Russia continues to witness a record surge in COVID-19 cases. In the last 24 hours, country recorded 12,505 new COVID-19 cases. Watch this report to know more.

Coronavirus Update: Russia recorded 12,505 new cases in 24 hours

After discussing collective steps to prevent another pandemic, G7 leaders launched a plan to build infrastructure in poorer nations in what can be a counter to China's Belt and Road Initiative on Day 2.

G7 Summit 2021: Collective steps to prevent another pandemic

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stressed the need of cooperation and transparency from China on the origins of deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Watch the report to know more.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken seeks cooperation and transparency from China

Saudi Arabia has restricted the annual Haj pilgrimage to its own citizens and residents for the second year running in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the state Saudi Press Agency (SPA)reported on Saturday.

Only people aged between 18 and 65 who have been vaccinated or immunised from the virus, and are free of chronic diseases, will be able to take part, the ministry that manages the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca said in a statement carried by SPA.

It also set a maximum of 60,000 participants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-to-hold-haj-under-covid-safety-measures-384024">Saudi Arabia to hold Haj under Covid safety measures</a>

"The decision (was made) to guarantee the safety of haj amid uncertainty over the coronavirus," the kingdom's health minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah said in a televised press conference carried by SPA.

"Despite the availability of vaccine, there is uncertainty over the virus and some countries still record high numbers of COVID cases, the other challenge is the different variants of the virus, hence came the decision to restrict haj," al-Rabiah said.

Earlier&nbsp;in May sources has said that&nbsp;a plan was being considered to bar overseas pilgrims from performing Haj, a once in a lifetime duty for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it.

Before the pandemic enforced social distancing globally, some 2.5 million pilgrims used to visit the holiest sites of Islam in Mecca and Medina for the week-long haj, and the lesser, year-round umrah pilgrimage, which altogether earned the kingdom about $12 billion a year, according to official data.

Saudi Arabia has restricted the annual Haj pilgrimage to its own citizens and residents for the second year running in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the state Saudi Press Agency (SPA)reported on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia has restricted the annual Haj pilgrimage to its own citizens and residents for the second year running in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the state Saudi Press Agency (SPA)reported on Saturday. Only people aged between 18 and 65 who have been vaccinated or immunised from the virus, and are free of chronic diseases, will be able to take part, the ministry that manages the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca said in a statement carried by SPA. It also set a maximum of 60,000 participants. Also read | Saudi Arabia to hold Haj under Covid safety measures "The decision (was made) to guarantee the safety of haj amid uncertainty over the coronavirus," the kingdom's health minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah said in a televised press conference carried by SPA. "Despite the availability of vaccine, there is uncertainty over the virus and some countries still record high numbers of COVID cases, the other challenge is the different variants of the virus, hence came the decision to restrict haj," al-Rabiah said. Earlier in May sources has said that a plan was being considered to bar overseas pilgrims from performing Haj, a once in a lifetime duty for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it. Before the pandemic enforced social distancing globally, some 2.5 million pilgrims used to visit the holiest sites of Islam in Mecca and Medina for the week-long haj, and the lesser, year-round umrah pilgrimage, which altogether earned the kingdom about $12 billion a year, according to official data.

Saudi Arabia bars foreign travellers from Haj over COVID-19

One of the prompt effects of the lockdown last year was that families fraternized in their homes. Across India, families unexpectedly had a great deal of time together. For the individuals who ordinarily don't will invest an excess of time with their families, this was a chance to compensate for the loss.&nbsp;

Like most Indians, cricketers Krunal and Hardik Pandya additionally spent a lot of time with family during the&nbsp;lockdown time frame.

Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya have both developed as cricketers and people in the course of the last year after the COVID-19 pandemic struck.&nbsp;

The lower back injury that followed the scene prompted probably the absolute bottom of Hardik Pandya's vocation. When he recuperated and got back to the field, the whole world had gone inside their homes because of COVID-19.&nbsp;

The all-rounder from Baroda underscored how he and Krunal utilized the lockdown to develop themselves as individuals. Talking on the new Times of India webcast - Sportscast, Pandya said:&nbsp;

"Last year, the lockdown&nbsp;helped us improve as overall individuals. For us, it was more important because we could spend time on our skills. We were able to improve our fitness because we had time and, by God's grace, we have a gym where we can work out as well. And we got to spend time with each other."

"As individuals, we are very honest with each other. So if something was wrong with Krunal, I told him. If something was wrong with me, he told me. For us, it was an improvement phase and our goals changed in life. We got so much time that we spoke about everything, from our cricket to our lives... We improved as humans as well" - he added. &nbsp;

Krunal Pandya has expressed in the past that it was their dad's persistent effort and backing that molded the pair into Indian cricketers. Hardik Pandya, Krunal's dad, left his business to move to Surat at an early age to furnish his children with great preparation in the game.&nbsp;

"We have always said that whatever we are and wherever we are, it's because of our father's struggle and vision. When I was six and Hardik was three, we never imagined playing for India or what we want to do in life. It was his vision. He saw me and said - 'My kids will play for&nbsp;India" - said Krunal Pandya.

One of the prompt effects of the lockdown last year was that families fraternized in their homes. Across India, families unexpectedly had a great deal of time together.

One of the prompt effects of the lockdown last year was that families fraternized in their homes. Across India, families unexpectedly had a great deal of time together. For the individuals who ordinarily don't will invest an excess of time with their families, this was a chance to compensate for the loss. Like most Indians, cricketers Krunal and Hardik Pandya additionally spent a lot of time with family during the lockdown time frame. Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya have both developed as cricketers and people in the course of the last year after the COVID-19 pandemic struck. The lower back injury that followed the scene prompted probably the absolute bottom of Hardik Pandya's vocation. When he recuperated and got back to the field, the whole world had gone inside their homes because of COVID-19. The all-rounder from Baroda underscored how he and Krunal utilized the lockdown to develop themselves as individuals. Talking on the new Times of India webcast - Sportscast, Pandya said: "Last year, the lockdown helped us improve as overall individuals. For us, it was more important because we could spend time on our skills. We were able to improve our fitness because we had time and, by God's grace, we have a gym where we can work out as well. And we got to spend time with each other." "As individuals, we are very honest with each other. So if something was wrong with Krunal, I told him. If something was wrong with me, he told me. For us, it was an improvement phase and our goals changed in life. We got so much time that we spoke about everything, from our cricket to our lives... We improved as humans as well" - he added. Krunal Pandya has expressed in the past that it was their dad's persistent effort and backing that molded the pair into Indian cricketers. Hardik Pandya, Krunal's dad, left his business to move to Surat at an early age to furnish his children with great preparation in the game. "We have always said that whatever we are and wherever we are, it's because of our father's struggle and vision. When I was six and Hardik was three, we never imagined playing for India or what we want to do in life. It was his vision. He saw me and said - 'My kids will play for India" - said Krunal Pandya.

Cricket: Lockdown helped us improve as overall individuals: Hardik Pandya

The European Union and the United States are set to commit at a summit in Brussels next week to end their transatlantic metals and aircraft trade disputes and call for progress on a new study into the origins of COVID-19, according to a draft communique. 
 
The seven-page draft, seen by Reuters, aims to show concrete results of the "new dawn" hailed by EU leaders when U.S. President Joe Biden took over from Donald Trump in January. 
 
The draft, which was discussed by EU ambassadors on Wednesday, commits to ending a long-running dispute over subsidies to aircraft makers before July 11 and setting a Dec. 1 deadline to end punitive tariffs related to a steel and aluminium trade dispute. 
 
Despite pressure by U.S. steel industry groups to keep the "Section 232" national security tariffs imposed by Trump, the draft said: "We commit to working towards lifting before 1 December 2021 all additional/punitive tariffs on both sides linked to our steel and aluminium dispute."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-prez-joe-biden-to-meet-55-world-leaders-during-his-visit-390419">Also Read |&nbsp;US Prez Joe Biden to meet 55 world leaders during his visit</a>

Steel industry sources told Reuters the language may be aimed at retaliatory tariffs on both sides such as those on whiskey and motorbikes, not necessarily the underlying 25% U.S. tariffs on steel and 10% on aluminum. A U.S.-EU deal in May to avert escalation of the dispute left these in place while the two sides negotiate for six months to address global excess metals capacity largely centred in China.

Some 12 EU countries are weighing a proposal to extend their own steel "safeguard" quotas beyond the end of June to protect European steelmakers from a flood of imports. 
 
Biden will meet the EU's chief executive, Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Charles Michel, who represents EU governments, and will also pledge to promote international cooperation to fight global warming. 
 
The EU and the United States are the world's top trading powers, along with China, but Trump sought to sideline the EU. 
 
After scotching a free-trade agreement with the EU, the Trump administration focused on shrinking a growing U.S. deficit in goods trade. Biden, however, sees the EU as an ally in promoting free trade, as well as in fighting climate change and ending the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
COVID ORIGINS 
 
At the Brussels summit, both sides will agree to cooperate on China policy and call for a new study into the origins of the pandemic, first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the draft said.

"We call for progress on a transparent, evidence-based, and expert-led WHO-convened phase 2 study on the origins of COVID-19, that is free from interference," the draft said. 
 
The two prevailing theories are that the virus jumped from animals, possibly bats, to humans, or that it escaped from a virology laboratory in Wuhan. Members of a WHO team that visited China this year to investigate COVID-19's origin said they were not given access to all data.

Despite the pledge of support, the EU is "not going to launch our own probe," one EU diplomat said. "We are not anti-China".

A second EU diplomat said the group "doesn't have intelligence services, and we are not going to try to do this origins search through our member states agencies," adding, "The Americans can still talk to European services in member states, but we are not going to get involved."

Despite the caveats, if agreed the joint stance on China will be a boost for the Biden administration, which seeks friends to stand up to Beijing but has said it will not force any ally to choose sides.

In a concession to the EU, the draft makes no mention of Biden's proposals for vaccine patent waivers to boost global production. Instead, it pledges to reduce U.S. export restrictions and promote the voluntary transfer of technologies.

The task of fully inoculating the world is expected to belong. The text says the United States and the EU "aspire to vaccinate at least two-thirds of the world's population by the end of 2022". This means as many as 2.5 billion people in the world may not get a shot before 2023.

EU states have until now tried to maintain a strategic balance that avoids alienating either China or the United States.

But China's military expansion, its claims to sovereignty in most of the South China Sea, and the mass detentions of Muslim Uyghurs in northwestern China have shifted the mood in Brussels.

"We intend to closely consult and cooperate on the full range of issues in the framework of our respective similar multi-faceted approaches to China, which include elements of cooperation, competition, and systemic rivalry," the draft said.

The European Union and the United States are set to commit at a summit in Brussels next week to end their transatlantic metals and aircraft trade disputes and call for progress on a new study into the origins of COVID-19, according to a draft communique.

The European Union and the United States are set to commit at a summit in Brussels next week to end their transatlantic metals and aircraft trade disputes and call for progress on a new study into the origins of COVID-19, according to a draft communique. The seven-page draft, seen by Reuters, aims to show concrete results of the "new dawn" hailed by EU leaders when U.S. President Joe Biden took over from Donald Trump in January. The draft, which was discussed by EU ambassadors on Wednesday, commits to ending a long-running dispute over subsidies to aircraft makers before July 11 and setting a Dec. 1 deadline to end punitive tariffs related to a steel and aluminium trade dispute. Despite pressure by U.S. steel industry groups to keep the "Section 232" national security tariffs imposed by Trump, the draft said: "We commit to working towards lifting before 1 December 2021 all additional/punitive tariffs on both sides linked to our steel and aluminium dispute." Also Read | US Prez Joe Biden to meet 55 world leaders during his visit Steel industry sources told Reuters the language may be aimed at retaliatory tariffs on both sides such as those on whiskey and motorbikes, not necessarily the underlying 25% U.S. tariffs on steel and 10% on aluminum. A U.S.-EU deal in May to avert escalation of the dispute left these in place while the two sides negotiate for six months to address global excess metals capacity largely centred in China. Some 12 EU countries are weighing a proposal to extend their own steel "safeguard" quotas beyond the end of June to protect European steelmakers from a flood of imports. Biden will meet the EU's chief executive, Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Charles Michel, who represents EU governments, and will also pledge to promote international cooperation to fight global warming. The EU and the United States are the world's top trading powers, along with China, but Trump sought to sideline the EU. After scotching a free-trade agreement with the EU, the Trump administration focused on shrinking a growing U.S. deficit in goods trade. Biden, however, sees the EU as an ally in promoting free trade, as well as in fighting climate change and ending the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID ORIGINS At the Brussels summit, both sides will agree to cooperate on China policy and call for a new study into the origins of the pandemic, first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the draft said. "We call for progress on a transparent, evidence-based, and expert-led WHO-convened phase 2 study on the origins of COVID-19, that is free from interference," the draft said. The two prevailing theories are that the virus jumped from animals, possibly bats, to humans, or that it escaped from a virology laboratory in Wuhan. Members of a WHO team that visited China this year to investigate COVID-19's origin said they were not given access to all data. Despite the pledge of support, the EU is "not going to launch our own probe," one EU diplomat said. "We are not anti-China". A second EU diplomat said the group "doesn't have intelligence services, and we are not going to try to do this origins search through our member states agencies," adding, "The Americans can still talk to European services in member states, but we are not going to get involved." Despite the caveats, if agreed the joint stance on China will be a boost for the Biden administration, which seeks friends to stand up to Beijing but has said it will not force any ally to choose sides. In a concession to the EU, the draft makes no mention of Biden's proposals for vaccine patent waivers to boost global production. Instead, it pledges to reduce U.S. export restrictions and promote the voluntary transfer of technologies. The task of fully inoculating the world is expected to belong. The text says the United States and the EU "aspire to vaccinate at least two-thirds of the world's population by the end of 2022". This means as many as 2.5 billion people in the world may not get a shot before 2023. EU states have until now tried to maintain a strategic balance that avoids alienating either China or the United States. But China's military expansion, its claims to sovereignty in most of the South China Sea, and the mass detentions of Muslim Uyghurs in northwestern China have shifted the mood in Brussels. "We intend to closely consult and cooperate on the full range of issues in the framework of our respective similar multi-faceted approaches to China, which include elements of cooperation, competition, and systemic rivalry," the draft said.

EU, US to end trade tariffs, call for new study into COVID-19 origins, says summit draft

Two&nbsp;Australian states are on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> alert after an infected woman and her husband travelled from Victoria, the epicentre of the country's latest outbreak, through the states of New South Wales and into Queensland, visiting dozens of sites en route.

Authorities in New South Wales and Queensland are rushing to trace close contacts and locate virus hotspots, officials said on Thursday. The couple may face criminal charges for breaching COVID-19 border restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-reports-second-death-possibly-due-to-blood-clots-after-astrazeneca-shot-390585">Australia reports second death 'possibly' due to blood clots after AstraZeneca shot</a>

The 44-year-old woman tested positive for COVID-19 once in Queensland, authorities said late on Wednesday, and her husband has since tested positive.

Queensland state Health Minister Yvette D'Ath told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday that the couple's tests suggested they were likely at the end of their infectious period. Queensland has issued alerts for parts of the Sunshine Coast, a popular tourist spot, and two regional areas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-melbourne-eyes-way-out-of-covid-19-lockdown-as-cases-ease-390045">Australia's Melbourne eyes way out of COVID-19 lockdown as cases ease</a>

On Thursday, Victoria reported four new locally acquired cases, versus one case a day earlier, taking the total infections in the latest outbreak to 90. The new cases, all from the same household, come as Melbourne prepares to come out of a two-week lockdown on Thursday night, although some curbs on travel and gatherings remain.

Two Australian states are on COVID-19 alert after an infected woman and her husband travelled from Victoria, the epicentre of the country's latest outbreak, through the states of New South Wales and into Queensland, visiting dozens of sites en route.

Two Australian states are on COVID-19 alert after an infected woman and her husband travelled from Victoria, the epicentre of the country's latest outbreak, through the states of New South Wales and into Queensland, visiting dozens of sites en route. Authorities in New South Wales and Queensland are rushing to trace close contacts and locate virus hotspots, officials said on Thursday. The couple may face criminal charges for breaching COVID-19 border restrictions. Also read | Australia reports second death 'possibly' due to blood clots after AstraZeneca shot The 44-year-old woman tested positive for COVID-19 once in Queensland, authorities said late on Wednesday, and her husband has since tested positive. Queensland state Health Minister Yvette D'Ath told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday that the couple's tests suggested they were likely at the end of their infectious period. Queensland has issued alerts for parts of the Sunshine Coast, a popular tourist spot, and two regional areas. Also read | Australia's Melbourne eyes way out of COVID-19 lockdown as cases ease On Thursday, Victoria reported four new locally acquired cases, versus one case a day earlier, taking the total infections in the latest outbreak to 90. The new cases, all from the same household, come as Melbourne prepares to come out of a two-week lockdown on Thursday night, although some curbs on travel and gatherings remain.

Two Australian states on COVID-19 alert after infected woman's interstate travel

Doctors in the Southern Indian City of Chennai successfully performed a live-donor liver transplant on a 26-year old, who was comatose after suffering acute liver failure. What made this medical procedure even more complicated for the patient and the operating doctors was the fact that he had tested COVID-19 positive. This meant heightened the risk for Doctors and healthcare staff of the MGM Hospital, who were to attend to this patient and perform surgery and related procedures.

The patient Ragul Gandhi was physically fit and a Kabaddi Player but had lapsed into a comatose state, two days after his liver failed. Once he tested COVID-19 positive, it was also clear to medical professionals that he had only about 48 hours to live, without an emergency liver transplant.

Luckily for the patient, his own brother had agreed to be the live donor, at a time (COVID-19 pandemic) when there are hardly any cadavers available for giving a lease of life. The donor was brought to the Chennai hospital and found suitable for the procedure.&nbsp;

Clad in full-body PPE suits, two teams with a total of 50 (fully vaccinated) medical professionals performed the 12-hour procedure in two separate Operation Theaters - one for the COVID-19 positive patient and another for the donor. Special filters and technology were used to ensure that the doctors don’t get infected with Covid-19, owing to the long duration of exposure. According to the hospital, none of the doctors or healthcare staff tested positive, after this procedure.

The patient has been discharged after surgery and is recuperating from home, he has also defeated COVID-19. Doctors of MGM healthcare said that he would be able to live a normal life post-transplant and could even resume playing Kabaddi in about a year’s time.

When asked about the causes of such sudden acute liver failure in a young and fit sportsman, Senior Transplant surgeon Dr Thaigarajan Srinivasan of MGM Healthcare said that liver failure suddenly happens in previously normal patients. “In our part of the world, the commonest causes of acute liver failure are overdose of anti-tubercular drugs. It could be the overdose of drugs meant for Hepatitis A, E, B or even some Ayurvedic medicines. In this case, it was an accidental overdose” he told Zee media.&nbsp;

Doctors also advised those with existing liver complications to stay safe at home, get vaccinated and strictly follow the COVID-19 norms. In case of such individuals getting infected by Covid-19, Doctors urged them to go ahead and seek immediate medical attention to prevent further deterioration. 
&nbsp;

Doctors in the Southern Indian City of Chennai successfully performed a live-donor liver transplant on a 26-year old, who was comatose after suffering acute liver failure.

Doctors in the Southern Indian City of Chennai successfully performed a live-donor liver transplant on a 26-year old, who was comatose after suffering acute liver failure. What made this medical procedure even more complicated for the patient and the operating doctors was the fact that he had tested COVID-19 positive. This meant heightened the risk for Doctors and healthcare staff of the MGM Hospital, who were to attend to this patient and perform surgery and related procedures. The patient Ragul Gandhi was physically fit and a Kabaddi Player but had lapsed into a comatose state, two days after his liver failed. Once he tested COVID-19 positive, it was also clear to medical professionals that he had only about 48 hours to live, without an emergency liver transplant. Luckily for the patient, his own brother had agreed to be the live donor, at a time (COVID-19 pandemic) when there are hardly any cadavers available for giving a lease of life. The donor was brought to the Chennai hospital and found suitable for the procedure. Clad in full-body PPE suits, two teams with a total of 50 (fully vaccinated) medical professionals performed the 12-hour procedure in two separate Operation Theaters - one for the COVID-19 positive patient and another for the donor. Special filters and technology were used to ensure that the doctors don’t get infected with Covid-19, owing to the long duration of exposure. According to the hospital, none of the doctors or healthcare staff tested positive, after this procedure. The patient has been discharged after surgery and is recuperating from home, he has also defeated COVID-19. Doctors of MGM healthcare said that he would be able to live a normal life post-transplant and could even resume playing Kabaddi in about a year’s time. When asked about the causes of such sudden acute liver failure in a young and fit sportsman, Senior Transplant surgeon Dr Thaigarajan Srinivasan of MGM Healthcare said that liver failure suddenly happens in previously normal patients. “In our part of the world, the commonest causes of acute liver failure are overdose of anti-tubercular drugs. It could be the overdose of drugs meant for Hepatitis A, E, B or even some Ayurvedic medicines. In this case, it was an accidental overdose” he told Zee media. Doctors also advised those with existing liver complications to stay safe at home, get vaccinated and strictly follow the COVID-19 norms. In case of such individuals getting infected by Covid-19, Doctors urged them to go ahead and seek immediate medical attention to prevent further deterioration.

COVID-19 positive liver-failure patient who was comatose revived successfully after transplant 

Merck &amp; Co said on Wednesday (June 9) the U.S. government has agreed to pay about $1.2 billion for 1.7 million courses of its experimental COVID-19 treatment if it is proven to work in an ongoing large trial and authorized by U.S. regulators.

The oral antiviral treatment, molnupiravir, aims to stop COVID-19 from progressing and can be given early in the course of the disease, similar to Tamiflu to treat influenza.

The treatment course being tested in the trial is an oral dose given every 12 hours for five days.

Merck expects to have more than 10 million courses of therapy available by the end of this year and said it was in discussions with other countries interested in advance purchase agreements for molnupiravir.

The company, which is developing the drug with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, is assessing the treatment in a late-stage trial in non-hospitalized patients to see if it reduces the risk of hospitalization or death.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seeking-a-pill-to-cure-covid-drugmakers-eye-alternative-to-vaccines-387717">Also Read |&nbsp;Seeking a pill to cure Covid: Drugmakers eye alternative to vaccines</a>

Data from the trial, which plans to enrol a total of 1,850 patients globally, are expected in the fall of 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Other antiviral drugs also contending to be the first treatment aimed at the cause of COVID-19 include Pfizer Inc's PFE.N PF-07321332 and Roche Holding AG's ROG.S AT-527. (Full Story)

If successful, Merck said it expects to file for the emergency use authorization of molnupiravir in the second half of 2021 at the earliest.

Merck has focused on its treatment after two COVID-19 vaccines it was developing failed to generate the necessary immune responses in early testing, prompting it to abandon them in January.

The drugmaker announced a change of plans and said in April it would no longer pursue the use of molnupiravir in hospitalized patients. 
&nbsp;

Merck & Co said on Wednesday (June 9) the U.S. government has agreed to pay about $1.2 billion for 1.7 million courses of its experimental COVID-19 treatment if it is proven to work in an ongoing large trial and authorized by U.

Merck & Co said on Wednesday (June 9) the U.S. government has agreed to pay about $1.2 billion for 1.7 million courses of its experimental COVID-19 treatment if it is proven to work in an ongoing large trial and authorized by U.S. regulators. The oral antiviral treatment, molnupiravir, aims to stop COVID-19 from progressing and can be given early in the course of the disease, similar to Tamiflu to treat influenza. The treatment course being tested in the trial is an oral dose given every 12 hours for five days. Merck expects to have more than 10 million courses of therapy available by the end of this year and said it was in discussions with other countries interested in advance purchase agreements for molnupiravir. The company, which is developing the drug with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, is assessing the treatment in a late-stage trial in non-hospitalized patients to see if it reduces the risk of hospitalization or death. Also Read | Seeking a pill to cure Covid: Drugmakers eye alternative to vaccines Data from the trial, which plans to enrol a total of 1,850 patients globally, are expected in the fall of 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Other antiviral drugs also contending to be the first treatment aimed at the cause of COVID-19 include Pfizer Inc's PFE.N PF-07321332 and Roche Holding AG's ROG.S AT-527. (Full Story) If successful, Merck said it expects to file for the emergency use authorization of molnupiravir in the second half of 2021 at the earliest. Merck has focused on its treatment after two COVID-19 vaccines it was developing failed to generate the necessary immune responses in early testing, prompting it to abandon them in January. The drugmaker announced a change of plans and said in April it would no longer pursue the use of molnupiravir in hospitalized patients.

US to need Merck's COVID-19 drug for preparedness, says doctor

Iran's Ambassador to India Dr Ali Chegeni has said that his country stands in solidarity with India amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid the pandemic, Iran had sent 300 Oxygen Concentrators and other essentials to India last month.

Iran's Ambassador to India Dr Ali Chegeni has said that his country stands in solidarity with India amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid the pandemic, Iran had sent 300 Oxygen Concentrators and other essentials to India last month. Highlighting how Iran had been in the same situation, the envoy Chegeni speaking to WION said, Despite us being under the sanctions and difficulties, we could manage somehow to show our solidarity with our brothers and sisters in India". He lauded India for its outreach to the world community amid the pandemic. India had sent medicines and vaccines to the world to deal with the crisis. Iran procured COVAXIN from India too. Iran's envoy said, "India began its effort to help all the world when the pandemic began" and "we have in our tradition if you give something in desert, you will receive it in the sea", explaining, "India has had a very open hand to help others, so others will help India" Asked about India, Iran vaccine cooperation, Chegeni said, “we have good cooperation with India in Pharma, in the vaccine so the two sides are capable to develop joint venture and cooperation". Iran is developing its vaccine manufacturing plant with 5 vaccines under development. The country has cooperation with Russia and Cuba. India's vaccine capacity is well known, with around 60% of global vaccines being made in the country. On global resistance to vaccine patents, he said, "without world solidarity, we can’t fight this pandemic. We need to be united. This virus is changing". "If world leaders are together if we can have a joint effort to fight the pandemic, we will remove it very soon.” calling for "removing all barriers" when it comes to vaccines.

COVID-19: Stand in solidarity with India says Iran's envoy Dr Ali Chegeni; lauds New Delhi for its ‘open hand’

If the spread of COVID-19 continues at current rates it will be years before the virus is controlled in the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said on Wednesday, as it called for countries to share excess vaccine doses.

There were almost 1.2 million new cases and 34,000 deaths in the region last week, and four of the five countries with the highest death counts worldwide are in the Americas, PAHO Director Carissa Etienne said during the organization's weekly news conference.

"If current trends continue, the health, social and economic disparities in our region will grow even larger, and it will be years before we control this virus in the Americas," Etienne said.

Infections are higher in many places in the region than at any other point during the pandemic, she said, and the emergence of new more easily transmitted variants has added new complexities to epidemiological surveillance. 
Just 10% of the population of Latin America and the Caribbean have been fully vaccinated, with a particularly acute situation in Central American and the Caribbean.

PAHO is thankful to the United States, Spain, and Canada for promises to donate millions of doses or funding, but more needs to be done, the director said.

<a href="wionews.com/world/worldwide-plastics-production-falls-in-2020-for-the-first-time-since-2008-report-390529">Also Read |&nbsp;Worldwide plastics production falls in 2020 for the first time since 2008: Report</a>

"We hope other countries – particularly those with excess doses – and global financial institutions will follow in their footsteps to provide the support we need," Etienne said. "Vaccine donations are essential in the short-term."

Ahead of the kick-off of the Copa America soccer tournament in Brazil on Sunday, Ciro Ugarte, PAHO's Director of Health Emergencies, said countries hosting mass events should consider postponing if COVID-19 risks cannot be controlled.

Venezuela still owes $10 million in funding for vaccines via the COVAX vaccine sharing program, Ugarte said. 
COVAX supply for Venezuela will likely not be ready soon because of global demand, but PAHO hopes Venezuela and other regional countries will be given priority because they have not yet received COVAX doses.

Hospitalizations in Haiti are stretching oxygen supplies there, Etienne said. Haiti, one of only a handful of countries that has yet to administer a single dose of coronavirus vaccine, is grappling with its first major outbreak.

Bolivia and Colombia are seeing a rise in cases and deaths and intensive care unit beds are near capacity in many Colombian cities, Etienne added.

If the spread of COVID-19 continues at current rates it will be years before the virus is controlled in the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said on Wednesday, as it called for countries to share excess vaccine doses.

If the spread of COVID-19 continues at current rates it will be years before the virus is controlled in the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said on Wednesday, as it called for countries to share excess vaccine doses. There were almost 1.2 million new cases and 34,000 deaths in the region last week, and four of the five countries with the highest death counts worldwide are in the Americas, PAHO Director Carissa Etienne said during the organization's weekly news conference. "If current trends continue, the health, social and economic disparities in our region will grow even larger, and it will be years before we control this virus in the Americas," Etienne said. Infections are higher in many places in the region than at any other point during the pandemic, she said, and the emergence of new more easily transmitted variants has added new complexities to epidemiological surveillance. Just 10% of the population of Latin America and the Caribbean have been fully vaccinated, with a particularly acute situation in Central American and the Caribbean. PAHO is thankful to the United States, Spain, and Canada for promises to donate millions of doses or funding, but more needs to be done, the director said. Also Read | Worldwide plastics production falls in 2020 for the first time since 2008: Report "We hope other countries – particularly those with excess doses – and global financial institutions will follow in their footsteps to provide the support we need," Etienne said. "Vaccine donations are essential in the short-term." Ahead of the kick-off of the Copa America soccer tournament in Brazil on Sunday, Ciro Ugarte, PAHO's Director of Health Emergencies, said countries hosting mass events should consider postponing if COVID-19 risks cannot be controlled. Venezuela still owes $10 million in funding for vaccines via the COVAX vaccine sharing program, Ugarte said. COVAX supply for Venezuela will likely not be ready soon because of global demand, but PAHO hopes Venezuela and other regional countries will be given priority because they have not yet received COVAX doses. Hospitalizations in Haiti are stretching oxygen supplies there, Etienne said. Haiti, one of only a handful of countries that has yet to administer a single dose of coronavirus vaccine, is grappling with its first major outbreak. Bolivia and Colombia are seeing a rise in cases and deaths and intensive care unit beds are near capacity in many Colombian cities, Etienne added.

PAHO urges countries to share excess vaccine doses

In January 2020, a leading infectious disease expert wrote an email to Anthony Fauci - claiming that the virus shows some "unusual features" that "potentially looked engineered".

Gravitas: Covid origins: Did Fauci know the virus is "engineered"?

Australia`s Victoria state authorities said plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions in state capital, Melbourne, this week remained "on track" as new locally acquired coronavirus cases fell on Tuesday. 
 
Victoria, Australia`s second-most-populous state, was plunged into a snap one-week hard lockdown on May 27 to contain a virus outbreak, forcing its 7 million residents to remain home except for essential business. 
 
The lockdown was extended in Melbourne until June 10, while some restrictions were relaxed in other regions in the state. 
 
Two new locally acquired cases, both linked to existing clusters, were reported on Tuesday, down from 11 a day earlier. 
 
"While we never want to see new cases, it is reassuring that we are again seeing these cases with clear links to existing outbreaks," Victoria state Acting Premier James Merlino told reporters in Melbourne. 
 
Merlino said contact tracers have linked the source of the highly infectious Delta virus variant to an overseas traveller who entered hotel quarantine in Melbourne on May 8. 
 
But officials said that it was still unclear how the Delta variant was transmitted into the community and that further tests would be needed. 
 
Though case numbers remained in single digits on almost all days through the lockdown, the emergence of the highly contagious Delta variant, first detected in India, late last week had stoked concerns of a major spike in infections. 
 
The Delta variant has been classified by the World Health Organization as among the four COVID-19 variants of concern because of evidence that it spreads more easily, and that it most likely caused the latest devastating wave of COVID-19 in India. 
 
Australia has fared better than many other developed countries in containing COVID-19, largely with snap lockdowns, regional border restrictions and tough social distancing rules. It has reported just under 30,200 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began.

Australia`s Victoria state authorities said plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions in state capital, Melbourne, this week remained "on track" as new locally acquired coronavirus cases fell on Tuesday.

Australia`s Victoria state authorities said plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions in state capital, Melbourne, this week remained "on track" as new locally acquired coronavirus cases fell on Tuesday. Victoria, Australia`s second-most-populous state, was plunged into a snap one-week hard lockdown on May 27 to contain a virus outbreak, forcing its 7 million residents to remain home except for essential business. The lockdown was extended in Melbourne until June 10, while some restrictions were relaxed in other regions in the state. Two new locally acquired cases, both linked to existing clusters, were reported on Tuesday, down from 11 a day earlier. "While we never want to see new cases, it is reassuring that we are again seeing these cases with clear links to existing outbreaks," Victoria state Acting Premier James Merlino told reporters in Melbourne. Merlino said contact tracers have linked the source of the highly infectious Delta virus variant to an overseas traveller who entered hotel quarantine in Melbourne on May 8. But officials said that it was still unclear how the Delta variant was transmitted into the community and that further tests would be needed. Though case numbers remained in single digits on almost all days through the lockdown, the emergence of the highly contagious Delta variant, first detected in India, late last week had stoked concerns of a major spike in infections. The Delta variant has been classified by the World Health Organization as among the four COVID-19 variants of concern because of evidence that it spreads more easily, and that it most likely caused the latest devastating wave of COVID-19 in India. Australia has fared better than many other developed countries in containing COVID-19, largely with snap lockdowns, regional border restrictions and tough social distancing rules. It has reported just under 30,200 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began.

Australia's Melbourne eyes way out of COVID-19 lockdown as cases ease

India is witnessing a persistent drop in number of Coronavirus infections and the caseload has finally fallen below the 100, 000 mark after nearly 66 days. India has reported over 86,000 cases in the last 24 hours. Watch this report more.

India: Daily cases fall below 100,000 mark

A new COVID variant has been found in India. It is detected by the National Institute of Virology from genome sequencing. The new variant has been designated as B.1.1.28.2 . Watch this report to know more.

India: National Institute Of Virology identifies new COVID-19 strain

India's Covid condition continued to steadily improve today, with 1,00,636 cases recorded, down 12% from yesterday's 1,14,460 new infections, which were the lowest in two months.

The total number of cases in the country today stands at 29 million.&nbsp;

The death toll stands at 3,49,186 with 2,427 deaths in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, 2,71,59,180 people have recovered from the virus. Active cases in India stand at 14,01,609.

According to sources, clinical trials of Covaxin on youngsters will begin today at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi.

Experts are concerned that youngsters could be disproportionately affected by a probable third wave of the virus, thus clinical trials are underway.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Covid condition continued to steadily improve today, with 1,00,636 cases recorded, down 12% from yesterday's 1,14,460 new infections, which were the lowest in two months.

India's Covid condition continued to steadily improve today, with 1,00,636 cases recorded, down 12% from yesterday's 1,14,460 new infections, which were the lowest in two months. The total number of cases in the country today stands at 29 million. The death toll stands at 3,49,186 with 2,427 deaths in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, 2,71,59,180 people have recovered from the virus. Active cases in India stand at 14,01,609. According to sources, clinical trials of Covaxin on youngsters will begin today at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi. Experts are concerned that youngsters could be disproportionately affected by a probable third wave of the virus, thus clinical trials are underway. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports lowest number of new COVID-19 cases in two months

According to the Institute of Technology Madras, their alumni based out of India and abroad have donated over $2 million (nearly Rs.14.56cr) towards Covid-19 relief efforts in India.

According to the Institute of Technology Madras, their alumni based out of India and abroad have donated over $2 million (nearly Rs.14.56cr) towards Covid-19 relief efforts in India. The fundraising was coordinated by the office Of Alumni and Corporate Relations (ACR), IIT Madras, in association with IIT Madras Alumni Association of North America and IITM Foundation in the US. In line with this effort, Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras and other officials handed over 200 Oxygen concentrators of 10 litres capacity each and handed them over to the Chennai Civic body. In addition to this, representatives of the institute handed over 74 BiPAP machines to Chennai Corporation Officials recently. IIT Madras Alumni have also donated 200 Oxygen Concentrators of 5 litres capacity each to the Telangana Government. Anand Rajaraman, an IIT alumnus and partner at a Silicon Valley-based Venture Capital firm said that it was a duty of the Indian diaspora to help the country get through these darkest hours. According to the institute, IIT Madras alumni working as senior executives with reputed MNCs were actively involved in evaluating and finalising the options available at various stages throughout the process. IIT Madras will continue to contribute to the Covid relief measures in the months to come, as the social commitment has always been a topmost priority for the Institute. “It has been an amazing experience to contribute to this campaign with fellow alumni from IIT Madras. So many people stepped forward to source equipment, raise funds and ensure delivery of the equipment” It is gratifying to know that we could make a difference at a very challenging time in India, said Kamal Duggirala, Chairman IITM Foundation-US. Besides these efforts to aid the Government, IIT Madras has formed a Covid Relief Fund to support students and faculty who are in distress due to pandemic related medical issues. In the last financial year, IIT Madras raised Rs 9.6 million to cater to the Covid relief requirements of students and employees of IIT Madras. There is also a proposal to upgrade the medical infrastructure within the campus. This is meant to cater to any potential requirements that may arise when the campus re-opens and receives students when the lockdown restrictions are relaxed.

IIT Madras alumni contribute $2 million for COVID-19 relief efforts in India

According to a serosurvey conducted by the State Government, nearly 23 % of the tested samples had IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Virus, the infection that causes COVID-19. 
 
The state-wide survey was conducted in April this year, across all districts of the state, except Chennai. 
 
Based on 765 clusters, with each consisting of 30 individuals, the samples were taken at random from a village (in rural areas) or a street (in an urban area).&nbsp;

Completed under the supervision of Dr T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, this survey showed that 5316 individuals of the total 22904 participants had antibodies. While the overall seroprevalence across the state was 23%, it was found to be highest in the districts adjoining Chennai - Tiruvallur (49%), Chengalpattu (43%) and Kanchipuram (38%). The lowest seroprevalence was seen at Nagapattinam District (9%).&nbsp;

Notably, the first such state-wide serosurvey conducted in Oct-Nov 2020 had revealed 31% seropositivity, which is much higher than the latest one. Back then, 6995 samples out of 22690 were found to have developed antibodies.&nbsp;

However, the Government attributes the decrease in seroprevalence to the fact that the first survey was conducted a month after the peak of the first wave, which occurred in August. In the case of the second survey, it was conducted close to the start of the second wave in Tamil Nadu. The possibility of antibodies weaning in the five-month interval between November 2020 and April 2021 is also said to be a factor, based on studies published in International journals.&nbsp;

Other factors are that vaccination coverage till March was meant to cover only the vulnerable population (above the age of 45), whereas other age groups we unvaccinated. It was also observed that there were no variants of SARS CoV -2 during the first serosurvey, whereas several variants were detected in the community during hr subsequent survey.&nbsp;

Despite Tamil Nadu reporting more than 1/5th of India’s daily COVID-19 cases and the highest for any state in the country, the state is seeing a declining trend and an appreciable higher vaccination rate. Hence, a third sero survey is proposed to be carried out between July and August this year.

According to a serosurvey conducted by the State Government, nearly 23 % of the tested samples had IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Virus, the infection that causes COVID-19.

According to a serosurvey conducted by the State Government, nearly 23 % of the tested samples had IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Virus, the infection that causes COVID-19. The state-wide survey was conducted in April this year, across all districts of the state, except Chennai. Based on 765 clusters, with each consisting of 30 individuals, the samples were taken at random from a village (in rural areas) or a street (in an urban area). Completed under the supervision of Dr T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, this survey showed that 5316 individuals of the total 22904 participants had antibodies. While the overall seroprevalence across the state was 23%, it was found to be highest in the districts adjoining Chennai - Tiruvallur (49%), Chengalpattu (43%) and Kanchipuram (38%). The lowest seroprevalence was seen at Nagapattinam District (9%). Notably, the first such state-wide serosurvey conducted in Oct-Nov 2020 had revealed 31% seropositivity, which is much higher than the latest one. Back then, 6995 samples out of 22690 were found to have developed antibodies. However, the Government attributes the decrease in seroprevalence to the fact that the first survey was conducted a month after the peak of the first wave, which occurred in August. In the case of the second survey, it was conducted close to the start of the second wave in Tamil Nadu. The possibility of antibodies weaning in the five-month interval between November 2020 and April 2021 is also said to be a factor, based on studies published in International journals. Other factors are that vaccination coverage till March was meant to cover only the vulnerable population (above the age of 45), whereas other age groups we unvaccinated. It was also observed that there were no variants of SARS CoV -2 during the first serosurvey, whereas several variants were detected in the community during hr subsequent survey. Despite Tamil Nadu reporting more than 1/5th of India’s daily COVID-19 cases and the highest for any state in the country, the state is seeing a declining trend and an appreciable higher vaccination rate. Hence, a third sero survey is proposed to be carried out between July and August this year.

Tamil Nadu: COVID-19 antibodies detected in 23% samples of second sero survey; third survey from July-August

China reported 30 new coronavirus cases on the mainland for June 5, up from 24 cases a day earlier, the country's health authority said in a statement on Sunday. 
 
Of the new patients, 23 were imported, the National Health Commission said, and the seven local cases were all in southern Guangdong province. There were no new deaths. 
 
China also reported 18 new asymptomatic infections, compared with 28 a day earlier. China does not classify symptomless infections as confirmed cases. 
 
As of June 5, China had a total of 91,248 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Its death toll stood unchanged at 4,636. 
 
Meanwhile, top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has called on China to release the medical records of nine people whose ailments might provide vital clues into whether COVID-19 first emerged as the result of a lab leak, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.

"I would like to see the medical records of the three people, who are reported to have got sick in 2019. Did they really get sick, and if so, what did they get sick with?" the report quoted Fauci as saying.

The origin of the virus is hotly contested, with US intelligence agencies still examining reports that researchers at a Chinese virology laboratory in Wuhan were seriously ill in 2019 a month before the first COVID-19 cases were reported.

However, Chinese scientists and officials have consistently rejected the lab leak hypothesis, saying the virus could have been circulating in other regions before it hit Wuhan and might have even entered China through imported frozen food shipments or wildlife trading.

Financial Times reported that Fauci continues to believe the virus was first transmitted to humans through animals, pointing out that even if the lab researchers did have COVID-19, they could have contracted the disease from the wider population.

(With inputs from agencies)

China reported 30 new coronavirus cases on the mainland for June 5, up from 24 cases a day earlier, the country's health authority said in a statement on Sunday.

China reported 30 new coronavirus cases on the mainland for June 5, up from 24 cases a day earlier, the country's health authority said in a statement on Sunday. Of the new patients, 23 were imported, the National Health Commission said, and the seven local cases were all in southern Guangdong province. There were no new deaths. China also reported 18 new asymptomatic infections, compared with 28 a day earlier. China does not classify symptomless infections as confirmed cases. As of June 5, China had a total of 91,248 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Its death toll stood unchanged at 4,636. Meanwhile, top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has called on China to release the medical records of nine people whose ailments might provide vital clues into whether COVID-19 first emerged as the result of a lab leak, the Financial Times reported on Thursday. "I would like to see the medical records of the three people, who are reported to have got sick in 2019. Did they really get sick, and if so, what did they get sick with?" the report quoted Fauci as saying. The origin of the virus is hotly contested, with US intelligence agencies still examining reports that researchers at a Chinese virology laboratory in Wuhan were seriously ill in 2019 a month before the first COVID-19 cases were reported. However, Chinese scientists and officials have consistently rejected the lab leak hypothesis, saying the virus could have been circulating in other regions before it hit Wuhan and might have even entered China through imported frozen food shipments or wildlife trading. Financial Times reported that Fauci continues to believe the virus was first transmitted to humans through animals, pointing out that even if the lab researchers did have COVID-19, they could have contracted the disease from the wider population. (With inputs from agencies)

China reports 30 new coronavirus cases on June 5, up from previous day

India reported 114,460 new COVID-19 cases, 189,232 discharges, and 2,677 deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Sunday.

This is the lowest number of cases reported in the last two months. On April 5, 96,982 cases were reported. The following day, 1,15,736 new cases were reported.

A total of 2,88,09,339 positive cases have been reported so far, including 2,69,84,781 recoveries, and 14,77,799 active cases. As many as 36,47,46,522 samples have been tested in the country up to June 5 including 20,36,311 samples tested on Saturday, the Indian Council of Medical Research informed.

The national recovery rate has increased to 93.67 per cent.

The weekly positivity rate, meanwhile, stands at 6.54 per cent. As many as 23,13,22,417 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered so far.

India reported 114,460 new COVID-19 cases, 189,232 discharges, and 2,677 deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Sunday. This is the lowest number of cases reported in the last two months.

India reported 114,460 new COVID-19 cases, 189,232 discharges, and 2,677 deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Sunday. This is the lowest number of cases reported in the last two months. On April 5, 96,982 cases were reported. The following day, 1,15,736 new cases were reported. A total of 2,88,09,339 positive cases have been reported so far, including 2,69,84,781 recoveries, and 14,77,799 active cases. As many as 36,47,46,522 samples have been tested in the country up to June 5 including 20,36,311 samples tested on Saturday, the Indian Council of Medical Research informed. The national recovery rate has increased to 93.67 per cent. The weekly positivity rate, meanwhile, stands at 6.54 per cent. As many as 23,13,22,417 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered so far.

India reports 114,460 new COVID-19 cases, lowest in 2 months

Former US President Donald Trump tried to make a comeback to the political stage on Saturday with a major speech to southern Republicans.

Former US President Donald Trump teases comeback

Australia`s second most populous state Victoria on Sunday reported two new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, with the low number raising hopes that a hard lockdown in the state`s capital Melbourne will be eased on June 10. 
 
The two new local infections bring Victoria`s total cases to 72, including two recovered cases, in the outbreak that began in late May after a man who tested negative in hotel quarantine in Adelaide returned to Melbourne and tested positive. 
 
The daily rise was down from five new cases reported on Saturday and both cases were linked to existing clusters, which authorities said meant Melbourne`s restrictions would probably be eased on Thursday. 
 
"If we can, we will lift it early, but at this stage our expectation is that it will continue to Thursday," Victoria`s deputy chief health officer Allen Cheng told reporters. 
 
Health authorities remain worried about the emergence of the highly infectious Delta variant, which has now extended to 10 cases, as the source has yet to be identified and there has been no genomic match so far with any other cases in Australia. 
 
The Delta variant, which has been classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as among the four COVID-19 variants of concern due to evidence that it spreads more easily, likely caused the latest devastating outbreak in India. 
 
"The last thing we want to see is this variant of the virus getting out and becoming uncontrollable," state deputy premier James Merlino said. 
 
A family that travelled to a beach town in New South Wales state were the first in Melbourne to be infected by the Delta variant. 
 
"We are concerned about who it was who might have given them the infection and therefore could there be other infections related to that," Cheng said. 
 
Australia has been relatively successful in controlling the virus with snap lockdowns, tight border restrictions and social distancing. Victoria has accounted for two-thirds of the more than 30,100 COVID-19 cases and 90% of the 910 deaths in the country since the pandemic began last year. 
 
Merlino on Sunday announced A$32 million ($25 million) in assistance to regional tourism and accommodation operators to make up for a disrupted ski season, adding to A$460 million committed last week to businesses affected by the lockdown.

Australia`s second most populous state Victoria on Sunday reported two new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, with the low number raising hopes that a hard lockdown in the state`s capital Melbourne will be eased on June 10.

Australia`s second most populous state Victoria on Sunday reported two new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, with the low number raising hopes that a hard lockdown in the state`s capital Melbourne will be eased on June 10. The two new local infections bring Victoria`s total cases to 72, including two recovered cases, in the outbreak that began in late May after a man who tested negative in hotel quarantine in Adelaide returned to Melbourne and tested positive. The daily rise was down from five new cases reported on Saturday and both cases were linked to existing clusters, which authorities said meant Melbourne`s restrictions would probably be eased on Thursday. "If we can, we will lift it early, but at this stage our expectation is that it will continue to Thursday," Victoria`s deputy chief health officer Allen Cheng told reporters. Health authorities remain worried about the emergence of the highly infectious Delta variant, which has now extended to 10 cases, as the source has yet to be identified and there has been no genomic match so far with any other cases in Australia. The Delta variant, which has been classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as among the four COVID-19 variants of concern due to evidence that it spreads more easily, likely caused the latest devastating outbreak in India. "The last thing we want to see is this variant of the virus getting out and becoming uncontrollable," state deputy premier James Merlino said. A family that travelled to a beach town in New South Wales state were the first in Melbourne to be infected by the Delta variant. "We are concerned about who it was who might have given them the infection and therefore could there be other infections related to that," Cheng said. Australia has been relatively successful in controlling the virus with snap lockdowns, tight border restrictions and social distancing. Victoria has accounted for two-thirds of the more than 30,100 COVID-19 cases and 90% of the 910 deaths in the country since the pandemic began last year. Merlino on Sunday announced A$32 million ($25 million) in assistance to regional tourism and accommodation operators to make up for a disrupted ski season, adding to A$460 million committed last week to businesses affected by the lockdown.

Australia's COVID-19 hotspot reports two new local cases

The overall global COVID-19 caseload has topped 172.8 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.71 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. 
 
In its latest update on Sunday morning, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 172,859,512 and 3,718,408, respectively. 
 
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 33,357,080and 597,377, respectively, according to the CSSE. 
 
In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 28,694,879 cases. 
 
The other worst countries with over 3 million cases are Brazil (16,907,425), France (5,769,291), Turkey (5,282,594), Russia (5,058,221), the UK (4,527,577), Italy (4,230,153), Argentina (3,939,024), Germany (3,706,934), Spain (3,697,981) and Colombia (3,547,017), the CSSE figures showed. 
 
In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 472,531 fatalities. 
 
Nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are India (344,082), Mexico (228,568), the UK (128,099), Italy (126,472), Russia (121,365) and France (110,135).

The overall global COVID-19 caseload has topped 172.8 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.71 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

The overall global COVID-19 caseload has topped 172.8 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.71 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on Sunday morning, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 172,859,512 and 3,718,408, respectively. The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 33,357,080and 597,377, respectively, according to the CSSE. In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 28,694,879 cases. The other worst countries with over 3 million cases are Brazil (16,907,425), France (5,769,291), Turkey (5,282,594), Russia (5,058,221), the UK (4,527,577), Italy (4,230,153), Argentina (3,939,024), Germany (3,706,934), Spain (3,697,981) and Colombia (3,547,017), the CSSE figures showed. In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 472,531 fatalities. Nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are India (344,082), Mexico (228,568), the UK (128,099), Italy (126,472), Russia (121,365) and France (110,135).

Global COVID-19 caseload tops 172.8 million

India reported 114,460 new COVID-19 cases, 189,232 discharges, and 2,677 deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry on Sunday.

India: Lowest rise in COVID cases in 10 days

United Kingdom’s Health Minister Matt Hancock on Sunday said that it is still too early to say whether the government would lift all Covid restrictions in England on June 21 as planned.

Hancock referred to a “very significant” impact from the delta variant of coronavirus which was first detected in India last month. Officials claim that it is now the dominant strain in England. Hancock said that the number of coronavirus cases in the country have jumped, but stated how hospitalisations and deaths continue to remain “flat”.

"It's too early to make a final decision on that," Hancock told Sky News. "The prime minister and I and the team will be looking at all the data over this week. We've said that we'll give people enough time ahead of the June 21 date… We are not saying 'No' to June 21 at this point," he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-reports-zero-covid-19-deaths-for-the-first-time-since-july-2020-388963/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hancock stressed on the importance of getting both the jabs of COVID-19 vaccine, which have been proven to work against the delta variant. He added that the quick vaccine rollout in the country had weakened but not broken the link between the virus, hospitalisation and death.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uks-johnson-calls-on-g7-to-vaccinate-world-by-end-of-2022-389687" hreflang="en">UK's Johnson calls on G7 to vaccinate world by end of 2022</a>

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson said last week that nothing in the data points to potential derailment of the restriction lifting plans in the country, but urged people to exercise caution.

Britain is among the world’s hardest hit countries with a death toll of 127,836 - the sixth-highest in the world, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-approves-pfizer-biontech-vaccine-for-12-to-15-year-olds-389483" hreflang="en">UK approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds</a>

United Kingdom’s Health Minister Matt Hancock on Sunday said that it is still too early to say whether the government would lift all Covid restrictions in England on June 21 as planned.

United Kingdom’s Health Minister Matt Hancock on Sunday said that it is still too early to say whether the government would lift all Covid restrictions in England on June 21 as planned. Hancock referred to a “very significant” impact from the delta variant of coronavirus which was first detected in India last month. Officials claim that it is now the dominant strain in England. Hancock said that the number of coronavirus cases in the country have jumped, but stated how hospitalisations and deaths continue to remain “flat”. "It's too early to make a final decision on that," Hancock told Sky News. "The prime minister and I and the team will be looking at all the data over this week. We've said that we'll give people enough time ahead of the June 21 date… We are not saying 'No' to June 21 at this point," he added. Hancock stressed on the importance of getting both the jabs of COVID-19 vaccine, which have been proven to work against the delta variant. He added that the quick vaccine rollout in the country had weakened but not broken the link between the virus, hospitalisation and death. Also read: UK's Johnson calls on G7 to vaccinate world by end of 2022 United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson said last week that nothing in the data points to potential derailment of the restriction lifting plans in the country, but urged people to exercise caution. Britain is among the world’s hardest hit countries with a death toll of 127,836 - the sixth-highest in the world, according to the Johns Hopkins University. Also read: UK approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds

Too soon to say if lockdown in England will end as planned, says Health Minister Hancock

Senegal could begin producing COVID-19 vaccines next year under an agreement with Belgian biotech group Univercells aimed at boosting Africa's drug-manufacturing ambitions, a source involved in funding the project said. 
 
As wealthy countries begin to reopen after securing vaccine supplies early, African nations are still struggling to acquire shots. On a continent of 1.3 billion, only about 7 million have been fully vaccinated. 
 
The collaboration highlights the opportunities created by a global push to channel money and technology towards production on a continent that makes only 1% of the vaccines it requires. 
 
Univercells announced the signing of a letter of intent for collaboration with the Institut Pasteur in Senegal's capital Dakar in April. The source shared details of the proposal, which were not made public. 
 
Under the agreement, the Institut Pasteur would use vaccine production technology developed by Univercells to supply COVID-19 vaccine shots to countries across West Africa. 
 
The institute would initially begin packaging and distributing vaccines produced by Univercells in Belgium early next year, the source involved in securing financing for the collaboration said. 
 
Univercells would transfer its full production line to Senegal in the second half of 2022, the source said, adding that the company would train local staff so they could eventually run the operation. 
 
Univercells chief investment officer Kate Antrobus, when asked about the timeframe for the project, confirmed that it could send vaccine doses to Senegal early next year. 
 
She declined to comment on the exact date for a full vaccine production line in Senegal but of the timelines referenced she said: "I do not think they are unreasonable." 
 
Timing depends on Univercells securing regulatory approval for a vaccine production site in Belgium. Antrobus said that was expected "any day now". 
 
Institut Pasteur director Amadou Sall declined to comment on the timeline or size of the project but said the facility was working with donors to secure financial backing. 
 
"There is a lot of political will, I am optimistic. But it is not about momentum, it is about creating a real opportunity," he said. 
 
It is not clear yet what vaccine will be supplied to Senegal, but Antrobus said the site in Belgium would be able to manufacture a class of so-called viral vector COVID-19 vaccine, such as those developed by Johnson &amp; Johnson, AstraZeneca, Russia's Sputnik V and China's Cansino. 
 
"If COVID-19 amazingly subsides over the next year....that same capacity could be used for other viruses," Antrobus said. 
 
Univercells also has its own COVID-19 vaccine candidate, being developed with Germany's Leukocare and Italian firm ReiThera, which has completed Phase II trials. It is seeking financing to carry out Phase III, which the Italian government said it is ready to fund.

(With inputs from agencies)

Senegal could begin producing COVID-19 vaccines next year under an agreement with Belgian biotech group Univercells aimed at boosting Africa's drug-manufacturing ambitions, a source involved in funding the project said.

Senegal could begin producing COVID-19 vaccines next year under an agreement with Belgian biotech group Univercells aimed at boosting Africa's drug-manufacturing ambitions, a source involved in funding the project said. As wealthy countries begin to reopen after securing vaccine supplies early, African nations are still struggling to acquire shots. On a continent of 1.3 billion, only about 7 million have been fully vaccinated. The collaboration highlights the opportunities created by a global push to channel money and technology towards production on a continent that makes only 1% of the vaccines it requires. Univercells announced the signing of a letter of intent for collaboration with the Institut Pasteur in Senegal's capital Dakar in April. The source shared details of the proposal, which were not made public. Under the agreement, the Institut Pasteur would use vaccine production technology developed by Univercells to supply COVID-19 vaccine shots to countries across West Africa. The institute would initially begin packaging and distributing vaccines produced by Univercells in Belgium early next year, the source involved in securing financing for the collaboration said. Univercells would transfer its full production line to Senegal in the second half of 2022, the source said, adding that the company would train local staff so they could eventually run the operation. Univercells chief investment officer Kate Antrobus, when asked about the timeframe for the project, confirmed that it could send vaccine doses to Senegal early next year. She declined to comment on the exact date for a full vaccine production line in Senegal but of the timelines referenced she said: "I do not think they are unreasonable." Timing depends on Univercells securing regulatory approval for a vaccine production site in Belgium. Antrobus said that was expected "any day now". Institut Pasteur director Amadou Sall declined to comment on the timeline or size of the project but said the facility was working with donors to secure financial backing. "There is a lot of political will, I am optimistic. But it is not about momentum, it is about creating a real opportunity," he said. It is not clear yet what vaccine will be supplied to Senegal, but Antrobus said the site in Belgium would be able to manufacture a class of so-called viral vector COVID-19 vaccine, such as those developed by Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Russia's Sputnik V and China's Cansino. "If COVID-19 amazingly subsides over the next year....that same capacity could be used for other viruses," Antrobus said. Univercells also has its own COVID-19 vaccine candidate, being developed with Germany's Leukocare and Italian firm ReiThera, which has completed Phase II trials. It is seeking financing to carry out Phase III, which the Italian government said it is ready to fund. (With inputs from agencies)

In boost for Africa, Senegal aims to make COVID-19 shots next year

The COVID-19 peak during the last two months has been a tough time for those working at major automobile manufacturing plants in the Southern Indian city of Chennai. Known as the ‘Detroit of India’, Chennai and its outskirts are home to several automobile manufacturing and allied industries. Major global players such as Ford, Hyundai, Renault-Nissan have had to shut factories temporarily and cut down production by a significant percentage.&nbsp;

During the first COVID-19 wave (2020), the Central government had enforced a pan-India lockdown. Back then, automobile industries were shut down for months together, following which they resumed as curbs were gradually relaxed. This meant that work happened in a staggered fashion and fewer employees worked at the factories.&nbsp;

In the second wave, however, as per orders of the Tamil Nadu government, automobile industries were permitted to work, by categorising them under Continuous Process industries.

This meant they were permitted to function even during the total Lockdown when cases were at their peak. Major automakers shut their plants for a few days, but again resumed production, at a considerably lesser rate.&nbsp;

Employees Union representatives of various automakers that WION spoke to outlined the impact of working amid the pandemic.&nbsp;

According to Muthukumar, President, Hyundai India Employees Union, nearly 750 persons turned positive in the 2400 strong Hyundai factory near Irungattukottai, leading to 10 deaths. After this explosion of cases, workers had to be sent on leave for a while and then they followed a system of three days work and three days off. The plant which rolls out nearly 1400 cars in a day (3 shifts), now produces about 800 cars in (2 shifts).

For American major Ford, which operates a plant in Maraimalai Nagar, work had already been slightly hit owing to the global silicon chip shortage. About 250 COVID-19 cases and three deaths were reported among 3,000 of its employees. This meant that the plant was fully shut a few times, each for over a week, during the ongoing lockdown. According to a leader of the Chennai Ford Employees Union, their plant which produces about 780 cars per day (across 3 shifts) is now rolling out around one-third of that number, while working only a single shift. He adds that some of their component manufacturers too have been working amid the lockdown, to cater to the carmakers’ needs.

At the Renault-Nissan factory, the collaboration between the French and Japanese carmakers, 700 out of nearly 8000 workers were infected. This resulted in five deaths. After the employees approached the Madras High Court, it was decided to operate the plant at 75% capacity. Moorthy, General Secretary, Renault Nissan India Workers Union said that amid the current lockdown, their plant was making about 600 cars per day, as opposed to the usual 860 units.&nbsp;

Only a small percentage of staff at these factories have been vaccinated in company-organized camps. 
 
The rest are yet to get their shots, owing to prevailing COVID-19 vaccine shortage in Tamil Nadu and also partly owing to vaccine hesitancy.

Factories in Chennai, have been churning out cars meant for the local market and for export. This has been going on at a time when Tamil Nadu is witnessing the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country. Tamil Nadu which witnessed nearly 7000 daily cases during the peak of the first wave, saw up to 36,000 daily cases in the second wave. Chennai city alone witnessed nearly 7,000 daily cases as per the government figures. Currently, the daily cases are around 25,000, yet they are the highest numbers among all states in India.&nbsp;

In stark contrast, large automobile factories of these global automakers not operate during the lockdowns in their respective home countries.

They were all shut for months on end. While uncertainty looms over whether Tamil Nadu’s existing lockdown (until June 7th) would be further extended, it is quite clear that the auto plants will continue to roll out vehicles.

However, the workers say that irrespective of the precautions taken, their nature of work does not help in maintaining six feet physical distance. The workers maintain that at least two persons need to be in close proximity during the assembly of a vehicle. They strongly feel that, in the interest of their and their families lives, factories need to be shut until the COVID-19 second wave subsides significantly.

The COVID-19 peak during the last two months has been a tough time for those working at major automobile manufacturing plants in the Southern Indian city of Chennai.

The COVID-19 peak during the last two months has been a tough time for those working at major automobile manufacturing plants in the Southern Indian city of Chennai. Known as the ‘Detroit of India’, Chennai and its outskirts are home to several automobile manufacturing and allied industries. Major global players such as Ford, Hyundai, Renault-Nissan have had to shut factories temporarily and cut down production by a significant percentage. During the first COVID-19 wave (2020), the Central government had enforced a pan-India lockdown. Back then, automobile industries were shut down for months together, following which they resumed as curbs were gradually relaxed. This meant that work happened in a staggered fashion and fewer employees worked at the factories. In the second wave, however, as per orders of the Tamil Nadu government, automobile industries were permitted to work, by categorising them under Continuous Process industries. This meant they were permitted to function even during the total Lockdown when cases were at their peak. Major automakers shut their plants for a few days, but again resumed production, at a considerably lesser rate. Employees Union representatives of various automakers that WION spoke to outlined the impact of working amid the pandemic. According to Muthukumar, President, Hyundai India Employees Union, nearly 750 persons turned positive in the 2400 strong Hyundai factory near Irungattukottai, leading to 10 deaths. After this explosion of cases, workers had to be sent on leave for a while and then they followed a system of three days work and three days off. The plant which rolls out nearly 1400 cars in a day (3 shifts), now produces about 800 cars in (2 shifts). For American major Ford, which operates a plant in Maraimalai Nagar, work had already been slightly hit owing to the global silicon chip shortage. About 250 COVID-19 cases and three deaths were reported among 3,000 of its employees. This meant that the plant was fully shut a few times, each for over a week, during the ongoing lockdown. According to a leader of the Chennai Ford Employees Union, their plant which produces about 780 cars per day (across 3 shifts) is now rolling out around one-third of that number, while working only a single shift. He adds that some of their component manufacturers too have been working amid the lockdown, to cater to the carmakers’ needs. At the Renault-Nissan factory, the collaboration between the French and Japanese carmakers, 700 out of nearly 8000 workers were infected. This resulted in five deaths. After the employees approached the Madras High Court, it was decided to operate the plant at 75% capacity. Moorthy, General Secretary, Renault Nissan India Workers Union said that amid the current lockdown, their plant was making about 600 cars per day, as opposed to the usual 860 units. Only a small percentage of staff at these factories have been vaccinated in company-organized camps. The rest are yet to get their shots, owing to prevailing COVID-19 vaccine shortage in Tamil Nadu and also partly owing to vaccine hesitancy. Factories in Chennai, have been churning out cars meant for the local market and for export. This has been going on at a time when Tamil Nadu is witnessing the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country. Tamil Nadu which witnessed nearly 7000 daily cases during the peak of the first wave, saw up to 36,000 daily cases in the second wave. Chennai city alone witnessed nearly 7,000 daily cases as per the government figures. Currently, the daily cases are around 25,000, yet they are the highest numbers among all states in India. In stark contrast, large automobile factories of these global automakers not operate during the lockdowns in their respective home countries. They were all shut for months on end. While uncertainty looms over whether Tamil Nadu’s existing lockdown (until June 7th) would be further extended, it is quite clear that the auto plants will continue to roll out vehicles. However, the workers say that irrespective of the precautions taken, their nature of work does not help in maintaining six feet physical distance. The workers maintain that at least two persons need to be in close proximity during the assembly of a vehicle. They strongly feel that, in the interest of their and their families lives, factories need to be shut until the COVID-19 second wave subsides significantly.

Chennai: India’s Detroit rolls out cars despite COVID-19 risk and ongoing lockdown 

India continues to witness a dip in it's daily COVID-19 case load with over 120,000 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. This is perhaps the lowest number of new infection recorded in a single day in nearly two months.

Coronavirus Update: India witnesses further dip in daily caseload

The 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines gifted by India for all UN peacekeepers are 'already being put to use' and a number of these Blue Helmets have already been vaccinated, spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres has said.

"The Indian Government' had offered us '200,000 doses' and a number of peacekeepers are already, as far as I know, being vaccinated," Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, told reporters at the daily press briefing on Friday in response to a question on vaccination of UN peacekeepers.

"So, on the Indian vaccines, those, which I think were&nbsp;AstraZeneca, those were 200,000. They're already being put to use," he said. India, one of the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions, gifted 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines for UN peacekeepers across all UN missions.

As of March 31 this year, there are 87,889 personnel serving in 12 peacekeeping operations around the world. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had announced in February that India will gift vaccine doses for UN peacekeepers.

"Keeping in mind the UN Peacekeepers, who operate in such difficult circumstances, we would like to announce today a gift of 200,000 doses for them," Jaishankar had said, while addressing the UN Security Council open debate on the implementation of resolution 2532 (2020) on the cessation of hostilities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, Jaishankar had said, "Do your work with the welfare of others always in mind."

The 200,000 doses essentially meant that it would be possible to administer the required double doses of COVID vaccines to all UN peacekeepers across missions.

The AstraZeneca vaccines had left Mumbai via Qatar Airways on March 27.&nbsp;The shipment went to Copenhagen, where it was safely stored in a facility, re-packaged and quickly distributed to all peacekeeping missions for the peacekeepers.

The 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines gifted by India for all UN peacekeepers are 'already being put to use' and a number of these Blue Helmets have already been vaccinated, spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres has said.

The 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines gifted by India for all UN peacekeepers are 'already being put to use' and a number of these Blue Helmets have already been vaccinated, spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres has said. "The Indian Government' had offered us '200,000 doses' and a number of peacekeepers are already, as far as I know, being vaccinated," Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, told reporters at the daily press briefing on Friday in response to a question on vaccination of UN peacekeepers. "So, on the Indian vaccines, those, which I think were AstraZeneca, those were 200,000. They're already being put to use," he said. India, one of the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions, gifted 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines for UN peacekeepers across all UN missions. As of March 31 this year, there are 87,889 personnel serving in 12 peacekeeping operations around the world. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had announced in February that India will gift vaccine doses for UN peacekeepers. "Keeping in mind the UN Peacekeepers, who operate in such difficult circumstances, we would like to announce today a gift of 200,000 doses for them," Jaishankar had said, while addressing the UN Security Council open debate on the implementation of resolution 2532 (2020) on the cessation of hostilities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, Jaishankar had said, "Do your work with the welfare of others always in mind." The 200,000 doses essentially meant that it would be possible to administer the required double doses of COVID vaccines to all UN peacekeepers across missions. The AstraZeneca vaccines had left Mumbai via Qatar Airways on March 27. The shipment went to Copenhagen, where it was safely stored in a facility, re-packaged and quickly distributed to all peacekeeping missions for the peacekeepers.

200,000 COVID-19 vaccines given by India for UN peacekeepers are already being put to use: UN spokesperson

A Japanese Olympic Committee board member on Friday blasted organisers of the Tokyo Games for ignoring public concerns about holding the global sporting showpiece amid a pandemic, as Japan`s top medical adviser urged new steps to reduce the risk. 
 
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) appeared to think it could steamroll over the wishes of the Japanese public, who, surveys show, overwhelmingly want the games cancelled or postponed, the JOC`s Kaori Yamaguchi said in an opinion piece carried by Japan`s Kyodo news agency. 
 
Already postponed from last year because of the pandemic, a scaled-down version of the Games with no foreign spectators is set to start on July 23 despite public fears the event could drain medical resources and spread the coronavirus as Japan battles a fourth wave of infections. 
 
The government`s top medical adviser, Shigeru Omi, told parliament on Friday the biggest risk from the Games was increased movement of the general public, which has contributed to past rises in infections. 
 
"People have had enough of the `stay home` request ... Unless (the government) comes up with something new in this critical phase it`s going to be impossible" to prevent the risk of contagion, Omi said. 
 
The JOC`s Yamaguchi, a former Olympic medallist in judo, accused the Japanese government, the Tokyo 2020 organising committee and the IOC of "avoiding dialogue" and said the IOC "seems to think that public opinion in Japan is not important." 
 
"I believe we have already missed the opportunity to cancel ... We have been cornered into a situation where we cannot even stop now. We are damned if we do, and damned if we do not." 
 
"HOPE AND COURAGE" 
 
A series of comments by IOC officials have sparked outrage in Japan, including one by IOC Vice President John Coates that the Olympics would be held even under a state of emergency such as is currently in place in Tokyo and other regions. 
 
Japan`s government also says the Games can go ahead safely despite a slow vaccine rollout and rising numbers of severe coronavirus cases straining the medical system. The country has recorded nearly 750,000 cases and more than 13,000 deaths. 
 
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga faces a general election and a ruling party leadership race this year, and pulling off the Games, with an estimated budget of $15.4 billion, is seen as critical to keeping his job. 
 
Medical adviser Omi this week issued his strongest warning yet over what he characterised as a lack of discussion within the government and organising committee over how to control the movement of people if the Games go ahead. 
 
He expressed frustration that public health guidance, including his, was not reaching the IOC, and on Friday said medical experts were planning a statement on the Games by June 20, when the current state of emergency is set to be lifted. 
 
"We are now considering where we should give our advice," Shigeru Omi told lawmakers. "If they want to hold (the Games), it`s our job to tell them what the risks are." 
 
Japan`s latest emergency steps, unlike stricter measures abroad, have focused on asking eateries that serve alcohol to close and those that do not to shut down by 8 p.m. 
 
Prime Minister Suga, who has seen his voter support eroded by dissatisfaction with the response to the pandemic, has said that successfully hosting a "safe and secure" Games would "bring hope and courage to the world".

A Japanese Olympic Committee board member on Friday blasted organisers of the Tokyo Games for ignoring public concerns about holding the global sporting showpiece amid a pandemic, as Japan`s top medical adviser urged new steps to reduce the risk.

A Japanese Olympic Committee board member on Friday blasted organisers of the Tokyo Games for ignoring public concerns about holding the global sporting showpiece amid a pandemic, as Japan`s top medical adviser urged new steps to reduce the risk. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) appeared to think it could steamroll over the wishes of the Japanese public, who, surveys show, overwhelmingly want the games cancelled or postponed, the JOC`s Kaori Yamaguchi said in an opinion piece carried by Japan`s Kyodo news agency. Already postponed from last year because of the pandemic, a scaled-down version of the Games with no foreign spectators is set to start on July 23 despite public fears the event could drain medical resources and spread the coronavirus as Japan battles a fourth wave of infections. The government`s top medical adviser, Shigeru Omi, told parliament on Friday the biggest risk from the Games was increased movement of the general public, which has contributed to past rises in infections. "People have had enough of the `stay home` request ... Unless (the government) comes up with something new in this critical phase it`s going to be impossible" to prevent the risk of contagion, Omi said. The JOC`s Yamaguchi, a former Olympic medallist in judo, accused the Japanese government, the Tokyo 2020 organising committee and the IOC of "avoiding dialogue" and said the IOC "seems to think that public opinion in Japan is not important." "I believe we have already missed the opportunity to cancel ... We have been cornered into a situation where we cannot even stop now. We are damned if we do, and damned if we do not." "HOPE AND COURAGE" A series of comments by IOC officials have sparked outrage in Japan, including one by IOC Vice President John Coates that the Olympics would be held even under a state of emergency such as is currently in place in Tokyo and other regions. Japan`s government also says the Games can go ahead safely despite a slow vaccine rollout and rising numbers of severe coronavirus cases straining the medical system. The country has recorded nearly 750,000 cases and more than 13,000 deaths. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga faces a general election and a ruling party leadership race this year, and pulling off the Games, with an estimated budget of $15.4 billion, is seen as critical to keeping his job. Medical adviser Omi this week issued his strongest warning yet over what he characterised as a lack of discussion within the government and organising committee over how to control the movement of people if the Games go ahead. He expressed frustration that public health guidance, including his, was not reaching the IOC, and on Friday said medical experts were planning a statement on the Games by June 20, when the current state of emergency is set to be lifted. "We are now considering where we should give our advice," Shigeru Omi told lawmakers. "If they want to hold (the Games), it`s our job to tell them what the risks are." Japan`s latest emergency steps, unlike stricter measures abroad, have focused on asking eateries that serve alcohol to close and those that do not to shut down by 8 p.m. Prime Minister Suga, who has seen his voter support eroded by dissatisfaction with the response to the pandemic, has said that successfully hosting a "safe and secure" Games would "bring hope and courage to the world".

Japan Olympic Committee board member blasts Tokyo Games organisers

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