The organisers of Australian Open have decided to cancel play at Australia Open warm-up tournaments in Melbourne after COVID-19 scare.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/do-you-think-youre-funny-nick-kyrgios-has-a-meltdown-at-murray-river-open-361076" hreflang="en">'Do you think you're funny?': Nick Kyrgios has a meltdown at Murray River Open</a>&nbsp;

On Wednesday, around 600 players and officials were asked to isolate and get tested because a worker at a hotel tested positive for Covid-19.

"There will be no matches at Melbourne Park on Thursday. An update on the schedule for Friday will be announced later today," the Australian Open's official Twitter feed announced.

"Health Authorities have advised us that a hotel quarantine worker has tested positive for Covid-19," AO added.

"Those associated with the AO who quarantined at the hotel now need to be tested and isolate until they receive a negative test result."

According to the organisers, they would work to "facilitate testing" as quickly as possible.

The Premier of Victoria State, Daniel Andrews, said the man infected last worked at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Melbourne on January 29 and anyone there was considered a casual contact. The hotel was used to accommodate a part&nbsp;of 1,000 players, coaches and officials for 14-day quarantine after they arrived in the country last month.&nbsp;

The organisers of Australian Open have decided to cancel play at Australia Open warm-up tournaments in Melbourne after COVID-19 scare. ALSO READ: 'Do you think you're funny?

The organisers of Australian Open have decided to cancel play at Australia Open warm-up tournaments in Melbourne after COVID-19 scare. ALSO READ: 'Do you think you're funny?': Nick Kyrgios has a meltdown at Murray River Open On Wednesday, around 600 players and officials were asked to isolate and get tested because a worker at a hotel tested positive for Covid-19. "There will be no matches at Melbourne Park on Thursday. An update on the schedule for Friday will be announced later today," the Australian Open's official Twitter feed announced. "Health Authorities have advised us that a hotel quarantine worker has tested positive for Covid-19," AO added. "Those associated with the AO who quarantined at the hotel now need to be tested and isolate until they receive a negative test result." According to the organisers, they would work to "facilitate testing" as quickly as possible. The Premier of Victoria State, Daniel Andrews, said the man infected last worked at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Melbourne on January 29 and anyone there was considered a casual contact. The hotel was used to accommodate a part of 1,000 players, coaches and officials for 14-day quarantine after they arrived in the country last month.

Warm-up matches for Australian Open cancelled due to COVID-19 scare

Indonesia has launched a Covid screening programme at train stations using a breath analyser, known as GeNose.

The breathalyser has been developed by the University of Gadjah Mada (UGM), which says it detects the reaction between the coronavirus and body tissue in the respiratory tract with at least 95 per cent accuracy. Subjects are required to blow into a bag and the result is available in just two minutes.

A similar breath test for COVID-19, SpiroNose, developed by a Dutch health technology company, is being rolled out in the Netherlands to speed up its testing process.

GeNose underwent clinical trial at a Yogyakarta hospital in May 2020 and was approved for distribution in December. It differs from the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab tests and the rapid tests that extract blood with a prick of the finger.

Indonesia has so far 1.1 million infections and over 30,000 deaths.

The machine is sold at 68 million Indonesian rupiah ($4,850).

Those with positive readings are required to undergo a confirmatory PCR test.

Indonesia has launched a Covid screening programme at train stations using a breath analyser, known as GeNose. The breathalyser has been developed by the University of Gadjah Mada (UGM), which says it detects the reaction between the coronavirus and body tissue in the respiratory tract with at least 95 per cent accuracy.

Indonesia has launched a Covid screening programme at train stations using a breath analyser, known as GeNose. The breathalyser has been developed by the University of Gadjah Mada (UGM), which says it detects the reaction between the coronavirus and body tissue in the respiratory tract with at least 95 per cent accuracy. Subjects are required to blow into a bag and the result is available in just two minutes. A similar breath test for COVID-19, SpiroNose, developed by a Dutch health technology company, is being rolled out in the Netherlands to speed up its testing process. GeNose underwent clinical trial at a Yogyakarta hospital in May 2020 and was approved for distribution in December. It differs from the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab tests and the rapid tests that extract blood with a prick of the finger. Indonesia has so far 1.1 million infections and over 30,000 deaths. The machine is sold at 68 million Indonesian rupiah ($4,850). Those with positive readings are required to undergo a confirmatory PCR test.

Indonesia deploys coronavirus breath analyser at train stations

Emergency measures to curtail the coronavirus pandemic took tolls on democratic freedoms around the world last year, with setbacks in the West even as some Asian countries made progress, a report said Wednesday.

The annual "Democracy Index" published by the Economist Intelligence Unit found an erosion of personal rights in nearly 70 percent of the 167 countries analysed.

France and Portugal in particular were downgraded to the rank of "flawed democracies" -- in France's case because of lockdowns and other restrictions on movement.

That pulled down its aggregate ranking on subjects including civil liberties, political participation and functioning of government.

Portugal's slide reflected in part fewer parliamentary debates during the health crisis to function as a check on the prime minister's powers.

Overall, "the pandemic resulted in the withdrawal of civil liberties on a massive scale and fuelled an existing trend of intolerance and censorship of dissenting opinion," the report found.

Even though in many cases citizens approved or at least accepted drastic social distancing rules aimed at limiting Covid deaths, incoherent policies and enforcement undermined trust in government and democratic norms for many.

"The withdrawal of civil liberties, attacks on freedom of expression and the failures of democratic accountability that occurred as a result of the pandemic are grave matters," the report found.

In Asia, however, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan were promoted to "full democracies" from "flawed," as government's "reacted decisively" to the crisis and "retained the confidence of their populations."

Even though Asia still lags overall in terms of democratic freedoms, "the novel coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the shift in the global balance of power from the West to the East," the study said.

The United States also retained its "flawed democracy" status, with more active voter participation in government offset by deep mistrust of political parties and dysfunctional government institutions.

"Social cohesion has collapsed, and consensus has evaporated on fundamental issues... Joe Biden, faces a huge challenge in bringing together a country that is deeply divided over core values," it said.

Elsewhere, Mali was demoted to an "authoritarian regime"&nbsp;after a military coup last August, after years of battling a jihadist insurgency with the help of French troops.

North Africa and the Middle East were again the worst regional performers, despite pledges of improved government transparency since the Arab Spring uprisings that began in 2010.

"More than one-third of the world's population live under authoritarian rule, with a large share being in China," the study found.

Emergency measures to curtail the coronavirus pandemic took tolls on democratic freedoms around the world last year, with setbacks in the West even as some Asian countries made progress, a report said Wednesday.

Emergency measures to curtail the coronavirus pandemic took tolls on democratic freedoms around the world last year, with setbacks in the West even as some Asian countries made progress, a report said Wednesday. The annual "Democracy Index" published by the Economist Intelligence Unit found an erosion of personal rights in nearly 70 percent of the 167 countries analysed. France and Portugal in particular were downgraded to the rank of "flawed democracies" -- in France's case because of lockdowns and other restrictions on movement. That pulled down its aggregate ranking on subjects including civil liberties, political participation and functioning of government. Portugal's slide reflected in part fewer parliamentary debates during the health crisis to function as a check on the prime minister's powers. Overall, "the pandemic resulted in the withdrawal of civil liberties on a massive scale and fuelled an existing trend of intolerance and censorship of dissenting opinion," the report found. Even though in many cases citizens approved or at least accepted drastic social distancing rules aimed at limiting Covid deaths, incoherent policies and enforcement undermined trust in government and democratic norms for many. "The withdrawal of civil liberties, attacks on freedom of expression and the failures of democratic accountability that occurred as a result of the pandemic are grave matters," the report found. In Asia, however, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan were promoted to "full democracies" from "flawed," as government's "reacted decisively" to the crisis and "retained the confidence of their populations." Even though Asia still lags overall in terms of democratic freedoms, "the novel coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the shift in the global balance of power from the West to the East," the study said. The United States also retained its "flawed democracy" status, with more active voter participation in government offset by deep mistrust of political parties and dysfunctional government institutions. "Social cohesion has collapsed, and consensus has evaporated on fundamental issues... Joe Biden, faces a huge challenge in bringing together a country that is deeply divided over core values," it said. Elsewhere, Mali was demoted to an "authoritarian regime" after a military coup last August, after years of battling a jihadist insurgency with the help of French troops. North Africa and the Middle East were again the worst regional performers, despite pledges of improved government transparency since the Arab Spring uprisings that began in 2010. "More than one-third of the world's population live under authoritarian rule, with a large share being in China," the study found.

Covid responses chip away at democratic norms worldwide, study says

Finland has recommended administering the two doses of all Covid-19 vaccines at a 12-week interval, citing better protection with a longer gap.

Manufacturers have so far recommended that Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines be taken three weeks apart, and the AstraZeneca/Oxford jabs four to 12 weeks apart.

"A vaccinated person usually gets better protection with a longer gap between doses as the body's immunity matures and strengthens," senior doctor Hanna Nohynek of the public health authority THL said on Wednesday.

A later second dose would also allow more people to be injected with limited vaccine supplies, affording a greater share of the population "reasonably good protection" in the meantime, Nohynek added.

THL also recommended that the AstraZeneca inoculation only be given to people under the age of 70.

"The recommendation will be modified if necessary as more research data on the effects of the vaccine in different age groups becomes available," THL said in a statement.

Vaccine maker BioNTech and the US Food and Drug Administration have previously warned that not enough clinical data exists to support delaying the second dose, after the UK and Denmark decided to increase time between the two jabs.

However, an Oxford University study under review by The Lancet argued Tuesday that those who had been vaccinated with a single dose of the AstraZeneca jab were 67 per cent less likely to test positive with a PCR test. A single dose was also 76 per cent effective in preventing virus symptoms after 22 days and for up to 90 days, rising to 82.4 per cent if the second dose was administered after 12 weeks, it showed.

Germany, France, Austria, Sweden, Bulgaria, Italy have also issued similar recommendations.

Finland has recommended administering the two doses of all Covid-19 vaccines at a 12-week interval, citing better protection with a longer gap. Manufacturers have so far recommended that Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines be taken three weeks apart, and the AstraZeneca/Oxford jabs four to 12 weeks apart.

Finland has recommended administering the two doses of all Covid-19 vaccines at a 12-week interval, citing better protection with a longer gap. Manufacturers have so far recommended that Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines be taken three weeks apart, and the AstraZeneca/Oxford jabs four to 12 weeks apart. "A vaccinated person usually gets better protection with a longer gap between doses as the body's immunity matures and strengthens," senior doctor Hanna Nohynek of the public health authority THL said on Wednesday. A later second dose would also allow more people to be injected with limited vaccine supplies, affording a greater share of the population "reasonably good protection" in the meantime, Nohynek added. THL also recommended that the AstraZeneca inoculation only be given to people under the age of 70. "The recommendation will be modified if necessary as more research data on the effects of the vaccine in different age groups becomes available," THL said in a statement. Vaccine maker BioNTech and the US Food and Drug Administration have previously warned that not enough clinical data exists to support delaying the second dose, after the UK and Denmark decided to increase time between the two jabs. However, an Oxford University study under review by The Lancet argued Tuesday that those who had been vaccinated with a single dose of the AstraZeneca jab were 67 per cent less likely to test positive with a PCR test. A single dose was also 76 per cent effective in preventing virus symptoms after 22 days and for up to 90 days, rising to 82.4 per cent if the second dose was administered after 12 weeks, it showed. Germany, France, Austria, Sweden, Bulgaria, Italy have also issued similar recommendations.

Finland recommends giving Covid vaccine at 12-week interval

Indonesia is currently under the grip of COVID-19, causing problems across the Jakarta's graveyards which have been running out of space. Now, graveyards in the city are expanding space to keep up with the surge in coronavirus-related deaths.

Indonesia is the world's fourth most populated country in the world and has been struggling to control the pandemic since it began circulating in March, 2020.

<img alt="graveyards" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5a026ef-0d43-45cc-8903-6d4c2d922ff5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_72.jpg" /> 
 
The country has surpassed one million confirmed cases of the virus and has recorded 30,000 deaths. This makes Indonesia's toll the highest in Southeast Asia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/indonesia-detains-british-woman-on-terror-suspect-list-360859" hreflang="en">Indonesia detains British woman on terror suspect list</a> 
 
A spokesperson for the Jakarta parks agency - Ivan Nurcahyo told Reuters that six new graveyard locations have been added in different parts of the city. Prior to this, three were already in use. 
 
"In the past two weeks, and in the past few months, there has been a spike in a few areas where the burials have been carried out with (COVID-19) protocols," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/two-indonesian-men-flogged-in-aceh-province-for-having-gay-sex-360059" hreflang="en">Two Indonesian men flogged in Aceh province for having gay sex</a>

Experts fear the real toll could be much higher than reported numbers. COVID-19 victims could be buried in family plots to ensure less space is taken up.

"At the moment, in other cemeteries, we offer an option called a 'stack system' where the victim can be buried together with their family member or relatives," he said.

Image by Reuters

Indonesia is currently under the grip of COVID-19, causing problems across the Jakarta's graveyards which have been running out of space. Now, graveyards in the city are expanding space to keep up with the surge in coronavirus-related deaths.

Indonesia is currently under the grip of COVID-19, causing problems across the Jakarta's graveyards which have been running out of space. Now, graveyards in the city are expanding space to keep up with the surge in coronavirus-related deaths. Indonesia is the world's fourth most populated country in the world and has been struggling to control the pandemic since it began circulating in March, 2020. The country has surpassed one million confirmed cases of the virus and has recorded 30,000 deaths. This makes Indonesia's toll the highest in Southeast Asia. Also read: Indonesia detains British woman on terror suspect list A spokesperson for the Jakarta parks agency - Ivan Nurcahyo told Reuters that six new graveyard locations have been added in different parts of the city. Prior to this, three were already in use. "In the past two weeks, and in the past few months, there has been a spike in a few areas where the burials have been carried out with (COVID-19) protocols," he said. Also read: Two Indonesian men flogged in Aceh province for having gay sex Experts fear the real toll could be much higher than reported numbers. COVID-19 victims could be buried in family plots to ensure less space is taken up. "At the moment, in other cemeteries, we offer an option called a 'stack system' where the victim can be buried together with their family member or relatives," he said. Image by Reuters

Jakarta is expanding graveyards as coronavirus cases surge

About one in four of India`s 1.35 billion people may have been infected with the coronavirus, said a source with direct knowledge of a government serological survey, suggesting the country`s real caseload was many times higher than reported.

India has confirmed 10.8 million COVID-19 infections, the most anywhere outside the United States. But the survey, whose findings are much more conservative than a private one from last week, indicates India`s actual cases may have crossed 300 million.

The state-run Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which conducted the survey, said it would only share the findings at a news conference on Thursday. The source declined to be named ahead of the official announcement.

It was not immediately clear how many people participated in the latest survey.

Following another survey done in August and September using blood samples of more than 29,000 people older than 10, ICMR had concluded that one in 15 Indians had COVID-19 antibodies. The figure jumped to one in six in densely-populated urban slums.

A survey released by the government of the capital New Delhi this week found that more than half of its 20 million inhabitants may have been infected with the coronavirus.

Separate tests done on more than 700,000 people across India by diagnostics company Thyrocare Technologies showed 55% of the population may have already been infected, its chief told Reuters last week.

The World Health Organization says at least 60% to 70% of a population needs to have immunity to break the chain of transmission.

India reported 11,039 new cases on Wednesday. Deaths rose by 110 to 154,596. Infections and fatalities have come down significantly since a mid-September peak of nearly 100,000 a day.

Its vaccination programme, touted by the government as the world`s biggest, has covered more than 4 million people in 18 days, with the aim to reach 300 million by August.

About one in four of India`s 1.35 billion people may have been infected with the coronavirus, said a source with direct knowledge of a government serological survey, suggesting the country`s real caseload was many times higher than reported.

About one in four of India`s 1.35 billion people may have been infected with the coronavirus, said a source with direct knowledge of a government serological survey, suggesting the country`s real caseload was many times higher than reported. India has confirmed 10.8 million COVID-19 infections, the most anywhere outside the United States. But the survey, whose findings are much more conservative than a private one from last week, indicates India`s actual cases may have crossed 300 million. The state-run Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which conducted the survey, said it would only share the findings at a news conference on Thursday. The source declined to be named ahead of the official announcement. It was not immediately clear how many people participated in the latest survey. Following another survey done in August and September using blood samples of more than 29,000 people older than 10, ICMR had concluded that one in 15 Indians had COVID-19 antibodies. The figure jumped to one in six in densely-populated urban slums. A survey released by the government of the capital New Delhi this week found that more than half of its 20 million inhabitants may have been infected with the coronavirus. Separate tests done on more than 700,000 people across India by diagnostics company Thyrocare Technologies showed 55% of the population may have already been infected, its chief told Reuters last week. The World Health Organization says at least 60% to 70% of a population needs to have immunity to break the chain of transmission. India reported 11,039 new cases on Wednesday. Deaths rose by 110 to 154,596. Infections and fatalities have come down significantly since a mid-September peak of nearly 100,000 a day. Its vaccination programme, touted by the government as the world`s biggest, has covered more than 4 million people in 18 days, with the aim to reach 300 million by August.

Over 300 million Indians may have COVID-19, source says citing government study

Coronavirus vaccines may be able to offer protection against severe diseases, Oxford Vaccine Group's head Andrew Pollard said on Wednesday.

Currently, COVID-19 is evolving with new variants popping across the world, including places like Britain and South Africa. These variants are reportedly more transmissible than the original variant.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-safe-and-effective-claims-lancet-report-348584/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He also said that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine will be effective against new variants while adding that "they are making changes that allow them to avoid human immune responses so that they can still transmit."

"So, that does mean that it's likely over time that the virus will find ways of adapting so that can continue to pass between people," he said in a conversation with BBC.

"But that doesn't mean that we won't still have protection against severe disease... The virus is much more about the virus being able to continue to survive, rather than trying to cause harm to us", Pollard added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-to-cost-rs200-a-vial-in-india-purchase-order-placed-with-sii-reports-356029" hreflang="en">Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to cost ₹200 a vial in India; purchase order placed with SII: Reports</a>

The low cost and easily transportable AstraZeneca and Oxford University COVID-19 is being distributed in the UK. Brian Pinker, an 82-year-old retired maintenance manager, was the first person to receive the jab at Oxford's Churchill Hospital, NHS England said. 
 
Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is being hailed as one of the cheapest and most accessible vaccines as the shots can be stored at fridge temperature, making the transportation and storage easier than the rest.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-administers-first-shot-of-astrazeneca-oxford-vaccine-354357" hreflang="en">UK administers first shot of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine</a>

Researchers from the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca in December said that their vaccine is safe and has an efficacy of 70.4%.

The university said the new study published in the 'Lancet' medical journal is the first peer-reviewed publication of phase 3 data from studies of a vaccine against the coronavirus.

Coronavirus vaccines may be able to offer protection against severe diseases, Oxford Vaccine Group's head Andrew Pollard said on Wednesday. Currently, COVID-19 is evolving with new variants popping across the world, including places like Britain and South Africa.

Coronavirus vaccines may be able to offer protection against severe diseases, Oxford Vaccine Group's head Andrew Pollard said on Wednesday. Currently, COVID-19 is evolving with new variants popping across the world, including places like Britain and South Africa. These variants are reportedly more transmissible than the original variant. He also said that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine will be effective against new variants while adding that "they are making changes that allow them to avoid human immune responses so that they can still transmit." "So, that does mean that it's likely over time that the virus will find ways of adapting so that can continue to pass between people," he said in a conversation with BBC. "But that doesn't mean that we won't still have protection against severe disease... The virus is much more about the virus being able to continue to survive, rather than trying to cause harm to us", Pollard added. Also read: Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to cost ₹200 a vial in India; purchase order placed with SII: Reports The low cost and easily transportable AstraZeneca and Oxford University COVID-19 is being distributed in the UK. Brian Pinker, an 82-year-old retired maintenance manager, was the first person to receive the jab at Oxford's Churchill Hospital, NHS England said. Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is being hailed as one of the cheapest and most accessible vaccines as the shots can be stored at fridge temperature, making the transportation and storage easier than the rest. Also read: UK administers first shot of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine Researchers from the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca in December said that their vaccine is safe and has an efficacy of 70.4%. The university said the new study published in the 'Lancet' medical journal is the first peer-reviewed publication of phase 3 data from studies of a vaccine against the coronavirus.

Inoculation may provide protection from severe diseases, says Oxford's vaccine head

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday (February 1) defended her government against criticism that Germany's vaccine roll-out was too slow, saying that there had been a good reason for Europe's modest pace compared to other regions.

Merkel vows to offer all Germans COVID-19 vaccine by end-summer

Canada has said it regrets a “misunderstanding” after China lodged a formal complaint over a diplomat’s order of a custom T-shirt displaying the word Wuhan, over the emblem of hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan.

Wuhan is the city where the coronavirus broke out in December, 2019. And the logo of the American group is a stylised “W”.&nbsp;

Reports of the T-shirt order circulating on Weibo described it as depicting a bat, without mentioning Wu-Tang Clan. Scientists suspect bats to have been a reservoir for the virus before it jumped to humans.

Beijing has been highly sensitive about the source of the deadly coronavirus, and has sought to cast doubt on the notion that it originated in China.

“The T-shirt logo designed by a member of the Embassy shows a stylized W, and is not intended to represent a bat. It was created for the team of Embassy staff working on repatriation of Canadians from Wuhan in early 2020,” a spokesperson for Canada’s foreign service told Reuters by email early on Tuesday.&nbsp; “We regret the misunderstanding.”

A team led by the World Health Organisation is in Wuhan investigating the outbreak’s origins.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Canada has said it regrets a “misunderstanding” after China lodged a formal complaint over a diplomat’s order of a custom T-shirt displaying the word Wuhan, over the emblem of hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan.

Canada has said it regrets a “misunderstanding” after China lodged a formal complaint over a diplomat’s order of a custom T-shirt displaying the word Wuhan, over the emblem of hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. Wuhan is the city where the coronavirus broke out in December, 2019. And the logo of the American group is a stylised “W”. Reports of the T-shirt order circulating on Weibo described it as depicting a bat, without mentioning Wu-Tang Clan. Scientists suspect bats to have been a reservoir for the virus before it jumped to humans. Beijing has been highly sensitive about the source of the deadly coronavirus, and has sought to cast doubt on the notion that it originated in China. “The T-shirt logo designed by a member of the Embassy shows a stylized W, and is not intended to represent a bat. It was created for the team of Embassy staff working on repatriation of Canadians from Wuhan in early 2020,” a spokesperson for Canada’s foreign service told Reuters by email early on Tuesday. “We regret the misunderstanding.” A team led by the World Health Organisation is in Wuhan investigating the outbreak’s origins. (with inputs from Reuters)

Canadian diplomat's T-shirt logo, a stylised 'W', angers China

President Joe Biden met with 10 moderate Republican senators on Monday (February 01) to discuss their proposal to shrink his sweeping $1.9 trillion U.S. COVID-19 relief package, even as Democrats prepare to push legislation through Congress without Republican support.

Biden meets Republicans as Dems push ahead on aid

Less than three million foreign tourists visited India in 2020, a dip of around 75 per cent as compared to the previous year, due to travel restrictions imposed to control the coronavirus pandemic, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday.

Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel said that while in 2019, the number of foreign tourist arrivals was 10.93 million, the number stood at 10.56 million in 2018.

It was in 2017 that foreign tourist arrivals crossed the 10 million mark.

There were 10.4 million arrivals in that year, he said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

Last year, foreign tourist arrivals stood at 2.68 million and "no formal study has been instituted for assessment of loss of revenue in 2020", Patel said.

"However, several rounds of discussions and brainstorming sessions with industry stakeholders indicate massive loss of revenue, foreign exchange and jobs. Because of the highly unorganised nature of the sector, the impact in numerical terms can only be ascertained in due course," the minister said.

"To incentivize stakeholders in the tourism industry, the guidelines for the scheme of Market Development Assistance (MDA) for providing financial support to stakeholders for the promotion of domestic tourism have been modified to enhance the scope and reach of the scheme, to provide maximum benefits to the stakeholders," Patel told the House.

Besides, promotional activities have been incorporated including online promotions and the extent of financial assistance permissible has been enhanced, he said.

Tourism departments of states and union territories are also now eligible for obtaining financial support under the scheme, Patel said.

Less than three million foreign tourists visited India in 2020, a dip of around 75 per cent as compared to the previous year, due to travel restrictions imposed to control the coronavirus pandemic, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday.

Less than three million foreign tourists visited India in 2020, a dip of around 75 per cent as compared to the previous year, due to travel restrictions imposed to control the coronavirus pandemic, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday. Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel said that while in 2019, the number of foreign tourist arrivals was 10.93 million, the number stood at 10.56 million in 2018. It was in 2017 that foreign tourist arrivals crossed the 10 million mark. There were 10.4 million arrivals in that year, he said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha. Last year, foreign tourist arrivals stood at 2.68 million and "no formal study has been instituted for assessment of loss of revenue in 2020", Patel said. "However, several rounds of discussions and brainstorming sessions with industry stakeholders indicate massive loss of revenue, foreign exchange and jobs. Because of the highly unorganised nature of the sector, the impact in numerical terms can only be ascertained in due course," the minister said. "To incentivize stakeholders in the tourism industry, the guidelines for the scheme of Market Development Assistance (MDA) for providing financial support to stakeholders for the promotion of domestic tourism have been modified to enhance the scope and reach of the scheme, to provide maximum benefits to the stakeholders," Patel told the House. Besides, promotional activities have been incorporated including online promotions and the extent of financial assistance permissible has been enhanced, he said. Tourism departments of states and union territories are also now eligible for obtaining financial support under the scheme, Patel said.

COVID-19 travel restrictions: Less than 3 million foreign tourists visited India in 2020, says the government

COVID-19 has so far claimed the lives of 162 doctors, 107 nurses and 44 ASHA workers in the country, Rajya Sabha was told on Tuesday.

The figures are based on the intimations received from the states till January 22.

This was stated by Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey in the House in response to a question on the number of healthcare staff, including doctors, nurses and ASHA workers who have been affected died due to COVID-19.

On whether the data presented by the Indian Medical Association regarding the number of healthcare workers who have died due to COVID-19 has been taken note of by the Ministry and any follow-up verification of the same done, Choubey said the process of insurance disbursement has been de-centralized under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP: Insurance Scheme).

Accordingly, the verification of a person affected and died to COVID-19 vests with state governments/Central government authorities concerned.

The necessary certification for claims is done by healthcare Institution, organization or office where the deceased was an employee of/engaged by the institution.

They submit the documents to the competent authority for state and UT, or the competent authority for Central Government, Central Autonomous /PSU hospitals, AIIMS, INIs and hospitals of other central ministries, as the case may be.

The competent authorities then forward and submit the claim to the insurance company.

COVID-19 has so far claimed the lives of 162 doctors, 107 nurses and 44 ASHA workers in the country, Rajya Sabha was told on Tuesday. The figures are based on the intimations received from the states till January 22.

COVID-19 has so far claimed the lives of 162 doctors, 107 nurses and 44 ASHA workers in the country, Rajya Sabha was told on Tuesday. The figures are based on the intimations received from the states till January 22. This was stated by Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey in the House in response to a question on the number of healthcare staff, including doctors, nurses and ASHA workers who have been affected died due to COVID-19. On whether the data presented by the Indian Medical Association regarding the number of healthcare workers who have died due to COVID-19 has been taken note of by the Ministry and any follow-up verification of the same done, Choubey said the process of insurance disbursement has been de-centralized under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP: Insurance Scheme). Accordingly, the verification of a person affected and died to COVID-19 vests with state governments/Central government authorities concerned. The necessary certification for claims is done by healthcare Institution, organization or office where the deceased was an employee of/engaged by the institution. They submit the documents to the competent authority for state and UT, or the competent authority for Central Government, Central Autonomous /PSU hospitals, AIIMS, INIs and hospitals of other central ministries, as the case may be. The competent authorities then forward and submit the claim to the insurance company.

Covid-19: Over 160 doctors killed due to virus in the country, says government data

The United Kingdom detected the South African variant of coronavirus among 11 people with no history of travel to the regions where the variant is currently circulating.&nbsp;

Owing to this discovery, mass testing is underway in the infected region. On Monday, the government announced that all infected people were self-isolating and that authorities had undertaken contact tracing to limit further transmission of the virus.

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The authorities are undertaking testing across three different regions in the UK London, south-east, West Midlands, eastern England, and the North West. "Surge testing" would be undertaken, implying people with no symptoms will also be tested for the new variant to limit the spread. 
 
"Every person over 16 living in these locations is strongly encouraged to take a Covid test this week, whether they are showing symptoms or not," the government announced in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/as-virus-variants-spread-no-one-is-safe-until-everyone-is-safe-360479" hreflang="en">As virus variants spread, ‘no one is safe until everyone is safe’</a> 
 
In January, the government detected cases of the Brazilian and South African variants, but these cases were linked to travel. Since December 22, 105 cases of the South African variant have been identified in the country.

It is normal for viruses to mutate, and the same holds true for coronavirus. A variant was discovered first in the UK, which is thought not only to be more transmissible, but also more fatal.

While the world rushes to vaccinate its citizens, this has triggered fears of the vaccines not being effective enough. The South African variant seems to be more transmissible, but with no evidence of it being more severe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/fauci-says-uk-coronavirus-variant-to-become-more-dominant-in-us-by-march-360187" hreflang="en">Fauci says UK coronavirus variant to become more dominant in US by March</a>

Laboratory tests, however, have shown that the new variant reduces the efficacy of vaccines.

Studies undertaken for two coronavirus vaccines developed by Novavax and Johnson &amp; Johnson showed that the vaccines had less ability to protect against sickness brought on by the South African variant. 
&nbsp;

The United Kingdom detected the South African variant of coronavirus among 11 people with no history of travel to the regions where the variant is currently circulating.

The United Kingdom detected the South African variant of coronavirus among 11 people with no history of travel to the regions where the variant is currently circulating. Owing to this discovery, mass testing is underway in the infected region. On Monday, the government announced that all infected people were self-isolating and that authorities had undertaken contact tracing to limit further transmission of the virus. The authorities are undertaking testing across three different regions in the UK London, south-east, West Midlands, eastern England, and the North West. "Surge testing" would be undertaken, implying people with no symptoms will also be tested for the new variant to limit the spread. "Every person over 16 living in these locations is strongly encouraged to take a Covid test this week, whether they are showing symptoms or not," the government announced in a statement. Also read: As virus variants spread, ‘no one is safe until everyone is safe’ In January, the government detected cases of the Brazilian and South African variants, but these cases were linked to travel. Since December 22, 105 cases of the South African variant have been identified in the country. It is normal for viruses to mutate, and the same holds true for coronavirus. A variant was discovered first in the UK, which is thought not only to be more transmissible, but also more fatal. While the world rushes to vaccinate its citizens, this has triggered fears of the vaccines not being effective enough. The South African variant seems to be more transmissible, but with no evidence of it being more severe. Also read: Fauci says UK coronavirus variant to become more dominant in US by March Laboratory tests, however, have shown that the new variant reduces the efficacy of vaccines. Studies undertaken for two coronavirus vaccines developed by Novavax and Johnson & Johnson showed that the vaccines had less ability to protect against sickness brought on by the South African variant.

UK finds South African coronavirus variant among 11 people with no travel history

Japan&nbsp;is expected to extend a state of emergency on Tuesday to fight the spread of COVID-19 for Tokyo and other areas, three sources with knowledge of the legal procedures said on Monday.

Last month the government declared a one-month state of emergency, due to end on Sunday, Feb. 7, for 11 areas, including Tokyo and its neighbouring prefectures, as part of measures to rein in the pandemic.

The government will decide on extending the state of emergency after a meeting of its experts panel on Tuesday, with the emergency period in prefectures including the Tokyo area expected to run for another month, the sources said.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to hold a news conference on Tuesday, one source told Reuters.

Public broadcaster NHK later reported that the government had decided to extend the state of emergency for 10 prefectures including Tokyo until March 7, but would lift it in one less populated area, Tochigi Prefecture, which has seen a decline in cases.

Suga has launched a raft of measures to contain a third wave of infections as his government remains determined that the Olympics go ahead as planned on July 23.

But public support for his administration has weakened amid unhappiness with its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which critics have called too slow and inconsistent.

A Nikkei newspaper poll showed 90% of respondents favoured extending the emergency period in areas where it is implemented.

Japan&nbsp;has had a total of 390,687 coronavirus cases and 5,766 deaths, NHK said. In Tokyo, new cases totalled 633 on Sunday, below 1,000 for the third consecutive day.

Separately, the lower house on Monday passed a revision to the coronavirus special measures law that the upper house is expected to approve on Wednesday, domestic media said. The revision would toughen regulations and allow authorities to levy fines on those who break the law.

Japan is expected to extend a state of emergency on Tuesday to fight the spread of COVID-19 for Tokyo and other areas, three sources with knowledge of the legal procedures said on Monday.

Japan is expected to extend a state of emergency on Tuesday to fight the spread of COVID-19 for Tokyo and other areas, three sources with knowledge of the legal procedures said on Monday. Last month the government declared a one-month state of emergency, due to end on Sunday, Feb. 7, for 11 areas, including Tokyo and its neighbouring prefectures, as part of measures to rein in the pandemic. The government will decide on extending the state of emergency after a meeting of its experts panel on Tuesday, with the emergency period in prefectures including the Tokyo area expected to run for another month, the sources said. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to hold a news conference on Tuesday, one source told Reuters. Public broadcaster NHK later reported that the government had decided to extend the state of emergency for 10 prefectures including Tokyo until March 7, but would lift it in one less populated area, Tochigi Prefecture, which has seen a decline in cases. Suga has launched a raft of measures to contain a third wave of infections as his government remains determined that the Olympics go ahead as planned on July 23. But public support for his administration has weakened amid unhappiness with its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which critics have called too slow and inconsistent. A Nikkei newspaper poll showed 90% of respondents favoured extending the emergency period in areas where it is implemented. Japan has had a total of 390,687 coronavirus cases and 5,766 deaths, NHK said. In Tokyo, new cases totalled 633 on Sunday, below 1,000 for the third consecutive day. Separately, the lower house on Monday passed a revision to the coronavirus special measures law that the upper house is expected to approve on Wednesday, domestic media said. The revision would toughen regulations and allow authorities to levy fines on those who break the law.

Japan expected to extend COVID-19 state of emergency

A spokesperson for the World Health Organization on Monday said that 90 per cent of the global coronavirus vaccinations have been administered in high-income countries so far. 
 
In conversation with Sky News, Margaret Harris claimed that over 40 million shots had been given out so far. Harris added that among this, only two countries which fall under low income or low middle-income had begun their vaccination programmes.

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"Of the more than 40 million vaccinations that have happened, over 90% are happening in countries that we classify as high-income countries", Harris said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/with-focus-on-globalization-of-india-developed-vaccines-eua-for-covaxin-filed-in-the-philippines-360410" hreflang="en">With focus on globalization of India-developed vaccines, EUA for Covaxin filed in the Philippines</a>

"When you get to the low-income countries of the lower middle-income countries, so it's the people with the least resources, we've only seen it happening in two countries. So there is a lot of catch up to be done and we've got countries with very, very serious outbreaks like South Africa that we need to see the vaccination start in", the spokesperson added. 
 
Harris added that it's in everyone's interest to get people across the world vaccinated as soon as possible. "It's important for the people of every country to understand that their interests lie in getting the whole world vaccinated", Harris said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/who-chief-decries-covid-vaccine-hording-by-wealthy-nations-360185" hreflang="en">WHO chief decries COVID vaccine hording by wealthy nations</a>

"This pandemic will continue to burn unless we do it at the same time around the world," she said.

"We don't want more variants to develop. We don't want things to get more complicated. So even though it feels like it's not in your interest, it really is in your interest to get those people vaccinated in other countries", Harris added.

A spokesperson for the World Health Organization on Monday said that 90 per cent of the global coronavirus vaccinations have been administered in high-income countries so far.

A spokesperson for the World Health Organization on Monday said that 90 per cent of the global coronavirus vaccinations have been administered in high-income countries so far. In conversation with Sky News, Margaret Harris claimed that over 40 million shots had been given out so far. Harris added that among this, only two countries which fall under low income or low middle-income had begun their vaccination programmes. "Of the more than 40 million vaccinations that have happened, over 90% are happening in countries that we classify as high-income countries", Harris said. Also read: With focus on globalization of India-developed vaccines, EUA for Covaxin filed in the Philippines "When you get to the low-income countries of the lower middle-income countries, so it's the people with the least resources, we've only seen it happening in two countries. So there is a lot of catch up to be done and we've got countries with very, very serious outbreaks like South Africa that we need to see the vaccination start in", the spokesperson added. Harris added that it's in everyone's interest to get people across the world vaccinated as soon as possible. "It's important for the people of every country to understand that their interests lie in getting the whole world vaccinated", Harris said. Also read: WHO chief decries COVID vaccine hording by wealthy nations "This pandemic will continue to burn unless we do it at the same time around the world," she said. "We don't want more variants to develop. We don't want things to get more complicated. So even though it feels like it's not in your interest, it really is in your interest to get those people vaccinated in other countries", Harris added.

WHO says 90% coronavirus vaccinations administered in rich countries

Protesters briefly disrupted a coronavirus vaccination center in Los Angeles, US media reported on Saturday. The protesters converged on the vaccination center carrying signs demanding end of lockdowns and promoting anti-vaccination conspiracy theories gathered..

"There appears to be only about 30 protesters total. It's not clear why they’ve shut off the whole facility," tweeted social media user Mikel Jollet.

The vaccination center had to be shut for an hour. However, Los Angeles police department later insisted that the site had not been shut down.

More than 26 million people have been infected and 439,000 have died in the country since the start of the pandemic, a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University showed Satuday.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden has pledged to have 100 million people vaccinated within his first 100 days -- but the rollout began slowly under former President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Los Angeles county, where Covid-19 cases have surged this winter, is currently only vaccinating frontline medical workers and people aged 65 and over.

Protesters briefly disrupted a coronavirus vaccination center in Los Angeles, US media reported on Saturday. The protesters converged on the vaccination center carrying signs demanding end of lockdowns and promoting anti-vaccination conspiracy theories gathered.

Protesters briefly disrupted a coronavirus vaccination center in Los Angeles, US media reported on Saturday. The protesters converged on the vaccination center carrying signs demanding end of lockdowns and promoting anti-vaccination conspiracy theories gathered.. "There appears to be only about 30 protesters total. It's not clear why they’ve shut off the whole facility," tweeted social media user Mikel Jollet. The vaccination center had to be shut for an hour. However, Los Angeles police department later insisted that the site had not been shut down. More than 26 million people have been infected and 439,000 have died in the country since the start of the pandemic, a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University showed Satuday. President Joe Biden has pledged to have 100 million people vaccinated within his first 100 days -- but the rollout began slowly under former President Donald Trump. Los Angeles county, where Covid-19 cases have surged this winter, is currently only vaccinating frontline medical workers and people aged 65 and over.

Protesters disrupt COVID vaccination centre in Los Angeles

British centenarian Captain Tom Moore, who raised millions of pounds for the health service by walking laps of his garden, has been admitted to hospital after testing positive for COVID-19, his daughter said on Sunday.

"I wanted to update everybody that today ... my father was admitted to hospital," his daughter, Hannah, said on Twitter.

"Over the last few weeks he was being treated for pneumonia and last week tested positive for COVID-19. He was at home with us until today when he needed additional help with his breathing. He is being treated in a ward, although he is not in ICU (intensive care unit)."

British centenarian Captain Tom Moore, who raised millions of pounds for the health service by walking laps of his garden, has been admitted to hospital after testing positive for COVID-19, his daughter said on Sunday.

British centenarian Captain Tom Moore, who raised millions of pounds for the health service by walking laps of his garden, has been admitted to hospital after testing positive for COVID-19, his daughter said on Sunday. "I wanted to update everybody that today ... my father was admitted to hospital," his daughter, Hannah, said on Twitter. "Over the last few weeks he was being treated for pneumonia and last week tested positive for COVID-19. He was at home with us until today when he needed additional help with his breathing. He is being treated in a ward, although he is not in ICU (intensive care unit)."

Britain's Captain Tom hospitalised after testing positive for COVID-19

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — As a dangerous variant of the coronavirus first discovered in South Africa sickens and kills thousands across the country, Jan Matsena has shown up every day to stock the shelves at a Cape Town supermarket, terrified that he too will catch it.

A neighbor died in December, then a co-worker this month. Now Matsena is waiting for a vaccine so he can return home to his township and hold his baby daughter again. But in South Africa, the country hit hardest so far by the variant, inoculations have not yet started.

“The wait for this vaccine has been long, long now,” said Matsena, a first-time father who has been living away from his family for fear of exposing them. “People are passing away. People are losing jobs. It’s trauma.”

While more than 90 million people worldwide have been vaccinated, only 25 in all of sub-Saharan Africa, a region of about 1 billion people, have been given doses outside of drug trials, according to the World Health Organization.

But as new variants like the one discovered in South Africa migrate to more countries — including the United States — it is becoming ever clearer that the tragedy for poorer countries could become a tragedy for every country. The more the virus spreads and the longer it takes to vaccinate people, the greater chance it has to continue to mutate in ways that put the whole world at risk.

Recent studies suggest that at least four vaccines that are effective at preventing infection with the original virus did not perform as well against the variant found in South Africa. That variant is also more infectious — as is another one, discovered in Britain — and it is now estimated to make up 90% of all cases in South Africa, according to data compiled by researchers. It has turned up in dozens of other countries.

Inoculation prompts the immune system to make antibodies to the virus, but as mutations change its shape, the virus can become more resistant to those antibodies. In the worst case, failing to stop the spread of the virus globally would allow more mutations that could make existing vaccines less effective, leaving even inoculated populations vulnerable.

“This idea that no one is safe until everyone is safe is not just an adage; it is really true,” said Andrea Taylor, assistant director at Duke Global Health Innovation Center.

Even in the most optimistic scenarios, Taylor said, at the current pace of production, there will not be enough vaccines for true global coverage until 2023. The current rollout plans across Africa are expected to vaccinate only 20% to 35% of the population this year if everything goes right.

And while some wealthy countries have secured enough vaccine to cover their populations multiple times, South Africa has secured just 22.5 million doses for its 60 million people, and many nations lag further behind.

That disparity is at the heart of what Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, said could soon become a “catastrophic moral failure” as rich nations rush to buy up vaccine stocks while leaving poor and middle-income nations struggling to find supplies.

South Africa’s first million doses, made by AstraZeneca, are set to arrive there Monday, and officials say it will take as long as two weeks to start giving the shots. AstraZeneca’s vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford, is currently the world’s most affordable option, developed with low and middle-income nations as its target. The company has not released any information about its effectiveness against the variant but is expected to do so soon.

Another 9 million doses are on order from Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson, whose shot does not yet have regulatory approval. On Friday, the company announced that the efficacy of its vaccine dropped from 72% in trials conducted in the United States to 57% in those conducted in South Africa.

There are some encouraging signs. A growing body of preliminary evidence — mainly gleaned from the lightning-fast rollout in Israel — suggests that vaccines are performing well not just in trials, but in the real world, driving down new infections.

But it remains to be seen how well they help contain the variants already in circulation. Scientists hope that if needed, vaccines can be modified and booster shots developed to tackle new variants, but that takes time. And for a world struggling to right itself, time is of the essence.

Dr. Tulio de Oliveira, a professor and geneticist at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine in Durban, who had helped discover the variant originally found in South Africa, said its emergence should serve as a wake-up call.

“One of the things this variant should highlight to the whole world is the need to control transmission — not only in their own country but in the whole world,” he said.

And while nations have rushed to seal their borders, the variants are already spreading in dozens of countries — just as the virus eluded national boundaries last winter. Brazil, for instance, appears to have incubated at least two worrisome variants, which had already slipped its borders before many countries began to cut off air travel from there.

The burden of supplying vaccines to low- and middle-income nations hangs heavily on a nonprofit group, Covax, formed by a coalition of international organizations.

Although more than 190 countries have pledged to obtain vaccines through Covax, many of them are also striking deals directly with drug companies or belong to multinational groups that are doing so. That threatens to drive up prices and delay delivery of doses through Covax.

Covax has announced that it has secured 2.1 billion doses for 2021, but it is unclear how many of those will actually be delivered in 2021.

The hope is that rollouts to poorer countries can begin in earnest in the next month or two.

“Covax is necessary but not sufficient,” Taylor said. “It is the only mechanism we have for global equity. We need it, and we need it to succeed. But even if they are successful, it does not get countries close to herd immunity.”

Orin Levine, director of global delivery programs at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, said “the bare facts are that by the end of this year, probably 75% of population in high-income countries will be vaccinated,” compared to 25% in low-income countries.

For African nations, the slow pace of the rollout feels frighteningly familiar.

When another scourge — HIV/AIDS — was killing millions of people each year, Africa had the largest number of infections and deaths. Still, it took at least six years before the lifesaving treatment available in wealthy nations was made available for Africans.

AIDS killed 12 million people in Africa in a decade, even as mortality in the U.S. dropped drastically, according to analyses by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Disputes over international property rights delayed the production of more antiretroviral drugs or cost-effective generics.

Now India and South Africa have teamed up to lobby the World Trade Organization to compel drug companies to share their intellectual property on coronavirus vaccines as they eventually did with HIV/AIDS treatment.

“What you need right now is the explicit cooperation of every single government and every single pharmaceutical company that says we are in a pandemic, we are on the road to disaster,” said Fatima Hassan, a South African human rights lawyer who fought for HIV/AIDS drugs and has now pivoted to COVID-19 vaccines. “We’ve got to share the technology and spend billions to save trillions.”

Solomon Zewdu, deputy director for health in Africa at the Gates Foundation, said maps and charts showing global vaccination rates — with Africa almost completely absent — are fueling public anger and causing some leaders to look for additional vaccine sources besides Covax.

The African Union announced the purchase of 300 million vaccines this month, to be distributed through the regional body’s African Medical Supplies Platform, according to Nicaise Ndembi, senior science adviser for the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In countries like Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia, where the variant found in South Africa has been thought to be driving surges in infections, authorities have no clear answers about when vaccines will arrive.

South Africa, meanwhile, has been relatively assertive in its pandemic response, taking steps that have caused controversy within the country. President Cyril Ramaphosa has reintroduced a 9 p.m.-to-5 a.m. curfew, limited attendance at funerals and religious gatherings, outlawed the sale of alcohol and made masks mandatory in all public spaces. Not wearing a mask can lead to a fine or six months in jail.

When vaccinations are expected to begin, about mid-February, health workers will be first in line, followed by those deemed most at risk of serious illness.

For Matsena, the supermarket employee, who is 31 and healthy, it could be a long wait.

“It would be better if it arrived earlier because now people are terrified of this pandemic,” he said. “It’s worse, much worse.”

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — As a dangerous variant of the coronavirus first discovered in South Africa sickens and kills thousands across the country, Jan Matsena has shown up every day to stock the shelves at a Cape Town supermarket, terrified that he too will catch it.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — As a dangerous variant of the coronavirus first discovered in South Africa sickens and kills thousands across the country, Jan Matsena has shown up every day to stock the shelves at a Cape Town supermarket, terrified that he too will catch it. A neighbor died in December, then a co-worker this month. Now Matsena is waiting for a vaccine so he can return home to his township and hold his baby daughter again. But in South Africa, the country hit hardest so far by the variant, inoculations have not yet started. “The wait for this vaccine has been long, long now,” said Matsena, a first-time father who has been living away from his family for fear of exposing them. “People are passing away. People are losing jobs. It’s trauma.” While more than 90 million people worldwide have been vaccinated, only 25 in all of sub-Saharan Africa, a region of about 1 billion people, have been given doses outside of drug trials, according to the World Health Organization. But as new variants like the one discovered in South Africa migrate to more countries — including the United States — it is becoming ever clearer that the tragedy for poorer countries could become a tragedy for every country. The more the virus spreads and the longer it takes to vaccinate people, the greater chance it has to continue to mutate in ways that put the whole world at risk. Recent studies suggest that at least four vaccines that are effective at preventing infection with the original virus did not perform as well against the variant found in South Africa. That variant is also more infectious — as is another one, discovered in Britain — and it is now estimated to make up 90% of all cases in South Africa, according to data compiled by researchers. It has turned up in dozens of other countries. Inoculation prompts the immune system to make antibodies to the virus, but as mutations change its shape, the virus can become more resistant to those antibodies. In the worst case, failing to stop the spread of the virus globally would allow more mutations that could make existing vaccines less effective, leaving even inoculated populations vulnerable. “This idea that no one is safe until everyone is safe is not just an adage; it is really true,” said Andrea Taylor, assistant director at Duke Global Health Innovation Center. Even in the most optimistic scenarios, Taylor said, at the current pace of production, there will not be enough vaccines for true global coverage until 2023. The current rollout plans across Africa are expected to vaccinate only 20% to 35% of the population this year if everything goes right. And while some wealthy countries have secured enough vaccine to cover their populations multiple times, South Africa has secured just 22.5 million doses for its 60 million people, and many nations lag further behind. That disparity is at the heart of what Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, said could soon become a “catastrophic moral failure” as rich nations rush to buy up vaccine stocks while leaving poor and middle-income nations struggling to find supplies. South Africa’s first million doses, made by AstraZeneca, are set to arrive there Monday, and officials say it will take as long as two weeks to start giving the shots. AstraZeneca’s vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford, is currently the world’s most affordable option, developed with low and middle-income nations as its target. The company has not released any information about its effectiveness against the variant but is expected to do so soon. Another 9 million doses are on order from Johnson &amp; Johnson, whose shot does not yet have regulatory approval. On Friday, the company announced that the efficacy of its vaccine dropped from 72% in trials conducted in the United States to 57% in those conducted in South Africa. There are some encouraging signs. A growing body of preliminary evidence — mainly gleaned from the lightning-fast rollout in Israel — suggests that vaccines are performing well not just in trials, but in the real world, driving down new infections. But it remains to be seen how well they help contain the variants already in circulation. Scientists hope that if needed, vaccines can be modified and booster shots developed to tackle new variants, but that takes time. And for a world struggling to right itself, time is of the essence. Dr. Tulio de Oliveira, a professor and geneticist at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine in Durban, who had helped discover the variant originally found in South Africa, said its emergence should serve as a wake-up call. “One of the things this variant should highlight to the whole world is the need to control transmission — not only in their own country but in the whole world,” he said. And while nations have rushed to seal their borders, the variants are already spreading in dozens of countries — just as the virus eluded national boundaries last winter. Brazil, for instance, appears to have incubated at least two worrisome variants, which had already slipped its borders before many countries began to cut off air travel from there. The burden of supplying vaccines to low- and middle-income nations hangs heavily on a nonprofit group, Covax, formed by a coalition of international organizations. Although more than 190 countries have pledged to obtain vaccines through Covax, many of them are also striking deals directly with drug companies or belong to multinational groups that are doing so. That threatens to drive up prices and delay delivery of doses through Covax. Covax has announced that it has secured 2.1 billion doses for 2021, but it is unclear how many of those will actually be delivered in 2021. The hope is that rollouts to poorer countries can begin in earnest in the next month or two. “Covax is necessary but not sufficient,” Taylor said. “It is the only mechanism we have for global equity. We need it, and we need it to succeed. But even if they are successful, it does not get countries close to herd immunity.” Orin Levine, director of global delivery programs at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, said “the bare facts are that by the end of this year, probably 75% of population in high-income countries will be vaccinated,” compared to 25% in low-income countries. For African nations, the slow pace of the rollout feels frighteningly familiar. When another scourge — HIV/AIDS — was killing millions of people each year, Africa had the largest number of infections and deaths. Still, it took at least six years before the lifesaving treatment available in wealthy nations was made available for Africans. AIDS killed 12 million people in Africa in a decade, even as mortality in the U.S. dropped drastically, according to analyses by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Disputes over international property rights delayed the production of more antiretroviral drugs or cost-effective generics. Now India and South Africa have teamed up to lobby the World Trade Organization to compel drug companies to share their intellectual property on coronavirus vaccines as they eventually did with HIV/AIDS treatment. “What you need right now is the explicit cooperation of every single government and every single pharmaceutical company that says we are in a pandemic, we are on the road to disaster,” said Fatima Hassan, a South African human rights lawyer who fought for HIV/AIDS drugs and has now pivoted to COVID-19 vaccines. “We’ve got to share the technology and spend billions to save trillions.” Solomon Zewdu, deputy director for health in Africa at the Gates Foundation, said maps and charts showing global vaccination rates — with Africa almost completely absent — are fueling public anger and causing some leaders to look for additional vaccine sources besides Covax. The African Union announced the purchase of 300 million vaccines this month, to be distributed through the regional body’s African Medical Supplies Platform, according to Nicaise Ndembi, senior science adviser for the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In countries like Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia, where the variant found in South Africa has been thought to be driving surges in infections, authorities have no clear answers about when vaccines will arrive. South Africa, meanwhile, has been relatively assertive in its pandemic response, taking steps that have caused controversy within the country. President Cyril Ramaphosa has reintroduced a 9 p.m.-to-5 a.m. curfew, limited attendance at funerals and religious gatherings, outlawed the sale of alcohol and made masks mandatory in all public spaces. Not wearing a mask can lead to a fine or six months in jail. When vaccinations are expected to begin, about mid-February, health workers will be first in line, followed by those deemed most at risk of serious illness. For Matsena, the supermarket employee, who is 31 and healthy, it could be a long wait. “It would be better if it arrived earlier because now people are terrified of this pandemic,” he said. “It’s worse, much worse.”

As virus variants spread, ‘no one is safe until everyone is safe’

Following months of interdisciplinary research assessing tens of thousands of lung cells infected with the novel coronavirus, scientists have created one of the most comprehensive maps to date of the molecular activities that are triggered inside these cells at the onset of the viral infection, an advance that may lead to the development of new drugs to combat COVID-19.

From their analysis, the scientists, including those from Boston University in the US, discovered close to 18 existing drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that could potentially be repurposed to combat COVID-19 soon after a person becomes infected.

They said five of these drugs could reduce the spread of the coronavirus in human lung cells by more than 90 per cent.

In the research, published in the journal Molecular Cell, the scientists simultaneously infected tens of thousands of lab-grown human lung cells with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and tracked what happens in these cells during the moments after infection.

They said these engineered cells are not completely identical to the living, breathing cells inside our bodies, but are the "closest thing to it."

"What makes this research unusual is that we looked at very early time points [of infection], at just one hour after the virus infects lung cells. It was scary to see that the virus already starts to damage the cells so early during infection," said study co-author and virologist Elke Muhlberger from Boston University (BU).

According to the researchers, "the virus does wholesale remodeling of the lung cells."

"It's amazing the degree to which the virus commandeers the cells it infects," said Andrew Emili, another co-author of the study from BU.

Since viruses cannot replicate themselves, they hijack the host cell machinery to make copies of its genetic material.

In the study, the scientists found that when SARS-CoV-2 takes over, it completely changes the cells' metabolic processes.

The virus even damages the cells' nuclear membranes within three to six hours after infection, which the team said was very surprising.

In contrast, "cells infected with the deadly Ebola virus don't show any obvious structural changes at these early time points of infection, and even at late stages of infection, the nuclear membrane is still intact," Muhlberger said.

The scientists explained that the cell's nuclear membrane surrounds the nucleus, which holds the majority of the genetic information, and controls and regulates normal cellular functions.

With the nucleus compromised by the coronavirus, they said "things rapidly take a bad turn for the entire cell."

The lung cells -- which normally play a role in maintaining the essential gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide that occurs when we breathe -- die under this siege, the study noted.

According to the researchers, the cells also emit distress signals which boost inflammation as they die, triggering a cascade of biological activity that accelerates more cell death.

This eventually leads to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, and lung failure, they explained.

"I couldn't have predicted a lot of these pathways, most of them were news to me. That's why our [experimental] model is so valuable," said Andrew Wilson, one of the study's senior authors.&nbsp;

Following months of interdisciplinary research assessing tens of thousands of lung cells infected with the novel coronavirus, scientists have created one of the most comprehensive maps to date of the molecular activities that are triggered inside these cells at the onset of the viral infection, an advance that may lead to the development of new drugs to combat COVID-19.

Following months of interdisciplinary research assessing tens of thousands of lung cells infected with the novel coronavirus, scientists have created one of the most comprehensive maps to date of the molecular activities that are triggered inside these cells at the onset of the viral infection, an advance that may lead to the development of new drugs to combat COVID-19. From their analysis, the scientists, including those from Boston University in the US, discovered close to 18 existing drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that could potentially be repurposed to combat COVID-19 soon after a person becomes infected. They said five of these drugs could reduce the spread of the coronavirus in human lung cells by more than 90 per cent. In the research, published in the journal Molecular Cell, the scientists simultaneously infected tens of thousands of lab-grown human lung cells with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and tracked what happens in these cells during the moments after infection. They said these engineered cells are not completely identical to the living, breathing cells inside our bodies, but are the "closest thing to it." "What makes this research unusual is that we looked at very early time points [of infection], at just one hour after the virus infects lung cells. It was scary to see that the virus already starts to damage the cells so early during infection," said study co-author and virologist Elke Muhlberger from Boston University (BU). According to the researchers, "the virus does wholesale remodeling of the lung cells." "It's amazing the degree to which the virus commandeers the cells it infects," said Andrew Emili, another co-author of the study from BU. Since viruses cannot replicate themselves, they hijack the host cell machinery to make copies of its genetic material. In the study, the scientists found that when SARS-CoV-2 takes over, it completely changes the cells' metabolic processes. The virus even damages the cells' nuclear membranes within three to six hours after infection, which the team said was very surprising. In contrast, "cells infected with the deadly Ebola virus don't show any obvious structural changes at these early time points of infection, and even at late stages of infection, the nuclear membrane is still intact," Muhlberger said. The scientists explained that the cell's nuclear membrane surrounds the nucleus, which holds the majority of the genetic information, and controls and regulates normal cellular functions. With the nucleus compromised by the coronavirus, they said "things rapidly take a bad turn for the entire cell." The lung cells -- which normally play a role in maintaining the essential gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide that occurs when we breathe -- die under this siege, the study noted. According to the researchers, the cells also emit distress signals which boost inflammation as they die, triggering a cascade of biological activity that accelerates more cell death. This eventually leads to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, and lung failure, they explained. "I couldn't have predicted a lot of these pathways, most of them were news to me. That's why our [experimental] model is so valuable," said Andrew Wilson, one of the study's senior authors.

Scientists decode how coronavirus damages lung cells within hours

China on Sunday, reported the biggest daily jump in new coronavirus cases in six days. This jump is driven by increase in a northeastern city. There were 92 new confirmed cases in mainland China on January 30, said China's National Health Commission. 73 of these cases occurred due to local transmissions. Tonghua city in Jilin province accounted for most of the new cases.

Northern Hebei province reported one new confirmed case while Heilongjiang reported nine. Beijing and Shanghai had none.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-experts-visit-wuhan-market-the-location-of-first-covid-outbreak-360386">WHO experts visit Wuhan market, the location of first COVID outbreak</a>

China does not classify asymptomatic cases as confirmed cases. Number of asymptomatic cases rose to 19 from 16 on the previous day.

The latest figures brought confirmed COVID-19 cases in mainland China to 89,522, while the death toll remained 4,636.

China on Sunday, reported the biggest daily jump in new coronavirus cases in six days. This jump is driven by increase in a northeastern city. There were 92 new confirmed cases in mainland China on January 30, said China's National Health Commission.

China on Sunday, reported the biggest daily jump in new coronavirus cases in six days. This jump is driven by increase in a northeastern city. There were 92 new confirmed cases in mainland China on January 30, said China's National Health Commission. 73 of these cases occurred due to local transmissions. Tonghua city in Jilin province accounted for most of the new cases. Northern Hebei province reported one new confirmed case while Heilongjiang reported nine. Beijing and Shanghai had none. Also Read | WHO experts visit Wuhan market, the location of first COVID outbreak China does not classify asymptomatic cases as confirmed cases. Number of asymptomatic cases rose to 19 from 16 on the previous day. The latest figures brought confirmed COVID-19 cases in mainland China to 89,522, while the death toll remained 4,636.

China reports biggest daily surge in new coronavirus cases

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a sweeping order requiring the wearing of masks to protect against the spread of Covid-19 on virtually every form of public transportation throughout the country.&nbsp;

The order, issued late Friday, extends to travel on airplanes, trains, buses, taxis, ride-shares, subways, ferries and ships.&nbsp;

It expands on one of the first executive orders signed by President Joe Biden, which required masking for interstate travel as part of a larger strategy to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

The new order, which also covers intrastate travel, takes effect at 11:59 pm Monday (0459 Tuesday GMT).

"Wearing masks on our transportation systems will protect Americans and provide confidence that we can once again travel safely even during this pandemic," the order states.

"Therefore, requiring masks will help us control this pandemic and aid in reopening America's economy."

The CDC order covers passengers and transportation operators both during travel and while waiting in transportation hubs.

It says operators must make "best efforts" to enforce mask-wearing, and if necessary should disembark anyone refusing to comply.

It says, without providing much detail, that enforcement will ultimately be the responsibility of the federal Transportation Security Administration, as well as of "cooperating state and local authorities."&nbsp;

Noncompliance will constitute "a violation of federal law," according to the order.

Exemptions to mask-wearing are allowed for people eating, drinking or taking medication, as well as those communicating with the hearing-impaired. Masks can also be briefly removed during identity checks.

The United States has the world's worst Covid-19 statistics, but the numbers of cases and hospitalizations have declined for the past two weeks, with some experts partly crediting improved adherence to masking and social-distancing measures.

One of Biden's first official acts after his inauguration January 20 was to order mask-wearing on federal property. He has said consistent mask-wearing could save 50,000 American lives by April.

But former President Donald Trump frequently mocked the practice -- and was rarely seen wearing a mask -- making enforcement of the new standard more problematic in some parts of the country.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a sweeping order requiring the wearing of masks to protect against the spread of Covid-19 on virtually every form of public transportation throughout the country.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a sweeping order requiring the wearing of masks to protect against the spread of Covid-19 on virtually every form of public transportation throughout the country. The order, issued late Friday, extends to travel on airplanes, trains, buses, taxis, ride-shares, subways, ferries and ships. It expands on one of the first executive orders signed by President Joe Biden, which required masking for interstate travel as part of a larger strategy to reduce the spread of Covid-19. The new order, which also covers intrastate travel, takes effect at 11:59 pm Monday (0459 Tuesday GMT). "Wearing masks on our transportation systems will protect Americans and provide confidence that we can once again travel safely even during this pandemic," the order states. "Therefore, requiring masks will help us control this pandemic and aid in reopening America's economy." The CDC order covers passengers and transportation operators both during travel and while waiting in transportation hubs. It says operators must make "best efforts" to enforce mask-wearing, and if necessary should disembark anyone refusing to comply. It says, without providing much detail, that enforcement will ultimately be the responsibility of the federal Transportation Security Administration, as well as of "cooperating state and local authorities." Noncompliance will constitute "a violation of federal law," according to the order. Exemptions to mask-wearing are allowed for people eating, drinking or taking medication, as well as those communicating with the hearing-impaired. Masks can also be briefly removed during identity checks. The United States has the world's worst Covid-19 statistics, but the numbers of cases and hospitalizations have declined for the past two weeks, with some experts partly crediting improved adherence to masking and social-distancing measures. One of Biden's first official acts after his inauguration January 20 was to order mask-wearing on federal property. He has said consistent mask-wearing could save 50,000 American lives by April. But former President Donald Trump frequently mocked the practice -- and was rarely seen wearing a mask -- making enforcement of the new standard more problematic in some parts of the country.

US health agency to require mask-wearing in all public transportation

The European Union on Friday over threats to restrict vaccine exports to Northern Ireland. This followed after the UK voiced "grave concerns" over the proposed move. The EU had earlier warned that it would invoke Article-16 over its intentions to bar export of Europe-made vaccines to non-EU members. The move was being mulled&nbsp;in order to address the vaccine shortage in the continent. Invoking Article 16 results in overriding part of the Brexit deal that allow free-flow of good across the Irish border.

"The Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected," the EU Commissioner said in a statement late Friday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier told EU chief Ursula von der Leyen of his "grave concerns about the potential impact" the European bloc's decision might have.

The European scheme to monitor and bar exports of vaccines produced in EU plants has also been criticised by the World Health Organization.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-says-uk-coronavirus-variant-to-become-more-dominant-in-us-by-march-360187">Fauci says UK coronavirus variant to become more dominant in US by March</a> 
 
The WHO said the move was part of a "very worrying trend" that could jeopardise the global supply chain for vaccines.

Although the EU has rowed back from the Article 16 threat, a Commission statement said if there were vaccines circumventing the&nbsp;European system, "the EU will consider using all the instruments at its disposal".

The EU earlier justified the "safeguard measure" as an attempt to keep member states' vaccine rollouts on track.

(With AFP inputs)

The European Union on Friday over threats to restrict vaccine exports to Northern Ireland. This followed after the UK voiced "grave concerns" over the proposed move.

The European Union on Friday over threats to restrict vaccine exports to Northern Ireland. This followed after the UK voiced "grave concerns" over the proposed move. The EU had earlier warned that it would invoke Article-16 over its intentions to bar export of Europe-made vaccines to non-EU members. The move was being mulled in order to address the vaccine shortage in the continent. Invoking Article 16 results in overriding part of the Brexit deal that allow free-flow of good across the Irish border. "The Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected," the EU Commissioner said in a statement late Friday. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier told EU chief Ursula von der Leyen of his "grave concerns about the potential impact" the European bloc's decision might have. The European scheme to monitor and bar exports of vaccines produced in EU plants has also been criticised by the World Health Organization. Also Read | Fauci says UK coronavirus variant to become more dominant in US by March The WHO said the move was part of a "very worrying trend" that could jeopardise the global supply chain for vaccines. Although the EU has rowed back from the Article 16 threat, a Commission statement said if there were vaccines circumventing the European system, "the EU will consider using all the instruments at its disposal". The EU earlier justified the "safeguard measure" as an attempt to keep member states' vaccine rollouts on track. (With AFP inputs)

EU backtracks on restrictions on COVID vaccine export to Northern Ireland

Pakistan has extended the travel restrictions on several countries, including the UK, till February 28 to contain the spread of the deadly variant of the coronavirus amidst a second wave of infections.

The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) said people from countries in its category-C including South Africa, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Ireland, Portugal and the Netherlands would be affected by the travel restrictions till February 28, Dawn newspaper reported on Saturday.

It, however, added they would be allowed to enter the country if permitted by the National Command and Operation Centre, the top decision making body on COVID-19.

The PCAA also reduced the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test requirement for the countries categorised as B and C from 96 to 72 hours. The travel-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the PCAA in December and January have also been extended till February 28.

The authority has placed 24 countries in category-A and six in category-C.

The PCAA said the international travellers from the countries placed in category-A do not require COVID-19 PCR test for entry into Pakistan. The travellers from category-B countries are required to undergo the test before commencement of travel to Pakistan (maximum 72 hours old).

However, the travellers from C-category countries are restricted and only allowed as per the guidelines provided by the NCOC.

The restrictions on travellers from C-category countries have been extended following the increasing number of cases reported there during the second wave of COVID-19. The second wave of the pandemic hit Pakistan in November.

On December 21, Pakistan imposed temporary curbs for a week on in-bound passengers from the UK after the emergence of a new coronavirus strain. It then extended the ban on flights from the UK for another week over fears of the new variant of the coronavirus which was reportedly spreading at a much faster rate.

Pakistan's coronavirus tally stands at 543,214 after 2,179 cases were reported in the last 24 hours and the number of fatalities reached 11,623.

Pakistan has extended the travel restrictions on several countries, including the UK, till February 28 to contain the spread of the deadly variant of the coronavirus amidst a second wave of infections.

Pakistan has extended the travel restrictions on several countries, including the UK, till February 28 to contain the spread of the deadly variant of the coronavirus amidst a second wave of infections. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) said people from countries in its category-C including South Africa, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Ireland, Portugal and the Netherlands would be affected by the travel restrictions till February 28, Dawn newspaper reported on Saturday. It, however, added they would be allowed to enter the country if permitted by the National Command and Operation Centre, the top decision making body on COVID-19. The PCAA also reduced the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test requirement for the countries categorised as B and C from 96 to 72 hours. The travel-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the PCAA in December and January have also been extended till February 28. The authority has placed 24 countries in category-A and six in category-C. The PCAA said the international travellers from the countries placed in category-A do not require COVID-19 PCR test for entry into Pakistan. The travellers from category-B countries are required to undergo the test before commencement of travel to Pakistan (maximum 72 hours old). However, the travellers from C-category countries are restricted and only allowed as per the guidelines provided by the NCOC. The restrictions on travellers from C-category countries have been extended following the increasing number of cases reported there during the second wave of COVID-19. The second wave of the pandemic hit Pakistan in November. On December 21, Pakistan imposed temporary curbs for a week on in-bound passengers from the UK after the emergence of a new coronavirus strain. It then extended the ban on flights from the UK for another week over fears of the new variant of the coronavirus which was reportedly spreading at a much faster rate. Pakistan's coronavirus tally stands at 543,214 after 2,179 cases were reported in the last 24 hours and the number of fatalities reached 11,623.

Pakistan extends travel restrictions on six countries including UK till Feb 28

The novel coronavirus has, of late, gained an ability to mutate. And has become a bane for the entire human race.

It's the 29th of January, and a total of 58 countries have reported mutated strains of the virus.

In Brazil, researchers have discovered patients with two different strains of the virus.

In the United States, first cases of the South Africa strain have been discovered. And in the United Kingdom, experts say, the vaccine may not be that effective on foreign strains.

The mutations are spreading, and infections are rising. And new challenges are emerging with each passing day.

Here's a report.

BRAZIL

In Brazil, researchers have discovered patients with two different strains of the virus. The patients -- both in their 30s were infected -- with the first variant in November.

They have simultaneously tested postive for the second variant.

The symptoms were mild, and the patients did not require hospitalisation. But scientists say the cases underscore the many variants that could be circulating in Brazil.

They add their co-existence in the same body could speed-up mutations of other variants.

USA

In the United States, cases of the South Africa variant have been detected for the first time. They were reported in two adults from South Carolina -- with no travel history and no connection to each other.

The cases have put the focus on America's capacity to detect emerging strains.

Health experts are worried -- they are asking americans to be more vigilant.

Dr Brannon Traxler, South Carolina Interim Director of Public Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), to this end, said, "The arrival of Covid-19, of any variant in South Carolina, including this one, is yet another reminder that the fight against this deadly virus is far from over and we all must be more vigilant about taking the prevention steps that we know work."

BRITAIN

In the United Kingdom, Novavax has declared that its vaccine is 89 per cent effective on the highly contagious 
variant detected in the country. But the South African strain is also spreading in the UK.

Notably, the vaccine is not really effective when it comes to this strain.

Paul Heath, chief investigator of the UK Novavax trial from St George's, University of London, to this end, said, "Now, not quite as effective as it is against the UK variant and it may therefore mean that modifying the spike protein or indeed adding a separate component to the vaccine will now be considered and Novavax are now doing that, and that may be the answer to deal completely with, for example, the South African variant."

As the coronavirus continues to mutate, many virologists are looking at ways to help them get ahead of the virus. And we shall wait.

The novel coronavirus has, of late, gained an ability to mutate. And has become a bane for the entire human race. It's the 29th of January, and a total of 58 countries have reported mutated strains of the virus.

The novel coronavirus has, of late, gained an ability to mutate. And has become a bane for the entire human race. It's the 29th of January, and a total of 58 countries have reported mutated strains of the virus. In Brazil, researchers have discovered patients with two different strains of the virus. In the United States, first cases of the South Africa strain have been discovered. And in the United Kingdom, experts say, the vaccine may not be that effective on foreign strains. The mutations are spreading, and infections are rising. And new challenges are emerging with each passing day. Here's a report. BRAZIL In Brazil, researchers have discovered patients with two different strains of the virus. The patients -- both in their 30s were infected -- with the first variant in November. They have simultaneously tested postive for the second variant. The symptoms were mild, and the patients did not require hospitalisation. But scientists say the cases underscore the many variants that could be circulating in Brazil. They add their co-existence in the same body could speed-up mutations of other variants. USA In the United States, cases of the South Africa variant have been detected for the first time. They were reported in two adults from South Carolina -- with no travel history and no connection to each other. The cases have put the focus on America's capacity to detect emerging strains. Health experts are worried -- they are asking americans to be more vigilant. Dr Brannon Traxler, South Carolina Interim Director of Public Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), to this end, said, "The arrival of Covid-19, of any variant in South Carolina, including this one, is yet another reminder that the fight against this deadly virus is far from over and we all must be more vigilant about taking the prevention steps that we know work." BRITAIN In the United Kingdom, Novavax has declared that its vaccine is 89 per cent effective on the highly contagious variant detected in the country. But the South African strain is also spreading in the UK. Notably, the vaccine is not really effective when it comes to this strain. Paul Heath, chief investigator of the UK Novavax trial from St George's, University of London, to this end, said, "Now, not quite as effective as it is against the UK variant and it may therefore mean that modifying the spike protein or indeed adding a separate component to the vaccine will now be considered and Novavax are now doing that, and that may be the answer to deal completely with, for example, the South African variant." As the coronavirus continues to mutate, many virologists are looking at ways to help them get ahead of the virus. And we shall wait.

How coronavirus mutations are changing the pandemic

Experts from the World Health Organisation visited a Wuhan hospital Friday as the fieldwork began in a closely watched coronavirus origins probe that will take in a food market presumed to be "ground zero" of the pandemic.

The WHO investigation has been hobbled by delays, and there are fears over access and the strength of evidence a year after the virus emerged in the central Chinese city.

The team met Chinese officials Friday and then left their Wuhan hotel in a fleet of cars, trailed by a media pack reflecting the intense global scrutiny on a visit whose aim is to establish how the virus was transferred from animals to humans.

The Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western&nbsp;Medicine -- where some of the earliest Covid-19 patients were admitted -- is among the field visits.

The WHO said the team will later head to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Huanan market, and the Wuhan CDC laboratory, three sites now indelibly linked with the pandemic.

Details of the trip are being relayed via Twitter rather than Chinese authorities. Team member Peter Daszak described the first site visit as "extremely important".

The Huanan market -- which remains boarded up -- is believed to have been the first major cluster of infections, while former US president Donald Trump had pushed an unsubstantiated theory that the virus escaped from a testing facility at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

The mission's exact itinerary remains unclear.

The WHO insists the probe will be tethered tightly to the science behind how the virus jumped to humans.

Beijing is desperate to take the air out of the blame game and instead train attention on its handling and recovery from the outbreak.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman on Friday flagged the visit as "a part of global research" into the pandemic.

China has pushed the idea that the virus existed abroad before it was discovered in Wuhan, with state media citing the presence of the virus on imported frozen food packaging and scientific papers saying it had been circulating in Europe in 2019.

China's foreign ministry has also hinted that the sudden closure of a US army laboratory at Fort Detrick in Maryland in July 2019 was linked to the pandemic.

China's National Health Commission says 4,636 people have died in the country as a result of the virus. The nation's GDP grew 2.3 percent in 2020, the only major economy to do so.

In comparison, more than 400,000 Americans have died so far as the sickness rips through its population and economy, while Britain recorded its 100,000th fatality this week.

Experts from the World Health Organisation visited a Wuhan hospital Friday as the fieldwork began in a closely watched coronavirus origins probe that will take in a food market presumed to be "ground zero" of the pandemic.

Experts from the World Health Organisation visited a Wuhan hospital Friday as the fieldwork began in a closely watched coronavirus origins probe that will take in a food market presumed to be "ground zero" of the pandemic. The WHO investigation has been hobbled by delays, and there are fears over access and the strength of evidence a year after the virus emerged in the central Chinese city. The team met Chinese officials Friday and then left their Wuhan hotel in a fleet of cars, trailed by a media pack reflecting the intense global scrutiny on a visit whose aim is to establish how the virus was transferred from animals to humans. The Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine -- where some of the earliest Covid-19 patients were admitted -- is among the field visits. The WHO said the team will later head to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Huanan market, and the Wuhan CDC laboratory, three sites now indelibly linked with the pandemic. Details of the trip are being relayed via Twitter rather than Chinese authorities. Team member Peter Daszak described the first site visit as "extremely important". The Huanan market -- which remains boarded up -- is believed to have been the first major cluster of infections, while former US president Donald Trump had pushed an unsubstantiated theory that the virus escaped from a testing facility at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The mission's exact itinerary remains unclear. The WHO insists the probe will be tethered tightly to the science behind how the virus jumped to humans. Beijing is desperate to take the air out of the blame game and instead train attention on its handling and recovery from the outbreak. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman on Friday flagged the visit as "a part of global research" into the pandemic. China has pushed the idea that the virus existed abroad before it was discovered in Wuhan, with state media citing the presence of the virus on imported frozen food packaging and scientific papers saying it had been circulating in Europe in 2019. China's foreign ministry has also hinted that the sudden closure of a US army laboratory at Fort Detrick in Maryland in July 2019 was linked to the pandemic. China's National Health Commission says 4,636 people have died in the country as a result of the virus. The nation's GDP grew 2.3 percent in 2020, the only major economy to do so. In comparison, more than 400,000 Americans have died so far as the sickness rips through its population and economy, while Britain recorded its 100,000th fatality this week.

WHO coronavirus probe begins with fieldwork in ground-zero Wuhan

Eleven people have died of Covid-19 following an outbreak at a care home near Madrid which may be linked to the so-called British variant of the virus, officials said Friday.&nbsp;

"We have had a major outbreak at an old people's home in Becerril de la Sierra," said Antonio Zapatero, deputy health chief in the Madrid region, referring to a town in the mountains near the capital.&nbsp;

He said the outbreak, which was first detected on January 7, infected all 48 residents and 17 staff, with investigations suggesting it may have been caused by the more contagious variant first discovered in Britain in November.&nbsp;

"Five residents died at the home and six people died in hospital," he said, indicating another five people had also been hospitalised, two of whom were in "a clinically worrying situation".

"Public health investigations have been carried out... (which) suggest it may be the British strain that caused the outbreak in the nursing home," he said.

On Monday, a top health ministry official said Spain had so far confirmed 219 cases of the British variant, but by Friday that number had grown to around 350.&nbsp;

"Currently in Spain, around 350 confirmed cases of the British variant have been registered, although we estimate that suspected cases account for between five and 10 percent of the total confirmed cases," newly-appointed Health Minister Carolina Darias told MPs on Friday.&nbsp;

"The next few weeks will be key in determining whether this variant gradually takes over as it has in other countries," she said.

Earlier this week, Fernando Simon, the health ministry's emergencies coordinator, said the variant could become the predominant strain in Spain within a month.

Eleven people have died of Covid-19 following an outbreak at a care home near Madrid which may be linked to the so-called British variant of the virus, officials said Friday.

Eleven people have died of Covid-19 following an outbreak at a care home near Madrid which may be linked to the so-called British variant of the virus, officials said Friday. "We have had a major outbreak at an old people's home in Becerril de la Sierra," said Antonio Zapatero, deputy health chief in the Madrid region, referring to a town in the mountains near the capital. He said the outbreak, which was first detected on January 7, infected all 48 residents and 17 staff, with investigations suggesting it may have been caused by the more contagious variant first discovered in Britain in November. "Five residents died at the home and six people died in hospital," he said, indicating another five people had also been hospitalised, two of whom were in "a clinically worrying situation". "Public health investigations have been carried out... (which) suggest it may be the British strain that caused the outbreak in the nursing home," he said. On Monday, a top health ministry official said Spain had so far confirmed 219 cases of the British variant, but by Friday that number had grown to around 350. "Currently in Spain, around 350 confirmed cases of the British variant have been registered, although we estimate that suspected cases account for between five and 10 percent of the total confirmed cases," newly-appointed Health Minister Carolina Darias told MPs on Friday. "The next few weeks will be key in determining whether this variant gradually takes over as it has in other countries," she said. Earlier this week, Fernando Simon, the health ministry's emergencies coordinator, said the variant could become the predominant strain in Spain within a month.

Eleven die in Spain care home outbreak, UK strain suspected

Originally thought to mainly affect the respiratory system, researchers now know that the symptoms of Covid-19 are numerous and varied.

Severe cases of Covid-19 might impact the quality of a man's sperm, thus possibly impacting his fertility, according to a new study published Thursday in the journal Reproduction. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-detects-first-cases-of-south-african-variant-amid-virus-surge-359959">Also read | US detects first cases of South African variant amid virus surge</a>

"These findings provide the first direct experimental evidence that the male reproductive system could be targeted and damaged by Covid-19," the authors concluded.

Experts commenting on the research, however, said the capacity of the virus to compromise fertility in men remains unproven. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/insufficient-data-german-board-says-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-should-not-be-used-for-over-65s-359945">Also read | 'Insufficient data': German board says AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine should not be used for over-65s</a>

Covid-19 causes respiratory illness, especially in older people and those with underlying medical problems.

The world has seen more than 100 million confirmed cases since the disease emerged in central China at the end of 2019.

Transmitted through respiratory droplets, the disease attacks the lungs, kidneys, intestines and heart.&nbsp;

It can also infect male reproductive organs, impairing sperm cell development and disrupting reproductive hormones, earlier studies have shown. The same receptors the virus uses to access lung tissue are also found in the testicles.

But the effects of the virus on the ability of men to reproduce remained unclear.

Behzad Hajizadeh Maleki and Bakhtyar Tartibian from Justus-Liebig-University in Germany searched for biological markers that might indicate a negative impact on fertility.&nbsp;

Analysis done at 10-day intervals for 60 days in 84 men with Covid-19 was compared to data for 105 healthy men.&nbsp;

In the Covid-19 patients, sperm cells showed a significant increase in markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, a chemical imbalance that can damage DNA and proteins in the body.

'Strong note of caution'

"These effects on sperm cells are associated with lower sperm quality and reduced fertility potential," said Maleki in a statement.&nbsp;

"Although these effects tended to improve over time, they remained significantly and abnormally higher in Covid-19 patients."

The more severe the disease, the bigger the changes, he added.

The male reproductive system "should be considered a vulnerable route of Covid-19 infection and declared a high-risk organ by the World Health Organisation," Maleki said.

Experts not involved in the study welcomed the research but cautioned that more was needed before drawing hard and fast conclusions.

"Men should not be unduly alarmed," noted Alison Campbell, director of the embryology of the CARE Fertility Group in Britain.&nbsp;

"There is currently no definitive evidence of long-lasting damage caused by Covid-19, to sperm or male reproductive potential," she told the London-based Science Media Centre.

The results could have been skewed, she added, by the fact that men recovering from Covid were treated with corticosteroids and antiviral therapies, while the control group was not.

Allan Pacey, a specialist in male reproductive medicine at the University of Sheffield, raised a "stong note of caution" on how the data was interpreted.

Some of the indicators of decreased sperm quality could be due to factors besides Covid-19, he said, noting that more men in the Covid-19 group were overweight.

The simple fact that only one group was very sick -- no matter the cause -- also needed to be taken into account, he added.

"We already know that a febrile illness can impact on sperm production, regardless of what caused it."

(With inputs from agencies)

Originally thought to mainly affect the respiratory system, researchers now know that the symptoms of Covid-19 are numerous and varied. Severe cases of Covid-19 might impact the quality of a man's sperm, thus possibly impacting his fertility, according to a new study published Thursday in the journal Reproduction.

Originally thought to mainly affect the respiratory system, researchers now know that the symptoms of Covid-19 are numerous and varied. Severe cases of Covid-19 might impact the quality of a man's sperm, thus possibly impacting his fertility, according to a new study published Thursday in the journal Reproduction. Also read | US detects first cases of South African variant amid virus surge "These findings provide the first direct experimental evidence that the male reproductive system could be targeted and damaged by Covid-19," the authors concluded. Experts commenting on the research, however, said the capacity of the virus to compromise fertility in men remains unproven. Also read | 'Insufficient data': German board says AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine should not be used for over-65s Covid-19 causes respiratory illness, especially in older people and those with underlying medical problems. The world has seen more than 100 million confirmed cases since the disease emerged in central China at the end of 2019. Transmitted through respiratory droplets, the disease attacks the lungs, kidneys, intestines and heart. It can also infect male reproductive organs, impairing sperm cell development and disrupting reproductive hormones, earlier studies have shown. The same receptors the virus uses to access lung tissue are also found in the testicles. But the effects of the virus on the ability of men to reproduce remained unclear. Behzad Hajizadeh Maleki and Bakhtyar Tartibian from Justus-Liebig-University in Germany searched for biological markers that might indicate a negative impact on fertility. Analysis done at 10-day intervals for 60 days in 84 men with Covid-19 was compared to data for 105 healthy men. In the Covid-19 patients, sperm cells showed a significant increase in markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, a chemical imbalance that can damage DNA and proteins in the body. 'Strong note of caution' "These effects on sperm cells are associated with lower sperm quality and reduced fertility potential," said Maleki in a statement. "Although these effects tended to improve over time, they remained significantly and abnormally higher in Covid-19 patients." The more severe the disease, the bigger the changes, he added. The male reproductive system "should be considered a vulnerable route of Covid-19 infection and declared a high-risk organ by the World Health Organisation," Maleki said. Experts not involved in the study welcomed the research but cautioned that more was needed before drawing hard and fast conclusions. "Men should not be unduly alarmed," noted Alison Campbell, director of the embryology of the CARE Fertility Group in Britain. "There is currently no definitive evidence of long-lasting damage caused by Covid-19, to sperm or male reproductive potential," she told the London-based Science Media Centre. The results could have been skewed, she added, by the fact that men recovering from Covid were treated with corticosteroids and antiviral therapies, while the control group was not. Allan Pacey, a specialist in male reproductive medicine at the University of Sheffield, raised a "stong note of caution" on how the data was interpreted. Some of the indicators of decreased sperm quality could be due to factors besides Covid-19, he said, noting that more men in the Covid-19 group were overweight. The simple fact that only one group was very sick -- no matter the cause -- also needed to be taken into account, he added. "We already know that a febrile illness can impact on sperm production, regardless of what caused it." (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus may damage sperm quality, reduce male fertility: Study

A shortage of COVID-19 vaccines has forced Paris and two other regions that together account for a third of the French population to postpone giving out first doses, a source familiar with the discussion, and health officials, said on Thursday.

Europe faces a vaccine shortfall because pharmaceutical firm Pfizer has temporarily slowed supplies in order to make manufacturing changes, while AstraZeneca said it would cut supplies of its shot allocated to the EU in the first quarter due to production issues at a Belgian factory.

Portugal said its vaccine roll-out would be slower than planned, and Germany said shortages would persist into April.

The public health agency for Paris and the surrounding region, an area with a population of 12.1 million people, told hospitals that from Feb. 2, all first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine would be suspended, according to the source.

The agency said injections of the second, follow-up dose would continue, according to the source. There was no indication when the first doses would resume.

The agency cited as the reason the "extremely tight vaccine supplies and the need to guarantee the second injection for people already vaccinated", the source said.

The Paris region public health agency and the health ministry could not immediately be reached for comment.

SUPPLY PROBLEMS

The public health agency for the Hauts-de-France region in northern France said earlier on Thursday that it was pushing back to the first week of March injection of the first doses that had been planned for early February. It too cited supply problems.

In the region around the wine-making Burgundy area, the public health agency said it was deferring appointments for first injections of COVID-19 vaccines in order to address supply shortages.

Residents of care homes - among the most at risk from serious illness in the epidemic - are unlikely to be affected by the French delays because most have already received the first dose.

But the delays are likely to affect people over 75 and health care workers who are currently due to receive a first dose.

Most of the vaccines currently approved for use globally come in two doses: the first gives only limited protection from the virus, with the second needed to fully inoculate a patient.

The French health ministry said on Wednesday that as of Jan. 26 a total of 1.13 million first doses and 6,153 second doses had been administered.

The vaccine roll-out in France, as in its European neighbours, lags far behind other countries. States including Israel, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates and Britain have already vaccinated a much larger share of their population.

Because EU countries decided to procure their COVID-19 vaccination doses collectively, the supply issues hitting France are affecting other countries in the bloc.

Portugal said the first phase of its vaccination plan will be extended by around two months into April, as delivery delays mean it will receive half the expected doses by March.

Germany faces a shortage well into April, its health minister said. "We will still have at least 10 tough weeks with a shortage of vaccine," the minister, Jens Spahn, said in a Tweet.

A shortage of COVID-19 vaccines has forced Paris and two other regions that together account for a third of the French population to postpone giving out first doses, a source familiar with the discussion, and health officials, said on Thursday.

A shortage of COVID-19 vaccines has forced Paris and two other regions that together account for a third of the French population to postpone giving out first doses, a source familiar with the discussion, and health officials, said on Thursday. Europe faces a vaccine shortfall because pharmaceutical firm Pfizer has temporarily slowed supplies in order to make manufacturing changes, while AstraZeneca said it would cut supplies of its shot allocated to the EU in the first quarter due to production issues at a Belgian factory. Portugal said its vaccine roll-out would be slower than planned, and Germany said shortages would persist into April. The public health agency for Paris and the surrounding region, an area with a population of 12.1 million people, told hospitals that from Feb. 2, all first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine would be suspended, according to the source. The agency said injections of the second, follow-up dose would continue, according to the source. There was no indication when the first doses would resume. The agency cited as the reason the "extremely tight vaccine supplies and the need to guarantee the second injection for people already vaccinated", the source said. The Paris region public health agency and the health ministry could not immediately be reached for comment. SUPPLY PROBLEMS The public health agency for the Hauts-de-France region in northern France said earlier on Thursday that it was pushing back to the first week of March injection of the first doses that had been planned for early February. It too cited supply problems. In the region around the wine-making Burgundy area, the public health agency said it was deferring appointments for first injections of COVID-19 vaccines in order to address supply shortages. Residents of care homes - among the most at risk from serious illness in the epidemic - are unlikely to be affected by the French delays because most have already received the first dose. But the delays are likely to affect people over 75 and health care workers who are currently due to receive a first dose. Most of the vaccines currently approved for use globally come in two doses: the first gives only limited protection from the virus, with the second needed to fully inoculate a patient. The French health ministry said on Wednesday that as of Jan. 26 a total of 1.13 million first doses and 6,153 second doses had been administered. The vaccine roll-out in France, as in its European neighbours, lags far behind other countries. States including Israel, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates and Britain have already vaccinated a much larger share of their population. Because EU countries decided to procure their COVID-19 vaccination doses collectively, the supply issues hitting France are affecting other countries in the bloc. Portugal said the first phase of its vaccination plan will be extended by around two months into April, as delivery delays mean it will receive half the expected doses by March. Germany faces a shortage well into April, its health minister said. "We will still have at least 10 tough weeks with a shortage of vaccine," the minister, Jens Spahn, said in a Tweet.

Vaccine shortage halts COVID-19 first shots in Paris region, source says

WASHINGTON — A federal watchdog has found that the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, which drew national attention last year when the Trump administration fired its director, has been used for the past 10 years as a “slush fund” to cover expenses unrelated to its core mission of fighting health threats like Ebola, Zika and the coronavirus.

The 223-page report, issued Wednesday by the Office of Special Counsel, found that the Department of Health and Human Services diverted millions of taxpayer dollars intended for BARDA to finance vaccine research and pandemic preparedness into other government activities, and failed to inform Congress — a potential violation of federal law.

Among the unrelated activities were the removal of office furniture, administrative expenses, news subscriptions, legal services and the salaries of other department employees. The practice of diverting funds was so common, investigators found, that employees had a name for it: the “Bank of BARDA.”

The report focuses on the actions of the assistant secretary for preparedness and response, the health department official who oversees BARDA and is responsible for its budget. The assistant secretary is responsible for leading the federal response to pandemic threats like the novel coronavirus. Its most recent occupant was Dr. Robert Kadlec; President Joe Biden has not named a successor.

“I am deeply concerned about ASPR’s apparent misuse of millions of dollars in funding meant for public health emergencies like the one our country is currently facing with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Henry J. Kerner, the special counsel, wrote in a letter to Biden, using the acronym for the assistant secretary for preparedness and response.

“Equally concerning,” Kerner added, “is how widespread and well-known this practice appeared to be for nearly a decade.”

The report does not specifically say how much money was misappropriated. But roughly $25 million was taken from BARDA programs and provided to the assistant secretary’s office as recently as the 2019 fiscal year, the office found. And from the 2007 to 2016 fiscal years, the assistant secretary failed to account for $517.8 million in administrative expenditures, according to the report.

It also suggests a senator, Richard Burr, R-N.C., who wrote the legislation that created BARDA and is considered its champion in Congress, became involved in internal funding disputes. The whistleblower told investigators that “restrictive wording” was added to the 2016 appropriations bill at the behest of Burr and his “pet project” — an apparent reference to BARDA.

A spokesman for the senator had no comment.

BARDA was created by Congress in 2006. Its mission is to finance novel research into vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and other “medical countermeasures” to combat natural and biodefense threats. It operated in relative obscurity until April, when Kadlec fired its director, Dr. Rick Bright.

Bright said then that he was removed from his post and reassigned to a narrower job at the National Institutes of Health after he pressed for rigorous vetting of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug embraced by President Donald Trump as a coronavirus treatment, and that the administration had put “politics and cronyism ahead of science.”

Days later, he filed a whistleblower complaint with the Office of Special Counsel, an independent federal watchdog agency. He has since left the federal government, and most recently advised Biden on the coronavirus during the transition.

But the report issued Wednesday is not in response to Bright’s allegations. Rather, it covers both the Obama and Trump administrations, and grew out of an investigation into a 2018 complaint from an unnamed whistleblower whose allegations primarily concerned Kadlec’s predecessor, Dr. Nicole Lurie. The whistleblower accused Lurie of “reporting false information to Congress” in her monthly reports to lawyers.

Both Kadlec and Lurie have denied wrongdoing. In a brief interview Wednesday, Lurie said she had not been interviewed for the investigation. The findings were reported earlier by The Washington Post.

“We left the country stronger than we found it, including with a playbook for pandemics,” Lurie said of her time overseeing the agency. “All expenditures were done in a routine way and approved through multiple layers of rigorous budget processes. No expenditures were made unilaterally.”

The Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement that it would review how the assistant secretary had allocated money from the 2015 to 2019 fiscal years to determine whether any law had been violated.

A lawyer for Bright, Debra Katz, called the findings “an outrage.” While the special counsel said last spring that it had “reasonable grounds” to believe Bright’s removal was payback and called for his reinstatement, Katz said the investigation into his complaint was progressing slowly because the Trump administration had not cooperated.

“These people used BARDA as their own piggy bank — both to steer contracts to their cronies and do whatever special projects they wanted, to the detriment of American’s public health and safety,” she said.

In a statement, Kerner urged Congress and the health department to “take immediate actions to ensure funding for public health emergencies can no longer be used as a slush fund for unrelated expenses.”

WASHINGTON — A federal watchdog has found that the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, which drew national attention last year when the Trump administration fired its director, has been used for the past 10 years as a “slush fund” to cover expenses unrelated to its core mission of fighting health threats like Ebola, Zika and the coronavirus.

WASHINGTON — A federal watchdog has found that the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, which drew national attention last year when the Trump administration fired its director, has been used for the past 10 years as a “slush fund” to cover expenses unrelated to its core mission of fighting health threats like Ebola, Zika and the coronavirus. The 223-page report, issued Wednesday by the Office of Special Counsel, found that the Department of Health and Human Services diverted millions of taxpayer dollars intended for BARDA to finance vaccine research and pandemic preparedness into other government activities, and failed to inform Congress — a potential violation of federal law. Among the unrelated activities were the removal of office furniture, administrative expenses, news subscriptions, legal services and the salaries of other department employees. The practice of diverting funds was so common, investigators found, that employees had a name for it: the “Bank of BARDA.” The report focuses on the actions of the assistant secretary for preparedness and response, the health department official who oversees BARDA and is responsible for its budget. The assistant secretary is responsible for leading the federal response to pandemic threats like the novel coronavirus. Its most recent occupant was Dr. Robert Kadlec; President Joe Biden has not named a successor. “I am deeply concerned about ASPR’s apparent misuse of millions of dollars in funding meant for public health emergencies like the one our country is currently facing with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Henry J. Kerner, the special counsel, wrote in a letter to Biden, using the acronym for the assistant secretary for preparedness and response. “Equally concerning,” Kerner added, “is how widespread and well-known this practice appeared to be for nearly a decade.” The report does not specifically say how much money was misappropriated. But roughly $25 million was taken from BARDA programs and provided to the assistant secretary’s office as recently as the 2019 fiscal year, the office found. And from the 2007 to 2016 fiscal years, the assistant secretary failed to account for $517.8 million in administrative expenditures, according to the report. It also suggests a senator, Richard Burr, R-N.C., who wrote the legislation that created BARDA and is considered its champion in Congress, became involved in internal funding disputes. The whistleblower told investigators that “restrictive wording” was added to the 2016 appropriations bill at the behest of Burr and his “pet project” — an apparent reference to BARDA. A spokesman for the senator had no comment. BARDA was created by Congress in 2006. Its mission is to finance novel research into vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and other “medical countermeasures” to combat natural and biodefense threats. It operated in relative obscurity until April, when Kadlec fired its director, Dr. Rick Bright. Bright said then that he was removed from his post and reassigned to a narrower job at the National Institutes of Health after he pressed for rigorous vetting of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug embraced by President Donald Trump as a coronavirus treatment, and that the administration had put “politics and cronyism ahead of science.” Days later, he filed a whistleblower complaint with the Office of Special Counsel, an independent federal watchdog agency. He has since left the federal government, and most recently advised Biden on the coronavirus during the transition. But the report issued Wednesday is not in response to Bright’s allegations. Rather, it covers both the Obama and Trump administrations, and grew out of an investigation into a 2018 complaint from an unnamed whistleblower whose allegations primarily concerned Kadlec’s predecessor, Dr. Nicole Lurie. The whistleblower accused Lurie of “reporting false information to Congress” in her monthly reports to lawyers. Both Kadlec and Lurie have denied wrongdoing. In a brief interview Wednesday, Lurie said she had not been interviewed for the investigation. The findings were reported earlier by The Washington Post. “We left the country stronger than we found it, including with a playbook for pandemics,” Lurie said of her time overseeing the agency. “All expenditures were done in a routine way and approved through multiple layers of rigorous budget processes. No expenditures were made unilaterally.” The Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement that it would review how the assistant secretary had allocated money from the 2015 to 2019 fiscal years to determine whether any law had been violated. A lawyer for Bright, Debra Katz, called the findings “an outrage.” While the special counsel said last spring that it had “reasonable grounds” to believe Bright’s removal was payback and called for his reinstatement, Katz said the investigation into his complaint was progressing slowly because the Trump administration had not cooperated. “These people used BARDA as their own piggy bank — both to steer contracts to their cronies and do whatever special projects they wanted, to the detriment of American’s public health and safety,” she said. In a statement, Kerner urged Congress and the health department to “take immediate actions to ensure funding for public health emergencies can no longer be used as a slush fund for unrelated expenses.”

Millions meant for public health threats were diverted elsewhere, watchdog says

The vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech retains its effectiveness against coronavirus mutations in variants that have emerged recently in Britain and South Africa, the firms have said.

Pfizer/BioNTech, which had previously said it was unlikely that the strain originally found in Britain could escape vaccine protection, said Thursday that early tests suggest their immunisation would be similarly protective against the variant in South Africa.

In a statement, the two companies said these preliminary findings "do not indicate the need for a new vaccine to address the emerging variants".&nbsp;They added they are "prepared to respond" if a new strain is shown to be able to evade the immunity of the vaccine, adding that they can produce updates to their jab if needed.

The statement comes after US biotech firm Moderna this week announced that lab studies suggest its vaccine should protect against the variants first found in the United Kingdom and South Africa.&nbsp;

The latest Pfizer/BioNTech research, which has not yet been peer reviewed, was carried out by researchers from Pfizer and the University of Texas.&nbsp;

The authors compared the antibodies of 20 people who had received two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine during clinical trials with lab-engineered sets of mutations present in the variants that emerged in Britain and South Africa.&nbsp;

The new variants -- along with another linked to Brazil -- have mutations to the virus' spike protein, which enables the virus to latch onto human cells and therefore plays a key role in driving infections. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

One mutation in particular -- known as E484K and found in the South Africa and Brazil strains but not the one in Britain -- has experts particularly worried about immunity "escape".

The study found that the antibodies were able to neutralise all the sets of mutations tested.&nbsp;It noted that the effect was "slightly lower" against three mutations in the variant found in South Africa, including E484K.&nbsp;

A study released last week by&nbsp;researchers in South Africa, which has also not yet been peer reviewed, tested the variant found there against blood plasma from recovered Covid-19 patients.&nbsp;

They found that it was resistant to neutralising antibodies built up from prior infection, but said more research was needed into the effectiveness of other parts of the immune response.

(with inputs)

The vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech retains its effectiveness against coronavirus mutations in variants that have emerged recently in Britain and South Africa, the firms have said.

The vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech retains its effectiveness against coronavirus mutations in variants that have emerged recently in Britain and South Africa, the firms have said. Pfizer/BioNTech, which had previously said it was unlikely that the strain originally found in Britain could escape vaccine protection, said Thursday that early tests suggest their immunisation would be similarly protective against the variant in South Africa. In a statement, the two companies said these preliminary findings "do not indicate the need for a new vaccine to address the emerging variants". They added they are "prepared to respond" if a new strain is shown to be able to evade the immunity of the vaccine, adding that they can produce updates to their jab if needed. The statement comes after US biotech firm Moderna this week announced that lab studies suggest its vaccine should protect against the variants first found in the United Kingdom and South Africa. The latest Pfizer/BioNTech research, which has not yet been peer reviewed, was carried out by researchers from Pfizer and the University of Texas. The authors compared the antibodies of 20 people who had received two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine during clinical trials with lab-engineered sets of mutations present in the variants that emerged in Britain and South Africa. The new variants -- along with another linked to Brazil -- have mutations to the virus' spike protein, which enables the virus to latch onto human cells and therefore plays a key role in driving infections. One mutation in particular -- known as E484K and found in the South Africa and Brazil strains but not the one in Britain -- has experts particularly worried about immunity "escape". The study found that the antibodies were able to neutralise all the sets of mutations tested. It noted that the effect was "slightly lower" against three mutations in the variant found in South Africa, including E484K. A study released last week by researchers in South Africa, which has also not yet been peer reviewed, tested the variant found there against blood plasma from recovered Covid-19 patients. They found that it was resistant to neutralising antibodies built up from prior infection, but said more research was needed into the effectiveness of other parts of the immune response. (with inputs)

Pfizer says Covid vaccine effective against UK, South Africa mutations

Germany is banning most travellers from countries hardest hit by coronavirus variants in order to stop the strains from reversing recent progress on lowering infections.

The emergence of new virus variants in Britain, Brazil and South Africa, deemed more infectious than the original strain, has fuelled concern at a time when many nations are struggling to rein in the pandemic.

"At the moment within the government, we are coordinating towards the aim of refusing inbound travel from mutation areas," Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said on Thursday. "We are concentrating these travel restrictions on mutation areas, that are at the moment Britain, Portugal, South Africa and Brazil."

Seehofer said talks were ongoing to decide which category of travellers might be granted exemptions.&nbsp;

These would likely include returning Germans as well as those who work in freight, as cargo flights should not be disrupted.

With fast-moving infection developments, officials are also looking at how to define what would qualify as a "mutation area".&nbsp;

This definition would be a "professional decision" based on epidemiological data and made by German disease control agency RKI, Seehofer said.

The interior minister said Germany would present the details on the inbound travel ban on Friday, and could not wait for the EU to take a common decision on such a pressing health issue for the population.

Seehofer had earlier this week mooted slashing air traffic in Germany to "almost zero".&nbsp;

Ylva Johansson, European commissioner for home affairs, acknowledged that such a move might be necessary to prevent new infections but urged Berlin not to take overly strong measures.

Germany coped relatively well with the first coronavirus wave last spring but has been hit hard by a second wave in recent months.

Europe's biggest economy renewed restrictions in November, shutting down bars, restaurants, culture and leisure facilities.&nbsp;

Measures were tightened further in December, with schools and non-essential shops also ordered to close. The current shutdowns are set to last at least until mid-February.

On Thursday, Germany reported a welcome drop in its incidence rate to just under 100 per 100,000 people -- the first time the key number has dipped below the threshold in three months.

Germany is banning most travellers from countries hardest hit by coronavirus variants in order to stop the strains from reversing recent progress on lowering infections.

Germany is banning most travellers from countries hardest hit by coronavirus variants in order to stop the strains from reversing recent progress on lowering infections. The emergence of new virus variants in Britain, Brazil and South Africa, deemed more infectious than the original strain, has fuelled concern at a time when many nations are struggling to rein in the pandemic. "At the moment within the government, we are coordinating towards the aim of refusing inbound travel from mutation areas," Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said on Thursday. "We are concentrating these travel restrictions on mutation areas, that are at the moment Britain, Portugal, South Africa and Brazil." Seehofer said talks were ongoing to decide which category of travellers might be granted exemptions. These would likely include returning Germans as well as those who work in freight, as cargo flights should not be disrupted. With fast-moving infection developments, officials are also looking at how to define what would qualify as a "mutation area". This definition would be a "professional decision" based on epidemiological data and made by German disease control agency RKI, Seehofer said. The interior minister said Germany would present the details on the inbound travel ban on Friday, and could not wait for the EU to take a common decision on such a pressing health issue for the population. Seehofer had earlier this week mooted slashing air traffic in Germany to "almost zero". Ylva Johansson, European commissioner for home affairs, acknowledged that such a move might be necessary to prevent new infections but urged Berlin not to take overly strong measures. Germany coped relatively well with the first coronavirus wave last spring but has been hit hard by a second wave in recent months. Europe's biggest economy renewed restrictions in November, shutting down bars, restaurants, culture and leisure facilities. Measures were tightened further in December, with schools and non-essential shops also ordered to close. The current shutdowns are set to last at least until mid-February. On Thursday, Germany reported a welcome drop in its incidence rate to just under 100 per 100,000 people -- the first time the key number has dipped below the threshold in three months.

Germany to ban travel from coronavirus variant countries

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