In South Africa, government has expanded its nationwide rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations.

Coronavirus Update: South Africa brodens its COVID-19 vaccine program

Black Fungus is a rare but serious fungal infection and it is being detected relatively frequently in COVID-19 patients across India.

Black Fungus infections on the rise in India

The salt therapy facility of Wieliczka, housed in a former mine 130 metres underground in Poland, is taking in more and more patients still suffering from lingering symptoms months after contracting Covid-19. Thanks to a team of physiotherapists and the mine's humid salt air, the facility reports 60-80 percent improvement rates.

Salt therapy and a dose of fun help Poles fight long Covid

United States is vaccinating 12-15 year old children. First lady Dr. Jill Biden joined up with Dr. Anthony Fauci to visit a paediatric hospital in Washington, D.C. to promote vaccinating young Americans as the fight against the coronavirus pandemic moves into a new stage.

Coronavirus Update: United States vaccinating 12-15 year old children

The Indian Ministry of Health said on Thursday that 50 per cent of the country's&nbsp;population isn't wearing a mask despite the gradual ingress of COVID-19 infection being seen in peri-urban, rural &amp; tribal areas. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-black-fungus-or-mucormycosis-symptoms-and-treatment-384366">Also read | What is 'Black Fungus' or 'Mucormycosis'?: Symptoms and treatment</a> 
 
According to the study conducted in 25 Indian cities, out of 50% who wear the mask:- 
 
32% of the people do not cover the nose | 10% have it on the chin |&nbsp;1% wear a mask on the neck and only 7% wear it correctly&nbsp;covering the nose, mouth, chin and with a clip-on nose.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> 
 
Half of India isn't wearing a mask! 
 
Around 50% Indians do not wear a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mask?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mask</a> today, only 7% wear it correctly 
 
- <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> quotes a study conducted in 25 cities <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unite2FightCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unite2FightCorona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StaySafe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StaySafe</a> <a href="https://t.co/f85gvG1noQ">pic.twitter.com/f85gvG1noQ</a>
— #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) <a href="https://twitter.com/COVIDNewsByMIB/status/1395340696546996228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

During the media briefing, health ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal informed that eight states in the country have more than 100,000&nbsp;active cases, 9 states have between 50,000-100,000&nbsp;active cases and 19 states have less than 50,000 active cases.

"Some states like Karnataka and West Bengal that are showing positivity of over 25 per cent which remain a concern," said Luv Agarwal. 
 
Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram are states showing a rise in cases and rise in positivity in the last three weeks, the health ministry official said.

India has been jolted by the second wave of coronavirus which has crippled its healthcare system.

Till Thursday, India's total of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,57,72,440 after reporting 2,76,110 new cases in the last 24 hours while the daily deaths were recorded below 4,000 after four days, taking the toll to 2,87,122, according to the Union Health Ministry data update.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Ministry of Health said on Thursday that 50 per cent of the country's population isn't wearing a mask despite the gradual ingress of COVID-19 infection being seen in peri-urban, rural & tribal areas.

The Indian Ministry of Health said on Thursday that 50 per cent of the country's population isn't wearing a mask despite the gradual ingress of COVID-19 infection being seen in peri-urban, rural & tribal areas. Also read | What is 'Black Fungus' or 'Mucormycosis'?: Symptoms and treatment According to the study conducted in 25 Indian cities, out of 50% who wear the mask:- 32% of the people do not cover the nose | 10% have it on the chin | 1% wear a mask on the neck and only 7% wear it correctly covering the nose, mouth, chin and with a clip-on nose. #IndiaFightsCorona Half of India isn't wearing a mask! Around 50% Indians do not wear a #Mask today, only 7% wear it correctly - @MoHFW_INDIA quotes a study conducted in 25 cities #Unite2FightCorona #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/f85gvG1noQ — #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) May 20, 2021 × During the media briefing, health ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal informed that eight states in the country have more than 100,000 active cases, 9 states have between 50,000-100,000 active cases and 19 states have less than 50,000 active cases. "Some states like Karnataka and West Bengal that are showing positivity of over 25 per cent which remain a concern," said Luv Agarwal. Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram are states showing a rise in cases and rise in positivity in the last three weeks, the health ministry official said. India has been jolted by the second wave of coronavirus which has crippled its healthcare system. Till Thursday, India's total of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,57,72,440 after reporting 2,76,110 new cases in the last 24 hours while the daily deaths were recorded below 4,000 after four days, taking the toll to 2,87,122, according to the Union Health Ministry data update. (With inputs from agencies)

50% of Indians don't wear a mask, only 7% wear it correctly: Ministry of Health

India has recoded less than 300,000 COVID cases for the forth straight day. Now India reported 276,070 cases in the last 24 hours. PM Modi meets field officials from districts and states.

PM Modi: Strategy to deal with COVID must be dynamic

Members of the European Union have agreed to ease COVID 19 travel restrictions for fully vaccinated, non-EU tourists.

European Union: EU members to ease COVID-19 travel restrictions

Singapore government has invoked its anti-misinformation law, the POFMA or Protection from Online Falsehoods &amp; Manipulation Act, a day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted about the coronavirus variant from Singapore.&nbsp;

The country's health ministry has instructed the POFMA office to issue "General Correction Directions" to Facebook and Twitter. The notice is not directed at Delhi CM or Indian social media, but aims at safeguarding Singaporeans from false information.

Under this, the social media giants will be required to carry a "Correction Notice to all end-users in Singapore" who use the app that "there is no new ‘Singapore’ variant of COVID-19. Neither is their evidence of any COVID-19 variant that is extremely dangerous for kids."

Correction Notice reveals the "fact of the case" by pointing out that "there is a false statement circulating online" which "implies that a new, previously unknown variant of COVID-19 originated in Singapore and/or risks spreading to India from Singapore." &nbsp;

The notice clarifies that "the strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases detected in Singapore in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated from India."

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in his remarks on Twitter had called on India's government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the COVID-19 variant which he highlighted impacts children.

Wednesday saw a full-blown diplomatic row over the comments of Delhi CM, with the Singaporean foreign ministry raising the matter with the Indian high commissioner to the country P Kumaran. The Singaporean foreign ministry in a statement "regretted" the "unfounded assertions" made by the Delhi CM.

It was followed by an exchange on Twitter between India’s and Singapore's foreign minister. External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar termed the comments by Delhi CM "irresponsible" which "can damage long-standing partnerships" while Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan called for the need to "focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another."

High commissioner of Singapore to India Simon Wong also held a press meet on the issue and said with exchanges between foreign ministers of the two countries "we wished to end to this episode" since authorities representing the Government of India have given a "crystal clear" clarification which is "heartening".

Singapore government has invoked its anti-misinformation law, the POFMA or Protection from Online Falsehoods & Manipulation Act, a day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted about the coronavirus variant from Singapore.

Singapore government has invoked its anti-misinformation law, the POFMA or Protection from Online Falsehoods & Manipulation Act, a day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted about the coronavirus variant from Singapore. The country's health ministry has instructed the POFMA office to issue "General Correction Directions" to Facebook and Twitter. The notice is not directed at Delhi CM or Indian social media, but aims at safeguarding Singaporeans from false information. Under this, the social media giants will be required to carry a "Correction Notice to all end-users in Singapore" who use the app that "there is no new ‘Singapore’ variant of COVID-19. Neither is their evidence of any COVID-19 variant that is extremely dangerous for kids." Correction Notice reveals the "fact of the case" by pointing out that "there is a false statement circulating online" which "implies that a new, previously unknown variant of COVID-19 originated in Singapore and/or risks spreading to India from Singapore." The notice clarifies that "the strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases detected in Singapore in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated from India." Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in his remarks on Twitter had called on India's government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the COVID-19 variant which he highlighted impacts children. Wednesday saw a full-blown diplomatic row over the comments of Delhi CM, with the Singaporean foreign ministry raising the matter with the Indian high commissioner to the country P Kumaran. The Singaporean foreign ministry in a statement "regretted" the "unfounded assertions" made by the Delhi CM. It was followed by an exchange on Twitter between India’s and Singapore's foreign minister. External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar termed the comments by Delhi CM "irresponsible" which "can damage long-standing partnerships" while Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan called for the need to "focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another." High commissioner of Singapore to India Simon Wong also held a press meet on the issue and said with exchanges between foreign ministers of the two countries "we wished to end to this episode" since authorities representing the Government of India have given a "crystal clear" clarification which is "heartening".

Singapore invokes misinformation law after Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s tweet on ‘new COVID-19 variant’

Faezeh Momeni, an Iranian journalist working for a news website in Tehran, was beaten by the guard of a state vaccination centre on May 18, while she was producing a report about the vaccination process.

According to the state-run Etemad Online website, the journalist was beaten by a Protection Agency agent from the Beheshti Medical Sciences University on her way out of the vaccination centre. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The guard asked her to delete all the interviews, but upon her refusal, he attacked her, breaking her finger. Faezeh was taken to the hospital for surgery.

Momeni shared a photo of her injuries on her Instagram account explaining that she carried out a series of interviews with doctors and health care workers of the centre, but that the security guard told her to delete them.

The Iranian authorities have been repeatedly criticized by the media and experts for not being transparent and responsive about the slow Covid-19 vaccination campaign.

Women are facing several hardships in the Islamic republic, including violence directed at them by men and deepening unemployment in a coronavirus-hit economy. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Faezeh Momeni, an Iranian journalist working for a news website in Tehran, was beaten by the guard of a state vaccination centre on May 18, while she was producing a report about the vaccination process.

Faezeh Momeni, an Iranian journalist working for a news website in Tehran, was beaten by the guard of a state vaccination centre on May 18, while she was producing a report about the vaccination process. According to the state-run Etemad Online website, the journalist was beaten by a Protection Agency agent from the Beheshti Medical Sciences University on her way out of the vaccination centre. The guard asked her to delete all the interviews, but upon her refusal, he attacked her, breaking her finger. Faezeh was taken to the hospital for surgery. Momeni shared a photo of her injuries on her Instagram account explaining that she carried out a series of interviews with doctors and health care workers of the centre, but that the security guard told her to delete them. The Iranian authorities have been repeatedly criticized by the media and experts for not being transparent and responsive about the slow Covid-19 vaccination campaign. Women are facing several hardships in the Islamic republic, including violence directed at them by men and deepening unemployment in a coronavirus-hit economy. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 in Iran: Gaurd breaks female journalist's finger for not deleting interviews

India has recoded less than 300,000 COVID cases for the forth straight day. Now India reported 276,070 cases in the last 24 hours.

Coronavirus Update: India sees slight downward trend in daily COVID cases

Amid the increasing numbers of covid positive cases across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Hospitals across the valley have a huge demand for oxygen supply. And now the Indian army has come to the rescue of the state administration in fulfilling this ever-growing demand.

A defunct oxygen plant in Srinagar's Rangreth area has been restarted with the help of the Indian army. The oxygen plant has a capacity of filling 700 cylinders every day. This will take the pressure the state administration was facing in the last few weeks.

''This oxygen plant was defunct for the last 4 years, this used to refill around 700 cylinders in a day. Due to covid, we thought it's important to restart it. Chinar corp was approached by the civil administration and we brought the spare parts with the help of the air force from Mumbai. We got our engineers to work on this project and finished this project in a record time of 4 days. This facility has been thrown open today and will be refilling 700 cylinders a day.'' said Niladiri Roy, Lt Col, Indian Army.

As the plant was shut for the last 4 years, it had multiple problems in all subsystems like the Heavy Duty Air Compressor, the Chiller and even the Columnar Air Separator, which are vital parts of the plant. The army's engineers worked day and night to restore the plant.

''We were told to repair this plant in the least possible time. We got the material with the help of the air force. We are happy that we would be able to save the lives of people who require this oxygen. We are extremely proud that we worked day and night on the project to restore it. If we can save the life of anyone in the pandemic, it would be a lot to us.'' said Ravi Singh, Engineering Staff, Indian Army.

Indian Army has earlier set up a 200 bed Covid hospital in Srinagar's Rangreth area. One more hospital was established in the Uri Sector near the Line of Control.&nbsp;

Amid the increasing numbers of covid positive cases across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Hospitals across the valley have a huge demand for oxygen supply.

Amid the increasing numbers of covid positive cases across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Hospitals across the valley have a huge demand for oxygen supply. And now the Indian army has come to the rescue of the state administration in fulfilling this ever-growing demand. A defunct oxygen plant in Srinagar's Rangreth area has been restarted with the help of the Indian army. The oxygen plant has a capacity of filling 700 cylinders every day. This will take the pressure the state administration was facing in the last few weeks. ''This oxygen plant was defunct for the last 4 years, this used to refill around 700 cylinders in a day. Due to covid, we thought it's important to restart it. Chinar corp was approached by the civil administration and we brought the spare parts with the help of the air force from Mumbai. We got our engineers to work on this project and finished this project in a record time of 4 days. This facility has been thrown open today and will be refilling 700 cylinders a day.'' said Niladiri Roy, Lt Col, Indian Army. As the plant was shut for the last 4 years, it had multiple problems in all subsystems like the Heavy Duty Air Compressor, the Chiller and even the Columnar Air Separator, which are vital parts of the plant. The army's engineers worked day and night to restore the plant. ''We were told to repair this plant in the least possible time. We got the material with the help of the air force. We are happy that we would be able to save the lives of people who require this oxygen. We are extremely proud that we worked day and night on the project to restore it. If we can save the life of anyone in the pandemic, it would be a lot to us.'' said Ravi Singh, Engineering Staff, Indian Army. Indian Army has earlier set up a 200 bed Covid hospital in Srinagar's Rangreth area. One more hospital was established in the Uri Sector near the Line of Control.

COVID-19: Indian Army restores defunct oxygen plant in Srinagar

Does Remdesivir work against the Wuhan virus, or is it overhyped? Doctors in India are prescribing it widely. This has spawned a black market for Remdesivir - where the drug is being sold for 10 times its price. WION's Palki Sharma brings you an assessment.

Gravitas: Does Remdesivir work against the Wuhan virus?

8 months after India's own study found no benefit from plasma therapy, Indian officials have decided to drop it from the treatment protocols. WION’s Palki Sharma tells you why India won't treat its patients with blood plasma.

Gravitas: India won't treat COVID patients with plasma

India has recorded highest one-day COVID deaths. More than 4,500 people lost their lives to COVID-19 in a single day.

India: 4,529 COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hours

Rate of COVID-19 infections in Europe has begin to ease. Europe is starting to reopen cities and beaches.

Rate of COVID-19 infections in Europe begin to ease

In less than 10 weeks, Japan is expected to host one of the biggest sporting events of the year, the Summer Olympics amid the global pandemic. But the COVID-19 situation in the country’s getting worse.

Japan prepares for Summer Games amid the global pandemic

Singapore is one of the nations most successful at curbing coronavirus has dismissed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's claim of a new Singapore COVID strain that is affecting children.

Singapore Foreign Minister To Arvind Kejriwal: Stick to facts

Singapore government has categorically dismissed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's claim that a 'very dangerous' strain of the coronavirus was prevalent in island city-state and that could affect children the most.&nbsp;

In a statement released by the Ministry of Health, Singapore rubbished reports, stating that the prevalent strain in recent cases was the B.1.617.2 variant that was first detected in India.

Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs has informed through a tweet&nbsp;that "Singapore Government called in our High Commissioner today to convey strong objection to Delhi CM's tweet on "Singapore variant". High Commissioner clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Singapore Government called in our High Commissioner today to convey strong objection to Delhi CM's tweet on "Singapore variant". High Commissioner clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy.
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1394884595745660930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

External Affairs Minister of India, Dr S Jaishankar has condemned the statement and said that "irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships. 
 
So, let me clarify- Delhi CM does not speak for India.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1394885678899482631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The new form of COVID-19 that has come to Singapore is being said to be extremely dangerous for children. In India it may come as a third wave," the Delhi Chief Minister had tweeted on Tuesday afternoon. Keeping the same in mind he urged the Central government to cancel air services with Singapore immediately.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
There is no truth in the assertion that there is a new COVID strain in Singapore. Phylogenetic testing has shown that the B.1.617.2 variant is the prevalent strain in many of the COVID cases, including in children, in recent weeks in Singapore.<a href="https://t.co/uz0mNPNxlE">https://t.co/uz0mNPNxlE</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vyj7gyyzvJ">https://t.co/Vyj7gyyzvJ</a>
— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/SGinIndia/status/1394705073666543624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Singapore government has categorically dismissed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's claim that a 'very dangerous' strain of the coronavirus was prevalent in island city-state and that could affect children the most.

Singapore government has categorically dismissed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's claim that a 'very dangerous' strain of the coronavirus was prevalent in island city-state and that could affect children the most. In a statement released by the Ministry of Health, Singapore rubbished reports, stating that the prevalent strain in recent cases was the B.1.617.2 variant that was first detected in India. Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs has informed through a tweet that "Singapore Government called in our High Commissioner today to convey strong objection to Delhi CM's tweet on "Singapore variant". High Commissioner clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy." Singapore Government called in our High Commissioner today to convey strong objection to Delhi CM's tweet on "Singapore variant". High Commissioner clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy. — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) May 19, 2021 × External Affairs Minister of India, Dr S Jaishankar has condemned the statement and said that "irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships." However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships. So, let me clarify- Delhi CM does not speak for India. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 19, 2021 × "The new form of COVID-19 that has come to Singapore is being said to be extremely dangerous for children. In India it may come as a third wave," the Delhi Chief Minister had tweeted on Tuesday afternoon. Keeping the same in mind he urged the Central government to cancel air services with Singapore immediately. There is no truth in the assertion that there is a new COVID strain in Singapore. Phylogenetic testing has shown that the B.1.617.2 variant is the prevalent strain in many of the COVID cases, including in children, in recent weeks in Singapore.https://t.co/uz0mNPNxlE https://t.co/Vyj7gyyzvJ — Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) May 18, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

India: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal ruffles diplomatic feathers with a tweet on COVID-19 'Singapore variant'

Remdesivir may soon to be dropped from COVID treatment in India. The Chairperson of one of the India's prominent hospital, Ganga Ram Hospital, has said that Remdesivir is being considered to be dropped from COVID-19 treatment.

Top Indian Hospital: Remdesivir may be dropped

Singapore has strongly reacted to comments by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on what he called the "Singapore variant" of COVID-19, raising the matter with the Indian high commissioner to the country P Kumaran.&nbsp;

The Singaporean foreign minister in a statement "regretted" the "unfounded assertions" made by the Delhi CM that a "variant of COVID-19 found in Singapore was particularly harmful to children and could cause the third wave of infections in India."

Expressing its "disappointment", the statement pointed out "that a prominent political figure had failed to ascertain the facts before making such claims."

Delhi CM had tweeted his remarks, calling on the central government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the variant which he highlighted impacts children.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
सिंगापुर में आया कोरोना का नया रूप बच्चों के लिए बेहद ख़तरनाक बताया जा रहा है, भारत में ये तीसरी लहर के रूप में आ सकता है। 
 
केंद्र सरकार से मेरी अपील: 
1. सिंगापुर के साथ हवाई सेवाएं तत्काल प्रभाव से रद्द हों 
2. बच्चों के लिए भी वैक्सीन के विकल्पों पर प्राथमिकता के आधार पर काम हो
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1394576958973911047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The ministry of external affairs has said that the Indian high commissioner had "clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy."

The foreign ministers of both countries had also tweeted about the issue, with the External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar terming the comments by Delhi CM "irresponsible," which "can damage long-standing partnerships". He pointed out, "Delhi CM does not speak for India."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships. 
 
So, let me clarify- Delhi CM does not speak for India.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1394885678899482631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Singapore's Foreign minister also quote tweeted Delhi CM said, "Politicians should stick to facts! There is no “Singapore variant”. He later thanked Jaishankar for reassuring comments on Twitter saying, "let’s focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another. Nobody is safe until everyone is safe."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> let’s focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another. Nobody is safe until everyone is safe. <a href="https://t.co/2ofAZbGw9k">https://t.co/2ofAZbGw9k</a>
— Vivian Balakrishnan (@VivianBala) <a href="https://twitter.com/VivianBala/status/1394890616111190016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Before the Singaporean foreign ministry, the health ministry had dismissed the comments of the Delhi CM. In a statement on Tuesday evening, it said, "There is no truth whatsoever in the assertions..", explaining, "strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated in India."

As the second wave of the Covid pandemic has hit India, Singapore was the first country from which India got assistance and procured many things.

So far, India has govt 8264 Oxygen concentrators, 51000 Oximeters, &nbsp;64 ISO Cryogenic tanks, 1861 Medical Oxygen cylinders of 10 L capacity, &nbsp;8994 Medical oxygen cylinders of 40 L, 63 BiPAP/ Ventilators, and 6 Dialysis Machines.

Singapore has strongly reacted to comments by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on what he called the "Singapore variant" of COVID-19, raising the matter with the Indian high commissioner to the country P Kumaran.

Singapore has strongly reacted to comments by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on what he called the "Singapore variant" of COVID-19, raising the matter with the Indian high commissioner to the country P Kumaran. The Singaporean foreign minister in a statement "regretted" the "unfounded assertions" made by the Delhi CM that a "variant of COVID-19 found in Singapore was particularly harmful to children and could cause the third wave of infections in India." Expressing its "disappointment", the statement pointed out "that a prominent political figure had failed to ascertain the facts before making such claims." Delhi CM had tweeted his remarks, calling on the central government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the variant which he highlighted impacts children. सिंगापुर में आया कोरोना का नया रूप बच्चों के लिए बेहद ख़तरनाक बताया जा रहा है, भारत में ये तीसरी लहर के रूप में आ सकता है। केंद्र सरकार से मेरी अपील: 1. सिंगापुर के साथ हवाई सेवाएं तत्काल प्रभाव से रद्द हों 2. बच्चों के लिए भी वैक्सीन के विकल्पों पर प्राथमिकता के आधार पर काम हो — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 18, 2021 × The ministry of external affairs has said that the Indian high commissioner had "clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy." The foreign ministers of both countries had also tweeted about the issue, with the External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar terming the comments by Delhi CM "irresponsible," which "can damage long-standing partnerships". He pointed out, "Delhi CM does not speak for India." However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships. So, let me clarify- Delhi CM does not speak for India. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 19, 2021 × Singapore's Foreign minister also quote tweeted Delhi CM said, "Politicians should stick to facts! There is no “Singapore variant”. He later thanked Jaishankar for reassuring comments on Twitter saying, "let’s focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another. Nobody is safe until everyone is safe." Thanks @DrSJaishankar let’s focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another. Nobody is safe until everyone is safe. https://t.co/2ofAZbGw9k — Vivian Balakrishnan (@VivianBala) May 19, 2021 × Before the Singaporean foreign ministry, the health ministry had dismissed the comments of the Delhi CM. In a statement on Tuesday evening, it said, "There is no truth whatsoever in the assertions..", explaining, "strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated in India." As the second wave of the Covid pandemic has hit India, Singapore was the first country from which India got assistance and procured many things. So far, India has govt 8264 Oxygen concentrators, 51000 Oximeters, 64 ISO Cryogenic tanks, 1861 Medical Oxygen cylinders of 10 L capacity, 8994 Medical oxygen cylinders of 40 L, 63 BiPAP/ Ventilators, and 6 Dialysis Machines.

Singapore 'regrets' Delhi CM's remarks over Covid variants; EAM says he doesn't speak for India

The second&nbsp;India-Nordic summit that was to take place in June in person has been postponed since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi won't be travelling abroad amid the&nbsp;pandemic.&nbsp;

The summit was to take place in Denmark and to include all five&nbsp;Nordic countries - Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.

"it is no secret that PM Modi is not travelling in June, so, therefore, the India-Nordic summit has been postponed," said the ambassador of Denmark&nbsp;Freddy Svane at a virtual meet hosted by the India Writes Network.&nbsp;The physical summit is expected to happen later and a "timespan" is being looked into.

The first India-Nordic summit took place in Sweden's capital Stockholm in April 2018 and is a unique format that brings together India along with all the countries in the Nordic region. A similar&nbsp;format meet has was aligned with the US in May 2016 when the then US President Barack Obama had held meetings with Nordic countries.

New Delhi has been increasing its engagement with the Nordics or the northern European countries,&nbsp;which are known for clean technology, renewables, and a high standard of living.

Since last year, Indian PM Modi has had virtual summits with three&nbsp;Nordic countries - Denmark, Sweden, and Finland&nbsp;which is highest in any specific region of the world.

Earlier, Modi was to travel to the UK as well to participate in the G7 leaders meet in June. India's Ministry of External Affairs announced earlier this month that the visit stands cancelled "given the prevailing COVID-19 situation."&nbsp;

India was invited as a guest to participate at the G7 by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is the chair of the grouping. This is is the third&nbsp;time in a row that India is being invited for G7, first by the French in 2019, Americans in 2020&nbsp;and now the British this year.&nbsp;

The second India-Nordic summit that was to take place in June in person has been postponed since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi won't be travelling abroad amid the pandemic.

The second India-Nordic summit that was to take place in June in person has been postponed since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi won't be travelling abroad amid the pandemic. The summit was to take place in Denmark and to include all five Nordic countries - Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. "it is no secret that PM Modi is not travelling in June, so, therefore, the India-Nordic summit has been postponed," said the ambassador of Denmark Freddy Svane at a virtual meet hosted by the India Writes Network. The physical summit is expected to happen later and a "timespan" is being looked into. The first India-Nordic summit took place in Sweden's capital Stockholm in April 2018 and is a unique format that brings together India along with all the countries in the Nordic region. A similar format meet has was aligned with the US in May 2016 when the then US President Barack Obama had held meetings with Nordic countries. New Delhi has been increasing its engagement with the Nordics or the northern European countries, which are known for clean technology, renewables, and a high standard of living. Since last year, Indian PM Modi has had virtual summits with three Nordic countries - Denmark, Sweden, and Finland which is highest in any specific region of the world. Earlier, Modi was to travel to the UK as well to participate in the G7 leaders meet in June. India's Ministry of External Affairs announced earlier this month that the visit stands cancelled "given the prevailing COVID-19 situation." India was invited as a guest to participate at the G7 by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is the chair of the grouping. This is is the third time in a row that India is being invited for G7, first by the French in 2019, Americans in 2020 and now the British this year.

Amid COVID-19 worries, second India-Nordic summit postponed

The Indian Army has established a 20-bed COVID-19 hospital in the remotest area of the Uri sector in North Kashmir. The hospital has been specially made for the people living near the Line of Control (LoC).&nbsp;

With the ever-increasing numbers of Covid positive patients across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the government hospitals are overloaded with patients. And to take away the pressure from government-run hospitals, the army has come up with this hospital.

The hospital will have twenty beds all equipped with an oxygen facility. There are 5 ICU beds while two ventilators have also been put in place.&nbsp;

"It's a twenty bedded hospital with all beds having an oxygen facility, we have two ventilators and 5 ICU beds. We are in continuous touch with BMO at Uri. We will be getting patients that will be referred by the civil hospitals." said Captain Sachu Jacob, Indian Army, Uri Sector.&nbsp;

The facilities at this hospital will be thrown open to patients who are referred from the civil hospitals in the Uri sector. If the Uri hospital gets excess patients, they will be referred to this army hospital. Doctors and Paramedics from the army will be monitoring all the patients admitted to this hospital.&nbsp;

"Whenever the civil hospital gets overloaded, they can refer the patients from the civil hospitals to this facility," said Captain Sachu Jacob, Indian Army, Uri Sector.&nbsp;

The Indian army had earlier established a 200-bed Covid hospital in Srinagar's Rangreth area as well.

The Indian Army has established a 20-bed COVID-19 hospital in the remotest area of the Uri sector in North Kashmir. The hospital has been specially made for the people living near the Line of Control (LoC).

The Indian Army has established a 20-bed COVID-19 hospital in the remotest area of the Uri sector in North Kashmir. The hospital has been specially made for the people living near the Line of Control (LoC). With the ever-increasing numbers of Covid positive patients across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the government hospitals are overloaded with patients. And to take away the pressure from government-run hospitals, the army has come up with this hospital. The hospital will have twenty beds all equipped with an oxygen facility. There are 5 ICU beds while two ventilators have also been put in place. "It's a twenty bedded hospital with all beds having an oxygen facility, we have two ventilators and 5 ICU beds. We are in continuous touch with BMO at Uri. We will be getting patients that will be referred by the civil hospitals." said Captain Sachu Jacob, Indian Army, Uri Sector. The facilities at this hospital will be thrown open to patients who are referred from the civil hospitals in the Uri sector. If the Uri hospital gets excess patients, they will be referred to this army hospital. Doctors and Paramedics from the army will be monitoring all the patients admitted to this hospital. "Whenever the civil hospital gets overloaded, they can refer the patients from the civil hospitals to this facility," said Captain Sachu Jacob, Indian Army, Uri Sector. The Indian army had earlier established a 200-bed Covid hospital in Srinagar's Rangreth area as well.

COVID-19: Indian Army establishes Covid hospital near Line of Control in Uri

The United States will continue to provide a range of assistance to India, as its "important partner" continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House said Monday.

President Joe Biden, who has announced a USD 100 million worth of COVID-19 assistance to India, is deeply engaged with the assistance program, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.

"The President is, of course, keeping abreast of the COVID pandemic - how it's impacting different regions in the world, including our important partners in India. And he has been deeply engaged as we've made determinations about the type of relief and assistance that we can and should provide," Psaki said.

Responding to a question on India's COVID-19 situation, Psaki said the United States will continue to work through how it can provide assistance to its important partner during this difficult time.

"We expect our assistance to be about USD 100 million. We've sent seven air shipments funded by the US Agency for International Development to India. The seventh flight, carrying additional oxygen concentrators via commercial shipping centre, arrived today, and that is critical for a number of the patients who have already been - are already battling COVID," she said.

"We will continue to provide a range of assistance. We will remain in touch about what the direct needs are on the ground, and hope that we can play a constructive role in reducing the numbers and bringing some relief to the people of India," Psaki said.

The United States will continue to provide a range of assistance to India, as its "important partner" continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House said Monday.

The United States will continue to provide a range of assistance to India, as its "important partner" continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House said Monday. President Joe Biden, who has announced a USD 100 million worth of COVID-19 assistance to India, is deeply engaged with the assistance program, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference. "The President is, of course, keeping abreast of the COVID pandemic - how it's impacting different regions in the world, including our important partners in India. And he has been deeply engaged as we've made determinations about the type of relief and assistance that we can and should provide," Psaki said. Responding to a question on India's COVID-19 situation, Psaki said the United States will continue to work through how it can provide assistance to its important partner during this difficult time. "We expect our assistance to be about USD 100 million. We've sent seven air shipments funded by the US Agency for International Development to India. The seventh flight, carrying additional oxygen concentrators via commercial shipping centre, arrived today, and that is critical for a number of the patients who have already been - are already battling COVID," she said. "We will continue to provide a range of assistance. We will remain in touch about what the direct needs are on the ground, and hope that we can play a constructive role in reducing the numbers and bringing some relief to the people of India," Psaki said.

Will keep providing assistance to India in fight against COVID-19: US

Ukraine's parliament voted on Tuesday to fire Health Minister Maksym Stepanov, accusing him of failing to supply adequate vaccine doses to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ukraine is among the European countries most affected by the pandemic and has lagged in its vaccination efforts, with only 948,330 Ukrainians having received their first vaccine dose as of May 18 out of a population of around 41 million.

"The main task that the minister faced for 2021 was vaccination and the provision of Ukraine with a sufficient amount of vaccines in the first half of this year. Progress on this issue is very slow," Prime Minister Denys Shmygal told parliament. Shmygal last week formally asked parliament to sack Stepanov.

"(So far) 2.3 million doses of vaccine have been delivered to Ukraine, which is hard to call the effective work of the Health Minister," the prime minister said.

Stepanov, in turn, said that he did everything possible to combat the epidemic and he has a plan on how to create an effective medical system. He said the country could receive 42 million doses of various vaccines this year.

Ukraine has registered more than 2 million infections and 48,469 deaths since the start of the pandemic last year.

Parliament, which votes to appoint ministers, might consider Stepanov's replacement on Thursday.

Ukraine's parliament voted on Tuesday to fire Health Minister Maksym Stepanov, accusing him of failing to supply adequate vaccine doses to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ukraine's parliament voted on Tuesday to fire Health Minister Maksym Stepanov, accusing him of failing to supply adequate vaccine doses to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Ukraine is among the European countries most affected by the pandemic and has lagged in its vaccination efforts, with only 948,330 Ukrainians having received their first vaccine dose as of May 18 out of a population of around 41 million. "The main task that the minister faced for 2021 was vaccination and the provision of Ukraine with a sufficient amount of vaccines in the first half of this year. Progress on this issue is very slow," Prime Minister Denys Shmygal told parliament. Shmygal last week formally asked parliament to sack Stepanov. "(So far) 2.3 million doses of vaccine have been delivered to Ukraine, which is hard to call the effective work of the Health Minister," the prime minister said. Stepanov, in turn, said that he did everything possible to combat the epidemic and he has a plan on how to create an effective medical system. He said the country could receive 42 million doses of various vaccines this year. Ukraine has registered more than 2 million infections and 48,469 deaths since the start of the pandemic last year. Parliament, which votes to appoint ministers, might consider Stepanov's replacement on Thursday.

Ukraine's parliament fires health minister over COVID-19 vaccine shortage

Countries across the globe are racing against time to inoculate their populations. While many questions remain about vaccines, one thing is for sure - that they work. Countries with a higher rate of vaccination are opening up quicker than others and are reporting fewer cases as well.

Now, a new study from the United Kingdom shows how even a single jab of Covid vaccines can help create antibodies in the body. According to the study undertaken in England and Wales, over 90 per cent of the recipients of the first dose who received the AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccines were able to produce antibodies.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/llama-antibodies-could-help-fight-covid-19-coronavirus-cure-world-news-297667/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The findings took into account 8,517 people who had received either of the jabs in England or Wales. 96.42 per cent people who had received the AstraZeneca (known as Covishield in many countries) and Pfizer shots were able to develop antibodies within 28-34 days after getting the first dose.

The number rose highly for those who received the second jab. Turns out, 99.08 per cent of those who received the second dose developed antibodies within seven to 14 days. According to researchers from the University College London (UCL), both vaccines were effective at creating antibodies needed to fight the virus.

Also read: P<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pandemic-can-leave-long-term-effect-on-kids-mental-health-study-385473" hreflang="en">andemic can leave long-term effect on kids' mental health: Study</a>

The study assessed 13,232 antibody samples given by 8,517 people who participated in the trial. None of them had antibodies before receiving the vaccine, and those who had antibodies were excluded from the trial.

Even though both the vaccines are highly effective, people who had received the Pfizer/BioNTech shot produced antibodies quicker than those who received AstraZeneca/Oxford shot. But four weeks after receiving the shot, most people showed the same levels of antibodies in their system.

The first dose created the least antibodies among older populations, who are the most susceptible to developing complications from the virus. But after the second dose, all age groups reported uniformity in terms of antibody levels created by the vaccines.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-software-successfully-predicts-patients-susceptible-to-severe-covid-19-384589" hreflang="en">AI software successfully predicts patients susceptible to severe COVID-19</a>

Countries across the globe are racing against time to inoculate their populations. While many questions remain about vaccines, one thing is for sure - that they work.

Countries across the globe are racing against time to inoculate their populations. While many questions remain about vaccines, one thing is for sure - that they work. Countries with a higher rate of vaccination are opening up quicker than others and are reporting fewer cases as well. Now, a new study from the United Kingdom shows how even a single jab of Covid vaccines can help create antibodies in the body. According to the study undertaken in England and Wales, over 90 per cent of the recipients of the first dose who received the AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccines were able to produce antibodies. The findings took into account 8,517 people who had received either of the jabs in England or Wales. 96.42 per cent people who had received the AstraZeneca (known as Covishield in many countries) and Pfizer shots were able to develop antibodies within 28-34 days after getting the first dose. The number rose highly for those who received the second jab. Turns out, 99.08 per cent of those who received the second dose developed antibodies within seven to 14 days. According to researchers from the University College London (UCL), both vaccines were effective at creating antibodies needed to fight the virus. Also read: Pandemic can leave long-term effect on kids' mental health: Study The study assessed 13,232 antibody samples given by 8,517 people who participated in the trial. None of them had antibodies before receiving the vaccine, and those who had antibodies were excluded from the trial. Even though both the vaccines are highly effective, people who had received the Pfizer/BioNTech shot produced antibodies quicker than those who received AstraZeneca/Oxford shot. But four weeks after receiving the shot, most people showed the same levels of antibodies in their system. The first dose created the least antibodies among older populations, who are the most susceptible to developing complications from the virus. But after the second dose, all age groups reported uniformity in terms of antibody levels created by the vaccines. Also read: AI software successfully predicts patients susceptible to severe COVID-19

First dose of Covid vaccines created antibodies in over 96% people in UK, new study finds

Major regulators have listed blood clots as a rare side effect of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. India has found 26 suspected cases of bleeding and clotting among recipients of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Coronavirus Update: India finds 'minuscule' clot risk from AstraZeneca jab

Germany will ditch its Covid vaccine priority list and start offering jabs to all adults from June 7, Health Minister Jens Spahn said Monday, as the inoculation drive in Europe's top economy gathers pace. 
 
The move means anyone aged 16 and up will be eligible for a vaccine in Germany, scrapping the existing priority criteria based on age, jobs and pre-existing medical conditions. 
 
"We have agreed to lift the priority system on June 7... in doctor's practices, among company doctors and in vaccination centres," Spahn said after talks with Germany's 16 regional health ministers.

After a stuttering start, Germany's jabs campaign has kicked into high gear in recent weeks as vaccine supplies increased and general practitioners joined the effort alongside vaccination centres.

Germany last week hit a fresh record when it vaccinated more than 1.35 million in a single day. 
 
Overall, 37 percent of adults in Germany, Europe's most populous country, have now had their first jab. More than 11 percent are fully vaccinated. 
 
Spahn said Germany had been right to prioritise the most vulnerable at the start of the vaccination campaign, saying it had "saved lives". 
 
But given the fast progress of the vaccination campaign, "we can now plan the next step", he added. 
 
"Even when the prioritisation is lifted that doesn't mean anyone who wants to can get vaccinated in June," he told reporters. Doctors and vaccination centres were still working their way through the current priority group, he said. 
 
"But I can say that anyone in Germany who wants to be vaccinated to protect themselves and others, will get an offer." 
 
Several German states, including Berlin, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria, have already gone ahead and scrapped their priority lists from this week. That has left doctor's offices inundated with calls and emails from patients looking to get jabbed. 
 
Germany is currently vaccinating priority group 3, which includes people over 60, those with pre-existing health concerns and people in frontline jobs such as supermarket staff, lawyers and bus drivers.

Germany will ditch its Covid vaccine priority list and start offering jabs to all adults from June 7, Health Minister Jens Spahn said Monday, as the inoculation drive in Europe's top economy gathers pace.

Germany will ditch its Covid vaccine priority list and start offering jabs to all adults from June 7, Health Minister Jens Spahn said Monday, as the inoculation drive in Europe's top economy gathers pace. The move means anyone aged 16 and up will be eligible for a vaccine in Germany, scrapping the existing priority criteria based on age, jobs and pre-existing medical conditions. "We have agreed to lift the priority system on June 7... in doctor's practices, among company doctors and in vaccination centres," Spahn said after talks with Germany's 16 regional health ministers. After a stuttering start, Germany's jabs campaign has kicked into high gear in recent weeks as vaccine supplies increased and general practitioners joined the effort alongside vaccination centres. Germany last week hit a fresh record when it vaccinated more than 1.35 million in a single day. Overall, 37 percent of adults in Germany, Europe's most populous country, have now had their first jab. More than 11 percent are fully vaccinated. Spahn said Germany had been right to prioritise the most vulnerable at the start of the vaccination campaign, saying it had "saved lives". But given the fast progress of the vaccination campaign, "we can now plan the next step", he added. "Even when the prioritisation is lifted that doesn't mean anyone who wants to can get vaccinated in June," he told reporters. Doctors and vaccination centres were still working their way through the current priority group, he said. "But I can say that anyone in Germany who wants to be vaccinated to protect themselves and others, will get an offer." Several German states, including Berlin, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria, have already gone ahead and scrapped their priority lists from this week. That has left doctor's offices inundated with calls and emails from patients looking to get jabbed. Germany is currently vaccinating priority group 3, which includes people over 60, those with pre-existing health concerns and people in frontline jobs such as supermarket staff, lawyers and bus drivers.

Germany to offer coronavirus vaccines to all adults from June 7

A virologist part of India’s top forum of scientific advisers to detect and track Covid variants in the country recently resigned from his post.

Shahid Jameel, chair of the forum’s advisory group known as INSACOG confirmed his resignation to Reuters on Sunday. The advisory group was set up by the Indian government amid fears of new variants emerging in the country.

"I am not obliged to give a reason," he reportedly told Reuters over a text message on Sunday, not clarifying the reasons for his departure. He did add that he left the group on Friday.

Another member of INSACOG told Reuters that he was unaware of any direct disagreements between Jameel and the government. Another scientist who is part of the forum also told Reuters that Jameel’s departure is bound to cause little impact on the agency’s assessment of variants.

INSACOG, or the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genetics Consortium is responsible for tracking Covid variants. In March, it had warned the Indian government that a new more contagious variant was spreading the country.

The variant is officially known as B.1.617 and is considered the primary cause of the ongoing surge in the country.

On Monday, India reported&nbsp;281,386 new cases of coronavirus, marking the lowest surge in 26 days.&nbsp;According to the data shared by the Union Health Ministry, the country saw a total of 378,741 discharges in the last 24 hours, taking the total recovery to 211,74,076.&nbsp;

A virologist part of India’s top forum of scientific advisers to detect and track Covid variants in the country recently resigned from his post. Shahid Jameel, chair of the forum’s advisory group known as INSACOG confirmed his resignation to Reuters on Sunday.

A virologist part of India’s top forum of scientific advisers to detect and track Covid variants in the country recently resigned from his post. Shahid Jameel, chair of the forum’s advisory group known as INSACOG confirmed his resignation to Reuters on Sunday. The advisory group was set up by the Indian government amid fears of new variants emerging in the country. "I am not obliged to give a reason," he reportedly told Reuters over a text message on Sunday, not clarifying the reasons for his departure. He did add that he left the group on Friday. Another member of INSACOG told Reuters that he was unaware of any direct disagreements between Jameel and the government. Another scientist who is part of the forum also told Reuters that Jameel’s departure is bound to cause little impact on the agency’s assessment of variants. INSACOG, or the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genetics Consortium is responsible for tracking Covid variants. In March, it had warned the Indian government that a new more contagious variant was spreading the country. The variant is officially known as B.1.617 and is considered the primary cause of the ongoing surge in the country. On Monday, India reported 281,386 new cases of coronavirus, marking the lowest surge in 26 days. According to the data shared by the Union Health Ministry, the country saw a total of 378,741 discharges in the last 24 hours, taking the total recovery to 211,74,076.

India's top virologist resigns from government panel which tracks Covid variants

Thailand witnesses a surge in COVID cases.

Bangkok airport turned into a vaccination centre

While the whole country is grappling with growing COVID-19 positive cases, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a huge increase in the cases as well COVID-19 related deaths. And the government has said that to beat this second deadly wave in the country, vaccination is the only way out.

However, Kashmir valley is facing an immense shortage of vaccines. According to a government release, not a single dose of vaccine has been given to people in the last 5 days. The J&amp;K media bulletin clearly shows that in all the ten districts of Kashmir valley, not a single vaccine dose has been given to any citizen.

Amarjit Kaur and her father have been coming to the vaccination centre every day for the last 5 consecutive days, but every day they are being sent back as the vaccination centre has no vaccines.&nbsp;

"I have been coming here for almost a week and we are not given a dose, my father is above 50 and he has not been given his first dose yet. They have been telling us every day to come after a few days. My father is a daily wage worker and he has to go out to work so we need him to be vaccinated for sure. They are not vaccinating people above 45, my chance stands very bleak,'' said Amarjit Kaur, a resident.&nbsp;

The daughter-father duo is not the only one who had to return disappointed from the vaccination centre. People in all the ten districts of Kashmir valley are facing the same problem. From daily wagers to Government employees, everyone is waiting for vaccines to arrive so that they can get their Jab.

"They are saying there is no vaccine, we asked them to tell us when it will arrive, they are saying for the next one week they have no idea when it will be available. On one side the Government says get vaccinated and on the other, there are no vaccines available,'' said Ruhi Jan, a government employee.&nbsp;

However, the office of Lt Governor has said that ''A timeline has been set of 10 days for 100 per cent vaccination of above 45 age group with the first dose in all the districts of Jammu and Kashmir''. But the situation on the ground is completely different.&nbsp;

While the whole country is grappling with growing COVID-19 positive cases, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a huge increase in the cases as well COVID-19 related deaths.

While the whole country is grappling with growing COVID-19 positive cases, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a huge increase in the cases as well COVID-19 related deaths. And the government has said that to beat this second deadly wave in the country, vaccination is the only way out. However, Kashmir valley is facing an immense shortage of vaccines. According to a government release, not a single dose of vaccine has been given to people in the last 5 days. The J&K media bulletin clearly shows that in all the ten districts of Kashmir valley, not a single vaccine dose has been given to any citizen. Amarjit Kaur and her father have been coming to the vaccination centre every day for the last 5 consecutive days, but every day they are being sent back as the vaccination centre has no vaccines. "I have been coming here for almost a week and we are not given a dose, my father is above 50 and he has not been given his first dose yet. They have been telling us every day to come after a few days. My father is a daily wage worker and he has to go out to work so we need him to be vaccinated for sure. They are not vaccinating people above 45, my chance stands very bleak,'' said Amarjit Kaur, a resident. The daughter-father duo is not the only one who had to return disappointed from the vaccination centre. People in all the ten districts of Kashmir valley are facing the same problem. From daily wagers to Government employees, everyone is waiting for vaccines to arrive so that they can get their Jab. "They are saying there is no vaccine, we asked them to tell us when it will arrive, they are saying for the next one week they have no idea when it will be available. On one side the Government says get vaccinated and on the other, there are no vaccines available,'' said Ruhi Jan, a government employee. However, the office of Lt Governor has said that ''A timeline has been set of 10 days for 100 per cent vaccination of above 45 age group with the first dose in all the districts of Jammu and Kashmir''. But the situation on the ground is completely different.

COVID-19: Due to acute shortage, vaccine drive grinds to a halt in Kashmir valley

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced extension of the ongoing lockdown by one more week in the national capital to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The lockdown imposed on April 19 has been extended for the fourth time till May 24 morning.

It was scheduled to end at 5 am tomorrow.

The COVID-19 situation has been improving in Delhi with the number of cases and positivity rate going down steadily in the past few days. The chief minister said the lockdown is being extended as the gains made so far in combating the coronavirus cannot be lost due to relaxations now.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced extension of the ongoing lockdown by one more week in the national capital to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced extension of the ongoing lockdown by one more week in the national capital to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The lockdown imposed on April 19 has been extended for the fourth time till May 24 morning. It was scheduled to end at 5 am tomorrow. The COVID-19 situation has been improving in Delhi with the number of cases and positivity rate going down steadily in the past few days. The chief minister said the lockdown is being extended as the gains made so far in combating the coronavirus cannot be lost due to relaxations now.

Delhi extends lockdown by another week

covid-19-0

Covid 19, News on Covid 19, stories on Covid 19, articles on Covid 19, Covid 19 stories at Wion, Covid 19 news, Covid 19 latest news

covid 19-0