India's coronavirus cases surged past seven million on Sunday, taking it ever closer to overtaking the United States as the world's most infected country.

Health ministry data showed a rise of almost 75,000 cases on Sunday, taking the total to 7.05 million, second only to the US which has recorded 7.67 million infections.

Experts say that the true number may be much higher, with testing rates in the vast country of 1.3 billion people -- home to some of the planet's most crowded cities -- much lower than in many other countries.

This is borne out by a string of studies measuring antibodies to the virus among the Indian population that have indicated infection rates could be several times higher than officially recorded.

India's death toll of 108,334 as of Sunday is also lower than in the US and other countries with higher caseloads.

The United States has recorded 214,000 deaths while Brazil, with two million fewer infections than India, has lost nearly 150,000 lives so far.

Possible factors for this include India's relatively young population, immunity thanks to other diseases -- and under-reporting.

The rise in infections in India comes as the government continues to lift restrictions to boost an economy battered by a severe lockdown imposed in March.

On Thursday, cinemas are set to re-open -- albeit at 50 percent capacity -- and experts fear the upcoming festival season when large crowds gather for public celebrations will exacerbate the situation.

Anticipating a fresh surge in cases, the government has issued strict guidelines and capped the number of revellers for the two main Hindu festivals of Dussehra on October 25 and Diwali next month.

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a mass awareness campaign, encouraging the public to wear masks, practise hand hygiene and maintain physical distance.

"Our collective efforts have helped saved many lives. We have&nbsp;to continue the momentum and protect our citizens from the virus," Modi tweeted.

- 'Underlying anxiety' -

The virus initially hit major metropolises such as Mumbai and New Delhi, but has since spread to almost every corner of the huge country, including the remote Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Recently, the daily number of new cases has fallen from a peak of almost 100,000 in mid-September to around 60,000-70,000.

But Preeti Kumar of the Delhi-based Public Health Foundation of India said it was too early to assume India has passed the peak.

"What the epidemic has taught us is caution. These declines (in numbers) are real but depend on many factors such as testing, type of testing, intervention efficacy etcetera," Kumar told AFP.

Many Indians are worried too.

"Despite the government's efforts to take things back to normal, it doesn't feel that way because there is an underlying anxiety that I may be the next to become a part of the virus statistics," said Anamika Prasad, 23, a university student.

Jayprakash Shukla, 66, a retired government official, said he was worried about cases going up "hugely and beyond control".

"When I go out, I see many people without masks," he said.

"Maybe they are fed up of wearing masks but if people don't change their ways, it is going to be calamitous for our country."

India's coronavirus cases surged past seven million on Sunday, taking it ever closer to overtaking the United States as the world's most infected country. Health ministry data showed a rise of almost 75,000 cases on Sunday, taking the total to 7.

India's coronavirus cases surged past seven million on Sunday, taking it ever closer to overtaking the United States as the world's most infected country. Health ministry data showed a rise of almost 75,000 cases on Sunday, taking the total to 7.05 million, second only to the US which has recorded 7.67 million infections. Experts say that the true number may be much higher, with testing rates in the vast country of 1.3 billion people -- home to some of the planet's most crowded cities -- much lower than in many other countries. This is borne out by a string of studies measuring antibodies to the virus among the Indian population that have indicated infection rates could be several times higher than officially recorded. India's death toll of 108,334 as of Sunday is also lower than in the US and other countries with higher caseloads. The United States has recorded 214,000 deaths while Brazil, with two million fewer infections than India, has lost nearly 150,000 lives so far. Possible factors for this include India's relatively young population, immunity thanks to other diseases -- and under-reporting. The rise in infections in India comes as the government continues to lift restrictions to boost an economy battered by a severe lockdown imposed in March. On Thursday, cinemas are set to re-open -- albeit at 50 percent capacity -- and experts fear the upcoming festival season when large crowds gather for public celebrations will exacerbate the situation. Anticipating a fresh surge in cases, the government has issued strict guidelines and capped the number of revellers for the two main Hindu festivals of Dussehra on October 25 and Diwali next month. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a mass awareness campaign, encouraging the public to wear masks, practise hand hygiene and maintain physical distance. "Our collective efforts have helped saved many lives. We have to continue the momentum and protect our citizens from the virus," Modi tweeted. - 'Underlying anxiety' - The virus initially hit major metropolises such as Mumbai and New Delhi, but has since spread to almost every corner of the huge country, including the remote Andaman and Nicobar islands. Recently, the daily number of new cases has fallen from a peak of almost 100,000 in mid-September to around 60,000-70,000. But Preeti Kumar of the Delhi-based Public Health Foundation of India said it was too early to assume India has passed the peak. "What the epidemic has taught us is caution. These declines (in numbers) are real but depend on many factors such as testing, type of testing, intervention efficacy etcetera," Kumar told AFP. Many Indians are worried too. "Despite the government's efforts to take things back to normal, it doesn't feel that way because there is an underlying anxiety that I may be the next to become a part of the virus statistics," said Anamika Prasad, 23, a university student. Jayprakash Shukla, 66, a retired government official, said he was worried about cases going up "hugely and beyond control". "When I go out, I see many people without masks," he said. "Maybe they are fed up of wearing masks but if people don't change their ways, it is going to be calamitous for our country."

India coronavirus cases cross 7 million

New cases of COVID-19 in the United States hit a two-month high on Friday with over 58,000 infections of the coronavirus reported and hospitalisations in the Midwest at record levels for a fifth day in a row.

According to a Reuters analysis, ten of the 50 states reported record one-day rises in cases on Friday, including the Midwestern states of Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri and Ohio.&nbsp;

Wisconsin and Illinois recorded over 3,000 new cases for a second day in a row - a two-day trend not seen even during the height of the previous outbreak in the spring, according to Reuters data.

The Western states of Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming also reported their biggest one-day jumps in cases, as did Oklahoma and West Virginia.

Nineteen states have seen record increases in new cases so far in October.

Amid the resurgence in cases across the nation, President Donald Trump, who recently contracted COVID-19, addressed his supporters from the balcony of the White House on Saturday, a prelude to restarting his re-election campaign. He is scheduled to travel on Monday to Florida.

Trump and his administration have faced criticism for their handling of the pandemic that has claimed over 213,000 lives in the country, as well as for a lax approach to mask-wearing and social distancing in the White House.

The United States is losing on average 700 lives a day. Three states reported a record one-day increase in fatalities on Friday: Arkansas, Missouri and Montana. Health experts caution that deaths are a lagging indicator and usually rise weeks after cases climb.

The number of people who succumb to COVID-19 is expected to accelerate this winter.

The daily death rate is projected to more than triple by mid-January to 2,250, with an overall 395,000 fatalities by Feb. 1, 2021.

New cases of COVID-19 in the United States hit a two-month high on Friday with over 58,000 infections of the coronavirus reported and hospitalisations in the Midwest at record levels for a fifth day in a row.

New cases of COVID-19 in the United States hit a two-month high on Friday with over 58,000 infections of the coronavirus reported and hospitalisations in the Midwest at record levels for a fifth day in a row. According to a Reuters analysis, ten of the 50 states reported record one-day rises in cases on Friday, including the Midwestern states of Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri and Ohio. Wisconsin and Illinois recorded over 3,000 new cases for a second day in a row - a two-day trend not seen even during the height of the previous outbreak in the spring, according to Reuters data. The Western states of Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming also reported their biggest one-day jumps in cases, as did Oklahoma and West Virginia. Nineteen states have seen record increases in new cases so far in October. Amid the resurgence in cases across the nation, President Donald Trump, who recently contracted COVID-19, addressed his supporters from the balcony of the White House on Saturday, a prelude to restarting his re-election campaign. He is scheduled to travel on Monday to Florida. Trump and his administration have faced criticism for their handling of the pandemic that has claimed over 213,000 lives in the country, as well as for a lax approach to mask-wearing and social distancing in the White House. The United States is losing on average 700 lives a day. Three states reported a record one-day increase in fatalities on Friday: Arkansas, Missouri and Montana. Health experts caution that deaths are a lagging indicator and usually rise weeks after cases climb. The number of people who succumb to COVID-19 is expected to accelerate this winter. The daily death rate is projected to more than triple by mid-January to 2,250, with an overall 395,000 fatalities by Feb. 1, 2021.

Several regions sound alarm as US COVID-19 cases hit two-month high

US President Donald Trump is no longer contagious, nine days after being stopped in his tracks by Covid-19, his physician said in a statement released late Saturday.

"This evening I am happy to report that in addition to the President meeting CDC criteria for the safe discontinuation of isolation, this morning's COVID PCR sample demonstrates, by currently recognised standards, he is no longer considered a transmission risk to others," the president's physician Sean Conley said in the statement.

To this end, he will hold two more campaign rallies next week -- Tuesday in Pennsylvania, a battleground state key to his reelection hopes, and in Iowa on Wednesday.

The president's physician, who has been accused of a lack of transparency with the public, said it had been 10 days since Trump first began showing symptoms of the new coronavirus. He was hospitalised one day later, on October 2.

Tests showed there was "no longer evidence of actively replicating virus," and that Trump's viral load was "decreasing," Conley continued -- though he did not state that the president is now Covid-free.

Trump is fever-free and his symptoms have "improved," Conley said, adding that he would continue to monitor the president as he "returns to an active schedule."

Trump, who stayed in the hospital for three days before returning to the White House, has been pushing to jump back on the campaign trail.

He trails his Democratic challenger, Joe Biden, badly in the polls with less than a month before the election on November 3.

In his first public address after recovering from coronavirus, Trump on Saturday told his supporters that he was "feeling great" from the White House balcony.

"Our nation will defeat the China virus, the vaccine is coming in record time, it is coming very soon," the US president said, adding," I am thankful to everyone who prayed for my health."

"Science, medicine will eradicate the China virus once and for all, it's going to disappear. It's disappearing," Trump asserted. "I have defeated the China virus, &nbsp;This disease is going to disappear."

(with inputs)

US President Donald Trump is no longer contagious, nine days after being stopped in his tracks by Covid-19, his physician said in a statement released late Saturday.

US President Donald Trump is no longer contagious, nine days after being stopped in his tracks by Covid-19, his physician said in a statement released late Saturday. "This evening I am happy to report that in addition to the President meeting CDC criteria for the safe discontinuation of isolation, this morning's COVID PCR sample demonstrates, by currently recognised standards, he is no longer considered a transmission risk to others," the president's physician Sean Conley said in the statement. To this end, he will hold two more campaign rallies next week -- Tuesday in Pennsylvania, a battleground state key to his reelection hopes, and in Iowa on Wednesday. The president's physician, who has been accused of a lack of transparency with the public, said it had been 10 days since Trump first began showing symptoms of the new coronavirus. He was hospitalised one day later, on October 2. Tests showed there was "no longer evidence of actively replicating virus," and that Trump's viral load was "decreasing," Conley continued -- though he did not state that the president is now Covid-free. Trump is fever-free and his symptoms have "improved," Conley said, adding that he would continue to monitor the president as he "returns to an active schedule." Trump, who stayed in the hospital for three days before returning to the White House, has been pushing to jump back on the campaign trail. He trails his Democratic challenger, Joe Biden, badly in the polls with less than a month before the election on November 3. In his first public address after recovering from coronavirus, Trump on Saturday told his supporters that he was "feeling great" from the White House balcony. "Our nation will defeat the China virus, the vaccine is coming in record time, it is coming very soon," the US president said, adding," I am thankful to everyone who prayed for my health." "Science, medicine will eradicate the China virus once and for all, it's going to disappear. It's disappearing," Trump asserted. "I have defeated the China virus, This disease is going to disappear." (with inputs)

Trump 'no longer a transmission risk', to hold two rallies next week

More than 1,800 students and staff from universities across the north-east of England, currently under tougher localised lockdowns, tested positive for coronavirus over the past week.

Newcastle University said 1,003 students and 12 members of staff were confirmed to have been infected with coronavirus in the past week, compared with 94 last Friday. At Northumbria University, there were also 619 new cases and Durham University confirmed 219 cases in students in the last week.

Most universities are planning to switch to online teaching for at least three weeks, except in cases where in-person lessons are essential.

Newcastle University said "the overwhelming majority of cases" were from "social and residential settings" and said appropriate measures were being taken to protect everyone on campus.

"We expected to see cases rise in light of the increase in cases both locally and nationally and all HE (higher education) institutions have to manage this on an ongoing basis," a spokesperson said.

"We feel confident that we have appropriate measures in place to protect us all while we are on campus and to reduce the potential for transmission in our community," the spokesperson said.

Durham University has asked students living in two colleges to remain on campus for the next week following the sharp rise in cases and Northumbria University said it was "continuing to make extensive efforts" to provide support for its self-isolating students with online concierge services or food parcels delivered by staff and the students' union.

Meanwhile, Leeds University said 555 students and three staff members tested positive between September 28 and October 4.

"We are acutely aware that behind each number is an individual with their own needs and concerns, and ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of everyone is our absolute priority," said the university's Vice Chancellor Professor Simone Buitendijk.

Manchester's two main universities - Manchester University and Manchester Metropolitan University - had earlier announced suspension of all in-person teaching for the rest of October, with the exemption of a few practical training courses.

In a joint statement, the universities told local media that they met with public health authorities and Manchester City Council following a "significant increase in the number of COVID cases across the city of Manchester".

It comes amid growing concerns for student well-being on university campuses, with many reporting troubles with accessing essentials as they go into compulsory quarantine.

Universities UK, the organisation that represents the country's leading universities, published a checklist this week as a guide for universities supporting students who are self-isolating.

"Self-isolation is key to containing the spread of COVID-19. Where it is necessary for students to self-isolate, university staff and students' unions are making huge efforts to take care of both their physical and emotional wellbeing, including access to testing and health care, mental health support, continuing learning online, safe social interaction, food deliveries, laundry, and financial support," said Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Universities UK.

"This checklist builds on previous guidance published by Universities UK to ensure universities continue to provide each and every student with the support they need," he said.

More than 1,800 students and staff from universities across the north-east of England, currently under tougher localised lockdowns, tested positive for coronavirus over the past week.

More than 1,800 students and staff from universities across the north-east of England, currently under tougher localised lockdowns, tested positive for coronavirus over the past week. Newcastle University said 1,003 students and 12 members of staff were confirmed to have been infected with coronavirus in the past week, compared with 94 last Friday. At Northumbria University, there were also 619 new cases and Durham University confirmed 219 cases in students in the last week. Most universities are planning to switch to online teaching for at least three weeks, except in cases where in-person lessons are essential. Newcastle University said "the overwhelming majority of cases" were from "social and residential settings" and said appropriate measures were being taken to protect everyone on campus. "We expected to see cases rise in light of the increase in cases both locally and nationally and all HE (higher education) institutions have to manage this on an ongoing basis," a spokesperson said. "We feel confident that we have appropriate measures in place to protect us all while we are on campus and to reduce the potential for transmission in our community," the spokesperson said. Durham University has asked students living in two colleges to remain on campus for the next week following the sharp rise in cases and Northumbria University said it was "continuing to make extensive efforts" to provide support for its self-isolating students with online concierge services or food parcels delivered by staff and the students' union. Meanwhile, Leeds University said 555 students and three staff members tested positive between September 28 and October 4. "We are acutely aware that behind each number is an individual with their own needs and concerns, and ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of everyone is our absolute priority," said the university's Vice Chancellor Professor Simone Buitendijk. Manchester's two main universities - Manchester University and Manchester Metropolitan University - had earlier announced suspension of all in-person teaching for the rest of October, with the exemption of a few practical training courses. In a joint statement, the universities told local media that they met with public health authorities and Manchester City Council following a "significant increase in the number of COVID cases across the city of Manchester". It comes amid growing concerns for student well-being on university campuses, with many reporting troubles with accessing essentials as they go into compulsory quarantine. Universities UK, the organisation that represents the country's leading universities, published a checklist this week as a guide for universities supporting students who are self-isolating. "Self-isolation is key to containing the spread of COVID-19. Where it is necessary for students to self-isolate, university staff and students' unions are making huge efforts to take care of both their physical and emotional wellbeing, including access to testing and health care, mental health support, continuing learning online, safe social interaction, food deliveries, laundry, and financial support," said Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Universities UK. "This checklist builds on previous guidance published by Universities UK to ensure universities continue to provide each and every student with the support they need," he said.

Over 1,800 students, staff at North England universities test positive for coronavirus

Thousands of mink have died at fur farms in Utah and Wisconsin of the United States after a series of coronavirus outbreaks. Over 12,000 mink have recently died from the virus, prompting dozens of farms to enter into quarantines.&nbsp;

After first contracting the virus in August, nearly 10,000 mink have died in Utah fur farms. Initial research shows the virus was transmitted from humans to animals. The opposite has so far not been observed.

On Friday, the spokesperson at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, told CNN 2,000 mink have died from the coronavirus at a Wisconsin farm as well.

Three workers there had recovered from the virus after displaying "mild to moderate clinical signs.

Wisconsin is the largest fur-producing state in the US.

The USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in dozens of other animals, including dozens of dogs, cats, a lion, and a tiger.

The cluster of cases in Utah has spread to nine farms, but Taylor warns that "we're still in the middle of the outbreak."

Each farm is under quarantine with only essential workers permitted on site.

The pelts from most of the mink that have died from the virus have been either contained and buried or incinerated.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) said they are not aware of how many mink total are infected in Utah. Testing all of them is "not feasible" due to the large number of mink in the state.

Other cases have been detected in the Netherlands, Spain and Denmark, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

According to Reuters, officials in both Spain and the Netherlands killed thousands of mink earlier this year due to fears that they could spread coronavirus to humans.

Younger mink are less likely to contract the virus, and most deaths occur among older mink, ages 1 to 4 years old. They appear to suffer similar symptoms to humans.&nbsp;

Thousands of mink have died at fur farms in Utah and Wisconsin of the United States after a series of coronavirus outbreaks. Over 12,000 mink have recently died from the virus, prompting dozens of farms to enter into quarantines.

Thousands of mink have died at fur farms in Utah and Wisconsin of the United States after a series of coronavirus outbreaks. Over 12,000 mink have recently died from the virus, prompting dozens of farms to enter into quarantines. After first contracting the virus in August, nearly 10,000 mink have died in Utah fur farms. Initial research shows the virus was transmitted from humans to animals. The opposite has so far not been observed. On Friday, the spokesperson at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, told CNN 2,000 mink have died from the coronavirus at a Wisconsin farm as well. Three workers there had recovered from the virus after displaying "mild to moderate clinical signs. Wisconsin is the largest fur-producing state in the US. The USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in dozens of other animals, including dozens of dogs, cats, a lion, and a tiger. The cluster of cases in Utah has spread to nine farms, but Taylor warns that "we're still in the middle of the outbreak." Each farm is under quarantine with only essential workers permitted on site. The pelts from most of the mink that have died from the virus have been either contained and buried or incinerated. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) said they are not aware of how many mink total are infected in Utah. Testing all of them is "not feasible" due to the large number of mink in the state. Other cases have been detected in the Netherlands, Spain and Denmark, according to the US Department of Agriculture. According to Reuters, officials in both Spain and the Netherlands killed thousands of mink earlier this year due to fears that they could spread coronavirus to humans. Younger mink are less likely to contract the virus, and most deaths occur among older mink, ages 1 to 4 years old. They appear to suffer similar symptoms to humans.

Thousands of mink dead from COVID-19 outbreaks in US

The US government and AstraZeneca Plc have struck a deal to develop and secure supplies of up to 100,000 doses of COVID-19 antibody treatment.

This antibody treatment would be a similar class of drug that was used in treating US President Donald Trump. He was treated with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals' antibody drug last week. The president also released a video on Twitter touting its benefits.

The Trump administration has awarded $486 million to the pharmaceutical giant.

The agreement, under Operation Warp Speed, is meant for developing a monoclonal antibody cocktail that can prevent COVID-19, especially in high-risk population like those over 80 years old.

AstraZeneca said it was planning to supply up to 100,000 doses starting toward the end of 2020 and that the US government could acquire up to an additional one million doses in 2021 under a separate agreement.

Regeneron signed a $450 million deal in July to sell Operation Warp Speed enough doses of its antibody treatment, REGN-COV2, to treat around 300,000 people.

AstraZeneca plans to evaluate the treatment, AZD7442, which is a cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies, in two studies.

One trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the experimental treatment to prevent infection for up to 12 months in about 5,000 participants, while the second will evaluate post-exposure preventative and pre-emptive treatment in roughly 1,100 participants.

The US government and AstraZeneca Plc have struck a deal to develop and secure supplies of up to 100,000 doses of COVID-19 antibody treatment. This antibody treatment would be a similar class of drug that was used in treating US President Donald Trump.

The US government and AstraZeneca Plc have struck a deal to develop and secure supplies of up to 100,000 doses of COVID-19 antibody treatment. This antibody treatment would be a similar class of drug that was used in treating US President Donald Trump. He was treated with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals' antibody drug last week. The president also released a video on Twitter touting its benefits. The Trump administration has awarded $486 million to the pharmaceutical giant. The agreement, under Operation Warp Speed, is meant for developing a monoclonal antibody cocktail that can prevent COVID-19, especially in high-risk population like those over 80 years old. AstraZeneca said it was planning to supply up to 100,000 doses starting toward the end of 2020 and that the US government could acquire up to an additional one million doses in 2021 under a separate agreement. Regeneron signed a $450 million deal in July to sell Operation Warp Speed enough doses of its antibody treatment, REGN-COV2, to treat around 300,000 people. AstraZeneca plans to evaluate the treatment, AZD7442, which is a cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies, in two studies. One trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the experimental treatment to prevent infection for up to 12 months in about 5,000 participants, while the second will evaluate post-exposure preventative and pre-emptive treatment in roughly 1,100 participants.

US, AstraZeneca strike deal for COVID-19 antibody treatment touted by Trump

New Orleans in the city of Louisiana is helping those who have laid off during COVID-19 shut down and this is being done to try and help improve their work skills. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Retraining the jobless to work in healthcare

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows hosted a large wedding for his daughter that apparently violated a Georgia order and city of Atlanta guidelines to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

According to a newspaper report, photos of the event show guests crowding together during the May 31 nuptials at the Biltmore Ballrooms Atlanta.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Thursday about 70 guests, including US Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, did not wear masks at the indoor wedding.

Photographs show groups of people clustered closely together in the same room throughout the evening, the newspaper said.

Governor Brian Kemp's orders at the time banned gatherings of more than 10 people. The governor later loosened some coronavirus restrictions.

Meanwhile, it has also been reported that on the same night as the wedding and less than 2 miles away, riot police were firing tear gas and Georgia National Guard troops were sealing off parts of downtown Atlanta during protests in response to the deaths of George Floyd in Minnesota and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia. More than 60 people were arrested.

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows hosted a large wedding for his daughter that apparently violated a Georgia order and city of Atlanta guidelines to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows hosted a large wedding for his daughter that apparently violated a Georgia order and city of Atlanta guidelines to stop the spread of the coronavirus. According to a newspaper report, photos of the event show guests crowding together during the May 31 nuptials at the Biltmore Ballrooms Atlanta. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Thursday about 70 guests, including US Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, did not wear masks at the indoor wedding. Photographs show groups of people clustered closely together in the same room throughout the evening, the newspaper said. Governor Brian Kemp's orders at the time banned gatherings of more than 10 people. The governor later loosened some coronavirus restrictions. Meanwhile, it has also been reported that on the same night as the wedding and less than 2 miles away, riot police were firing tear gas and Georgia National Guard troops were sealing off parts of downtown Atlanta during protests in response to the deaths of George Floyd in Minnesota and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia. More than 60 people were arrested.

Trump official ignored virus rules at wedding, report says

China said on Friday it has formally joined the global COVID-19 vaccine facility known as COVAX. With this, it has become the biggest economy to back the initiative to date.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement that China has ample COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing capabilities and will prioritise supplying developing countries when vaccines are ready.

The COVAX facility, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to deliver at least 2 billion doses of vaccines by the end of 2021.

China currently has four coronavirus vaccine candidates in stage 3 clinical trials.

The country signed an agreement with GAVI, the co-leader of the alliance, on Thursday, China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Initially, China did not agree to join the alliance, missing the global deadline to join in September.

The country's leader Xi Jinping previously said that China would make the vaccine a global public good.

The alliance is designed so that richer countries agree to buy into potential vaccines and help finance access for poorer ones. The Trump administration in the US had declined to join the alliance.

China said on Friday it has formally joined the global COVID-19 vaccine facility known as COVAX. With this, it has become the biggest economy to back the initiative to date.

China said on Friday it has formally joined the global COVID-19 vaccine facility known as COVAX. With this, it has become the biggest economy to back the initiative to date. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement that China has ample COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing capabilities and will prioritise supplying developing countries when vaccines are ready. The COVAX facility, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to deliver at least 2 billion doses of vaccines by the end of 2021. China currently has four coronavirus vaccine candidates in stage 3 clinical trials. The country signed an agreement with GAVI, the co-leader of the alliance, on Thursday, China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Initially, China did not agree to join the alliance, missing the global deadline to join in September. The country's leader Xi Jinping previously said that China would make the vaccine a global public good. The alliance is designed so that richer countries agree to buy into potential vaccines and help finance access for poorer ones. The Trump administration in the US had declined to join the alliance.

China joins COVAX vaccine facility for COVID-19

Brazil managed to alleviate poverty with emergency payments during the Covid-19 pandemic, but if government income support efforts are not continued 15 million Brazilians will be thrown back into dire poverty come January, an economist warned on Thursday.

Extension of the generous subsidies is stalled in Congress and faces some opposition from within the government whose economic policy team worries about an uncontrolled budget deficit.

“We’re between a rock and a hard place,” economist Marcelo Neri, head of social policies at the FGV higher education think tank in Rio de Janeiro, told Reuters.

An FGV study published on Thursday said the number of poor Brazilians, those that earn less than half of a minimum wage, or 515 reais ($92) per month, fell 23.7% to a new low of 50 million people thanks to the monthly payments that started at 600 reais, but have now been cut to 300 reais and expire on Dec. 31.

Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose popularity has risen thanks to the hand-outs, is scrambling to find a way to maintain payments, but there is no way to fund them without breaking a constitutional spending cap and worsening a run-away budget deficit.

Brazil was more generous than other Latin American nations with its poor during the pandemic even though its fiscal situation was worse; although Economy Minister Paulo Guedes was trying to keep his fiscal austerity drive on track, Neri said.

“Guedes turned out to be a surprisingly generous manager of Keynesian policies. Now, we have to continue being half Keynesian, but we don’t have the money,” Neri said.

Brazil, which had seen large-scale capital flight from the Sao Paulo stock market earlier this year, risks rattling investors further if it boosts spending too much in 2021, the Princeton University-trained economist warned.

The COVID-19 payments will have cost the Treasury 321.8 billion reais ($57.6 billion) by year’s end.

A member of the congressional joint budget committee, Senator Ney Suassuna, told Reuters there was no consensus on how to pay for income support next year even as the pandemic crisis is expected to continue with scant improvement of the labor market.

Like in most of Latin America, the pandemic has reduced the size of the traditional middle class, with 4.8 million Brazilians slipping down due to lost income, Neri said.

Millions of middle class Latin Americans are being dragged into poverty by the COVID-19 outbreak, which has hit the region’s labor market harder than elsewhere in the world. Poverty is set to surge back to 2005 levels in Latin America.

“It’s a terrible anguish, to get to my age ... to have brought up two sons, and today I have no way to look after myself,” said Maria Lucia Spolzino Porto, an unemployed mother who moved in with her adult son. “I don’t have a house, I don’t have a job. I live from the help my son is giving today.”&nbsp;

Brazil managed to alleviate poverty with emergency payments during the Covid-19 pandemic, but if government income support efforts are not continued 15 million Brazilians will be thrown back into dire poverty come January, an economist warned on Thursday.

Brazil managed to alleviate poverty with emergency payments during the Covid-19 pandemic, but if government income support efforts are not continued 15 million Brazilians will be thrown back into dire poverty come January, an economist warned on Thursday. Extension of the generous subsidies is stalled in Congress and faces some opposition from within the government whose economic policy team worries about an uncontrolled budget deficit. “We’re between a rock and a hard place,” economist Marcelo Neri, head of social policies at the FGV higher education think tank in Rio de Janeiro, told Reuters. An FGV study published on Thursday said the number of poor Brazilians, those that earn less than half of a minimum wage, or 515 reais ($92) per month, fell 23.7% to a new low of 50 million people thanks to the monthly payments that started at 600 reais, but have now been cut to 300 reais and expire on Dec. 31. Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose popularity has risen thanks to the hand-outs, is scrambling to find a way to maintain payments, but there is no way to fund them without breaking a constitutional spending cap and worsening a run-away budget deficit. Brazil was more generous than other Latin American nations with its poor during the pandemic even though its fiscal situation was worse; although Economy Minister Paulo Guedes was trying to keep his fiscal austerity drive on track, Neri said. “Guedes turned out to be a surprisingly generous manager of Keynesian policies. Now, we have to continue being half Keynesian, but we don’t have the money,” Neri said. Brazil, which had seen large-scale capital flight from the Sao Paulo stock market earlier this year, risks rattling investors further if it boosts spending too much in 2021, the Princeton University-trained economist warned. The COVID-19 payments will have cost the Treasury 321.8 billion reais ($57.6 billion) by year’s end. A member of the congressional joint budget committee, Senator Ney Suassuna, told Reuters there was no consensus on how to pay for income support next year even as the pandemic crisis is expected to continue with scant improvement of the labor market. Like in most of Latin America, the pandemic has reduced the size of the traditional middle class, with 4.8 million Brazilians slipping down due to lost income, Neri said. Millions of middle class Latin Americans are being dragged into poverty by the COVID-19 outbreak, which has hit the region’s labor market harder than elsewhere in the world. Poverty is set to surge back to 2005 levels in Latin America. “It’s a terrible anguish, to get to my age ... to have brought up two sons, and today I have no way to look after myself,” said Maria Lucia Spolzino Porto, an unemployed mother who moved in with her adult son. “I don’t have a house, I don’t have a job. I live from the help my son is giving today.”

Millions of Brazilians face dire poverty if Covid-19 emergency payments stop

Describing getting coronavirus that took him to a military hospital for treatment 'a blessing in disguise', US President Donald Trump on Wednesday told the countrymen that he will get them same medicine that cured him for free.

"I want everybody to be given the same treatment as your president because I feel great. I feel like perfect. So, I think this was a blessing from God that I caught it. This was a blessing in disguise," Trump said in a video message.

Standing at the Rose Garden outside the Oval office, Trump attributed his fast cure to Regeneron drug along with others.

Trump was admitted to Walter Reed National Medical Center last Friday, a day after he and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19.

He was discharged from the hospital Monday.

On Wednesday Trump went to the Oval office to have a briefing on Hurricane Delta and on coronavirus stimulus.

Less than four weeks before the crucial presidential elections, Trump said he wants Americans to get the same treatment that he received.

"I want to get you what I got, and I'm going to make it free. We're going to get it in to the hospital as soon as you can as soon as we can with military handling the distribution," Trump said, adding that they have "hundreds of thousands of doses that are just about ready".

According to Trump, in addition to Regeneron, there is a very similar drug from Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical company.

"They are coming out. And we're trying to get them emergency basis. I've authorised it," he said.

"I walked in (the hospital). I didn't feel good. A short 24 hours later, I was feeling great. I wanted to get out of the hospital and that's what I want for everybody," he said.

Earlier in the day, his physician said Trump has been fever-free for more than four days now and that physical exam and vital signs remain stable and in normal range.

"The President this morning says 'I feel great!' His physical exam and vital signs, including oxygen saturation and respiratory rate, all remain stable and in normal range," White House Physician Dr Sean Conley said in a memorandum released Wednesday afternoon.

"He's now been fever-free for more than four days, symptom-free for over 24 hours and has not needed nor received any supplemental oxygen since initial hospitalization," he wrote.

Describing getting coronavirus that took him to a military hospital for treatment 'a blessing in disguise', US President Donald Trump on Wednesday told the countrymen that he will get them same medicine that cured him for free.

Describing getting coronavirus that took him to a military hospital for treatment 'a blessing in disguise', US President Donald Trump on Wednesday told the countrymen that he will get them same medicine that cured him for free. "I want everybody to be given the same treatment as your president because I feel great. I feel like perfect. So, I think this was a blessing from God that I caught it. This was a blessing in disguise," Trump said in a video message. Standing at the Rose Garden outside the Oval office, Trump attributed his fast cure to Regeneron drug along with others. Trump was admitted to Walter Reed National Medical Center last Friday, a day after he and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19. He was discharged from the hospital Monday. On Wednesday Trump went to the Oval office to have a briefing on Hurricane Delta and on coronavirus stimulus. Less than four weeks before the crucial presidential elections, Trump said he wants Americans to get the same treatment that he received. "I want to get you what I got, and I'm going to make it free. We're going to get it in to the hospital as soon as you can as soon as we can with military handling the distribution," Trump said, adding that they have "hundreds of thousands of doses that are just about ready". According to Trump, in addition to Regeneron, there is a very similar drug from Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical company. "They are coming out. And we're trying to get them emergency basis. I've authorised it," he said. "I walked in (the hospital). I didn't feel good. A short 24 hours later, I was feeling great. I wanted to get out of the hospital and that's what I want for everybody," he said. Earlier in the day, his physician said Trump has been fever-free for more than four days now and that physical exam and vital signs remain stable and in normal range. "The President this morning says 'I feel great!' His physical exam and vital signs, including oxygen saturation and respiratory rate, all remain stable and in normal range," White House Physician Dr Sean Conley said in a memorandum released Wednesday afternoon. "He's now been fever-free for more than four days, symptom-free for over 24 hours and has not needed nor received any supplemental oxygen since initial hospitalization," he wrote.

Getting COVID-19 blessing in disguise, will get countrymen same medicine that cured me: Trump

A Madrid court on Thursday rejected partial lockdown due to coronavirus as being "harmful to basic rights".

Watch:

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The court asserted that it had "denied the ratification on grounds they impacted on the rights and fundamental freedoms" of the 4.5 million residents affected by the closure which went into force on Saturday.&nbsp;

Madrid area has Europe's highest coronavirus rate with 850 coronavirus infections per 100,000 people. The new virus put down by the government allowed people to cross the city borders only for work, shopping, school and for health reasons.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asthma-patients-less-likely-to-die-from-covid-19-333396">Also Read: Asthma patients less likely to die from COVID-19</a>

Spain's national health ministry had reported 23,480 new infections over the weekend with the total number of coronavirus cases rising to 813,412. The total death toll due to the virus has climbed to 32,086 in the country.

Earlier, Belgium had declared that bars and cafes in capital Brussels would be closed for a month from Thursday after a spurt in COVID-19 cases. According to reports, authorities are set to decide on Friday whether to keep schools and universities open.

The virus has led to over 10,000 fatalities in Belgium with the country reporting 2,400 cases on Wednesday.

A Madrid court on Thursday rejected partial lockdown due to coronavirus as being "harmful to basic rights". Watch: The court asserted that it had "denied the ratification on grounds they impacted on the rights and fundamental freedoms" of the 4.

A Madrid court on Thursday rejected partial lockdown due to coronavirus as being "harmful to basic rights". Watch: The court asserted that it had "denied the ratification on grounds they impacted on the rights and fundamental freedoms" of the 4.5 million residents affected by the closure which went into force on Saturday. Madrid area has Europe's highest coronavirus rate with 850 coronavirus infections per 100,000 people. The new virus put down by the government allowed people to cross the city borders only for work, shopping, school and for health reasons. Also Read: Asthma patients less likely to die from COVID-19 Spain's national health ministry had reported 23,480 new infections over the weekend with the total number of coronavirus cases rising to 813,412. The total death toll due to the virus has climbed to 32,086 in the country. Earlier, Belgium had declared that bars and cafes in capital Brussels would be closed for a month from Thursday after a spurt in COVID-19 cases. According to reports, authorities are set to decide on Friday whether to keep schools and universities open. The virus has led to over 10,000 fatalities in Belgium with the country reporting 2,400 cases on Wednesday.

Partial lockdown 'harmful to basic rights', declares Madrid court

The carrier announced on October 6th a restructuring plan that should hopefully keep the airline afloat and running for years to come with an equity injection.

AirAsia X announces restructuring plan amid crisis

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered a stop to the talks with Democrats on a new monetary stimulus package that would provide additional coronavirus relief until after the presidential election on November 3. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-spreads-among-trumps-inner-circle-top-white-house-aide-stephen-miller-tests-positive-333021">Also read | Coronavirus spreads among Trump’s inner circle, top White House aide Stephen Miller tests positive</a>

“I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major stimulus bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and small business,” Trump said in a series of tweets Tuesday afternoon.

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Nancy Pelosi is asking for $2.4 Trillion Dollars to bailout poorly run, high crime, Democrat States, money that is in no way related to COVID-19. We made a very generous offer of $1.6 Trillion Dollars and, as usual, she is not negotiating in good faith. I am rejecting their...
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...request, and looking to the future of our Country. I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business. I have asked...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1313551795646541824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump’s instructions came a day after he was discharged from a military hospital where he was treated for COVID-19. For the past a few weeks, senior officials from his administration are negotiating with the House Democrats on a major stimulus package before the 3 November elections. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/heres-who-has-tested-positive-and-negative-in-trumps-circle-332571">In pictures: Here's who has tested positive and negative in Trump's circle</a>

“Nancy Pelosi is asking for US $2.4 trillion to bailout poorly run, high crime democrat states, money that is in no way related to COVID-19. We made a very generous offer of US $1.6 trillion and, as usual, she is not negotiating in good faith,” he alleged.

“I am rejecting their request and looking to the future of our country,” he said.

Trump said he has asked Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell not to delay but to focus full time on approving his outstanding nominee to the United States Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett.

“Our Economy is doing very well. The Stock Market is at record levels, JOBS and unemployment also coming back in record numbers. We are leading the World in Economic Recovery, and THE BEST IS YET TO COME!” Trump said.

In another tweet, he alleged that “crazy” Nancy Pelosi and “the radical Left” Democrats were just playing “games” with the desperately needed workers’ stimulus payments. “They were never in it to help the workers and they never will be!” he alleged.

His Democratic Party presidential challenger Joe Biden alleged that by stopping the negotiations, Trump ended the efforts to pass a bipartisan relief that the country desperately needed. “He ended talks that would get help for our businesses and schools, for families struggling and for those unemployed — that would have preserved hundreds of thousands of jobs,” he said.

“Make no mistake: if you are out of work, if your business is closed, if your child’s school is shut down, if you are seeing layoffs in your community, Donald Trump decided today that none of that — none of it — matters to him,” Biden alleged.

“There will be no help from Washington for the foreseeable future. Instead, he wants the Senate to use it’s time to confirm his Supreme Court Justice nominee before the election in a mad dash to make sure that the court takes away your health care coverage as quickly as possible,” Biden said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered a stop to the talks with Democrats on a new monetary stimulus package that would provide additional coronavirus relief until after the presidential election on November 3.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered a stop to the talks with Democrats on a new monetary stimulus package that would provide additional coronavirus relief until after the presidential election on November 3. Also read | Coronavirus spreads among Trump’s inner circle, top White House aide Stephen Miller tests positive “I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major stimulus bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and small business,” Trump said in a series of tweets Tuesday afternoon. Nancy Pelosi is asking for $2.4 Trillion Dollars to bailout poorly run, high crime, Democrat States, money that is in no way related to COVID-19. We made a very generous offer of $1.6 Trillion Dollars and, as usual, she is not negotiating in good faith. I am rejecting their... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 6, 2020 × ...request, and looking to the future of our Country. I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business. I have asked... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 6, 2020 × Trump’s instructions came a day after he was discharged from a military hospital where he was treated for COVID-19. For the past a few weeks, senior officials from his administration are negotiating with the House Democrats on a major stimulus package before the 3 November elections. In pictures: Here's who has tested positive and negative in Trump's circle “Nancy Pelosi is asking for US $2.4 trillion to bailout poorly run, high crime democrat states, money that is in no way related to COVID-19. We made a very generous offer of US $1.6 trillion and, as usual, she is not negotiating in good faith,” he alleged. “I am rejecting their request and looking to the future of our country,” he said. Trump said he has asked Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell not to delay but to focus full time on approving his outstanding nominee to the United States Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett. “Our Economy is doing very well. The Stock Market is at record levels, JOBS and unemployment also coming back in record numbers. We are leading the World in Economic Recovery, and THE BEST IS YET TO COME!” Trump said. In another tweet, he alleged that “crazy” Nancy Pelosi and “the radical Left” Democrats were just playing “games” with the desperately needed workers’ stimulus payments. “They were never in it to help the workers and they never will be!” he alleged. His Democratic Party presidential challenger Joe Biden alleged that by stopping the negotiations, Trump ended the efforts to pass a bipartisan relief that the country desperately needed. “He ended talks that would get help for our businesses and schools, for families struggling and for those unemployed — that would have preserved hundreds of thousands of jobs,” he said. “Make no mistake: if you are out of work, if your business is closed, if your child’s school is shut down, if you are seeing layoffs in your community, Donald Trump decided today that none of that — none of it — matters to him,” Biden alleged. “There will be no help from Washington for the foreseeable future. Instead, he wants the Senate to use it’s time to confirm his Supreme Court Justice nominee before the election in a mad dash to make sure that the court takes away your health care coverage as quickly as possible,” Biden said. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump cuts off stimulus relief talks until after election, upending prospects for aid

Georgieva told an online London School of Economics event that the IMF will make a small upward revision to its global economic output forecasts next week

'Economic fallout of pandemic not as bad as feared', says IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva

Nepal's Covid-19 tally reached 94,253 with 3,439 new infections, the highest single-day spike reported on Wednesday. 
 
The country also reported 15 deaths, pushing the coronavirus toll to 578. Ten men and five women died of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry. 
 
Of the deceased, two women aged 66 and 72 and four men aged 45, 53, 64 and 69 were from Kathmandu. Likewise, two men "a 40-year-old and a 60-year-old" were from Morang. Three women aged 50, 72 and 71 from Siraha, Rautahat and Dang also died of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, Kathmandupost reported. 
 
Likewise, a 46-year old man from Lalitpur, a 61-year-old man from Chitwan, a 55-old-man from Rupandehi, a 76-year old man from Nawalparasi also died due to Covid-19 related complications. 
 
So far, 68,668 individuals have made successful recovery, 1,126 of them in the past 24 hours. As of Wednesday, there are 25,007 active cases. 
 
According to the ministry, Kathmandu Valley reported 1,684 new infections in the past 24 hours. Of them, 1,296 cases were in Kathmandu, 293 in Lalitpur and 95 in Bhaktapur. 
 
As of Wednesday, the number of cases in the Valley has reached 33,749. A total of 31,251 cases have been detected after the three district administration offices in Kathmandu Valley imposed prohibitory orders starting August 19 midnight. 
 
The country has seen 76,259 infections and 538 deaths since July 22. There were 17,994 cases and 40 Covid-19-related deaths until July 21, when the government decided to end the nationwide lockdown after four months. 
 
According to the ministry, 235 individuals from Bagmati Province, 136 from Province 2, 92 from Province 5, 66 from Province 1, 28 from Gandaki Province, 15 from Sudurpaschim Province, and six from Karnali Province have died of Covid-19 so far. 
 
As of Wednesday, 1,113,485 PCR tests have been carried out across the country. 
 
"A total of 14,209 PCR tests were performed in the past 24 hours," Jageshwar Gautam, spokesperson for the ministry, said during a regular press briefing. 
 
In the past 24 hours, 1,296 individuals from Kathmandu, 322 from Morang, 293 from Lalitpur, 193 from Sunsari, 131 from Chitwan,130 from Rupandehi,106 from Banke, 99 from Makwanpur,95 Bhaktapur, 78, Surkhet, 48 from Darchula, 51 from Kavrepalanchowk, 34 each from Kaski, 33 from Kapilvastu,30 from Sindhuli,25 from Kailali, Baglung and Rautahat, 22 each from Jhapa and Bardiya, 18 each from Dhanusha and Nawalparasi, 17 each from Sarlahi and Nawalparasi (West), 15 from Parsa and Siraha, 13 each from Bara,11 from Sindupalchowk, Gorkha and Kaski, 10 from Dhading tested positive for the coronavirus infection. 
 
Infections were also recorded in nine persons each from Lamjung, Palpa, Gulmi, Salyan and Nuwakot, eight from Ramechhap, Six from Dolakha, five each from Mahottari, Dailekh and Achham, four each from Udayapur and Okhaldhunga, three each from Khotang, Parbat, Dhankuta Pyuthan and Syangja, two each from Baitadi, Rolpa, Myagdi, Bhojpur and Arghakhnachi, one each from Rukum (West), Kalikot, Dolpa and Dadeldhura districts. 
 
"Seven districts?Morang, Sunsari, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Chitwan and Rupandehi?have more than 500 active cases," Gautam said. "Three districts?Solukhumbu, Manang and Mustang?don`t have any active cases.""As of Wednesday, 233 Covid-19 patients are being treated in intensive care units across the country and 37 patients? 25 in Bagmati, six in Province 5 and four in Province 1 and 2 in Province 2 ?are on ventilator support." 
 
Nepal on Tuesday reported 1,551 new infections and nine deaths. On Monday, Nepal reported 19 more Covid-19-related deaths, the highest single-day fatalities and 2,440 new infections. Nepal on Sunday reported 2,253 new Covid-19 cases and seven deaths. 
 
The country had reported 2,120 new Covid-19 cases and eight deaths on Saturday, while there were 2,722 new Covid-19 cases and 11 deaths on Friday.

Nepal's Covid-19 tally reached 94,253 with 3,439 new infections, the highest single-day spike reported on Wednesday. The country also reported 15 deaths, pushing the coronavirus toll to 578.

Nepal's Covid-19 tally reached 94,253 with 3,439 new infections, the highest single-day spike reported on Wednesday. The country also reported 15 deaths, pushing the coronavirus toll to 578. Ten men and five women died of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry. Of the deceased, two women aged 66 and 72 and four men aged 45, 53, 64 and 69 were from Kathmandu. Likewise, two men "a 40-year-old and a 60-year-old" were from Morang. Three women aged 50, 72 and 71 from Siraha, Rautahat and Dang also died of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, Kathmandupost reported. Likewise, a 46-year old man from Lalitpur, a 61-year-old man from Chitwan, a 55-old-man from Rupandehi, a 76-year old man from Nawalparasi also died due to Covid-19 related complications. So far, 68,668 individuals have made successful recovery, 1,126 of them in the past 24 hours. As of Wednesday, there are 25,007 active cases. According to the ministry, Kathmandu Valley reported 1,684 new infections in the past 24 hours. Of them, 1,296 cases were in Kathmandu, 293 in Lalitpur and 95 in Bhaktapur. As of Wednesday, the number of cases in the Valley has reached 33,749. A total of 31,251 cases have been detected after the three district administration offices in Kathmandu Valley imposed prohibitory orders starting August 19 midnight. The country has seen 76,259 infections and 538 deaths since July 22. There were 17,994 cases and 40 Covid-19-related deaths until July 21, when the government decided to end the nationwide lockdown after four months. According to the ministry, 235 individuals from Bagmati Province, 136 from Province 2, 92 from Province 5, 66 from Province 1, 28 from Gandaki Province, 15 from Sudurpaschim Province, and six from Karnali Province have died of Covid-19 so far. As of Wednesday, 1,113,485 PCR tests have been carried out across the country. "A total of 14,209 PCR tests were performed in the past 24 hours," Jageshwar Gautam, spokesperson for the ministry, said during a regular press briefing. In the past 24 hours, 1,296 individuals from Kathmandu, 322 from Morang, 293 from Lalitpur, 193 from Sunsari, 131 from Chitwan,130 from Rupandehi,106 from Banke, 99 from Makwanpur,95 Bhaktapur, 78, Surkhet, 48 from Darchula, 51 from Kavrepalanchowk, 34 each from Kaski, 33 from Kapilvastu,30 from Sindhuli,25 from Kailali, Baglung and Rautahat, 22 each from Jhapa and Bardiya, 18 each from Dhanusha and Nawalparasi, 17 each from Sarlahi and Nawalparasi (West), 15 from Parsa and Siraha, 13 each from Bara,11 from Sindupalchowk, Gorkha and Kaski, 10 from Dhading tested positive for the coronavirus infection. Infections were also recorded in nine persons each from Lamjung, Palpa, Gulmi, Salyan and Nuwakot, eight from Ramechhap, Six from Dolakha, five each from Mahottari, Dailekh and Achham, four each from Udayapur and Okhaldhunga, three each from Khotang, Parbat, Dhankuta Pyuthan and Syangja, two each from Baitadi, Rolpa, Myagdi, Bhojpur and Arghakhnachi, one each from Rukum (West), Kalikot, Dolpa and Dadeldhura districts. "Seven districts?Morang, Sunsari, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Chitwan and Rupandehi?have more than 500 active cases," Gautam said. "Three districts?Solukhumbu, Manang and Mustang?don`t have any active cases.""As of Wednesday, 233 Covid-19 patients are being treated in intensive care units across the country and 37 patients? 25 in Bagmati, six in Province 5 and four in Province 1 and 2 in Province 2 ?are on ventilator support." Nepal on Tuesday reported 1,551 new infections and nine deaths. On Monday, Nepal reported 19 more Covid-19-related deaths, the highest single-day fatalities and 2,440 new infections. Nepal on Sunday reported 2,253 new Covid-19 cases and seven deaths. The country had reported 2,120 new Covid-19 cases and eight deaths on Saturday, while there were 2,722 new Covid-19 cases and 11 deaths on Friday.

COVID-19: Nepal reports highest single day spike with 3,439 new cases

The top White house aide and a senior policy adviser to US President Donald Trump, Stephen Miller, tested positive for Covid-19, taking the number of White House staffers infected by the deadly virus to at least 10. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/heres-who-has-tested-positive-and-negative-in-trumps-circle-332571">In pictures: Here's who has tested positive and negative in Trump's circle</a> 
 
In a statement Miller said that “Over the last five days I have been working remotely and self-isolating, testing negative every day through yesterday. Today, I tested positive for Covid-19 and am in quarantine,.”

The immigration hardliner Stephen Miller was among the&nbsp;defenders of the administration’s policy to&nbsp;separate children from parents. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-doing-extremely-well-no-covid-symptoms-white-house-physician-333003">Also read | Trump doing extremely well, no COVID symptoms: White House physician</a>

On Tuesday, the White House issued an updated guideline on health and safety of the residence staff.

“With the recent positive results of the President and First Lady, staff wear full PPE and continue to take all necessary precautions, which include updated procedures to protect against cross contamination,” it said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is doing "extremely well" and has been reporting no symptoms of COVID-19, a day after returning to the White House after being hospitalised with the highly contagious disease, his doctor said in a statement on Tuesday. 
 
Sean Conley, a Navy commander, said a team of physicians met with the president on Tuesday morning.

(With inputs from agencies)

The top White house aide and a senior policy adviser to US President Donald Trump, Stephen Miller, tested positive for Covid-19, taking the number of White House staffers infected by the deadly virus to at least 10.

The top White house aide and a senior policy adviser to US President Donald Trump, Stephen Miller, tested positive for Covid-19, taking the number of White House staffers infected by the deadly virus to at least 10. In pictures: Here's who has tested positive and negative in Trump's circle In a statement Miller said that “Over the last five days I have been working remotely and self-isolating, testing negative every day through yesterday. Today, I tested positive for Covid-19 and am in quarantine,.” The immigration hardliner Stephen Miller was among the defenders of the administration’s policy to separate children from parents. Also read | Trump doing extremely well, no COVID symptoms: White House physician On Tuesday, the White House issued an updated guideline on health and safety of the residence staff. “With the recent positive results of the President and First Lady, staff wear full PPE and continue to take all necessary precautions, which include updated procedures to protect against cross contamination,” it said. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is doing "extremely well" and has been reporting no symptoms of COVID-19, a day after returning to the White House after being hospitalised with the highly contagious disease, his doctor said in a statement on Tuesday. Sean Conley, a Navy commander, said a team of physicians met with the president on Tuesday morning. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus spreads among Trump’s inner circle, top White House aide Stephen Miller tests positive

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows on Wednesday claimed that he was “not optimistic” about a comprehensive deal on more coronavirus relief packages.&nbsp;

Meadows added that the Trump administration endorsed a more “piecemeal” approach.

"We're still willing to be engaged, but I'm not optimistic for a comprehensive deal. I am optimistic that there's about 10 things that we can do on a piecemeal basis if the speaker is willing to put it before her members," Meadows said in conversation with Fox News, while referring to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/trumps-return-leaves-white-house-in-disarray-as-infections-jolt-west-wing-333183" hreflang="en">Trump’s return leaves White House in disarray as infections jolt West Wing</a>

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump, who himself is currently recovering from COVID-19 ended negotiations with Democrats over the economic package.

His Democrat rival in the upcoming presidential elections, Joe Biden said that Trump had abandoned Americans in the midst of a pandemic.

After Trump’s abrupt withdrawal from talks sent stocks on Wall Street spiralling by 2 per cent.

The United States has the world’s highest number of infections and deaths due to COVID-19. Trump has repeatedly been attacked by Democrats for downplaying the pandemic.

Four days after testing positive, Donald Trump returned to the White House, and removed his mask in the first appearance since he got infected, even though he looked a little out of breath.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/coronavirus-spreads-among-trumps-inner-circle-top-white-house-aide-stephen-miller-tests-positive-333021" hreflang="en">Coronavirus spreads among Trump’s inner circle, top White House aide Stephen Miller tests positive</a>

Earlier, mixed reports of his health had surfaced on social media.&nbsp;

Due to the pandemic, millions in the US have lost their jobs, which has become the major point of contention in the upcoming elections.

"The president turned his back on you," Biden said in a Twitter post.

The virus continues to spread among Trump’s close aides. On Tuesday, senior policy adviser Stephen Miller said that he had tested positive, among many others.

"I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business," Trump wrote on Twitter.

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows on Wednesday claimed that he was “not optimistic” about a comprehensive deal on more coronavirus relief packages. Meadows added that the Trump administration endorsed a more “piecemeal” approach.

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows on Wednesday claimed that he was “not optimistic” about a comprehensive deal on more coronavirus relief packages. Meadows added that the Trump administration endorsed a more “piecemeal” approach. "We're still willing to be engaged, but I'm not optimistic for a comprehensive deal. I am optimistic that there's about 10 things that we can do on a piecemeal basis if the speaker is willing to put it before her members," Meadows said in conversation with Fox News, while referring to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Also read: Trump’s return leaves White House in disarray as infections jolt West Wing On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump, who himself is currently recovering from COVID-19 ended negotiations with Democrats over the economic package. His Democrat rival in the upcoming presidential elections, Joe Biden said that Trump had abandoned Americans in the midst of a pandemic. After Trump’s abrupt withdrawal from talks sent stocks on Wall Street spiralling by 2 per cent. The United States has the world’s highest number of infections and deaths due to COVID-19. Trump has repeatedly been attacked by Democrats for downplaying the pandemic. Four days after testing positive, Donald Trump returned to the White House, and removed his mask in the first appearance since he got infected, even though he looked a little out of breath. Also read: Coronavirus spreads among Trump’s inner circle, top White House aide Stephen Miller tests positive Earlier, mixed reports of his health had surfaced on social media. Due to the pandemic, millions in the US have lost their jobs, which has become the major point of contention in the upcoming elections. "The president turned his back on you," Biden said in a Twitter post. The virus continues to spread among Trump’s close aides. On Tuesday, senior policy adviser Stephen Miller said that he had tested positive, among many others. "I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business," Trump wrote on Twitter.

'Not optimistic' about comprehensive coronavirus aid: White House

At least 42 per cent of the air travellers in the past three months had a comfortable and safe in-flight experience and are ready to travel again, a report said on Wednesday. 
 
The survey was conducted by online travel aggregator ixigo, with a sample of 5000 users also known as `Early travellers` - a group of flyers who have travelled in July-August-September and are ready to travel again in the next three months. 
 
The survey results show that as travellers return to the skies, the confidence in air travel is rising.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-to-become-first-country-to-circulate-iodine-based-sanitisers-333155" hreflang="en">India to become first country to circulate iodine-based sanitisers</a> 
 
According to the report, the likelihood of the respondents to take another domestic trip during the next three months (42 per cent) is the highest it has been as compared to an earlier sentiment survey done in May (16 per cent). 
 
"As travel demand recovers, we want our users to feel confident and safe and give them a flexible, stress-free booking experience," Rajnish Kumar, Co-Founder &amp; CTO, ixigo, said in a statement. 
 
The report revealed that safety and hygiene measures being adopted by airlines and various properties is the most important aspect for travellers during Covid-19. 
 
The survey showed that queuing during check-in/security (64 per cent) and in-flight social distancing (51 per cent) feature amongst the top apprehensions of air passengers who have travelled recently.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-and-japan-agree-on-cyber-security-agreement-on-5g-ai-cooperation-333094" hreflang="en">India and Japan agree on cyber security agreement on 5G, AI cooperation&nbsp;</a> 
 
Travellers were also concerned about eating on the plane (9 per cent), cleanliness of common areas and washrooms (24 per cent) and arranging travel from the arrival airport (22 per cent). 
 
The data showed that 46 per cent respondents say fully refundable bookings for travel and accommodation will be the top priority for them while making bookings in the future.

At least 42 per cent of the air travellers in the past three months had a comfortable and safe in-flight experience and are ready to travel again, a report said on Wednesday.

At least 42 per cent of the air travellers in the past three months had a comfortable and safe in-flight experience and are ready to travel again, a report said on Wednesday. The survey was conducted by online travel aggregator ixigo, with a sample of 5000 users also known as `Early travellers` - a group of flyers who have travelled in July-August-September and are ready to travel again in the next three months. The survey results show that as travellers return to the skies, the confidence in air travel is rising. Also read: India to become first country to circulate iodine-based sanitisers According to the report, the likelihood of the respondents to take another domestic trip during the next three months (42 per cent) is the highest it has been as compared to an earlier sentiment survey done in May (16 per cent). "As travel demand recovers, we want our users to feel confident and safe and give them a flexible, stress-free booking experience," Rajnish Kumar, Co-Founder & CTO, ixigo, said in a statement. The report revealed that safety and hygiene measures being adopted by airlines and various properties is the most important aspect for travellers during Covid-19. The survey showed that queuing during check-in/security (64 per cent) and in-flight social distancing (51 per cent) feature amongst the top apprehensions of air passengers who have travelled recently. Also read: India and Japan agree on cyber security agreement on 5G, AI cooperation Travellers were also concerned about eating on the plane (9 per cent), cleanliness of common areas and washrooms (24 per cent) and arranging travel from the arrival airport (22 per cent). The data showed that 46 per cent respondents say fully refundable bookings for travel and accommodation will be the top priority for them while making bookings in the future.

Amid COVID-19, 42% of early air travellers in India ready to go again: Report

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has recovered from COVID-19, a source close to the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.

The media tycoon, who spent the first half of September in a Milan hospital before being sent home under quarantine, has now tested negative for the virus and is waiting for the result of a second swab for final confirmation, the source said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/former-italian-premier-berlusconi-responding-to-coronavirus-drugs-but-in-delicate-phase-325564" hreflang="en">Former Italian premier Berlusconi responding to coronavirus drugs but in 'delicate' phase</a>

Berlusconi, 84, developed double pneumonia and was in Milan's San Raffaele hospital for more than 10 days.

He will not attend to the wedding on Wednesday of his youngest son Luigi, who also had the virus last month, but he is considering taking part in the family dinner organised for the evening, the source said.

Berlusconi is believed to have caught the coronavirus while on holiday on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, which saw a surge in infections during the summer.

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has recovered from COVID-19, a source close to the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. The media tycoon, who spent the first half of September in a Milan hospital before being sent home under quarantine, has now tested negative for the virus and is waiting for the result of a second swab for final confirmation, the source said.

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has recovered from COVID-19, a source close to the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. The media tycoon, who spent the first half of September in a Milan hospital before being sent home under quarantine, has now tested negative for the virus and is waiting for the result of a second swab for final confirmation, the source said. Also read: Former Italian premier Berlusconi responding to coronavirus drugs but in 'delicate' phase Berlusconi, 84, developed double pneumonia and was in Milan's San Raffaele hospital for more than 10 days. He will not attend to the wedding on Wednesday of his youngest son Luigi, who also had the virus last month, but he is considering taking part in the family dinner organised for the evening, the source said. Berlusconi is believed to have caught the coronavirus while on holiday on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, which saw a surge in infections during the summer.

Italy's former PM Berlusconi recovers from COVID-19

Singapore is offering a “pandemic baby bonus” to encourage folks to have infants during the coronavirus pandemic.

Singapore offers ‘pandemic baby bonus’ to boost birth rate

India has assured Myanmar it would give the country priority on coronavirus vaccine and speed up infrastructure projects in the country during the visit of Army Chief General MM Naravane and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla's two-day visit.&nbsp;

A Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release said, "It was also agreed that the cooperation to overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic will be deepened. The FC indicated India’s willingness to prioritise Myanmar in sharing vaccines as and when these become available."

Earlier on Monday, Army Chief and the foreign secretary presented 3,000 vials of Remdesivir to Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a "symbol" of India’s commitment to assist Myanmar in its fight against the pandemic.&nbsp;

The Myanmar foreign ministry mentioned about both countries discussing "possibility of joint production of COVID-19 vaccine".

On the infrastructure front, operationalisation of the Sittwe Port in the early part of 2021 was a key point of discussion. Remember, this was discussed during last week's virtual India Myanmar Foreign Office Consultations also.

The MEA release on the outcome of the visit explained: "Both sides also discussed progress in the ongoing Indian-assisted infrastructure projects such as the Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project."

Sittwe is part of India built mega Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which will improve connectivity with Myanmar, by creating transport corridor for shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar.

The release added that both sides "exchanged views on an early initiation of work on fresh initiatives such as the up-gradation of Yamethin Women's Police Academy, Basic Technical Training School and measures to provide long term sustainability to projects such as the Myanmar Institute of Information Technology."

Other than that, India has announced a grant of $2 million for the construction of the border haat bridge at Byanyu/Sarsichauk in Myanmar's Chin State which will provide increased economic connectivity between Mizoram and Myanmar. A quota of 1.5 lakh tonnes of Urad for import from Myanmar till 31 March 2021 was also announced.&nbsp;

During the meet, the army chief and the FS called on State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the Commander in Chief of Defense Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Army Chief also met Vice Senior General Soe Win, Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Myanmar Armed Services and FS met U Soe Han, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar.

India has assured Myanmar it would give the country priority on coronavirus vaccine and speed up infrastructure projects in the country during the visit of Army Chief General MM Naravane and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla's two-day visit.

India has assured Myanmar it would give the country priority on coronavirus vaccine and speed up infrastructure projects in the country during the visit of Army Chief General MM Naravane and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla's two-day visit. A Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release said, "It was also agreed that the cooperation to overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic will be deepened. The FC indicated India’s willingness to prioritise Myanmar in sharing vaccines as and when these become available." Earlier on Monday, Army Chief and the foreign secretary presented 3,000 vials of Remdesivir to Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a "symbol" of India’s commitment to assist Myanmar in its fight against the pandemic. The Myanmar foreign ministry mentioned about both countries discussing "possibility of joint production of COVID-19 vaccine". On the infrastructure front, operationalisation of the Sittwe Port in the early part of 2021 was a key point of discussion. Remember, this was discussed during last week's virtual India Myanmar Foreign Office Consultations also. The MEA release on the outcome of the visit explained: "Both sides also discussed progress in the ongoing Indian-assisted infrastructure projects such as the Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project." Sittwe is part of India built mega Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which will improve connectivity with Myanmar, by creating transport corridor for shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar. The release added that both sides "exchanged views on an early initiation of work on fresh initiatives such as the up-gradation of Yamethin Women's Police Academy, Basic Technical Training School and measures to provide long term sustainability to projects such as the Myanmar Institute of Information Technology." Other than that, India has announced a grant of $2 million for the construction of the border haat bridge at Byanyu/Sarsichauk in Myanmar's Chin State which will provide increased economic connectivity between Mizoram and Myanmar. A quota of 1.5 lakh tonnes of Urad for import from Myanmar till 31 March 2021 was also announced. During the meet, the army chief and the FS called on State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the Commander in Chief of Defense Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Army Chief also met Vice Senior General Soe Win, Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Myanmar Armed Services and FS met U Soe Han, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar.

India assures Myanmar Covid vaccine, speeding up infra projects

US President Donald Trump is doing "extremely well" and has been reporting no symptoms of COVID-19, a day after returning to the White House after being hospitalised with the highly contagious disease, his doctor said in a statement on Tuesday.

Sean Conley, a Navy commander, said a team of physicians met with the president on Tuesday morning.

"He had a restful first night at home, and today he reports no symptoms. Vital signs and physical exam remain stable, with an ambulatory oxygen saturation level of 95-97%," he said in a statement released by the White House. "Overall he continues to do extremely well."

The Republican president, running for re-election against Democrat Joe Biden in the Nov. 3 election, was admitted to hospital on Friday after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Trump, who was treated by an army of doctors and received experimental treatment, has repeatedly played down a disease that has killed more than 1 million people worldwide and left his own country with the highest death toll in the world.

Trump arrived at the White House on Monday in a made-for-television spectacle in which he descended from his Marine One helicopter wearing a white surgical mask only to remove it as he posed, saluting and waving, on the mansion's South Portico.

"Don't let it dominate you. Don't be afraid of it," Trump said in a video after his return from the Walter Reed Medical Center military hospital outside Washington where he was treated for the disease caused by the coronavirus.

"I'm better, and maybe I'm immune - I don't know," he added, flanked by American flags and with the Washington Monument in the background. "Get out there. Be careful."

He also said he is looking forward to a scheduled debate with Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden next week and said he is feeling great following his first night back in the White House after being in the hospital for COVID-19.

"I am looking forward to the debate on the evening of Thursday, October 15th in Miami. It will be great!" Trump said on Twitter.

US President Donald Trump is doing "extremely well" and has been reporting no symptoms of COVID-19, a day after returning to the White House after being hospitalised with the highly contagious disease, his doctor said in a statement on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump is doing "extremely well" and has been reporting no symptoms of COVID-19, a day after returning to the White House after being hospitalised with the highly contagious disease, his doctor said in a statement on Tuesday. Sean Conley, a Navy commander, said a team of physicians met with the president on Tuesday morning. "He had a restful first night at home, and today he reports no symptoms. Vital signs and physical exam remain stable, with an ambulatory oxygen saturation level of 95-97%," he said in a statement released by the White House. "Overall he continues to do extremely well." The Republican president, running for re-election against Democrat Joe Biden in the Nov. 3 election, was admitted to hospital on Friday after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Trump, who was treated by an army of doctors and received experimental treatment, has repeatedly played down a disease that has killed more than 1 million people worldwide and left his own country with the highest death toll in the world. Trump arrived at the White House on Monday in a made-for-television spectacle in which he descended from his Marine One helicopter wearing a white surgical mask only to remove it as he posed, saluting and waving, on the mansion's South Portico. "Don't let it dominate you. Don't be afraid of it," Trump said in a video after his return from the Walter Reed Medical Center military hospital outside Washington where he was treated for the disease caused by the coronavirus. "I'm better, and maybe I'm immune - I don't know," he added, flanked by American flags and with the Washington Monument in the background. "Get out there. Be careful." He also said he is looking forward to a scheduled debate with Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden next week and said he is feeling great following his first night back in the White House after being in the hospital for COVID-19. "I am looking forward to the debate on the evening of Thursday, October 15th in Miami. It will be great!" Trump said on Twitter.

Trump doing extremely well, no COVID symptoms: White House physician

Hundreds of workers unable to fly back to Saudi Arabia for work. Now, they have stranded in Bangladesh. Workers earlier returned to their home, Bangladesh, due to the COVID-19 impact.

Hundreds of workers unable to fly back to Saudi Arabia, stranded in Bangladesh

World Health Organizations emergencies director Michael Ryan said today that "about 10 per cent of the global population may have been infected by coronavirus".

WHO: Three countries account for half of COVID-19 cases

If you contract the coronavirus in the United States, you may get a similar behavioural treatment the president -- Donald Trump -- received. But not the same kind of medical treatment.

"I feel better than I did 20 years ago!" Trump tweeted Monday. And why not, for the treatment he received is one-of-a-kind.

Before he was hospitalised Friday, Trump reportedly received Regeneron's experimental antibody therapy -- which may reduce levels of coronavirus and has shown promising results in a trial involving 275 patients.

But the treatment has not yet received emergency use authorisation from the Food and Drug Administration.

For many, getting access to not-yet-approved drugs through a compassionate use request can be a long and challenging process.

In addition to the experimental antibody therapy, Trump was also given remdesivir and dexamethasone.

Again, remdesivir has not received FDA approval for the treatment of Covid-19, but it's gotten an emergency use authorisation from the agency.

Clinical trials have shown that a five-day course of remdesivir can speed recovery times in some patients. But the antiviral can also cause side effects such as anemia, liver toxicity and kidney toxicity.

Remdesivir is administered by IV, so patients are typically hospitalised when getting the five-day course.

Trump has also received dexamethasone, a cheap and widely available corticosteroid that can reduce inflammation. But it also suppresses the immune system, so it's generally not recommended for Covid-19 patients unless the situation is severe.

Some patients who have benefited from dexamethasone still die less than a month later.

While many Americans have struggled to get Covid-19 tests or test results without massive delays, Trump has been the most tested man in America -- a stark contrast to the availability for most Americans.

The White House has cited Trump's frequent testing as a reason why he didn't need to wear a mask in public. But health experts have said that's flawed logic.

If you contract the coronavirus in the United States, you may get a similar behavioural treatment the president -- Donald Trump -- received. But not the same kind of medical treatment.

If you contract the coronavirus in the United States, you may get a similar behavioural treatment the president -- Donald Trump -- received. But not the same kind of medical treatment. "I feel better than I did 20 years ago!" Trump tweeted Monday. And why not, for the treatment he received is one-of-a-kind. Before he was hospitalised Friday, Trump reportedly received Regeneron's experimental antibody therapy -- which may reduce levels of coronavirus and has shown promising results in a trial involving 275 patients. But the treatment has not yet received emergency use authorisation from the Food and Drug Administration. For many, getting access to not-yet-approved drugs through a compassionate use request can be a long and challenging process. In addition to the experimental antibody therapy, Trump was also given remdesivir and dexamethasone. Again, remdesivir has not received FDA approval for the treatment of Covid-19, but it's gotten an emergency use authorisation from the agency. Clinical trials have shown that a five-day course of remdesivir can speed recovery times in some patients. But the antiviral can also cause side effects such as anemia, liver toxicity and kidney toxicity. Remdesivir is administered by IV, so patients are typically hospitalised when getting the five-day course. Trump has also received dexamethasone, a cheap and widely available corticosteroid that can reduce inflammation. But it also suppresses the immune system, so it's generally not recommended for Covid-19 patients unless the situation is severe. Some patients who have benefited from dexamethasone still die less than a month later. While many Americans have struggled to get Covid-19 tests or test results without massive delays, Trump has been the most tested man in America -- a stark contrast to the availability for most Americans. The White House has cited Trump's frequent testing as a reason why he didn't need to wear a mask in public. But health experts have said that's flawed logic.

Trump is the only patient to have received the Covid-19 treatment he did

October 4 is celebrated across the globe as World Animal Day and like every year pet owners celebrated the feast of St. Francis who was also the patron saint of animals wagging tails across the globe got blessed with holy water but this time the blessings came with a twist.

Not even the COVID-19 pandemic was enough to stop pet lovers from celebrating World Animal Day across the world. Pet owners in the Philippines and Mexico flocked to celebrate the feast of Saint Francis.

In Manila, the pets received their blessings via a drive-through ceremony meant to keep everyone safe. A catholic priest blessed various breeds of cats, dogs, and birds with holy water as the pet owners lined up inside their cars, eagerly waiting for good fortunes for their animal companions.

"It's very important for us to have our pet blessed because we really feel like our pet is part of our family, we also want the best for his health too that's why we decided to join the pet blessing for today," Arlene Pedron, pet owner, said.

"The reason for my attendance at the church of Saint Francis is to bring my pet, Goyi, to be blessed in the name of Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals," Silvia Navarro, a worker, said.

In Mexico, people were seen queueing outside a church to seek blessings for their pets geared with masks and maintaining social distancing. The pet lovers believed that it was fundamental even in between a pandemic to seek blessings for their animals.

October 4 is celebrated across the globe as World Animal Day and like every year pet owners celebrated the feast of St. Francis who was also the patron saint of animals wagging tails across the globe got blessed with holy water but this time the blessings came with a twist.

October 4 is celebrated across the globe as World Animal Day and like every year pet owners celebrated the feast of St. Francis who was also the patron saint of animals wagging tails across the globe got blessed with holy water but this time the blessings came with a twist. Not even the COVID-19 pandemic was enough to stop pet lovers from celebrating World Animal Day across the world. Pet owners in the Philippines and Mexico flocked to celebrate the feast of Saint Francis. In Manila, the pets received their blessings via a drive-through ceremony meant to keep everyone safe. A catholic priest blessed various breeds of cats, dogs, and birds with holy water as the pet owners lined up inside their cars, eagerly waiting for good fortunes for their animal companions. "It's very important for us to have our pet blessed because we really feel like our pet is part of our family, we also want the best for his health too that's why we decided to join the pet blessing for today," Arlene Pedron, pet owner, said. "The reason for my attendance at the church of Saint Francis is to bring my pet, Goyi, to be blessed in the name of Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals," Silvia Navarro, a worker, said. In Mexico, people were seen queueing outside a church to seek blessings for their pets geared with masks and maintaining social distancing. The pet lovers believed that it was fundamental even in between a pandemic to seek blessings for their animals.

Pet lovers celebrate World Animal Day amid pandemic

The French government has ordered the shutting down of bars and cafes in Paris for two weeks as the city and its region were placed on maximum alert Monday. This is happening in the view of Europe facing a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

France reported nearly 17,000 new coronavirus cases on Saturday alone, the highest daily number since the country began widespread testing.

Restaurants will remain open provided they respect new safety measures. These will include making sanitising hand gel available at all dining tables, limiting patrons to six a table with at least a metre (3.3 feet) between seats, and allowing patrons to remove their masks only for eating.

Also on Monday, the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said she would self-isolate for a day after learning she had met someone infected with Covid-19 last week. Last month the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, was forced to postpone a European leaders' summit for a week after a security guard in his team tested positive.

Britain remains the worst-hit European country, passing its latest milestone of 500,000 confirmed coronavirus infections on Sunday.

Europe, which has recorded 235,553 deaths, is approaching a caseload of six million out of the more than 35.2 million cases officially diagnosed across the world.

The virus has killed at least 1,037,971 people worldwide according to the latest AFP tally based on official sources.

The National Public Health Emergency Team recommended that the entire country reprise the highest level of Covid-19 restrictions imposed during the original lockdown in March.

Spain has decided partial lockdowns for two more cities, Leon and Palencia, after residents of Madrid and nine nearby towns were barred from leaving city limits for any reason other than work, school or medical and legal appointments.

While Madrid's regional authorities have criticised the two weeks of restrictions as too stringent, healthcare experts have said they do not go far enough.

The French government has ordered the shutting down of bars and cafes in Paris for two weeks as the city and its region were placed on maximum alert Monday. This is happening in the view of Europe facing a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

The French government has ordered the shutting down of bars and cafes in Paris for two weeks as the city and its region were placed on maximum alert Monday. This is happening in the view of Europe facing a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. France reported nearly 17,000 new coronavirus cases on Saturday alone, the highest daily number since the country began widespread testing. Restaurants will remain open provided they respect new safety measures. These will include making sanitising hand gel available at all dining tables, limiting patrons to six a table with at least a metre (3.3 feet) between seats, and allowing patrons to remove their masks only for eating. Also on Monday, the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said she would self-isolate for a day after learning she had met someone infected with Covid-19 last week. Last month the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, was forced to postpone a European leaders' summit for a week after a security guard in his team tested positive. Britain remains the worst-hit European country, passing its latest milestone of 500,000 confirmed coronavirus infections on Sunday. Europe, which has recorded 235,553 deaths, is approaching a caseload of six million out of the more than 35.2 million cases officially diagnosed across the world. The virus has killed at least 1,037,971 people worldwide according to the latest AFP tally based on official sources. The National Public Health Emergency Team recommended that the entire country reprise the highest level of Covid-19 restrictions imposed during the original lockdown in March. Spain has decided partial lockdowns for two more cities, Leon and Palencia, after residents of Madrid and nine nearby towns were barred from leaving city limits for any reason other than work, school or medical and legal appointments. While Madrid's regional authorities have criticised the two weeks of restrictions as too stringent, healthcare experts have said they do not go far enough.

Paris cafes, bars to shut as Europe confronts second coronavirus wave

BOONE, N.C. — Since Sept. 28, when a sophomore at his school died from suspected COVID-19 complications, Chase Sturgis says he has been thinking about his own bout with the coronavirus — and his own mortality.

Sturgis, 21, had been avoiding socializing over the summer, but as students at his school, Appalachian State University, began returning to campus in August, he yielded to temptation. “We went out to a bar,” he said. Within days he felt ill and then tested positive for coronavirus: “To this day I have no sense of taste or smell.”

But even more unnerving is the “really, honestly scary” realization that he and the student who died, 19-year-old Chad Dorrill, were sick at about the same time, with similar symptoms and no known preexisting conditions.

“He died a week or two after he got the virus,” Sturgis said. “It has been about two weeks for me.”

Young people have generally been at lower risk of developing severe cases of COVID-19, and there have been only a few student deaths linked to the virus. But while that statistical advantage may have led to apathy about the pandemic at some institutions, Dorrill’s death has shaken the rural Appalachian State campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains, sparking questions about whether the college is doing enough to keep its students and faculty safe.

“It’s not a hoax, that this virus really does exist,” said a classmate of Sturgis, Emma Crider. “Before this, the overall mentality was ‘out of sight, out of mind.’”

As if to underscore that point, cases at Appalachian State, part of North Carolina’s state university system, spiked sharply last week. On Thursday, the school canceled an upcoming football game and announced outbreaks in four residence halls, two fraternity houses, the volleyball team and the football program. The school’s dashboard shows more than 700 confirmed COVID-19 cases at the 20,000-student campus since early June.

Aside from athletes, who must be tested under NCAA rules, Appalachian State has not conducted the kind of costly, widespread mandatory testing and tracing of people with and without symptoms that has helped control the virus at some campuses. Rather, the school has offered voluntary testing at its student health center and at “pop-up” test sites where students can walk up and be tested twice weekly.

That approach, the school’s website says, is based on CDC guidance, which has advised against testing all students upon arrival to campus. Health experts have criticized the CDC’s guidance as weak and confusing, but many large public colleges have based their coronavirus health regimens on it.

Surrounding Watauga County also experienced its worst seven-day period in the pandemic this past week, according to data collected by The New York Times. Coronavirus cases in the county have more than doubled since Sept. 1, to more than 1,300, and an update last week found the largest percentage of cases in the 18-24-year-old age group.

Despite efforts by most colleges and universities to contain the virus by banning large gatherings, mandating face masks and expanding remote instruction, many have nevertheless become some of the nation’s most virulent hot spots.

A CDC report released last week said cases among people ages 18-22 rose 55% in the month from early August to early September, as students were returning to campuses. A New York Times survey has documented more than 130,000 cases on campuses since the pandemic began.

Tensions around reopening have already run high in the 16-campus University of North Carolina system, where the push to maintain sports and dorm occupancy has met with intense opposition from worried faculty members. Days after the semester began, the flagship campus in Chapel Hill pivoted to all remote instruction amid spiking infections.

At Appalachian State, which continued to allow students to live in dorms and take classes in person, the faculty senate voted in August to hold the system responsible for any illness or death as a result of reopening.

Dorrill, a seemingly fit basketball player, was among some 5,000 students on campus and thousands more off-campus attending a blend of in-person and remote classes. He went home to Wallburg, North Carolina, feeling under the weather, in early September. He tested positive for the virus there. His family said he remained isolated at home for two weeks and then returned to Boone, but fell ill again less than a day later, calling to say he couldn’t remember how he had gotten back to college.

His neurological condition swiftly deteriorated. Three weeks after his positive test, Dorrill died at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. An autopsy is pending.

Relatives said that though he had recovered from the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19, the virus had also attacked his brain, possibly triggering a previously undetected case of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare disorder in which the body’s nerves are attacked by its immune system.

“Any loss of life is a tragedy, but the grief cuts especially deep as we mourn a young man who had so much life ahead,” the university system’s president, Peter Hans, said in a statement after Dorrill’s death.

The events of the past week have caused mounting alarm among both staff and students, and some tensions over whether the school needs to take stronger measures to contain the virus.

“There has been polarization between those who say, ‘Just wear a mask, we’ll be OK,’ and the faculty who just don’t want to be in the room,” said Rick Rheingans, chairman of Appalachian State’s department of sustainable development, who has been tracking the school’s health measures. “My argument has been that we need rigorous testing and active tracing, quarantining and isolation. We can’t reopen if we’re not safe.”

One graduate teaching assistant, Chloe Dorin, called on the university to cancel athletics, shut down the dorms, disband Greek life and return to online instruction, in a letter to university leaders that was posted on Facebook on Saturday. “Our lives,” she wrote, “are in your hands.”

In a letter to students, Chancellor Sheri Everts said the school had added an extra pop-up testing event, expanded contact tracing resources and suspended football practice.

“Should we need to, we are ready to pivot to all-remote learning,” Everts wrote, urging students to wear masks and “hold one another accountable.”

As students absorbed the latest blows from the pandemic, the campus was quiet Friday, bereft of the usual student crowds shuffling in and out of academic buildings. Signs posted in flower beds and around buildings warned students to wear masks. Most seemed to be complying.

Emma Metzger, a senior and communications major, said the death was “a big wake-up call for a lot of people,” though many students “still only wear masks because they don’t want people to think badly of them in public.”

Metzger said she had her own COVID scare about two weeks ago when her roommate’s boyfriend learned he had been with infected students. With her parents planning to visit that weekend, she said, she tried to get a rapid test on campus, only to be told she would have to wait four days. The closest CVS pharmacy offering rapid results was in Tennessee, so she called her family physician, who sent her to a health facility 90 minutes away.

She tested negative, she said, but the experience left her impatient with those who shrug off precautions. A friend texted her Thursday, saying that he had tested positive, she said, “and then literally, two hours later, a girl in our sorority posted a picture, and he was in the picture!”

Metzger laughed, shaking her head at the scene: “No one is wearing masks. And they’re all over each other.”

On their patio at an apartment complex in Boone, Kathryn Behmer, 19, Makenzie Thompson, 20, and Anna Goebelbecker, 20, said they weren’t sure they would even come back to Appalachian State next semester.

Just last weekend, hundreds of students had swarmed the streets on football game day. Now each new development, they said — Dorrill’s death, the canceled game with Louisiana-Lafayette, the spikes in new cases — amplified the seriousness of the situation. Friday was Goebelbecker’s 20th birthday, but having a party felt “disrespectful.”

“I think when someone our age actually passes away, it’s harder,” Behmer said. “We thought it wouldn’t affect us. We’re young, we’re healthy.”

Austin Nykamp, 21, a junior majoring in computer information systems, said he was even wondering whether the local 25-person cap on gatherings was sufficient.

“Paying full tuition for this is kind of a rip-off, if you ask me,” he said.

That unease resonated with students in a Zoom class on health development and the coronavirus, where Sturgis shared his health scare with about 15 classmates last week. Some students blamed their peers for not following health rules; some questioned whether the university, having invited them back for the semester, was doing enough to protect them.

“All of us must remain vigilant with our safety behaviors,” Everts reminded in her email on the death of Dorrill, noting that “I wear my mask for Chad” had become a catchphrase on campus.

But that wasn’t what stuck with Hannah Mitchell.

“I didn’t have much reaction to Chad’s death until I read the email,” she said. “Now, all I can think is, ‘What if this had been me?’”

BOONE, N.C. — Since Sept. 28, when a sophomore at his school died from suspected COVID-19 complications, Chase Sturgis says he has been thinking about his own bout with the coronavirus — and his own mortality.

BOONE, N.C. — Since Sept. 28, when a sophomore at his school died from suspected COVID-19 complications, Chase Sturgis says he has been thinking about his own bout with the coronavirus — and his own mortality. Sturgis, 21, had been avoiding socializing over the summer, but as students at his school, Appalachian State University, began returning to campus in August, he yielded to temptation. “We went out to a bar,” he said. Within days he felt ill and then tested positive for coronavirus: “To this day I have no sense of taste or smell.” But even more unnerving is the “really, honestly scary” realization that he and the student who died, 19-year-old Chad Dorrill, were sick at about the same time, with similar symptoms and no known preexisting conditions. “He died a week or two after he got the virus,” Sturgis said. “It has been about two weeks for me.” Young people have generally been at lower risk of developing severe cases of COVID-19, and there have been only a few student deaths linked to the virus. But while that statistical advantage may have led to apathy about the pandemic at some institutions, Dorrill’s death has shaken the rural Appalachian State campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains, sparking questions about whether the college is doing enough to keep its students and faculty safe. “It’s not a hoax, that this virus really does exist,” said a classmate of Sturgis, Emma Crider. “Before this, the overall mentality was ‘out of sight, out of mind.’” As if to underscore that point, cases at Appalachian State, part of North Carolina’s state university system, spiked sharply last week. On Thursday, the school canceled an upcoming football game and announced outbreaks in four residence halls, two fraternity houses, the volleyball team and the football program. The school’s dashboard shows more than 700 confirmed COVID-19 cases at the 20,000-student campus since early June. Aside from athletes, who must be tested under NCAA rules, Appalachian State has not conducted the kind of costly, widespread mandatory testing and tracing of people with and without symptoms that has helped control the virus at some campuses. Rather, the school has offered voluntary testing at its student health center and at “pop-up” test sites where students can walk up and be tested twice weekly. That approach, the school’s website says, is based on CDC guidance, which has advised against testing all students upon arrival to campus. Health experts have criticized the CDC’s guidance as weak and confusing, but many large public colleges have based their coronavirus health regimens on it. Surrounding Watauga County also experienced its worst seven-day period in the pandemic this past week, according to data collected by The New York Times. Coronavirus cases in the county have more than doubled since Sept. 1, to more than 1,300, and an update last week found the largest percentage of cases in the 18-24-year-old age group. Despite efforts by most colleges and universities to contain the virus by banning large gatherings, mandating face masks and expanding remote instruction, many have nevertheless become some of the nation’s most virulent hot spots. A CDC report released last week said cases among people ages 18-22 rose 55% in the month from early August to early September, as students were returning to campuses. A New York Times survey has documented more than 130,000 cases on campuses since the pandemic began. Tensions around reopening have already run high in the 16-campus University of North Carolina system, where the push to maintain sports and dorm occupancy has met with intense opposition from worried faculty members. Days after the semester began, the flagship campus in Chapel Hill pivoted to all remote instruction amid spiking infections. At Appalachian State, which continued to allow students to live in dorms and take classes in person, the faculty senate voted in August to hold the system responsible for any illness or death as a result of reopening. Dorrill, a seemingly fit basketball player, was among some 5,000 students on campus and thousands more off-campus attending a blend of in-person and remote classes. He went home to Wallburg, North Carolina, feeling under the weather, in early September. He tested positive for the virus there. His family said he remained isolated at home for two weeks and then returned to Boone, but fell ill again less than a day later, calling to say he couldn’t remember how he had gotten back to college. His neurological condition swiftly deteriorated. Three weeks after his positive test, Dorrill died at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. An autopsy is pending. Relatives said that though he had recovered from the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19, the virus had also attacked his brain, possibly triggering a previously undetected case of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare disorder in which the body’s nerves are attacked by its immune system. “Any loss of life is a tragedy, but the grief cuts especially deep as we mourn a young man who had so much life ahead,” the university system’s president, Peter Hans, said in a statement after Dorrill’s death. The events of the past week have caused mounting alarm among both staff and students, and some tensions over whether the school needs to take stronger measures to contain the virus. “There has been polarization between those who say, ‘Just wear a mask, we’ll be OK,’ and the faculty who just don’t want to be in the room,” said Rick Rheingans, chairman of Appalachian State’s department of sustainable development, who has been tracking the school’s health measures. “My argument has been that we need rigorous testing and active tracing, quarantining and isolation. We can’t reopen if we’re not safe.” One graduate teaching assistant, Chloe Dorin, called on the university to cancel athletics, shut down the dorms, disband Greek life and return to online instruction, in a letter to university leaders that was posted on Facebook on Saturday. “Our lives,” she wrote, “are in your hands.” In a letter to students, Chancellor Sheri Everts said the school had added an extra pop-up testing event, expanded contact tracing resources and suspended football practice. “Should we need to, we are ready to pivot to all-remote learning,” Everts wrote, urging students to wear masks and “hold one another accountable.” As students absorbed the latest blows from the pandemic, the campus was quiet Friday, bereft of the usual student crowds shuffling in and out of academic buildings. Signs posted in flower beds and around buildings warned students to wear masks. Most seemed to be complying. Emma Metzger, a senior and communications major, said the death was “a big wake-up call for a lot of people,” though many students “still only wear masks because they don’t want people to think badly of them in public.” Metzger said she had her own COVID scare about two weeks ago when her roommate’s boyfriend learned he had been with infected students. With her parents planning to visit that weekend, she said, she tried to get a rapid test on campus, only to be told she would have to wait four days. The closest CVS pharmacy offering rapid results was in Tennessee, so she called her family physician, who sent her to a health facility 90 minutes away. She tested negative, she said, but the experience left her impatient with those who shrug off precautions. A friend texted her Thursday, saying that he had tested positive, she said, “and then literally, two hours later, a girl in our sorority posted a picture, and he was in the picture!” Metzger laughed, shaking her head at the scene: “No one is wearing masks. And they’re all over each other.” On their patio at an apartment complex in Boone, Kathryn Behmer, 19, Makenzie Thompson, 20, and Anna Goebelbecker, 20, said they weren’t sure they would even come back to Appalachian State next semester. Just last weekend, hundreds of students had swarmed the streets on football game day. Now each new development, they said — Dorrill’s death, the canceled game with Louisiana-Lafayette, the spikes in new cases — amplified the seriousness of the situation. Friday was Goebelbecker’s 20th birthday, but having a party felt “disrespectful.” “I think when someone our age actually passes away, it’s harder,” Behmer said. “We thought it wouldn’t affect us. We’re young, we’re healthy.” Austin Nykamp, 21, a junior majoring in computer information systems, said he was even wondering whether the local 25-person cap on gatherings was sufficient. “Paying full tuition for this is kind of a rip-off, if you ask me,” he said. That unease resonated with students in a Zoom class on health development and the coronavirus, where Sturgis shared his health scare with about 15 classmates last week. Some students blamed their peers for not following health rules; some questioned whether the university, having invited them back for the semester, was doing enough to protect them. “All of us must remain vigilant with our safety behaviors,” Everts reminded in her email on the death of Dorrill, noting that “I wear my mask for Chad” had become a catchphrase on campus. But that wasn’t what stuck with Hannah Mitchell. “I didn’t have much reaction to Chad’s death until I read the email,” she said. “Now, all I can think is, ‘What if this had been me?’”

A student dies, and a campus gets serious about coronavirus

Britain's government has launched an investigation into why a technical issue with its test and trace programme had not been identified sooner, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

Britain reported a jump in COVID-19 cases after a technical issue meant that more than 15,000 test results had not been transferred into computer systems on time, including for contact tracers, a response that is seen as key to control the virus.

"There was a technical issue in the process that transfers positive test results into the reporting dashboards ... that was resolved and all of the cases have been fed into the contact-tracing system," the spokesman said, adding that additional contact tracers were being used.

"An investigation is under way to determine why the issue was not identified sooner."

Britain's government has launched an investigation into why a technical issue with its test and trace programme had not been identified sooner, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

Britain's government has launched an investigation into why a technical issue with its test and trace programme had not been identified sooner, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. Britain reported a jump in COVID-19 cases after a technical issue meant that more than 15,000 test results had not been transferred into computer systems on time, including for contact tracers, a response that is seen as key to control the virus. "There was a technical issue in the process that transfers positive test results into the reporting dashboards ... that was resolved and all of the cases have been fed into the contact-tracing system," the spokesman said, adding that additional contact tracers were being used. "An investigation is under way to determine why the issue was not identified sooner."

Britain opens investigation into coronavirus test and trace glitch

The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said Monday she would self-isolate for a day after learning she had met someone infected with Covid-19.

Von der Leyen said she was at a meeting on Tuesday last week attended by a person who tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday.

"In accordance with regulations in force, I'm therefore self-isolating until tomorrow morning. I've tested negative on Thursday and am tested again today," she tweeted.

The head of the EU executive did not mention this in her announcement, but on Tuesday last week she was visiting Lisbon for talks with senior Portuguese officials.

When she is in Brussels, von der Leyen generally stays in a small flat on the 13th floor of the European Commission's Berlaymont headquarters, near her office. She is not the first senior EU official to be quarantined in recent weeks.&nbsp;

Last month the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, was forced to postpone a European leaders' summit for a week after a security guard in his team tested positive.

The summit went ahead on Thursday and Friday last week, and was attended by Von der Leyen.

The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said Monday she would self-isolate for a day after learning she had met someone infected with Covid-19.

The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said Monday she would self-isolate for a day after learning she had met someone infected with Covid-19. Von der Leyen said she was at a meeting on Tuesday last week attended by a person who tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday. "In accordance with regulations in force, I'm therefore self-isolating until tomorrow morning. I've tested negative on Thursday and am tested again today," she tweeted. The head of the EU executive did not mention this in her announcement, but on Tuesday last week she was visiting Lisbon for talks with senior Portuguese officials. When she is in Brussels, von der Leyen generally stays in a small flat on the 13th floor of the European Commission's Berlaymont headquarters, near her office. She is not the first senior EU official to be quarantined in recent weeks. Last month the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, was forced to postpone a European leaders' summit for a week after a security guard in his team tested positive. The summit went ahead on Thursday and Friday last week, and was attended by Von der Leyen.

EU chief von der Leyen 'self-isolating' after exposure to COVID-19

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