Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that his mother Heeraben had received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

"Happy to share that my mother has taken the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine today. I urge everyone to help and motivate people around you who are eligible to take the vaccine," PM Modi tweeted.

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Happy to share that my mother has taken the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine today. I urge everyone to help and motivate people around you who are eligible to take the vaccine.
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The prime minister himself took the first dose of vaccine on March 1. The vaccine was administered at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at New Delhi.

India has rolled out countrywide vaccination drive on January 16, 2021. Vaccination of frontline workers started on February 2. This is the biggest coronavirus vaccination drive in world.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-core-of-atmanirbhar-bharat-is-to-create-wealth-values-for-humanity-indian-pm-says-369648">At core of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' is to create wealth, values for humanity, Indian PM says</a>

Vaccination drive for frontline workers started on February 2.

The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on March 1 for those who are over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.As many as 2,52,89,693 crore doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered so far, the Union Health Ministry informed on Thursday.

(With ANI inputs)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that his mother Heeraben had received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. "Happy to share that my mother has taken the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine today.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that his mother Heeraben had received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. "Happy to share that my mother has taken the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine today. I urge everyone to help and motivate people around you who are eligible to take the vaccine," PM Modi tweeted. Happy to share that my mother has taken the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine today. I urge everyone to help and motivate people around you who are eligible to take the vaccine. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 11, 2021 × The prime minister himself took the first dose of vaccine on March 1. The vaccine was administered at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at New Delhi. India has rolled out countrywide vaccination drive on January 16, 2021. Vaccination of frontline workers started on February 2. This is the biggest coronavirus vaccination drive in world. Also Read | At core of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' is to create wealth, values for humanity, Indian PM says Vaccination drive for frontline workers started on February 2. The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on March 1 for those who are over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.As many as 2,52,89,693 crore doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered so far, the Union Health Ministry informed on Thursday. (With ANI inputs)

India PM Narendra Modi's mother receives coronavirus vaccine

As U.S. coronavirus cases remain at a low not seen since October, a more contagious variant first reported in the United Kingdom has likely grown to account for more than 20% of new U.S. cases as of this week, according to an analysis of data from Helix, a lab testing company.

There is not yet enough genomic sequencing — the process required to screen positive coronavirus samples for variants — to be certain of how widely that variant, known as B.1.1.7, is spreading. But data suggests its share of total cases is growing at a trajectory similar to that seen in countries where it has fueled surges.

Still, experts note that low total case counts in states with a high share of B.1.1.7 are an encouraging sign. It remains to be seen, they say, whether the variant will cause a significant resurgence here or whether widespread vaccinations and virus-control measures can keep case counts at bay.

The B.1.1.7 variant is just one variant of concern found in the United States, in addition to a variant first identified in Brazil and another discovered in South Africa. But those variants make up a tiny fraction of total cases compared with B.1.1.7, which experts say is likely to become dominant across the country this month. The variant is doubling as a share of all new U.S. cases approximately every 10 days, continuing a pattern first identified by researchers in early February.

Screening for variants requires sending a positive sample to a lab to be sequenced, which takes time and resources. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it often takes about 10 days to sequence a sample and analyze it for reporting. Estimates for the cost of sequencing a sample range from $25 to $400, according to a report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. And the large amount of data each sequence generates requires computational and data science expertise that many health departments struggle to afford.

Only 0.5% of cumulative cases in the country have been sequenced since the beginning of the pandemic, but, with new efforts, about 1% of new cases in February and about 3% in the past two weeks were sequenced, according to CDC data and Jasmine Reed, a spokeswoman for the agency.

Experts’ recommendations on how many cases should be sequenced vary, but many say sequencing around 5% of cases would begin to adequately show the spread of variants circulating at low levels.

The United Kingdom, by contrast, has sequenced about 8% of its total cases and is currently doing so for about a third of its cases, according to its health secretary. It has about as many new cases per day as Florida. Denmark, another world leader in coronavirus genomic surveillance, had sequenced about 12% of its total cases as of January. It now sequences almost all new positive cases, which are now at daily levels comparable to Mississippi or Missouri.

The share of cumulative cases sequenced varies widely by state, from as high as 3.5% in Hawaii to 0.05% in Tennessee. Some states have had an advantage: It’s easier to sequence a higher share of cases if the total number of cases is lower. But those vast differences in genomic surveillance mean it is especially difficult to estimate how widely a given variant is spreading in states where there are not many cases being monitored.

According to estimates based on the Helix data, there were most likely tens of thousands of cases attributed to B.1.1.7 in the United States in the past week alone. But because sequencing is so low, only 2,672 cases have been officially recorded.

Helix has analyzed nearly half a million positive samples for an anomaly indicative of the B.1.1.7 variant. Helix then sent samples to Illumina, a gene-sequencing company, to have their genomes sequenced to confirm the variant. Based on results from those samples and the share of cases with the anomaly, Helix is able to make inferences about how widely B.1.1.7 might be spreading.

The relative share of the variant grew exponentially over the past several weeks in almost every state where Helix had enough data for a trend to be evident. In Florida, the share of cases caused by the B.1.1.7 variant was highest: well over an estimated 30% of cases. Nationwide, the figure is probably more than 20%, athough Helix’s testing is not representative of population distribution.

But there could be some good news: Even Florida, where the variant is spreading most widely as a share of total cases, has not yet seen a resurgence in total new coronavirus cases.

“I am encouraged by the declining case counts in the most heavily affected states,” said Caitlin Rivers, an public health researcher at Johns Hopkins University. “I’ve been watching Florida closely, which has the highest share of B.1.1.7. Case counts have plateaued there in recent days but are not resurging. The longer we can hold the line, the more time we have to roll out vaccines, which will protect individuals, particularly those at highest risk of severe illness, and slow transmission overall.”

B.1.1.7 is not the only variant of concern in the United States, but it has by far the biggest foothold. According to the CDC, which is tracking confirmed cases of the variants, there are more than 30 times as many cases of B.1.1.7 as of the other two variants of concern first reported in South Africa (called B.1.351) and Brazil (called P.1). So far, those other two have been found in a minority of states, but given the low rate of sequencing in many states, they are most likely spreading undetected in others.

“The other variants are circulating at very low levels now compared to B.1.1.7, but over the long run it will be important to watch those because they have the potential to make our vaccines less effective,” Rivers said.

“Although total cases have been going down in recent weeks, B.1.1.7 cases have not, which means that it may not be surprising to see cases start rising again in regions that have high levels of B.1.1.7 transmission,” said William Lee, vice president of science at Helix.

But even if another resurgence in cases begins, Lee says, it is reasonable to hope the situation would be different from when the United Kingdom faced a sharp spike around the holidays. “I think even if cases start going up again, the impact on hospitalizations and mortality may still be mitigated by vaccinations and higher levels of natural immunity than we had in the past.”

Methodology

Helix identifies and reports a testing anomaly indicative of the B.1.1.7 variant called S gene target failure (SGTF). Estimates of cases attributable to B.1.1.7 were calculated following the methodology in a preprint using Helix’s data. The share of cases with SGTF was multiplied by the share of observed B.1.1.7 sequences in the SGTF samples Helix sent to be sequenced. For some later dates, if the share of observed B.1.1.7 was not available, the share of cases with SGTF was multiplied by the most recent moving average for which data was available.

As U.S. coronavirus cases remain at a low not seen since October, a more contagious variant first reported in the United Kingdom has likely grown to account for more than 20% of new U.

As U.S. coronavirus cases remain at a low not seen since October, a more contagious variant first reported in the United Kingdom has likely grown to account for more than 20% of new U.S. cases as of this week, according to an analysis of data from Helix, a lab testing company. There is not yet enough genomic sequencing — the process required to screen positive coronavirus samples for variants — to be certain of how widely that variant, known as B.1.1.7, is spreading. But data suggests its share of total cases is growing at a trajectory similar to that seen in countries where it has fueled surges. Still, experts note that low total case counts in states with a high share of B.1.1.7 are an encouraging sign. It remains to be seen, they say, whether the variant will cause a significant resurgence here or whether widespread vaccinations and virus-control measures can keep case counts at bay. The B.1.1.7 variant is just one variant of concern found in the United States, in addition to a variant first identified in Brazil and another discovered in South Africa. But those variants make up a tiny fraction of total cases compared with B.1.1.7, which experts say is likely to become dominant across the country this month. The variant is doubling as a share of all new U.S. cases approximately every 10 days, continuing a pattern first identified by researchers in early February. Screening for variants requires sending a positive sample to a lab to be sequenced, which takes time and resources. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it often takes about 10 days to sequence a sample and analyze it for reporting. Estimates for the cost of sequencing a sample range from $25 to $400, according to a report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. And the large amount of data each sequence generates requires computational and data science expertise that many health departments struggle to afford. Only 0.5% of cumulative cases in the country have been sequenced since the beginning of the pandemic, but, with new efforts, about 1% of new cases in February and about 3% in the past two weeks were sequenced, according to CDC data and Jasmine Reed, a spokeswoman for the agency. Experts’ recommendations on how many cases should be sequenced vary, but many say sequencing around 5% of cases would begin to adequately show the spread of variants circulating at low levels. The United Kingdom, by contrast, has sequenced about 8% of its total cases and is currently doing so for about a third of its cases, according to its health secretary. It has about as many new cases per day as Florida. Denmark, another world leader in coronavirus genomic surveillance, had sequenced about 12% of its total cases as of January. It now sequences almost all new positive cases, which are now at daily levels comparable to Mississippi or Missouri. The share of cumulative cases sequenced varies widely by state, from as high as 3.5% in Hawaii to 0.05% in Tennessee. Some states have had an advantage: It’s easier to sequence a higher share of cases if the total number of cases is lower. But those vast differences in genomic surveillance mean it is especially difficult to estimate how widely a given variant is spreading in states where there are not many cases being monitored. According to estimates based on the Helix data, there were most likely tens of thousands of cases attributed to B.1.1.7 in the United States in the past week alone. But because sequencing is so low, only 2,672 cases have been officially recorded. Helix has analyzed nearly half a million positive samples for an anomaly indicative of the B.1.1.7 variant. Helix then sent samples to Illumina, a gene-sequencing company, to have their genomes sequenced to confirm the variant. Based on results from those samples and the share of cases with the anomaly, Helix is able to make inferences about how widely B.1.1.7 might be spreading. The relative share of the variant grew exponentially over the past several weeks in almost every state where Helix had enough data for a trend to be evident. In Florida, the share of cases caused by the B.1.1.7 variant was highest: well over an estimated 30% of cases. Nationwide, the figure is probably more than 20%, athough Helix’s testing is not representative of population distribution. But there could be some good news: Even Florida, where the variant is spreading most widely as a share of total cases, has not yet seen a resurgence in total new coronavirus cases. “I am encouraged by the declining case counts in the most heavily affected states,” said Caitlin Rivers, an public health researcher at Johns Hopkins University. “I’ve been watching Florida closely, which has the highest share of B.1.1.7. Case counts have plateaued there in recent days but are not resurging. The longer we can hold the line, the more time we have to roll out vaccines, which will protect individuals, particularly those at highest risk of severe illness, and slow transmission overall.” B.1.1.7 is not the only variant of concern in the United States, but it has by far the biggest foothold. According to the CDC, which is tracking confirmed cases of the variants, there are more than 30 times as many cases of B.1.1.7 as of the other two variants of concern first reported in South Africa (called B.1.351) and Brazil (called P.1). So far, those other two have been found in a minority of states, but given the low rate of sequencing in many states, they are most likely spreading undetected in others. “The other variants are circulating at very low levels now compared to B.1.1.7, but over the long run it will be important to watch those because they have the potential to make our vaccines less effective,” Rivers said. “Although total cases have been going down in recent weeks, B.1.1.7 cases have not, which means that it may not be surprising to see cases start rising again in regions that have high levels of B.1.1.7 transmission,” said William Lee, vice president of science at Helix. But even if another resurgence in cases begins, Lee says, it is reasonable to hope the situation would be different from when the United Kingdom faced a sharp spike around the holidays. “I think even if cases start going up again, the impact on hospitalizations and mortality may still be mitigated by vaccinations and higher levels of natural immunity than we had in the past.” Methodology Helix identifies and reports a testing anomaly indicative of the B.1.1.7 variant called S gene target failure (SGTF). Estimates of cases attributable to B.1.1.7 were calculated following the methodology in a preprint using Helix’s data. The share of cases with SGTF was multiplied by the share of observed B.1.1.7 sequences in the SGTF samples Helix sent to be sequenced. For some later dates, if the share of observed B.1.1.7 was not available, the share of cases with SGTF was multiplied by the most recent moving average for which data was available.

More contagious variant is spreading fast in US, even as overall cases level off

NEW YORK — The New York City arts scene is about to pass another milestone on the road to reopening: The Shed, a large performing arts venue in Hudson Yards, said Wednesday that it would hold a series of indoor performances next month for limited audiences in which everyone has either been tested for the coronavirus or vaccinated against it.

The Shed said it would present four events next month: concerts by cellist and vocalist Kelsey Lu, soprano Renée Fleming and a string ensemble from the New York Philharmonic, and a comedy set by Michelle Wolf.

Each of the performances will be open to up to 150 people, all masked, in a space that can seat 1,280. The Shed said it would require patrons to present confirmation of a recent negative coronavirus test, or confirmation of full vaccination; requiring testing allows the Shed admit the largest number of audience members allowed under state protocols.

“In these first steps, there’s limited capacity, but you have to start somewhere,” said the Shed’s artistic director, Alex Poots. “Those first steps are really important for us, for our audiences and for our artists — just the idea that we might return to something joyful.”

The Shed is the third New York City arts presenter to announce this week specific plans for a resumption of programming, following last week’s announcement by Gov. Andrew Cuomo that arts and entertainment organizations could begin presenting indoor work for limited-capacity audiences. On Tuesday, commercial producer Daryl Roth said she would present “Blindness,” an audio adaptation of the José Saramago novel, to audiences of up to 50 at her Union Square theater, and the Park Avenue Armory said it would present a series of music, dance, and movement works, starting with a piece by Bill T. Jones for an audience of 100. The Armory said it would require ticket buyers to take an on-site rapid coronavirus test, for free, before entering.

Poots said the Shed would start with music and comedy because “both have universal appeal, and they also align well with the guidelines that have emerged.”

“It gets far more complex when you get into more intricate art forms that require a lot of costume changes or close-up rehearsal,” he said. The productions are small, but not tiny; Lu will be accompanied by 14 musicians, and the Philharmonic ensemble will include 20 players. None of the performances will have intermissions.

The first performer, Lu, is planning to present an opera called “This is a Test.”

“I have been waiting for this day — it’s been too long,” Lu said. “There’s nothing like that exchange between audience and performer. It’s left a void for me and so many of us.”

The Shed, like many arts institutions, canceled programs starting March 12 of last year. Since then, it has presented a visual art exhibition, of work by Howardena Pindell; a filmed rendition of a play, “November” by Claudia Rankine, and an online digital works series. But these April events will be the first live performances with paying audiences. The Shed has some considerable architectural advantages under the circumstances — it is a new building with a state-of-the-art HVAC system capable of fully refreshing the breathable indoor air every 30 minutes, and its 18,000-square-foot main performance space opens directly to the outside.

The Shed is planning to follow the April performances by, in May, hosting the Frieze New York art fair for the first time, and in June, hosting Open Call, a program for early career artists, as well as programs in collaboration with the Tribeca Film Festival. Poots said that he hopes that by fall, “things will be getting a lot easier, in terms of capacities and regulations.”

NEW YORK — The New York City arts scene is about to pass another milestone on the road to reopening: The Shed, a large performing arts venue in Hudson Yards, said Wednesday that it would hold a series of indoor performances next month for limited audiences in which everyone has either been tested for the coronavirus or vaccinated against it.

NEW YORK — The New York City arts scene is about to pass another milestone on the road to reopening: The Shed, a large performing arts venue in Hudson Yards, said Wednesday that it would hold a series of indoor performances next month for limited audiences in which everyone has either been tested for the coronavirus or vaccinated against it. The Shed said it would present four events next month: concerts by cellist and vocalist Kelsey Lu, soprano Renée Fleming and a string ensemble from the New York Philharmonic, and a comedy set by Michelle Wolf. Each of the performances will be open to up to 150 people, all masked, in a space that can seat 1,280. The Shed said it would require patrons to present confirmation of a recent negative coronavirus test, or confirmation of full vaccination; requiring testing allows the Shed admit the largest number of audience members allowed under state protocols. “In these first steps, there’s limited capacity, but you have to start somewhere,” said the Shed’s artistic director, Alex Poots. “Those first steps are really important for us, for our audiences and for our artists — just the idea that we might return to something joyful.” The Shed is the third New York City arts presenter to announce this week specific plans for a resumption of programming, following last week’s announcement by Gov. Andrew Cuomo that arts and entertainment organizations could begin presenting indoor work for limited-capacity audiences. On Tuesday, commercial producer Daryl Roth said she would present “Blindness,” an audio adaptation of the José Saramago novel, to audiences of up to 50 at her Union Square theater, and the Park Avenue Armory said it would present a series of music, dance, and movement works, starting with a piece by Bill T. Jones for an audience of 100. The Armory said it would require ticket buyers to take an on-site rapid coronavirus test, for free, before entering. Poots said the Shed would start with music and comedy because “both have universal appeal, and they also align well with the guidelines that have emerged.” “It gets far more complex when you get into more intricate art forms that require a lot of costume changes or close-up rehearsal,” he said. The productions are small, but not tiny; Lu will be accompanied by 14 musicians, and the Philharmonic ensemble will include 20 players. None of the performances will have intermissions. The first performer, Lu, is planning to present an opera called “This is a Test.” “I have been waiting for this day — it’s been too long,” Lu said. “There’s nothing like that exchange between audience and performer. It’s left a void for me and so many of us.” The Shed, like many arts institutions, canceled programs starting March 12 of last year. Since then, it has presented a visual art exhibition, of work by Howardena Pindell; a filmed rendition of a play, “November” by Claudia Rankine, and an online digital works series. But these April events will be the first live performances with paying audiences. The Shed has some considerable architectural advantages under the circumstances — it is a new building with a state-of-the-art HVAC system capable of fully refreshing the breathable indoor air every 30 minutes, and its 18,000-square-foot main performance space opens directly to the outside. The Shed is planning to follow the April performances by, in May, hosting the Frieze New York art fair for the first time, and in June, hosting Open Call, a program for early career artists, as well as programs in collaboration with the Tribeca Film Festival. Poots said that he hopes that by fall, “things will be getting a lot easier, in terms of capacities and regulations.”

Music for the virus-tested: The Shed plans a cautious reopening

British parliament’s Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday said that the country’s test and trace system has not changed much in terms of coronavirus mitigation.

The $32 billion system has drawn criticism for its limited impact. The committee also referred to the costs of the system as “unimaginable”.

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The key goal of the programme was to break the cycle of lockdowns in the country. But the committee noted that it didn’t have much impact.

In addition, the committee’s report noted how the programme was too reliant on overpriced contractors. Last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the system would help limit the spread. Since then, the focus has shifted to vaccination.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-summons-eu-delegation-representative-over-completely-false-vaccine-claim-369232" hreflang="en">UK summons EU delegation representative over 'completely false' vaccine claim</a>

The country’s third lockdown began on January 5, and Johnson has revealed plans to phase out the lockdown. He intends to give the first dose to everybody by the end of July.

"Despite the unimaginable resources thrown at this project Test and Trace cannot point to a measurable difference to the progress of the pandemic," Meg Hillier, chair of the committee, and opposition Labour party lawmaker said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-businesses-caught-buying-fake-five-star-google-reviews-from-firms-found-in-search-results-369306" hreflang="en">UK businesses caught buying fake five-star Google reviews from firms found in search results</a>

Hillier added how the promise on which this expense was “justified” - avoiding lockdowns, “has been broken, twice”.

Grant Shapps, a minister from Britain, on the other hand said that the system was put in place from scratch, and that it is playing a significant role to stop the virus from spreading.

"Whatever the coronavirus experience we have had as a nation, good and bad, it would have been one heck of a lot worse if we didn't have a test and trace system which has contacted so many people and prevented the disease from spreading further," Shapps told Sky News.

British parliament’s Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday said that the country’s test and trace system has not changed much in terms of coronavirus mitigation.

British parliament’s Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday said that the country’s test and trace system has not changed much in terms of coronavirus mitigation. The $32 billion system has drawn criticism for its limited impact. The committee also referred to the costs of the system as “unimaginable”. The key goal of the programme was to break the cycle of lockdowns in the country. But the committee noted that it didn’t have much impact. In addition, the committee’s report noted how the programme was too reliant on overpriced contractors. Last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the system would help limit the spread. Since then, the focus has shifted to vaccination. Also read: UK summons EU delegation representative over 'completely false' vaccine claim The country’s third lockdown began on January 5, and Johnson has revealed plans to phase out the lockdown. He intends to give the first dose to everybody by the end of July. "Despite the unimaginable resources thrown at this project Test and Trace cannot point to a measurable difference to the progress of the pandemic," Meg Hillier, chair of the committee, and opposition Labour party lawmaker said. Also read: UK businesses caught buying fake five-star Google reviews from firms found in search results Hillier added how the promise on which this expense was “justified” - avoiding lockdowns, “has been broken, twice”. Grant Shapps, a minister from Britain, on the other hand said that the system was put in place from scratch, and that it is playing a significant role to stop the virus from spreading. "Whatever the coronavirus experience we have had as a nation, good and bad, it would have been one heck of a lot worse if we didn't have a test and trace system which has contacted so many people and prevented the disease from spreading further," Shapps told Sky News.

England's expensive 'test and trace' system failed to limit infections: Lawmakers

At 8:30 on weekday mornings, there is now enough space in the Main Concourse at Grand Central Terminal for travelers to walk at least 6 feet apart. Most move at a stroll rather than the New York City speedwalk. Early last year, about 160,000 people passed through the station each weekday. Ridership is now less than a quarter of that.

The pandemic has profoundly disrupted the largest public transit system in America, throwing it into financial turmoil. But getting more people on public transportation will be a crucial component of New York City’s plan to become carbon neutral by 2050. The system needs to grow — right at a time when it is facing a sharp decline in ridership and revenue.

Subway rides, bus rides and car trips in New York City fell drastically last March as coronavirus cases surged and the city entered a mandatory lockdown. Some residents who could afford to left the city for second homes or rentals in the suburbs. Many employees switched to remote work and have not yet returned to their offices. Keeping the city’s buses and subways moving has been crucial for transporting medical and essential workers, but, with fewer riders, the city’s public transit organization is facing its worst budget crisis in history.

“We are still in a severe fiscal crisis caused by the pandemic,” said Shams Tarek, deputy communications director at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates many of the subways, buses and trains in the New York metro area. “But we’re optimistic about the future, given the support we’ve received in Washington. We expect ridership to gradually return to the system — it’s not a matter of if, but when — and we will continue to power New York’s recovery.”

Before the pandemic, New York City’s subways were the city’s most popular mode of transit. There were nearly 1.7 billion turnstile swipes in 2019. But last March, ridership fell 90% and has only recovered to a third of what it was before the pandemic.

Transportation researchers attribute New York City’s drop in public transit riders to the shift to remote work and say that the dip in tourism may also be contributing to fewer subway rides.

“There’s a difference in travel right now,” said Hayley Richardson, a senior communications associate at TransitCenter, a nonprofit group that advocates for public transportation in New York City. “White-collar workers are not going to the office, fewer people are taking trips for entertainment. There’s just less movement around the city.”

The citywide decline in subway riders has wiped out the transit budget. Since last spring, the MTA has been operating on $8 billion in coronavirus relief payments from the federal government and an additional $3 billion in short-term loans. But that money will soon run out. The MTA will require an additional $8 billion by 2024 to avoid dramatic service cuts and layoffs.

The high costs of sanitization and investments in worker protections have also compounded financial problems for the organization. Systemwide, the MTA spent $371 million on pandemic-related costs in 2020 and expects to spend close to that same amount each year through 2024. Station and train cleaning efforts require closing the subway system overnight, which reduces service in the early morning hours.

In the early days of the pandemic, it seemed all but impossible to follow social distancing guidelines while staying safe on New York’s crowded buses and subways. Those initial fears of infection may have spurred car purchases. And some former riders may still be avoiding transit for fear of contracting the virus, though transmission risks are lower than offices or classrooms if all passengers wear masks and practice social distancing. “Despite the fact that all of the subsequent studies have failed to show a link between COVID transmission and transit, that idea was difficult to dislodge once it got into people’s minds,” Richardson said.

Bus ridership dropped precipitously in March, but rebounded faster than subway ridership. “The majority of bus riders during the pandemic were essential workers,” said Jaqi Cohen, the campaign director for the Straphangers Campaign, which advocates for public transit riders.

In March, the MTA implemented rear-door boarding on buses to keep passengers distanced from drivers until plastic partitions could be installed around the driver’s seats. On local buses, the fare box is near the front door, so the policy effectively eliminated fares on those routes. When those partitions were completed in September, fares were reinstated and ridership dropped a second time.

“The fact that bus ridership is only down 40% really says so much about what role the city’s bus system plays as sort of the workhorse and getting essential workers where they need to go and, you know, getting people to doctor’s appointments and grocery stores,” Richardson said.

Bus riders are more likely to be older, people of color or immigrants than subway riders, according to Richardson. The MTA has also introduced three new bus routes to serve riders during the overnight subway closures and increased service along its busiest routes.

Car travel was quicker to recover than any form of public transit, though fewer people are making trips than before the pandemic, according to analyses by INRIX and StreetLight Data, two firms that specialize in mobility data.

In New York City, morning rush hour on highways has subsided. With less driving overall, the city’s roadways have fewer traffic jams and higher vehicle speeds. The traffic analysis showed that the daily surge in vehicle traffic is more spread out throughout the day and into the afternoon, likely because of an increase in home deliveries and more New Yorkers running errands during the afternoon.

As New York City reopens, the increase in driving will lead to bottlenecks and slower speeds. “We cannot depend on single-occupancy vehicles to function as a city,” Cohen said. “There’s only so many cars that can be on the road in New York before the streets have hit total gridlock.”

At 8:30 on weekday mornings, there is now enough space in the Main Concourse at Grand Central Terminal for travelers to walk at least 6 feet apart. Most move at a stroll rather than the New York City speedwalk.

At 8:30 on weekday mornings, there is now enough space in the Main Concourse at Grand Central Terminal for travelers to walk at least 6 feet apart. Most move at a stroll rather than the New York City speedwalk. Early last year, about 160,000 people passed through the station each weekday. Ridership is now less than a quarter of that. The pandemic has profoundly disrupted the largest public transit system in America, throwing it into financial turmoil. But getting more people on public transportation will be a crucial component of New York City’s plan to become carbon neutral by 2050. The system needs to grow — right at a time when it is facing a sharp decline in ridership and revenue. Subway rides, bus rides and car trips in New York City fell drastically last March as coronavirus cases surged and the city entered a mandatory lockdown. Some residents who could afford to left the city for second homes or rentals in the suburbs. Many employees switched to remote work and have not yet returned to their offices. Keeping the city’s buses and subways moving has been crucial for transporting medical and essential workers, but, with fewer riders, the city’s public transit organization is facing its worst budget crisis in history. “We are still in a severe fiscal crisis caused by the pandemic,” said Shams Tarek, deputy communications director at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates many of the subways, buses and trains in the New York metro area. “But we’re optimistic about the future, given the support we’ve received in Washington. We expect ridership to gradually return to the system — it’s not a matter of if, but when — and we will continue to power New York’s recovery.” Before the pandemic, New York City’s subways were the city’s most popular mode of transit. There were nearly 1.7 billion turnstile swipes in 2019. But last March, ridership fell 90% and has only recovered to a third of what it was before the pandemic. Transportation researchers attribute New York City’s drop in public transit riders to the shift to remote work and say that the dip in tourism may also be contributing to fewer subway rides. “There’s a difference in travel right now,” said Hayley Richardson, a senior communications associate at TransitCenter, a nonprofit group that advocates for public transportation in New York City. “White-collar workers are not going to the office, fewer people are taking trips for entertainment. There’s just less movement around the city.” The citywide decline in subway riders has wiped out the transit budget. Since last spring, the MTA has been operating on $8 billion in coronavirus relief payments from the federal government and an additional $3 billion in short-term loans. But that money will soon run out. The MTA will require an additional $8 billion by 2024 to avoid dramatic service cuts and layoffs. The high costs of sanitization and investments in worker protections have also compounded financial problems for the organization. Systemwide, the MTA spent $371 million on pandemic-related costs in 2020 and expects to spend close to that same amount each year through 2024. Station and train cleaning efforts require closing the subway system overnight, which reduces service in the early morning hours. In the early days of the pandemic, it seemed all but impossible to follow social distancing guidelines while staying safe on New York’s crowded buses and subways. Those initial fears of infection may have spurred car purchases. And some former riders may still be avoiding transit for fear of contracting the virus, though transmission risks are lower than offices or classrooms if all passengers wear masks and practice social distancing. “Despite the fact that all of the subsequent studies have failed to show a link between COVID transmission and transit, that idea was difficult to dislodge once it got into people’s minds,” Richardson said. Bus ridership dropped precipitously in March, but rebounded faster than subway ridership. “The majority of bus riders during the pandemic were essential workers,” said Jaqi Cohen, the campaign director for the Straphangers Campaign, which advocates for public transit riders. In March, the MTA implemented rear-door boarding on buses to keep passengers distanced from drivers until plastic partitions could be installed around the driver’s seats. On local buses, the fare box is near the front door, so the policy effectively eliminated fares on those routes. When those partitions were completed in September, fares were reinstated and ridership dropped a second time. “The fact that bus ridership is only down 40% really says so much about what role the city’s bus system plays as sort of the workhorse and getting essential workers where they need to go and, you know, getting people to doctor’s appointments and grocery stores,” Richardson said. Bus riders are more likely to be older, people of color or immigrants than subway riders, according to Richardson. The MTA has also introduced three new bus routes to serve riders during the overnight subway closures and increased service along its busiest routes. Car travel was quicker to recover than any form of public transit, though fewer people are making trips than before the pandemic, according to analyses by INRIX and StreetLight Data, two firms that specialize in mobility data. In New York City, morning rush hour on highways has subsided. With less driving overall, the city’s roadways have fewer traffic jams and higher vehicle speeds. The traffic analysis showed that the daily surge in vehicle traffic is more spread out throughout the day and into the afternoon, likely because of an increase in home deliveries and more New Yorkers running errands during the afternoon. As New York City reopens, the increase in driving will lead to bottlenecks and slower speeds. “We cannot depend on single-occupancy vehicles to function as a city,” Cohen said. “There’s only so many cars that can be on the road in New York before the streets have hit total gridlock.”

How coronavirus has changed New York City transit

India the world's biggest pharmacies at the forefront of fighting pandemic, this is what IMF economist Geeta Gopinath has said about India's COVID vaccination drive.

India is at the forefront of fighting the pandemic: IMF economist Geeta Gopinath

The total number of Covid-19 cases in the US topped 29 million on Monday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University. 
 
US Covid-19 case count rose to 29,000,012, with a total of 525,046 deaths, according to the CSSE tally, Xinhua news agency reported. 
 
California reported the largest number of cases among the states, standing at 3,599,689. Texas confirmed 2,695,653 cases, followed by Florida with 1,944,995 cases, New York with 1,694,651 cases, and Illinois with more than 1.1 million cases. 
 
Other states with over 650,000 cases include Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Arizona, New Jersey, Tennessee, Indiana and Michigan, the CSSE data showed. 
 
The US remains the nation worst hit by the pandemic, with the world`s most cases and deaths, making up nearly 25 per cent of the global caseload and more than 20 per cent of the global deaths. 
 
US Covid-19 cases reached 20 million on January 1, and have increased by 9 million in more than two months. 
 
An updated model forecast by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington projected a total of 576,026 Covid-19 deaths in the US by July 1, 2021, based on the current projection scenario.

The total number of Covid-19 cases in the US topped 29 million on Monday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.

The total number of Covid-19 cases in the US topped 29 million on Monday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University. US Covid-19 case count rose to 29,000,012, with a total of 525,046 deaths, according to the CSSE tally, Xinhua news agency reported. California reported the largest number of cases among the states, standing at 3,599,689. Texas confirmed 2,695,653 cases, followed by Florida with 1,944,995 cases, New York with 1,694,651 cases, and Illinois with more than 1.1 million cases. Other states with over 650,000 cases include Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Arizona, New Jersey, Tennessee, Indiana and Michigan, the CSSE data showed. The US remains the nation worst hit by the pandemic, with the world`s most cases and deaths, making up nearly 25 per cent of the global caseload and more than 20 per cent of the global deaths. US Covid-19 cases reached 20 million on January 1, and have increased by 9 million in more than two months. An updated model forecast by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington projected a total of 576,026 Covid-19 deaths in the US by July 1, 2021, based on the current projection scenario.

US COVID-19 cases surpass 29 million

The Health Authority of Greece on Monday reported the death of a 37-day-old baby, the youngest among the country's nearly 6,800 Covid-19 victims.

The infant was brought to an Athens children's hospital in February this year.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed grief over the demise of the country's youngest COVID-19 victim.

Mitsotakis in a tweet, said, "Sadly today we had the pandemic's youngest victim in our country, an infant that spent 17 of its 37 days fighting the coronavirus."&nbsp;

According to a report published in the global news agency AFP, the boy was brought to the hospital with nasal inflammation and fever. He was placed in intensive care.

Nearly 6,800 people have died of the virus in Greece, while nearly 480 people are in intensive care.

The health ministry last week said it was calling for additional private hospital resources as it admitted that the public health system in Athens was under "unbearable pressure".

Mitsotakis' government has been accused by the opposition of failing to halt the spread of the pandemic despite a lockdown imposed in November.

Officials have blamed the high rate of infection on the more contagious British virus variant.

The government also came under fire this week after police were filmed beating a young man during a lockdown patrol on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Health Authority of Greece on Monday reported the death of a 37-day-old baby, the youngest among the country's nearly 6,800 Covid-19 victims. The infant was brought to an Athens children's hospital in February this year.

The Health Authority of Greece on Monday reported the death of a 37-day-old baby, the youngest among the country's nearly 6,800 Covid-19 victims. The infant was brought to an Athens children's hospital in February this year. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed grief over the demise of the country's youngest COVID-19 victim. Mitsotakis in a tweet, said, "Sadly today we had the pandemic's youngest victim in our country, an infant that spent 17 of its 37 days fighting the coronavirus." According to a report published in the global news agency AFP, the boy was brought to the hospital with nasal inflammation and fever. He was placed in intensive care. Nearly 6,800 people have died of the virus in Greece, while nearly 480 people are in intensive care. The health ministry last week said it was calling for additional private hospital resources as it admitted that the public health system in Athens was under "unbearable pressure". Mitsotakis' government has been accused by the opposition of failing to halt the spread of the pandemic despite a lockdown imposed in November. Officials have blamed the high rate of infection on the more contagious British virus variant. The government also came under fire this week after police were filmed beating a young man during a lockdown patrol on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Infant with Covid-19 dies, becoming Greece’s youngest victim

As many as 15,388 new COVID-19 cases and 77 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours, taking the total active cases in the country to 1,87,462, the Health Ministry informed on Tuesday.

With this, the total number of positive cases now stands&nbsp;at 1,12,44,786, and the death toll stands at 1,57,930. A total of 1,08,99,394 recoveries, including 16,596 in the last 24 hours have been reported so far.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 22,27,16,796 samples have been tested for the coronavirus so far, including 7,48,525 in the last 24 hours. 
 
As many as 2,30,08,733 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the country so far. Maharashtra, one of the worst-affected states in the country, reported as many as 8,744 new COVID-19 cases, 9,068 discharges and 22 deaths in the last 24 hours. 
 
The total number of cases in the state now stands at 22,28,471, including 97,637 active cases. The death toll stands at 52,500. Kerala, another state that has seen high numbers over the last few weeks, currently has 40,867 active COVID-19 cases, taking the total active cases to 4,300. As many as 10,77,327 positive cases have been reported in the state far.&nbsp;

As many as 15,388 new COVID-19 cases and 77 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours, taking the total active cases in the country to 1,87,462, the Health Ministry informed on Tuesday.

As many as 15,388 new COVID-19 cases and 77 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours, taking the total active cases in the country to 1,87,462, the Health Ministry informed on Tuesday. With this, the total number of positive cases now stands at 1,12,44,786, and the death toll stands at 1,57,930. A total of 1,08,99,394 recoveries, including 16,596 in the last 24 hours have been reported so far. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 22,27,16,796 samples have been tested for the coronavirus so far, including 7,48,525 in the last 24 hours. As many as 2,30,08,733 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the country so far. Maharashtra, one of the worst-affected states in the country, reported as many as 8,744 new COVID-19 cases, 9,068 discharges and 22 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state now stands at 22,28,471, including 97,637 active cases. The death toll stands at 52,500. Kerala, another state that has seen high numbers over the last few weeks, currently has 40,867 active COVID-19 cases, taking the total active cases to 4,300. As many as 10,77,327 positive cases have been reported in the state far.

15,388 new COVID-19 cases reported in India, active cases at 1,87,462

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that India is in the "endgame of the novel coronavirus pandemic" and to succeed at this stage politics should be kept out of the COVID-19 vaccination drive.

"We are in the end game of the COVID-19 pandemic in India" and to succeed at this stage, Harsh Vardhan said.

He said people should trust the science behind vaccines and ensure that their near and dear ones get vaccinated on time.

Speaking at the Delhi Medical Association's (DMA's) 62nd Annual Delhi State Medical Conference (MEDICON 2021) in collaboration with Dharamshila Narayana Hospital on Sunday, Vardhan said over 2 crore COVID-19 vaccine shots have been administered so far and the vaccination rate has been increased to 15 lakhs per day.

"Unlike most other countries, we have a steady supply of COVID-19 vaccines that are safe with proven immunogenicity and efficacy. Based on the initial results, these Made in India vaccines have shown some of the lowest adverse events following immunization (AEFI) anywhere in the world," he said.

Vardhan asserted that today children in the entire world need to be vaccinated against poliomyelitis only because Pakistan and Afghanistan failed to eradicate this disease from their respective countries, the statement said.

"Similarly, India cannot be safe from coronavirus and COVID19 if the rest of the world continues to be unsafe, which is why it is essential to curb COVID-19 vaccine nationalism.

"If poor and underdeveloped countries continue to harbour the novel coronavirus, we shall not be able to ensure safety for all. A fair and equitable distribution of the vaccine is the biggest need of the hour," he said.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India, has emerged as the world's pharmacy, and it supplied 5.51 crore COVID-19 vaccines to 62 different countries, he said.

"At a time of global crisis, under the leadership of Modi Ji, India has emerged as an example to the world in international cooperation," he was quoted as saying in the statement.

"It was Modi ji's insistence that COVID-19 vaccines should be provided with no strings attached, and the countries without the vaccine supply should not be taken advantage of at the time of a global humanitarian crisis," he said.

Looking at the possibility of eradication of COVID-19 in India, Vardhan said, "We are in the end game of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, and to succeed at this stage, we need to follow 3 steps: Keep politics out of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, trust the science behind COVID-19 vaccines, and ensure our near and dear ones get vaccinated on time.

The government has already involved private players in COVID-19 vaccination, and if hospitals want, they can conduct vaccination 24x7, the minister said.

"My request to everyone is that just like people embraced 'Jan Andolan for COVID-19 appropriate behaviour', they should embrace Jan Andolan for COVID-19 vaccination and get all COVID-19 vaccine shots whenever they are eligible," he said.

Delhi Medical Association (DMA) honoured Vardhan for his contribution to the medical fraternity and outstanding service and exemplary work during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health Ministry said in a statement.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) and frontline workers, not just in this room, but across India, rose to the occasion and sacrificed not only their time with family, but also their own mental, physical and emotional health for this beloved nation, Vardhan said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that India is in the "endgame of the novel coronavirus pandemic" and to succeed at this stage politics should be kept out of the COVID-19 vaccination drive.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that India is in the "endgame of the novel coronavirus pandemic" and to succeed at this stage politics should be kept out of the COVID-19 vaccination drive. "We are in the end game of the COVID-19 pandemic in India" and to succeed at this stage, Harsh Vardhan said. He said people should trust the science behind vaccines and ensure that their near and dear ones get vaccinated on time. Speaking at the Delhi Medical Association's (DMA's) 62nd Annual Delhi State Medical Conference (MEDICON 2021) in collaboration with Dharamshila Narayana Hospital on Sunday, Vardhan said over 2 crore COVID-19 vaccine shots have been administered so far and the vaccination rate has been increased to 15 lakhs per day. "Unlike most other countries, we have a steady supply of COVID-19 vaccines that are safe with proven immunogenicity and efficacy. Based on the initial results, these Made in India vaccines have shown some of the lowest adverse events following immunization (AEFI) anywhere in the world," he said. Vardhan asserted that today children in the entire world need to be vaccinated against poliomyelitis only because Pakistan and Afghanistan failed to eradicate this disease from their respective countries, the statement said. "Similarly, India cannot be safe from coronavirus and COVID19 if the rest of the world continues to be unsafe, which is why it is essential to curb COVID-19 vaccine nationalism. "If poor and underdeveloped countries continue to harbour the novel coronavirus, we shall not be able to ensure safety for all. A fair and equitable distribution of the vaccine is the biggest need of the hour," he said. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India, has emerged as the world's pharmacy, and it supplied 5.51 crore COVID-19 vaccines to 62 different countries, he said. "At a time of global crisis, under the leadership of Modi Ji, India has emerged as an example to the world in international cooperation," he was quoted as saying in the statement. "It was Modi ji's insistence that COVID-19 vaccines should be provided with no strings attached, and the countries without the vaccine supply should not be taken advantage of at the time of a global humanitarian crisis," he said. Looking at the possibility of eradication of COVID-19 in India, Vardhan said, "We are in the end game of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, and to succeed at this stage, we need to follow 3 steps: Keep politics out of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, trust the science behind COVID-19 vaccines, and ensure our near and dear ones get vaccinated on time. The government has already involved private players in COVID-19 vaccination, and if hospitals want, they can conduct vaccination 24x7, the minister said. "My request to everyone is that just like people embraced 'Jan Andolan for COVID-19 appropriate behaviour', they should embrace Jan Andolan for COVID-19 vaccination and get all COVID-19 vaccine shots whenever they are eligible," he said. Delhi Medical Association (DMA) honoured Vardhan for his contribution to the medical fraternity and outstanding service and exemplary work during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health Ministry said in a statement. Healthcare workers (HCWs) and frontline workers, not just in this room, but across India, rose to the occasion and sacrificed not only their time with family, but also their own mental, physical and emotional health for this beloved nation, Vardhan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Union Health Minister says India is in the 'endgame of Covid-19 pandemic'

Japan`s COVID-19 inoculation campaign is moving at a glacial pace, hampered by a lack of supply and a shortage of specialty syringes that underscore the enormous challenge it faces in its aim to vaccinate every adult by the year`s end. 
 
Since the campaign began three weeks ago, just under 46,500 doses had been administered to frontline medical workers as of Friday. 
 
At the current rate, it would take 126 years to vaccinate Japan`s population of 126 million. Supplies are, however, expected to increase in the coming months. 
 
By contrast, South Korea, which began its vaccinations a week later than Japan, had administered nearly seven times more shots as of Sunday. 
 
Unlike many other countries, Japan requires clinical trials for new medicines, including vaccines, to be conducted with Japanese patients, slowing down the approval process. 
 
So far, only the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech has been approved. Clinical trials in Japan for AstraZeneca and Moderna`s vaccines have been conducted and the vaccines are now awaiting regulatory approval. 
 
"The sense of urgency among the government is not, I think, similar to other G7 countries," said Haruka Sakamoto, a physician and researcher at Keio University, noting Japan`s comparatively low case numbers and death toll. 
 
Japan has had about 438,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 8,251 deaths. Cases in Tokyo, which is still under a state of emergency, have subsided from a daily peak of 2,520 on Jan. 7 to 237 on March 7. 
 
Sakamoto said the health ministry`s conservative stance stems from previous examples of a new medicine gaining approval relatively quickly only for the ministry to be criticised by the public and media for going too fast and endangering safety. 
 
The health ministry did not immediately reply with comment on the pace of the inoculation rollout. 
 
Japan is focusing on vaccinating about 4.8 million medical workers first before moving on to its elderly population of 36 million. Vaccine Minister Taro Kono has said that while shots for those over 65 will start next month, supplies will be extremely limited. 
 
Unlike South Korea, which has been using low dead space syringes to extract six or even seven doses of Pfizer vaccine from a vial instead of five, and 12 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine per vial instead of 10, Japan has fallen short on readying sufficient supply of the specialty syringes. 
 
That shortage will mean that some doses will go to waste when shots for the elderly start, Kono said on Friday. 
 
Japan is continuing to negotiate with Pfizer on supplies, Kono said, and imports are expected to increase four-fold in April from March to about 1.7 million vials. Each shipment must be approved by the European Union, which introduced the mechanism in late January to monitor vaccine exports after drug makers announced delays in their supplies to the bloc. 
 
Japan has secured rights to at least 564 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, the largest volume in Asia, and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has pledged to have enough for the whole population by June, before the July 23 start of the Tokyo Olympics.

Japan`s COVID-19 inoculation campaign is moving at a glacial pace, hampered by a lack of supply and a shortage of specialty syringes that underscore the enormous challenge it faces in its aim to vaccinate every adult by the year`s end.

Japan`s COVID-19 inoculation campaign is moving at a glacial pace, hampered by a lack of supply and a shortage of specialty syringes that underscore the enormous challenge it faces in its aim to vaccinate every adult by the year`s end. Since the campaign began three weeks ago, just under 46,500 doses had been administered to frontline medical workers as of Friday. At the current rate, it would take 126 years to vaccinate Japan`s population of 126 million. Supplies are, however, expected to increase in the coming months. By contrast, South Korea, which began its vaccinations a week later than Japan, had administered nearly seven times more shots as of Sunday. Unlike many other countries, Japan requires clinical trials for new medicines, including vaccines, to be conducted with Japanese patients, slowing down the approval process. So far, only the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech has been approved. Clinical trials in Japan for AstraZeneca and Moderna`s vaccines have been conducted and the vaccines are now awaiting regulatory approval. "The sense of urgency among the government is not, I think, similar to other G7 countries," said Haruka Sakamoto, a physician and researcher at Keio University, noting Japan`s comparatively low case numbers and death toll. Japan has had about 438,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 8,251 deaths. Cases in Tokyo, which is still under a state of emergency, have subsided from a daily peak of 2,520 on Jan. 7 to 237 on March 7. Sakamoto said the health ministry`s conservative stance stems from previous examples of a new medicine gaining approval relatively quickly only for the ministry to be criticised by the public and media for going too fast and endangering safety. The health ministry did not immediately reply with comment on the pace of the inoculation rollout. Japan is focusing on vaccinating about 4.8 million medical workers first before moving on to its elderly population of 36 million. Vaccine Minister Taro Kono has said that while shots for those over 65 will start next month, supplies will be extremely limited. Unlike South Korea, which has been using low dead space syringes to extract six or even seven doses of Pfizer vaccine from a vial instead of five, and 12 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine per vial instead of 10, Japan has fallen short on readying sufficient supply of the specialty syringes. That shortage will mean that some doses will go to waste when shots for the elderly start, Kono said on Friday. Japan is continuing to negotiate with Pfizer on supplies, Kono said, and imports are expected to increase four-fold in April from March to about 1.7 million vials. Each shipment must be approved by the European Union, which introduced the mechanism in late January to monitor vaccine exports after drug makers announced delays in their supplies to the bloc. Japan has secured rights to at least 564 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, the largest volume in Asia, and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has pledged to have enough for the whole population by June, before the July 23 start of the Tokyo Olympics.

Japan COVID-19 inoculations start off slow due to vaccine, syringe shortages

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated gender inequities in Africa, a top World Health Organization (WHO) official said here. 
 
The remark was made in a statement on Sunday by Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO`s Regional Director for Africa ahead of International Women`s Day to on March 8, reports Xinhua news agency. 
 
WHO said that African women bore the brunt of income losses, social marginalisation, and health risks that escalated at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the continent. 
 
Moeti pointed out that the pandemic`s aftershocks had a disproportionate impact on women and girls in the continent amid the absence of a robust safety net to minimize their vulnerabilities. 
 
African women despite accounting for about 41 per cent of Covid-19 cases suffered immensely from social and economic disruptions linked to the pandemic including violence, job losses, and poverty. 
 
"The work that African women rely on for example in personal care and the informal sector came to a standstill for several months in some countries," she added. 
 
"The aftershocks of Covid-19 pandemic on women and girls have been profound, leaving many grappling with heightened risk to their health and safety," said Moeti. 
 
"Our response must go beyond the clinical aspects of the pandemic and address the hidden crises that risk causing long-term effects to lives and livelihoods," she added. 
 
An analysis conducted by WHO in 22 African countries says that 10 of them reported a rise in maternal deaths linked to the pandemic with Comoros, Mali, Senegal, and South Africa reporting the highest toll between February and July 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. 
 
According to the WHO, nine of the 22 countries reported a decline in skilled birth attendance carried out in formal health facilities alongside an increase in abortion-related complications amid disruptions caused by the pandemic. 
 
Moeti said that WHO has partnered with African governments to minimise the negative impact of the pandemic on maternal health with a focus on expanding access to contraceptives and safe deliveries. 
 
"We are working with governments to ensure the continuous delivery of essential gender-responsive services and we are providing training for health workers to support women suffering from gender-based violence," said Moeti. 
 
Oulimata Sarr, regional director, Central and West Africa at UN Women said the pandemic slowed down progress towards gender parity in the continent amid poor health and economic outcomes for women and girls. 
 
She said that harmful practices like under-age marriages and female genital mutation surged during the pandemic adding that empowering women and girls is key to realise a sustainable recovery.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated gender inequities in Africa, a top World Health Organization (WHO) official said here. The remark was made in a statement on Sunday by Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO`s Regional Director for Africa ahead of International Women`s Day to on March 8, reports Xinhua news agency.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated gender inequities in Africa, a top World Health Organization (WHO) official said here. The remark was made in a statement on Sunday by Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO`s Regional Director for Africa ahead of International Women`s Day to on March 8, reports Xinhua news agency. WHO said that African women bore the brunt of income losses, social marginalisation, and health risks that escalated at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the continent. Moeti pointed out that the pandemic`s aftershocks had a disproportionate impact on women and girls in the continent amid the absence of a robust safety net to minimize their vulnerabilities. African women despite accounting for about 41 per cent of Covid-19 cases suffered immensely from social and economic disruptions linked to the pandemic including violence, job losses, and poverty. "The work that African women rely on for example in personal care and the informal sector came to a standstill for several months in some countries," she added. "The aftershocks of Covid-19 pandemic on women and girls have been profound, leaving many grappling with heightened risk to their health and safety," said Moeti. "Our response must go beyond the clinical aspects of the pandemic and address the hidden crises that risk causing long-term effects to lives and livelihoods," she added. An analysis conducted by WHO in 22 African countries says that 10 of them reported a rise in maternal deaths linked to the pandemic with Comoros, Mali, Senegal, and South Africa reporting the highest toll between February and July 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. According to the WHO, nine of the 22 countries reported a decline in skilled birth attendance carried out in formal health facilities alongside an increase in abortion-related complications amid disruptions caused by the pandemic. Moeti said that WHO has partnered with African governments to minimise the negative impact of the pandemic on maternal health with a focus on expanding access to contraceptives and safe deliveries. "We are working with governments to ensure the continuous delivery of essential gender-responsive services and we are providing training for health workers to support women suffering from gender-based violence," said Moeti. Oulimata Sarr, regional director, Central and West Africa at UN Women said the pandemic slowed down progress towards gender parity in the continent amid poor health and economic outcomes for women and girls. She said that harmful practices like under-age marriages and female genital mutation surged during the pandemic adding that empowering women and girls is key to realise a sustainable recovery.

COVID-19 worsened gender inequalities in Africa, says WHO

&nbsp;India on Monday reported 18,599 new coronavirus cases, the third consecutive day the single-day tally remained over the 18,000 mark, pushing the overall total to 1,12,29,398, according to data shared by the Union Health Ministry. 
 
Meanwhile, 97 fatalities were reported in the last 24 hours, which increased the death toll to 1,57,853. The last time India reported more than 18,000 single-day cases was in the latter half of January. 
 
On Sunday, 18,711 new cases were reported, while 18,327 infections were registered a day earlier. However, the active cases are on a gradual increase, becoming a cause of worry. 
 
In the last four days, it increased by 1.3 per cent, pushing the current rate to 1.68 per cent. The rate of active cases recorded on March 4 was 1.55 per cent. As per the Ministry`s data, there are currently 1,88,747 active cases. Besides, 14,278 patients were discharged in a day. A total 1,08,82,798 persons have been discharged so far. 
 
The recovery rate has reduced by over 1.07 per cent in the last two days. It now stands at 96.91 against 97.98 per cent recorded on Saturday. 
 
The drop in recovery rate and the increase in new and corresponding active cases have been attributed to various factors, including the continued spike in infections in Maharashtra and the sudden spurt in Punjab. 
 
Over 90,000 cases are active in Maharashtra, according to the Union Health Ministry. Just within a week (February 28-March 5), the state had added 51,612 new cases. 
&nbsp;In view of this, the Central government had rushed high level multi-disciplinary public health teams to Maharashtra and Punjab on Saturday. 
 
Experts have expressed a number of possibilities that could be owed to the surge, ranging from the lax attitude of people towards following the Covid protocols to likeability of "mutations and new strains". 
 
The Ministry also informed that 5,37,764 samples were tested on Sunday. 
 
The cumulative tests done by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) so far stands at 22,19,68,271. 
 
To date, 2,09,89,010 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in the country since the mass drive began on January 16. 
 
The third phase of vaccination began on Monday covering 27 crores of people above 60 and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities at 10,000 government and over 20,000 private vaccination centres.

India on Monday reported 18,599 new coronavirus cases, the third consecutive day the single-day tally remained over the 18,000 mark, pushing the overall total to 1,12,29,398, according to data shared by the Union Health Ministry.

India on Monday reported 18,599 new coronavirus cases, the third consecutive day the single-day tally remained over the 18,000 mark, pushing the overall total to 1,12,29,398, according to data shared by the Union Health Ministry. Meanwhile, 97 fatalities were reported in the last 24 hours, which increased the death toll to 1,57,853. The last time India reported more than 18,000 single-day cases was in the latter half of January. On Sunday, 18,711 new cases were reported, while 18,327 infections were registered a day earlier. However, the active cases are on a gradual increase, becoming a cause of worry. In the last four days, it increased by 1.3 per cent, pushing the current rate to 1.68 per cent. The rate of active cases recorded on March 4 was 1.55 per cent. As per the Ministry`s data, there are currently 1,88,747 active cases. Besides, 14,278 patients were discharged in a day. A total 1,08,82,798 persons have been discharged so far. The recovery rate has reduced by over 1.07 per cent in the last two days. It now stands at 96.91 against 97.98 per cent recorded on Saturday. The drop in recovery rate and the increase in new and corresponding active cases have been attributed to various factors, including the continued spike in infections in Maharashtra and the sudden spurt in Punjab. Over 90,000 cases are active in Maharashtra, according to the Union Health Ministry. Just within a week (February 28-March 5), the state had added 51,612 new cases. In view of this, the Central government had rushed high level multi-disciplinary public health teams to Maharashtra and Punjab on Saturday. Experts have expressed a number of possibilities that could be owed to the surge, ranging from the lax attitude of people towards following the Covid protocols to likeability of "mutations and new strains". The Ministry also informed that 5,37,764 samples were tested on Sunday. The cumulative tests done by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) so far stands at 22,19,68,271. To date, 2,09,89,010 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in the country since the mass drive began on January 16. The third phase of vaccination began on Monday covering 27 crores of people above 60 and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities at 10,000 government and over 20,000 private vaccination centres.

India reports over 18,000 coronavirus cases for third straight day

Russian intelligence agencies have been spreading misleading or false information about COVID-19 vaccines, reports claim. Four online publications with links to Russia's intelligence agencies have been propagating false information, The Wall Street Journal reported citing US Department of State's official.

The four online publications are Oriental Review, News Front, New Eastern Outlook, and Rebel Inside. The publications have focused on the side effects caused by Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, along with jabs made by other major Western companies.&nbsp;

According to the report, the false information pertains to the efficacy of the vaccines, while highlighting how the vaccines had been rushed for approvals in the US.

Even though the sites do not have a large pool of audiences, officials claim that their stories are picked up by international media regularly.

The websites lay bare side effects caused by the vaccines, which have remained consistently rare while failing to provide accurate information about how the vaccines continue to remain safe for most people.

An official for the State Department told the Wall Street Journal that Russian intelligence services bear "direct responsibility" for employing the four platforms to spread "propaganda and lies''.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-regulator-urges-caution-on-sputnik-v-russias-coronavirus-vaccine-368720" hreflang="en">EU regulator urges caution on Sputnik V, Russia's coronavirus vaccine</a>

Russia's state media, with its presence on Twitter, has been trying to improve the public perception surrounding Sputnik V, while discrediting Western vaccines. 
 
In November, Russia claimed that its vaccine had over 90 per cent efficacy. Many still feel that more trials need to be undertaken to ascertain this. Even then, The Lancet - a British medical journal reported that Sputnik V was safe and had 91 per cent efficacy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-austria-agree-to-talks-on-sputnik-v-vaccine-366506" hreflang="en">Russia, Austria agree to talks on Sputnik V vaccine</a>

A senior official of the European Medicine Agency (EMA) on Sunday urged European Union members to refrain from granting approval for Sputnik V, Russia's COVID-19 vaccine.

Currently, the agency is reviewing the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and has asked national approvals to not be handed out.

Russian intelligence agencies have been spreading misleading or false information about COVID-19 vaccines, reports claim. Four online publications with links to Russia's intelligence agencies have been propagating false information, The Wall Street Journal reported citing US Department of State's official.

Russian intelligence agencies have been spreading misleading or false information about COVID-19 vaccines, reports claim. Four online publications with links to Russia's intelligence agencies have been propagating false information, The Wall Street Journal reported citing US Department of State's official. The four online publications are Oriental Review, News Front, New Eastern Outlook, and Rebel Inside. The publications have focused on the side effects caused by Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, along with jabs made by other major Western companies. According to the report, the false information pertains to the efficacy of the vaccines, while highlighting how the vaccines had been rushed for approvals in the US. Even though the sites do not have a large pool of audiences, officials claim that their stories are picked up by international media regularly. The websites lay bare side effects caused by the vaccines, which have remained consistently rare while failing to provide accurate information about how the vaccines continue to remain safe for most people. An official for the State Department told the Wall Street Journal that Russian intelligence services bear "direct responsibility" for employing the four platforms to spread "propaganda and lies''. Also read: EU regulator urges caution on Sputnik V, Russia's coronavirus vaccine Russia's state media, with its presence on Twitter, has been trying to improve the public perception surrounding Sputnik V, while discrediting Western vaccines. In November, Russia claimed that its vaccine had over 90 per cent efficacy. Many still feel that more trials need to be undertaken to ascertain this. Even then, The Lancet - a British medical journal reported that Sputnik V was safe and had 91 per cent efficacy. Also read: Russia, Austria agree to talks on Sputnik V vaccine A senior official of the European Medicine Agency (EMA) on Sunday urged European Union members to refrain from granting approval for Sputnik V, Russia's COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, the agency is reviewing the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and has asked national approvals to not be handed out.

Russian intelligence used fake news websites to spread misinformation about vaccines: Report

A senior official of the European Medicine Agency (EMA) on Sunday urged European Union members to refrain from granting approval for Sputnik V, Russia's COVID-19 vaccine.

Currently, the agency is reviewing the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and has asked national approvals to not be handed out.

"We need documents that we can review. We also don't at the moment have data...about vaccinated people. It is unknown. That's why I would urgently advise against giving a national emergency authorisation," EMA managing board head Christa Wirthumer-Hoche said on an Austrian talk show.

"We can have Sputnik V on the market here in future when the appropriate data have been reviewed. The rolling review has begun now at EMA," she added. The agency launched a review last week.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-austria-agree-to-talks-on-sputnik-v-vaccine-366506" hreflang="en">Russia, Austria agree to talks on Sputnik V vaccine</a> 
 
"Data packages are coming from Russian manufacturers and of course they will be reviewed according to European standards for quality, safety and efficacy. When everything is proven then it will also be authorised in the European Union," she further said. 
 
Currently, Sputnik V has received approval or is being assessed for approval in three member states of the EU - Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. In addition, EU officials say that the bloc would begin negotiations with the makers of Sputnik V if at least four member states request the same.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russias-sputnik-v-vaccine-gets-all-clear-in-hungary-362021" hreflang="en">Russia's Sputnik V vaccine gets all-clear in Hungary</a>

Wirthumer-Hoche additionally said that EMA's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) would conduct a meeting on March 11 to review Johnson &amp; Johnson's coronavirus vaccine and whether it can be used in the EU. 
 
"We expect a positive assessment and that the (European) Commission will quickly grant authorisation," she added.

(With inputs from Reuters)

A senior official of the European Medicine Agency (EMA) on Sunday urged European Union members to refrain from granting approval for Sputnik V, Russia's COVID-19 vaccine.

A senior official of the European Medicine Agency (EMA) on Sunday urged European Union members to refrain from granting approval for Sputnik V, Russia's COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, the agency is reviewing the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and has asked national approvals to not be handed out. "We need documents that we can review. We also don't at the moment have data...about vaccinated people. It is unknown. That's why I would urgently advise against giving a national emergency authorisation," EMA managing board head Christa Wirthumer-Hoche said on an Austrian talk show. "We can have Sputnik V on the market here in future when the appropriate data have been reviewed. The rolling review has begun now at EMA," she added. The agency launched a review last week. Also read: Russia, Austria agree to talks on Sputnik V vaccine "Data packages are coming from Russian manufacturers and of course they will be reviewed according to European standards for quality, safety and efficacy. When everything is proven then it will also be authorised in the European Union," she further said. Currently, Sputnik V has received approval or is being assessed for approval in three member states of the EU - Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. In addition, EU officials say that the bloc would begin negotiations with the makers of Sputnik V if at least four member states request the same. Also read: Russia's Sputnik V vaccine gets all-clear in Hungary Wirthumer-Hoche additionally said that EMA's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) would conduct a meeting on March 11 to review Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine and whether it can be used in the EU. "We expect a positive assessment and that the (European) Commission will quickly grant authorisation," she added. (With inputs from Reuters)

EU regulator urges caution on Sputnik V, Russia's coronavirus vaccine

The number of COVID-19 cases in the country saw an increase in the last 24 hours with 18,599 new cases, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Monday.

The active cases also registered an increase for the sixth consecutive day and the COVID-19 active caseload increased to 1,88,747 which now comprises 1.68 per cent of the total infections.

The recovery rate has dropped further to 96.91 per cent, the data stated.

A total of 18,599 new infections were registered in a day, while the death toll increased to 1,57,853 &nbsp;with 97 &nbsp;daily new fatalities, &nbsp;the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

India is currently in the midst of the second phase of the vaccination drive, with as many as 2,09,89,010 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines administered so far.

As per the Indian Council of Medical Research, a total of 22,19,68,271 COVID-19 tests have been reported so far, including 5,37,764 in the last 24 hours.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of COVID-19 cases in the country saw an increase in the last 24 hours with 18,599 new cases, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Monday.

The number of COVID-19 cases in the country saw an increase in the last 24 hours with 18,599 new cases, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Monday. The active cases also registered an increase for the sixth consecutive day and the COVID-19 active caseload increased to 1,88,747 which now comprises 1.68 per cent of the total infections. The recovery rate has dropped further to 96.91 per cent, the data stated. A total of 18,599 new infections were registered in a day, while the death toll increased to 1,57,853 with 97 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. India is currently in the midst of the second phase of the vaccination drive, with as many as 2,09,89,010 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines administered so far. As per the Indian Council of Medical Research, a total of 22,19,68,271 COVID-19 tests have been reported so far, including 5,37,764 in the last 24 hours. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 18,599 Coronavirus cases in a day, active tally up again

A new report has warned that the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic may undermine a quarter century’s progress in curbing child marriages and increase under-age pregnancies.

According to a&nbsp;new analysis released Monday by Unicef, &nbsp;the outsized impact Covid-19 has had on women in some countries could result in an additional 10 million child marriages in this decade.

"School closures, economic stress, service disruptions, pregnancy and parental deaths due to the pandemic are putting the most vulnerable girls at increased risk of child marriage," said a study titled "Covid-19: A threat to progress against child marriage."

That trend, if confirmed, would represent a serious retreat from recent years of progress against child marriage.

In the last 10 years, according to the study, the proportion of young women globally who were married as children had declined by 15 per cent, from nearly one in four to one in five.

That progress "is now under threat," said the study, released on International Women's Day.

"Covid-19 has made an already difficult situation for millions of girls even worse," said Unicef executive director Henrietta Fore.

"Shuttered schools, isolation from friends and support networks, and rising poverty have added fuel to a fire the world was already struggling to put out."

Girls who marry in childhood, the study said, are more likely to experience domestic violence and less likely to remain in school. They face an increased risk of early and unplanned pregnancy, and maternal complications and mortality.

Isolation from family and friends can take "a heavy toll on their mental health."

Meantime, pandemic-related travel restrictions and physical distancing have made it harder for girls "to access the health care, social services and community support that protect them from child marriage, unwanted pregnancy and gender-based violence," while making it more likely that they drop out of school.

In addition, families facing economic hardship may seek to marry off their daughters to ease financial burdens.

The report estimates that 650 million girls and women alive today were married in childhood, about half of them in Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India or Nigeria.

Fore called for countries to reopen schools, implement legal reforms, ensure access to health and social services while providing measures to protect families.

By doing so, she said, "we can significantly reduce a girl's risk of having her childhood stolen through child marriage."

(With inputs from agencies)

A new report has warned that the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic may undermine a quarter century’s progress in curbing child marriages and increase under-age pregnancies.

A new report has warned that the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic may undermine a quarter century’s progress in curbing child marriages and increase under-age pregnancies. According to a new analysis released Monday by Unicef, the outsized impact Covid-19 has had on women in some countries could result in an additional 10 million child marriages in this decade. "School closures, economic stress, service disruptions, pregnancy and parental deaths due to the pandemic are putting the most vulnerable girls at increased risk of child marriage," said a study titled "Covid-19: A threat to progress against child marriage." That trend, if confirmed, would represent a serious retreat from recent years of progress against child marriage. In the last 10 years, according to the study, the proportion of young women globally who were married as children had declined by 15 per cent, from nearly one in four to one in five. That progress "is now under threat," said the study, released on International Women's Day. "Covid-19 has made an already difficult situation for millions of girls even worse," said Unicef executive director Henrietta Fore. "Shuttered schools, isolation from friends and support networks, and rising poverty have added fuel to a fire the world was already struggling to put out." Girls who marry in childhood, the study said, are more likely to experience domestic violence and less likely to remain in school. They face an increased risk of early and unplanned pregnancy, and maternal complications and mortality. Isolation from family and friends can take "a heavy toll on their mental health." Meantime, pandemic-related travel restrictions and physical distancing have made it harder for girls "to access the health care, social services and community support that protect them from child marriage, unwanted pregnancy and gender-based violence," while making it more likely that they drop out of school. In addition, families facing economic hardship may seek to marry off their daughters to ease financial burdens. The report estimates that 650 million girls and women alive today were married in childhood, about half of them in Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India or Nigeria. Fore called for countries to reopen schools, implement legal reforms, ensure access to health and social services while providing measures to protect families. By doing so, she said, "we can significantly reduce a girl's risk of having her childhood stolen through child marriage." (With inputs from agencies)

Covid child brides: 10 million more girls can be pushed into child marriage, warns Unicef report

Top US infectious disease official Dr Anthony Fauci on Sunday sounded optimistic about Covid inoculation in the United States, assuring high school students should be able to receive the vaccine by the autumn and younger students will likely be cleared for in early 2022.

Fauci said he expected the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue relaxed guidelines for people who have already been vaccinated within "the next couple of days," but urged continued vigilance on mitigation measures for the over 80% of Americans still awaiting shots.

The United States is now vaccinating on average 2.1 million people a day.

"We're going in the right direction. We just need to hang in there a bit longer," Fauci told CBS.&nbsp;

"We want to get those death levels of the virus very, very low, and then we'll have a much, much easier time to safely pull back" on mitigation measures.

"We project that high school students will very likely be able to be vaccinated by the fall term, maybe not the very first day, but certainly in the early part of the fall," he said.

He said elementary school children would likely be ready to receive vaccinations by the first quarter of next year.

Fauci has also pointed to the need to continue mask mandates and other mitigation measures to avoid a resurgence as new variants emerge.

Top US infectious disease official Dr Anthony Fauci on Sunday sounded optimistic about Covid inoculation in the United States, assuring high school students should be able to receive the vaccine by the autumn and younger students will likely be cleared for in early 2022.

Top US infectious disease official Dr Anthony Fauci on Sunday sounded optimistic about Covid inoculation in the United States, assuring high school students should be able to receive the vaccine by the autumn and younger students will likely be cleared for in early 2022. Fauci said he expected the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue relaxed guidelines for people who have already been vaccinated within "the next couple of days," but urged continued vigilance on mitigation measures for the over 80% of Americans still awaiting shots. The United States is now vaccinating on average 2.1 million people a day. "We're going in the right direction. We just need to hang in there a bit longer," Fauci told CBS. "We want to get those death levels of the virus very, very low, and then we'll have a much, much easier time to safely pull back" on mitigation measures. "We project that high school students will very likely be able to be vaccinated by the fall term, maybe not the very first day, but certainly in the early part of the fall," he said. He said elementary school children would likely be ready to receive vaccinations by the first quarter of next year. Fauci has also pointed to the need to continue mask mandates and other mitigation measures to avoid a resurgence as new variants emerge.

Fauci says US teens should get vaccinated by autumn, younger children next year

In a crucial political movement for democrats, the US senate has clear the 1.9 trillion dollars COVID-19 relief bill. With this US President Joe Biden and his democratic allies has become successful in passing a mammoth bill aimed at the country's economic recovery from the Pandemic.

US senate 1.9 trillion dollars COVID-19 relief bill

A far-right proposal to ban facial coverings in Switzerland was headed toward a narrow victory in a binding referendum on Sunday viewed as a test of attitudes toward Muslims.

Projections for broadcaster SRF, based on partial results, showed the measure passing 52% to 48%, with a two-point margin for error. Final results were due later on Sunday.

The proposal under the Swiss system of direct democracy does not mention Islam directly and also aims to stop violent street protesters from wearing masks, yet local politicians, media and campaigners have dubbed it the burqa ban.

"In Switzerland, our tradition is that you show your face. That is a sign of our basic freedoms," Walter Wobmann, chairman of the referendum committee and a member of parliament for the Swiss People`s Party, had said before the vote.

He called facial covering "a symbol for this extreme, political Islam which has become increasingly prominent in Europe and which has no place in Switzerland".

The proposal predates the COVID-19 pandemic - which has required all adults to wear masks in many settings to prevent the spread of infection - and gathered the necessary support in 2017 to trigger a referendum.

The proposal compounded Switzerland`s tense relationship with Islam after citizens voted in 2009 to ban building any new minarets. Two cantons already have local bans on face coverings.

France banned wearing a full face veil in public in 2011 and Denmark, Austria, the Netherlands and Bulgaria have full or partial bans on wearing face coverings in public.

Practically no one in Switzerland wears a burqa and only around 30 women wear the niqab, the University of Lucerne estimates. Muslims make up 5% of the Swiss population of 8.6 million people, most with roots in Turkey, Bosnia and Kosovo.

Swiss Muslims have said right-wing parties were using the vote to demonise them and rally supporters.

Amnesty International has called the face veil ban "a dangerous policy that violates women`s rights, including to freedom of expression and religion".

The government had said the proposal went too far and recommended voters reject a ban.

A far-right proposal to ban facial coverings in Switzerland was headed toward a narrow victory in a binding referendum on Sunday viewed as a test of attitudes toward Muslims.

A far-right proposal to ban facial coverings in Switzerland was headed toward a narrow victory in a binding referendum on Sunday viewed as a test of attitudes toward Muslims. Projections for broadcaster SRF, based on partial results, showed the measure passing 52% to 48%, with a two-point margin for error. Final results were due later on Sunday. The proposal under the Swiss system of direct democracy does not mention Islam directly and also aims to stop violent street protesters from wearing masks, yet local politicians, media and campaigners have dubbed it the burqa ban. "In Switzerland, our tradition is that you show your face. That is a sign of our basic freedoms," Walter Wobmann, chairman of the referendum committee and a member of parliament for the Swiss People`s Party, had said before the vote. He called facial covering "a symbol for this extreme, political Islam which has become increasingly prominent in Europe and which has no place in Switzerland". The proposal predates the COVID-19 pandemic - which has required all adults to wear masks in many settings to prevent the spread of infection - and gathered the necessary support in 2017 to trigger a referendum. The proposal compounded Switzerland`s tense relationship with Islam after citizens voted in 2009 to ban building any new minarets. Two cantons already have local bans on face coverings. France banned wearing a full face veil in public in 2011 and Denmark, Austria, the Netherlands and Bulgaria have full or partial bans on wearing face coverings in public. Practically no one in Switzerland wears a burqa and only around 30 women wear the niqab, the University of Lucerne estimates. Muslims make up 5% of the Swiss population of 8.6 million people, most with roots in Turkey, Bosnia and Kosovo. Swiss Muslims have said right-wing parties were using the vote to demonise them and rally supporters. Amnesty International has called the face veil ban "a dangerous policy that violates women`s rights, including to freedom of expression and religion". The government had said the proposal went too far and recommended voters reject a ban.

Swiss look set to approve ban on facial coverings

The remote Pacific territory of New Caledonia, one of the few places on the planet to have avoided Covid-19, has recorded its first cases of coronavirus.

The territory will now go into strict lockdown after detecting nine cases, local officials said Sunday.

The outbreak on the French archipelago was detected after a school headteacher fell ill on the Wallis and Futuna islands -- another French territory in the Pacific -- leading authorities to screen for cases.

According to multiple reports, the patient developed symptoms in mid-February and could have been infectious in Wallis and Futuna from the end of January.

Travel between the two French territories had previously been unrestricted, while anyone arriving from elsewhere had to undergo a strict 14-day quarantine in a hotel.

The administration announced a two-week lockdown for New Caledonia starting from Monday evening, to "break the transmission of the virus while there is still time".

The islands had previously succeeded in stopping community transmission of the novel coronavirus, which has reached almost all corners of the globe.

New Caledonia, which lies off the northwest coast of Australia, was once used as a penal colony by French authorities owing to its remote location.

The remote Pacific territory of New Caledonia, one of the few places on the planet to have avoided Covid-19, has recorded its first cases of coronavirus. The territory will now go into strict lockdown after detecting nine cases, local officials said Sunday.

The remote Pacific territory of New Caledonia, one of the few places on the planet to have avoided Covid-19, has recorded its first cases of coronavirus. The territory will now go into strict lockdown after detecting nine cases, local officials said Sunday. The outbreak on the French archipelago was detected after a school headteacher fell ill on the Wallis and Futuna islands -- another French territory in the Pacific -- leading authorities to screen for cases. According to multiple reports, the patient developed symptoms in mid-February and could have been infectious in Wallis and Futuna from the end of January. Travel between the two French territories had previously been unrestricted, while anyone arriving from elsewhere had to undergo a strict 14-day quarantine in a hotel. The administration announced a two-week lockdown for New Caledonia starting from Monday evening, to "break the transmission of the virus while there is still time". The islands had previously succeeded in stopping community transmission of the novel coronavirus, which has reached almost all corners of the globe. New Caledonia, which lies off the northwest coast of Australia, was once used as a penal colony by French authorities owing to its remote location.

Covid-free New Caledonia record first cases of coronavirus

The European Union has come out in support of Italy's decision to block the supply of the AstraZeneca Vaccine to Australia on Saturday. The EU internal market commissioner said that the block has to make sure that the company deliver what it expects.

Italy bans the supply of the AstraZeneca Vaccine to Australia

China is planning to set up Covid vaccination stations to inoculate Chinese citizens abroad. It on Sunday also said it is ready to work with the International Olympic Committee to help provide vaccines to Olympic athletes for upcoming events.

China has developed several vaccines domestically and has begun its own vaccination drive, with plans to vaccinate 40% of its population by July.

"We are preparing to set up regional vaccination sites for domestically produced vaccines in countries where conditions permit, to provide services to compatriots in need in neighbouring countries," China's top government diplomat Wang Yi said in his annual news conference held on Sunday.

He added some citizens of his country were already receiving Chinese-made vaccines abroad according to local law, and that Beijing would also make vaccines available to Olympians.

China is set to hold the 2022 Winter Olympics next year, while the Summer Olympics are scheduled to take place in Japan later this year.

China has said it plans to provide 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to global vaccine sharing scheme COVAX. Vaccines from Chinese firms are already being offered in several countries, including Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

During Sunday's news conference, Wang also spoke against "vaccine nationalism", and said China would resist any attempt to politicise vaccine cooperation.

Beijing has repeatedly called into question the idea that the new coronavirus originated in China, and has embarked upon a vaccine diplomacy campaign to send Chinese-developed shots against COVID-19 around the world.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to make China's vaccines a "global public good."

China is planning to set up Covid vaccination stations to inoculate Chinese citizens abroad. It on Sunday also said it is ready to work with the International Olympic Committee to help provide vaccines to Olympic athletes for upcoming events.

China is planning to set up Covid vaccination stations to inoculate Chinese citizens abroad. It on Sunday also said it is ready to work with the International Olympic Committee to help provide vaccines to Olympic athletes for upcoming events. China has developed several vaccines domestically and has begun its own vaccination drive, with plans to vaccinate 40% of its population by July. "We are preparing to set up regional vaccination sites for domestically produced vaccines in countries where conditions permit, to provide services to compatriots in need in neighbouring countries," China's top government diplomat Wang Yi said in his annual news conference held on Sunday. He added some citizens of his country were already receiving Chinese-made vaccines abroad according to local law, and that Beijing would also make vaccines available to Olympians. China is set to hold the 2022 Winter Olympics next year, while the Summer Olympics are scheduled to take place in Japan later this year. China has said it plans to provide 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to global vaccine sharing scheme COVAX. Vaccines from Chinese firms are already being offered in several countries, including Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. During Sunday's news conference, Wang also spoke against "vaccine nationalism", and said China would resist any attempt to politicise vaccine cooperation. Beijing has repeatedly called into question the idea that the new coronavirus originated in China, and has embarked upon a vaccine diplomacy campaign to send Chinese-developed shots against COVID-19 around the world. Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to make China's vaccines a "global public good."

China says is ready to provide vaccines to Olympians

Scientists in the United Kingdom have identified 16 cases of a new COVID-19 variant, health officials announced on Friday.

According to Public Health England, those who tested positive and their contacts have been traced, and have been advised to isolate.

As per protocol, variants of coronavirus are identified as either "under investigation" or "of concern". The new variant was designated as "under investigation" on February 24, and is believed to have originated in the UK. 
 
It is normal for variants of a virus to emerge regularly, and based on analyses, experts decide the gravity of the variants. The new variant, which is being referred to as VUI-202102/04, was first identified on February 15.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-finds-missing-case-of-brazil-variant-claims-no-sign-it-has-spread-368354" hreflang="en">UK finds missing case of Brazil variant, claims no sign it has spread</a>

The variant contains a mutation called "E484K", which has been spotted in two other variants which are already under investigation in the UK, The Independent reported.

The variant, fortunately, does not include the mutation called N501Y, which has been spotted in all variants of concern.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/another-new-coronavirus-strain-found-in-uk-designated-variant-under-investigation-368166" hreflang="en">Another new coronavirus strain found in UK designated 'variant under investigation'</a>

Currently, scientists in the UK are tracking four variants "under investigation", and four "of concern", including the ones that first detected in Kent and Bristol in the UK, and the ones first seen in South Africa and Brazil.

The country has reportedly undertaken further testing in the areas reporting infections to limit the potential spread of these variants.

Scientists in the United Kingdom have identified 16 cases of a new COVID-19 variant, health officials announced on Friday. According to Public Health England, those who tested positive and their contacts have been traced, and have been advised to isolate.

Scientists in the United Kingdom have identified 16 cases of a new COVID-19 variant, health officials announced on Friday. According to Public Health England, those who tested positive and their contacts have been traced, and have been advised to isolate. As per protocol, variants of coronavirus are identified as either "under investigation" or "of concern". The new variant was designated as "under investigation" on February 24, and is believed to have originated in the UK. It is normal for variants of a virus to emerge regularly, and based on analyses, experts decide the gravity of the variants. The new variant, which is being referred to as VUI-202102/04, was first identified on February 15. Also read: UK finds missing case of Brazil variant, claims no sign it has spread The variant contains a mutation called "E484K", which has been spotted in two other variants which are already under investigation in the UK, The Independent reported. The variant, fortunately, does not include the mutation called N501Y, which has been spotted in all variants of concern. Also read: Another new coronavirus strain found in UK designated 'variant under investigation' Currently, scientists in the UK are tracking four variants "under investigation", and four "of concern", including the ones that first detected in Kent and Bristol in the UK, and the ones first seen in South Africa and Brazil. The country has reportedly undertaken further testing in the areas reporting infections to limit the potential spread of these variants.

New coronavirus variant infects 16 in United Kingdom

Canada on Friday (local time) approved Johnson &amp; Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine. This is fourth such vaccine that has been cleared by Canada. The country has also brought forward deliveries of millions of Pfizer doses. Prime Ministere Justin Trudeau made a televised speech in this regard.

"To people watching at home right now who are looking forward to getting their shot - your turn is coming," he said.

He added that Pfizer had agreed to accelerate delivery of 3.5 million doses ahead of schedule by end of May. Canada has ordered more doses per capita than any other country but deliveries of vaccines to the country has been slow. With a population of almost 38 million, Canada now expects 36.5 million doses of previously approved vaccines to be delivered by the end of June.

Canada authorised Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Inc vaccines in December, and AstraZeneca's in February. Johnson &amp; Johnson is a single dose vaccine and it can be stored in normal fridges.

The government of Ontario, Canada's most populous province, said on Friday it would extend the maximum period between first and second doses to four months, speeding up access to a first shot.

In addition to seniors and healthcare workers, Ontario now plans to prioritize shots for those who are unable to work from home, including teachers, and it aims to administer at least one dose of a vaccine to all adults over 60 by early June, officials said.

The J&amp;J shot, which has been authorized for adults in Canada, was 66% effective at preventing moderate and severe disease, said Supriya Sharma, a senior health ministry official.

Canada has pre-ordered 10 million doses of the J&amp;J vaccine, with options to order up to 28 million more. In a statement, the Brunswick, New Jersey-based company said it planned to provide the 10 million doses by the end of September.

(With agency inputs)

Canada on Friday (local time) approved Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine. This is fourth such vaccine that has been cleared by Canada. The country has also brought forward deliveries of millions of Pfizer doses.

Canada on Friday (local time) approved Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine. This is fourth such vaccine that has been cleared by Canada. The country has also brought forward deliveries of millions of Pfizer doses. Prime Ministere Justin Trudeau made a televised speech in this regard. "To people watching at home right now who are looking forward to getting their shot - your turn is coming," he said. He added that Pfizer had agreed to accelerate delivery of 3.5 million doses ahead of schedule by end of May. Canada has ordered more doses per capita than any other country but deliveries of vaccines to the country has been slow. With a population of almost 38 million, Canada now expects 36.5 million doses of previously approved vaccines to be delivered by the end of June. Canada authorised Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Inc vaccines in December, and AstraZeneca's in February. Johnson & Johnson is a single dose vaccine and it can be stored in normal fridges. The government of Ontario, Canada's most populous province, said on Friday it would extend the maximum period between first and second doses to four months, speeding up access to a first shot. In addition to seniors and healthcare workers, Ontario now plans to prioritize shots for those who are unable to work from home, including teachers, and it aims to administer at least one dose of a vaccine to all adults over 60 by early June, officials said. The J&J shot, which has been authorized for adults in Canada, was 66% effective at preventing moderate and severe disease, said Supriya Sharma, a senior health ministry official. Canada has pre-ordered 10 million doses of the J&J vaccine, with options to order up to 28 million more. In a statement, the Brunswick, New Jersey-based company said it planned to provide the 10 million doses by the end of September. (With agency inputs)

Canada approves Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine

Despite having one of the highest risks of dying from Covid-19, about twice that of white Americans, Black Americans remain one of the least vaccinated racial or ethnic groups, with data showing that only 5.7 percent have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

Many are quick to blame “vaccine hesitancy” as the reason, putting the onus on Black Americans to develop better attitudes around vaccination. But this hyper-focus on hesitancy implicitly blames Black communities for their undervaccination, and it obscures opportunities to address the primary barrier to Covid-19 vaccination: access.

Access matters. A closer look at the data reveals that when Black people are given the opportunity, they do get vaccinated.

After the federally funded Vaccines for Children program eliminated cost as a barrier to vaccine access for children in the 1990s, racial disparities in vaccination rates narrowed significantly. Since about 2005, Black children are just as likely to have received the recommended M.M.R. and polio vaccines as any other children, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If the vaccination rates of children are, in part, a reflection of their parents and caregivers’ attitudes about vaccines, then it suggests that Black caregivers generally support vaccination.

Another study looking at flu vaccination in Detroit showed that among Medicare Part B recipients (people who have a health care plan that covers many vaccines) Black adults 65 years and older are just as likely to accept the flu vaccine as white adults, if their health care provider offers it to them.

Even now, during the pandemic, survey data has shown that interest in Covid-19 vaccination is increasing among Black adults. Sixty-one percent of Black Americans say they plan to get a Covid-19 vaccine or have already received one, up from 42 percent who said in November that they planned to get vaccinated, according to new data from Pew Research Center.

As many as 27 percent of Black Americans in a Kaiser Family Foundation survey still say they may decline Covid-19 vaccination or only get it if required, and as many as 37 percent say they will “wait and see.” But those sentiments must be considered alongside evidence of gaps in Black people’s access to information about vaccines. In another recent study, 41 percent of Black adults reported knowing “little or nothing” about how vaccines are created and tested, and 30 percent reported knowing “only a little or nothing” about how vaccines generally work.

To fully expand access to Covid-19 vaccines, health care must name, challenge and eliminate the anti-Black racism that continues to place vital health care services just beyond Black Americans’ reach. This includes access to health insurance, access to a health care provider, access to credible information about vaccines and convenient access to vaccines.

At each of these steps, Black health care workers are leading the way. In Philadelphia, Black health workers are running walk-up vaccine clinics that don’t require appointments made online or over the phone. Health workers in Oakland have built a testing site that doesn’t require any personal documentation to receive a test. Black health workers and I am disseminating credible Covid-19 information online and through social media.

As a Black physician, I know from experience that Black people are some of the most sophisticated and discerning health care consumers in the country. This comes from necessity. Many Black Americans need not resurrect the ghosts of the Tuskegee experiment to recall a moment in which they’ve endured medical mistreatment. As KQED recently reported, researchers say Tuskegee rarely comes up when Black people share concerns about Covid-19 vaccines. Rather, issues like racism in health care and safety concerns are cited much more often.

Ultimately, while the standards of care in the United States are exceptional, and among the highest in the world, it is important to acknowledge that anti-Black racism keeps the health care system from systematically applying that high standard to Black people. For example, just as surgeons don’t prepare patients for surgery by simply saying, “Just trust me, I’ll see you in the operating room,” when it comes to acceptance of Covid-19 vaccination, the U.S. health system should stop engaging Black communities by asking for their blind trust. Black people deserve to make this important medical decision like all other patient populations, equipped with the access they need to insurance coverage, reliable care, credible information and actual vaccines.

(Rhea Boyd, M.D., M.P.H. is a pediatrician, public health advocate and scholar who writes and teaches about the impact of racism and inequity on health. She co-developed a national campaign to provide Black communities with information about COVID-19 vaccines.)

Despite having one of the highest risks of dying from Covid-19, about twice that of white Americans, Black Americans remain one of the least vaccinated racial or ethnic groups, with data showing that only 5.

Despite having one of the highest risks of dying from Covid-19, about twice that of white Americans, Black Americans remain one of the least vaccinated racial or ethnic groups, with data showing that only 5.7 percent have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. Many are quick to blame “vaccine hesitancy” as the reason, putting the onus on Black Americans to develop better attitudes around vaccination. But this hyper-focus on hesitancy implicitly blames Black communities for their undervaccination, and it obscures opportunities to address the primary barrier to Covid-19 vaccination: access. Access matters. A closer look at the data reveals that when Black people are given the opportunity, they do get vaccinated. After the federally funded Vaccines for Children program eliminated cost as a barrier to vaccine access for children in the 1990s, racial disparities in vaccination rates narrowed significantly. Since about 2005, Black children are just as likely to have received the recommended M.M.R. and polio vaccines as any other children, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If the vaccination rates of children are, in part, a reflection of their parents and caregivers’ attitudes about vaccines, then it suggests that Black caregivers generally support vaccination. Another study looking at flu vaccination in Detroit showed that among Medicare Part B recipients (people who have a health care plan that covers many vaccines) Black adults 65 years and older are just as likely to accept the flu vaccine as white adults, if their health care provider offers it to them. Even now, during the pandemic, survey data has shown that interest in Covid-19 vaccination is increasing among Black adults. Sixty-one percent of Black Americans say they plan to get a Covid-19 vaccine or have already received one, up from 42 percent who said in November that they planned to get vaccinated, according to new data from Pew Research Center. As many as 27 percent of Black Americans in a Kaiser Family Foundation survey still say they may decline Covid-19 vaccination or only get it if required, and as many as 37 percent say they will “wait and see.” But those sentiments must be considered alongside evidence of gaps in Black people’s access to information about vaccines. In another recent study, 41 percent of Black adults reported knowing “little or nothing” about how vaccines are created and tested, and 30 percent reported knowing “only a little or nothing” about how vaccines generally work. To fully expand access to Covid-19 vaccines, health care must name, challenge and eliminate the anti-Black racism that continues to place vital health care services just beyond Black Americans’ reach. This includes access to health insurance, access to a health care provider, access to credible information about vaccines and convenient access to vaccines. At each of these steps, Black health care workers are leading the way. In Philadelphia, Black health workers are running walk-up vaccine clinics that don’t require appointments made online or over the phone. Health workers in Oakland have built a testing site that doesn’t require any personal documentation to receive a test. Black health workers and I am disseminating credible Covid-19 information online and through social media. As a Black physician, I know from experience that Black people are some of the most sophisticated and discerning health care consumers in the country. This comes from necessity. Many Black Americans need not resurrect the ghosts of the Tuskegee experiment to recall a moment in which they’ve endured medical mistreatment. As KQED recently reported, researchers say Tuskegee rarely comes up when Black people share concerns about Covid-19 vaccines. Rather, issues like racism in health care and safety concerns are cited much more often. Ultimately, while the standards of care in the United States are exceptional, and among the highest in the world, it is important to acknowledge that anti-Black racism keeps the health care system from systematically applying that high standard to Black people. For example, just as surgeons don’t prepare patients for surgery by simply saying, “Just trust me, I’ll see you in the operating room,” when it comes to acceptance of Covid-19 vaccination, the U.S. health system should stop engaging Black communities by asking for their blind trust. Black people deserve to make this important medical decision like all other patient populations, equipped with the access they need to insurance coverage, reliable care, credible information and actual vaccines. (Rhea Boyd, M.D., M.P.H. is a pediatrician, public health advocate and scholar who writes and teaches about the impact of racism and inequity on health. She co-developed a national campaign to provide Black communities with information about COVID-19 vaccines.)

Black people need better vaccine access, not better vaccine attitudes

Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Saturday got vaccinated against COVID-19. The leader received the first dose of the vaccine at a state-run hospital in Himachal Pradesh.

The 85-year-old Nobel Peace laureate, who is revered as a "living god" thanked the central and state governments for ensuring his inoculation at the Zonal Hospital in Dharamsala. After receiving the jab, the leader urged everyone who is eligible, especially "patients" to get vaccinated against COVID-19. 
 
"This is very important so I took that and I want to share that more people should have the courage to take this injection", said.

"According to my trusted friends, including doctors, they suggest I should take this injection. In order to prevent some serious problem, this injection is very helpful and good. So those other patients should take this injection for greater benefit", he added.

The 14th Dalai lama was born in a village in the remote Amdo region of Tiber on July 6, 1935.

Tibet's government-in-exile is currently based in Dharamsala, a town in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

The leader received the dose at roughly 7.10 AM IST, and was kept under observation for about half an hour, ANI reported.

Since last year, the leader had remained in self-quarantine. The arrangments were made for the Dalai Lama to be vaccinated by the Central Tiberation Administraiton (CTA), whose officials had requested the government for the vaccine, as stated by Palden, the CTA's Health Secretary.

Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Saturday got vaccinated against COVID-19. The leader received the first dose of the vaccine at a state-run hospital in Himachal Pradesh.

Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Saturday got vaccinated against COVID-19. The leader received the first dose of the vaccine at a state-run hospital in Himachal Pradesh. The 85-year-old Nobel Peace laureate, who is revered as a "living god" thanked the central and state governments for ensuring his inoculation at the Zonal Hospital in Dharamsala. After receiving the jab, the leader urged everyone who is eligible, especially "patients" to get vaccinated against COVID-19. "This is very important so I took that and I want to share that more people should have the courage to take this injection", said. "According to my trusted friends, including doctors, they suggest I should take this injection. In order to prevent some serious problem, this injection is very helpful and good. So those other patients should take this injection for greater benefit", he added. The 14th Dalai lama was born in a village in the remote Amdo region of Tiber on July 6, 1935. Tibet's government-in-exile is currently based in Dharamsala, a town in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The leader received the dose at roughly 7.10 AM IST, and was kept under observation for about half an hour, ANI reported. Since last year, the leader had remained in self-quarantine. The arrangments were made for the Dalai Lama to be vaccinated by the Central Tiberation Administraiton (CTA), whose officials had requested the government for the vaccine, as stated by Palden, the CTA's Health Secretary.

Dalai Lama receives first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Dharamsala

As many as 18,327 new COVID-19 cases and 108 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry informed on Saturday. The country`s overall COVID-19 cases tally has reached 1,11,92,088, including 1,80,304 active cases while the death toll has mounted to 1,57,656.

A total of 22,06,92,677 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to March 5, 2021, of these, 7,51,935 samples were tested on Friday, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

According to the health ministry, a total of 1,94,97,704 people have been vaccinated against coronavirus so far.

India commenced its second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive to inoculate people above 60 years and those over 45 with comorbidities against the coronavirus from March 1.

As many as 18,327 new COVID-19 cases and 108 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry informed on Saturday. The country`s overall COVID-19 cases tally has reached 1,11,92,088, including 1,80,304 active cases while the death toll has mounted to 1,57,656.

As many as 18,327 new COVID-19 cases and 108 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry informed on Saturday. The country`s overall COVID-19 cases tally has reached 1,11,92,088, including 1,80,304 active cases while the death toll has mounted to 1,57,656. A total of 22,06,92,677 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to March 5, 2021, of these, 7,51,935 samples were tested on Friday, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). According to the health ministry, a total of 1,94,97,704 people have been vaccinated against coronavirus so far. India commenced its second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive to inoculate people above 60 years and those over 45 with comorbidities against the coronavirus from March 1.

India registers 18,327 new COVID-19 cases, 108 deaths in last 24 hours

Hundreds of thousands of people in northern France went back into lockdown Saturday,&nbsp;while health officials stepped up their nationwide vaccination campaign to make up ground after a slow start.

The residents of Pas-de-Calais on the north coast joined those in the region's port of Dunkirk -- and the Mediterranean resort of Nice -- already shut down on Saturdays and Sundays.

That puts more than two million people across France under the weekend restrictions, required to stay at home unless they can provide a written exemption.

With hospital capacity at 90 percent in Pas-de-Calais, the region's prefect insisted the new restrictions were necessary to prevent local health services from being overwhelmed.

Two thirds of the cases recorded there recently have been the more contagious variant first detected in England, said local officials.

But with a 6pm-6am curfew already in place and non-essential shops closed there, the new restrictions will hurt already hard-pressed businesses.

- Slow progress on vaccinations -

Covid-19 has killed 88,300 people across France, according to the latest figures Saturday.&nbsp;

The government is trying to step up its vaccination campaign to give a first jab to 10 million people by mid-April, 20 million by mid-May and 30 million by summer.

So far however, fewer than 3.4 million people in France have received at least one dose of the vaccine -- compared with more than 22 million in Britain.

New vaccination centres opened in Pas-de-Calais this weekend, and around a hundred across the Paris region also got up and running.

The government has opted for targetted measures in the worst-hit regions rather than another a nationwide lockdown.

Thus in Paris on Friday, police banned the consumption of alcohol outdoors to try to reduce the crowds gathering to enjoy the spring sunshine.

France's Order of Doctors meanwhile, appealed to all health workers to set an example and get vaccinated. So far, take-up in the sector has been just 30 percent.

Hundreds of thousands of people in northern France went back into lockdown Saturday, while health officials stepped up their nationwide vaccination campaign to make up ground after a slow start.

Hundreds of thousands of people in northern France went back into lockdown Saturday, while health officials stepped up their nationwide vaccination campaign to make up ground after a slow start. The residents of Pas-de-Calais on the north coast joined those in the region's port of Dunkirk -- and the Mediterranean resort of Nice -- already shut down on Saturdays and Sundays. That puts more than two million people across France under the weekend restrictions, required to stay at home unless they can provide a written exemption. With hospital capacity at 90 percent in Pas-de-Calais, the region's prefect insisted the new restrictions were necessary to prevent local health services from being overwhelmed. Two thirds of the cases recorded there recently have been the more contagious variant first detected in England, said local officials. But with a 6pm-6am curfew already in place and non-essential shops closed there, the new restrictions will hurt already hard-pressed businesses. - Slow progress on vaccinations - Covid-19 has killed 88,300 people across France, according to the latest figures Saturday. The government is trying to step up its vaccination campaign to give a first jab to 10 million people by mid-April, 20 million by mid-May and 30 million by summer. So far however, fewer than 3.4 million people in France have received at least one dose of the vaccine -- compared with more than 22 million in Britain. New vaccination centres opened in Pas-de-Calais this weekend, and around a hundred across the Paris region also got up and running. The government has opted for targetted measures in the worst-hit regions rather than another a nationwide lockdown. Thus in Paris on Friday, police banned the consumption of alcohol outdoors to try to reduce the crowds gathering to enjoy the spring sunshine. France's Order of Doctors meanwhile, appealed to all health workers to set an example and get vaccinated. So far, take-up in the sector has been just 30 percent.

France extends weekend lockdown to northern region

The findings of a WHO-led mission to Wuhan, China to investigate the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are expected in mid-March, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.

WHO: Will not scrap the interim report on COVID-19 origin

Democrats in the United States Senate on Friday claimed that they were successfully able to resolve differences pertaining to unemployment aid part of $1.9 trillion coronavirus aid bill.

Now, the Democrats will move forward with the package after witnessing hours of delay.

The deal will actually scale down the intensity of unemployment benefits that were put forward in the version of bill which passed the House of Representatives last week.&nbsp;The bill also mandated new tax breaks for people receiving the benefits.

"We have reached a compromise that enables the economy to rebound quickly while also protecting those receiving unemployment benefits from being hit with (an) unexpected tax bill next year," Democratic Senator Joe Manchin was cited as saying by Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/biden-beefs-up-white-house-staff-including-big-tech-critic-wu-368312" hreflang="en">Biden beefs up White House staff, including Big Tech critic Wu</a> 
 
Even though Democrats were able to reach a compromise, it had paved the way for long processes whereby Republicans are expected to put forward amendments to the bill.

A final vote is expected today. According to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, Biden supports the agreement. The bill has multiple points of disagreements for Senate lawmakers. An attempt was also made to increase the minimum wage, which fell through.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/indian-americans-taking-over-the-country-biden-jokes-with-nasas-swati-mohan-368203" hreflang="en">Indian-Americans taking over the country, Biden jokes with NASA's Swati Mohan</a>

Currently, the legislation demands $400 every week as part of federal benefits running through August 29, topping off state benefits already in place. The move is expected to assist Americans who have lost their jobs.

Now, the weekly benefit has been reduced to $300, which will now be extended till September 6, as stated by an aide of Democrats. Even out of this, the initial $10,200 is expected to be exempt from tax. Currently, Democrats hold a very slim majority not only in the Senate, but also in the House of Representatives.

Democrats in the United States Senate on Friday claimed that they were successfully able to resolve differences pertaining to unemployment aid part of $1.9 trillion coronavirus aid bill.

Democrats in the United States Senate on Friday claimed that they were successfully able to resolve differences pertaining to unemployment aid part of $1.9 trillion coronavirus aid bill. Now, the Democrats will move forward with the package after witnessing hours of delay. The deal will actually scale down the intensity of unemployment benefits that were put forward in the version of bill which passed the House of Representatives last week. The bill also mandated new tax breaks for people receiving the benefits. "We have reached a compromise that enables the economy to rebound quickly while also protecting those receiving unemployment benefits from being hit with (an) unexpected tax bill next year," Democratic Senator Joe Manchin was cited as saying by Reuters. Also read: Biden beefs up White House staff, including Big Tech critic Wu Even though Democrats were able to reach a compromise, it had paved the way for long processes whereby Republicans are expected to put forward amendments to the bill. A final vote is expected today. According to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, Biden supports the agreement. The bill has multiple points of disagreements for Senate lawmakers. An attempt was also made to increase the minimum wage, which fell through. Also read: Indian-Americans taking over the country, Biden jokes with NASA's Swati Mohan Currently, the legislation demands $400 every week as part of federal benefits running through August 29, topping off state benefits already in place. The move is expected to assist Americans who have lost their jobs. Now, the weekly benefit has been reduced to $300, which will now be extended till September 6, as stated by an aide of Democrats. Even out of this, the initial $10,200 is expected to be exempt from tax. Currently, Democrats hold a very slim majority not only in the Senate, but also in the House of Representatives.

As Democrats in US Senate reach compromise, Biden's new coronavirus bill back on track

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