Researchers in Australia have made a groundbreaking discovery that could shed light on why some people become seriously ill with COVID-19 while others never show symptoms. The team, led by Professor Greg Neely of the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, in collaboration with Dr Lipin Loo and Matthew Waller, have discovered a protein in the lungs that sticks to the COVID-19 virus, immobilizing it in a way that is similar to velcro. The findings, published in the journal PLOS Biology, could have implications for the development of drugs that can block viral infections and suppress lung fibrosis, which can be caused by COVID-19.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Did the US help China cover up Covid-19 outbreak?

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<h2>How did scientists find the&nbsp;LRRC15 protein?</h2>

The researchers used human cells in tissue culture and the genetic engineering tool, CRISPR, to search the entire human genome for proteins that can bind to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The process allowed them to find a new receptor protein called LRRC15, which appears to be part of a new immune barrier that helps protect against serious COVID-19 infections.

<h2>Did&nbsp;LRRC15 protein protect patients from dying?</h2>

While patients who died from COVID-19 produced LRRC15, the researchers believe that not enough of the protein was produced to be protective, or that it was produced too late to help. A separate study from London found that blood samples with LRRC15 were lower in patients with severe COVID compared to patients with mild COVID, supporting the theory that higher levels of LRRC15 would result in less severe disease.

<h2>Important discovery for developing medicine</h2>

LRRC15 is also expressed in fibroblast cells, which control lung fibrosis, and the discovery could have implications for long COVID. Currently, there are no good treatments for lung fibrosis, but Neely believes that the discovery of LRRC15 could change this. “We can now use this new receptor to design broad-acting drugs that can block viral infection or even suppress lung fibrosis,” Neely said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-drops-covid-19-vaccine-mandate-for-travellers-singapore-japan-also-relax-travel-curbs-560209">US drops COVID-19 vaccine mandate for travellers; Singapore, Japan also relax travel curbs</a>

The discovery is a powerful example of what can happen when teams work together in Australia, according to Professor Stuart Turville, a virologist with the Kirby Institute at the University of New South Wales. The research adds to our understanding of innate immunity, which is the hard-wired response humans have when a virus appears. Understanding these pathways is important as they enable us to put the brakes on a virus, so other parts of the immune system can respond.

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Researchers in Australia have made a groundbreaking discovery that could shed light on why some people become seriously ill with COVID-19 while others never show symptoms.

Researchers in Australia have made a groundbreaking discovery that could shed light on why some people become seriously ill with COVID-19 while others never show symptoms. The team, led by Professor Greg Neely of the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, in collaboration with Dr Lipin Loo and Matthew Waller, have discovered a protein in the lungs that sticks to the COVID-19 virus, immobilizing it in a way that is similar to velcro. The findings, published in the journal PLOS Biology, could have implications for the development of drugs that can block viral infections and suppress lung fibrosis, which can be caused by COVID-19. Watch: Gravitas: Did the US help China cover up Covid-19 outbreak? × How did scientists find the LRRC15 protein? The researchers used human cells in tissue culture and the genetic engineering tool, CRISPR, to search the entire human genome for proteins that can bind to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The process allowed them to find a new receptor protein called LRRC15, which appears to be part of a new immune barrier that helps protect against serious COVID-19 infections. Did LRRC15 protein protect patients from dying? While patients who died from COVID-19 produced LRRC15, the researchers believe that not enough of the protein was produced to be protective, or that it was produced too late to help. A separate study from London found that blood samples with LRRC15 were lower in patients with severe COVID compared to patients with mild COVID, supporting the theory that higher levels of LRRC15 would result in less severe disease. Important discovery for developing medicine LRRC15 is also expressed in fibroblast cells, which control lung fibrosis, and the discovery could have implications for long COVID. Currently, there are no good treatments for lung fibrosis, but Neely believes that the discovery of LRRC15 could change this. “We can now use this new receptor to design broad-acting drugs that can block viral infection or even suppress lung fibrosis,” Neely said. Also Read | US drops COVID-19 vaccine mandate for travellers; Singapore, Japan also relax travel curbs The discovery is a powerful example of what can happen when teams work together in Australia, according to Professor Stuart Turville, a virologist with the Kirby Institute at the University of New South Wales. The research adds to our understanding of innate immunity, which is the hard-wired response humans have when a virus appears. Understanding these pathways is important as they enable us to put the brakes on a virus, so other parts of the immune system can respond. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Australian scientists FINALLY solve the COVID-19 puzzle; discover lung protein that can kill the virus

After dystopic scenes were reported in the last two months of 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in China, the situation has considerably improved. Despite a busy festival season that included the Chinese New Year travel rush, cases in the country have not witnessed a major uptick.&nbsp;

China's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggested&nbsp;the number of infections peaked in mid-December last year and since have plateaued.&nbsp;

"There has not been an obvious rebound in Covid cases during the Lunar New Year holidays," said CDC.&nbsp;

The data showed that 6.94 million daily cases were reported on December 22 which had plunged to 30,000 on January 30.&nbsp;

The number of people hospitalised also reached a peak of 1.6 million in January, which has now trickled down to 144,000 as of January 30 figures.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/about-900-million-in-china-infected-with-covid-chinese-university-study-552374">Read more:&nbsp;About 900 million in China infected with Covid: Chinese university study</a>

Xi Jinping and his government&nbsp;was long advised by countries across to give up on the draconian 'zero-Covid' policy. However, an adamant Jinping stuck to the policy which backfired promptly.&nbsp;

An unprecedented number of cases were reported across the country as overflowing hospitals could not contain the spread. Ordinary people were forced to live in attritional conditions as the situation turned pear-shaped.&nbsp;

After much criticism, Jinping finally caved in and on December 7, the zero-Covid policy was abruptly abandoned.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-bogus-vaccines-how-china-fooled-the-world-543838">Gravitas: China's bogus vaccines: How China fooled the world</a>

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Since then,&nbsp;no new variant of Covid has emerged - suggesting that herd immunity had&nbsp;been achieved to some extent.&nbsp;

A new study conducted by Chinese researchers analysing 413 samples showed that there is no evidence that 'novel variants' have emerged.&nbsp;

BF.7 and BA5.2, Omicron subvariants remain the dominant variants, accounting for more than 90 per cent of the cases.&nbsp;

"Our analysis suggests two known Omicron sub-variants,&nbsp;rather than any new variants have chiefly been responsible for the current surge in Beijing, and likely China as a whole," said one of the lead authors of the study.&nbsp;

After the cases started to grow in China, fears were cast that another bout of the pandemic was around the corner. Several countries imposed fresh travel restrictions citing a lack of transparency from the Chinese authorities.&nbsp;

However, the dip in numbers and absence of any notable variant is expected to simmer down the apprehensions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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After dystopic scenes were reported in the last two months of 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in China, the situation has considerably improved. Despite a busy festival season that included the Chinese New Year travel rush, cases in the country have not witnessed a major uptick.

After dystopic scenes were reported in the last two months of 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in China, the situation has considerably improved. Despite a busy festival season that included the Chinese New Year travel rush, cases in the country have not witnessed a major uptick. China's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggested the number of infections peaked in mid-December last year and since have plateaued. "There has not been an obvious rebound in Covid cases during the Lunar New Year holidays," said CDC. The data showed that 6.94 million daily cases were reported on December 22 which had plunged to 30,000 on January 30. The number of people hospitalised also reached a peak of 1.6 million in January, which has now trickled down to 144,000 as of January 30 figures. Read more: About 900 million in China infected with Covid: Chinese university study Xi Jinping and his government was long advised by countries across to give up on the draconian 'zero-Covid' policy. However, an adamant Jinping stuck to the policy which backfired promptly. An unprecedented number of cases were reported across the country as overflowing hospitals could not contain the spread. Ordinary people were forced to live in attritional conditions as the situation turned pear-shaped. After much criticism, Jinping finally caved in and on December 7, the zero-Covid policy was abruptly abandoned. Gravitas: China's bogus vaccines: How China fooled the world Since then, no new variant of Covid has emerged - suggesting that herd immunity had been achieved to some extent. A new study conducted by Chinese researchers analysing 413 samples showed that there is no evidence that 'novel variants' have emerged. BF.7 and BA5.2, Omicron subvariants remain the dominant variants, accounting for more than 90 per cent of the cases. "Our analysis suggests two known Omicron sub-variants, rather than any new variants have chiefly been responsible for the current surge in Beijing, and likely China as a whole," said one of the lead authors of the study. After the cases started to grow in China, fears were cast that another bout of the pandemic was around the corner. Several countries imposed fresh travel restrictions citing a lack of transparency from the Chinese authorities. However, the dip in numbers and absence of any notable variant is expected to simmer down the apprehensions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After China abandons 'zero-Covid' policy, cases drop, new variants stop emerging

The border between Hong Kong and China fully reopened for the first time in three years, on Monday (February 6), as the city’s main focus remains on a campaign to rebuild its economy and tourism after years of Covid-isolation. The opening marks a step in Hong Kong’s bid to rebuild its reputation of being a business hub which connects mainland China to the rest of the world. This comes after the city witnessed some of the strictest and comparatively long imposition of Covid-19-related restrictions.&nbsp;

Hong Kong has since dropped its daily quotas and testing requirements as well as opened all boundary checkpoints which have freed visitors from some of the world’s stringent Covid-19-related travel measures. Additionally, the city also dropped its mandatory Covid&nbsp;test that was required before travelling and lifted the ban on unvaccinated travellers from anywhere in the world. This comes days after Chief Executive John Lee unveiled a campaign which would revive Hong Kong’s economy and welcome back visitors which also aims to attract new investments.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-is-giving-away-free-air-tickets-heres-how-to-get-your-hands-on-them-558522">Hong Kong is giving away free air tickets. Here's how to lay your hands on them</a>

According to a report in the South China Morning Post, this also includes a bid to convince oil giant Saudi Aramco and its units to consider a secondary listing in Hong Kong. After the borders were opened the city saw a surge in the number of travellers where around 22,000 passengers used the previously closed border checkpoint at the Lo Wu station by Monday afternoon, said the city’s MTR Corp in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-to-fully-reopen-borders-with-hong-kong-macau-from-february-6-558540">China to fully reopen borders with Hong Kong, Macau from February 6</a>

Additionally, dozens of passengers stuck colourful post-it notes on a red wall outside the Lo Wu checkpoint while there were hundreds of red lanterns and large red banners outside the Shenzhen checkpoint to celebrate the resumption of services. The promotion campaign dubbed “Hello Hong Kong” also includes incentives like distributing 500,000 free flights to travellers which is yet to be done.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trial-begins-for-47-pro-democracy-voices-in-hong-kong-charged-under-draconian-national-security-law-559034">Trial begins for 47 pro-democracy voices in Hong Kong, protests take place outside court</a>

According to a report by Bloomberg, mainland visitors to Hong Kong could rebound to 78 per cent of 2019 levels this year after the restrictions have been lifted. Last year, the city witnessed an uptick in the number of cases due to the omicron variant which also caused a wave of deaths among unvaccinated elderly and resulted in one of the deadliest outbreaks globally. This also comes on the day that the city begins its mass trial for prominent pro-democracy figures in what may be Hong Kong’s largest national security case to date.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The border between Hong Kong and China fully reopened for the first time in three years, on Monday (February 6), as the city’s main focus remains on a campaign to rebuild its economy and tourism after years of Covid-isolation.

The border between Hong Kong and China fully reopened for the first time in three years, on Monday (February 6), as the city’s main focus remains on a campaign to rebuild its economy and tourism after years of Covid-isolation. The opening marks a step in Hong Kong’s bid to rebuild its reputation of being a business hub which connects mainland China to the rest of the world. This comes after the city witnessed some of the strictest and comparatively long imposition of Covid-19-related restrictions. Hong Kong has since dropped its daily quotas and testing requirements as well as opened all boundary checkpoints which have freed visitors from some of the world’s stringent Covid-19-related travel measures. Additionally, the city also dropped its mandatory Covid test that was required before travelling and lifted the ban on unvaccinated travellers from anywhere in the world. This comes days after Chief Executive John Lee unveiled a campaign which would revive Hong Kong’s economy and welcome back visitors which also aims to attract new investments. ALSO READ | Hong Kong is giving away free air tickets. Here's how to lay your hands on them According to a report in the South China Morning Post, this also includes a bid to convince oil giant Saudi Aramco and its units to consider a secondary listing in Hong Kong. After the borders were opened the city saw a surge in the number of travellers where around 22,000 passengers used the previously closed border checkpoint at the Lo Wu station by Monday afternoon, said the city’s MTR Corp in a statement. ALSO WATCH | China to fully reopen borders with Hong Kong, Macau from February 6 Additionally, dozens of passengers stuck colourful post-it notes on a red wall outside the Lo Wu checkpoint while there were hundreds of red lanterns and large red banners outside the Shenzhen checkpoint to celebrate the resumption of services. The promotion campaign dubbed “Hello Hong Kong” also includes incentives like distributing 500,000 free flights to travellers which is yet to be done. ALSO READ | Trial begins for 47 pro-democracy voices in Hong Kong, protests take place outside court According to a report by Bloomberg, mainland visitors to Hong Kong could rebound to 78 per cent of 2019 levels this year after the restrictions have been lifted. Last year, the city witnessed an uptick in the number of cases due to the omicron variant which also caused a wave of deaths among unvaccinated elderly and resulted in one of the deadliest outbreaks globally. This also comes on the day that the city begins its mass trial for prominent pro-democracy figures in what may be Hong Kong’s largest national security case to date. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong-China border reopens for the first time in three years as city looks to rebuild economy

The health authorities of China said that the peak of the Covid wave has passed and that there has been a rapid decline in deaths and severe cases in hospitals, however, experts are still wary of official data shared by the government.&nbsp;

China’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) stated that there was a peak in the number of patients suffering from Covid-19 in January's first week, however, the cases declined rapidly by more than 70%. According to the data, the number of deaths also peaked at its highest level that week.&nbsp;

Director of the centre for global health at Oregon University Prof Chi Chun-huei said that the authorities have incentivised via rewards and punishments to under-report figures of patients infected with coronavirus, &nbsp;during the zero-Covid policy.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/daily-covid-deaths-in-china-down-by-nearly-80-say-authorities-556065">Daily Covid deaths in China down by nearly 80%, say authorities</a>

He added that after the policy was removed, the authorities were incentivised to exaggerate under-report deaths and infection rates.

“Most international experts know this very well – China’s statistics are very unreliable,” he stated.&nbsp;

In recent months, China has been swept by Covid cases which escalated rapidly after the zero-Covid policy was suddenly removed by the government in early December 2022. A senior health official had last week stated that 80% of people were infected by Covid-19 in this wave.

WATCH | Gravitas: Why factories in China are shutting down

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As per the data, on January 5 128,000 critically ill patients of Covid-19 were admitted to Chinese hospitals, which was the highest number reported in this wave.&nbsp;

During the new year, a peak in the number of patients admitted to hospitals was reported with around 10,000 new critically ill cases being reported every day from December 27 &nbsp;to January 3.&nbsp;

According to the report, by January 23, the total number of patients who were critically ill had declined by 72% to about 36,000.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The health authorities of China said that the peak of the Covid wave has passed and that there has been a rapid decline in deaths and severe cases in hospitals, however, experts are still wary of official data shared by the government.

The health authorities of China said that the peak of the Covid wave has passed and that there has been a rapid decline in deaths and severe cases in hospitals, however, experts are still wary of official data shared by the government. China’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) stated that there was a peak in the number of patients suffering from Covid-19 in January's first week, however, the cases declined rapidly by more than 70%. According to the data, the number of deaths also peaked at its highest level that week. Director of the centre for global health at Oregon University Prof Chi Chun-huei said that the authorities have incentivised via rewards and punishments to under-report figures of patients infected with coronavirus, during the zero-Covid policy. ALSO READ | Daily Covid deaths in China down by nearly 80%, say authorities He added that after the policy was removed, the authorities were incentivised to exaggerate under-report deaths and infection rates. “Most international experts know this very well – China’s statistics are very unreliable,” he stated. In recent months, China has been swept by Covid cases which escalated rapidly after the zero-Covid policy was suddenly removed by the government in early December 2022. A senior health official had last week stated that 80% of people were infected by Covid-19 in this wave. WATCH | Gravitas: Why factories in China are shutting down As per the data, on January 5 128,000 critically ill patients of Covid-19 were admitted to Chinese hospitals, which was the highest number reported in this wave. During the new year, a peak in the number of patients admitted to hospitals was reported with around 10,000 new critically ill cases being reported every day from December 27 to January 3. According to the report, by January 23, the total number of patients who were critically ill had declined by 72% to about 36,000. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Covid wave past its peak, deaths declining rapidly, claims China

The chances of China facing a major Covid-19 rebound in the coming next two or three months is unlikely as 80 per cent of the country's population has already been infected by the virus, said a senior government scientist on Saturday.&nbsp;The pandemic may spread widely and increase infections in a few areas due to people's mass movement during the country's ongoing Lunar New Year holiday season, however, China is less likely to face a second Covid wave in the near term, claimed China Centre for Disease Control and Prevention's chief epidemiologist Wu Zunyou on the Weibo social media platform.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/about-900-million-in-china-infected-with-covid-chinese-university-study-552374">About 900 million in China infected with Covid: Chinese university study</a>

Across China, millions of Chinese citizens have been travelling for holiday reunions after the Covid-19 curbs were recently eased, which raised fears of fresh Covid-19 outbreaks in the country's rural areas, which are not well-equipped to handle massive surge in infections.

The peak of the number of coronavirus patients admitted in emergency rooms, fever clinics and in critical conditions has already passed in China, said a National Health Commission official on Thursday.

WATCH | China Covid: WHO says China reports big jump in Covid hospitalisations by 70%

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As per the government data, around 60,000 Covid-19 patients have died in hospital till January 12, almost a month after the zero-Covid policy was abruptly scrapped by the Chinese government.

However, some experts stated that the figure given by the government is an undercount of the complete impact, as it fails to include many people who died at home, and because various doctors have accepted that they were discouraged from writing Covid-19 as the cause of death.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The chances of China facing a major Covid-19 rebound in the coming next two or three months is unlikely as 80 per cent of the country's population has already been infected by the virus, said a senior government scientist on Saturday.

The chances of China facing a major Covid-19 rebound in the coming next two or three months is unlikely as 80 per cent of the country's population has already been infected by the virus, said a senior government scientist on Saturday. The pandemic may spread widely and increase infections in a few areas due to people's mass movement during the country's ongoing Lunar New Year holiday season, however, China is less likely to face a second Covid wave in the near term, claimed China Centre for Disease Control and Prevention's chief epidemiologist Wu Zunyou on the Weibo social media platform. ALSO READ | About 900 million in China infected with Covid: Chinese university study Across China, millions of Chinese citizens have been travelling for holiday reunions after the Covid-19 curbs were recently eased, which raised fears of fresh Covid-19 outbreaks in the country's rural areas, which are not well-equipped to handle massive surge in infections. The peak of the number of coronavirus patients admitted in emergency rooms, fever clinics and in critical conditions has already passed in China, said a National Health Commission official on Thursday. WATCH | China Covid: WHO says China reports big jump in Covid hospitalisations by 70% As per the government data, around 60,000 Covid-19 patients have died in hospital till January 12, almost a month after the zero-Covid policy was abruptly scrapped by the Chinese government. However, some experts stated that the figure given by the government is an undercount of the complete impact, as it fails to include many people who died at home, and because various doctors have accepted that they were discouraged from writing Covid-19 as the cause of death. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chances of Covid-19 rebound unlikely, 80% of population in China already infected: Scientist

Data published by the Ifo Institute on Friday revealed that around 180,000 more people died in Germany during the three years of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as compared to what would have been expected.&nbsp;On its website, the research institution mentioned that the excess mortality rate per 100,000 people was 640 in the 80+ age group and 92 in the age group 60 to 79 years.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that 116,000 more people died&nbsp;in the 80+ age group alone, than would have been usual, while the figure in the 60 to 79 age group was 51,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There were 12,000 additional deaths in the large age group of 30 to 59 years, while among the 0 to 29-year-olds, there were only around 900.&nbsp;

The website mentioned that in the two younger age groups, the relative excess mortality was much lower, namely 12 and 1.&nbsp;

As quoted by the website, Joachim Ragnitz, who is the deputy head of the Dresden branch of the Ifo, said: "The elderly were particularly poorly protected."&nbsp;

"It is surprising that excess mortality accelerated again in 2022. The exact reasons for this are still unclear. The heat waves in the summer and the flu outbreaks at the end of the year may also have played a role," Ragnitz added.&nbsp;

In order to calculate the expected number of deaths, the Ifo Institute calculated the average for the years 2016 to 2019 before the Covid period and adjusted it for changes in the age structure and increasing life expectancy.

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Data published by the Ifo Institute on Friday revealed that around 180,000 more people died in Germany during the three years of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as compared to what would have been expected.

Data published by the Ifo Institute on Friday revealed that around 180,000 more people died in Germany during the three years of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as compared to what would have been expected. On its website, the research institution mentioned that the excess mortality rate per 100,000 people was 640 in the 80+ age group and 92 in the age group 60 to 79 years. The report mentioned that 116,000 more people died in the 80+ age group alone, than would have been usual, while the figure in the 60 to 79 age group was 51,000. There were 12,000 additional deaths in the large age group of 30 to 59 years, while among the 0 to 29-year-olds, there were only around 900. The website mentioned that in the two younger age groups, the relative excess mortality was much lower, namely 12 and 1. As quoted by the website, Joachim Ragnitz, who is the deputy head of the Dresden branch of the Ifo, said: "The elderly were particularly poorly protected." "It is surprising that excess mortality accelerated again in 2022. The exact reasons for this are still unclear. The heat waves in the summer and the flu outbreaks at the end of the year may also have played a role," Ragnitz added. In order to calculate the expected number of deaths, the Ifo Institute calculated the average for the years 2016 to 2019 before the Covid period and adjusted it for changes in the age structure and increasing life expectancy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Germany: Around 180,000 more people died than expected during Covid pandemic

Poised to be New Zealand’s next prime minister, Mr. Chris Hipkins became a household name leading the nation’s closed-border crackdown on Covid-19 and is seen as a “tough and capable” politician.

Former Covid-19 response minister set to become next New Zealand PM

Premier League has emerged as the most financially dominant league in the world after 11 of the world's 20 highest-earning clubs were reported to be coming from the English top flight, according to the latest annual Football Money League report by Deloitte.&nbsp;

The 'Big Six' Premier League clubs comprising the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal found themselves in the top 10.

Meanwhile, clubs such as West ham United (15th), Leicester City (17th), Leeds United (18th), Everton (19th) and Newcastle (20th) remained the others on the list.&nbsp;

The list was topped for a second consecutive year by Manchester City with total revenue of $790.65 million, followed by Real Madrid with $772 mn and Liverpool with $760 mn.&nbsp;

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Deloitte Football Money League 2023 Revenues of Top Clubs. <a href="https://t.co/xzL4OnAWCd">pic.twitter.com/xzL4OnAWCd</a>
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Liverpool's revenue increased by a staggering 27 per cent compared to the last year. They moved four places from seventh to third to achieve the highest-ever position.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Notably, the Merseyside club has overtaken their rivals Manchester United for the first time. The Reds also broke another record in matchday attendance fees - raking in as much as&nbsp;$108 million as fans returned to Anfield, after a Covid-induced&nbsp;hiatus.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pornographic-moans-during-live-football-telecast-forces-bbc-to-issue-an-apology-553740">Read more:&nbsp;Pornographic moans during live football telecast force BBC to issue an apology</a>

The report added that Premier League was the only league across the European continent to have witnessed an increase in its media rights value.&nbsp;

"It continues to appeal to millions of global followers and its member clubs have a greater revenue advantage over international rivals,"&nbsp;Tim Bridge, lead partner in Deloitte's Sports Business Group was quoted as saying by ESPN.&nbsp;

While Premier League clubs minted millions, the La Liga teams such as Barcelona and Real Madrid failed to recover revenue to their pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp;

Top 10 revenue-generating clubs:

1) Manchester City

2) Real Madrid

3) Liverpool

4) Manchester United

5) Paris Saint-Germain

6) Bayern Munich

7) Barcelona

8) Chelsea

9) Tottenham Hotspur

10) Arsenal

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Premier League has emerged as the most financially dominant league in the world after 11 of the world's 20 highest-earning clubs were reported to be coming from the English top flight, according to the latest annual Football Money League report by Deloitte.

Premier League has emerged as the most financially dominant league in the world after 11 of the world's 20 highest-earning clubs were reported to be coming from the English top flight, according to the latest annual Football Money League report by Deloitte. The 'Big Six' Premier League clubs comprising the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal found themselves in the top 10. Meanwhile, clubs such as West ham United (15th), Leicester City (17th), Leeds United (18th), Everton (19th) and Newcastle (20th) remained the others on the list. The list was topped for a second consecutive year by Manchester City with total revenue of $790.65 million, followed by Real Madrid with $772 mn and Liverpool with $760 mn. Deloitte Football Money League 2023 Revenues of Top Clubs. pic.twitter.com/xzL4OnAWCd — Football Talk (@FootballTalkHQ) January 19, 2023 × Liverpool's revenue increased by a staggering 27 per cent compared to the last year. They moved four places from seventh to third to achieve the highest-ever position. Notably, the Merseyside club has overtaken their rivals Manchester United for the first time. The Reds also broke another record in matchday attendance fees - raking in as much as $108 million as fans returned to Anfield, after a Covid-induced hiatus. Read more: Pornographic moans during live football telecast force BBC to issue an apology The report added that Premier League was the only league across the European continent to have witnessed an increase in its media rights value. "It continues to appeal to millions of global followers and its member clubs have a greater revenue advantage over international rivals," Tim Bridge, lead partner in Deloitte's Sports Business Group was quoted as saying by ESPN. While Premier League clubs minted millions, the La Liga teams such as Barcelona and Real Madrid failed to recover revenue to their pre-pandemic levels. Top 10 revenue-generating clubs: 1) Manchester City 2) Real Madrid 3) Liverpool 4) Manchester United 5) Paris Saint-Germain 6) Bayern Munich 7) Barcelona 8) Chelsea 9) Tottenham Hotspur 10) Arsenal (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World's top revenue-generating football clubs revealed

Hollywood actors Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson will not be able to attend the 2023&nbsp;Critics' Choice Awards, which is scheduled for January 15,&nbsp;as they have tested positive for COVID-19. Previously, it was reported that Jamie Lee Curtis will be skipping the prestigious award ceremony due to the same reason.&nbsp; 
 
The 'Banshees of Inisherin'&nbsp;stars, who have been nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, won't be able to walk the red carpet at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles on Sunday night since they are quarantining. 
 
Variety broke the news on Twitter. "Here we go again. Just confirmed that #colinfarrell and #brendongleeson won't be at #CriticsChoiceAwards tomorrow because they have both tested positive for COVID," the post read. 
 
On Friday, Curtis shared a health update on Instagram.&nbsp;"Sadly, this head cheerleader is not going to be at all the weekend festivities cheering on her friends and colleagues," she wrote. "Life on life's terms. I'm glad that there are all these home tests available so that I didn't go to the @americanfilminstitute lunch and spread my germs. I was SO looking forward to going to the @bafta tea and the @criticschoice awards as a nominee and member of a motley crew! I'm so proud of these people, and I look forward to cheering them on through my TV set. Stay safe out there people."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/selena-gomez-reacts-to-body-shaming-comments-after-her-golden-globes-appearance-552859">Selena Gomez reacts to body shaming comments after her Golden Globes appearance</a>

Critics Choice Awards will live stream on Hulu+ Live TV, fuboTV, and DirecTV stream at 7 PM ET.

RRR&nbsp;received five nominations at the prestigious 2023 Critics Choice Awards. The Indian film will be competing in Best Picture, Best Director (SS Rajamouli), Best Foreign Language Film, Best Visual Effects and Best Song (Naatu Naatu) categories.

Hollywood actors Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson will not be able to attend the 2023 Critics' Choice Awards, which is scheduled for January 15, as they have tested positive for COVID-19.

Hollywood actors Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson will not be able to attend the 2023 Critics' Choice Awards, which is scheduled for January 15, as they have tested positive for COVID-19. Previously, it was reported that Jamie Lee Curtis will be skipping the prestigious award ceremony due to the same reason. The 'Banshees of Inisherin' stars, who have been nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, won't be able to walk the red carpet at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles on Sunday night since they are quarantining. Variety broke the news on Twitter. "Here we go again. Just confirmed that #colinfarrell and #brendongleeson won't be at #CriticsChoiceAwards tomorrow because they have both tested positive for COVID," the post read. On Friday, Curtis shared a health update on Instagram. "Sadly, this head cheerleader is not going to be at all the weekend festivities cheering on her friends and colleagues," she wrote. "Life on life's terms. I'm glad that there are all these home tests available so that I didn't go to the @americanfilminstitute lunch and spread my germs. I was SO looking forward to going to the @bafta tea and the @criticschoice awards as a nominee and member of a motley crew! I'm so proud of these people, and I look forward to cheering them on through my TV set. Stay safe out there people." Also read: Selena Gomez reacts to body shaming comments after her Golden Globes appearance Critics Choice Awards will live stream on Hulu+ Live TV, fuboTV, and DirecTV stream at 7 PM ET. RRR received five nominations at the prestigious 2023 Critics Choice Awards. The Indian film will be competing in Best Picture, Best Director (SS Rajamouli), Best Foreign Language Film, Best Visual Effects and Best Song (Naatu Naatu) categories.

Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson test COVID-19 positive ahead of Critics' Choice Awards

The Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 might become a dominant strain in Europe in the upcoming months, said the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), on Friday. This comes days after the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the number of COVID-19 infections caused by XBB.1.5 in the month of December increased from four per cent to 41 per cent. According to CDC’s data, the subvariant is also the cause of nearly 75 per cent of new infections in the northeast region of the US.&nbsp;

What is XBB.1.5?

The XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant or the unofficially nicknamed “Kraken” by some scientists, is also an offshoot of XBB which was first detected in the US last year in October and has recently been dubbed the most transmissible variant.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-in-usa-omicron-subvariant-xbb15-accounts-for-over-40-per-cent-cases-548265">Covid in USA: Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 accounts for over 40 per cent cases&nbsp;</a>

According to Grace Roberts, a virologist at the University of Leeds in Britain, an additional mutation to its spike protein is what makes the subvariant different from its otherwise very similar predecessor XBB.1. Notably, this additional spike protein is the key that allows the virus into the body’s cells.&nbsp;

How transmissible is it?

A study by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, US conducted by virologist Trevor Bedford and his team, suggests that the subvariant has a reproduction number of 1.6 which means that on average every person infected with it will go on to infect 1.6 other people.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, according to recent estimates by the CDC, as of Friday (January 14), at least 43 per cent of all COVID-19 cases across the country have been due to XBB.1.5 which was at 30 per cent in the first week of January. Additionally, the ECDC said that citing the data from its modelling indicates XBB.1.5 could become the dominant strain in Europe in one or two months.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-global-headlines-xbb15-could-be-dominant-in-europe-soon-552469">Gravitas Global Headlines: XBB.1.5 could be dominant in Europe soon</a>

The EU health agency said that currently, the subvariant in question only accounts for 2.5 per cent of European cases. Furthermore, the XBB.1.5 has been spreading at least 12.5 per cent faster than other variants in the US, said the ECDC.&nbsp;

So far, at least 38 countries have XBB.1.5 cases out of which 82 per cent are in the US, eight per cent in the UK, and two per cent are in Denmark, said the World Health Organization (WHO) following a rapid risk assessment, on Wednesday, reported AFP.&nbsp;

Additionally, the ECDC also noted the growth advantage that XBB.1.5 has over other Omicron variants which are 109 per cent in North America and 113 per cent in Europe. However, these figures come with “significant uncertainty”, the EU health agency added.&nbsp;

Why is it so transmissible?

Earlier this week, the WHO technical lead on Covid, Maria Van Kerkhove, said that the emerging XBB.1.5 variant is the most transmissible form of Covid and clearly had a “growth advantage” over other forms of the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid. Meanwhile, the ECDC believes that the most likely explanation for its transmissibility is the XBB.1.5’s spike protein mutation combined with its already very transmissible predecessor the XBB variant.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-offshoot-to-xbb15-may-cause-new-covid-spike-in-the-us-confirms-cdc-549368">Omicron offshoot XBB.1.5 may cause new Covid spike in the US, confirms CDC</a>

“It’s likely there will be an increase in cases in the short term, though this will depend on the extent of XBB.1.5’s advantage and the various factors affecting SARS-CoV-2 transmission in general,” said Marlin Figgins, a University of Washington PhD student working in Bedford’s lab, as per the Scientific American.&nbsp;

Mutations and resistance to antibodies

The variant XBB was also known for its ability to evade the human immune system. It is also worth noting that since the beginning of the pandemic, mutations have been known to help viruses escape detection by a person’s immune system. As mentioned earlier, with the XBB.1.5’s mutation being in its spike protein it can bind to cells better, replicate faster and spread more easily.&nbsp;

According to a report by the Scientific American, while the exact mechanism behind XBB.1.5’s increased transmissibility remains unknown it could be the subvariant’s F486P mutation which allows it to sneak past the body’s defence mechanism as effectively as it does. Notably, the aforementioned spike protein mutation is both the new variant XBB.1.5’s defining feature and the main difference from its parental XBB.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/xbb15-new-covid-subvariant-emergences-in-united-states-552513">XBB.1.5: New Covid subvariant emergences in United States</a>

According to WHO, Omicron’s XBB variants, alongside BQ.1 remain resistant to both antibodies built from vaccinations as well as previous infections. Last month, a study published in the journal Cell said that XBB.1 is 63 times less likely to be affected by existing antibodies when compared to the BA.2 subvariant and 49 times more resistant than the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.&nbsp;

Symptoms and severity&nbsp;

As the WHO continues to assess data on the subvariant, it said that so far it did not carry any mutations that are known to increase the severity of the disease. Similarly, Roberts from the UK also told AFP that there is no data that suggests the subvariant is “anymore harmful – in terms of severe disease and death than previous variants”.&nbsp;

In a recent interview, the American Medical Association (AMA) Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, said, “Symptoms with XBB 1.5 appear to be similar to the earlier Omicron variants, and those can range from cold symptoms to shortness of breath and low oxygen levels that require emergency medical attention.”&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-splinters-into-multiple-variants-what-is-the-xbb-covid-strain-526318">Covid-19 splinters into multiple variants; What is the XBB covid strain?</a>

She also pointed out that with the emergence and spread of new variants, the signs of symptoms of Covid seem different than what was seen earlier in the pandemic, referring to people losing their sense of taste and smell. The AMA VP said that while it still happens in some cases, it has become rare with the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

“The experts generally believe that the symptoms of Covid have become less severe over time. That could be because they tend to remain in the upper respiratory tract and don’t affect the lungs as much as earlier variants,” said Garcia.&nbsp;

Additionally, she went on to attribute this immunity and people reporting milder symptoms like cough, congestion and a headache in the US to having some level of immunity either from the vaccines or prior infection. However, since they can be confused with having a cold or flu the AMA VP recommends getting tested for Covid if one should experience any of these symptoms.&nbsp;

Should we be concerned?

According to a report by AFP, the University of Leeds virologist says there is “no cause to panic” about the new subvariant and she does not believe that there is a need for “any drastic action at present”. However, Roberts noted that it is important for the countries to monitor the progression and spread of XBB.1.5.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/xbb-strain-detected-in-17-countries-is-there-a-need-for-variant-specific-booster-vaccines-528557">XBB strain detected in 17 countries: Is there a need for variant specific booster vaccines?</a> 
 
Similarly, even the ECDC said that while the Omicron subvariant has become a dominant strain in the US, that might not be the case for Europe as observed earlier by the “major differences in variant circulation” throughout the pandemic.&nbsp;

Furthermore, WHO official Kerkhove, also noted that their concern is about how transmissible it is and although many parts of the world are witnessing further waves of infection it does not “translate into further waves of death”, which she has attributed to countermeasures such as vaccines.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 might become a dominant strain in Europe in the upcoming months, said the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), on Friday.

The Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 might become a dominant strain in Europe in the upcoming months, said the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), on Friday. This comes days after the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the number of COVID-19 infections caused by XBB.1.5 in the month of December increased from four per cent to 41 per cent. According to CDC’s data, the subvariant is also the cause of nearly 75 per cent of new infections in the northeast region of the US. What is XBB.1.5? The XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant or the unofficially nicknamed “Kraken” by some scientists, is also an offshoot of XBB which was first detected in the US last year in October and has recently been dubbed the most transmissible variant. ALSO READ | Covid in USA: Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 accounts for over 40 per cent cases According to Grace Roberts, a virologist at the University of Leeds in Britain, an additional mutation to its spike protein is what makes the subvariant different from its otherwise very similar predecessor XBB.1. Notably, this additional spike protein is the key that allows the virus into the body’s cells. How transmissible is it? A study by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, US conducted by virologist Trevor Bedford and his team, suggests that the subvariant has a reproduction number of 1.6 which means that on average every person infected with it will go on to infect 1.6 other people. Meanwhile, according to recent estimates by the CDC, as of Friday (January 14), at least 43 per cent of all COVID-19 cases across the country have been due to XBB.1.5 which was at 30 per cent in the first week of January. Additionally, the ECDC said that citing the data from its modelling indicates XBB.1.5 could become the dominant strain in Europe in one or two months. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas Global Headlines: XBB.1.5 could be dominant in Europe soon The EU health agency said that currently, the subvariant in question only accounts for 2.5 per cent of European cases. Furthermore, the XBB.1.5 has been spreading at least 12.5 per cent faster than other variants in the US, said the ECDC. So far, at least 38 countries have XBB.1.5 cases out of which 82 per cent are in the US, eight per cent in the UK, and two per cent are in Denmark, said the World Health Organization (WHO) following a rapid risk assessment, on Wednesday, reported AFP. Additionally, the ECDC also noted the growth advantage that XBB.1.5 has over other Omicron variants which are 109 per cent in North America and 113 per cent in Europe. However, these figures come with “significant uncertainty”, the EU health agency added. Why is it so transmissible? Earlier this week, the WHO technical lead on Covid, Maria Van Kerkhove, said that the emerging XBB.1.5 variant is the most transmissible form of Covid and clearly had a “growth advantage” over other forms of the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid. Meanwhile, the ECDC believes that the most likely explanation for its transmissibility is the XBB.1.5’s spike protein mutation combined with its already very transmissible predecessor the XBB variant. ALSO READ | Omicron offshoot XBB.1.5 may cause new Covid spike in the US, confirms CDC “It’s likely there will be an increase in cases in the short term, though this will depend on the extent of XBB.1.5’s advantage and the various factors affecting SARS-CoV-2 transmission in general,” said Marlin Figgins, a University of Washington PhD student working in Bedford’s lab, as per the Scientific American. Mutations and resistance to antibodies The variant XBB was also known for its ability to evade the human immune system. It is also worth noting that since the beginning of the pandemic, mutations have been known to help viruses escape detection by a person’s immune system. As mentioned earlier, with the XBB.1.5’s mutation being in its spike protein it can bind to cells better, replicate faster and spread more easily. According to a report by the Scientific American, while the exact mechanism behind XBB.1.5’s increased transmissibility remains unknown it could be the subvariant’s F486P mutation which allows it to sneak past the body’s defence mechanism as effectively as it does. Notably, the aforementioned spike protein mutation is both the new variant XBB.1.5’s defining feature and the main difference from its parental XBB. ALSO WATCH | XBB.1.5: New Covid subvariant emergences in United States According to WHO, Omicron’s XBB variants, alongside BQ.1 remain resistant to both antibodies built from vaccinations as well as previous infections. Last month, a study published in the journal Cell said that XBB.1 is 63 times less likely to be affected by existing antibodies when compared to the BA.2 subvariant and 49 times more resistant than the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. Symptoms and severity As the WHO continues to assess data on the subvariant, it said that so far it did not carry any mutations that are known to increase the severity of the disease. Similarly, Roberts from the UK also told AFP that there is no data that suggests the subvariant is “anymore harmful – in terms of severe disease and death than previous variants”. In a recent interview, the American Medical Association (AMA) Vice President of Science, Medicine and Public Health, Andrea Garcia, said, “Symptoms with XBB 1.5 appear to be similar to the earlier Omicron variants, and those can range from cold symptoms to shortness of breath and low oxygen levels that require emergency medical attention.” ALSO WATCH | Covid-19 splinters into multiple variants; What is the XBB covid strain? She also pointed out that with the emergence and spread of new variants, the signs of symptoms of Covid seem different than what was seen earlier in the pandemic, referring to people losing their sense of taste and smell. The AMA VP said that while it still happens in some cases, it has become rare with the Omicron variant. “The experts generally believe that the symptoms of Covid have become less severe over time. That could be because they tend to remain in the upper respiratory tract and don’t affect the lungs as much as earlier variants,” said Garcia. Additionally, she went on to attribute this immunity and people reporting milder symptoms like cough, congestion and a headache in the US to having some level of immunity either from the vaccines or prior infection. However, since they can be confused with having a cold or flu the AMA VP recommends getting tested for Covid if one should experience any of these symptoms. Should we be concerned? According to a report by AFP, the University of Leeds virologist says there is “no cause to panic” about the new subvariant and she does not believe that there is a need for “any drastic action at present”. However, Roberts noted that it is important for the countries to monitor the progression and spread of XBB.1.5. ALSO WATCH | XBB strain detected in 17 countries: Is there a need for variant specific booster vaccines? Similarly, even the ECDC said that while the Omicron subvariant has become a dominant strain in the US, that might not be the case for Europe as observed earlier by the “major differences in variant circulation” throughout the pandemic. Furthermore, WHO official Kerkhove, also noted that their concern is about how transmissible it is and although many parts of the world are witnessing further waves of infection it does not “translate into further waves of death”, which she has attributed to countermeasures such as vaccines. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Why is XBB.1.5 or ‘Kraken’ the most transmissible Covid subvariant?

Chinese National Health Commission’s medical affairs department's director Jiao Yahui said that around 60,000 Covid-related deaths have been recorded in China between December 8 and January 12, releasing the death toll in China for the first time since the government scrapped the strict zero-Covid policy, in a sudden move, last month.&nbsp;Yahui said that 5,503 deaths have occurred in China because of respiratory failure which was triggered by infection of Covid-19.&nbsp;

Furthermore, 54,435 deaths were recorded of people who were suffering from Covid-19 but had underlying health issues like cardiovascular diseases and cancer, informed the director.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/about-900-million-in-china-infected-with-covid-chinese-university-study-552374">About 900 million in China infected with Covid: Chinese university study</a>

The government's official death count will include only deaths that have occurred without any underlying issues because of China's new and narrow definition of Covid-19 related deaths, which was adopted earlier.&nbsp;

The National Health Commission stated the record is about the deaths that took place in hospitals, which further opens the chances of more people dying due to Covid-19 in their homes.&nbsp;

According to the data reflected in the report, China's official death toll of Covid-19, which stood at 5,272 on January 8, would double to 10,775.&nbsp;

As per the report of South China Morning Post, the average age of Covid-19 fatalities was 80.3, and among those, 90% were aged 65 or above.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Wuhan Virus: Shocking videos emerge from China

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-virus-shocking-videos-emerge-from-china-546853/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The report comes amid questions being raised over China's lack of transparency in the wake of the current Covid-19 outbreak as reports emerged of funeral homes and hospitals being overwhelmed across the country.&nbsp;

Restrictions have been imposed by various countries on people travelling from China as appeals have been made that the government share more data with other countries across the world.&nbsp;

However, the foreign ministry of China stated that the countries should also pressurise the United States to share its data about the spread of the XBB.1.5 subvariant.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chinese National Health Commission’s medical affairs department's director Jiao Yahui said that around 60,000 Covid-related deaths have been recorded in China between December 8 and January 12, releasing the death toll in China for the first time since the government scrapped the strict zero-Covid policy, in a sudden move, last month.

Chinese National Health Commission’s medical affairs department's director Jiao Yahui said that around 60,000 Covid-related deaths have been recorded in China between December 8 and January 12, releasing the death toll in China for the first time since the government scrapped the strict zero-Covid policy, in a sudden move, last month. Yahui said that 5,503 deaths have occurred in China because of respiratory failure which was triggered by infection of Covid-19. Furthermore, 54,435 deaths were recorded of people who were suffering from Covid-19 but had underlying health issues like cardiovascular diseases and cancer, informed the director. ALSO READ | About 900 million in China infected with Covid: Chinese university study The government's official death count will include only deaths that have occurred without any underlying issues because of China's new and narrow definition of Covid-19 related deaths, which was adopted earlier. The National Health Commission stated the record is about the deaths that took place in hospitals, which further opens the chances of more people dying due to Covid-19 in their homes. According to the data reflected in the report, China's official death toll of Covid-19, which stood at 5,272 on January 8, would double to 10,775. As per the report of South China Morning Post, the average age of Covid-19 fatalities was 80.3, and among those, 90% were aged 65 or above. WATCH | Gravitas: Wuhan Virus: Shocking videos emerge from China The report comes amid questions being raised over China's lack of transparency in the wake of the current Covid-19 outbreak as reports emerged of funeral homes and hospitals being overwhelmed across the country. Restrictions have been imposed by various countries on people travelling from China as appeals have been made that the government share more data with other countries across the world. However, the foreign ministry of China stated that the countries should also pressurise the United States to share its data about the spread of the XBB.1.5 subvariant. (With inputs from agencies)

China records around 60,000 deaths related to Covid-19 in one month: Official

The residents of China have received a warning against visiting the elders in their homes during the holidays of the Lunar New Year, as the Covid-19 virus continues to travel rapidly through various cities as well as regional areas.&nbsp;State council pandemic prevention team’s member Prof Guo Jianwen appealed to people “don’t go home to visit them” if the virus has not infected their elderly relatives.

“You have all kinds of ways to show you care for them, you don’t necessarily have to bring the virus to their home,” Jianwen&nbsp;said on Thursday.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-chinas-chun-yun-the-largest-annual-migration-in-the-world-550353">Explained: What is China's ‘chun yun’, the largest annual migration in the world?</a>

The period holiday, which was set to start on January 21, was meant to be days of celebration and festivities after the restrictions over Covid-19 were lifted in December, however, the celebrations have been washed away by the coronavirus wave.

This week, health authorities said that infections have peaked in various provinces as well as cities like Shanghai and Beijing. However, serious concerns have been raised in regional areas where the health resources are more limited and a large number of people are reported unvaccinated.

Yale University’s assistant professor Dr Chen Xi, who has specialised in ageing and public health, said, “The situation in rural China is very murky. We have strong reasons to believe rural China will get much worse as the spring festival approaches.”

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: 90% of people in China's Henan province infected with the Wuhan Virus, official says

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Along with appealing to people to avoid travelling, regional authorities have been asked to ensure that pandemic materials are supplied to every region, which includes medication for two weeks.

As per Global Times, teams of drivers were asked to be arranged by the communities so that patients in villages can be transported “when ambulances from medical institutions cannot arrive in time”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The residents of China have received a warning against visiting the elders in their homes during the holidays of the Lunar New Year, as the Covid-19 virus continues to travel rapidly through various cities as well as regional areas.

The residents of China have received a warning against visiting the elders in their homes during the holidays of the Lunar New Year, as the Covid-19 virus continues to travel rapidly through various cities as well as regional areas. State council pandemic prevention team’s member Prof Guo Jianwen appealed to people “don’t go home to visit them” if the virus has not infected their elderly relatives. “You have all kinds of ways to show you care for them, you don’t necessarily have to bring the virus to their home,” Jianwen said on Thursday. ALSO READ| Explained: What is China's ‘chun yun’, the largest annual migration in the world? The period holiday, which was set to start on January 21, was meant to be days of celebration and festivities after the restrictions over Covid-19 were lifted in December, however, the celebrations have been washed away by the coronavirus wave. This week, health authorities said that infections have peaked in various provinces as well as cities like Shanghai and Beijing. However, serious concerns have been raised in regional areas where the health resources are more limited and a large number of people are reported unvaccinated. Yale University’s assistant professor Dr Chen Xi, who has specialised in ageing and public health, said, “The situation in rural China is very murky. We have strong reasons to believe rural China will get much worse as the spring festival approaches.” WATCH | Gravitas: 90% of people in China's Henan province infected with the Wuhan Virus, official says Along with appealing to people to avoid travelling, regional authorities have been asked to ensure that pandemic materials are supplied to every region, which includes medication for two weeks. As per Global Times, teams of drivers were asked to be arranged by the communities so that patients in villages can be transported “when ambulances from medical institutions cannot arrive in time”. (With inputs from agencies)

People in China warned against visiting elders in Lunar New Year as Covid cases spread rapidly

Amid the spread of Omicron subvariant in the United States, World Health Organization (WHO) officials on Tuesday urged all countries to recommend their&nbsp;travellers wear masks on long-haul flights. Catherine Smallwood,&nbsp;a&nbsp;senior emergency officer of WHO for Europe said that wearing masks "should be a recommendation issued to passengers arriving from anywhere where there is widespread COVID-19 transmission."

In Europe a small number of XBB.1.5 subvariant have been detected, officials said at&nbsp;a press brief on Tuesday. As of now, it's unclear if the newly emerged subvariant will cause an infection wave of its own, like the earlier ones.&nbsp;Though according to experts, the current vaccines continue to protect against severe symptoms, hospitalisation and death, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-scraps-covid-vaccine-mandate-that-led-to-the-disscharge-of-more-than-8000-army-personnel-551371">Also read |&nbsp;Pentagon scraps Covid vaccine mandate that led to the discharge of more than 8,000 army personnel</a>

Health officials also said that as of now, the XBB.1.5 is the most transmissible Omicron subvariant detected. It also accounts for almost 27.6 per cent of the COVID-19 deaths in the United States in the first week of January.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Travellers rush to renew passports as China ends Covid restrictions

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Smallwood said, "Countries need to look at the evidence base for pre-departure testing" and if an action is required, "travel measures should be implemented in a non-discriminatory manner." This does not mean that the organisation recommends testing passengers from the US at this stage, she added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-the-covid-vaccine-controversy-surrounding-jessica-robb-the-canadian-reporter-who-collapsed-on-air-551100">Also read |&nbsp;What is the COVID vaccine controversy surrounding Jessica Robb, the Canadian reporter who collapsed on air?</a>

According to data reported by the WHO at beginning of this month, an analysis of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed a slight dominance of Omicron sublineages BA.5.2 and BF.7 among the locally acquired infections.

Many countries including the United States are demanding COVID-19 tests from travellers from China.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amid the spread of Omicron subvariant in the United States, World Health Organization (WHO) officials on Tuesday urged all countries to recommend their travellers wear masks on long-haul flights.

Amid the spread of Omicron subvariant in the United States, World Health Organization (WHO) officials on Tuesday urged all countries to recommend their travellers wear masks on long-haul flights. Catherine Smallwood, a senior emergency officer of WHO for Europe said that wearing masks "should be a recommendation issued to passengers arriving from anywhere where there is widespread COVID-19 transmission." In Europe a small number of XBB.1.5 subvariant have been detected, officials said at a press brief on Tuesday. As of now, it's unclear if the newly emerged subvariant will cause an infection wave of its own, like the earlier ones. Though according to experts, the current vaccines continue to protect against severe symptoms, hospitalisation and death, Reuters reported. Also read | Pentagon scraps Covid vaccine mandate that led to the discharge of more than 8,000 army personnel Health officials also said that as of now, the XBB.1.5 is the most transmissible Omicron subvariant detected. It also accounts for almost 27.6 per cent of the COVID-19 deaths in the United States in the first week of January. Watch | Travellers rush to renew passports as China ends Covid restrictions Smallwood said, "Countries need to look at the evidence base for pre-departure testing" and if an action is required, "travel measures should be implemented in a non-discriminatory manner." This does not mean that the organisation recommends testing passengers from the US at this stage, she added. Also read | What is the COVID vaccine controversy surrounding Jessica Robb, the Canadian reporter who collapsed on air? According to data reported by the WHO at beginning of this month, an analysis of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed a slight dominance of Omicron sublineages BA.5.2 and BF.7 among the locally acquired infections. Many countries including the United States are demanding COVID-19 tests from travellers from China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WHO urges travellers to wear masks on long-haul flights amid Covid variant spread

In China's first reprisal against COVID-19 restrictions imposed on Chinese travellers, the country has suspended issuing short-term visas for South Koreans and Japanese. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Chinese embassy in South Korea said that South Koreans would no longer be granted visas for the purpose of travel, business, medical treatment, transit, and general private affairs, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported.

The policy will change only if South Korea lifts its "discriminatory entry restrictions" against China, as per the embassy's official WeChat account.

According to China's foreign ministry, the announcement comes a day after Foreign Minister Qin Gang spoke with his South Korean counterpart Park Jin over the phone and voiced concern about the curbs, AFP reported. Park reportedly told Qin that the new border restrictions were nothing but "science-based" measures.

“The Korean government’s strengthened prevention measures for entrants from China are based on scientific and objective grounds,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lim Soo-suk said in a briefing. “The government has been transparently sharing relevant information with the international community, and has continued to communicate with the Chinese side.”&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/world/eu-nations-look-set-to-reach-consensus-on-covid-rules-for-chinese-travellers-549304" hreflang="en">EU nations agree on pre-departure Covid test for flyers from China, formal decision on Wednesday</a>

On Tuesday, China suspended issuing visas to Japanese travellers, Japan’s Kyodo News Agency reported citing unidentified sources in the travel industry. Other countries including the United States, South Korea, France, etc., have also introduced testing requirements in response to China's fresh Covid outbreak.

Chinese visitors were barred from visiting South Korea since the country had earlier halted providing short-term visas to Chinese travellers until January 31. Flights to Busan, Daegu, and Jeju are suspended, and flights between South Korea and China are only available through Seoul's Incheon International airport, SCMP reported. Seoul on Tuesday said that flights from Hong Kong and Macau will also be allowed to arrive only at Incheon airport.

South Korean authorities located a Chinese man, last week, who had vanished while awaiting quarantine after arriving in the country and testing positive for COVID-19, raising concerns.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/china-covid-xi-administration-gradually-dismantles-zero-covid-policy-541962" hreflang="en">China Covid: Xi administration gradually dismantles Zero-Covid policy</a>

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Earlier this month, Beijing threatened&nbsp;countermeasures against “unacceptable” Covid measures. “We believe that the entry restrictions adopted by some countries targeting China lack scientific basis, and some excessive practices are even more unacceptable,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.

In December last year, China decided to lift its "zero Covid" policy, following which the Chinese citizens and residents demanded flights to travel across world. The EU is worried that a sudden influx of Chinese travellers could spread Covid strains to other parts of the world that the current vaccinations&nbsp;may be able to withstand.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In China's first reprisal against COVID-19 restrictions imposed on Chinese travellers, the country has suspended issuing short-term visas for South Koreans and Japanese.

In China's first reprisal against COVID-19 restrictions imposed on Chinese travellers, the country has suspended issuing short-term visas for South Koreans and Japanese. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Chinese embassy in South Korea said that South Koreans would no longer be granted visas for the purpose of travel, business, medical treatment, transit, and general private affairs, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. The policy will change only if South Korea lifts its "discriminatory entry restrictions" against China, as per the embassy's official WeChat account. According to China's foreign ministry, the announcement comes a day after Foreign Minister Qin Gang spoke with his South Korean counterpart Park Jin over the phone and voiced concern about the curbs, AFP reported. Park reportedly told Qin that the new border restrictions were nothing but "science-based" measures. “The Korean government’s strengthened prevention measures for entrants from China are based on scientific and objective grounds,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lim Soo-suk said in a briefing. “The government has been transparently sharing relevant information with the international community, and has continued to communicate with the Chinese side.” Also Read | EU nations agree on pre-departure Covid test for flyers from China, formal decision on Wednesday On Tuesday, China suspended issuing visas to Japanese travellers, Japan’s Kyodo News Agency reported citing unidentified sources in the travel industry. Other countries including the United States, South Korea, France, etc., have also introduced testing requirements in response to China's fresh Covid outbreak. Chinese visitors were barred from visiting South Korea since the country had earlier halted providing short-term visas to Chinese travellers until January 31. Flights to Busan, Daegu, and Jeju are suspended, and flights between South Korea and China are only available through Seoul's Incheon International airport, SCMP reported. Seoul on Tuesday said that flights from Hong Kong and Macau will also be allowed to arrive only at Incheon airport. South Korean authorities located a Chinese man, last week, who had vanished while awaiting quarantine after arriving in the country and testing positive for COVID-19, raising concerns. Watch | China Covid: Xi administration gradually dismantles Zero-Covid policy Earlier this month, Beijing threatened countermeasures against “unacceptable” Covid measures. “We believe that the entry restrictions adopted by some countries targeting China lack scientific basis, and some excessive practices are even more unacceptable,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said. In December last year, China decided to lift its "zero Covid" policy, following which the Chinese citizens and residents demanded flights to travel across world. The EU is worried that a sudden influx of Chinese travellers could spread Covid strains to other parts of the world that the current vaccinations may be able to withstand. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

COVID-19 curbs retaliation: China suspends short-term visas for South Koreans, Japanese

The authorities in Hong Kong have scrapped its coronavirus app, which was meant for contact tracing. Amid the relaxation of pandemic measures, Hong Kong's technology chief said it had "completed its historical mission". The app also sparked privacy concerns, which were dismissed by the authorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The app—named LeaveHomeSafe—was discontinued on Sunday after over two years of functioning. It was introduced in November 2020, when the Covid pandemic had just begun.&nbsp;

As quoted by Hong Kong Free Press, a government press release stated: "Following the relaxation of different anti-epidemic measures, the resumption of normal travel of Hong Kong and the Mainland in a progressive, orderly and comprehensive manner, as well as the resumption of the normalcy of public’s daily lives, the 'LeaveHomeSafe' system has ceased operation and the app will not be further updated."&nbsp;

The report further mentioned that the authorities have said that all visit records had been wiped from the system. Notably, people won't be able to update the software anymore, but they can use the app for tasks like registering for PCR tests at government facilities.&nbsp;

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After China reopened its borders on Sunday (January 8), inbound travellers don't&nbsp;need to quarantine or do a Covid test on arrival after entering China.&nbsp;

It led to thousands of travellers in Hong Kong flocking to newly resumed border checkpoints on Sunday in order to enter China.&nbsp;

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The authorities in Hong Kong have scrapped its coronavirus app, which was meant for contact tracing. Amid the relaxation of pandemic measures, Hong Kong's technology chief said it had "completed its historical mission".

The authorities in Hong Kong have scrapped its coronavirus app, which was meant for contact tracing. Amid the relaxation of pandemic measures, Hong Kong's technology chief said it had "completed its historical mission". The app also sparked privacy concerns, which were dismissed by the authorities. The app—named LeaveHomeSafe—was discontinued on Sunday after over two years of functioning. It was introduced in November 2020, when the Covid pandemic had just begun. As quoted by Hong Kong Free Press, a government press release stated: "Following the relaxation of different anti-epidemic measures, the resumption of normal travel of Hong Kong and the Mainland in a progressive, orderly and comprehensive manner, as well as the resumption of the normalcy of public’s daily lives, the 'LeaveHomeSafe' system has ceased operation and the app will not be further updated." The report further mentioned that the authorities have said that all visit records had been wiped from the system. Notably, people won't be able to update the software anymore, but they can use the app for tasks like registering for PCR tests at government facilities. × After China reopened its borders on Sunday (January 8), inbound travellers don't need to quarantine or do a Covid test on arrival after entering China. It led to thousands of travellers in Hong Kong flocking to newly resumed border checkpoints on Sunday in order to enter China. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: Hong Kong scraps its contact tracing app

Players at this month's Australian Open will not be required to take COVID-19 tests and could play even if they had the virus, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Monday. The health policy, which Tiley said reflected what was happening in the wider community, is a marked change from strict protocols which surrounded the tournament over the past two years. The 2021 tournament took place in a biosecure bubble with spectators shut out for several days after an outbreak of the virus in the community, while last year nine-times champion Novak Djokovic was deported because of his stance on vaccines.

"We just wanted to follow what's currently in the community," Tiley told reporters at Melbourne Park. "We have gone a step further by making a recommendation around staying away when you're ill, and that our medical staff will continue to monitor that, with the players individually as well." Cricketer Matt Renshaw continued to play for Australia in a five-day test match against South Africa in Sydney last week despite testing positive for COVID. The batsman was isolated from his team mates for the first three days of the match but returned to the home dressing room after several negative tests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-equals-rafael-nadals-atp-tally-in-stunning-win-over-sebastian-korda-to-win-adelaide-title-550520">Novak Djokovic equals Rafael Nadal's ATP tally in stunning win over Sebastian Korda to win Adelaide title</a>

"We've made it clear to our players, as well as our staff, if anyone is feeling unwell, stay home," Tiley added. "It's a normalised environment for us and, not dissimilar to the cricket, there will potentially be players that will compete with COVID." Melbourne endured some of the longest and strictest lockdowns in the world at the height of the pandemic but recommendations have long since replaced mandates as the cornerstone of public health policy in the city.

Players at this month's Australian Open will not be required to take COVID-19 tests and could play even if they had the virus, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Monday.

Players at this month's Australian Open will not be required to take COVID-19 tests and could play even if they had the virus, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Monday. The health policy, which Tiley said reflected what was happening in the wider community, is a marked change from strict protocols which surrounded the tournament over the past two years. The 2021 tournament took place in a biosecure bubble with spectators shut out for several days after an outbreak of the virus in the community, while last year nine-times champion Novak Djokovic was deported because of his stance on vaccines. "We just wanted to follow what's currently in the community," Tiley told reporters at Melbourne Park. "We have gone a step further by making a recommendation around staying away when you're ill, and that our medical staff will continue to monitor that, with the players individually as well." Cricketer Matt Renshaw continued to play for Australia in a five-day test match against South Africa in Sydney last week despite testing positive for COVID. The batsman was isolated from his team mates for the first three days of the match but returned to the home dressing room after several negative tests. Also read: Novak Djokovic equals Rafael Nadal's ATP tally in stunning win over Sebastian Korda to win Adelaide title "We've made it clear to our players, as well as our staff, if anyone is feeling unwell, stay home," Tiley added. "It's a normalised environment for us and, not dissimilar to the cricket, there will potentially be players that will compete with COVID." Melbourne endured some of the longest and strictest lockdowns in the world at the height of the pandemic but recommendations have long since replaced mandates as the cornerstone of public health policy in the city.

Players could play at Australian Open with COVID-19, confirms tournament director Craig Tiley

The first known coronavirus (COVID-19) case was reported in China and the deadly virus started to spread globally at a compounding rate. In the battle to beat Covid, vaccines played a crucial role but the so-called vaccine deniers tried to malign the immunisation programmes adopted by countries.

The first known coronavirus (COVID-19) case was reported in China and the deadly virus started to spread globally at a compounding rate. In the battle to beat Covid, vaccines played a crucial role but the so-called vaccine deniers tried to malign the immunisation programmes adopted by countries. Studies have also claimed that Covid vaccines are highly effective at protecting individuals from severe disease and death. What was the claim? A recent social media post alleged that Covid vaccines were linked to the sudden deaths of doctors in Canada. The post was re-shared tens of thousands of times. The text above a video posted by Michelle Lindsay read: "80 doctors in Canada between the ages of 25 and 55 have died in the last 60 days." The video was shared on Instagram on December 21, 2022. Lindsay is a leader for the People's Party of Canada in Halifax who ran for Parliament in 2021. The same video was reused in some other posts, but attempting to link the deaths of Canadian doctors to Covid jabs. There have been other instances also when claims were made targeting the vaccines but none of them was true. WATCH | China: 40-day Lunar New Year migration begins amid surging Covid × Here's the Fact Check The identity of the speaker is not revealed but a fact-check published on Saturday (January 7) by the French news agency AFP stated that it searched the phrase "80 Canadian doctors died" and found a tweet indicating the man is Chris Shoemaker. He is said to be a family doctor in Ontario who has been posting videos to make unsubstantiated claims about Covid vaccinations. AFP fact check revealed that the video was filmed at a protest in Toronto on October 22 last year. However, it resurfaced again in December. The report mentioned that the video has been viewed tens of thousands of times on Rumble, Bitchute and Odysee. Shoemaker can be seen in the video, claiming: "80 doctors in Canada between the ages of 25 and 55 have died in the last 60 days and it's only the physicians who are getting third and fourth shots who are dying suddenly." WION is not linking back to the video, to not spread it further. Health Canada called Shoemaker's claim "misinformation". AFP mentioned that in a statement emailed on January 4, 2023, it said that the "claims that 80 Canadian doctors died because of Covid-19 vaccines are unsubstantiated." The statement continued: "Immunisation is one of the most important ways to protect the health of people in Canada and around the world." The statement apparently highlighted the success of Covid vaccines in preventing "thousands of hospitalisations and deaths". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Fact Check: No, COVID-19 vaccines didn't kill Canadian doctors. Social media claims are unproven

China, the only major economy witnessing a huge wave of fresh Covid infections, is in talks with Pfizer for it COVID-19 antiviral drug, said Reuters citing sources. The negotiations are on to secure a licence from Pfizer to allow China's domestic drugmakers to manufacture Paxlovid, Pfizer's Covid drug. Amid the surge of infections, many Chinese are attempting to acquire the drug overseas and trying to ship it to China&nbsp;for their loved ones.

After pouring huge resources into PCR testing during much of the pandemic, China is now shifting focus to vaccines and treatment.&nbsp;

On the vaccine front, China's CanSino Biologics Inc announced it has begun trial production for its COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccine, known as CS-2034.

China has relied on nine domestically-developed COVID vaccines approved for use, including inactivated vaccines, but none have been adapted to target the highly-transmissible Omicron variant and its offshoots currently in circulation.

The overall vaccination rate in the country is above 90%, but the rate for adults who have had booster shots is just 57.9%, and 42.3% for people aged 80 and older, according to government data released last month.

Manufacturing hit

China has some of the world's biggest manufacturing factories for major companies including tech companies. The fresh Covid wave has hit manufacturing in a big way.&nbsp;

CNBC reported that due to Covid, factories are unable to complete orders. In many factories, about half or even 75 per cent workforce is affected.

Even the major ports in China are experiencing supply chain delivery problems.

The report says that at Shanghai, world's number one container port, "cancellations are increasing" because factories are unable to fulfill orders as the workers are getting infected with Covid.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China, the only major economy witnessing a huge wave of fresh Covid infections, is in talks with Pfizer for it COVID-19 antiviral drug, said Reuters citing sources.

China, the only major economy witnessing a huge wave of fresh Covid infections, is in talks with Pfizer for it COVID-19 antiviral drug, said Reuters citing sources. The negotiations are on to secure a licence from Pfizer to allow China's domestic drugmakers to manufacture Paxlovid, Pfizer's Covid drug. Amid the surge of infections, many Chinese are attempting to acquire the drug overseas and trying to ship it to China for their loved ones. After pouring huge resources into PCR testing during much of the pandemic, China is now shifting focus to vaccines and treatment. On the vaccine front, China's CanSino Biologics Inc announced it has begun trial production for its COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccine, known as CS-2034. China has relied on nine domestically-developed COVID vaccines approved for use, including inactivated vaccines, but none have been adapted to target the highly-transmissible Omicron variant and its offshoots currently in circulation. The overall vaccination rate in the country is above 90%, but the rate for adults who have had booster shots is just 57.9%, and 42.3% for people aged 80 and older, according to government data released last month. Manufacturing hit China has some of the world's biggest manufacturing factories for major companies including tech companies. The fresh Covid wave has hit manufacturing in a big way. CNBC reported that due to Covid, factories are unable to complete orders. In many factories, about half or even 75 per cent workforce is affected. Even the major ports in China are experiencing supply chain delivery problems. The report says that at Shanghai, world's number one container port, "cancellations are increasing" because factories are unable to fulfill orders as the workers are getting infected with Covid. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

China in talks with Pfizer for COVID-19 anti-viral medicine paxlovid: Report

Scientists have found that the baseline immune statuses in men previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 were altered in ways that changed the response to an exposure different from SARS-CoV-2.

The team of researchers systematically analysed the immune responses of healthy people who had been given the flu vaccine. From that data, they then compared the responses between those who had never been infected by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and those who experienced mild cases but recovered.

The team led by John Tsang, an immunobiologist from Yale University, US, found that immune systems of men who had recovered from mild cases of COVID-19 responded more robustly to flu vaccines than women who had had mild cases or men and women who had never been infected.

“This was a total surprise,” said Tsang.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-asks-china-arrivals-for-negative-covid-test-549730">Germany makes negative pre-departure Covid test report must for travellers from China</a>

“Women usually mount a stronger overall immune response to pathogens and vaccines, but are also more likely to suffer from autoimmune diseases,” said Tsang.

The long-term effects of infection on the immune system had long intrigued Tsang. After the body has faced down a pathogen, does the immune system return to the previous baseline? Or does a single infection change it in ways that alter how it will respond not only to a familiar virus but also to the next new viral or bacterial threat it faces? Tsang, a professor at Yale University, had long believed that the immune system reverts to the previous stable baseline after viral infection.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 allowed him and colleagues to test that theory. The answer, they found, depends on the individual’s sex. The findings have been published in the journal Nature.

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The findings may also be linked to an observation made early in the pandemic: Men were much more likely to die from a runaway immune response than women after contracting the COVID-19 virus. Even mild cases of COVID-19, the new findings suggest, might trigger stronger inflammatory responses in males than females, resulting in more pronounced functional changes to the male immune system, even long after recovery.

According to the study, their unbiased analysis of immune system status down to the individual cell level revealed several differences between COVID-recovered males and healthy controls and COVID-recovered females, both before and after receiving flu vaccinations.

For instance, previously infected males produced more antibodies to influenza and produced increased levels of interferons, which are produced by cells in response to infections or vaccines. Generally, healthy females have stronger interferon responses than their male counterparts, the study said.

Understanding the lingering effects of COVID-19 on the immune system is crucial, the authors said, since more than 600 million people worldwide have been infected so far, and the emergence of “long-COVID” symptoms in some people continues to be a major health concern.

“Our findings point to the possibility that any infection or immune challenge may change the immune status to establish new set points,” said lead author Rachel Sparks, from National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

“The immune status of an individual is likely shaped by a multitude of prior exposures and perturbations,” said Sparks.

Tsang thinks these findings may also help scientists create better vaccines against diverse threats by, for instance, mimicking how mild COVID-19 changes the male immune baseline.&nbsp;

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Scientists have found that the baseline immune statuses in men previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 were altered in ways that changed the response to an exposure different from SARS-CoV-2.

Scientists have found that the baseline immune statuses in men previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 were altered in ways that changed the response to an exposure different from SARS-CoV-2. The team of researchers systematically analysed the immune responses of healthy people who had been given the flu vaccine. From that data, they then compared the responses between those who had never been infected by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and those who experienced mild cases but recovered. The team led by John Tsang, an immunobiologist from Yale University, US, found that immune systems of men who had recovered from mild cases of COVID-19 responded more robustly to flu vaccines than women who had had mild cases or men and women who had never been infected. “This was a total surprise,” said Tsang. Also Read: Germany makes negative pre-departure Covid test report must for travellers from China “Women usually mount a stronger overall immune response to pathogens and vaccines, but are also more likely to suffer from autoimmune diseases,” said Tsang. The long-term effects of infection on the immune system had long intrigued Tsang. After the body has faced down a pathogen, does the immune system return to the previous baseline? Or does a single infection change it in ways that alter how it will respond not only to a familiar virus but also to the next new viral or bacterial threat it faces? Tsang, a professor at Yale University, had long believed that the immune system reverts to the previous stable baseline after viral infection. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 allowed him and colleagues to test that theory. The answer, they found, depends on the individual’s sex. The findings have been published in the journal Nature. The findings may also be linked to an observation made early in the pandemic: Men were much more likely to die from a runaway immune response than women after contracting the COVID-19 virus. Even mild cases of COVID-19, the new findings suggest, might trigger stronger inflammatory responses in males than females, resulting in more pronounced functional changes to the male immune system, even long after recovery. According to the study, their unbiased analysis of immune system status down to the individual cell level revealed several differences between COVID-recovered males and healthy controls and COVID-recovered females, both before and after receiving flu vaccinations. For instance, previously infected males produced more antibodies to influenza and produced increased levels of interferons, which are produced by cells in response to infections or vaccines. Generally, healthy females have stronger interferon responses than their male counterparts, the study said. Understanding the lingering effects of COVID-19 on the immune system is crucial, the authors said, since more than 600 million people worldwide have been infected so far, and the emergence of “long-COVID” symptoms in some people continues to be a major health concern. “Our findings point to the possibility that any infection or immune challenge may change the immune status to establish new set points,” said lead author Rachel Sparks, from National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). “The immune status of an individual is likely shaped by a multitude of prior exposures and perturbations,” said Sparks. Tsang thinks these findings may also help scientists create better vaccines against diverse threats by, for instance, mimicking how mild COVID-19 changes the male immune baseline.

COVID-19 changes body’s immune response depending on sex, finds study

Residents in Hong Kong are racing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before an expected influx of visitors from mainland China.

Why Hong Kong residents are rushing to get Covid-19 vaccination?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) criticised China for the “very narrow” definition of COVID-19 deaths and said that the government has not revealed the true impact of the new infections.&nbsp;"We believe that the current numbers being published from China under-represent the true impact of the disease in terms of hospital admissions, in terms of ICU admissions, and particularly in terms of deaths," the WHO's emergencies director Michael Ryan told reporters.

Earlier, WHO&nbsp;officials met with a team of Chinese scientists on Tuesday in order to verify the accuracy of China’s COVID-19 data and the latest growth in infections, said an AFP report. The Communist Party of China’s mouthpiece newspaper claimed on Wednesday that the country is pushing for a “final victory” over the pandemic but the numbers are telling a completely different story.

The number of Covid cases skyrocketed after relaxation of restrictions in China and in the past few weeks, the hospitals in various parts of the country have been full with patients of all ages.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-offshoot-to-xbb15-may-cause-new-covid-spike-in-the-us-confirms-cdc-549368">Omicron offshoot XBB.1.5 may cause new Covid spike in the US, confirms CDC</a>

The United Nations has already asked the scientists in China to submit independent data in order to get a clear picture of the situation in China. According to Reuters, the WHO has not received any data from China regarding the COVID-19 cases since the shift in policy by the Chinese government.

Chinese President Xi Jinping implemented the strict Zero Covid policy in an attempt to control the infection but in the face of nationwide protests, the government decided to relax some restrictions.

WATCH |&nbsp;China: Covid-19 cases on the rise, WHO urges to share real-time data

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According to local media reports, China had just five deaths related to Covid and around 5258 infections. That is a number which is lesser than the average toll seen in the last six months.

The strict restrictions also had a massive impact on the Chinese economy which is currently valued at $17 trillion. However, with the economy opening up, the Chinese yuan is currently going at a four-month high against the United States Dollar as the manufacturing units also resumed operations. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) criticised China for the “very narrow” definition of COVID-19 deaths and said that the government has not revealed the true impact of the new infections.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) criticised China for the “very narrow” definition of COVID-19 deaths and said that the government has not revealed the true impact of the new infections. "We believe that the current numbers being published from China under-represent the true impact of the disease in terms of hospital admissions, in terms of ICU admissions, and particularly in terms of deaths," the WHO's emergencies director Michael Ryan told reporters. Earlier, WHO officials met with a team of Chinese scientists on Tuesday in order to verify the accuracy of China’s COVID-19 data and the latest growth in infections, said an AFP report. The Communist Party of China’s mouthpiece newspaper claimed on Wednesday that the country is pushing for a “final victory” over the pandemic but the numbers are telling a completely different story. The number of Covid cases skyrocketed after relaxation of restrictions in China and in the past few weeks, the hospitals in various parts of the country have been full with patients of all ages. Also read | Omicron offshoot XBB.1.5 may cause new Covid spike in the US, confirms CDC The United Nations has already asked the scientists in China to submit independent data in order to get a clear picture of the situation in China. According to Reuters, the WHO has not received any data from China regarding the COVID-19 cases since the shift in policy by the Chinese government. Chinese President Xi Jinping implemented the strict Zero Covid policy in an attempt to control the infection but in the face of nationwide protests, the government decided to relax some restrictions. WATCH | China: Covid-19 cases on the rise, WHO urges to share real-time data According to local media reports, China had just five deaths related to Covid and around 5258 infections. That is a number which is lesser than the average toll seen in the last six months. The strict restrictions also had a massive impact on the Chinese economy which is currently valued at $17 trillion. However, with the economy opening up, the Chinese yuan is currently going at a four-month high against the United States Dollar as the manufacturing units also resumed operations. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO says data provided by China ‘under-represents’ true impact of Covid outbreak

Belgium will now test wastewater from planes arriving from China, the government announced on Monday as a part of its new steps amid a rise in coronavirus cases in Beijing.&nbsp;

During the press conference, while&nbsp;new measures were announced, Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said that the European Union-wide policy was much needed amid the spike in China's coronavirus cases.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-australia-and-canada-impose-covid-restrictions-on-travellers-from-china-548798">Also read |&nbsp;France, Australia, Canada impose Covid restrictions on travellers from China</a>

Steven Van Gucht of the Sciensano national public health institute told Reuters, "This will be an additional monitoring objective to verify that the data we receive from China is accurate."

Watch |&nbsp;Belgium to test wastewater on airlines arriving from Covid-hit China

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He said that the government is aware that some infected passengers might not use washrooms during their flights, so, therefore, this new measure is not meant to track people but to track the current situation&nbsp;in China.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-joins-the-list-of-countries-requiring-covid-negative-test-from-travellers-from-china-548761">Also read |&nbsp;Qatar joins the list of countries requiring Covid negative test from travellers from China</a>

The country is also urging travellers from China to test themselves for COVID-19 &nbsp;if they show any symptoms seven days after arriving but won't enforce this as a part of the measure.&nbsp;

According to Vandenbroucke, EU officials will hold talks on Wednesday for the same.&nbsp;

Authorities across the country are imposing or considering curbs on travellers from China, which includes a mandatory COVID-19 test, as infections there spread after relaxing Beijing's 'Zero-Covid policy' rules.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Belgium will now test wastewater from planes arriving from China, the government announced on Monday as a part of its new steps amid a rise in coronavirus cases in Beijing.

Belgium will now test wastewater from planes arriving from China, the government announced on Monday as a part of its new steps amid a rise in coronavirus cases in Beijing. During the press conference, while new measures were announced, Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said that the European Union-wide policy was much needed amid the spike in China's coronavirus cases. Also read | France, Australia, Canada impose Covid restrictions on travellers from China Steven Van Gucht of the Sciensano national public health institute told Reuters, "This will be an additional monitoring objective to verify that the data we receive from China is accurate." Watch | Belgium to test wastewater on airlines arriving from Covid-hit China He said that the government is aware that some infected passengers might not use washrooms during their flights, so, therefore, this new measure is not meant to track people but to track the current situation in China. Also read | Qatar joins the list of countries requiring Covid negative test from travellers from China The country is also urging travellers from China to test themselves for COVID-19 if they show any symptoms seven days after arriving but won't enforce this as a part of the measure. According to Vandenbroucke, EU officials will hold talks on Wednesday for the same. Authorities across the country are imposing or considering curbs on travellers from China, which includes a mandatory COVID-19 test, as infections there spread after relaxing Beijing's 'Zero-Covid policy' rules. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amid Beijing's covid spike, Belgium to test wastewater on flights from China

2022: The year of coronavirus and its variants

On New Year's Eve, many people in China uploaded reflection posts on social media talking about their battle with Covid-19 and criticising the zero-Covid policy imposed by the government for around three years.&nbsp;This month, China removed centralised quarantine for those infected with the virus, mass testing, and lockdowns, which were earlier very strictly imposed to eliminate all possibilities of outbreaks of Covid-19.

The sudden removal of curbs after so long has led to the massive spread of coronavirus in China, hitting the country's economic progress, and raising international concern&nbsp;among various countries which took the drastic step of imposing restrictions on travellers from China.&nbsp;

Thousands of citizens on Saturday slammed the sudden disappearance of a viral video on China's Twitter-like Weibo which was created by local outlet Netease News collating Chinese people's real-life stories in 2022.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-slams-covid-curbs-on-chinese-travellers-as-discriminatory-547901">Beijing slams Covid curbs on Chinese travellers as 'discriminatory'</a>

Many stories in the video narrated the difficulties faced by the citizens due to the strict implementation of the zero-COVID policy. One hashtag related to the video received 4 million hits on Weibo before it was wiped out of all platforms by Saturday noon.&nbsp;

New hashtags were then created by social media users to ensure that comments kept pouring in. "What a perverse world, you can only sing the praises of the fake but you cannot show real life," wrote one user, as he added a screenshot of no results displayed when the hashtags are searched.

The removal of hashtags and the video was believed to be an act of censorship by many citizens, which further reflected that the government in China still perceives the narrative around how it handled coronavirus as a politically sensitive issue.

Many people on Weibo stated how the new rise in infections has left them with no celebratory mood on New Year's Eve.

"This virus should just go and die, can not believe this year I can not even find a healthy friend that can go out with me and celebrate the passage into the New Year,” said one user of Weibo in eastern Shandong province.

WATCH | WHO calls up China to step up Covid response, urges to share more Covid data too

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Other citizens hoped that the new year would bring back the pre-pandemic life in China. "I lived and worked under COVID throughout 2022... I hope 2023 is when everything can go back to what it was before 2020," one user from Jiangsu stated.

Even as the health authorities claimed that the zero-Covid policy was removed due to the "weakening" of the Omicron variant, the country was reopened just a few days after it witnessed the biggest protest ever since Chinese President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On New Year's Eve, many people in China uploaded reflection posts on social media talking about their battle with Covid-19 and criticising the zero-Covid policy imposed by the government for around three years.

On New Year's Eve, many people in China uploaded reflection posts on social media talking about their battle with Covid-19 and criticising the zero-Covid policy imposed by the government for around three years. This month, China removed centralised quarantine for those infected with the virus, mass testing, and lockdowns, which were earlier very strictly imposed to eliminate all possibilities of outbreaks of Covid-19. The sudden removal of curbs after so long has led to the massive spread of coronavirus in China, hitting the country's economic progress, and raising international concern among various countries which took the drastic step of imposing restrictions on travellers from China. Thousands of citizens on Saturday slammed the sudden disappearance of a viral video on China's Twitter-like Weibo which was created by local outlet Netease News collating Chinese people's real-life stories in 2022. ALSO READ| Beijing slams Covid curbs on Chinese travellers as 'discriminatory' Many stories in the video narrated the difficulties faced by the citizens due to the strict implementation of the zero-COVID policy. One hashtag related to the video received 4 million hits on Weibo before it was wiped out of all platforms by Saturday noon. New hashtags were then created by social media users to ensure that comments kept pouring in. "What a perverse world, you can only sing the praises of the fake but you cannot show real life," wrote one user, as he added a screenshot of no results displayed when the hashtags are searched. The removal of hashtags and the video was believed to be an act of censorship by many citizens, which further reflected that the government in China still perceives the narrative around how it handled coronavirus as a politically sensitive issue. Many people on Weibo stated how the new rise in infections has left them with no celebratory mood on New Year's Eve. "This virus should just go and die, can not believe this year I can not even find a healthy friend that can go out with me and celebrate the passage into the New Year,” said one user of Weibo in eastern Shandong province. WATCH | WHO calls up China to step up Covid response, urges to share more Covid data too Other citizens hoped that the new year would bring back the pre-pandemic life in China. "I lived and worked under COVID throughout 2022... I hope 2023 is when everything can go back to what it was before 2020," one user from Jiangsu stated. Even as the health authorities claimed that the zero-Covid policy was removed due to the "weakening" of the Omicron variant, the country was reopened just a few days after it witnessed the biggest protest ever since Chinese President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012. (With inputs from agencies)

China censors online posts reflecting people’s battle with Covid-19, government policy

Residents in China have been scouring the market for generic COVID-19 drugs and India seems to be the answer to their problem. In the recent past, the Chinese authorities have approved two Covid antivirals – Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Azvudine – for the treatment. While China has ran out of the medicine, the Indian market is filled with it and is slowly becoming the next favourite destination.

In the past few months, topics like “anti-Covid Indian generic drugs sold at 1,000 yuan (US$144) per box” has been making the rounds of the Chinese social media. Platforms like Weibo and WeChat are filled with such queries and experts believe that black market deals are being conducted on them.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-zelenskys-peace-plan-must-include-annexed-regions-says-kremlin-547406">Ukraine war: Zelensky's peace plan must include annexed regions, says Kremlin</a>

The South China Morning News reported that the drugs are currently available for an inflated price in the China market with names like Primovir, Paxista, Molnunat and Molnatris. While Paxlovid is originally priced at 2980 Yuan per box, the price in India is much lower at 1600 Yuan.

While the distribution of drugs which are not approved in China is not illegal, there can be penalties imposed on the illegal imports. Even the doctors in China have warned the public against buying drugs on the black market with several patients displaying massive side effects to the medicines.

WATCH |&nbsp;Over 200 vehicles bump into each other amid heavy foggy in China

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“Marketing queries are coming to [Indian] drug makers asking for quotes on ibuprofen and paracetamol,” Sahil Munjal, chairman of the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), told Reuters last week.

India would step up production and export of fever medicines to China, he added.

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Residents in China have been scouring the market for generic COVID-19 drugs and India seems to be the answer to their problem. In the recent past, the Chinese authorities have approved two Covid antivirals – Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Azvudine – for the treatment.

Residents in China have been scouring the market for generic COVID-19 drugs and India seems to be the answer to their problem. In the recent past, the Chinese authorities have approved two Covid antivirals – Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Azvudine – for the treatment. While China has ran out of the medicine, the Indian market is filled with it and is slowly becoming the next favourite destination. In the past few months, topics like “anti-Covid Indian generic drugs sold at 1,000 yuan (US$144) per box” has been making the rounds of the Chinese social media. Platforms like Weibo and WeChat are filled with such queries and experts believe that black market deals are being conducted on them. Also read | Ukraine war: Zelensky's peace plan must include annexed regions, says Kremlin The South China Morning News reported that the drugs are currently available for an inflated price in the China market with names like Primovir, Paxista, Molnunat and Molnatris. While Paxlovid is originally priced at 2980 Yuan per box, the price in India is much lower at 1600 Yuan. While the distribution of drugs which are not approved in China is not illegal, there can be penalties imposed on the illegal imports. Even the doctors in China have warned the public against buying drugs on the black market with several patients displaying massive side effects to the medicines. WATCH | Over 200 vehicles bump into each other amid heavy foggy in China “Marketing queries are coming to [Indian] drug makers asking for quotes on ibuprofen and paracetamol,” Sahil Munjal, chairman of the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), told Reuters last week. India would step up production and export of fever medicines to China, he added.

China looking at Indian market for approved Covid-19 drugs as demand increases

Due to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in China, the fear of the pandemic is back. Once again, people are worried about whether they will be able to survive another deadly wave or not. Governments across the world have started to take precautionary measures to curb the spread of the infection while many of us have started practising social distancing, stocking up on sanitisers and wearing masks in public places.

In all this, we often ask ourselves if contaminated food can spread the COVID-19 infection. Even though there isn't a&nbsp;definite answer for this, new research suggests that the virus can linger on some foods for days and sometimes even weeks.&nbsp;

According to research published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) on their official website, the deadly virus can survive on some groceries and packaged food items more than others.

Virus lingered longer on food items with uneven surfaces like broccoli, peppers and raspberries. At an ambient temperature of 23°C, the virus can survive on broccoli for nearly five days. Meanwhile, on peppers, the virus can survive for about seven days if kept at a chill temperature of 6°C.

On cheese or cold meat such as cheddar cheese and sliced ham, the virus was detected even after a week when stored in a refrigerator. According to the researchers, foods high in moisture, protein and saturated fats support more prolonged virus survival. This highlights the importance of proper food handling to prevent any contamination by the virus prior to consumption.&nbsp;

The virus can be found for several hours on the surface of bread crusts and pastries such as croissants and pain au chocolat, however, a significant decline can be seen after 24 hours. The study noted that a coating of liquid egg wash could have an inhibitory effect on the virus since eggs contain arachidonic acid and other unsaturated fatty acids, which possess anti-viral properties.&nbsp;

The same study by FSA also revealed that viral infectivity declines within a few hours post-contamination on apples and olives. "We suggest that chemicals, such as flavonoids, present in the skin of apples and olives inactivate the virus," clarified authors C.A. Bryant, S.A. Wilks and C.W. Keevil, who contributed to the study.

Lastly, the research revealed that coronavirus can&nbsp;remain&nbsp;on plastic containers and cartons for days. However, they only survive on aluminium packaging like cans for a few hours.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-japanese-research-reveals-what-triggers-our-brain-to-indulge-in-binge-eating-547077">Japanese research reveals what triggers our brain to indulge in binge-eating</a>

Titled 'Survival of SARS-CoV-2 on the surfaces of food and food packaging materials',&nbsp;a laboratory-based study was conducted by FSA in association with The University of Southampton by artificially contaminating infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus onto the surfaces of different food items and their&nbsp;packaging. The researchers measured how the amount of infectious virus present on those surfaces declined over time.

To conclude their study, the researchers said, "There is currently no documented evidence that food and food packaging materials are a significant source and/or vehicle for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The potential implications for public health are unclear since inhalation of respiratory aerosols and droplets is considered to be the main route of SARS-CoV-2 transmission."&nbsp;

"It should be noted that foods and packaging considered as part of this study were artificially inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 and therefore are not a reflection of contamination levels found on these foods at retail. However, there is the possibility of transmission through contaminated food if the food is in direct contact with the mouth and mucus membranes," they added.&nbsp;

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Due to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in China, the fear of the pandemic is back. Once again, people are worried about whether they will be able to survive another deadly wave or not.

Due to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in China, the fear of the pandemic is back. Once again, people are worried about whether they will be able to survive another deadly wave or not. Governments across the world have started to take precautionary measures to curb the spread of the infection while many of us have started practising social distancing, stocking up on sanitisers and wearing masks in public places. In all this, we often ask ourselves if contaminated food can spread the COVID-19 infection. Even though there isn't a definite answer for this, new research suggests that the virus can linger on some foods for days and sometimes even weeks. According to research published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) on their official website, the deadly virus can survive on some groceries and packaged food items more than others. Virus lingered longer on food items with uneven surfaces like broccoli, peppers and raspberries. At an ambient temperature of 23°C, the virus can survive on broccoli for nearly five days. Meanwhile, on peppers, the virus can survive for about seven days if kept at a chill temperature of 6°C. On cheese or cold meat such as cheddar cheese and sliced ham, the virus was detected even after a week when stored in a refrigerator. According to the researchers, foods high in moisture, protein and saturated fats support more prolonged virus survival. This highlights the importance of proper food handling to prevent any contamination by the virus prior to consumption. The virus can be found for several hours on the surface of bread crusts and pastries such as croissants and pain au chocolat, however, a significant decline can be seen after 24 hours. The study noted that a coating of liquid egg wash could have an inhibitory effect on the virus since eggs contain arachidonic acid and other unsaturated fatty acids, which possess anti-viral properties. The same study by FSA also revealed that viral infectivity declines within a few hours post-contamination on apples and olives. "We suggest that chemicals, such as flavonoids, present in the skin of apples and olives inactivate the virus," clarified authors C.A. Bryant, S.A. Wilks and C.W. Keevil, who contributed to the study. Lastly, the research revealed that coronavirus can remain on plastic containers and cartons for days. However, they only survive on aluminium packaging like cans for a few hours. Also read: Japanese research reveals what triggers our brain to indulge in binge-eating Titled 'Survival of SARS-CoV-2 on the surfaces of food and food packaging materials', a laboratory-based study was conducted by FSA in association with The University of Southampton by artificially contaminating infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus onto the surfaces of different food items and their packaging. The researchers measured how the amount of infectious virus present on those surfaces declined over time. To conclude their study, the researchers said, "There is currently no documented evidence that food and food packaging materials are a significant source and/or vehicle for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The potential implications for public health are unclear since inhalation of respiratory aerosols and droplets is considered to be the main route of SARS-CoV-2 transmission." "It should be noted that foods and packaging considered as part of this study were artificially inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 and therefore are not a reflection of contamination levels found on these foods at retail. However, there is the possibility of transmission through contaminated food if the food is in direct contact with the mouth and mucus membranes," they added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

How safe is your food? Study reveals coronavirus can stay on some groceries for days

Hospitals across Indian states conduct mock drills on December 27 to check Covid preparedness, including availability of beds and manpower, to deal with any increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.

WION Dispatch: Hospitals across India conduct mock drill amid Covid surge

Former world number one Novak Djokovic arrived in Australia on Tuesday almost one year after he was deported for refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19, tennis officials said. 
The nine-time Australian Open champion was initially banned from the country for three years after losing a high-stakes legal battle in January over his vaccine status.&nbsp;

Australia has since lifted its requirement for visitors to show proof of vaccination against Covid.

The government confirmed in November that the unvaccinated Serb was no longer barred and had been granted a visa allowing him to play in the opening Grand Slam of the year, which starts next month.&nbsp;

Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said he hoped local fans would embrace Djokovic's return.&nbsp;

"We welcome him back to Australia. I&nbsp;think as we speak he's landing in Adelaide and I think that he is going to be again the player to beat," he told reporters.&nbsp;

"I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public. I have a lot of confidence that the fans will react how we hope they will react."

Tennis Australia confirmed that Djokovic had touched down.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/novak-djokovic-australian-open-saga-how-did-world-no-1-land-into-detention-down-under-442772">WATCH |&nbsp;Novak Djokovic Australian Open saga: How did World No. 1 land into detention Down Under?</a>

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Djokovic, who has won 21 Grand Slams, has been criticised for his part in the saga, which played out as rolling anti-vaccination protests took place in Australia's major cities.&nbsp;

He is scheduled to play in the Adelaide International, beginning Sunday, as he warms up for the Open in Melbourne.&nbsp;

"Over the years I've been really fortunate to start very strong in Australia and I love playing there," the world number five said in Dubai last week after ending 2022 with a record-equalling sixth ATP Tour Finals crown.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovics-wife-reacts-strongly-over-serbians-mystery-drink-in-paris-masters-2022-533158">Read more:&nbsp;Novak Djokovic's wife reacts strongly over Serbian's mystery drink in Paris Masters 2022</a>

"After obviously what happened earlier this year, hopefully, I can have a decent reception there and hopefully that can help me play some good tennis."&nbsp;

Djokovic last set foot in Australia nearly a year ago, claiming he had obtained a medical exemption to enter the country without being vaccinated because he had recently recovered from Covid.

However, Australian border officials said he did not meet the requirements to be exempted from strict vaccination rules and he was detained for five days while pursuing an ultimately fruitless legal appeal.&nbsp;

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Former world number one Novak Djokovic arrived in Australia on Tuesday almost one year after he was deported for refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19, tennis officials said.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic arrived in Australia on Tuesday almost one year after he was deported for refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19, tennis officials said. The nine-time Australian Open champion was initially banned from the country for three years after losing a high-stakes legal battle in January over his vaccine status. Australia has since lifted its requirement for visitors to show proof of vaccination against Covid. The government confirmed in November that the unvaccinated Serb was no longer barred and had been granted a visa allowing him to play in the opening Grand Slam of the year, which starts next month. Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said he hoped local fans would embrace Djokovic's return. "We welcome him back to Australia. I think as we speak he's landing in Adelaide and I think that he is going to be again the player to beat," he told reporters. "I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public. I have a lot of confidence that the fans will react how we hope they will react." Tennis Australia confirmed that Djokovic had touched down. WATCH | Novak Djokovic Australian Open saga: How did World No. 1 land into detention Down Under? × Djokovic, who has won 21 Grand Slams, has been criticised for his part in the saga, which played out as rolling anti-vaccination protests took place in Australia's major cities. He is scheduled to play in the Adelaide International, beginning Sunday, as he warms up for the Open in Melbourne. "Over the years I've been really fortunate to start very strong in Australia and I love playing there," the world number five said in Dubai last week after ending 2022 with a record-equalling sixth ATP Tour Finals crown. Read more: Novak Djokovic's wife reacts strongly over Serbian's mystery drink in Paris Masters 2022 "After obviously what happened earlier this year, hopefully, I can have a decent reception there and hopefully that can help me play some good tennis." Djokovic last set foot in Australia nearly a year ago, claiming he had obtained a medical exemption to enter the country without being vaccinated because he had recently recovered from Covid. However, Australian border officials said he did not meet the requirements to be exempted from strict vaccination rules and he was detained for five days while pursuing an ultimately fruitless legal appeal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Novak Djokovic lands Down Under to play Australian Open, a year after being deported

The news of China ending mandatory quarantine for arrivals has resulted in instant gains when it comes to Asian markets. China’s benchmark Shanghai index and the second index in Shenzhen both opened with considerable gains while similar trends were also observed in Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore and Mumbai.

The Chinese economy has been suffering quite a bit due to the tough restrictions imposed by the Xi Jinping government but the new concessions has already seen a major uptick in tourist activity and experts around the world are hoping for a relatively quick recovery.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/once-in-a-lifetime-weather-disaster-leaves-at-least-60-dead-in-us-546886">'Once-in-a-lifetime' weather disaster leaves at least 60 dead in US</a>

"Global equities climbed Tuesday while the dollar declined amid positive sentiment from China upping the speed limits on zero-Covid off ramps and the softening of a key inflation measure in the US," Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management told AFP when asked about the developments.

"Inbound tourism is not a huge economic bounty for China relative to domestic tourism but policy fast-track and early zero-Covid exit means growth could recover enormously," he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;China: No Covid data to be available from December 25th

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The Chinese government decided to reverse some of its strict COVID-19 restrictions following massive protests around the country. For the first time in almost three years, COVID-19 was classified a Class B infectious disease and that means the citizens can move much more freely.

The markets were also impacted by the rising price of oil following Russia’s announcement about reducing their production by over seven percent in the next year. On top of that, the blizzard in the United States has caused the production of over 1.8 million barrels of oil per day.

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The news of China ending mandatory quarantine for arrivals has resulted in instant gains when it comes to Asian markets. China’s benchmark Shanghai index and the second index in Shenzhen both opened with considerable gains while similar trends were also observed in Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore and Mumbai.

The news of China ending mandatory quarantine for arrivals has resulted in instant gains when it comes to Asian markets. China’s benchmark Shanghai index and the second index in Shenzhen both opened with considerable gains while similar trends were also observed in Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore and Mumbai. The Chinese economy has been suffering quite a bit due to the tough restrictions imposed by the Xi Jinping government but the new concessions has already seen a major uptick in tourist activity and experts around the world are hoping for a relatively quick recovery. Also read | 'Once-in-a-lifetime' weather disaster leaves at least 60 dead in US "Global equities climbed Tuesday while the dollar declined amid positive sentiment from China upping the speed limits on zero-Covid off ramps and the softening of a key inflation measure in the US," Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management told AFP when asked about the developments. "Inbound tourism is not a huge economic bounty for China relative to domestic tourism but policy fast-track and early zero-Covid exit means growth could recover enormously," he added. WATCH | China: No Covid data to be available from December 25th The Chinese government decided to reverse some of its strict COVID-19 restrictions following massive protests around the country. For the first time in almost three years, COVID-19 was classified a Class B infectious disease and that means the citizens can move much more freely. The markets were also impacted by the rising price of oil following Russia’s announcement about reducing their production by over seven percent in the next year. On top of that, the blizzard in the United States has caused the production of over 1.8 million barrels of oil per day.

Asian markets gain momentum following China's decision to loosen Covid restrictions

Commuters wearing masks filled the subway trains of Shanghai and Beijing on Monday as the two cities of China took a step towards living with Covid-19 as hospitals continued to swell up with millions of new coronavirus patients.&nbsp;

After imposing tough anti-Covid restrictions for three years, Chinese President Xi Jinping removed the zero-Covid policy, which included continuous testing and tough lockdowns, on December 7 in the aftermath of public protests and increasing outbreaks.

"Our country's new coronavirus epidemic prevention and control is facing new situations and new tasks," Xi was cited as saying by the Xinhua news agency, when he for the first time addressed the sudden change in China's Covid policy.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-xi-jinping-finally-speaks-as-china-faces-new-situation-urges-steps-to-protect-lives-546753">COVID-19: Xi Jinping finally speaks as China faces 'new situation', urges steps to 'protect' lives</a>

The virus is now spreading unchecked throughout the country, with increasing doubts about statistics of Beijing, according to which no new deaths related to Covid have been reported in the last six days.&nbsp;

According to doctors, the number of patients has multiplied by five or six times, most of them being elder.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Xinhua quoted Premier Li Keqiang as saying that the government must intensify their efforts at all levels to ensure that the demand for medical supplies and treatment is met.

"I am prepared to live with the pandemic. Lockdowns are not a long-term solution,” said Shanghai's 25-year-old resident Lin Zixin.&nbsp;

WATCH| Gravitas: Wuhan Virus: India is taking no chances

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To control Covid this year, Shanghai faced two months of strict lockdown till June 1. On Monday, the hustle-bustle on the road of the city sharply contrasted with the eerie silence that was spread across the city in May and April.&nbsp;

In the weekend, the residents of the city thronged the annual Christmas market held at Shanghai's commercial district Bund. People also visited in large numbers Shanghai Disneyland and Beijing's Universal Studios, and queued up, in Christmas-themed outfits, for rides.&nbsp;

"Now basically everyone has returned to a normal routine," said a resident of Beijing.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Commuters wearing masks filled the subway trains of Shanghai and Beijing on Monday as the two cities of China took a step towards living with Covid-19 as hospitals continued to swell up with millions of new coronavirus patients.

Commuters wearing masks filled the subway trains of Shanghai and Beijing on Monday as the two cities of China took a step towards living with Covid-19 as hospitals continued to swell up with millions of new coronavirus patients. After imposing tough anti-Covid restrictions for three years, Chinese President Xi Jinping removed the zero-Covid policy, which included continuous testing and tough lockdowns, on December 7 in the aftermath of public protests and increasing outbreaks. "Our country's new coronavirus epidemic prevention and control is facing new situations and new tasks," Xi was cited as saying by the Xinhua news agency, when he for the first time addressed the sudden change in China's Covid policy. ALSO READ| COVID-19: Xi Jinping finally speaks as China faces 'new situation', urges steps to 'protect' lives The virus is now spreading unchecked throughout the country, with increasing doubts about statistics of Beijing, according to which no new deaths related to Covid have been reported in the last six days. According to doctors, the number of patients has multiplied by five or six times, most of them being elder. Meanwhile, Xinhua quoted Premier Li Keqiang as saying that the government must intensify their efforts at all levels to ensure that the demand for medical supplies and treatment is met. "I am prepared to live with the pandemic. Lockdowns are not a long-term solution,” said Shanghai's 25-year-old resident Lin Zixin. WATCH| Gravitas: Wuhan Virus: India is taking no chances To control Covid this year, Shanghai faced two months of strict lockdown till June 1. On Monday, the hustle-bustle on the road of the city sharply contrasted with the eerie silence that was spread across the city in May and April. In the weekend, the residents of the city thronged the annual Christmas market held at Shanghai's commercial district Bund. People also visited in large numbers Shanghai Disneyland and Beijing's Universal Studios, and queued up, in Christmas-themed outfits, for rides. "Now basically everyone has returned to a normal routine," said a resident of Beijing. (With inputs from agencies)

People return to work in Beijing as China takes a step towards living with Covid

China is struggling with one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks the world has ever seen and it is expected to get worse. In spite of that, the Asian giant is scrapping most of its Covid policies amid the emergence of Omicron subvariant BF.7 which led the daily number of cases in the country to rise.

Now, a new projection is claiming that the country may be registering nearly a million cases and almost 5,000 deaths every day, reported Bloomberg.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/faced-with-a-spike-in-cases-china-accepts-germanys-mrna-covid-19-vaccines-distributes-free-fever-medicine-545497">Also read |&nbsp;Faced with a spike in cases China accepts Germany's mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, distributes free fever medicine</a>

The research was conducted by a London-based firm- Airfinity, which anticipated that the situation is expected to get worse and that the current wave might increase the cases to almost 3.4 million in January to its peak at 4.2 million in March.&nbsp;

As per official data released on Wednesday, China since the beginning of December has nearly reported almost 3,000 cases and less than 10 deaths.&nbsp;

However, hospitals are currently overwhelmed by the number of patients being admitted daily.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-bf7-the-new-variant-behind-chinas-covid-wave-are-available-vaccines-effective-545424">Also read | EXPLAINED: What is BF.7, the new variant behind China's COVID wave, are available vaccines effective?</a>

According to analysis, residents are relying on their test reports as China has shut down most of its testing booths and has stopped including every single infection in their test reports.&nbsp;

Airfintiy's head of vaccines and epidemiology, Lousie Blair said, "the official data is unlikely to be a true reflection of the outbreak being experienced across the country." He added, "This change could downplay the extent of deaths seen in China."

The authorities are further planning to cut quarantine requirements for oversea travellers from January as the country scraps off most of its 'Zero Covid' policies.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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China is struggling with one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks the world has ever seen and it is expected to get worse. In spite of that, the Asian giant is scrapping most of its Covid policies amid the emergence of Omicron subvariant BF.

China is struggling with one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks the world has ever seen and it is expected to get worse. In spite of that, the Asian giant is scrapping most of its Covid policies amid the emergence of Omicron subvariant BF.7 which led the daily number of cases in the country to rise. Now, a new projection is claiming that the country may be registering nearly a million cases and almost 5,000 deaths every day, reported Bloomberg. Also read | Faced with a spike in cases China accepts Germany's mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, distributes free fever medicine The research was conducted by a London-based firm- Airfinity, which anticipated that the situation is expected to get worse and that the current wave might increase the cases to almost 3.4 million in January to its peak at 4.2 million in March. As per official data released on Wednesday, China since the beginning of December has nearly reported almost 3,000 cases and less than 10 deaths. However, hospitals are currently overwhelmed by the number of patients being admitted daily. Also read | EXPLAINED: What is BF.7, the new variant behind China's COVID wave, are available vaccines effective? According to analysis, residents are relying on their test reports as China has shut down most of its testing booths and has stopped including every single infection in their test reports. Airfintiy's head of vaccines and epidemiology, Lousie Blair said, "the official data is unlikely to be a true reflection of the outbreak being experienced across the country." He added, "This change could downplay the extent of deaths seen in China." The authorities are further planning to cut quarantine requirements for oversea travellers from January as the country scraps off most of its 'Zero Covid' policies. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China has 1mn Covid cases, 5k deaths a day, claims report as it plans to cut travellers' quarantine

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