A woman in Singapore, who contracted the novel coronavirus in March when she was pregnant, has given birth to a baby with antibodies against the virus.

Scientists are considering this as a new clue to decipher how the infection transfers from the mother to the child.

The baby was born this month without COVID-19 but with the virus antibodies, the Straits Times newspaper reported on Sunday.

"My doctor suspects I have transferred my COVID-19 antibodies to him during my pregnancy," Celine Ng-Chan told the paper.

Ng-Chan had been mildly ill from the disease and was discharged from hospital after two-and-a-half weeks, the Straits Times said.

The World Health Organisation says it is not yet known whether a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus to her foetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery.

To date, the active virus has not been found in samples of fluid around the baby in the womb or in breast milk.

Doctors in China have reported the detection and decline over time of COVID-19 antibodies in babies born to women with the coronavirus disease, according to an article published in October in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

A woman in Singapore, who contracted the novel coronavirus in March when she was pregnant, has given birth to a baby with antibodies against the virus. Scientists are considering this as a new clue to decipher how the infection transfers from the mother to the child.

A woman in Singapore, who contracted the novel coronavirus in March when she was pregnant, has given birth to a baby with antibodies against the virus. Scientists are considering this as a new clue to decipher how the infection transfers from the mother to the child. The baby was born this month without COVID-19 but with the virus antibodies, the Straits Times newspaper reported on Sunday. "My doctor suspects I have transferred my COVID-19 antibodies to him during my pregnancy," Celine Ng-Chan told the paper. Ng-Chan had been mildly ill from the disease and was discharged from hospital after two-and-a-half weeks, the Straits Times said. The World Health Organisation says it is not yet known whether a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus to her foetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery. To date, the active virus has not been found in samples of fluid around the baby in the womb or in breast milk. Doctors in China have reported the detection and decline over time of COVID-19 antibodies in babies born to women with the coronavirus disease, according to an article published in October in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Woman in Singapore gives birth to baby with COVID-19 antibodies

As a direct outcome of the India-Luxembourg virtual summit, a company from the European country is partnering with the government of the western state of Gujarat to produce portable vaccine refrigeration equipment.

Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel had made the suggestion to Indian PM Modi during the virtual meet on 19th November. PM Modi had "enthusiastically" taken the offer and asked officials to move quickly.

A govt source said, "We are&nbsp;making it happen. The distinguishing factor is quick response. We have pushed and got it moving within a week after the summit"

The company, B Systems is ordering machines for India operations, and production is expected by end-March in India. Its team will travel next week or early the following week.&nbsp;

The COVID vaccine is expected to need cold temperature, and for that portable refrigeration will be required.&nbsp;

Oxford vaccine requires ordinary refrigeration temperatures, while other vaccines like the one from Pfizer need to be kept at much lower temperatures. Russia's Sputnik V requires a temperature of around 2 to 8 degrees.

The Indian Embassy in Brussels is facilitating the entire process, with 2 virtual meets between the mission and the company taking place already.&nbsp;

The November virtual summit was the first stand-alone Summit meeting between India and Luxembourg in the past two decades.&nbsp;

As a direct outcome of the India-Luxembourg virtual summit, a company from the European country is partnering with the government of the western state of Gujarat to produce portable vaccine refrigeration equipment.

As a direct outcome of the India-Luxembourg virtual summit, a company from the European country is partnering with the government of the western state of Gujarat to produce portable vaccine refrigeration equipment. Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel had made the suggestion to Indian PM Modi during the virtual meet on 19th November. PM Modi had "enthusiastically" taken the offer and asked officials to move quickly. A govt source said, "We are making it happen. The distinguishing factor is quick response. We have pushed and got it moving within a week after the summit" The company, B Systems is ordering machines for India operations, and production is expected by end-March in India. Its team will travel next week or early the following week. The COVID vaccine is expected to need cold temperature, and for that portable refrigeration will be required. Oxford vaccine requires ordinary refrigeration temperatures, while other vaccines like the one from Pfizer need to be kept at much lower temperatures. Russia's Sputnik V requires a temperature of around 2 to 8 degrees. The Indian Embassy in Brussels is facilitating the entire process, with 2 virtual meets between the mission and the company taking place already. The November virtual summit was the first stand-alone Summit meeting between India and Luxembourg in the past two decades.

Luxembourg-India tie-up to produce COVID vaccine refrigeration equipment by mid-March

Countries across Europe are seeing a resurgence in COVID-19 cases after successfully slowing outbreaks early in the year.

Which countries in Europe are experiencing a fresh spike in COVID-19 cases?

&nbsp;`The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills` has paused filming on Season 11 due to coronavirus concerns, Page Six has confirmed. A source told the outlet on Friday that production was "temporarily suspended" and "proper protocol" is being followed, though it`s unclear whether a castmate or a production member tested positive. 
 
As reported by Page Six, some of those measures may include contact tracing, which is what happened recently when a cast member from "Family Karma" tested positive, a source previously told the outlet. Production for that Bravo show was shut down for two weeks and cast members had to undergo testing again upon their return. 
 
On social media, none of the `RHOBH` Season 11 `Housewives` - including Kyle Richards, Lisa Rinna, Erika Girardi, Dorit Kemsley, Garcelle Beauvais, or Crystal Kung Minkoff - have spoken out about the situation. 
 
However, the 51-year-old star Richards shared on her Instagram Stories on Thursday that she was "not feeling well." She did not reveal whether she tested positive. Earlier this week, the LA County Department of Health reported the highest number of new COVID-19 cases with 6,124. In mid-November, Page Six reported that filming was shut down on `The Real Housewives of Altanta` when a production member tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;

`The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills` has paused filming on Season 11 due to coronavirus concerns, Page Six has confirmed. A source told the outlet on Friday that production was "temporarily suspended" and "proper protocol" is being followed, though it`s unclear whether a castmate or a production member tested positive.

`The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills` has paused filming on Season 11 due to coronavirus concerns, Page Six has confirmed. A source told the outlet on Friday that production was "temporarily suspended" and "proper protocol" is being followed, though it`s unclear whether a castmate or a production member tested positive. As reported by Page Six, some of those measures may include contact tracing, which is what happened recently when a cast member from "Family Karma" tested positive, a source previously told the outlet. Production for that Bravo show was shut down for two weeks and cast members had to undergo testing again upon their return. On social media, none of the `RHOBH` Season 11 `Housewives` - including Kyle Richards, Lisa Rinna, Erika Girardi, Dorit Kemsley, Garcelle Beauvais, or Crystal Kung Minkoff - have spoken out about the situation. However, the 51-year-old star Richards shared on her Instagram Stories on Thursday that she was "not feeling well." She did not reveal whether she tested positive. Earlier this week, the LA County Department of Health reported the highest number of new COVID-19 cases with 6,124. In mid-November, Page Six reported that filming was shut down on `The Real Housewives of Altanta` when a production member tested positive for COVID-19.

'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' pauses production over coronavirus concerns: Report

With the year 2020 inevitably ending in the next few weeks, the thought amongst the people all over the world is whether the coming year 2021 will be free of COVID 19 (justifiably known as Wuhan virus, as it certainly spread only from Wuhan in China).

In early 2020, many people thought that COVID 19 would be a localized affair in China but later on, it proved to be a global pandemic.

While the USA, European countries and India were amongst those heavily impacted by COVID 19, China claimed that it had “conquered” COVID 19 virus. &nbsp;As transparency is notoriously absent in countries like China and North Korea, till today, no one believes that these two countries have freed themselves completely from CIOVID 19 pandemic.

The controversy, whether COVID 19 virus leaked out accidentally from a laboratory in Wuhan or allowed to spread by China, would continue for a long time to come and when the world would one day be out of this COVID 19 crisis, several investigations would be carried out on how the virus really happened. China would be in the centre of such controversies for all time in future.

While COVID 19 has caused great sufferings and death of many thousands of people, another worst impact is that the confidence of the world community that the world could be made a healthy place due to the scientific advancements have been badly shaken.

Of course, due credit should be given to the medical research agencies and pharmaceutical companies for having initiated massive research efforts to find a vaccine to treat COVID 19. However, nearly ten months of research efforts have not still yielded adequately reliable and positive results. &nbsp;While the world community is grateful to the medical researchers, the inner feeling amongst the cross-section of people is that maybe science and research have limitations. &nbsp;Nobody can say anything conclusively on this at this stage.

Now, the uppermost question is as to what is in store for the world in 2021.&nbsp;While everyone wishes that science should defeat COVID 19 virus, everyone is keeping the fingers crossed and with feelings of very high anxiety.

&nbsp;In the absence of foolproof treatment, some cosmetic solutions were suggested desperately like wearing the mask, washing hands, drinking hot water, social distancing etc. While the governments helplessly declared lockout to prevent the spread of the virus and many people observed the guidelines such as wearing masks etc., everyone knows that this cannot be the ultimate solution.

The World Health Organisation has now become conspicuous due to several of its failures such as not forewarning the world, issuing frequently contradictory statements and it’s poor leadership have been thoroughly exposed. Today, people do not think that WHO can help in finding a solution to outsmart this dreaded virus.&nbsp;

With much fanfare, US President Trump claimed that hydroxychloroquine could be the drug of choice to treat the COVID 19. Some scientists agreed and some disagreed and finally the faith in hydroxychloroquine to treat the virus have now been completely lost.

The next drug suggested was Remdesivir drug, which was supported by several scientists and many hospitals started prescribing it for COVID patients. Now, WHO has issued a statement that Remdesivir is no good for treating COVID 19.&nbsp;

Then, plasma treatment was suggested and some scientists agreed and some did not. Now, WHO again issued a statement rejecting plasma treatment.

Thus, medical researchers have been agreeing and disagreeing about the drug for treating COVID 19.

These days, the world has been constantly hearing about the “successful” development of a vaccine to treat the virus. &nbsp;One company claims 90% success for its vaccine, another one claims 95% success for its vaccine and third one claims 70% success. Meanwhile, Russia started claiming that it has developed the vaccine and named it sputnik, without revealing any detailed data to enable the scientists across the world to verify the claims. . Meanwhile, China, as usual, has claimed success in the development of vaccines and nobody knows whether it has really done it.

The highest matter of concern about the claimed success of the vaccine is that several acknowledged and prescribed stages for testing the efficacy of the vaccine have been bypassed. &nbsp;While it is known that the clinical trial conducted properly would take around 5 to 6 years, the success of vaccine has been claimed after conducting trials just for three to four months.

It is very well known that the same drug or vaccine has different levels of positive or adverse impact on people living in different climatic conditions, with different food habits and different age groups. &nbsp; Many people think that announcing success rates for developed vaccines without worldwide clinical trials for adequate periods is not only a calculated risk but could also be termed as an unethical medical claim.

However, given the desperate conditions that the world faces today, nobody wants to raise the shortened clinical trial as an issue and everyone is hoping against hope that the calculated risk of using these vaccines would be less and at an acceptable level.&nbsp;

One has to keep in view the fact that in the last several years, a number of drugs which have been approved and used after elaborate clinical trials have been later on proved to be harmful and banned.&nbsp; The world is hoping that the vaccine developed for COVID 19 will not have a similar fate.

The question haunting everyone as the year 2021 will dawn is whether the introduced new vaccines may do more harm than good due to hitherto unknown side effects. People silently wonder whether an unfortunate situation would develop when the year 2021 would become the victim of hastily developed vaccines to treat COVID 19, just as the world became a victim of COVID 19 in 2020.

The worldwide consensus now appears to be that the crisis is so serious that every possible solution should be tried to save humanity, irrespective of the cost and risk involved.

While the world prays that year 2021 should be free of COVID 19, the world also prays that the developed vaccines should work successfully.

The desperate world is now praying to God to help humanity out of this crisis. Is there any other way?

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)

With the year 2020 inevitably ending in the next few weeks, the thought amongst the people all over the world is whether the coming year 2021 will be free of COVID 19 (justifiably known as Wuhan virus, as it certainly spread only from Wuhan in China).

With the year 2020 inevitably ending in the next few weeks, the thought amongst the people all over the world is whether the coming year 2021 will be free of COVID 19 (justifiably known as Wuhan virus, as it certainly spread only from Wuhan in China). In early 2020, many people thought that COVID 19 would be a localized affair in China but later on, it proved to be a global pandemic. While the USA, European countries and India were amongst those heavily impacted by COVID 19, China claimed that it had “conquered” COVID 19 virus. As transparency is notoriously absent in countries like China and North Korea, till today, no one believes that these two countries have freed themselves completely from CIOVID 19 pandemic. The controversy, whether COVID 19 virus leaked out accidentally from a laboratory in Wuhan or allowed to spread by China, would continue for a long time to come and when the world would one day be out of this COVID 19 crisis, several investigations would be carried out on how the virus really happened. China would be in the centre of such controversies for all time in future. While COVID 19 has caused great sufferings and death of many thousands of people, another worst impact is that the confidence of the world community that the world could be made a healthy place due to the scientific advancements have been badly shaken. Of course, due credit should be given to the medical research agencies and pharmaceutical companies for having initiated massive research efforts to find a vaccine to treat COVID 19. However, nearly ten months of research efforts have not still yielded adequately reliable and positive results. While the world community is grateful to the medical researchers, the inner feeling amongst the cross-section of people is that maybe science and research have limitations. Nobody can say anything conclusively on this at this stage. Now, the uppermost question is as to what is in store for the world in 2021. While everyone wishes that science should defeat COVID 19 virus, everyone is keeping the fingers crossed and with feelings of very high anxiety. In the absence of foolproof treatment, some cosmetic solutions were suggested desperately like wearing the mask, washing hands, drinking hot water, social distancing etc. While the governments helplessly declared lockout to prevent the spread of the virus and many people observed the guidelines such as wearing masks etc., everyone knows that this cannot be the ultimate solution. The World Health Organisation has now become conspicuous due to several of its failures such as not forewarning the world, issuing frequently contradictory statements and it’s poor leadership have been thoroughly exposed. Today, people do not think that WHO can help in finding a solution to outsmart this dreaded virus. With much fanfare, US President Trump claimed that hydroxychloroquine could be the drug of choice to treat the COVID 19. Some scientists agreed and some disagreed and finally the faith in hydroxychloroquine to treat the virus have now been completely lost. The next drug suggested was Remdesivir drug, which was supported by several scientists and many hospitals started prescribing it for COVID patients. Now, WHO has issued a statement that Remdesivir is no good for treating COVID 19. Then, plasma treatment was suggested and some scientists agreed and some did not. Now, WHO again issued a statement rejecting plasma treatment. Thus, medical researchers have been agreeing and disagreeing about the drug for treating COVID 19. These days, the world has been constantly hearing about the “successful” development of a vaccine to treat the virus. One company claims 90% success for its vaccine, another one claims 95% success for its vaccine and third one claims 70% success. Meanwhile, Russia started claiming that it has developed the vaccine and named it sputnik, without revealing any detailed data to enable the scientists across the world to verify the claims. . Meanwhile, China, as usual, has claimed success in the development of vaccines and nobody knows whether it has really done it. The highest matter of concern about the claimed success of the vaccine is that several acknowledged and prescribed stages for testing the efficacy of the vaccine have been bypassed. While it is known that the clinical trial conducted properly would take around 5 to 6 years, the success of vaccine has been claimed after conducting trials just for three to four months. It is very well known that the same drug or vaccine has different levels of positive or adverse impact on people living in different climatic conditions, with different food habits and different age groups. Many people think that announcing success rates for developed vaccines without worldwide clinical trials for adequate periods is not only a calculated risk but could also be termed as an unethical medical claim. However, given the desperate conditions that the world faces today, nobody wants to raise the shortened clinical trial as an issue and everyone is hoping against hope that the calculated risk of using these vaccines would be less and at an acceptable level. One has to keep in view the fact that in the last several years, a number of drugs which have been approved and used after elaborate clinical trials have been later on proved to be harmful and banned. The world is hoping that the vaccine developed for COVID 19 will not have a similar fate. The question haunting everyone as the year 2021 will dawn is whether the introduced new vaccines may do more harm than good due to hitherto unknown side effects. People silently wonder whether an unfortunate situation would develop when the year 2021 would become the victim of hastily developed vaccines to treat COVID 19, just as the world became a victim of COVID 19 in 2020. The worldwide consensus now appears to be that the crisis is so serious that every possible solution should be tried to save humanity, irrespective of the cost and risk involved. While the world prays that year 2021 should be free of COVID 19, the world also prays that the developed vaccines should work successfully. The desperate world is now praying to God to help humanity out of this crisis. Is there any other way? (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Prayer for the Covid-19 free Year 2021

The global demand for ‘ultra-cold’ freezers has increased exponentially as countries prepare for the arrival of a Covid vaccine.

Italy producing freezers for COVID vaccines

World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a precautionary guideline for teenagers and adults on staying fit — mentally and physically — in the time of coronavirus pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced everyone to stay indoors, bringing a temporary halt in their fitness routine. however, the WHO has urged people to get rid of the lethargic routine and spend at least one hour on daily exercises.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kind-of-lonely-america-marks-covid-altered-thanksgiving-345678">'Kind of lonely': America marks COVID-altered Thanksgiving</a>

Since the beginning of the pandemic, many studies and surveys have revealed that teenagers and adults spend more time in front of the electronic screens to pass their time, rather than indulging in physical exercises. This has led to a massive decrease in the health of humans. To combat this problem, WHO has started an "Every Move Counts" campaign.

"Increasing physical activity not only helps prevent and manage heart disease, type-2 diabetes and cancer, it also reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, reduces cognitive decline including Alzheimer’s and improves memory," said Ruediger Krech, WHO director for health promotion.

ALso read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-29-million-women-and-girls-victims-of-modern-slavery-un-report-334530">Around 29 million women and girls victims of modern slavery: UN report</a>

As per WHO reports, four out of five&nbsp;adolescents do not get the bare minimum quota of physical activity —&nbsp;which can simply be counted as walking, cycling, cleaning one's house, or even gardening.

The officials and health experts at WHO fear this lethargy can lead to an increase in obesity and deadly diseases, if not controlled now. "These guidelines emphasise what many are experiencing during the COVID restrictions that are applied all over the world. And that is that being active every day is good not only our bodies but also our mental health," said Fiona Bull, head of WHO’s physical activity unit.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/one-stillbirth-every-16-seconds-and-this-could-get-worse-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-333385">One stillbirth every 16 seconds and this could get worse due to COVID-19 pandemic</a>

Experts are urging people to indulge in physical activities without stepping out — by making the best out of the advanced technology that the 21st century offers. "Phone a friend and do classes online together, help your family members, do it as a family. And when you can, get outside,"&nbsp;Bull said.

She also advised people to monitor&nbsp;their daily physical activity, as it can lead to motivation and can also give people a feeling of achievement. "Monitoring how active you are is very good feedback," she said. "That is important because we tend to think we might be more active. We tend to underestimate how much time we spend sedentary.”

World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a precautionary guideline for teenagers and adults on staying fit — mentally and physically — in the time of coronavirus pandemic.

World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a precautionary guideline for teenagers and adults on staying fit — mentally and physically — in the time of coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus pandemic has forced everyone to stay indoors, bringing a temporary halt in their fitness routine. however, the WHO has urged people to get rid of the lethargic routine and spend at least one hour on daily exercises. Also read| 'Kind of lonely': America marks COVID-altered Thanksgiving Since the beginning of the pandemic, many studies and surveys have revealed that teenagers and adults spend more time in front of the electronic screens to pass their time, rather than indulging in physical exercises. This has led to a massive decrease in the health of humans. To combat this problem, WHO has started an "Every Move Counts" campaign. "Increasing physical activity not only helps prevent and manage heart disease, type-2 diabetes and cancer, it also reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, reduces cognitive decline including Alzheimer’s and improves memory," said Ruediger Krech, WHO director for health promotion. ALso read| Around 29 million women and girls victims of modern slavery: UN report As per WHO reports, four out of five adolescents do not get the bare minimum quota of physical activity — which can simply be counted as walking, cycling, cleaning one's house, or even gardening. The officials and health experts at WHO fear this lethargy can lead to an increase in obesity and deadly diseases, if not controlled now. "These guidelines emphasise what many are experiencing during the COVID restrictions that are applied all over the world. And that is that being active every day is good not only our bodies but also our mental health," said Fiona Bull, head of WHO’s physical activity unit. Also read| One stillbirth every 16 seconds and this could get worse due to COVID-19 pandemic Experts are urging people to indulge in physical activities without stepping out — by making the best out of the advanced technology that the 21st century offers. "Phone a friend and do classes online together, help your family members, do it as a family. And when you can, get outside," Bull said. She also advised people to monitor their daily physical activity, as it can lead to motivation and can also give people a feeling of achievement. "Monitoring how active you are is very good feedback," she said. "That is important because we tend to think we might be more active. We tend to underestimate how much time we spend sedentary.”

Stay connected and healthy: WHO urges children, adults to stay fit in COVID-19 era

Germany on Friday saw its total number of coronavirus infections surpass 1 million.

According to the Robert Koch Institute for disease control, the institute recorded more than 22,000 new daily cases, pushing the country's total beyond the 1 million mark.

Germany had largely contained the spread of the virus in the spring but has been hit hard by a second wave of infections.

The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care nationwide has soared from just over 360 in early October to more than 3,500 last week.

Most populous North Rhine-Westphalia state has recorded more than a quarter of all cases, ahead of Bavaria's 198,000 confirmed infections. Berlin has seen 62,000 cases since the start of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Chancellor Angela Merkel this week announced that Germany was extending its current coronavirus restrictions through to early January unless there is a dramatic drop in infections.

Rules will ease over the festive period to accommodate Christmas and New Year celebrations, allowing meetings of up to 10 adults from December 23 to New Year's Day.

Germany on Friday saw its total number of coronavirus infections surpass 1 million. According to the Robert Koch Institute for disease control, the institute recorded more than 22,000 new daily cases, pushing the country's total beyond the 1 million mark.

Germany on Friday saw its total number of coronavirus infections surpass 1 million. According to the Robert Koch Institute for disease control, the institute recorded more than 22,000 new daily cases, pushing the country's total beyond the 1 million mark. Germany had largely contained the spread of the virus in the spring but has been hit hard by a second wave of infections. The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care nationwide has soared from just over 360 in early October to more than 3,500 last week. Most populous North Rhine-Westphalia state has recorded more than a quarter of all cases, ahead of Bavaria's 198,000 confirmed infections. Berlin has seen 62,000 cases since the start of the pandemic. Chancellor Angela Merkel this week announced that Germany was extending its current coronavirus restrictions through to early January unless there is a dramatic drop in infections. Rules will ease over the festive period to accommodate Christmas and New Year celebrations, allowing meetings of up to 10 adults from December 23 to New Year's Day.

Coronavirus infections in Germany surpass 1 million

Three coronavirus patients were killed after a fire broke out in the ICU of a designated COVID-19 hospital in Gujarat's Rajkot in the early hours of Friday, a fire brigade official said.

Thirty other coronavirus patients undergoing treatment at the hospital were rescued, he said.

The fire broke out in the ICU of Uday Shivanand Hospital in Mavdi area, where 33 patients were admitted, around 1 am.

Seven of the patients were admitted to the ICU, fire brigade official J B Theva said.

"We rushed to the spot and rescued 30 patients after a call informing about the fire was received. Three patients died inside the ICU," he said.

The fire is under control.

The cause of the fire has not been ascertained yet, he said.

The rescued patients have been shifted to other COVID-19 hospitals, he added.

In August, eight COVID-19 patients were killed after a fire broke out on the top floor of a four-storey private hospital in Ahmedabad.

Three coronavirus patients were killed after a fire broke out in the ICU of a designated COVID-19 hospital in Gujarat's Rajkot in the early hours of Friday, a fire brigade official said.

Three coronavirus patients were killed after a fire broke out in the ICU of a designated COVID-19 hospital in Gujarat's Rajkot in the early hours of Friday, a fire brigade official said. Thirty other coronavirus patients undergoing treatment at the hospital were rescued, he said. The fire broke out in the ICU of Uday Shivanand Hospital in Mavdi area, where 33 patients were admitted, around 1 am. Seven of the patients were admitted to the ICU, fire brigade official J B Theva said. "We rushed to the spot and rescued 30 patients after a call informing about the fire was received. Three patients died inside the ICU," he said. The fire is under control. The cause of the fire has not been ascertained yet, he said. The rescued patients have been shifted to other COVID-19 hospitals, he added. In August, eight COVID-19 patients were killed after a fire broke out on the top floor of a four-storey private hospital in Ahmedabad.

Three COVID-19 patients killed as fire breaks out at Rajkot hospital

Sadiq al-Mahdi, Sudan's last democratically elected leader and the great-grandson of the messianic figure who fought the British in the 19th century, has died of Covid-19. He was being treated in the United Arab Emirates.

To this end, the government declared three days of mourning.

Last month, Mahdi's family said he had tested positive for COVID-19. He was transferred to the UAE for treatment a few days later following a brief hospitalisation in Sudan.

The Umma Party said Mahdi would be buried on Friday morning in Omdurman.

The two-time prime minister was a central figure in Sudan's political and spiritual life for more than half a century.

Mahdi's second term in office came to an end with the 1989 military coup that brought a then-obscure army officer, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, to power.

Mahdi escaped detention and went into exile, but his return in 2000 drew tens of thousands of supporters to the airport and his Umma Party went on to become one of the largest opposition parties under Bashir.

He campaigned for a transition back to democratic rule, went into exile again and returned as protests over worsening economic conditions gathered steam. Those demonstrations led to Bashir's overthrow in April 2019.

Mahdi's daughter Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi, deputy leader of the Umma Party, was among those detained during the demonstrations and has been the party's most visible political figure in political negotiations since.

Opposition parties that were weakened greatly under Bashir's three-decade rule are now jostling for power with the military during Sudan's transition, making the Umma Party's continued unity crucial to maintaining the balance of power.

Mahdi was born on December 25, 1935, in Khartoum's twin city of Omdurman, the former Mahdist capital, and grew up in the last two decades of British imperial rule.

Educated by Italian missionaries and later at Britain's Oxford University, he worked in the Finance Ministry, eventually won a parliamentary seat and had a brief taste of power when he became prime minister in July 1966 aged 30.

The often rapid ebb and flow of Sudanese politics caused him to lose his seat 10 months later and he was arrested in a purge of political parties in 1969 when military man Jaafar Nimeiri seized power.

After fleeing Sudan he tried to return at the head of a guerrilla army to unseat Nimeiri. He failed in his attempt but Nimeiri was removed by the army in 1985. Mahdi was voted prime minister a year later.

(with inputs)

Sadiq al-Mahdi, Sudan's last democratically elected leader and the great-grandson of the messianic figure who fought the British in the 19th century, has died of Covid-19.

Sadiq al-Mahdi, Sudan's last democratically elected leader and the great-grandson of the messianic figure who fought the British in the 19th century, has died of Covid-19. He was being treated in the United Arab Emirates. To this end, the government declared three days of mourning. Last month, Mahdi's family said he had tested positive for COVID-19. He was transferred to the UAE for treatment a few days later following a brief hospitalisation in Sudan. The Umma Party said Mahdi would be buried on Friday morning in Omdurman. The two-time prime minister was a central figure in Sudan's political and spiritual life for more than half a century. Mahdi's second term in office came to an end with the 1989 military coup that brought a then-obscure army officer, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, to power. Mahdi escaped detention and went into exile, but his return in 2000 drew tens of thousands of supporters to the airport and his Umma Party went on to become one of the largest opposition parties under Bashir. He campaigned for a transition back to democratic rule, went into exile again and returned as protests over worsening economic conditions gathered steam. Those demonstrations led to Bashir's overthrow in April 2019. Mahdi's daughter Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi, deputy leader of the Umma Party, was among those detained during the demonstrations and has been the party's most visible political figure in political negotiations since. Opposition parties that were weakened greatly under Bashir's three-decade rule are now jostling for power with the military during Sudan's transition, making the Umma Party's continued unity crucial to maintaining the balance of power. Mahdi was born on December 25, 1935, in Khartoum's twin city of Omdurman, the former Mahdist capital, and grew up in the last two decades of British imperial rule. Educated by Italian missionaries and later at Britain's Oxford University, he worked in the Finance Ministry, eventually won a parliamentary seat and had a brief taste of power when he became prime minister in July 1966 aged 30. The often rapid ebb and flow of Sudanese politics caused him to lose his seat 10 months later and he was arrested in a purge of political parties in 1969 when military man Jaafar Nimeiri seized power. After fleeing Sudan he tried to return at the head of a guerrilla army to unseat Nimeiri. He failed in his attempt but Nimeiri was removed by the army in 1985. Mahdi was voted prime minister a year later. (with inputs)

Sudan's last democratically elected PM dies of Covid-19

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addressed the nation in two videos on Thursday. This was his first apperance since he was hospitalised after testing positive for coronavirus this week.

Zelenskiy said that he felt good and the government was working as normal.

"As you know, COVID-19 has not avoided me, but I feel good," Zelenskiy said.

In his address, Zelenskiy expressed displeasure against Constitutional Court that struck down anti-corruption legislation that is crucial for Ukraine to receive loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

A former comedian and actor, Zelenskiy compared the court to protagonists in the 2001 Hollywood heist movie Ocean's Eleven.

"This is not Ocean's Eleven, this is a remake made with the support of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine," he said.

"But seriously, they could cancel major reforms and deprive us of very important financial support for us, and we, as a society and country, do not need such plot twists. Spoiler alert: they won't succeed."

Last month, Zelenskiy had asked parliament to dissolve the court.

Along with Zelenskiy, three other top officials, including the finance minister, the defence minister and Zelenskiy's top aide were also reported to be infected with coronavirus

Ukraine registered a total of 500,865 coronavirus cases as of Thursday, with 9,145 deaths.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addressed the nation in two videos on Thursday, his first appearance since being hospitalised after testing positive for COVID-19 this week.

Sitting in a chair in front of a Ukrainian flag, Zelenskiy said he felt good and the government was working as normal. He also spoke about his administration's standoff with the Constitutional Court over anti-corruption reforms.

The president, 42, was moved to hospital to self-isolate and not put others at risk, his office said.

Three other top officials, including the finance minister, the defence minister and Zelenskiy's top aide were also reported to be infected.

"As you know, COVID-19 has not avoided me, but I feel good," Zelenskiy said.

He then turned his fire on the Constitutional Court, which in October struck down anti-corruption legislation that is crucial for Ukraine to receive loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

A former comedian and actor, Zelenskiy compared the court to protagonists in the 2001 Hollywood heist movie Ocean's Eleven.

"This is not Ocean's Eleven, this is a remake made with the support of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine," he said.

"But seriously, they could cancel major reforms and deprive us of very important financial support for us, and we, as a society and country, do not need such plot twists. Spoiler alert: they won't succeed."

Zelenskiy last month asked parliament to dissolve the court, which the court's head denounced as a "constitutional coup".

Ukrainian new coronavirus infections began spiking in late September and have remained consistently high in October and November, prompting the government to extend some restrictions until the end of the year.

On Wednesday, Zelenskiy's Cabinet voted to impose a national lockdown at weekends to strengthen steps to curb the rapid spread of infection.

Ukraine registered a total of 500,865 coronavirus cases as of Thursday, with 9,145 deaths.

(With Reuters input)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addressed the nation in two videos on Thursday. This was his first apperance since he was hospitalised after testing positive for coronavirus this week.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addressed the nation in two videos on Thursday. This was his first apperance since he was hospitalised after testing positive for coronavirus this week. Zelenskiy said that he felt good and the government was working as normal. "As you know, COVID-19 has not avoided me, but I feel good," Zelenskiy said. In his address, Zelenskiy expressed displeasure against Constitutional Court that struck down anti-corruption legislation that is crucial for Ukraine to receive loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A former comedian and actor, Zelenskiy compared the court to protagonists in the 2001 Hollywood heist movie Ocean's Eleven. "This is not Ocean's Eleven, this is a remake made with the support of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine," he said. "But seriously, they could cancel major reforms and deprive us of very important financial support for us, and we, as a society and country, do not need such plot twists. Spoiler alert: they won't succeed." Last month, Zelenskiy had asked parliament to dissolve the court. Along with Zelenskiy, three other top officials, including the finance minister, the defence minister and Zelenskiy's top aide were also reported to be infected with coronavirus Ukraine registered a total of 500,865 coronavirus cases as of Thursday, with 9,145 deaths. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addressed the nation in two videos on Thursday, his first appearance since being hospitalised after testing positive for COVID-19 this week. Sitting in a chair in front of a Ukrainian flag, Zelenskiy said he felt good and the government was working as normal. He also spoke about his administration's standoff with the Constitutional Court over anti-corruption reforms. The president, 42, was moved to hospital to self-isolate and not put others at risk, his office said. Three other top officials, including the finance minister, the defence minister and Zelenskiy's top aide were also reported to be infected. "As you know, COVID-19 has not avoided me, but I feel good," Zelenskiy said. He then turned his fire on the Constitutional Court, which in October struck down anti-corruption legislation that is crucial for Ukraine to receive loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A former comedian and actor, Zelenskiy compared the court to protagonists in the 2001 Hollywood heist movie Ocean's Eleven. "This is not Ocean's Eleven, this is a remake made with the support of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine," he said. "But seriously, they could cancel major reforms and deprive us of very important financial support for us, and we, as a society and country, do not need such plot twists. Spoiler alert: they won't succeed." Zelenskiy last month asked parliament to dissolve the court, which the court's head denounced as a "constitutional coup". Ukrainian new coronavirus infections began spiking in late September and have remained consistently high in October and November, prompting the government to extend some restrictions until the end of the year. On Wednesday, Zelenskiy's Cabinet voted to impose a national lockdown at weekends to strengthen steps to curb the rapid spread of infection. Ukraine registered a total of 500,865 coronavirus cases as of Thursday, with 9,145 deaths. (With Reuters input)

Ukraine president addresses nation after being taken to hospital with coronavirus

Astra and its CEO are facing scrutiny as the drugmaker responds to growing confusion over the vaccine.

Astrazeneca likely to run additional global covid-19 vaccine trial

With COVID-19 vaccines in their final stage and results being announced, there are eminent challenges of distributions that still remain. Among the many hurdles, the most crucial is the storage of the vaccines. Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine needs to be stored in minus 70 degrees for which specialised cold storage units are needed. Germany's Binder, which makes specialized cooling equipment for laboratories has ramped up production of refrigerated containers needed to transport the vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Race to procure ultra-cold storage

The foreign ministers of South Korea and China have pledged to work together to advance bilateral ties and tackle regional and global issues -- including stalled nuclear talks involving North Korea and the coronavirus pandemic.

The ministerial talks come as both countries explore the possibility of Xi visiting Seoul, just as the United States is gearing up for a new administration under Democratic President-elect Joe Biden. Xi's trip had been expected early this year but was postponed by the pandemic disrupting the diplomatic calendar.

South Korea's Kang Kyung-wha held talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi who arrived in Seoul late on Wednesday, after spending two days in Tokyo amid talk of a trip to Seoul by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Wang said his visit was to highlight the importance of bilateral relations as the two countries cooperate as "strategic partners" on defending regional peace and stability and promote global governance.

"The COVID-19 crisis could not defeat the citizens of our two countries," he told Kang at the start of the meeting, through an interpreter.

"The bilateral ties have overcome the COVID-19 ordeals and are showing their strength and ever more vigour."

Kang thanked Wang for the visit, expressing hopes for an exchange of views to deepen cooperation on issues including North Korea, the pandemic and economic recovery ahead of the 30th anniversary of the bilateral relations in 2022.

"I am also looking forward to discussing ways to stably manage the fluid situation on the Korean peninsula and to foster conditions to move forward our efforts to build lasting peace," she said.

Wang is the second senior Chinese diplomat to visit South Korea since the coronavirus emerged in China late last year, following an August trip by Yang Jiechi, a member of the Communist Party Politburo.

Wang is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Moon Jae-in, among other officials.

The foreign ministers of South Korea and China have pledged to work together to advance bilateral ties and tackle regional and global issues -- including stalled nuclear talks involving North Korea and the coronavirus pandemic.

The foreign ministers of South Korea and China have pledged to work together to advance bilateral ties and tackle regional and global issues -- including stalled nuclear talks involving North Korea and the coronavirus pandemic. The ministerial talks come as both countries explore the possibility of Xi visiting Seoul, just as the United States is gearing up for a new administration under Democratic President-elect Joe Biden. Xi's trip had been expected early this year but was postponed by the pandemic disrupting the diplomatic calendar. South Korea's Kang Kyung-wha held talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi who arrived in Seoul late on Wednesday, after spending two days in Tokyo amid talk of a trip to Seoul by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Wang said his visit was to highlight the importance of bilateral relations as the two countries cooperate as "strategic partners" on defending regional peace and stability and promote global governance. "The COVID-19 crisis could not defeat the citizens of our two countries," he told Kang at the start of the meeting, through an interpreter. "The bilateral ties have overcome the COVID-19 ordeals and are showing their strength and ever more vigour." Kang thanked Wang for the visit, expressing hopes for an exchange of views to deepen cooperation on issues including North Korea, the pandemic and economic recovery ahead of the 30th anniversary of the bilateral relations in 2022. "I am also looking forward to discussing ways to stably manage the fluid situation on the Korean peninsula and to foster conditions to move forward our efforts to build lasting peace," she said. Wang is the second senior Chinese diplomat to visit South Korea since the coronavirus emerged in China late last year, following an August trip by Yang Jiechi, a member of the Communist Party Politburo. Wang is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Moon Jae-in, among other officials.

Diplomats from Seoul and Beijing vow to work on North Korea, COVID-19

Preliminary results on the AstraZeneca vaccine were based on a total of 131 COVID-19 cases in a study involving 11,636 participants.

AstraZeneca defends dosing error in covid-19 vaccine trial

WION Fineprint: How did a smaller dose prove more effective?

Joe Biden has expressed optimism about America’s future in 2021. With COVID-19 cases surging nationwide, Biden has acknowledged the severity of the pandemic.

Joe Biden addresses on thanksgiving-eve

As countries compete in the vaccine race, they are all leaning on India for the vaccine supplies. India holds the key to vaccine manufacturing - and unlike some countries, India is not prioritising profit over the health of billions. WION's Molly Gambhir has the details.

Gravitas: Wuhan Vaccine: The World turns to India

Some people in Japan can now protect themselves against the novel coronavirus in luxurious style with opulent masks adorned with diamonds and pearls for a million yen ($9,600) each.

Cox Co's Mask.com chain began selling the hand-made masks last week, with the aim of cheering up people and spurring sales in a fashion industry depressed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The diamond masks are embellished with a 0.7 carat diamond and more than 300 pieces of Swarovski crystal, while the pearl masks contain some 330 Japanese Akoya pearls.

Cox, part of retailing group Aeon Co, has opened Mask.com online and in six physical locations since September, offering more than 200 types of masks starting at 500 yen.

The Japanese masks are still far from the world's most expensive. That honour belongs to a $1.5 million mask made with 250 grams of 18 karat gold designed by Israeli jeweller Yvel.

Some people in Japan can now protect themselves against the novel coronavirus in luxurious style with opulent masks adorned with diamonds and pearls for a million yen ($9,600) each.

Some people in Japan can now protect themselves against the novel coronavirus in luxurious style with opulent masks adorned with diamonds and pearls for a million yen ($9,600) each. Cox Co's Mask.com chain began selling the hand-made masks last week, with the aim of cheering up people and spurring sales in a fashion industry depressed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The diamond masks are embellished with a 0.7 carat diamond and more than 300 pieces of Swarovski crystal, while the pearl masks contain some 330 Japanese Akoya pearls. Cox, part of retailing group Aeon Co, has opened Mask.com online and in six physical locations since September, offering more than 200 types of masks starting at 500 yen. The Japanese masks are still far from the world's most expensive. That honour belongs to a $1.5 million mask made with 250 grams of 18 karat gold designed by Israeli jeweller Yvel.

Of Japan and its opulent face masks

Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn't been vaccinated against the coronavirus yet, months after his daughter's inoculation.

Putin had, months ago, announced his country's Sputnik V as the "world's first" approved Covid-19 vaccine and said his own daughter had taken it.

Vaccine trials for the first group of volunteers aged 60 and over began on October 28.

The Kremlin said Tuesday that Putin cannot get a vaccine that has not yet finished the final stage of trials, even though the jab has already been given to some Russian frontline health care workers, teachers and several top level officials outside the clinical trials.

This news came on the same day that Sputnik V's developers published new information about the vaccine, touting it as effective, cheap and easy to transport.

Researchers said that analysis of data obtained 28 days after the first dose and seven days after the second dose suggests the Sputnik vaccine was 91.4% effective in preventing infections.

Putin first announced Russia's vaccine was approved for public use in August, even though at that point it had been tested only on several dozen subjects in a non-blind study. The announcement came before the start of Phase 3 trials.

Pfizer and Moderna reported similar efficacy rates -- 94.5% for Moderna and 95% for Pfizer.&nbsp;

AstraZeneca announced on Monday that its experimental coronavirus vaccine has shown an average efficacy of 70%.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn't been vaccinated against the coronavirus yet, months after his daughter's inoculation. Putin had, months ago, announced his country's Sputnik V as the "world's first" approved Covid-19 vaccine and said his own daughter had taken it.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn't been vaccinated against the coronavirus yet, months after his daughter's inoculation. Putin had, months ago, announced his country's Sputnik V as the "world's first" approved Covid-19 vaccine and said his own daughter had taken it. Vaccine trials for the first group of volunteers aged 60 and over began on October 28. The Kremlin said Tuesday that Putin cannot get a vaccine that has not yet finished the final stage of trials, even though the jab has already been given to some Russian frontline health care workers, teachers and several top level officials outside the clinical trials. This news came on the same day that Sputnik V's developers published new information about the vaccine, touting it as effective, cheap and easy to transport. Researchers said that analysis of data obtained 28 days after the first dose and seven days after the second dose suggests the Sputnik vaccine was 91.4% effective in preventing infections. Putin first announced Russia's vaccine was approved for public use in August, even though at that point it had been tested only on several dozen subjects in a non-blind study. The announcement came before the start of Phase 3 trials. Pfizer and Moderna reported similar efficacy rates -- 94.5% for Moderna and 95% for Pfizer. AstraZeneca announced on Monday that its experimental coronavirus vaccine has shown an average efficacy of 70%.

Putin still hasn't taken Russia's vaccine, months after daughter's inoculation

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi that a total of 1.24 lakh new beds were added to 1,426 hospitals in the state. 
 
Participating in a virtual meeting held by Modi with chief ministers of states witnessing a spike in the COVID-19 cases, Vijayan informed him about the steps taken by Kerala in containing the COVID-19."We have been able to reduce the pressure on hospitals with the widespread opening of covid Firstline Treatment Centers (FLTCs). In addition to the existing hospital beds, 1.24 lakh new beds have been set up in 1,426 institutions. The government has set up extensive facilities for testing. There are currently 2,113 labs for testing in both the government and private sectors. 58.09 lakh tests have already been conducted. About 30 per cent of these are RT-PCR tests," Vijayan said. 
 
Chief Minister Vijayan informed Prime Minister Modi that the COVID-19 cases in the state were showing a declining trend since the second week of October.

"It is a relief that the number of recoveries is more than positive cases nowadays. So far 5.66 lakh people have been affected by the COVID-19 and 5 lakh of them were cured. The mortality rate was reduced to 0.4 per cent. The mortality rate has been reduced due to the effective implementation of the strategy of early detection and treatment and facilities in the public health sector. At present, the positivity rate is 10.54 per cent (as on November 23). The positivity rate has been declining for two weeks," he stated.

Vijayan sought central funds to help the needy who have lost their kin to the disease and also for assistance to ease the financial burden due to the delay in the GST compensation.

"The recommendations of the 15th finance commission should fully take into account the needs of the states. The states should be given more freedom to utilise the funds of the State Disaster Response Fund," he said. 
 
As many as 5,420 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Kerala in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of active cases in the state to 64,412, the state health department said on Tuesday.With 24 deaths in the last 24 hours, the death toll in the state now stands at 2,095.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi that a total of 1.24 lakh new beds were added to 1,426 hospitals in the state. Participating in a virtual meeting held by Modi with chief ministers of states witnessing a spike in the COVID-19 cases, Vijayan informed him about the steps taken by Kerala in containing the COVID-19.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi that a total of 1.24 lakh new beds were added to 1,426 hospitals in the state. Participating in a virtual meeting held by Modi with chief ministers of states witnessing a spike in the COVID-19 cases, Vijayan informed him about the steps taken by Kerala in containing the COVID-19."We have been able to reduce the pressure on hospitals with the widespread opening of covid Firstline Treatment Centers (FLTCs). In addition to the existing hospital beds, 1.24 lakh new beds have been set up in 1,426 institutions. The government has set up extensive facilities for testing. There are currently 2,113 labs for testing in both the government and private sectors. 58.09 lakh tests have already been conducted. About 30 per cent of these are RT-PCR tests," Vijayan said. Chief Minister Vijayan informed Prime Minister Modi that the COVID-19 cases in the state were showing a declining trend since the second week of October. "It is a relief that the number of recoveries is more than positive cases nowadays. So far 5.66 lakh people have been affected by the COVID-19 and 5 lakh of them were cured. The mortality rate was reduced to 0.4 per cent. The mortality rate has been reduced due to the effective implementation of the strategy of early detection and treatment and facilities in the public health sector. At present, the positivity rate is 10.54 per cent (as on November 23). The positivity rate has been declining for two weeks," he stated. Vijayan sought central funds to help the needy who have lost their kin to the disease and also for assistance to ease the financial burden due to the delay in the GST compensation. "The recommendations of the 15th finance commission should fully take into account the needs of the states. The states should be given more freedom to utilise the funds of the State Disaster Response Fund," he said. As many as 5,420 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Kerala in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of active cases in the state to 64,412, the state health department said on Tuesday.With 24 deaths in the last 24 hours, the death toll in the state now stands at 2,095.

1.24 lakh beds added to 1,426 hospitals: Kerala CM to PM Modi

Plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients is being used across the world in hopes of treating serious cases of coronavirus.

Data from a clinical trial in Argentina claims that using blood plasma of coronavirus survivors in severe cases of pneumonia triggered by the virus exhibited very little benefit.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-cautious-about-endorsing-plasma-therapy-for-covid-19-patients-322895/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Known as “convalescent plasma therapy”, it delivers COVID-19 antibodies to people infected with the virus.&nbsp; The trials found that plasma did not improve the health of patients or reduce their risk of death due to the virus.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/no-evidence-plasma-therapy-can-be-used-as-treatment-for-covid-19-health-ministry-295330" hreflang="en">No evidence plasma therapy can be used as treatment for COVID-19: Health ministry</a>

The study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. There exists limited evidence of the effectiveness of plasma therapy touted as "historic"&nbsp;by the outgoing US President Donald Trump in August.

The study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine, and takes into account 333 hospitalised patients who had developed severe pneumonia.

They were randomly assigned plasma or a placebo. In 30 days, researchers did not see any differences in the symptoms and health of patients, with the mortality rate remaining unchanged at 11 per cent in the group who received plasma, and 11.4 per cent among the placebo group.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/maharashtra-to-conduct-worlds-largest-convalescent-plasma-therapy-trial-309395" hreflang="en">Maharashtra to conduct world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy trial</a>

Such differences are considered statistically insignificant.&nbsp;

A study conducted in India in October revealed that plasma therapy helped in evening out symptoms among COVID-19 patients who were experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue. However, the risk of death and the onset of severe symptoms was not reduced.

Plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients is being used across the world in hopes of treating serious cases of coronavirus. Data from a clinical trial in Argentina claims that using blood plasma of coronavirus survivors in severe cases of pneumonia triggered by the virus exhibited very little benefit.

Plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients is being used across the world in hopes of treating serious cases of coronavirus. Data from a clinical trial in Argentina claims that using blood plasma of coronavirus survivors in severe cases of pneumonia triggered by the virus exhibited very little benefit. Known as “convalescent plasma therapy”, it delivers COVID-19 antibodies to people infected with the virus. The trials found that plasma did not improve the health of patients or reduce their risk of death due to the virus. Also read: No evidence plasma therapy can be used as treatment for COVID-19: Health ministry The study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. There exists limited evidence of the effectiveness of plasma therapy touted as "historic" by the outgoing US President Donald Trump in August. The study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine, and takes into account 333 hospitalised patients who had developed severe pneumonia. They were randomly assigned plasma or a placebo. In 30 days, researchers did not see any differences in the symptoms and health of patients, with the mortality rate remaining unchanged at 11 per cent in the group who received plasma, and 11.4 per cent among the placebo group. Also read: Maharashtra to conduct world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy trial Such differences are considered statistically insignificant. A study conducted in India in October revealed that plasma therapy helped in evening out symptoms among COVID-19 patients who were experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue. However, the risk of death and the onset of severe symptoms was not reduced.

Does plasma therapy help coronavirus patients? This study reveals shocking results

COVID-19 case continue to rise in the United States. Americans are left with the no option but to stay put during Thanksgiving. As many Americans brace themselves for a rather lonely holiday season ahead, restaurants are now finding ways to bring them the much needed joy.

American restaurants step up to help people cheer up during Thanksgiving as COVID cases surge

Which vaccine candidates are frontrunners? When will you be able to take a shot? Do the vaccines work for everyone? How long does the immunity last? Will the vaccines have any long-term side effects? WION's Molly Gambhir answers some frequently asked questions on vaccines.

Gravitas: Vaccine FAQs: Your every question answered

The national capital has reported a death rate of 1.58 per cent among Covid-19 patients as compared to the national fatality rate of 1.48 per cent.

The Government of Delhi on Monday attributed the high COVID-19 death rate in the city to the pollution caused by stubble-burning and expected a downtrend in it in the next two-three weeks.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain told reporters that the pollution due to stubble-burning created a big problem in Delhi. It caused problems in breathing and those who had COVID-19 inhaled the smoke, which aggravated the seriousness, he said.

Delhi recorded 4,454 fresh COVID-19 cases on Monday and a positivity rate of 11.94 per cent while 121 more fatalities pushed the death toll to 8,512. The highest single-day spike till date here -- 8,593 cases -- was recorded on November 11 when 85 fatalities were recorded.

As many as 121 fatalities were recorded on Monday. This is the sixth time in the last 12 days that the daily number of deaths has crossed the 100-mark in Delhi. Authorities reported 121 deaths on Sunday, 111 on Saturday, 118 on Friday, 131 on November 18, the highest till date, and 104 fatalities on November 12.

Meanwhile, India’s coronavirus tally rose to 91,39,865 on Monday morning as it reported 44,059 new cases in 24 hours. The toll rose by 511 to 1,33,738. As many as 85,62,641 people have recovered so far.

Globally, the coronavirus has infected more than 5.85 crore people and killed 13,86,596, according to the Johns Hopkins University. More than 3.74 crore people have recovered from the infection.

(With inputs from agencies)

The national capital has reported a death rate of 1.58 per cent among Covid-19 patients as compared to the national fatality rate of 1.48 per cent. The Government of Delhi on Monday attributed the high COVID-19 death rate in the city to the pollution caused by stubble-burning and expected a downtrend in it in the next two-three weeks.

The national capital has reported a death rate of 1.58 per cent among Covid-19 patients as compared to the national fatality rate of 1.48 per cent. The Government of Delhi on Monday attributed the high COVID-19 death rate in the city to the pollution caused by stubble-burning and expected a downtrend in it in the next two-three weeks. Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain told reporters that the pollution due to stubble-burning created a big problem in Delhi. It caused problems in breathing and those who had COVID-19 inhaled the smoke, which aggravated the seriousness, he said. Delhi recorded 4,454 fresh COVID-19 cases on Monday and a positivity rate of 11.94 per cent while 121 more fatalities pushed the death toll to 8,512. The highest single-day spike till date here -- 8,593 cases -- was recorded on November 11 when 85 fatalities were recorded. As many as 121 fatalities were recorded on Monday. This is the sixth time in the last 12 days that the daily number of deaths has crossed the 100-mark in Delhi. Authorities reported 121 deaths on Sunday, 111 on Saturday, 118 on Friday, 131 on November 18, the highest till date, and 104 fatalities on November 12. Meanwhile, India’s coronavirus tally rose to 91,39,865 on Monday morning as it reported 44,059 new cases in 24 hours. The toll rose by 511 to 1,33,738. As many as 85,62,641 people have recovered so far. Globally, the coronavirus has infected more than 5.85 crore people and killed 13,86,596, according to the Johns Hopkins University. More than 3.74 crore people have recovered from the infection. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19 deaths in Delhi due to stubble burning says Health Minister Satyendar Jain

Almost after eight months, 221 people who were stranded in Pakistan due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown returned to India on Monday.

"Out of the total passengers, 135 are NORI (No Obligation to Return to India) visa holders, 11 are Pakistan nationals and 75 Indians. These people were stranded due to the lockdown," an officer at the Attari border told ANI.

He added that a medical team from a local hospital would conduct COVID-19 test of all the people arriving here.A returnee, who had gone to Pakistan to attend the last rights of her mother, said that she was unable to return home because of the lockdown.

"I had gone to Pakistan because my mother had passed away, but due to the lockdown, we could not return home. With great difficulty, after eight months, I have come back home," Heena said.

Another returnee, who had gone to visit his wife and child in Pakistan, was elated when asked how he felt to finally coming back to India after eight months.

"It feels good to finally come back home," he said.The Indian High Commission in Pakistan last week announced that it will be facilitating the return of 221 people, including 75 stranded Indian nationals, to India on November 23.

In a Twitter post, the High Commission of India in Pakistan said that a total of 135 NORI (No Objection to Return to India) visa holders, 75 Indian nationals and 11 spouses of NORI visa holders will be repatriated to India.

Almost after eight months, 221 people who were stranded in Pakistan due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown returned to India on Monday. "Out of the total passengers, 135 are NORI (No Obligation to Return to India) visa holders, 11 are Pakistan nationals and 75 Indians.

Almost after eight months, 221 people who were stranded in Pakistan due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown returned to India on Monday. "Out of the total passengers, 135 are NORI (No Obligation to Return to India) visa holders, 11 are Pakistan nationals and 75 Indians. These people were stranded due to the lockdown," an officer at the Attari border told ANI. He added that a medical team from a local hospital would conduct COVID-19 test of all the people arriving here.A returnee, who had gone to Pakistan to attend the last rights of her mother, said that she was unable to return home because of the lockdown. "I had gone to Pakistan because my mother had passed away, but due to the lockdown, we could not return home. With great difficulty, after eight months, I have come back home," Heena said. Another returnee, who had gone to visit his wife and child in Pakistan, was elated when asked how he felt to finally coming back to India after eight months. "It feels good to finally come back home," he said.The Indian High Commission in Pakistan last week announced that it will be facilitating the return of 221 people, including 75 stranded Indian nationals, to India on November 23. In a Twitter post, the High Commission of India in Pakistan said that a total of 135 NORI (No Objection to Return to India) visa holders, 75 Indian nationals and 11 spouses of NORI visa holders will be repatriated to India.

221 people stranded in Pakistan amid COVID lockdown return to India

AstraZeneca has announced that its vaccine candidate has shown an average efficacy of about 70% , The vaccine candidate has been developed along with the Oxford. The potential vaccine against the novel coronavirus maybe around 90 percent effective, the company said citing interim analysis of results from late-stage clinical trials.

Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine shows 70% efficacy

Last week, in the midst of a worsening pandemic came a rare bright spot: Pfizer and Moderna announced that their vaccines were 90% effective or better against COVID-19. The news came as cases in California soared and 28 counties were moved back to the most restrictive tier.

The two drug companies said they would apply to the Food and Drug Administration for emergency authorization within weeks. And Monday morning, a third drugmaker announced promising results: AstraZeneca said early data showed its coronavirus vaccine was potentially up to 90% effective.

We know that once a vaccine is approved, there are many questions about how it will be rolled out to the public. Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom created an 11-member Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, made up of esteemed scientists from around the state, tasked with independently reviewing vaccines for safety. Officials are also working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to begin planning vaccine distribution in advance, working out the logistics of how they will supply vaccines to some 40 million residents.

Health officials have warned that the vaccines will be in extremely limited supply at first. By the end of this year, Newsom expects the number of available vaccines to be no more than 2 million for the whole state.

“We have roughly that many people just in our health care delivery system alone,” he said in an Oct. 19 news conference. “Don’t anticipate or expect that you can go down to a local pharmacy anytime in this calendar year and likely get a vaccination.”

Here’s what we know about the vaccine rollout so far.

In what order will the vaccines be distributed?

According to California health officials, who published a working draft of their vaccine distribution plan, the vaccine will be rolled out in three phases. The first phase, when supply is the most limited, will be to inoculate health care workers working directly with patients with COVID-19, followed by people at risk for severe complications from the virus and other essential workers.

The second phase will include more essential workers who weren’t able to get vaccines in the first phase and vulnerable populations, like people in skilled nursing facilities, residential care facilities, people with disabilities or those living in correctional facilities. Underserved communities that have been hit hard by the pandemic — African American, Latino and rural communities — will also be taken into consideration.

“They’re front and center in terms of our planning,” Newsom said.

The third phase will be reached when there is enough vaccine available for the entire population. At this point, everyone who has not already been vaccinated will be encouraged to get one.

What are the challenges to rolling out a vaccine?

The two vaccines announced last week shattered all records for speed of development.

“We’d be lucky in normal circumstances if we were able to develop vaccines in three years,” said Brad Pollock, associate dean for public health sciences at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine.

The vaccines work by using the host’s own immune system to form a defense against the virus.

Even with the historic development, there are some challenges ahead. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two doses given weeks apart, meaning people will have to remember to get their second follow-up dose.

There’s also the matter of storage. Both of those vaccines must be stored at low temperatures, although Moderna said that its vaccine had a longer shelf life under refrigeration and at room temperature than previously reported. State health officials said they are working to improve their cold chain storage capacities.

The state also needs an adequate supply of needles and syringes, alcohol, pads, bandages, masks and personal protective equipment to safely administer the vaccine.

Once the vaccine is widely available, there might be some resistance to taking it, studies have shown. But there is now reason to believe that more people will be willing to take a vaccine than previously thought. A Gallup poll released Tuesday showed that 58% of the adults who were surveyed were willing to be vaccinated, up from 50% in September.

Is there a timeline?

Newsom said he expected the vaccine would be widely available in the middle of next year. A number of variables will become more clear in the coming months. Pollock said that people who participated in the Moderna and Pfizer trials will still need to be followed for a few more months in order to monitor potential side effects.

The Moderna trial did not include children, but there are plans to include them in the coming months. However, since children seem to be spared from the harshest effects of the virus, it is unlikely that they will be included in the first few phases.

Dr. Bob Wachter, a professor and chair of the University of California, San Francisco’s department of medicine, said last week that the vaccine news has been genuinely worth celebrating. By this time next year, he said, things might be something significantly closer to normal.

In the meantime, though, health officials are imploring the public to stay vigilant in the time before a vaccine is rolled out, urging people to stay home this Thanksgiving.

“It’s hard to make sacrifices,” Wachter said of Thanksgiving plans this year. “But this is one that a lot of people are going to regret not having made.”

Last week, in the midst of a worsening pandemic came a rare bright spot: Pfizer and Moderna announced that their vaccines were 90% effective or better against COVID-19.

Last week, in the midst of a worsening pandemic came a rare bright spot: Pfizer and Moderna announced that their vaccines were 90% effective or better against COVID-19. The news came as cases in California soared and 28 counties were moved back to the most restrictive tier. The two drug companies said they would apply to the Food and Drug Administration for emergency authorization within weeks. And Monday morning, a third drugmaker announced promising results: AstraZeneca said early data showed its coronavirus vaccine was potentially up to 90% effective. We know that once a vaccine is approved, there are many questions about how it will be rolled out to the public. Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom created an 11-member Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, made up of esteemed scientists from around the state, tasked with independently reviewing vaccines for safety. Officials are also working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to begin planning vaccine distribution in advance, working out the logistics of how they will supply vaccines to some 40 million residents. Health officials have warned that the vaccines will be in extremely limited supply at first. By the end of this year, Newsom expects the number of available vaccines to be no more than 2 million for the whole state. “We have roughly that many people just in our health care delivery system alone,” he said in an Oct. 19 news conference. “Don’t anticipate or expect that you can go down to a local pharmacy anytime in this calendar year and likely get a vaccination.” Here’s what we know about the vaccine rollout so far. In what order will the vaccines be distributed? According to California health officials, who published a working draft of their vaccine distribution plan, the vaccine will be rolled out in three phases. The first phase, when supply is the most limited, will be to inoculate health care workers working directly with patients with COVID-19, followed by people at risk for severe complications from the virus and other essential workers. The second phase will include more essential workers who weren’t able to get vaccines in the first phase and vulnerable populations, like people in skilled nursing facilities, residential care facilities, people with disabilities or those living in correctional facilities. Underserved communities that have been hit hard by the pandemic — African American, Latino and rural communities — will also be taken into consideration. “They’re front and center in terms of our planning,” Newsom said. The third phase will be reached when there is enough vaccine available for the entire population. At this point, everyone who has not already been vaccinated will be encouraged to get one. What are the challenges to rolling out a vaccine? The two vaccines announced last week shattered all records for speed of development. “We’d be lucky in normal circumstances if we were able to develop vaccines in three years,” said Brad Pollock, associate dean for public health sciences at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine. The vaccines work by using the host’s own immune system to form a defense against the virus. Even with the historic development, there are some challenges ahead. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two doses given weeks apart, meaning people will have to remember to get their second follow-up dose. There’s also the matter of storage. Both of those vaccines must be stored at low temperatures, although Moderna said that its vaccine had a longer shelf life under refrigeration and at room temperature than previously reported. State health officials said they are working to improve their cold chain storage capacities. The state also needs an adequate supply of needles and syringes, alcohol, pads, bandages, masks and personal protective equipment to safely administer the vaccine. Once the vaccine is widely available, there might be some resistance to taking it, studies have shown. But there is now reason to believe that more people will be willing to take a vaccine than previously thought. A Gallup poll released Tuesday showed that 58% of the adults who were surveyed were willing to be vaccinated, up from 50% in September. Is there a timeline? Newsom said he expected the vaccine would be widely available in the middle of next year. A number of variables will become more clear in the coming months. Pollock said that people who participated in the Moderna and Pfizer trials will still need to be followed for a few more months in order to monitor potential side effects. The Moderna trial did not include children, but there are plans to include them in the coming months. However, since children seem to be spared from the harshest effects of the virus, it is unlikely that they will be included in the first few phases. Dr. Bob Wachter, a professor and chair of the University of California, San Francisco’s department of medicine, said last week that the vaccine news has been genuinely worth celebrating. By this time next year, he said, things might be something significantly closer to normal. In the meantime, though, health officials are imploring the public to stay vigilant in the time before a vaccine is rolled out, urging people to stay home this Thanksgiving. “It’s hard to make sacrifices,” Wachter said of Thanksgiving plans this year. “But this is one that a lot of people are going to regret not having made.”

What to know about California’s vaccine rollout

Three percent.

It is the most important number in New York City right now, a critical threshold that triggers restrictions by state and local governments in response to the coronavirus. The mayor of New York shut down public schools at 3%. The governor said that a sustained 3% level in the city would result in banning indoor dining, closing gyms and hair salons, and placing a 25-person cap on attendance at houses of worship even as the holidays approach.

But as important as that number is, it seems the city and the state can’t agree on whether we’re there yet.

That’s the situation that has played out over the past week, with Mayor Bill de Blasio saying 3% has been breached, while Gov. Andrew Cuomo said it is well below that. Each relies on his own statistics, which are compiled and reported in different ways, varying even on which tests to include in the calculation.

The discrepancy can be striking: On Sunday, for instance, the city said its seven-day average was 3.09%. Cuomo’s office, however, put the city’s rate more than a half-point lower, at 2.54%.

In one way, of course, not all numbers are equal, as Cuomo’s statistics from the state Department of Health govern a wider array of activities and businesses in regions all across New York. But Cuomo granted local school districts the right to set their own parameters for school shutdowns, and de Blasio, who controls the school system, set 3% as that level.

And so, in the end, it was the city’s numbers that caused the temporary pause of in-person learning in the nation’s largest school system.

Why can’t they agree on whether the city is at 3%?

The cause of the discrepancy lies in both the tests that are included and the time frame in which statistics are reported, leading to the mayor and the governor giving different numbers each day.

It is the latest discordant message between two rivals that has played out over the entire pandemic, adding a level of dysfunction and confusion to the response.

On Sunday, Cuomo suggested the city’s calculation of its positive rate was “confusing and unnecessary” and also “irrelevant” because the state numbers would govern any broader restrictions.

The state and city health departments have different accounting rules for tracking the spread of the virus. The state treats a new case as arising on the day the test results came in. The city dates each new case to the day the sample was provided.

So if an infected person goes to a clinic to have his nose swabbed Monday, that sample is often delivered to a laboratory where it is tested. If those results are reported to health authorities Wednesday, the state and city would record it differently. The state would include it with Wednesday’s tally of new cases, while the city would add it to Monday’s column.

The 3% threshold is based on a seven-day rolling average. It matters what day a new case is registered.

Another factor contributes to the discrepancy as well, which has received little attention so far: antigen tests. New York state includes the tests in its official metrics. But while they are generally faster, they are less likely to detect the infection in people with a low viral load.

New York City, however, does not include antigen tests, preferring a more sensitive one known as a polymerase chain reaction test. The city only includes PCR tests performed in a laboratory in its count. That’s why the state — which is counting both antigen and PCR tests — may have a higher tally for overall cases in New York City but a lower percentage of positives.

PCR tests in a laboratory have long been considered the gold standard because they are so unlikely to miss any infections. But some public health experts say that much of the PCR testing for the coronavirus is too sensitive, resulting in coronavirus diagnoses for people who are carrying relatively insignificant amounts of the virus and are probably not contagious.

Antigen tests, which can be performed rapidly and cheaply, detect bits of coronavirus proteins. But they are more likely to miss cases, including people recently infected who have lower viral loads.

The difference in sensitivity between the two types of tests can contribute to a gap in the positivity rates between the city and state.

In fact, the positivity rate of the same group of people — in this case, New York City residents — can vary depending on how many receive antigen tests versus traditional PCR tests. Antigen tests can miss some cases when the amount of virus is still low.

Say 1,000 people get tested. Let’s assume all have a PCR test and that 30 tests are positive, for a positivity rate of 3%. Now let’s assume half get an antigen test and half get a PCR test. Maybe only 25 tests come back positive, for a positivity rate of 2.5%.

(BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.)

“We believe in our number and our methodology,” said Bill Neidhardt, the mayor’s spokesperson, before alluding to the mayor’s decision Wednesday to declare the 3% threshold breached, rather than adopting the state’s metric in a last-minute bid to keep schools open.

“Switching up a public health standard in the middle of the morning is not a good idea for clarity and public confidence,” he said.

Gary Holmes, a spokesperson for the state Health Department, said that the state reported both types of tests “to provide the clearest possible picture of individuals diagnosed with COVID in a given time period.” A positive result on either a PCR or an antigen test requires an individual to quarantine.

On Sunday, Cuomo said the state does “hundreds of thousands of antigen tests per week,” noting frequent tests of nursing home workers, adding that excluding those would “significantly reduce the database.” Such speedy results may also be in high demand in coming weeks as people seek tests before the holidays, the governor’s office said. “It’s nice to know quickly,” Cuomo said.

There are other differences in how the city and state calculate the positivity rate that also help explain why the city’s rate is higher.

For instance, if a person tests negative repeatedly within a seven-day period, the city counts only a single test when calculating the positivity rate. But the state includes all negative tests from different days in its calculation.

On the other hand, when someone tests positive repeatedly, the city includes each positive test when calculating the positivity rate. The state, however, only counts the first positive test and ignores subsequent ones.

That last variable — whether repeated positives are counted or not — can have a big effect on the positivity rate. Gareth Rhodes, a member of Cuomo’s coronavirus task force, estimated that about 15% or 20% of positive PCR tests currently emerging from New York City were for someone who tested positive in the past.

Why does it matter?

If New York City hits 3% based on the state’s metrics, the governor has suggested it will enter into a so-called “orange zone,” the middle of three color-coded restrictions that the governor enacted in early October.

Under the governor’s plan, a so-called “red zone” is subject to the toughest restrictions, with bans on mass gatherings, indoor dining and in-person learning. Nonessential businesses would close, and religious services would be limited to either 25% capacity of houses of worship or 10 people, whichever number is lower.

“Orange zones” — which the governor said the city is in danger of falling into — allow slightly large gatherings and outdoor dining, but schools shut down, as do “high-risk” nonessential businesses like barbers and gyms. Precautionary zones — appropriately yellow — allow in-person classes but ramp up testing and put some less stringent caps on dining and gatherings.

Four of the city’s five boroughs — Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island — already have yellow zones, and Cuomo said upper Manhattan may have one imposed later this week. Staten Island may also face intensifying restrictions.

These zones are reevaluated after two weeks, and the metrics for entering and exiting each of these zones involve a complicated mix of data and a dash of deliberation. Restrictions can be modified on “expert advisement,” the state says, and include determinations based on local hospitalization rates or whether outbreaks can be traced to a single source (like a prison, gathering or group residence).

Other factors can include “compliance and enforcement actions taken by local government” as well as more vague standards like “community cooperation to reduce viral spread.”

Which, of course, could render a mere number — such as 3% — less important.

Can the city act on its own?

Based on its metrics, New York City has already hit the 3% mark. Yet it may still be some time before businesses face any restrictions.

Not only do state statistics put the city’s seven-day rolling average below that number, but New York City must breach that threshold for 10 consecutive days before the city would enter the “orange zone.”

Technically, the city could use several workarounds to target businesses it decides are contributing to virus spread. For example, the city’s Department of Health could try to close any restaurant by declaring it a public health threat.

But the governor has broad emergency powers over a range of businesses, trumping de Blasio. At news conferences, the mayor sometimes sounds a resigned note, saying that certain decisions about closures must be left to the governor.

So, for now, New Yorkers will continue to wait for the city to hit 3% … again.

Three percent. It is the most important number in New York City right now, a critical threshold that triggers restrictions by state and local governments in response to the coronavirus.

Three percent. It is the most important number in New York City right now, a critical threshold that triggers restrictions by state and local governments in response to the coronavirus. The mayor of New York shut down public schools at 3%. The governor said that a sustained 3% level in the city would result in banning indoor dining, closing gyms and hair salons, and placing a 25-person cap on attendance at houses of worship even as the holidays approach. But as important as that number is, it seems the city and the state can’t agree on whether we’re there yet. That’s the situation that has played out over the past week, with Mayor Bill de Blasio saying 3% has been breached, while Gov. Andrew Cuomo said it is well below that. Each relies on his own statistics, which are compiled and reported in different ways, varying even on which tests to include in the calculation. The discrepancy can be striking: On Sunday, for instance, the city said its seven-day average was 3.09%. Cuomo’s office, however, put the city’s rate more than a half-point lower, at 2.54%. In one way, of course, not all numbers are equal, as Cuomo’s statistics from the state Department of Health govern a wider array of activities and businesses in regions all across New York. But Cuomo granted local school districts the right to set their own parameters for school shutdowns, and de Blasio, who controls the school system, set 3% as that level. And so, in the end, it was the city’s numbers that caused the temporary pause of in-person learning in the nation’s largest school system. Why can’t they agree on whether the city is at 3%? The cause of the discrepancy lies in both the tests that are included and the time frame in which statistics are reported, leading to the mayor and the governor giving different numbers each day. It is the latest discordant message between two rivals that has played out over the entire pandemic, adding a level of dysfunction and confusion to the response. On Sunday, Cuomo suggested the city’s calculation of its positive rate was “confusing and unnecessary” and also “irrelevant” because the state numbers would govern any broader restrictions. The state and city health departments have different accounting rules for tracking the spread of the virus. The state treats a new case as arising on the day the test results came in. The city dates each new case to the day the sample was provided. So if an infected person goes to a clinic to have his nose swabbed Monday, that sample is often delivered to a laboratory where it is tested. If those results are reported to health authorities Wednesday, the state and city would record it differently. The state would include it with Wednesday’s tally of new cases, while the city would add it to Monday’s column. The 3% threshold is based on a seven-day rolling average. It matters what day a new case is registered. Another factor contributes to the discrepancy as well, which has received little attention so far: antigen tests. New York state includes the tests in its official metrics. But while they are generally faster, they are less likely to detect the infection in people with a low viral load. New York City, however, does not include antigen tests, preferring a more sensitive one known as a polymerase chain reaction test. The city only includes PCR tests performed in a laboratory in its count. That’s why the state — which is counting both antigen and PCR tests — may have a higher tally for overall cases in New York City but a lower percentage of positives. PCR tests in a laboratory have long been considered the gold standard because they are so unlikely to miss any infections. But some public health experts say that much of the PCR testing for the coronavirus is too sensitive, resulting in coronavirus diagnoses for people who are carrying relatively insignificant amounts of the virus and are probably not contagious. Antigen tests, which can be performed rapidly and cheaply, detect bits of coronavirus proteins. But they are more likely to miss cases, including people recently infected who have lower viral loads. The difference in sensitivity between the two types of tests can contribute to a gap in the positivity rates between the city and state. In fact, the positivity rate of the same group of people — in this case, New York City residents — can vary depending on how many receive antigen tests versus traditional PCR tests. Antigen tests can miss some cases when the amount of virus is still low. Say 1,000 people get tested. Let’s assume all have a PCR test and that 30 tests are positive, for a positivity rate of 3%. Now let’s assume half get an antigen test and half get a PCR test. Maybe only 25 tests come back positive, for a positivity rate of 2.5%. (BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.) “We believe in our number and our methodology,” said Bill Neidhardt, the mayor’s spokesperson, before alluding to the mayor’s decision Wednesday to declare the 3% threshold breached, rather than adopting the state’s metric in a last-minute bid to keep schools open. “Switching up a public health standard in the middle of the morning is not a good idea for clarity and public confidence,” he said. Gary Holmes, a spokesperson for the state Health Department, said that the state reported both types of tests “to provide the clearest possible picture of individuals diagnosed with COVID in a given time period.” A positive result on either a PCR or an antigen test requires an individual to quarantine. On Sunday, Cuomo said the state does “hundreds of thousands of antigen tests per week,” noting frequent tests of nursing home workers, adding that excluding those would “significantly reduce the database.” Such speedy results may also be in high demand in coming weeks as people seek tests before the holidays, the governor’s office said. “It’s nice to know quickly,” Cuomo said. There are other differences in how the city and state calculate the positivity rate that also help explain why the city’s rate is higher. For instance, if a person tests negative repeatedly within a seven-day period, the city counts only a single test when calculating the positivity rate. But the state includes all negative tests from different days in its calculation. On the other hand, when someone tests positive repeatedly, the city includes each positive test when calculating the positivity rate. The state, however, only counts the first positive test and ignores subsequent ones. That last variable — whether repeated positives are counted or not — can have a big effect on the positivity rate. Gareth Rhodes, a member of Cuomo’s coronavirus task force, estimated that about 15% or 20% of positive PCR tests currently emerging from New York City were for someone who tested positive in the past. Why does it matter? If New York City hits 3% based on the state’s metrics, the governor has suggested it will enter into a so-called “orange zone,” the middle of three color-coded restrictions that the governor enacted in early October. Under the governor’s plan, a so-called “red zone” is subject to the toughest restrictions, with bans on mass gatherings, indoor dining and in-person learning. Nonessential businesses would close, and religious services would be limited to either 25% capacity of houses of worship or 10 people, whichever number is lower. “Orange zones” — which the governor said the city is in danger of falling into — allow slightly large gatherings and outdoor dining, but schools shut down, as do “high-risk” nonessential businesses like barbers and gyms. Precautionary zones — appropriately yellow — allow in-person classes but ramp up testing and put some less stringent caps on dining and gatherings. Four of the city’s five boroughs — Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island — already have yellow zones, and Cuomo said upper Manhattan may have one imposed later this week. Staten Island may also face intensifying restrictions. These zones are reevaluated after two weeks, and the metrics for entering and exiting each of these zones involve a complicated mix of data and a dash of deliberation. Restrictions can be modified on “expert advisement,” the state says, and include determinations based on local hospitalization rates or whether outbreaks can be traced to a single source (like a prison, gathering or group residence). Other factors can include “compliance and enforcement actions taken by local government” as well as more vague standards like “community cooperation to reduce viral spread.” Which, of course, could render a mere number — such as 3% — less important. Can the city act on its own? Based on its metrics, New York City has already hit the 3% mark. Yet it may still be some time before businesses face any restrictions. Not only do state statistics put the city’s seven-day rolling average below that number, but New York City must breach that threshold for 10 consecutive days before the city would enter the “orange zone.” Technically, the city could use several workarounds to target businesses it decides are contributing to virus spread. For example, the city’s Department of Health could try to close any restaurant by declaring it a public health threat. But the governor has broad emergency powers over a range of businesses, trumping de Blasio. At news conferences, the mayor sometimes sounds a resigned note, saying that certain decisions about closures must be left to the governor. So, for now, New Yorkers will continue to wait for the city to hit 3% … again.

New York City hit a 3% positive test rate. Or did it?

The potential vaccine against the novel coronavirus maybe around 90 percent effective, the company said citing interim analysis of results from late-stage clinical trials.

Oxford, AstraZeneca say their candidate prevents average 70% people from getting COVID

“The third wave of COVID-19 outbreaks is increasingly in full swing,” Health Minister Park Neung-hoo told a briefing.

South Korea to close bars, restrict restaurants amid coronavirus spike

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