DMK Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi on Saturday tested positive for COVID-19 and has been admitted to a hospital here, party sources said.

Kanimozhi, who has been actively campaigning for the April 6 Assembly polls, has cancelled her programmes after testing positive for the virus, the sources said.

Also the party's women's wing secretary, Kanimozhi has been admitted to a hospital here, they said.

On Friday, she had toured southern regions, including Tirunelveli and Tenkasi.

DMK Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi on Saturday tested positive for COVID-19 and has been admitted to a hospital here, party sources said. Kanimozhi, who has been actively campaigning for the April 6 Assembly polls, has cancelled her programmes after testing positive for the virus, the sources said.

DMK Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi on Saturday tested positive for COVID-19 and has been admitted to a hospital here, party sources said. Kanimozhi, who has been actively campaigning for the April 6 Assembly polls, has cancelled her programmes after testing positive for the virus, the sources said. Also the party's women's wing secretary, Kanimozhi has been admitted to a hospital here, they said. On Friday, she had toured southern regions, including Tirunelveli and Tenkasi.

DMK MP Kanimozhi tests positive for COVID-19

Bollywood megastar Akshay Kumar has been hospitalised a day after being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/akshay-kumar-tests-positive-for-covid-19-self-isolates-at-home-375231">diagnosed with COVID-19</a>. The actor shared the news on his social media, informing his fans that he has been hospitalised as a `precautionary measure`. 
 
The actor took to his Twitter handle and wrote, "Thank you, everyone, for all your warm wishes and prayers, they seem to be working. I am doing fine, but as a precautionary measure under medical advice, I have been hospitalised. I hope to be back home soon. Take care."Akshay on Sunday revealed that he tested positive for the novel coronavirus and was under home quarantine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-vicky-kaushal-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-under-home-quarantine-375445" hreflang="en">Vicky Kaushal tests positive for coronavirus, under home quarantine</a> 
 
The 53-year-old actor took to Twitter to share his diagnosis and informed his fans that he was following all the necessary protocols."I wish to inform everyone that, earlier this morning, I have tested positive for COVID-19. Following all the protocols, I have immediately isolated myself," he wrote. 
 
Hoping to get back in action soon, he added, "I am under home quarantine and have sought necessary medical care. I would sincerely request all those that have come in contact with me to get themselves tested and take care of. Back in action very soon!"The second wave of coronavirus has infected a lot of people and the number of COVID-19 positive cases has been rapidly rising. In Bollywood, an array of celebrities have got infected within a span of a few weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-famous-people-whove-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-286352">In pics: Famous people who've tested positive for coronavirus</a> 
 
Akshay is the latest Bollywood celebrity to have contracted the deadly infection after Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Aditya Narayan, Kartik Aaryan, and Aamir Khan among others. 
 
Earlier, actors Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora, and some others were infected with the virus. In March 2020, Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor, who rose to fame with her song `Baby Doll`, became the first Bollywood celebrity to get infected with COVID-19. 
 
Meanwhile, on the work front, Akshay had been shooting for his upcoming movie `Ram Setu` with Jacqueline Fernandez and Nushrratt Bharuccha. `Ram Setu` is being helmed by Abhishek Sharma. Apart from `Ram Setu`, the actor has several other exciting films in the pipeline including `Housefull 5`, `Bachchan Pandey`, `Atrangi Re`, `Bell Bottom` and `Sooryavanshi`.

Bollywood megastar Akshay Kumar has been hospitalised a day after being diagnosed with COVID-19. The actor shared the news on his social media, informing his fans that he has been hospitalised as a `precautionary measure`.

Bollywood megastar Akshay Kumar has been hospitalised a day after being diagnosed with COVID-19. The actor shared the news on his social media, informing his fans that he has been hospitalised as a `precautionary measure`. The actor took to his Twitter handle and wrote, "Thank you, everyone, for all your warm wishes and prayers, they seem to be working. I am doing fine, but as a precautionary measure under medical advice, I have been hospitalised. I hope to be back home soon. Take care."Akshay on Sunday revealed that he tested positive for the novel coronavirus and was under home quarantine. Vicky Kaushal tests positive for coronavirus, under home quarantine The 53-year-old actor took to Twitter to share his diagnosis and informed his fans that he was following all the necessary protocols."I wish to inform everyone that, earlier this morning, I have tested positive for COVID-19. Following all the protocols, I have immediately isolated myself," he wrote. Hoping to get back in action soon, he added, "I am under home quarantine and have sought necessary medical care. I would sincerely request all those that have come in contact with me to get themselves tested and take care of. Back in action very soon!"The second wave of coronavirus has infected a lot of people and the number of COVID-19 positive cases has been rapidly rising. In Bollywood, an array of celebrities have got infected within a span of a few weeks. In pics: Famous people who've tested positive for coronavirus Akshay is the latest Bollywood celebrity to have contracted the deadly infection after Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Aditya Narayan, Kartik Aaryan, and Aamir Khan among others. Earlier, actors Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora, and some others were infected with the virus. In March 2020, Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor, who rose to fame with her song `Baby Doll`, became the first Bollywood celebrity to get infected with COVID-19. Meanwhile, on the work front, Akshay had been shooting for his upcoming movie `Ram Setu` with Jacqueline Fernandez and Nushrratt Bharuccha. `Ram Setu` is being helmed by Abhishek Sharma. Apart from `Ram Setu`, the actor has several other exciting films in the pipeline including `Housefull 5`, `Bachchan Pandey`, `Atrangi Re`, `Bell Bottom` and `Sooryavanshi`.

Akshay Kumar hospitalised as 'precautionary measure' after testing positive for COVID-19

The Covid-19 surge in the national capital continues as 4,033 were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total tally to 6,76,414, the health bulletin said. 
 
According to the health bulletin released on Sunday, the number of deaths reported in the last 24 hours were 21 taking the toll to 11,081. However, the total recoveries stand at 6,51,351 with 2,2677 recoveries during the same period. 
 
The cumulative fatality rate was reported 1.64 per cent. 
 
Apart from this, over 7,000 Covid-19 patients in the capital are under home isolation. 
 
As per the health department, the positivity rate rose to 4.64 per cent. 
 
On Sunday, 86,899 tests were conducted out of which 54,472 were RT-PCR tests while 32,427 were rapid antigen tests. 
 
On Sunday, a total of 54,125 people were given vaccination shots in the capital.

The Covid-19 surge in the national capital continues as 4,033 were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total tally to 6,76,414, the health bulletin said. According to the health bulletin released on Sunday, the number of deaths reported in the last 24 hours were 21 taking the toll to 11,081.

The Covid-19 surge in the national capital continues as 4,033 were reported in the last 24 hours taking the total tally to 6,76,414, the health bulletin said. According to the health bulletin released on Sunday, the number of deaths reported in the last 24 hours were 21 taking the toll to 11,081. However, the total recoveries stand at 6,51,351 with 2,2677 recoveries during the same period. The cumulative fatality rate was reported 1.64 per cent. Apart from this, over 7,000 Covid-19 patients in the capital are under home isolation. As per the health department, the positivity rate rose to 4.64 per cent. On Sunday, 86,899 tests were conducted out of which 54,472 were RT-PCR tests while 32,427 were rapid antigen tests. On Sunday, a total of 54,125 people were given vaccination shots in the capital.

Over 4,000 new COVID-19 cases reported in Delhi in 24 hours

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 131.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.85 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. 
 
In its latest update on Monday morning, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 131,196,109 and 2,851,973, respectively. 
 
The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 30,671,074 and 554,999, respectively, according to the CSSE. 
 
Brazil follows in the second place with 12,953,597 cases and 331,433 fatalities. 
 
The other countries with more than two million confirmed coronavirus cases are India (12,392,260), France (4,802,545), Russia (4,520,879), the UK (4,371,393), Italy (3,650,247), Turkey (3,445,052), Spain (3,300,965), Germany (2,886,029), Colombia (2,437,197), Poland (2,415,584), Argentina (2,383,537) and Mexico (2,247,357), the CSSE figures showed. 
 
In terms of deaths, Mexico comes in the third place with 204,011 fatalities. 
 
Nations with a death toll of over 50,000 are India (164,623), the UK (127,078), Italy (111,030), Russia (98,713), France (96,808), Germany (77,022), Spain (75,698), Colombia (64,094), Iran (63,160), Argentina (56,199), Poland (54,941), South Africa (52,987) and Peru (52,625).

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 131.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.85 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 131.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.85 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on Monday morning, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 131,196,109 and 2,851,973, respectively. The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 30,671,074 and 554,999, respectively, according to the CSSE. Brazil follows in the second place with 12,953,597 cases and 331,433 fatalities. The other countries with more than two million confirmed coronavirus cases are India (12,392,260), France (4,802,545), Russia (4,520,879), the UK (4,371,393), Italy (3,650,247), Turkey (3,445,052), Spain (3,300,965), Germany (2,886,029), Colombia (2,437,197), Poland (2,415,584), Argentina (2,383,537) and Mexico (2,247,357), the CSSE figures showed. In terms of deaths, Mexico comes in the third place with 204,011 fatalities. Nations with a death toll of over 50,000 are India (164,623), the UK (127,078), Italy (111,030), Russia (98,713), France (96,808), Germany (77,022), Spain (75,698), Colombia (64,094), Iran (63,160), Argentina (56,199), Poland (54,941), South Africa (52,987) and Peru (52,625).

Global COVID-19 caseload tops 131.1 million

One case of a new COVID-19 variant first detected in India has now been found in the United States. Spotted first by researchers at Stanford University, the variant was found in Northern California.

The variant in question has two mutations - one similar to the variation found in the strain from California which was spotted in the spiky protein which the virus attaches itself to.

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The Indian variant was found in a patient from the San Francisco Bay Area by Stanford's Clinical Virology Laboratory, as reported by NBC, citing a spokesperson from Stanford. This marks the first case of the variant in the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/pfizer-says-covid-19-vaccine-offers-protection-for-at-least-six-months-effective-against-south-african-variant-374787" hreflang="en">Pfizer says Covid-19 vaccine offers protection for at least six months, effective against South African variant</a>

The variant was first detected last month by Indian health officials. India had witnessed a slowdown of the spread of COVID-19 in the last few months of 2020. But in March 2021, cases continued to rise across the country, nearing 100,000 daily infections in April.

Cases in California are currently declining after witnessing a surge in the winter months due to which cases increased in November running into the new year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-reports-over-10000-cases-caused-by-coronavirus-variants-374161" hreflang="en">US reports over 10,000 cases caused by coronavirus variants</a>

This relief in terms of numbers has prompted California authorities to begin reopening parts of the state, starting with its most populous county in Los Angeles.

Even then, California is the hardest-hit state in the US, recording more than 3.5 million known infections and 58,000 deaths, as per data from California's health department.

One case of a new COVID-19 variant first detected in India has now been found in the United States. Spotted first by researchers at Stanford University, the variant was found in Northern California.

One case of a new COVID-19 variant first detected in India has now been found in the United States. Spotted first by researchers at Stanford University, the variant was found in Northern California. The variant in question has two mutations - one similar to the variation found in the strain from California which was spotted in the spiky protein which the virus attaches itself to. The Indian variant was found in a patient from the San Francisco Bay Area by Stanford's Clinical Virology Laboratory, as reported by NBC, citing a spokesperson from Stanford. This marks the first case of the variant in the United States. Also read: Pfizer says Covid-19 vaccine offers protection for at least six months, effective against South African variant The variant was first detected last month by Indian health officials. India had witnessed a slowdown of the spread of COVID-19 in the last few months of 2020. But in March 2021, cases continued to rise across the country, nearing 100,000 daily infections in April. Cases in California are currently declining after witnessing a surge in the winter months due to which cases increased in November running into the new year. Also read: US reports over 10,000 cases caused by coronavirus variants This relief in terms of numbers has prompted California authorities to begin reopening parts of the state, starting with its most populous county in Los Angeles. Even then, California is the hardest-hit state in the US, recording more than 3.5 million known infections and 58,000 deaths, as per data from California's health department.

First case of Indian coronavirus variant found in United States

A significant part of Thailand's economy relies on tourism, which has been tremendously affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Now, to bring back vacationers into the island of Phuket, Thailand has fast-tracked inoculation of people living on the island.

The popular resort destination is receiving vaccines two months before the rest of the country. The island hopes to inoculate at least 460,000 people before July 1, when the provision for mandatory quarantine for tourists will be lifted.

The island boasts an international airport of its own. The mass inoculation hopes to prevent an outbreak during peak tourist season.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/thailand-delays-astrazeneca-vaccine-rollout-369838" hreflang="en">Thailand delays AstraZeneca vaccine rollout</a>

"If we can build immunity for 70-80% of the population on the island, we can receive foreign tourists who have been vaccinated without the need for quarantine,"&nbsp;Reuters cited Phuket's Vice Governor Piyapong Choowong as saying.

Medical workers, cabinet members and the elderly have been prioritised as part of this rollout.

The tourism sector in the country has been hit hard, with over 1.45 million jobs lost since last year. Before the pandemic spending by foreign tourists accounted for 11-12 per cent of the country’s GDP.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/release-our-friends-students-protest-in-thailand-for-release-of-leaders-368567" hreflang="en">'Release our friends': Students protest in Thailand for release of leaders</a>

Only 6.7 million foreign tourists went to Thailand in 2020, and spend about $11 billion. In 2019, 40 million tourists went to the country and spent at least $61 billion.

The government is hopeful of tourists’ return as global vaccinations reach milestones. The first ones that are expected to show up include Europeans and Americans, along with people from the United Arab Emirates.

A significant part of Thailand's economy relies on tourism, which has been tremendously affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Now, to bring back vacationers into the island of Phuket, Thailand has fast-tracked inoculation of people living on the island.

A significant part of Thailand's economy relies on tourism, which has been tremendously affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Now, to bring back vacationers into the island of Phuket, Thailand has fast-tracked inoculation of people living on the island. The popular resort destination is receiving vaccines two months before the rest of the country. The island hopes to inoculate at least 460,000 people before July 1, when the provision for mandatory quarantine for tourists will be lifted. The island boasts an international airport of its own. The mass inoculation hopes to prevent an outbreak during peak tourist season. Also read: Thailand delays AstraZeneca vaccine rollout "If we can build immunity for 70-80% of the population on the island, we can receive foreign tourists who have been vaccinated without the need for quarantine," Reuters cited Phuket's Vice Governor Piyapong Choowong as saying. Medical workers, cabinet members and the elderly have been prioritised as part of this rollout. The tourism sector in the country has been hit hard, with over 1.45 million jobs lost since last year. Before the pandemic spending by foreign tourists accounted for 11-12 per cent of the country’s GDP. Also read: 'Release our friends': Students protest in Thailand for release of leaders Only 6.7 million foreign tourists went to Thailand in 2020, and spend about $11 billion. In 2019, 40 million tourists went to the country and spent at least $61 billion. The government is hopeful of tourists’ return as global vaccinations reach milestones. The first ones that are expected to show up include Europeans and Americans, along with people from the United Arab Emirates.

Why Thailand is prioritising Phuket for early coronavirus vaccine rollout

An impromptu party took place in Barcelona's beach define COVID-19 restrictions. As per the police dozens of people danced on the beach despite repeated warning that they were breaking health regulations.

Barcelona: People continued to party despite warnings from Police

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is slated to set out plans for a domestic "vaccine passport" system to help the country ease itself out of lockdown.

Football cup finals, a comedy club and a cinema will be used to test vaccine passports over the next few weeks, as per plan.

The pilot venues will be unveiled on Monday by the prime minister with the NHS drawing up a system that will allow people to use an app or a paper certificate to gain access to major events and reduce social distancing measures.

Johnson, however, continues to face a mounting political backlash over the use of vaccine passports.

More than 70 British lawmakers have signalled their opposition to the introduction of so-called vaccine passports.

The system being piloted will take account of whether someone has had a vaccination, a recent negative test, or natural immunity after a positive test in the last six months

On Friday, Johnson said that a combination of immunity factors - if people have had the disease, a vaccination or had a COVID-19 test - would give businesses confidence.

Under the government’s planned “roadmap” out of the pandemic, pubs will be allowed to serve people outdoors later this month, with a further easing of restrictions in mid-May before all measures are lifted near the end of June.

Johnson suggested last month that some pubs might require customers to produce vaccine certificates. Culture minister Oliver Dowden, meanwhile, has said that such certificates could help get more people into theatres.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is slated to set out plans for a domestic "vaccine passport" system to help the country ease itself out of lockdown. Football cup finals, a comedy club and a cinema will be used to test vaccine passports over the next few weeks, as per plan.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is slated to set out plans for a domestic "vaccine passport" system to help the country ease itself out of lockdown. Football cup finals, a comedy club and a cinema will be used to test vaccine passports over the next few weeks, as per plan. The pilot venues will be unveiled on Monday by the prime minister with the NHS drawing up a system that will allow people to use an app or a paper certificate to gain access to major events and reduce social distancing measures. Johnson, however, continues to face a mounting political backlash over the use of vaccine passports. More than 70 British lawmakers have signalled their opposition to the introduction of so-called vaccine passports. The system being piloted will take account of whether someone has had a vaccination, a recent negative test, or natural immunity after a positive test in the last six months On Friday, Johnson said that a combination of immunity factors - if people have had the disease, a vaccination or had a COVID-19 test - would give businesses confidence. Under the government’s planned “roadmap” out of the pandemic, pubs will be allowed to serve people outdoors later this month, with a further easing of restrictions in mid-May before all measures are lifted near the end of June. Johnson suggested last month that some pubs might require customers to produce vaccine certificates. Culture minister Oliver Dowden, meanwhile, has said that such certificates could help get more people into theatres.

UK PM Boris Johnson to give go-ahead for trials of Covid passports

From socially distanced gathering to virtual masses, the Easter celebrations have been hampered for the second year amid lockdowns and COVID-19 related restrictions.

COVID-19: Muted Easter celebrations globally

A baby born last week on the Spanish island of Ibiza has become the first newborn in Spain with coronavirus antibodies.

The boy's mother received the Covid-19 vaccine in the third trimester of her pregnancy, according to local media reports.

A sample from the baby's umbilical cord analysed at the Hospital Son Espases in Mallorca confirmed that he had developed antibodies against Covid-19, Spanish media reported.

Manuel Grandal Martin, deputy director of the Madrid Hospital Directorate, said on Friday that the protection that the baby has is equal to that of someone who has been vaccinated, the Xinhua news agency reported.

The case of the infant, named Bruno, is part of a study on the impact of Covid-19 on pregnant women. The study monitors 88 pregnant women who have caught Covid-19 during pregnancy, including those who are asymptomatic.

Other specialists believe this result opens the doors to the possibility of vaccinating pregnant women to immunise both themselves and their babies, who receive the antibodies through placenta.

(with inputs)

A baby born last week on the Spanish island of Ibiza has become the first newborn in Spain with coronavirus antibodies. The boy's mother received the Covid-19 vaccine in the third trimester of her pregnancy, according to local media reports.

A baby born last week on the Spanish island of Ibiza has become the first newborn in Spain with coronavirus antibodies. The boy's mother received the Covid-19 vaccine in the third trimester of her pregnancy, according to local media reports. A sample from the baby's umbilical cord analysed at the Hospital Son Espases in Mallorca confirmed that he had developed antibodies against Covid-19, Spanish media reported. Manuel Grandal Martin, deputy director of the Madrid Hospital Directorate, said on Friday that the protection that the baby has is equal to that of someone who has been vaccinated, the Xinhua news agency reported. The case of the infant, named Bruno, is part of a study on the impact of Covid-19 on pregnant women. The study monitors 88 pregnant women who have caught Covid-19 during pregnancy, including those who are asymptomatic. Other specialists believe this result opens the doors to the possibility of vaccinating pregnant women to immunise both themselves and their babies, who receive the antibodies through placenta. (with inputs)

First baby born in Spain with coronavirus antibodies, reports say

Bulgarians voted in a parliamentary election on Sunday that will decide whether long-serving Prime Minister Boyko Borissov wins a new four-year mandate despite persistent concerns about corruption in the European Union’s poorest member state.

Opinion polls suggest Borissov’s centre-right GERB will again be the largest party, with 28-29% of the vote, but will fall short of a majority and may struggle to build a stable coalition in a more fractured parliament.

That could hamper Bulgaria’s ability to effectively tap the EU’s 750 billion euro ($884 billion) Recovery Fund to help rebuild the bloc’s economy after the coronavirus pandemic.

Borissov, 61, an ex-fireman in power almost without a break since 2009, sought to showcase his successes in modernising Bulgaria’s creaking infrastructure in low-key campaign after massive anti-graft rallies last summer dented his popularity.

"We showed what we have achieved," Borissov said after casting his ballot. 
Polls will close at 8 pm (1700 GMT), with exit polls due shortly afterwards. Partial results are due through the night into Monday, before final official results expected on Thursday.

More than 6.7 million Bulgarians are eligible to vote, but pollsters expect a low turnout because of voters’ concerns over Covid-19 and a slow vaccine rollout.&nbsp;

Borissov, who has came under fire over the rollout, thanked the European Commission for 1.3 million additional Covid-19 vaccine shots, which the country will receive in the second quarter.

Bulgaria has seen coronavirus cases surging in March and now has the second highest coronavirus-related death rate, per million people on a 7-day rolling average, in the EU after Hungary, according to scientific online publication Our World in Data.

Although hospitals are full, the government eased some lockdown restrictions before the vote.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bulgarians voted in a parliamentary election on Sunday that will decide whether long-serving Prime Minister Boyko Borissov wins a new four-year mandate despite persistent concerns about corruption in the European Union’s poorest member state.

Bulgarians voted in a parliamentary election on Sunday that will decide whether long-serving Prime Minister Boyko Borissov wins a new four-year mandate despite persistent concerns about corruption in the European Union’s poorest member state. Opinion polls suggest Borissov’s centre-right GERB will again be the largest party, with 28-29% of the vote, but will fall short of a majority and may struggle to build a stable coalition in a more fractured parliament. That could hamper Bulgaria’s ability to effectively tap the EU’s 750 billion euro ($884 billion) Recovery Fund to help rebuild the bloc’s economy after the coronavirus pandemic. Borissov, 61, an ex-fireman in power almost without a break since 2009, sought to showcase his successes in modernising Bulgaria’s creaking infrastructure in low-key campaign after massive anti-graft rallies last summer dented his popularity. "We showed what we have achieved," Borissov said after casting his ballot. Polls will close at 8 pm (1700 GMT), with exit polls due shortly afterwards. Partial results are due through the night into Monday, before final official results expected on Thursday. More than 6.7 million Bulgarians are eligible to vote, but pollsters expect a low turnout because of voters’ concerns over Covid-19 and a slow vaccine rollout. Borissov, who has came under fire over the rollout, thanked the European Commission for 1.3 million additional Covid-19 vaccine shots, which the country will receive in the second quarter. Bulgaria has seen coronavirus cases surging in March and now has the second highest coronavirus-related death rate, per million people on a 7-day rolling average, in the EU after Hungary, according to scientific online publication Our World in Data. Although hospitals are full, the government eased some lockdown restrictions before the vote. (With inputs from agencies)

Bulgarians vote for new parliament amid Covid-19 fears

The US government has stopped a Baltimore manufacturing plant that ruined 15 million doses of Johnson &amp; Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine from making the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca Plc.

According to a report in the New York Times, AstraZeneca on Saturday said in a statement it will work with President Joe Biden's administration to find an alternative site.

J&amp;J said in a statement that it was "assuming full responsibility regarding the manufacturing of drug substance for its COVID-19 vaccine at the Emergent BioSolutions Inc. Bayview facility."

The move by the US Department of Health and Human Services' will now render the Emergent BioSolutions facility solely devoted to making the Johnson &amp; Johnson single-dose vaccine, and is meant to avoid future mix-ups, according to the newspaper report, which cites two senior federal health official

The US government's top infectious disease doctor, Antony Fauci, had earlier said the country may not need AstraZeneca's vaccine, even if it wins approval.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-says-us-may-not-need-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-374863">Also read |&nbsp;Fauci says US may not need AstraZeneca Covid vaccine</a>

AstraZeneca has been under scanner for months now for the alleged blood clotting side effects the vaccine has had on its takers.

Some countries are restricting use of the AstraZeneca vaccine while others have resumed inoculations, as investigations into reports of rare, and sometimes severe, blood clots continue.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA), probing links between the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine and blood clots, have repeatedly said they found no specific risk factors, including age. They are, however, investigating further.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-medical-agency-again-backs-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-374694">Also read |&nbsp;EU medical agency again backs AstraZeneca Covid vaccine</a>

The US government has stopped a Baltimore manufacturing plant that ruined 15 million doses of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine from making the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca Plc.

The US government has stopped a Baltimore manufacturing plant that ruined 15 million doses of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine from making the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca Plc. According to a report in the New York Times, AstraZeneca on Saturday said in a statement it will work with President Joe Biden's administration to find an alternative site. J&J said in a statement that it was "assuming full responsibility regarding the manufacturing of drug substance for its COVID-19 vaccine at the Emergent BioSolutions Inc. Bayview facility." The move by the US Department of Health and Human Services' will now render the Emergent BioSolutions facility solely devoted to making the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine, and is meant to avoid future mix-ups, according to the newspaper report, which cites two senior federal health official The US government's top infectious disease doctor, Antony Fauci, had earlier said the country may not need AstraZeneca's vaccine, even if it wins approval. Also read | Fauci says US may not need AstraZeneca Covid vaccine AstraZeneca has been under scanner for months now for the alleged blood clotting side effects the vaccine has had on its takers. Some countries are restricting use of the AstraZeneca vaccine while others have resumed inoculations, as investigations into reports of rare, and sometimes severe, blood clots continue. The European Medicines Agency (EMA), probing links between the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine and blood clots, have repeatedly said they found no specific risk factors, including age. They are, however, investigating further. Also read | EU medical agency again backs AstraZeneca Covid vaccine

US stops AstraZeneca vaccine production at Baltimore plant

Eight states including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat account for 80.96 per cent of the 93,249 new daily COVID-19 cases, according to the Union Health Ministry.

India is seeing a steep intensification in the doubling time of the COVID-19 cases. As of April 4, it is 115.4 days, the ministry said on Sunday. &nbsp;

India's total active caseload has reached 6,91,597 and now comprises 5.54 per cent of the country's total infections. A net rise of 32,688 cases recorded in the total active caseload in a span of 24 hours.

Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Punjab cumulatively account for 76.41 per cent of the total active cases in the country, the ministry said.

Maharashtra alone accounts &nbsp;for more than half (58.19%) of the total active caseload of the country.

India saw &nbsp;93,249 new coronavirus infections being reported in a span of 24 hours, the highest single day rise so far this year, taking the nationwide COVID-19 tally of cases to 1,24,85,509 , according to the ministry data updated on Sunday morning.

Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 49,447. This is followed by Chhattisgarh with 5,818 cases while Karnataka reported 4,373 new cases.

Twelve states including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Karnataka, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala are displaying an upward trajectory in daily new cases, the ministry said.

India's cumulative recoveries stand at &nbsp;1,16,29,289 with 60,048 recoveries being registered in a span of 24 hours.

Besides, 513 deaths were reported in a day.

Eight states account for 85.19 per cent of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (277). Punjab follows with 49 daily deaths, the ministry said.

Fourteen states and UTs have not reported any COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

These are Odisha, Assam, Puducherry, Ladakh (UT), D&amp;D &amp; D&amp;N, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Arunachal Pradesh.

On the issue of vaccination, the ministry said the cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 7,59,79,651 &nbsp;(through 11,99,125 sessions).

These include 89,82,974 healthcare workers (HCWs) who have taken the 1st dose, 53,19,641 HCWs who have taken the 2nd dose, 96,86,477 frontline workers who have received the 1st dose and 40,97,510 FLWs who have taken the 2nd dose.

Besides, 4,70,70,019 &nbsp;and 8,23,030 &nbsp;beneficiaries aged more than 45 years have been administered the 1st and 2nd dose respectively.

The cumulative vaccination figure includes over 6.5 crore (6,57,39,470) first doses, while the second dose numbers have crossed the 1 crore mark as well (1,02,40,181), the ministry said.

As on day-78 of the vaccination drive (3rd April), 27,38,972 vaccine doses were given. Out of which, 24,80,031 beneficiaries were vaccinated for 1st dose and 2,58,941 beneficiaries received their 2nd dose of vaccine.

Eight states account for 60.19 per cent of the cumulative doses given so far. Maharashtra alone accounts for 9.68 per cent of the total doses given in India.

Maharashtra has alone distributed 65,59,094 1st doses and 7,95,150 &nbsp;2nd doses.&nbsp;

Eight states including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat account for 80.96 per cent of the 93,249 new daily COVID-19 cases, according to the Union Health Ministry.

Eight states including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat account for 80.96 per cent of the 93,249 new daily COVID-19 cases, according to the Union Health Ministry. India is seeing a steep intensification in the doubling time of the COVID-19 cases. As of April 4, it is 115.4 days, the ministry said on Sunday. India's total active caseload has reached 6,91,597 and now comprises 5.54 per cent of the country's total infections. A net rise of 32,688 cases recorded in the total active caseload in a span of 24 hours. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Punjab cumulatively account for 76.41 per cent of the total active cases in the country, the ministry said. Maharashtra alone accounts for more than half (58.19%) of the total active caseload of the country. India saw 93,249 new coronavirus infections being reported in a span of 24 hours, the highest single day rise so far this year, taking the nationwide COVID-19 tally of cases to 1,24,85,509 , according to the ministry data updated on Sunday morning. Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 49,447. This is followed by Chhattisgarh with 5,818 cases while Karnataka reported 4,373 new cases. Twelve states including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Karnataka, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala are displaying an upward trajectory in daily new cases, the ministry said. India's cumulative recoveries stand at 1,16,29,289 with 60,048 recoveries being registered in a span of 24 hours. Besides, 513 deaths were reported in a day. Eight states account for 85.19 per cent of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (277). Punjab follows with 49 daily deaths, the ministry said. Fourteen states and UTs have not reported any COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours. These are Odisha, Assam, Puducherry, Ladakh (UT), D&D & D&N, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Arunachal Pradesh. On the issue of vaccination, the ministry said the cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 7,59,79,651 (through 11,99,125 sessions). These include 89,82,974 healthcare workers (HCWs) who have taken the 1st dose, 53,19,641 HCWs who have taken the 2nd dose, 96,86,477 frontline workers who have received the 1st dose and 40,97,510 FLWs who have taken the 2nd dose. Besides, 4,70,70,019 and 8,23,030 beneficiaries aged more than 45 years have been administered the 1st and 2nd dose respectively. The cumulative vaccination figure includes over 6.5 crore (6,57,39,470) first doses, while the second dose numbers have crossed the 1 crore mark as well (1,02,40,181), the ministry said. As on day-78 of the vaccination drive (3rd April), 27,38,972 vaccine doses were given. Out of which, 24,80,031 beneficiaries were vaccinated for 1st dose and 2,58,941 beneficiaries received their 2nd dose of vaccine. Eight states account for 60.19 per cent of the cumulative doses given so far. Maharashtra alone accounts for 9.68 per cent of the total doses given in India. Maharashtra has alone distributed 65,59,094 1st doses and 7,95,150 2nd doses.

Eight states account for over 80% of new Covid cases in India

After<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/akshay-kumar-tests-positive-for-covid-19-self-isolates-at-home-375231"> Akshay Kumar tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday morning</a>, fellow actor and friend Riteish Deshmukh wished his `Housefull 3` co-star a speedy recovery from the infection. 
 
"Get well soon Sundi - love you @akshaykumar," the `Ek Villain` actor tweeted, referencing Akshay`s notorious character of Sundi from `Housefull 3.` 
 
&nbsp;

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Get well soon Sundi - love you <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@akshaykumar</a> <a href="https://t.co/xTa19byNcz">https://t.co/xTa19byNcz</a>
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) <a href="https://twitter.com/Riteishd/status/1378562352212156419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Riteish wasn't the only celebrity to wish Kumar a speedy recovery. Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, also wished the same for the actor.

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Akshay ji, wishing you a speedy recovery.
— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChouhanShivraj/status/1378580267145682945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Nimrat Kaur and Rahul Dev were among the actor's well-wishers on Twitter.&nbsp; 
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Wishing Covid luck for trying this stunt!!! Speediest recovery and the best of health to you <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@akshaykumar</a>!!! ✨🙏🏼
— Nimrat Kaur (@NimratOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/NimratOfficial/status/1378599101307056132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Wishing you a speedy recovery Akki ... May the force be with you ... Best always
— Rahul Dev (@RahulDevRising) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulDevRising/status/1378562059911131139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

 
 
Kumar, who was currently in Ayodhya<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/bollywood/news-akshay-kumar-shares-first-look-from-ram-setu-as-he-starts-shooting-for-special-film-374262">&nbsp;shooting</a>&nbsp;for his next mega project 'RamSetu' confirmed the news and has quarantined himself.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Taking to his Twitter account, he wrote, ''I wish to inform everyone that, earlier this morning, I have tested positive for Covid-19. Following all the protocols I have immediately isolated myself. I am under home quarantine and have sought necessary medical care. I would sincerely request all those that have come in contact with me get themselves tested and take care of. Back in action soon!''.&nbsp; 
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🙏🏻 <a href="https://t.co/w9Q7m54BUN">pic.twitter.com/w9Q7m54BUN</a>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1378554562638798852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

 
 
The 'Bell Bottom' actor has joined the long list of celebrities who have tested positive recently this month including Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Ashish Vidyarthi tested positive.&nbsp;

After Akshay Kumar tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday morning, fellow actor and friend Riteish Deshmukh wished his `Housefull 3` co-star a speedy recovery from the infection.

After Akshay Kumar tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday morning, fellow actor and friend Riteish Deshmukh wished his `Housefull 3` co-star a speedy recovery from the infection. "Get well soon Sundi - love you @akshaykumar," the `Ek Villain` actor tweeted, referencing Akshay`s notorious character of Sundi from `Housefull 3.` Get well soon Sundi - love you @akshaykumar https://t.co/xTa19byNcz — Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) April 4, 2021 × Riteish wasn't the only celebrity to wish Kumar a speedy recovery. Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, also wished the same for the actor. Akshay ji, wishing you a speedy recovery. — Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) April 4, 2021 × Nimrat Kaur and Rahul Dev were among the actor's well-wishers on Twitter. Wishing Covid luck for trying this stunt!!! Speediest recovery and the best of health to you @akshaykumar!!! ✨🙏🏼 — Nimrat Kaur (@NimratOfficial) April 4, 2021 × Wishing you a speedy recovery Akki ... May the force be with you ... Best always — Rahul Dev (@RahulDevRising) April 4, 2021 × Kumar, who was currently in Ayodhya shooting for his next mega project 'RamSetu' confirmed the news and has quarantined himself. Taking to his Twitter account, he wrote, ''I wish to inform everyone that, earlier this morning, I have tested positive for Covid-19. Following all the protocols I have immediately isolated myself. I am under home quarantine and have sought necessary medical care. I would sincerely request all those that have come in contact with me get themselves tested and take care of. Back in action soon!''. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/w9Q7m54BUN — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 4, 2021 × The 'Bell Bottom' actor has joined the long list of celebrities who have tested positive recently this month including Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Ashish Vidyarthi tested positive.

Akshay Kumar tests positive for COVID-19, celebrities wish for his speedy recovery

Millions of Christians around the world on Saturday faced another Easter weekend under restrictions because of coronavirus surges, but the hard-hit United States made good news as it crossed the milestone of 100 million people receiving at least one vaccine shot.

Worrying spikes in infections in many parts of the world, even as vaccine rollouts gather pace, have forced the reimposition of deeply unpopular restrictions.

Italy began a strict Easter lockdown on Saturday, with the entire country deemed&nbsp;a high-risk "red zone" during a time when families usually get together.

At Rome's normally bustling Piazza Navona, site of the famed Fountain of the Four Rivers, a scattering of dog-walkers and cyclists could be seen enjoying the spring weather.

Shops selling essentials were open in the nearby winding streets, but without the normal throng.

"It's getting annoying," a man who gave his name as Giovanni said of the restrictions, as he&nbsp;walked his dog.

New curbs were also coming into force Saturday in France, where authorities are scrambling to deal with a dramatic rise in cases that has overwhelmed hospitals in Paris.

- 'Feel alive again' -

Restrictions had been already stepped up in other European nations such as Belgium.

Germans protested in their thousands on Saturday amid heated debate throughout the country about tightening restrictions in the face of a third wave of Covid-19.

Marchers, few of whom wore face masks, carried banners with the slogan "End the dictatorship of Covid".

The government scrapped plans for a strict Easter lockdown, but Chancellor Angela Merkel urged people to limit their social contacts ahead of the break.

Across the Atlantic, fresh curbs were also imposed ahead of Easter in Ontario and Quebec, Canada's two most populous provinces.

And in the Philippines, a lockdown affecting more than 24 million people was being extended for another week as authorities deploy tents and health workers to overwhelmed hospitals.

But there was a step towards normalcy in Jerusalem's Old City, where a lockdown dampened Easter last year.

A modest crowd turned out this year as most major sites opened thanks to Israel's successful vaccine rollout.

"Last year, it was very hard. We felt like the city was dead," said Lina Sleibi, a Palestinian Christian who sings at church services in the nearby West Bank holy city of Bethlehem.

Now, "you feel alive again", she said.

- 'Finish this job' -

The pandemic has claimed more than 2.8 million lives worldwide.

But the United States, the hardest-hit nation, became the first country to administer at least one shot to more than 100 million people -- around 40 percent of its adult population.

President Joe Biden has vowed that all adult Americans will be eligible to receive the vaccine by May 1.

But infections remain on the rise in parts of the country as well, and Biden urged Americans to keep wearing masks and taking other precautions.

"We need to finish this job," he said.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its guidance to say that fully vaccinated people can travel without observing quarantines, but should wear masks.

Vaccination campaigns have struggled to gain traction across much of Europe due to supply issues and questions over the AstraZeneca jab.

The Netherlands on Friday became the latest European country to halt AstraZeneca vaccinations for people under 60 over fears of links to rare blood clots.

Britain and the British-Swedish firm itself have defended the jab's safety, and the World Health Organisation and the EU drugs regulator have said that so far the benefits far outweigh the risk.

On Saturday, the UK medical regulator said that out of 30 people who suffered blood clots after receiving the shot in Britain, seven had died.

The 30 reports of thrombosis came after 18.1 million doses of the vaccine had been administered in the country.

Paul Hunter, a medical microbiologist at Britain's University of East Anglia, told AFP he initially thought the link between vaccination and blood clots was likely a "random association".

But as evidence mounts of clusters in separate countries, "the weight of evidence is now looking towards Oxford-AstraZeneca actually being the cause of these adverse events", he said.

West Africa's Guinea-Bissau launched its vaccination campaign on Saturday with the AstraZeneca vaccine.&nbsp;

- Crisis in Latin America -

One of the worst Covid-19 outbreaks is devastating Brazil, which has reported more deaths than any country after the United States.

It is the epicentre of an unfolding crisis in Latin America, where infections have soared past 25 million, likely fuelled by a more contagious variant first detected in Brazil.

Peru has gone into an Easter lockdown, Chile has closed all borders, Ecuador announced fresh restrictions and Bolivia sealed the border with Brazil.

Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez announced late Friday that he had tested positive but was "physically well." He had the two-shot Sputnik V vaccine from Russia.

In a radio interview Saturday, he said he had "no idea" how he got infected.

"If it were not for the vaccine, I would be having a very bad time," he said.

Millions of Christians around the world on Saturday faced another Easter weekend under restrictions because of coronavirus surges, but the hard-hit United States made good news as it crossed the milestone of 100 million people receiving at least one vaccine shot.

Millions of Christians around the world on Saturday faced another Easter weekend under restrictions because of coronavirus surges, but the hard-hit United States made good news as it crossed the milestone of 100 million people receiving at least one vaccine shot. Worrying spikes in infections in many parts of the world, even as vaccine rollouts gather pace, have forced the reimposition of deeply unpopular restrictions. Italy began a strict Easter lockdown on Saturday, with the entire country deemed a high-risk "red zone" during a time when families usually get together. At Rome's normally bustling Piazza Navona, site of the famed Fountain of the Four Rivers, a scattering of dog-walkers and cyclists could be seen enjoying the spring weather. Shops selling essentials were open in the nearby winding streets, but without the normal throng. "It's getting annoying," a man who gave his name as Giovanni said of the restrictions, as he walked his dog. New curbs were also coming into force Saturday in France, where authorities are scrambling to deal with a dramatic rise in cases that has overwhelmed hospitals in Paris. - 'Feel alive again' - Restrictions had been already stepped up in other European nations such as Belgium. Germans protested in their thousands on Saturday amid heated debate throughout the country about tightening restrictions in the face of a third wave of Covid-19. Marchers, few of whom wore face masks, carried banners with the slogan "End the dictatorship of Covid". The government scrapped plans for a strict Easter lockdown, but Chancellor Angela Merkel urged people to limit their social contacts ahead of the break. Across the Atlantic, fresh curbs were also imposed ahead of Easter in Ontario and Quebec, Canada's two most populous provinces. And in the Philippines, a lockdown affecting more than 24 million people was being extended for another week as authorities deploy tents and health workers to overwhelmed hospitals. But there was a step towards normalcy in Jerusalem's Old City, where a lockdown dampened Easter last year. A modest crowd turned out this year as most major sites opened thanks to Israel's successful vaccine rollout. "Last year, it was very hard. We felt like the city was dead," said Lina Sleibi, a Palestinian Christian who sings at church services in the nearby West Bank holy city of Bethlehem. Now, "you feel alive again", she said. - 'Finish this job' - The pandemic has claimed more than 2.8 million lives worldwide. But the United States, the hardest-hit nation, became the first country to administer at least one shot to more than 100 million people -- around 40 percent of its adult population. President Joe Biden has vowed that all adult Americans will be eligible to receive the vaccine by May 1. But infections remain on the rise in parts of the country as well, and Biden urged Americans to keep wearing masks and taking other precautions. "We need to finish this job," he said. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its guidance to say that fully vaccinated people can travel without observing quarantines, but should wear masks. Vaccination campaigns have struggled to gain traction across much of Europe due to supply issues and questions over the AstraZeneca jab. The Netherlands on Friday became the latest European country to halt AstraZeneca vaccinations for people under 60 over fears of links to rare blood clots. Britain and the British-Swedish firm itself have defended the jab's safety, and the World Health Organisation and the EU drugs regulator have said that so far the benefits far outweigh the risk. On Saturday, the UK medical regulator said that out of 30 people who suffered blood clots after receiving the shot in Britain, seven had died. The 30 reports of thrombosis came after 18.1 million doses of the vaccine had been administered in the country. Paul Hunter, a medical microbiologist at Britain's University of East Anglia, told AFP he initially thought the link between vaccination and blood clots was likely a "random association". But as evidence mounts of clusters in separate countries, "the weight of evidence is now looking towards Oxford-AstraZeneca actually being the cause of these adverse events", he said. West Africa's Guinea-Bissau launched its vaccination campaign on Saturday with the AstraZeneca vaccine. - Crisis in Latin America - One of the worst Covid-19 outbreaks is devastating Brazil, which has reported more deaths than any country after the United States. It is the epicentre of an unfolding crisis in Latin America, where infections have soared past 25 million, likely fuelled by a more contagious variant first detected in Brazil. Peru has gone into an Easter lockdown, Chile has closed all borders, Ecuador announced fresh restrictions and Bolivia sealed the border with Brazil. Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez announced late Friday that he had tested positive but was "physically well." He had the two-shot Sputnik V vaccine from Russia. In a radio interview Saturday, he said he had "no idea" how he got infected. "If it were not for the vaccine, I would be having a very bad time," he said.

Millions celebrate Easter under virus curbs for the second year

The vote follows months of anti-government protests, questionable political reforms, and rising COVID-19 cases.

Polls have opened in Bulgaria's parliamentary elections

The British government has added 4 countries to the list - Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, and the Philippines as fears of new variants continue to increase.

UK expands its travel ban list as Covid-19 cases rise

Brazil witnessed over 60,000 deaths in March due to COVID-19 and health services in the country have been pushed to the brink. The country has suffered the world's second highest death toll. Now, night funerals are being held.

COVID-19: Night funerals held in Brazil

India on Saturday recorded 89,129 new COVID-19 cases in a day, the highest daily rise in around six-and-half-months, taking the nationwide tally of infections to over 1.23 crore, according to the Union Health Ministry data on Saturday.

The death toll increased to 1,64,110 with 714 more fatalities in a day, also the highest since October 21.

The jump in cases reported on Saturday was the highest since September 20 last year when 92,605 new infections were recorded in a span of 24 hours.

Corresponding to the rapid surge in cases, the number of active cases too have registered a steady increase for the 24th day in a row with the tally reaching 6,58,909, which is 5.32?per cent of the total infections. The recovery rate has further dropped to 93.36 per cent, the data stated.

The active caseload was the lowest at 1,35,926 on February 12 and comprised 1.25 per cent of the total infections.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,15,69,241, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.32 per cent, the health ministry data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16 last year. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20. The one-crore mark was breached on December 19 last year.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 24,69,59,192 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to April 2 with 10,46,605 of them being tested on Friday.&nbsp;

India on Saturday recorded 89,129 new COVID-19 cases in a day, the highest daily rise in around six-and-half-months, taking the nationwide tally of infections to over 1.

India on Saturday recorded 89,129 new COVID-19 cases in a day, the highest daily rise in around six-and-half-months, taking the nationwide tally of infections to over 1.23 crore, according to the Union Health Ministry data on Saturday. The death toll increased to 1,64,110 with 714 more fatalities in a day, also the highest since October 21. The jump in cases reported on Saturday was the highest since September 20 last year when 92,605 new infections were recorded in a span of 24 hours. Corresponding to the rapid surge in cases, the number of active cases too have registered a steady increase for the 24th day in a row with the tally reaching 6,58,909, which is 5.32?per cent of the total infections. The recovery rate has further dropped to 93.36 per cent, the data stated. The active caseload was the lowest at 1,35,926 on February 12 and comprised 1.25 per cent of the total infections. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,15,69,241, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.32 per cent, the health ministry data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16 last year. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20. The one-crore mark was breached on December 19 last year. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 24,69,59,192 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to April 2 with 10,46,605 of them being tested on Friday.

India records 89,129 COVID-19 cases, 714 fatalities in a day, highest in over six months

Delhi Capitals have suffered another blow as their star all-rounder Axar Patel has tested positive for COVID-19 with less than a week to go for the Indian Premier League.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-franchises-call-for-stricter-protocols-after-groundsmen-test-positive-for-covid-19-375141" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- Franchises call for stricter protocols after groundsmen test positive for COVID-19</a>

According to ANI, the Delhi Capitals camp confirmed that the spinner has contracted the virus. "Unfortunately, Axar has tested positive. He is isolating and all protocols are being followed," the source told ANI.

Axar Patel becomes the second player after KKR's Nitish Rana to have tested positive for the dreadful virus. Rana, however, returned to the squad after testing negative.&nbsp;

As per BCCI's COVID guidelines for IPL, the concerned person must isolate in the designated area outside the bio-secure environment for a minimum of 10 days from the first day of symptoms or the date of collection of the sample which resulted in a positive RT-PCR report, whichever is earlier.

The news comes after eight ground staff members at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium tested positive for COVID-19.

The Wankhede Stadium is set to host 10 matches in the cash-rich T20 league from April 10 to 25.

Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals will play the first match at Wankhede on April 10.&nbsp;

Delhi Capitals have suffered another blow as their star all-rounder Axar Patel has tested positive for COVID-19 with less than a week to go for the Indian Premier League.

Delhi Capitals have suffered another blow as their star all-rounder Axar Patel has tested positive for COVID-19 with less than a week to go for the Indian Premier League. ALSO READ: IPL 2021- Franchises call for stricter protocols after groundsmen test positive for COVID-19 According to ANI, the Delhi Capitals camp confirmed that the spinner has contracted the virus. "Unfortunately, Axar has tested positive. He is isolating and all protocols are being followed," the source told ANI. Axar Patel becomes the second player after KKR's Nitish Rana to have tested positive for the dreadful virus. Rana, however, returned to the squad after testing negative. As per BCCI's COVID guidelines for IPL, the concerned person must isolate in the designated area outside the bio-secure environment for a minimum of 10 days from the first day of symptoms or the date of collection of the sample which resulted in a positive RT-PCR report, whichever is earlier. The news comes after eight ground staff members at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium tested positive for COVID-19. The Wankhede Stadium is set to host 10 matches in the cash-rich T20 league from April 10 to 25. Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals will play the first match at Wankhede on April 10.

IPL 2021- Delhi Capitals' all-rounder Axar Patel tests positive for COVID-19

Sports fans will be allowed to return to indoor arenas in California later this month under new guidelines announced by state authorities on Friday as the Covid-19 situation improves.

The California Department of Public Health said new rules would take effect from April 15 and were a result of increased vaccination rates and Covid-19 test positivity rates at a near-record low.

The updated rules include gatherings, private events or meetings such as receptions or conferences, and indoor seated live events and performances.

"Today's update ... is a result of the progress we are making both in vaccinations and in controlling the spread of Covid-19," said Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency.

"By following public health guidelines such as wearing masks and getting vaccinated when eligible, we can resume additional activities as we take steps to reduce risk."

How many fans allowed back into arenas would depend on the Covid-19 situation in a given county. California applies a system of four coloured tiers to each county based on the number of Covid-19 cases.

News of the updated guidelines was welcomed by California sports teams, who have played in empty indoor arenas since the pandemic began.

"We are incredibly excited that the State of California announced guidelines today that will allow Lakers fans to return to the Staples Center," the Los Angeles Lakers said.

"Now that we have the guidance, we will work with LA County Public Health and Staples Center to finalize our plans to have fans safely attend our games starting with the Lakers v Celtics game on April 15."

The Los Angeles Clippers meanwhile said the team would welcome back fans for home games from April 18.

"Can't wait to see you, #ClipperNation," the team tweeted.

The Golden State Warriors said the team was "extremely encouraged" by the state guidance, but did not give a date of when fans would return.

Sports fans will be allowed to return to indoor arenas in California later this month under new guidelines announced by state authorities on Friday as the Covid-19 situation improves.

Sports fans will be allowed to return to indoor arenas in California later this month under new guidelines announced by state authorities on Friday as the Covid-19 situation improves. The California Department of Public Health said new rules would take effect from April 15 and were a result of increased vaccination rates and Covid-19 test positivity rates at a near-record low. The updated rules include gatherings, private events or meetings such as receptions or conferences, and indoor seated live events and performances. "Today's update ... is a result of the progress we are making both in vaccinations and in controlling the spread of Covid-19," said Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency. "By following public health guidelines such as wearing masks and getting vaccinated when eligible, we can resume additional activities as we take steps to reduce risk." How many fans allowed back into arenas would depend on the Covid-19 situation in a given county. California applies a system of four coloured tiers to each county based on the number of Covid-19 cases. News of the updated guidelines was welcomed by California sports teams, who have played in empty indoor arenas since the pandemic began. "We are incredibly excited that the State of California announced guidelines today that will allow Lakers fans to return to the Staples Center," the Los Angeles Lakers said. "Now that we have the guidance, we will work with LA County Public Health and Staples Center to finalize our plans to have fans safely attend our games starting with the Lakers v Celtics game on April 15." The Los Angeles Clippers meanwhile said the team would welcome back fans for home games from April 18. "Can't wait to see you, #ClipperNation," the team tweeted. The Golden State Warriors said the team was "extremely encouraged" by the state guidance, but did not give a date of when fans would return.

Indoor fans set to return after California rule update

The US could be in the early stages of a fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic with coronavirus cases increasing in as many as 25 states, according to reports.

On an average, the US has tallied&nbsp;63,000 new cases per day over the past week, an 17 per cent rise from the previous week, one of the reports said.&nbsp;

Only five states have recently seen declines in new cases.&nbsp;

The third wave of the pandemic, which peaked in January, saw about 250,000 people daily testing positive for Covid-19.&nbsp;

The threat of a fourth wave comes as many states have loosened restrictions -- disregarding public health officials’ many warnings that doing so was premature. This wave will almost certainly be far less deadly than the previous three, reports have added.

US President Joe Biden, to this end, has implored regional officials to keep or reinstate wearing of face masks in their mandates.

“I’m reiterating my call for every governor, mayor, and local leader to maintain and reinstate the mask mandate,” the president said on Thursday. “Please, this is not politics. Reinstate the mandate if you let it down.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-outlines-far-reaching-plan-to-reengineer-us-infrastructure-374638">Also read |&nbsp;Biden outlines far-reaching plan to reengineer US infrastructure</a>

Ever since he assumed office, Biden has been working towards strengthening the country's economy, which had got battered due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown, apart from enforcing restrictions to curb the spread of the virus -- something his predecessor, Donald Trump, always ran away from.

The US House of Representatives gave in March a final approval to a sweeping $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill that gives Biden his first major victory in office.

The economic stimulus measure -- one of the largest in American history -- provides $400 billion for $1,400 direct payments to most Americans, $350 billion in aid to state and local governments, an expansion of the child tax credit and increased funding for vaccine distribution. Forecasters expect it to supercharge the US economic recovery.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-19-trillion-covid-bill-wins-final-approval-in-house-369543">Also read |&nbsp;Biden's $1.9 trillion Covid bill wins final approval in House</a>

The US could be in the early stages of a fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic with coronavirus cases increasing in as many as 25 states, according to reports. On an average, the US has tallied 63,000 new cases per day over the past week, an 17 per cent rise from the previous week, one of the reports said.

The US could be in the early stages of a fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic with coronavirus cases increasing in as many as 25 states, according to reports. On an average, the US has tallied 63,000 new cases per day over the past week, an 17 per cent rise from the previous week, one of the reports said. Only five states have recently seen declines in new cases. The third wave of the pandemic, which peaked in January, saw about 250,000 people daily testing positive for Covid-19. The threat of a fourth wave comes as many states have loosened restrictions -- disregarding public health officials’ many warnings that doing so was premature. This wave will almost certainly be far less deadly than the previous three, reports have added. US President Joe Biden, to this end, has implored regional officials to keep or reinstate wearing of face masks in their mandates. “I’m reiterating my call for every governor, mayor, and local leader to maintain and reinstate the mask mandate,” the president said on Thursday. “Please, this is not politics. Reinstate the mandate if you let it down.” Also read | Biden outlines far-reaching plan to reengineer US infrastructure Ever since he assumed office, Biden has been working towards strengthening the country's economy, which had got battered due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown, apart from enforcing restrictions to curb the spread of the virus -- something his predecessor, Donald Trump, always ran away from. The US House of Representatives gave in March a final approval to a sweeping $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill that gives Biden his first major victory in office. The economic stimulus measure -- one of the largest in American history -- provides $400 billion for $1,400 direct payments to most Americans, $350 billion in aid to state and local governments, an expansion of the child tax credit and increased funding for vaccine distribution. Forecasters expect it to supercharge the US economic recovery. Also read | Biden's $1.9 trillion Covid bill wins final approval in House

US may be in early stages of fourth wave of Covid-19, reports say

Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar has been admitted to hospital days after testing positive for COVID-19. Tendulkar took to Twitter and shared this news with fans.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-announces-night-curfew-after-sharp-rise-in-covid-cases-373520" hreflang="en">Maharashtra announces night curfew after sharp rise in COVID cases</a>

The Master Blaster, who was showing mild symptoms after getting infected, said that the decision was purely out of precaution and medical advice.&nbsp;

Tendulkar was hospitalised on the 10th anniversary of India's 2011 ICC World Cup triumph. He tweeted: "Thank you for your wishes and prayers. As a matter of abundant precaution under medical advice, I have been hospitalised. I hope to be back home in a few days. Take care and stay safe everyone. Wishing all Indians &amp; my teammates on the 10th anniversary of our World Cup win."

India reported 81,466 new COVID-19 infections on Friday, the highest daily number in six months, as several states were hit by a second wave of the coronavirus.

Health ministry data showed the total number of cases surged to 12.3 million, making India the third-most hit country from the virus after the United States and Brazil. The number of those dead rose by 469 to 163,396.

The former Indian cricketer recently led his side, Indian Legends, in the Road Safety Cricket Series which was played in Raipur. Indian Legends defeated Sri Lanka Legends by 14 runs on Sunday and lifted the trophy.

Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar has been admitted to hospital days after testing positive for COVID-19. Tendulkar took to Twitter and shared this news with fans.

Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar has been admitted to hospital days after testing positive for COVID-19. Tendulkar took to Twitter and shared this news with fans. ALSO READ: Maharashtra announces night curfew after sharp rise in COVID cases The Master Blaster, who was showing mild symptoms after getting infected, said that the decision was purely out of precaution and medical advice. Tendulkar was hospitalised on the 10th anniversary of India's 2011 ICC World Cup triumph. He tweeted: "Thank you for your wishes and prayers. As a matter of abundant precaution under medical advice, I have been hospitalised. I hope to be back home in a few days. Take care and stay safe everyone. Wishing all Indians & my teammates on the 10th anniversary of our World Cup win." India reported 81,466 new COVID-19 infections on Friday, the highest daily number in six months, as several states were hit by a second wave of the coronavirus. Health ministry data showed the total number of cases surged to 12.3 million, making India the third-most hit country from the virus after the United States and Brazil. The number of those dead rose by 469 to 163,396. The former Indian cricketer recently led his side, Indian Legends, in the Road Safety Cricket Series which was played in Raipur. Indian Legends defeated Sri Lanka Legends by 14 runs on Sunday and lifted the trophy.

Sachin Tendulkar hospitalised 'on medical advice', days after testing positive for COVID-19

France has announced a new lockdown. New infections are rising in the US. India has reported its biggest jump in 6 months, with more than 72,000 new infections. New cases of the Wuhan virus are rising rapidly worldwide.

Gravitas: Global Covid cases rise for the fifth week in a row, Over 3.8 million cases recorded

Kolkata Knight Riders' star Nitish Rana has tested negative for COVID-19 ahead of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League, a release from KKR said on Thursday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/front-runner-for-indian-captaincy-mohammed-azharuddin-on-rishabh-pant-374762" hreflang="en">'Front-runner for Indian captaincy': Mohammed Azharuddin on Rishabh Pant</a>

"Nitish Rana had checked into the KKR team hotel in Mumbai, on March 21, 2021, with a negative COVID report which was done on March 19, 2021. As per IPL protocol, he was tested on March 22, during his quarantine and the report showed that he was positive.

"He has had no symptoms and has been completely asymptomatic since. Again as per IPL protocol, he isolated himself and was tested again today. We are glad to report that he has tested negative. We expect him to start training with the team shortly and be fully fit well before the start of the season," the KKR statement read.

Nitish Rana played a crucial role in KKR's 2020 campaign. The batsman scored 352 runs in 14 at an average of 25.14. He has been scoring over 300 runs in consecutive four seasons in the IPL.&nbsp;

Rana continued his sublime form in the recently-concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy where he played 7 seven matches and smashed 398 runs (including a century and two half-centuries).&nbsp;

Kolkata Knight Riders' star Nitish Rana has tested negative for COVID-19 ahead of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League, a release from KKR said on Thursday.

Kolkata Knight Riders' star Nitish Rana has tested negative for COVID-19 ahead of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League, a release from KKR said on Thursday. ALSO READ: 'Front-runner for Indian captaincy': Mohammed Azharuddin on Rishabh Pant "Nitish Rana had checked into the KKR team hotel in Mumbai, on March 21, 2021, with a negative COVID report which was done on March 19, 2021. As per IPL protocol, he was tested on March 22, during his quarantine and the report showed that he was positive. "He has had no symptoms and has been completely asymptomatic since. Again as per IPL protocol, he isolated himself and was tested again today. We are glad to report that he has tested negative. We expect him to start training with the team shortly and be fully fit well before the start of the season," the KKR statement read. Nitish Rana played a crucial role in KKR's 2020 campaign. The batsman scored 352 runs in 14 at an average of 25.14. He has been scoring over 300 runs in consecutive four seasons in the IPL. Rana continued his sublime form in the recently-concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy where he played 7 seven matches and smashed 398 runs (including a century and two half-centuries).

IPL 2021- Kolkata Knight Riders' Nitish Rana tests negative for COVID-19

The United States may not need AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, even if it wins US regulatory approval, Anthony Fauci has said.

The vaccine, once hailed as another milestone in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, has been dogged by questions since late last year -- for it has been found to show severe side-effects in patients. It has been authorised for use by dozens of countries, not including United States.

The nation's top infectious disease doctor, to this end, told Reuters on Thursday, that the United States has enough contracts with other vaccine makers to vaccinate its entire population, and possibly enough for booster shots in the fall.

Asked whether the United States will use the AstraZeneca vaccine doses, he said, "That's still up in the air. My general feeling is that given the contractual relationships that we have with a number of companies, that we have enough vaccine to fulfill all of our needs without invoking AstraZeneca."

Late last year, the drugmaker and Oxford University published data from an earlier trial with two different efficacy readings as a result of a dosing error. Then in March, more than a dozen countries temporarily suspended the use of AstraZeneca's vaccine after reports linked it to a rare blood clotting disorder.

The United States may not need AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, even if it wins US regulatory approval, Anthony Fauci has said. The vaccine, once hailed as another milestone in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, has been dogged by questions since late last year -- for it has been found to show severe side-effects in patients.

The United States may not need AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, even if it wins US regulatory approval, Anthony Fauci has said. The vaccine, once hailed as another milestone in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, has been dogged by questions since late last year -- for it has been found to show severe side-effects in patients. It has been authorised for use by dozens of countries, not including United States. The nation's top infectious disease doctor, to this end, told Reuters on Thursday, that the United States has enough contracts with other vaccine makers to vaccinate its entire population, and possibly enough for booster shots in the fall. Asked whether the United States will use the AstraZeneca vaccine doses, he said, "That's still up in the air. My general feeling is that given the contractual relationships that we have with a number of companies, that we have enough vaccine to fulfill all of our needs without invoking AstraZeneca." Late last year, the drugmaker and Oxford University published data from an earlier trial with two different efficacy readings as a result of a dosing error. Then in March, more than a dozen countries temporarily suspended the use of AstraZeneca's vaccine after reports linked it to a rare blood clotting disorder.

Fauci says US may not need AstraZeneca Covid vaccine

After being shut down for nearly a year, several entertainment venues are reopening in the US, including local favourite Six Flags amusement parks.

Amusement parks reopen amid COVID surge in US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday walked back controversial comments made by its director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, suggesting that people who are vaccinated against the coronavirus never become infected or transmit the virus to others.

The assertion called into question the precautions that the agency had urged vaccinated people to take just last month, like wearing masks and gathering only under limited circumstances with unvaccinated people.

“Dr. Walensky spoke broadly during this interview,” an agency spokesperson told The Times. “It’s possible that some people who are fully vaccinated could get COVID-19. The evidence isn’t clear whether they can spread the virus to others. We are continuing to evaluate the evidence.”

The agency was responding in part to criticism from scientists who noted that current research was far from sufficient to claim that vaccinated people cannot spread the virus.

The data suggest that “it’s much harder for vaccinated people to get infected, but don’t think for one second that they cannot get infected,” said Paul Duprex, director of the Center for Vaccine Research at the University of Pittsburgh.

In a television interview with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, Walensky referred to data published by the CDC showing that one dose of the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 80% effective at preventing infection, and two doses were 90% effective.

That certainly suggested that transmission from vaccinated people might be unlikely, but Walensky’s comments hinted that protection was complete. “Our data from the CDC today suggests that vaccinated people do not carry the virus, don’t get sick,” she said. “And that it’s not just in the clinical trials, it’s also in real-world data.”

Walensky went on to emphasize the importance of continuing to wear masks and maintain precautions, even for vaccinated people. Still, the brief comment was widely interpreted as saying that the vaccines offered complete protection against infection or transmission.

In a pandemic that regularly spawns scientific misunderstanding, experts said they were sympathetic to Walensky and her obvious desire for Americans to continue to take precautions. It was only Monday that she said rising caseloads had left her with a sense of “impending doom.”

“If Dr. Walensky had said most vaccinated people do not carry virus, we would not be having this discussion,” said John Moore, a virus expert at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.

“What we know is the vaccines are very substantially effective against infection — there’s more and more data on that — but nothing is 100%,” he added. “It is an important public health message that needs to be gotten right.”

Misinterpretation could disrupt the agency’s urgent pleas for immunization, some experts said. As of Wednesday, 30% of Americans had received at least one dose of a vaccine and 17% were fully immunized.

“There cannot be any daylight between what the research shows — really impressive but incomplete protection — and how it is described,” said Dr. Peter Bach, director of the Center for Health Policy and Outcomes at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

“This opens the door to the skeptics who think the government is sugarcoating the science,” Bach said, “and completely undermines any remaining argument why people should keep wearing masks after being vaccinated.”

All of the coronavirus vaccines are spectacularly successful at preventing serious disease and death from COVID-19, but how well they prevent infection has been less clear.

Clinical trials of the vaccines were designed only to assess whether the vaccines prevent serious illness and death. The research from the CDC on Monday brought the welcome conclusion that the vaccines are also extremely effective at preventing infection.

The study enrolled 3,950 health care workers, emergency responders and others at high risk of infection. The participants swabbed their noses each week and sent the samples in for testing, which allowed federal researchers to track all infections, symptomatic or not. Two weeks after vaccination, the vast majority of vaccinated people remained virus-free, the study found.

Follow-up data from clinical trials support that finding. In results released by Pfizer and BioNTech on Wednesday, for example, 77 people who received the vaccine had a coronavirus infection, compared with 850 people who got a placebo.

“Clearly, some vaccinated people do get infected,” Duprex said. “We’re stopping symptoms, we’re keeping people out of hospitals. But we’re not making them completely resistant to an infection.”

The number of vaccinated people who become infected is likely to be higher among those receiving vaccines made by Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson and AstraZeneca, which have a lower efficacy, experts said. (Still, those vaccines are worth taking, because they uniformly prevent serious illness and death.)

Infection rates may also be higher among people exposed to a virus variant that can sidestep the immune system.

Cases across the country are once again on the upswing, threatening a new surge. Walensky’s comment came just a day after she made an emotional appeal to the American public to continue taking precautions.

“I am asking you to just hold on a little longer, to get vaccinated when you can, so that all of those people that we all love will still be here when this pandemic ends,” she said.

Given the rising numbers, it’s especially important that immunized people continue to protect those who have not yet been immunized against the virus, experts said.

“Vaccinated people should not be throwing away their masks at this point,” Moore said. “This pandemic is not over.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday walked back controversial comments made by its director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, suggesting that people who are vaccinated against the coronavirus never become infected or transmit the virus to others.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday walked back controversial comments made by its director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, suggesting that people who are vaccinated against the coronavirus never become infected or transmit the virus to others. The assertion called into question the precautions that the agency had urged vaccinated people to take just last month, like wearing masks and gathering only under limited circumstances with unvaccinated people. “Dr. Walensky spoke broadly during this interview,” an agency spokesperson told The Times. “It’s possible that some people who are fully vaccinated could get COVID-19. The evidence isn’t clear whether they can spread the virus to others. We are continuing to evaluate the evidence.” The agency was responding in part to criticism from scientists who noted that current research was far from sufficient to claim that vaccinated people cannot spread the virus. The data suggest that “it’s much harder for vaccinated people to get infected, but don’t think for one second that they cannot get infected,” said Paul Duprex, director of the Center for Vaccine Research at the University of Pittsburgh. In a television interview with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, Walensky referred to data published by the CDC showing that one dose of the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 80% effective at preventing infection, and two doses were 90% effective. That certainly suggested that transmission from vaccinated people might be unlikely, but Walensky’s comments hinted that protection was complete. “Our data from the CDC today suggests that vaccinated people do not carry the virus, don’t get sick,” she said. “And that it’s not just in the clinical trials, it’s also in real-world data.” Walensky went on to emphasize the importance of continuing to wear masks and maintain precautions, even for vaccinated people. Still, the brief comment was widely interpreted as saying that the vaccines offered complete protection against infection or transmission. In a pandemic that regularly spawns scientific misunderstanding, experts said they were sympathetic to Walensky and her obvious desire for Americans to continue to take precautions. It was only Monday that she said rising caseloads had left her with a sense of “impending doom.” “If Dr. Walensky had said most vaccinated people do not carry virus, we would not be having this discussion,” said John Moore, a virus expert at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. “What we know is the vaccines are very substantially effective against infection — there’s more and more data on that — but nothing is 100%,” he added. “It is an important public health message that needs to be gotten right.” Misinterpretation could disrupt the agency’s urgent pleas for immunization, some experts said. As of Wednesday, 30% of Americans had received at least one dose of a vaccine and 17% were fully immunized. “There cannot be any daylight between what the research shows — really impressive but incomplete protection — and how it is described,” said Dr. Peter Bach, director of the Center for Health Policy and Outcomes at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. “This opens the door to the skeptics who think the government is sugarcoating the science,” Bach said, “and completely undermines any remaining argument why people should keep wearing masks after being vaccinated.” All of the coronavirus vaccines are spectacularly successful at preventing serious disease and death from COVID-19, but how well they prevent infection has been less clear. Clinical trials of the vaccines were designed only to assess whether the vaccines prevent serious illness and death. The research from the CDC on Monday brought the welcome conclusion that the vaccines are also extremely effective at preventing infection. The study enrolled 3,950 health care workers, emergency responders and others at high risk of infection. The participants swabbed their noses each week and sent the samples in for testing, which allowed federal researchers to track all infections, symptomatic or not. Two weeks after vaccination, the vast majority of vaccinated people remained virus-free, the study found. Follow-up data from clinical trials support that finding. In results released by Pfizer and BioNTech on Wednesday, for example, 77 people who received the vaccine had a coronavirus infection, compared with 850 people who got a placebo. “Clearly, some vaccinated people do get infected,” Duprex said. “We’re stopping symptoms, we’re keeping people out of hospitals. But we’re not making them completely resistant to an infection.” The number of vaccinated people who become infected is likely to be higher among those receiving vaccines made by Johnson &amp; Johnson and AstraZeneca, which have a lower efficacy, experts said. (Still, those vaccines are worth taking, because they uniformly prevent serious illness and death.) Infection rates may also be higher among people exposed to a virus variant that can sidestep the immune system. Cases across the country are once again on the upswing, threatening a new surge. Walensky’s comment came just a day after she made an emotional appeal to the American public to continue taking precautions. “I am asking you to just hold on a little longer, to get vaccinated when you can, so that all of those people that we all love will still be here when this pandemic ends,” she said. Given the rising numbers, it’s especially important that immunized people continue to protect those who have not yet been immunized against the virus, experts said. “Vaccinated people should not be throwing away their masks at this point,” Moore said. “This pandemic is not over.”

Can vaccinated people spread the virus? We don’t know, scientists say

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson risks triggering a major backlash among lawmakers if his government opts to use the "Covid passports" to help re-open the economy as it starts lifting lockdown restrictions.

More than 70 British lawmakers have signalled their opposition to the introduction of the so-called vaccine passports that the government is considering bringing in.

The government is reviewing the idea of asking people to show proof of a Covid vaccination to access crowded spaces such as pubs or sports events, with Johnson having already said that a certificate is likely to be needed for international travel.

The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that trials of Covid passports would begin within weeks during pilots at major sports events and possibly a music awards ceremony in the next two months to assess their impact.

Johnson, to this end, Friday said that a combination of immunity factors - if people have had the disease, a vaccination or had a COVID-19 test - would give businesses confidence.

“So those three things working together will, I think, be useful for us as we as we go forward,” Johnson said.

But there has been mounting concern from some in his own Conservative Party, as well as opposition lawmakers and civil rights groups, about the prospect of vaccine certificates.

“We oppose the divisive and discriminatory use of COVID status certification to deny individuals access to general services, businesses or jobs,” said a statement signed by a group of more than 70 lawmakers from across the political spectrum.

Under the government’s planned “roadmap” out of the pandemic, pubs will be allowed to serve people outdoors later this month, with a further easing of restrictions in mid-May before all measures are lifted near the end of June.

Johnson suggested last month that some pubs might require customers to produce vaccine certificates. Culture minister Oliver Dowden, meanwhile, has said that such certificates could help get more people into theatres.

No decision has yet been made and Johnson has instructed senior minister Michael Gove to review the possible role of certificates, saying there are deep and complex ethical issues to explore. Gove is due to report back shortly.

(with inputs)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson risks triggering a major backlash among lawmakers if his government opts to use the "Covid passports" to help re-open the economy as it starts lifting lockdown restrictions.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson risks triggering a major backlash among lawmakers if his government opts to use the "Covid passports" to help re-open the economy as it starts lifting lockdown restrictions. More than 70 British lawmakers have signalled their opposition to the introduction of the so-called vaccine passports that the government is considering bringing in. The government is reviewing the idea of asking people to show proof of a Covid vaccination to access crowded spaces such as pubs or sports events, with Johnson having already said that a certificate is likely to be needed for international travel. The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Saturday that trials of Covid passports would begin within weeks during pilots at major sports events and possibly a music awards ceremony in the next two months to assess their impact. Johnson, to this end, Friday said that a combination of immunity factors - if people have had the disease, a vaccination or had a COVID-19 test - would give businesses confidence. “So those three things working together will, I think, be useful for us as we as we go forward,” Johnson said. But there has been mounting concern from some in his own Conservative Party, as well as opposition lawmakers and civil rights groups, about the prospect of vaccine certificates. “We oppose the divisive and discriminatory use of COVID status certification to deny individuals access to general services, businesses or jobs,” said a statement signed by a group of more than 70 lawmakers from across the political spectrum. Under the government’s planned “roadmap” out of the pandemic, pubs will be allowed to serve people outdoors later this month, with a further easing of restrictions in mid-May before all measures are lifted near the end of June. Johnson suggested last month that some pubs might require customers to produce vaccine certificates. Culture minister Oliver Dowden, meanwhile, has said that such certificates could help get more people into theatres. No decision has yet been made and Johnson has instructed senior minister Michael Gove to review the possible role of certificates, saying there are deep and complex ethical issues to explore. Gove is due to report back shortly. (with inputs)

UK lawmakers oppose use of Covid-19 passports

Malaika Arora has taken the first jab of the Covid vaccine and shared that she is eligible for it.&nbsp; 
 
Malaika posted a picture on Instagram, that shows her being administered the shot by a healthcare worker. 
 
"I took the first dose of the Covid vaccine. Because #wereinthistogether! Lets go warriors, lets win this #WarAgainstVirus," Malaika wrote.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
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&nbsp;

 
 
She urged everyone to take their shots on time. 
 
"Don`t forget to take yours soon&nbsp; ! (n a special mention to our amazing frontline worker, who were so caring n vigilant n went about doing everything with a smile) Thank you (and yes I am eligible to take the vaccine)," she wrote. 
 
&nbsp;

Malaika Arora has taken the first jab of the Covid vaccine and shared that she is eligible for it. Malaika posted a picture on Instagram, that shows her being administered the shot by a healthcare worker.

Malaika Arora has taken the first jab of the Covid vaccine and shared that she is eligible for it. Malaika posted a picture on Instagram, that shows her being administered the shot by a healthcare worker. "I took the first dose of the Covid vaccine. Because #wereinthistogether! Lets go warriors, lets win this #WarAgainstVirus," Malaika wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Malaika Arora (@malaikaaroraofficial) × She urged everyone to take their shots on time. "Don`t forget to take yours soon ! (n a special mention to our amazing frontline worker, who were so caring n vigilant n went about doing everything with a smile) Thank you (and yes I am eligible to take the vaccine)," she wrote.

Malaika Arora takes first dose of Covid-19 vaccine

Brazil is now widely viewed as the epicentre of the pandemic, with the highest number of daily deaths of any nation.&nbsp;

“We have people dying because of lack of oxygen, people are literally suffocating. The situation is completely out of control,” said journalist Patricia Campos Mello.

Campos Mello comments came after Brazil registered on Tuesday a daily record tally of Covid deaths, recording more than 3,700 deaths, according to data from Brazil’s health ministry.

Patricia Campos Mello, a reporter for Folha de Sao Paulo, had sued President Jair Bolsonaro after he made remarks that questioned her credibility.

The Covid-19 death toll spiralled out of control in Brazil in March, more than doubling the country's previous monthly record.

Brazil reported 66,573 people had died of Covid-19 in March -- more than twice as many fatalities as the country's second-deadliest month of the pandemic, July 2020.

The virus has killed more than 2.8 million people since it emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. And though the world is looking to vaccines to end the upheaval Covid-19 has brought, rollouts are off to a sputtering start in many countries.

That includes Brazil, where health experts say the explosion of cases is partly driven by a local variant of the virus known as P1, which can re-infect people who have had the original strain and is believed to be more contagious.

"Never in Brazilian history have we seen a single event kill so many people" in one month, said Doctor Miguel Nicolelis, former pandemic response coordinator for Brazil's impoverished northeast.

With the southern hemisphere winter approaching and the virus spreading fast, Brazil is facing "a perfect storm," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Brazil is now widely viewed as the epicentre of the pandemic, with the highest number of daily deaths of any nation. “We have people dying because of lack of oxygen, people are literally suffocating.

Brazil is now widely viewed as the epicentre of the pandemic, with the highest number of daily deaths of any nation. “We have people dying because of lack of oxygen, people are literally suffocating. The situation is completely out of control,” said journalist Patricia Campos Mello. Campos Mello comments came after Brazil registered on Tuesday a daily record tally of Covid deaths, recording more than 3,700 deaths, according to data from Brazil’s health ministry. Patricia Campos Mello, a reporter for Folha de Sao Paulo, had sued President Jair Bolsonaro after he made remarks that questioned her credibility. The Covid-19 death toll spiralled out of control in Brazil in March, more than doubling the country's previous monthly record. Brazil reported 66,573 people had died of Covid-19 in March -- more than twice as many fatalities as the country's second-deadliest month of the pandemic, July 2020. The virus has killed more than 2.8 million people since it emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. And though the world is looking to vaccines to end the upheaval Covid-19 has brought, rollouts are off to a sputtering start in many countries. That includes Brazil, where health experts say the explosion of cases is partly driven by a local variant of the virus known as P1, which can re-infect people who have had the original strain and is believed to be more contagious. "Never in Brazilian history have we seen a single event kill so many people" in one month, said Doctor Miguel Nicolelis, former pandemic response coordinator for Brazil's impoverished northeast. With the southern hemisphere winter approaching and the virus spreading fast, Brazil is facing "a perfect storm," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid in Brazil 'out of control', says the journalist who sued Bolsonaro for derogatory remarks

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