The most-mutated variant of the coronavirus to exist yet has been discovered among travellers from Tanzania. In light of these events, scientists have urged improved monitoring of people in Africa where the pandemic has been largely ignored.

The strain in question has 10 more mutations than other versions found in the region, based on a report submitted to the World Health Organization (WHO).&nbsp;

Krisp is a scientific institute that tracks viruses in Africa and conducts genetic testing for 10 African countries. The South African variant was discovered by Krisp last year, and caused a sudden spike in cases across the country. Many such mutations have driven the numbers high across the world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/is-the-double-mutant-variant-found-in-india-more-dangerous-373504" hreflang="en">Is the 'double mutant' variant found in India more dangerous?</a>

The new variant was found in travellers arriving in Angola from Tanzania. “It is potentially of interest,” Tulio de Oliveira the director of Krisp said in an interview.

Currently, governments around the world are attempting to vaccinate citizens to avoid another wave of COVID-19. The variant which was first identified in South Africa in 2020 is not only more infectious, but can bypass some vaccines.

Also read: S<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/sturdier-protein-may-have-led-to-some-coronavirus-variants-faster-spread-scientists-372099" hreflang="en">turdier protein may have led to some coronavirus variants' faster spread: Scientists&nbsp;</a>

Scientists still don’t know whether the Tanzanian variant is more infectious than other strains. Now, scientists at Krisp will grow the virus to ascertain whether it is more infectious, and to understand how it affects vaccines.

The new strain belongs to the original virus emanating from China.

The most-mutated variant of the coronavirus to exist yet has been discovered among travellers from Tanzania. In light of these events, scientists have urged improved monitoring of people in Africa where the pandemic has been largely ignored.

The most-mutated variant of the coronavirus to exist yet has been discovered among travellers from Tanzania. In light of these events, scientists have urged improved monitoring of people in Africa where the pandemic has been largely ignored. The strain in question has 10 more mutations than other versions found in the region, based on a report submitted to the World Health Organization (WHO). Krisp is a scientific institute that tracks viruses in Africa and conducts genetic testing for 10 African countries. The South African variant was discovered by Krisp last year, and caused a sudden spike in cases across the country. Many such mutations have driven the numbers high across the world. Also read: Is the 'double mutant' variant found in India more dangerous? The new variant was found in travellers arriving in Angola from Tanzania. “It is potentially of interest,” Tulio de Oliveira the director of Krisp said in an interview. Currently, governments around the world are attempting to vaccinate citizens to avoid another wave of COVID-19. The variant which was first identified in South Africa in 2020 is not only more infectious, but can bypass some vaccines. Also read: Sturdier protein may have led to some coronavirus variants' faster spread: Scientists Scientists still don’t know whether the Tanzanian variant is more infectious than other strains. Now, scientists at Krisp will grow the virus to ascertain whether it is more infectious, and to understand how it affects vaccines. The new strain belongs to the original virus emanating from China.

Coronavirus variant with most mutations ever found in travellers from Tanzania

Facebook has frozen Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's page for violating its policies. His account on photo-sharing social media platform Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, will not be affected.

The social media giant has accused the Venezuelan president of spreading misinformation about COVID-19 by promoting a remedy he claims, without evidence, can cure the disease, a company spokesman said on Saturday.

Maduro in January described Carvativir, an oral solution derived from thyme, as a "miracle" medication that neutralises the coronavirus with no side effects, a claim doctors say is not backed by science.

Facebook has taken down a video in which Maduro promotes the medication because it violates a policy against false claims "that something can guarantee prevention from getting COVID-19 or can guarantee recovery from COVID-19."

"We follow guidance from the World Health Organisation that says there is currently no medication to cure the virus," the spokesman said. "Due to repeated violations of our rules, we are also freezing the page for 30 days, during which it will be read-only."

Maduro in the video says Carvativir, which he calls "miracle drops" of 19th century Venezuelan doctor Jose Gregorio Hernandez who has been beatified by the Roman Catholic Church, can be used preventively and therapeutically against the coronavirus.

Maduro in February said Facebook "censored" videos in which he showed Carvativir. He has in the past said he and his allies have been treated unfairly by social media companies, including what he calls arbitrary suspension of accounts.

Venezuela has, so far, registered 154,905 cases of coronavirus and 1,543 deaths.

Facebook has frozen Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's page for violating its policies. His account on photo-sharing social media platform Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, will not be affected.

Facebook has frozen Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's page for violating its policies. His account on photo-sharing social media platform Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, will not be affected. The social media giant has accused the Venezuelan president of spreading misinformation about COVID-19 by promoting a remedy he claims, without evidence, can cure the disease, a company spokesman said on Saturday. Maduro in January described Carvativir, an oral solution derived from thyme, as a "miracle" medication that neutralises the coronavirus with no side effects, a claim doctors say is not backed by science. Facebook has taken down a video in which Maduro promotes the medication because it violates a policy against false claims "that something can guarantee prevention from getting COVID-19 or can guarantee recovery from COVID-19." "We follow guidance from the World Health Organisation that says there is currently no medication to cure the virus," the spokesman said. "Due to repeated violations of our rules, we are also freezing the page for 30 days, during which it will be read-only." Maduro in the video says Carvativir, which he calls "miracle drops" of 19th century Venezuelan doctor Jose Gregorio Hernandez who has been beatified by the Roman Catholic Church, can be used preventively and therapeutically against the coronavirus. Maduro in February said Facebook "censored" videos in which he showed Carvativir. He has in the past said he and his allies have been treated unfairly by social media companies, including what he calls arbitrary suspension of accounts. Venezuela has, so far, registered 154,905 cases of coronavirus and 1,543 deaths.

Facebook freezes Venezuela president's page over Covid misinformation

The former director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has claimed&nbsp;that COVID-19 escaped from a lab in Wuhan, China - the first epicentre of the virus.

Robert Redfield, who &nbsp;headed&nbsp;the CDC during the onset of the pandemic in the Trump administration, said that COVID-19 did not evolve naturally. “I’m of the point of view that I&nbsp;still think the most likely&nbsp;etiology of this pathology in&nbsp;Wuhan was from a laboratory — escaped,” he said in an interview to CNN.

In fact, Redfield acknowledged naysayers.&nbsp;“Other people don’t believe that.&nbsp;That’s fine.&nbsp;Science will eventually figure&nbsp;it out”, he added.

Theories run amok

Ever since the pandemic began, conspiracy theories surrounding its origins have developed a strong following on social media. From the lab leak theory to alien involvement - everything has takers.&nbsp;

In light of such theories circulating on social media with minimal curbs, tech companies have come under the radar of governments around the world for their role in not stopping misinformation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alien-invasion-spectacular-display-of-lights-across-us-sparks-conspiracy-theories-373462" hreflang="en">'Alien invasion': Spectacular display of lights across US sparks conspiracy theories</a>

Scientists unanimously agree that the virus was spread to humans from an animal, which came in contact with patient zero who then spread it to everyone. They believe the zoonotic virus may have jumped to humans from bats, or a pangolin which consumed a bat with the virus. Coronaviruses are common among bats, and they don’t even show symptoms.

Redfield remains unshaken

Even then, many continue to believe that the virus was released from the Wuhan institute of Virology - China’s only lab allowed to study pathogens.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/invisible-ghost-stars-may-be-holding-galaxies-together-in-space-what-does-this-revelation-change-373361" hreflang="en">Invisible 'ghost stars' may be holding galaxies together in space. What does this revelation change?</a>

Redfield also said that it is common for pathogens that are being studied in a lab to infect workers, while adding “that’s not implying any intentionality”.&nbsp; He also completely rejected the zoonotic jump theory, saying that he does not believe the virus “came from a bat to a human”.

To back this, Redfield says that how quickly it became a pandemic could shed light on how it was not naturally occurring. He said that a virus requires time to acclimatise to human bodies and to cause major transmission.

The former director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has claimed that COVID-19 escaped from a lab in Wuhan, China - the first epicentre of the virus.

The former director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has claimed that COVID-19 escaped from a lab in Wuhan, China - the first epicentre of the virus. Robert Redfield, who headed the CDC during the onset of the pandemic in the Trump administration, said that COVID-19 did not evolve naturally. “I’m of the point of view that I still think the most likely etiology of this pathology in Wuhan was from a laboratory — escaped,” he said in an interview to CNN. In fact, Redfield acknowledged naysayers. “Other people don’t believe that. That’s fine. Science will eventually figure it out”, he added. Theories run amok Ever since the pandemic began, conspiracy theories surrounding its origins have developed a strong following on social media. From the lab leak theory to alien involvement - everything has takers. In light of such theories circulating on social media with minimal curbs, tech companies have come under the radar of governments around the world for their role in not stopping misinformation. Also read: 'Alien invasion': Spectacular display of lights across US sparks conspiracy theories Scientists unanimously agree that the virus was spread to humans from an animal, which came in contact with patient zero who then spread it to everyone. They believe the zoonotic virus may have jumped to humans from bats, or a pangolin which consumed a bat with the virus. Coronaviruses are common among bats, and they don’t even show symptoms. Redfield remains unshaken Even then, many continue to believe that the virus was released from the Wuhan institute of Virology - China’s only lab allowed to study pathogens. Also read: Invisible 'ghost stars' may be holding galaxies together in space. What does this revelation change? Redfield also said that it is common for pathogens that are being studied in a lab to infect workers, while adding “that’s not implying any intentionality”. He also completely rejected the zoonotic jump theory, saying that he does not believe the virus “came from a bat to a human”. To back this, Redfield says that how quickly it became a pandemic could shed light on how it was not naturally occurring. He said that a virus requires time to acclimatise to human bodies and to cause major transmission.

COVID-19 came from a lab in Wuhan, claims former CDC chief Robert Redfield

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday handed over a representational key of 109 life-saving ambulances to his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka.&nbsp;

During the delegation-level meeting, he also handed over a representational item to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina as a symbol of India's gift of 1.2 million Covid vaccine doses.&nbsp;

"Relationship going from strength to strength! Prime Minister @narendramodi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina discussed the progress achieved in areas of health, trade, connectivity, energy, developmental cooperation and many more," wrote the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Twitter.&nbsp;

"Reiterating the highest priority India attaches to Bangladesh under India's #NeighbourhoodFirst Policy! Prime Minister @narendramodi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are together for a bilateral meeting," the spokesperson wrote earlier.&nbsp;

Hasina presented a gold and a silver coin released on the occasion of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to PM Modi. She also handed over a silver coin released on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's Independence.&nbsp;

Along with that, an exchange of MoUs between India and Bangladesh also took place in the presence of the two leaders. Earlier today, the Prime Minister visited Orakandi Temple and addressed a gathering. "Both India and Bangladesh want to see the world progressing through their own progress. Both the nations want to see stability, love, and peace in the world instead of instability, terror and unrest," he said. &nbsp;

After delegation-level talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called on Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister, who arrived in Bangladesh on Friday, is on a two-day visit to the neighbouring country. He also offered prayers at the Orakandi Temple located at Kashiani Upazila in the Gopalganj district of Bangladesh. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered prayers at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Ishwaripur, a village in Shyam Nagar, Upazila of Satkhira. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, scattered across India and neighbouring countries. &nbsp;

The Prime Minister also informed that the Indian government will undertake the construction work of a multi-purpose community hall at Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple. &nbsp;

After that, he paid tribute to Bangladesh's 'Father of the Nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex, Tungipara. He signed the visitors' book and also planted samples at the complex. PM Modi was accompanied by his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina during his visit to the complex.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with several community leaders, including representatives of minorities in Bangladesh, mukhtijoddhas, friends of India and youth icons on the first day of his visit.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora as he marked his first foreign visit since the Covid-19 outbreak. Soon after he arrived in Dhaka, he visited the National Martyrs' Memorial (Jatiyo Sriti Shoudho), the National monument of Bangladesh to pay tributes to the valour and the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. He also planted a sapling of Arjun tree at the memorial premises and signed the visitor's book in the monument, MEA informed.&nbsp;

PM Modi's visit comes as Bangladesh is celebrating its 50th Independence Day and the centennial birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday handed over a representational key of 109 life-saving ambulances to his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka. During the delegation-level meeting, he also handed over a representational item to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina as a symbol of India's gift of 1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday handed over a representational key of 109 life-saving ambulances to his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka. During the delegation-level meeting, he also handed over a representational item to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina as a symbol of India's gift of 1.2 million Covid vaccine doses. "Relationship going from strength to strength! Prime Minister @narendramodi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina discussed the progress achieved in areas of health, trade, connectivity, energy, developmental cooperation and many more," wrote the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Twitter. "Reiterating the highest priority India attaches to Bangladesh under India's #NeighbourhoodFirst Policy! Prime Minister @narendramodi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are together for a bilateral meeting," the spokesperson wrote earlier. Hasina presented a gold and a silver coin released on the occasion of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to PM Modi. She also handed over a silver coin released on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's Independence. Along with that, an exchange of MoUs between India and Bangladesh also took place in the presence of the two leaders. Earlier today, the Prime Minister visited Orakandi Temple and addressed a gathering. "Both India and Bangladesh want to see the world progressing through their own progress. Both the nations want to see stability, love, and peace in the world instead of instability, terror and unrest," he said. After delegation-level talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called on Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid. The Prime Minister, who arrived in Bangladesh on Friday, is on a two-day visit to the neighbouring country. He also offered prayers at the Orakandi Temple located at Kashiani Upazila in the Gopalganj district of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered prayers at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Ishwaripur, a village in Shyam Nagar, Upazila of Satkhira. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, scattered across India and neighbouring countries. The Prime Minister also informed that the Indian government will undertake the construction work of a multi-purpose community hall at Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple. After that, he paid tribute to Bangladesh's 'Father of the Nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex, Tungipara. He signed the visitors' book and also planted samples at the complex. PM Modi was accompanied by his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina during his visit to the complex. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with several community leaders, including representatives of minorities in Bangladesh, mukhtijoddhas, friends of India and youth icons on the first day of his visit. The Prime Minister received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora as he marked his first foreign visit since the Covid-19 outbreak. Soon after he arrived in Dhaka, he visited the National Martyrs' Memorial (Jatiyo Sriti Shoudho), the National monument of Bangladesh to pay tributes to the valour and the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. He also planted a sapling of Arjun tree at the memorial premises and signed the visitor's book in the monument, MEA informed. PM Modi's visit comes as Bangladesh is celebrating its 50th Independence Day and the centennial birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. (With inputs from agencies)

After exchanging MoUs, PM Modi hands over Covid-19 vaccines to Bangladesh  

In May, the city of Los Angeles turned a fabled baseball park into a mass testing site for the coronavirus. At its peak, Dodger Stadium was testing 16,000 people a day for the virus, making it the biggest testing site in the world, said Dr. Clemens Hong, who oversees coronavirus testing in Los Angeles County.

But in January, the city pivoted, converting the stadium into an enormous, drive-through vaccination site. Local demand for coronavirus testing has plummeted, Hong said. He said he saw the evidence firsthand recently when he visited a community hospital: “The testing site had three people and the vaccine site had a line around the block.”

Los Angeles is not an anomaly. Across the nation, attention has largely shifted from testing to vaccination. The United States is now conducting an average of 1.3 million coronavirus tests a day, down from a peak of 2 million a day in mid-January, according to data provided by the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

In some ways, the decline is good news and can be attributed, in part, to falling case numbers and the increasing pace of vaccination. But the drop-off also worries many public health experts, who note that the prevalence of COVID-19 remains stubbornly high. More than 50,000 new cases and 1,000 deaths are being tallied every day and just 14% of Americans are fully vaccinated.

“We are very much worried about resurgence,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University. “Everybody mentally moved on to vaccines. Obviously, vaccines are quite important. But as long as the majority of us are not protected, then testing remains essential.”

The $1.9 trillion stimulus package signed into law this month includes $47.8 billion earmarked for testing, tracing and monitoring the virus.

But as society begins to reopen and vaccines roll out more widely, testing strategies are evolving. Here are four reasons why testing still matters, along with how officials see the next months and years playing out.

Diagnosing People Who Are Sick

Case numbers remain high, and clinicians still need to identify individuals who have contracted the virus so that these people can receive proper treatment and care. The gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19 is the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test, which can identify even small traces of genetic material from the coronavirus.

This kind of testing will be needed as long as there are COVID-19 cases, but as the disease becomes less common, diagnostic testing is likely to become less centralized.

“The game has changed a little bit,” Hong said. “Before, we just had infection popping up everywhere, and we just needed broad, blanket testing access. Now we need to be much more targeted.”

Slowing the Spread

Testing is important not just for identifying individual patients who need treatment but also for public health. When the system is working, a timely COVID-19 diagnosis is what triggers contact tracing and quarantining and can stop virus transmission in its tracks.

“The vaccine — marvelous, miraculous as it is — is not in and of itself going to contain this pandemic,” said A. David Paltiel, a professor of health policy and management at Yale School of Public Health.

Slowing transmission means fewer people will get sick but it also gives the virus fewer opportunities to mutate. And that reduces the odds that dangerous new variants — some of which may be able to evade vaccine-induced immunity — will emerge.

Keeping community spread low will help give vaccines “a fighting chance,” Paltiel said. “The less work we give the vaccine to do, the better.”

As schools and offices reopen, routine screening of asymptomatic people will help minimize viral spread. These screening programs are now beginning to ramp up. Many will rely on rapid antigen tests, which are less sensitive than PCR tests but are cheaper and can return results in 15 minutes. (Antigens are molecules, like the well-known spike protein, that are present on the surface of the coronavirus and trigger the immune system to produce antibodies.) When antigen tests are used routinely and frequently, they can be effective in identifying infectious individuals and reducing viral transmission, several analyses suggest.

As vaccination rates increase, these screening programs may become more targeted.

Assessing Our Progress

Testing can help public health officials gauge whether efforts to end the pandemic are paying dividends.

“Do we want to know how well vaccines are working? We’re going to have to test,” said David O’Connor, a virologist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. “How are we going to know whether the variants are more contagious? We’re going to have to test. How are we going to know if the vaccines are effectively controlling the variants? We’re going to have to test.”

Large screening programs may also help institutions assess the effectiveness of their risk-reduction strategies. If cases begin to rise, schools and offices may find they need to change their mask policies, enforce greater social distancing or boost their ventilation rates.

Testing might also help uncover worrisome case clusters, which can signal that a community has not yet reached herd immunity and might benefit from targeted a vaccination campaign.

Preventing the Next Pandemic

Many experts now believe that the coronavirus is unlikely to ever disappear completely. But even if the virus continues to circulate only at very low levels, it will be important to keep tabs on it.

“It becomes less about trying to interrupt the transmission of the disease," Nuzzo said, "and more to understand 'Where is the virus? What are we missing? And, you know, what could be coming down the road?'”

The virus will continue to mutate, and new genetic variants will emerge. Some level of continued testing, even years down the line, could help scientists catch worrisome variants early.

In May, the city of Los Angeles turned a fabled baseball park into a mass testing site for the coronavirus. At its peak, Dodger Stadium was testing 16,000 people a day for the virus, making it the biggest testing site in the world, said Dr.

In May, the city of Los Angeles turned a fabled baseball park into a mass testing site for the coronavirus. At its peak, Dodger Stadium was testing 16,000 people a day for the virus, making it the biggest testing site in the world, said Dr. Clemens Hong, who oversees coronavirus testing in Los Angeles County. But in January, the city pivoted, converting the stadium into an enormous, drive-through vaccination site. Local demand for coronavirus testing has plummeted, Hong said. He said he saw the evidence firsthand recently when he visited a community hospital: “The testing site had three people and the vaccine site had a line around the block.” Los Angeles is not an anomaly. Across the nation, attention has largely shifted from testing to vaccination. The United States is now conducting an average of 1.3 million coronavirus tests a day, down from a peak of 2 million a day in mid-January, according to data provided by the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. In some ways, the decline is good news and can be attributed, in part, to falling case numbers and the increasing pace of vaccination. But the drop-off also worries many public health experts, who note that the prevalence of COVID-19 remains stubbornly high. More than 50,000 new cases and 1,000 deaths are being tallied every day and just 14% of Americans are fully vaccinated. “We are very much worried about resurgence,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University. “Everybody mentally moved on to vaccines. Obviously, vaccines are quite important. But as long as the majority of us are not protected, then testing remains essential.” The $1.9 trillion stimulus package signed into law this month includes $47.8 billion earmarked for testing, tracing and monitoring the virus. But as society begins to reopen and vaccines roll out more widely, testing strategies are evolving. Here are four reasons why testing still matters, along with how officials see the next months and years playing out. Diagnosing People Who Are Sick Case numbers remain high, and clinicians still need to identify individuals who have contracted the virus so that these people can receive proper treatment and care. The gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19 is the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test, which can identify even small traces of genetic material from the coronavirus. This kind of testing will be needed as long as there are COVID-19 cases, but as the disease becomes less common, diagnostic testing is likely to become less centralized. “The game has changed a little bit,” Hong said. “Before, we just had infection popping up everywhere, and we just needed broad, blanket testing access. Now we need to be much more targeted.” Slowing the Spread Testing is important not just for identifying individual patients who need treatment but also for public health. When the system is working, a timely COVID-19 diagnosis is what triggers contact tracing and quarantining and can stop virus transmission in its tracks. “The vaccine — marvelous, miraculous as it is — is not in and of itself going to contain this pandemic,” said A. David Paltiel, a professor of health policy and management at Yale School of Public Health. Slowing transmission means fewer people will get sick but it also gives the virus fewer opportunities to mutate. And that reduces the odds that dangerous new variants — some of which may be able to evade vaccine-induced immunity — will emerge. Keeping community spread low will help give vaccines “a fighting chance,” Paltiel said. “The less work we give the vaccine to do, the better.” As schools and offices reopen, routine screening of asymptomatic people will help minimize viral spread. These screening programs are now beginning to ramp up. Many will rely on rapid antigen tests, which are less sensitive than PCR tests but are cheaper and can return results in 15 minutes. (Antigens are molecules, like the well-known spike protein, that are present on the surface of the coronavirus and trigger the immune system to produce antibodies.) When antigen tests are used routinely and frequently, they can be effective in identifying infectious individuals and reducing viral transmission, several analyses suggest. As vaccination rates increase, these screening programs may become more targeted. Assessing Our Progress Testing can help public health officials gauge whether efforts to end the pandemic are paying dividends. “Do we want to know how well vaccines are working? We’re going to have to test,” said David O’Connor, a virologist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. “How are we going to know whether the variants are more contagious? We’re going to have to test. How are we going to know if the vaccines are effectively controlling the variants? We’re going to have to test.” Large screening programs may also help institutions assess the effectiveness of their risk-reduction strategies. If cases begin to rise, schools and offices may find they need to change their mask policies, enforce greater social distancing or boost their ventilation rates. Testing might also help uncover worrisome case clusters, which can signal that a community has not yet reached herd immunity and might benefit from targeted a vaccination campaign. Preventing the Next Pandemic Many experts now believe that the coronavirus is unlikely to ever disappear completely. But even if the virus continues to circulate only at very low levels, it will be important to keep tabs on it. “It becomes less about trying to interrupt the transmission of the disease," Nuzzo said, "and more to understand 'Where is the virus? What are we missing? And, you know, what could be coming down the road?'” The virus will continue to mutate, and new genetic variants will emerge. Some level of continued testing, even years down the line, could help scientists catch worrisome variants early.

Why testing still matters

Over 500 million coronavirus vaccine doses have been rolled out by health officials around the world so far. A tally by AFP revealed on Friday that while the world was witnessing record vaccinations, Europe was facing slowdowns due to issues over hoarding and supply.

Even with mass inoculations underway, the pandemic continues to surge in Europe and Latin America. Brazil, alone has passed 300,000 deaths, while Mexico has registered 200,000 fatalities.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-vaccines-summit-members-highlight-disparity-in-vaccine-supply-across-eu-373236/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Vaccines are not being rolled out at the same pace across the globe. For instance, the US accounts for over a quarter of all vaccinations. Less developed nations are considerably behind western countries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/who-warns-of-counterfeit-covid-19-vaccines-373542" hreflang="en">WHO warns of counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines</a>

EU countries are embroiled in spats over the vaccines. Recently, French President Macros accused Russia and China of trying to gain influence through vaccines, calling it a “new type of world war”. At the same time, Germany claims that it&nbsp;would be okay using Sputnik V if it received approval from European regulators.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/france-hits-out-at-uk-over-blackmail-of-coronavirus-vaccine-deliveries-373428" hreflang="en">France hits out at UK over 'blackmail' of coronavirus vaccine deliveries</a>

The virus has killed over 2.7 million people after emerging in China in 2019. Out of the 508 million vaccinations, 133 million were undertaken in the US and 91 million in India.

But even then, over half a million cases of the virus were recorded in the last seven days.

Over 500 million coronavirus vaccine doses have been rolled out by health officials around the world so far. A tally by AFP revealed on Friday that while the world was witnessing record vaccinations, Europe was facing slowdowns due to issues over hoarding and supply.

Over 500 million coronavirus vaccine doses have been rolled out by health officials around the world so far. A tally by AFP revealed on Friday that while the world was witnessing record vaccinations, Europe was facing slowdowns due to issues over hoarding and supply. Even with mass inoculations underway, the pandemic continues to surge in Europe and Latin America. Brazil, alone has passed 300,000 deaths, while Mexico has registered 200,000 fatalities. Vaccines are not being rolled out at the same pace across the globe. For instance, the US accounts for over a quarter of all vaccinations. Less developed nations are considerably behind western countries. Also read: WHO warns of counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines EU countries are embroiled in spats over the vaccines. Recently, French President Macros accused Russia and China of trying to gain influence through vaccines, calling it a “new type of world war”. At the same time, Germany claims that it would be okay using Sputnik V if it received approval from European regulators. Also read: France hits out at UK over 'blackmail' of coronavirus vaccine deliveries The virus has killed over 2.7 million people after emerging in China in 2019. Out of the 508 million vaccinations, 133 million were undertaken in the US and 91 million in India. But even then, over half a million cases of the virus were recorded in the last seven days.

Global vaccinations cross 500 million but cases continue to surge

India reported 62,258 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, highest single-day spike since October, 2020, taking the total tally to 1,19,08,910 on Saturday. 
 
India has shown a steep rise since March 16 (24,492), March 24 (47,262), and March 26 (59,118). 
 
Cases have been increasing over the two weeks in leaps and bounds. According to the Health Ministry, Maharashtra and Punjab are turning out to be a major contributors. 
 
The central government is closely monitoring and actively engaging with states and union territories over the rising cases in the country. 
 
With death of 291 people in the last 24 hours, the toll touched 1,61,240 as the active caseload in the country mounted to 4,52,647. 
 
With the discharge of 30,386 patients in a day, a total of 1,12,95,023 persons have been discharged so far. 
 
As of date, 5.81 crore doses of corona vaccine have been administered in the country since the drive began on January 16 after approval for `Covishield` and `Covaxin`. 
 
Now, those over 45 years of age will also get Covid-19 vaccine from April 1, irrespective of the co-morbidities, the Central Government has announced.

India reported 62,258 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, highest single-day spike since October, 2020, taking the total tally to 1,19,08,910 on Saturday. India has shown a steep rise since March 16 (24,492), March 24 (47,262), and March 26 (59,118).

India reported 62,258 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, highest single-day spike since October, 2020, taking the total tally to 1,19,08,910 on Saturday. India has shown a steep rise since March 16 (24,492), March 24 (47,262), and March 26 (59,118). Cases have been increasing over the two weeks in leaps and bounds. According to the Health Ministry, Maharashtra and Punjab are turning out to be a major contributors. The central government is closely monitoring and actively engaging with states and union territories over the rising cases in the country. With death of 291 people in the last 24 hours, the toll touched 1,61,240 as the active caseload in the country mounted to 4,52,647. With the discharge of 30,386 patients in a day, a total of 1,12,95,023 persons have been discharged so far. As of date, 5.81 crore doses of corona vaccine have been administered in the country since the drive began on January 16 after approval for `Covishield` and `Covaxin`. Now, those over 45 years of age will also get Covid-19 vaccine from April 1, irrespective of the co-morbidities, the Central Government has announced.

India reports 62,258 new COVID-19 cases

As the COVID-19 cases in the country are surging, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday said that the airport authorities have been directed to put passengers on the `no-fly` list if they do not follow the SoPs and guidelines to curb COVID-19.

Speaking to ANI, Puri said, "We can win the fight against COVID-19 but the negligence of some people is creating problems. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been instructed to crack the whip."

"We can issue SoPs and guidelines in regard to COVID-19, some people are being careless. We have started putting people on the no-fly list," the Minister said.

"When you compare the air travel to surface route, travelling by buses or train, air travel is much safer," he added.According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India has reported 59,118 new COVID-19 cases, 32,987 recoveries, and 257 deaths on Thursday. "The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme produced connectivity and affordability. We have fare-bands. The lower fare-band is a little more than that of the fare of the lower class AC car in a train," Puri told ANI.

"I am 100 per cent confident that the UDAN scheme is a roaring success. We are building another 100 airports. We have more than 300 operational routes which will be increased to 1000," Puri said.The Minister said that demand for airports has been increased and many airports are being privatised.

"The land for the development of an airport is to be provided by the state government. In Darbhanga Airport, earlier, there was no place to park the aircraft. Eventually, the facilities are increasing and by creating a bigger terminal and by getting more lands, we will be solving the problems," he added.

All flight operations at Darbhanga airport in Bihar commenced in November last night, which has been developed under the UDAN initiative.

UDAN is a regional airport development and "Regional Connectivity Scheme" of the Government of India which was started in April 2017.&nbsp;

As the COVID-19 cases in the country are surging, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday said that the airport authorities have been directed to put passengers on the `no-fly` list if they do not follow the SoPs and guidelines to curb COVID-19.

As the COVID-19 cases in the country are surging, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday said that the airport authorities have been directed to put passengers on the `no-fly` list if they do not follow the SoPs and guidelines to curb COVID-19. Speaking to ANI, Puri said, "We can win the fight against COVID-19 but the negligence of some people is creating problems. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been instructed to crack the whip." "We can issue SoPs and guidelines in regard to COVID-19, some people are being careless. We have started putting people on the no-fly list," the Minister said. "When you compare the air travel to surface route, travelling by buses or train, air travel is much safer," he added.According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India has reported 59,118 new COVID-19 cases, 32,987 recoveries, and 257 deaths on Thursday. "The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme produced connectivity and affordability. We have fare-bands. The lower fare-band is a little more than that of the fare of the lower class AC car in a train," Puri told ANI. "I am 100 per cent confident that the UDAN scheme is a roaring success. We are building another 100 airports. We have more than 300 operational routes which will be increased to 1000," Puri said.The Minister said that demand for airports has been increased and many airports are being privatised. "The land for the development of an airport is to be provided by the state government. In Darbhanga Airport, earlier, there was no place to park the aircraft. Eventually, the facilities are increasing and by creating a bigger terminal and by getting more lands, we will be solving the problems," he added. All flight operations at Darbhanga airport in Bihar commenced in November last night, which has been developed under the UDAN initiative. UDAN is a regional airport development and "Regional Connectivity Scheme" of the Government of India which was started in April 2017.

Passengers to be put on 'no-fly' list for violating COVID-19 norms in India

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday that cooperation between allies was more important than at any time in recent history and that relations with NATO and the European Union would be crucial to overcoming challenges. 
 
Speaking on the last day of his three-day visit to Brussels, Blinken continued what many European officials said was a charm offensive to win back the support of allies sidelined during four abrasive years under US&nbsp;President Joe Biden`s Republican predecessor, Donald Trump. 
 
"I came here very much with one particular focus in mind, and that was to make clear the United States` determination to revitalise our alliances and partnerships," Blinken said alongside Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes. 
 
Biden later addressed EU leaders via videoconference, the first such gesture since President Barack Obama did so in 2009. The White House said in a statement that Biden told EU leaders that Washington and the EU must ensure that "democracies rather than autocracies set the rules of the road." 
 
EU summit chair Charles Michel vowed to work with Washington to uphold democracy around the world. 
 
Blinken told US&nbsp;diplomats in Brussels he wanted to mend and "modernise" relationships to focus on new challenges, which he has listed as China`s rise, COVID-19, climate change, a newly assertive Russia and keeping a technological edge on rivals. 
 
"There`s a greater premium than any time since I`ve been involved in these issues, on finding ways to work together, again," said Blinken, a longtime Biden confidant involved in US&nbsp;foreign policy for decades. 
 
Blinken won European Union support on Wednesday for a US&nbsp;plan to confront Chinese power together through a formal dialogue that Beijing had hoped to avoid, praising EU officials whom Trump sought to undermine. 
 
"A basic tenet of the Biden-Harris administration is consulting with our friends, early and often," Blinken said. 
 
Issues remain, including Turkey`s purchase of Russian missiles and discussions with Moscow to buy more, and the Nord Stream 2 pipeline under construction between Russia and Germany, which Blinken reiterated Washington opposes. 
 
"Some of our allies are moving in the wrong direction," he said on Wednesday, referring to backsliding on democracy in Hungary, Poland and Turkey, although he did not name countries. 
 
He stressed that alliances needed to serve US&nbsp;interests and that NATO allies must help pay for their own security, saying: "We can`t sustain effective alliances without showing how they deliver for the American people." 
 
But China`s decision on Monday to retaliate strongly against Western sanctions over human rights abuses has appeared to bring Europe and the United States closer together. European governments have summoned Chinese envoys asking to explain measures against EU nationals that were seen as going far beyond what Brussels imposed. 
 
"We`re convinced that it is (through) enduring relationships, like the one between our countries, and like the ones that exist through the European Union and through NATO ... that we can overcome any of these challenges," Blinken said. 
 
Citing the "devastating" COVID-19 pandemic, Blinken promised to work with the EU and NATO on the global distribution of vaccines, and to ensure they are prepared for future pandemics.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday that cooperation between allies was more important than at any time in recent history and that relations with NATO and the European Union would be crucial to overcoming challenges.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday that cooperation between allies was more important than at any time in recent history and that relations with NATO and the European Union would be crucial to overcoming challenges. Speaking on the last day of his three-day visit to Brussels, Blinken continued what many European officials said was a charm offensive to win back the support of allies sidelined during four abrasive years under US President Joe Biden`s Republican predecessor, Donald Trump. "I came here very much with one particular focus in mind, and that was to make clear the United States` determination to revitalise our alliances and partnerships," Blinken said alongside Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes. Biden later addressed EU leaders via videoconference, the first such gesture since President Barack Obama did so in 2009. The White House said in a statement that Biden told EU leaders that Washington and the EU must ensure that "democracies rather than autocracies set the rules of the road." EU summit chair Charles Michel vowed to work with Washington to uphold democracy around the world. Blinken told US diplomats in Brussels he wanted to mend and "modernise" relationships to focus on new challenges, which he has listed as China`s rise, COVID-19, climate change, a newly assertive Russia and keeping a technological edge on rivals. "There`s a greater premium than any time since I`ve been involved in these issues, on finding ways to work together, again," said Blinken, a longtime Biden confidant involved in US foreign policy for decades. Blinken won European Union support on Wednesday for a US plan to confront Chinese power together through a formal dialogue that Beijing had hoped to avoid, praising EU officials whom Trump sought to undermine. "A basic tenet of the Biden-Harris administration is consulting with our friends, early and often," Blinken said. Issues remain, including Turkey`s purchase of Russian missiles and discussions with Moscow to buy more, and the Nord Stream 2 pipeline under construction between Russia and Germany, which Blinken reiterated Washington opposes. "Some of our allies are moving in the wrong direction," he said on Wednesday, referring to backsliding on democracy in Hungary, Poland and Turkey, although he did not name countries. He stressed that alliances needed to serve US interests and that NATO allies must help pay for their own security, saying: "We can`t sustain effective alliances without showing how they deliver for the American people." But China`s decision on Monday to retaliate strongly against Western sanctions over human rights abuses has appeared to bring Europe and the United States closer together. European governments have summoned Chinese envoys asking to explain measures against EU nationals that were seen as going far beyond what Brussels imposed. "We`re convinced that it is (through) enduring relationships, like the one between our countries, and like the ones that exist through the European Union and through NATO ... that we can overcome any of these challenges," Blinken said. Citing the "devastating" COVID-19 pandemic, Blinken promised to work with the EU and NATO on the global distribution of vaccines, and to ensure they are prepared for future pandemics.

US Secretary of State Blinken says West needs to cooperate more than ever

Coronavirus cases are surging across the European Union. Amid the recent spike and vaccine vows the EU held its virtual vaccine summit recently. In the crucial summit, leaders of the 27 member states discussed possible measures to ramp up vaccination supply as well as inoculations across the block.

EU Vaccine's Summit: Members highlight disparity in vaccine supply across EU

After a job drought that resulted in the highest unemployment levels since the Great Depression, the labor market is shaking off the pandemic’s effects, setting the stage for an economic revival in the coming months.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that new claims for jobless benefits fell to their lowest weekly level in the last year, a sign that the faster rollout of vaccines and the passage of a $1.9 trillion relief package are having an effect.

Initial claims for state benefits totaled 657,000, a decrease of 100,000 from the previous week.

With more states loosening restrictions on indoor dining areas, movie theaters, gyms and other gathering places, workers are being recalled to their jobs, and layoffs are easing.

As the job market shows signs of life, economists are lifting their forecasts for U.S. economic growth. Bank of America said Thursday that it expected the economy to gain an average of 950,000 jobs a month in the second quarter, lowering the jobless rate to 4.7% by the summer. The unemployment rate soared to 14.8% in April 2020 as the lockdowns peaked before falling to 6.2% last month.

“We are starting to get new signs of hope in our economy,” President Joe Biden said at a news conference, citing the latest unemployment claims figures. “We still have a lot of work to do. I can say to the American people, help is here, and hope is on the way.”

There have been false starts before — namely, a burst of growth that faded as the virus worsened in the fall, but last week’s drop in claims was still notable for its size. In February, the economy remained more than 9 million jobs short of where it was before the pandemic.

Unemployment claims have been at historically high levels for the past year, partly because some workers have been laid off more than once. Still, the bottom line is that the data recently has been favorable.

Between the state and federal programs, the number of new jobless claims last week was just under 900,000 after being stuck for months above 1 million a week. There were 242,000 new claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, a federal program covering freelancers, part-timers and others who do not routinely qualify for state benefits, a decrease of 43,000.

After a job drought that resulted in the highest unemployment levels since the Great Depression, the labor market is shaking off the pandemic’s effects, setting the stage for an economic revival in the coming months.

After a job drought that resulted in the highest unemployment levels since the Great Depression, the labor market is shaking off the pandemic’s effects, setting the stage for an economic revival in the coming months. The Labor Department reported Thursday that new claims for jobless benefits fell to their lowest weekly level in the last year, a sign that the faster rollout of vaccines and the passage of a $1.9 trillion relief package are having an effect. Initial claims for state benefits totaled 657,000, a decrease of 100,000 from the previous week. With more states loosening restrictions on indoor dining areas, movie theaters, gyms and other gathering places, workers are being recalled to their jobs, and layoffs are easing. As the job market shows signs of life, economists are lifting their forecasts for U.S. economic growth. Bank of America said Thursday that it expected the economy to gain an average of 950,000 jobs a month in the second quarter, lowering the jobless rate to 4.7% by the summer. The unemployment rate soared to 14.8% in April 2020 as the lockdowns peaked before falling to 6.2% last month. “We are starting to get new signs of hope in our economy,” President Joe Biden said at a news conference, citing the latest unemployment claims figures. “We still have a lot of work to do. I can say to the American people, help is here, and hope is on the way.” There have been false starts before — namely, a burst of growth that faded as the virus worsened in the fall, but last week’s drop in claims was still notable for its size. In February, the economy remained more than 9 million jobs short of where it was before the pandemic. Unemployment claims have been at historically high levels for the past year, partly because some workers have been laid off more than once. Still, the bottom line is that the data recently has been favorable. Between the state and federal programs, the number of new jobless claims last week was just under 900,000 after being stuck for months above 1 million a week. There were 242,000 new claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, a federal program covering freelancers, part-timers and others who do not routinely qualify for state benefits, a decrease of 43,000.

US unemployment claims at lowest level since pandemic began

China`s CanSino Biologics Inc (CanSinoBIO) has proposed supplying "tens of million of doses" of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to global vaccine sharing scheme COVAX, a senior company executive said.

China has four locally developed COVID-19 vaccines approved for public use and pledged earlier to supply 10 million doses to COVAX without specifying the time frame of delivery. CanSinoBIO, Sinovac Biotech Ltd and China National Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd (Sinopharm) have applied to join the initiative.

Pierre Morgon, senior vice president at CanSinoBIO, said the firm made the proposal in December to supply vaccines between late 2021 and the end of 2022.

"We are happy to go beyond 2022 if there was still an expectation to do so," he told Reuters in an interview, adding it made its offer at a middle single digit U.S. dollar per dose.

"I can`t tell you the exact number, but I can tell you, it`s a very competitive price," Morgon said.

The offering to COVAX, which is backed by the World Health Organization (WHO), is the lowest price in the "tiered pricing mechanism" that CanSinoBIO uses in markets outside China, where richer countries are subject to higher prices.

There is a more than threefold factor difference between the highest price offer and the lowest, Morgon said.

Its vaccine, jointly developed with China`s military research institute, is approved for use in China, Pakistan, Hungary and Mexico.

The three Chinese vaccine makers are still awaiting decisions on whether they can be included in the WHO`s Emergency Use Listing, a prerequisite to join COVAX.

China`s CanSino Biologics Inc (CanSinoBIO) has proposed supplying "tens of million of doses" of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to global vaccine sharing scheme COVAX, a senior company executive said.

China`s CanSino Biologics Inc (CanSinoBIO) has proposed supplying "tens of million of doses" of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to global vaccine sharing scheme COVAX, a senior company executive said. China has four locally developed COVID-19 vaccines approved for public use and pledged earlier to supply 10 million doses to COVAX without specifying the time frame of delivery. CanSinoBIO, Sinovac Biotech Ltd and China National Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd (Sinopharm) have applied to join the initiative. Pierre Morgon, senior vice president at CanSinoBIO, said the firm made the proposal in December to supply vaccines between late 2021 and the end of 2022. "We are happy to go beyond 2022 if there was still an expectation to do so," he told Reuters in an interview, adding it made its offer at a middle single digit U.S. dollar per dose. "I can`t tell you the exact number, but I can tell you, it`s a very competitive price," Morgon said. The offering to COVAX, which is backed by the World Health Organization (WHO), is the lowest price in the "tiered pricing mechanism" that CanSinoBIO uses in markets outside China, where richer countries are subject to higher prices. There is a more than threefold factor difference between the highest price offer and the lowest, Morgon said. Its vaccine, jointly developed with China`s military research institute, is approved for use in China, Pakistan, Hungary and Mexico. The three Chinese vaccine makers are still awaiting decisions on whether they can be included in the WHO`s Emergency Use Listing, a prerequisite to join COVAX.

CanSinoBIO offered tens of millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses to COVAX, exec says

The coronavirus situation in India continues to get worrisome as country recorded 53,476 new COVID-19 cases, 26,490 recoveries, and 251 deaths in the last 24 hours.

This is the highest single day rise so far this year, pushing the nationwide COVID-19 tally of cases to 1,17,87,534, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.

Apart from the new infections, 26,490 recoveries were reported, taking the total recoveries to 1.12 crore.

The Health Ministry also announced as many as 251 virus-related deaths in the last 24 hours, which raised the toll to 1.60 lakh.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,12,31,650, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.36 per cent, the 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.

It went past 60 lakh on September 28, &nbsp;70 lakh on &nbsp;October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, &nbsp;90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

According to the ICMR, 23,75,03,882 samples have been tested up to March 24 with 10,65,021 samples being tested on Wednesday.

The 251 new fatalities include 95 from Maharashtra, 39 &nbsp;Punjab, 29 from Chhattisgarh, 12 each from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and 10 from Kerala.

A total of 1,60,692 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 53,684 from Maharashtra, 12,630 from Tamil Nadu, 12,461 from Karnataka, 10,973 from Delhi, 10,312 from West Bengal, 8,769 from Uttar Pradesh and 7,197 from Andhra Pradesh.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

(With inputs from agencies)

The coronavirus situation in India continues to get worrisome as country recorded 53,476 new COVID-19 cases, 26,490 recoveries, and 251 deaths in the last 24 hours.

The coronavirus situation in India continues to get worrisome as country recorded 53,476 new COVID-19 cases, 26,490 recoveries, and 251 deaths in the last 24 hours. This is the highest single day rise so far this year, pushing the nationwide COVID-19 tally of cases to 1,17,87,534, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. Apart from the new infections, 26,490 recoveries were reported, taking the total recoveries to 1.12 crore. The Health Ministry also announced as many as 251 virus-related deaths in the last 24 hours, which raised the toll to 1.60 lakh. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,12,31,650, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.36 per cent, the 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. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the ICMR, 23,75,03,882 samples have been tested up to March 24 with 10,65,021 samples being tested on Wednesday. The 251 new fatalities include 95 from Maharashtra, 39 Punjab, 29 from Chhattisgarh, 12 each from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and 10 from Kerala. A total of 1,60,692 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 53,684 from Maharashtra, 12,630 from Tamil Nadu, 12,461 from Karnataka, 10,973 from Delhi, 10,312 from West Bengal, 8,769 from Uttar Pradesh and 7,197 from Andhra Pradesh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports 53,476 new covid-19 infections in a day, highest since October 2020

The United Kingdom has marked its first anniversary since the COVID-19 lockdown is imposed in Britain last year. The Britons on Tuesday remembered more than 126,000 people who have lost their lives during the pandemic over the span of last year.

United Kingdom: Britons remembered people who lost their lives

Hong Kong and Macau have has suspended Covid vaccinations from a single batch of Pfizer/BioNTech shots over defective packaging, the South China Morning Post reported on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, several centres around the Asian financial hub were told to stop using the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

Hong Kong and Macau on Wednesday said they were suspending the use of the coronavirus vaccine after being informed of a packaging problem with a batch of vials.

"For the sake of precaution, the current vaccination must be suspended during the period of investigation," Hong Kong's government said in a statement.&nbsp;

Both Chinese cities said&nbsp;their decision came after they were contacted about the issue by Fosun, the Chinese pharmaceutical company that is distributing the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in China.

Vials with the lot number 210102 were found to have defective packaging, authorities said, adding they decided to act out of an abundance of caution until their investigation is concluded.

(with inputs)

Hong Kong and Macau have has suspended Covid vaccinations from a single batch of Pfizer/BioNTech shots over defective packaging, the South China Morning Post reported on Wednesday.

Hong Kong and Macau have has suspended Covid vaccinations from a single batch of Pfizer/BioNTech shots over defective packaging, the South China Morning Post reported on Wednesday. On Wednesday, several centres around the Asian financial hub were told to stop using the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Hong Kong and Macau on Wednesday said they were suspending the use of the coronavirus vaccine after being informed of a packaging problem with a batch of vials. "For the sake of precaution, the current vaccination must be suspended during the period of investigation," Hong Kong's government said in a statement. Both Chinese cities said their decision came after they were contacted about the issue by Fosun, the Chinese pharmaceutical company that is distributing the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in China. Vials with the lot number 210102 were found to have defective packaging, authorities said, adding they decided to act out of an abundance of caution until their investigation is concluded. (with inputs)

Hong Kong halts batch of Pfizer vaccines over defective packaging

Syria's Health Minister Hasan al-Ghabbash told reporters on Wednesday that the country would send Oxygen to Lebanon to aid it in its fight with COVID. The first installment of the supply was handed over to Lebanese Health Minister Hamad Hasan.

"We will supply Lebanon with 75 tonnes of oxygen in installments of 25 tonnes a day for a period of three days," Health Minister Hasan al-Ghabbash told reporters after a meeting with his &nbsp;Lebanese counterpart.&nbsp;

The shipment will be delivered "immediately" and will not strain Syria's supplies, Ghabbash said.

For his part, Hasan said his ministry requested aid to save hundreds of Lebanese lives threatened by an oxygen shortage.

"We have around 1,000 patients on breathing aid in Lebanon's emergency rooms" and oxygen supplies "that honestly are only enough to last for today", he said. 
Lebanon was expecting to receive new oxygen shipments from abroad but stormy weather conditions has delayed arrivals, Hamad said.

"In spite of high need and rising demand for oxygen in Syria, authorities granted us our request," he added, praising Damascus for its swift assistance.

Official dealings between Syria and Lebanon have been limited since start of the Syrian conflict.

Lebanon is grappling with a coronavirus outbreak that compounded its worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war.

The country of more than six million has recorded a total of 444,865 Covid-19 cases, including 5,858 deaths since last year.

Syria has recorded 17,743 cases, among them 1,183 deaths, in government-held areas.

(With AFP inputs)

Syria's Health Minister Hasan al-Ghabbash told reporters on Wednesday that the country would send Oxygen to Lebanon to aid it in its fight with COVID. The first installment of the supply was handed over to Lebanese Health Minister Hamad Hasan.

Syria's Health Minister Hasan al-Ghabbash told reporters on Wednesday that the country would send Oxygen to Lebanon to aid it in its fight with COVID. The first installment of the supply was handed over to Lebanese Health Minister Hamad Hasan. "We will supply Lebanon with 75 tonnes of oxygen in installments of 25 tonnes a day for a period of three days," Health Minister Hasan al-Ghabbash told reporters after a meeting with his Lebanese counterpart. The shipment will be delivered "immediately" and will not strain Syria's supplies, Ghabbash said. For his part, Hasan said his ministry requested aid to save hundreds of Lebanese lives threatened by an oxygen shortage. "We have around 1,000 patients on breathing aid in Lebanon's emergency rooms" and oxygen supplies "that honestly are only enough to last for today", he said. Lebanon was expecting to receive new oxygen shipments from abroad but stormy weather conditions has delayed arrivals, Hamad said. "In spite of high need and rising demand for oxygen in Syria, authorities granted us our request," he added, praising Damascus for its swift assistance. Official dealings between Syria and Lebanon have been limited since start of the Syrian conflict. Lebanon is grappling with a coronavirus outbreak that compounded its worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war. The country of more than six million has recorded a total of 444,865 Covid-19 cases, including 5,858 deaths since last year. Syria has recorded 17,743 cases, among them 1,183 deaths, in government-held areas. (With AFP inputs)

Syria sends Oxygen to Lebanon to fight COVID

Russian President Vladimir Putin has got vaccinated against COVID-19 with an unspecified Russian-made vaccine.

The Kremlin Tuesday told Russian news agencies that Putin was feeling well, however, declining to disclose details or provide photographs.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, earlier told reporters that the media would have to take the Kremlin's word for Putin's vaccination, adding the president did not like the idea of being vaccinated on camera.

"We are deliberately not saying which shot the president will get, noting that all three Russian (-made) vaccines are absolutely reliable and effective," said Peskov.

The Kremlin told Russian news agencies on Tuesday evening that the president had got the shot. "He has a full working day tomorrow," the RIA news agency's Kremlin pool cited the Kremlin as saying.

Apart from Sputnik V, Moscow has also given emergency approval to two others, EpiVacCorona and CoviVac.

Putin said on Monday that the decision to get vaccinated was a purely voluntary one for Russians. He said that 4.3 million Russians had so far got two shots of a vaccine, that vaccine production for domestic use was a priority, and that output needed to be ramped up.

Over 200,000 Russians have so far died of COVID-19 -- making it the world's third highest death toll behind only the United States and Brazil.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has got vaccinated against COVID-19 with an unspecified Russian-made vaccine. The Kremlin Tuesday told Russian news agencies that Putin was feeling well, however, declining to disclose details or provide photographs.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has got vaccinated against COVID-19 with an unspecified Russian-made vaccine. The Kremlin Tuesday told Russian news agencies that Putin was feeling well, however, declining to disclose details or provide photographs. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, earlier told reporters that the media would have to take the Kremlin's word for Putin's vaccination, adding the president did not like the idea of being vaccinated on camera. "We are deliberately not saying which shot the president will get, noting that all three Russian (-made) vaccines are absolutely reliable and effective," said Peskov. The Kremlin told Russian news agencies on Tuesday evening that the president had got the shot. "He has a full working day tomorrow," the RIA news agency's Kremlin pool cited the Kremlin as saying. Apart from Sputnik V, Moscow has also given emergency approval to two others, EpiVacCorona and CoviVac. Putin said on Monday that the decision to get vaccinated was a purely voluntary one for Russians. He said that 4.3 million Russians had so far got two shots of a vaccine, that vaccine production for domestic use was a priority, and that output needed to be ramped up. Over 200,000 Russians have so far died of COVID-19 -- making it the world's third highest death toll behind only the United States and Brazil.

Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details

India's visible leadership, rapid capability response, effective supplies to the needy and strong social discipline have all stood out during the COVID-19 pandemic, external affairs minister S Jaishankar told the WION Global Summit in Dubai on Wednesday.

India's visible leadership, rapid capability response, effective supplies to the needy and strong social discipline have all stood out during the COVID-19 pandemic, external affairs minister S Jaishankar told the WION Global Summit in Dubai on Wednesday. #WIONGlobalSummit 1 - Peace deals and the shifting sands of West Asia 2 - The post-pandemic world order 3 - World economy: The price of the pandemic 4 - Digital revolution: The world goes online https://t.co/dGyA9r66DG — WION (@WIONews) March 24, 2021 × “As a society for whom the world was a workplace, we mounted an unprecedented repatriation operation through the Vande Bharat Mission,” recalled Jaishankar, who was the chief guest at the fourth edition of the annual event. “Our domestic priorities were harmonised with our global outlook in the 'Vaccine Maitri' [vaccine diplomacy] that now extends to almost 80 nations,” he added. Alluding to the theme of the Global Summit, "Power Play in a Post-Pandemic World", he said power plays have always existed and will continue, but in a changed playing field. “Capabilities may be different, perhaps reputations as well. But the mother of all Black Swans will ensure that our very manner of thinking will be different,” he said, referring to the pandemic. #WIONGlobalSummit | India's visible leadership, rapid capability response, effective supplies to the needy and strong social discipline have all stood out during the COVID-19 pandemic, says @DrSJaishankar Follow LIVE updates here: https://t.co/YrCq0S02ze pic.twitter.com/YdxiwrRgP8 — WION (@WIONews) March 24, 2021 × "In an incredible and dynamic global situation, the pandemic has introduced many more variables, some of which came as a shock to the entire global system," he said. "The pandemic has raised fundamental concerns about the virtues of globalisation by bringing out the importance of reliable supply chains." “It has also brought out in the open the behaviour of states at times of stress, thereby highlighting the more uncomfortable realities of global politics," India's external affairs minister asserted. "It made us realise the quality of leadership and the strength of motivation. It has made health security and perhaps food security far more integral to national security of countries,” he said. The pandemic, he said, has accelerated digitisation, whether it is by work from home, delivery to the vulnerable, or monitoring the pandemic itself. “The full extent of these changes is still far from clear. But for sure, the world will be a different place than just wearing masks,” said Jaishankar. Outlining power plays that existed well beyond the pandemic, and could be a continuous factor in the evolution of the world order, he noted that multipolarity and rebalancing are the main characteristics of the current world order. “The first represents the emergence of more consequential players, as opposed to two major ones during the Cold War, one after that, and a few more thereafter in the making.” The second, rebalancing, not only captures the different weightage of players, but also the changes in our assessment of their importance and influence. “The process is set against backdrop of globalisation and debates around its merits,” he said. When it comes to power plays, the rise of China and to some extent of India is one part of the story, Jaishankar said. “Significant changes in American strategic posture are equally important, and not unconnected. The collective character of the West, including its alliance manifestations, is no longer the same. Historical players like Russia or Turkey or Iran are far more active in their near vicinity, in the case of Russia, well beyond.” He noted that the influence of middle powers has grown much more in a flatter world, making challenges and solutions far more regional than before, for example, in the Gulf. Africa and Latin America are more aware of their interests and more focused on pursuing them, he added. Globalisation has also come with its own constraints and dependence. The resulting anxieties have had both political and cultural expression, the minister said. “The game-changing nature of technology has had sweeping consequences, among them the growth and power of Big Tech. New metrics of power have emerged, such as connectivity,'' he pointed out. Complimenting WION for the summit, Jaishankar expressed confidence “that we will benefit from its exceptional coverage of global happenings.”

Post-pandemic world will be a different place than just wearing masks, says Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar

India reported 40,715 new COVID-19 cases, 29,785 recoveries, and 199 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday. With this, the total cases mounted to 1,16,86,796 including 3,45,377 active cases and 1,11,81,253 total recoveries.

The death toll has gone up to 1,60,166. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 9,67,459 samples were tested on March 22.A total of 23,54,13,233 samples had been tested up to March 22, ICMR said on Tuesday.

Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are reporting a surge in daily COVID-19 cases and together they account for 80.5 percent of the total new cases registered in the last 24 hours, informed the union health ministry on Monday.

As of day-66 of the vaccination drive, more than 4.72 Cr COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered. More than 19.65 lakh vaccine doses were given till 7 pm on Monday.&nbsp;

India reported 40,715 new COVID-19 cases, 29,785 recoveries, and 199 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday. With this, the total cases mounted to 1,16,86,796 including 3,45,377 active cases and 1,11,81,253 total recoveries.

India reported 40,715 new COVID-19 cases, 29,785 recoveries, and 199 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday. With this, the total cases mounted to 1,16,86,796 including 3,45,377 active cases and 1,11,81,253 total recoveries. The death toll has gone up to 1,60,166. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 9,67,459 samples were tested on March 22.A total of 23,54,13,233 samples had been tested up to March 22, ICMR said on Tuesday. Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are reporting a surge in daily COVID-19 cases and together they account for 80.5 percent of the total new cases registered in the last 24 hours, informed the union health ministry on Monday. As of day-66 of the vaccination drive, more than 4.72 Cr COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered. More than 19.65 lakh vaccine doses were given till 7 pm on Monday.

India reports 40,715 fresh COVID-19 cases, 199 deaths in last 24 hours

Italy's Neosperience has developed a way to detect Covid-19 infections by analysing a person's speech or cough, the software company said, sending its shares up more than 13% on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Neosperience President Dario Melpignano said the system, which detects sounds characteristic of the respiratory disease, was more than 80% accurate.&nbsp;

The project was developed with partners and by using artificial intelligence embedded in a cloud platform called Neosperience Health Cloud, which has already been used to analyse chest X-rays, the company said in a statement.&nbsp;

Neosperience's shares, listed on the Aim section of the Milan Bourse, were automatically suspended after rising 13.5% to 6.50 euros per share.&nbsp;

"It's just the beginning of a project that has incredible potential because the processing of this sort of data can be effectively used as a screening test," said Alessandro Nizardo Chailly, the chief executive of Neosperience's partner Capsula.&nbsp;

The recording and analysis model could help to detect and diagnose a wide range of pathogens, added Capsula's scientific adviser Giuseppe Andreoni.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Italy's Neosperience has developed a way to detect Covid-19 infections by analysing a person's speech or cough, the software company said, sending its shares up more than 13% on Tuesday.

Italy's Neosperience has developed a way to detect Covid-19 infections by analysing a person's speech or cough, the software company said, sending its shares up more than 13% on Tuesday. Neosperience President Dario Melpignano said the system, which detects sounds characteristic of the respiratory disease, was more than 80% accurate. The project was developed with partners and by using artificial intelligence embedded in a cloud platform called Neosperience Health Cloud, which has already been used to analyse chest X-rays, the company said in a statement. Neosperience's shares, listed on the Aim section of the Milan Bourse, were automatically suspended after rising 13.5% to 6.50 euros per share. "It's just the beginning of a project that has incredible potential because the processing of this sort of data can be effectively used as a screening test," said Alessandro Nizardo Chailly, the chief executive of Neosperience's partner Capsula. The recording and analysis model could help to detect and diagnose a wide range of pathogens, added Capsula's scientific adviser Giuseppe Andreoni. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy's software company finds way to detect Covid-19 from sound 

The overall number of global Covid-19 cases has surpassed 123.6 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.72 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. 
 
In its latest update on Tuesday morning, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 123,627,191 and 2,722,203, respectively. 
 
The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 29,867,412 and 542,888, respectively, according to the CSSE. 
 
Brazil follows in the second place with 12,047,526 cases and 295,425 fatalities. 
 
The other countries with more than 2 million confirmed coronavirus cases are India (11,646,081), Russia (4,416,226), France (4,358,910), the UK (4,315,602), Italy (3,390,181), Spain (3,228,803), Turkey (3,035,338), Germany (2,678,262), Colombia (2,342,278), Argentina (2,252,172), Mexico (2,195,772) and Poland (2,073,129), the CSSE figures showed. 
 
In terms of deaths, Mexico comes in the third place with 198,036 fatalities. 
 
Nations with a death toll of over 50,000 are India (159,967), the UK (126,411), Italy (105,328), Russia (93,812), France (92,776), Germany (74,824), Spain (73,543), Colombia (62,148), Iran (61,877), Argentina (54,671), South Africa (52,196) and Peru (50,198).

The overall number of global Covid-19 cases has surpassed 123.6 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.72 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

The overall number of global Covid-19 cases has surpassed 123.6 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.72 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on Tuesday morning, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 123,627,191 and 2,722,203, respectively. The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 29,867,412 and 542,888, respectively, according to the CSSE. Brazil follows in the second place with 12,047,526 cases and 295,425 fatalities. The other countries with more than 2 million confirmed coronavirus cases are India (11,646,081), Russia (4,416,226), France (4,358,910), the UK (4,315,602), Italy (3,390,181), Spain (3,228,803), Turkey (3,035,338), Germany (2,678,262), Colombia (2,342,278), Argentina (2,252,172), Mexico (2,195,772) and Poland (2,073,129), the CSSE figures showed. In terms of deaths, Mexico comes in the third place with 198,036 fatalities. Nations with a death toll of over 50,000 are India (159,967), the UK (126,411), Italy (105,328), Russia (93,812), France (92,776), Germany (74,824), Spain (73,543), Colombia (62,148), Iran (61,877), Argentina (54,671), South Africa (52,196) and Peru (50,198).

Global COVID-19 caseload tops 123.6 million

While the world rolls out coronavirus vaccines in the traditional form of injections, Israel and New Zealand may be looking at the future.

The countries have reportedly given interim approval for the sale of a nasal spray aimed at preventing COVID-19, the company announced on Monday. The spray is developed by SaNOtize Research and Development, and is called Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS).

The manufacturing of NONS has already begun in Israel under the brand name Enovid, being produced by SaNOtize’s partner Nectar Chempharma Solutions Ltd. If all goes as expected, the spray could be available for sale by summer!

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/nasal-spray-that-aims-to-fight-covid-19-other-respiratory-illness-gets-million-dollar-funding-344698" hreflang="en">Nasal spray that aims to fight Covid-19, other respiratory illness gets million-dollar funding</a>

SaNOtize has registered the nasal spray with New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority, effectively allowing the company to sell NONS over the counter.

Even then, NZ’s health ministry said that the product has not been approved as an anti-viral nasal spray.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/nasal-spray-prevents-covid-infection-in-ferrets-study-finds-340981" hreflang="en">Nasal spray prevents COVID infection in ferrets, study finds</a>

A hospital in the UK - Ashfrod and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Surrey, in collaboration with SaNOtize showed that the treatment was effective in preventing the transmission of COVID-19, and could also help in lowering its symptoms. In addition, they found that it prevents damage in those already infected.

SaNOtize’s chief science officer, Chris Miller said that the formulation of NONS for human use is designed to neutralise viruses in the upper airways, preventing further incubation and “spreading to the lungs”. SaNOtize is based in Vancouver, Canada.

While the world rolls out coronavirus vaccines in the traditional form of injections, Israel and New Zealand may be looking at the future. The countries have reportedly given interim approval for the sale of a nasal spray aimed at preventing COVID-19, the company announced on Monday.

While the world rolls out coronavirus vaccines in the traditional form of injections, Israel and New Zealand may be looking at the future. The countries have reportedly given interim approval for the sale of a nasal spray aimed at preventing COVID-19, the company announced on Monday. The spray is developed by SaNOtize Research and Development, and is called Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS). The manufacturing of NONS has already begun in Israel under the brand name Enovid, being produced by SaNOtize’s partner Nectar Chempharma Solutions Ltd. If all goes as expected, the spray could be available for sale by summer! Also read: Nasal spray that aims to fight Covid-19, other respiratory illness gets million-dollar funding SaNOtize has registered the nasal spray with New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority, effectively allowing the company to sell NONS over the counter. Even then, NZ’s health ministry said that the product has not been approved as an anti-viral nasal spray. Also read: Nasal spray prevents COVID infection in ferrets, study finds A hospital in the UK - Ashfrod and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Surrey, in collaboration with SaNOtize showed that the treatment was effective in preventing the transmission of COVID-19, and could also help in lowering its symptoms. In addition, they found that it prevents damage in those already infected. SaNOtize’s chief science officer, Chris Miller said that the formulation of NONS for human use is designed to neutralise viruses in the upper airways, preventing further incubation and “spreading to the lungs”. SaNOtize is based in Vancouver, Canada.

Israel, New Zealand give interim approval to anti-COVID nasal spray. How does it work?

The overall number of global Covid-19 cases has surpassed 123.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.71 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 123,135,920 and 2,714,606, respectively. 
 
The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 29,818,157 and 542,356, respectively, according to the CSSE. 
 
Brazil follows in the second place with 11,998,223 cases and 294,042 fatalities. 
 
The other countries with more than 2 million confirmed coronavirus cases are India (11,599,130), Russia (4,407,031), the UK (4,310,195), France (4,277,786), Italy (3,376,376), Spain (3,212,332), Turkey (3,013,122), Germany (2,670,001), Colombia (2,337,230), Argentina (2,245,771), Mexico (2,193,639) and Poland (2,058,550), the CSSE figures showed. 
 
In terms of deaths, Mexico comes in the third place with 197,827 fatalities. 
 
Nations with a death toll of over 50,000 are India (159,755), the UK (126,393), Italy (104,942), Russia (93,457), France (92,119), Germany (74,715), Spain (72,910), Colombia (62,028), Iran (61,797), Argentina (54,545), South Africa (52,111) and Peru (50,085).

The overall number of global Covid-19 cases has surpassed 123.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.71 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

The overall number of global Covid-19 cases has surpassed 123.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.71 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 123,135,920 and 2,714,606, respectively. The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 29,818,157 and 542,356, respectively, according to the CSSE. Brazil follows in the second place with 11,998,223 cases and 294,042 fatalities. The other countries with more than 2 million confirmed coronavirus cases are India (11,599,130), Russia (4,407,031), the UK (4,310,195), France (4,277,786), Italy (3,376,376), Spain (3,212,332), Turkey (3,013,122), Germany (2,670,001), Colombia (2,337,230), Argentina (2,245,771), Mexico (2,193,639) and Poland (2,058,550), the CSSE figures showed. In terms of deaths, Mexico comes in the third place with 197,827 fatalities. Nations with a death toll of over 50,000 are India (159,755), the UK (126,393), Italy (104,942), Russia (93,457), France (92,119), Germany (74,715), Spain (72,910), Colombia (62,028), Iran (61,797), Argentina (54,545), South Africa (52,111) and Peru (50,085).

Global COVID-19 caseload tops 123.1 million

Confidence in the safety of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine has taken a hit in European countries. After reports of rare blood clots made the news, people’s confidence in the vaccine dipped especially in Spain, Germany, France, and Italy, poll data shows.

YouGov conducted the poll which found that even by late February, Europeans were wary of the AstraZeneca jab, as opposed to vaccines made by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. Reports of blood clots from vaccines had severely damaged the public perception surrounding the vaccine.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-vaccine-european-union-drug-regulator-says-astrazeneca-jab-is-safe-371559/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Over the last two weeks, 13 European countries halted the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, which was developed in collaboration with Oxford University.

On Thursday, the European Medicines Agency conducted a review and said that the vaccine was safe and effective, and not directly linked to blood clots. Since then, many countries have resumed its use. Even then, the European regulator did not completely rule out any potential link to blood clots known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis or CVST.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/astrazeneca-clarifies-its-vaccine-has-no-pork-derived-ingredients-372044" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca clarifies its vaccine has no pork-derived ingredients</a>

The poll took into account 8,000 people across seven European countries between March 12 and 18 and found that people in France, Germany, Spain, and Italy where people now see the vaccine as unsafe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/two-cases-of-blood-clots-reported-after-astrazeneca-shot-in-denmark-371914" hreflang="en">Two cases of blood clots reported after AstraZeneca shot in Denmark</a>

The vaccine made by AstraZeneca was already unpopular, and now continues to dip in the eyes of people. 55 per cent Germans said that the vaccine is unsafe. In France, 61 per cent said that the vaccine remains unsafe, while in Italy and Spain 36 per cent and 38 per cent respectively deem the jab unsafe.

It is only in Britain that the blood clot concern had no effect on the vaccine’s rep, where 77 per cent people believe the shot is safe. In addition, 79 per cent Britons believe Pfizer is safe for use.

Confidence in the safety of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine has taken a hit in European countries. After reports of rare blood clots made the news, people’s confidence in the vaccine dipped especially in Spain, Germany, France, and Italy, poll data shows.

Confidence in the safety of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine has taken a hit in European countries. After reports of rare blood clots made the news, people’s confidence in the vaccine dipped especially in Spain, Germany, France, and Italy, poll data shows. YouGov conducted the poll which found that even by late February, Europeans were wary of the AstraZeneca jab, as opposed to vaccines made by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. Reports of blood clots from vaccines had severely damaged the public perception surrounding the vaccine. Over the last two weeks, 13 European countries halted the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, which was developed in collaboration with Oxford University. On Thursday, the European Medicines Agency conducted a review and said that the vaccine was safe and effective, and not directly linked to blood clots. Since then, many countries have resumed its use. Even then, the European regulator did not completely rule out any potential link to blood clots known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis or CVST. Also read: AstraZeneca clarifies its vaccine has no pork-derived ingredients The poll took into account 8,000 people across seven European countries between March 12 and 18 and found that people in France, Germany, Spain, and Italy where people now see the vaccine as unsafe. Also read: Two cases of blood clots reported after AstraZeneca shot in Denmark The vaccine made by AstraZeneca was already unpopular, and now continues to dip in the eyes of people. 55 per cent Germans said that the vaccine is unsafe. In France, 61 per cent said that the vaccine remains unsafe, while in Italy and Spain 36 per cent and 38 per cent respectively deem the jab unsafe. It is only in Britain that the blood clot concern had no effect on the vaccine’s rep, where 77 per cent people believe the shot is safe. In addition, 79 per cent Britons believe Pfizer is safe for use.

Public faith in AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine across Europe dips: Poll

Kartik Aaryan has tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp; 
 
The actor, on&nbsp;Monday,&nbsp;took to social media to inform that he has tested positive for Covid-19.&nbsp; "Positive ho gaya, Dua karo," Kartik shared on Instagram and Twitter, informing his fans about his health. 
 
&nbsp;

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The actor was currently shooting for&nbsp;&nbsp;'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2' along with Tabu and Kiara Advani. No news of any other person getting testing positive from the set is confirmed yet.&nbsp; 
 
Shoot for the Anees Bazmee directorial has already been delayed several times due to Covid. It is now being speculated that the shoot will again be halted with the lead actor falling sick. 
 
The film is a sequel to the 2007 film "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" and is slated to hit theatres in November. 
 
Besides this, Kartik will also be seen in the film 'Dhamaka'&nbsp;which will release on OTT. The actor will be seen playing&nbsp;the role of a news anchor in the film, who is covering the story of a mysterious bomb blast. The film has been directed by Ram Madhvani. 
 
Kartik is the latest celebrity who has tested positive in the recent timeline. Before him, Ranbir Kapoor, Tara Sutaria Manoj Bajpayee, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Ashish Vidyarthi have tested positive.

Kartik Aaryan has tested positive for coronavirus. The actor, on Monday, took to social media to inform that he has tested positive for Covid-19. "Positive ho gaya, Dua karo," Kartik shared on Instagram and Twitter, informing his fans about his health.

Kartik Aaryan has tested positive for coronavirus. The actor, on Monday, took to social media to inform that he has tested positive for Covid-19. "Positive ho gaya, Dua karo," Kartik shared on Instagram and Twitter, informing his fans about his health. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) × The actor was currently shooting for 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2' along with Tabu and Kiara Advani. No news of any other person getting testing positive from the set is confirmed yet. Shoot for the Anees Bazmee directorial has already been delayed several times due to Covid. It is now being speculated that the shoot will again be halted with the lead actor falling sick. The film is a sequel to the 2007 film "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" and is slated to hit theatres in November. Besides this, Kartik will also be seen in the film 'Dhamaka' which will release on OTT. The actor will be seen playing the role of a news anchor in the film, who is covering the story of a mysterious bomb blast. The film has been directed by Ram Madhvani. Kartik is the latest celebrity who has tested positive in the recent timeline. Before him, Ranbir Kapoor, Tara Sutaria Manoj Bajpayee, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Ashish Vidyarthi have tested positive.

Kartik Aaryan tests positive for coronavirus

India reported 43,846 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, the biggest daily jump in four months, as its richest state Maharashtra continued to account for more than half of the infections. 
 
Deaths rose by 197, the highest in more than two months, to 159,755, the health ministry reported. 
 
The rise in India’s COVID-19 cases peaked at nearly 100,000 a day in September, and had been falling steadily until late last month.

India reported 43,846 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, the biggest daily jump in four months, as its richest state Maharashtra continued to account for more than half of the infections.

India reported 43,846 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, the biggest daily jump in four months, as its richest state Maharashtra continued to account for more than half of the infections. Deaths rose by 197, the highest in more than two months, to 159,755, the health ministry reported. The rise in India’s COVID-19 cases peaked at nearly 100,000 a day in September, and had been falling steadily until late last month.

India's new daily coronavirus cases hit four-month high

Britain has hit a COVID-19 vaccination milestone with more than half of all adults having had at least one injection, health secretary Matt Hancock said on Saturday, making it the world’s first major economy to achieve that level of innoculation.

Britain’s vaccine roll-out, which has raced ahead of those in the European Union and the United States, means the country is on track to ease lockdown measures and re-open the economy in line with its plan, Hancock said.

“The vaccination programme is our route out of the pandemic,” Hancock told Sky News on Saturday. Official data showed 26.9 million had received a first dose of vaccine, up from 26.3 million the previous day.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who had AstraZeneca’s vaccine on Friday, tweeted “Let’s keep going” after the announcement that half of all adults had had a first shot.

Yet worries were also growing about a new wave of infections in continental Europe as cases rise in countries including Germany and France. A scientist who advises the government warned on Saturday that holidays abroad were “extremely unlikely” for most Britons this summer due to the risk of importing new variants of COVID-19.

Asked if infection rates elsewhere in Europe concerned him, Hancock said Britain had to stay vigilant but saw no threat to plans to gradually re-open shops, pubs and restaurants from April 12. “There is no sign that we won’t be able to make progress as set out in the roadmap,” Hancock said.

Britain’s vaccination roll-out, using the AstraZeneca and Pfizer jabs, is one of the fastest in the world. Israel tops the world in terms of the proportion of its population it has vaccinated, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Chile, then the UK.

By comparison, 23% of the U.S. population has received at least one dose of a vaccine, and less than a 10th of the EU population has been vaccinated.

<h2>ON TRACK FOR TARGETS</h2>

Britain’s government has said it is aiming to give at least one shot to everyone aged over 50 by mid-April and to every adult by the end of July, targets which Hancock said would be met.

Famous London landmarks like Westminister Abbey and the Science Museum as well as local mosques and football stadiums have hosted vaccine clinics.

The state-run health service also said that 2.1 million people, or 4% of the population, have had a second dose and almost 95% of people aged over 60 have been vaccinated.

The EU meanwhile is trying to get its vaccine programme back on track after at least 13 countries temporarily suspended the use of the AstraZeneca shot last week over safety concerns.

The European Medicines Agency has since said the benefits of protecting people outweighed the possible risks from the vaccine, but the damage to the AstraZeneca jab’s reputation could further slow the pace of the roll-out.

The struggle to secure vaccine supplies has left Britain and the EU at loggerheads over vaccine exports. The EU threatened to ban shipments to Britain on Wednesday.

Come April, Britain has warned its roll-out will slow due to a supply crunch caused by a delayed shipment from India and the need to retest one batch of vaccines.

Britain has hit a COVID-19 vaccination milestone with more than half of all adults having had at least one injection, health secretary Matt Hancock said on Saturday, making it the world’s first major economy to achieve that level of innoculation.

Britain has hit a COVID-19 vaccination milestone with more than half of all adults having had at least one injection, health secretary Matt Hancock said on Saturday, making it the world’s first major economy to achieve that level of innoculation. Britain’s vaccine roll-out, which has raced ahead of those in the European Union and the United States, means the country is on track to ease lockdown measures and re-open the economy in line with its plan, Hancock said. “The vaccination programme is our route out of the pandemic,” Hancock told Sky News on Saturday. Official data showed 26.9 million had received a first dose of vaccine, up from 26.3 million the previous day. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who had AstraZeneca’s vaccine on Friday, tweeted “Let’s keep going” after the announcement that half of all adults had had a first shot. Yet worries were also growing about a new wave of infections in continental Europe as cases rise in countries including Germany and France. A scientist who advises the government warned on Saturday that holidays abroad were “extremely unlikely” for most Britons this summer due to the risk of importing new variants of COVID-19. Asked if infection rates elsewhere in Europe concerned him, Hancock said Britain had to stay vigilant but saw no threat to plans to gradually re-open shops, pubs and restaurants from April 12. “There is no sign that we won’t be able to make progress as set out in the roadmap,” Hancock said. Britain’s vaccination roll-out, using the AstraZeneca and Pfizer jabs, is one of the fastest in the world. Israel tops the world in terms of the proportion of its population it has vaccinated, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Chile, then the UK. By comparison, 23% of the U.S. population has received at least one dose of a vaccine, and less than a 10th of the EU population has been vaccinated. ON TRACK FOR TARGETS Britain’s government has said it is aiming to give at least one shot to everyone aged over 50 by mid-April and to every adult by the end of July, targets which Hancock said would be met. Famous London landmarks like Westminister Abbey and the Science Museum as well as local mosques and football stadiums have hosted vaccine clinics. The state-run health service also said that 2.1 million people, or 4% of the population, have had a second dose and almost 95% of people aged over 60 have been vaccinated. The EU meanwhile is trying to get its vaccine programme back on track after at least 13 countries temporarily suspended the use of the AstraZeneca shot last week over safety concerns. The European Medicines Agency has since said the benefits of protecting people outweighed the possible risks from the vaccine, but the damage to the AstraZeneca jab’s reputation could further slow the pace of the roll-out. The struggle to secure vaccine supplies has left Britain and the EU at loggerheads over vaccine exports. The EU threatened to ban shipments to Britain on Wednesday. Come April, Britain has warned its roll-out will slow due to a supply crunch caused by a delayed shipment from India and the need to retest one batch of vaccines.

Britain hits milestone as half of all adults get first vaccine dose

As countries race against time to inoculate citizens for better protection from COVID-19, many countries are witnessing a resurgence of cases.

In France, the number of people kept in intensive care units has risen over the weekend. French hospitals recorded 66 new cases requiring ICU, taking the total to 4,353 - a record high for 2021.

The country’s health ministry revealed the numbers on March 20, suggesting an upsurge in the number of serious cases in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/frances-macron-urges-iran-to-stop-worsening-nuclear-crisis-371516" hreflang="en">France's Macron urges Iran to 'stop worsening' nuclear crisis</a>

Cases are rising in France again, increasing by 35,327 to reach a total of 4.25 million.&nbsp;On Wednesday alone, the country witnessed a surge of 35,088 cases. The death toll in the country rose by 185 to reach 92,167. On Thursday, the country had recorded 285 deaths.

In a statement, the country’s health ministry said that by Saturday, 6.14 million people had received the first shot of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/france-launches-new-digital-identity-cards-371240" hreflang="en">France launches new digital identity cards</a>

This implies that over&nbsp; 9.2 per cent of the total population had received their first shot, and 11.7 per cent of the adult population had received the first shot.

On Saturday, a third of French population was put under lockdown restrictions as the government attempts to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Paris and other parts of northern France.

As countries race against time to inoculate citizens for better protection from COVID-19, many countries are witnessing a resurgence of cases. In France, the number of people kept in intensive care units has risen over the weekend.

As countries race against time to inoculate citizens for better protection from COVID-19, many countries are witnessing a resurgence of cases. In France, the number of people kept in intensive care units has risen over the weekend. French hospitals recorded 66 new cases requiring ICU, taking the total to 4,353 - a record high for 2021. The country’s health ministry revealed the numbers on March 20, suggesting an upsurge in the number of serious cases in the country. Also read: France's Macron urges Iran to 'stop worsening' nuclear crisis Cases are rising in France again, increasing by 35,327 to reach a total of 4.25 million. On Wednesday alone, the country witnessed a surge of 35,088 cases. The death toll in the country rose by 185 to reach 92,167. On Thursday, the country had recorded 285 deaths. In a statement, the country’s health ministry said that by Saturday, 6.14 million people had received the first shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. Also read: France launches new digital identity cards This implies that over 9.2 per cent of the total population had received their first shot, and 11.7 per cent of the adult population had received the first shot. On Saturday, a third of French population was put under lockdown restrictions as the government attempts to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Paris and other parts of northern France.

France reports record patients in intensive care as cases rise

Several European countries introduced new lockdown measures Saturday as they battled surging coronavirus infections, while Tokyo Olympics organisers were forced to announce an "unavoidable" ban on overseas fans to keep the Games safe.

Residents in Poland, parts of France and Ukraine's capital Ukraine all faced new restrictions, with most shops shut and people urged to work from home.&nbsp;

Elsewhere in Europe, frustrations with Covid-19 curbs were spilling over, with scuffles breaking out at a large anti-restrictions protest in the German city of Kassel, and thousands joining similar demonstrations in Liestal, Switzerland and London.

"End the lockdown" and "Corona rebels", read signs held by demonstrators at the protest in Kassel, which was organised by a group that has drawn in activists from both the far-left and far-right as well as anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theorists.

In Africa, Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina reiterated his own vaccine scepticism, adding that it would be an untested herbal remedy he has previously touted "that will protect me and my family".&nbsp;

The pandemic is still speeding up worldwide, with the number of new Covid-19 infections rising globally by 14 percent over the past week, according to AFP data.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan became the latest world leader to test positive -- two days after receiving China's Sinopharm vaccine.&nbsp;

The former cricketing legend is self-isolating with mild symptoms, his spokesman said.

- France's 'lockdown-lite' -

More than a third of France's population is now under a renewed lockdown as the country, along with several European neighbours, battles a third wave of the virus. &nbsp;

But the curbs are lighter than those enforced at the height of the pandemic last year, with schools remaining open and hairdressers, shoemakers and chocolate shops added to an expanded list of businesses allowed to accept customers.

The government has also scrapped the forms once required to justify all trips outside the home, which were widely derided as an example of excessive French bureaucracy.

On the sunny banks of the River Seine, some Parisians questioned whether the restrictions could really be described as a "lockdown" at all. &nbsp;

"I can't see any change, apart from the closed shops," said a resident named Philippe, strolling with his daughter in the midst of cyclists and joggers.&nbsp;

- AstraZeneca row escalates -

The row over AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine meanwhile shows no signs of abating, with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen threatening to halt exports of the jab if the bloc does not receive its deliveries first.

The Anglo-Swedish pharma giant has delivered only 30 percent of the 90 million vaccine doses it had promised for the first quarter of the year, blaming production delays at its EU plants.

"We have the option of banning a planned export. That's the message to AstraZeneca: you fulfil your contract with Europe first before you start delivering to other countries," von der Leyen told Germany's Funke media group.

European officials are furious that AstraZeneca has fallen short on the continent while fully delivering on its UK commitments -- something that has allowed the recently-departed EU member to give half of its adult population at least one jab as of Saturday.

AstraZeneca has also had to contend with worries that its jab may cause blood clots, with more than a dozen countries pausing its use recently.

Several European countries including Germany and Italy resumed AstraZeneca vaccinations Friday after an all-clear from EU regulators and the World Health Organization.

But Scandinavian nations Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland have all said they want more information before deploying the vaccine again.

Seeking to reassure their populations, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his French counterpart Jean Castex both received a dose of AstraZeneca on Friday.

"I literally did not feel a thing. It was very good, very quick," said Johnson who became seriously ill from Covid-19 last year.

Brazil, meanwhile, said it was in talks with the US to import Covid-19 vaccines that Washington is not currently using and has already vowed to share with Mexico and Canada.

- Foreign fans banned from Olympics -

With more than 400 million vaccine doses already injected globally, organisers of the Tokyo Olympics had previously billed this summer's Games as a chance to provide "proof of humanity's triumph over the virus".

But on Saturday, Olympics chiefs announced that overseas fans would be banned as it remains too risky to invite large international crowds to Japan.

"We have to ensure a safe and secure environment for all the participants," said Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto. "It was an unavoidable decision."

The unprecedented ban will make the Tokyo Games the first ever without overseas spectators.

Several European countries introduced new lockdown measures Saturday as they battled surging coronavirus infections, while Tokyo Olympics organisers were forced to announce an "unavoidable" ban on overseas fans to keep the Games safe.

Several European countries introduced new lockdown measures Saturday as they battled surging coronavirus infections, while Tokyo Olympics organisers were forced to announce an "unavoidable" ban on overseas fans to keep the Games safe. Residents in Poland, parts of France and Ukraine's capital Ukraine all faced new restrictions, with most shops shut and people urged to work from home. Elsewhere in Europe, frustrations with Covid-19 curbs were spilling over, with scuffles breaking out at a large anti-restrictions protest in the German city of Kassel, and thousands joining similar demonstrations in Liestal, Switzerland and London. "End the lockdown" and "Corona rebels", read signs held by demonstrators at the protest in Kassel, which was organised by a group that has drawn in activists from both the far-left and far-right as well as anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theorists. In Africa, Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina reiterated his own vaccine scepticism, adding that it would be an untested herbal remedy he has previously touted "that will protect me and my family". The pandemic is still speeding up worldwide, with the number of new Covid-19 infections rising globally by 14 percent over the past week, according to AFP data. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan became the latest world leader to test positive -- two days after receiving China's Sinopharm vaccine. The former cricketing legend is self-isolating with mild symptoms, his spokesman said. - France's 'lockdown-lite' - More than a third of France's population is now under a renewed lockdown as the country, along with several European neighbours, battles a third wave of the virus. But the curbs are lighter than those enforced at the height of the pandemic last year, with schools remaining open and hairdressers, shoemakers and chocolate shops added to an expanded list of businesses allowed to accept customers. The government has also scrapped the forms once required to justify all trips outside the home, which were widely derided as an example of excessive French bureaucracy. On the sunny banks of the River Seine, some Parisians questioned whether the restrictions could really be described as a "lockdown" at all. "I can't see any change, apart from the closed shops," said a resident named Philippe, strolling with his daughter in the midst of cyclists and joggers. - AstraZeneca row escalates - The row over AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine meanwhile shows no signs of abating, with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen threatening to halt exports of the jab if the bloc does not receive its deliveries first. The Anglo-Swedish pharma giant has delivered only 30 percent of the 90 million vaccine doses it had promised for the first quarter of the year, blaming production delays at its EU plants. "We have the option of banning a planned export. That's the message to AstraZeneca: you fulfil your contract with Europe first before you start delivering to other countries," von der Leyen told Germany's Funke media group. European officials are furious that AstraZeneca has fallen short on the continent while fully delivering on its UK commitments -- something that has allowed the recently-departed EU member to give half of its adult population at least one jab as of Saturday. AstraZeneca has also had to contend with worries that its jab may cause blood clots, with more than a dozen countries pausing its use recently. Several European countries including Germany and Italy resumed AstraZeneca vaccinations Friday after an all-clear from EU regulators and the World Health Organization. But Scandinavian nations Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland have all said they want more information before deploying the vaccine again. Seeking to reassure their populations, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his French counterpart Jean Castex both received a dose of AstraZeneca on Friday. "I literally did not feel a thing. It was very good, very quick," said Johnson who became seriously ill from Covid-19 last year. Brazil, meanwhile, said it was in talks with the US to import Covid-19 vaccines that Washington is not currently using and has already vowed to share with Mexico and Canada. - Foreign fans banned from Olympics - With more than 400 million vaccine doses already injected globally, organisers of the Tokyo Olympics had previously billed this summer's Games as a chance to provide "proof of humanity's triumph over the virus". But on Saturday, Olympics chiefs announced that overseas fans would be banned as it remains too risky to invite large international crowds to Japan. "We have to ensure a safe and secure environment for all the participants," said Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto. "It was an unavoidable decision." The unprecedented ban will make the Tokyo Games the first ever without overseas spectators.

New lockdowns in Europe, overseas fans banned at Tokyo Olympics

With over 7,000 coronavirus cases, Chile records its highest daily infections. The country is seeing an alarming rise in Covid-19 hospitalisations, breaking the June 2020 record.

Chile: Highest daily surge in COVID-19 cases

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. Imran Khan got vaccinated with the first dose of the Chinese vaccine Sinopham on Thursday.

Pakistani PM Imran Khan tested positive for Covid-19

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