) <a href="https://twitter.com/LunaStarx1/status/1481316728059617285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">go on then <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> <a href="https://t.co/49FTFuGMMO">pic.twitter.com/49FTFuGMMO</a></p>
— janine (@janinemas0nn) <a href="https://twitter.com/janinemas0nn/status/1481360807015419904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I saw this posted on LinkedIn. Sadly I don't know who created it, but I thought <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> might find it useful. <a href="https://t.co/Iftbs45npa">pic.twitter.com/Iftbs45npa</a></p>
— Martin Bunny-hugging Wokeateer (@StarlingMoss) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarlingMoss/status/1481398879748829192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">no one:<br />
<br />
boris johnson on 20th of may 2020: <a href="https://t.co/tXXn6QlFmz">pic.twitter.com/tXXn6QlFmz</a></p>
— Dobby Club (@DobbyClub06) <a href="https://twitter.com/DobbyClub06/status/1481304818207580165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“Unlike Boris Johnson I can tell you that I wasn’t at the Downing Street drinks party during lockdown because, unlike Boris Johnson, I don’t think the rules are just for other people.” <a href="https://t.co/SQtJx4e25b">pic.twitter.com/SQtJx4e25b</a></p>
— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) <a href="https://twitter.com/Number10cat/status/1480903951079849989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Amid growing calls of resignation, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised on Wednesday (January 12) for attending a party held in the Downing Street office during coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in May 2020.

Amid growing calls of resignation, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised on Wednesday (January 12) for attending a party held in the Downing Street office during coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in May 2020. From COVID-19 handling to expensive refurbishment of his apartment, Boris has been facing criticism over a range of issues and the reports of lockdown-breaching parties came as a massive blow. Important to note that the latest update about the gathering at Downing Street is different from the wine and cheese garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15 and a photo of the same went viral. Boris has been facing criticism from not only the opposition leaders, as some senior Tories have also called for him to resign and the latest piece of news has angered common people over the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country. ALSO READ | Rishi Sunak would be a better prime minister for UK than Boris Johnson: Poll The news was brought to notice by Dominic Cummings, who is a former aide of PM Johnson. In his blog post, he wrote that the investigation should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020. Keir Starmer, leader of the main opposition Labour party, said the public believed Johnson was "lying through his teeth". "The only question is will the British public kick him out, will his party kick him out, or will he do the decent thing and resign? The prime minister's a man without shame," Starmer added. Senior Conservative MP Roger Gale said it was now clear that Johnson had misled parliament and was, politically, a "dead man walking". "Unfortunately what the prime minister has said today leaves people like me in an impossible situation," he told the BBC, warning that Tory backbenchers could now hold a no-confidence vote. Nigel Mills, another Conservative lawmaker, said: "If the prime minister knowingly attended a party I don't see how he can survive, having accepted resignations for far less." ALSO READ | ‘Bring your own booze party’ row: Johnson says sorry as oppn tears into his ‘worthless’ apology In his apology, Boris said that he did not appreciate how the event would look to millions of Britons who were respecting Covid rules, even missing out on farewells to dying relatives. "And to them and to this House I offer my heartfelt apologies," Johnson said in the UK's House of Commons. "With hindsight I should have sent everyone back inside. I should have found some other way to thank them (his staff)," he added, admitting he had been present for about 25 minutes. After the apology, netizens have flooded the social media platforms with memes to criticise Boris Johnson. Take a look at some of the reactions starting with Irish airline Ryanair's post in which UK PM's face has been used in an edited party-related meme with the caption: "Boris Johnson for 25 minutes on 20 May 2020". Boris Johnson for 25 minutes on 20 May 2020 pic.twitter.com/pFqIz6dIqr — Ryanair (@Ryanair) January 12, 2022 × I'm 86, I've seen 17 Prime Ministers, some good, some bad - but Boris Johnson is the first who through a mixture of arrogance incompetence and dishonesty has actually managed to make the people less healthy and less wealthy, whilst simultaneously undermining democracy. Go. Now. pic.twitter.com/kaRVoUz7z7 — Roger Roberts (@LordRRoberts) January 11, 2022 × Very striking that @BorisJohnson speaks again and again of “mistakes made” & “mistakes we made” but he can’t bring himself to add the word “I”. Begs the question - is he apologising for his behaviour, that of his staff or just how things look? — Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) January 12, 2022 × It’s not the crime that gets you, it’s the cover-up!#PrinceAndrew #BorisJohnson pic.twitter.com/5tiZrbL9I3 — Andy (@andy64410137) January 12, 2022 × No lockdown rules were broken in this meme. 🤣@BorisJohnson - What I would have given for a party with my mates (or even work colleagues) in May 2020! #uk #covid #government #shambles pic.twitter.com/2ZIVQtxHaY — Kevin McKay (@kevinmckay) January 12, 2022 × Excuse me whilst I just post #borisjohnson memes all night pic.twitter.com/7kNEVjalog — LunaStar #F4VL (@LunaStarx1) January 12, 2022 × go on then @BorisJohnson pic.twitter.com/49FTFuGMMO — janine (@janinemas0nn) January 12, 2022 × I saw this posted on LinkedIn. Sadly I don't know who created it, but I thought @BorisJohnson might find it useful. pic.twitter.com/Iftbs45npa — Martin Bunny-hugging Wokeateer (@StarlingMoss) January 12, 2022 × no one: boris johnson on 20th of may 2020: pic.twitter.com/tXXn6QlFmz — Dobby Club (@DobbyClub06) January 12, 2022 × “Unlike Boris Johnson I can tell you that I wasn’t at the Downing Street drinks party during lockdown because, unlike Boris Johnson, I don’t think the rules are just for other people.” pic.twitter.com/SQtJx4e25b — Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) January 11, 2022 × ×

'It was a forced apology': Netizens slam Boris Johnson for 'bring your own booze' party at Downing Street

<p>European Medicines Agency (EMA) the European Union's drug regulator said on Tuesday (January 11) that the strategy of administering repeated booster doses at short intervals was not viable as a long-term response to COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>A fourth dose of Pfizer-BioNTech shot is already being administered to people over the age of 60 in Israel. Doses are also being given to immunocompromised patients and healthcare workers to protect them against Omicron surge.</p>

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<p>But speaking at a news conference the EMA's Head of Vaccines Strategy, Marco Cavaleri, said a second booster could be a contingency measure, particularly in the most vulnerable, but that repeated, frequent vaccination was not viable in the long-term.</p>

<p>"We will end up potentially having problems with immune response, and immune response may end up not being as good as we would like it to be," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-over-50-of-europeans-on-track-to-contract-omicron-variant-of-coronavirus-443861">WHO says over 50% of Europeans on track to contract Omicron variant of coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>"Secondly, of course, there is the risk of fatiguing the population with the continuous administration of boosters," he told a news conference.</p>

<p>Fourth dose of Covid vaccine is being given to "the most vulnerable citizens" in Denmark as well.</p>

<p>Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said the move marked a "new chapter" in the fight against the spread of the Covid-19 virus.</p>

<p>Health authorities said those concerned would be contacted by early next week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Heunicke also announced the re-opening of cultural institutions, closed since December 19 in a country where 3,433 people have died since the start of the pandemic, according to latest official data published Wednesday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


European Medicines Agency (EMA) the European Union's drug regulator said on Tuesday (January 11) that the strategy of administering repeated booster doses at short intervals was not viable as a long-term response to COVID-19 pandemic.

European Medicines Agency (EMA) the European Union's drug regulator said on Tuesday (January 11) that the strategy of administering repeated booster doses at short intervals was not viable as a long-term response to COVID-19 pandemic. A fourth dose of Pfizer-BioNTech shot is already being administered to people over the age of 60 in Israel. Doses are also being given to immunocompromised patients and healthcare workers to protect them against Omicron surge. × But speaking at a news conference the EMA's Head of Vaccines Strategy, Marco Cavaleri, said a second booster could be a contingency measure, particularly in the most vulnerable, but that repeated, frequent vaccination was not viable in the long-term. "We will end up potentially having problems with immune response, and immune response may end up not being as good as we would like it to be," he said. Also Read | WHO says over 50% of Europeans on track to contract Omicron variant of coronavirus "Secondly, of course, there is the risk of fatiguing the population with the continuous administration of boosters," he told a news conference. Fourth dose of Covid vaccine is being given to "the most vulnerable citizens" in Denmark as well. Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said the move marked a "new chapter" in the fight against the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Health authorities said those concerned would be contacted by early next week. Heunicke also announced the re-opening of cultural institutions, closed since December 19 in a country where 3,433 people have died since the start of the pandemic, according to latest official data published Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

EU says repeated boosters against Covid not a viable strategy

<p>France faced biggest strike of teachers as tens of thousands of educators walked off the job on Thursday and marched on streets protesting the government's Covid strategy for schools. They demanded better protection for pupils and staff against infection</p>

<p>"Stop your contempt," and "We're fed up with tests" teachers proclaimed on banners in rallies across France, calling for the government to provide them with FFP2 face-masks and to stop changing the rules so often.</p>

<p>Covid rules for schools have seen too many changes in France enraging teachers, parents and school directors</p>

<p>New testing requirements announced a day before schools restarted after the Christmas holidays and changed twice since increased the anger.</p>

<p>"We had reached such a level of exasperation, tiredness, and anger that we didn't have any other option but to organise a strike to send a strong message to the government," said union leader Elisabeth Allain-Moreno.</p>

<p>Many at the rallies called for the resignation of Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer. A government source said he was unlikely to lose his job so close to April's presidential election.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Jean Castex will, however, meet teachers' representatives later on Thursday, his office said, in a sign the government was keen to try and quell their anger.</p>

<p>The government has so far stood by its policy to keep classes open and requiring all pupils in contact with an infected person to get tested three times. Some degree of complication is the price to pay to keep schools open, it said.</p>

<p>"I know it's tough, but a strike does not solve problems. One does not strike against a virus," Blanquer told BFM TV earlier this week.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


France faced biggest strike of teachers as tens of thousands of educators walked off the job on Thursday and marched on streets protesting the government's Covid strategy for schools.

France faced biggest strike of teachers as tens of thousands of educators walked off the job on Thursday and marched on streets protesting the government's Covid strategy for schools. They demanded better protection for pupils and staff against infection "Stop your contempt," and "We're fed up with tests" teachers proclaimed on banners in rallies across France, calling for the government to provide them with FFP2 face-masks and to stop changing the rules so often. Covid rules for schools have seen too many changes in France enraging teachers, parents and school directors New testing requirements announced a day before schools restarted after the Christmas holidays and changed twice since increased the anger. "We had reached such a level of exasperation, tiredness, and anger that we didn't have any other option but to organise a strike to send a strong message to the government," said union leader Elisabeth Allain-Moreno. Many at the rallies called for the resignation of Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer. A government source said he was unlikely to lose his job so close to April's presidential election. Prime Minister Jean Castex will, however, meet teachers' representatives later on Thursday, his office said, in a sign the government was keen to try and quell their anger. The government has so far stood by its policy to keep classes open and requiring all pupils in contact with an infected person to get tested three times. Some degree of complication is the price to pay to keep schools open, it said. "I know it's tough, but a strike does not solve problems. One does not strike against a virus," Blanquer told BFM TV earlier this week. (With inputs from agencies)

France: Teachers walk off jobs, protest Covid strategy

<p>World number one Novak Djokovic's new calendar year hasn't begun on the right note. The Serbian landed in Melbourne last week to take part in the Australian Open along with a medical exemption for Covid-19 vaccination, from the Victorian government. However, his visa wasn't cleared and his exemption was tarnished by the authorities at the airport as the 34-year-old was send to a detention centre, i.e. an immigration hotel in Melbourne, for four days.</p>

<p>On Monday (January 10), Djokovic won the court case against the Australian government as the&nbsp;Judge Anthony Kelly ordered the visa cancellation decision to be overturned and granted the Serbian's release from detention with immediate effect.&nbsp;In their court filings, the tennis star Djokovic's lawyers had mentioned that he had tested positive for COVID-19 in December 2021, hence, was granted a 'medical exemption' as the No. 1 ranked player was ineligible to get the jab for the next six months.</p>

<p>While Djokovic has started training in a bid for his 21st Grand Slam title during the forthcoming Australian Open, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has a discretionary personal power which allows him to cancel the player's visa and get him deported out of the country. Hence, all is not over for the tennis superstar. In addition, Djokovic&nbsp;could face five-year jail term&nbsp;if he is found to have lied about his positive Covid test in Australia.</p>

<p>The Serbian sensationally admitted to lying on his entry declaration form&nbsp;and also interacted with others while knowingly infected with the deadly virus. In a sworn court affidavit relied upon by the Federal Circuit Court, Djokovic admitted of being aware of having the infection on 16 December. He said, "On 16 December 2021, I was tested and diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 (Covid)."</p>

<p>However, Djokovic contradicted his own statements and later mentioned in a public statement he was aware of carrying the virus only on 17 December. Under Australia’s Crimes Act, providing misleading information to the court is a crime for which one can be punishable for five years in prison.</p>

<p>Taking his original statement into account, Djokovic, thus, admitted to have broken Serbia’s Covid protocols and was seen out and about despite being positive. For the unversed, the Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic had told the BBC&nbsp;that roaming outside despite a positive report&nbsp;is a ‘clear breach’.</p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-2022-novak-djokovic-ashleigh-barty-get-top-billings-rafael-nadal-to-begin-as-6th-seed-443969"><strong>Australian Open 2022: Novak Djokovic, Ashleigh Barty get top billings, Rafael Nadal to begin as 6th seed</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>More trouble for the Serbian?</strong></p>

<p>Per Article 248 - ‘Failure to Act Pursuant to Health Regulations During Epidemic’ - whoever doesn't adhere to the rules, he, or she, will face a maximum penalty of three years in prison. The findings have come forward following reports that the Australian Border Force is investigating Djokovic after concerns that the Serbian had incorrectly declared he had not travelled - and would not do so for 14 days - prior to his flight to&nbsp;Australia.</p>

<p>Recently, social media posts had made heads turn which appeared to show that Djokovic was in Belgrade on Christmas Day before flying Down Under -- from Spain -- on January 4. On Wednesday (January 12), the tennis star shared a lengthy post on his Instagram handle, where he shifted the blame of his agent who made a mistake in filling his travel form.</p>

<p>Djokovic wrote on his Instagram post, "My agent sincerely apologises for the administrative mistake in ticking the incorrect box about my previous travel before coming to Australia,” said Djokovic. “This was a human error and certainly not deliberate," he further added.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYnO7cDqbdj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Novak Djokovic (@djokernole)</a></p>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-court-battle-novak-djokovic-returns-to-court-everything-you-need-to-know-about-australian-open-saga-443968"><strong>After court battle, Novak Djokovic returns to court: Everything you need to know about Australian Open saga</strong></a></p>

<p>As of now, the sporting fraternity have their eyes glued on the Australian immigration minister, who can still cancel Djokovic's visa and order his deportation, banning him from entering Australia for a period of three years. A decision is expected on Thursday (January 13).&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, the Australian Open 2022 edition is set to get underway on January 17.</p>

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World number one Novak Djokovic's new calendar year hasn't begun on the right note. The Serbian landed in Melbourne last week to take part in the Australian Open along with a medical exemption for Covid-19 vaccination, from the Victorian government.

World number one Novak Djokovic's new calendar year hasn't begun on the right note. The Serbian landed in Melbourne last week to take part in the Australian Open along with a medical exemption for Covid-19 vaccination, from the Victorian government. However, his visa wasn't cleared and his exemption was tarnished by the authorities at the airport as the 34-year-old was send to a detention centre, i.e. an immigration hotel in Melbourne, for four days. On Monday (January 10), Djokovic won the court case against the Australian government as the Judge Anthony Kelly ordered the visa cancellation decision to be overturned and granted the Serbian's release from detention with immediate effect. In their court filings, the tennis star Djokovic's lawyers had mentioned that he had tested positive for COVID-19 in December 2021, hence, was granted a 'medical exemption' as the No. 1 ranked player was ineligible to get the jab for the next six months. While Djokovic has started training in a bid for his 21st Grand Slam title during the forthcoming Australian Open, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has a discretionary personal power which allows him to cancel the player's visa and get him deported out of the country. Hence, all is not over for the tennis superstar. In addition, Djokovic could face five-year jail term if he is found to have lied about his positive Covid test in Australia. The Serbian sensationally admitted to lying on his entry declaration form and also interacted with others while knowingly infected with the deadly virus. In a sworn court affidavit relied upon by the Federal Circuit Court, Djokovic admitted of being aware of having the infection on 16 December. He said, "On 16 December 2021, I was tested and diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 (Covid)." However, Djokovic contradicted his own statements and later mentioned in a public statement he was aware of carrying the virus only on 17 December. Under Australia’s Crimes Act, providing misleading information to the court is a crime for which one can be punishable for five years in prison. Taking his original statement into account, Djokovic, thus, admitted to have broken Serbia’s Covid protocols and was seen out and about despite being positive. For the unversed, the Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic had told the BBC that roaming outside despite a positive report is a ‘clear breach’. × ALSO READ | Australian Open 2022: Novak Djokovic, Ashleigh Barty get top billings, Rafael Nadal to begin as 6th seed More trouble for the Serbian? Per Article 248 - ‘Failure to Act Pursuant to Health Regulations During Epidemic’ - whoever doesn't adhere to the rules, he, or she, will face a maximum penalty of three years in prison. The findings have come forward following reports that the Australian Border Force is investigating Djokovic after concerns that the Serbian had incorrectly declared he had not travelled - and would not do so for 14 days - prior to his flight to Australia. Recently, social media posts had made heads turn which appeared to show that Djokovic was in Belgrade on Christmas Day before flying Down Under -- from Spain -- on January 4. On Wednesday (January 12), the tennis star shared a lengthy post on his Instagram handle, where he shifted the blame of his agent who made a mistake in filling his travel form. Djokovic wrote on his Instagram post, "My agent sincerely apologises for the administrative mistake in ticking the incorrect box about my previous travel before coming to Australia,” said Djokovic. “This was a human error and certainly not deliberate," he further added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Novak Djokovic (@djokernole) × ALSO READ | After court battle, Novak Djokovic returns to court: Everything you need to know about Australian Open saga As of now, the sporting fraternity have their eyes glued on the Australian immigration minister, who can still cancel Djokovic's visa and order his deportation, banning him from entering Australia for a period of three years. A decision is expected on Thursday (January 13). On the other hand, the Australian Open 2022 edition is set to get underway on January 17. ×

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic could face 5-year jail term if found guilty of lying about Covid positive test

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