According to a new book, Dr Anthony Fauci opposed the Trump administration demands to withdraw a research grant to a foundation associated to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, only to “reluctantly agree” after it was indicated that his career would be risked.&nbsp;

"Nightmare Scenario: Inside the Trump Administration's Response to the Pandemic That Changed History," a forthcoming book by Washington Post authors Yasmeen Abutaleb and Damian Paletta, details Fauci's discussion with other top officials over how to handle the request.&nbsp; 
 
Dr Fauci secretly reinstated US funding of gain-of-function research in China during the Trump years, after the Obama administration had stopped it.&nbsp;

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director and his colleagues grappled with how to respond to the request in April 2020 to withhold the remaining $369,819 balance for nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance’s project studying coronaviruses.

“On the afternoon of April 24, [National Institutes of Health] director Francis Collins and Fauci received notice that Trump wanted to formally announce in a 5:00 pm press conference that the grant had been terminated,” the authors, Washington Post reporters Yasmeen Abutaleb and Damian Paletta wrote.

Following reports linked the research to the Wuhan facility at the centre of the "lab leak theory," which claims the pandemic began with a lab accident, the White House pressured the National Institutes of Health to stop funding for a study researching how coronaviruses transfer from infected bats to humans.

According to a new book, Dr Anthony Fauci opposed the Trump administration demands to withdraw a research grant to a foundation associated to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, only to “reluctantly agree” after it was indicated that his career would be risked.

According to a new book, Dr Anthony Fauci opposed the Trump administration demands to withdraw a research grant to a foundation associated to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, only to “reluctantly agree” after it was indicated that his career would be risked. "Nightmare Scenario: Inside the Trump Administration's Response to the Pandemic That Changed History," a forthcoming book by Washington Post authors Yasmeen Abutaleb and Damian Paletta, details Fauci's discussion with other top officials over how to handle the request. Dr Fauci secretly reinstated US funding of gain-of-function research in China during the Trump years, after the Obama administration had stopped it. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director and his colleagues grappled with how to respond to the request in April 2020 to withhold the remaining $369,819 balance for nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance’s project studying coronaviruses. “On the afternoon of April 24, [National Institutes of Health] director Francis Collins and Fauci received notice that Trump wanted to formally announce in a 5:00 pm press conference that the grant had been terminated,” the authors, Washington Post reporters Yasmeen Abutaleb and Damian Paletta wrote. Following reports linked the research to the Wuhan facility at the centre of the "lab leak theory," which claims the pandemic began with a lab accident, the White House pressured the National Institutes of Health to stop funding for a study researching how coronaviruses transfer from infected bats to humans.

COVID-19: Fauci fought Trump order to cancel research grant linked to Wuhan lab 

In one of the toughest policies by an airline, Cathay Pacific Ltd has notified on Thursday that all of its Hong Kong-based employees must get <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> by August 31, or risk losing their jobs.

This rule is valid for the Chinese city-based flight attendants and pilots. Cathay said the need to segregate vaccinated crew from un-vaccinated ones have complicated the staff rostering process, something that the airline is struggling with because of Hong Kong’s strict quarantine rules on return.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/coronavirus-impact-on-aviation-industry-low-cost-airfare-schemes-could-be-halted-for-a-long-time-289864">Coronavirus impact on aviation industry: Low-cost airfare schemes could be halted for a long time</a>

The said rules have been made lenient for a crew that has attained a full vaccination against the novel coronavirus. Only fully vaccinated crew is allowed to operate to certain high-risk destinations, especially on 
“bubble” flights that are quarantine-free.

In a statement, the airline said that they “understand there will be some who cannot take a vaccine and we will look into accommodating them on a short-term basis where we can,".

However, the airline will “review the future employment of those who are unable to become vaccinated and assess whether they can continue to be employed as aircrew with Cathay Pacific."

After a previous warning that vaccinations might become compulsory, according to the company’s own figures around 90 per cent of their pilots and more than 65 per cent of the flight crew has already been vaccinated, or have vaccination appointments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-the-global-aviation-industry-survive-coronavirus-related-slowdown-286815">Will the global aviation industry survive coronavirus-related slowdown?</a>

Different airlines have undertaken different policies to ensure the vaccination of their crew.

Earlier this week, US-based United Airlines said that from August onwards it would only allow fully vaccinated pilots and cabin crew to work on high-risk destinations flights. On the other hand, Delta Air Lines Inc announced last month that all its new hires would have to be vaccinated. &nbsp;

While Emirates has been providing free vaccination to its crew since January. The airlines also informed its airlines that they have to either get vaccinated or pay for regular covid tests to prove that they are not infected. &nbsp;

In one of the toughest policies by an airline, Cathay Pacific Ltd has notified on Thursday that all of its Hong Kong-based employees must get vaccinated against coronavirus by August 31, or risk losing their jobs.

In one of the toughest policies by an airline, Cathay Pacific Ltd has notified on Thursday that all of its Hong Kong-based employees must get vaccinated against coronavirus by August 31, or risk losing their jobs. This rule is valid for the Chinese city-based flight attendants and pilots. Cathay said the need to segregate vaccinated crew from un-vaccinated ones have complicated the staff rostering process, something that the airline is struggling with because of Hong Kong’s strict quarantine rules on return. Also read | Coronavirus impact on aviation industry: Low-cost airfare schemes could be halted for a long time The said rules have been made lenient for a crew that has attained a full vaccination against the novel coronavirus. Only fully vaccinated crew is allowed to operate to certain high-risk destinations, especially on “bubble” flights that are quarantine-free. In a statement, the airline said that they “understand there will be some who cannot take a vaccine and we will look into accommodating them on a short-term basis where we can,". However, the airline will “review the future employment of those who are unable to become vaccinated and assess whether they can continue to be employed as aircrew with Cathay Pacific." After a previous warning that vaccinations might become compulsory, according to the company’s own figures around 90 per cent of their pilots and more than 65 per cent of the flight crew has already been vaccinated, or have vaccination appointments. Also read | Will the global aviation industry survive coronavirus-related slowdown? Different airlines have undertaken different policies to ensure the vaccination of their crew. Earlier this week, US-based United Airlines said that from August onwards it would only allow fully vaccinated pilots and cabin crew to work on high-risk destinations flights. On the other hand, Delta Air Lines Inc announced last month that all its new hires would have to be vaccinated. While Emirates has been providing free vaccination to its crew since January. The airlines also informed its airlines that they have to either get vaccinated or pay for regular covid tests to prove that they are not infected.

Cathay Pacific airlines tells employees 'get vaccinated or risk losing your job'

The extremely contagious Delta variant is the fastest and fittest coronavirus strain yet, and it will “pick off” the most vulnerable people, especially in areas with low COVID-19 immunisation rates, according to World Health Organization officials.

Delta has the potential "to be more fatal because it's more efficient in the way it transmits between humans," according to Dr Mike Ryan, the executive director of WHO's the health-emergencies programme, who spoke at a Monday news conference. 
 
Watch | Gravitas | Delta Plus variant: The new worry for the world

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He said the Delta variant "will eventually find those vulnerable individuals who will become severely ill, have to be hospitalised, and potentially die."

World leaders and public health professionals, according to Ryan, can help protect the most vulnerable by donating and disseminating Covid vaccinations.

“We can protect those vulnerable people, those frontline workers,” Ryan said, “and the fact that we haven’t, as WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said, again and again, is a catastrophic moral failure at a global level.” 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-vaccines-are-losing-efficacy-against-delta-variant-warns-who-epidemiologist-393091">Also read | Covid vaccines are losing efficacy against Delta variant, warns WHO epidemiologist</a>

The WHO announced on Friday that Delta is becoming the most prevalent form of the coronavirus variants worldwide.

Last month, the UN health agency designated Delta as a "variant of concern."

According to the WHO, a variant might be classified as one "of concern" if it has been proven to be more contagious, lethal, or resistant to current vaccines and treatments.

Delta has taken over from Alpha, the extremely contagious form that swept Europe and then the United States earlier this year.

According to studies, it is 60 per cent more transmissible than alpha, which was more contagious than the original strain discovered in late 2019 in Wuhan, China.

The extremely contagious Delta variant is the fastest and fittest coronavirus strain yet, and it will “pick off” the most vulnerable people, especially in areas with low COVID-19 immunisation rates, according to World Health Organization officials.

The extremely contagious Delta variant is the fastest and fittest coronavirus strain yet, and it will “pick off” the most vulnerable people, especially in areas with low COVID-19 immunisation rates, according to World Health Organization officials. Delta has the potential "to be more fatal because it's more efficient in the way it transmits between humans," according to Dr Mike Ryan, the executive director of WHO's the health-emergencies programme, who spoke at a Monday news conference. Watch | Gravitas | Delta Plus variant: The new worry for the world He said the Delta variant "will eventually find those vulnerable individuals who will become severely ill, have to be hospitalised, and potentially die." World leaders and public health professionals, according to Ryan, can help protect the most vulnerable by donating and disseminating Covid vaccinations. “We can protect those vulnerable people, those frontline workers,” Ryan said, “and the fact that we haven’t, as WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said, again and again, is a catastrophic moral failure at a global level.” Also read | Covid vaccines are losing efficacy against Delta variant, warns WHO epidemiologist The WHO announced on Friday that Delta is becoming the most prevalent form of the coronavirus variants worldwide. Last month, the UN health agency designated Delta as a "variant of concern." According to the WHO, a variant might be classified as one "of concern" if it has been proven to be more contagious, lethal, or resistant to current vaccines and treatments. Delta has taken over from Alpha, the extremely contagious form that swept Europe and then the United States earlier this year. According to studies, it is 60 per cent more transmissible than alpha, which was more contagious than the original strain discovered in late 2019 in Wuhan, China.

Delta is the fastest COVID-19 variant and will pick off the most vulnerable: WHO

A Swedish information technology firm said on Tuesday a database containing patient data, including COVID-19 test results, had been breached but it was unclear if any contents had leaked. 
 
InfoSolutions said in a statement that it had identified a breach last week but it had since identified and solved what made the intrusion possible. 
 
"It cannot be ruled out that personal data has been read, but InfoSolutions considers the risk to be very low," it said, adding that no information had been lost or altered. 
 
The firm provides digital journals, including test results, for 15 of Sweden's 21 regions on behalf of the Public Health Agency, which has twice shut the database in recent months and reported suspected breaches to the police.

A Swedish information technology firm said on Tuesday a database containing patient data, including COVID-19 test results, had been breached but it was unclear if any contents had leaked.

A Swedish information technology firm said on Tuesday a database containing patient data, including COVID-19 test results, had been breached but it was unclear if any contents had leaked. InfoSolutions said in a statement that it had identified a breach last week but it had since identified and solved what made the intrusion possible. "It cannot be ruled out that personal data has been read, but InfoSolutions considers the risk to be very low," it said, adding that no information had been lost or altered. The firm provides digital journals, including test results, for 15 of Sweden's 21 regions on behalf of the Public Health Agency, which has twice shut the database in recent months and reported suspected breaches to the police.

Swedish IT provider says COVID-19 test database breached

New Zealand raised the COVID-19 alert level in its capital Wellington on Wednesday amid concerns that the city may have been exposed to the highly infectious Delta variant that has triggered a fresh outbreak in neighbouring Australia. 
 
Wellington will move to the country`s `Alert Level 2`, one level short of a lockdown, until midnight on Sunday as a precautionary measure to curb any potential outbreak after an Australian tourist tested positive for COVID-19 on returning to Sydney from a visit to the New Zealand capital over the weekend. 
 
"This is not a lockdown ... these are precautionary measures which will remain in place while we contact trace and test all of those we need to," New Zealand`s Covid&nbsp;response minister Chris Hipkins said at a news conference in Wellington. 
 
Under alert level 2, offices, schools and businesses can remain open but will have to maintain social distancing rules. Sport and recreation activities are allowed, subject to conditions including physical distancing, but gathering of more than 100 people will not be allowed, including at weddings, funeral and other events. 
 
With a population of 5 million people, New Zealand is among a handful of countries that have contained the spread of COVID-19 and returned to normalcy, with the last positive case due to community transmission reported about four months ago. 
 
New Zealand agreed to quarantine-free travel with neighbouring Australia earlier this year, as both nations had controlled the community spread of the coronavirus. 
 
But fresh concerns of an outbreak have emerged after the positive test for the unnamed male Australian tourist, who visited over a dozen locations including the national Te Papa museum, pubs, cafes, a bookshop and a hotel during his trip over last weekend. 
 
Passengers on flights used by the person were also asked to isolate and undergo testing. 
 
Australia`s most populous state, New South Wales (NSW) has seen its latest virus cluster swell to more than 30 cases in a week, prompting New Zealand to pause quarantine-free travel. 
 
NSW on Wednesday tightened restrictions on gatherings and movement of people in Sydney for a week amid fears the latest cluster of the highly infectious Delta variant could spur a major outbreak. 
 
Residents in seven Sydney council areas in the city`s east and inner west were banned from travelling for non-essential reasons outside those regions, while household gatherings will be limited to five guests and masks will be mandatory in all indoor locations, including offices. 
 
"We have gone from near and present danger to a very real and present danger, not just in a shopping centre but right across Sydney," NSW state Health Minister Brad Hazzard told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday. 
 
The first virus cluster in NSW in more than a month was linked to a driver who transports overseas airline crew and who visited several places, including a shopping centre in Bondi, a popular tourist hotspot. 
 
Ten new cases were reported by 8 p.m. local time on Tuesday but 13 further cases have been detected since then. 
 
Snap lockdowns, tough social distancing rules and swift contact tracing have helped both Australia and New Zealand to contain outbreaks and keep their COVID-19 numbers relatively low. 
 
Australia has reported just over 30,350 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began, while New Zealand recorded more than 2,300 confirmed cases and 26 deaths.

New Zealand raised the COVID-19 alert level in its capital Wellington on Wednesday amid concerns that the city may have been exposed to the highly infectious Delta variant that has triggered a fresh outbreak in neighbouring Australia.

New Zealand raised the COVID-19 alert level in its capital Wellington on Wednesday amid concerns that the city may have been exposed to the highly infectious Delta variant that has triggered a fresh outbreak in neighbouring Australia. Wellington will move to the country`s `Alert Level 2`, one level short of a lockdown, until midnight on Sunday as a precautionary measure to curb any potential outbreak after an Australian tourist tested positive for COVID-19 on returning to Sydney from a visit to the New Zealand capital over the weekend. "This is not a lockdown ... these are precautionary measures which will remain in place while we contact trace and test all of those we need to," New Zealand`s Covid response minister Chris Hipkins said at a news conference in Wellington. Under alert level 2, offices, schools and businesses can remain open but will have to maintain social distancing rules. Sport and recreation activities are allowed, subject to conditions including physical distancing, but gathering of more than 100 people will not be allowed, including at weddings, funeral and other events. With a population of 5 million people, New Zealand is among a handful of countries that have contained the spread of COVID-19 and returned to normalcy, with the last positive case due to community transmission reported about four months ago. New Zealand agreed to quarantine-free travel with neighbouring Australia earlier this year, as both nations had controlled the community spread of the coronavirus. But fresh concerns of an outbreak have emerged after the positive test for the unnamed male Australian tourist, who visited over a dozen locations including the national Te Papa museum, pubs, cafes, a bookshop and a hotel during his trip over last weekend. Passengers on flights used by the person were also asked to isolate and undergo testing. Australia`s most populous state, New South Wales (NSW) has seen its latest virus cluster swell to more than 30 cases in a week, prompting New Zealand to pause quarantine-free travel. NSW on Wednesday tightened restrictions on gatherings and movement of people in Sydney for a week amid fears the latest cluster of the highly infectious Delta variant could spur a major outbreak. Residents in seven Sydney council areas in the city`s east and inner west were banned from travelling for non-essential reasons outside those regions, while household gatherings will be limited to five guests and masks will be mandatory in all indoor locations, including offices. "We have gone from near and present danger to a very real and present danger, not just in a shopping centre but right across Sydney," NSW state Health Minister Brad Hazzard told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday. The first virus cluster in NSW in more than a month was linked to a driver who transports overseas airline crew and who visited several places, including a shopping centre in Bondi, a popular tourist hotspot. Ten new cases were reported by 8 p.m. local time on Tuesday but 13 further cases have been detected since then. Snap lockdowns, tough social distancing rules and swift contact tracing have helped both Australia and New Zealand to contain outbreaks and keep their COVID-19 numbers relatively low. Australia has reported just over 30,350 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began, while New Zealand recorded more than 2,300 confirmed cases and 26 deaths.

New Zealand brings back curbs in Wellington after Covid scare from Sydney visitor

The government of outgoing President Hassan Rouhani has faced criticism for a slow vaccination drive, which officials have blamed on US sanctions hampering efforts to buy foreign vaccines and on delays in deliveries.

Iran's President-elect Raisi says COVID-19 vaccination to top his plans

India recorded 50,848 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours taking the country`s total caseload to over three crores, according to data released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Wednesday. 
 
As it continued with a declining trend of coronavirus infection, the country reported 1,358 deaths. 
 
This is the sixth consecutive day in the last two months when the toll has been below the 2,000-mark. 
 
The overall tally of Covid-19 cases in the country now stands at 3,00,28,709. India has become the second country after the US to record more than three crore cases of Covid. India added one crore cases in the last 50 days. 
 
India`s total caseload had touched two crore-mark on May 3. 
 
It is also the 16th consecutive day when India reported less than one lakh new coronavirus cases. On March 23, India had recorded 47,262 cases while on June 22 India reported 42,640 cases. 
 
The active cases have now come down below 8 lakh. The country has 6,43,194 active cases presently and has witnessed 3,90,660 deaths so far. 
 
According to the Union Health Ministry, a total of 68,817 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total discharge to 2,89,94,855 till date. 
 
The Health Ministry said that a total of 29,46,39,511 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 54,24,374 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. 
 
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 39,59,73,198 samples have been tested up to June 22 for Covid-19. Of these 19,01,056 samples were tested on Tuesday

India recorded 50,848 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours taking the country`s total caseload to over three crores, according to data released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Wednesday.

India recorded 50,848 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours taking the country`s total caseload to over three crores, according to data released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Wednesday. As it continued with a declining trend of coronavirus infection, the country reported 1,358 deaths. This is the sixth consecutive day in the last two months when the toll has been below the 2,000-mark. The overall tally of Covid-19 cases in the country now stands at 3,00,28,709. India has become the second country after the US to record more than three crore cases of Covid. India added one crore cases in the last 50 days. India`s total caseload had touched two crore-mark on May 3. It is also the 16th consecutive day when India reported less than one lakh new coronavirus cases. On March 23, India had recorded 47,262 cases while on June 22 India reported 42,640 cases. The active cases have now come down below 8 lakh. The country has 6,43,194 active cases presently and has witnessed 3,90,660 deaths so far. According to the Union Health Ministry, a total of 68,817 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total discharge to 2,89,94,855 till date. The Health Ministry said that a total of 29,46,39,511 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 54,24,374 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 39,59,73,198 samples have been tested up to June 22 for Covid-19. Of these 19,01,056 samples were tested on Tuesday

India reports 50,848 new COVID-19 cases, taking total infections to 30 million

Reported deaths from COVID-19 in Colombia passed 100,000 on Monday, the country`s health ministry said, amid warnings of potential scarcity of treatment drugs and oxygen in hospitals during a long and brutal third peak of infections and deaths. 
 
The country of 50 million people has reported more than 3.9 million cases of coronavirus infections, as well as 100,582 deaths. 
 
Colombia has seen record numbers of coronavirus infections and deaths in recent weeks, with some medical officials warning certain medical supplies are running low. 
 
Intensive care units (ICUs) in major cities are operating at near full capacity, according to information published by local health authorities in capital Bogota, as well as in Medellin and Cali, Colombia`s second-largest and third-largest cities respectively. 
 
"We`re starting to see scarcity of certain resources everywhere," Cesar Enciso, medical coordinator for intensive care at the University Children`s Hospital of San Jose in Bogota, told Reuters, citing a lack of sedatives and oxygen supplies. 
 
"If the situation continues with this number of cases every day, resources are going to run out," he added. 
 
The government has blamed weeks of anti-government protests for extending the third peak, which began after Easter. The country hit a record of 30,000 daily reported cases earlier this month, while Monday saw a new high of 648 daily deaths. 
 
"Crowds are the main breeding ground for this disease to spread exponentially," President Ivan Duque said in a ceremony to mark Colombia`s COVID-19 deaths. 
 
Despite the peak, the South American country has lifted many of the restrictions it imposed in March last year to control coronavirus, in a bid to bolster the economy and amid widespread frustration with social distancing measures. 
 
Colombia has administered over 14.9 million vaccine doses, of which more than 4.7 million are second doses. The country hopes to vaccinate some 35 million people - 70% of its population - this year.

Reported deaths from COVID-19 in Colombia passed 100,000 on Monday, the country`s health ministry said, amid warnings of potential scarcity of treatment drugs and oxygen in hospitals during a long and brutal third peak of infections and deaths.

Reported deaths from COVID-19 in Colombia passed 100,000 on Monday, the country`s health ministry said, amid warnings of potential scarcity of treatment drugs and oxygen in hospitals during a long and brutal third peak of infections and deaths. The country of 50 million people has reported more than 3.9 million cases of coronavirus infections, as well as 100,582 deaths. Colombia has seen record numbers of coronavirus infections and deaths in recent weeks, with some medical officials warning certain medical supplies are running low. Intensive care units (ICUs) in major cities are operating at near full capacity, according to information published by local health authorities in capital Bogota, as well as in Medellin and Cali, Colombia`s second-largest and third-largest cities respectively. "We`re starting to see scarcity of certain resources everywhere," Cesar Enciso, medical coordinator for intensive care at the University Children`s Hospital of San Jose in Bogota, told Reuters, citing a lack of sedatives and oxygen supplies. "If the situation continues with this number of cases every day, resources are going to run out," he added. The government has blamed weeks of anti-government protests for extending the third peak, which began after Easter. The country hit a record of 30,000 daily reported cases earlier this month, while Monday saw a new high of 648 daily deaths. "Crowds are the main breeding ground for this disease to spread exponentially," President Ivan Duque said in a ceremony to mark Colombia`s COVID-19 deaths. Despite the peak, the South American country has lifted many of the restrictions it imposed in March last year to control coronavirus, in a bid to bolster the economy and amid widespread frustration with social distancing measures. Colombia has administered over 14.9 million vaccine doses, of which more than 4.7 million are second doses. The country hopes to vaccinate some 35 million people - 70% of its population - this year.

Colombia's COVID-19 deaths pass 100,000 in unrelenting third wave

The overall global COVID-19 caseload has topped 178.6 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.87 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. 
 
In its latest update on Tuesday morning, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 178,686,182 and 3,870,373, respectively. 
 
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 33,553,967 and 602,086, respectively, according to the CSSE. 
 
In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 29,935,221 cases. 
 
The other worst countries with over 3 million cases are Brazil (17,927,928), France (5,819,575), Turkey (5,375,593), Russia (5,272,328), the UK (4,656,535), Argentina (4,277,395), Italy (4,253,460), Colombia (3,968,405), Spain (3,764,651), Germany (3,730,619) and Iran (3,105,620), the CSSE figures showed. 
 
In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 501,825 fatalities. 
 
Nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are India (388,135), Mexico (231,187), the UK (128,245), Italy (127,291), Russia (127,641) and France (110,940). 
&nbsp;

The overall global COVID-19 caseload has topped 178.6 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.87 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

The overall global COVID-19 caseload has topped 178.6 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.87 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on Tuesday morning, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 178,686,182 and 3,870,373, respectively. The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 33,553,967 and 602,086, respectively, according to the CSSE. In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 29,935,221 cases. The other worst countries with over 3 million cases are Brazil (17,927,928), France (5,819,575), Turkey (5,375,593), Russia (5,272,328), the UK (4,656,535), Argentina (4,277,395), Italy (4,253,460), Colombia (3,968,405), Spain (3,764,651), Germany (3,730,619) and Iran (3,105,620), the CSSE figures showed. In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 501,825 fatalities. Nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are India (388,135), Mexico (231,187), the UK (128,245), Italy (127,291), Russia (127,641) and France (110,940).

Global COVID-19 caseload tops 178.6 million

India recorded 42,640 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the lowest since March 23, according to data released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Tuesday. 
 
As it continued with a declining trend of coronavirus infection, the country reported 1,167 deaths. This is the fifth consecutive day in the last two months when the toll has been below the 2,000-mark. 
 
It is also the 15th consecutive day when India reported less than one lakh new coronavirus cases. On March 23, India had recorded 47,262 cases while on June 22 India reported 53,256 cases. 
 
The overall tally of COVID-19 cases in the country now stands at 2,99,77,861. 
 
The active cases have now come down below 800,000. The country has 662,521 active cases presently and has witnessed 389,302 deaths so far. 
 
According to the Union Health Ministry, a total of 81,839 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total discharge to 2,89,26,038 till date. 
 
The Health Ministry said that a total of 28,87,66,201 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 86,16,373 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. 
 
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 39,40,72,142 samples have been tested up to June 21 for Covid-19. Of these 16,64,360 samples were tested on Monday.

India recorded 42,640 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the lowest since March 23, according to data released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Tuesday.

India recorded 42,640 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the lowest since March 23, according to data released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Tuesday. As it continued with a declining trend of coronavirus infection, the country reported 1,167 deaths. This is the fifth consecutive day in the last two months when the toll has been below the 2,000-mark. It is also the 15th consecutive day when India reported less than one lakh new coronavirus cases. On March 23, India had recorded 47,262 cases while on June 22 India reported 53,256 cases. The overall tally of COVID-19 cases in the country now stands at 2,99,77,861. The active cases have now come down below 800,000. The country has 662,521 active cases presently and has witnessed 389,302 deaths so far. According to the Union Health Ministry, a total of 81,839 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total discharge to 2,89,26,038 till date. The Health Ministry said that a total of 28,87,66,201 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 86,16,373 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 39,40,72,142 samples have been tested up to June 21 for Covid-19. Of these 16,64,360 samples were tested on Monday.

India logs 42,000 Covid cases and 1,167 deaths in 24 hours

When the COVID-19 pandemic exploded around the globe, scientists warned of dire consequences if the chain of transmission wasn’t disrupted on time. We were warned that more dangerous variants would emerge and that vaccines may lose efficacy in the face of such mutations.

Now, a World Health Organization (WHO) official claims that COVID-19 vaccines are signalling reduced efficacy against the Delta variant of coronavirus.

Related video:&nbsp;Cases of Delta variant of Coronavirus rising in the UK

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Even though the current vaccines are able to offer great protection against severe illnesses and significantly cut death rates, it is a worrying trend which could leave the vaccines completely ineffective against potential highly mutated variants. Highlighting the dangers posed by a “constellation of mutations”, Maria Van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) technical lead for Covid&nbsp;warned against giving the virus any chance to mutate further, media reports said.

Recently, the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) mutated further to create the Delta Plus variant, cases of which are being reported in India, where the original Delta variant was also first identified.&nbsp;

Why we should we wary

The Delta variant is highly transmissible and is listed as a “variant of concern” by WHO. Dangers of another wave continue to lurk in the shadows. India was able to bring down its caseload only recently, and cases in the United Kingdom have also shot up to 10,000 again.

And the more the virus is allowed to spread, the higher number of mutations we can expect. In the face of this, vaccines may or not be able to keep up, which is why breaking the chain of transmission is pertinent.

Transmission can be stopped by strict compliance with precautionary measures like masks, hand hygiene and social distancing. If a majority of the world’s population is vaccinated against coronavirus, herd immunity could be reached. But with inequality in terms of access to jabs, universal vaccination seems unlikely in the near future unless developed countries dispatch life-saving jabs to developing countries on war footing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/taiwan-wants-german-vaccines-china-may-be-standing-in-its-way-392037" hreflang="en">Taiwan wants German vaccines. China may be standing in its way.</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-opens-vaccines-for-21-22-year-olds-fearing-rise-of-delta-variant-391906" hreflang="en">UK opens vaccines for 21-22 year olds, fearing rise of Delta variant</a>

When the COVID-19 pandemic exploded around the globe, scientists warned of dire consequences if the chain of transmission wasn’t disrupted on time. We were warned that more dangerous variants would emerge and that vaccines may lose efficacy in the face of such mutations.

When the COVID-19 pandemic exploded around the globe, scientists warned of dire consequences if the chain of transmission wasn’t disrupted on time. We were warned that more dangerous variants would emerge and that vaccines may lose efficacy in the face of such mutations. Now, a World Health Organization (WHO) official claims that COVID-19 vaccines are signalling reduced efficacy against the Delta variant of coronavirus. Related video: Cases of Delta variant of Coronavirus rising in the UK Even though the current vaccines are able to offer great protection against severe illnesses and significantly cut death rates, it is a worrying trend which could leave the vaccines completely ineffective against potential highly mutated variants. Highlighting the dangers posed by a “constellation of mutations”, Maria Van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) technical lead for Covid warned against giving the virus any chance to mutate further, media reports said. Recently, the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) mutated further to create the Delta Plus variant, cases of which are being reported in India, where the original Delta variant was also first identified. Why we should we wary The Delta variant is highly transmissible and is listed as a “variant of concern” by WHO. Dangers of another wave continue to lurk in the shadows. India was able to bring down its caseload only recently, and cases in the United Kingdom have also shot up to 10,000 again. And the more the virus is allowed to spread, the higher number of mutations we can expect. In the face of this, vaccines may or not be able to keep up, which is why breaking the chain of transmission is pertinent. Transmission can be stopped by strict compliance with precautionary measures like masks, hand hygiene and social distancing. If a majority of the world’s population is vaccinated against coronavirus, herd immunity could be reached. But with inequality in terms of access to jabs, universal vaccination seems unlikely in the near future unless developed countries dispatch life-saving jabs to developing countries on war footing. Also read: Taiwan wants German vaccines. China may be standing in its way. Also read: UK opens vaccines for 21-22 year olds, fearing rise of Delta variant

Covid vaccines are losing efficacy against Delta variant, warns WHO epidemiologist

Amid rising cases, China is testing a whole city for COVID-19 to prevent another outbreak. Authorities quarantined areas where cases were reported in the manufacturing hub of China’s most populous province of Guangdong.

The city of Dongguan launched a mass testing drive after two cases of the Delta variant were reported on Friday. The highly transmissible Delta variant of coronavirus was first identified in India and has spiked global numbers since it spawned. These mark the first few cases of the Delta variant in China.

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In Dongguan, citizens were told by authorities to stay indoors unless necessary and have been urged not to leave the city.&nbsp;Those who end up leaving the city are also asked to show negative test results within 48 hours of departure.

To curb the spread of the virus, highway entrances have remained shut. In addition, shuttle bus services between airports in Guangzhou and Shenzhen remain shut. In Dongguan, a check-in terminal has been shut as well.

On June 20, China reported 17 new infections of coronavirus, as per data from the health ministry. According to authorities, one of the new cases was a local infection in Dongguan while others were imported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-vaccines-are-losing-efficacy-against-delta-variant-warns-who-epidemiologist-393091" hreflang="en">Covid vaccines are losing efficacy against Delta variant, warns WHO epidemiologist</a>

An official from the World Health Organization on Monday warned that the vaccines are starting signs of reduced efficacy against the Delta variant of coronavirus. Mutations can be stopped only by breaking the chain of transmission in places with high caseloads and by mass vaccinations.

To assist countries with inoculation programmes, the US on Monday announced plans to share 55 million doses of coronavirus vaccines with the rest of the world. Out of these, 16 million will be sent to Asian nations like India and Bangladesh. On June 21, India extended its free inoculation programme to everyone aged above 18. So far, 8.2 million vaccine doses have been administered in India.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fight-over-covids-origins-renews-debate-on-risks-of-lab-work-392935" hreflang="en">Fight over Covid’s origins renews debate on risks of lab work</a>

Amid rising cases, China is testing a whole city for COVID-19 to prevent another outbreak. Authorities quarantined areas where cases were reported in the manufacturing hub of China’s most populous province of Guangdong.

Amid rising cases, China is testing a whole city for COVID-19 to prevent another outbreak. Authorities quarantined areas where cases were reported in the manufacturing hub of China’s most populous province of Guangdong. The city of Dongguan launched a mass testing drive after two cases of the Delta variant were reported on Friday. The highly transmissible Delta variant of coronavirus was first identified in India and has spiked global numbers since it spawned. These mark the first few cases of the Delta variant in China. In Dongguan, citizens were told by authorities to stay indoors unless necessary and have been urged not to leave the city. Those who end up leaving the city are also asked to show negative test results within 48 hours of departure. To curb the spread of the virus, highway entrances have remained shut. In addition, shuttle bus services between airports in Guangzhou and Shenzhen remain shut. In Dongguan, a check-in terminal has been shut as well. On June 20, China reported 17 new infections of coronavirus, as per data from the health ministry. According to authorities, one of the new cases was a local infection in Dongguan while others were imported. Also read: Covid vaccines are losing efficacy against Delta variant, warns WHO epidemiologist An official from the World Health Organization on Monday warned that the vaccines are starting signs of reduced efficacy against the Delta variant of coronavirus. Mutations can be stopped only by breaking the chain of transmission in places with high caseloads and by mass vaccinations. To assist countries with inoculation programmes, the US on Monday announced plans to share 55 million doses of coronavirus vaccines with the rest of the world. Out of these, 16 million will be sent to Asian nations like India and Bangladesh. On June 21, India extended its free inoculation programme to everyone aged above 18. So far, 8.2 million vaccine doses have been administered in India. Also read: Fight over Covid’s origins renews debate on risks of lab work

China begins testing entire city after fresh cases of Delta variant surface

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 178.4 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.86 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. 
 
In its latest update on Monday morning, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 178,424,674 and 3,864,442, respectively. 
 
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 33,541,849 and 601,826, respectively, according to the CSSE. 
 
In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 29,881,772 cases. 
 
The other worst countries with over 3 million cases are Brazil (17,927,928), France (5,819,088), Turkey (5,370,299), Russia (5,255,214), the UK (4,646,067), Argentina (4,268,789), Italy (4,252,976), Colombia (3,945,166), Spain (3,757,442), Germany (3,730,126) and Iran (3,095,135), the CSSE figures showed. 
 
In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 501,825 fatalities. 
 
Nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are India (386,708), Mexico (231,151), the UK (128,240), Italy (127,270), Russia (127,206) and France (110,900).

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 178.4 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.86 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 178.4 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.86 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on Monday morning, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 178,424,674 and 3,864,442, respectively. The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 33,541,849 and 601,826, respectively, according to the CSSE. In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 29,881,772 cases. The other worst countries with over 3 million cases are Brazil (17,927,928), France (5,819,088), Turkey (5,370,299), Russia (5,255,214), the UK (4,646,067), Argentina (4,268,789), Italy (4,252,976), Colombia (3,945,166), Spain (3,757,442), Germany (3,730,126) and Iran (3,095,135), the CSSE figures showed. In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 501,825 fatalities. Nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are India (386,708), Mexico (231,151), the UK (128,240), Italy (127,270), Russia (127,206) and France (110,900).

Global COVID-19 caseload tops 178.4 million

Australian states and territories will get more doses of COVID-19 vaccines soon, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, as authorities look to avoid further delays in an immunisation drive that has hit several roadblocks. 
 
Australian states have been asking for increased supplies of vaccines after Australia last week announced a policy shift that recommended AstraZeneca shots for people only above 60 years due to clot concerns, throwing the rollout into disarray. 
 
"They are all getting additional doses ... it scales up again in July when the additional Pfizer doses go out," Morrison told radio station 2GB on Monday. Morrison did not specify the number of shots each state would get. 
 
Australia`s nationwide vaccination programme missed several initial targets due to patchy international vaccine supplies while changing medical advice on AstraZeneca doses further slowed down an already sluggish programme. 
 
Only 4% of Australia`s adult population of 20 million have been fully vaccinated while more than 25% have had at least their first dose. 
 
To accelerate the rollout drive, the federal government plans to distribute around 2.3 million doses of Pfizer vaccine in June to the states and territories, and looks to ramp it up to 3.4 million through July. 
 
Australia has to rely on overseas shipments for its Pfizer shots while the AstraZeneca ones are produced locally. 
 
Morrison has called a meeting of the national cabinet, the group of federal, state and territory leaders, on Monday, three weeks earlier than scheduled amid the turmoil in its vaccination programme. The next meeting was scheduled on July 9. 
 
The government`s promise of more doses for states come as New South Wales (NSW), Australia`s most populous state, fights to contain a latest outbreak, which grew to nine cases over the weekend. 
 
Victoria state on Monday reported one new locally acquired case linked to an existing cluster while Queensland, which reported one new infection on Sunday, reported no new cases. NSW is expected to report its latest numbers later on Monday.

Australian states and territories will get more doses of COVID-19 vaccines soon, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, as authorities look to avoid further delays in an immunisation drive that has hit several roadblocks.

Australian states and territories will get more doses of COVID-19 vaccines soon, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, as authorities look to avoid further delays in an immunisation drive that has hit several roadblocks. Australian states have been asking for increased supplies of vaccines after Australia last week announced a policy shift that recommended AstraZeneca shots for people only above 60 years due to clot concerns, throwing the rollout into disarray. "They are all getting additional doses ... it scales up again in July when the additional Pfizer doses go out," Morrison told radio station 2GB on Monday. Morrison did not specify the number of shots each state would get. Australia`s nationwide vaccination programme missed several initial targets due to patchy international vaccine supplies while changing medical advice on AstraZeneca doses further slowed down an already sluggish programme. Only 4% of Australia`s adult population of 20 million have been fully vaccinated while more than 25% have had at least their first dose. To accelerate the rollout drive, the federal government plans to distribute around 2.3 million doses of Pfizer vaccine in June to the states and territories, and looks to ramp it up to 3.4 million through July. Australia has to rely on overseas shipments for its Pfizer shots while the AstraZeneca ones are produced locally. Morrison has called a meeting of the national cabinet, the group of federal, state and territory leaders, on Monday, three weeks earlier than scheduled amid the turmoil in its vaccination programme. The next meeting was scheduled on July 9. The government`s promise of more doses for states come as New South Wales (NSW), Australia`s most populous state, fights to contain a latest outbreak, which grew to nine cases over the weekend. Victoria state on Monday reported one new locally acquired case linked to an existing cluster while Queensland, which reported one new infection on Sunday, reported no new cases. NSW is expected to report its latest numbers later on Monday.

Australian PM promises more COVID-19 shots to states amid rollout delays

Brazil recorded 44,178 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, along with 1,025 deaths from COVID-19, the Health Ministry said on Sunday. 
 
Brazil has registered more than 17.9 million cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 501,825, according to ministry data.

Death toll from COVID-19 surpassed 500,000 on Saturday in Brazil as experts warn that the world's second-deadliest outbreak may worsen due to delayed vaccinations and the government's refusal to back social distancing measures.

Only 11% of&nbsp;Brazilians have been fully vaccinated and epidemiologists warn that, with winter arriving in the southern hemisphere and new variants of the coronavirus circulating, deaths will continue to mount even if immunisations gain steam.

Brazil&nbsp;has registered 500,800 deaths from 17,883,750 confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to Health Ministry data on Saturday, the worst official death toll outside the United States. Over the past week,&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;has averaged 2,000 deaths per day.

COVID-19 continues to devastate countries around the region with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reporting 1.1 million new cases of COVID-19 and 31,000 deaths in the Americas last week. PAHO noted upticks in six Mexican states, Belize, Guatemala, Panama and some places in the Caribbean.

PAHO warned that Colombia's COVID-19 situation is at its worst point yet, with intensive care unit beds filled in major cities.

Experts see the toll in&nbsp;Brazil, already the highest in Latin America, climbing far higher.

"I think we are going to reach 700,000 or 800,000 deaths before we get to see the effects of vaccination," said Gonzalo Vecina, former head of&nbsp;Brazilian health regulator Anvisa, predicting a near-term acceleration in fatalities.

Vecina criticised far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic, including the lack of a coordinated national response and his skepticism toward vaccines, lockdowns and mask-wearing requirements, which he has sought to loosen.

Thousands of&nbsp;Brazilians protested against Bolsonaro's management of the pandemic in nationwide demonstrations on Saturday, blaming the administration for the high death toll and calling for the president's ouster.

Raphael Guimaraes, a researcher at&nbsp;Brazilian biomedical centre&nbsp;Fiocruz, said delays in the vaccination program in Latin America's most populous nation meant its full effects would not be felt until September or later.

Guimaraes warned that&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;could revisit scenes from the worst of its March-April peak, when the country averaged 3,000 deaths per day.

"We are still in an extremely critical situation, with very high transmission rates and hospital bed occupancy that is still critical in many places," he said.

This week, new confirmed cases in&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;accelerated to more than 70,000 per day on average, edging past India for the most in the world.

Vaccination will be crucial in beating the virus in&nbsp;Brazil, since the country has failed to reach a consensus on social distancing and masks, said Ester Sabino, an epidemiologist at the University of Sao Paulo.

"We really need to increase vaccination very quickly," she said.

However, evidence from neighboring Chile, which like&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;has relied overwhelming on a vaccine developed by China's Sinovac Biotech, suggests it may be months before mass immunization will effectively curb transmission.

Nearly half of Chileans have been vaccinated, but their capital Santiago just went back into lockdown as cases surged again to near peak levels.

Brazil&nbsp;will need to inoculate some 80 million people to reach Chile's current per capita vaccination levels.

That will require a more consistent supply of vaccines and ingredients in&nbsp;Brazil, which have been spotty in recent months, as imports from China were delayed after Bolsonaro antagonised Beijing with comments perceived as anti-Chinese.

Brazil recorded 44,178 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, along with 1,025 deaths from COVID-19, the Health Ministry said on Sunday.

Brazil recorded 44,178 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, along with 1,025 deaths from COVID-19, the Health Ministry said on Sunday. Brazil has registered more than 17.9 million cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 501,825, according to ministry data. Death toll from COVID-19 surpassed 500,000 on Saturday in Brazil as experts warn that the world's second-deadliest outbreak may worsen due to delayed vaccinations and the government's refusal to back social distancing measures. Only 11% of Brazilians have been fully vaccinated and epidemiologists warn that, with winter arriving in the southern hemisphere and new variants of the coronavirus circulating, deaths will continue to mount even if immunisations gain steam. Brazil has registered 500,800 deaths from 17,883,750 confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to Health Ministry data on Saturday, the worst official death toll outside the United States. Over the past week, Brazil has averaged 2,000 deaths per day. COVID-19 continues to devastate countries around the region with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reporting 1.1 million new cases of COVID-19 and 31,000 deaths in the Americas last week. PAHO noted upticks in six Mexican states, Belize, Guatemala, Panama and some places in the Caribbean. PAHO warned that Colombia's COVID-19 situation is at its worst point yet, with intensive care unit beds filled in major cities. Experts see the toll in Brazil, already the highest in Latin America, climbing far higher. "I think we are going to reach 700,000 or 800,000 deaths before we get to see the effects of vaccination," said Gonzalo Vecina, former head of Brazilian health regulator Anvisa, predicting a near-term acceleration in fatalities. Vecina criticised far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic, including the lack of a coordinated national response and his skepticism toward vaccines, lockdowns and mask-wearing requirements, which he has sought to loosen. Thousands of Brazilians protested against Bolsonaro's management of the pandemic in nationwide demonstrations on Saturday, blaming the administration for the high death toll and calling for the president's ouster. Raphael Guimaraes, a researcher at Brazilian biomedical centre Fiocruz, said delays in the vaccination program in Latin America's most populous nation meant its full effects would not be felt until September or later. Guimaraes warned that Brazil could revisit scenes from the worst of its March-April peak, when the country averaged 3,000 deaths per day. "We are still in an extremely critical situation, with very high transmission rates and hospital bed occupancy that is still critical in many places," he said. This week, new confirmed cases in Brazil accelerated to more than 70,000 per day on average, edging past India for the most in the world. Vaccination will be crucial in beating the virus in Brazil, since the country has failed to reach a consensus on social distancing and masks, said Ester Sabino, an epidemiologist at the University of Sao Paulo. "We really need to increase vaccination very quickly," she said. However, evidence from neighboring Chile, which like Brazil has relied overwhelming on a vaccine developed by China's Sinovac Biotech, suggests it may be months before mass immunization will effectively curb transmission. Nearly half of Chileans have been vaccinated, but their capital Santiago just went back into lockdown as cases surged again to near peak levels. Brazil will need to inoculate some 80 million people to reach Chile's current per capita vaccination levels. That will require a more consistent supply of vaccines and ingredients in Brazil, which have been spotty in recent months, as imports from China were delayed after Bolsonaro antagonised Beijing with comments perceived as anti-Chinese.

Brazil reports 44,178 new coronavirus cases and 1,025 deaths

At a Senate hearing on efforts to combat COVID-19 last month, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky asked Dr&nbsp;Anthony Fauci whether the National Institutes of Health had funded “gain-of-function” research on coronaviruses in China.

“Gain-of-function research, as you know, is juicing up naturally occurring animal viruses to infect humans,” the senator said.

Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, flatly rejected the claim: “Sen&nbsp;Paul, with all due respect, you are entirely and completely incorrect, that the NIH has not ever and does not now fund gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute.”

This exchange, and the bit of scientific jargon at the heart of it, has gained traction in recent weeks, usually by people suggesting that the coronavirus was engineered, rather than having jumped from animals to humans, the explanation favoured by most experts on coronaviruses. The uproar has also drawn attention back to a decade-long debate among scientists over whether certain gain-of-function research is too risky to allow.

Spurred by some contested bird flu experiments in 2012, the US&nbsp;government adjusted its policies for oversight of certain types of pathogen studies. But some critics in the scientific community say that the policy is overly restrictive and that its enforcement has been far from transparent.

The stakes of the debate could not be higher. Too little research on emerging viruses will leave us unprepared for future pandemics. But too little attention to the safety risks will increase the chances that an experimental pathogen may escape a lab through an accident and cause an outbreak of its own.

Sorting out the balance of risks and benefits of the research has proved over the years to be immensely challenging. And now, the intensity of the politics and rhetoric over the lab leak theory threatens to push detailed science policy discussions to the sidelines.

“It’s just going to make it harder to get back to a serious debate,” said Marc Lipsitch, an epidemiologist at the Harvard TH&nbsp;Chan School of Public Health who has urged the government to be more transparent about its support of gain-of-function research.

In the 1970s, researchers were learning for the first time how to move genes from one organism to another to make bacteria produce human insulin. From the start, critics worried that such experiments could accidentally create deadly pathogens if they escaped from labs.

Tinkering with genes is not the only way that a scientist can give an organism new abilities. Researchers can also stage evolutionary experiments, in which pathogens are grown in the cells of an unfamiliar host species. At first, they do not replicate well. But new mutations can help them adapt, gradually improving their performance.

A decade ago, researchers used serial passage, as this procedure is known, to learn how new strains of influenza evolve. Flu strains start off in the guts of birds, and sometimes manage to mutate into a form that can spread among people.

Two teams of researchers — one from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and the other at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands — designed experiments to identify which genetic mutations were essential for a successful jump from birds to people. They injected bird flu viruses into the noses of ferrets, waited for the viruses to replicate, and then transferred the new viruses to new ferrets. Soon the viruses evolved to become better at replicating in the ferrets.

When news of the experiments broke in late 2011, a controversy exploded. Some critics said the research was reckless and should not be published, for fear that other researchers would copy the work and accidentally release a new pandemic strain of flu.

A year later, the US&nbsp;Department of Health and Human Services held a meeting to consider what it called “gain-of-function research.” The name took hold, but scientific experts have grown increasingly frustrated with it ever since.

“It’s a horribly imprecise term,” said Gigi Gronvall, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

Many gain-of-function experiments could never pose an existential threat; instead, they have provided huge benefits to humanity. In 1937, researchers found that when they passed the yellow fever virus through chicken cells, it lost the ability to cause disease in humans — a discovery that led to a vaccine for yellow fever. Likewise, herpes viruses have been engineered to gain a new function of their own: attacking cancer cells. They are now an approved treatment for melanoma.

But the bird flu experiments raised concerns that certain gain-of-function studies could pose a tiny but real risk of dangerous outbreaks. In 2014, US&nbsp;officials announced that 18 such studies would be paused. The experiments were not just on influenza viruses, but on the coronaviruses that caused SARS and MERS.

Three years later, the government rolled out a new policy — the “P3CO framework” — for research on “enhanced potential pandemic pathogens.” The rule requires the agencies under the HHS umbrella, like NIH and its several institutes, to carry out a special review of grant applications for any research on “a credible source of a potential future human pandemic.” In 2019, after conducting such a scientific review, the agency gave the green light for two influenza projects to restart, triggering more debate about whether its policy was thorough enough.

When questioning Fauci last month, Paul brought up one of the most cited examples of gain-of-function research, a study of coronaviruses done by Ralph Baric at the University of North Carolina published in Nature Medicine in 2015. Working with data sent from Shi Zhengli, the director of the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Baric and his colleagues built a new coronavirus from an existing one. All of the work was done in the North Carolina lab, and neither Zhengli nor members of her lab participated.

The so-called chimeric virus that resulted was not more pathogenic than the parental virus, Baric said. “This work was approved by the NIH, was peer-reviewed, P3CO reviewed and approved,” Baric wrote in an email last month. The work also “involved a very different strain of beta coronavirus than the one that causes COVID-19,” he said, and was considered low risk because of the particular strain in question.

In the paper, he and his colleagues cautioned others about similar research. “The potential to prepare for and mitigate future outbreaks must be weighed against the risk of creating more dangerous pathogens,” they wrote.

The P3CO policy has a significant shortcoming, according to David Relman, a member of the US&nbsp;National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity and a microbiologist at Stanford University: It only applies to the grant process in agencies that are part of HHS. Grants from the National Science Foundation, the Pentagon or other agencies could include dangerous research and also need oversight, he said. Then there is the thornier question of private research.

Relman has also criticised the government’s process for screening and approving gain-of-function research. At a January 2020 meeting of the advisory board, he objected to the lack of information released about how two research proposals were approved.

Rozanne Sandri-Golin, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Virology, a scientist who works on the herpes virus and a fellow member of the board, said Relman made a strong case about the lack of transparency in the grant-screening process. The board was told that a committee made the decision, but “their names weren’t published, their backgrounds weren’t published and the process that they used for deciding whether or not it was going to be all right to now proceed with this research was not clearly defined,” she said.

The secrecy of the screening process was the most worrisome part of government oversight of potentially dangerous research, according to Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, who was doing research in the United States at that time. “It’s not clear how they decide what’s acceptable gain of function and what’s not,” she said.

However, the “star chamber” nature of the process was not its biggest problem, said Richard Ebright, a molecular biologist at Rutgers, the state university of New Jersey, who has also been one of the most vocal proponents of the lab leak theory, and a longtime advocate of stricter control of research on dangerous pathogens. An even bigger issue, he said, was that gain-of-function research was simply not being screened in accordance with the policy established by HHS, which includes the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, run by Fauci.

The ideal solution, he said, would be the creation of an independent body to provide the oversight of dangerous pathogen research, similar to what the Nuclear Regulatory Commission does for studies of radioactive materials.

In the United States, “there are no biosafety rules or regulations that have the force of law,” he said. “And this is in contrast to every other aspect of biomedical research.” There are enforceable rules, for example, for experiments with human subjects, vertebrate animals, radioactive materials and lasers, but none for research with disease-causing organisms.

At a Senate hearing on efforts to combat COVID-19 last month, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky asked Dr Anthony Fauci whether the National Institutes of Health had funded “gain-of-function” research on coronaviruses in China.

At a Senate hearing on efforts to combat COVID-19 last month, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky asked Dr Anthony Fauci whether the National Institutes of Health had funded “gain-of-function” research on coronaviruses in China. “Gain-of-function research, as you know, is juicing up naturally occurring animal viruses to infect humans,” the senator said. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, flatly rejected the claim: “Sen Paul, with all due respect, you are entirely and completely incorrect, that the NIH has not ever and does not now fund gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute.” This exchange, and the bit of scientific jargon at the heart of it, has gained traction in recent weeks, usually by people suggesting that the coronavirus was engineered, rather than having jumped from animals to humans, the explanation favoured by most experts on coronaviruses. The uproar has also drawn attention back to a decade-long debate among scientists over whether certain gain-of-function research is too risky to allow. Spurred by some contested bird flu experiments in 2012, the US government adjusted its policies for oversight of certain types of pathogen studies. But some critics in the scientific community say that the policy is overly restrictive and that its enforcement has been far from transparent. The stakes of the debate could not be higher. Too little research on emerging viruses will leave us unprepared for future pandemics. But too little attention to the safety risks will increase the chances that an experimental pathogen may escape a lab through an accident and cause an outbreak of its own. Sorting out the balance of risks and benefits of the research has proved over the years to be immensely challenging. And now, the intensity of the politics and rhetoric over the lab leak theory threatens to push detailed science policy discussions to the sidelines. “It’s just going to make it harder to get back to a serious debate,” said Marc Lipsitch, an epidemiologist at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health who has urged the government to be more transparent about its support of gain-of-function research. In the 1970s, researchers were learning for the first time how to move genes from one organism to another to make bacteria produce human insulin. From the start, critics worried that such experiments could accidentally create deadly pathogens if they escaped from labs. Tinkering with genes is not the only way that a scientist can give an organism new abilities. Researchers can also stage evolutionary experiments, in which pathogens are grown in the cells of an unfamiliar host species. At first, they do not replicate well. But new mutations can help them adapt, gradually improving their performance. A decade ago, researchers used serial passage, as this procedure is known, to learn how new strains of influenza evolve. Flu strains start off in the guts of birds, and sometimes manage to mutate into a form that can spread among people. Two teams of researchers — one from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and the other at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands — designed experiments to identify which genetic mutations were essential for a successful jump from birds to people. They injected bird flu viruses into the noses of ferrets, waited for the viruses to replicate, and then transferred the new viruses to new ferrets. Soon the viruses evolved to become better at replicating in the ferrets. When news of the experiments broke in late 2011, a controversy exploded. Some critics said the research was reckless and should not be published, for fear that other researchers would copy the work and accidentally release a new pandemic strain of flu. A year later, the US Department of Health and Human Services held a meeting to consider what it called “gain-of-function research.” The name took hold, but scientific experts have grown increasingly frustrated with it ever since. “It’s a horribly imprecise term,” said Gigi Gronvall, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. Many gain-of-function experiments could never pose an existential threat; instead, they have provided huge benefits to humanity. In 1937, researchers found that when they passed the yellow fever virus through chicken cells, it lost the ability to cause disease in humans — a discovery that led to a vaccine for yellow fever. Likewise, herpes viruses have been engineered to gain a new function of their own: attacking cancer cells. They are now an approved treatment for melanoma. But the bird flu experiments raised concerns that certain gain-of-function studies could pose a tiny but real risk of dangerous outbreaks. In 2014, US officials announced that 18 such studies would be paused. The experiments were not just on influenza viruses, but on the coronaviruses that caused SARS and MERS. Three years later, the government rolled out a new policy — the “P3CO framework” — for research on “enhanced potential pandemic pathogens.” The rule requires the agencies under the HHS umbrella, like NIH and its several institutes, to carry out a special review of grant applications for any research on “a credible source of a potential future human pandemic.” In 2019, after conducting such a scientific review, the agency gave the green light for two influenza projects to restart, triggering more debate about whether its policy was thorough enough. When questioning Fauci last month, Paul brought up one of the most cited examples of gain-of-function research, a study of coronaviruses done by Ralph Baric at the University of North Carolina published in Nature Medicine in 2015. Working with data sent from Shi Zhengli, the director of the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Baric and his colleagues built a new coronavirus from an existing one. All of the work was done in the North Carolina lab, and neither Zhengli nor members of her lab participated. The so-called chimeric virus that resulted was not more pathogenic than the parental virus, Baric said. “This work was approved by the NIH, was peer-reviewed, P3CO reviewed and approved,” Baric wrote in an email last month. The work also “involved a very different strain of beta coronavirus than the one that causes COVID-19,” he said, and was considered low risk because of the particular strain in question. In the paper, he and his colleagues cautioned others about similar research. “The potential to prepare for and mitigate future outbreaks must be weighed against the risk of creating more dangerous pathogens,” they wrote. The P3CO policy has a significant shortcoming, according to David Relman, a member of the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity and a microbiologist at Stanford University: It only applies to the grant process in agencies that are part of HHS. Grants from the National Science Foundation, the Pentagon or other agencies could include dangerous research and also need oversight, he said. Then there is the thornier question of private research. Relman has also criticised the government’s process for screening and approving gain-of-function research. At a January 2020 meeting of the advisory board, he objected to the lack of information released about how two research proposals were approved. Rozanne Sandri-Golin, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Virology, a scientist who works on the herpes virus and a fellow member of the board, said Relman made a strong case about the lack of transparency in the grant-screening process. The board was told that a committee made the decision, but “their names weren’t published, their backgrounds weren’t published and the process that they used for deciding whether or not it was going to be all right to now proceed with this research was not clearly defined,” she said. The secrecy of the screening process was the most worrisome part of government oversight of potentially dangerous research, according to Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, who was doing research in the United States at that time. “It’s not clear how they decide what’s acceptable gain of function and what’s not,” she said. However, the “star chamber” nature of the process was not its biggest problem, said Richard Ebright, a molecular biologist at Rutgers, the state university of New Jersey, who has also been one of the most vocal proponents of the lab leak theory, and a longtime advocate of stricter control of research on dangerous pathogens. An even bigger issue, he said, was that gain-of-function research was simply not being screened in accordance with the policy established by HHS, which includes the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, run by Fauci. The ideal solution, he said, would be the creation of an independent body to provide the oversight of dangerous pathogen research, similar to what the Nuclear Regulatory Commission does for studies of radioactive materials. In the United States, “there are no biosafety rules or regulations that have the force of law,” he said. “And this is in contrast to every other aspect of biomedical research.” There are enforceable rules, for example, for experiments with human subjects, vertebrate animals, radioactive materials and lasers, but none for research with disease-causing organisms.

Fight over Covid’s origins renews debate on risks of lab work

New York City was one of the global hotspots during the pandemic. Nearly a million people were affected while 20,000 died in the big apple due to COVID. Reports reveal that the number of homeless people in New York reached record levels during the pandemic.

Number of homeless people rise to record levels in New York City

According to the Genome sequencing results of the lions which tested COVID-19 positive at the Chennai Zoo, four samples have been identified as "Delta"&nbsp;variants of the virus.

As per the World Health Organization(WHO), this variant showed higher transmissibility and reduced neutralisation(by antibodies). This variant is first said to have been detected in India in late 2020. Variants of the SARS-CoV-2(infection) have been emerging and circulating around the world throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

In two batches, eleven&nbsp;samples from the Chennai zoo lions were sent for testing. The &nbsp;ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal was sent four samples on May 24 and seven samples on May 29 and of the total samples, nine tested positive and it was reported on June 3 and the lions have been under treatment since then.&nbsp;

“Genome sequencing of four&nbsp;of the samples was done at NIHSAD, Bhopal. Analysis of the sequences shows that all the four&nbsp;sequences belong to Pangolin lineage B.1.617.2 and are Delta variants as per WHO nomenclature” said the Director ICAR-NIHSAD. It was added that on May 11 2021, the WHO classified B.1.617.2 lineage as a variant of concern (VOC).&nbsp;

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park locally known as Vandalur Zoo housed 15 lions out&nbsp;of which two(lion and lioness) passed away due to COVID-19.

According to the deputy director of the Zoo, eight out of the thirteen lions are COVID-19 positive at present. While four of them are said to be completely safe, two are asymptomatic, and two are showing occasional lack of appetite owing to age.

“Temperature checks, eating patterns and food data of 53 different animals are being monitored on a regular basis. Few tigers showed appetite issues, but they were fine after we replaced beef with chicken. But even these tigers’ results returned negative. Rest all animals are okay” Naga Sathish Gidijala, IFS, Deputy Director, AAZP told Zee media.&nbsp;

While the mystery over how the captive big cats got infected with the deadly virus remains unsolved, experts and vets advising the Zoo suspect human-animal(man to single lion) transmission followed by animal-animal(lion to multiple lions) transmission.

Based on a discussion between experts, the transmission from man-animal seems to have happened, despite animal keepers and feeders having worn PPE suits and followed precautions.

On the possibility of animal-human transmission, they felt that it could not be ruled out. Citing existing information, they said that only know cases of animal-man transmission are said to be from bats.

Even in the case of pet dogs getting infected, the team feels that dogs got infected from humans and not vice versa. They feel that lion-lion transmission is likely, whereas there are no known cases of dog-dog transmission.&nbsp;

AAZP authorities have been providing treatment to the animals and following protocols in consultation with experts from Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Veterinarians of Hyderabad Zoo and Bronx Zoo.&nbsp;

According to the Genome sequencing results of the lions which tested COVID-19 positive at the Chennai Zoo, four samples have been identified as "Delta" variants of the virus.

According to the Genome sequencing results of the lions which tested COVID-19 positive at the Chennai Zoo, four samples have been identified as "Delta" variants of the virus. As per the World Health Organization(WHO), this variant showed higher transmissibility and reduced neutralisation(by antibodies). This variant is first said to have been detected in India in late 2020. Variants of the SARS-CoV-2(infection) have been emerging and circulating around the world throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In two batches, eleven samples from the Chennai zoo lions were sent for testing. The ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal was sent four samples on May 24 and seven samples on May 29 and of the total samples, nine tested positive and it was reported on June 3 and the lions have been under treatment since then. “Genome sequencing of four of the samples was done at NIHSAD, Bhopal. Analysis of the sequences shows that all the four sequences belong to Pangolin lineage B.1.617.2 and are Delta variants as per WHO nomenclature” said the Director ICAR-NIHSAD. It was added that on May 11 2021, the WHO classified B.1.617.2 lineage as a variant of concern (VOC). The Arignar Anna Zoological Park locally known as Vandalur Zoo housed 15 lions out of which two(lion and lioness) passed away due to COVID-19. According to the deputy director of the Zoo, eight out of the thirteen lions are COVID-19 positive at present. While four of them are said to be completely safe, two are asymptomatic, and two are showing occasional lack of appetite owing to age. “Temperature checks, eating patterns and food data of 53 different animals are being monitored on a regular basis. Few tigers showed appetite issues, but they were fine after we replaced beef with chicken. But even these tigers’ results returned negative. Rest all animals are okay” Naga Sathish Gidijala, IFS, Deputy Director, AAZP told Zee media. While the mystery over how the captive big cats got infected with the deadly virus remains unsolved, experts and vets advising the Zoo suspect human-animal(man to single lion) transmission followed by animal-animal(lion to multiple lions) transmission. Based on a discussion between experts, the transmission from man-animal seems to have happened, despite animal keepers and feeders having worn PPE suits and followed precautions. On the possibility of animal-human transmission, they felt that it could not be ruled out. Citing existing information, they said that only know cases of animal-man transmission are said to be from bats. Even in the case of pet dogs getting infected, the team feels that dogs got infected from humans and not vice versa. They feel that lion-lion transmission is likely, whereas there are no known cases of dog-dog transmission. AAZP authorities have been providing treatment to the animals and following protocols in consultation with experts from Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Veterinarians of Hyderabad Zoo and Bronx Zoo.

Chennai Zoo Lions infected with Delta variant of COVID-19, reveals genome sequencing

The global displacement numbers have hit a new high. Over 82 Million people have been displaced. Watch this report to know more.

Global displacement numbers increase to over 82 Million

A third wave of coronavirus infections is likely to hit India by October, although it will be better controlled than the latest outbreak the pandemic will remain a public health threat for at least another year.

COVID-19: India to be hit by 3rd wave in October, claims study

With 60,753 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India's total tally rose to 2,98,23,546, while the number of active cases stand at 7,60,019, the lowest in 74 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday.&nbsp;

The death toll climbed to 3,85,137 with 1,647 fresh fatalities and active cases comprise 2.55 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 96.16 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

A total of 19,02,009 tests were conducted on Friday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,92,07,637, it said.&nbsp;

The daily positivity rate was recorded 2.98 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for 12 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding that the weekly positivity rate has declined to 3.58 per cent.&nbsp;

Recoveries outnumbered daily cases for the 37th consecutive day and the number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 2,86,78,390. The case fatality rate stands at 1.29 per cent, the data said.&nbsp;

Cumulatively, 27,23,88,783 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.&nbsp;

The 1,647 new fatalities include 648 from Maharashtra, 287 from Tamil Nadu and 168 from Karnataka.&nbsp;

The 3,85,137 deaths reported so far in the country include 1,16,674 from Maharashtra, 33,602 from Karnataka, 30,835 from Tamil Nadu, 24,900 from Delhi, 22,081 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,240 from West Bengal, 15,771 from Punjab and 13,368 from Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

The health ministry said that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

With 60,753 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India's total tally rose to 2,98,23,546, while the number of active cases stand at 7,60,019, the lowest in 74 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday.

With 60,753 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India's total tally rose to 2,98,23,546, while the number of active cases stand at 7,60,019, the lowest in 74 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday. The death toll climbed to 3,85,137 with 1,647 fresh fatalities and active cases comprise 2.55 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 96.16 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. A total of 19,02,009 tests were conducted on Friday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,92,07,637, it said. The daily positivity rate was recorded 2.98 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for 12 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding that the weekly positivity rate has declined to 3.58 per cent. Recoveries outnumbered daily cases for the 37th consecutive day and the number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 2,86,78,390. The case fatality rate stands at 1.29 per cent, the data said. Cumulatively, 27,23,88,783 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. The 1,647 new fatalities include 648 from Maharashtra, 287 from Tamil Nadu and 168 from Karnataka. The 3,85,137 deaths reported so far in the country include 1,16,674 from Maharashtra, 33,602 from Karnataka, 30,835 from Tamil Nadu, 24,900 from Delhi, 22,081 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,240 from West Bengal, 15,771 from Punjab and 13,368 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry said that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India records 60,753 fresh COVID-19 cases

The United Kingdom registered 11,007 new daily coronavirus infections on Thursday, surpassing 10,000 for the first time since late February, due to the rise of the Delta variant.&nbsp;

According to a new study, the number of patients infected with the coronavirus is fast expanding in England, doubling every 11 days, which correlates with the Delta version of COVID-19 becoming prominent in the country.&nbsp;

According to new statistics from the Real-time Assessment of Community Transmission (REACT-1) research, based on nearly 110,000 home swab tests conducted between May 20 and June 7, 0.15 per cent of people, or around 1 in 670, carry the virus.

This represents a 50 per cent increase over the study's previous findings, which showed that 0.1 per cent of people, or 1 in 1,000, had the virus as of May 3rd.

The scientists of the Imperial College London, believe that the reproduction number (R) in the most recent testing cycle was 1.44. This indicates that on average, 10 infected people will spread the virus to 14 others, resulting in a rapid spread of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a leading UK government health official has stated that the world would only be free of COVID-19 once the entire global population has been vaccinated.&nbsp;

The vaccinations are believed to be quite efficient at avoiding serious illness caused by the variants.

However, there is concern that escalating case numbers will result in death tolls similar to earlier waves, which have claimed the lives of 127,945 people.

According to a government report released on Thursday, infections are "increasing exponentially" across England, driven by primarily unvaccinated young people.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Kingdom registered 11,007 new daily coronavirus infections on Thursday, surpassing 10,000 for the first time since late February, due to the rise of the Delta variant.

The United Kingdom registered 11,007 new daily coronavirus infections on Thursday, surpassing 10,000 for the first time since late February, due to the rise of the Delta variant. According to a new study, the number of patients infected with the coronavirus is fast expanding in England, doubling every 11 days, which correlates with the Delta version of COVID-19 becoming prominent in the country. According to new statistics from the Real-time Assessment of Community Transmission (REACT-1) research, based on nearly 110,000 home swab tests conducted between May 20 and June 7, 0.15 per cent of people, or around 1 in 670, carry the virus. This represents a 50 per cent increase over the study's previous findings, which showed that 0.1 per cent of people, or 1 in 1,000, had the virus as of May 3rd. The scientists of the Imperial College London, believe that the reproduction number (R) in the most recent testing cycle was 1.44. This indicates that on average, 10 infected people will spread the virus to 14 others, resulting in a rapid spread of the pandemic. Meanwhile, a leading UK government health official has stated that the world would only be free of COVID-19 once the entire global population has been vaccinated. The vaccinations are believed to be quite efficient at avoiding serious illness caused by the variants. However, there is concern that escalating case numbers will result in death tolls similar to earlier waves, which have claimed the lives of 127,945 people. According to a government report released on Thursday, infections are "increasing exponentially" across England, driven by primarily unvaccinated young people. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 infections rising exponentially in England, doubling every 11 days

The United States is devoting $3.2 billion to advance development of antiviral pills for COVID-19 and other dangerous viruses that could turn into pandemics

US to spend USD 3.2 billion for antiviral pills for COVID-19

A report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has stated that the sperm count and quality don't decrease in healthy young men after taking the first or second dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The study examined sperm samples from 45 males aged 25 to 31 who had been pre-screened to ensure they didn't have any reproductive difficulties.

Samples were obtained before the first dose of an mRNA vaccine and again 70 days afterwards.

The volume, concentration, motility, and total sperm count of the sperm were then measured in the sperm.&nbsp;

There were no significant decreases in any sperm parameter among this group of healthy men.

"We found no changes in sperm parameters in the young healthy men that we studied who received both doses of mRNA vaccine," said study author Dr Ranjith Ramasamy, director of male reproductive medicine and surgery at the University of Miami Health System.

Despite the vaccine's great efficacy and low side effects in clinical studies, just 56% of people in the United States said they wanted it.

The risk for vaccination-induced infertility is one of the grounds for vaccine hesitancy.&nbsp;

However, some experts believe&nbsp;that additional larger studies with men of different ages are needed to affirm the study's results.

A report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has stated that the sperm count and quality don't decrease in healthy young men after taking the first or second dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine.

A report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has stated that the sperm count and quality don't decrease in healthy young men after taking the first or second dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine. The study examined sperm samples from 45 males aged 25 to 31 who had been pre-screened to ensure they didn't have any reproductive difficulties. Samples were obtained before the first dose of an mRNA vaccine and again 70 days afterwards. The volume, concentration, motility, and total sperm count of the sperm were then measured in the sperm. There were no significant decreases in any sperm parameter among this group of healthy men. "We found no changes in sperm parameters in the young healthy men that we studied who received both doses of mRNA vaccine," said study author Dr Ranjith Ramasamy, director of male reproductive medicine and surgery at the University of Miami Health System. Despite the vaccine's great efficacy and low side effects in clinical studies, just 56% of people in the United States said they wanted it. The risk for vaccination-induced infertility is one of the grounds for vaccine hesitancy. However, some experts believe that additional larger studies with men of different ages are needed to affirm the study's results.

COVID-19 vaccination has no effect on male fertility, sperm count not harmed: Study

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the existence of a new COVID-19 "variant of interest" known as 'Lambda.'&nbsp;

It was initially detected in Peru in August 2020, and it has since been reported in 29 nations around the world, mostly in Latin America, including Argentina and Chile.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cdc-calls-coronavirus-delta-variant-a-variant-of-concern-391751">Also read | US CDC calls coronavirus Delta variant a 'variant of concern'</a>

By designating it as a 'variable of interest,' the WHO is signalling that it will be closely monitored in terms of infection strength before being added to the group of 'variables of concern,' which includes Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta.&nbsp;

"The Lambda lineage was first detected in Peru and was categorised as a worldwide Variant of Interest on Monday because of an "elevated prevalence" in South America, according to the WHO's weekly bulletin.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-coronavirus-variant-60-per-cent-more-transmissible-says-uk-390887">Also read | Delta coronavirus variant 60 per cent more transmissible, says UK</a>

The variants are divided into two categories: The difference between the two is that those of concern can cause epidemiological problems and the others do not yet have that capacity.

According to the organisation, after closely monitoring this variant, they discovered a rise in transmissibility and resistance to neutralising antibodies. 
The Brazilian and British variants are circulating at gamma and alpha levels.&nbsp;

Unlike Variants of Concern, which have made headlines around the world, Variants of Interest are tracked by health organisations but have yet to be proven to pose a serious hazard to public health.&nbsp;

The Delta variation is the most recent example. It was first discovered in India and was classified as a Variant of Interest until May 11, 2021.

But once started spreading rapidly around the world then the WHO classified it as a Variant of Concern.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the existence of a new COVID-19 "variant of interest" known as 'Lambda.' It was initially detected in Peru in August 2020, and it has since been reported in 29 nations around the world, mostly in Latin America, including Argentina and Chile.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the existence of a new COVID-19 "variant of interest" known as 'Lambda.' It was initially detected in Peru in August 2020, and it has since been reported in 29 nations around the world, mostly in Latin America, including Argentina and Chile. Also read | US CDC calls coronavirus Delta variant a 'variant of concern' By designating it as a 'variable of interest,' the WHO is signalling that it will be closely monitored in terms of infection strength before being added to the group of 'variables of concern,' which includes Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. "The Lambda lineage was first detected in Peru and was categorised as a worldwide Variant of Interest on Monday because of an "elevated prevalence" in South America, according to the WHO's weekly bulletin. Also read | Delta coronavirus variant 60 per cent more transmissible, says UK The variants are divided into two categories: The difference between the two is that those of concern can cause epidemiological problems and the others do not yet have that capacity. According to the organisation, after closely monitoring this variant, they discovered a rise in transmissibility and resistance to neutralising antibodies. The Brazilian and British variants are circulating at gamma and alpha levels. Unlike Variants of Concern, which have made headlines around the world, Variants of Interest are tracked by health organisations but have yet to be proven to pose a serious hazard to public health. The Delta variation is the most recent example. It was first discovered in India and was classified as a Variant of Interest until May 11, 2021. But once started spreading rapidly around the world then the WHO classified it as a Variant of Concern.

Lambda: New variant of COVID-19 that is affecting 29 countries

Scientists have designed an inexpensive, transparent coating that can turn surfaces like windows and ceilings into glue pads to trap airborne aerosol droplets by&nbsp;repurposing common ingredients in hair conditioner.

The substance can be applied to surfaces such as plexiglass dividers to capture respiratory droplets, rather than allowing them to bounce off and remain in circulation.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/study-covid-19-found-in-5-states-of-us-before-first-confirmed-case-reported-391960/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Droplets collide with indoor surfaces all the time," said Northwestern University engineering professor Jiaxing Huang, senior author of a paper on the subject that was published Wednesday in the journal Chem.

"Right now, plexiglass dividers are deviating devices; they deflect droplets. If a surface could actually trap droplets, then every single droplet effectively removed from indoor air would be a successful elimination of a potential source of transmission."

COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory fluids,&nbsp;including large droplets and fine aerosols,&nbsp;when an infected person speaks, sneezes or breathes.

The main way to remove these from the air is to open windows and to use high-filtration devices that capture fine particles and change out the air at high rates.

To build extra protection on top of that, Huang and colleagues came up with the idea of using PAAm-DDA, a polymer that is commonly used in hair products and other cosmetics to lock in moisture, as the main ingredient of their coating.

They applied the substance with a brush to a variety of surfaces and performed tests to compare coated and uncoated surfaces.

A coated plexiglass barrier captured nearly all aerosolized microdroplets, and 80 percent of large droplets, compared to a barrier that was uncoated.

The coating did not become visibly soiled after use, and the scientists said it would not require cleaning more often than non-coated barriers. Once saturated, the substance should be wiped down with water and reapplied.

Since it can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including concrete, metal, and fabric, Huang said it could be used on low-touch areas such as walls or curtains to turn those into "functional devices" that would help capture aerosolized particles.

Many more research steps are required to confirm the coating's utility before it can be authorised for use.

"We understood that the current pandemic may end before this concept is implemented," Huang said. "It may or may not be used now. But next time, when an outbreak like this happens, I think we will be better equipped."

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have designed an inexpensive, transparent coating that can turn surfaces like windows and ceilings into glue pads to trap airborne aerosol droplets by repurposing common ingredients in hair conditioner.

Scientists have designed an inexpensive, transparent coating that can turn surfaces like windows and ceilings into glue pads to trap airborne aerosol droplets by repurposing common ingredients in hair conditioner. The substance can be applied to surfaces such as plexiglass dividers to capture respiratory droplets, rather than allowing them to bounce off and remain in circulation. "Droplets collide with indoor surfaces all the time," said Northwestern University engineering professor Jiaxing Huang, senior author of a paper on the subject that was published Wednesday in the journal Chem. "Right now, plexiglass dividers are deviating devices; they deflect droplets. If a surface could actually trap droplets, then every single droplet effectively removed from indoor air would be a successful elimination of a potential source of transmission." COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory fluids, including large droplets and fine aerosols, when an infected person speaks, sneezes or breathes. The main way to remove these from the air is to open windows and to use high-filtration devices that capture fine particles and change out the air at high rates. To build extra protection on top of that, Huang and colleagues came up with the idea of using PAAm-DDA, a polymer that is commonly used in hair products and other cosmetics to lock in moisture, as the main ingredient of their coating. They applied the substance with a brush to a variety of surfaces and performed tests to compare coated and uncoated surfaces. A coated plexiglass barrier captured nearly all aerosolized microdroplets, and 80 percent of large droplets, compared to a barrier that was uncoated. The coating did not become visibly soiled after use, and the scientists said it would not require cleaning more often than non-coated barriers. Once saturated, the substance should be wiped down with water and reapplied. Since it can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including concrete, metal, and fabric, Huang said it could be used on low-touch areas such as walls or curtains to turn those into "functional devices" that would help capture aerosolized particles. Many more research steps are required to confirm the coating's utility before it can be authorised for use. "We understood that the current pandemic may end before this concept is implemented," Huang said. "It may or may not be used now. But next time, when an outbreak like this happens, I think we will be better equipped." (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Scientists develop wall coating that can capture aerosols and droplets from air

Bringing the Indian Covid vaccine Covaxin&nbsp;a step closer to World Health Organization's approval, the pre-submission meeting will be taking place on&nbsp;June 23. WHO documents show the Expression of Interest (EOI) has been accepted by the Geneva-based body.

Hyderabad-based&nbsp;Bharat Biotech, which manufactures the vaccine, had submitted its Expression of Interest (EOI) on April 19. Once the dossier is accepted for review and the status of assessment finalised, a decision will be taken.

Covaxin&nbsp;is the second made-in-India vaccine to apply at the global body for Emergency Use Listing (EUL). Covishield, made by the Serum Institute of India,&nbsp; got WHO EUL on 15th February.

WHO listing will allow Covaxin to get global approval for use, something that has other benefits like the easy movement of Indians who have been vaccinated by it.

May saw an important meeting of Bharat Biotech officials and senior officers of the Ministry of Health, Department of Biotechnology, and Ministry of External Affairs to chalk out a strategy for early approval of the vaccine.

Covaxin has received emergency use authorisation from 14 countries, with more than 50 other countries in the pipeline. When it comes to the US, Bharat Biotech's US partner Ocugen has been asked by FDA to pursue Biologics License Applications (BLA) path for Covaxin's full approval.

So far, eight vaccines globally have been approved by WHO for EUL, including those made by Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Moderna, Sinovac and Sinopharm.

Russia's Sputnik vaccine is expected to get approval soon "once all the data is submitted", said WHO documents. A total of 22 vaccines have applied for WHO approval globally, with 14 in various stages of negotiations.

Bringing the Indian Covid vaccine Covaxin a step closer to World Health Organization's approval, the pre-submission meeting will be taking place on June 23. WHO documents show the Expression of Interest (EOI) has been accepted by the Geneva-based body.

Bringing the Indian Covid vaccine Covaxin a step closer to World Health Organization's approval, the pre-submission meeting will be taking place on June 23. WHO documents show the Expression of Interest (EOI) has been accepted by the Geneva-based body. Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, which manufactures the vaccine, had submitted its Expression of Interest (EOI) on April 19. Once the dossier is accepted for review and the status of assessment finalised, a decision will be taken. Covaxin is the second made-in-India vaccine to apply at the global body for Emergency Use Listing (EUL). Covishield, made by the Serum Institute of India, got WHO EUL on 15th February. WHO listing will allow Covaxin to get global approval for use, something that has other benefits like the easy movement of Indians who have been vaccinated by it. May saw an important meeting of Bharat Biotech officials and senior officers of the Ministry of Health, Department of Biotechnology, and Ministry of External Affairs to chalk out a strategy for early approval of the vaccine. Covaxin has received emergency use authorisation from 14 countries, with more than 50 other countries in the pipeline. When it comes to the US, Bharat Biotech's US partner Ocugen has been asked by FDA to pursue Biologics License Applications (BLA) path for Covaxin's full approval. So far, eight vaccines globally have been approved by WHO for EUL, including those made by Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Moderna, Sinovac and Sinopharm. Russia's Sputnik vaccine is expected to get approval soon "once all the data is submitted", said WHO documents. A total of 22 vaccines have applied for WHO approval globally, with 14 in various stages of negotiations.

COVID-19: Bharat Biotech's pre-submission meeting for Covaxin's WHO approval on June 23

A single day rise of 62,224 new coronavirus infections were reported taking India's total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,96,33,105, while the active cases were recorded below nine lakh after 70 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,79,573 with 2,542 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;The active cases further declined to 8,65,432 comprising 2.92 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 95.80 per cent.

A net decline of 47,946 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.&nbsp;Also, 19,30,987 tests were conducted on Monday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,33,06,971.

The daily positivity rate dropped to 3.22 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for nine consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate has declined to 4.17 per cent.

Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for the 34th consecutive day. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,83,88,100, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.28 per cent, the data stated.

Cumulatively, 26,19,72,014 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive.

The 2,542 new fatalities include 1,458 from Maharashtra, 267 from Tamil Nadu, 166 from Kerala and 115 from Karnataka.&nbsp;A total of 3,79,573 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,14,154 from Maharashtra, 33,148 from Karnataka, 30,068 from Tamil Nadu, 24,851 from Delhi, 21,914 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,049 from West Bengal, 15,650 from Punjab and 13,342 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

A single day rise of 62,224 new coronavirus infections were reported taking India's total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,96,33,105, while the active cases were recorded below nine lakh after 70 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

A single day rise of 62,224 new coronavirus infections were reported taking India's total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,96,33,105, while the active cases were recorded below nine lakh after 70 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,79,573 with 2,542 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. The active cases further declined to 8,65,432 comprising 2.92 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 95.80 per cent. A net decline of 47,946 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Also, 19,30,987 tests were conducted on Monday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,33,06,971. The daily positivity rate dropped to 3.22 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for nine consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate has declined to 4.17 per cent. Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for the 34th consecutive day. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,83,88,100, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.28 per cent, the data stated. Cumulatively, 26,19,72,014 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive. The 2,542 new fatalities include 1,458 from Maharashtra, 267 from Tamil Nadu, 166 from Kerala and 115 from Karnataka. A total of 3,79,573 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,14,154 from Maharashtra, 33,148 from Karnataka, 30,068 from Tamil Nadu, 24,851 from Delhi, 21,914 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,049 from West Bengal, 15,650 from Punjab and 13,342 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

COVID-19: India reports 62,224 fresh cases, 2,542 new fatalities

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday asked Pfizer Inc to bring forward planned delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, a government source said, aiming to speed up a slow national inoculation programme. 
 
The request is a turnaround for Bolsonaro, who last year ignored offers of vaccines from Pfizer, according to testimony to a Senate commission investigating delays in vaccinating the country with the world's second-deadliest outbreak. 
 
Bolsonaro, his chief of staff and ministers of health and foreign affairs, held a conference call with Pfizer Brasil Chief Executive Marta Diez and Pfizer Latin America Chief Executive Carlos Murillo, the president's office said on social media. 
 
Bolsonaro asked the Pfizer executives if deliveries for later this year could be brought forward to June, from the fourth quarter, a government official with knowledge of the matter said. 
 
Pfizer Brasil declined to comment on the meeting. 
 
Almost half a million Brazilians have died from COVID-19, yet only 10.3% of the country's 210 million people have received a first vaccine dose, and just 25% have been fully vaccinated, mainly with vaccines developed by China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd and AstraZeneca Plc. 
 
Bolsonaro, a vaccine skeptic, who opposed lockdown and social distancing, has advocated the use of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for treating COVID-19 patients, even though there is no evidence that it is effective. 
 
The far-right leader's government is being investigated by a Senate commission for delays in a vaccination plan that lags behind many other countries. The commission heard testimony that the government never replied to letters from Pfizer last year offering to sell vaccines. 
 
Brazil signed a deal with Pfizer in March to purchase 100 million doses, and the first doses arrived in late April. A second contract in May provided for another 100 million doses to be delivered in the fourth quarter. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday asked Pfizer Inc to bring forward planned delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, a government source said, aiming to speed up a slow national inoculation programme.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday asked Pfizer Inc to bring forward planned delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, a government source said, aiming to speed up a slow national inoculation programme. The request is a turnaround for Bolsonaro, who last year ignored offers of vaccines from Pfizer, according to testimony to a Senate commission investigating delays in vaccinating the country with the world's second-deadliest outbreak. Bolsonaro, his chief of staff and ministers of health and foreign affairs, held a conference call with Pfizer Brasil Chief Executive Marta Diez and Pfizer Latin America Chief Executive Carlos Murillo, the president's office said on social media. Bolsonaro asked the Pfizer executives if deliveries for later this year could be brought forward to June, from the fourth quarter, a government official with knowledge of the matter said. Pfizer Brasil declined to comment on the meeting. Almost half a million Brazilians have died from COVID-19, yet only 10.3% of the country's 210 million people have received a first vaccine dose, and just 25% have been fully vaccinated, mainly with vaccines developed by China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd and AstraZeneca Plc. Bolsonaro, a vaccine skeptic, who opposed lockdown and social distancing, has advocated the use of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for treating COVID-19 patients, even though there is no evidence that it is effective. The far-right leader's government is being investigated by a Senate commission for delays in a vaccination plan that lags behind many other countries. The commission heard testimony that the government never replied to letters from Pfizer last year offering to sell vaccines. Brazil signed a deal with Pfizer in March to purchase 100 million doses, and the first doses arrived in late April. A second contract in May provided for another 100 million doses to be delivered in the fourth quarter. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian President asks Pfizer to speed up COVID-19 vaccine delivery

Presenting their report that indicated massive underreporting of COVID-19 deaths in major Tamil Nadu Government Hospitals, NGO ‘Arappor Iyakkam’ urged the State Government to take corrective steps.

The recommendations urged that the Government must instruct hospitals to issue a medical certificate for cause of death (MCCD) as per ICMR guidelines.

The non-provision of such certificates denies the bereaved families their right to claim compensation from the Government, it added.&nbsp;

According to the NGO, their report was prepared by comparing the Jan-May death certificates data for the years 2019, 2020, 2021.

The six hospitals for which they found the requisite data were spread across the state - Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Vellore, Karur, Tiruppur.&nbsp;

Their reasoning is that the death data (when comparing April-May for three consecutive years) would only remain the same or increase slightly owing to population increase.

The drastic increase they have observed can only be attributed to COVID-19, as there is no other major cause.&nbsp;

With regards to mortality data of April-May 2019, the figure is 4,437 and for the year 2020, it is 3,261. Whereas for the period Apri-May 2021, it is 11,699.

However, as per the daily Health department bulletin quoted by the NGO, the death figures in these hospitals only comes to 863.

In its state-wide estimation based on April-May deaths, the report says, “approximating the same underreporting factor for 8.4 to 8.8 times, the likely number of deaths in Tamil Nadu may be between 1.08-1.25lakh, as opposed to the reported number of 12,943.&nbsp; 
 
As a corrective step, the NGO recommended that the Government put out death certificates, mortality data and its consolidation for the hospital as well as home deaths for all three years - 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Presenting their report that indicated massive underreporting of COVID-19 deaths in major Tamil Nadu Government Hospitals, NGO ‘Arappor Iyakkam’ urged the State Government to take corrective steps.

Presenting their report that indicated massive underreporting of COVID-19 deaths in major Tamil Nadu Government Hospitals, NGO ‘Arappor Iyakkam’ urged the State Government to take corrective steps. The recommendations urged that the Government must instruct hospitals to issue a medical certificate for cause of death (MCCD) as per ICMR guidelines. The non-provision of such certificates denies the bereaved families their right to claim compensation from the Government, it added. According to the NGO, their report was prepared by comparing the Jan-May death certificates data for the years 2019, 2020, 2021. The six hospitals for which they found the requisite data were spread across the state - Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Vellore, Karur, Tiruppur. Their reasoning is that the death data (when comparing April-May for three consecutive years) would only remain the same or increase slightly owing to population increase. The drastic increase they have observed can only be attributed to COVID-19, as there is no other major cause. With regards to mortality data of April-May 2019, the figure is 4,437 and for the year 2020, it is 3,261. Whereas for the period Apri-May 2021, it is 11,699. However, as per the daily Health department bulletin quoted by the NGO, the death figures in these hospitals only comes to 863. In its state-wide estimation based on April-May deaths, the report says, “approximating the same underreporting factor for 8.4 to 8.8 times, the likely number of deaths in Tamil Nadu may be between 1.08-1.25lakh, as opposed to the reported number of 12,943. As a corrective step, the NGO recommended that the Government put out death certificates, mortality data and its consolidation for the hospital as well as home deaths for all three years - 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Death toll in major Tamil Nadu Govt hospitals is 13.7 times the reported figure claims report by NGO

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Monday that the end of COVID-19 restrictions will be delayed following concern about the rapid rise of infections of the Delta variant of the coronavirus. 
 
Under a roadmap outlined by Johnson back in February, the government signalled all social restrictions imposed to control the spread of the disease would be lifted 'no earlier' than June 21, when pubs, clubs and other hospitality venues could fully reopen. 
 
But, in recent weeks there has been a fast growth again in the number of new cases caused by the Delta variant, first discovered in India, which health officials believe to be 60% more transmissible than the previous dominant strain and scientists warn could trigger a third wave of infections. 
 
Johnson has refused to deny suggestions in the British media that the end of lockdown would be delayed by up to a month, saying in recent days there was 'serious concern' about rising infections and hospitalisations. 
 
"We're continuing to look at the data, no final decision has been taken and the right time to fill everybody in on what we're going to do with ... June the 21st is tomorrow," Johnson told reporters at the conclusion of the Group of Seven leader's summit on Sunday. 
 
"That's when we'll be putting out the whole package of information so that everybody can see it together." 
 
On Sunday, Britain recorded 7,490 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths, with the number of new infections rising almost 50% between June 7 and 13 compared with the previous week. Hospitalisations were up 15% between June 2 and 8 compared with the previous seven days. 
 
The government has stressed any easing of restrictions would be irreversible, meaning it would always act with caution. 
 
The hesitancy comes despite Britain having one of the fastest rollouts of COVID-19 vaccinations in the world, with more than 41 million people having had their first shot. Nearly 30 million receiving both doses - about 56% of the adult population. 
 
Foreign minister Dominic Raab said the critical issue was data on the link between transmission of the virus and hospitalisations. 
 
"We know we've made great progress and weakening the link between transmission ... and hospitalisation and of course those who are more seriously sick," he told BBC TV on Sunday. "The question is whether we've severed and broken it." 
 
Hospitality bosses have said there must be more government support for businesses to keep them afloat if the lockdown restrictions are kept in place. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Monday that the end of COVID-19 restrictions will be delayed following concern about the rapid rise of infections of the Delta variant of the coronavirus.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Monday that the end of COVID-19 restrictions will be delayed following concern about the rapid rise of infections of the Delta variant of the coronavirus. Under a roadmap outlined by Johnson back in February, the government signalled all social restrictions imposed to control the spread of the disease would be lifted 'no earlier' than June 21, when pubs, clubs and other hospitality venues could fully reopen. But, in recent weeks there has been a fast growth again in the number of new cases caused by the Delta variant, first discovered in India, which health officials believe to be 60% more transmissible than the previous dominant strain and scientists warn could trigger a third wave of infections. Johnson has refused to deny suggestions in the British media that the end of lockdown would be delayed by up to a month, saying in recent days there was 'serious concern' about rising infections and hospitalisations. "We're continuing to look at the data, no final decision has been taken and the right time to fill everybody in on what we're going to do with ... June the 21st is tomorrow," Johnson told reporters at the conclusion of the Group of Seven leader's summit on Sunday. "That's when we'll be putting out the whole package of information so that everybody can see it together." On Sunday, Britain recorded 7,490 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths, with the number of new infections rising almost 50% between June 7 and 13 compared with the previous week. Hospitalisations were up 15% between June 2 and 8 compared with the previous seven days. The government has stressed any easing of restrictions would be irreversible, meaning it would always act with caution. The hesitancy comes despite Britain having one of the fastest rollouts of COVID-19 vaccinations in the world, with more than 41 million people having had their first shot. Nearly 30 million receiving both doses - about 56% of the adult population. Foreign minister Dominic Raab said the critical issue was data on the link between transmission of the virus and hospitalisations. "We know we've made great progress and weakening the link between transmission ... and hospitalisation and of course those who are more seriously sick," he told BBC TV on Sunday. "The question is whether we've severed and broken it." Hospitality bosses have said there must be more government support for businesses to keep them afloat if the lockdown restrictions are kept in place. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM set to announce delay to end of COVID-19 restrictions

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