Authorities planned to seal off the northern tip of New Zealand with police cordons on Tuesday, as they enforce a lockdown in the region over fears of an undetected community transmission of COVID-19 there.

Part of the Northland region, about 270 km (168 miles) from the biggest city of Auckland, is to begin a level 3 lockdown from midnight, said Chris Hipkins, the minister coordinating the response to coronavirus.

The move follows two cases in the region that lacked a link to any known cases.

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&nbsp;

"It's unclear how they could have possibly picked up the virus," Hipkins told a news conference. "There could be undetected community transmission in Northland right now."

The cabinet will review on Monday the decision to seal off the area, where vaccination rates are among the lowest in the country, with just 64 per cent&nbsp;of North Island's eligible population fully vaccinated.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who was visiting Northland on Tuesday, had to abruptly halt a media conference after being continuously interrupted and heckled by at least two people, who appeared to be anti-vaxxers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/closed-under-covid-lockdown-auckland-tops-lonely-planets-list-of-cities-to-visit-in-2022-425235">Closed under Covid lockdown, Auckland tops Lonely Planet’s list of cities to visit in 2022</a>

One could be heard singing during the event, while another asked Ardern to identify a person who died in August after receiving the Pfizer vaccine, and accused her of lying to the public.

New Zealand won global praise last year for its response that stamped out the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

But it has been tougher to quash the current outbreak of the Delta variant around Auckland, forcing authorities&nbsp;to decide to live with the virus rather than an earlier strategy of elimination.

Virus curbs in Auckland were extended by a week on Monday.

Authorities planned to seal off the northern tip of New Zealand with police cordons on Tuesday, as they enforce a lockdown in the region over fears of an undetected community transmission of COVID-19 there.

Authorities planned to seal off the northern tip of New Zealand with police cordons on Tuesday, as they enforce a lockdown in the region over fears of an undetected community transmission of COVID-19 there. Part of the Northland region, about 270 km (168 miles) from the biggest city of Auckland, is to begin a level 3 lockdown from midnight, said Chris Hipkins, the minister coordinating the response to coronavirus. The move follows two cases in the region that lacked a link to any known cases. Also Read | Covid origins: China says US report without credibility, intelligence services known for 'fraud and deception' "It's unclear how they could have possibly picked up the virus," Hipkins told a news conference. "There could be undetected community transmission in Northland right now." The cabinet will review on Monday the decision to seal off the area, where vaccination rates are among the lowest in the country, with just 64 per cent of North Island's eligible population fully vaccinated. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who was visiting Northland on Tuesday, had to abruptly halt a media conference after being continuously interrupted and heckled by at least two people, who appeared to be anti-vaxxers. Also read | Closed under Covid lockdown, Auckland tops Lonely Planet’s list of cities to visit in 2022 One could be heard singing during the event, while another asked Ardern to identify a person who died in August after receiving the Pfizer vaccine, and accused her of lying to the public. New Zealand won global praise last year for its response that stamped out the coronavirus. But it has been tougher to quash the current outbreak of the Delta variant around Auckland, forcing authorities to decide to live with the virus rather than an earlier strategy of elimination. Virus curbs in Auckland were extended by a week on Monday.

New Zealand seals off northern region over suspected spread of COVID-19

Japan confirmed on Tuesday plans to gradually ease COVID-19 border curbs, but fell short of demands by business lobbies to open up in line with major trading partners.

In relaxing its controls, Japan will take a phased approach, chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters, responding to media reports that quarantine periods for business travellers would be cut to three days from 10.

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&nbsp;

The easing could start next Monday, while daily limits on the numbers of border entrants would be raised to 5,000 people later this month from 3,500, national broadcaster NHK said.

Domestic and foreign business groups have lobbied the government to ease border curbs to match other nations. The United States and European Union allow entry for travellers from most countries with proof of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccination</a>.

Overseas business groups welcomed the shorter quarantine but said the easing did not go far enough. 
A bigger problem is the remaining hold on long-term visas, said Michael Mroczek, president of the European Business Council in Japan.

"Not being able to bring essential personnel to Japan is currently the No. 1 issue for European industry," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-ruling-party-unveils-manifesto-with-focus-on-coronavirus-defence-420125">Japan's ruling party unveils manifesto with focus on coronavirus, defence</a>

Christopher LaFleur, an adviser to the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ), said relaxing was "necessary to jumpstart Japan's economic recovery from the damage of the pandemic."

He added, "The ACCJ recommends that Japan accept recognised vaccination and other health documentation issued overseas."

Japan cut its quarantine period for vaccinated people to 10 days from 14 last month when it lifted its emergency measures in much of the country.

But as other nations adopted vaccine passport systems to smooth travel, Japan has stuck to its quarantine system. One chief executive had become a "quarantine monk", he told Reuters last week, after three isolation stints after overseas trips.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party may feel it has more leeway to reform border controls after Sunday's election secured its grip on power, said Kenneth Mori McElwain, a professor of political science at the University of Tokyo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suicides-among-children-in-japan-at-record-high-during-pandemic-report-420561">Suicides among children in Japan at record high during pandemic: Report</a>

"The LDP's success in next summer's upper house election will hinge in large part on how much the economy has recovered," McElwain said.

"While international travel won't make or break the economy, it's an easy-to-observe metric that may shape public sentiment."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases have fallen dramatically as vaccinations have covered more than 70 per cent&nbsp;of the population. New infections in Tokyo slid to 9 on Monday, versus more than 5,000 each day during the August wave driven by the infectious Delta variant.

Vaccine checks and testing around international trips should be enough to keep down infections now that the pandemic has ebbed, said Haruka Sakamoto, a physician and researcher at Keio University.

Watch |&nbsp;Japan: 48% decrease in cases of COVID-19

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-48-decrease-in-cases-of-covid-19-419319/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"People who have received two doses of vaccine should not be quarantined," she said. "Strict border controls are causing a significant negative impact on Japan`s business and international students."

Elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific, Australia and Thailand significantly eased their border curbs on Monday, for the first time in 18 months.

Japan confirmed on Tuesday plans to gradually ease COVID-19 border curbs, but fell short of demands by business lobbies to open up in line with major trading partners.

Japan confirmed on Tuesday plans to gradually ease COVID-19 border curbs, but fell short of demands by business lobbies to open up in line with major trading partners. In relaxing its controls, Japan will take a phased approach, chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters, responding to media reports that quarantine periods for business travellers would be cut to three days from 10. Also Read | Japan PM Kishida vows to devote himself to ending COVID-19 crisis The easing could start next Monday, while daily limits on the numbers of border entrants would be raised to 5,000 people later this month from 3,500, national broadcaster NHK said. Domestic and foreign business groups have lobbied the government to ease border curbs to match other nations. The United States and European Union allow entry for travellers from most countries with proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Overseas business groups welcomed the shorter quarantine but said the easing did not go far enough. A bigger problem is the remaining hold on long-term visas, said Michael Mroczek, president of the European Business Council in Japan. "Not being able to bring essential personnel to Japan is currently the No. 1 issue for European industry," he said. Also read | Japan's ruling party unveils manifesto with focus on coronavirus, defence Christopher LaFleur, an adviser to the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ), said relaxing was "necessary to jumpstart Japan's economic recovery from the damage of the pandemic." He added, "The ACCJ recommends that Japan accept recognised vaccination and other health documentation issued overseas." Japan cut its quarantine period for vaccinated people to 10 days from 14 last month when it lifted its emergency measures in much of the country. But as other nations adopted vaccine passport systems to smooth travel, Japan has stuck to its quarantine system. One chief executive had become a "quarantine monk", he told Reuters last week, after three isolation stints after overseas trips. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party may feel it has more leeway to reform border controls after Sunday's election secured its grip on power, said Kenneth Mori McElwain, a professor of political science at the University of Tokyo. Also read | Suicides among children in Japan at record high during pandemic: Report "The LDP's success in next summer's upper house election will hinge in large part on how much the economy has recovered," McElwain said. "While international travel won't make or break the economy, it's an easy-to-observe metric that may shape public sentiment." COVID-19 cases have fallen dramatically as vaccinations have covered more than 70 per cent of the population. New infections in Tokyo slid to 9 on Monday, versus more than 5,000 each day during the August wave driven by the infectious Delta variant. Vaccine checks and testing around international trips should be enough to keep down infections now that the pandemic has ebbed, said Haruka Sakamoto, a physician and researcher at Keio University. Watch | Japan: 48% decrease in cases of COVID-19 "People who have received two doses of vaccine should not be quarantined," she said. "Strict border controls are causing a significant negative impact on Japan`s business and international students." Elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific, Australia and Thailand significantly eased their border curbs on Monday, for the first time in 18 months.

Japan eases COVID-19 border curbs, trails major partners

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has tested positive for COVID-19, the foreign ministry's spokesman said.

"His general condition is good and he continues working from quarantine," Saeed Khatibzadeh told state media late on Monday, adding that the minister's agenda of visits had changed.

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Earlier on Monday, the foreign ministry reported that Amirabdollahian was going to India by the end of November to attend a meeting at the Indo-Iranian Joint Economic Commission.

No further indication were made by Khatibzadeh on whether the foreign minister would be able to go to New Delhi this month.

The foreign minister of Iran does not take a direct part in negotiations over the resumption of a 2015 nuclear deal, which should resume by the end of this month.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has tested positive for COVID-19, the foreign ministry's spokesman said. "His general condition is good and he continues working from quarantine," Saeed Khatibzadeh told state media late on Monday, adding that the minister's agenda of visits had changed.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has tested positive for COVID-19, the foreign ministry's spokesman said. "His general condition is good and he continues working from quarantine," Saeed Khatibzadeh told state media late on Monday, adding that the minister's agenda of visits had changed. Also Read | White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki tests positive for COVID-19 in US Earlier on Monday, the foreign ministry reported that Amirabdollahian was going to India by the end of November to attend a meeting at the Indo-Iranian Joint Economic Commission. No further indication were made by Khatibzadeh on whether the foreign minister would be able to go to New Delhi this month. The foreign minister of Iran does not take a direct part in negotiations over the resumption of a 2015 nuclear deal, which should resume by the end of this month.

Iran's foreign minister tests positive for COVID-19

Revealing why White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki did not accompany US President Joe Biden on the foreign trip, she on Sunday said that could not go as had contracted COVID-19. &nbsp;

Psaki also said that a family member had tested positive for the coronavirus, and her report also came positive later.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-biden-expresses-disappointment-at-china-and-russias-absence-425707" hreflang="en">G20 Summit: Biden expresses ‘disappointment’ at China and Russia’s absence</a>

In a statement on Sunday, she wrote, "Thanks to the vaccine, I have only experienced mild symptoms, which has enabled me to continue working from home.

"I will plan to return to work in person at the conclusion of the 10-day quarantine following a negative rapid test, which is an additional White House requirement, beyond CDC guidance, taken out of an abundance of caution,"&nbsp;Psaki added.&nbsp;

The development is the Biden administration’s most high-profile breakthrough coronavirus infection. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scary-news-on-halloween-new-poll-says-americans-lose-confidence-in-us-president-joe-biden-425695" hreflang="en">‘Scary News' on Halloween? New poll says Americans lose confidence in US President Joe Biden</a>

The government has been grappling with public health messaging and vaccine hesitancy during the pandemic. &nbsp;

Psaki said, "On Wednesday, in coordination with senior leadership at the White House and the medical team, I made the decision not to travel on the foreign trip with the president due to a family emergency, which was members of my household testing positive for COVID-19.

"Since then, I have quarantined and tested negative (via PCR) for Covid on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. However, today, I tested positive for Covid,"&nbsp;she added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Revealing why White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki did not accompany US President Joe Biden on the foreign trip, she on Sunday said that could not go as had contracted COVID-19.

Revealing why White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki did not accompany US President Joe Biden on the foreign trip, she on Sunday said that could not go as had contracted COVID-19. Psaki also said that a family member had tested positive for the coronavirus, and her report also came positive later. Also Read | G20 Summit: Biden expresses ‘disappointment’ at China and Russia’s absence In a statement on Sunday, she wrote, "Thanks to the vaccine, I have only experienced mild symptoms, which has enabled me to continue working from home. "I will plan to return to work in person at the conclusion of the 10-day quarantine following a negative rapid test, which is an additional White House requirement, beyond CDC guidance, taken out of an abundance of caution," Psaki added. The development is the Biden administration’s most high-profile breakthrough coronavirus infection. Also Read: ‘Scary News' on Halloween? New poll says Americans lose confidence in US President Joe Biden The government has been grappling with public health messaging and vaccine hesitancy during the pandemic. Psaki said, "On Wednesday, in coordination with senior leadership at the White House and the medical team, I made the decision not to travel on the foreign trip with the president due to a family emergency, which was members of my household testing positive for COVID-19. "Since then, I have quarantined and tested negative (via PCR) for Covid on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. However, today, I tested positive for Covid," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki tests positive for COVID-19 in US

The global death toll from the deadly coronavirus has now topped 5 million. It has been less than two years since the pandemic took over the entire world, devastating both rich and poor nations.&nbsp;

The United States, European Union, Britain and Brazil account for nearly half of all the reported deaths. The pandemic has taken most lives in the US as over 745,000 deaths have been recorded as of now.&nbsp;

Dr Albert Ko, an infectious disease specialist at the Yale School of Public Health, while speaking to The Associated Press said, "This is a defining moment in our lifetime."

“What do we have to do to protect ourselves so we don’t get to another 5 million?”

The death toll was equivalent to the populations of Los Angeles and San Francisco combined when tallied by Johns Hopkins University. COVID-19 has become the third leading cause of death globally. Heart diseases and strokes are the first two causes.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-reduce-emissions-by-50-52-below-2005-levels-by-2030-says-biden-at-cop26-425923">Also read |&nbsp;US will reduce emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030, says Biden at COP26</a>

The deadly coronavirus emerged from a wet market in Wuhan, China. The country has put various cities under lockdown again as cases seem to spike.&nbsp;

Lanzhou in the northwest and the Mongolia border city of Ejin Banner have been put under lockdown. Heilongjiang province on Russia's border is also under lockdown.&nbsp;

Reports said residential colonies and villages have been closed in Heihe and gatherings have been banned amid large scale testing underway in the area. Vehicles have also not been allowed to leave the city and movement has been restricted. China is reportedly battling virus outbreaks in eleven provinces.&nbsp;

Cases in India surged in May due to the delta variant. Now, the situation has improved with a much lower reported daily death rate than wealthier Russia, the US or Britain.&nbsp;

The global death toll from the deadly coronavirus has now topped 5 million. It has been less than two years since the pandemic took over the entire world, devastating both rich and poor nations.

The global death toll from the deadly coronavirus has now topped 5 million. It has been less than two years since the pandemic took over the entire world, devastating both rich and poor nations. The United States, European Union, Britain and Brazil account for nearly half of all the reported deaths. The pandemic has taken most lives in the US as over 745,000 deaths have been recorded as of now. Dr Albert Ko, an infectious disease specialist at the Yale School of Public Health, while speaking to The Associated Press said, "This is a defining moment in our lifetime." “What do we have to do to protect ourselves so we don’t get to another 5 million?” The death toll was equivalent to the populations of Los Angeles and San Francisco combined when tallied by Johns Hopkins University. COVID-19 has become the third leading cause of death globally. Heart diseases and strokes are the first two causes. Also read | US will reduce emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030, says Biden at COP26 The deadly coronavirus emerged from a wet market in Wuhan, China. The country has put various cities under lockdown again as cases seem to spike. Lanzhou in the northwest and the Mongolia border city of Ejin Banner have been put under lockdown. Heilongjiang province on Russia's border is also under lockdown. Reports said residential colonies and villages have been closed in Heihe and gatherings have been banned amid large scale testing underway in the area. Vehicles have also not been allowed to leave the city and movement has been restricted. China is reportedly battling virus outbreaks in eleven provinces. Cases in India surged in May due to the delta variant. Now, the situation has improved with a much lower reported daily death rate than wealthier Russia, the US or Britain.

COVID-19: Global death toll tops 5 million in less than two years

Germany's COVID-19 incidence rate surged to over 150 for the first time since May on Monday, prompting concerns of a rampant fourth wave as the country wrestles with a change of government.

The number of new infections per 100,000 people over the past seven days reached 154.8, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) health agency -- up from 110.1 a week ago.

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Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday called for swift measures to tackle the "very worrying" trend, stressing that Germany could not afford to wait until a new government is in place.

The country recorded 9,658 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours on Monday and 23 deaths, according to the RKI.

Merkel is due to step down as German leader after 16 years in power after an election in September narrowly won by the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD).

The SPD is currently in talks with two other parties and aiming to form a ruling coalition by early December, leaving the country in a kind of political limbo as it confronts the surge in new cases.&nbsp;

Social Democrat Olaf Scholz, the likely next chancellor, said Sunday that Germany must do what was necessary "to ensure that we keep the pandemic under control".

But he also said that in a country where a large number of people have been vaccinated, it is no longer possible to respond with strict measures such as lockdowns.&nbsp;

Vaccine hesitancy&nbsp;

Germany has also so far ruled out compulsory vaccinations, instead focusing on encouraging as many people as possible to get the jab voluntarily.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pressure-grows-on-g-20-nations-to-get-covid-19-vaccines-to-the-poor-425671">Pressure grows on G-20 nations to get COVID-19 vaccines to the poor</a>

But its vaccination campaign has ground to a halt with just 66.7 percent of the population fully inoculated.

In a Forsa survey carried out for the health ministry and published Thursday, 65 percent of unvaccinated respondents declared there was "no way" they would take a covid jab and 23 percent were "reluctant".

At the same time, health professionals have reported a new influx of infected people into hospital, mostly unvaccinated.

Hospitalisations due to covid have increased by 40 percent in the past week, according to the German Hospital Society, with intensive care admissions up by 15 percent.

Merkel on Sunday admitted being "very saddened" that as many as three million Germans aged over 60 have still not had the jab.

She also told the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper that increasing hospital admissions "worry me a lot" and "should worry all of us", saying that "a certain recklessness" had taken hold in Germany.

Care home outbreaks

The country has also seen a resurgence of outbreaks in care homes, including a home in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state where 66 of the 83 residents were infected and 14 died.

Only six percent of the residents were not vaccinated, but around one in three of the staff had not received the jab.&nbsp;

A similar case was reported in Norderstedt, near Hamburg, where 68 out of 76 residents in a care home came down with the virus.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-press-secretary-jen-psaki-tests-positive-for-covid-19-in-us-425740">White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki tests positive for COVID-19 in US</a>

Outgoing Health Minister Jens Spahn has called for a meeting between the government and the leaders of Germany's 16 states to devise a common policy to encourage those already vaccinated to get booster jabs.

Merkel on Sunday also stressed her support for boosters, saying Germany "must do something" to ensure they are widely available.

A spokeswoman for the chancellor on Monday said the government was "ready for talks" with the regional leaders.

Under Germany's federal system, each state can ultimately decide its own COVID-19 response, a system that has previously slowed down pandemic planning and led to a patchwork of different approaches.

As has often been the case during the pandemic, the highest incidence rates are currently seen in the former communist East Germany, such as in Thuringia (314.9) and Saxony (291.6).

Germany's COVID-19 incidence rate surged to over 150 for the first time since May on Monday, prompting concerns of a rampant fourth wave as the country wrestles with a change of government.

Germany's COVID-19 incidence rate surged to over 150 for the first time since May on Monday, prompting concerns of a rampant fourth wave as the country wrestles with a change of government. The number of new infections per 100,000 people over the past seven days reached 154.8, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) health agency -- up from 110.1 a week ago. Also Read | Australia is reopening to the world after 590 days of restricted access Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday called for swift measures to tackle the "very worrying" trend, stressing that Germany could not afford to wait until a new government is in place. The country recorded 9,658 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours on Monday and 23 deaths, according to the RKI. Merkel is due to step down as German leader after 16 years in power after an election in September narrowly won by the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD). The SPD is currently in talks with two other parties and aiming to form a ruling coalition by early December, leaving the country in a kind of political limbo as it confronts the surge in new cases. Social Democrat Olaf Scholz, the likely next chancellor, said Sunday that Germany must do what was necessary "to ensure that we keep the pandemic under control". But he also said that in a country where a large number of people have been vaccinated, it is no longer possible to respond with strict measures such as lockdowns. Vaccine hesitancy Germany has also so far ruled out compulsory vaccinations, instead focusing on encouraging as many people as possible to get the jab voluntarily. Also Read | Pressure grows on G-20 nations to get COVID-19 vaccines to the poor But its vaccination campaign has ground to a halt with just 66.7 percent of the population fully inoculated. In a Forsa survey carried out for the health ministry and published Thursday, 65 percent of unvaccinated respondents declared there was "no way" they would take a covid jab and 23 percent were "reluctant". At the same time, health professionals have reported a new influx of infected people into hospital, mostly unvaccinated. Hospitalisations due to covid have increased by 40 percent in the past week, according to the German Hospital Society, with intensive care admissions up by 15 percent. Merkel on Sunday admitted being "very saddened" that as many as three million Germans aged over 60 have still not had the jab. She also told the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper that increasing hospital admissions "worry me a lot" and "should worry all of us", saying that "a certain recklessness" had taken hold in Germany. Care home outbreaks The country has also seen a resurgence of outbreaks in care homes, including a home in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state where 66 of the 83 residents were infected and 14 died. Only six percent of the residents were not vaccinated, but around one in three of the staff had not received the jab. A similar case was reported in Norderstedt, near Hamburg, where 68 out of 76 residents in a care home came down with the virus. Also Read | White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki tests positive for COVID-19 in US Outgoing Health Minister Jens Spahn has called for a meeting between the government and the leaders of Germany's 16 states to devise a common policy to encourage those already vaccinated to get booster jabs. Merkel on Sunday also stressed her support for boosters, saying Germany "must do something" to ensure they are widely available. A spokeswoman for the chancellor on Monday said the government was "ready for talks" with the regional leaders. Under Germany's federal system, each state can ultimately decide its own COVID-19 response, a system that has previously slowed down pandemic planning and led to a patchwork of different approaches. As has often been the case during the pandemic, the highest incidence rates are currently seen in the former communist East Germany, such as in Thuringia (314.9) and Saxony (291.6).

Soaring Covid rate prompts fresh fears in Germany

Shanghai Disneyland was closed Monday over a single coronavirus case, as Chinese authorities pressed ahead with their zero-infection strategy ahead of the Winter Olympics.

China had reduced most domestic cases to a trickle throughout the pandemic, but a flare-up in recent weeks has tested Beijing's determination to eliminate COVID-19 as much of the rest of the world opens up.

There were 92 new cases reported Monday -- the highest since mid-September.

Shanghai Disneyland closed after a woman who visited the park tested positive after returning home to a neighbouring &nbsp;province, state media said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-struggles-to-control-fresh-covid-outbreak-before-winter-olympics-425308">China struggles to control fresh Covid outbreak before Winter Olympics</a>

Disneyland said it would be remain shut for at least Monday and Tuesday "to follow the requirement(s) of pandemic prevention and control".

The reopening date was yet to be confirmed, it added.

The park began barring new visitors from entering on Sunday, with everyone in the park required to take a COVID-19 test before leaving.

Nearly 34,000 people had been tested by Monday morning, the city government said.&nbsp;

All tests came back negative, it said, but added that those affected must stay away from work or school for at least two days and undergo further testing.

State media footage showed scores of health workers in hazmat suits inside Disneyland, as masked visitors waited underneath fireworks at the park's landmark castle.

The closure comes after Beijing's newly opened Universal Studios said Saturday that close contacts of infected people had been found among the previous weekend's visitors.

All staff at the theme park -- which entered a "state of emergency prevention" on Friday -- have tested negative and no trace of the virus had been detected on the site, the park added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-puts-another-city-on-lockdown-amid-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-424781">China puts another city on lockdown amid surge in coronavirus cases</a>

Chinese authorities have shown no sign of relenting on their strict zero-covid policy.

Beijing is due to host the Winter Olympics in under 100 days, and authorities have said eradicating the virus is their biggest challenge in the run-up.

About six million people are under lockdown orders, mostly in northern parts of China.

Mi Feng, spokesperson for the National Health Commission, said at a press conference Saturday that authorities would continue to "strictly prohibit people in locked-down communities from leaving their homes".

Beijing introduced new curbs on Saturday, including closing all cinemas in one western district.

Shanghai Disneyland was closed Monday over a single coronavirus case, as Chinese authorities pressed ahead with their zero-infection strategy ahead of the Winter Olympics.

Shanghai Disneyland was closed Monday over a single coronavirus case, as Chinese authorities pressed ahead with their zero-infection strategy ahead of the Winter Olympics. China had reduced most domestic cases to a trickle throughout the pandemic, but a flare-up in recent weeks has tested Beijing's determination to eliminate COVID-19 as much of the rest of the world opens up. There were 92 new cases reported Monday -- the highest since mid-September. Shanghai Disneyland closed after a woman who visited the park tested positive after returning home to a neighbouring province, state media said. Also Read | China struggles to control fresh Covid outbreak before Winter Olympics Disneyland said it would be remain shut for at least Monday and Tuesday "to follow the requirement(s) of pandemic prevention and control". The reopening date was yet to be confirmed, it added. The park began barring new visitors from entering on Sunday, with everyone in the park required to take a COVID-19 test before leaving. Nearly 34,000 people had been tested by Monday morning, the city government said. All tests came back negative, it said, but added that those affected must stay away from work or school for at least two days and undergo further testing. State media footage showed scores of health workers in hazmat suits inside Disneyland, as masked visitors waited underneath fireworks at the park's landmark castle. The closure comes after Beijing's newly opened Universal Studios said Saturday that close contacts of infected people had been found among the previous weekend's visitors. All staff at the theme park -- which entered a "state of emergency prevention" on Friday -- have tested negative and no trace of the virus had been detected on the site, the park added. Also Read | China puts another city on lockdown amid surge in coronavirus cases Chinese authorities have shown no sign of relenting on their strict zero-covid policy. Beijing is due to host the Winter Olympics in under 100 days, and authorities have said eradicating the virus is their biggest challenge in the run-up. About six million people are under lockdown orders, mostly in northern parts of China. Mi Feng, spokesperson for the National Health Commission, said at a press conference Saturday that authorities would continue to "strictly prohibit people in locked-down communities from leaving their homes". Beijing introduced new curbs on Saturday, including closing all cinemas in one western district.

Shanghai Disneyland closed over single COVID-19 case

New rules aimed at moving South Koreans toward "living with COVID-19" came into effect on Monday, with the easing of a range of curbs and the introduction of vaccine passports at high-risk venues such as gyms, saunas and bars.

The switch of focus comes as more than 75 per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;of the country's population has been fully vaccinated. The first phase of the revised rules is due to last for a month, with plans to scrap all restrictions by February.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antidepressant-drug-fluvoxamine-can-help-reduce-covid-hospit">Antidepressant drug Fluvoxamine can help reduce Covid hospitalisations by 30%: Study</a>

"The return path to everyday life, to which we're taking the first step today, is a path we've never been on," Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol told an infra-agency COVID-19 meeting.

He asked people to keep wearing masks, regularly ventilate rooms and get a test if symptoms emerge, noting that there are still concerns about a potential resurgence of new cases due to risk factors such as unvaccinated people, future declines in immunity among the vaccinated, and year-end gatherings.

While never under lockdown, South Korea has been battling a fourth wave of infections since July, when the government imposed tighter gathering and social distancing restrictions.

Among a raft of changes, operating hour curfews on restaurants and cafes were lifted, and outdoor sports events will be allowed to host spectators at 50 per cent&nbsp;of capacity.

Up to 100 people can attend musicals or concerts regardless of vaccination status, while gyms will no longer have to limit treadmill speeds or ban playing music with high beats per minute during group exercises.

However, visits to high-risk venues such as bars and night clubs, indoor gyms, saunas and karaoke bars will require proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result from within 48 hours.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eus-green-pass-hacked-adolf-hitlers-covid-certificate-doing-rounds-online-report-424736">EU’s 'Green Pass' hacked? Adolf Hitler’s Covid certificate doing rounds online: Report</a>

Health ministry spokesman Son Young-rae said the number of new cases could double or triple in coming weeks. The medical system was designed to cover up to 5,000 new cases a day, but if the numbers rose to near 10,000, the government would halt the easing process and take emergency measures, Son said.

South Korea reported 1,686 new COVID-19 cases as of Sunday, for a total of 366,386, with 2,858 deaths overall.

New rules aimed at moving South Koreans toward "living with COVID-19" came into effect on Monday, with the easing of a range of curbs and the introduction of vaccine passports at high-risk venues such as gyms, saunas and bars.

New rules aimed at moving South Koreans toward "living with COVID-19" came into effect on Monday, with the easing of a range of curbs and the introduction of vaccine passports at high-risk venues such as gyms, saunas and bars. The switch of focus comes as more than 75 per cent of the country's population has been fully vaccinated. The first phase of the revised rules is due to last for a month, with plans to scrap all restrictions by February. Also Read | Antidepressant drug Fluvoxamine can help reduce Covid hospitalisations by 30%: Study "The return path to everyday life, to which we're taking the first step today, is a path we've never been on," Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol told an infra-agency COVID-19 meeting. He asked people to keep wearing masks, regularly ventilate rooms and get a test if symptoms emerge, noting that there are still concerns about a potential resurgence of new cases due to risk factors such as unvaccinated people, future declines in immunity among the vaccinated, and year-end gatherings. While never under lockdown, South Korea has been battling a fourth wave of infections since July, when the government imposed tighter gathering and social distancing restrictions. Among a raft of changes, operating hour curfews on restaurants and cafes were lifted, and outdoor sports events will be allowed to host spectators at 50 per cent of capacity. Up to 100 people can attend musicals or concerts regardless of vaccination status, while gyms will no longer have to limit treadmill speeds or ban playing music with high beats per minute during group exercises. However, visits to high-risk venues such as bars and night clubs, indoor gyms, saunas and karaoke bars will require proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result from within 48 hours. Also Read | EU’s 'Green Pass' hacked? Adolf Hitler’s Covid certificate doing rounds online: Report Health ministry spokesman Son Young-rae said the number of new cases could double or triple in coming weeks. The medical system was designed to cover up to 5,000 new cases a day, but if the numbers rose to near 10,000, the government would halt the easing process and take emergency measures, Son said. South Korea reported 1,686 new COVID-19 cases as of Sunday, for a total of 366,386, with 2,858 deaths overall.

South Korea eases curbs, imposes vaccine passports in 'living with COVID-19' campaign

In Pics | Thailand allows vaccinated foreign tourists as thousands enter country

In the last 24 hours, India registered 12,830 new COVID-19 cases and 446 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.

The new fatalities increased the nationwide death toll to 4,58,186, according to the Ministry.

The recovery of 14,667 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally to 3,36,55,842. Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.20 per cent.

The active caseload stands at 1,59, 272, which is the lowest in the last 247 days.

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Active cases presently constitute 0.46 per cent of the country's total positive cases, the lowest since March 2020.

Also in the same period, a total of 11,35,142 tests were conducted across the country.

India has so far conducted over 60.83 crore cumulative tests.

Meanwhile, the weekly positivity rate at 1.18 per cent has remained less than 2 per cent for the last 37 days now.

The daily positivity rate stands at 1.13 per cent, which has also remained below 2 per cent for last 27 days and less than 3 per cent for 62 consecutive days now.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delayed-again-who-seeks-more-clarifications-on-made-in-india-covid-shot-covaxin-424319">Delayed again: WHO seeks more 'clarifications' on made-in-India Covid shot Covaxin</a>

With the administration of 68,04,806 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's covid inoculation coverage has reached 106.14 crore as of Sunday morning,

This has been achieved through 1,06,01,975 sessions.

In the last 24 hours, India registered 12,830 new COVID-19 cases and 446 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. The new fatalities increased the nationwide death toll to 4,58,186, according to the Ministry.

In the last 24 hours, India registered 12,830 new COVID-19 cases and 446 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. The new fatalities increased the nationwide death toll to 4,58,186, according to the Ministry. The recovery of 14,667 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally to 3,36,55,842. Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.20 per cent. The active caseload stands at 1,59, 272, which is the lowest in the last 247 days. Also Read | Over 100 million Indians skipped second dose of COVID-19 vaccine Active cases presently constitute 0.46 per cent of the country's total positive cases, the lowest since March 2020. Also in the same period, a total of 11,35,142 tests were conducted across the country. India has so far conducted over 60.83 crore cumulative tests. Meanwhile, the weekly positivity rate at 1.18 per cent has remained less than 2 per cent for the last 37 days now. The daily positivity rate stands at 1.13 per cent, which has also remained below 2 per cent for last 27 days and less than 3 per cent for 62 consecutive days now. Also Read | Delayed again: WHO seeks more 'clarifications' on made-in-India Covid shot Covaxin With the administration of 68,04,806 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's covid inoculation coverage has reached 106.14 crore as of Sunday morning, This has been achieved through 1,06,01,975 sessions.

India reports 12,830 new Covid cases, 446 deaths

The researchers from the University of Kent in the UK and Goethe-University in Germany have identified a potential new drug treatment that suppresses the reproduction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

The researchers have stated that to multiply, all viruses infect cells and reprogramme them to produce novel viruses. The study, published recently in the journal Metabolites titled "Targeting the Pentose Phosphate Pathway for SARS-CoV-2 Therapy", shows that cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 can only produce novel coronaviruses when a metabolic pathway called pentose phosphate pathway is activated.&nbsp;

As per researchers, the drug benfooxythiamine (BOT), an inhibitor of this metabolic pathway, suppressed the reproduction of SARS-CoV-2, and infected cells did not produce coronaviruses.

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A part of the study read: "Notably, metabolic drugs like BOT and 2DG may also interfere with COVID-19-associated immunopathology by modifying the metabolism of immune cells in addition to inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication. Hence, they may improve COVID-19 therapy outcomes by exerting antiviral and immunomodulatory effects."

This shows that pentose phosphate pathway inhibitors like benfooxythiamine are a potential new treatment option for COVID-19, both on their own and in combination with other treatments.

Additionally, Benfooxythiamin's antiviral mechanism differs from that of other COVID-19 drugs such as remdesivir and molnupiravir. Therefore, viruses resistant to these may be sensitive to benfooxythiamin.

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Professor Martin Michaelis, University of Kent, said: "This is a breakthrough in the research of Covid-19 treatment. Since resistance development is a big problem in the treatment of viral diseases, having therapies that use different targets is very important and provides further hope for developing the most effective treatments for Covid-19." 
&nbsp; 
Professor Jindrich Cinatl, Goethe-University Frankfurt, said: "Targeting virus-induced changes in the host cell metabolism is an attractive way to interfere specifically with the virus replication process."&nbsp;

The researchers from the University of Kent in the UK and Goethe-University in Germany have identified a potential new drug treatment that suppresses the reproduction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

The researchers from the University of Kent in the UK and Goethe-University in Germany have identified a potential new drug treatment that suppresses the reproduction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. The researchers have stated that to multiply, all viruses infect cells and reprogramme them to produce novel viruses. The study, published recently in the journal Metabolites titled "Targeting the Pentose Phosphate Pathway for SARS-CoV-2 Therapy", shows that cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 can only produce novel coronaviruses when a metabolic pathway called pentose phosphate pathway is activated. As per researchers, the drug benfooxythiamine (BOT), an inhibitor of this metabolic pathway, suppressed the reproduction of SARS-CoV-2, and infected cells did not produce coronaviruses. ALSO READ | Homo bodoensis: It's official, we have a new ancestor A part of the study read: "Notably, metabolic drugs like BOT and 2DG may also interfere with COVID-19-associated immunopathology by modifying the metabolism of immune cells in addition to inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication. Hence, they may improve COVID-19 therapy outcomes by exerting antiviral and immunomodulatory effects." This shows that pentose phosphate pathway inhibitors like benfooxythiamine are a potential new treatment option for COVID-19, both on their own and in combination with other treatments. Additionally, Benfooxythiamin's antiviral mechanism differs from that of other COVID-19 drugs such as remdesivir and molnupiravir. Therefore, viruses resistant to these may be sensitive to benfooxythiamin. ALSO READ | Ancient DNA from a teen girl reveals previously unknown group of humans Professor Martin Michaelis, University of Kent, said: "This is a breakthrough in the research of Covid-19 treatment. Since resistance development is a big problem in the treatment of viral diseases, having therapies that use different targets is very important and provides further hope for developing the most effective treatments for Covid-19." Professor Jindrich Cinatl, Goethe-University Frankfurt, said: "Targeting virus-induced changes in the host cell metabolism is an attractive way to interfere specifically with the virus replication process."

'This is a breakthrough': Researchers identify potential new drug treatment for COVID-19

The Food and Drug Administration’s authorisation of a COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 on Friday makes 28 million unvaccinated children in the United States suddenly eligible for the shot and offers the country an opportunity to make big inroads in its efforts to achieve broad immunity against the coronavirus.

But in a nation that has already struggled with COVID vaccine hesitancy, getting shots into those little arms may present health authorities with the toughest vaccination challenge yet.

Even many parents who are themselves vaccinated and approved the shot for their teenagers are churning over whether to give consent for their younger children, questioning if the risk of the unknowns of a new vaccine is worth it when most coronavirus cases in youngsters are mild.

In announcing its authorization of a lower-dose shot made by Pfizer and BioNTech for the age group, the FDA said clinical trial data showed the shot was safe and prompted strong immune responses in children. The most common side effects were fatigue, fever and headache.

Infectious disease experts say that with approaching holiday travel and family gatherings, widespread vaccination of younger children could help keep classes in person, reduce the likelihood of quarantines and lessen the risk of transmission to older, vulnerable adults, as well as protect the children from what has become the eighth-biggest killer in their age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To date, nearly 2 million children ages 5-11 have been infected with the virus, and 8,300 have been hospitalised. One-third of those hospitalised were admitted to intensive care units, and at least 170 have died.

But a report this month from researchers at Northeastern, Harvard, Rutgers and Northwestern universities found that parental concerns around the COVID vaccination had increased “significantly” from June through September. Chief among them, researchers said, were the newness of the vaccine, whether it has been sufficiently tested, efficacy, side effects and long-term health consequences.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-you-are-eligible-kamala-harris-gets-covid-19-booster-shot-urging-people-to-do-the-same-425404">Also read |&nbsp;'When you are eligible': Kamala Harris gets COVID-19 booster shot urging people to do the same</a>

According to a survey released Thursday by Kaiser Family Foundation, scarcely 1 in 3 parents will permit their children in this newly eligible age group to be vaccinated immediately. Two-thirds were either reluctant or adamantly opposed. An Axios-Ipsos poll found that 42% of parents of these children said they were unlikely to have their children vaccinated.

Erin Gauch, of Middletown, Rhode Island, got herself and her two older children, ages 14 and 12, vaccinated this summer. But she is worried about the potential side effects of the shots for her son. One of those side effects is myocarditis, a weakening of the heart muscle, that has been reported in a very small number of teenage boys and young men after getting a COVID shot.

“I’m looking at a 9-year-old, and if I make a bad decision and he ends up with some debilitating side effects or lifelong adverse reaction, I don’t think I could live with that,” she said.

This vaccine dilemma occurs at a turbulent cultural moment for parents of young children, who are often judged harshly on social media for their decisions. The choice can appear freighted with political affiliation. A decision can signify, intentionally or not, compassion or disregard for others and a willingness to follow or ignore advice from their pediatrician.

“If we ultimately decide not to get my youngest vaccinated right now, I guess I’ll be subjected to mommy shaming, but I’ll just have to deal with it,” Gauch said.

Many parents, like Gauch, are focusing on some research that suggests the rare possibility that young men and boys will develop pericarditis, a weakening of the lining around the heart, and myocarditis, but the clinical trial data the FDA reviewed showed no cases in the 5-11 age group. Many experts say that the conditions usually improve quickly and that COVID presents far greater risk of severe myocarditis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-challenges-indigenous-children-compensation-in-favour-of-negotiating-425351">Also read |&nbsp;Canada challenges indigenous children compensation; in favour of negotiating</a>

The Biden administration recently announced that the shots would be given predominantly by pediatricians, community health centers and children’s hospitals, plus pharmacies and schools, which will carry the burden of persuading parents.

But a Kaiser policy brief noted that schools and pharmacists in regions where COVID vaccination rates are low may be reluctant to participate. Access in rural areas and for working parents will be considerable challenges, the authors said, and they noted that achieving equity will also be a concern; more than half of those newly eligible are children of color.

After what is expected to be an initial rush of eager parents (as happened with adults and teenagers), pediatricians say they are bracing for conversations they anticipate to be among the thorniest they have ever had.

“I know parents are probably bombarded with misinformation about vaccines, even within their social circles: ‘My friend said this. My mother-in-law said that,’” said Dr. Katherine Williamson, a pediatrician in Orange County, California. “I’m hoping I can make a difference.”

The decision is particularly hard for parents to make on behalf of their first child, said Emily Brunson, a medical anthropologist at Texas State University who researches parent vaccination choices. Because vaccine decision-making is so personal and complicated, she said, many parents are likely to put it off.

Vic Sandrin, who works for a bicycle company in Vancouver, Washington, supports vaccines but cautiously. He, his wife and their 18-year-old got the COVID vaccine grudgingly, to travel for work and family visits.

For his 11-year-old twins, however, he is content to wait.

“I’m willing to take a chance on myself, and that made sense; I’m an adult,” Sandrin said. “But for kids who already have strong immune systems, I don’t know if there’s a reason to get them vaccinated, or at least not just quite yet.”

At heart, the decision is about which unknown COVID or the vaccine&nbsp;parents fear more. They may stack factors such as social routines, older relatives, school protocols and the likelihood of severe illness to confirm their intuitive bias about whether to allow their child to get the shot.

Gauch, a mechanical engineer, calculated each family member’s risk individually. She has asthma, so for her, the vaccine was a no-brainer. Her 14-year-old daughter got her first job this summer; getting vaccinated meant she would not have to wear a face mask at work. And her 12-year-old daughter saw that getting vaccinated could open up possibilities of being maskless in public. Done and done.

But not only does Gauch worry about side effects in her 9-year-old son, she said that getting vaccinated will not release him from following other COVID rules because his school insists on masks and social distancing.

“He is much less likely to get COVID if they’re taking all these precautions,” she said. “So I just don’t see the risk payoff of the vaccine.”

Parents who were predisposed not to vaccinate their child tended to dismiss the threat of serious illness from COVID as minuscule, saying that children who became seriously ill most likely had underlying conditions.

The argument that vaccinating children contributes to the community’s overall health does not get much traction, either. Parents’ paramount focus is the well-being of their own child. Although health officials contend an important reason to vaccinate is to protect the child, some parents said they believed that their healthy children would be injected with a novel vaccine largely to safeguard older adults, who had already lived full lives.

In interviews, some parents said that if the vaccine gained full approval for children (as the adult dose has) and schools required it, they would consider withdrawing their students. Dr. Cynthia Bader, a pediatrician in the Seattle area with an 8-year-old son, said that if her school district issued a vaccine mandate, she would clap her hands with joy but “then cringe at the idea of all the parents who will be coming to me seeking counseling for vaccine exemption forms.”

Parents are siloing themselves with like-minded friends, which reinforces their thinking.

“It used to be that more people with different opinions would mesh, but now I don’t think that is the case,” said Abby Cooper of Bergen County, New Jersey, who is eager to get her five children vaccinated.

But she has friends who refuse.

“Their kids are going to school with my kids and putting them at risk for no reason. It’s very upsetting," Cooper said. "So, sadly, I’ve lost friends over this.”

Many parents worry that the tension will impact the children themselves. Some foresee having to set boundaries about unvaccinated playmates, especially if exposure to the virus could jeopardise someone else in the home.

Many parents will be difficult to persuade. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics have published talking points for pediatricians and other proponents of the COVID vaccine for children.

Consensus: First, address the parents’ questions. But if they do not want to hear The Talk, do not force it.

Consensus: Fear tactics&nbsp;generalised descriptions of children suffering in COVID wards do not work.

Consensus: Emphasise the benefits of the COVID vaccine to the child in terms of emotional and physical well-being, including some semblance of pre-COVID social life. Invoke quarantines, remote learning.

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Kim Cobb hopes that her family’s COVID ordeals will show others the benefits of vaccinating all eligible family members. She, her husband and their two older daughters, 14 and 12, got vaccinated quickly. But in August, her unvaccinated 10-year-old twins came down with COVID. Soon after, Cobb, a climate scientist at Georgia Tech, and her husband tested positive for breakthrough infections. Their two vaccinated children remained healthy.

The parents became miserably ill but did not require hospitalisation, which they believe is because they were vaccinated.

All recovered, but Cobb and one twin have lingering respiratory distress.

“We’re in the third month post-infection, and we have to see pulmonologists, we have inhalers, we’re on medication, and we’re still having breathing difficulties,” Cobb said. “And this is not a kid who ever had respiratory symptoms.

“It was not foreseeable,” she continued. “If you could avoid it, you would.”

The Food and Drug Administration’s authorisation of a COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 on Friday makes 28 million unvaccinated children in the United States suddenly eligible for the shot and offers the country an opportunity to make big inroads in its efforts to achieve broad immunity against the coronavirus.

The Food and Drug Administration’s authorisation of a COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 on Friday makes 28 million unvaccinated children in the United States suddenly eligible for the shot and offers the country an opportunity to make big inroads in its efforts to achieve broad immunity against the coronavirus. But in a nation that has already struggled with COVID vaccine hesitancy, getting shots into those little arms may present health authorities with the toughest vaccination challenge yet. Even many parents who are themselves vaccinated and approved the shot for their teenagers are churning over whether to give consent for their younger children, questioning if the risk of the unknowns of a new vaccine is worth it when most coronavirus cases in youngsters are mild. In announcing its authorization of a lower-dose shot made by Pfizer and BioNTech for the age group, the FDA said clinical trial data showed the shot was safe and prompted strong immune responses in children. The most common side effects were fatigue, fever and headache. Infectious disease experts say that with approaching holiday travel and family gatherings, widespread vaccination of younger children could help keep classes in person, reduce the likelihood of quarantines and lessen the risk of transmission to older, vulnerable adults, as well as protect the children from what has become the eighth-biggest killer in their age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To date, nearly 2 million children ages 5-11 have been infected with the virus, and 8,300 have been hospitalised. One-third of those hospitalised were admitted to intensive care units, and at least 170 have died. But a report this month from researchers at Northeastern, Harvard, Rutgers and Northwestern universities found that parental concerns around the COVID vaccination had increased “significantly” from June through September. Chief among them, researchers said, were the newness of the vaccine, whether it has been sufficiently tested, efficacy, side effects and long-term health consequences. Also read | 'When you are eligible': Kamala Harris gets COVID-19 booster shot urging people to do the same According to a survey released Thursday by Kaiser Family Foundation, scarcely 1 in 3 parents will permit their children in this newly eligible age group to be vaccinated immediately. Two-thirds were either reluctant or adamantly opposed. An Axios-Ipsos poll found that 42% of parents of these children said they were unlikely to have their children vaccinated. Erin Gauch, of Middletown, Rhode Island, got herself and her two older children, ages 14 and 12, vaccinated this summer. But she is worried about the potential side effects of the shots for her son. One of those side effects is myocarditis, a weakening of the heart muscle, that has been reported in a very small number of teenage boys and young men after getting a COVID shot. “I’m looking at a 9-year-old, and if I make a bad decision and he ends up with some debilitating side effects or lifelong adverse reaction, I don’t think I could live with that,” she said. This vaccine dilemma occurs at a turbulent cultural moment for parents of young children, who are often judged harshly on social media for their decisions. The choice can appear freighted with political affiliation. A decision can signify, intentionally or not, compassion or disregard for others and a willingness to follow or ignore advice from their pediatrician. “If we ultimately decide not to get my youngest vaccinated right now, I guess I’ll be subjected to mommy shaming, but I’ll just have to deal with it,” Gauch said. Many parents, like Gauch, are focusing on some research that suggests the rare possibility that young men and boys will develop pericarditis, a weakening of the lining around the heart, and myocarditis, but the clinical trial data the FDA reviewed showed no cases in the 5-11 age group. Many experts say that the conditions usually improve quickly and that COVID presents far greater risk of severe myocarditis. Also read | Canada challenges indigenous children compensation; in favour of negotiating The Biden administration recently announced that the shots would be given predominantly by pediatricians, community health centers and children’s hospitals, plus pharmacies and schools, which will carry the burden of persuading parents. But a Kaiser policy brief noted that schools and pharmacists in regions where COVID vaccination rates are low may be reluctant to participate. Access in rural areas and for working parents will be considerable challenges, the authors said, and they noted that achieving equity will also be a concern; more than half of those newly eligible are children of color. After what is expected to be an initial rush of eager parents (as happened with adults and teenagers), pediatricians say they are bracing for conversations they anticipate to be among the thorniest they have ever had. “I know parents are probably bombarded with misinformation about vaccines, even within their social circles: ‘My friend said this. My mother-in-law said that,’” said Dr. Katherine Williamson, a pediatrician in Orange County, California. “I’m hoping I can make a difference.” The decision is particularly hard for parents to make on behalf of their first child, said Emily Brunson, a medical anthropologist at Texas State University who researches parent vaccination choices. Because vaccine decision-making is so personal and complicated, she said, many parents are likely to put it off. Vic Sandrin, who works for a bicycle company in Vancouver, Washington, supports vaccines but cautiously. He, his wife and their 18-year-old got the COVID vaccine grudgingly, to travel for work and family visits. For his 11-year-old twins, however, he is content to wait. “I’m willing to take a chance on myself, and that made sense; I’m an adult,” Sandrin said. “But for kids who already have strong immune systems, I don’t know if there’s a reason to get them vaccinated, or at least not just quite yet.” At heart, the decision is about which unknown COVID or the vaccine parents fear more. They may stack factors such as social routines, older relatives, school protocols and the likelihood of severe illness to confirm their intuitive bias about whether to allow their child to get the shot. Gauch, a mechanical engineer, calculated each family member’s risk individually. She has asthma, so for her, the vaccine was a no-brainer. Her 14-year-old daughter got her first job this summer; getting vaccinated meant she would not have to wear a face mask at work. And her 12-year-old daughter saw that getting vaccinated could open up possibilities of being maskless in public. Done and done. But not only does Gauch worry about side effects in her 9-year-old son, she said that getting vaccinated will not release him from following other COVID rules because his school insists on masks and social distancing. “He is much less likely to get COVID if they’re taking all these precautions,” she said. “So I just don’t see the risk payoff of the vaccine.” Parents who were predisposed not to vaccinate their child tended to dismiss the threat of serious illness from COVID as minuscule, saying that children who became seriously ill most likely had underlying conditions. The argument that vaccinating children contributes to the community’s overall health does not get much traction, either. Parents’ paramount focus is the well-being of their own child. Although health officials contend an important reason to vaccinate is to protect the child, some parents said they believed that their healthy children would be injected with a novel vaccine largely to safeguard older adults, who had already lived full lives. In interviews, some parents said that if the vaccine gained full approval for children (as the adult dose has) and schools required it, they would consider withdrawing their students. Dr. Cynthia Bader, a pediatrician in the Seattle area with an 8-year-old son, said that if her school district issued a vaccine mandate, she would clap her hands with joy but “then cringe at the idea of all the parents who will be coming to me seeking counseling for vaccine exemption forms.” Parents are siloing themselves with like-minded friends, which reinforces their thinking. “It used to be that more people with different opinions would mesh, but now I don’t think that is the case,” said Abby Cooper of Bergen County, New Jersey, who is eager to get her five children vaccinated. But she has friends who refuse. “Their kids are going to school with my kids and putting them at risk for no reason. It’s very upsetting," Cooper said. "So, sadly, I’ve lost friends over this.” Many parents worry that the tension will impact the children themselves. Some foresee having to set boundaries about unvaccinated playmates, especially if exposure to the virus could jeopardise someone else in the home. Many parents will be difficult to persuade. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics have published talking points for pediatricians and other proponents of the COVID vaccine for children. Consensus: First, address the parents’ questions. But if they do not want to hear The Talk, do not force it. Consensus: Fear tactics generalised descriptions of children suffering in COVID wards do not work. Consensus: Emphasise the benefits of the COVID vaccine to the child in terms of emotional and physical well-being, including some semblance of pre-COVID social life. Invoke quarantines, remote learning. Also read | G20 Summit: Putin fires first shots, calls for greater recognition to Sputnik jab Kim Cobb hopes that her family’s COVID ordeals will show others the benefits of vaccinating all eligible family members. She, her husband and their two older daughters, 14 and 12, got vaccinated quickly. But in August, her unvaccinated 10-year-old twins came down with COVID. Soon after, Cobb, a climate scientist at Georgia Tech, and her husband tested positive for breakthrough infections. Their two vaccinated children remained healthy. The parents became miserably ill but did not require hospitalisation, which they believe is because they were vaccinated. All recovered, but Cobb and one twin have lingering respiratory distress. “We’re in the third month post-infection, and we have to see pulmonologists, we have inhalers, we’re on medication, and we’re still having breathing difficulties,” Cobb said. “And this is not a kid who ever had respiratory symptoms. “It was not foreseeable,” she continued. “If you could avoid it, you would.”

Covid-19 shots are a go for children, but parents are reluctant to consent

In an open letter, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have urged the global leaders to eliminate the "devastating" coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine inequity and also end the pandemic once and for all. Harry and Meghan also stated that "promises aren't translating" into vaccines reaching the people that need them.&nbsp;

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have partnered with Tedros Adhanom, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise the issue to&nbsp;the leaders at the G20 Summit that how low-income countries are suffering due to a lack of access to COVID-19 vaccines.&nbsp;

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The letter, which is published on the official site of the WHO read: "Of the almost 7 billion doses that have been administered globally, just 3 percent of people in low-income countries have had a jab so far. Where are the rest?"&nbsp;

"COVAX, the initiative designed to help achieve fair global access to COVID vaccines, has been promised 1.3 billion doses to be donated for the low-income countries it supports, yet it has been able to ship only 150 million - 11.5 percent – to date. Where are the rest?" the letter read.&nbsp;

The letter also stressed&nbsp;that millions of surplus vaccines are getting wasted once they expire, however, every discarded dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is a matter of outrage as they could have been donated. The letter noted that each dose of vaccine represents a real person, who could have been protected.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-american-music-awards-2021-bts-ariana-grande-nominated-for-artist-of-the-year-read-for-details-425193">American Music Awards 2021: BTS, Ariana Grande nominated for Artist of the Year; read for details</a>

Leaders of the world's 20 biggest economies endorsed on Saturday a global minimum tax aimed at stopping big business from hiding profits in tax havens, and also agreed to get more Covid vaccines to poorer nations.&nbsp;

Attending their first in-person summit in two years, G20 leaders broadly backed calls to extend debt relief for impoverished countries and pledged to vaccinate 70 per cent of the world's population against COVID-19 by mid-2022.&nbsp;

"There are many crises that you – the stewards of our planet – must grapple with this weekend: the climate emergency, the state of our global economy, a recommitment to multilateralism. Yet, in many ways, making headway on these priorities depends on whether we can beat this pandemic," the letter included.&nbsp;

"Cooperation of historic proportion is the only solution. Lives literally depend on it," Harry and Meghan concluded in the letter.&nbsp;

In an open letter, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have urged the global leaders to eliminate the "devastating" coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine inequity and also end the pandemic once and for all.

In an open letter, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have urged the global leaders to eliminate the "devastating" coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine inequity and also end the pandemic once and for all. Harry and Meghan also stated that "promises aren't translating" into vaccines reaching the people that need them. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have partnered with Tedros Adhanom, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise the issue to the leaders at the G20 Summit that how low-income countries are suffering due to a lack of access to COVID-19 vaccines. ALSO READ | Ed Sheeran sticks with a familiar formula on ‘=’ The letter, which is published on the official site of the WHO read: "Of the almost 7 billion doses that have been administered globally, just 3 percent of people in low-income countries have had a jab so far. Where are the rest?" "COVAX, the initiative designed to help achieve fair global access to COVID vaccines, has been promised 1.3 billion doses to be donated for the low-income countries it supports, yet it has been able to ship only 150 million - 11.5 percent – to date. Where are the rest?" the letter read. The letter also stressed that millions of surplus vaccines are getting wasted once they expire, however, every discarded dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is a matter of outrage as they could have been donated. The letter noted that each dose of vaccine represents a real person, who could have been protected. ALSO READ | American Music Awards 2021: BTS, Ariana Grande nominated for Artist of the Year; read for details Leaders of the world's 20 biggest economies endorsed on Saturday a global minimum tax aimed at stopping big business from hiding profits in tax havens, and also agreed to get more Covid vaccines to poorer nations. Attending their first in-person summit in two years, G20 leaders broadly backed calls to extend debt relief for impoverished countries and pledged to vaccinate 70 per cent of the world's population against COVID-19 by mid-2022. "There are many crises that you – the stewards of our planet – must grapple with this weekend: the climate emergency, the state of our global economy, a recommitment to multilateralism. Yet, in many ways, making headway on these priorities depends on whether we can beat this pandemic," the letter included. "Cooperation of historic proportion is the only solution. Lives literally depend on it," Harry and Meghan concluded in the letter.

'Promises aren't translating': Harry and Meghan urge G20 leaders to address COVID-19 vaccine inequity

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday received a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Harris received her third dose of the Moderna vaccine at the White House and encouraged everyone to get the booster "when you are eligible."

"What we have said from the beginning: It's safe and free," she said.&nbsp;Harris highlighted that over 90 per cent of Americans in intensive care units or who have died of COVID-19 are unvaccinated.

"So let’s get vaccinated and we will get through the pandemic," she said.

Harris got vaccinated against the deadly virus on live television in December 2020. She got vaccinated a week after US President Joe Biden took a shot of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine on December 21, 2020.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-leaders-agree-on-historic-corporate-tax-deal-425387">Also read |&nbsp;G20 leaders agree on historic corporate tax deal</a>

He was administered the vaccine at Christiana Care Hospital in Newark, Delaware. After saying "I'm ready", he rolled up the sleeve on his left arm and later assured Americans that "there's nothing to worry about".

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Moderna booster shots to be administered six months after the second dose to people aged 65 or older.&nbsp;

The shot can also be administered to people aged 18-64 who are either at high risk of severe COVID-19 or with frequent exposure to the virus because of their job.&nbsp;

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday received a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Harris received her third dose of the Moderna vaccine at the White House and encouraged everyone to get the booster "when you are eligible.

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday received a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Harris received her third dose of the Moderna vaccine at the White House and encouraged everyone to get the booster "when you are eligible." "What we have said from the beginning: It's safe and free," she said. Harris highlighted that over 90 per cent of Americans in intensive care units or who have died of COVID-19 are unvaccinated. "So let’s get vaccinated and we will get through the pandemic," she said. Harris got vaccinated against the deadly virus on live television in December 2020. She got vaccinated a week after US President Joe Biden took a shot of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine on December 21, 2020. Also read | G20 leaders agree on historic corporate tax deal He was administered the vaccine at Christiana Care Hospital in Newark, Delaware. After saying "I'm ready", he rolled up the sleeve on his left arm and later assured Americans that "there's nothing to worry about". The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Moderna booster shots to be administered six months after the second dose to people aged 65 or older. The shot can also be administered to people aged 18-64 who are either at high risk of severe COVID-19 or with frequent exposure to the virus because of their job.

'When you are eligible': Kamala Harris gets COVID-19 booster shot urging people to do the same

Britain will send 20 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to developing countries by the end of this year, in what Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell other world leaders is a much needed step to speed up the post-pandemic economic recovery.

Leaders of the world's 20 richest countries are gathering in Rome at a meeting which Johnson hopes will make progress on producing firm commitments to cut emissions before climate talks in Glasgow at the United Nations COP26 summit.

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But he also needs to get the backing from developing countries, some of which are already experiencing the devastating impact of global warming and have struggled to vaccinate their populations against COVID-19 as Western countries race ahead.

At a meeting of the leaders of the seven largest advanced economies earlier this year, Britain pledged at least 100 million shots as part of a G7 aim to offer 1 billion doses, a scheme critics said was too slow and unambitious.

Britain said in a statement it had delivered 10 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to the COVAX vaccine-sharing facility, with 10 million more to be delivered in the coming weeks, taking the total to 30.6 million in 2021.

In 2022, Britain will donate at least 20 million more Oxford-AstraZeneca doses and also donate all the 20 million Janssen doses ordered by the government to the COVAX facility, backed by the World Health Organization and the GAVI vaccine alliance.

"Like a waking giant, the world economy is stirring back to life. But the pace of recovery will depend on how quickly we can overcome COVID," Johnson will tell G20 leaders, according to his Downing Street office. 
"Our first priority as the G20 must be to press ahead with the rapid, equitable and global distribution of vaccines."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-may-never-know-how-covid-19-originated-say-us-intelligence-officials-425224">We may never know how COVID-19 originated, say US intelligence officials</a>

Mass vaccination against the coronavirus is seen as crucial to restoring economic growth, trade and travel, but Western nations are racing ahead of developing countries, many of which have the lowest inoculation rates and rising cases.

One hundred former leaders and government ministers from around the world have called on Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who is hosting the G20 meeting, to address what they said was an unfair distribution of vaccines.

They said the United States, European Union, Britain and Canada would be stockpiling 240 million unused vaccines by the end of the month, which these nations` military could immediately airlift to countries in greater need.

By the end of February a total of 1.1 billion surplus vaccines could be transferred, it said.

Britain will send 20 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to developing countries by the end of this year, in what Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell other world leaders is a much needed step to speed up the post-pandemic economic recovery.

Britain will send 20 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to developing countries by the end of this year, in what Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell other world leaders is a much needed step to speed up the post-pandemic economic recovery. Leaders of the world's 20 richest countries are gathering in Rome at a meeting which Johnson hopes will make progress on producing firm commitments to cut emissions before climate talks in Glasgow at the United Nations COP26 summit. Also Read | First Covid shot authorised by FDA in US for kids aged 5 to 11 years But he also needs to get the backing from developing countries, some of which are already experiencing the devastating impact of global warming and have struggled to vaccinate their populations against COVID-19 as Western countries race ahead. At a meeting of the leaders of the seven largest advanced economies earlier this year, Britain pledged at least 100 million shots as part of a G7 aim to offer 1 billion doses, a scheme critics said was too slow and unambitious. Britain said in a statement it had delivered 10 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to the COVAX vaccine-sharing facility, with 10 million more to be delivered in the coming weeks, taking the total to 30.6 million in 2021. In 2022, Britain will donate at least 20 million more Oxford-AstraZeneca doses and also donate all the 20 million Janssen doses ordered by the government to the COVAX facility, backed by the World Health Organization and the GAVI vaccine alliance. "Like a waking giant, the world economy is stirring back to life. But the pace of recovery will depend on how quickly we can overcome COVID," Johnson will tell G20 leaders, according to his Downing Street office. "Our first priority as the G20 must be to press ahead with the rapid, equitable and global distribution of vaccines." Also Read | We may never know how COVID-19 originated, say US intelligence officials Mass vaccination against the coronavirus is seen as crucial to restoring economic growth, trade and travel, but Western nations are racing ahead of developing countries, many of which have the lowest inoculation rates and rising cases. One hundred former leaders and government ministers from around the world have called on Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who is hosting the G20 meeting, to address what they said was an unfair distribution of vaccines. They said the United States, European Union, Britain and Canada would be stockpiling 240 million unused vaccines by the end of the month, which these nations` military could immediately airlift to countries in greater need. By the end of February a total of 1.1 billion surplus vaccines could be transferred, it said.

Britain sending millions more COVID-19 doses to developing nations

Tonga's Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, in a radio address, confirmed that the first case of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19), has been reported in the island nation since the pandemic began last year.&nbsp;

As per the local media reports, a traveller from New Zealand has been tested positive. The infected person was among 215 passengers who arrived from the city of Christchurch. The news was confirmed on Friday and the media reports stated that the infected person is currently in a MIQ facility in Tonga.&nbsp;

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Tongan PM has urged people to use the weekend to prepare for a potential lockdown next week, local media reported.&nbsp;

"The reason the lockdown won't happen this weekend is because I have been advised that the virus will take more than three days to develop in someone who catches it before they become contagious. We should use this time to get ready in case more people are confirmed they have the virus," he said.

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On the other hand, New Zealand's Ministry of Health stated: "The case returned a negative pre-departure test before leaving New Zealand. They are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine and had their second dose on 15 October."

"They were tested in routine Day 0 testing yesterday and returned a positive result today. The Ministry, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is working with officials in Tonga to confirm the case. There will be further updates on this tomorrow," the statement added.&nbsp;

Tonga's Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, in a radio address, confirmed that the first case of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19), has been reported in the island nation since the pandemic began last year.

Tonga's Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, in a radio address, confirmed that the first case of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19), has been reported in the island nation since the pandemic began last year. As per the local media reports, a traveller from New Zealand has been tested positive. The infected person was among 215 passengers who arrived from the city of Christchurch. The news was confirmed on Friday and the media reports stated that the infected person is currently in a MIQ facility in Tonga. ALSO READ | Boris Johnson vows to defend UK interests in French fishing row Tongan PM has urged people to use the weekend to prepare for a potential lockdown next week, local media reported. "The reason the lockdown won't happen this weekend is because I have been advised that the virus will take more than three days to develop in someone who catches it before they become contagious. We should use this time to get ready in case more people are confirmed they have the virus," he said. ALSO READ | UK decries France's seizure of fishing boat as post-Brexit row deepens On the other hand, New Zealand's Ministry of Health stated: "The case returned a negative pre-departure test before leaving New Zealand. They are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine and had their second dose on 15 October." "They were tested in routine Day 0 testing yesterday and returned a positive result today. The Ministry, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is working with officials in Tonga to confirm the case. There will be further updates on this tomorrow," the statement added.

Tonga reports its first-ever COVID-19 case, PM urges people to prepare for potential lockdown

Beijing officials on Friday told residents to postpone weddings and keep funeral ceremonies short, as disease controls across China were tightened just months before the Winter Olympics kicks off in the capital.

The world's most populous nation has reduced infection numbers to a trickle since its initial epidemic last spring thanks to a zero-tolerance approach of border closures, targeted lockdowns and long quarantine periods.'

But China is now grappling with flare-ups in a dozen regions linked to tourists, spurring officials to order millions to stay home, restrict inter-provincial travel and ramp up testing.

Case numbers remain far lower than in most countries, with 48 new domestic infections on Friday bringing the tally to fewer than 250 in the past week.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-19-outbreak-in-china-authorities-shut-down-lanzhou-city-of-4-million-people-424081">&nbsp;New COVID-19 outbreak in China: Authorities shut down Lanzhou, city of 4 million people</a>

But authorities are not taking any chances, with tens of thousands of people in Beijing -- which will host the Winter Olympics in February -- under lockdown after a handful of cases were detected.

Residents should "postpone weddings, keep funerals brief, don't organise banquets, and reduce unnecessary gatherings", deputy chief of the city's disease control centre Pang Xinghuo said at a Friday press conference.

Tourist spots will further limit capacity, while the newly opened Universal Studios resort will enter a "state of emergency epidemic prevention", said Beijing's deputy publicity chief Xu Hejian, without giving further details.

Queues stretched down the roads outside Beijing's medical centres as people sought to comply with newly enhanced Covid controls.

Software developer Tu Anling, 24, told AFP she needed a test before being allowed to board a train to Nanjing, a city 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) to the south.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-faster-more-accessible-covid-19-testing-amid-latest-outbreak-424184">China urges faster, more accessible COVID-19 testing amid latest outbreak</a>

"I initially arranged to meet friends here (in Beijing), but the recent outbreak made many suddenly say they're not coming," she said.

Many regions are demanding passengers show a negative test before entering, especially those from cities that have recently reported cases.

Others told AFP they needed tests to sit academic or professional exams.

With Beijing officials keeping a wary eye on outbreaks in other parts of China, around half of all flights at the capital's two main airports were cancelled Friday, according to Chinese tracking platform Feichangzhun.

On Thursday rail authorities ordered two Beijing-bound high-speed trains to stop and sent over 450 passengers to be tested after staff members were identified as close contacts of infected people.

Fearful of outbreaks, a number of other cities have also strengthened Covid rules.

Authorities in Harbin -- the capital of the northeastern Heilongjiang province -- warned 10 million residents against outbound travel and grounded a third of flights at the city's airport.

About six million people are under lockdown across China including around four million in the northwestern city of Lanzhou and the Inner Mongolian county of Ejin, where around 35,000 people live.

Beijing officials on Friday told residents to postpone weddings and keep funeral ceremonies short, as disease controls across China were tightened just months before the Winter Olympics kicks off in the capital.

Beijing officials on Friday told residents to postpone weddings and keep funeral ceremonies short, as disease controls across China were tightened just months before the Winter Olympics kicks off in the capital. The world's most populous nation has reduced infection numbers to a trickle since its initial epidemic last spring thanks to a zero-tolerance approach of border closures, targeted lockdowns and long quarantine periods.' But China is now grappling with flare-ups in a dozen regions linked to tourists, spurring officials to order millions to stay home, restrict inter-provincial travel and ramp up testing. Case numbers remain far lower than in most countries, with 48 new domestic infections on Friday bringing the tally to fewer than 250 in the past week. Also Read | New COVID-19 outbreak in China: Authorities shut down Lanzhou, city of 4 million people But authorities are not taking any chances, with tens of thousands of people in Beijing -- which will host the Winter Olympics in February -- under lockdown after a handful of cases were detected. Residents should "postpone weddings, keep funerals brief, don't organise banquets, and reduce unnecessary gatherings", deputy chief of the city's disease control centre Pang Xinghuo said at a Friday press conference. Tourist spots will further limit capacity, while the newly opened Universal Studios resort will enter a "state of emergency epidemic prevention", said Beijing's deputy publicity chief Xu Hejian, without giving further details. Queues stretched down the roads outside Beijing's medical centres as people sought to comply with newly enhanced Covid controls. Software developer Tu Anling, 24, told AFP she needed a test before being allowed to board a train to Nanjing, a city 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) to the south. Also Read | China urges faster, more accessible COVID-19 testing amid latest outbreak "I initially arranged to meet friends here (in Beijing), but the recent outbreak made many suddenly say they're not coming," she said. Many regions are demanding passengers show a negative test before entering, especially those from cities that have recently reported cases. Others told AFP they needed tests to sit academic or professional exams. With Beijing officials keeping a wary eye on outbreaks in other parts of China, around half of all flights at the capital's two main airports were cancelled Friday, according to Chinese tracking platform Feichangzhun. On Thursday rail authorities ordered two Beijing-bound high-speed trains to stop and sent over 450 passengers to be tested after staff members were identified as close contacts of infected people. Fearful of outbreaks, a number of other cities have also strengthened Covid rules. Authorities in Harbin -- the capital of the northeastern Heilongjiang province -- warned 10 million residents against outbound travel and grounded a third of flights at the city's airport. About six million people are under lockdown across China including around four million in the northwestern city of Lanzhou and the Inner Mongolian county of Ejin, where around 35,000 people live.

Flights, weddings cancelled as China tackles Covid outbreak

The United Kingdom on Thursday (October 28) informed that the government will remove the remaining countries from the coronavirus (COVID-19) travel 'red list' from next Monday as the bans on foreigners travelling to England have been scrapped.&nbsp;

UK's Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that all seven remaining countries — Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela — on the 'red list' will be removed from Monday, 1 November at 4am (local time).&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-committed-to-help-taiwan-defend-itself-us-official-425020">US committed to help Taiwan defend itself: US official</a>

The minister further said the changes only applied to fully vaccinated passengers from those countries and anyone not vaccinated would still have to take tests and quarantine.&nbsp;

Britons arriving from these countries will no longer need to spend 11 nights in a quarantine hotel, while nationals of those countries will now be allowed to travel to England.

<blockquote>
"I should point out, though, that all of this only applies to people coming here who are fully vaccinated. And for those who are not, I'm afraid it's still pre-departure testing, it's a day two eight, it's a day eight test, those all have to be PCR tests. So this is a regime which is much more straightforward but it only applies to people fully vaccinated as you might expect" —&nbsp;Grant Shapps.
</blockquote>

The minister, however, stated that the 'red list'&nbsp;category will be kept in place as a precautionary measure to protect public health and are prepared to add countries and territories back if needed, as the country's first line of defence.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
"Well this is great news actually for travellers. People will be able to travel here from anywhere without now having to go through a mandatory quarantine as the red list reduces to zero countries on it. And we're been able to do this now because the variants of concern that we've been tracking are no longer of concern to the Chief Medical Officers and so this will apply throughout the whole of the UK" —&nbsp;Grant Shapps.
</blockquote>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/spirit-of-cooperation-deeply-rooted-between-rome-and-new-delhi-says-indias-envoy-to-italy-424974">Spirit of cooperation deeply rooted between Rome and New Delhi, says India's envoy to Italy</a>

The government will also recognise coronavirus vaccines for arrivals from more than 30 new countries and territories, he added. Wales will also adopt similar changes, said its devolved government.

"We can also confirm that from Monday, eligible travellers from over 30 new countries and territories, including Peru &amp; Uganda will be added to our inbound vax policy, bringing the total number of countries on this list to over 135," the minister said.&nbsp;

"I am glad we are able to reduce the travel list even further, giving a huge boost to businesses, families and friends wanting to travel," said health minister Sajid Javid.

Scotland's Transport Minister Graeme Dey said the move would help the tourism sector "take another step back towards normal operations" but also warned that "the pandemic is not over".&nbsp;

"The situation will be closely monitored and regularly reviewed and if the situation demands it we will not hesitate to re-impose restrictions," Graeme Dey added.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Row between UK and France over fishing rights intensifies

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The United Kingdom on Thursday (October 28) informed that the government will remove the remaining countries from the coronavirus (COVID-19) travel 'red list' from next Monday as the bans on foreigners travelling to England have been scrapped.

The United Kingdom on Thursday (October 28) informed that the government will remove the remaining countries from the coronavirus (COVID-19) travel 'red list' from next Monday as the bans on foreigners travelling to England have been scrapped. UK's Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that all seven remaining countries — Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela — on the 'red list' will be removed from Monday, 1 November at 4am (local time). ALSO READ | US committed to help Taiwan defend itself: US official The minister further said the changes only applied to fully vaccinated passengers from those countries and anyone not vaccinated would still have to take tests and quarantine. Britons arriving from these countries will no longer need to spend 11 nights in a quarantine hotel, while nationals of those countries will now be allowed to travel to England. "I should point out, though, that all of this only applies to people coming here who are fully vaccinated. And for those who are not, I'm afraid it's still pre-departure testing, it's a day two eight, it's a day eight test, those all have to be PCR tests. So this is a regime which is much more straightforward but it only applies to people fully vaccinated as you might expect" — Grant Shapps. The minister, however, stated that the 'red list' category will be kept in place as a precautionary measure to protect public health and are prepared to add countries and territories back if needed, as the country's first line of defence. "Well this is great news actually for travellers. People will be able to travel here from anywhere without now having to go through a mandatory quarantine as the red list reduces to zero countries on it. And we're been able to do this now because the variants of concern that we've been tracking are no longer of concern to the Chief Medical Officers and so this will apply throughout the whole of the UK" — Grant Shapps. ALSO READ | Spirit of cooperation deeply rooted between Rome and New Delhi, says India's envoy to Italy The government will also recognise coronavirus vaccines for arrivals from more than 30 new countries and territories, he added. Wales will also adopt similar changes, said its devolved government. "We can also confirm that from Monday, eligible travellers from over 30 new countries and territories, including Peru & Uganda will be added to our inbound vax policy, bringing the total number of countries on this list to over 135," the minister said. "I am glad we are able to reduce the travel list even further, giving a huge boost to businesses, families and friends wanting to travel," said health minister Sajid Javid. Scotland's Transport Minister Graeme Dey said the move would help the tourism sector "take another step back towards normal operations" but also warned that "the pandemic is not over". "The situation will be closely monitored and regularly reviewed and if the situation demands it we will not hesitate to re-impose restrictions," Graeme Dey added. Watch: Row between UK and France over fishing rights intensifies ×

UK set to remove remaining countries from COVID-19 travel 'red list'

Sweden's response to the spread of coronavirus was too slow and preparations to handle a pandemic were insufficient, a commission investigating the country's response to COVID-19 said on Friday.

Sweden's early strategy, shunning lockdowns and measures such as face masks and only gradually tightening curbs, made the country an outlier in the first year of the pandemic when many countries across Europe chose to implement tougher restrictions.

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The commission said it would address Sweden's no-lockdown strategy in its final report, but that its preliminary findings showed that measures were introduced late both in relation to the country's Nordic neighbours and the spread of the virus in Sweden during the spring of 2020.

"Sweden's handling of the pandemic has been marked by a slowness of response," the commission said.

"The initial disease prevention and control measures were insufficient to stop or even substantially limit the spread of the virus in the country."

The commission, appointed by the government amid pressure from parliament, also noted that it had taken "far too long" to build sufficient testing capacity with initially only targeted groups, such as healthcare staff, being tested.

Authorities relied heavily on voluntary recommendations for people to socially distance and wash their hands, and public places such as schools, restaurants and businesses remained largely open, with the government leaving much of the responsibility for fighting the virus with the health agency and its chief epidemiologist, Anders Tegnell.

Sweden has recorded more than 15,000 deaths from coronavirus, many times the per capita level of its Nordic neighbours that implemented tougher restrictions, but still lower than many countries that locked down tightly, such as Britain.

Its pandemic strategy has been controversial at home and abroad. Critics have called it reckless and cruel but the approach has also earned praise for being more sustainable and business-friendly and as a model for living with the virus as it becomes endemic.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merck-strikes-deal-for-global-access-to-covid-drug-424507">Merck strikes deal for global access to Covid drug</a>

Restrictions were gradually tightened in later waves of the pandemic before Sweden, along with other Western countries, began abandoning curbs following the rollout of vaccines. Nearly all restrictions have now been lifted.

The commission investigating the coronavirus response has no legal power beyond making public its findings with the aim of improving Sweden's ability to handle pandemics and similar situations.

Sweden's response to the spread of coronavirus was too slow and preparations to handle a pandemic were insufficient, a commission investigating the country's response to COVID-19 said on Friday.

Sweden's response to the spread of coronavirus was too slow and preparations to handle a pandemic were insufficient, a commission investigating the country's response to COVID-19 said on Friday. Sweden's early strategy, shunning lockdowns and measures such as face masks and only gradually tightening curbs, made the country an outlier in the first year of the pandemic when many countries across Europe chose to implement tougher restrictions. Also Read | Antidepressant drug Fluvoxamine can help reduce Covid hospitalisations by 30%: Study The commission said it would address Sweden's no-lockdown strategy in its final report, but that its preliminary findings showed that measures were introduced late both in relation to the country's Nordic neighbours and the spread of the virus in Sweden during the spring of 2020. "Sweden's handling of the pandemic has been marked by a slowness of response," the commission said. "The initial disease prevention and control measures were insufficient to stop or even substantially limit the spread of the virus in the country." The commission, appointed by the government amid pressure from parliament, also noted that it had taken "far too long" to build sufficient testing capacity with initially only targeted groups, such as healthcare staff, being tested. Authorities relied heavily on voluntary recommendations for people to socially distance and wash their hands, and public places such as schools, restaurants and businesses remained largely open, with the government leaving much of the responsibility for fighting the virus with the health agency and its chief epidemiologist, Anders Tegnell. Sweden has recorded more than 15,000 deaths from coronavirus, many times the per capita level of its Nordic neighbours that implemented tougher restrictions, but still lower than many countries that locked down tightly, such as Britain. Its pandemic strategy has been controversial at home and abroad. Critics have called it reckless and cruel but the approach has also earned praise for being more sustainable and business-friendly and as a model for living with the virus as it becomes endemic. Also Read | Merck strikes deal for global access to Covid drug Restrictions were gradually tightened in later waves of the pandemic before Sweden, along with other Western countries, began abandoning curbs following the rollout of vaccines. Nearly all restrictions have now been lifted. The commission investigating the coronavirus response has no legal power beyond making public its findings with the aim of improving Sweden's ability to handle pandemics and similar situations.

Sweden acted too slowly as pandemic swept country, finds probe

Moscow has brought in its strictest COVID-19 lockdown measures in more than a year as nationwide one-day pandemic deaths and infections hit new highs.

The Russian capital has now shut shops, schools and restaurants for 11 days in a bid to battle the deadly coronavirus. Like Moscow, some regions decided to begin with their partial lockdowns on Thursday or even earlier.

However, the residents in Moscow are allowed to leave their homes, unlike the lockdown in summer 2020. The Kremlin has blamed the rising cases on vaccine hesitancy.

Russia has reported a record 1,159 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. The official data reveals 40,096 new infections in 85 regions of Russia, which is another record.&nbsp;

Russia's overall COVID-19 death toll&nbsp;is officially more than 230,000. This is the highest in Europe and one of the highest in the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-virus-variant-in-russia-may-be-more-contagious-report-422780">Also read |&nbsp;New virus variant in Russia may be more contagious: Report</a>

At the State Duma lower house of parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker, urged that all lawmakers should get vaccinated. "Imagine the consequences for the country if parliament stops working," Volodin told the lower house. "Every day we're seeing how our...colleagues are ending up in hospital beds," he said.

Many Russians are reluctant to get vaccinated. As of October 22, official data revealed that 49.1 million Russians were fully vaccinated.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, reports have revealed that a new coronavirus variant had emerged which may be more contagious than Delta.

Russia's RIA news agency quoted a researcher as saying that AY.4.2 variant could spread widely leading to an increase in the number of coronavirus cases. Other cities in Russia including Voronezh have also been hit due to the fast-spreading virus.

Moscow has brought in its strictest COVID-19 lockdown measures in more than a year as nationwide one-day pandemic deaths and infections hit new highs. The Russian capital has now shut shops, schools and restaurants for 11 days in a bid to battle the deadly coronavirus.

Moscow has brought in its strictest COVID-19 lockdown measures in more than a year as nationwide one-day pandemic deaths and infections hit new highs. The Russian capital has now shut shops, schools and restaurants for 11 days in a bid to battle the deadly coronavirus. Like Moscow, some regions decided to begin with their partial lockdowns on Thursday or even earlier. However, the residents in Moscow are allowed to leave their homes, unlike the lockdown in summer 2020. The Kremlin has blamed the rising cases on vaccine hesitancy. Russia has reported a record 1,159 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. The official data reveals 40,096 new infections in 85 regions of Russia, which is another record. Russia's overall COVID-19 death toll is officially more than 230,000. This is the highest in Europe and one of the highest in the world. Also read | New virus variant in Russia may be more contagious: Report At the State Duma lower house of parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker, urged that all lawmakers should get vaccinated. "Imagine the consequences for the country if parliament stops working," Volodin told the lower house. "Every day we're seeing how our...colleagues are ending up in hospital beds," he said. Many Russians are reluctant to get vaccinated. As of October 22, official data revealed that 49.1 million Russians were fully vaccinated. Meanwhile, reports have revealed that a new coronavirus variant had emerged which may be more contagious than Delta. Russia's RIA news agency quoted a researcher as saying that AY.4.2 variant could spread widely leading to an increase in the number of coronavirus cases. Other cities in Russia including Voronezh have also been hit due to the fast-spreading virus.

Lockdown imposed in Moscow as COVID-19 cases surge amid slow vaccination rate

Most of Europe is now using COVID-19 passports to enter bars, restaurants, cinemas and museums even after protests in the region. Scotland, also, has now implemented a vaccine passport even though England does not require a pass.

Most of Europe is now using COVID-19 passports to enter bars, restaurants, cinemas and museums even after protests in the region. Scotland, also, has now implemented a vaccine passport even though England does not require a pass. In Italy, one needs to have a COVID-19 pass to enter their workplace. Italy is said to have adapted the most rigid COVID-19 pass rules in Europe. As per the guidelines, anyone who is on a payroll, both in the public and private sectors, must have a 'green pass' with a QR code as proof of either full vaccination, recent recovery from infection or a negative test. Also, employees who go to work without a pass can be fined up to 1,500 euros and can also face suspension without pay. Employers could also face fines if they allow staff to work without it. Also read | Hong Kong passes law that can censor even past films, to safeguard 'national security' In France, the passe sanitaire has become part of daily life. A report by BBC highlights how the Netherlands does not require a pass now. However, the rules state that anyone aged 13 and over has to show a COVID-19 entry pass. As per the official EU website, the pass contains a QR code, which comprises personal as well as sensitive health data. However, the processing of the information happens exclusively in the browser. "To create the pass, only a cryptographic hash is sent to our server and signed there. This means we have no possibility to read or save your data," says the website. The website urges the citizens to not share COVID-19 passes in order to protect privacy. Meanwhile, recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concerns over the worsening pandemic situation in Europe. The UN health body said that Europe had the maximum number of cases and deaths due to the viral disease over the last week, with a double-digit percentage surge in each.

Most European countries to keep using COVID-19 passports as winter approaches

Panic gripped the south Indian state of Karnataka after 32 students in a residential school&nbsp;tested positive for the coronavirus,

The10 girls and 22 boys&nbsp;are in grades 9 to 12 of Jawahar Navodaya Vidayalaya in&nbsp;Kodagu district.

Ten out of the 32 students are symptomatic.

A member of the school's staff has also tested positive and is still experiencing symptoms.

All students are being treated at the district hospital, according to Pankajashan, the school's principal.

"Their condition is improving; there's no need to be concerned."

The whole campus has been sanitised, and further precautions have been taken.&nbsp;

The COVID-19 test has now been administered to all 270 of the school's students.

Various state governments in India are reopening&nbsp;schools after over a year of shutdown.

In-person classes for students in grades IX and higher have resumed in India's capital city, New Delhi.

The&nbsp;decision was made after thorough examination of the harmful impact virtual classrooms have had on students, authorities said.

Meanwhile, over 550 students in Himachal have tested positive for Covid-19 last month, according to a state health official.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Panic gripped the south Indian state of Karnataka after 32 students in a residential school tested positive for the coronavirus, The10 girls and 22 boys are in grades 9 to 12 of Jawahar Navodaya Vidayalaya in Kodagu district.

Panic gripped the south Indian state of Karnataka after 32 students in a residential school tested positive for the coronavirus, The10 girls and 22 boys are in grades 9 to 12 of Jawahar Navodaya Vidayalaya in Kodagu district. Ten out of the 32 students are symptomatic. A member of the school's staff has also tested positive and is still experiencing symptoms. All students are being treated at the district hospital, according to Pankajashan, the school's principal. "Their condition is improving; there's no need to be concerned." The whole campus has been sanitised, and further precautions have been taken. The COVID-19 test has now been administered to all 270 of the school's students. Various state governments in India are reopening schools after over a year of shutdown. In-person classes for students in grades IX and higher have resumed in India's capital city, New Delhi. The decision was made after thorough examination of the harmful impact virtual classrooms have had on students, authorities said. Meanwhile, over 550 students in Himachal have tested positive for Covid-19 last month, according to a state health official. (With inputs from agencies)

Panic in southern Indian state of Karnataka as 32 students test positive for COVID-19 at residential school

The Food and Drug Administration should provide an emergency use permission for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in children aged 5 to 11 years old, according to a panel of independent advisors.

There were 17 yes votes and one no vote.

Pfizer's evidence suggesting that the vaccine is safe and 90.7 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19 infections in this age range was accepted by the FDA panel.

Though it isn't obligated to, the agency usually follows the advise of its expert panels.

Within the following several days, it will make a choice.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Why India needs to begin vaccinating Children

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-india-needs-to-begin-vaccinating-children-421905/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

If the FDA approves the vaccine for these younger children, which appears likely, a panel of specialists advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will make its own recommendations and issue guidance on its usage among this age range next week.&nbsp;

Despite the majority in favour, the experts looked to be struggling to decide if the advantages of vaccination for young children outweighed the hazards.&nbsp;

Children aged 5 to 11 receive a lower dosage of the vaccination than those aged 12 and up: 10 micrograms of mRNA vs 30 micrograms.

The whole vaccine series, much like in adults, comprises of two doses given three weeks apart.

The dosages for youngsters will be in vials with an orange lid and label.

Adult and teen dosages are packaged in vials with a purple lid and label.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Food and Drug Administration should provide an emergency use permission for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in children aged 5 to 11 years old, according to a panel of independent advisors.

The Food and Drug Administration should provide an emergency use permission for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in children aged 5 to 11 years old, according to a panel of independent advisors. There were 17 yes votes and one no vote. Pfizer's evidence suggesting that the vaccine is safe and 90.7 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19 infections in this age range was accepted by the FDA panel. Though it isn't obligated to, the agency usually follows the advise of its expert panels. Within the following several days, it will make a choice. Watch | Gravitas: Why India needs to begin vaccinating Children If the FDA approves the vaccine for these younger children, which appears likely, a panel of specialists advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will make its own recommendations and issue guidance on its usage among this age range next week. Despite the majority in favour, the experts looked to be struggling to decide if the advantages of vaccination for young children outweighed the hazards. Children aged 5 to 11 receive a lower dosage of the vaccination than those aged 12 and up: 10 micrograms of mRNA vs 30 micrograms. The whole vaccine series, much like in adults, comprises of two doses given three weeks apart. The dosages for youngsters will be in vials with an orange lid and label. Adult and teen dosages are packaged in vials with a purple lid and label. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccine for kids: FDA panel OKs Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5 to 11

With&nbsp;100&nbsp;days&nbsp;until the start of the&nbsp;Winter&nbsp;Olympics,&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;is promising a "simple and safe" 2022 Games - although preparations are anything but simple as China readies to host thousands of athletes and personnel as it battles flare-ups of&nbsp;COVID-19.

Beijing&nbsp;will be the first city to stage both the Summer and&nbsp;Winter&nbsp;Games, but the 2022 event is shadowed by the coronavirus pandemic and calls from human&nbsp;rights&nbsp;groups for a boycott over China's treatment of Tibet, Uyghur Muslims and Hong Kong.

The Games will run Feb. 4 to 20, with all participants subject to daily&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;tests and no international spectators. Unlike this year's Tokyo Summer Games local spectators will be allowed at events in and around the Chinese capital.

Athletes and other Games-related personnel will be enveloped in a "closed loop" including three clusters of venues - one in downtown&nbsp;Beijing, one in the outskirts near the Great Wall, and one to the northwest of the city, in Hebei province.

"Keeping the virus under control is the biggest challenge for us as hosts of the&nbsp;Winter&nbsp;Olympics," Zhang Jiandong,&nbsp;Beijing's vice mayor, told a Wednesday briefing.

"If we cannot be&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;secure, then we will not have hosted the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;successfully," he said.

Unlike the Tokyo Games, which were delayed by a year and stalked by speculation they would be cancelled, there has been little doubt the&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;Winter&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;will take place - no matter what - as an increasingly assertive China seizes the opportunity to demonstrate soft power.

Still, the countdown comes as China, with some of the world's most stringent&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;controls, manages small Delta variant outbreaks. The&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;and Wuhan marathons were recently postponed, with curbs on travel into the capital announced due to dozens of daily new cases.

Such restrictions have contributed to a lack of the anticipatory buzz that marked the&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;2008 Summer&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;- an extravaganza widely seen as China's global coming-out party.

On Wednesday, China reported 50 new locally-transmitted cases for the previous day - the most since Sept 16 but still tiny by global standards.

BOYCOTT CALLS

Since then, China has risen to superpower status, locked in antagonistic competition with the United States and under the increasingly authoritarian leadership of President Xi Jinping, with tightened censorship and suppression of dissent.

During the torch-lighting ceremony in Athens earlier this month,&nbsp;rights&nbsp;activists unfurled a banner reading "No Genocide Games" and waved a Tibetan flag, although the ceremony itself was not interrupted, as had been the case for the 2008&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;Summer Games.

Rights&nbsp;groups and some U.S. lawmakers have called on the International Olympic Committee to postpone the&nbsp;Winter&nbsp;Games and relocate the event unless China ends what the United States deems ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups.

Activists and U.N.&nbsp;rights&nbsp;experts have said that at least 1 million Muslims&nbsp;were&nbsp;detained in camps in Xinjiang since 2017.&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;denies all allegations of abuse of Uyghurs and describes the camps as vocational training facilities to combat religious extremism.

After Boston Celtics centre Enes Kanter posted videos denouncing China's human&nbsp;rights&nbsp;record last week, his name appeared to be blocked on Chinese social media platform Weibo, and his team's highlights were dropped from a domestic sports platform.

While no country has said its athletes will boycott the Games, European, British and American lawmakers have all voted for their diplomats to do so.

STAR POWER

Some facilities built for 2008 will be re-used, including the Bird's Nest Stadium, which will again be the site of the opening and closing ceremonies. Others have been newly built near the city of Zhangjiakou in Hebei province, connected to&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;by high speed rail, with the region's cold but dry&nbsp;winters requiring the help of artificial snow to cover slopes.

The Games are also set to feature players from North America's National Hockey League after they skipped the 2018 edition in Pyeongchang, South Korea, with superstars like Canada's Sidney Crosby and Russia's Alexander Ovechkin poised to add star power.

And while Xi has positioned the Games as an opportunity to accelerate development of&nbsp;winter&nbsp;sports, China is not expected to be among the biggest medals winners.

China topped the gold medals table at the 2008 Summer Games and came second at Tokyo, but won just one in the&nbsp;Winter&nbsp;Games in Pyeongchang and finished 14th overall.

With 100 days until the start of the Winter Olympics, Beijing is promising a "simple and safe" 2022 Games - although preparations are anything but simple as China readies to host thousands of athletes and personnel as it battles flare-ups of COVID-19.

With 100 days until the start of the Winter Olympics, Beijing is promising a "simple and safe" 2022 Games - although preparations are anything but simple as China readies to host thousands of athletes and personnel as it battles flare-ups of COVID-19. Beijing will be the first city to stage both the Summer and Winter Games, but the 2022 event is shadowed by the coronavirus pandemic and calls from human rights groups for a boycott over China's treatment of Tibet, Uyghur Muslims and Hong Kong. The Games will run Feb. 4 to 20, with all participants subject to daily COVID-19 tests and no international spectators. Unlike this year's Tokyo Summer Games local spectators will be allowed at events in and around the Chinese capital. Athletes and other Games-related personnel will be enveloped in a "closed loop" including three clusters of venues - one in downtown Beijing, one in the outskirts near the Great Wall, and one to the northwest of the city, in Hebei province. "Keeping the virus under control is the biggest challenge for us as hosts of the Winter Olympics," Zhang Jiandong, Beijing's vice mayor, told a Wednesday briefing. "If we cannot be COVID-19 secure, then we will not have hosted the Olympics successfully," he said. Unlike the Tokyo Games, which were delayed by a year and stalked by speculation they would be cancelled, there has been little doubt the Beijing Winter Olympics will take place - no matter what - as an increasingly assertive China seizes the opportunity to demonstrate soft power. Still, the countdown comes as China, with some of the world's most stringent COVID-19 controls, manages small Delta variant outbreaks. The Beijing and Wuhan marathons were recently postponed, with curbs on travel into the capital announced due to dozens of daily new cases. Such restrictions have contributed to a lack of the anticipatory buzz that marked the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics - an extravaganza widely seen as China's global coming-out party. On Wednesday, China reported 50 new locally-transmitted cases for the previous day - the most since Sept 16 but still tiny by global standards. BOYCOTT CALLS Since then, China has risen to superpower status, locked in antagonistic competition with the United States and under the increasingly authoritarian leadership of President Xi Jinping, with tightened censorship and suppression of dissent. During the torch-lighting ceremony in Athens earlier this month, rights activists unfurled a banner reading "No Genocide Games" and waved a Tibetan flag, although the ceremony itself was not interrupted, as had been the case for the 2008 Beijing Summer Games. Rights groups and some U.S. lawmakers have called on the International Olympic Committee to postpone the Winter Games and relocate the event unless China ends what the United States deems ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups. Activists and U.N. rights experts have said that at least 1 million Muslims were detained in camps in Xinjiang since 2017. Beijing denies all allegations of abuse of Uyghurs and describes the camps as vocational training facilities to combat religious extremism. After Boston Celtics centre Enes Kanter posted videos denouncing China's human rights record last week, his name appeared to be blocked on Chinese social media platform Weibo, and his team's highlights were dropped from a domestic sports platform. While no country has said its athletes will boycott the Games, European, British and American lawmakers have all voted for their diplomats to do so. STAR POWER Some facilities built for 2008 will be re-used, including the Bird's Nest Stadium, which will again be the site of the opening and closing ceremonies. Others have been newly built near the city of Zhangjiakou in Hebei province, connected to Beijing by high speed rail, with the region's cold but dry winters requiring the help of artificial snow to cover slopes. The Games are also set to feature players from North America's National Hockey League after they skipped the 2018 edition in Pyeongchang, South Korea, with superstars like Canada's Sidney Crosby and Russia's Alexander Ovechkin poised to add star power. And while Xi has positioned the Games as an opportunity to accelerate development of winter sports, China is not expected to be among the biggest medals winners. China topped the gold medals table at the 2008 Summer Games and came second at Tokyo, but won just one in the Winter Games in Pyeongchang and finished 14th overall.

Beijing marks 100 days to Winter Olympics amid COVID-19, rights concerns

Facing the toughest restrictions since the early months of the pandemic, many Russians have decided that now is an ideal time to fly off for a foreign beach holiday instead of hunkering down at home.

Workplaces across Russia are due to close in the first week of November for paid "non-working days" to slow the relentless spread of COVID-19. Russia on Wednesday reported 1,123 new COVID-19 deaths, its highest one-day toll of the pandemic so far.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-for-kids-fda-panel-oks-pfizer-vaccine-for-children-aged-5-to-11-424323">COVID-19 vaccine for kids: FDA panel OKs Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5 to 11</a>

In Moscow, unvaccinated over-60s have been locked down for four months, and shops other than pharmacies and supermarkets will shut from Thursday until November&nbsp;7.

An unintended consequence of the tightening curbs - accompanied by appeals to wear masks, observe social distancing and get vaccinated - has been a sharp increase in foreign travel bookings to destinations where Russia's flagship Sputnik V is recognised or where COVID entry requirements are cheap and easy.

"Don't quarantine, but holiday on the beach!" travel company Orange Sun Tour proclaims on its website osttour.ru, which offers breaks in Cyprus, Egypt, Cuba and other destinations.

Travel agent Polina Bondarenko said prices had shot up for trips to all available destinations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-health-ministry-greenlights-joint-covid-19-flu-vaccination-423267">Russian health ministry greenlights joint COVID-19, flu vaccination</a>

"People are leaving in connection with this lockdown," she told Reuters, saying about 70 per cent&nbsp;of travellers were vaccinated - well above the national level of just over one third.

Mkhissin Rami, a manager at Orange Sun Tour, said the rush had started right after the partial lockdowns were announced last week.

"No one wanted to stay in Moscow, because what can you do here, so demand went up by about five times, for sure," he said.

For Egypt, the most popular destination, the price of a week-long hotel break for two had surged to about 150,000 roubles ($2,130) compared with just over 100,000 normally, he told Reuters.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-virus-variant-in-russia-may-be-more-contagious-report-422780">New virus variant in Russia may be more contagious: Report</a>

When asked to comment on the phenomenon of people escaping lockdown by flying abroad, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that medical professionals had expressed concerns and that there could be epidemiological consequences.

But Peskov said there was no ban on such holidays, none was planned, and that stopping people from moving around freely was an unwelcome measure of last resort.

Holidaymakers interviewed at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport saw no apparent irony in their decision to escape the country just when the government is urging people to curb their movements.

Also read |&nbsp;Russia records more than 33,000 more new Covid cases

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-records-more-than-33000-more-new-covid-cases-421481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"If we didn't take the trip now, we'd be sitting at home," said Nina, a resident of the Vladimir region east of Moscow, whose previous attempt to holiday in Turkey was thwarted when flights were cancelled last April.

Muscovite Alexandra said she wasn't frightened of&nbsp;covid risks because hotels were keeping on top of the situation.

"It's not my first holiday this year, it's probably the fifth," she said. "They (hotels) are trying to follow and observe the rules. Plus I'm vaccinated - that won't save you but it will still help. Everything will be great."

Facing the toughest restrictions since the early months of the pandemic, many Russians have decided that now is an ideal time to fly off for a foreign beach holiday instead of hunkering down at home.

Facing the toughest restrictions since the early months of the pandemic, many Russians have decided that now is an ideal time to fly off for a foreign beach holiday instead of hunkering down at home. Workplaces across Russia are due to close in the first week of November for paid "non-working days" to slow the relentless spread of COVID-19. Russia on Wednesday reported 1,123 new COVID-19 deaths, its highest one-day toll of the pandemic so far. Also Read | COVID-19 vaccine for kids: FDA panel OKs Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 In Moscow, unvaccinated over-60s have been locked down for four months, and shops other than pharmacies and supermarkets will shut from Thursday until November 7. An unintended consequence of the tightening curbs - accompanied by appeals to wear masks, observe social distancing and get vaccinated - has been a sharp increase in foreign travel bookings to destinations where Russia's flagship Sputnik V is recognised or where COVID entry requirements are cheap and easy. "Don't quarantine, but holiday on the beach!" travel company Orange Sun Tour proclaims on its website osttour.ru, which offers breaks in Cyprus, Egypt, Cuba and other destinations. Travel agent Polina Bondarenko said prices had shot up for trips to all available destinations. Also read | Russian health ministry greenlights joint COVID-19, flu vaccination "People are leaving in connection with this lockdown," she told Reuters, saying about 70 per cent of travellers were vaccinated - well above the national level of just over one third. Mkhissin Rami, a manager at Orange Sun Tour, said the rush had started right after the partial lockdowns were announced last week. "No one wanted to stay in Moscow, because what can you do here, so demand went up by about five times, for sure," he said. For Egypt, the most popular destination, the price of a week-long hotel break for two had surged to about 150,000 roubles ($2,130) compared with just over 100,000 normally, he told Reuters. Also Read | New virus variant in Russia may be more contagious: Report When asked to comment on the phenomenon of people escaping lockdown by flying abroad, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that medical professionals had expressed concerns and that there could be epidemiological consequences. But Peskov said there was no ban on such holidays, none was planned, and that stopping people from moving around freely was an unwelcome measure of last resort. Holidaymakers interviewed at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport saw no apparent irony in their decision to escape the country just when the government is urging people to curb their movements. Also read | Russia records more than 33,000 more new Covid cases "If we didn't take the trip now, we'd be sitting at home," said Nina, a resident of the Vladimir region east of Moscow, whose previous attempt to holiday in Turkey was thwarted when flights were cancelled last April. Muscovite Alexandra said she wasn't frightened of covid risks because hotels were keeping on top of the situation. "It's not my first holiday this year, it's probably the fifth," she said. "They (hotels) are trying to follow and observe the rules. Plus I'm vaccinated - that won't save you but it will still help. Everything will be great."

Russians opt for foreign beach breaks over COVID curbs

Thailand prepares to welcome back tourists after devastating shutdown

In the last 24 hours, India registered 12,428 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 238 days, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. 
 
In the same period, 356 new fatalities were reported, which increased the death toll to 4,55,068.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-will-end-when-world-chooses-to-end-it-says-who-chief-423790">Pandemic will end when world chooses to end it, says WHO chief</a>

The recovery of 15,951 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally to 3,35,83,318. Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.19 per cent, currently at its highest peak since March 2020.

The active caseload stands at 1,63,816, which is the lowest in 241 days.

Active cases presently constitute 0.48 per cent of the country's total positive cases, the lowest since March 2020.

Also in the same period, a total of 11,31,826 tests were conducted across the country.

India has so far conducted over 60.19 crore cumulative tests.

Meanwhile, the weekly positivity rate at 1.24 per cent has remained less than 2 per cent for the last 32 days now.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heres-why-developing-countries-can-make-covid-mrna-vaccines-423313">Here’s why developing countries can make Covid mRNA vaccines</a>

The daily positivity rate stands at 1.10 per cent, which has also remained below 2 per cent for last 22 days and less than 3 per cent for 57 consecutive days now.

With the administration of 64,75,733 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's covid inoculation coverage has reached 102.94 crore as of Tuesday morning,

This has been achieved through 1,02,28,502 sessions.

In the last 24 hours, India registered 12,428 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 238 days, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. In the same period, 356 new fatalities were reported, which increased the death toll to 4,55,068.

In the last 24 hours, India registered 12,428 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 238 days, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. In the same period, 356 new fatalities were reported, which increased the death toll to 4,55,068. Also Read | Pandemic will end when world chooses to end it, says WHO chief The recovery of 15,951 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally to 3,35,83,318. Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.19 per cent, currently at its highest peak since March 2020. The active caseload stands at 1,63,816, which is the lowest in 241 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.48 per cent of the country's total positive cases, the lowest since March 2020. Also in the same period, a total of 11,31,826 tests were conducted across the country. India has so far conducted over 60.19 crore cumulative tests. Meanwhile, the weekly positivity rate at 1.24 per cent has remained less than 2 per cent for the last 32 days now. Also Read | Here’s why developing countries can make Covid mRNA vaccines The daily positivity rate stands at 1.10 per cent, which has also remained below 2 per cent for last 22 days and less than 3 per cent for 57 consecutive days now. With the administration of 64,75,733 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's covid inoculation coverage has reached 102.94 crore as of Tuesday morning, This has been achieved through 1,02,28,502 sessions.

India logs 12,428 new Covid cases, lowest in 238 days

China is demanding faster and more accessible COVID-19 testing services in its latest effort to reinforce a zero-tolerance policy against the virus, even when cities have already scrambled to test millions in just a few days amid outbreaks.

Frequent testing, and sometimes mass testing, is standard practice in China's containment of domestically transmitted outbreaks in the past year, but health authorities say testing services remain unsatisfactory in parts of China amid flare-ups.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-should-adopt-emergency-mode-as-new-covid-outbreaks-are-predicted-experts-423645">China should adopt 'emergency mode' as new Covid outbreaks are predicted: Experts</a>

"Small clusters and sporadic infections have occurred in some areas, exposing problems such as the unreasonable locations of nucleic acid testing agencies, inconvenient services and delays in the returning of results," state media reported on Tuesday, citing the National Health Commission (NHC).

China is facing a new wave of infections involving nearly 200 locally transmitted symptomatic cases in 12 provincial areas since October&nbsp;17. Many of the infected were from remote parts of northwest China without as much health resources as major cities.

NHC said testing agencies should provide 24-hour services to the public and strive to have results within six hours for those who volunteer to be tested, according to state media reports.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-19-outbreak-in-china-authorities-shut-down-lanzhou-city-of-4-million-people-424081">New COVID-19 outbreak in China: Authorities shut down Lanzhou, city of 4 million people</a>

NHC said in September that cities with over 5 million people should have the capacity to test everyone within three days.

While China is yet to approve self-testing kits for diagnosing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, swab tests that require professional labs to process samples are widely available.

Local governments have recently cut prices of swab tests, with certain tests charging as little as 13 yuan ($2.00) in the Chinese capital of Beijing.

Some officials in a small administrative division of the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia were reprimanded on Tuesday for bad management at sample collection sites that led to chaotic crowds during a division-wide testing drive.

Watch |&nbsp;China fights new Covid crisis, outbreaks linked to Shanghai tourists

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-fights-new-covid-crisis-outbreaks-linked-to-shanghai-tourists-422812/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Similar official admonishments were meted in the southern city of Zhangjiajie and in Yangzhou in the east during a cluster earlier this year.

Since the new coronavirus was found in late 2019, mainland China has reported 96,840 confirmed cases with symptoms, including both local and imported infections, with fatalities totalling 4,636.

China is demanding faster and more accessible COVID-19 testing services in its latest effort to reinforce a zero-tolerance policy against the virus, even when cities have already scrambled to test millions in just a few days amid outbreaks.

China is demanding faster and more accessible COVID-19 testing services in its latest effort to reinforce a zero-tolerance policy against the virus, even when cities have already scrambled to test millions in just a few days amid outbreaks. Frequent testing, and sometimes mass testing, is standard practice in China's containment of domestically transmitted outbreaks in the past year, but health authorities say testing services remain unsatisfactory in parts of China amid flare-ups. Also Read | China should adopt 'emergency mode' as new Covid outbreaks are predicted: Experts "Small clusters and sporadic infections have occurred in some areas, exposing problems such as the unreasonable locations of nucleic acid testing agencies, inconvenient services and delays in the returning of results," state media reported on Tuesday, citing the National Health Commission (NHC). China is facing a new wave of infections involving nearly 200 locally transmitted symptomatic cases in 12 provincial areas since October 17. Many of the infected were from remote parts of northwest China without as much health resources as major cities. NHC said testing agencies should provide 24-hour services to the public and strive to have results within six hours for those who volunteer to be tested, according to state media reports. Also Read | New COVID-19 outbreak in China: Authorities shut down Lanzhou, city of 4 million people NHC said in September that cities with over 5 million people should have the capacity to test everyone within three days. While China is yet to approve self-testing kits for diagnosing COVID-19, swab tests that require professional labs to process samples are widely available. Local governments have recently cut prices of swab tests, with certain tests charging as little as 13 yuan ($2.00) in the Chinese capital of Beijing. Some officials in a small administrative division of the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia were reprimanded on Tuesday for bad management at sample collection sites that led to chaotic crowds during a division-wide testing drive. Watch | China fights new Covid crisis, outbreaks linked to Shanghai tourists Similar official admonishments were meted in the southern city of Zhangjiajie and in Yangzhou in the east during a cluster earlier this year. Since the new coronavirus was found in late 2019, mainland China has reported 96,840 confirmed cases with symptoms, including both local and imported infections, with fatalities totalling 4,636.

China urges faster, more accessible COVID-19 testing amid latest outbreak

The African Union (AU) intends to buy up to 110 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Inc in an arrangement brokered in part by the White House, which will defer delivery of some doses intended for the United States to facilitate the deal, officials told Reuters.

The AU's doses will be delivered over the coming months, with 15 million arriving before the end of 2021, 35 million in the first quarter of next year and up to 60 million in the second quarter.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-will-easily-drag-on-deep-into-2022-warns-who-422531">Covid pandemic will easily drag on deep into 2022, warns WHO</a>

"This is important as it allows us to increase the number of vaccines available immediately," AU coronavirus envoy Strive Masiyiwa said in an email. "We urge other vaccine producing countries to follow the lead of the (US&nbsp;government) and give us similar access to buy this and other vaccines."

Masiyiwa said the Moderna purchase represented the first time the 55-member AU had secured vaccines that were not fully produced in Africa.

The new shipments of vaccine are well below what Africa needs to vaccinate its 1.3 billion people, who have had far less access to the life-saving vaccines than more prosperous parts of the world. Getting access to Moderna vaccines adds diversity to the AU's vaccine supply with different storage requirements.

The Biden administration is deferring delivery of 33 million doses it had bought from Moderna to give the AU its "spot in line" to make a purchase, according to Natalie Quillian, the White House's deputy coordinator for COVID-19 response.

"We are grateful to have helped negotiate this encouraging step forward between Moderna and the African Union that will significantly expand access to vaccines on the continent in the near-term," Quillian said.

The United States, which has seen more than 700,000 people die from COVID-19, is flush with vaccines.

The delayed Moderna deliveries will not have an impact on efforts to provide booster shots to already inoculated Americans, Quillian said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fda-approves-mix-and-match-strategy-for-all-covid-19-vaccines-approved-in-us-422505">FDA approves 'mix and match' strategy for all COVID-19 vaccines approved in US</a>

Moderna said it was working to make it possible to fill doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Africa by 2023 and has plans to build a manufacturing plant on the continent.

"This is the first step in our long-term partnership with the African Union," Moderna Chief Executive Stéphane Bancel said in a statement, referring to a Memorandum of Understanding to make up to 110 million doses for the AU.

Last month, the AU accused&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers of denying African countries a fair chance to buy vaccines and urged manufacturing countries, in particular India, to lift export restrictions on vaccines and their components.

The African Union (AU) intends to buy up to 110 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Inc in an arrangement brokered in part by the White House, which will defer delivery of some doses intended for the United States to facilitate the deal, officials told Reuters.

The African Union (AU) intends to buy up to 110 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Inc in an arrangement brokered in part by the White House, which will defer delivery of some doses intended for the United States to facilitate the deal, officials told Reuters. The AU's doses will be delivered over the coming months, with 15 million arriving before the end of 2021, 35 million in the first quarter of next year and up to 60 million in the second quarter. Also Read | Covid pandemic will easily drag on deep into 2022, warns WHO "This is important as it allows us to increase the number of vaccines available immediately," AU coronavirus envoy Strive Masiyiwa said in an email. "We urge other vaccine producing countries to follow the lead of the (US government) and give us similar access to buy this and other vaccines." Masiyiwa said the Moderna purchase represented the first time the 55-member AU had secured vaccines that were not fully produced in Africa. The new shipments of vaccine are well below what Africa needs to vaccinate its 1.3 billion people, who have had far less access to the life-saving vaccines than more prosperous parts of the world. Getting access to Moderna vaccines adds diversity to the AU's vaccine supply with different storage requirements. The Biden administration is deferring delivery of 33 million doses it had bought from Moderna to give the AU its "spot in line" to make a purchase, according to Natalie Quillian, the White House's deputy coordinator for COVID-19 response. "We are grateful to have helped negotiate this encouraging step forward between Moderna and the African Union that will significantly expand access to vaccines on the continent in the near-term," Quillian said. The United States, which has seen more than 700,000 people die from COVID-19, is flush with vaccines. The delayed Moderna deliveries will not have an impact on efforts to provide booster shots to already inoculated Americans, Quillian said. Also Read | FDA approves 'mix and match' strategy for all COVID-19 vaccines approved in US Moderna said it was working to make it possible to fill doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Africa by 2023 and has plans to build a manufacturing plant on the continent. "This is the first step in our long-term partnership with the African Union," Moderna Chief Executive Stéphane Bancel said in a statement, referring to a Memorandum of Understanding to make up to 110 million doses for the AU. Last month, the AU accused COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers of denying African countries a fair chance to buy vaccines and urged manufacturing countries, in particular India, to lift export restrictions on vaccines and their components.

African Union to buy up to 110 million Moderna COVID-19 vaccines - officials

Another big boost awaits India's vaccination drive, just days after the country successfully administered 1 billion vaccine doses, the WHO will meet today to consider approving the emergency use of India's indigenously made Covaxin jab.

Covaxin: WHO to meet for emergency use listing

Lanzhou, a four-million-strong city in northwest China, was placed under lockdown on Tuesday in an effort to contain a domestic coronavirus outbreak, with people ordered not to leave their homes except in an emergency.

"Closed management is to be implemented in all sorts of residential communities," the local administration stated in a statement, as China recorded 29 new domestic illnesses.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-one-place-which-has-been-covid-free-since-pandemic-started-423126">Pictures | The one place which has been Covid-free since pandemic started</a> 
 
Officials in hazmat suits stood guard at the doors of each residential complex, and metal barriers were erected around the perimeter of the area. 
 
Watch | China fights new Covid crisis, outbreaks linked to Shanghai tourists

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-fights-new-covid-crisis-outbreaks-linked-to-shanghai-tourists-422812/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

People who have visited areas with local COVID-19 infections in the recent 14 days will be denied entry.

Parks, scenic regions, theatres, museums, and other indoor facilities are likewise limited to 75 percent occupancy, and Mahjong rooms have been shuttered.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Earlier, the Chinese capital increased entrance restrictions on Sunday, forcing visitors from areas where proven cases have been established to submit a negative coronavirus test and undergo 14 days of health monitoring.

According to a CNN tally of the Beijing Municipal Health Commission's daily reports, the city has registered 14 confirmed cases in the new outbreak, including 12 in the last three days.

 
As Beijing prepares for the 2022 Winter Olympics in February, a large Covid outbreak would be the last thing Chinese policymakers want to see.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Lanzhou, a four-million-strong city in northwest China, was placed under lockdown on Tuesday in an effort to contain a domestic coronavirus outbreak, with people ordered not to leave their homes except in an emergency.

Lanzhou, a four-million-strong city in northwest China, was placed under lockdown on Tuesday in an effort to contain a domestic coronavirus outbreak, with people ordered not to leave their homes except in an emergency. "Closed management is to be implemented in all sorts of residential communities," the local administration stated in a statement, as China recorded 29 new domestic illnesses. Pictures | The one place which has been Covid-free since pandemic started Officials in hazmat suits stood guard at the doors of each residential complex, and metal barriers were erected around the perimeter of the area. Watch | China fights new Covid crisis, outbreaks linked to Shanghai tourists People who have visited areas with local COVID-19 infections in the recent 14 days will be denied entry. Parks, scenic regions, theatres, museums, and other indoor facilities are likewise limited to 75 percent occupancy, and Mahjong rooms have been shuttered. Earlier, the Chinese capital increased entrance restrictions on Sunday, forcing visitors from areas where proven cases have been established to submit a negative coronavirus test and undergo 14 days of health monitoring. According to a CNN tally of the Beijing Municipal Health Commission's daily reports, the city has registered 14 confirmed cases in the new outbreak, including 12 in the last three days. As Beijing prepares for the 2022 Winter Olympics in February, a large Covid outbreak would be the last thing Chinese policymakers want to see. (With inputs from agencies)

New COVID-19 outbreak in China: Authorities shut down Lanzhou, city of 4 million people

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