In a strange revelation, a 90-year-old Belgian woman who died after falling ill with COVID-19 was infected with both the Alpha and Beta variants at the same time.

The unvaccinated woman was admitted to the OLV hospital in the city of Aalst after a spate of falls in March and tested positive for COVID-19.

Initially, her oxygen levels were good. However, her condition deteriorated and she died after few days.&nbsp;

Molecular biologist Anne Vankeerberghen from the OLV hospital is termed by The Guardian as saying, "Both these variants were circulating in Belgium at the time, so it is likely that the lady was co-infected with different viruses from two different people".&nbsp;

He added, “Unfortunately we don’t know how she became infected.”

As per the researchers, it was difficult to determine if the co-infection played a role in the fast deterioration of the patient.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant</a>

The deadly coronavirus broke out in the last months of 2019 and took over the world in the early months of 2020, sending almost every country around the globe in a complete lockdown. As the countries stopped functioning, economies took a huge hit and people struggled to maintain physical and mental wellbeing.

However, as 2021 began, people started to gain some hope, especially due to the commencement of vaccine drives all around the globe. Unfortunately, that ray of hope disappeared soon as new variants of COVID-19 started popping out in different cities of the world.

Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation.

Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants.

In a strange revelation, a 90-year-old Belgian woman who died after falling ill with COVID-19 was infected with both the Alpha and Beta variants at the same time.

In a strange revelation, a 90-year-old Belgian woman who died after falling ill with COVID-19 was infected with both the Alpha and Beta variants at the same time. The unvaccinated woman was admitted to the OLV hospital in the city of Aalst after a spate of falls in March and tested positive for COVID-19. Initially, her oxygen levels were good. However, her condition deteriorated and she died after few days. Molecular biologist Anne Vankeerberghen from the OLV hospital is termed by The Guardian as saying, "Both these variants were circulating in Belgium at the time, so it is likely that the lady was co-infected with different viruses from two different people". He added, “Unfortunately we don’t know how she became infected.” As per the researchers, it was difficult to determine if the co-infection played a role in the fast deterioration of the patient. Also read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant The deadly coronavirus broke out in the last months of 2019 and took over the world in the early months of 2020, sending almost every country around the globe in a complete lockdown. As the countries stopped functioning, economies took a huge hit and people struggled to maintain physical and mental wellbeing. However, as 2021 began, people started to gain some hope, especially due to the commencement of vaccine drives all around the globe. Unfortunately, that ray of hope disappeared soon as new variants of COVID-19 started popping out in different cities of the world. Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation. Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants.

Woman infected with Alpha and Beta COVID-19 variants at the same time dies

Australia reported its first coronavirus-related death of the year on Sunday and a 2021 record 77 new cases of the virus in the state of New South Wales, which is battling an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant.

State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the numbers in and around the country's biggest city Sydney, already under a hard lockdown, are expected to rise.

"I'll be shocked if it's less than 100 this time tomorrow, of additional new cases," Berejiklian told a televised briefing.

On Saturday there were 50 cases, the previous 2021 record high. The recent outbreak stands at 566 cases.

Of Sunday's cases, 33 were people who had spent time in the community while they were infectious, raising the likelihood that the three-week lockdown of more than 5 million people in Sydney and surroundings will be extended.

"Given where we're at and given the lockdown was supposed to be lifted on Friday, everybody can tell it's highly unlikely at this stage," Berejiklian said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-govt-to-rush-troops-to-border-to-tackle-taliban-397247">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban</a>

There are 52 cases in hospital&nbsp;or about one in 10 people infected in the current outbreak. Fifteen people are in intensive care, five require ventilation. The death, the country's first locally contracted case since December, involved a woman in her 90s.

Australia has fared much better than many other developed countries in keeping its COVID-19 numbers relatively low, seeing just over 31,000 cases since the start of the pandemic and 911 deaths.

The vaccination rollout, however, has been sluggish due to supply constraints and changing medical advice for its mainstay AstraZeneca shots.

Vaccinations are available for now only to people over 40 and groups at risk either due to their health or exposure to the virus at work. Of those hospitalised in Sydney, 11 are under the age of 35 and more than three-quarters of the patients have not had any doses, health authorities said.

Australia reported its first coronavirus-related death of the year on Sunday and a 2021 record 77 new cases of the virus in the state of New South Wales, which is battling an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant.

Australia reported its first coronavirus-related death of the year on Sunday and a 2021 record 77 new cases of the virus in the state of New South Wales, which is battling an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant. State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the numbers in and around the country's biggest city Sydney, already under a hard lockdown, are expected to rise. "I'll be shocked if it's less than 100 this time tomorrow, of additional new cases," Berejiklian told a televised briefing. On Saturday there were 50 cases, the previous 2021 record high. The recent outbreak stands at 566 cases. Of Sunday's cases, 33 were people who had spent time in the community while they were infectious, raising the likelihood that the three-week lockdown of more than 5 million people in Sydney and surroundings will be extended. "Given where we're at and given the lockdown was supposed to be lifted on Friday, everybody can tell it's highly unlikely at this stage," Berejiklian said. Also read | Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban There are 52 cases in hospital or about one in 10 people infected in the current outbreak. Fifteen people are in intensive care, five require ventilation. The death, the country's first locally contracted case since December, involved a woman in her 90s. Australia has fared much better than many other developed countries in keeping its COVID-19 numbers relatively low, seeing just over 31,000 cases since the start of the pandemic and 911 deaths. The vaccination rollout, however, has been sluggish due to supply constraints and changing medical advice for its mainstay AstraZeneca shots. Vaccinations are available for now only to people over 40 and groups at risk either due to their health or exposure to the virus at work. Of those hospitalised in Sydney, 11 are under the age of 35 and more than three-quarters of the patients have not had any doses, health authorities said.

Australia reports first 2021 COVID-19 death, highest case number

A 90-year-old woman who died after falling ill with COVID-19 was infected with both the Alpha and Beta variants of the coronavirus at the same time.

Coronavirus Update: 90-year-old Belgian woman died with double variant infection

European Union Ambassador to the UN Olof Skoog speaks with WION. Watch this report to know more.

Until everyone is safe, no one is safe: Olof Skoog, EU Ambassador to United Nations

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Sunday she was "very concerned" about the risk that new variants of coronavirus could pose to the global economic recovery from the pandemic.

"We are very concerned about the Delta variant and other variants that could emerge and threaten recovery," she told reporters following a G20 meeting in Venice, Italy.&nbsp;

"We are a connected global economy, what happens in any part of the world affects all other countries."

In their final statement issued late Saturday, G20 finance ministers warned that the spread of new variants was a "downside risk" to the economic recovery, while also warning of the dangers of differing paces of vaccination campaigns.

"We recognise the importance of working together to speed the process of vaccination and have the goal of wanting to vaccinate 70 per cent of the world's population next year," Yellen said.

She said "a lot has been done" to finance the purchase of vaccines by developing countries, but said the world needed to "do something more and to be more effective" with respect to responding to outbreaks around the world, such as sending therapeutics and protective equipment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/17-years-after-founding-virgin-galactic-branson-bound-for-space-397306">Also read |&nbsp;17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space</a>

The G20 on Friday heard from a specially commissioned panel of experts who warned the world must invest much more -- at least $75 billion over the next five years -- to prepare for and try to avert the next pandemic.

"While we're focused on the medium- and long-term... we certainly realise we also need to do more in the near term," Yellen said.

The World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Health Organization "have formed a taskforce to work on this and we've asked that we have regular monthly reports on how that work is going and that we address this issue more fully in October" at the G20 ministers' next meeting.

"But certainly variants represent a threat to the entire globe," Yellen said.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Sunday she was "very concerned" about the risk that new variants of coronavirus could pose to the global economic recovery from the pandemic.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Sunday she was "very concerned" about the risk that new variants of coronavirus could pose to the global economic recovery from the pandemic. "We are very concerned about the Delta variant and other variants that could emerge and threaten recovery," she told reporters following a G20 meeting in Venice, Italy. "We are a connected global economy, what happens in any part of the world affects all other countries." In their final statement issued late Saturday, G20 finance ministers warned that the spread of new variants was a "downside risk" to the economic recovery, while also warning of the dangers of differing paces of vaccination campaigns. "We recognise the importance of working together to speed the process of vaccination and have the goal of wanting to vaccinate 70 per cent of the world's population next year," Yellen said. She said "a lot has been done" to finance the purchase of vaccines by developing countries, but said the world needed to "do something more and to be more effective" with respect to responding to outbreaks around the world, such as sending therapeutics and protective equipment. Also read | 17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space The G20 on Friday heard from a specially commissioned panel of experts who warned the world must invest much more -- at least $75 billion over the next five years -- to prepare for and try to avert the next pandemic. "While we're focused on the medium- and long-term... we certainly realise we also need to do more in the near term," Yellen said. The World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Health Organization "have formed a taskforce to work on this and we've asked that we have regular monthly reports on how that work is going and that we address this issue more fully in October" at the G20 ministers' next meeting. "But certainly variants represent a threat to the entire globe," Yellen said.

US 'very concerned' COVID-19 variants could risk recovery, says Yellen

In the wake of the assembly elections in Rajasthan and Telangana on Friday, PM Modi urged the people of the two states to come out in large numbers and cast their votes.

In a tweet in Hindi and Telugu, PM Modi asked the people to exercise their votes and participate in "Mahaparv" of democracy.

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राजस्थान में आज मतदान का दिन है। राज्य के सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा आग्रह है कि वे पूरे उत्साह के साथ लोकतंत्र के महापर्व में अवश्य भाग लें और भारी संख्या में मतदान करें।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1070868387193122816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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ఇవాళ ఎన్నికల రోజు! తెలంగాణలో ఉన్న నా సోదర సోదరీమణులందరూ పెద్ద సంఖ్యలో వచ్చి ఓటు వెయ్యమని కోరుతున్నాను.... ప్రత్యేకించి నా యువ మిత్రులందరూ తమ ఓటు హక్కును వినియోగించుకొని ప్రజాస్వామ్యాన్ని మరింత సుసంపన్నం చేయమని ప్రార్థిస్తున్నాను...
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1070868270285246464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Five states including Rajasthan and Telangana went to polls in November and December to elect the members of the legislative assembly.

The results of elections in the five states will be declared on December 11.&nbsp;

In Telangana,&nbsp;the Congress-led alliance is challenging the ruling TRS with the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. In Rajasthan, BJP will try to retain its&nbsp;power in the state assembly.

On voting days, the PM usually takes to Twitter urging people to exercise their franchise.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the wake of the assembly elections in Rajasthan and Telangana on Friday, PM Modi urged the people of the two states to come out in large numbers and cast their votes.

In the wake of the assembly elections in Rajasthan and Telangana on Friday, PM Modi urged the people of the two states to come out in large numbers and cast their votes. In a tweet in Hindi and Telugu, PM Modi asked the people to exercise their votes and participate in "Mahaparv" of democracy. राजस्थान में आज मतदान का दिन है। राज्य के सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा आग्रह है कि वे पूरे उत्साह के साथ लोकतंत्र के महापर्व में अवश्य भाग लें और भारी संख्या में मतदान करें। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 7, 2018 × ఇవాళ ఎన్నికల రోజు! తెలంగాణలో ఉన్న నా సోదర సోదరీమణులందరూ పెద్ద సంఖ్యలో వచ్చి ఓటు వెయ్యమని కోరుతున్నాను.... ప్రత్యేకించి నా యువ మిత్రులందరూ తమ ఓటు హక్కును వినియోగించుకొని ప్రజాస్వామ్యాన్ని మరింత సుసంపన్నం చేయమని ప్రార్థిస్తున్నాను... — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 7, 2018 × Five states including Rajasthan and Telangana went to polls in November and December to elect the members of the legislative assembly. The results of elections in the five states will be declared on December 11. In Telangana, the Congress-led alliance is challenging the ruling TRS with the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. In Rajasthan, BJP will try to retain its power in the state assembly. On voting days, the PM usually takes to Twitter urging people to exercise their franchise. (With inputs from agencies)

Gap between Sputnik V COVID-19 shots can be up to 180 days, says RDIF

Cuba&nbsp;on Friday approved its home-grown Abdala vaccine for emergency use, the first Latin American coronavirus jab to reach this stage and a possible lifeline for a region trying to battle a killer pandemic with modest means.

The country's CECMED health regulator gave the go-ahead after Abdala's makers last month announced the vaccine candidate was more than 92 per cent effective at preventing Covid-19 disease after three doses.

Cuba&nbsp;is working on five coronavirus vaccines, and in May started immunizing its population using two of them -- Abdala and Soberana 2 -- even before they received approval.&nbsp;

By this week, 6.8 million of&nbsp;Cuba's 11.2 million people have received at least one dose of either vaccine, while 1.6 million have the required three doses.

The country has not bought or sought vaccines from elsewhere and aims to immunize its population before the end of the year.

In June, the state-run BioCubaFarma laboratory said Abdala "shows the efficacy of 92.28 per cent in its three-dose scheme."

The World Health Organization has set a 50-per cent efficacy threshold for coronavirus vaccines to qualifying for an approved global roll-out, though individual countries can green-light jabs without the UN stamp for domestic use.

The CECMED said approval of Abdala was based on its analysis that it met requirements for "quality, safety and effectiveness."

And Aica Laboratories, where the vaccine is produced, said there had been "a rigorous process of evaluation of the dossier and... inspections of the plants involved."

Under American sanctions, communist&nbsp;Cuba&nbsp;has a long tradition of making its own vaccines, dating back to the 1980s.

Nearly 80 per cent of its inoculations are produced locally.

Soberana 2 next?

On Thursday, the Finlay Institute which makes Soberana 2 said it, too, showed efficacy exceeding 91 per cent after three doses.

Eduardo Martinez, president of BioCubaFarma, said Soberana 2 will be submitted to the regulatory authority in the coming days for its own emergency approval.

Cuba&nbsp;has recorded more than 224,000 COVID-19 cases among its population of 11.2 million and some 1,450 deaths.&nbsp;

It has seen a recent spike in infections, with a new daily infection record reported Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-us-sending-15-million-covid-vaccine-doses-to-nepal-500000-to-bhutan-white-house-397107">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: US sending 1.5 million Covid vaccine doses to Nepal, 500,000 to Bhutan — White House</a>

On Wednesday, authorities sent an urgent deployment of doctors and medical equipment to the province of Matanzas -- where foreign tourists have continued to visit -- after hospitals there reached capacity.

A local company has been commissioned to make more hospital beds for Matanzas and there is a social media campaign to raise donations.&nbsp;

Elsewhere in Latin America, the situation remains worrying.

Brazil has the world's second-highest death toll -- more than 530,000. Colombia recently crossed the grim threshold of 100,000 coronavirus deaths and Peru is now the country with the world's highest death toll per capita.

Mexico, whose recorded death toll of 234,000 is the fourth-highest in the world, said Tuesday it is battling a fresh pandemic wave.

A locally produced vaccine offers a glimpse of hope for Latin America and the Caribbean, a region which the UN says has fully vaccinated just over 13.6 per cent of its population compared to 34.9 per cent in the European Union and 46.3 per cent in North America.

The region comprises a third of the world's coronavirus death toll despite representing just 8.4 per cent of the global population.

Venezuela has signed a contract to purchase 12 million doses of Abdala and has already started using the Cuban jab in its vaccination campaign.

Argentina's health minister visited the island in May to discuss a possible vaccine deal and Mexico has expressed interest.

There is no requirement for the WHO to approve such bilateral vaccine deals.

Abdala and Soberana 2 are recombinant protein vaccines that work by recreating the "spikes" on the surface of the coronavirus and introducing it to the body, training the immune system to recognize intruders and fight back in case of a real infection.

Recombinant vaccines, unlike some coronavirus shots already in use, do not need extreme refrigeration.

Cuba on Friday approved its home-grown Abdala vaccine for emergency use, the first Latin American coronavirus jab to reach this stage and a possible lifeline for a region trying to battle a killer pandemic with modest means.

Cuba on Friday approved its home-grown Abdala vaccine for emergency use, the first Latin American coronavirus jab to reach this stage and a possible lifeline for a region trying to battle a killer pandemic with modest means. The country's CECMED health regulator gave the go-ahead after Abdala's makers last month announced the vaccine candidate was more than 92 per cent effective at preventing Covid-19 disease after three doses. Cuba is working on five coronavirus vaccines, and in May started immunizing its population using two of them -- Abdala and Soberana 2 -- even before they received approval. By this week, 6.8 million of Cuba's 11.2 million people have received at least one dose of either vaccine, while 1.6 million have the required three doses. The country has not bought or sought vaccines from elsewhere and aims to immunize its population before the end of the year. In June, the state-run BioCubaFarma laboratory said Abdala "shows the efficacy of 92.28 per cent in its three-dose scheme." The World Health Organization has set a 50-per cent efficacy threshold for coronavirus vaccines to qualifying for an approved global roll-out, though individual countries can green-light jabs without the UN stamp for domestic use. The CECMED said approval of Abdala was based on its analysis that it met requirements for "quality, safety and effectiveness." And Aica Laboratories, where the vaccine is produced, said there had been "a rigorous process of evaluation of the dossier and... inspections of the plants involved." Under American sanctions, communist Cuba has a long tradition of making its own vaccines, dating back to the 1980s. Nearly 80 per cent of its inoculations are produced locally. Soberana 2 next? On Thursday, the Finlay Institute which makes Soberana 2 said it, too, showed efficacy exceeding 91 per cent after three doses. Eduardo Martinez, president of BioCubaFarma, said Soberana 2 will be submitted to the regulatory authority in the coming days for its own emergency approval. Cuba has recorded more than 224,000 COVID-19 cases among its population of 11.2 million and some 1,450 deaths. It has seen a recent spike in infections, with a new daily infection record reported Friday. Also read | COVID-19: US sending 1.5 million Covid vaccine doses to Nepal, 500,000 to Bhutan — White House On Wednesday, authorities sent an urgent deployment of doctors and medical equipment to the province of Matanzas -- where foreign tourists have continued to visit -- after hospitals there reached capacity. A local company has been commissioned to make more hospital beds for Matanzas and there is a social media campaign to raise donations. Elsewhere in Latin America, the situation remains worrying. Brazil has the world's second-highest death toll -- more than 530,000. Colombia recently crossed the grim threshold of 100,000 coronavirus deaths and Peru is now the country with the world's highest death toll per capita. Mexico, whose recorded death toll of 234,000 is the fourth-highest in the world, said Tuesday it is battling a fresh pandemic wave. A locally produced vaccine offers a glimpse of hope for Latin America and the Caribbean, a region which the UN says has fully vaccinated just over 13.6 per cent of its population compared to 34.9 per cent in the European Union and 46.3 per cent in North America. The region comprises a third of the world's coronavirus death toll despite representing just 8.4 per cent of the global population. Venezuela has signed a contract to purchase 12 million doses of Abdala and has already started using the Cuban jab in its vaccination campaign. Argentina's health minister visited the island in May to discuss a possible vaccine deal and Mexico has expressed interest. There is no requirement for the WHO to approve such bilateral vaccine deals. Abdala and Soberana 2 are recombinant protein vaccines that work by recreating the "spikes" on the surface of the coronavirus and introducing it to the body, training the immune system to recognize intruders and fight back in case of a real infection. Recombinant vaccines, unlike some coronavirus shots already in use, do not need extreme refrigeration.

Cuba approves emergency use of home-grown COVID-19 vaccine

Dutch&nbsp;Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a number of measures Friday to curb a rapid spike in coronavirus infections in the country, including closing discos and nightclubs and curbing restaurant hours.

Infections rose sevenfold in the lowlands country in one week, with 7,000 new cases reported on Friday, Rutte said, forcing the government to walk back an easing of restrictions.

"There is a dark cloud in front of the sun. At the moment infection rates are rocketing, mainly because of the highly-infectuous Delta variant," Rutte told a news conference.

"If we don't do something the tempo of infections are&nbsp;simply going to rise. It's clear that we need to nip the rapid spread of the virus in the bud," he said.

The government, therefore, decided to order the closure of all discos and nightclubs and the closure of restaurants at midnight.

All visitors to restaurants and cafes must now adhere to the 1.5-metre social distancing rule, Rutte said, adding that no live music or entertainment would be allowed.

Events lasting longer than 24 hours have been put on ice, the top&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;official added.

Measures will start at 6 am (0400 GMT) on Saturday and last until at least August 13.

"Two weeks ago all signals were on green,"&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;Health Minister Hugo de Jonge told journalists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-police-clash-with-anti-lockdown-rioters-in-two-cities-359117">Also read |&nbsp;Dutch police clash with anti-lockdown rioters in two cities</a>

"But now there's a reason to intervene. This is a result of the rapid spread of the Delta variant in Europe and the Netherlands," he said.

"This is unprecedented. The previous week we sat at around 500 new cases per day. Today there are 7,000 new infections," De Jonge said.

But the new measures did not mean the Netherlands would return to a lockdown or curfew as in previous months, or a compulsory rule to wear face masks indoors.

Rutte however urged people to "stick to the basic rules -- keeping social distance and washing hands".

"If we do that, we can yet make it a beautiful summer," he said.

The nation of 17 million has recorded more than 1.7 million coronavirus cases and over 17,700 deaths during the pandemic.

Around 80 percent of the population have received at least one vaccine jab, while about 50 percent received two, De Jonge said.

Most of the infections were among younger people, the health minister added.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a number of measures Friday to curb a rapid spike in coronavirus infections in the country, including closing discos and nightclubs and curbing restaurant hours.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a number of measures Friday to curb a rapid spike in coronavirus infections in the country, including closing discos and nightclubs and curbing restaurant hours. Infections rose sevenfold in the lowlands country in one week, with 7,000 new cases reported on Friday, Rutte said, forcing the government to walk back an easing of restrictions. "There is a dark cloud in front of the sun. At the moment infection rates are rocketing, mainly because of the highly-infectuous Delta variant," Rutte told a news conference. "If we don't do something the tempo of infections are simply going to rise. It's clear that we need to nip the rapid spread of the virus in the bud," he said. The government, therefore, decided to order the closure of all discos and nightclubs and the closure of restaurants at midnight. All visitors to restaurants and cafes must now adhere to the 1.5-metre social distancing rule, Rutte said, adding that no live music or entertainment would be allowed. Events lasting longer than 24 hours have been put on ice, the top Dutch official added. Measures will start at 6 am (0400 GMT) on Saturday and last until at least August 13. "Two weeks ago all signals were on green," Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge told journalists. Also read | Dutch police clash with anti-lockdown rioters in two cities "But now there's a reason to intervene. This is a result of the rapid spread of the Delta variant in Europe and the Netherlands," he said. "This is unprecedented. The previous week we sat at around 500 new cases per day. Today there are 7,000 new infections," De Jonge said. But the new measures did not mean the Netherlands would return to a lockdown or curfew as in previous months, or a compulsory rule to wear face masks indoors. Rutte however urged people to "stick to the basic rules -- keeping social distance and washing hands". "If we do that, we can yet make it a beautiful summer," he said. The nation of 17 million has recorded more than 1.7 million coronavirus cases and over 17,700 deaths during the pandemic. Around 80 percent of the population have received at least one vaccine jab, while about 50 percent received two, De Jonge said. Most of the infections were among younger people, the health minister added.

Dutch reimpose some curbs after virus spike

The World Health Organization on Friday, July 9, said that there was a "likely causal association" between coronavirus vaccine using mRNA technology and "very rare" heart inflammations.

The World Health Organization on Friday, July 9, said that there was a "likely causal association" between coronavirus vaccine using mRNA technology and "very rare" heart inflammations. However, the benefits still outweigh the risks, added WHO. The UN health body's Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) said that cases of myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis, inflammation of the lining around the heart, had been reported in multiple countries, especially the US. In a statement, the committee said, "The reported cases have typically occurred within days of vaccination, more commonly among younger males and more often following the second dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines". The GACVS has concluded that "current evidence suggests a likely causal association between myocarditis and the mRNA vaccines". Also read | US studying cases of heart inflammation among youngsters who received Covid jabs Most cases of myocarditis and pericarditis following vaccinations were "mild" and required only "conservative" treatment, the committee said. The WHO said the European Medical Agency's pharmacovigilance committee, which tracks medicines' side effects, had also seen a "plausible causal relationship" in a review of the data this week. Myocarditis is a rare disease that experts believe is usually triggered by a virus. Meanwhile, previously, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has asserted heart inflammation among some teenagers and young adults after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. n a statement dated May 17, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices said that many adolescents and young adults who were predominantly male develop myocarditis after the vaccine.

WHO sees 'likely' COVID-19 vaccine link to rare heart inflammation

The US is sending 1.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal and another 500,000 to Bhutan, the White House has said, asserting that its donations around the world are without any strings attached.

Today we are sending three million doses to Indonesia, 1.5 million doses to Nepal, 500,000 doses to Moldova, and 500,000 doses to Bhutan, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Friday at her daily news conference.

There are no strings attached to our vaccines that we're providing. We're providing them around the world to save lives and to be a contributor to the global effort to fight the pandemic, Psaki said in response to a question.

She said that with these shipments, in this week alone, the US has sent nearly 15 million doses to countries including Guatemala, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Afghanistan, and Vietnam.

Psaki said that in addition to the vaccines given to Indonesia, the US is also moving forward on plans to increase assistance for Indonesia's broader COVID-19 response efforts.

"We recognise the difficult situation Indonesia currently finds itself in with a surge of COVID cases, and our thoughts are with all those in Indonesia who are affected, she said.

Psaki acknowledged that there are more doses needed beyond the billion.

I would note that the United States is far and away the largest contributor in the world to the fight against the pandemic, including specific doses of vaccines.&nbsp;

The President has made clear that we will continue to build from here, and we're working on manufacturing capacity around the world and in the United States, and we will continue to contribute even beyond the billion doses, she said.

The US is sending 1.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal and another 500,000 to Bhutan, the White House has said, asserting that its donations around the world are without any strings attached.

The US is sending 1.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal and another 500,000 to Bhutan, the White House has said, asserting that its donations around the world are without any strings attached. Today we are sending three million doses to Indonesia, 1.5 million doses to Nepal, 500,000 doses to Moldova, and 500,000 doses to Bhutan, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Friday at her daily news conference. There are no strings attached to our vaccines that we're providing. We're providing them around the world to save lives and to be a contributor to the global effort to fight the pandemic, Psaki said in response to a question. She said that with these shipments, in this week alone, the US has sent nearly 15 million doses to countries including Guatemala, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. Psaki said that in addition to the vaccines given to Indonesia, the US is also moving forward on plans to increase assistance for Indonesia's broader COVID-19 response efforts. "We recognise the difficult situation Indonesia currently finds itself in with a surge of COVID cases, and our thoughts are with all those in Indonesia who are affected, she said. Psaki acknowledged that there are more doses needed beyond the billion. I would note that the United States is far and away the largest contributor in the world to the fight against the pandemic, including specific doses of vaccines. The President has made clear that we will continue to build from here, and we're working on manufacturing capacity around the world and in the United States, and we will continue to contribute even beyond the billion doses, she said.

COVID-19: US sending 1.5 million Covid vaccine doses to Nepal, 500,000 to Bhutan — White House

A panel of scientists who advise the French government on health warned Friday that as many as 95 percent of people might need to be vaccinated to dam the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19.

With cases rising, "a fourth wave linked to the Delta variant could hit swiftly, with repercussions for the health system despite high levels of vaccination", the Scientific Council said.

"We can't get the epidemic under control unless 90 to 95 percent of people are vaccinated or infected," they added.

So far only around half of French people have received a first dose and 40 percent two shots, with the government aiming to get two-thirds -- 35 million -- fully protected by the end of August.

"If people wait until after the summer holidays to get vaccinated, it will be too late," epidemiologist and Scientific Council member Arnaud Fontanet told broadcaster RTL, recalling that the shots are "very effective and free of charge".

With case numbers rising after a series of reopening steps, President Emmanuel Macron is expected to outline next moves in managing the pandemic in a Monday evening TV address.

On the agenda at a meeting of France's defence council earlier Monday is whether to make vaccination compulsory for health workers, one of the key recommendations from the scientists.

Ministers could agree on a draft law as early as Tuesday before sending it to parliament.

The Scientific Council also urged strengthening the country's track and trace programme and highlighted rising numbers of hospitalisations due to the Delta variant -- first detected in India -- in England, Scotland, Ireland and Portugal.

The strain already accounts for half of new infections in France and is believed to be around 60 percent more infectious.

"Without infection control measures, there could be a similar peak in hospitalisations to the one in autumn 2020," the Pasteur Institute research organisation warned, adding that unvaccinated over-60s remained especially at risk.

Other scientific advice included reducing the number of people allowed to attend events, localised restrictions and reducing the time between the first and second doses of mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna from six to three or four weeks.

A panel of scientists who advise the French government on health warned Friday that as many as 95 percent of people might need to be vaccinated to dam the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19.

A panel of scientists who advise the French government on health warned Friday that as many as 95 percent of people might need to be vaccinated to dam the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19. With cases rising, "a fourth wave linked to the Delta variant could hit swiftly, with repercussions for the health system despite high levels of vaccination", the Scientific Council said. "We can't get the epidemic under control unless 90 to 95 percent of people are vaccinated or infected," they added. So far only around half of French people have received a first dose and 40 percent two shots, with the government aiming to get two-thirds -- 35 million -- fully protected by the end of August. "If people wait until after the summer holidays to get vaccinated, it will be too late," epidemiologist and Scientific Council member Arnaud Fontanet told broadcaster RTL, recalling that the shots are "very effective and free of charge". With case numbers rising after a series of reopening steps, President Emmanuel Macron is expected to outline next moves in managing the pandemic in a Monday evening TV address. On the agenda at a meeting of France's defence council earlier Monday is whether to make vaccination compulsory for health workers, one of the key recommendations from the scientists. Ministers could agree on a draft law as early as Tuesday before sending it to parliament. The Scientific Council also urged strengthening the country's track and trace programme and highlighted rising numbers of hospitalisations due to the Delta variant -- first detected in India -- in England, Scotland, Ireland and Portugal. The strain already accounts for half of new infections in France and is believed to be around 60 percent more infectious. "Without infection control measures, there could be a similar peak in hospitalisations to the one in autumn 2020," the Pasteur Institute research organisation warned, adding that unvaccinated over-60s remained especially at risk. Other scientific advice included reducing the number of people allowed to attend events, localised restrictions and reducing the time between the first and second doses of mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna from six to three or four weeks.

COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists

Soumya Swaminathan, the top scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced on Friday that 15 European Union (EU) countries officially recognise Covishield, a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

"15 countries in the EU now recognise COVISHIELD for tourists," Swaminathan stated in a tweet.&nbsp;

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15 countries in EU now recognize <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVISHIELD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVISHIELD</a> for travelers <a href="https://t.co/fb56AEOvOt">https://t.co/fb56AEOvOt</a>
— Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) <a href="https://twitter.com/doctorsoumya/status/1413482639009402880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Swaminathan's comments follow Belgium's acceptance of the Covishield vaccination on Friday.

Arnaud Lion, Charge d'affaires of the Belgian Embassy in India, said on Friday that his country's recognition of Covishield will benefit everyone obtaining the vaccine injection in India and overseas.&nbsp;

"Belgium recognises Covishield, the AstraZeneca vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India and distributed by COVAX. An important decision for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh in the fight against vaccine inequality," the embassy’s official handle tweeted.

Switzerland, Iceland, Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden are among the 14 European countries that have approved the Covishield vaccination.

Meanwhile, Estonia has stated that the vaccine will only be recognised for Indian travellers.&nbsp; 
 
"On July 7, the inter-ministerial conference in Belgium decided to recognize the Covishield vaccination, which will have a positive impact I hope for everyone in India and outside India being vaccinated with Covishield," Lion said.

He said Covishield is one of the main vaccines, which is and will be used under the COVAX facility. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Soumya Swaminathan, the top scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced on Friday that 15 European Union (EU) countries officially recognise Covishield, a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

Soumya Swaminathan, the top scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced on Friday that 15 European Union (EU) countries officially recognise Covishield, a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII). "15 countries in the EU now recognise COVISHIELD for tourists," Swaminathan stated in a tweet. 15 countries in EU now recognize #COVISHIELD for travelers https://t.co/fb56AEOvOt — Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) July 9, 2021 × Swaminathan's comments follow Belgium's acceptance of the Covishield vaccination on Friday. Arnaud Lion, Charge d'affaires of the Belgian Embassy in India, said on Friday that his country's recognition of Covishield will benefit everyone obtaining the vaccine injection in India and overseas. "Belgium recognises Covishield, the AstraZeneca vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India and distributed by COVAX. An important decision for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh in the fight against vaccine inequality," the embassy’s official handle tweeted. Switzerland, Iceland, Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden are among the 14 European countries that have approved the Covishield vaccination. Meanwhile, Estonia has stated that the vaccine will only be recognised for Indian travellers. "On July 7, the inter-ministerial conference in Belgium decided to recognize the Covishield vaccination, which will have a positive impact I hope for everyone in India and outside India being vaccinated with Covishield," Lion said. He said Covishield is one of the main vaccines, which is and will be used under the COVAX facility. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: 15 countries in European Union recognise India-made Covishield vaccine

The deadly coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down, according to WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan.

Cases are increasing in five of the six WHO regions, and the fatality rate in Africa has increased by over 40%.&nbsp;

The fast-spreading Delta variant, pandemic fatigue, weakening of safety measures such as physical distance restrictions, and sluggish vaccination rollouts globally are all contributing factors, according to her.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-95-may-need-to-be-vaccinated-to-stop-delta-variant-warns-french-scientists-397151">Also read | COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists</a> 
 
In an interview with Bloomberg Television, WHO's Soumya Swaminathan explained that while vaccination levels in some countries are reducing severe cases and hospitalisations, significant regions of the world face oxygen shortages, a lack of hospital beds, and increased mortality.&nbsp;

"In the last 24 hours, close to 500,000 new cases have been reported and about 9,300 deaths -- now that’s not a pandemic that’s slowing down," Swaminathan said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned nations this week to be vigilant when reopening borders to avoid jeopardising previous successes.

On July 19, remaining legislative restrictions in England will be lifted, and measures like wearing masks will become a personal choice.

As cases declined, the United States and many of Europe similarly eased restrictions.&nbsp;

The pandemic death toll reached a grim benchmark, surpassing 4 million reported deaths across the globe.

(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down, according to WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan. Cases are increasing in five of the six WHO regions, and the fatality rate in Africa has increased by over 40%.

The deadly coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down, according to WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan. Cases are increasing in five of the six WHO regions, and the fatality rate in Africa has increased by over 40%. The fast-spreading Delta variant, pandemic fatigue, weakening of safety measures such as physical distance restrictions, and sluggish vaccination rollouts globally are all contributing factors, according to her. Also read | COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists In an interview with Bloomberg Television, WHO's Soumya Swaminathan explained that while vaccination levels in some countries are reducing severe cases and hospitalisations, significant regions of the world face oxygen shortages, a lack of hospital beds, and increased mortality. "In the last 24 hours, close to 500,000 new cases have been reported and about 9,300 deaths -- now that’s not a pandemic that’s slowing down," Swaminathan said. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned nations this week to be vigilant when reopening borders to avoid jeopardising previous successes. On July 19, remaining legislative restrictions in England will be lifted, and measures like wearing masks will become a personal choice. As cases declined, the United States and many of Europe similarly eased restrictions. The pandemic death toll reached a grim benchmark, surpassing 4 million reported deaths across the globe. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: WHO chief scientist lists four reasons for pandemic not slowing down

South Korea will&nbsp;raise&nbsp;coronavirus curbs to their&nbsp;highest&nbsp;level&nbsp;in the Seoul metropolitan area, the country's prime minister said Friday, warning a record spike in new cases had reached "maximum crisis&nbsp;level".

The country had previously been held up as a model of how to combat the pandemic, with the public largely following social distancing and other rules, but it was slow to start its vaccine rollout due to supply shortages.

On Friday it recorded 1,316 cases, its&nbsp;highest&nbsp;daily rise since the pandemic began, with most new infections in&nbsp;capital&nbsp;Seoul and its surrounding areas, home to almost half the South Korean population.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-deeply-concerned-by-recent-attacks-on-personnel-in-iraq-syria-396839">Also read |&nbsp;Pentagon 'deeply concerned' by recent attacks on personnel in Iraq, Syria</a>

Cluster infections have surfaced in areas including schools, offices and shopping malls, with people in their 20s and 30s -- most of whom are not yet eligible for vaccinations -- driving up the numbers, according to health authorities.&nbsp;

Under the new&nbsp;restrictions, set to come into force on Monday and last for two weeks, gatherings of more than two people will be banned after 6 pm and schools will be closed.

Cafes and restaurants are allowed limited seating and dine-in services are prohibited after 10 pm.

Entertainment establishments, including bars and clubs, will be shut, and all public rallies are banned except for one-person protests.&nbsp;

South Korea will raise coronavirus curbs to their highest level in the Seoul metropolitan area, the country's prime minister said Friday, warning a record spike in new cases had reached "maximum crisis level".

South Korea will raise coronavirus curbs to their highest level in the Seoul metropolitan area, the country's prime minister said Friday, warning a record spike in new cases had reached "maximum crisis level". The country had previously been held up as a model of how to combat the pandemic, with the public largely following social distancing and other rules, but it was slow to start its vaccine rollout due to supply shortages. On Friday it recorded 1,316 cases, its highest daily rise since the pandemic began, with most new infections in capital Seoul and its surrounding areas, home to almost half the South Korean population. Also read | Pentagon 'deeply concerned' by recent attacks on personnel in Iraq, Syria Cluster infections have surfaced in areas including schools, offices and shopping malls, with people in their 20s and 30s -- most of whom are not yet eligible for vaccinations -- driving up the numbers, according to health authorities. Under the new restrictions, set to come into force on Monday and last for two weeks, gatherings of more than two people will be banned after 6 pm and schools will be closed. Cafes and restaurants are allowed limited seating and dine-in services are prohibited after 10 pm. Entertainment establishments, including bars and clubs, will be shut, and all public rallies are banned except for one-person protests.

South Korea to raise Covid-19 restrictions to highest level in capital

In Pics | Increased cases of COVID-19 victims in Indonesia in 10 days

Fiji&nbsp;has announced plans to make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all workers as it battles a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant, with the prime minister issuing a blunt message: "no jabs, no job".

Frank Bainimarama said all public servants in the South Pacific nation of 930,000 must go on leave if they have not had their first injection by August 15 and would be dismissed if they did not receive their second by November 1.

Private sector employees must have their first jab by August 1, with individuals facing hefty fines if they fail to comply and companies threatened with being shut down.

"No jabs, no job -- that is what the science tells us is safest and that is now the policy of the government and enforced through the law," Bainimarama said in a national address late Thursday.

The hardline policy comes amid government frustration at the widespread flouting of virus safety measures such as social distancing and wearing masks, blamed in part for a huge spike in infections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-virus-related-deaths-rise-to-48000-302632">Also read |&nbsp;UK says virus-related deaths rise to 48,000</a>

Until April,&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;had recorded no community cases for a year but a quarantine breach saw the highly contagious Delta variant, first detected in India, rapidly gain a foothold, with the country now recording 700-plus new cases a day.

'Reckless rule-breakers'

The under-resourced health system has been stretched to breaking point, with the country's largest hospital in Suva this week saying its mortuary was at capacity and urging the families of virus victims to collect their loved ones.

Bainimarama has resisted calls to lock down the entire country, citing the economic cost and the practicalities of enforcing such a move in densely-populated squatter settlements.

"A hard lockdown, as some are calling for, cannot be strictly enforced everywhere in&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;and our experts tell us it would not kill off the virus," he said.

"But it would kill jobs and it could kill our country's future."

Instead, Bainimarama has imposed localised lockdowns in infection hotspots, including the capital Suva, while rolling out the Astra Zeneca vaccine.

While almost 340,000 adults have received their first injection, Bainimarama said online misinformation was discouraging some people, assuring them he had experienced no serious side effects from the inoculation.

"I have not been magnetised or micro-chipped by the vaccine, I have not received the mark of the beast or any other creature -- the vaccine does not do that to anyone," he said.

The rugby-mad country's national team has thrown its weight behind the inoculation drive and will wear shirts emblazoned with the message "vaccinate&nbsp;Fiji", rather than their sponsor's logo, during their two-Test series against New Zealand starting this weekend.

Bainimarama said spot fines were being introduced for "reckless rule-breakers" who did not wear marks, attended social gatherings or violated quarantine orders.

Australia's minister for international development and the Pacific, Zed Seselja, told AFP on Friday that his country had delivered 70,000 more doses to&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to around 400,000.

He vowed Australia would&nbsp;"continue to up our effort when it comes to sharing vaccines in the region. I expect it will continue to ramp up right throughout this year."

Fiji has announced plans to make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all workers as it battles a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant, with the prime minister issuing a blunt message: "no jabs, no job".

Fiji has announced plans to make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all workers as it battles a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant, with the prime minister issuing a blunt message: "no jabs, no job". Frank Bainimarama said all public servants in the South Pacific nation of 930,000 must go on leave if they have not had their first injection by August 15 and would be dismissed if they did not receive their second by November 1. Private sector employees must have their first jab by August 1, with individuals facing hefty fines if they fail to comply and companies threatened with being shut down. "No jabs, no job -- that is what the science tells us is safest and that is now the policy of the government and enforced through the law," Bainimarama said in a national address late Thursday. The hardline policy comes amid government frustration at the widespread flouting of virus safety measures such as social distancing and wearing masks, blamed in part for a huge spike in infections. Also read | UK says virus-related deaths rise to 48,000 Until April, Fiji had recorded no community cases for a year but a quarantine breach saw the highly contagious Delta variant, first detected in India, rapidly gain a foothold, with the country now recording 700-plus new cases a day. 'Reckless rule-breakers' The under-resourced health system has been stretched to breaking point, with the country's largest hospital in Suva this week saying its mortuary was at capacity and urging the families of virus victims to collect their loved ones. Bainimarama has resisted calls to lock down the entire country, citing the economic cost and the practicalities of enforcing such a move in densely-populated squatter settlements. "A hard lockdown, as some are calling for, cannot be strictly enforced everywhere in Fiji and our experts tell us it would not kill off the virus," he said. "But it would kill jobs and it could kill our country's future." Instead, Bainimarama has imposed localised lockdowns in infection hotspots, including the capital Suva, while rolling out the Astra Zeneca vaccine. While almost 340,000 adults have received their first injection, Bainimarama said online misinformation was discouraging some people, assuring them he had experienced no serious side effects from the inoculation. "I have not been magnetised or micro-chipped by the vaccine, I have not received the mark of the beast or any other creature -- the vaccine does not do that to anyone," he said. The rugby-mad country's national team has thrown its weight behind the inoculation drive and will wear shirts emblazoned with the message "vaccinate Fiji", rather than their sponsor's logo, during their two-Test series against New Zealand starting this weekend. Bainimarama said spot fines were being introduced for "reckless rule-breakers" who did not wear marks, attended social gatherings or violated quarantine orders. Australia's minister for international development and the Pacific, Zed Seselja, told AFP on Friday that his country had delivered 70,000 more doses to Fiji in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to around 400,000. He vowed Australia would "continue to up our effort when it comes to sharing vaccines in the region. I expect it will continue to ramp up right throughout this year."

'No jabs, no job': Fiji to make vaccine compulsory

Australia's New South Wales state on Thursday reported its biggest daily rise in locally acquired cases of COVID-19 for the year as officials struggle to stamp out a growing cluster of the highly infectious Delta variant in Sydney. 
 
New South Wales (NSW) reported 38 new local cases, up from 27 a day earlier, as its capital Sydney prepares for a third week of a lockdown. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cdc-says-delta-variant-dominant-in-us-makes-up-more-than-half-of-covid-19-cases-396567" hreflang="en">CDC says Delta variant dominant in US, makes up more than half of COVID-19 cases</a> 
 
"We don`t want to prolong the lockdown, we don`t want to see Sydney or New South Wales going in and out of lockdown until we have the vast majority of our population vaccinated," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney. 
 
Berejiklian implored residents to limit visits to family as data suggested the virus was spreading during such meetings, and urged people with flu-symptoms to take their entire family for COVID-19 tests due to the highly transmissible Delta strain. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-china-records-highest-daily-covid-cases-indonesia-reports-highest-deaths-396547" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: China records highest daily Covid cases, Indonesia reports highest deaths</a> 
 
She has promised this would be the last lockdown Sydney would need to endure in the pandemic although only around 10% of the country has been fully vaccinated. 
 
Of Thursday`s cases, 26 were either in isolation throughout or for part of their infectious period, while 11 spent time in the community while they were infectious. One case is under investigation. 
 
Total infections neared 400 amid the largest outbreak of 2021 in the state, since the first case was detected in the city more than three weeks ago in a limousine driver who transported overseas airline crew. 
 
A strict stay-at-home order had been enforced in Sydney, Australia`s largest city and home to a fifth of the country`s 25 million population, since June 26 for two weeks restricting people`s movements and limiting gatherings. 
 
That was extended on Wednesday until July 16 after restrictions failed to curtail the spread with officials frustrated after finding new infections linked to illegal gatherings and people flouting social distancing rules. 
 
Australia has fared much better than many other developed countries in keeping COVID-19 numbers low, with just under 30,900 cases and 910 deaths, however, a slow vaccination rollout has taken the shine off some of this success.

Australia's New South Wales state on Thursday reported its biggest daily rise in locally acquired cases of COVID-19 for the year as officials struggle to stamp out a growing cluster of the highly infectious Delta variant in Sydney.

Australia's New South Wales state on Thursday reported its biggest daily rise in locally acquired cases of COVID-19 for the year as officials struggle to stamp out a growing cluster of the highly infectious Delta variant in Sydney. New South Wales (NSW) reported 38 new local cases, up from 27 a day earlier, as its capital Sydney prepares for a third week of a lockdown. Also read | CDC says Delta variant dominant in US, makes up more than half of COVID-19 cases "We don`t want to prolong the lockdown, we don`t want to see Sydney or New South Wales going in and out of lockdown until we have the vast majority of our population vaccinated," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney. Berejiklian implored residents to limit visits to family as data suggested the virus was spreading during such meetings, and urged people with flu-symptoms to take their entire family for COVID-19 tests due to the highly transmissible Delta strain. Also read | Coronavirus: China records highest daily Covid cases, Indonesia reports highest deaths She has promised this would be the last lockdown Sydney would need to endure in the pandemic although only around 10% of the country has been fully vaccinated. Of Thursday`s cases, 26 were either in isolation throughout or for part of their infectious period, while 11 spent time in the community while they were infectious. One case is under investigation. Total infections neared 400 amid the largest outbreak of 2021 in the state, since the first case was detected in the city more than three weeks ago in a limousine driver who transported overseas airline crew. A strict stay-at-home order had been enforced in Sydney, Australia`s largest city and home to a fifth of the country`s 25 million population, since June 26 for two weeks restricting people`s movements and limiting gatherings. That was extended on Wednesday until July 16 after restrictions failed to curtail the spread with officials frustrated after finding new infections linked to illegal gatherings and people flouting social distancing rules. Australia has fared much better than many other developed countries in keeping COVID-19 numbers low, with just under 30,900 cases and 910 deaths, however, a slow vaccination rollout has taken the shine off some of this success.

Sydney sees worst pandemic day of 2021 as Delta COVID-19 outbreak spreads

Sydney in&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/australians-chasing-covid-19-vaccines-like-hunger-games-health-minister-amid-low-supply-396111">Australia</a>&nbsp;recorded the highest daily COVID-19 cases amid a lockdown with the Delta variant outbreak worrying health officials.

PM Scott Morrison said that &nbsp;300,000 coronavirus vaccine doses will be sent to Sydney as the vaccination drive struggles amid a surge in virus cases.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australian-prime-minister-and-finance-minister-contradict-on-covid-19-jab-stocks-395329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Australian PM warned that the situation in Sydney had turned "very serious" while asking residents to keep "pressing forward" and not "get frustrated".

Authorities are set to further tighten lockdown in areas witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases. New South Wales recorded 38 COVID-19 cases with reports indicating the source of some infection was under investigation with others linked to clusters in the city.

Restrictions were due to be relaxed in greater Sydney however lockdown was extended amid new coronavirus cases. Sydney is currently under stay-at-home order with officials likely to extend the lockdown beyond July 16.

Sydney was put under a lockdown on June 26 as Scott Morrison said the "virus tends to set its own rules". Reports say household virus transmission is underway in various areas with only shopping for essentials allowed.

New South Wales chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant urged residents to get vaccinated while emphasising that more testing was needed with the testing numbers reportedly falling in recent days.

Reports say just 9 per cent of the people in New South Wales have been vaccinated so far with 29 per cent having received both doses.

Australia has so far reported over 30,800 virus cases and 910 deaths.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sydney in Australia recorded the highest daily COVID-19 cases amid a lockdown with the Delta variant outbreak worrying health officials. PM Scott Morrison said that 300,000 coronavirus vaccine doses will be sent to Sydney as the vaccination drive struggles amid a surge in virus cases.

Sydney in Australia recorded the highest daily COVID-19 cases amid a lockdown with the Delta variant outbreak worrying health officials. PM Scott Morrison said that 300,000 coronavirus vaccine doses will be sent to Sydney as the vaccination drive struggles amid a surge in virus cases. Watch: The Australian PM warned that the situation in Sydney had turned "very serious" while asking residents to keep "pressing forward" and not "get frustrated". Authorities are set to further tighten lockdown in areas witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases. New South Wales recorded 38 COVID-19 cases with reports indicating the source of some infection was under investigation with others linked to clusters in the city. Restrictions were due to be relaxed in greater Sydney however lockdown was extended amid new coronavirus cases. Sydney is currently under stay-at-home order with officials likely to extend the lockdown beyond July 16. Sydney was put under a lockdown on June 26 as Scott Morrison said the "virus tends to set its own rules". Reports say household virus transmission is underway in various areas with only shopping for essentials allowed. New South Wales chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant urged residents to get vaccinated while emphasising that more testing was needed with the testing numbers reportedly falling in recent days. Reports say just 9 per cent of the people in New South Wales have been vaccinated so far with 29 per cent having received both doses. Australia has so far reported over 30,800 virus cases and 910 deaths. (With inputs from Agencies)

Australia's Sydney witnesses surge in COVID-19 despite lockdown

The Southeast Asian Games, which were because of happening in Vietnam this year, have been delayed as a result of the pandemic and will be held in 2022, a member of the organizing council said Thursday.&nbsp;

The territorial Olympics were planned to be held in Hanoi and 11 different areas from November 21 to December 2. &nbsp;Yet, Vietnam is attempting to contain another Covid flare-up, and numerous Southeast Asian Games occasions were arranged in areas hard-hit by the new flood of contaminations.&nbsp;

"Definitely, the 31st SEA games will not (be hosted) this year as scheduled in November," said Varin Tansuphasiri, Games Council member and deputy secretary of the Thai Olympic Committee. Vietnam wants to postpone the Games until next year, 2022."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-declares-virus-emergency-in-tokyo-ahead-of-olympics-2020-396713" hreflang="en">Japan declares virus emergency in Tokyo ahead of Olympics 2020</a>

The delay was because of the pandemic, he said, with Vietnam proposing to have the Games in April or May one year from now. &nbsp;The choice comes after Vietnam reported 9,000,000 individuals in Ho Chi Minh City would go into lockdown for about fourteen days in the early long periods of Friday.&nbsp;

Hanoi, which was to be at the focal point of the SEA Games, has had fewer cases however on Thursday suspended vehicle joins with something like 14 urban communities and regions to battle the infection's spread.&nbsp;

Infection groups have shown up all over the nation, remembering the northern modern territories of Bac Ninh and Bac Giang, where Games occasions were because of happening.&nbsp;Vietnam's Foreign Ministry representative Le Thi Thu Hang told correspondents Thursday that specialists had prescribed to "postpone the hosting of 31st SEA Games to a more appropriate time".

Although, Tansuphasiri said it was not clear to figure out an appropriate time in the following year's brandishing schedule.&nbsp;

"There's already too many games next year," he said, citing the Beijing Winter Olympics in February 2022 and the Commonwealth Games in July next year. There will be a bit (of) trouble for Vietnam to host in 2022."

Vietnam was before a model for infection regulation because of its broad contact-following and exacting isolates, however, it has attempted to get and carry out vaccines.&nbsp; Its regional neighbors are faring a lot of more awful - with Indonesia distinguishing a huge number of new cases every day and Thailand pondering harsher limitations after a record day-by-day loss of life on Thursday.&nbsp;

"The SEA Games Federation members praised the work done thus far by the Vietnam Organising Committee but took note of the current conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic in the South-East Asian region," said a statement.

Vietnam recently facilitated the SEA Games in 2003. It's anything but a spending plan of around $69 million for the Games.&nbsp;The multisports contest is relied upon to draw in almost 20,000 members, including around 7,000 competitors, from 11 nations, as indicated by state media. Just as Olympic controls, sports are probably going to incorporate billiards and snooker, weight training, chess, and bowling, an antiquated type of Uzbek wrestling.&nbsp;

At the 2019 SEA Games, the Philippines - the host country - beat the medal table, with 149 golds. Vietnam came next with 98 gold medals.

The Southeast Asian Games, which were because of happening in Vietnam this year, have been delayed as a result of the pandemic and will be held in 2022, a member of the organizing council said Thursday.

The Southeast Asian Games, which were because of happening in Vietnam this year, have been delayed as a result of the pandemic and will be held in 2022, a member of the organizing council said Thursday. The territorial Olympics were planned to be held in Hanoi and 11 different areas from November 21 to December 2. Yet, Vietnam is attempting to contain another Covid flare-up, and numerous Southeast Asian Games occasions were arranged in areas hard-hit by the new flood of contaminations. "Definitely, the 31st SEA games will not (be hosted) this year as scheduled in November," said Varin Tansuphasiri, Games Council member and deputy secretary of the Thai Olympic Committee. Vietnam wants to postpone the Games until next year, 2022." ALSO READ: Japan declares virus emergency in Tokyo ahead of Olympics 2020 The delay was because of the pandemic, he said, with Vietnam proposing to have the Games in April or May one year from now. The choice comes after Vietnam reported 9,000,000 individuals in Ho Chi Minh City would go into lockdown for about fourteen days in the early long periods of Friday. Hanoi, which was to be at the focal point of the SEA Games, has had fewer cases however on Thursday suspended vehicle joins with something like 14 urban communities and regions to battle the infection's spread. Infection groups have shown up all over the nation, remembering the northern modern territories of Bac Ninh and Bac Giang, where Games occasions were because of happening. Vietnam's Foreign Ministry representative Le Thi Thu Hang told correspondents Thursday that specialists had prescribed to "postpone the hosting of 31st SEA Games to a more appropriate time". Although, Tansuphasiri said it was not clear to figure out an appropriate time in the following year's brandishing schedule. "There's already too many games next year," he said, citing the Beijing Winter Olympics in February 2022 and the Commonwealth Games in July next year. There will be a bit (of) trouble for Vietnam to host in 2022." Vietnam was before a model for infection regulation because of its broad contact-following and exacting isolates, however, it has attempted to get and carry out vaccines. Its regional neighbors are faring a lot of more awful - with Indonesia distinguishing a huge number of new cases every day and Thailand pondering harsher limitations after a record day-by-day loss of life on Thursday. "The SEA Games Federation members praised the work done thus far by the Vietnam Organising Committee but took note of the current conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic in the South-East Asian region," said a statement. Vietnam recently facilitated the SEA Games in 2003. It's anything but a spending plan of around $69 million for the Games. The multisports contest is relied upon to draw in almost 20,000 members, including around 7,000 competitors, from 11 nations, as indicated by state media. Just as Olympic controls, sports are probably going to incorporate billiards and snooker, weight training, chess, and bowling, an antiquated type of Uzbek wrestling. At the 2019 SEA Games, the Philippines - the host country - beat the medal table, with 149 golds. Vietnam came next with 98 gold medals.

Southeast Asian Games 2021 postponed to 2022 due to COVID-19 pandemic

The infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has been surprising the scientific world as the COVID-19 epidemic has proceeded.

While the virus mostly affects the lungs, it has been discovered to infect other organs as well. The heart, kidneys, stomach, and eyes are among the organs affected.

Scientists have found that this dangerous disease may infect and replicate within the salivary glands.

Brazilian researchers discovered that saliva-producing and secreting tissues can act as reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, amplifying its infectious capacity.

Researchers at the University of Sao Paulo (USP) analysed samples from three types of salivary gland obtained during a minimally invasive autopsy procedure performed on 24 patients who died from complications of Covid-19 and discovered that SARS-CoV-2 infects and replicates in the salivary glands.

The discovery, reported in an article published in the Journal of Pathology, helps explain why the virus is so abundant in saliva and has enabled scientists to develop saliva-based diagnostic tests for Covid-19.

"This is the first report of a respiratory virus's capacity to infect and replicate in salivary glands. Until now, it was thought that only viruses that cause highly prevalent diseases such as herpes used salivary glands as reservoirs. The discovery may help explain why SARS-CoV-2 is so infectious, "Bruno Fernandes Matuck, doctoral candidate at USP's Dental School.

They hypothesised that because SARS-CoV-2 is particularly infectious relative to other respiratory viruses, it may multiply in salivary gland cells and hence be present in saliva without coming into touch with nose and lung secretions.

(With inputs from agencies)

The infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has been surprising the scientific world as the COVID-19 epidemic has proceeded. While the virus mostly affects the lungs, it has been discovered to infect other organs as well.

The infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has been surprising the scientific world as the COVID-19 epidemic has proceeded. While the virus mostly affects the lungs, it has been discovered to infect other organs as well. The heart, kidneys, stomach, and eyes are among the organs affected. Scientists have found that this dangerous disease may infect and replicate within the salivary glands. Brazilian researchers discovered that saliva-producing and secreting tissues can act as reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, amplifying its infectious capacity. Researchers at the University of Sao Paulo (USP) analysed samples from three types of salivary gland obtained during a minimally invasive autopsy procedure performed on 24 patients who died from complications of Covid-19 and discovered that SARS-CoV-2 infects and replicates in the salivary glands. The discovery, reported in an article published in the Journal of Pathology, helps explain why the virus is so abundant in saliva and has enabled scientists to develop saliva-based diagnostic tests for Covid-19. "This is the first report of a respiratory virus's capacity to infect and replicate in salivary glands. Until now, it was thought that only viruses that cause highly prevalent diseases such as herpes used salivary glands as reservoirs. The discovery may help explain why SARS-CoV-2 is so infectious, "Bruno Fernandes Matuck, doctoral candidate at USP's Dental School. They hypothesised that because SARS-CoV-2 is particularly infectious relative to other respiratory viruses, it may multiply in salivary gland cells and hence be present in saliva without coming into touch with nose and lung secretions. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 can infect, replicate in salivary gland cells; serve as reservoirs for viruses

Seven members&nbsp;- three cricketers and four management staff members&nbsp;- of the England squad, have tested positive for coronavirus, the England and Wales Board (ECB) announced on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The news came ahead of the limited-overs series against Pakistan. However, the ECB has said that the series will go as per the schedule, which means the ODI series between England and Pakistan will kick off on July 8 at Cardiff.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-england-vs-india-test-series-to-be-played-in-front-of-full-capacity-crowd-396172" hreflang="en">Cricket: England vs India Test series to be played in front of full-capacity crowd</a>

"Following PCR tests administered yesterday (Monday) in Bristol, The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can confirm that seven members - three players and four management team members- of the England Men's ODI party have tested positive for COVID-19," said ECB in an official release.

"Those impacted will now observe a period of self-isolation from July 4 following the UK Government's protocol on quarantine.

"The remaining members of the party have been deemed close contacts and will also isolate," the release further mentioned.

The ECB has also confirmed that the squad for the limited-overs series will be announced later today and Ben Stokes will be named the captain of the squad.&nbsp;

"Ben Stokes will return to England duties and captain the squad – which will be named in the next few hours. Incoming squad and support team members will follow PCR tests and bridging protocols to ensure safe entry to camp," said ECB.

Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We have been mindful that the emergence of the Delta variant, along with our move away from the stringent enforcement of bio secure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak. We made a strategic choice to try to adapt protocols, in order to support the overall wellbeing of our players and management staff who have spent much of the last 14 months living in very restricted conditions."

"Overnight we have worked swiftly to identify a new squad, and we are grateful to Ben Stokes who will return to England duties to Captain. We also recognise the impact this news will have on our First Class Counties and their Men’s playing squads and thank them, along with our partners Sky and Royal London, for their ongoing support in dealing with this pandemic."

Seven members - three cricketers and four management staff members - of the England squad, have tested positive for coronavirus, the England and Wales Board (ECB) announced on Tuesday.

Seven members - three cricketers and four management staff members - of the England squad, have tested positive for coronavirus, the England and Wales Board (ECB) announced on Tuesday. The news came ahead of the limited-overs series against Pakistan. However, the ECB has said that the series will go as per the schedule, which means the ODI series between England and Pakistan will kick off on July 8 at Cardiff. ALSO READ: Cricket: England vs India Test series to be played in front of full-capacity crowd "Following PCR tests administered yesterday (Monday) in Bristol, The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can confirm that seven members - three players and four management team members- of the England Men's ODI party have tested positive for COVID-19," said ECB in an official release. "Those impacted will now observe a period of self-isolation from July 4 following the UK Government's protocol on quarantine. "The remaining members of the party have been deemed close contacts and will also isolate," the release further mentioned. The ECB has also confirmed that the squad for the limited-overs series will be announced later today and Ben Stokes will be named the captain of the squad. "Ben Stokes will return to England duties and captain the squad – which will be named in the next few hours. Incoming squad and support team members will follow PCR tests and bridging protocols to ensure safe entry to camp," said ECB. Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We have been mindful that the emergence of the Delta variant, along with our move away from the stringent enforcement of bio secure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak. We made a strategic choice to try to adapt protocols, in order to support the overall wellbeing of our players and management staff who have spent much of the last 14 months living in very restricted conditions." "Overnight we have worked swiftly to identify a new squad, and we are grateful to Ben Stokes who will return to England duties to Captain. We also recognise the impact this news will have on our First Class Counties and their Men’s playing squads and thank them, along with our partners Sky and Royal London, for their ongoing support in dealing with this pandemic."

Cricket- Seven members of England squad test positive for COVID-19 ahead of Pak series: ECB

The England and Wales Board (ECB) have announced their revised squad for the ODI series with Pakistan after seven members, three cricketers and four management staff members, had tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-seven-members-of-england-squad-test-positive-for-covid-19-ahead-of-pak-series-ecb-396200" hreflang="en">Cricket- Seven members of England squad test positive for COVID-19 ahead of Pak series: ECB</a>

However, former England skipper Michael Vaughan rather found it absurd to send the whole squad into isolation after cases emerged within the team.&nbsp;

He took to Twitter and cited the example of Scottish footballer Billy Gilmour. He tweeted: "Billy Gilmour tests positive &amp; not one Scotland team member or staff has to isolate … England cricket team members do &amp; the whole squad has to go !?????? &nbsp;VERY VERY Strange times … I guess we will or should see Alex Hales again though … #OnOn"

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Billy Gilmour tests positive &amp; not one Scotland team member or staff has to isolate … England cricket team members do &amp; the whole squad has to go !?????? VERY VERY Strange times … I guess we will or should see Alex Hales again though … <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnOn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnOn</a>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1412331551170383872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Vaughan's reaction came after the ECB decided to go ahead with a brand new squad for the Pakistan series.&nbsp;

Nine uncapped players have been added to the revised squad and Ben Stokes has been named the captain of the side.&nbsp;

The uncapped contingent consists of Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Lewis Gregory, Will Jacks, Tom Helm, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Phil Salt and John Simpson, although Crawley, Gregory and Lawrence have represented England in other formats.

Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We have been mindful that the emergence of the Delta variant, along with our move away from the stringent enforcement of bio secure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak. We made a strategic choice to try to adapt protocols, in order to support the overall wellbeing of our players and management staff who have spent much of the last 14 months living in very restricted conditions."

He also added that the board worked overnight to revise the squad in order to go ahead with the series as planned.&nbsp;

"Overnight we have worked swiftly to identify a new squad, and we are grateful to Ben Stokes who will return to England duties to Captain. We also recognise the impact this news will have on our First Class Counties and their Men’s playing squads and thank them, along with our partners Sky and Royal London, for their ongoing support in dealing with this pandemic."

The England and Wales Board (ECB) have announced their revised squad for the ODI series with Pakistan after seven members, three cricketers and four management staff members, had tested positive for coronavirus.

The England and Wales Board (ECB) have announced their revised squad for the ODI series with Pakistan after seven members, three cricketers and four management staff members, had tested positive for coronavirus. ALSO READ: Cricket- Seven members of England squad test positive for COVID-19 ahead of Pak series: ECB However, former England skipper Michael Vaughan rather found it absurd to send the whole squad into isolation after cases emerged within the team. He took to Twitter and cited the example of Scottish footballer Billy Gilmour. He tweeted: "Billy Gilmour tests positive & not one Scotland team member or staff has to isolate … England cricket team members do & the whole squad has to go !?????? VERY VERY Strange times … I guess we will or should see Alex Hales again though … #OnOn" Billy Gilmour tests positive & not one Scotland team member or staff has to isolate … England cricket team members do & the whole squad has to go !?????? VERY VERY Strange times … I guess we will or should see Alex Hales again though … #OnOn — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 6, 2021 × Vaughan's reaction came after the ECB decided to go ahead with a brand new squad for the Pakistan series. Nine uncapped players have been added to the revised squad and Ben Stokes has been named the captain of the side. The uncapped contingent consists of Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Lewis Gregory, Will Jacks, Tom Helm, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Phil Salt and John Simpson, although Crawley, Gregory and Lawrence have represented England in other formats. Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We have been mindful that the emergence of the Delta variant, along with our move away from the stringent enforcement of bio secure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak. We made a strategic choice to try to adapt protocols, in order to support the overall wellbeing of our players and management staff who have spent much of the last 14 months living in very restricted conditions." He also added that the board worked overnight to revise the squad in order to go ahead with the series as planned. "Overnight we have worked swiftly to identify a new squad, and we are grateful to Ben Stokes who will return to England duties to Captain. We also recognise the impact this news will have on our First Class Counties and their Men’s playing squads and thank them, along with our partners Sky and Royal London, for their ongoing support in dealing with this pandemic."

'Very strange times': Michael Vaughan reacts to ECB naming revised squad after COVID-19 cases

Israel agreed on Monday to provide about 700,000 expiring doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine to South Korea, the Haaretz newspaper reported, citing Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. 
 
Delivery of the doses is to begin later in July, and as part of the deal Israel will receive in September and October an identical number of Pfizer vaccine doses that had been ordered by Seoul, Bennett said. 
 
A spokeswoman for South Korea's Health Ministry said on Tuesday, she had no comment on the report. 
 
South Korea has quickly distributed the COVID-19 vaccines it has, but has struggled to obtain enough doses in a timely manner amid tight global supplies, particularly in Asia. 
 
The government said last week it is hoping to achieve herd immunity earlier than its November target by inoculating at least 70% of its population with a minimum of one vaccine dose, mostly mRNA ones such as Pfizer`s. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Israel agreed on Monday to provide about 700,000 expiring doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine to South Korea, the Haaretz newspaper reported, citing Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Israel agreed on Monday to provide about 700,000 expiring doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine to South Korea, the Haaretz newspaper reported, citing Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Delivery of the doses is to begin later in July, and as part of the deal Israel will receive in September and October an identical number of Pfizer vaccine doses that had been ordered by Seoul, Bennett said. A spokeswoman for South Korea's Health Ministry said on Tuesday, she had no comment on the report. South Korea has quickly distributed the COVID-19 vaccines it has, but has struggled to obtain enough doses in a timely manner amid tight global supplies, particularly in Asia. The government said last week it is hoping to achieve herd immunity earlier than its November target by inoculating at least 70% of its population with a minimum of one vaccine dose, mostly mRNA ones such as Pfizer`s. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel and South Korea agree to COVID-19 vaccine exchange: Report

Scientists are concerned that a highly contagious new COVID-19 strain devastating Peru might be immune to vaccinations.&nbsp;

The C.37 strain, known as the Lambda variant, was first found in Peru in December 2020, accounting for fewer than 1% of all new cases.

According to a study published in the Financial Times, it currently accounts for approximately 80% of new infections in Peru and has spread to about 27 nations in the last month.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lambda-new-variant-of-covid-19-that-is-affecting-29-countries-392308">Also read | Lambda: New variant of COVID-19 that is affecting 29 countries</a> 
 
A study at the University of Chile, Santiago, looked into the effect of Lambda on workers who had received two doses of China's CoronaVac Vaccine. 
 
Watch | Coronavirus Origin: Do museum bat collections hold the clue

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-origin-do-museum-bat-collections-hold-the-clue-395790/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Results suggest Lambda is more infectious than Gamma and Alpha and is better able to escape the antibodies produced by vaccines.

According to the World Health Organization, the strain contains a variety of changes that could have resulted in greater transmissibility or resistance to neutralising antibodies.&nbsp;

The spike protein used by Lambda to infect human cells has a unique pattern of seven mutations.&nbsp;

According to the data, about 10% of those who are infected die, with a death rate of nearly 600 for every 100,000 citizens, almost double that of the next country, Hungary.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists are concerned that a highly contagious new COVID-19 strain devastating Peru might be immune to vaccinations. The C.37 strain, known as the Lambda variant, was first found in Peru in December 2020, accounting for fewer than 1% of all new cases.

Scientists are concerned that a highly contagious new COVID-19 strain devastating Peru might be immune to vaccinations. The C.37 strain, known as the Lambda variant, was first found in Peru in December 2020, accounting for fewer than 1% of all new cases. According to a study published in the Financial Times, it currently accounts for approximately 80% of new infections in Peru and has spread to about 27 nations in the last month. Also read | Lambda: New variant of COVID-19 that is affecting 29 countries A study at the University of Chile, Santiago, looked into the effect of Lambda on workers who had received two doses of China's CoronaVac Vaccine. Watch | Coronavirus Origin: Do museum bat collections hold the clue Results suggest Lambda is more infectious than Gamma and Alpha and is better able to escape the antibodies produced by vaccines. According to the World Health Organization, the strain contains a variety of changes that could have resulted in greater transmissibility or resistance to neutralising antibodies. The spike protein used by Lambda to infect human cells has a unique pattern of seven mutations. According to the data, about 10% of those who are infected die, with a death rate of nearly 600 for every 100,000 citizens, almost double that of the next country, Hungary. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Lambda variant may be more resistant to vaccines than other strains

When the entire country was facing strict lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commerce Ministry worked towards bringing the delicious mangoes and vegetables of Varanasi and nearby areas to reach the international markets in Europe and the Middle Eastern countries for the first time.&nbsp;

"The COVID-19 lockdown period since March last year was utilised to bring vegetables and fruits from Varanasi to the international markets through both land and sea routes. Varanasi was connected to the export markets through both air and; sea, resulting in the export of fresh vegetables (green chilly, long guard, green peas and cucumber), mangoes (Banarasi, Langra, Ramkheda and Chausa), etc to Europe and the Middle Eastern countries," Commerce Ministry officials said.

The officials said the exports were made possible as they connected the Fresh Vegetables and Fruits Exporters Association in Mumbai with the farmer groups in Varanasi. The exporter association searched for the markets for the produce from Varanasi and helped the farmers to earn more money from their produce.

"Till March 2021, 48 metric tonnes of fresh vegetables and 10 MT of mangoes have been exported from the Varanasi cluster," they said.

Another major success in terms of exports due to efforts by the Commerce Ministry, headed by Piyush Goel, has been the black rice as for the first time, 532 MT of Black rice was exported from Chandauli to Australia and New Zealand.

Chandauli is also part of the Varanasi cluster.The Commerce Ministry had recently stated that the country's export of agricultural and allied products in 2020-21 grew by 17.34 per cent to USD 41.25 billion, and this growth momentum is expected to be sustained in the current fiscal as well.

Speaking about the effort put in by the Agriculture Division of the Commerce Ministry, Deputy Director Rajan Sharma told ANI on sidelines of a conference, "During the lockdown, as per the &nbsp;directions of Commerce Minister, the team led by Joint Secretary burnt the midnight oil and left no stone unturned to reach out to exporters and resolving their problems.

"In the first week of lockdown itself, around 1000 calls of exporters were attended and all the issues like the movement of consignments, trucks, labour, issuance of certificates, lab testing reports, sample collection etc faced by the exporters were addressed after taking them up with the concerned authorities viz. local administration, police, ports. shipping and foreign trade authorities and ensured the real time clearance of export consignments," he said.

He said real-time help the farmer groups and exporters, the issuance of various certificates were made online and all the exporters access certificates for export, certificate of origin, health certificates etc. through their mobile phones, without visiting the government offices, making the exports hassle-free.

When the entire country was facing strict lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commerce Ministry worked towards bringing the delicious mangoes and vegetables of Varanasi and nearby areas to reach the international markets in Europe and the Middle Eastern countries for the first time.

When the entire country was facing strict lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commerce Ministry worked towards bringing the delicious mangoes and vegetables of Varanasi and nearby areas to reach the international markets in Europe and the Middle Eastern countries for the first time. "The COVID-19 lockdown period since March last year was utilised to bring vegetables and fruits from Varanasi to the international markets through both land and sea routes. Varanasi was connected to the export markets through both air and; sea, resulting in the export of fresh vegetables (green chilly, long guard, green peas and cucumber), mangoes (Banarasi, Langra, Ramkheda and Chausa), etc to Europe and the Middle Eastern countries," Commerce Ministry officials said. The officials said the exports were made possible as they connected the Fresh Vegetables and Fruits Exporters Association in Mumbai with the farmer groups in Varanasi. The exporter association searched for the markets for the produce from Varanasi and helped the farmers to earn more money from their produce. "Till March 2021, 48 metric tonnes of fresh vegetables and 10 MT of mangoes have been exported from the Varanasi cluster," they said. Another major success in terms of exports due to efforts by the Commerce Ministry, headed by Piyush Goel, has been the black rice as for the first time, 532 MT of Black rice was exported from Chandauli to Australia and New Zealand. Chandauli is also part of the Varanasi cluster.The Commerce Ministry had recently stated that the country's export of agricultural and allied products in 2020-21 grew by 17.34 per cent to USD 41.25 billion, and this growth momentum is expected to be sustained in the current fiscal as well. Speaking about the effort put in by the Agriculture Division of the Commerce Ministry, Deputy Director Rajan Sharma told ANI on sidelines of a conference, "During the lockdown, as per the directions of Commerce Minister, the team led by Joint Secretary burnt the midnight oil and left no stone unturned to reach out to exporters and resolving their problems. "In the first week of lockdown itself, around 1000 calls of exporters were attended and all the issues like the movement of consignments, trucks, labour, issuance of certificates, lab testing reports, sample collection etc faced by the exporters were addressed after taking them up with the concerned authorities viz. local administration, police, ports. shipping and foreign trade authorities and ensured the real time clearance of export consignments," he said. He said real-time help the farmer groups and exporters, the issuance of various certificates were made online and all the exporters access certificates for export, certificate of origin, health certificates etc. through their mobile phones, without visiting the government offices, making the exports hassle-free.

In a first, mangoes, black rice, bottle gourd from Varanasi make it to global markets despite COVID-19

Following more than 60 deaths in a hospital where supply of the life-saving oxygen gas was nearly limited, Indonesia has ordered oxygen manufacturers to prioritise medical demands, the government announced on Sunday.&nbsp;

In Indonesia, the daily influx of new cases has prompted hospitals to set up makeshift intensive care units and designate new quarantine centres.

In Jakarta, at least three additional cemeteries have been established for people who contracted COVID-19.

Residents in need of oxygen line up as early as 6 am in one Jakarta area to fill tanks for their loved ones.&nbsp;

The world's fourth most populous nation is battling one of Asia's worst coronavirus outbreaks, with Saturday's 27,913 infections becoming the newest of many peaks during the last two weeks.

In a statement, the Sardjito hospital on the island of Java said 63 patients died after it nearly ran out of oxygen over the period from Saturday until early on Sunday, when fresh supplies arrived.

A hospital spokesman could not confirm if all the dead had suffered from COVID-19, however.

In response, the government was asking the gas industry to increase production of medical oxygen, said health ministry official Siti Nadia Tarmizi.

"We also hope people don't stock up on oxygen," she added, referring to stockpiles that could have the effect of denying the gas to many.

The hospital said that for days before the incident, it had sought more supplies of oxygen, but virus patients streaming in since Friday had pushed it beyond its capacity, consuming supply sooner than expected.

The crisis began to lessen on Sunday as additional supplies began to arrive. Separately, the ministry in charge of Indonesia's COVID-19 response has directed the gas industry to prioritise production in order to meet an estimated daily demand of 800 tonnes of oxygen for medical purposes.

According to the ministry, the industry has an idle capacity of 225,000 tonnes per year that can still be utilised.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Following more than 60 deaths in a hospital where supply of the life-saving oxygen gas was nearly limited, Indonesia has ordered oxygen manufacturers to prioritise medical demands, the government announced on Sunday.

Following more than 60 deaths in a hospital where supply of the life-saving oxygen gas was nearly limited, Indonesia has ordered oxygen manufacturers to prioritise medical demands, the government announced on Sunday. In Indonesia, the daily influx of new cases has prompted hospitals to set up makeshift intensive care units and designate new quarantine centres. In Jakarta, at least three additional cemeteries have been established for people who contracted COVID-19. Residents in need of oxygen line up as early as 6 am in one Jakarta area to fill tanks for their loved ones. The world's fourth most populous nation is battling one of Asia's worst coronavirus outbreaks, with Saturday's 27,913 infections becoming the newest of many peaks during the last two weeks. In a statement, the Sardjito hospital on the island of Java said 63 patients died after it nearly ran out of oxygen over the period from Saturday until early on Sunday, when fresh supplies arrived. A hospital spokesman could not confirm if all the dead had suffered from COVID-19, however. In response, the government was asking the gas industry to increase production of medical oxygen, said health ministry official Siti Nadia Tarmizi. "We also hope people don't stock up on oxygen," she added, referring to stockpiles that could have the effect of denying the gas to many. The hospital said that for days before the incident, it had sought more supplies of oxygen, but virus patients streaming in since Friday had pushed it beyond its capacity, consuming supply sooner than expected. The crisis began to lessen on Sunday as additional supplies began to arrive. Separately, the ministry in charge of Indonesia's COVID-19 response has directed the gas industry to prioritise production in order to meet an estimated daily demand of 800 tonnes of oxygen for medical purposes. According to the ministry, the industry has an idle capacity of 225,000 tonnes per year that can still be utilised. (With inputs from agencies)

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