India reported 42,909 new COVID-19 cases and 380 related fatalities in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Monday.

Here, of the total cases reported in the country, Kerala logged 29,836 fresh cases of this virus yesterday and 75 fatalities. The test positivity rate is at a historic high of 19.67 per cent.

With this, the total death toll in the country touched 4,38,210 including the fresh fatalities. Of the 380 fresh fatalities, 75 deaths were from Kerala, 131 deaths were from Maharashtra, 67 deaths were from Odisha and the rest 107 deaths were reported from the rest of the states.

The total cases in the country are 3,26,95,030 with 3,76,324 active cases. Active cases account for 1.15 per cent of the total cases.

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The total recoveries reached 3,19,23,405 wherein 34,763 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours. Following this, the recovery rate is currently at 97.51 per cent.

Of the 52.01 crore total tests conducted so far, daily positivity rate reported stands at 3.02 per cent. Also, the weekly positivity rate is at 2.41 per cent that is less than 3 per cent for last 66 days.

52,01,46,525 samples have been tested till date wherein 14,19,990 samples were tested yesterday to detect the virus, informed the Indian Council of Medical Research.

As a part of the ongoing vaccination drive, 63.43 crore vaccine doses have been administered till date in the country. India commenced its COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year.

Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Sunday that a revised Covid-19 testing strategy is being introduced in the state in the wake of 71 per cent out of total population eligible to be vaccinated taking at least first dose of the vaccine against Coronavirus.

India reported 42,909 new COVID-19 cases and 380 related fatalities in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Monday. Here, of the total cases reported in the country, Kerala logged 29,836 fresh cases of this virus yesterday and 75 fatalities.

India reported 42,909 new COVID-19 cases and 380 related fatalities in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Monday. Here, of the total cases reported in the country, Kerala logged 29,836 fresh cases of this virus yesterday and 75 fatalities. The test positivity rate is at a historic high of 19.67 per cent. With this, the total death toll in the country touched 4,38,210 including the fresh fatalities. Of the 380 fresh fatalities, 75 deaths were from Kerala, 131 deaths were from Maharashtra, 67 deaths were from Odisha and the rest 107 deaths were reported from the rest of the states. The total cases in the country are 3,26,95,030 with 3,76,324 active cases. Active cases account for 1.15 per cent of the total cases. Also read | Hurricane Ida pummels Louisiana; power lines in New Orleans destroyed The total recoveries reached 3,19,23,405 wherein 34,763 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours. Following this, the recovery rate is currently at 97.51 per cent. Of the 52.01 crore total tests conducted so far, daily positivity rate reported stands at 3.02 per cent. Also, the weekly positivity rate is at 2.41 per cent that is less than 3 per cent for last 66 days. 52,01,46,525 samples have been tested till date wherein 14,19,990 samples were tested yesterday to detect the virus, informed the Indian Council of Medical Research. As a part of the ongoing vaccination drive, 63.43 crore vaccine doses have been administered till date in the country. India commenced its COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year. Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Sunday that a revised Covid-19 testing strategy is being introduced in the state in the wake of 71 per cent out of total population eligible to be vaccinated taking at least first dose of the vaccine against Coronavirus.

India reports 42,909 new COVID-19 infections, Kerala logs 29,836 cases

Britain's Johanna Konta said on Sunday she is still not sure if she should have taken the COVID-19 vaccine despite having to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics&nbsp;after a positive test affected her preparations.

Konta, who won the Nottingham grasscourt title in June, was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon a day before the Grand Slam got underway when a member of her team tested positive for COVID-19.

The 30-year-old then tested positive during her self-isolation and said COVID had affected her both physically and mentally.

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"It was a combination of feeling quite ill so I was sleeping or just existing for a few days," she told reporters ahead of the US&nbsp;Open, which begins on Monday.

"There was also a period there where I had to work through my own feelings of injustice at all of it, like: 'Why now?' sort of feeling. I needed a bit of space and a bit of licking my wounds."

When asked if she regretted not taking the vaccine, she said: "I don't know, I'm not too sure."

The Briton also said she did not want to be drawn into an argument about COVID-19 vaccinations being mandatory to play at certain tournaments.

Konta's compatriot Andy Murray has said players travelling around the world had a 'responsibility' to get vaccinated.

"This is a tricky thing to talk about because it's a very inflammatory subject and there's no real right answer," Konta added.

"I don't want to talk about it because I wouldn't be able to get my point across without it being a case for argument."

Konta returned to action at Cincinnati earlier this month, falling in the first round of the tune-up tournament for the U.S. Open where she plays Kristina Mladenovic in the first round.

Britain's Johanna Konta said on Sunday she is still not sure if she should have taken the COVID-19 vaccine despite having to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics after a positive test affected her preparations.

Britain's Johanna Konta said on Sunday she is still not sure if she should have taken the COVID-19 vaccine despite having to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics after a positive test affected her preparations. Konta, who won the Nottingham grasscourt title in June, was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon a day before the Grand Slam got underway when a member of her team tested positive for COVID-19. The 30-year-old then tested positive during her self-isolation and said COVID had affected her both physically and mentally. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Andy Murray urges fellow players to get vaccinated "It was a combination of feeling quite ill so I was sleeping or just existing for a few days," she told reporters ahead of the US Open, which begins on Monday. "There was also a period there where I had to work through my own feelings of injustice at all of it, like: 'Why now?' sort of feeling. I needed a bit of space and a bit of licking my wounds." When asked if she regretted not taking the vaccine, she said: "I don't know, I'm not too sure." The Briton also said she did not want to be drawn into an argument about COVID-19 vaccinations being mandatory to play at certain tournaments. Konta's compatriot Andy Murray has said players travelling around the world had a 'responsibility' to get vaccinated. "This is a tricky thing to talk about because it's a very inflammatory subject and there's no real right answer," Konta added. "I don't want to talk about it because I wouldn't be able to get my point across without it being a case for argument." Konta returned to action at Cincinnati earlier this month, falling in the first round of the tune-up tournament for the U.S. Open where she plays Kristina Mladenovic in the first round.

Johanna Konta not sure if she should have taken COVID-19 vaccine

Japan has closed a school in the eastern city of Chiba for the rest of this week, after confirming COVID-19 infections in two teachers who accompanied students to watch the Paralympic Games, a city official said on Monday.

The two were among six teachers of the Kaizuka Junior High School who had tested positive for the disease by Sunday, said the official of the city's education board, after a trip with 18 students in two buses to last Wednesday's goalball event.

The Paralympics are set to run from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5, mostly without spectators, since much of Japan, including Chiba and the Games host city of Tokyo, are under a state of emergency, aiming to rein in the disease.

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But organisers have invited municipal authorities to have school children attend events, as long as they follow safety measures and receive caregivers' consent.

One of the school's teachers reported a fever two days before the trip, followed by several more reporting symptoms, with positive tests from Aug. 26 to Sunday, the official told Reuters.

The school, which had been due to start the fall term on Monday like others run by the city, will be closed at least through this week, the official added.

The city will run PCR tests on about 120 students who were in contact with the infected teachers over the summer holidays, as well as other teachers and staff at the school.

The city said it would continue with the Paralympics visits with appropriate safety measures.

Japan has closed a school in the eastern city of Chiba for the rest of this week, after confirming COVID-19 infections in two teachers who accompanied students to watch the Paralympic Games, a city official said on Monday.

Japan has closed a school in the eastern city of Chiba for the rest of this week, after confirming COVID-19 infections in two teachers who accompanied students to watch the Paralympic Games, a city official said on Monday. The two were among six teachers of the Kaizuka Junior High School who had tested positive for the disease by Sunday, said the official of the city's education board, after a trip with 18 students in two buses to last Wednesday's goalball event. The Paralympics are set to run from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5, mostly without spectators, since much of Japan, including Chiba and the Games host city of Tokyo, are under a state of emergency, aiming to rein in the disease. ALSO READ | 'Not eligible to compete': Discus thrower Vinod Kumar loses bronze at Tokyo Paralympics But organisers have invited municipal authorities to have school children attend events, as long as they follow safety measures and receive caregivers' consent. One of the school's teachers reported a fever two days before the trip, followed by several more reporting symptoms, with positive tests from Aug. 26 to Sunday, the official told Reuters. The school, which had been due to start the fall term on Monday like others run by the city, will be closed at least through this week, the official added. The city will run PCR tests on about 120 students who were in contact with the infected teachers over the summer holidays, as well as other teachers and staff at the school. The city said it would continue with the Paralympics visits with appropriate safety measures.

Japan finds COVID-19 infections in teachers who took students to Paralympics

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani's Uruguay call-up for next month's World Cup qualifiers has been cancelled due to quarantine rules, Uruguay's football association (AUF) said on Monday.

Premier League clubs last week unanimously decided not to release players for international duty that required travel to countries on the UK's COVID-19 red list.

People travelling to red-list countries are required to quarantine for 10 days after returning, and Cavani would have missed the league game against Newcastle United on Sept. 11 and the Champions League clash against Young Boys three days later.

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AUF said the 34-year-old Cavani will not be involved against Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador due to "the situation for players coming from England".

Cavani made his first appearance of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, coming off the bench in United's 1-0 win.

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani's Uruguay call-up for next month's World Cup qualifiers has been cancelled due to quarantine rules, Uruguay's football association (AUF) said on Monday.

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani's Uruguay call-up for next month's World Cup qualifiers has been cancelled due to quarantine rules, Uruguay's football association (AUF) said on Monday. Premier League clubs last week unanimously decided not to release players for international duty that required travel to countries on the UK's COVID-19 red list. People travelling to red-list countries are required to quarantine for 10 days after returning, and Cavani would have missed the league game against Newcastle United on Sept. 11 and the Champions League clash against Young Boys three days later. ALSO READ | No Mohamed Salah as World Cup group phase of qualifying in Africa finally kicks off AUF said the 34-year-old Cavani will not be involved against Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador due to "the situation for players coming from England". Cavani made his first appearance of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, coming off the bench in United's 1-0 win.

COVID-19: Edinson Cavani's Uruguay call-up cancelled due to quarantine rules

The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concern Monday about rising coronavirus transmission rates in Europe.

"Last week, there was an 11% increase in the number of deaths in the region — one reliable projection is expecting 236,000 deaths in Europe by December 1," said Hans Kluge, the agency's Europe director, at a press conference in Copenhagen.

Since the start of the pandemic, Europe has recorded approximately 1.3 million coronavirus deaths.&nbsp; 
 
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Why is the number of COVID-19 deaths expected to rise in Europe?

The WHO Europe director, Hans Kluge, explained that three factors were concerning: high transmission rates, slowing vaccinations, and the relaxation of restrictions.

Kluge stated that 33 of WHO Europe's 53 member states had an infection rate of more than 10% in the previous two weeks, owing largely to the highly contagious delta variant.

Kluge described the virus's rapid spread as "deeply concerning, particularly in light of low vaccination uptake in priority populations in a number of countries."&nbsp;

"In the past six weeks, it has fallen by 14%, influenced by a lack of access to vaccines in some countries and a lack of vaccine acceptance in others," he added.

Despite the fact that nearly half of Europeans are now fully vaccinated, the number of people receiving vaccinations has slowed.

Vaccination rates were lower in poorer European countries, with some only vaccinating around 10% of healthcare workers.&nbsp;

An "exaggerated easing" of restrictions, as well as an increase in people travelling abroad for the summer, have also contributed to the virus's spread.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concern Monday about rising coronavirus transmission rates in Europe. "Last week, there was an 11% increase in the number of deaths in the region — one reliable projection is expecting 236,000 deaths in Europe by December 1," said Hans Kluge, the agency's Europe director, at a press conference in Copenhagen.

The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concern Monday about rising coronavirus transmission rates in Europe. "Last week, there was an 11% increase in the number of deaths in the region — one reliable projection is expecting 236,000 deaths in Europe by December 1," said Hans Kluge, the agency's Europe director, at a press conference in Copenhagen. Since the start of the pandemic, Europe has recorded approximately 1.3 million coronavirus deaths. Also read | Potential COVID-19 variant of concern identified in South Africa Why is the number of COVID-19 deaths expected to rise in Europe? The WHO Europe director, Hans Kluge, explained that three factors were concerning: high transmission rates, slowing vaccinations, and the relaxation of restrictions. Kluge stated that 33 of WHO Europe's 53 member states had an infection rate of more than 10% in the previous two weeks, owing largely to the highly contagious delta variant. Kluge described the virus's rapid spread as "deeply concerning, particularly in light of low vaccination uptake in priority populations in a number of countries." "In the past six weeks, it has fallen by 14%, influenced by a lack of access to vaccines in some countries and a lack of vaccine acceptance in others," he added. Despite the fact that nearly half of Europeans are now fully vaccinated, the number of people receiving vaccinations has slowed. Vaccination rates were lower in poorer European countries, with some only vaccinating around 10% of healthcare workers. An "exaggerated easing" of restrictions, as well as an increase in people travelling abroad for the summer, have also contributed to the virus's spread. (With inputs from agencies)

Europe may see 236,000 COVID-19 deaths by December, WHO fears

Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yakoob's office said on Monday that he was under quarantine after a close contact with a Covid-19 patient.

The office did not say&nbsp;whether he had been tested for coronavirus or how long he would be in quarantine.

Sabri was sworn in as prime minister earlier this month. He succeeded Muhyiddin Yassin who resigned after failing to hold onto a narrow majority in parliament.

He takes charge amid public anger over the handling of the pandemic, with a recent surge in COVID-19 cases to record highs and downgraded growth forecasts after the economy has been battered by extended lockdowns.

(With inputs from agencies)

Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yakoob's office said on Monday that he was under quarantine after a close contact with a Covid-19 patient. The office did not say whether he had been tested for coronavirus or how long he would be in quarantine.

Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yakoob's office said on Monday that he was under quarantine after a close contact with a Covid-19 patient. The office did not say whether he had been tested for coronavirus or how long he would be in quarantine. Sabri was sworn in as prime minister earlier this month. He succeeded Muhyiddin Yassin who resigned after failing to hold onto a narrow majority in parliament. He takes charge amid public anger over the handling of the pandemic, with a recent surge in COVID-19 cases to record highs and downgraded growth forecasts after the economy has been battered by extended lockdowns. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia PM comes in contact with Covid patient, in quarantine now

Intensive care cases in Australia's New South Wales will hit a peak in October as COVID-19 infections accumulate, said the premier of the country's most populous state, which reported record daily new infections on Monday.

New South Wales, the epicentre of Australia's current outbreak, declared a record 1,290 new cases.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the state was preparing for additional hospitalisations as infections pile up before increased vaccination coverage starts to ease the pressure.&nbsp;

"We anticipate that the worst month, the worst time for our intensive care unit will be in October," Berejiklian said in the state capital Sydney.&nbsp;

"We will need to manage things differently because we are in the middle of a pandemic, but we will cope."&nbsp;

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There are 840 people in hospital for COVID-19 in New South Wales, with 137 in intensive care and 48 requiring ventilation.&nbsp;

The state reported four additional fatalities on Monday, taking the COVID-19 death toll to 1,003 in Australia, the last of the Group of 20 big economies to exceed that milestone.

"Aboriginal people were deemed to be vulnerable communities, vulnerable groups in the vaccine rollout. And clearly that has failed," Linda Burney, Labour's Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, told reporters. 
Nationwide, a record 1,375 new COVID-19 cases were reported.&nbsp;

Australia's second-most populous state, Victoria, reported 73 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, a day after Premier Dan Andrews said he would extend lockdown measures as daily infections reached the highest in a year. 
&nbsp;

Intensive care cases in Australia's New South Wales will hit a peak in October as COVID-19 infections accumulate, said the premier of the country's most populous state, which reported record daily new infections on Monday.

Intensive care cases in Australia's New South Wales will hit a peak in October as COVID-19 infections accumulate, said the premier of the country's most populous state, which reported record daily new infections on Monday. New South Wales, the epicentre of Australia's current outbreak, declared a record 1,290 new cases. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the state was preparing for additional hospitalisations as infections pile up before increased vaccination coverage starts to ease the pressure. "We anticipate that the worst month, the worst time for our intensive care unit will be in October," Berejiklian said in the state capital Sydney. "We will need to manage things differently because we are in the middle of a pandemic, but we will cope." Also read | Afghans pour into Iran border as Taliban take control There are 840 people in hospital for COVID-19 in New South Wales, with 137 in intensive care and 48 requiring ventilation. The state reported four additional fatalities on Monday, taking the COVID-19 death toll to 1,003 in Australia, the last of the Group of 20 big economies to exceed that milestone. "Aboriginal people were deemed to be vulnerable communities, vulnerable groups in the vaccine rollout. And clearly that has failed," Linda Burney, Labour's Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, told reporters. Nationwide, a record 1,375 new COVID-19 cases were reported. Australia's second-most populous state, Victoria, reported 73 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, a day after Premier Dan Andrews said he would extend lockdown measures as daily infections reached the highest in a year.

Australian state warns COVID-19 hospitalisations to peak in October

Teachers and school staff should be among the groups prioritised for COVID-19 vaccinations so that schools in Europe and Central Asia can stay open, said the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef.

Measures to ensure that schools can stay open throughout the pandemic "include offering teachers and other school staff the COVID-19 vaccine as part of target population groups in national vaccination plans," the UN agencies wrote in a statement.

The recommendation, already made by a group of WHO experts in November 2020 before the vaccination roll-out, should be done "while ensuring vaccination of vulnerable populations," the statement said.

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"This is of paramount importance for children's education, mental health and social skills, for schools to help equip our children to be happy and productive members of society," the director of the WHO European region, Hans Kluge, said in the statement. 
"The pandemic has caused the most catastrophic disruption to education in history," he added.

The agencies also urged countries to vaccinate children over the age of 12, who have underlying medical conditions that put them at greater risk of severe COVID-19 disease.

Also, it recalled the importance of measures to improve the school environment during the pandemic, including better ventilation, smaller class sizes, social distancing and regular COVID-19 testing for children and staff.

Teachers and school staff should be among the groups prioritised for COVID-19 vaccinations so that schools in Europe and Central Asia can stay open, said the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef.

Teachers and school staff should be among the groups prioritised for COVID-19 vaccinations so that schools in Europe and Central Asia can stay open, said the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef. Measures to ensure that schools can stay open throughout the pandemic "include offering teachers and other school staff the COVID-19 vaccine as part of target population groups in national vaccination plans," the UN agencies wrote in a statement. The recommendation, already made by a group of WHO experts in November 2020 before the vaccination roll-out, should be done "while ensuring vaccination of vulnerable populations," the statement said. Also read | Afghans pour into Iran border as Taliban take control "This is of paramount importance for children's education, mental health and social skills, for schools to help equip our children to be happy and productive members of society," the director of the WHO European region, Hans Kluge, said in the statement. "The pandemic has caused the most catastrophic disruption to education in history," he added. The agencies also urged countries to vaccinate children over the age of 12, who have underlying medical conditions that put them at greater risk of severe COVID-19 disease. Also, it recalled the importance of measures to improve the school environment during the pandemic, including better ventilation, smaller class sizes, social distancing and regular COVID-19 testing for children and staff.

Teachers should be priority group for COVID-19 jabs, says WHO

Covid-19 is real and there are simple measures to protect yourself against a possible infection. Wearing mask is one of them. But in US, there are hundreds who are against wearing of the mask for variety of reasons. One such anti-mask activist has passed away due to Covid-19.

Caleb Wallace (30) was the so-called anti-mask activist and he helped organise "The Freedom Rally" in July 2020. As per media reports, he is a father of three children and his wife is pregnant with their fourth child.&nbsp;

His wife Jessica told a local newspaper that Caleb began experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 on July 26. However, he refused to get tested or go to the hospital. He self-medicated with Vitamin C, Zinc, Aspirin and Ivermectin. Health officials in the US have urged people not to take Ivermectin to treat Covid.

He was taken to emergency room on July 30 and had been unconscious since August 8. He passed away on Saturday.

“To those who wished him death, I’m sorry his views and opinions hurt you. I prayed he’d come out of this with a new perspective and more appreciation for life. I can’t say much more than that because I can’t speak for him,” wrote his wife Jessica on the family's GoFundMe page.

Covid-19 is real and there are simple measures to protect yourself against a possible infection. Wearing mask is one of them. But in US, there are hundreds who are against wearing of the mask for variety of reasons.

Covid-19 is real and there are simple measures to protect yourself against a possible infection. Wearing mask is one of them. But in US, there are hundreds who are against wearing of the mask for variety of reasons. One such anti-mask activist has passed away due to Covid-19. Caleb Wallace (30) was the so-called anti-mask activist and he helped organise "The Freedom Rally" in July 2020. As per media reports, he is a father of three children and his wife is pregnant with their fourth child. His wife Jessica told a local newspaper that Caleb began experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 on July 26. However, he refused to get tested or go to the hospital. He self-medicated with Vitamin C, Zinc, Aspirin and Ivermectin. Health officials in the US have urged people not to take Ivermectin to treat Covid. He was taken to emergency room on July 30 and had been unconscious since August 8. He passed away on Saturday. “To those who wished him death, I’m sorry his views and opinions hurt you. I prayed he’d come out of this with a new perspective and more appreciation for life. I can’t say much more than that because I can’t speak for him,” wrote his wife Jessica on the family's GoFundMe page.

Texas: Anti-mask 'activist' dies of COVID-19

Israel&nbsp;Sunday widened access to a third coronavirus&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;jab to anyone aged&nbsp;12&nbsp;and&nbsp;up, with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett insisting it was an effective way to contain an infection surge.

Moves by several nations to offer third jabs have faced criticism including from the World Health Organization, which insists poorer countries should gain wider access to&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;before wealthy ones offer&nbsp;booster&nbsp;shots.

But with&nbsp;Israel, a country of 9.3 million, approaching daily infection tallies that regularly exceed 8,000 and serious&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;cases, Bennett has pressed ahead with the&nbsp;booster&nbsp;scheme.

"The third dose of the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;works," he said in a statement, announcing that it was now "available from age&nbsp;12&nbsp;and&nbsp;up".

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He said that with two million Israelis having received a third shot, the results are clear as "the increase in severe morbidity has begun to slow".

Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz said there was no doubt that a&nbsp;booster&nbsp;shot was "effective in preventing infection, and it significantly reduces the risk of serious and fatal illnesses".

Israel, which registered 7,000 new cases on Sunday, this week passed the one million cases threshold since the pandemic began.

The latest surge has largely been blamed on the highly transmissible Delta variant.

More than 6,950 people have died from the virus in&nbsp;Israel.

Israel Sunday widened access to a third coronavirus vaccine jab to anyone aged 12 and up, with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett insisting it was an effective way to contain an infection surge.

Israel Sunday widened access to a third coronavirus vaccine jab to anyone aged 12 and up, with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett insisting it was an effective way to contain an infection surge. Moves by several nations to offer third jabs have faced criticism including from the World Health Organization, which insists poorer countries should gain wider access to vaccines before wealthy ones offer booster shots. But with Israel, a country of 9.3 million, approaching daily infection tallies that regularly exceed 8,000 and serious Covid cases, Bennett has pressed ahead with the booster scheme. "The third dose of the vaccine works," he said in a statement, announcing that it was now "available from age 12 and up". Also read | Attacks on LGBTQ+ community across UK sparks fear He said that with two million Israelis having received a third shot, the results are clear as "the increase in severe morbidity has begun to slow". Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz said there was no doubt that a booster shot was "effective in preventing infection, and it significantly reduces the risk of serious and fatal illnesses". Israel, which registered 7,000 new cases on Sunday, this week passed the one million cases threshold since the pandemic began. The latest surge has largely been blamed on the highly transmissible Delta variant. More than 6,950 people have died from the virus in Israel.

Israel offers COVID-19 vaccine booster to ages 12 and up

At least 10,000 children in South Africa have dropped out of school since the pandemic started, with students learning half or less than average in 2020 due to coronavirus, the education ministry said Sunday.

Face-to-face lessons have only partially resumed since South Africa's schools reopened in June last year, after more than two months of home-schooling to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Public schools have since been shut again over shorter periods -- including a delayed start to the 2021 academic year -- and most students still only physically attend class on a rotational basis to avoid crowding.

Education Minister Angie Motshekga on Sunday said that as a result, children in 2020 learnt between 50 and 75 percent less than the previous year's average.

Coronavirus interruptions have also affected attendance, with 10,000 fewer children aged between seven and 14 enrolled in school in 2021, according to a preliminary analysis by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

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Enrolment was also 25,000 lower than expected for children aged between four and six, although less concerning for secondary school students.

"The unprecedented closures of our schools, and the unplanned disruptions to teaching and learning, have resulted in the reversal of gains made in the last 20 years," Motshekga said at a press briefing.

Most learning losses were observed in poorer rural areas and townships, where internet access is limited.

"If children are not in contact with teachers, especially children from disadvantaged communities, learning does not happen as it should," DBE researcher Martin Gustafsson told the briefing.

He added that primary school children were still only in class for an average of three days a week and had already missed half of planned learning this year.

South Africa is the continent's worst virus-hit country, with over 2.7 million confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 81,000 deaths.

The nation is currently battling a persistent third infection wave that experts warn could overlap with a looming fourth.

At least 10,000 children in South Africa have dropped out of school since the pandemic started, with students learning half or less than average in 2020 due to coronavirus, the education ministry said Sunday.

At least 10,000 children in South Africa have dropped out of school since the pandemic started, with students learning half or less than average in 2020 due to coronavirus, the education ministry said Sunday. Face-to-face lessons have only partially resumed since South Africa's schools reopened in June last year, after more than two months of home-schooling to limit the spread of COVID-19. Public schools have since been shut again over shorter periods -- including a delayed start to the 2021 academic year -- and most students still only physically attend class on a rotational basis to avoid crowding. Education Minister Angie Motshekga on Sunday said that as a result, children in 2020 learnt between 50 and 75 percent less than the previous year's average. Coronavirus interruptions have also affected attendance, with 10,000 fewer children aged between seven and 14 enrolled in school in 2021, according to a preliminary analysis by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). Also read | Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul Enrolment was also 25,000 lower than expected for children aged between four and six, although less concerning for secondary school students. "The unprecedented closures of our schools, and the unplanned disruptions to teaching and learning, have resulted in the reversal of gains made in the last 20 years," Motshekga said at a press briefing. Most learning losses were observed in poorer rural areas and townships, where internet access is limited. "If children are not in contact with teachers, especially children from disadvantaged communities, learning does not happen as it should," DBE researcher Martin Gustafsson told the briefing. He added that primary school children were still only in class for an average of three days a week and had already missed half of planned learning this year. South Africa is the continent's worst virus-hit country, with over 2.7 million confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 81,000 deaths. The nation is currently battling a persistent third infection wave that experts warn could overlap with a looming fourth.

Virus sets South Africa schools back 20 years: Minister

The United Arab Emirates recently announced that it will resume issuing visas to all tourists who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 from Monday. This comes a month before Dubai hosts the delayed Expo 2020 trade fair.

The United Arab Emirates recently announced that it will resume issuing visas to all tourists who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 from Monday. This comes a month before Dubai hosts the delayed Expo 2020 trade fair. The move comes amid a drop in coronavirus infections in the region, after it reported less than 1,000 cases per day last week for the first time in months. The UAE's decision to reopen its doors to tourists from all countries was taken in order "to achieve sustainable recovery and economic growth", the official WAM news agency reported on Saturday. Those eligible would have to be fully inoculated with one of the Covid-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organization, which include AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinopharm and Sinovac. Also read | Chinese university asks colleges to compile list of LGTBQ+ students, stokes fears of ‘crackdown’ "The decision applies to citizens of all countries, including those arriving from previously banned countries," WAM said. It added, "Passengers arriving on tourist visas must take a mandatory PCR test at the airport," it added. The UAE is made up of seven emirates including the capital Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Dubai was last year counting on the six-month Dubai Expo 2020, delayed a year by the health crisis and now set to open in October, to attract millions of visitors and boost the economy. Heavily reliant on tourism, the emirate was one of the first destinations to open its doors to travellers, accepting tourists in July last year, just a few months after the pandemic took hold. Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, has been more cautious, opening up to some visitors only in December. The UAE has so far recorded more than 715,000 cases of COVID-19 infection, including 2,036 deaths.

UAE to resume visas for tourists vaccinated against COVID-19

Andy Murray said receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is about looking out for the health of the "wider public" and he hopes tennis players who are reluctant to get the jab will come around to seeing its many upsides.

Murray's comments come ahead of the start of the U.S. Open in New York next week, where organizers on Friday said fans must show proof of vaccination to enter the grounds. The athletes themselves are not required to be vaccinated.

"The reason why all of us are getting vaccinated is to look out for the wider public," Murray told reporters on Saturday.

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"We have a responsibility, as players who are traveling across the world, to look out for everyone else as well," he said.

"I'm happy that I'm vaccinated. I'm hoping that more players choose to have it in the coming months."

The COVID-19 vaccine has divided opinion within tennis.

World number one Novak Djokovic this week reiterated his position that he hoped the vaccine would not become mandatory for players to compete. He has declined to answer questions about his own vaccination status.

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World number three Stefanos Tsitsipas, who will face the unseeded Murray in the first round on Monday, has said he is wary of getting vaccinated and will only do so if it becomes mandatory to compete on the ATP Tour.

But 20-time Grand Slam winners Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal feel athletes need to play their part and get vaccinated.

Murray said players may be persuaded when they see the freedom that vaccinated players have compared to unvaccinated competitors at tournaments such as January's Australian Open.

"I know the conversations with regards to the Australian Open and stuff are already happening," Murray said.

"The players that have been vaccinated are going to potentially be able to ... have very different conditions to players who are not vaccinated."

Murray said he believes "a lot" of the tour is not vaccinated and said that if tournaments begin to require it in order to compete, it will spark controversy.

"There's going to have to be a lot of pretty long, hard conversations with the tour and all of the players involved to try and come to a solution," he said.

Andy Murray said receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is about looking out for the health of the "wider public" and he hopes tennis players who are reluctant to get the jab will come around to seeing its many upsides.

Andy Murray said receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is about looking out for the health of the "wider public" and he hopes tennis players who are reluctant to get the jab will come around to seeing its many upsides. Murray's comments come ahead of the start of the U.S. Open in New York next week, where organizers on Friday said fans must show proof of vaccination to enter the grounds. The athletes themselves are not required to be vaccinated. "The reason why all of us are getting vaccinated is to look out for the wider public," Murray told reporters on Saturday. ALSO READ | From a village in Gujarat to a silver medal in Paralympics: Inspirational journey of Bhavinaben Patel "We have a responsibility, as players who are traveling across the world, to look out for everyone else as well," he said. "I'm happy that I'm vaccinated. I'm hoping that more players choose to have it in the coming months." The COVID-19 vaccine has divided opinion within tennis. World number one Novak Djokovic this week reiterated his position that he hoped the vaccine would not become mandatory for players to compete. He has declined to answer questions about his own vaccination status. ALSO READ | Toyota issues apology as Japan's Aramitsu Kitazono ruled out after being hit by self-driving bus in Paralympics village World number three Stefanos Tsitsipas, who will face the unseeded Murray in the first round on Monday, has said he is wary of getting vaccinated and will only do so if it becomes mandatory to compete on the ATP Tour. But 20-time Grand Slam winners Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal feel athletes need to play their part and get vaccinated. Murray said players may be persuaded when they see the freedom that vaccinated players have compared to unvaccinated competitors at tournaments such as January's Australian Open. "I know the conversations with regards to the Australian Open and stuff are already happening," Murray said. "The players that have been vaccinated are going to potentially be able to ... have very different conditions to players who are not vaccinated." Murray said he believes "a lot" of the tour is not vaccinated and said that if tournaments begin to require it in order to compete, it will spark controversy. "There's going to have to be a lot of pretty long, hard conversations with the tour and all of the players involved to try and come to a solution," he said.

COVID-19: Andy Murray urges fellow players to get vaccinated

The western media is hiding a big story. The U.S. is running out of ICU beds and oxygen. Florida may be out of oxygen in 24 hours- it recorded its highest daily deaths. Why isn't the media reporting it? Because the U.S. is not India. WION's Palki Sharma calls out selective reporting.

Gravitas: America's COVID crisis: Walled by the western press

The&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant&nbsp;of the virus that causes&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;doubles&nbsp;the&nbsp;risk&nbsp;of hospitalisation compared to the&nbsp;Alpha&nbsp;variant&nbsp;it has supplanted as the dominant strain worldwide, researchers reported Saturday in The Lancet.

Only 1.8 percent of the more than 43,000&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;cases assessed in comparing the two variants were in patients who had been fully vaccinated.

Three-quarters were completely unvaccinated, and 24 percent had only received one jab of a two-dose vaccine.

"The results from this study therefore primarily tell us about the&nbsp;risk&nbsp;of&nbsp;hospital&nbsp;admission for those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated," said co-lead author Anne Presanis, a Senior Statistician at the University of Cambridge's MRC Biostatistics Unit.

Researchers analysed healthcare data from 43,338&nbsp;COVID-19 cases in England from March 29 to May 23 of this year, including vaccination status, emergency care,&nbsp;hospital&nbsp;admission and other patient information.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-list-biden-says-us-troops-may-have-handed-a-list-of-american-citizens-to-taliban-408871">Also read |&nbsp;Kill list? Biden says US troops 'may' have handed a list of American citizens to Taliban</a>

All virus samples underwent whole genome sequencing, the surest way to confirm which&nbsp;variant&nbsp;had caused the infection.

Just under 80 percent of the cases were identified as the&nbsp;Alpha&nbsp;variant, and the rest were&nbsp;Delta.

Around one in 50 patients were admitted to&nbsp;hospital&nbsp;within 14 days of their first positive&nbsp;COVID-19 test.&nbsp;

After accounting for factors that are known to affect susceptibility to severe illness&nbsp;including age, ethnicity, and vaccination status, the researchers found the&nbsp;risk&nbsp;of being admitted to&nbsp;hospital&nbsp;was more than doubled with the&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant.

'Excellent protection'

Since these samples were taken,&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;has surged and now accounts for over 98 percent of new&nbsp;Covid-19 cases in Britain, the authors said.

Multiple studies have shown that full vaccination prevents infection with symptoms and hospitalisation, for both&nbsp;Alpha&nbsp;and&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variants.

"We already know that vaccination offers excellent protection against&nbsp;Delta," said Gavin Dabrera, another lead author and a consultant epidemiologist at the National Infection Service, Public Health England.

"It is vital that those who have not received two doses of vaccine do so as soon as possible."&nbsp;

An earlier study from Scotland also reported a doubling in hospitalisation&nbsp;risk&nbsp;with&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;over&nbsp;Alpha, suggesting that&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;causes more severe disease.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant&nbsp;was first reported in India in December 2020 and early studies found it to be up to 50 percent more transmissible than the&nbsp;Alpha&nbsp;variant, which was first identified in England in September last year.

Nearly 4.5 million deaths worldwide have been attributed to&nbsp;Covid-19, though the final tally is likely to be higher once "excess deaths" are calculated over the pandemic period.

In some countries,&nbsp;and some states in the United States,&nbsp;hospitalisation and death rates are the highest they have been since the first cases reported at the beginning of 2020.

The Delta variant of the virus that causes Covid-19 doubles the risk of hospitalisation compared to the Alpha variant it has supplanted as the dominant strain worldwide, researchers reported Saturday in The Lancet.

The Delta variant of the virus that causes Covid-19 doubles the risk of hospitalisation compared to the Alpha variant it has supplanted as the dominant strain worldwide, researchers reported Saturday in The Lancet. Only 1.8 percent of the more than 43,000 Covid cases assessed in comparing the two variants were in patients who had been fully vaccinated. Three-quarters were completely unvaccinated, and 24 percent had only received one jab of a two-dose vaccine. "The results from this study therefore primarily tell us about the risk of hospital admission for those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated," said co-lead author Anne Presanis, a Senior Statistician at the University of Cambridge's MRC Biostatistics Unit. Researchers analysed healthcare data from 43,338 COVID-19 cases in England from March 29 to May 23 of this year, including vaccination status, emergency care, hospital admission and other patient information. Also read | Kill list? Biden says US troops 'may' have handed a list of American citizens to Taliban All virus samples underwent whole genome sequencing, the surest way to confirm which variant had caused the infection. Just under 80 percent of the cases were identified as the Alpha variant, and the rest were Delta. Around one in 50 patients were admitted to hospital within 14 days of their first positive COVID-19 test. After accounting for factors that are known to affect susceptibility to severe illness including age, ethnicity, and vaccination status, the researchers found the risk of being admitted to hospital was more than doubled with the Delta variant. 'Excellent protection' Since these samples were taken, Delta has surged and now accounts for over 98 percent of new Covid-19 cases in Britain, the authors said. Multiple studies have shown that full vaccination prevents infection with symptoms and hospitalisation, for both Alpha and Delta variants. "We already know that vaccination offers excellent protection against Delta," said Gavin Dabrera, another lead author and a consultant epidemiologist at the National Infection Service, Public Health England. "It is vital that those who have not received two doses of vaccine do so as soon as possible." An earlier study from Scotland also reported a doubling in hospitalisation risk with Delta over Alpha, suggesting that Delta causes more severe disease. The Delta variant was first reported in India in December 2020 and early studies found it to be up to 50 percent more transmissible than the Alpha variant, which was first identified in England in September last year. Nearly 4.5 million deaths worldwide have been attributed to Covid-19, though the final tally is likely to be higher once "excess deaths" are calculated over the pandemic period. In some countries, and some states in the United States, hospitalisation and death rates are the highest they have been since the first cases reported at the beginning of 2020.

COVID-19: Delta doubles hospital risk vs Alpha variant

In a report,&nbsp;the US intelligence community has said,&nbsp;SARS-CoV-2, the virus, which causes COVID-19, was 'not developed' as a biological weapon.

The development comes even as US President Joe Biden has been reiterating the allegation that China continues to reject calls for transparency and withholds information about the origins of the virus.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: America's COVID crisis: Walled by the western press

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Prepared by the Director of National Intelligence at the direction of the president, the report&nbsp;on Friday said "SARS-CoV-2 probably emerged and infected humans through an initial small-scale exposure that occurred no later than November 2019 with the first known cluster of COVID-19 cases arising in Wuhan, China in December 2019."

Meanwhile,&nbsp;according to the results released on Friday, US intelligence agencies remain divided on the origins of the coronavirus but believe China's leaders did not know about the virus before the start of the pandemic.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usa-bears-the-brunt-of-the-covid-pandemic-408884" hreflang="en">USA bears the brunt of the Covid pandemic</a>

Four members of the US intelligence community say with low confidence that the virus was initially transmitted from an animal to a human, as per the unclassified summary. A fifth intelligence agency believes with moderate confidence that the first human infection was linked to a lab.&nbsp;

China's refusal to fully cooperate with the US and other international investigations of the virus has hampered reviews of the virus' origins. On Friday, the Director of National Intelligence, said, "China continues to hinder the global investigation, resist sharing information&nbsp;and blame other countries including the United States."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a report, the US intelligence community has said, SARS-CoV-2, the virus, which causes COVID-19, was 'not developed' as a biological weapon. The development comes even as US President Joe Biden has been reiterating the allegation that China continues to reject calls for transparency and withholds information about the origins of the virus.

In a report, the US intelligence community has said, SARS-CoV-2, the virus, which causes COVID-19, was 'not developed' as a biological weapon. The development comes even as US President Joe Biden has been reiterating the allegation that China continues to reject calls for transparency and withholds information about the origins of the virus. Watch | Gravitas: America's COVID crisis: Walled by the western press × Prepared by the Director of National Intelligence at the direction of the president, the report on Friday said "SARS-CoV-2 probably emerged and infected humans through an initial small-scale exposure that occurred no later than November 2019 with the first known cluster of COVID-19 cases arising in Wuhan, China in December 2019." Meanwhile, according to the results released on Friday, US intelligence agencies remain divided on the origins of the coronavirus but believe China's leaders did not know about the virus before the start of the pandemic. Also Read: USA bears the brunt of the Covid pandemic Four members of the US intelligence community say with low confidence that the virus was initially transmitted from an animal to a human, as per the unclassified summary. A fifth intelligence agency believes with moderate confidence that the first human infection was linked to a lab. China's refusal to fully cooperate with the US and other international investigations of the virus has hampered reviews of the virus' origins. On Friday, the Director of National Intelligence, said, "China continues to hinder the global investigation, resist sharing information and blame other countries including the United States." (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 virus origins: US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon

In Pics | COVID-19 in animal world, here is a list of the infected species

China's&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;in Washington Friday accused the US intelligence community of "political&nbsp;manipulation" after a&nbsp;report&nbsp;in which Beijing was accused of withholding key information about the&nbsp;origins&nbsp;of the&nbsp;COVID-19 pandemic.

"The&nbsp;report&nbsp;by the US intelligence community shows that the US is bent on going down the wrong path of&nbsp;political&nbsp;manipulation," the&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;said in a statement.&nbsp;

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"The&nbsp;report&nbsp;by the intelligence community is based on the presumption of guilt on the part of China, and it is only for scapegoating China."

China's embassy in Washington Friday accused the US intelligence community of "political manipulation" after a report in which Beijing was accused of withholding key information about the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

China's embassy in Washington Friday accused the US intelligence community of "political manipulation" after a report in which Beijing was accused of withholding key information about the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The report by the US intelligence community shows that the US is bent on going down the wrong path of political manipulation," the embassy said in a statement. Also read | US airstrike targets IS in Afghanistan in response to deadly suicide attack "The report by the intelligence community is based on the presumption of guilt on the part of China, and it is only for scapegoating China."

Chinese embassy slams US 'political manipulation' in COVID-19 origins report

An unvaccinated elementary school teacher who took off their mask to read to students ended up infecting more than half of the students, last May.

As per California public health officials, the students further went on infecting other students, family members and community members.&nbsp;

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said that it is a prime example of how easy it is to undermine efforts to protect children who are too young to be vaccinated.&nbsp;

A team at Marin County Public Health reported in the CDC's report of death and disease that the teacher came to work even though they had COVID-19 symptoms and then took off their mask to read to the young students. In the classroom of 22 students, 12 became infected.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-virus-origins-us-intelligence-community-says-it-was-not-developed-as-biological-weapon-408909">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19 virus&nbsp;origins:&nbsp;US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon</a>

"The school required teachers and students to mask while indoors; interviews with parents of infected students suggested that students' adherence to masking and distancing guidelines in line with CDC recommendations was high in class. However, the teacher was reportedly unmasked on occasions when reading aloud in class," the report read.

"Throughout this period, all desks were separated by six feet," it added. "All classrooms had portable high-efficiency particulate air filters and doors and windows were left open."

The CDC highlighted this case as an example of how schools need to follow all recommendations if they want to protect students and staff.

During a White House briefing, Walensky said, "The introduction of the virus into the classroom by a teacher who worked in school, while she was both symptomatic and unvaccinated and who was unmasked when reading aloud to a class, resulted in cases within the classroom, across the school and among families of students and staff in the community".&nbsp;

An unvaccinated elementary school teacher who took off their mask to read to students ended up infecting more than half of the students, last May. As per California public health officials, the students further went on infecting other students, family members and community members.

An unvaccinated elementary school teacher who took off their mask to read to students ended up infecting more than half of the students, last May. As per California public health officials, the students further went on infecting other students, family members and community members. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said that it is a prime example of how easy it is to undermine efforts to protect children who are too young to be vaccinated. A team at Marin County Public Health reported in the CDC's report of death and disease that the teacher came to work even though they had COVID-19 symptoms and then took off their mask to read to the young students. In the classroom of 22 students, 12 became infected. Also read | COVID-19 virus origins: US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon "The school required teachers and students to mask while indoors; interviews with parents of infected students suggested that students' adherence to masking and distancing guidelines in line with CDC recommendations was high in class. However, the teacher was reportedly unmasked on occasions when reading aloud in class," the report read. "Throughout this period, all desks were separated by six feet," it added. "All classrooms had portable high-efficiency particulate air filters and doors and windows were left open." The CDC highlighted this case as an example of how schools need to follow all recommendations if they want to protect students and staff. During a White House briefing, Walensky said, "The introduction of the virus into the classroom by a teacher who worked in school, while she was both symptomatic and unvaccinated and who was unmasked when reading aloud to a class, resulted in cases within the classroom, across the school and among families of students and staff in the community".

Unvaccinated, unmasked teacher infected more than half of students in class, reports CDC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's achievement of reaching a milestone in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination drive as the country has administered more than 10 million vaccine doses in a single day.&nbsp;

The "momentous feat" was achieved on Friday (August 27) as India crossed&nbsp;its previous daily record of 9.2 million.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, PM Modi wrote, "Record vaccination numbers today! Crossing 1 crore is a momentous feat. Kudos to those getting vaccinated and those making the vaccination drive a success."

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Record vaccination numbers today! 
 
Crossing 1 crore is a momentous feat. Kudos to those getting vaccinated and those making the vaccination drive a success.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1431297818161909760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Chief of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation in India (NTAGI) Dr NK Arora also hailed the achievement and said that it is a matter of pride for the Indian health system and it will go down in the history of COVID-19 immunisation.&nbsp;

While speaking to ANI, Dr NK Arora said: "Almost four months ago, we knew that India has the capacity to deliver anywhere between 10 and 12 million doses in a single day. And today we have achieved that milestone, I think this will go down in the history of COVID immunization that even with 63,000 immunisation centres, we are able to deliver one crore plus doses in a single day."

"There are a large number of countries in this world, which have population less than 10 million, for example, Switzerland, a lot of Scandinavian countries. We have the capacity to immunise a whole country in a day," he added.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-records-46759-covid-19-cases-509-deaths-408954" hreflang="en">India records 46,759 COVID-19 cases, 509 deaths</a>

Watch:&nbsp;World Business Watch: Indian govt notifies new drone rules

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Praising the frontline workers, Arora said, "My compliments to all the frontline workers, vaccinators, nurses, doctors, and healthcare providers across the country, including the private sector for achieving this milestone."

As experts have warned of another COVID-19 wave expected to hit the country in the coming months, India has been working to bolster its defences for the predicted surge in cases.&nbsp;

The government had aimed to vaccinate about 1.1 billion adults by the end of the year but they have faced some challenges like vaccine shortages in some parts, hesitancy, etc.&nbsp;

India is currently administering three vaccines — the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, known locally as Covishield, Covaxin by Indian firm Bharat Biotech and the Russian-made Sputnik V.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's achievement of reaching a milestone in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination drive as the country has administered more than 10 million vaccine doses in a single day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's achievement of reaching a milestone in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination drive as the country has administered more than 10 million vaccine doses in a single day. The "momentous feat" was achieved on Friday (August 27) as India crossed its previous daily record of 9.2 million. Taking to his official Twitter handle, PM Modi wrote, "Record vaccination numbers today! Crossing 1 crore is a momentous feat. Kudos to those getting vaccinated and those making the vaccination drive a success." ALSO READ | Indian Capital reopens schools for classes IX to XII from September 1 Record vaccination numbers today! Crossing 1 crore is a momentous feat. Kudos to those getting vaccinated and those making the vaccination drive a success. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 27, 2021 × Chief of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation in India (NTAGI) Dr NK Arora also hailed the achievement and said that it is a matter of pride for the Indian health system and it will go down in the history of COVID-19 immunisation. While speaking to ANI, Dr NK Arora said: "Almost four months ago, we knew that India has the capacity to deliver anywhere between 10 and 12 million doses in a single day. And today we have achieved that milestone, I think this will go down in the history of COVID immunization that even with 63,000 immunisation centres, we are able to deliver one crore plus doses in a single day." "There are a large number of countries in this world, which have population less than 10 million, for example, Switzerland, a lot of Scandinavian countries. We have the capacity to immunise a whole country in a day," he added. Also Read: India records 46,759 COVID-19 cases, 509 deaths Watch: World Business Watch: Indian govt notifies new drone rules × Praising the frontline workers, Arora said, "My compliments to all the frontline workers, vaccinators, nurses, doctors, and healthcare providers across the country, including the private sector for achieving this milestone." As experts have warned of another COVID-19 wave expected to hit the country in the coming months, India has been working to bolster its defences for the predicted surge in cases. The government had aimed to vaccinate about 1.1 billion adults by the end of the year but they have faced some challenges like vaccine shortages in some parts, hesitancy, etc. India is currently administering three vaccines — the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, known locally as Covishield, Covaxin by Indian firm Bharat Biotech and the Russian-made Sputnik V.

'Momentous feat': PM Modi hails India's 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in single day

With 44,658 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases has increased to 3,26,03,188, while the active cases rose to 3,44,899, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

The death toll climbed to 4,36,861 with 496 fresh fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am. 
The active cases comprise 1.03 per cent of the total infections while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.63 per cent, the ministry said.

An increase of 11,174 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

As many as 18,24,931 tests were conducted on Thursday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 51,49,54,309. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.45 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for the last 32 days.

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The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.10 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 63 days, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,18,21,428 and the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated.

Cumulatively, 61.22 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered under the nationwide vaccination drive till Friday morning.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

India crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23.

The 496 new fatalities include 162 from Kerala and 159 from Maharashtra.

A total of 4,36,861 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,36,730 from Maharashtra, 37,231 from Karnataka, 34,814 from Tamil Nadu, 25,080 from Delhi, 22,794 from Uttar Pradesh, 20,134 from Kerala and 18,402 from West Bengal.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

With 44,658 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases has increased to 3,26,03,188, while the active cases rose to 3,44,899, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

With 44,658 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases has increased to 3,26,03,188, while the active cases rose to 3,44,899, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll climbed to 4,36,861 with 496 fresh fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am. The active cases comprise 1.03 per cent of the total infections while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.63 per cent, the ministry said. An increase of 11,174 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. As many as 18,24,931 tests were conducted on Thursday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 51,49,54,309. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.45 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for the last 32 days. ALSO READ | Approaching Afghan situation in spirit of national unity: Jaishankar after all party meet The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.10 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 63 days, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,18,21,428 and the case fatality rate stands at 1.34 per cent, the data stated. Cumulatively, 61.22 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered under the nationwide vaccination drive till Friday morning. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23. The 496 new fatalities include 162 from Kerala and 159 from Maharashtra. A total of 4,36,861 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,36,730 from Maharashtra, 37,231 from Karnataka, 34,814 from Tamil Nadu, 25,080 from Delhi, 22,794 from Uttar Pradesh, 20,134 from Kerala and 18,402 from West Bengal. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India reports 44,658 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours

Despite the availability of COVID-19 vaccines to all south African adults, the rate of inoculation still remains low. Watch this report to know more.

South Africa witnesses surge in the number of Anti-Vaxxers

Australia's new daily cases of COVID-19 topped 1,000 for the first time since the pandemic began.&nbsp;

Two major hospitals in Sydney have set up emergency outdoor tents to help deal with a rise in patients.

The city is struggling to stamp out a surge in the fast-spreading Delta variant as daily infections are hitting record levels even after two months under lockdown.

New South Wales (NSW) state reported 1,029 new locally acquired cases, exceeding the previous record of 919 a day earlier.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terror-threat-at-kabul-airport-say-us-and-allies-amid-evacuation-408392">Also read |&nbsp;'Terror threat' at Kabul airport, say US and allies amid evacuation</a>

Of the new cases, 969 were detected in greater Sydney, up from 838.

State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that the authorities had quadrupled the number of the state's intensive care ventilators to 2,000 early last year.&nbsp;

Although the system is "under pressure", it can withstand the current crisis once vaccination rates rise, she said.

"It might be different to the help you got before because of the situation, but please know the system is kicking in," Berejiklian said at a televised media conference.

Australia's new daily cases of COVID-19 topped 1,000 for the first time since the pandemic began. Two major hospitals in Sydney have set up emergency outdoor tents to help deal with a rise in patients.

Australia's new daily cases of COVID-19 topped 1,000 for the first time since the pandemic began. Two major hospitals in Sydney have set up emergency outdoor tents to help deal with a rise in patients. The city is struggling to stamp out a surge in the fast-spreading Delta variant as daily infections are hitting record levels even after two months under lockdown. New South Wales (NSW) state reported 1,029 new locally acquired cases, exceeding the previous record of 919 a day earlier. Also read | 'Terror threat' at Kabul airport, say US and allies amid evacuation Of the new cases, 969 were detected in greater Sydney, up from 838. State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that the authorities had quadrupled the number of the state's intensive care ventilators to 2,000 early last year. Although the system is "under pressure", it can withstand the current crisis once vaccination rates rise, she said. "It might be different to the help you got before because of the situation, but please know the system is kicking in," Berejiklian said at a televised media conference.

Australia sees a record high in COVID-19 cases

Sofia Kenin has become the latest tennis star to pull out of the US Open. The fifth-rank Tennis player took to Twitter to share the "disappointing news" on Wednesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/american-tennis-star-serena-williams-withdraws-from-us-open-408276" hreflang="en">American tennis star Serena Williams withdraws from US Open</a>

Kenin revealed that she had tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus and will not be taking part in the year's last Grand Slam.&nbsp;

“Fortunately I am vaccinated and thus my symptoms have been fairly mild,” Kenin wrote. “However I have continued to test positive and thus will not be able to compete at the US&nbsp;Open next week.”

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I plan to spend the next several weeks getting healthy and preparing to play well this fall. Thank you all for supporting me. I want to wish all the players the best of luck in New York. 2/2
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“I plan to spend the next several weeks getting healthy and preparing to play well this fall,” Kenin posted Wednesday. “Thank you all for supporting me.”

Kenin has not played since a second-round loss at Wimbledon after sustaining a foot injury.&nbsp;

The 22-year-old won 2020 Australian Open and was the runner-up at the French Open later last year. Her best showing at the US Open is a fourth-round finish last year.

The American Grand Slam will commence on Monday. Williams sisters, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and defending champ Dominic Theim have also withdrawn from the tournament citing injuries.&nbsp;

Sofia Kenin has become the latest tennis star to pull out of the US Open. The fifth-rank Tennis player took to Twitter to share the "disappointing news" on Wednesday.

Sofia Kenin has become the latest tennis star to pull out of the US Open. The fifth-rank Tennis player took to Twitter to share the "disappointing news" on Wednesday. ALSO READ: American tennis star Serena Williams withdraws from US Open Kenin revealed that she had tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus and will not be taking part in the year's last Grand Slam. “Fortunately I am vaccinated and thus my symptoms have been fairly mild,” Kenin wrote. “However I have continued to test positive and thus will not be able to compete at the US Open next week.” I plan to spend the next several weeks getting healthy and preparing to play well this fall. Thank you all for supporting me. I want to wish all the players the best of luck in New York. 2/2 — Sofia Kenin (@SofiaKenin) August 26, 2021 × “I plan to spend the next several weeks getting healthy and preparing to play well this fall,” Kenin posted Wednesday. “Thank you all for supporting me.” Kenin has not played since a second-round loss at Wimbledon after sustaining a foot injury. The 22-year-old won 2020 Australian Open and was the runner-up at the French Open later last year. Her best showing at the US Open is a fourth-round finish last year. The American Grand Slam will commence on Monday. Williams sisters, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and defending champ Dominic Theim have also withdrawn from the tournament citing injuries.

Tennis ace Sofia Kenin withdraws from US Open after testing positive for COVID-19

A COVID-19 modeller has suggested that New Zealand’s North and South islands could become separate bubbles.

New Zealand's virus-free run since February ended last week as a Delta variant outbreak erupted in Auckland. It quickly spread to the capital Wellington.

Auckland, the largest city, where the majority of cases have been detected, will remain in lockdown until the end of the month.

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COVID-19 modeller at the University of Auckland, Shaun Hendy, while speaking to TVNZ said, "I think at this stage, a North Island and South Island split is probably what we’d be looking at".&nbsp;

Hendy further said that in order for the alert levels to drop in the South Island, any wastewater tests would need to come back clear.

Wellington would still need to be cautious, given the 12 positive cases there, Hendy said.

A COVID-19 modeller has suggested that New Zealand’s North and South islands could become separate bubbles. New Zealand's virus-free run since February ended last week as a Delta variant outbreak erupted in Auckland.

A COVID-19 modeller has suggested that New Zealand’s North and South islands could become separate bubbles. New Zealand's virus-free run since February ended last week as a Delta variant outbreak erupted in Auckland. It quickly spread to the capital Wellington. Auckland, the largest city, where the majority of cases have been detected, will remain in lockdown until the end of the month. Also read | Boko Haram attack kills 16 soldiers in southern Niger COVID-19 modeller at the University of Auckland, Shaun Hendy, while speaking to TVNZ said, "I think at this stage, a North Island and South Island split is probably what we’d be looking at". Hendy further said that in order for the alert levels to drop in the South Island, any wastewater tests would need to come back clear. Wellington would still need to be cautious, given the 12 positive cases there, Hendy said.

New Zealand could be split into North and South Island bubbles amid a surge in cases

Researchers from Duke University have warned that another pandemic similar to the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to strike within 60 years.&nbsp;

As per the team, the number of new diseases spreading to humans may rise by three times over the coming decades.

“The most important takeaway is that large pandemics like COVID-19 and the Spanish flu are relatively likely,” says study author Dr William Pan in a university release.&nbsp;

Pan further&nbsp;highlighted that understanding that pandemics are not so rare should become a priority for health officials in charge of controlling them in the future.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-baby-girl-born-aboard-us-military-plane-named-reach-after-aircrafts-code-name-408427">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan baby girl born aboard US military plane named 'Reach' after aircraft's code name</a>

The team used new statistical methods to measure the scale and frequency of outbreaks over the past four centuries.&nbsp;

This included a range of deadly pathogens including plague, smallpox, cholera, typhus, and novel influenza viruses.

Co-author Professor Gabriel Katul said that this is not to say it is a guarantee that the world will go virus-free for 59 years. As per the findings, such events are equally probable in any given year during the next few decades.

Prof. Katul said, "When a 100-year flood occurs today, one may erroneously presume that one can afford to wait another 100 years before experiencing another such event". He further added, "This impression is false. One can get another 100-year flood the next year.”

Researchers from Duke University have warned that another pandemic similar to the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to strike within 60 years. As per the team, the number of new diseases spreading to humans may rise by three times over the coming decades.

Researchers from Duke University have warned that another pandemic similar to the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to strike within 60 years. As per the team, the number of new diseases spreading to humans may rise by three times over the coming decades. “The most important takeaway is that large pandemics like COVID-19 and the Spanish flu are relatively likely,” says study author Dr William Pan in a university release. Pan further highlighted that understanding that pandemics are not so rare should become a priority for health officials in charge of controlling them in the future. Also read | Afghan baby girl born aboard US military plane named 'Reach' after aircraft's code name The team used new statistical methods to measure the scale and frequency of outbreaks over the past four centuries. This included a range of deadly pathogens including plague, smallpox, cholera, typhus, and novel influenza viruses. Co-author Professor Gabriel Katul said that this is not to say it is a guarantee that the world will go virus-free for 59 years. As per the findings, such events are equally probable in any given year during the next few decades. Prof. Katul said, "When a 100-year flood occurs today, one may erroneously presume that one can afford to wait another 100 years before experiencing another such event". He further added, "This impression is false. One can get another 100-year flood the next year.”

Another COVID-19 like pandemic likely to strike within 60 years, says study

Scientists charged by the United Nations warned on Wednesday that the search for the origins of the Covid pandemic was at a standstill.

An initial report by the World Health Organization (WHO) team based on a January mission to Wuhan, China -- ground zero of the global pandemic -- concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 virus probably jumped from bats to humans via an intermediate animal.&nbsp;

A competing hypothesis that the virus leaked from a specialised virology lab in Wuhan was deemed "extremely unlikely".

But in their comments in the scientific journal Nature, the scientists said that mission was intended as a "first step in a process that has stalled."

"The search for the origins of SARS-CoV-2 is at a critical juncture," they wrote.&nbsp;

"The window of opportunity for conducting this crucial enquiry is closing fast."

As evidence disappears or becomes corrupted tracing the biological trail back to earliest pocket of the disease becomes more difficult.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dont-worry-about-covid-22-here-are-misconceptions-about-it-408319">Don't worry about Covid-22: Here are misconceptions about it</a>

The statement has come less than two weeks after WHO urged China to hand over information on the earliest Covid-19 cases. This was done in order to revive the probe.

This should include Covid data for 174 infections identified in December 2019 that China failed to share during the initial investigation, the WHO experts said.

WHO investigators said "it was agreed" at the time that a second phase of research would fill in this gap.

But China pushed back against the WHO request earlier this month, saying the January investigation should suffice and that calls for further data were motivated by politics, not science.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists charged by the United Nations warned on Wednesday that the search for the origins of the Covid pandemic was at a standstill. An initial report by the World Health Organization (WHO) team based on a January mission to Wuhan, China -- ground zero of the global pandemic -- concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 virus probably jumped from bats to humans via an intermediate animal.

Scientists charged by the United Nations warned on Wednesday that the search for the origins of the Covid pandemic was at a standstill. An initial report by the World Health Organization (WHO) team based on a January mission to Wuhan, China -- ground zero of the global pandemic -- concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 virus probably jumped from bats to humans via an intermediate animal. A competing hypothesis that the virus leaked from a specialised virology lab in Wuhan was deemed "extremely unlikely". But in their comments in the scientific journal Nature, the scientists said that mission was intended as a "first step in a process that has stalled." "The search for the origins of SARS-CoV-2 is at a critical juncture," they wrote. "The window of opportunity for conducting this crucial enquiry is closing fast." As evidence disappears or becomes corrupted tracing the biological trail back to earliest pocket of the disease becomes more difficult. Also Read | Don't worry about Covid-22: Here are misconceptions about it The statement has come less than two weeks after WHO urged China to hand over information on the earliest Covid-19 cases. This was done in order to revive the probe. This should include Covid data for 174 infections identified in December 2019 that China failed to share during the initial investigation, the WHO experts said. WHO investigators said "it was agreed" at the time that a second phase of research would fill in this gap. But China pushed back against the WHO request earlier this month, saying the January investigation should suffice and that calls for further data were motivated by politics, not science. (With inputs from agencies)

Urgent search for Covid origins has 'stalled', say WHO experts

More than 5 Billion COVID-19 vaccination have been administered around the world but vaccine inequity continues to be a huge cause for concern.

Coronavirus Update: Vaccine inequity damaging international solidarity

Pakistan's central bank announced on Tuesday that it has received $2.75 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under a Special Drawing Rights (SDR) programme to help low-income countries affected by the coronavirus.&nbsp;

The payments, which are part of a $650 billion worldwide programme, would help Pakistan shore up its foreign reserves, which have been weakened by a rise in the current account deficit and a drop in remittances from overseas employees.

Pakistan enrolled in a $6 billion IMF programme in 2019, which has been awaiting its sixth review since March.&nbsp;

More than 1.1 million coronavirus cases have been documented in Pakistan, with more than 25,000 people dying as a result of the epidemic.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in the interbank market on Monday, the Pakistani currency fell to a 10-month low of Rs164.43 versus the US dollar.

According to the central bank's figures, the Pakistani rupee has depreciated by 6.39 percent in the current fiscal year (starting July 1) to date, and 7.98 percent since it touched a 22-month high of Rs152.27 in May.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's central bank announced on Tuesday that it has received $2.75 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under a Special Drawing Rights (SDR) programme to help low-income countries affected by the coronavirus.

Pakistan's central bank announced on Tuesday that it has received $2.75 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under a Special Drawing Rights (SDR) programme to help low-income countries affected by the coronavirus. The payments, which are part of a $650 billion worldwide programme, would help Pakistan shore up its foreign reserves, which have been weakened by a rise in the current account deficit and a drop in remittances from overseas employees. Pakistan enrolled in a $6 billion IMF programme in 2019, which has been awaiting its sixth review since March. More than 1.1 million coronavirus cases have been documented in Pakistan, with more than 25,000 people dying as a result of the epidemic. Meanwhile, in the interbank market on Monday, the Pakistani currency fell to a 10-month low of Rs164.43 versus the US dollar. According to the central bank's figures, the Pakistani rupee has depreciated by 6.39 percent in the current fiscal year (starting July 1) to date, and 7.98 percent since it touched a 22-month high of Rs152.27 in May. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan gets $2.75 billion in COVID-19 support funds from IMF

The organisers of the Tokyo Paralympics have decided to host the Games behind closed doors due to fears of the dreaded coronavirus.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-was-not-deliberate-india-batting-coach-on-after-england-accused-of-ball-tampering-405988" hreflang="en">'It was not deliberate': India batting coach on after England accused of ball Tampering</a>

The Games will kick off on &nbsp;August 24 and will go on till September 5.&nbsp;

"More stringent measures will be taken for competitions to be held in these prefectures, including no spectators," organisers said in a joint statement with local and national governments and the International Paralympic Committee.

However, the organisers said that some exceptions will be made for school children, who will be allowed to attend the Games.&nbsp;

But organisers emphasised children would only participate with "safety measures" and "where local authorities or school administrations request this in response to the wishes of parents and others".&nbsp;

The organisers are expected to follow the similar measures which were placed during the Olympics that concluded on August 8.&nbsp;

Earlier, it read that the organisers might go-ahead by just limiting the number of spectators of the Games.&nbsp;

The organisers of the Tokyo Paralympics have decided to host the Games behind closed doors due to fears of the dreaded coronavirus. ALSO READ: 'It was not deliberate': India batting coach on after England accused of ball Tampering The Games will kick off on August 24 and will go on till September 5.

The organisers of the Tokyo Paralympics have decided to host the Games behind closed doors due to fears of the dreaded coronavirus. ALSO READ: 'It was not deliberate': India batting coach on after England accused of ball Tampering The Games will kick off on August 24 and will go on till September 5. "More stringent measures will be taken for competitions to be held in these prefectures, including no spectators," organisers said in a joint statement with local and national governments and the International Paralympic Committee. However, the organisers said that some exceptions will be made for school children, who will be allowed to attend the Games. But organisers emphasised children would only participate with "safety measures" and "where local authorities or school administrations request this in response to the wishes of parents and others". The organisers are expected to follow the similar measures which were placed during the Olympics that concluded on August 8. Earlier, it read that the organisers might go-ahead by just limiting the number of spectators of the Games.

Tokyo Paralympics will be held behind closed doors due to COVID-19 fears: Organisers

The 2020 Paralympic Games will kick off in Tokyo with the opening ceremony on Tuesday as Japan struggles with its worst COVID-19 outbreak so far, record daily cases and an overwhelmed medical system.

The organisers admitted last week that the Paralympics will be held under "very difficult" circumstances as Japan's health situation has worsened since the Olympic Games ended on Aug. 8 and hospitals in the host city are filled to capacity.

The Japanese government and the Tokyo Metropolitan government appealed&nbsp;on Monday to hospitals in the capital to accept more COVID-19 patients as increasing infections have made access to care increasingly difficult.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-paralympics-javelin-thrower-tek-chand-named-new-flag-bearer-of-india-for-opening-ceremony-407967">Tokyo Paralympics: Javelin thrower Tek Chand named new flag bearer of India for opening ceremony</a>

"I'm a little concerned about holding the Paralympic Games. Still, I hope the athletes will do their best," said 52-year-old office worker Chika Sasagawa.

While the number of athletes and officials travelling from abroad is less than a third of that during the Olympics, Japan reported more than 25,000 daily cases on three days last week, up from less than 15,000 when the Olympics ended earlier this month.

Organisers of the Paralympics, which will take place between Aug. 24 and Sept. 5, have said they plan to implement the same COVID-19 protocols or "playbook" as the ones used during the Olympics.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-at-tokyo-paralympics-2020-events-date-complete-schedule-of-indian-athletes-407798">India at Tokyo Paralympics 2020: Events, date, complete schedule of Indian athletes</a>

Frequent testing and other restrictions, such as limiting the movement of athletes and officials, proved to be effective in minimising infection risks during the Games, they have added.

Like the Olympics, the Paralympics will also take place generally without spectators and organisers have asked the domestic Games officials to avoid eating out or drinking in groups.

Olympic organisers reported 404 Games-related infections. They carried out close to 600,000 screening tests with an infection rate of 0.02%.

Japan has extended&nbsp;COVID-19 emergency measures in the capital and other regions that will run through the Games.

About 88% of thousands of athletes and officials attending the Games have been vaccinated, the International Paralympic Committee spokesperson Craig Spence has said, though a number of local volunteers are yet to be fully vaccinated.

"Compared to the Olympics, the COVID infections have spread further now. I have many concerns but I believe that Japan as a host country is making all the efforts so that athletes can compete safely in the Games," said Tokyo resident Kana Matsuyama, 45.

The International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach is scheduled to attend Tuesday's opening ceremony.

The 2020 Paralympic Games will kick off in Tokyo with the opening ceremony on Tuesday as Japan struggles with its worst COVID-19 outbreak so far, record daily cases and an overwhelmed medical system.

The 2020 Paralympic Games will kick off in Tokyo with the opening ceremony on Tuesday as Japan struggles with its worst COVID-19 outbreak so far, record daily cases and an overwhelmed medical system. The organisers admitted last week that the Paralympics will be held under "very difficult" circumstances as Japan's health situation has worsened since the Olympic Games ended on Aug. 8 and hospitals in the host city are filled to capacity. The Japanese government and the Tokyo Metropolitan government appealed on Monday to hospitals in the capital to accept more COVID-19 patients as increasing infections have made access to care increasingly difficult. ALSO READ | Tokyo Paralympics: Javelin thrower Tek Chand named new flag bearer of India for opening ceremony "I'm a little concerned about holding the Paralympic Games. Still, I hope the athletes will do their best," said 52-year-old office worker Chika Sasagawa. While the number of athletes and officials travelling from abroad is less than a third of that during the Olympics, Japan reported more than 25,000 daily cases on three days last week, up from less than 15,000 when the Olympics ended earlier this month. Organisers of the Paralympics, which will take place between Aug. 24 and Sept. 5, have said they plan to implement the same COVID-19 protocols or "playbook" as the ones used during the Olympics. ALSO READ | India at Tokyo Paralympics 2020: Events, date, complete schedule of Indian athletes Frequent testing and other restrictions, such as limiting the movement of athletes and officials, proved to be effective in minimising infection risks during the Games, they have added. Like the Olympics, the Paralympics will also take place generally without spectators and organisers have asked the domestic Games officials to avoid eating out or drinking in groups. Olympic organisers reported 404 Games-related infections. They carried out close to 600,000 screening tests with an infection rate of 0.02%. Japan has extended COVID-19 emergency measures in the capital and other regions that will run through the Games. About 88% of thousands of athletes and officials attending the Games have been vaccinated, the International Paralympic Committee spokesperson Craig Spence has said, though a number of local volunteers are yet to be fully vaccinated. "Compared to the Olympics, the COVID infections have spread further now. I have many concerns but I believe that Japan as a host country is making all the efforts so that athletes can compete safely in the Games," said Tokyo resident Kana Matsuyama, 45. The International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach is scheduled to attend Tuesday's opening ceremony.

Paralympics set to open in Tokyo amid worsening COVID-19 crisis

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