The Norwegian government took drastic steps on Saturday after the discovery of the British coronavirus variant in a retirement home. It announced a crackdown in the capital region with the strictest restrictions since last March.

Two pensioners at the home, aged over 90, were found to have died with the variant, the public health institute said on Friday.

A total of 22 employees and 12 retirees have been found to have coronavirus at the home but it has yet to be established if they have the variant.

Only essential shops can remain open and municipalities will be allowed to close primary schools and switch secondaries to remote learning.

People are being asked to restrict movements and not to eat meals outside their family.

All public events, indoors and outdoors, are cancelled apart from burials. Restaurants will be limited to takeaway services.

Norway's parliament meanwhile said it would reduce its activities to a bare minimum next week, while the country's sport federation cancelled all sporting events in the affected areas.

The measures will remain in force until at least January 31 following the detection of the British variant in a home at Nordre Follo, 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Oslo.

The authorities have so far been unable to trace the origin of the cluster or a link with Britain.

The virus strain that has swept Britain and beyond could be more deadly as well as more transmissible, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Friday.

The strain has also spread to more than 60 nations -- including China, where the pandemic began more than a year ago.

The Norwegian government took drastic steps on Saturday after the discovery of the British coronavirus variant in a retirement home. It announced a crackdown in the capital region with the strictest restrictions since last March.

The Norwegian government took drastic steps on Saturday after the discovery of the British coronavirus variant in a retirement home. It announced a crackdown in the capital region with the strictest restrictions since last March. Two pensioners at the home, aged over 90, were found to have died with the variant, the public health institute said on Friday. A total of 22 employees and 12 retirees have been found to have coronavirus at the home but it has yet to be established if they have the variant. Only essential shops can remain open and municipalities will be allowed to close primary schools and switch secondaries to remote learning. People are being asked to restrict movements and not to eat meals outside their family. All public events, indoors and outdoors, are cancelled apart from burials. Restaurants will be limited to takeaway services. Norway's parliament meanwhile said it would reduce its activities to a bare minimum next week, while the country's sport federation cancelled all sporting events in the affected areas. The measures will remain in force until at least January 31 following the detection of the British variant in a home at Nordre Follo, 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Oslo. The authorities have so far been unable to trace the origin of the cluster or a link with Britain. The virus strain that has swept Britain and beyond could be more deadly as well as more transmissible, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Friday. The strain has also spread to more than 60 nations -- including China, where the pandemic began more than a year ago.

Norway tightens coronavirus curbs after finding UK strain

Passengers on public transport systems should avoid talking to one another or on the phone in order to minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus, the French National Academy of Medecine said.

"The mandatory wearing of masks on public transport, where social distancing is not possible, should by accompanied by one very simple precaution: avoid talking and making phone calls," the academy said in a statement.

Academy member Patrick Berche said on BFM TV on Saturday that if there were only three people in a subway car there was no problem, but if you were only two centimetres away from the next person it made sense not to converse or talk on the phone.

"It is not an obligation, it is a recommendation," he said.

The academy is not an official advisory body. It can respond to government questions but also issues recommendations, which sometimes go against official policy.

The academy - which was founded in 1820 - criticised a recent government recommendation to wear only surgical masks in public, rather than masks made of fabric.

"The proposed tightening of regulation (on masks) is based on a precautionary principle but it lacks scientific proof," the academy said.

It said that fabric or homemade masks were efficient against the spread of coronavirus as long as they were worn correctly and that most infections took place in situations where people took off their masks.

"Such a change in recommendations concerning a practice with which the entire population had become familiar, risks sparking incomprehension and could revive doubts about the soundness of official policies," the academy said.

Passengers on public transport systems should avoid talking to one another or on the phone in order to minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus, the French National Academy of Medecine said.

Passengers on public transport systems should avoid talking to one another or on the phone in order to minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus, the French National Academy of Medecine said. "The mandatory wearing of masks on public transport, where social distancing is not possible, should by accompanied by one very simple precaution: avoid talking and making phone calls," the academy said in a statement. Academy member Patrick Berche said on BFM TV on Saturday that if there were only three people in a subway car there was no problem, but if you were only two centimetres away from the next person it made sense not to converse or talk on the phone. "It is not an obligation, it is a recommendation," he said. The academy is not an official advisory body. It can respond to government questions but also issues recommendations, which sometimes go against official policy. The academy - which was founded in 1820 - criticised a recent government recommendation to wear only surgical masks in public, rather than masks made of fabric. "The proposed tightening of regulation (on masks) is based on a precautionary principle but it lacks scientific proof," the academy said. It said that fabric or homemade masks were efficient against the spread of coronavirus as long as they were worn correctly and that most infections took place in situations where people took off their masks. "Such a change in recommendations concerning a practice with which the entire population had become familiar, risks sparking incomprehension and could revive doubts about the soundness of official policies," the academy said.

Don't talk on the subway, say French doctors, to limit COVID-19 spread

Sri Lanka's health minister, who publically endorsed sorcery and magic potions to stop surging coronavirus infections in the island, has tested positive for Covid-19.

She will now self-isolate, officials said Saturday. All her immediate contacts have been quarantined.

Pavithra Wanniarachchi had publically consumed and endorsed a magic potion, later revealed to contain honey and nutmeg, manufactured by a sorcerer who claimed it worked as a life-long inoculation against the virus.

She also poured a pot of "blessed" water into a river in November after a self-styled god-man told her that it would end the pandemic.

Doctors in the island nation have said there is no scientific basis for the syrup, and there is no known cure for Covid-19.

But thousands defied public gathering restrictions to swamp a village in central Sri Lanka last month to obtain the elixir, made by carpenter Dhammika Bandara.

A junior minister who had also taken the potion made popular by Wanniarachchi tested positive for the virus earlier this week.

Family members of another politician, who hailed from Bandara's village, have also been infected after taking the syrup.

Pro-government media gave widespread publicity to the holy man, who claimed the formula was revealed to him by Kali, a Hindu goddess of death and destruction.

But the government has since scrambled to distance itself from Bandara, whose preparation was approved as a food supplement by the official indigenous medicine unit.

Sri Lanka is in the grip of a coronavirus surge, with the number of cases and deaths soaring from 3,300 and 13 in early October to nearly 57,000 infections and 278 dead this week.

The island nation of 21 million on Friday approved the emergency use of the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University only hours after Wanniarachchi tested positive.

Sri Lanka's health minister, who publically endorsed sorcery and magic potions to stop surging coronavirus infections in the island, has tested positive for Covid-19.

Sri Lanka's health minister, who publically endorsed sorcery and magic potions to stop surging coronavirus infections in the island, has tested positive for Covid-19. She will now self-isolate, officials said Saturday. All her immediate contacts have been quarantined. Pavithra Wanniarachchi had publically consumed and endorsed a magic potion, later revealed to contain honey and nutmeg, manufactured by a sorcerer who claimed it worked as a life-long inoculation against the virus. She also poured a pot of "blessed" water into a river in November after a self-styled god-man told her that it would end the pandemic. Doctors in the island nation have said there is no scientific basis for the syrup, and there is no known cure for Covid-19. But thousands defied public gathering restrictions to swamp a village in central Sri Lanka last month to obtain the elixir, made by carpenter Dhammika Bandara. A junior minister who had also taken the potion made popular by Wanniarachchi tested positive for the virus earlier this week. Family members of another politician, who hailed from Bandara's village, have also been infected after taking the syrup. Pro-government media gave widespread publicity to the holy man, who claimed the formula was revealed to him by Kali, a Hindu goddess of death and destruction. But the government has since scrambled to distance itself from Bandara, whose preparation was approved as a food supplement by the official indigenous medicine unit. Sri Lanka is in the grip of a coronavirus surge, with the number of cases and deaths soaring from 3,300 and 13 in early October to nearly 57,000 infections and 278 dead this week. The island nation of 21 million on Friday approved the emergency use of the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University only hours after Wanniarachchi tested positive.

Sri Lankan health minister, who once endorsed sorcery, tests positive for Covid-19

Larry King, an American broadcaster and cable news interviewer, has died at the age of 87. Ora Media did not state a cause of death but media reports said King had been battling Covid-19 for weeks and had suffered several health problems in recent years.

He had been hospitalised at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for more than a week, CNN reported.

A statement on King’s social media accounts confirmed the news on Saturday.

"With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles," the statement said. "For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry's many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster," the statement said.

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King, known worldwide for his sartorial sensibilities, hosted "Larry King Live" on CNN for over 25 years.

Millions watched King interview world leaders, entertainers and other celebrities on&nbsp;"Larry King Live", which ran from 1985 to 2010. Hunched over his desk in rolled-up shirt sleeves and owlish glasses, he made his show one of the network's prime attractions with a mix of interviews, political discussions, current event debates and phone calls from viewers.

Even in his heyday, critics accused King of doing little pre-interview research and tossing softball questions to guests who were free to give unchallenged, self-promoting answers. He responded by conceding he did not do much research so that he could learn along with his viewers. Besides, King said, he never wanted to be perceived as a journalist.

"My duty, as I see it, is I'm a conduit," King told the Hartford Courant in 2007. "I ask the best questions I can. I listen to the answers. I try to follow up. And hopefully the audience makes a conclusion. I'm not there to make a conclusion. I'm not a soapbox talk-show host... So what I try to do is present someone in the best light."

Larry King was married eight times to seven women. His final marriage ended in divorce in 2019.

He survived a major heart attack in 1987, lung cancer in 2017, an angioplasty and stroke in 2019, as well as the death of two of his five children within five weeks in August 2020.

Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;offered his condolences on his&nbsp;death. "King repeatedly interviewed Putin. The president has always appreciated his great professionalism and unquestioned journalistic authority," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by state RIA Novosti news agency.

Funeral arrangements and a memorial service will be announced later in coordination with the King's family.

Larry King, an American broadcaster and cable news interviewer, has died at the age of 87. Ora Media did not state a cause of death but media reports said King had been battling Covid-19 for weeks and had suffered several health problems in recent years.

Larry King, an American broadcaster and cable news interviewer, has died at the age of 87. Ora Media did not state a cause of death but media reports said King had been battling Covid-19 for weeks and had suffered several health problems in recent years. He had been hospitalised at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for more than a week, CNN reported. A statement on King’s social media accounts confirmed the news on Saturday. "With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles," the statement said. "For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry's many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster," the statement said. pic.twitter.com/x0Hl0X6vqU — Larry King (@kingsthings) January 23, 2021 × King, known worldwide for his sartorial sensibilities, hosted "Larry King Live" on CNN for over 25 years. Millions watched King interview world leaders, entertainers and other celebrities on "Larry King Live", which ran from 1985 to 2010. Hunched over his desk in rolled-up shirt sleeves and owlish glasses, he made his show one of the network's prime attractions with a mix of interviews, political discussions, current event debates and phone calls from viewers. Even in his heyday, critics accused King of doing little pre-interview research and tossing softball questions to guests who were free to give unchallenged, self-promoting answers. He responded by conceding he did not do much research so that he could learn along with his viewers. Besides, King said, he never wanted to be perceived as a journalist. "My duty, as I see it, is I'm a conduit," King told the Hartford Courant in 2007. "I ask the best questions I can. I listen to the answers. I try to follow up. And hopefully the audience makes a conclusion. I'm not there to make a conclusion. I'm not a soapbox talk-show host... So what I try to do is present someone in the best light." Larry King was married eight times to seven women. His final marriage ended in divorce in 2019. He survived a major heart attack in 1987, lung cancer in 2017, an angioplasty and stroke in 2019, as well as the death of two of his five children within five weeks in August 2020. Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences on his death. "King repeatedly interviewed Putin. The president has always appreciated his great professionalism and unquestioned journalistic authority," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by state RIA Novosti news agency. Funeral arrangements and a memorial service will be announced later in coordination with the King's family.

Larry King, iconic radio and TV interviewer, dies aged 87

Halsey has officially called off what would have been her 2020, then 2021, tour, as the resumption of major arena tours this year looks increasingly uncertain.

The announcement was made by the singer on Twitter as she wrote,&nbsp;“Safety is the priority. I wish things were different. I love you. Dreaming of seeing your faces again.”

In a longer, more explanatory note attached to the tweet, Halsey wrote, “Despite our absolute best efforts, there is no guarantee I’ll be able to tour the currently scheduled dates. I miss seeing all of you in the crowd every night more than anything, but I need to prioritize your health and safety. That being said, the Manic tour is now officially canceled. As much as we wanted to hold out hope that this tour could eventually happen, our priority is now getting your ticket money back to you immediately.”

She added, “This tour was supposed to be my most unique yet for a number of reasons. I was really looking forward to sharing this chapter of my life with you in the ways I best know-how. But for now, I am dreaming of days where we can all be together again. I love you and we will adapt and grow and find new ways to connect despite the circumstances.” 
 
&nbsp;

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Safety is the priority. I wish things were different. I love you. Dreaming of seeing your faces again. <a href="https://twitter.com/halseyteamhelp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@halseyteamhelp</a> can answer specific questions. <a href="https://t.co/SA44izGQ9L">pic.twitter.com/SA44izGQ9L</a>
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&nbsp;

Halsey concluded&nbsp;by promising to “find new ways to connect despite the circumstances.”

The singer told fans that news about refunds would be forthcoming.

“Look out for an email from your point of purchase with instructions regarding how to receive your refund. If you haven’t received an email by Monday, reach out to your point of purchase.”

According to Variety, Halsey`s representatives indicated that this would be the only public statement for now, as ticketholders await the email blast with further instructions. Halsey`s tweet said that the account "@halseyteamhelp can answer specific questions." The publication also reported that the Manic tour did manage to get in 17 dates in early 2020, all of them in Europe before the pandemic caused a halt after a March 12 show in Manchester, England. The 'Walls Could Talk'&nbsp;songstress announced in May that the U.S. dates would be pushed back almost exactly a year, to the summer of 2021. 
 
Her rescheduled tour was to have begun June 1 in Washington state, with dates that would have included a June 9 show at the Hollywood Bowl before ending July 22 in Irvine, California. Among the others now off the books are two-night stands at New York`s Forest Hills Stadium and Colorado`s Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Other stars have been facing up to the fact that they may have to wait for an entirely different album cycle to tour again, like Maren Morris, who similarly recently announced that she was canceling her “Girl” tour rather than trying to postpone the dates for a second time.

Festivals currently still scheduled for the spring and summer, including Ultra Music Festival and Coachella, have not yet been officially announced as postponed or canceled, although few expect them to go on with their planned dates. Many experts have suggested that the vaccination process for younger adults in the U.S. may extend into late summer.

 
 
 
&nbsp;

Halsey has officially called off what would have been her 2020, then 2021, tour, as the resumption of major arena tours this year looks increasingly uncertain. The announcement was made by the singer on Twitter as she wrote, “Safety is the priority.

Halsey has officially called off what would have been her 2020, then 2021, tour, as the resumption of major arena tours this year looks increasingly uncertain. The announcement was made by the singer on Twitter as she wrote, “Safety is the priority. I wish things were different. I love you. Dreaming of seeing your faces again.” In a longer, more explanatory note attached to the tweet, Halsey wrote, “Despite our absolute best efforts, there is no guarantee I’ll be able to tour the currently scheduled dates. I miss seeing all of you in the crowd every night more than anything, but I need to prioritize your health and safety. That being said, the Manic tour is now officially canceled. As much as we wanted to hold out hope that this tour could eventually happen, our priority is now getting your ticket money back to you immediately.” She added, “This tour was supposed to be my most unique yet for a number of reasons. I was really looking forward to sharing this chapter of my life with you in the ways I best know-how. But for now, I am dreaming of days where we can all be together again. I love you and we will adapt and grow and find new ways to connect despite the circumstances.” Safety is the priority. I wish things were different. I love you. Dreaming of seeing your faces again. @halseyteamhelp can answer specific questions. pic.twitter.com/SA44izGQ9L — h (@halsey) January 22, 2021 × Halsey concluded by promising to “find new ways to connect despite the circumstances.” The singer told fans that news about refunds would be forthcoming. “Look out for an email from your point of purchase with instructions regarding how to receive your refund. If you haven’t received an email by Monday, reach out to your point of purchase.” According to Variety, Halsey`s representatives indicated that this would be the only public statement for now, as ticketholders await the email blast with further instructions. Halsey`s tweet said that the account "@halseyteamhelp can answer specific questions." The publication also reported that the Manic tour did manage to get in 17 dates in early 2020, all of them in Europe before the pandemic caused a halt after a March 12 show in Manchester, England. The 'Walls Could Talk' songstress announced in May that the U.S. dates would be pushed back almost exactly a year, to the summer of 2021. Her rescheduled tour was to have begun June 1 in Washington state, with dates that would have included a June 9 show at the Hollywood Bowl before ending July 22 in Irvine, California. Among the others now off the books are two-night stands at New York`s Forest Hills Stadium and Colorado`s Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Other stars have been facing up to the fact that they may have to wait for an entirely different album cycle to tour again, like Maren Morris, who similarly recently announced that she was canceling her “Girl” tour rather than trying to postpone the dates for a second time. Festivals currently still scheduled for the spring and summer, including Ultra Music Festival and Coachella, have not yet been officially announced as postponed or canceled, although few expect them to go on with their planned dates. Many experts have suggested that the vaccination process for younger adults in the U.S. may extend into late summer.

Halsey cancels long-postponed tour amid ongoing pandemic

With a fresh outbreak of the #WuhanVirus & #LunarNewYear migration, things could get wild in China once again. A majority of 280 million migrant workers are expected to travel back home. Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: China's lunar new year challenge

Suicides increased in Japan during 2020 after a decade of declines. The number of women committing suicide has also surged amid the emotional and financial stress caused by the coronavirus pandemic even as fewer men took their own lives.

Suicide has a long history in Japan as a way of avoiding shame or dishonour, and its suicide rate has long topped the Group of Seven nations. A concerted national effort had, however, brought numbers down by roughly 40 percent over 15 years that included ten straight years of decline from 2009.

Preliminary police data published on Friday showed suicides totalled 20,919 last year, 750 more than in 2019.

The suicide rate had been trending lower in the first half of 2020, but from July onward the numbers began to rise as the impact of the coronavirus outbreak hit home.

As many as 13,943 men and 6,976 women took their lives -- a 1 per cent decline on the previous year for men but a 14.5 per cent increase for women, who tend to work in service and retail sectors that suffered more job losses during the pandemic.

The worst month was October, when suicides totaled 2,153 for the highest monthly total in over five years. The number of suicides by women, at 851, rose 82.6 percent on the same month in 2019.

For many years in Japan, getting psychological help has been stigmatised, but when suicides hit a peak of 34,427 in 2003, alarmed policymakers drew up a comprehensive prevention programme launched in 2007.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Suicides increased in Japan during 2020 after a decade of declines. The number of women committing suicide has also surged amid the emotional and financial stress caused by the coronavirus pandemic even as fewer men took their own lives.

Suicides increased in Japan during 2020 after a decade of declines. The number of women committing suicide has also surged amid the emotional and financial stress caused by the coronavirus pandemic even as fewer men took their own lives. Suicide has a long history in Japan as a way of avoiding shame or dishonour, and its suicide rate has long topped the Group of Seven nations. A concerted national effort had, however, brought numbers down by roughly 40 percent over 15 years that included ten straight years of decline from 2009. Preliminary police data published on Friday showed suicides totalled 20,919 last year, 750 more than in 2019. The suicide rate had been trending lower in the first half of 2020, but from July onward the numbers began to rise as the impact of the coronavirus outbreak hit home. As many as 13,943 men and 6,976 women took their lives -- a 1 per cent decline on the previous year for men but a 14.5 per cent increase for women, who tend to work in service and retail sectors that suffered more job losses during the pandemic. The worst month was October, when suicides totaled 2,153 for the highest monthly total in over five years. The number of suicides by women, at 851, rose 82.6 percent on the same month in 2019. For many years in Japan, getting psychological help has been stigmatised, but when suicides hit a peak of 34,427 in 2003, alarmed policymakers drew up a comprehensive prevention programme launched in 2007. (with inputs from Reuters)

Another downside of Covid pandemic: Suicides increase in Japan

China's latest outbreak has spread to Beijing. A partial lockdown has been imposed. Over 1 million residents can't leave Beijing. Meanwhile in Hebei, a Communist Party official 'threatened to kill' a local for violating lockdown rules. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: China latest outbreak spreads to Beijing

Walmart Inc said it is preparing to offer COVID-19 vaccinations in seven more states, as well as in Chicago and Puerto Rico, this week and next, expanding beyond the two states where its pharmacists are offering inoculations.

The move from the world`s largest retailer comes as U.S. President Joe Biden races to accelerate a frustratingly slow vaccination campaign that has stranded about half of the 38 million shots distributed in freezers rather than in arms.

This week and next, Walmart will start providing inoculations in Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina and Texas as well as in Chicago and Puerto Rico, a company spokeswoman told Reuters late on Thursday. The shots will only be available to specific populations decided by each state and only at a handful of stores in each state.

Walmart is already vaccinating healthcare workers in New Mexico and its home state of Arkansas.

Alabama`s health officer, Scott Harris, on Thursday said the state would partner with Walmart to provide COVID-19 vaccinations.

Walmart confirmed that deal, which falls under a federal partnership that Biden on Thursday said would launch in early February. 
Harris said another deal, with a major pharmacy chain, is coming soon.

Walgreens, CVS, Kroger and Rite Aid have also stepped up to vaccinate Americans in what is the largest and most complex immunization effort in U.S. history. Those shots are needed to help stop the virus, which has killed more than 400,000 and infected more than 24 million people in the United States.

The Trump administration punted vaccine planning to states, which were asked to come up with their own plans, a move that left many pharmacy chains and supermarket-based pharmacies in limbo.

“We’re having to be flexible as we try to operate state-by-state, but we feel like it’s absolutely the right thing to do, to lean into this and help figure it out,” Walmart Chief Executive Officer Doug McMillon said at the Consumer Electronics Show last week. “That’s the approach that we’re taking."

He said Walmart is “making sure that we can handle the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna vaccine and do so appropriately and safely.”

Walmart said in a blog post on Friday it expects to be able to deliver 10 million to 13 million doses per month at full capacity, using its network of more than 5,000 pharmacies in the United States and Puerto Rico.

The retailer also said it is positioned to serve “healthcare deserts” - rural areas lacking in healthcare facilities - and will host COVID-19 vaccination events in underserved communities at churches, stadiums and youth centers.

A spokesperson from the Texas Department of State Health Services said many of Walmart’s pharmacies have enrolled as vaccine providers in the state, but that “only a handful” have received the doses so far due to limited supply. “Once there’s a broader supply and we can regularly start allocating to more pharmacies, they will be included,” the spokesperson said.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson told Reuters it plans to “continue and expand” its existing partnership with Walmart, and that as additional vaccine doses become available, Walmart has agreed to be a key part of its distribution plan.

Walmart Inc said it is preparing to offer COVID-19 vaccinations in seven more states, as well as in Chicago and Puerto Rico, this week and next, expanding beyond the two states where its pharmacists are offering inoculations.

Walmart Inc said it is preparing to offer COVID-19 vaccinations in seven more states, as well as in Chicago and Puerto Rico, this week and next, expanding beyond the two states where its pharmacists are offering inoculations. The move from the world`s largest retailer comes as U.S. President Joe Biden races to accelerate a frustratingly slow vaccination campaign that has stranded about half of the 38 million shots distributed in freezers rather than in arms. This week and next, Walmart will start providing inoculations in Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina and Texas as well as in Chicago and Puerto Rico, a company spokeswoman told Reuters late on Thursday. The shots will only be available to specific populations decided by each state and only at a handful of stores in each state. Walmart is already vaccinating healthcare workers in New Mexico and its home state of Arkansas. Alabama`s health officer, Scott Harris, on Thursday said the state would partner with Walmart to provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Walmart confirmed that deal, which falls under a federal partnership that Biden on Thursday said would launch in early February. Harris said another deal, with a major pharmacy chain, is coming soon. Walgreens, CVS, Kroger and Rite Aid have also stepped up to vaccinate Americans in what is the largest and most complex immunization effort in U.S. history. Those shots are needed to help stop the virus, which has killed more than 400,000 and infected more than 24 million people in the United States. The Trump administration punted vaccine planning to states, which were asked to come up with their own plans, a move that left many pharmacy chains and supermarket-based pharmacies in limbo. “We’re having to be flexible as we try to operate state-by-state, but we feel like it’s absolutely the right thing to do, to lean into this and help figure it out,” Walmart Chief Executive Officer Doug McMillon said at the Consumer Electronics Show last week. “That’s the approach that we’re taking." He said Walmart is “making sure that we can handle the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna vaccine and do so appropriately and safely.” Walmart said in a blog post on Friday it expects to be able to deliver 10 million to 13 million doses per month at full capacity, using its network of more than 5,000 pharmacies in the United States and Puerto Rico. The retailer also said it is positioned to serve “healthcare deserts” - rural areas lacking in healthcare facilities - and will host COVID-19 vaccination events in underserved communities at churches, stadiums and youth centers. A spokesperson from the Texas Department of State Health Services said many of Walmart’s pharmacies have enrolled as vaccine providers in the state, but that “only a handful” have received the doses so far due to limited supply. “Once there’s a broader supply and we can regularly start allocating to more pharmacies, they will be included,” the spokesperson said. Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson told Reuters it plans to “continue and expand” its existing partnership with Walmart, and that as additional vaccine doses become available, Walmart has agreed to be a key part of its distribution plan.

Walmart expands vaccinations in boost to US COVID-19 programme

Pfizer and BioNTech have agreed to supply their Covid-19 vaccine to the World Health Organization co-led COVAX vaccine access scheme, two sources familiar with the deal said, the latest in a series of shots to be included in the project aimed at lower-income countries.

The deal is expected to be announced on Friday, according to the sources, who declined to be named due to the confidentiality of the agreement. Details on the size of the deal or the price per dose COVAX would pay were not immediately clear, but the sources said the allotment would likely be relatively small. One source said the reason for the limited volume was that the doses were primarily meant for healthcare workers in the countries that COVAX serves.

BioNTech declined to comment while Pfizer did not respond to requests for comment. Spokespeople for the WHO and the GAVI vaccine alliance, which co-leads the COVAX scheme, also declined to comment. Senior WHO adviser Bruce Aylward said on Monday the COVAX scheme was in "very detailed discussions" with Pfizer, which has already committed hundreds of millions of doses this year to several wealthy nations, and expected to be able to include the vaccine in COVAX "very soon".

The COVAX scheme is set to start distributing Covid-19 vaccines to poor and middle income countries in February. Ukraine said earlier on Thursday that its first delievery of Covid-19 vaccine under the COVAX scheme could arrive in the first half on February - with 210,000 doses of either the Moderna, Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines.

COVAX has said it hopes to deliver more than 2 billion Covid-19 doses across the world this year. In an updated forecast published on Thursday, it said it planned to deliver around 1.8 billion doses in 2021 to 92 poorer countries, covering around 27% of their populations.

The scheme - led by the WHO, the GAVI vaccine alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)- was set up last year amid concerns that poorer nations would lose out while rich countries scrambled to procure Covid-19 vaccines to inoculate their populations.

COVAX has so far secured future vaccine suplies from AstraZeneca, working with Oxford University; the Serum Institute of India (SII) as well as with Sanofi and its partner GSK. It also has a memorandum of understanding over deliveries from Johnson &amp; Johnson. The Pfizer deal would be COVAX's second, after the one with AstraZeneca, that covers a product with regulatory approval in some countries.

The additional commitment by Pfizer comes as frustration grows in European countries over the US drugmaker's unexpected cut in supplies. Pfizer said last week it would reduce deliveries until early February to upgrade production capacity for a later output boost. The Pfizer and BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine is the only shot so far to have WHO emergency use listing approval.

On Wednesday, Reuters reported that the WHO plans to approve several Covid-19 vaccines from Western and Chinese manufacturers in the coming weeks and months as it aims for rapid rollouts in poorer countries. BioNTech and Pfizer said this month they were aiming to deliver 2 billion vaccine doses this year, up from a previous goal of 1.3 billion.

Their shot is more complicated to transport and store, requiring ultra-cold freezers, which may not be practical for poorer countries with hot climates.

Pfizer and BioNTech have agreed to supply their Covid-19 vaccine to the World Health Organization co-led COVAX vaccine access scheme, two sources familiar with the deal said, the latest in a series of shots to be included in the project aimed at lower-income countries.

Pfizer and BioNTech have agreed to supply their Covid-19 vaccine to the World Health Organization co-led COVAX vaccine access scheme, two sources familiar with the deal said, the latest in a series of shots to be included in the project aimed at lower-income countries. The deal is expected to be announced on Friday, according to the sources, who declined to be named due to the confidentiality of the agreement. Details on the size of the deal or the price per dose COVAX would pay were not immediately clear, but the sources said the allotment would likely be relatively small. One source said the reason for the limited volume was that the doses were primarily meant for healthcare workers in the countries that COVAX serves. BioNTech declined to comment while Pfizer did not respond to requests for comment. Spokespeople for the WHO and the GAVI vaccine alliance, which co-leads the COVAX scheme, also declined to comment. Senior WHO adviser Bruce Aylward said on Monday the COVAX scheme was in "very detailed discussions" with Pfizer, which has already committed hundreds of millions of doses this year to several wealthy nations, and expected to be able to include the vaccine in COVAX "very soon". The COVAX scheme is set to start distributing Covid-19 vaccines to poor and middle income countries in February. Ukraine said earlier on Thursday that its first delievery of Covid-19 vaccine under the COVAX scheme could arrive in the first half on February - with 210,000 doses of either the Moderna, Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines. COVAX has said it hopes to deliver more than 2 billion Covid-19 doses across the world this year. In an updated forecast published on Thursday, it said it planned to deliver around 1.8 billion doses in 2021 to 92 poorer countries, covering around 27% of their populations. The scheme - led by the WHO, the GAVI vaccine alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)- was set up last year amid concerns that poorer nations would lose out while rich countries scrambled to procure Covid-19 vaccines to inoculate their populations. COVAX has so far secured future vaccine suplies from AstraZeneca, working with Oxford University; the Serum Institute of India (SII) as well as with Sanofi and its partner GSK. It also has a memorandum of understanding over deliveries from Johnson & Johnson. The Pfizer deal would be COVAX's second, after the one with AstraZeneca, that covers a product with regulatory approval in some countries. The additional commitment by Pfizer comes as frustration grows in European countries over the US drugmaker's unexpected cut in supplies. Pfizer said last week it would reduce deliveries until early February to upgrade production capacity for a later output boost. The Pfizer and BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine is the only shot so far to have WHO emergency use listing approval. On Wednesday, Reuters reported that the WHO plans to approve several Covid-19 vaccines from Western and Chinese manufacturers in the coming weeks and months as it aims for rapid rollouts in poorer countries. BioNTech and Pfizer said this month they were aiming to deliver 2 billion vaccine doses this year, up from a previous goal of 1.3 billion. Their shot is more complicated to transport and store, requiring ultra-cold freezers, which may not be practical for poorer countries with hot climates.

Pfizer-BioNTech agree to supply Covid vaccines to COVAX alliance

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China is battling the worst outbreak of COVID-19 since March 2020, with one province posting a record daily rise in cases, as an independent panel reviewing the global pandemic said China could have done more to curb the initial outbreak.

Fineprint: Worst COVID-19 outbreak in China since March 2020

Jackson Mthembu, a minister and presidential advisor who was the public face of South Africa's fight against Covid, has died from the virus, the presidency said Thursday.

"It is with deep sorrow and shock that we announce that minister in the presidency Jackson Mthembu passed away earlier today from Covid-related complications," President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement.

"Mthembu was an exemplary leader, an activist and life-long champion of freedom and democracy," he said.

Mthembu, 62, was the senior-most of six South African cabinet members who have contracted Covid-19, and the first to die from the disease.

His death follows that on Wednesday of Zimbabwe's foreign minister, Sibusiso Moyo -- the third minister in South Africa's neighbour to succumb to the microbe.

Mthembu last week announced he had tested positive during a check-up for "abdominal pain" and said plans were underway to test his family members and close associates.

The veteran politician was among a group of parliamentarians who drafted South Africa's liberal constitution at the end of apartheid.&nbsp;

He served as spokesman of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) from 1994 under the country's first democratically-elected president, Nelson Mandela, and continued in that role under his successor Thabo Mbeki.

Mthembu acted as a stern and vocal chief whip of the ANC in parliament during the presidency of Jacob Zuma, who was forced out of office in February 2018 by corruption scandals.&nbsp;

The country's largest opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, paid tribute to Mthembu as "a true South African patriot."

South Africa's second coronavirus wave has battered the country, fuelled by a virus variant believed to be more transmissible than the prevailing strain in the first wave.&nbsp;

The country has registered over 1.3 million cases since the start of the pandemic, of which 38,854 have been fatal. 
&nbsp;

Jackson Mthembu, a minister and presidential advisor who was the public face of South Africa's fight against Covid, has died from the virus, the presidency said Thursday.

Jackson Mthembu, a minister and presidential advisor who was the public face of South Africa's fight against Covid, has died from the virus, the presidency said Thursday. "It is with deep sorrow and shock that we announce that minister in the presidency Jackson Mthembu passed away earlier today from Covid-related complications," President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement. "Mthembu was an exemplary leader, an activist and life-long champion of freedom and democracy," he said. Mthembu, 62, was the senior-most of six South African cabinet members who have contracted Covid-19, and the first to die from the disease. His death follows that on Wednesday of Zimbabwe's foreign minister, Sibusiso Moyo -- the third minister in South Africa's neighbour to succumb to the microbe. Mthembu last week announced he had tested positive during a check-up for "abdominal pain" and said plans were underway to test his family members and close associates. The veteran politician was among a group of parliamentarians who drafted South Africa's liberal constitution at the end of apartheid. He served as spokesman of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) from 1994 under the country's first democratically-elected president, Nelson Mandela, and continued in that role under his successor Thabo Mbeki. Mthembu acted as a stern and vocal chief whip of the ANC in parliament during the presidency of Jacob Zuma, who was forced out of office in February 2018 by corruption scandals. The country's largest opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, paid tribute to Mthembu as "a true South African patriot." South Africa's second coronavirus wave has battered the country, fuelled by a virus variant believed to be more transmissible than the prevailing strain in the first wave. The country has registered over 1.3 million cases since the start of the pandemic, of which 38,854 have been fatal.

South African minister and Ramaphosa ally dies of Covid

A plane carrying the first shipment of Indian-manufactured COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Nepal's capital of Kathmandu on Thursday (January 21).

India gifts COVID-19 vaccine doses to its neighbours

Mongolia's prime minister resigned Thursday following protests and public outrage over the treatment of a coronavirus patient and her newborn baby.

Landlocked Mongolia reported just a handful of Covid-19 cases last year after imposing strict border controls, but in November its first domestic transmissions caused a new wave of lockdowns and restrictions.

Anger mounted this week after TV footage showed a woman who appeared to have recently given birth being moved to an infectious disease centre wearing only hospital pyjamas and plastic slippers, despite temperatures dipping to minus 25 degrees Celsius.

After protests outside government buildings on Wednesday, the Mongolian politician apologised on behalf of the government and said he would stand down immediately.

"Unfortunately, we made mistake during relocating that mother," admitted Prime Minister Khurelsukh Ukhnaa Thursday. "It was heartbreaking to see how she was treated."

"As a prime minister, I must take the responsibility."

The video of the woman in an ambulance clutching her baby prompted fierce criticism, particularly as Mongolian tradition dictates new mothers should avoid the cold weather and cold food for the first month after birth.

On Wednesday around 5,000 mostly young protesters gathered in a square opposite government buildings in the capital Ulaanbaatar, some carrying wrapped up bundles to represent babies.

Ulziibayar Purevsuren, 30, held a banner reading "resign" and said she was there to complain about "incompetent doctors".

The vice prime minister -- also head of the national emergency commission handling the pandemic -- had already resigned on Wednesday evening, followed by the minister of health.

The head of the hospital and disease centre in the middle of the row also resigned.

Political instability has been a constant problem for the young Central Asian democracy, which passed its first constitution in 1992 after decades of Communist rule.

The outgoing prime minister had already survived a parliament vote to sack him in 2018 over a corruption scandal that implicated high-level politicians in a state fund embezzlement scheme -- a year after his predecessor was sacked over allegations of corruption.

As the prime minister stands down, President Battulga Khaltmaa remains in place as head of state.

But Khurelsukh has previously said he intends to stand for president in upcoming elections this year, and in his resignation speech he said he had "lost faith" in Battulga as head of state.

- 'Voices heard' -

This week's row is the latest clash over the government's handling of the Covid-19 outbreak as anger simmers over Mongolian nationals stuck overseas after the country closed its borders.

"I don't think Mongolians will die of Covid-19, instead they will die of poverty and hunger," said 20-year-old student Odbayar Lkhagvadorj.

"We are here to make our voice heard," said Batzul Batenkh, a 21-year-old mining worker.

Restrictions on movement between provinces have been imposed since November, leaving about 80,000 people stranded in the capital.

Many have complained of waiting weeks for virus tests to allow them to return to their homes or of having to sleep in their cars with hotels closed due to lockdowns.&nbsp;

Officials were forced to apologise when a 58-year-old woman died in December after being refused entry to a hospital because she did not have a negative Covid-19 test result.

Since March, Mongolia has only allowed citizens to enter the country on chartered flights and required 21 days of quarantine in centralised facilities, followed by two weeks of further isolation at home.

There have been 1,584 coronavirus cases in the country so far.

Mongolia's prime minister resigned Thursday following protests and public outrage over the treatment of a coronavirus patient and her newborn baby. Landlocked Mongolia reported just a handful of Covid-19 cases last year after imposing strict border controls, but in November its first domestic transmissions caused a new wave of lockdowns and restrictions.

Mongolia's prime minister resigned Thursday following protests and public outrage over the treatment of a coronavirus patient and her newborn baby. Landlocked Mongolia reported just a handful of Covid-19 cases last year after imposing strict border controls, but in November its first domestic transmissions caused a new wave of lockdowns and restrictions. Anger mounted this week after TV footage showed a woman who appeared to have recently given birth being moved to an infectious disease centre wearing only hospital pyjamas and plastic slippers, despite temperatures dipping to minus 25 degrees Celsius. After protests outside government buildings on Wednesday, the Mongolian politician apologised on behalf of the government and said he would stand down immediately. "Unfortunately, we made mistake during relocating that mother," admitted Prime Minister Khurelsukh Ukhnaa Thursday. "It was heartbreaking to see how she was treated." "As a prime minister, I must take the responsibility." The video of the woman in an ambulance clutching her baby prompted fierce criticism, particularly as Mongolian tradition dictates new mothers should avoid the cold weather and cold food for the first month after birth. On Wednesday around 5,000 mostly young protesters gathered in a square opposite government buildings in the capital Ulaanbaatar, some carrying wrapped up bundles to represent babies. Ulziibayar Purevsuren, 30, held a banner reading "resign" and said she was there to complain about "incompetent doctors". The vice prime minister -- also head of the national emergency commission handling the pandemic -- had already resigned on Wednesday evening, followed by the minister of health. The head of the hospital and disease centre in the middle of the row also resigned. Political instability has been a constant problem for the young Central Asian democracy, which passed its first constitution in 1992 after decades of Communist rule. The outgoing prime minister had already survived a parliament vote to sack him in 2018 over a corruption scandal that implicated high-level politicians in a state fund embezzlement scheme -- a year after his predecessor was sacked over allegations of corruption. As the prime minister stands down, President Battulga Khaltmaa remains in place as head of state. But Khurelsukh has previously said he intends to stand for president in upcoming elections this year, and in his resignation speech he said he had "lost faith" in Battulga as head of state. - 'Voices heard' - This week's row is the latest clash over the government's handling of the Covid-19 outbreak as anger simmers over Mongolian nationals stuck overseas after the country closed its borders. "I don't think Mongolians will die of Covid-19, instead they will die of poverty and hunger," said 20-year-old student Odbayar Lkhagvadorj. "We are here to make our voice heard," said Batzul Batenkh, a 21-year-old mining worker. Restrictions on movement between provinces have been imposed since November, leaving about 80,000 people stranded in the capital. Many have complained of waiting weeks for virus tests to allow them to return to their homes or of having to sleep in their cars with hotels closed due to lockdowns. Officials were forced to apologise when a 58-year-old woman died in December after being refused entry to a hospital because she did not have a negative Covid-19 test result. Since March, Mongolia has only allowed citizens to enter the country on chartered flights and required 21 days of quarantine in centralised facilities, followed by two weeks of further isolation at home. There have been 1,584 coronavirus cases in the country so far.

Mongolian PM resigns after protests over Covid-19 mother's treatment

Nepal has received a consignment of 1 million samples of "Made in India" Covid vaccines -- within a week of it requesting India.

Nepal's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali had spoken to Indian authorities in last Friday's India-Nepal sixth joint commission meeting in Delhi.

A plane carrying Serum Institute of India-manufactured Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine -- COVISHIELD reached Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport.

Present on the occasion were Nepal Health Minister Hridayesh Tripathi, Minister of State Nabaraj Rawat, Secretary Laxman Aryal and Indian envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

The Indian envoy said, "In exactly a week’s time, we have the actual consignment right here in front us on the land of Nepal."&nbsp;

Nepal is among the six countries that received Indian-manufactured Covid vaccines within five days of India's own domestic roll-out. Other five countries are -- Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Seychelles.&nbsp;

Calling it gifting of vaccine a "special moment", Kwatra said, "It is a moment that is synonymous with the deep and abiding friendship between both countries" and "the people of Nepal, their safety and prosperity has always been at the heart of all our bilateral ventures with Nepal and so is this gift of COVID19 vaccines."&nbsp;

"We stand with Nepal in defeating the virus and we will do whatever it takes in our joint fight to prevail over the pandemic. The vaccines are a gift from the people of India to the people of Nepal," he added.

The vaccine is expected to help Nepal in dealing with its immediate requirement for vaccinating Nepal’s COVID warriors -- the health care and the frontline workers.&nbsp;

India has provided more than 25 tonnes of essential medicines, equipment and medical supplies to Nepal during the pandemic. The Indian support includes Paracetamol, Hydroxychloroquine, PPEs, diagnostic test kits, ventilators, and Remdesivir injections under grant assistance worth US$ 2 million.

Nepal has received a consignment of 1 million samples of "Made in India" Covid vaccines -- within a week of it requesting India. Nepal's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali had spoken to Indian authorities in last Friday's India-Nepal sixth joint commission meeting in Delhi.

Nepal has received a consignment of 1 million samples of "Made in India" Covid vaccines -- within a week of it requesting India. Nepal's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali had spoken to Indian authorities in last Friday's India-Nepal sixth joint commission meeting in Delhi. A plane carrying Serum Institute of India-manufactured Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine -- COVISHIELD reached Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. Present on the occasion were Nepal Health Minister Hridayesh Tripathi, Minister of State Nabaraj Rawat, Secretary Laxman Aryal and Indian envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra. The Indian envoy said, "In exactly a week’s time, we have the actual consignment right here in front us on the land of Nepal." Nepal is among the six countries that received Indian-manufactured Covid vaccines within five days of India's own domestic roll-out. Other five countries are -- Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Seychelles. Calling it gifting of vaccine a "special moment", Kwatra said, "It is a moment that is synonymous with the deep and abiding friendship between both countries" and "the people of Nepal, their safety and prosperity has always been at the heart of all our bilateral ventures with Nepal and so is this gift of COVID19 vaccines." "We stand with Nepal in defeating the virus and we will do whatever it takes in our joint fight to prevail over the pandemic. The vaccines are a gift from the people of India to the people of Nepal," he added. The vaccine is expected to help Nepal in dealing with its immediate requirement for vaccinating Nepal’s COVID warriors -- the health care and the frontline workers. India has provided more than 25 tonnes of essential medicines, equipment and medical supplies to Nepal during the pandemic. The Indian support includes Paracetamol, Hydroxychloroquine, PPEs, diagnostic test kits, ventilators, and Remdesivir injections under grant assistance worth US$ 2 million.

'Promise fulfilled', says Indian envoy as vaccine reaches Nepal within a week

The World Health Organization and Beijing could have acted faster when Covid-19 first surfaced in China, a group investigating the global response has concluded.

COVID-19 pandemic response team says WHO, China could have acted faster

President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris attended a memorial service honoring the 400,000 Americans who have died of COVID-19 at the Lincoln Memorial

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Maldives's President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has thanked the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the country got 100,000 doses of India manufactured covid vaccine on Wednesday. The Maldives got the Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India --Covishield as a gift from India. The gift was sent to Male within 96 hours of its India's countrywide roll-out.

Addressing the nation, President Solih said, "This vaccine is a generous donation from the Government of India to the people of the Maldives. On behalf of the people and the Government of the Maldives, and in my own name, I thank the friendly people and the Government of India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi."&nbsp;

Adding," With the Grace of Almighty Allah, we can confirm that we have secured enough vaccines for the Maldives. Our goal is to provide free vaccines to all Maldivians and residents in the coming months."

The consignment of vaccines was handed over to Maldives Government by Indian High Commissioner Sunjay Sudhir in a special ceremony held at Male’ airport. Present on the occasion were Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Health Minister Ahmed Naseem.

Speaking on the occasion, the Indian high commissioner said, "With the support of India, Maldives will be able to launch the inoculation drive so early on in the global fight against COVID pandemic". Highlighting, the "arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Maldives today, marks another milestone in our bilateral relations, that now serve as a model in South Asia."&nbsp;At the ceremony, the Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid spoke in Hindi calling India a "dost" (friend) and recalled how New Delhi helped bring back stranded Maldivians in Wuhan, sent medicines amid the pandemic.

The Maldives with a population of 500,000 will be benefitting&nbsp;by the supplies from India. The government of Maldives has proposed to purchase 300,000 doses of vaccine from Serum Institute of India. The vaccine given by India will be used to inoculate frontline healthcare workers, the elderly, and those with co-morbidities.

Sources from the Indian High Commission in the Maldives said, "In addition to the doses gifted on wednesay, India will also assist the Maldives in securing supplies of vaccines at affordable rates from Indian manufacturing companies". They also pointed out that by "by delivering Covid vaccine within days of its rollout, India has once again demonstrated its willingness and ability to act as a First Responder to crises in the Maldives."

Amid the pandemic last year, New Delhi reached out to Male with supplies of medicines, food and also sent a 14 member rapid response team consisting of doctors and paramedics. In April 2020, India launched operation Sanjeevani with an Indian air force plane airlifting 6.2 tonnes of essential medical supplies to the country. Under mission Sagar one of the Indian Navy, India reached out to 5 Indian ocean countries including the Maldives. Indian Navy Ship Kesari delivered 600 tons of food items to the Indian Ocean island country.

The covid pandemic had a major impact on the country's tourism-driven economy as well. In September 2020, India extended urgent financial assistance of US$ 250 million to the Maldives through investment by SBI in the Government of Maldives bonds. That was the first assistance package of such a magnitude announced by the Indian govt to any country to deal with the COVID pandemic.

Maldives's President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has thanked the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the country got 100,000 doses of India manufactured covid vaccine on Wednesday.

Maldives's President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has thanked the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the country got 100,000 doses of India manufactured covid vaccine on Wednesday. The Maldives got the Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India --Covishield as a gift from India. The gift was sent to Male within 96 hours of its India's countrywide roll-out. Addressing the nation, President Solih said, "This vaccine is a generous donation from the Government of India to the people of the Maldives. On behalf of the people and the Government of the Maldives, and in my own name, I thank the friendly people and the Government of India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi." Adding," With the Grace of Almighty Allah, we can confirm that we have secured enough vaccines for the Maldives. Our goal is to provide free vaccines to all Maldivians and residents in the coming months." The consignment of vaccines was handed over to Maldives Government by Indian High Commissioner Sunjay Sudhir in a special ceremony held at Male’ airport. Present on the occasion were Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Health Minister Ahmed Naseem. Speaking on the occasion, the Indian high commissioner said, "With the support of India, Maldives will be able to launch the inoculation drive so early on in the global fight against COVID pandemic". Highlighting, the "arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Maldives today, marks another milestone in our bilateral relations, that now serve as a model in South Asia." At the ceremony, the Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid spoke in Hindi calling India a "dost" (friend) and recalled how New Delhi helped bring back stranded Maldivians in Wuhan, sent medicines amid the pandemic. The Maldives with a population of 500,000 will be benefitting by the supplies from India. The government of Maldives has proposed to purchase 300,000 doses of vaccine from Serum Institute of India. The vaccine given by India will be used to inoculate frontline healthcare workers, the elderly, and those with co-morbidities. Sources from the Indian High Commission in the Maldives said, "In addition to the doses gifted on wednesay, India will also assist the Maldives in securing supplies of vaccines at affordable rates from Indian manufacturing companies". They also pointed out that by "by delivering Covid vaccine within days of its rollout, India has once again demonstrated its willingness and ability to act as a First Responder to crises in the Maldives." Amid the pandemic last year, New Delhi reached out to Male with supplies of medicines, food and also sent a 14 member rapid response team consisting of doctors and paramedics. In April 2020, India launched operation Sanjeevani with an Indian air force plane airlifting 6.2 tonnes of essential medical supplies to the country. Under mission Sagar one of the Indian Navy, India reached out to 5 Indian ocean countries including the Maldives. Indian Navy Ship Kesari delivered 600 tons of food items to the Indian Ocean island country. The covid pandemic had a major impact on the country's tourism-driven economy as well. In September 2020, India extended urgent financial assistance of US$ 250 million to the Maldives through investment by SBI in the Government of Maldives bonds. That was the first assistance package of such a magnitude announced by the Indian govt to any country to deal with the COVID pandemic.

Maldives' president thanks India as New Delhi's COVID vaccine gift reaches Male

As COVID-19 vaccines roll out, airlines are hoping for a significant improvement in domestic air travel by the summer.

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India on Tuesday confirmed that it will be beginning COVID&nbsp;vaccine export starting tomorrow with the first tranche being gifted to 6 neighbouring countries.&nbsp;These countries are Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles. The vaccines will reach Bhutan at around 11 am local time&nbsp;tomorrow&nbsp;with 150,000 doses and the Maldives at around 2 pm with 100,000 doses.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs in its release said, "Keeping with India’s stated commitment to use India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity to help all of the humanity fight the Covid pandemic, supplies under grant assistance... from 20 January 2021."

When it comes to Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius, India is still awaiting their confirmation of necessary regulatory clearances.

The MEA said, "India will continue to supply countries all over the world with vaccines" and "this will be calibrated against domestic requirements and international demand and obligations, including under GAVI’s Covax facility to developing countries."

The Indian PM Narendra Modi tweeted the announcement as well and, in a tweet, said, "India is deeply honoured to be a long-trusted partner in meeting the healthcare needs of the global community. Supplies of Covid vaccines to several countries will commence tomorrow, and more will follow in the days ahead."

Ahead of the delivery of vaccines, India is conducting training programmes - covering administrative and operational aspects on Tuesday and Wednesday for immunisation managers, cold chain officers, communication officers and data managers of the recipient countries. This is being done both at national and provincial levels.

External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "India fulfils commitment to give vaccines to humanity. Supplies to our neighbours will start on 20th January. The Pharmacy of the World will deliver to overcome the COVID challenge."

India has got requests from a dozen countries for the COVID vaccines.&nbsp;Last year, amid the pandemic, India sent hydroxychloroquine and Paracetamol to 150 countries. &nbsp;India has also been organising several training courses for healthcare workers and administrators of partner countries under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.

India on Tuesday confirmed that it will be beginning COVID vaccine export starting tomorrow with the first tranche being gifted to 6 neighbouring countries. These countries are Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles.

India on Tuesday confirmed that it will be beginning COVID vaccine export starting tomorrow with the first tranche being gifted to 6 neighbouring countries. These countries are Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles. The vaccines will reach Bhutan at around 11 am local time tomorrow with 150,000 doses and the Maldives at around 2 pm with 100,000 doses. The Ministry of External Affairs in its release said, "Keeping with India’s stated commitment to use India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity to help all of the humanity fight the Covid pandemic, supplies under grant assistance... from 20 January 2021." When it comes to Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius, India is still awaiting their confirmation of necessary regulatory clearances. The MEA said, "India will continue to supply countries all over the world with vaccines" and "this will be calibrated against domestic requirements and international demand and obligations, including under GAVI’s Covax facility to developing countries." The Indian PM Narendra Modi tweeted the announcement as well and, in a tweet, said, "India is deeply honoured to be a long-trusted partner in meeting the healthcare needs of the global community. Supplies of Covid vaccines to several countries will commence tomorrow, and more will follow in the days ahead." Ahead of the delivery of vaccines, India is conducting training programmes - covering administrative and operational aspects on Tuesday and Wednesday for immunisation managers, cold chain officers, communication officers and data managers of the recipient countries. This is being done both at national and provincial levels. External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "India fulfils commitment to give vaccines to humanity. Supplies to our neighbours will start on 20th January. The Pharmacy of the World will deliver to overcome the COVID challenge." India has got requests from a dozen countries for the COVID vaccines. Last year, amid the pandemic, India sent hydroxychloroquine and Paracetamol to 150 countries. India has also been organising several training courses for healthcare workers and administrators of partner countries under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.

India to gift COVID vaccines to 6 neighbouring countries in first tranche

A co-chair of independent review panel investigating the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic said that the virus could cause much-needed reform at the World Health Organization (WHO), akin to what happened in UN’s nuclear agency in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster.

The panel also said the WHO is under-powered, under-funded, and requires reforms to allow it to respond quickly to future outbreaks.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-china-could-have-acted-more-quickly-pandemic-response-probe-357701/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are not here to assign blame, but to make concrete recommendations to help the world respond faster and better in future," the panel's co-chair, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, said during a media briefing on Tuesday.

The report put out by the panel on Monday claimed that Chinese authorities should have enforced countermeasures in January to control the initial outbreak. In addition, it criticised WHO for not declaring an international emergency until January 30.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/who-china-could-have-acted-quicker-outbreak-largely-hidden-covid-19-probe-team-357543" hreflang="en">WHO, China could have acted quicker; outbreak 'largely hidden': Covid-19 probe team</a>

"While member states turn to the WHO for leadership, they have kept it under-powered and under-resourced to do the job expected of it," Sirleaf added. Sirleaf also claimed that the WHO “is reformable”.

Governments around the world - from the US, Australia, and EU have called for changes in the WHO for its response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Last year, the US stopped its funding for the WHO, with many accusing the agency o siding with China during the onset of the pandemic. The WHO has denied these charges.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/who-chief-tedros-slams-rich-countries-and-vaccine-producers-for-ignoring-poor-nations-357505" hreflang="en">WHO chief Tedros slams 'rich' countries and vaccine producers for ignoring 'poor' nations</a>

When the report was being discussed, the organisation’s director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the WHO Executive Board that it was “committed to accountability”, and was open to change.

"Is that this (Chernobyl) moment for WHO and the global health system?," former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said, adding that WHO member states "are going to have to face up to this".

A co-chair of independent review panel investigating the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic said that the virus could cause much-needed reform at the World Health Organization (WHO), akin to what happened in UN’s nuclear agency in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster.

A co-chair of independent review panel investigating the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic said that the virus could cause much-needed reform at the World Health Organization (WHO), akin to what happened in UN’s nuclear agency in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster. The panel also said the WHO is under-powered, under-funded, and requires reforms to allow it to respond quickly to future outbreaks. "We are not here to assign blame, but to make concrete recommendations to help the world respond faster and better in future," the panel's co-chair, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, said during a media briefing on Tuesday. The report put out by the panel on Monday claimed that Chinese authorities should have enforced countermeasures in January to control the initial outbreak. In addition, it criticised WHO for not declaring an international emergency until January 30. Also read: WHO, China could have acted quicker; outbreak 'largely hidden': Covid-19 probe team "While member states turn to the WHO for leadership, they have kept it under-powered and under-resourced to do the job expected of it," Sirleaf added. Sirleaf also claimed that the WHO “is reformable”. Governments around the world - from the US, Australia, and EU have called for changes in the WHO for its response to the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, the US stopped its funding for the WHO, with many accusing the agency o siding with China during the onset of the pandemic. The WHO has denied these charges. Also read: WHO chief Tedros slams 'rich' countries and vaccine producers for ignoring 'poor' nations When the report was being discussed, the organisation’s director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the WHO Executive Board that it was “committed to accountability”, and was open to change. "Is that this (Chernobyl) moment for WHO and the global health system?," former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said, adding that WHO member states "are going to have to face up to this".

COVID-19 pandemic could be WHO's Chernobyl moment, says review panel

Disneyland Paris said on Monday it was postponing its reopening by almost two months, to April 2, due to the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
"Due to the prevailing conditions in Europe, Disneyland Paris will not reopen on the 13th of February as initially planned. If conditions permit, we will reopen Disneyland Paris on the 2nd of April, 2021," the group said on its Twitter account. 
 
France has suffered more than 70,000 deaths from the coronavirus pandemic, among the highest national tolls worldwide, and has begun a mass vaccination programme in an effort to ease lockdowns and revive the economy. 
 
On Sunday, the health ministry reported that France had vaccinated more than 422,000 people since the start of the vaccination campaign on Dec. 26. 
&nbsp;

Disneyland Paris said on Monday it was postponing its reopening by almost two months, to April 2, due to the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Due to the prevailing conditions in Europe, Disneyland Paris will not reopen on the 13th of February as initially planned.

Disneyland Paris said on Monday it was postponing its reopening by almost two months, to April 2, due to the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Due to the prevailing conditions in Europe, Disneyland Paris will not reopen on the 13th of February as initially planned. If conditions permit, we will reopen Disneyland Paris on the 2nd of April, 2021," the group said on its Twitter account. France has suffered more than 70,000 deaths from the coronavirus pandemic, among the highest national tolls worldwide, and has begun a mass vaccination programme in an effort to ease lockdowns and revive the economy. On Sunday, the health ministry reported that France had vaccinated more than 422,000 people since the start of the vaccination campaign on Dec. 26.

Disneyland Paris delays reopening to April 2 due to COVID-19

The Paycheck Protection Program’s loose rules allowed virtually any small business or company in America to qualify for a government-backed relief loan. Frustrated citizens and activist groups have criticized thousands of recipients they deemed unworthy, including wealthy lawyers, politicians and political lobbyists, publicly traded companies and businesses under government investigation.

Now the federal loan program has drawn criticism for giving loans to organizations that have challenged the safety of vaccines.

Six organizations that have made claims scientists have called false received Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling more than $1.1 million, according to data from the Small Business Administration, which manages the program. The data was released last month under a court order, in response to a lawsuit filed by The New York Times and other news organizations.

The groups that received the loans are Children’s Health Defense, an organization founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; the Informed Consent Action Network; the National Vaccine Information Center; Mercola.com Health Resources and Mercola Consulting Services, both affiliated with prominent vaccine skeptic Joseph Mercola; and the Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center, a medical practice run by Sherri Tenpenny, a physician and author.

The loans, which were made by banks and backed by the government in an effort to stave off the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic, ranged in size from $72,500 to Tenpenny’s medical center to $335,000 to Mercola.com.

The loans do not appear to violate Small Business Administration rules: Paycheck Protection Program loans were available to any small company or nonprofit organization (generally those with 500 or fewer workers) willing to certify that “current economic uncertainty makes this loan request necessary” to support their continuing operations. Small Business Administration representatives did not respond to questions about the loans.

The Center for Countering Digital Hate, a London-based advocacy group, uncovered the loans, and The Washington Post first reported on them.

“There’s an anomaly here,” said Imran Ahmed, the group’s chief executive. “The PPP was needed to deal with the economic shock of COVID, and the anti-vaxxers fundamentally inhibit our ability to defeat COVID and move past this.”

The Paycheck Protection Program’s loose rules allowed virtually any small business or company in America to qualify for a government-backed relief loan. Frustrated citizens and activist groups have criticized thousands of recipients they deemed unworthy, including wealthy lawyers, politicians and political lobbyists, publicly traded companies and businesses under government investigation.

The Paycheck Protection Program’s loose rules allowed virtually any small business or company in America to qualify for a government-backed relief loan. Frustrated citizens and activist groups have criticized thousands of recipients they deemed unworthy, including wealthy lawyers, politicians and political lobbyists, publicly traded companies and businesses under government investigation. Now the federal loan program has drawn criticism for giving loans to organizations that have challenged the safety of vaccines. Six organizations that have made claims scientists have called false received Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling more than $1.1 million, according to data from the Small Business Administration, which manages the program. The data was released last month under a court order, in response to a lawsuit filed by The New York Times and other news organizations. The groups that received the loans are Children’s Health Defense, an organization founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; the Informed Consent Action Network; the National Vaccine Information Center; Mercola.com Health Resources and Mercola Consulting Services, both affiliated with prominent vaccine skeptic Joseph Mercola; and the Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center, a medical practice run by Sherri Tenpenny, a physician and author. The loans, which were made by banks and backed by the government in an effort to stave off the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic, ranged in size from $72,500 to Tenpenny’s medical center to $335,000 to Mercola.com. The loans do not appear to violate Small Business Administration rules: Paycheck Protection Program loans were available to any small company or nonprofit organization (generally those with 500 or fewer workers) willing to certify that “current economic uncertainty makes this loan request necessary” to support their continuing operations. Small Business Administration representatives did not respond to questions about the loans. The Center for Countering Digital Hate, a London-based advocacy group, uncovered the loans, and The Washington Post first reported on them. “There’s an anomaly here,” said Imran Ahmed, the group’s chief executive. “The PPP was needed to deal with the economic shock of COVID, and the anti-vaxxers fundamentally inhibit our ability to defeat COVID and move past this.”

Vaccine critics received more than $1 million in pandemic relief loans

India will&nbsp;gift Bangladesh 2 million doses of COVISHIELD on January 20, which is an Indian vaccine produced by&nbsp;the Serum Institute of India. COVISHIELD is based on the&nbsp;Oxford-AstraZeneca&nbsp;vaccine and the gifted consignment will arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka.&nbsp;

The move is in its&nbsp;final planning stages and certain preparations have started in Dhaka.&nbsp;Bangladesh's Director-General of the Department of Health, Prof. Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam confirmed the development to WION.&nbsp;Bangladesh's health minister&nbsp;Zahid Maleque&nbsp;speaking at a press conference earlier today in Dhaka said,"Indian government will send some Covid vaccines to Bangladesh as a gift".

This will be followed by the start of commercial supplies.&nbsp;The first commercial shipment will reach the country by January 25.&nbsp;In November of last year, Beximco Pharmaceuticals, Bangladesh's biggest pharma company, Bangladesh government and Serum Institute of India signed a tripartite agreement to buy 30 million doses of COVISHIELD covid vaccine.&nbsp;

Under the agreement, the Bangladeshi govt will pay SII for the 30 million doses of the vaccine and Beximco Pharma will receive a separate fee for its distribution role.&nbsp;Beximco Pharma is the exclusive distributor of the vaccine in Bangladesh and will be responsible for maintaining the cold chain, import, storage, and delivery of the vaccine.

The development comes as India on Saturday began its mega all India vaccination programme. Last year, during foreign secretary Harsh Shringla's Bangladesh visit he had assured that when it comes to COVID vaccine, Bangladesh will be a priority under New Delhi's Neighbourhood First policy.

India will gift Bangladesh 2 million doses of COVISHIELD on January 20, which is an Indian vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India. COVISHIELD is based on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and the gifted consignment will arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka.

India will gift Bangladesh 2 million doses of COVISHIELD on January 20, which is an Indian vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India. COVISHIELD is based on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and the gifted consignment will arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka. The move is in its final planning stages and certain preparations have started in Dhaka. Bangladesh's Director-General of the Department of Health, Prof. Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam confirmed the development to WION. Bangladesh's health minister Zahid Maleque speaking at a press conference earlier today in Dhaka said,"Indian government will send some Covid vaccines to Bangladesh as a gift". This will be followed by the start of commercial supplies. The first commercial shipment will reach the country by January 25. In November of last year, Beximco Pharmaceuticals, Bangladesh's biggest pharma company, Bangladesh government and Serum Institute of India signed a tripartite agreement to buy 30 million doses of COVISHIELD covid vaccine. Under the agreement, the Bangladeshi govt will pay SII for the 30 million doses of the vaccine and Beximco Pharma will receive a separate fee for its distribution role. Beximco Pharma is the exclusive distributor of the vaccine in Bangladesh and will be responsible for maintaining the cold chain, import, storage, and delivery of the vaccine. The development comes as India on Saturday began its mega all India vaccination programme. Last year, during foreign secretary Harsh Shringla's Bangladesh visit he had assured that when it comes to COVID vaccine, Bangladesh will be a priority under New Delhi's Neighbourhood First policy.

Neighbourhood first: India to gift COVID-19 vaccines to Bangladesh

Japan on Monday detected the new UK variant of coronavirus among three people. The Health Ministry reported that none of them had any travel history to the UK.

The variant in question is considered more infectious, if not more fatal, and is now spreading across different parts of the world. Many countries are still reeling from the first variant of the virus which first emerged in December 2019. 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-finds-new-covid-strain-in-travellers-from-brazil-355927/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The three patients aged between 20-60 are situated in the Shizuoka prefecture, which lies about 200 kilometres west of Tokyo. They first developed symptoms in early January, the ministry said.

&nbsp;

The ministry claims that it is trying to ascertain how they became infected with the virus without travelling to the country.&nbsp; They, however added that till now there’s no evidence of the new variant spreading in Shizuoka. 
 
So far, Japan has recorded 45 cases of the new variants of the virus which were reported in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hotels-quarantined-schools-shut-down-in-swiss-ski-resort-to-contain-covid-19-variant-357526" hreflang="en">New Covid-19 variant? Hotels quarantined, schools shut down in Swiss ski resort</a>

Japan had earlier announced a state of emergency for Tokyo, but soon after a spike the country extended it to seven more prefectures in a bid to limit the spread of the virus. 
 
In total, the country has recorded 335,000 cases of COVID-19, which has killed 4,500 people, according to the state broadcaster NHK.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/how-british-scientists-found-the-more-infectious-coronavirus-variant-357185" hreflang="en">How British scientists found the more infectious coronavirus variant</a>

On January 13, the World Health Organization said the new variant from the United Kingdom is currently in 50 countries across the globe, while the one from South Africa is making rounds in 20 countries. The organisation added that another variant from Japan remains of concern, and that it needed more investigation.

Japan on Monday detected the new UK variant of coronavirus among three people. The Health Ministry reported that none of them had any travel history to the UK. The variant in question is considered more infectious, if not more fatal, and is now spreading across different parts of the world.

Japan on Monday detected the new UK variant of coronavirus among three people. The Health Ministry reported that none of them had any travel history to the UK. The variant in question is considered more infectious, if not more fatal, and is now spreading across different parts of the world. Many countries are still reeling from the first variant of the virus which first emerged in December 2019. The three patients aged between 20-60 are situated in the Shizuoka prefecture, which lies about 200 kilometres west of Tokyo. They first developed symptoms in early January, the ministry said. The ministry claims that it is trying to ascertain how they became infected with the virus without travelling to the country. They, however added that till now there’s no evidence of the new variant spreading in Shizuoka. So far, Japan has recorded 45 cases of the new variants of the virus which were reported in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil. Also read: New Covid-19 variant? Hotels quarantined, schools shut down in Swiss ski resort Japan had earlier announced a state of emergency for Tokyo, but soon after a spike the country extended it to seven more prefectures in a bid to limit the spread of the virus. In total, the country has recorded 335,000 cases of COVID-19, which has killed 4,500 people, according to the state broadcaster NHK. Also read: How British scientists found the more infectious coronavirus variant On January 13, the World Health Organization said the new variant from the United Kingdom is currently in 50 countries across the globe, while the one from South Africa is making rounds in 20 countries. The organisation added that another variant from Japan remains of concern, and that it needed more investigation.

Japan finds UK coronavirus strain among three people with no travel history

Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, USA on Sunday said that the goal of delivering 100 million doses of coronavirus vaccines in 100 days is “doable”. US President-elect Joe Biden had promised to put 100 million doses of coronavirus vaccines to use within the first 100 days of his presidency.

Fauci referred to the plan as an “absolutely doable thing”. The doctor was speaking at NBC’s “Meet The Press” event. He added that two vaccines under development by AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson could “very soon” be approved in the US, pending regulation by medical bodies. 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-coronavirus-infection-provides-as-much-immunity-as-vaccines-356756/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We're weeks away, not months away, for sure," he said. 
 
Fauci also added that the only way to tackle a new, infectious strain of coronavirus is to wear a mask, and to avoid crowds, along with a robust vaccination programme.

"If we can get the overwhelming majority of the population vaccinated, we'd be in very good shape and could beat even the mutant," Fauci added.

The United States is being criticised for its handling of the pandemic, which has led to the deaths of 390,000 people in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/when-in-doubt-call-it-covid-trump-accuses-exaggeration-of-tally-fauci-reacts-354280" hreflang="en">'When in doubt, call it Covid': Trump accuses 'exaggeration' of tally; Fauci reacts</a> 
 
Over 10.6 million Americans have received the vaccine so far. This estimate is half of what Trump administration had intended to do by the end of 2020. 
 
President-elect Biden said that his primary goal is to increase the pace of coronavirus vaccinations. He is set to take over presidential duties starting Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/city-in-china-reports-coronavirus-found-on-ice-cream-thousands-of-boxes-seized-357266" hreflang="en">City in China reports coronavirus found on ice cream, thousands of boxes seized</a> 
 
"One thing that's clear is that the issue of getting 100 million doses in the first 100 days is absolutely a doable thing,"&nbsp;Fauci&nbsp;said.

"The feasibility of his goal is absolutely clear. There's no doubt about that, that that can be done”, Fauci added.

Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, USA on Sunday said that the goal of delivering 100 million doses of coronavirus vaccines in 100 days is “doable”.

Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, USA on Sunday said that the goal of delivering 100 million doses of coronavirus vaccines in 100 days is “doable”. US President-elect Joe Biden had promised to put 100 million doses of coronavirus vaccines to use within the first 100 days of his presidency. Fauci referred to the plan as an “absolutely doable thing”. The doctor was speaking at NBC’s “Meet The Press” event. He added that two vaccines under development by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson could “very soon” be approved in the US, pending regulation by medical bodies. "We're weeks away, not months away, for sure," he said. Fauci also added that the only way to tackle a new, infectious strain of coronavirus is to wear a mask, and to avoid crowds, along with a robust vaccination programme. "If we can get the overwhelming majority of the population vaccinated, we'd be in very good shape and could beat even the mutant," Fauci added. The United States is being criticised for its handling of the pandemic, which has led to the deaths of 390,000 people in the country. Also read: 'When in doubt, call it Covid': Trump accuses 'exaggeration' of tally; Fauci reacts Over 10.6 million Americans have received the vaccine so far. This estimate is half of what Trump administration had intended to do by the end of 2020. President-elect Biden said that his primary goal is to increase the pace of coronavirus vaccinations. He is set to take over presidential duties starting Wednesday. Also read: City in China reports coronavirus found on ice cream, thousands of boxes seized "One thing that's clear is that the issue of getting 100 million doses in the first 100 days is absolutely a doable thing," Fauci said. "The feasibility of his goal is absolutely clear. There's no doubt about that, that that can be done”, Fauci added.

USA: 100 million vaccinations in 100 days 'absolutely doable', says Fauci

The Union Health Ministry held a meeting with all States and UTs on Sunday for a review of progress on the second day of the nationwide vaccination drive and asked them to "identify bottlenecks and plan corrective actions."

In a press conference today, the Union Health Ministry has informed that across the country, as many as 2,24,301 beneficiaries were vaccinated.The Union Health Ministry also revealed that 447 adverse effect cases were reported from the COVID vaccination drive in the last two days out of which 3 beneficiaries were hospitalized.

"447 cases of AEFI (Adverse event following immunization) reported on 16th and 17th January, only three required hospitalizations," Dr Agnani said.

The additional secretary also said that majority of the AEFIs are minor in nature like pain, mild swelling at the injection site, mild fever, body ache, nausea, giddiness, and mild allergic reactions like rashes, etc.

On the conditions of three beneficiaries who were hospitalized, the ministry representative said two of these three have been discharged after treatment from Delhi`s AIIMS and northern Railway Hospital, while the third was under observation at the AIIMS Rishikesh.

According to the additional secretary, only six states conducted COVID-19 vaccination sessions. The health ministry official also informed that the inaugural inoculation drive in India is the highest day one vaccination number in the world.

"2,07,229 people were vaccinated on day one- the highest day one vaccination number in the world; Higher than the US, UK, and France on day one," he added.States/UTs have been advised to plan COVID19 vaccination sessions four days in a week to minimize disruption of the Routine Health Services. Some States have already publicized their weekly vaccination days.

The Union Health Ministry held a meeting with all States and UTs on Sunday for a review of progress on the second day of the nationwide vaccination drive and asked them to "identify bottlenecks and plan corrective actions.

The Union Health Ministry held a meeting with all States and UTs on Sunday for a review of progress on the second day of the nationwide vaccination drive and asked them to "identify bottlenecks and plan corrective actions." In a press conference today, the Union Health Ministry has informed that across the country, as many as 2,24,301 beneficiaries were vaccinated.The Union Health Ministry also revealed that 447 adverse effect cases were reported from the COVID vaccination drive in the last two days out of which 3 beneficiaries were hospitalized. "447 cases of AEFI (Adverse event following immunization) reported on 16th and 17th January, only three required hospitalizations," Dr Agnani said. The additional secretary also said that majority of the AEFIs are minor in nature like pain, mild swelling at the injection site, mild fever, body ache, nausea, giddiness, and mild allergic reactions like rashes, etc. On the conditions of three beneficiaries who were hospitalized, the ministry representative said two of these three have been discharged after treatment from Delhi`s AIIMS and northern Railway Hospital, while the third was under observation at the AIIMS Rishikesh. According to the additional secretary, only six states conducted COVID-19 vaccination sessions. The health ministry official also informed that the inaugural inoculation drive in India is the highest day one vaccination number in the world. "2,07,229 people were vaccinated on day one- the highest day one vaccination number in the world; Higher than the US, UK, and France on day one," he added.States/UTs have been advised to plan COVID19 vaccination sessions four days in a week to minimize disruption of the Routine Health Services. Some States have already publicized their weekly vaccination days.

'Identify bottlenecks, plan corrective actions': Health Ministry asks states on day 2 of vaccination drive

The share of India's active coronavirus cases has fallen below 2 per cent of the total caseload for the first time, the Union health ministry said on Sunday.

The ministry attributed the fall to the steady decline in the daily cases.

India's Covid caseload climbed to 1,05,57,985 on Sunday with 15,144 fresh infections while recoveries surged to 1,01,96,885, pushing the national recovery rate to 96.58 per cent.

At present, the active cases stand at 2,08,826.

The country has reported less than 20,000 daily cases over the past 10 days.

"For the first time, India's share of active cases within the total positive cases has shrunk below 2 per cent (1.98 per cent)," the ministry said in a statement.

The total recovered cases -- 10,196,885 -- exceed active cases by 99,88,059.

According to the ministry, India has recorded less than 300 daily deaths for the last 23 days.

The ministry said six states and union territories accounted for 66.30 per cent of the 181 case fatalities reported the previous day.

The total death toll, meanwhile, has increased to 1,52,274 with 181 more fatalities, the data shows.

The share of India's active coronavirus cases has fallen below 2 per cent of the total caseload for the first time, the Union health ministry said on Sunday. The ministry attributed the fall to the steady decline in the daily cases.

The share of India's active coronavirus cases has fallen below 2 per cent of the total caseload for the first time, the Union health ministry said on Sunday. The ministry attributed the fall to the steady decline in the daily cases. India's Covid caseload climbed to 1,05,57,985 on Sunday with 15,144 fresh infections while recoveries surged to 1,01,96,885, pushing the national recovery rate to 96.58 per cent. At present, the active cases stand at 2,08,826. The country has reported less than 20,000 daily cases over the past 10 days. "For the first time, India's share of active cases within the total positive cases has shrunk below 2 per cent (1.98 per cent)," the ministry said in a statement. The total recovered cases -- 10,196,885 -- exceed active cases by 99,88,059. According to the ministry, India has recorded less than 300 daily deaths for the last 23 days. The ministry said six states and union territories accounted for 66.30 per cent of the 181 case fatalities reported the previous day. The total death toll, meanwhile, has increased to 1,52,274 with 181 more fatalities, the data shows.

India's active Covid cases fall below 2% of total caseload for the first time

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