The official global death toll from COVID-19 has passed 4.5 million, however, the true figure may be more than three times higher, at 15 million lives lost.

The huge disparity between recorded deaths and the real scale of the pandemic can be attributed to the undercounting caused by some of the most populous countries and regions, including China, India and Russia, as well as much of Latin America and Africa, researchers said.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has announced sweeping mandates to ''turn the tide'' in the battle against coronavirus pandemic.

Lambasting the people who refuse to receive a vaccine Biden said in a harsh tone that ''your refusal cost us.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turn-the-tide-biden-announces-new-vaccine-mandates-in-covid-19-battle-411974">Also read |&nbsp;'Turn the tide': Biden announces new vaccine mandates in COVID-19 battle</a>

In his new plan vaccine mandate, Biden asked all federal employees and 17 million healthcare workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Striving to restore public confidence in his handling of the pandemic, Biden said ''we can and we will turn the tide of COVID-19.''

''It’ll take a lot of hard work and it’s going to take some time. Many of us are frustrated with the nearly 80 million Americans who are still not vaccinated even though the vaccine is safe, effective and free,'' he added.

Businesses with more than 100 employees will need to have their workers vaccinated or tested weekly as a rule that the US Department of Labour will issue.

Covering about two-thirds or 100 million workers in the US, the vaccination speed will blunt the rapid spread of the virus in the country.

The official global death toll from COVID-19 has passed 4.5 million, however, the true figure may be more than three times higher, at 15 million lives lost. The huge disparity between recorded deaths and the real scale of the pandemic can be attributed to the undercounting caused by some of the most populous countries and regions, including China, India and Russia, as well as much of Latin America and Africa, researchers said.

The official global death toll from COVID-19 has passed 4.5 million, however, the true figure may be more than three times higher, at 15 million lives lost. The huge disparity between recorded deaths and the real scale of the pandemic can be attributed to the undercounting caused by some of the most populous countries and regions, including China, India and Russia, as well as much of Latin America and Africa, researchers said. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has announced sweeping mandates to ''turn the tide'' in the battle against coronavirus pandemic. Lambasting the people who refuse to receive a vaccine Biden said in a harsh tone that ''your refusal cost us.'' Also read | 'Turn the tide': Biden announces new vaccine mandates in COVID-19 battle In his new plan vaccine mandate, Biden asked all federal employees and 17 million healthcare workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Striving to restore public confidence in his handling of the pandemic, Biden said ''we can and we will turn the tide of COVID-19.'' ''It’ll take a lot of hard work and it’s going to take some time. Many of us are frustrated with the nearly 80 million Americans who are still not vaccinated even though the vaccine is safe, effective and free,'' he added. Businesses with more than 100 employees will need to have their workers vaccinated or tested weekly as a rule that the US Department of Labour will issue. Covering about two-thirds or 100 million workers in the US, the vaccination speed will blunt the rapid spread of the virus in the country.

True global COVID-19 death toll ‘may be more than 15 million’

US President Joe Biden imposed new vaccination mandates as part of a broad plan to put pressure on private companies, government agencies and schools to enact stricter vaccination and testing policies.

Joe Biden: Unvaccinated people hampering US vaccine drive

The final Test match of the five-match series between India and England was scheduled to begin on Friday, however, as per the new developments, Day 1 has been postponed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-rohit-sharmas-backing-led-to-r-ashwins-inclusion-in-virat-kohli-led-indias-t20-world-cup-squad-reports-412041" hreflang="en">How Rohit Sharma's backing led to R Ashwin's inclusion in Virat Kohli-led India's T20 World Cup squad: Reports</a>

A report by Cricbuzz said that Indian players wrote a letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) voicing their concerns over playing at the Old Trafford after India's second physio, Yogesh Parmar, tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday.&nbsp;

When will the match begin and if it will get cancelled or postponed still remains uncertain.&nbsp;

The match was predicted to go as planned after all Team India players tested negative in the PCR results.&nbsp;

Following Parmar's positive result, there were speculations that the fifth and final Test will now not go on as planned, however, the scenario has changed after no further positive cases came out from the Indian camp in the PCR results.&nbsp;

For the unversed, the Indian team is already short of its support staff, with head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar being ruled out of the final Test, in Old Trafford, Manchester, following positive results during The Oval Test, London.&nbsp;

As for Parmar, he had taken over after lead physio Nitin Patel was forced to self-isolation during the fourth and penultimate after being identified as a close contact of Shastri.&nbsp;

The final Test match of the five-match series between India and England was scheduled to begin on Friday, however, as per the new developments, Day 1 has been postponed.

The final Test match of the five-match series between India and England was scheduled to begin on Friday, however, as per the new developments, Day 1 has been postponed. ALSO READ: How Rohit Sharma's backing led to R Ashwin's inclusion in Virat Kohli-led India's T20 World Cup squad: Reports A report by Cricbuzz said that Indian players wrote a letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) voicing their concerns over playing at the Old Trafford after India's second physio, Yogesh Parmar, tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday. When will the match begin and if it will get cancelled or postponed still remains uncertain. The match was predicted to go as planned after all Team India players tested negative in the PCR results. Following Parmar's positive result, there were speculations that the fifth and final Test will now not go on as planned, however, the scenario has changed after no further positive cases came out from the Indian camp in the PCR results. For the unversed, the Indian team is already short of its support staff, with head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar being ruled out of the final Test, in Old Trafford, Manchester, following positive results during The Oval Test, London. As for Parmar, he had taken over after lead physio Nitin Patel was forced to self-isolation during the fourth and penultimate after being identified as a close contact of Shastri.

Day 1 of the fifth Test match between India and England set to be deferred: Reports

Several leading US&nbsp;airlines&nbsp;on Thursday cut their forecasts for the third quarter, citing lower bookings and increased cancelations due to the&nbsp;latest&nbsp;wave&nbsp;of&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;infections.

After a better than expected July, American&nbsp;Airlines&nbsp;"experienced softness in August" in bookings and an increase in cancellations, attributed "to the rise in&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;cases associated with the delta variant," the company said in a securities filing.

American now expects third-quarter revenues to be 24 to 28 percent lower than the comparable period of 2019, worse than the July estimater for a drop of about 20 percent.

United&nbsp;Airlines&nbsp;also lowered projections, saying it "has seen in the last few weeks a deceleration in customer bookings for travel compared to previous estimations due to the recent spike in&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;cases associated with the Delta variant."&nbsp;

Despite the&nbsp;drag&nbsp;from&nbsp;the recent rise in infections, "the current spike in cases has been significantly less impactful to date than prior spikes and is expected to be temporary in nature," United said&nbsp;in a securities filing.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-extends-covid-curbs-in-tokyo-till-september-end-411864">Also read |&nbsp;Japan extends Covid curbs in Tokyo till September end</a>

"Based on demand patterns following prior waves of&nbsp;Covid-19, the Company expects bookings to begin to recover once cases peak."

After suffering through a devastating 2020 due to&nbsp;Covid-19, US&nbsp;airlines&nbsp;have partially recovered thanks to the progress on vaccinations and an uptick in domestic travel.

However, business travel and international travel remain well below their pre-pandemic levels and are not expected to fully recover before 2022 or later.

Delta Air Lines, Southwest&nbsp;Airlines&nbsp;and JetBlue&nbsp;Airlines&nbsp;also lowered some forecasts in securities filings, citing similar dynamics.&nbsp;

Executives&nbsp;from&nbsp;leading carriers are scheduled to present at an investor conference later Thursday.

Several leading US airlines on Thursday cut their forecasts for the third quarter, citing lower bookings and increased cancelations due to the latest wave of Covid-19 infections.

Several leading US airlines on Thursday cut their forecasts for the third quarter, citing lower bookings and increased cancelations due to the latest wave of Covid-19 infections. After a better than expected July, American Airlines "experienced softness in August" in bookings and an increase in cancellations, attributed "to the rise in Covid-19 cases associated with the delta variant," the company said in a securities filing. American now expects third-quarter revenues to be 24 to 28 percent lower than the comparable period of 2019, worse than the July estimater for a drop of about 20 percent. United Airlines also lowered projections, saying it "has seen in the last few weeks a deceleration in customer bookings for travel compared to previous estimations due to the recent spike in Covid-19 cases associated with the Delta variant." Despite the drag from the recent rise in infections, "the current spike in cases has been significantly less impactful to date than prior spikes and is expected to be temporary in nature," United said in a securities filing. Also read | Japan extends Covid curbs in Tokyo till September end "Based on demand patterns following prior waves of Covid-19, the Company expects bookings to begin to recover once cases peak." After suffering through a devastating 2020 due to Covid-19, US airlines have partially recovered thanks to the progress on vaccinations and an uptick in domestic travel. However, business travel and international travel remain well below their pre-pandemic levels and are not expected to fully recover before 2022 or later. Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airlines also lowered some forecasts in securities filings, citing similar dynamics. Executives from leading carriers are scheduled to present at an investor conference later Thursday.

US airlines warn of drag from latest Covid-19 wave

Sri Lankan women were urged to delay getting pregnant after more than 40 expectant mothers died of Covid-19 in four months, the health ministry said Thursday.

The island nation, which recorded its first maternal coronavirus death in May, is battling a spike in Delta variant infections after travel restrictions were eased for local new year celebrations in mid-April.

"Usually, we have 90 to 100 maternal deaths a year, but since the start of the third wave we have recorded 41 deaths of pregnant women from Covid alone," Chitramali de Silva, a director of the government's Health Promotion Bureau, told AFP.

Government obstetrician and gynaecologist Harsha Atapattu said he was urging "newlyweds, as well as those who are trying to have a baby, to delay it by at least a year because of the risks of Covid-19".

De Silva said about 5,500 expectant mothers had been infected. About 70 percent were fully vaccinated, he added.

Experts have urged pregnant women to get the jab, with Sri Lankan health officials stating the Delta variant appears to increase their risk of severe symptoms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-extends-covid-curbs-in-tokyo-till-september-end-411864">Also read |&nbsp;Japan extends Covid curbs in Tokyo till September end</a>

The nation of 21 million people has been under a lightly imposed lockdown since August that the government expects to lift in mid-September.

But World Health Organisation experts in Sri Lanka have called for tougher restrictions until the start of October.

Hospitals have been overwhelmed during the surge, despite efforts to speed up the vaccination drive with nearly half of the total population receiving two doses.

Sri Lanka has recorded nearly 475,000 infections and more than 10,500 deaths from Covid-19, but doctors say the actual figures could be much higher due to under-reporting.

Sri Lankan women were urged to delay getting pregnant after more than 40 expectant mothers died of Covid-19 in four months, the health ministry said Thursday. The island nation, which recorded its first maternal coronavirus death in May, is battling a spike in Delta variant infections after travel restrictions were eased for local new year celebrations in mid-April.

Sri Lankan women were urged to delay getting pregnant after more than 40 expectant mothers died of Covid-19 in four months, the health ministry said Thursday. The island nation, which recorded its first maternal coronavirus death in May, is battling a spike in Delta variant infections after travel restrictions were eased for local new year celebrations in mid-April. "Usually, we have 90 to 100 maternal deaths a year, but since the start of the third wave we have recorded 41 deaths of pregnant women from Covid alone," Chitramali de Silva, a director of the government's Health Promotion Bureau, told AFP. Government obstetrician and gynaecologist Harsha Atapattu said he was urging "newlyweds, as well as those who are trying to have a baby, to delay it by at least a year because of the risks of Covid-19". De Silva said about 5,500 expectant mothers had been infected. About 70 percent were fully vaccinated, he added. Experts have urged pregnant women to get the jab, with Sri Lankan health officials stating the Delta variant appears to increase their risk of severe symptoms. Also read | Japan extends Covid curbs in Tokyo till September end The nation of 21 million people has been under a lightly imposed lockdown since August that the government expects to lift in mid-September. But World Health Organisation experts in Sri Lanka have called for tougher restrictions until the start of October. Hospitals have been overwhelmed during the surge, despite efforts to speed up the vaccination drive with nearly half of the total population receiving two doses. Sri Lanka has recorded nearly 475,000 infections and more than 10,500 deaths from Covid-19, but doctors say the actual figures could be much higher due to under-reporting.

Sri Lanka asks women to delay pregnancy over COVID-19 risks

Singapore&nbsp;will from next week begin easing movement restrictions on&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;workers&nbsp;living in dormitories, authorities said Thursday, over a year after they were implemented to curb coronavirus outbreaks.

The vast, self-contained dormitory complexes are home to more than 200,000 foreign&nbsp;workers, mainly from South Asia, who work in jobs like construction and maintenance.

Virus&nbsp;outbreaks tore through the sites in the early stages of the pandemic, shining a harsh spotlight on the prosperous city-state's treatment of the low-paid migrants.

Authorities imposed movement&nbsp;curbs&nbsp;in April last year, and since then the&nbsp;workers&nbsp;have for the most part only been allowed to travel between their dorms and places of work.

Under a pilot programme to launch Monday, up to 500 vaccinated&nbsp;workers&nbsp;will be allowed to visit selected locations for six hours each week, the labour ministry said.

They will need to take a&nbsp;virus&nbsp;test before the visit, and three days afterwards, with the scheme to be evaluated after a month, it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-extends-covid-curbs-in-tokyo-till-september-end-411864">Also read |&nbsp;Japan extends Covid curbs in Tokyo till September end</a>

The decision was taken after vaccination rates among&nbsp;workers&nbsp;living in dorms reached over 90 percent, the ministry said.

But Alex Au, vice president of&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;rights group Transient&nbsp;Workers&nbsp;Count Too, criticised the plan as not going far enough, as so few&nbsp;workers&nbsp;will be able to participate.

"It's a drop in the ocean," he told AFP.&nbsp;"It is way too timid, it's actually going to cause more frustration."

The majority of&nbsp;Singapore's&nbsp;virus&nbsp;infections have been among&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;workers.

But the city-state has largely been successful at keeping its outbreak in check, reporting only about 70,000 infections and 55 deaths.

There has been an uptick in recent weeks driven by the more contagious Delta variant, but most infections have been outside the dorms.

Singapore will from next week begin easing movement restrictions on migrant workers living in dormitories, authorities said Thursday, over a year after they were implemented to curb coronavirus outbreaks.

Singapore will from next week begin easing movement restrictions on migrant workers living in dormitories, authorities said Thursday, over a year after they were implemented to curb coronavirus outbreaks. The vast, self-contained dormitory complexes are home to more than 200,000 foreign workers, mainly from South Asia, who work in jobs like construction and maintenance. Virus outbreaks tore through the sites in the early stages of the pandemic, shining a harsh spotlight on the prosperous city-state's treatment of the low-paid migrants. Authorities imposed movement curbs in April last year, and since then the workers have for the most part only been allowed to travel between their dorms and places of work. Under a pilot programme to launch Monday, up to 500 vaccinated workers will be allowed to visit selected locations for six hours each week, the labour ministry said. They will need to take a virus test before the visit, and three days afterwards, with the scheme to be evaluated after a month, it said. Also read | Japan extends Covid curbs in Tokyo till September end The decision was taken after vaccination rates among workers living in dorms reached over 90 percent, the ministry said. But Alex Au, vice president of migrant rights group Transient Workers Count Too, criticised the plan as not going far enough, as so few workers will be able to participate. "It's a drop in the ocean," he told AFP. "It is way too timid, it's actually going to cause more frustration." The majority of Singapore's virus infections have been among migrant workers. But the city-state has largely been successful at keeping its outbreak in check, reporting only about 70,000 infections and 55 deaths. There has been an uptick in recent weeks driven by the more contagious Delta variant, but most infections have been outside the dorms.

Singapore to ease virus curbs for migrant workers

Another member from Team India's support staff has tested positive for COVID-19 in Manchester. Due to this, Virat and Co.'s training session on the eve of the final Test match has been cancelled.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-returns-all-you-need-to-know-about-captain-cools-new-role-as-team-indias-mentor-for-t20-world-cup-411808" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni returns! All you need to know about Captain Cool's new role as Team India's mentor for T20 World Cup</a>

A report by ESPNcricinfo said that Indian players have been asked to stay in their hotel rooms until further notice.&nbsp;

According to the reports, the latest case for the dreaded virus was detected after a fresh round of testing that was held on Wednesday evening.&nbsp;

The news comes days after Team India's head coach Ravi Shastri tested positive for the virus. As a precautionary measure, he along with some other support staff members are kept in isolation.&nbsp;

On the official site, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wrote, "The BCCI Medical Team has isolated Mr Ravi Shastri, Head Coach, Mr B. Arun, Bowling Coach, Mr R. Sridhar, Fielding Coach and Mr Nitin Patel, Physiotherapist as a precautionary measure after Mr Shastri’s lateral flow test returned positive last evening."

India lead the five-match Test series against England by 2-1. The final Test at Manchester will be England's only hope to escape a series loss.

Another member from Team India's support staff has tested positive for COVID-19 in Manchester. Due to this, Virat and Co.'s training session on the eve of the final Test match has been cancelled.

Another member from Team India's support staff has tested positive for COVID-19 in Manchester. Due to this, Virat and Co.'s training session on the eve of the final Test match has been cancelled. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni returns! All you need to know about Captain Cool's new role as Team India's mentor for T20 World Cup A report by ESPNcricinfo said that Indian players have been asked to stay in their hotel rooms until further notice. According to the reports, the latest case for the dreaded virus was detected after a fresh round of testing that was held on Wednesday evening. The news comes days after Team India's head coach Ravi Shastri tested positive for the virus. As a precautionary measure, he along with some other support staff members are kept in isolation. On the official site, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wrote, "The BCCI Medical Team has isolated Mr Ravi Shastri, Head Coach, Mr B. Arun, Bowling Coach, Mr R. Sridhar, Fielding Coach and Mr Nitin Patel, Physiotherapist as a precautionary measure after Mr Shastri’s lateral flow test returned positive last evening." India lead the five-match Test series against England by 2-1. The final Test at Manchester will be England's only hope to escape a series loss.

IND vs ENG, 5th Test - Another member of India's support staff tests positive for Covid-19: Reports

Bangkok unveiled a mobile vaccination bus aimed at serving seniors, people with disabilities and other chronically ill people in the Thai capital, as the country ramps up its inoculation drive amid a surge in coronavirus infections.

Bangkok unveils mobile COVID-19 vaccination bus to serve elderly, disabled group

In the fight against coronavirus, Italy is going to give third dose of Covid-19 vaccine to ‘clinically vulnerable’ people this month. &nbsp;&nbsp;

With the move, it will become the latest country in the west to push forward with booster jabs. &nbsp;

Italy’s health minister Roberto Speranza said that the third dose of Covid-19 vaccine will be made available to groups of 'clinically vulnerable' people this month. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: Can long COVID be linked to dementia?

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On Tuesday, Italy reported 71 coronavirus-related deaths, up from 52 on Monday. The daily tally of new infections rose to 4,720 from 3,361, Reuters reported. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has cut the average life expectancy in Italy by 1.2 years. &nbsp;

Italy’s national statistics bureau ISTAT in a report said that compared with 2019, the nationwide life expectancy for those born in 2020 has now dropped by over one year. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-may-not-impair-lung-function-in-young-adults-research-shows-411444" hreflang="en">COVID-19 may not impair lung function in young adults, research shows</a>

According to the latest figures the nationwide life expectancy at birth last year stood at 82 years, compared to 83.2 years in 2019. &nbsp;

For a child born in 2020, male life expectancy is nearly 80 years while for women it is 84.4 years. &nbsp;

"In 2020, the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting sharp increase in mortality abruptly interrupted the growth in life expectancy at birth that had characterised the trend until 2019," ISTAT said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the fight against coronavirus, Italy is going to give third dose of Covid-19 vaccine to ‘clinically vulnerable’ people this month. With the move, it will become the latest country in the west to push forward with booster jabs.

In the fight against coronavirus, Italy is going to give third dose of Covid-19 vaccine to ‘clinically vulnerable’ people this month. With the move, it will become the latest country in the west to push forward with booster jabs. Italy’s health minister Roberto Speranza said that the third dose of Covid-19 vaccine will be made available to groups of 'clinically vulnerable' people this month. Watch | Gravitas: Can long COVID be linked to dementia? × On Tuesday, Italy reported 71 coronavirus-related deaths, up from 52 on Monday. The daily tally of new infections rose to 4,720 from 3,361, Reuters reported. Meanwhile, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has cut the average life expectancy in Italy by 1.2 years. Italy’s national statistics bureau ISTAT in a report said that compared with 2019, the nationwide life expectancy for those born in 2020 has now dropped by over one year. Also Read: COVID-19 may not impair lung function in young adults, research shows According to the latest figures the nationwide life expectancy at birth last year stood at 82 years, compared to 83.2 years in 2019. For a child born in 2020, male life expectancy is nearly 80 years while for women it is 84.4 years. "In 2020, the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting sharp increase in mortality abruptly interrupted the growth in life expectancy at birth that had characterised the trend until 2019," ISTAT said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Clinically vulnerable' people to get Covid vaccine’s third dose in Italy  

India is now aiming to ramp up its medical oxygen production capacity to 15,000 tonnes per day before a potential third wave of coronavirus infections that is expected to hit the country as soon as mid-September, an industry executive said.

The target implies a 50 per cent jump from the maximum output of almost 10,000 tonnes reached earlier this year during the peak of the second COVID-19 wave when hospitals ran short of gas and relatives of patients had to search out oxygen cylinders.

Linde India supplied nearly one-third of the total oxygen demand during the peak.

Moloy Banerjee, head of Linde South Asia, said that while the government is targeting 15,000 tonnes of medical oxygen per day, Linde and other manufacturers were hoping to hit production of at least 13,500 tonnes per day ahead of the third wave.

The New Delhi government said last month it will increase oxygen production by setting up new manufacturing units or expanding the production capacity of existing units for uninterrupted oxygen supply during a health crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-over-38000-covid-19-cases-lowest-daily-fatalities-in-167-days-411079">Also read |&nbsp;India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days</a>

"There have been discussions with the Delhi government since the second wave of COVID-19. We are still reviewing the policy and trying to see if it is workable for Linde," Banerjee added.

Meanwhile, India logged 38,948 new coronavirus infections and 219 fresh fatalities, the lowest in 167 days, according to the Union Health Ministry on Monday.

With the fresh cases, the total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 3,30,27,621, while the death toll has climbed to 4,40,752.

The case fatality rate has declined to 1.33 per cent after 48 days, according to the health ministry. India had reported 199 deaths in a single day on March 23.

The active cases have declined to 4,04,874 comprising 1.23 per cent of the total infections while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.44 per cent, the ministry said.

India is now aiming to ramp up its medical oxygen production capacity to 15,000 tonnes per day before a potential third wave of coronavirus infections that is expected to hit the country as soon as mid-September, an industry executive said.

India is now aiming to ramp up its medical oxygen production capacity to 15,000 tonnes per day before a potential third wave of coronavirus infections that is expected to hit the country as soon as mid-September, an industry executive said. The target implies a 50 per cent jump from the maximum output of almost 10,000 tonnes reached earlier this year during the peak of the second COVID-19 wave when hospitals ran short of gas and relatives of patients had to search out oxygen cylinders. Linde India supplied nearly one-third of the total oxygen demand during the peak. Moloy Banerjee, head of Linde South Asia, said that while the government is targeting 15,000 tonnes of medical oxygen per day, Linde and other manufacturers were hoping to hit production of at least 13,500 tonnes per day ahead of the third wave. The New Delhi government said last month it will increase oxygen production by setting up new manufacturing units or expanding the production capacity of existing units for uninterrupted oxygen supply during a health crisis. Also read | India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days "There have been discussions with the Delhi government since the second wave of COVID-19. We are still reviewing the policy and trying to see if it is workable for Linde," Banerjee added. Meanwhile, India logged 38,948 new coronavirus infections and 219 fresh fatalities, the lowest in 167 days, according to the Union Health Ministry on Monday. With the fresh cases, the total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 3,30,27,621, while the death toll has climbed to 4,40,752. The case fatality rate has declined to 1.33 per cent after 48 days, according to the health ministry. India had reported 199 deaths in a single day on March 23. The active cases have declined to 4,04,874 comprising 1.23 per cent of the total infections while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.44 per cent, the ministry said.

India plans 50% increase in oxygen production amid fears of third wave

Schools reopened in&nbsp;India's Himalayan desert town of Leh and IT hub Bengaluru for students belonging to classes 6 to 8 on Monday&nbsp;as the number of coronavirus cases declined.

India, in March last year, had ordered the closure of schools, colleges, and other educational institutions, and pushed for classes to move online, to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

But with COVID-19 cases declining, many schools were reopened for higher classes earlier in some states, as part of the unlocking process.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-over-38000-covid-19-cases-lowest-daily-fatalities-in-167-days-411079">Also read |&nbsp;India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days</a>

Students had to go through thermal scanning and sanitisation as they reached school to attend classes in Ladakh and Bengaluru after studying online for months due to coronavirus.

Classes for higher secondary final year and some courses in colleges also commenced in northeastern Guwahati city on Monday.

India&nbsp;reported 38,948 new COVID-19 infections and 219 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Schools reopened in India's Himalayan desert town of Leh and IT hub Bengaluru for students belonging to classes 6 to 8 on Monday as the number of coronavirus cases declined.

Schools reopened in India's Himalayan desert town of Leh and IT hub Bengaluru for students belonging to classes 6 to 8 on Monday as the number of coronavirus cases declined. India, in March last year, had ordered the closure of schools, colleges, and other educational institutions, and pushed for classes to move online, to curb the spread of the deadly virus. But with COVID-19 cases declining, many schools were reopened for higher classes earlier in some states, as part of the unlocking process. Also read | India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days Students had to go through thermal scanning and sanitisation as they reached school to attend classes in Ladakh and Bengaluru after studying online for months due to coronavirus. Classes for higher secondary final year and some courses in colleges also commenced in northeastern Guwahati city on Monday. India reported 38,948 new COVID-19 infections and 219 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Schools reopen in parts of India in further easing of restrictions

British vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi on Sunday said a decision had not yet been taken on whether healthy children aged 12&nbsp;to 15-years-old should be vaccinated against COVID-19, following reports that a rollout could begin in the coming days.

Britain's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on Friday declined to recommend vaccinations for children in that group, taking a precautionary approach due to a rare risk of heart inflammation, but adding the issue was finely balanced.

The government is consulting medical advisers to seek advice on wider considerations, such as the impact on schools, and may still give the go-ahead to broad vaccination of the age group.

Some newspapers reported confidence among ministers that the chief medical officers would swiftly back shots for healthy 12- to 15-year-olds, but Zahawi said the government would not prejudge the decision.

"No decision will be made until we hear back from the chief medical officers," Zahawi told the BBC.

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Children are being widely vaccinated already in the United States, Israel and many European countries.

British officials have emphasised that 12- to 15-year-olds who are vulnerable to COVID-19 are already eligible for vaccination, as well as all people over 16.

The four nations of the United Kingdom, which have recorded 133,000 COVID deaths, control their own health policy, although all have followed JCVI advice on vaccine rollout thus far.

Zahawi confirmed that proof of vaccination would be required in England for some large events from the end of this month once all adults have been offered two shots.

He also said that the government was still finalising plans for a vaccine booster programme following interim advice from the JCVI that one might be needed for the vulnerable and elderly.

"It is very likely that we will begin boosting those groups, as&nbsp;I hope the interim then becomes final advice, by the middle of this month," he said.

British vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi on Sunday said a decision had not yet been taken on whether healthy children aged 12 to 15-years-old should be vaccinated against COVID-19, following reports that a rollout could begin in the coming days.

British vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi on Sunday said a decision had not yet been taken on whether healthy children aged 12 to 15-years-old should be vaccinated against COVID-19, following reports that a rollout could begin in the coming days. Britain's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on Friday declined to recommend vaccinations for children in that group, taking a precautionary approach due to a rare risk of heart inflammation, but adding the issue was finely balanced. The government is consulting medical advisers to seek advice on wider considerations, such as the impact on schools, and may still give the go-ahead to broad vaccination of the age group. Some newspapers reported confidence among ministers that the chief medical officers would swiftly back shots for healthy 12- to 15-year-olds, but Zahawi said the government would not prejudge the decision. "No decision will be made until we hear back from the chief medical officers," Zahawi told the BBC. Also read | At least 600 Taliban fighters killed in Panjshir clashes against resistance forces Children are being widely vaccinated already in the United States, Israel and many European countries. British officials have emphasised that 12- to 15-year-olds who are vulnerable to COVID-19 are already eligible for vaccination, as well as all people over 16. The four nations of the United Kingdom, which have recorded 133,000 COVID deaths, control their own health policy, although all have followed JCVI advice on vaccine rollout thus far. Zahawi confirmed that proof of vaccination would be required in England for some large events from the end of this month once all adults have been offered two shots. He also said that the government was still finalising plans for a vaccine booster programme following interim advice from the JCVI that one might be needed for the vulnerable and elderly. "It is very likely that we will begin boosting those groups, as I hope the interim then becomes final advice, by the middle of this month," he said.

UK minister: No decision yet on COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children

Ravi Shastri, the head coach of the Indian cricket team has been tested positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in a lateral flow test. As a precautionary measure, he along with some other support staff members are kept in isolation.&nbsp;

On the official site, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wrote, "The BCCI Medical Team has isolated Mr Ravi Shastri, Head Coach, Mr B. Arun, Bowling Coach, Mr R. Sridhar, Fielding Coach and Mr Nitin Patel, Physiotherapist as a precautionary measure after Mr Shastri’s lateral flow test returned positive last evening."

All the members have undergone RT-PCR testing and are in the team hotel. They have not travelled with Team India as the fourth Test of the five-match is underway at The Oval.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-says-when-he-was-asked-to-open-in-2019-he-knew-it-was-his-last-chance-in-tests-410839">Rohit Sharma says when he was asked to open in 2019, he knew it was his 'last chance' in Tests</a>

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UPDATE - Four members of Team India Support Staff to remain in isolation. 
 
More details here - <a href="https://t.co/HDUWL0GrNV">https://t.co/HDUWL0GrNV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/HG77OYRAp2">pic.twitter.com/HG77OYRAp2</a>
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Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be kept under isolation along with three other members of the coaching staff. 
 
More details 👇<a href="https://t.co/PayLeMSSEo">https://t.co/PayLeMSSEo</a>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ecstatic-virat-kohli-celebrates-rohit-sharmas-ton-against-england-his-reaction-goes-viral-410742">Watch: Ecstatic Virat Kohli celebrates Rohit Sharma's ton against England, his reaction goes viral</a>

The remaining members of the Team India contingent underwent two lateral flow tests – one last night and another this morning.&nbsp;

The members upon returning negative COVID reports were allowed to proceed for Day 4 of the ongoing fourth Test.&nbsp;

Ravi Shastri, the head coach of the Indian cricket team has been tested positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in a lateral flow test. As a precautionary measure, he along with some other support staff members are kept in isolation.

Ravi Shastri, the head coach of the Indian cricket team has been tested positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in a lateral flow test. As a precautionary measure, he along with some other support staff members are kept in isolation. On the official site, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wrote, "The BCCI Medical Team has isolated Mr Ravi Shastri, Head Coach, Mr B. Arun, Bowling Coach, Mr R. Sridhar, Fielding Coach and Mr Nitin Patel, Physiotherapist as a precautionary measure after Mr Shastri’s lateral flow test returned positive last evening." All the members have undergone RT-PCR testing and are in the team hotel. They have not travelled with Team India as the fourth Test of the five-match is underway at The Oval. ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma says when he was asked to open in 2019, he knew it was his 'last chance' in Tests UPDATE - Four members of Team India Support Staff to remain in isolation. More details here - https://t.co/HDUWL0GrNV #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/HG77OYRAp2 — BCCI (@BCCI) September 5, 2021 × Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be kept under isolation along with three other members of the coaching staff. More details 👇https://t.co/PayLeMSSEo — ICC (@ICC) September 5, 2021 × ALSO READ | Watch: Ecstatic Virat Kohli celebrates Rohit Sharma's ton against England, his reaction goes viral The remaining members of the Team India contingent underwent two lateral flow tests – one last night and another this morning. The members upon returning negative COVID reports were allowed to proceed for Day 4 of the ongoing fourth Test.

Ravi Shastri tests COVID-19 positive, Indian support staff members in isolation

Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Dutch Grand Prix and will be replaced by Polish reserve driver Robert Kubica, the Formula One team said on Saturday.

Williams said their team boss Jost Capito would also be absent from the paddock for the rest of the weekend as a precautionary measure, despite testing negative, after meeting the Finn on Friday.

Kubica, who last raced in Formula One at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2019 with Williams, joined the Swiss-based team in 2020 and has taken part in three free practice sessions so far this season.

"Kimi is displaying no symptoms and is in good spirits. He has immediately entered isolation in his hotel. The team wishes Kimi a speedy recovery," Alfa Romeo said in a statement.

Raikkonen's participation at next weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the fastest track on the calendar and a home race for Alfa, is also in doubt as the Finn cannot return to the paddock until he receives a negative test.

"First we check on Monday," team boss Frederic Vasseur told Sky Sports television. "And we check with the local authorities in Italy but we are staying focused on this weekend first and then we'll see for Monza what we can do."

Raikkonen announced this week that he was retiring at the end of the season, 20 years after his Formula One debut.

At 41, the "Iceman" is the oldest driver on the starting grid and the 2007 world champion with Ferrari holds the all-time record for most race starts, at 341.

Kubica, 36, had stints with BMW Sauber and Renault from 2006 to 2010 and returned to the Formula One grid in 2019 after a near-fatal rally crash in 2011.

Sunday's race at Zandvoort is the first Dutch Grand Prix in 36 years and a new challenge for all on the F1 grid, with practice punctuated by red flags on Friday and overtaking expected to be difficult.

"I think he's ready," said Vasseur of Kubica, who was 19th of 20 drivers in final practice. "It's probably not the easiest track to jump in on ... but it is like it is and we'll have to do the best job that we can."

Alfa Romeo are ninth in the 10-team standings, 17 points behind Williams and three clear of bottom team Haas.

Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Dutch Grand Prix and will be replaced by Polish reserve driver Robert Kubica, the Formula One team said on Saturday.

Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Dutch Grand Prix and will be replaced by Polish reserve driver Robert Kubica, the Formula One team said on Saturday. Williams said their team boss Jost Capito would also be absent from the paddock for the rest of the weekend as a precautionary measure, despite testing negative, after meeting the Finn on Friday. Kubica, who last raced in Formula One at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2019 with Williams, joined the Swiss-based team in 2020 and has taken part in three free practice sessions so far this season. "Kimi is displaying no symptoms and is in good spirits. He has immediately entered isolation in his hotel. The team wishes Kimi a speedy recovery," Alfa Romeo said in a statement. Raikkonen's participation at next weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the fastest track on the calendar and a home race for Alfa, is also in doubt as the Finn cannot return to the paddock until he receives a negative test. "First we check on Monday," team boss Frederic Vasseur told Sky Sports television. "And we check with the local authorities in Italy but we are staying focused on this weekend first and then we'll see for Monza what we can do." Raikkonen announced this week that he was retiring at the end of the season, 20 years after his Formula One debut. At 41, the "Iceman" is the oldest driver on the starting grid and the 2007 world champion with Ferrari holds the all-time record for most race starts, at 341. Kubica, 36, had stints with BMW Sauber and Renault from 2006 to 2010 and returned to the Formula One grid in 2019 after a near-fatal rally crash in 2011. Sunday's race at Zandvoort is the first Dutch Grand Prix in 36 years and a new challenge for all on the F1 grid, with practice punctuated by red flags on Friday and overtaking expected to be difficult. "I think he's ready," said Vasseur of Kubica, who was 19th of 20 drivers in final practice. "It's probably not the easiest track to jump in on ... but it is like it is and we'll have to do the best job that we can." Alfa Romeo are ninth in the 10-team standings, 17 points behind Williams and three clear of bottom team Haas.

Kimi Raikkonen positive for COVID-19, Robert Kubica to stand in

Cuban authorities on Friday launched a national campaign to vaccinate&nbsp;children&nbsp;aged two to 18 against&nbsp;Covid-19, a condition set by the Communist government in&nbsp;order&nbsp;to reopen&nbsp;schools&nbsp;for in-person instruction&nbsp;amid&nbsp;a spike in infections.

Children&nbsp;aged 12 and older will be the first to receive one of the two&nbsp;domestically produced vaccines, Abdala and Soberana, followed by younger kids.

Schools&nbsp;have mostly been closed in&nbsp;Cuba&nbsp;since March 2020 and students have been following lessons on television. With the&nbsp;school&nbsp;year starting Monday, they will continue learning remotely until all eligible&nbsp;children&nbsp;are vaccinated.&nbsp;

Laura Lantigua, 17, came to receive the first of three injections at Saul Delgado high&nbsp;school&nbsp;in the Cuban capital Havana.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blame-for-afghanistan-lies-on-president-biden-says-911-era-nypd-commissioner-410532">Also read | Exclusive: Blame for Afghanistan 'lies on President Biden', says 9/11-era NYPD commissioner&nbsp;</a>

"I always wanted to be vaccinated," Lantigua told AFP. She said that doctors measured her blood pressure and temperature before giving her the shot, then told her to wait for an hour to make sure she didn't have any side effects.&nbsp;

"I felt normal, fine," Lantigua said.

As the Delta variant spread across the island of 11.2 million the country's health care system has been pushed to the brink.

Of the 5,300 novel coronavirus deaths recorded since the outbreak started, nearly half were in August, as were almost a third of all reported cases.

The government said it plans to begin to gradually&nbsp;re-open&nbsp;schools&nbsp;in October after the vaccination campaign among&nbsp;children&nbsp;is completed.

Cuban authorities on Friday launched a national campaign to vaccinate children aged two to 18 against Covid-19, a condition set by the Communist government in order to reopen schools for in-person instruction amid a spike in infections.

Cuban authorities on Friday launched a national campaign to vaccinate children aged two to 18 against Covid-19, a condition set by the Communist government in order to reopen schools for in-person instruction amid a spike in infections. Children aged 12 and older will be the first to receive one of the two domestically produced vaccines, Abdala and Soberana, followed by younger kids. Schools have mostly been closed in Cuba since March 2020 and students have been following lessons on television. With the school year starting Monday, they will continue learning remotely until all eligible children are vaccinated. Laura Lantigua, 17, came to receive the first of three injections at Saul Delgado high school in the Cuban capital Havana. Also read | Exclusive: Blame for Afghanistan 'lies on President Biden', says 9/11-era NYPD commissioner "I always wanted to be vaccinated," Lantigua told AFP. She said that doctors measured her blood pressure and temperature before giving her the shot, then told her to wait for an hour to make sure she didn't have any side effects. "I felt normal, fine," Lantigua said. As the Delta variant spread across the island of 11.2 million the country's health care system has been pushed to the brink. Of the 5,300 novel coronavirus deaths recorded since the outbreak started, nearly half were in August, as were almost a third of all reported cases. The government said it plans to begin to gradually re-open schools in October after the vaccination campaign among children is completed.

Cuba starts vaccinating children in order to re-open schools amid Covid surge

AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho encouraged Swiss international Granit Xhaka to get vaccinated after the Arsenal midfielder returned a positive COVID-19 test this week.

The Switzerland captain, 28, was ruled out of Wednesday's friendly with Greece after testing positive for the coronavirus on the day of the game.

A spokesperson for the national team told Swiss newspaper Blick that Xhaka was not vaccinated.

"Get the jab Granit and be safe," Mourinho told Xhaka in a comment on a post on Instagram.&nbsp;

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Xhaka had been linked with a move to Mourinho's Roma in the off-season but British media reported Arsenal had turned down a bid from the Serie A club.

Switzerland will host European champions Italy in their Group C World Cup qualifier on Sunday before taking on Northern Ireland in Belfast on Sept. 9.

AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho encouraged Swiss international Granit Xhaka to get vaccinated after the Arsenal midfielder returned a positive COVID-19 test this week.

AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho encouraged Swiss international Granit Xhaka to get vaccinated after the Arsenal midfielder returned a positive COVID-19 test this week. The Switzerland captain, 28, was ruled out of Wednesday's friendly with Greece after testing positive for the coronavirus on the day of the game. A spokesperson for the national team told Swiss newspaper Blick that Xhaka was not vaccinated. "Get the jab Granit and be safe," Mourinho told Xhaka in a comment on a post on Instagram. ALSO READ | Watch: England footballer's epic on-field response to Raheem Sterling racism incident View this post on Instagram A post shared by Granit Xhaka (@granitxhaka) × Xhaka had been linked with a move to Mourinho's Roma in the off-season but British media reported Arsenal had turned down a bid from the Serie A club. Switzerland will host European champions Italy in their Group C World Cup qualifier on Sunday before taking on Northern Ireland in Belfast on Sept. 9.

'Get the jab': Jose Mourinho urges Granit Xhaka to get COVID-19 vaccine

In a scene replayed across the United States, angry parents and activists streamed into a meeting of the Florida's Lake County school board on Thursday where it considered whether to mandate mask-wearing for students and staff due to COVID.

Some opponents of the mask proposal brandished signs that read “Let Our Children Breathe.” Even with Florida seeing a record number of coronavirus cases, one attendee called the pandemic "overblown." Another was escorted out by deputies after yelling at board members.

The proposal would require staff and students to wear masks for 14 days at schools with COVID positivity rates at or above 5%.

But Florida's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, effectively banned similar mandates in July.

Since DeSantis' order, more than a dozen Florida counties have rebelled and voted to require masks to protect students and teachers as the Delta variant sweeps across the state. This week, the state's Department of Education sanctioned two counties that passed school mask requirements.

The battle between DeSantis and the state's school systems echoes larger fights across the country.

Other Republican-run states such as Arizona and Texas have also banned mask mandates in schools even as COVID cases have soared in their states, as parents and voters are sharply divided over safety measures and personal freedoms.

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The pushback in Florida against the Republican governor initially was led by large urban school districts run by Democrats. But this week saw more conservative counties that backed Republican Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election also defying DeSantis and instituting their own mandates.

Earlier this week, populous Brevard County along Florida’s east coast, which went for Trump over President Joe Biden by more than 16 percentage points in November, narrowly voted to approve a 30-day school mask mandate.

A day later, Hernando County, which supported Trump over Biden by almost 30 points, also passed a mandate, but one that allows parents to opt out.

In Lake County near Orlando, which also strongly backed Trump, a school official said on Thursday that more than 1,000 students of the 36,000 in the district had tested positive for the virus.

The board listened to more than three hours of public comment on the mask proposal then postponed a decision. Some 280 people spoke or sent emails on the issue, and two-thirds of them supported the idea, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Still, proponents of a mask mandate were booed and heckled by the crowd in attendance.

“This topic has completely polarized communities,” said Andrea Messina, president of the Florida School Boards Association.

'ABSOLUTE CRISIS'

While the conflict centers on whether state or local governments are best equipped to make decisions on health and safety, it also has become a political challenge for DeSantis, whose state has once again become a COVID-19 hotbed.

After being widely praised last year when cases declined and the state’s economy seemed revived, DeSantis has faced renewed criticism for his opposition to masks and employer vaccine mandates. Florida on Aug. 26 saw a single-day record number of new cases of the virus – almost 28,000 – since the pandemic began.

A spokesperson for DeSantis, Christina Pushaw, defended the ban on school mandates, saying the governor is "protecting the rights of families and children from all levels of government overreach."

At the Brevard County meeting on Monday, Misty Belford, the chair of the school board who a month earlier had opposed a mask mandate, switched her vote and gave proponents a 3-2 majority.

Belford changed her mind, she told Reuters, after watching the district’s caseload spike, including a 49% increase in student cases from one week to the next. One school was closed for two days after most of its students were quarantined.

“We are at an absolute crisis point," Belford said.

But board member Katye Campbell, who voted against the mandate, said she worries about negative effects on students from requiring masks, such as asthma flare-ups, suicidal ideation and panic attacks.

“There is nothing easy about this decision because our community is so divided,” Campbell said.

Belford said she was relying on a decision from a Florida court last week that declared the DeSantis rule illegal. DeSantis on Thursday appealed the ruling. Earlier this week, the Florida Board of Education said it would penalize two counties that voted for mask mandates without providing a parental opt-out, Alachua and Broward, by withholding funds from the districts for the board members’ salaries.

Leanetta McNealy, chair of the Alachua County school board, said her board voted for the mask mandate last month based on scientific evidence that it would help mitigate the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant.

“I’d rather have a decrease in my compensation than have a death under my watch,” she said.

In a scene replayed across the United States, angry parents and activists streamed into a meeting of the Florida's Lake County school board on Thursday where it considered whether to mandate mask-wearing for students and staff due to COVID.

In a scene replayed across the United States, angry parents and activists streamed into a meeting of the Florida's Lake County school board on Thursday where it considered whether to mandate mask-wearing for students and staff due to COVID. Some opponents of the mask proposal brandished signs that read “Let Our Children Breathe.” Even with Florida seeing a record number of coronavirus cases, one attendee called the pandemic "overblown." Another was escorted out by deputies after yelling at board members. The proposal would require staff and students to wear masks for 14 days at schools with COVID positivity rates at or above 5%. But Florida's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, effectively banned similar mandates in July. Since DeSantis' order, more than a dozen Florida counties have rebelled and voted to require masks to protect students and teachers as the Delta variant sweeps across the state. This week, the state's Department of Education sanctioned two counties that passed school mask requirements. The battle between DeSantis and the state's school systems echoes larger fights across the country. Other Republican-run states such as Arizona and Texas have also banned mask mandates in schools even as COVID cases have soared in their states, as parents and voters are sharply divided over safety measures and personal freedoms. Also read | Militants may use Afghan chaos to infiltrate US, EU: NATO The pushback in Florida against the Republican governor initially was led by large urban school districts run by Democrats. But this week saw more conservative counties that backed Republican Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election also defying DeSantis and instituting their own mandates. Earlier this week, populous Brevard County along Florida’s east coast, which went for Trump over President Joe Biden by more than 16 percentage points in November, narrowly voted to approve a 30-day school mask mandate. A day later, Hernando County, which supported Trump over Biden by almost 30 points, also passed a mandate, but one that allows parents to opt out. In Lake County near Orlando, which also strongly backed Trump, a school official said on Thursday that more than 1,000 students of the 36,000 in the district had tested positive for the virus. The board listened to more than three hours of public comment on the mask proposal then postponed a decision. Some 280 people spoke or sent emails on the issue, and two-thirds of them supported the idea, the Orlando Sentinel reported. Still, proponents of a mask mandate were booed and heckled by the crowd in attendance. “This topic has completely polarized communities,” said Andrea Messina, president of the Florida School Boards Association. 'ABSOLUTE CRISIS' While the conflict centers on whether state or local governments are best equipped to make decisions on health and safety, it also has become a political challenge for DeSantis, whose state has once again become a COVID-19 hotbed. After being widely praised last year when cases declined and the state’s economy seemed revived, DeSantis has faced renewed criticism for his opposition to masks and employer vaccine mandates. Florida on Aug. 26 saw a single-day record number of new cases of the virus – almost 28,000 – since the pandemic began. A spokesperson for DeSantis, Christina Pushaw, defended the ban on school mandates, saying the governor is "protecting the rights of families and children from all levels of government overreach." At the Brevard County meeting on Monday, Misty Belford, the chair of the school board who a month earlier had opposed a mask mandate, switched her vote and gave proponents a 3-2 majority. Belford changed her mind, she told Reuters, after watching the district’s caseload spike, including a 49% increase in student cases from one week to the next. One school was closed for two days after most of its students were quarantined. “We are at an absolute crisis point," Belford said. But board member Katye Campbell, who voted against the mandate, said she worries about negative effects on students from requiring masks, such as asthma flare-ups, suicidal ideation and panic attacks. “There is nothing easy about this decision because our community is so divided,” Campbell said. Belford said she was relying on a decision from a Florida court last week that declared the DeSantis rule illegal. DeSantis on Thursday appealed the ruling. Earlier this week, the Florida Board of Education said it would penalize two counties that voted for mask mandates without providing a parental opt-out, Alachua and Broward, by withholding funds from the districts for the board members’ salaries. Leanetta McNealy, chair of the Alachua County school board, said her board voted for the mask mandate last month based on scientific evidence that it would help mitigate the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. “I’d rather have a decrease in my compensation than have a death under my watch,” she said.

More Florida school districts revolt against governor's mask ban as cases surge

The UK's vaccine advisory council does not suggest coronavirus immunisations for healthy children aged 12 to 15, but the country's four chief medical officers will investigate the topic further before making a final decision.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has concluded that the COVID vaccine should not be prescribed for those in this age bracket only for health reasons, but has asked the government to consider "broader problems" such as the virus's impact on education.&nbsp;

Following the JCVI's evaluation on Friday, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced that the UK's four chief medical officers will provide additional advice on the vaccination of young people in this age group.

The chief medical officers will convene a meeting of experts and senior leaders in clinical and public health to discuss the issue, after which they will advise ministers on whether or not a universal vaccination programme for healthy 12 to 15-year-olds should be implemented, according to the department.&nbsp;

The Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), an independent medicine regulator, has authorised the Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations for anyone aged 12 and up after they passed stringent safety and effectiveness tests.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The UK's vaccine advisory council does not suggest coronavirus immunisations for healthy children aged 12 to 15, but the country's four chief medical officers will investigate the topic further before making a final decision.

The UK's vaccine advisory council does not suggest coronavirus immunisations for healthy children aged 12 to 15, but the country's four chief medical officers will investigate the topic further before making a final decision. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has concluded that the COVID vaccine should not be prescribed for those in this age bracket only for health reasons, but has asked the government to consider "broader problems" such as the virus's impact on education. Following the JCVI's evaluation on Friday, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced that the UK's four chief medical officers will provide additional advice on the vaccination of young people in this age group. The chief medical officers will convene a meeting of experts and senior leaders in clinical and public health to discuss the issue, after which they will advise ministers on whether or not a universal vaccination programme for healthy 12 to 15-year-olds should be implemented, according to the department. The Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), an independent medicine regulator, has authorised the Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations for anyone aged 12 and up after they passed stringent safety and effectiveness tests. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: UK vaccine advisory body not recommends jabs for healthy 12 to 15-year-olds

Sri Lanka has extended a COVID-19 lockdown till September 13th after authorities face mounting pressure from doctors to extend the restrictions as the country battles the third wave of infections.

Coronavirus Update: Sri Lanka battles for third wave of infections

The first cases of Delta variant of Covid-19 have been recorded in the impoverished Sahel state of Niger, which until now has been relatively spared in the pandemic, the authorities said Friday.

Genetic sequencing found six cases of Delta "among the last cases that occurred in August," Health Minister Illiassou Mainassara told AFP.

All the patients "were treated and recovered," he said, but added "serious forms of Covid-19 are more and more widespread."

The six cases were in the capital Niamey, the ministry's press office said, adding that efforts to track and trace contacts of the patients were underway.

"These are the first cases of Delta variant recorded in Niger, detected among people who were not vaccinated," it said.

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Niger is the poorest country in the world, according to the benchmark of the UN's Human Development Index (HDI).

It has had relatively few cases of coronavirus compared to other countries, with an official tally of 5,867 cases, 199 of them fatal.

So far, "more than four percent" of the country's population of 20 million have been vaccinated, Mainassara said, describing this as a "small upturn" compared with July, when only 0.3 percent had been jabbed.

On Thursday, Niger received 100,800 doses of AstraZeneca from Canada under the international Covax donation scheme for poor income countries.

It has also received 400,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines from China, 600,000 AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson jabs from the United States and 25,000 doses of AstraZeneca from India.

The first cases of Delta variant of Covid-19 have been recorded in the impoverished Sahel state of Niger, which until now has been relatively spared in the pandemic, the authorities said Friday.

The first cases of Delta variant of Covid-19 have been recorded in the impoverished Sahel state of Niger, which until now has been relatively spared in the pandemic, the authorities said Friday. Genetic sequencing found six cases of Delta "among the last cases that occurred in August," Health Minister Illiassou Mainassara told AFP. All the patients "were treated and recovered," he said, but added "serious forms of Covid-19 are more and more widespread." The six cases were in the capital Niamey, the ministry's press office said, adding that efforts to track and trace contacts of the patients were underway. "These are the first cases of Delta variant recorded in Niger, detected among people who were not vaccinated," it said. Also read | UK to create new pet abduction offence after rise in dog thefts Niger is the poorest country in the world, according to the benchmark of the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). It has had relatively few cases of coronavirus compared to other countries, with an official tally of 5,867 cases, 199 of them fatal. So far, "more than four percent" of the country's population of 20 million have been vaccinated, Mainassara said, describing this as a "small upturn" compared with July, when only 0.3 percent had been jabbed. On Thursday, Niger received 100,800 doses of AstraZeneca from Canada under the international Covax donation scheme for poor income countries. It has also received 400,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines from China, 600,000 AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson jabs from the United States and 25,000 doses of AstraZeneca from India.

First Delta case emerges in poverty-stricken Niger

While every person across the globe is struggling their way to get the vaccine against deadly coronavirus, the situation in Shenandoah Valley is a little different.

The nurses' employer, Valley Health, the parent company of Winchester Medical Center had given the nurses an ultimatum: Get the shot or face termination.

To this, the women responded by standing on the corner of a busy four-way intersection at the entrance to Winchester Medical Center, protesting the hospital's recent coronavirus vaccine mandate.

Some were on a quasi-strike, skipping a day of work to stand on the side of the road in scorching heat, holding signs that demanded, "NO FORCED VACCINATION."

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The Valley Health announced a vaccine mandate for its 6,300 employees at its six locations on July 19, while offering religious and medical exemptions for eligible applicants.&nbsp;

For the majority of Valley Health employees, the policy was not a problem as 75 per cent are fully vaccinated, the company said.

However, in a region where vaccination rates are lower than they are statewide, Valley Health's mandate prompted a furious community debate, with numerous protests outside Valley Health's hospitals in Front Royal and Winchester.

There were pleas from unvaccinated people demanding the intervention from local government to stop the mandate.

In Winchester, 57 per cent of the adult population is fully vaccinated, compared with 66% statewide.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring rural Warren County only 46 per cent of the adult population is fully vaccinated.

Those who were standing outside the Winchester hospital said that they had weighed the risks, and despite more than 620,000 deaths from COVID-19 in the US, they still viewed the vaccine as riskier.&nbsp;

Some cited rare but serious side effects, including myocarditis tied to Pfizer-BioNTech's and Moderna's vaccines and blood clots tied to Johnson &amp; Johnson's.&nbsp;

People also pointed to misinformation about fertility issues.&nbsp;

Others said they were banking on natural immunity after contracting the virus last year.

Brittany Watson, a behavioural health nurse at the Winchester hospital, was quoted by The Washington Post as saying, "We are not 'anti-vax".

She added, "We've done all the vaccines that you get when you grow up - but those have been around for decades. But this one, there's so much propaganda around it. It doesn't make any sense."

While every person across the globe is struggling their way to get the vaccine against deadly coronavirus, the situation in Shenandoah Valley is a little different.

While every person across the globe is struggling their way to get the vaccine against deadly coronavirus, the situation in Shenandoah Valley is a little different. The nurses' employer, Valley Health, the parent company of Winchester Medical Center had given the nurses an ultimatum: Get the shot or face termination. To this, the women responded by standing on the corner of a busy four-way intersection at the entrance to Winchester Medical Center, protesting the hospital's recent coronavirus vaccine mandate. Some were on a quasi-strike, skipping a day of work to stand on the side of the road in scorching heat, holding signs that demanded, "NO FORCED VACCINATION." Also read | Woman host back on Tolo TV breakfast show amid chaos in Afghanistan The Valley Health announced a vaccine mandate for its 6,300 employees at its six locations on July 19, while offering religious and medical exemptions for eligible applicants. For the majority of Valley Health employees, the policy was not a problem as 75 per cent are fully vaccinated, the company said. However, in a region where vaccination rates are lower than they are statewide, Valley Health's mandate prompted a furious community debate, with numerous protests outside Valley Health's hospitals in Front Royal and Winchester. There were pleas from unvaccinated people demanding the intervention from local government to stop the mandate. In Winchester, 57 per cent of the adult population is fully vaccinated, compared with 66% statewide. Meanwhile, in neighbouring rural Warren County only 46 per cent of the adult population is fully vaccinated. Those who were standing outside the Winchester hospital said that they had weighed the risks, and despite more than 620,000 deaths from COVID-19 in the US, they still viewed the vaccine as riskier. Some cited rare but serious side effects, including myocarditis tied to Pfizer-BioNTech's and Moderna's vaccines and blood clots tied to Johnson & Johnson's. People also pointed to misinformation about fertility issues. Others said they were banking on natural immunity after contracting the virus last year. Brittany Watson, a behavioural health nurse at the Winchester hospital, was quoted by The Washington Post as saying, "We are not 'anti-vax". She added, "We've done all the vaccines that you get when you grow up - but those have been around for decades. But this one, there's so much propaganda around it. It doesn't make any sense."

Shenandoah Valley women choose to not get vaccinated, here is why

Coronavirus vaccines have been the key tool in the hands of humanity in its fight against the deadly pandemic. The vaccines have saved countless lives. A new study has found that vaccines are also decreasing&nbsp;likelihood of long Covid.

When a person is infected by Covid. He generally recovers in four weeks. But in some cases, Covid symptoms persist for months. This is called long Covid.

Researchers at King's College, London have found out that vaccines reduce likelihood of long Covid if the vaccinated person gets infected by coronavirus.

For this study, the researchers analysed data from Zoe Covid study app. The researchers found that just 0.2 per cent of the people got infected by Covid even after receiving two doses of Covid vaccine.

Just 5 per cent of the people who had got both the doses suffered from long Covid. At the same time, the percentage of people who suffered from long Covid among the unvaccinated was 11 per cent.

The study has been published in journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

(With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus vaccines have been the key tool in the hands of humanity in its fight against the deadly pandemic. The vaccines have saved countless lives. A new study has found that vaccines are also decreasing likelihood of long Covid.

Coronavirus vaccines have been the key tool in the hands of humanity in its fight against the deadly pandemic. The vaccines have saved countless lives. A new study has found that vaccines are also decreasing likelihood of long Covid. When a person is infected by Covid. He generally recovers in four weeks. But in some cases, Covid symptoms persist for months. This is called long Covid. Researchers at King's College, London have found out that vaccines reduce likelihood of long Covid if the vaccinated person gets infected by coronavirus. For this study, the researchers analysed data from Zoe Covid study app. The researchers found that just 0.2 per cent of the people got infected by Covid even after receiving two doses of Covid vaccine. Just 5 per cent of the people who had got both the doses suffered from long Covid. At the same time, the percentage of people who suffered from long Covid among the unvaccinated was 11 per cent. The study has been published in journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases. (With inputs from agencies)

Vaccines are cutting risk of long Covid, says study

The Central government has announced the extension of visas for all foreign nationals stranded in the country due to the ongoing pandemic till 31 September.&nbsp;

They will not be required to submit an application to FRRO/FRO concerned for visa extension.

The decision comes after a number of foreigners who came to India on various types of visas prior to March 2020 got stranded in the country in the absence of flights to their destinations due to COVID-19.

In a statement, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs said, "Due to the situation arising out of COVID-19 pandemic, a number of foreigners who had come to India on various types of visas prior to March, 2020 got stranded in the country in the absence of flights to their destinations. The Central Government had facilitated the stay of such foreign nationals within India by giving deemed extension of their regular visa or e-visa or stay stipulation period on gratis basis without levy of any overstay penalty.

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This facility which is presently available till August 31, 2021 has now been extended by the Central Government till September 30, 2021".

The government further added that if someone wanted visa extension beyond 30 September, they may apply on the online e-FRRO platform on a payment basis.&nbsp;

This would be considered by the authorities, subject to the eligibility as per the extant guidelines.

"Before exiting, they may apply online for exit permission on e-FRRO portal, which would be granted by FRRO/FRO concerned on gratis basis without levy of overstay penalty," the MHA statement read.

The Central government has announced the extension of visas for all foreign nationals stranded in the country due to the ongoing pandemic till 31 September. They will not be required to submit an application to FRRO/FRO concerned for visa extension.

The Central government has announced the extension of visas for all foreign nationals stranded in the country due to the ongoing pandemic till 31 September. They will not be required to submit an application to FRRO/FRO concerned for visa extension. The decision comes after a number of foreigners who came to India on various types of visas prior to March 2020 got stranded in the country in the absence of flights to their destinations due to COVID-19. In a statement, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs said, "Due to the situation arising out of COVID-19 pandemic, a number of foreigners who had come to India on various types of visas prior to March, 2020 got stranded in the country in the absence of flights to their destinations. The Central Government had facilitated the stay of such foreign nationals within India by giving deemed extension of their regular visa or e-visa or stay stipulation period on gratis basis without levy of any overstay penalty. Also read | Jacinda Ardern calls New Zealand stabbing 'terrorist attack'; suspect shot dead This facility which is presently available till August 31, 2021 has now been extended by the Central Government till September 30, 2021". The government further added that if someone wanted visa extension beyond 30 September, they may apply on the online e-FRRO platform on a payment basis. This would be considered by the authorities, subject to the eligibility as per the extant guidelines. "Before exiting, they may apply online for exit permission on e-FRRO portal, which would be granted by FRRO/FRO concerned on gratis basis without levy of overstay penalty," the MHA statement read.

Visas of foreigners stuck in India extended till September end: Centre

Israel has reopened its schools despite a surge in COVID-19 cases. In fact, Israel has recorded the highest number of fresh cases per capita across the world with nearly 11,000 cases among its population.

Schools reopen in Israel despite COVID surge

Cyprus&nbsp;will&nbsp;give&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;booster&nbsp;jabs to those&nbsp;over&nbsp;65 and care home residents whose full vaccination is more than six months old, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas said Thursday.

The decision comes after the cabinet approved Covid-19 vaccine&nbsp;booster&nbsp;shots for the elderly, vulnerable groups and health professionals.

Hadjipantelas said people&nbsp;over&nbsp;65, those living in care homes, the immunosuppressed of all ages and health professionals would be given a third dose, provided it has been at least six months since their second&nbsp;jab.

The decision comes after the European Medicines Agency said that additional doses should be considered for people with severely weakened immune systems as part of their primary vaccination.

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The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, however, said there is no urgency for boosters to be administered to the general public.

Health authorities in&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;have contained the fourth wave of infections driven by the virus's Delta variant, which triggered a record 1,152 daily cases in mid-July.

"Important steps have been taken to stop the Delta variant and to curb the reluctance of those to get vaccinated," Hadjipantelas said.

He said&nbsp;Cyprus&nbsp;had the second-lowest coronavirus mortality rate among European Union countries after Finland, with 507 deaths and 114,131 cases since the outbreak began in March 2020.

As of August 31, 74.2 per cent of the population have been fully vaccinated, and 79 per cent have received one shot.

Cyprus will give Covid-19 booster jabs to those over 65 and care home residents whose full vaccination is more than six months old, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas said Thursday.

Cyprus will give Covid-19 booster jabs to those over 65 and care home residents whose full vaccination is more than six months old, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas said Thursday. The decision comes after the cabinet approved Covid-19 vaccine booster shots for the elderly, vulnerable groups and health professionals. Hadjipantelas said people over 65, those living in care homes, the immunosuppressed of all ages and health professionals would be given a third dose, provided it has been at least six months since their second jab. The decision comes after the European Medicines Agency said that additional doses should be considered for people with severely weakened immune systems as part of their primary vaccination. Also read | Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, however, said there is no urgency for boosters to be administered to the general public. Health authorities in Cyprus have contained the fourth wave of infections driven by the virus's Delta variant, which triggered a record 1,152 daily cases in mid-July. "Important steps have been taken to stop the Delta variant and to curb the reluctance of those to get vaccinated," Hadjipantelas said. He said Cyprus had the second-lowest coronavirus mortality rate among European Union countries after Finland, with 507 deaths and 114,131 cases since the outbreak began in March 2020. As of August 31, 74.2 per cent of the population have been fully vaccinated, and 79 per cent have received one shot.

Cyprus to give booster jab to over 65s

Norway on Thursday again postponed the full lifting of its health restrictions as Covid-19 infections reach record highs in the Scandinavian country.&nbsp;

The government also said it would open vaccination to 12 to 15-year-olds, in a bid to inoculate more people as the highly contagious Delta variant takes hold.&nbsp;

Norway gradually began peeling back restrictions just before the summer as vaccines were rolled out and the number of new infections fell.

Originally, the government had said it hoped to enter the fourth and final phase of the reopening in July. But that has been pushed back several times, most recently in mid-August, because of concerns over how well the virus was being contained.

"A further reopening now leads to an increased risk of spread," Prime Minister Erna Solberg told reporters on Thursday.&nbsp;

"We don't want to take that risk when there is so little time left before all adults have had the opportunity to protect themselves with the vaccine," she added.

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Solberg said she was aiming for a return to normal life "at the end of September" when she hoped about 90 percent of the adult population will have been vaccinated.&nbsp;

That figure was 71.9 percent on Wednesday, according to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, while 89.1 percent of adults had received a first dose.

The government has also opened vaccines to people aged 12 to 15, who can now get a single dose.&nbsp;

Vaccine have until now been available only to people aged 16 and over.

The number of infections in the country has risen sharply in recent days, reaching record highs.&nbsp;

The rise is blamed in part on the Delta variant, which has taken hold among young people in particular as the school year began last month.&nbsp;

Among the restrictions that will remain in place is a cap on the size of gatherings, which is 5,000 people indoors and 10,000 outdoors.&nbsp;

The announcement comes ahead of parliamentary elections on September 13 in Norway, where polls suggest a victory for the opposition even though the current government is generally praised for its handling of the health crisis.

Norway on Thursday again postponed the full lifting of its health restrictions as Covid-19 infections reach record highs in the Scandinavian country. The government also said it would open vaccination to 12 to 15-year-olds, in a bid to inoculate more people as the highly contagious Delta variant takes hold.

Norway on Thursday again postponed the full lifting of its health restrictions as Covid-19 infections reach record highs in the Scandinavian country. The government also said it would open vaccination to 12 to 15-year-olds, in a bid to inoculate more people as the highly contagious Delta variant takes hold. Norway gradually began peeling back restrictions just before the summer as vaccines were rolled out and the number of new infections fell. Originally, the government had said it hoped to enter the fourth and final phase of the reopening in July. But that has been pushed back several times, most recently in mid-August, because of concerns over how well the virus was being contained. "A further reopening now leads to an increased risk of spread," Prime Minister Erna Solberg told reporters on Thursday. "We don't want to take that risk when there is so little time left before all adults have had the opportunity to protect themselves with the vaccine," she added. Also read | Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work Solberg said she was aiming for a return to normal life "at the end of September" when she hoped about 90 percent of the adult population will have been vaccinated. That figure was 71.9 percent on Wednesday, according to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, while 89.1 percent of adults had received a first dose. The government has also opened vaccines to people aged 12 to 15, who can now get a single dose. Vaccine have until now been available only to people aged 16 and over. The number of infections in the country has risen sharply in recent days, reaching record highs. The rise is blamed in part on the Delta variant, which has taken hold among young people in particular as the school year began last month. Among the restrictions that will remain in place is a cap on the size of gatherings, which is 5,000 people indoors and 10,000 outdoors. The announcement comes ahead of parliamentary elections on September 13 in Norway, where polls suggest a victory for the opposition even though the current government is generally praised for its handling of the health crisis.

Norway postpones reopening as COVID-19 cases mount

India reported the biggest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases in two months today, as the government worries about the virus spreading from the most-affected Kerala state, schools reopening, and the start of the festival season.

Kerala accounted for nearly 70 per cent of the 47,092 new infections and a third of deaths.

This comes a week after it celebrated its biggest festival during which family and social gatherings were common.

"With cases rising in Kerala, adequate steps should be taken to contain the inter-state spread of COVID-19," Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a statement after speaking with his state counterparts in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which border Kerala.

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Also, he asked them to increase vaccination in the districts close to Kerala.&nbsp;

India has so far administered 662 million doses, with at least one dose in 54 per cent of its 944 million adults and the required two doses in 16 per cent.

"A decently managed vaccination programme, along with the hybrid immunity we're seeing now, makes a massive third wave unlikely," said clinical immunologist and rheumatologist Padmanabha Shenoy, who led the study and was referring to the immunity from natural infection and one vaccine dose.

The federal government has warned that like in Kerala, the rest of India could also see a rise in infections around the festival season.

India has so far reported about 32.9 million infections, the most in the world after the United States. Deaths went up by 509 on Thursday to a total of 439,529.

India reported the biggest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases in two months today, as the government worries about the virus spreading from the most-affected Kerala state, schools reopening, and the start of the festival season.

India reported the biggest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases in two months today, as the government worries about the virus spreading from the most-affected Kerala state, schools reopening, and the start of the festival season. Kerala accounted for nearly 70 per cent of the 47,092 new infections and a third of deaths. This comes a week after it celebrated its biggest festival during which family and social gatherings were common. "With cases rising in Kerala, adequate steps should be taken to contain the inter-state spread of COVID-19," Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a statement after speaking with his state counterparts in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which border Kerala. Also read | Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually Also, he asked them to increase vaccination in the districts close to Kerala. India has so far administered 662 million doses, with at least one dose in 54 per cent of its 944 million adults and the required two doses in 16 per cent. "A decently managed vaccination programme, along with the hybrid immunity we're seeing now, makes a massive third wave unlikely," said clinical immunologist and rheumatologist Padmanabha Shenoy, who led the study and was referring to the immunity from natural infection and one vaccine dose. The federal government has warned that like in Kerala, the rest of India could also see a rise in infections around the festival season. India has so far reported about 32.9 million infections, the most in the world after the United States. Deaths went up by 509 on Thursday to a total of 439,529.

India records highest COVID-19 cases in two months, worst-hit Kerala in focus

India's&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;demand&nbsp;is set to hit a&nbsp;record&nbsp;this fiscal year, with consumption accelerating as more people hit the road for business and leisure travel after easing of&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;curbs.

Shunning trains, buses and planes, safety-conscious Indians are buying more cars and increasingly using personal vehicles to commute as they embark on 'revenge travel' flocking to tourist destinations after months of restrictions, despite&nbsp;record&nbsp;high fuel prices.

Annual passenger vehicle sales in India rose by 45% to 264,442 units in July, driven by pent-up&nbsp;demand, according to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

The stronger-than-expected&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;consumption growth could prompt Indian refiners to import the fuel or boost gas oil exports in coming months. Indian refineries are traditionally configured to maximise production of diesel, where&nbsp;demand&nbsp;is still below pre-COVID&nbsp;levels, hurt by an uneven economic recovery.&nbsp;

"We may have to import some quantity of petrol if momentum in&nbsp;demand&nbsp;continues," said an official at an Indian state-run refiner, who declined to be identified as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

"We cannot increase&nbsp;crude throughput as some refiners have high levels of diesel inventory and export margins for diesel are not attractive."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-attend-sco-summit-virtually-410116">Also read |&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually</a>

The expected rise in&nbsp;India's&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;imports could support Asian refiners' margins for the fuel. The country, which has a refining surplus, has shunned&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;imports since May and raised gas oil exports by a fifth in July from April, government data showed.

Sluggish diesel&nbsp;demand&nbsp;has forced some refiners to cut crude oil processing as their fuel storage were full. That reduced&nbsp;India's&nbsp;July crude oil imports to their lowest in a year.

Changes in&nbsp;India's&nbsp;fuel&nbsp;demand&nbsp;patterns are crucial for global oil markets as Asia's third-largest economy is&nbsp;seen&nbsp;as the main driver of rising&nbsp;demand&nbsp;for energy over the next two decades, the International Energy Agency said in February.

Credit rating agency Moody's India unit ICRA expects&nbsp;India's&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;consumption to rise 14% to a&nbsp;record&nbsp;31.9 million tonnes (739,000 bpd) in the fiscal year to March 2022, higher than the 12.2% growth estimates by the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell of the oil ministry.

Consultancy FGE now forecasts quarterly&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;demand&nbsp;will rise by 20,000 barrels per day&nbsp;to 760,000 bpd for October to December, up from an earlier estimate of 740,000 bpd. This brings FGE's annual forecast to March 2022 to 725,000 bpd, up 11% from the previous year.

"Owning a personal vehicle used to be a status symbol but because of the hunger to travel during the pandemic, people are buying cars and scooters, and driving up&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;demand," Sri Paravaikkarasu, director for Asia oil at FGE said.

India's&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;demand&nbsp;rebound follows that of China, where consumption of the fuel is expected to rise by 11% to 13% this year to a&nbsp;record&nbsp;3.8 million to 4.1 million bpd.

DIESEL

On the other hand, gas oil consumption, which accounts for two-fifths of refined fuel use in the country and is a barometer of industrial activity&nbsp;is expected to take well into the fourth quarter or even next year to recover to pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp;

India is also gradually cutting dependence on diesel as it looks to fully electrify its vast railway network by end-2023, allow trucks to carry more weight, and increase&nbsp;power generation capacity from cleaner fuel sources.

Mukesh Surana, chairman of Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL) said diesel&nbsp;demand&nbsp;could reach pre-COVID&nbsp;levels on a monthly basis later this year but for the fiscal year it would still remain below pre-pandemic level.

"There has to be a complete recovery of the industrial and construction sectors and whole&nbsp;demand&nbsp;and supply chain should come to full swing, until that happens you will not get the full impact of recovery on the diesel side," Surana said.

India's gasoline demand is set to hit a record this fiscal year, with consumption accelerating as more people hit the road for business and leisure travel after easing of COVID-19 curbs.

India's gasoline demand is set to hit a record this fiscal year, with consumption accelerating as more people hit the road for business and leisure travel after easing of COVID-19 curbs. Shunning trains, buses and planes, safety-conscious Indians are buying more cars and increasingly using personal vehicles to commute as they embark on 'revenge travel' flocking to tourist destinations after months of restrictions, despite record high fuel prices. Annual passenger vehicle sales in India rose by 45% to 264,442 units in July, driven by pent-up demand, according to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. The stronger-than-expected gasoline consumption growth could prompt Indian refiners to import the fuel or boost gas oil exports in coming months. Indian refineries are traditionally configured to maximise production of diesel, where demand is still below pre-COVID levels, hurt by an uneven economic recovery. "We may have to import some quantity of petrol if momentum in demand continues," said an official at an Indian state-run refiner, who declined to be identified as he is not authorised to speak to the media. "We cannot increase crude throughput as some refiners have high levels of diesel inventory and export margins for diesel are not attractive." Also read | Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually The expected rise in India's gasoline imports could support Asian refiners' margins for the fuel. The country, which has a refining surplus, has shunned gasoline imports since May and raised gas oil exports by a fifth in July from April, government data showed. Sluggish diesel demand has forced some refiners to cut crude oil processing as their fuel storage were full. That reduced India's July crude oil imports to their lowest in a year. Changes in India's fuel demand patterns are crucial for global oil markets as Asia's third-largest economy is seen as the main driver of rising demand for energy over the next two decades, the International Energy Agency said in February. Credit rating agency Moody's India unit ICRA expects India's gasoline consumption to rise 14% to a record 31.9 million tonnes (739,000 bpd) in the fiscal year to March 2022, higher than the 12.2% growth estimates by the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell of the oil ministry. Consultancy FGE now forecasts quarterly gasoline demand will rise by 20,000 barrels per day to 760,000 bpd for October to December, up from an earlier estimate of 740,000 bpd. This brings FGE's annual forecast to March 2022 to 725,000 bpd, up 11% from the previous year. "Owning a personal vehicle used to be a status symbol but because of the hunger to travel during the pandemic, people are buying cars and scooters, and driving up gasoline demand," Sri Paravaikkarasu, director for Asia oil at FGE said. India's gasoline demand rebound follows that of China, where consumption of the fuel is expected to rise by 11% to 13% this year to a record 3.8 million to 4.1 million bpd. DIESEL On the other hand, gas oil consumption, which accounts for two-fifths of refined fuel use in the country and is a barometer of industrial activity is expected to take well into the fourth quarter or even next year to recover to pre-pandemic levels. India is also gradually cutting dependence on diesel as it looks to fully electrify its vast railway network by end-2023, allow trucks to carry more weight, and increase power generation capacity from cleaner fuel sources. Mukesh Surana, chairman of Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL) said diesel demand could reach pre-COVID levels on a monthly basis later this year but for the fiscal year it would still remain below pre-pandemic level. "There has to be a complete recovery of the industrial and construction sectors and whole demand and supply chain should come to full swing, until that happens you will not get the full impact of recovery on the diesel side," Surana said.

India's gasoline demand seen hitting record as COVID-19 curbs ease

A study is out to prove that the vaccine experts have not been lying about the benefits of coronavirus vaccine, A research has claimed that the vaccines prevent the virus from changing into long Covid.

Led by experts at the King’s College London, a group of researchers have claimed that people who are getting vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus are not just cutting risk of catching the virus, but are also staying away from turning the virus into long Covid.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnams-covid-crisis-leading-to-disruption-in-global-coffee-supply-409968" hreflang="en">Vietnam's Covid crisis leading to disruption in global coffee supply</a>

In comparison to unvaccinated people, the people who got infected by coronavirus after getting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> were able to make full recovery in majority cases. The chances of developing symptoms after four weeks were cut by 50 per cent, which was not the case for unvaccinated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> patients.

People infected by coronavirus take four weeks to recover completely, but some people have continued to develop symptoms beyond four weeks and months. This has been termed as long Covid, and is believed to leave a severe effect on people.

However, vaccines, according to researchers, are helping prevent long Covid, along with saving lives and infections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-eases-covid-19-curbs-in-most-parts-auckland-remains-under-a-lockdown-410156">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-eases-covid-19-curbs-in-most-parts-auckland-remains-under-a-lockdown-410156/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The researchers gathered data through UK&nbsp;Zoe Covid Study app, in which people self-report symptoms and vaccine effects. Researchers studied the data for nearly 1.2 million adults between the time period of December 2020 to July 2021.

Out of 971,504 fully vaccinated people, only 0.2 per cent people were infected by COVID-19. Then, out of 592 people who provided data even after a month, only five per cent people reported long Covid. However, 11 per cent unvaccinated people had to bear the effects of long Covid.

"It is clear vaccines are building a wall of defence against the virus and are the best way to protect people from serious illness. I encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward for both their jabs as quickly as possible," said UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid.

A study is out to prove that the vaccine experts have not been lying about the benefits of coronavirus vaccine, A research has claimed that the vaccines prevent the virus from changing into long Covid.

A study is out to prove that the vaccine experts have not been lying about the benefits of coronavirus vaccine, A research has claimed that the vaccines prevent the virus from changing into long Covid. Led by experts at the King’s College London, a group of researchers have claimed that people who are getting vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus are not just cutting risk of catching the virus, but are also staying away from turning the virus into long Covid. Also read | Vietnam's Covid crisis leading to disruption in global coffee supply In comparison to unvaccinated people, the people who got infected by coronavirus after getting vaccinated were able to make full recovery in majority cases. The chances of developing symptoms after four weeks were cut by 50 per cent, which was not the case for unvaccinated Covid patients. People infected by coronavirus take four weeks to recover completely, but some people have continued to develop symptoms beyond four weeks and months. This has been termed as long Covid, and is believed to leave a severe effect on people. However, vaccines, according to researchers, are helping prevent long Covid, along with saving lives and infections. WATCH | The researchers gathered data through UK Zoe Covid Study app, in which people self-report symptoms and vaccine effects. Researchers studied the data for nearly 1.2 million adults between the time period of December 2020 to July 2021. Out of 971,504 fully vaccinated people, only 0.2 per cent people were infected by COVID-19. Then, out of 592 people who provided data even after a month, only five per cent people reported long Covid. However, 11 per cent unvaccinated people had to bear the effects of long Covid. "It is clear vaccines are building a wall of defence against the virus and are the best way to protect people from serious illness. I encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward for both their jabs as quickly as possible," said UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid.

Coronavirus vaccines are helping prevent long Covid: Study

Although ivermectin has not yet proven effective against the coronavirus, a judge in Ohio has ordered a hospital to treat a COVID-19 patient with the anti-parasitic drug. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The experts have given warnings that the ivermectin is yet to be proven effective against the deadly virus. It can also be dangerous in large doses. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Japan's COVID vaccine drive suffers blow

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In a judgement, Butler County judge Gregory Howard ordered doctors at West Chester hospital to administer ivermectin to 51-year-old Jeffrey Smith. Smith had contracted COVID-19 in July and was transferred to intensive care. &nbsp;

Butler County falls outside Cincinnati in the United States. &nbsp; &nbsp;

In court documents, Julie Smith said, “My husband is on death’s doorstep. He has no other options.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/who-warns-against-a-new-covid-variant-that-may-be-resistant-to-vaccines-409929" hreflang="en">WHO warns against a new Covid variant that may be resistant to vaccines</a>

Outside the hospital, a doctor was willing to prescribe the drug but the hospital had refused to administer it. The judge ordered the hospital to give 30mg of the medicine to Smith for three weeks. &nbsp;

The Ivermectin drug is generally used against parasites in livestock animals, which includes horses and cows. In humans, it is also used against some parasitic worms and external parasites like head lice. &nbsp;

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has also warned that “taking large doses of this drug is dangerous and can cause serious harm”.&nbsp;

Although ivermectin has not yet proven effective against the coronavirus, a judge in Ohio has ordered a hospital to treat a COVID-19 patient with the anti-parasitic drug.

Although ivermectin has not yet proven effective against the coronavirus, a judge in Ohio has ordered a hospital to treat a COVID-19 patient with the anti-parasitic drug. The experts have given warnings that the ivermectin is yet to be proven effective against the deadly virus. It can also be dangerous in large doses. Watch: Japan's COVID vaccine drive suffers blow × In a judgement, Butler County judge Gregory Howard ordered doctors at West Chester hospital to administer ivermectin to 51-year-old Jeffrey Smith. Smith had contracted COVID-19 in July and was transferred to intensive care. Butler County falls outside Cincinnati in the United States. In court documents, Julie Smith said, “My husband is on death’s doorstep. He has no other options.” Also Read: WHO warns against a new Covid variant that may be resistant to vaccines Outside the hospital, a doctor was willing to prescribe the drug but the hospital had refused to administer it. The judge ordered the hospital to give 30mg of the medicine to Smith for three weeks. The Ivermectin drug is generally used against parasites in livestock animals, which includes horses and cows. In humans, it is also used against some parasitic worms and external parasites like head lice. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has also warned that “taking large doses of this drug is dangerous and can cause serious harm”.

US Judge orders hospital to treat COVID-19 patient with ‘not yet proven effective’ ivermectin drug  

Fans attending the US&nbsp;Open on Monday confronted long lines at the main gate's security checkpoint, forcing some ticket holders to wait in the heat for up to two hours to gain entry.

The United States Tennis Association, which oversees the event, acknowledged the delays but said the last-minute decision to impose a vaccine requirement for fans was not to blame.

The tennis major, which took place amid empty stands last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, commenced on Monday with thousands of visitors again thronging the grounds in New York City's Queens borough.

Citing concerns about the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus, Mayor Bill de Blasio's office said on Friday that all fans entering Arthur Ashe Stadium would have to show proof of at least one vaccine shot. Tennis officials then extended the mandate to anyone attending the tournament.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-the-entertainer-kicks-off-us-open-title-defence-with-straight-sets-win-409577">Naomi Osaka the 'entertainer' kicks off US Open title defence with straight sets win</a>

Outside the main entrance at midday, staff members struggled to direct a sea of people awaiting admission.

"I've been coming since 1963, and this is my last time ever," Howard Lefkin, 71, said, explaining that he had spent two hours trying to get into the grounds. "This is hideous."

A handful of fans complained to police officers or shouted at staff, vowing to seek refunds. Others headed around the stadium in search of shorter lines.

"If I knew it would be two hours in line, I would have stayed home," said Michael Berman, a 55-year-old attorney from Fair Lawn, New Jersey.

A USTA spokesman, Chris Widmaier, said in a statement that the organization was seeking ways to speed up the process.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-forgotten-man-andy-murray-gives-stefanos-tsitsipas-match-to-remember-before-bowing-out-in-five-set-thriller-409552">US Open: Forgotten man Andy Murray gives Stefanos Tsitsipas match to remember before bowing out in five-set thriller</a>

Widmaier cited several factors for the delays, including more later-arriving fans than usual and an "inordinate" number of bags that must be searched by hand.

"The process to check proof of vaccination seems to be working smoothly and is not a major contributor hampering entrance to the site," he said.

Numerous fans, however, said the line for people with bags actually appeared to be moving much faster than the one for those without. Some said they were concerned that the tightly packed crowd could facilitate COVID-19 spread, even among vaccinated individuals.

"The true irony is this is all to keep people safe: they're checking vaccine cards, but they're packing everyone in," said Steve Marder, 42, who has attended the Open more than a dozen times.

That said, several fans said they appreciated that the requirement added an extra layer of safety. And despite the long wait for some, plenty of tennis aficionados voiced joy at returning to a quintessential New York event.

"When we got our tickets, I just about cried just thinking about being back," said Sandra Unger, who traveled from Minneapolis to New York to attend the Open with her brother, Craig. "But I feel outside, I feel safe and the vaccine thing was huge to feel like it's okay to be here."

Stefanie Ebo, 25, attended as a kid and later worked at the Open as a players' assistant for a few years.

"Honestly, for me growing up, this was the start of the school year – but also an end-of-summer treat," she said. "I feel like people are even more excited than usual."

Fans attending the US Open on Monday confronted long lines at the main gate's security checkpoint, forcing some ticket holders to wait in the heat for up to two hours to gain entry.

Fans attending the US Open on Monday confronted long lines at the main gate's security checkpoint, forcing some ticket holders to wait in the heat for up to two hours to gain entry. The United States Tennis Association, which oversees the event, acknowledged the delays but said the last-minute decision to impose a vaccine requirement for fans was not to blame. The tennis major, which took place amid empty stands last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, commenced on Monday with thousands of visitors again thronging the grounds in New York City's Queens borough. Citing concerns about the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus, Mayor Bill de Blasio's office said on Friday that all fans entering Arthur Ashe Stadium would have to show proof of at least one vaccine shot. Tennis officials then extended the mandate to anyone attending the tournament. ALSO READ | Naomi Osaka the 'entertainer' kicks off US Open title defence with straight sets win Outside the main entrance at midday, staff members struggled to direct a sea of people awaiting admission. "I've been coming since 1963, and this is my last time ever," Howard Lefkin, 71, said, explaining that he had spent two hours trying to get into the grounds. "This is hideous." A handful of fans complained to police officers or shouted at staff, vowing to seek refunds. Others headed around the stadium in search of shorter lines. "If I knew it would be two hours in line, I would have stayed home," said Michael Berman, a 55-year-old attorney from Fair Lawn, New Jersey. A USTA spokesman, Chris Widmaier, said in a statement that the organization was seeking ways to speed up the process. ALSO READ | US Open: Forgotten man Andy Murray gives Stefanos Tsitsipas match to remember before bowing out in five-set thriller Widmaier cited several factors for the delays, including more later-arriving fans than usual and an "inordinate" number of bags that must be searched by hand. "The process to check proof of vaccination seems to be working smoothly and is not a major contributor hampering entrance to the site," he said. Numerous fans, however, said the line for people with bags actually appeared to be moving much faster than the one for those without. Some said they were concerned that the tightly packed crowd could facilitate COVID-19 spread, even among vaccinated individuals. "The true irony is this is all to keep people safe: they're checking vaccine cards, but they're packing everyone in," said Steve Marder, 42, who has attended the Open more than a dozen times. That said, several fans said they appreciated that the requirement added an extra layer of safety. And despite the long wait for some, plenty of tennis aficionados voiced joy at returning to a quintessential New York event. "When we got our tickets, I just about cried just thinking about being back," said Sandra Unger, who traveled from Minneapolis to New York to attend the Open with her brother, Craig. "But I feel outside, I feel safe and the vaccine thing was huge to feel like it's okay to be here." Stefanie Ebo, 25, attended as a kid and later worked at the Open as a players' assistant for a few years. "Honestly, for me growing up, this was the start of the school year – but also an end-of-summer treat," she said. "I feel like people are even more excited than usual."

After year away, excited fans return to US Open but confront long lines

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