Iraq has recorded several thousand new coronavirus infections every day, and the total now exceeds 300,000. More than 8,000 people have died, a number that some doctors fear will rise sharply, putting frontline healthcare workers under huge pressure and in some cases in physical danger.

Your Story: Violence mounts against Iraqi doctors as COVID-19 cases rise

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was diagnosed with dengue on Thursday, a day after testing positive for COVID-19.

However, his health condition is stable, a top official from the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, in which Sisodia is admitted, informed.

Sisodia was diagnosed with Dengue while receiving treatment at the government-run LNJP hospital where he was admitted on Wednesday after he complained of persistent fever and falling levels of Oxygen, the official added.

On September 14, Sisodia had tweeted to announce his positive status and warn those who came in contact with him.

(With inputs from ANI)

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was diagnosed with dengue on Thursday, a day after testing positive for COVID-19. However, his health condition is stable, a top official from the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, in which Sisodia is admitted, informed.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was diagnosed with dengue on Thursday, a day after testing positive for COVID-19. However, his health condition is stable, a top official from the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, in which Sisodia is admitted, informed. Sisodia was diagnosed with Dengue while receiving treatment at the government-run LNJP hospital where he was admitted on Wednesday after he complained of persistent fever and falling levels of Oxygen, the official added. On September 14, Sisodia had tweeted to announce his positive status and warn those who came in contact with him. (With inputs from ANI)

Admitted to hospital for COVID-19, Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia also diagnosed with dengue

Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi, who died due to COVID-19 at the AIIMS on Wednesday, was a four-time Member of Parliament from Belagavi consecutively since 2004.

The 65-year-old, survived by his wife and two daughters, was associated with the RSS from a young age.

Born on June 1, 1955 in a Lingayat family to Somawwa and Channabasappa Angadi in village Koppa in Belagavi, Angadi did his graduation from SSS Samiti College of Commerce in the same district.

He did his law graduation from Raja Lakhamgouda Law College in Belagavi.

A businessman by profession, Angadi got a major break in his political career when he was appointed as the vice- president of Belagavi unit of the BJP and remained in that position till he was nominated as a party candidate for the Belagavi Lok Sabha constituency in 2004.

He remained unbeatable since then and got elected in 2009, 2014, and 2019 as well.

He was also an educationist and headed the Belagavi-based Suresh Angadi Education Foundation, which runs various colleges.

He had big plans for Bengaluru and Karnataka.

The minister was instrumental in making the suburban railway project in Bengaluru a reality, which was a long pending demand of the people of the city.

Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi, who died due to COVID-19 at the AIIMS on Wednesday, was a four-time Member of Parliament from Belagavi consecutively since 2004.

Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi, who died due to COVID-19 at the AIIMS on Wednesday, was a four-time Member of Parliament from Belagavi consecutively since 2004. The 65-year-old, survived by his wife and two daughters, was associated with the RSS from a young age. Born on June 1, 1955 in a Lingayat family to Somawwa and Channabasappa Angadi in village Koppa in Belagavi, Angadi did his graduation from SSS Samiti College of Commerce in the same district. He did his law graduation from Raja Lakhamgouda Law College in Belagavi. A businessman by profession, Angadi got a major break in his political career when he was appointed as the vice- president of Belagavi unit of the BJP and remained in that position till he was nominated as a party candidate for the Belagavi Lok Sabha constituency in 2004. He remained unbeatable since then and got elected in 2009, 2014, and 2019 as well. He was also an educationist and headed the Belagavi-based Suresh Angadi Education Foundation, which runs various colleges. He had big plans for Bengaluru and Karnataka. The minister was instrumental in making the suburban railway project in Bengaluru a reality, which was a long pending demand of the people of the city.

Suresh Angadi an unbeatable MP from Belagavi for four terms

With over 5 lakh infected persons having recovered from Covid-19, Tamil Nadu has posted a high recovery rate of around 90%, among the badly hit states. As per the government medical bulletin, there are a little over 46,000 active cases in the state, which has recorded nearly 5.58 lakh Covid-19 cases in total.&nbsp;

In a video interaction with the Chief Ministers of states that are badly hit by the pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen appreciating Tamil Nadu’s efforts in mass testing, tracing and isolation. Commending the people and the state government, he said Tamil Nadu presented itself as an example to other states for having controlled the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

In his interaction with the Prime Minister, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that he had personally toured 26 districts to review the performance in the fight against the pandemic. Emphasizing that the state was only employing the highly reliable RT-PCR tests, he said over 66 lakh samples have been tested across the state’s 66 Government and 110 private labs, with an average testing capacity of 85,000 RT-PCR tests per day.&nbsp;

Adding that the daily testing alone cost Rs.6.8crore, the Chief Minister requested Government of India to fund at least 50% of the cost of the PCR tests from the PM – CARES fund, owing to the financial difficulties faced by the state government.

“The State has maintained a low death rate, which is now at 1.62%, one of the lowest in the country. As on date, in no district, the positivity rate is above 10%, deaths due to COVID have also been reduced from an average of 100 deaths per day to around 70 deaths per day. The positive cases per day in Chennai have now been reduced below 1000 from around 2,300 in the month of June 2020” the Chief Minister appraised the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

Adding that the State Government had placed orders for 5.25 crore triple layer face masks, 48.05 lakh N-95 masks, 44.61 lakh PPE kits and 63.25 lakh RT-PCR testing kits, the Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to increase the package of Rs. 712.64 crore allotted to Tamil Nadu to Rs. 3000crore. Mentioning that the state exchequer had fully exhausted the State Disaster Response and Mitigation Fund, he requested an ad-hoc grant of Rs.1, 000 crore rupees from NDRF immediately to fight the pandemic.

From September 1st, in line with Unlock 4.0 aimed at reviving economic activity Tamil Nadu has resumed to near-normalcy. Only academic institutions, Cinema halls, swimming pools, amusement parks, big auditoriums, beaches, zoos, museums, tourist places and similar public places remain shut, until further notice. While all modes of transport are allowed to ply (even if in limited numbers), suburban trains alone are yet to resume services. Religious, political, social, cultural, educational events and celebrations also remain restricted.&nbsp;

While Tamil Nadu has done away with the E-passes for inter-district travel, the state still follows the E-Pass system for inter-state travel. The government maintains that the E-pass system is being retained to keep track of the flow of persons into and out of the state. However, the passes for inter-state travel are offered on an instant approval basis, once applied on the state's web portal.

With over 5 lakh infected persons having recovered from Covid-19, Tamil Nadu has posted a high recovery rate of around 90%, among the badly hit states. As per the government medical bulletin, there are a little over 46,000 active cases in the state, which has recorded nearly 5.

With over 5 lakh infected persons having recovered from Covid-19, Tamil Nadu has posted a high recovery rate of around 90%, among the badly hit states. As per the government medical bulletin, there are a little over 46,000 active cases in the state, which has recorded nearly 5.58 lakh Covid-19 cases in total. In a video interaction with the Chief Ministers of states that are badly hit by the pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen appreciating Tamil Nadu’s efforts in mass testing, tracing and isolation. Commending the people and the state government, he said Tamil Nadu presented itself as an example to other states for having controlled the spread of the virus. In his interaction with the Prime Minister, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that he had personally toured 26 districts to review the performance in the fight against the pandemic. Emphasizing that the state was only employing the highly reliable RT-PCR tests, he said over 66 lakh samples have been tested across the state’s 66 Government and 110 private labs, with an average testing capacity of 85,000 RT-PCR tests per day. Adding that the daily testing alone cost Rs.6.8crore, the Chief Minister requested Government of India to fund at least 50% of the cost of the PCR tests from the PM – CARES fund, owing to the financial difficulties faced by the state government. “The State has maintained a low death rate, which is now at 1.62%, one of the lowest in the country. As on date, in no district, the positivity rate is above 10%, deaths due to COVID have also been reduced from an average of 100 deaths per day to around 70 deaths per day. The positive cases per day in Chennai have now been reduced below 1000 from around 2,300 in the month of June 2020” the Chief Minister appraised the Prime Minister. Adding that the State Government had placed orders for 5.25 crore triple layer face masks, 48.05 lakh N-95 masks, 44.61 lakh PPE kits and 63.25 lakh RT-PCR testing kits, the Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to increase the package of Rs. 712.64 crore allotted to Tamil Nadu to Rs. 3000crore. Mentioning that the state exchequer had fully exhausted the State Disaster Response and Mitigation Fund, he requested an ad-hoc grant of Rs.1, 000 crore rupees from NDRF immediately to fight the pandemic. From September 1st, in line with Unlock 4.0 aimed at reviving economic activity Tamil Nadu has resumed to near-normalcy. Only academic institutions, Cinema halls, swimming pools, amusement parks, big auditoriums, beaches, zoos, museums, tourist places and similar public places remain shut, until further notice. While all modes of transport are allowed to ply (even if in limited numbers), suburban trains alone are yet to resume services. Religious, political, social, cultural, educational events and celebrations also remain restricted. While Tamil Nadu has done away with the E-passes for inter-district travel, the state still follows the E-Pass system for inter-state travel. The government maintains that the E-pass system is being retained to keep track of the flow of persons into and out of the state. However, the passes for inter-state travel are offered on an instant approval basis, once applied on the state's web portal.

Tamil Nadu surpasses 5 lakh Covid-19 recoveries, wins praise from PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday chaired a high-level virtual meeting with Chief Ministers and Health Ministers of seven COVID-19 high burden States/UTs to review COVID response and management.

Indian PM Narendra Modi reviews COVID-19 situation in 7 worst affected states

Adeline Fagan a Houston doctor died early Saturday after a couple of months-long battle with COVID-19. Watch report.

US doctor dies after months-long battle: Contracted COVID-19 while on shift

Union Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi succumbed&nbsp;to COVID-19 at AIIMS in New Delhi on Wednesday evening, September 23.

Angadi is the second parliamentarian from Karnataka to succumb to coronavirus after Ashok Gasti from the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) died due to COVID-19 on September 17.&nbsp;

Suresh Angadi was&nbsp;the leader of Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka, and was also a&nbsp;a member of the 16th Lok Sabha (Lower House)&nbsp;and 17th Lok Sabha from Belagavi.

Born on June 1, 1955, Angadi passed away at the age of 65 years. Earlier this month, he was admitted to AIIMS in Delhi after developing symptoms of COVID-19. His results had come in positive on September 11.

Following the detection of the virus, he had requested everywhere who had come in contact with him to get tested as well.&nbsp;

Indian Union Ministers who have contracted COVID-19 so far, Home Minister - Amit Shah, Minister of State for Agriculture - Kailash Choudhary, Ayush Minister - Shripad Nayak, Jal Shakti Minister - Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs - Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Petroleum Minister - Dharmendra Pradhan.

Tributes pour in

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a message after Angadi's demise. He wrote "Shri Suresh Angadi was an exceptional Karyakarta, who worked hard to make the Party strong in Karnataka. He was a dedicated MP and effective Minister, admired across the spectrum. His demise is saddening. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this sad hour. Om Shanti."

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Shri Suresh Angadi was an exceptional Karyakarta, who worked hard to make the Party strong in Karnataka. He was a dedicated MP and effective Minister, admired across the spectrum. His demise is saddening. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this sad hour. Om Shanti. <a href="https://t.co/2QDHQe0Pmj">pic.twitter.com/2QDHQe0Pmj</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1308796654364037120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sambit Patra also extended condolences for Angadi.

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Prayers for the departed soul Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/SureshAngadi_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SureshAngadi_</a> Ji 
Om Shanti 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/ezddPVxIGX">pic.twitter.com/ezddPVxIGX</a>
— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/sambitswaraj/status/1308793631474683904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Minister of State for Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy also shared his thoughts on Angadi's demise.

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Shocked &amp; Saddened by news of my MoS colleague, Shri Suresh Angadi ji’s passing away. 
 
It is an unfathomable loss to the Government, people of Karnataka &amp; the Party. 
 
His selfless service during COVID19 is still vivid before our eyes. 
 
My condolences to his family. 
Om Shanti 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/ZNzxY49L36">pic.twitter.com/ZNzxY49L36</a>
— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/kishanreddybjp/status/1308796266264977409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Union Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi succumbed to COVID-19 at AIIMS in New Delhi on Wednesday evening, September 23. Angadi is the second parliamentarian from Karnataka to succumb to coronavirus after Ashok Gasti from the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) died due to COVID-19 on September 17.

Union Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi succumbed to COVID-19 at AIIMS in New Delhi on Wednesday evening, September 23. Angadi is the second parliamentarian from Karnataka to succumb to coronavirus after Ashok Gasti from the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) died due to COVID-19 on September 17. Suresh Angadi was the leader of Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka, and was also a a member of the 16th Lok Sabha (Lower House) and 17th Lok Sabha from Belagavi. Born on June 1, 1955, Angadi passed away at the age of 65 years. Earlier this month, he was admitted to AIIMS in Delhi after developing symptoms of COVID-19. His results had come in positive on September 11. Following the detection of the virus, he had requested everywhere who had come in contact with him to get tested as well. Indian Union Ministers who have contracted COVID-19 so far, Home Minister - Amit Shah, Minister of State for Agriculture - Kailash Choudhary, Ayush Minister - Shripad Nayak, Jal Shakti Minister - Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs - Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Petroleum Minister - Dharmendra Pradhan. Tributes pour in Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a message after Angadi's demise. He wrote "Shri Suresh Angadi was an exceptional Karyakarta, who worked hard to make the Party strong in Karnataka. He was a dedicated MP and effective Minister, admired across the spectrum. His demise is saddening. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this sad hour. Om Shanti." Shri Suresh Angadi was an exceptional Karyakarta, who worked hard to make the Party strong in Karnataka. He was a dedicated MP and effective Minister, admired across the spectrum. His demise is saddening. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this sad hour. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/2QDHQe0Pmj — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2020 × Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sambit Patra also extended condolences for Angadi. Prayers for the departed soul Shri @SureshAngadi_ Ji Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ezddPVxIGX — Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) September 23, 2020 × Minister of State for Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy also shared his thoughts on Angadi's demise. Shocked & Saddened by news of my MoS colleague, Shri Suresh Angadi ji’s passing away. It is an unfathomable loss to the Government, people of Karnataka & the Party. His selfless service during COVID19 is still vivid before our eyes. My condolences to his family. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ZNzxY49L36 — G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) September 23, 2020 ×

Union Minister of State for Railways Suresh Angadi succumbs to COVID-19 at AIIMS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday chaired a high-level virtual meeting with Chief Ministers and Health Ministers of seven COVID-19 high burden States/UTs to review COVID response and management.

These states are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Punjab, officials said, noting that more than 63% of the active cases in the country are concentrated in these seven states.

During the meet PM asked states to reassess if lockdowns of one or two days are effective in containing COVID-19 and told them to press on with full strength in opening economic activities while fighting the virus. 
 
"There are more than 700 districts in the country but only 60 districts in 7 states are a cause of worry. I suggest CMs to hold virtual conference with people at district/block level for 7 days. We've to learn from the best practices from across the states," said PM in meeting with CMs.

Meanwhile, India tally crossed the 56-lakh mark with a spike of 83,347 new cases and 1,085 deaths in the last 24 hours.

The total case tally in the country now stands at 5,646,011 including 9,68,377 active cases, 45,87,614 cured/discharged/migrated &nbsp;and 90,020 deaths, Health Ministry's latest update informed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday chaired a high-level virtual meeting with Chief Ministers and Health Ministers of seven COVID-19 high burden States/UTs to review COVID response and management. These states are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Punjab, officials said, noting that more than 63% of the active cases in the country are concentrated in these seven states. During the meet PM asked states to reassess if lockdowns of one or two days are effective in containing COVID-19 and told them to press on with full strength in opening economic activities while fighting the virus. "There are more than 700 districts in the country but only 60 districts in 7 states are a cause of worry. I suggest CMs to hold virtual conference with people at district/block level for 7 days. We've to learn from the best practices from across the states," said PM in meeting with CMs. Meanwhile, India tally crossed the 56-lakh mark with a spike of 83,347 new cases and 1,085 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total case tally in the country now stands at 5,646,011 including 9,68,377 active cases, 45,87,614 cured/discharged/migrated and 90,020 deaths, Health Ministry's latest update informed. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi asks states to focus on micro-containment zones

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dr Li-Meng Yan, who recently broke the internet by claiming that COVID-19 was manufactured in a lab, said that on the course of her research, she was told not to talk about her discoveries.

When asked whether the Chinese government knew what was going on, and whether President Xi was involved in the cover-up, and hiding the number of cases in Wuhan, the doctor said “Yes, and also people who knew the situation, were told to be silent”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-chinese-virologist-beijing-tried-to-cover-up-wuhan-virus-and-who-is-very-much-part-of-it-chinese-virologist-dr-li-meng-yan-329467" hreflang="en">WION exclusive | Beijing tried to cover-up Wuhan virus and WHO is very much part of it: Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan</a>

“Because, even from December 31, I tried to reach to the doctors in Wuhan, and they are [sic] scared”. They were told, “Don’t talk about it, and simply wear a mask”.

In mid-January, my supervisor told me “Be careful while you do the investigation. Don’t cross the red line. If not, I will be in trouble, and I will be disappeared [sic]”, the virologist added.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WuhanWhistleblowerOnWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WuhanWhistleblowerOnWION</a> | Chinese virologist Li-Meng Yan speaks to WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> <a href="https://t.co/99KKjbJnBv">https://t.co/99KKjbJnBv</a>
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Dr Li-Meng Yan told WION that she was muzzled by her supervisor for speaking out, and that China turned social media against her. Recently, her Twitter account was suspended.

On being asked whether she thought Chinese government could influence studies and research on COVID-19, the doctor said “Of course”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-virologist-wion-exclusive-chinese-communist-partys-money-and-power-influence-whole-world-says-virologist-dr-li-meng-yan-329489" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive | 'Chinese Communist Party's money and power influence whole world', says virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan</a>

“I had been there for many years… I knew many many people across a vast network - hospitals, institutes”, she said. “I worked in Hong Kong for many years”, she added.

“All my experience and knowledge can tell you - Chinese Communist Party’s money and power influence the whole world, far more beyond your imagination”, she added.

“This virus come from a lab on purpose”, Yan added.

Earlier on September 14, Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan had claimed that COVID-19 was made in a Wuhan laboratory. Yan, who was associated with the Hong Kong School of Public Health, had been researching on the coronavirus for a long time. The Chinese virologist claimed that during her research she came across that coronavirus was developed in a laboratory in China.

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dr Li-Meng Yan, who recently broke the internet by claiming that COVID-19 was manufactured in a lab, said that on the course of her research, she was told not to talk about her discoveries.

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dr Li-Meng Yan, who recently broke the internet by claiming that COVID-19 was manufactured in a lab, said that on the course of her research, she was told not to talk about her discoveries. When asked whether the Chinese government knew what was going on, and whether President Xi was involved in the cover-up, and hiding the number of cases in Wuhan, the doctor said “Yes, and also people who knew the situation, were told to be silent”. Also read: WION exclusive | Beijing tried to cover-up Wuhan virus and WHO is very much part of it: Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan “Because, even from December 31, I tried to reach to the doctors in Wuhan, and they are [sic] scared”. They were told, “Don’t talk about it, and simply wear a mask”. In mid-January, my supervisor told me “Be careful while you do the investigation. Don’t cross the red line. If not, I will be in trouble, and I will be disappeared [sic]”, the virologist added. #WuhanWhistleblowerOnWION | Chinese virologist Li-Meng Yan speaks to WION's @palkisu https://t.co/99KKjbJnBv — WION (@WIONews) September 22, 2020 × Dr Li-Meng Yan told WION that she was muzzled by her supervisor for speaking out, and that China turned social media against her. Recently, her Twitter account was suspended. On being asked whether she thought Chinese government could influence studies and research on COVID-19, the doctor said “Of course”. Also read: WION Exclusive | 'Chinese Communist Party's money and power influence whole world', says virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan “I had been there for many years… I knew many many people across a vast network - hospitals, institutes”, she said. “I worked in Hong Kong for many years”, she added. “All my experience and knowledge can tell you - Chinese Communist Party’s money and power influence the whole world, far more beyond your imagination”, she added. “This virus come from a lab on purpose”, Yan added. Earlier on September 14, Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan had claimed that COVID-19 was made in a Wuhan laboratory. Yan, who was associated with the Hong Kong School of Public Health, had been researching on the coronavirus for a long time. The Chinese virologist claimed that during her research she came across that coronavirus was developed in a laboratory in China.

WION exclusive | Chinese virologist who claimed COVID-19 is lab-made suggests Wuhan doctors were forced into silence

Myanmar is set to hold its most crucial election in November. Aung San Suu Kyi's former ally Thet Thet Khine has emerged as a key challenger. Meanwhile, the Rohingya community in the country remains disenfranchised.

Myanmar gearing up for general election, Aung San Suu Kyi remains a front runner

The coronavirus pandemic continues to remain elusive, with new information coming in every day about the virus, and ways to prevent it.

Masks, face shields, and gloves have become the new normal, and people are playing with different ideas to protect themselves in a world where isolation is difficult, if not impossible.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/most-homemade-face-masks-block-large-cough-droplets-even-as-single-layer-says-study-328617" hreflang="en">Most homemade face masks block large cough droplets, even as single layer, says study</a>

According to a simulation by a Japanese supercomputer, plastic face shields are totally ineffective at trapping aerosols, making it an inefficient tool against COVID-19.

Simulation of aerosol activity

The world’s fastest supercomputer, Fugaku undertook a simulation whereby it was found that almost 100 per cent of airborne droplets smaller than 5 micrometres were able to escape through plastic visors which have become a common sight now.

One millionth of a metre constitutes one micrometre. According to a government-backed research institute, about half of larger droplets over 50 micrometers were also able to escape into the air.

Besides hand washing and sanitisation, aerosol transmission and ventilation are important factors in the transmission of coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/if-youre-caught-here-without-a-mask-you-dig-graves-for-covid-19-victims-328264" hreflang="en">If you're caught here without a mask, you dig graves for COVID-19 victims</a>

Face visors have become common as global economies reopen, with shops across all sectors reopening.

Makoto Tsubokura, team leader at Riken’s centre for computational science, said the simulation combined air flow with the reproduction of tens of thousand of droplets of different sizes, from under 1 micrometre to several hundred micrometres.

Not an alternative to masks

To ascertain the role of face shield’s protection against COVID-19, the simulation took into account air flow and production of thousands of droplets of varying sizes.&nbsp;

Makoto Tsubokura, the team head at Riken’s centre for computational science told the Guardian that face shields should not be seen as an alternative to masks, and further added that the effectiveness of visors is lesser compared to face masks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/south-korea-battery-powered-masks-to-fight-coronavirus-foggy-glasses-unveiled-326512" hreflang="en">South Korea: Battery-powered masks to fight coronavirus, foggy glasses unveiled</a>

“This is especially true for small droplets of less than 20 micrometres,” he told The Guardian.

Small particles were able to escape through the gap between the face shield and the face.

Earlier, Fugaku had found that face masks made out of non-woven fabric are more effective than cotton and polyester masks.

The coronavirus pandemic continues to remain elusive, with new information coming in every day about the virus, and ways to prevent it. Masks, face shields, and gloves have become the new normal, and people are playing with different ideas to protect themselves in a world where isolation is difficult, if not impossible.

The coronavirus pandemic continues to remain elusive, with new information coming in every day about the virus, and ways to prevent it. Masks, face shields, and gloves have become the new normal, and people are playing with different ideas to protect themselves in a world where isolation is difficult, if not impossible. Also read: Most homemade face masks block large cough droplets, even as single layer, says study According to a simulation by a Japanese supercomputer, plastic face shields are totally ineffective at trapping aerosols, making it an inefficient tool against COVID-19. Simulation of aerosol activity The world’s fastest supercomputer, Fugaku undertook a simulation whereby it was found that almost 100 per cent of airborne droplets smaller than 5 micrometres were able to escape through plastic visors which have become a common sight now. One millionth of a metre constitutes one micrometre. According to a government-backed research institute, about half of larger droplets over 50 micrometers were also able to escape into the air. Besides hand washing and sanitisation, aerosol transmission and ventilation are important factors in the transmission of coronavirus. Also read: If you're caught here without a mask, you dig graves for COVID-19 victims Face visors have become common as global economies reopen, with shops across all sectors reopening. Makoto Tsubokura, team leader at Riken’s centre for computational science, said the simulation combined air flow with the reproduction of tens of thousand of droplets of different sizes, from under 1 micrometre to several hundred micrometres. Not an alternative to masks To ascertain the role of face shield’s protection against COVID-19, the simulation took into account air flow and production of thousands of droplets of varying sizes. Makoto Tsubokura, the team head at Riken’s centre for computational science told the Guardian that face shields should not be seen as an alternative to masks, and further added that the effectiveness of visors is lesser compared to face masks. Also read: South Korea: Battery-powered masks to fight coronavirus, foggy glasses unveiled “This is especially true for small droplets of less than 20 micrometres,” he told The Guardian. Small particles were able to escape through the gap between the face shield and the face. Earlier, Fugaku had found that face masks made out of non-woven fabric are more effective than cotton and polyester masks.

Face shields ineffective against COVID-19, rules world's fastest supercomputer

COVID-19 Vaccines Price -The race to successfully deploy a coronavirus vaccine gets fiercer every day. Major pharmaceutical companies from across the globe are working and conducting trials of their candidate vaccines to fast-track mass inoculation.

<h2>But what is the most reasonable price for a successful COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine?&nbsp;</h2>

According to a senior pharmaceutical industry official,&nbsp; the reasonable price for a single dose of COVID-19 vaccines should be between $6-18 (5-15 euros) .

Sue Middleton, President of the Executive Board of Vaccines Europe, during a hearing at the European Union Parliament said that this is a “reasonable price for a vaccine”. Vaccines Europe speaks for big pharmaceutical companies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/were-confident-russia-to-share-legal-risks-of-covid-19-vaccine-329369" hreflang="en">'We're confident': Russia to share legal risks of COVID-19 vaccine</a>

With flu season coming up across the world, people requiring medical attention is expected to shoot up, and health officials are urging people to stay at home to avoid strain.

South Korea recently suspended free flu shots after reports of trouble in storing the vaccines, given the situation of the healthcare system due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The United States, which has the world’s highest number of coronavirus cases, is also preparing for flu season. Over 200,000 people have died due to COVID-19 in the country. On an average, the US is losing 800 people every day.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/will-seek-emergency-authorization-if-vaccine-70-effective-moderna-328202" hreflang="en">Will seek emergency authorization if vaccine 70% effective: Moderna</a>

"We need to hunker down and get through this fall and winter, because it's not going to be easy," Dr Anthony Fauci had said during a discussion with doctors earlier this month at Harvard Medical School.

“We've been through this before," he said. "Don't ever, ever underestimate the potential of the pandemic. And don't try and look at the rosy side of things”, he added.

On Monday, 156 nations joined a global scheme to distribute vaccines around the world fairly. Led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the alliance was joined by almost all major countries except the United States and China.

COVID-19 Vaccines Price -The race to successfully deploy a coronavirus vaccine gets fiercer every day. Major pharmaceutical companies from across the globe are working and conducting trials of their candidate vaccines to fast-track mass inoculation.

COVID-19 Vaccines Price -The race to successfully deploy a coronavirus vaccine gets fiercer every day. Major pharmaceutical companies from across the globe are working and conducting trials of their candidate vaccines to fast-track mass inoculation. But what is the most reasonable price for a successful COVID-19 vaccine? According to a senior pharmaceutical industry official, the reasonable price for a single dose of COVID-19 vaccines should be between $6-18 (5-15 euros) . Sue Middleton, President of the Executive Board of Vaccines Europe, during a hearing at the European Union Parliament said that this is a “reasonable price for a vaccine”. Vaccines Europe speaks for big pharmaceutical companies. Also read: 'We're confident': Russia to share legal risks of COVID-19 vaccine With flu season coming up across the world, people requiring medical attention is expected to shoot up, and health officials are urging people to stay at home to avoid strain. South Korea recently suspended free flu shots after reports of trouble in storing the vaccines, given the situation of the healthcare system due to the coronavirus pandemic. The United States, which has the world’s highest number of coronavirus cases, is also preparing for flu season. Over 200,000 people have died due to COVID-19 in the country. On an average, the US is losing 800 people every day. Also read: Will seek emergency authorization if vaccine 70% effective: Moderna "We need to hunker down and get through this fall and winter, because it's not going to be easy," Dr Anthony Fauci had said during a discussion with doctors earlier this month at Harvard Medical School. “We've been through this before," he said. "Don't ever, ever underestimate the potential of the pandemic. And don't try and look at the rosy side of things”, he added. On Monday, 156 nations joined a global scheme to distribute vaccines around the world fairly. Led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the alliance was joined by almost all major countries except the United States and China.

What is the 'reasonable' price for future COVID-19 vaccines?

The Delhi High Court Tuesday stayed the AAP government's order directing 33 big private hospitals to reserve 80 per cent of ICU beds for COVID-19 patients, holding that the decision appeared to be arbitrary and unreasonable.

Justice Navin Chawla said prima facie Delhi government's September 13 order is "arbitrary, unreasonable and violative of fundamental rights of citizens&nbsp;guaranteed under the Constitution".

The court issued notices and sought responses of the Delhi government and the Centre on a plea by 'Association of Healthcare Providers' to quash the order to reserve 80 per cent ICU beds for COVID-19 patients.

"Prima facie the order appears to be arbitrary, unreasonable and violative of the fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed under the Constitution. The operation of the order shall remain stayed till the next date of the hearing,"&nbsp;the court said.

The court listed the matter for further hearing on October 16.

The association said the 33 hospitals are its members and the Delhi government's order shall be quashed as it was passed in an irrational manner.

Delhi government however defended its decision saying it is only for 33 hospitals and 20 per cent ICU beds remain for the non-COVID-19 serious patients and it has been done keeping in view the sudden spike in cases of the virus.

The Delhi High Court Tuesday stayed the AAP government's order directing 33 big private hospitals to reserve 80 per cent of ICU beds for COVID-19 patients, holding that the decision appeared to be arbitrary and unreasonable.

The Delhi High Court Tuesday stayed the AAP government's order directing 33 big private hospitals to reserve 80 per cent of ICU beds for COVID-19 patients, holding that the decision appeared to be arbitrary and unreasonable. Justice Navin Chawla said prima facie Delhi government's September 13 order is "arbitrary, unreasonable and violative of fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed under the Constitution". The court issued notices and sought responses of the Delhi government and the Centre on a plea by 'Association of Healthcare Providers' to quash the order to reserve 80 per cent ICU beds for COVID-19 patients. "Prima facie the order appears to be arbitrary, unreasonable and violative of the fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed under the Constitution. The operation of the order shall remain stayed till the next date of the hearing," the court said. The court listed the matter for further hearing on October 16. The association said the 33 hospitals are its members and the Delhi government's order shall be quashed as it was passed in an irrational manner. Delhi government however defended its decision saying it is only for 33 hospitals and 20 per cent ICU beds remain for the non-COVID-19 serious patients and it has been done keeping in view the sudden spike in cases of the virus.

High Court stays Delhi govt's decision to reserve 80% ICU beds for COVID-19 patients in 33 pvt hospitals

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided to impose 'work from home' guidelines wherever possible, and to curb timings for bars and restaurants to tackle a fast-spreading second coronavirus wave, but the opposition accused him of losing control.

Notably, the United Kingdom is already under some form of COVID-19 restriction, and Johnson will tighten measures while stopping short of another full lockdown like he imposed in March, according to Reuters.

Johnson will hold emergency meetings with ministers to zero in on more possibilities.

Reuters says Johnson will now advise them to stay at home if they can. He will also order all pubs, bars, restaurants and other hospitality sites across England to start closing at 10 pm from Thursday.

The new curbs will restrict the hospitality sector to table service only, though Gove said he wanted those who could not work from home - for example in manufacturing, construction and retail - to continue to work from COVID-secure workplaces.

It was unclear if the measures would be enough to tackle Britain's second wave, which government scientists warned could reach 50,000 new cases per day by mid-October.

The United Kingdom already has the biggest official COVID-19 death toll in Europe - and the fifth largest in the world - while it is borrowing record amounts to pump emergency money through the damaged economy. 
&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided to impose 'work from home' guidelines wherever possible, and to curb timings for bars and restaurants to tackle a fast-spreading second coronavirus wave, but the opposition accused him of losing control.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided to impose 'work from home' guidelines wherever possible, and to curb timings for bars and restaurants to tackle a fast-spreading second coronavirus wave, but the opposition accused him of losing control. Notably, the United Kingdom is already under some form of COVID-19 restriction, and Johnson will tighten measures while stopping short of another full lockdown like he imposed in March, according to Reuters. Johnson will hold emergency meetings with ministers to zero in on more possibilities. Reuters says Johnson will now advise them to stay at home if they can. He will also order all pubs, bars, restaurants and other hospitality sites across England to start closing at 10 pm from Thursday. The new curbs will restrict the hospitality sector to table service only, though Gove said he wanted those who could not work from home - for example in manufacturing, construction and retail - to continue to work from COVID-secure workplaces. It was unclear if the measures would be enough to tackle Britain's second wave, which government scientists warned could reach 50,000 new cases per day by mid-October. The United Kingdom already has the biggest official COVID-19 death toll in Europe - and the fifth largest in the world - while it is borrowing record amounts to pump emergency money through the damaged economy.

Boris Johnson starts shutting down Britain again as coronavirus spreads

The United States is losing on average over 800 people a day to the novel coronavirus -- compared with fewer than 15 a day on average in Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, Italy and the United Kingdom. It is still reporting on average nearly 40,000 new infections a day -- although new cases are down about 50% from the peak in July, the United States -- the highest number in the developed world.

What poses a bigger challenge for the country now is the autumn season that often becomes the onset of the flu season. Experts fear that when colder weather forces more people inside, it could surpass the surge seen in the summer.

Top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has said he would like to see new cases below 10,000 per day before flu season starts in October.

“We need to hunker down and get through this fall and winter, because it’s not going to be easy,” Fauci said during a panel discussion with doctors at Harvard Medical School earlier this month.

“We’ve been through this before,” he said. “Don’t ever, ever underestimate the potential of the pandemic. And don’t try and look at the rosy side of things.”

Cases are trending upwards in about 20 out of 50 states, including former epicenters like New Jersey and New York that had seen cases decline for months.

Some of the biggest increases, on a percentage basis, are in North Dakota and Wisconsin, two states where cases have yet to peak and have steadily climbed since the pandemic started more than six months ago.

Other states like South Carolina and Utah peaked in July and cases have come down sharply only to recently rise again.

The epidemic first battered nursing homes in Washington state on the West Coast in January before quickly overwhelming New York City and Northeastern states in March and April.

The country enjoyed a reprieve during the early summer before seeing both cases and deaths spike in July. There is no clear consensus on what caused the spike but health officials point to Memorial Day parties, bars and other high-risk businesses reopening and the public being lulled into a false sense that the worst was over.

In the second wave during the summer, Arizona, California, Florida and Texas became the new epicenters - some of the most populous areas of the country.

Through a combination of more states requiring masks and new more targeted restrictions, that second wave has again ebbed. Still, the United States is reporting twice as many new cases each day as it did on its best days in the spring.

Experts are now concerned that a third wave could be more diffused and spread across a broader section of the country.

(with inputs from Reuters)

The United States is losing on average over 800 people a day to the novel coronavirus -- compared with fewer than 15 a day on average in Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, Italy and the United Kingdom.

The United States is losing on average over 800 people a day to the novel coronavirus -- compared with fewer than 15 a day on average in Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, Italy and the United Kingdom. It is still reporting on average nearly 40,000 new infections a day -- although new cases are down about 50% from the peak in July, the United States -- the highest number in the developed world. What poses a bigger challenge for the country now is the autumn season that often becomes the onset of the flu season. Experts fear that when colder weather forces more people inside, it could surpass the surge seen in the summer. Top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has said he would like to see new cases below 10,000 per day before flu season starts in October. “We need to hunker down and get through this fall and winter, because it’s not going to be easy,” Fauci said during a panel discussion with doctors at Harvard Medical School earlier this month. “We’ve been through this before,” he said. “Don’t ever, ever underestimate the potential of the pandemic. And don’t try and look at the rosy side of things.” Cases are trending upwards in about 20 out of 50 states, including former epicenters like New Jersey and New York that had seen cases decline for months. Some of the biggest increases, on a percentage basis, are in North Dakota and Wisconsin, two states where cases have yet to peak and have steadily climbed since the pandemic started more than six months ago. Other states like South Carolina and Utah peaked in July and cases have come down sharply only to recently rise again. The epidemic first battered nursing homes in Washington state on the West Coast in January before quickly overwhelming New York City and Northeastern states in March and April. The country enjoyed a reprieve during the early summer before seeing both cases and deaths spike in July. There is no clear consensus on what caused the spike but health officials point to Memorial Day parties, bars and other high-risk businesses reopening and the public being lulled into a false sense that the worst was over. In the second wave during the summer, Arizona, California, Florida and Texas became the new epicenters - some of the most populous areas of the country. Through a combination of more states requiring masks and new more targeted restrictions, that second wave has again ebbed. Still, the United States is reporting twice as many new cases each day as it did on its best days in the spring. Experts are now concerned that a third wave could be more diffused and spread across a broader section of the country. (with inputs from Reuters)

US, ravaged by coronavirus pandemic, to face 'worst' autumn as flu season begins

Russia is so confident in its COVID-19 vaccine that it will shoulder some of the legal liability should anything go wrong, rather than requiring buyers to take on the full risk, the head of the state fund bankrolling the project told Reuters.

The decision leaves the vaccine`s state-backed developers open to potentially costly compensation claims should there be any unexpected side-effects. It is something many vaccine-makers have sought to avoid, by asking for full indemnity - complete protection from liability claims - from nations they sell to.

The approach is different from many places in the world. In the United States, for example, liability for COVID-19 vaccines has been shifted fully to the U.S. government. This shields the developers because widespread inoculation against the disease is considered a benefit to society.

With the global vaccine race hotting up, and dozens of candidates being tested on humans, backers of Russia`s `Sputnik-V` shot see liability as a key battleground as they aim to capture market share.

"Russia is so confident in its vaccine that it has not asked for full indemnity and this is a major differentiating factor versus any Western vaccine," said Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), the state sovereign wealth fund that is backing the vaccine.

"All of them are asking for full indemnity of legal risks."

Dmitriev did not say whether buyers of the Russian vaccine would be asked to take on partial liability, and did not give details about indemnity clauses. His representatives said he had nothing more to add.

However, the health secretary of the Brazilian state of Bahia, which plans to buy 50 million doses of Russia`s vaccine, told Reuters the legal risks would be carried by Russian entities.

Vaccine developers around the world are compressing years of development into months, raising the possibility of unexpected consequences and making the issue of compensation claims a key point in supply deal negotiations.

For example, British drugmaker AstraZeneca, which has developed a vaccine with Oxford University, has been granted full protection from any future liability claims by many countries with which it has signed supply deals, a senior executive told Reuters in July.

Dmitriev`s comments came after some scientists expressed concerns about the safety and efficacy of Sputnik-V, which the Russian government approved for use before completing large-scale human trials.

BRAZILIAN BUYERS

Sputnik-V was developed by Moscow`s Gamaleya Institute, a state research body. The RDIF, which is marketing the vaccine abroad, will shoulder some of the legal risks in supply contracts along with pharmaceutical firms in the fund`s portfolio which are producing the shot.

"We are confident in the long-term consequences," Dmitriev said. "We are putting our money where our mouth is by not asking for full indemnity in partnerships we create in different countries."

Thus far, RDIF has announced deals to supply just over 200 million doses, half to Latin America and half to India. The fund says it has orders for as much as 1 billion doses.

Fábio Vilas-Boas, health secretary of Brazil`s Bahia state, which is placing the 50-million-dose order, told Reuters the legal risks would be carried by the Russian pharmaceutical firms producing and supplying the vaccine.

"In the case of any adverse event, nothing will stop people who feel they have been harmed from filing a class action against any of the pharmaceutical companies," said Fábio Vilas-Boas, who negotiated the testing and letter of intent with RDIF.

Neither Bahia nor Paraná, a Brazilian state which plans to conduct trials of Sputnik-V on 10,000 volunteers, have actually signed contracts for supply of the vaccine, according to Bahia`s Vilas-Boas and the Paraná state governor`s chief of staff, Guto Silva, who also negotiated with the Russian side.

Thus far, deals have been formalised only in memorandums of understanding, as contracts are awaiting the vaccine`s approval by Brazil`s health regulators.

INSURANCE FOR VOLUNTEERS

Russia has staked its scientific reputation on the results after approving the vaccine for domestic use before mass testing had even begun, becoming the first country to licence a COVID-19 vaccine.

Late-stage trials, known as Phase III, are currently ongoing in Russia, with at least 40,000 volunteers taking part. Initial results are expected in October or November.

Volunteers in its Phase III trial are unpaid, but their insurance is covered, including a payout of 2 million roubles ($26,430) in case of death, one volunteer told Reuters.

RDIF also expects to run trials of the vaccine abroad, with plans already in place with Indian pharmaceutical firm Dr Reddy`s and with Brazil`s Paraná state, both pending regulatory approval.

Many people involved in the Sputnik-V`s development, including Dmitriev, have tried the jab on themselves in a bid to convince the world of the safety of a Russian-made vaccine.

Dmitriev said he was not concerned about the risk of compensation claims against RDIF.

"We know it will not happen. Because the vaccine has been studied for decades," he said.

"We know we will not have ... billions and billions of liabilities because we have a proven platform and they don`t," he said. "Simple."

Russia is so confident in its COVID-19 vaccine that it will shoulder some of the legal liability should anything go wrong, rather than requiring buyers to take on the full risk, the head of the state fund bankrolling the project told Reuters.

Russia is so confident in its COVID-19 vaccine that it will shoulder some of the legal liability should anything go wrong, rather than requiring buyers to take on the full risk, the head of the state fund bankrolling the project told Reuters. The decision leaves the vaccine`s state-backed developers open to potentially costly compensation claims should there be any unexpected side-effects. It is something many vaccine-makers have sought to avoid, by asking for full indemnity - complete protection from liability claims - from nations they sell to. The approach is different from many places in the world. In the United States, for example, liability for COVID-19 vaccines has been shifted fully to the U.S. government. This shields the developers because widespread inoculation against the disease is considered a benefit to society. With the global vaccine race hotting up, and dozens of candidates being tested on humans, backers of Russia`s `Sputnik-V` shot see liability as a key battleground as they aim to capture market share. "Russia is so confident in its vaccine that it has not asked for full indemnity and this is a major differentiating factor versus any Western vaccine," said Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), the state sovereign wealth fund that is backing the vaccine. "All of them are asking for full indemnity of legal risks." Dmitriev did not say whether buyers of the Russian vaccine would be asked to take on partial liability, and did not give details about indemnity clauses. His representatives said he had nothing more to add. However, the health secretary of the Brazilian state of Bahia, which plans to buy 50 million doses of Russia`s vaccine, told Reuters the legal risks would be carried by Russian entities. Vaccine developers around the world are compressing years of development into months, raising the possibility of unexpected consequences and making the issue of compensation claims a key point in supply deal negotiations. For example, British drugmaker AstraZeneca, which has developed a vaccine with Oxford University, has been granted full protection from any future liability claims by many countries with which it has signed supply deals, a senior executive told Reuters in July. Dmitriev`s comments came after some scientists expressed concerns about the safety and efficacy of Sputnik-V, which the Russian government approved for use before completing large-scale human trials. BRAZILIAN BUYERS Sputnik-V was developed by Moscow`s Gamaleya Institute, a state research body. The RDIF, which is marketing the vaccine abroad, will shoulder some of the legal risks in supply contracts along with pharmaceutical firms in the fund`s portfolio which are producing the shot. "We are confident in the long-term consequences," Dmitriev said. "We are putting our money where our mouth is by not asking for full indemnity in partnerships we create in different countries." Thus far, RDIF has announced deals to supply just over 200 million doses, half to Latin America and half to India. The fund says it has orders for as much as 1 billion doses. Fábio Vilas-Boas, health secretary of Brazil`s Bahia state, which is placing the 50-million-dose order, told Reuters the legal risks would be carried by the Russian pharmaceutical firms producing and supplying the vaccine. "In the case of any adverse event, nothing will stop people who feel they have been harmed from filing a class action against any of the pharmaceutical companies," said Fábio Vilas-Boas, who negotiated the testing and letter of intent with RDIF. Neither Bahia nor Paraná, a Brazilian state which plans to conduct trials of Sputnik-V on 10,000 volunteers, have actually signed contracts for supply of the vaccine, according to Bahia`s Vilas-Boas and the Paraná state governor`s chief of staff, Guto Silva, who also negotiated with the Russian side. Thus far, deals have been formalised only in memorandums of understanding, as contracts are awaiting the vaccine`s approval by Brazil`s health regulators. INSURANCE FOR VOLUNTEERS Russia has staked its scientific reputation on the results after approving the vaccine for domestic use before mass testing had even begun, becoming the first country to licence a COVID-19 vaccine. Late-stage trials, known as Phase III, are currently ongoing in Russia, with at least 40,000 volunteers taking part. Initial results are expected in October or November. Volunteers in its Phase III trial are unpaid, but their insurance is covered, including a payout of 2 million roubles ($26,430) in case of death, one volunteer told Reuters. RDIF also expects to run trials of the vaccine abroad, with plans already in place with Indian pharmaceutical firm Dr Reddy`s and with Brazil`s Paraná state, both pending regulatory approval. Many people involved in the Sputnik-V`s development, including Dmitriev, have tried the jab on themselves in a bid to convince the world of the safety of a Russian-made vaccine. Dmitriev said he was not concerned about the risk of compensation claims against RDIF. "We know it will not happen. Because the vaccine has been studied for decades," he said. "We know we will not have ... billions and billions of liabilities because we have a proven platform and they don`t," he said. "Simple."

'We're confident': Russia to share legal risks of COVID-19 vaccine

A blueprint for the laboratory construction of a highly infectious and deadly coronavirus has long existed.&nbsp;

It was only a matter of time before a scientific group lacking moral constraints would attempt it, initiating a global catastrophe and paving the way for something even more dangerous in the future, unless action is taken now to prevent it.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party, supported by some Western scientists and a politically-motivated media have desperately tried to convince the world that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible, originated as a bat beta-coronavirus, which underwent a natural mutation process and was then acquired by humans after exposure to infected animals.

Yet, after more than nine months and hundreds of scientific studies, no one is near to identifying the naturally-occurring source of SARS-CoV-2.

Part of the difficulty resides in the fact that SARS-CoV-2 has unique structural features that appear to contribute to its high infectivity and pathogenicity for which there are no obvious evolutionary pathways.

Even in the earliest known cases, the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 seemed to have been already highly adapted to infect humans via the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 receptor found in lungs, kidneys, intestines and blood vessels.

Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 contains a furin polybasic cleavage site with an amino acid sequence of proline-arginine-arginine-alanine or PRRA that facilitates membrane fusion between the virus and the human cell, a structure that is not found in any other related bat coronavirus.

In contrast, the bioengineering capabilities to “splice” the receptor-binding domain from one virus to another and to artificially insert a furin polybasic cleavage site are both well-established laboratory techniques used globally for over ten years.

All the basic procedures required to synthesize a virus like SARS-CoV-2 were described in a single scientific publication entitled “Mechanisms of Zoonotic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Host Range Expansion in Human Airway Epithelium,” which appeared in the Journal of Virology in March, 2008.

The construction of new viruses capable of infecting humans began by using, as a viral “backbone,” SARS-CoV-1, the coronavirus responsible for the 2002-2003 pandemic.

The spike protein of the SARS-CoV-1 backbone, which contains the receptor-binding domain, was artificially replaced with the spike protein from another coronavirus.

The new spike protein underwent additional genetic manipulation by single amino acid substitution in a manner roughly equivalent to inserting a furin polybasic cleavage site.

Using a process called serial passaging, the new artificial virus was then exposed to human airway epithelial cell cultures (lung surface cells), where two new viruses were created, both of which were adapted for human infection and were capable of being neutralized with human monoclonal antibodies.

Needless to say, the genetic engineering and serial passaging techniques of today are far more advanced and far more widespread than they were twelve years ago.

It is entirely feasible that SARS-CoV-2 was created in a similar way.

Clearly, it is in the geopolitical interest of the Chinese Communist Party to deflect responsibility for the pandemic by promoting the narrative, both in the scientific literature and the mainstream media, that COVID-19 is just another naturally-occurring disease transmission from animals to humans.

That effort has been advanced by China’s refusal to fully disclose the information it possesses and conducting a politically-motivated scientific misinformation campaign.

Unfortunately, China’s actions seem to be buttressed by certain elements within the Western scientific community that may have interests in the outcome beyond an objective analysis of the data.

Given all the available information, the likelihood that the unique structural features of SARS-CoV-2 are the result of a natural evolutionary process is very small.

It is far more likely that China manufactured SARS-CoV-2 and, though a combination of hubris, incompetence and recklessness, unleashed it on the world.

(Lawrence Sellin, Ph.D. is a retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel, who previously worked at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and conducted basic and clinical research in the pharmaceutical industry. His email address is lawrence.sellin@gmail.com.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

A blueprint for the laboratory construction of a highly infectious and deadly coronavirus has long existed. It was only a matter of time before a scientific group lacking moral constraints would attempt it, initiating a global catastrophe and paving the way for something even more dangerous in the future, unless action is taken now to prevent it.

A blueprint for the laboratory construction of a highly infectious and deadly coronavirus has long existed. It was only a matter of time before a scientific group lacking moral constraints would attempt it, initiating a global catastrophe and paving the way for something even more dangerous in the future, unless action is taken now to prevent it. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party, supported by some Western scientists and a politically-motivated media have desperately tried to convince the world that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible, originated as a bat beta-coronavirus, which underwent a natural mutation process and was then acquired by humans after exposure to infected animals. Yet, after more than nine months and hundreds of scientific studies, no one is near to identifying the naturally-occurring source of SARS-CoV-2. Part of the difficulty resides in the fact that SARS-CoV-2 has unique structural features that appear to contribute to its high infectivity and pathogenicity for which there are no obvious evolutionary pathways. Even in the earliest known cases, the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 seemed to have been already highly adapted to infect humans via the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 receptor found in lungs, kidneys, intestines and blood vessels. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 contains a furin polybasic cleavage site with an amino acid sequence of proline-arginine-arginine-alanine or PRRA that facilitates membrane fusion between the virus and the human cell, a structure that is not found in any other related bat coronavirus. In contrast, the bioengineering capabilities to “splice” the receptor-binding domain from one virus to another and to artificially insert a furin polybasic cleavage site are both well-established laboratory techniques used globally for over ten years. All the basic procedures required to synthesize a virus like SARS-CoV-2 were described in a single scientific publication entitled “Mechanisms of Zoonotic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Host Range Expansion in Human Airway Epithelium,” which appeared in the Journal of Virology in March, 2008. The construction of new viruses capable of infecting humans began by using, as a viral “backbone,” SARS-CoV-1, the coronavirus responsible for the 2002-2003 pandemic. The spike protein of the SARS-CoV-1 backbone, which contains the receptor-binding domain, was artificially replaced with the spike protein from another coronavirus. The new spike protein underwent additional genetic manipulation by single amino acid substitution in a manner roughly equivalent to inserting a furin polybasic cleavage site. Using a process called serial passaging, the new artificial virus was then exposed to human airway epithelial cell cultures (lung surface cells), where two new viruses were created, both of which were adapted for human infection and were capable of being neutralized with human monoclonal antibodies. Needless to say, the genetic engineering and serial passaging techniques of today are far more advanced and far more widespread than they were twelve years ago. It is entirely feasible that SARS-CoV-2 was created in a similar way. Clearly, it is in the geopolitical interest of the Chinese Communist Party to deflect responsibility for the pandemic by promoting the narrative, both in the scientific literature and the mainstream media, that COVID-19 is just another naturally-occurring disease transmission from animals to humans. That effort has been advanced by China’s refusal to fully disclose the information it possesses and conducting a politically-motivated scientific misinformation campaign. Unfortunately, China’s actions seem to be buttressed by certain elements within the Western scientific community that may have interests in the outcome beyond an objective analysis of the data. Given all the available information, the likelihood that the unique structural features of SARS-CoV-2 are the result of a natural evolutionary process is very small. It is far more likely that China manufactured SARS-CoV-2 and, though a combination of hubris, incompetence and recklessness, unleashed it on the world. (Lawrence Sellin, Ph.D. is a retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel, who previously worked at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and conducted basic and clinical research in the pharmaceutical industry. His email address is lawrence.sellin@gmail.com.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

A 2008 synthetic model to make COVID-19 in the laboratory

India's COVID-19 tally reached 54.88 lakh with 86,961 people being infected in the past 24 hours, while 43,96,399 people have recuperated so far pushing the national recovery rate to 80.12 per cent on Sunday, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The total coronavirus cases mounted to 54,87,580, while the death toll climbed to 87,882 with the infection claiming 1,130 lives in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate due to coronavirus has further declined to 1.6 per cent. There are 10,03,299 active cases in the country as of now, which comprises 18.28 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 6,43,92,594 samples have been tested up to September 20, with 7,31,534 samples being tested on Monday.

India's COVID-19 tally reached 54.88 lakh with 86,961 people being infected in the past 24 hours, while 43,96,399 people have recuperated so far pushing the national recovery rate to 80.

India's COVID-19 tally reached 54.88 lakh with 86,961 people being infected in the past 24 hours, while 43,96,399 people have recuperated so far pushing the national recovery rate to 80.12 per cent on Sunday, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The total coronavirus cases mounted to 54,87,580, while the death toll climbed to 87,882 with the infection claiming 1,130 lives in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed. The COVID-19 case fatality rate due to coronavirus has further declined to 1.6 per cent. There are 10,03,299 active cases in the country as of now, which comprises 18.28 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 6,43,92,594 samples have been tested up to September 20, with 7,31,534 samples being tested on Monday.

India coronavirus tally reaches 54,87,580; death toll mounts to 87,882

World leaders will come together, albeit virtually, on Monday to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations even as the deadly coronavirus pandemic challenges the 193-member world body.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Reuters that the pandemic has exposed the world's fragilities. He plans to tell world leaders on Monday that they need to work together at a time when there is a surplus of multilateral challenges and deficit of solutions.

The 15-member Security Council took months to back a call by Guterres for a global ceasefire -- to allow countries to focus on fighting COVID-19 -- due to bickering between the world's biggest powers: China and the United States.

The 193-member General Assembly only adopted an omnibus resolution on a "comprehensive and coordinated response" to the pandemic earlier this month and it was not by consensus. The United States and Israel voted no.

A $10.3 billion UN appeal to fund fighting the pandemic in vulnerable and low-income countries is only a quarter funded. Guterres now has taken a lead in pushing to make sure any vaccine for the coronavirus is made available to everyone globally.

The United Nations headquarters is in New York, which was hit hard by the coronavirus.&nbsp;

UN member states had to decide how to work virtually, which they did for several months before resuming some in-person meetings recently.

A UN report released on Monday found that six out of ten people believe the United Nations has made the world a better place, but looking ahead three-quarters see the world body as essential in tackling global challenges.

The one-day special event on Monday comes ahead of the annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, which starts on Tuesday with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall.

The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War Two to prevent another such conflict. While there has not been World War Three, leaders will adopt a statement on Monday acknowledging "moments of disappointment."

"Our world is not yet the world that our founders envisaged 75 years ago. It is plagued by growing inequality, poverty, hunger, armed conflicts, terrorism, insecurity, climate change and pandemics," the statement says.

"All this calls for greater action, not less," it says.

World leaders will come together, albeit virtually, on Monday to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations even as the deadly coronavirus pandemic challenges the 193-member world body.

World leaders will come together, albeit virtually, on Monday to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations even as the deadly coronavirus pandemic challenges the 193-member world body. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Reuters that the pandemic has exposed the world's fragilities. He plans to tell world leaders on Monday that they need to work together at a time when there is a surplus of multilateral challenges and deficit of solutions. The 15-member Security Council took months to back a call by Guterres for a global ceasefire -- to allow countries to focus on fighting COVID-19 -- due to bickering between the world's biggest powers: China and the United States. The 193-member General Assembly only adopted an omnibus resolution on a "comprehensive and coordinated response" to the pandemic earlier this month and it was not by consensus. The United States and Israel voted no. A $10.3 billion UN appeal to fund fighting the pandemic in vulnerable and low-income countries is only a quarter funded. Guterres now has taken a lead in pushing to make sure any vaccine for the coronavirus is made available to everyone globally. The United Nations headquarters is in New York, which was hit hard by the coronavirus. UN member states had to decide how to work virtually, which they did for several months before resuming some in-person meetings recently. A UN report released on Monday found that six out of ten people believe the United Nations has made the world a better place, but looking ahead three-quarters see the world body as essential in tackling global challenges. The one-day special event on Monday comes ahead of the annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, which starts on Tuesday with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall. The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War Two to prevent another such conflict. While there has not been World War Three, leaders will adopt a statement on Monday acknowledging "moments of disappointment." "Our world is not yet the world that our founders envisaged 75 years ago. It is plagued by growing inequality, poverty, hunger, armed conflicts, terrorism, insecurity, climate change and pandemics," the statement says. "All this calls for greater action, not less," it says.

World leaders to mark 75th anniversary of UN as pandemic challenges organisation

Coronavirus inside a flight spreads as fast as in other situations, a study has found.

This study is one of two published Friday demonstrating how coronavirus can spread on airline flights, and suggesting that simply spacing people out a little will not fully protect them.

In another incident, passengers on a flight from Boston to Hong Kong appear to have infected two flight attendants.

Both cases involved long flights early in the pandemic, before airlines began requiring face masks.

A team from Vietnam also tracked down a cluster of cases linked to the flight that arrived in Hanoi from London on March 2.

"A 27-year-old businesswoman from Vietnam, whom we identified as the probable index case, had been based in London since early February," Nguyen Cong Khanh of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Hanoi and colleagues wrote.

Investigators say there have been a few incidences where the virus has spread despite physical distancing guidelines.

"We conclude that the risk for on-board transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during long flights is real and has the potential to cause COVID-19 clusters of substantial size, even in business class--like settings with spacious seating arrangements well beyond the established distance used to define close contact on airplanes," the team noted.

In one incident, a couple flew from Boston to Hong Kong in business class on March 9. They both exhibited symptoms after they arrived and were diagnosed with coronavirus.

Contact tracing found two flight attendants were also positive for the virus.&nbsp;

Coronavirus inside a flight spreads as fast as in other situations, a study has found. This study is one of two published Friday demonstrating how coronavirus can spread on airline flights, and suggesting that simply spacing people out a little will not fully protect them.

Coronavirus inside a flight spreads as fast as in other situations, a study has found. This study is one of two published Friday demonstrating how coronavirus can spread on airline flights, and suggesting that simply spacing people out a little will not fully protect them. In another incident, passengers on a flight from Boston to Hong Kong appear to have infected two flight attendants. Both cases involved long flights early in the pandemic, before airlines began requiring face masks. A team from Vietnam also tracked down a cluster of cases linked to the flight that arrived in Hanoi from London on March 2. "A 27-year-old businesswoman from Vietnam, whom we identified as the probable index case, had been based in London since early February," Nguyen Cong Khanh of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Hanoi and colleagues wrote. Investigators say there have been a few incidences where the virus has spread despite physical distancing guidelines. "We conclude that the risk for on-board transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during long flights is real and has the potential to cause COVID-19 clusters of substantial size, even in business class--like settings with spacious seating arrangements well beyond the established distance used to define close contact on airplanes," the team noted. In one incident, a couple flew from Boston to Hong Kong in business class on March 9. They both exhibited symptoms after they arrived and were diagnosed with coronavirus. Contact tracing found two flight attendants were also positive for the virus.

Coronavirus can spread on long flights despite distancing, studies show

Myanmar plans to push ahead with a November general election despite calls from opposition parties to postpone it because of a surge in novel coronavirus cases, officials said.

WION Dispatch: Myanmar Gears Up For General Election

The Taj Mahal reopens to visitors on Monday even as India looks set to overtake the US as the global leader in coronavirus infections.

The world-famous white marble mausoleum in the city of Agra south of New Delhi is India's most popular tourist site. It usually draws seven million visitors a year, but has been closed since March.

India, home to 1.3 billion people and some of the world's most crowded cities, has recorded more than 5.4 million Covid cases. Around 100,000 new infections and over 1,000 deaths are reported almost daily for the last few days.

But in face of a falling GDP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is more in favour of kickstarting economic activities.

The Modi government, in recent months, has eased more and more restrictions including on many train routes, domestic flights, markets, and restaurants.

Officials say that when the Taj Mahal reopens, strict social distancing rules will be imposed and daily visitor numbers will be capped at 5,000 -- a quarter the normal rate. Tickets can only be bought online.

Meanwhile, many experts say that even though India is testing more than a million people per day, this is still not enough and the true number of cases may be much higher than officially reported.

The same goes for deaths, which currently stand at more than 86,000, with many fatalities not properly recorded even in normal times in one of the world's worst-funded healthcare systems.

There is however some resistance to Modi's unlocking of the world's second-most populated country, which saw its economy contract by almost a quarter between April and June.

Schools were meant to resume Monday on a voluntary basis for students aged 14 to 17, but many Indian states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat have said it is still too soon.

Elsewhere schools are refusing to open or parents are wary of sending their children in. 
&nbsp;

The Taj Mahal reopens to visitors on Monday even as India looks set to overtake the US as the global leader in coronavirus infections. The world-famous white marble mausoleum in the city of Agra south of New Delhi is India's most popular tourist site.

The Taj Mahal reopens to visitors on Monday even as India looks set to overtake the US as the global leader in coronavirus infections. The world-famous white marble mausoleum in the city of Agra south of New Delhi is India's most popular tourist site. It usually draws seven million visitors a year, but has been closed since March. India, home to 1.3 billion people and some of the world's most crowded cities, has recorded more than 5.4 million Covid cases. Around 100,000 new infections and over 1,000 deaths are reported almost daily for the last few days. But in face of a falling GDP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is more in favour of kickstarting economic activities. The Modi government, in recent months, has eased more and more restrictions including on many train routes, domestic flights, markets, and restaurants. Officials say that when the Taj Mahal reopens, strict social distancing rules will be imposed and daily visitor numbers will be capped at 5,000 -- a quarter the normal rate. Tickets can only be bought online. Meanwhile, many experts say that even though India is testing more than a million people per day, this is still not enough and the true number of cases may be much higher than officially reported. The same goes for deaths, which currently stand at more than 86,000, with many fatalities not properly recorded even in normal times in one of the world's worst-funded healthcare systems. There is however some resistance to Modi's unlocking of the world's second-most populated country, which saw its economy contract by almost a quarter between April and June. Schools were meant to resume Monday on a voluntary basis for students aged 14 to 17, but many Indian states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat have said it is still too soon. Elsewhere schools are refusing to open or parents are wary of sending their children in.

Taj Mahal reopens even as India's COVID tally soars

Manchester City's star Ilkay Gundogan has tested positive for coronavirus hours ahead of their first match in the Premier League. The news was shared by Manchester City on Monday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/never-going-to-win-premier-league-with-manchester-uniteds-centre-back-pairing-gary-neville-328926" hreflang="en">Never going to win Premier League with Manchester United's centre back pairing: Gary Neville</a>

The midfielder is now in self-isolation as the club prepare to play Wolves at Molineux.

"Ilkay is now observing a 10-day period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK government protocol on quarantine," said a City statement.

"Everyone at the club wishes Ilkay a speedy recovery."

Gundogan is the third case of coronavirus in the Manchester City squad. Earlier, Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez had tested positive for the virus.&nbsp;

City missed the opening weekend of the Premier League to give them extra time to recover from a late end to the 2019/20 season due to their involvement in the Champions League.

(Inputs from AFP)

Manchester City's star Ilkay Gundogan has tested positive for coronavirus hours ahead of their first match in the Premier League. The news was shared by Manchester City on Monday.

Manchester City's star Ilkay Gundogan has tested positive for coronavirus hours ahead of their first match in the Premier League. The news was shared by Manchester City on Monday. Also read: Never going to win Premier League with Manchester United's centre back pairing: Gary Neville The midfielder is now in self-isolation as the club prepare to play Wolves at Molineux. "Ilkay is now observing a 10-day period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK government protocol on quarantine," said a City statement. "Everyone at the club wishes Ilkay a speedy recovery." Gundogan is the third case of coronavirus in the Manchester City squad. Earlier, Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez had tested positive for the virus. City missed the opening weekend of the Premier League to give them extra time to recover from a late end to the 2019/20 season due to their involvement in the Champions League. (Inputs from AFP)

Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan tests positive for COVID-19

Hundreds of volunteers posed naked in a park in London -- all for an art installation.

The installation was the first major participatory work of art since the United Kingdom went into coronavirus-induced lockdown in March.

At least 220 volunteers, wearing nothing but a white face mask, gathered at Alexandra Palace to take part in the Everyone Together art installation organised by Spencer Tunick.

<img alt="Volunteers at London's Alexandra Palace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ff6915d4-71fe-42c4-895b-952cd56a2ec8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Nude%201.jpg" />

Tunick is anyway known for bringing hundreds of people together to pose for striking mass nude photographs. But since this time, the world is hit by the tragedy called coronavirus, he positioned volunteers at least one metre apart according to social distancing guidelines.

Also, volunteers were screened and temperature-checked before the installation began in the early hours of Saturday morning.

This year, Tunick used video conferencing technology to take images of mask-wearing participants -- capturing his nude installations via collage style screenshots during lockdown.

<img alt="Volunteers at London's Alexandra Palace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa4ae5c1-8790-47df-af8b-f1c92b05c12d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Nude%202.jpg" />

Tunick's London installation was designed to celebrate "participation and freedom."

His naked art has previously been used as a form of protest. Till date, Tunick has photographed a reported 18,000 naked participants in different protests and rallies.

Hundreds of volunteers posed naked in a park in London -- all for an art installation. The installation was the first major participatory work of art since the United Kingdom went into coronavirus-induced lockdown in March.

Hundreds of volunteers posed naked in a park in London -- all for an art installation. The installation was the first major participatory work of art since the United Kingdom went into coronavirus-induced lockdown in March. At least 220 volunteers, wearing nothing but a white face mask, gathered at Alexandra Palace to take part in the Everyone Together art installation organised by Spencer Tunick. Tunick is anyway known for bringing hundreds of people together to pose for striking mass nude photographs. But since this time, the world is hit by the tragedy called coronavirus, he positioned volunteers at least one metre apart according to social distancing guidelines. Also, volunteers were screened and temperature-checked before the installation began in the early hours of Saturday morning. This year, Tunick used video conferencing technology to take images of mask-wearing participants -- capturing his nude installations via collage style screenshots during lockdown. Tunick's London installation was designed to celebrate "participation and freedom." His naked art has previously been used as a form of protest. Till date, Tunick has photographed a reported 18,000 naked participants in different protests and rallies.

Hundreds pose nude wearing only masks in London. All in the name of art

Children can now safely bid adieu to those uncomfortable COVID-19 tests as a Canadian province has launched a new gargle method for students ages 4 to 19.

The first-of-its-kind test is touted to be as accurate as the ones using a nasal swab and is much easier to administer for children.

The announcement comes at a time when testing is in high demand: Canada has seen a doubling of new daily cases in the last month.

"This is a new saline gargle where you put a little bit of normal saline, so sterile water, in your mouth and you swish it around a little bit and you spit it into a little tube and that's an easier way to collect it for young people," says an expert.

Public health officials say they compared test results in both children and adults and found the rate of COVID-19 detection was very similar between the nasal swab and the new gargle test.

While the sample will still have to be taken to a lab for processing, the test does not have to be administered by a healthcare professional.

Health officials say Canadians under the age of 40 are fueling the surge of cases in the country. It's a 123% increase from a month ago, when the seven-day average stood at 380.

Children can now safely bid adieu to those uncomfortable COVID-19 tests as a Canadian province has launched a new gargle method for students ages 4 to 19. The first-of-its-kind test is touted to be as accurate as the ones using a nasal swab and is much easier to administer for children.

Children can now safely bid adieu to those uncomfortable COVID-19 tests as a Canadian province has launched a new gargle method for students ages 4 to 19. The first-of-its-kind test is touted to be as accurate as the ones using a nasal swab and is much easier to administer for children. The announcement comes at a time when testing is in high demand: Canada has seen a doubling of new daily cases in the last month. "This is a new saline gargle where you put a little bit of normal saline, so sterile water, in your mouth and you swish it around a little bit and you spit it into a little tube and that's an easier way to collect it for young people," says an expert. Public health officials say they compared test results in both children and adults and found the rate of COVID-19 detection was very similar between the nasal swab and the new gargle test. While the sample will still have to be taken to a lab for processing, the test does not have to be administered by a healthcare professional. Health officials say Canadians under the age of 40 are fueling the surge of cases in the country. It's a 123% increase from a month ago, when the seven-day average stood at 380.

A new Canadian COVID-19 gargle test is first-of-its-kind

In the sweltering heat and humidity, 31-year-old Caitlyn Tojanes grumbles about having to wear a face shield over her mask as she waits in line for her bus in the Philippine capital Manila.

"It's uncomfortable. Combined with the long queues it means we get to work already tired and bathed in sweat," said Tojanes, whose commute involves three buses and takes several hours.

But she is resigned to the new normal in the Philippines, where it is now compulsory to wear both masks and plastic shields in indoor public spaces and on public transport to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

"With Covid, it's up to the people to maintain discipline," said Tojanes, who works as a store manager in the sprawling capital of 12 million where most of the country's infections have been recorded.

"People should not put the entire burden on the government. We must practise self-discipline."

The latest measure comes as the country struggles to contain the virus outbreak, recording the highest number of confirmed cases in Southeast Asia with more than 283,000 infections and over 4,900 deaths.

Six months after tough restrictions were introduced to curb the contagion -- including stay-at-home orders, travel bans and no talking on buses and trains -- infections are still rising by several thousand every day.

Some measures have been eased to help kickstart the devastated economy.

"It's a big adjustment having to wear a mask and a face shield and having to wash your hands with alcohol each time you touch something," said Jeff Langurayan, 31, his voice slightly muffled by the layers of material and plastic over his face.

But he accepts the need for precautions.

"A lot of people have died and you do not know what will hit you and what effect it would have on your body."

In the sweltering heat and humidity, 31-year-old Caitlyn Tojanes grumbles about having to wear a face shield over her mask as she waits in line for her bus in the Philippine capital Manila.

In the sweltering heat and humidity, 31-year-old Caitlyn Tojanes grumbles about having to wear a face shield over her mask as she waits in line for her bus in the Philippine capital Manila. "It's uncomfortable. Combined with the long queues it means we get to work already tired and bathed in sweat," said Tojanes, whose commute involves three buses and takes several hours. But she is resigned to the new normal in the Philippines, where it is now compulsory to wear both masks and plastic shields in indoor public spaces and on public transport to curb the spread of the coronavirus. "With Covid, it's up to the people to maintain discipline," said Tojanes, who works as a store manager in the sprawling capital of 12 million where most of the country's infections have been recorded. "People should not put the entire burden on the government. We must practise self-discipline." The latest measure comes as the country struggles to contain the virus outbreak, recording the highest number of confirmed cases in Southeast Asia with more than 283,000 infections and over 4,900 deaths. Six months after tough restrictions were introduced to curb the contagion -- including stay-at-home orders, travel bans and no talking on buses and trains -- infections are still rising by several thousand every day. Some measures have been eased to help kickstart the devastated economy. "It's a big adjustment having to wear a mask and a face shield and having to wash your hands with alcohol each time you touch something," said Jeff Langurayan, 31, his voice slightly muffled by the layers of material and plastic over his face. But he accepts the need for precautions. "A lot of people have died and you do not know what will hit you and what effect it would have on your body."

Strict mask, visor rules make Philippine commuters sweat

The World Health Organization endorsed Saturday a protocol for testing African herbal medicines as potential treatments for the coronavirus and other epidemics.

Covid-19 has raised the issue of using traditional medicines to battle contemporary diseases, and the endorsement clearly encouraged testing with criteria similar to those used for molecules developed by labs in Asia, Europe or the Americas.

It came months after a bid by the president of Madagascar to promote a drink based on artemisia, a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment, was met with widespread scorn.

On Saturday, WHO experts and colleagues from two other organisations "endorsed a protocol for phase III clinical trials of herbal medicine for Covid-19 as well as a charter and terms of reference for the establishment of a data and safety monitoring board for herbal medicine clinical trials," a statement said.

"Phase III clinical trials are pivotal in fully assessing the safety and efficacy of a new medical product," it noted.

"If a traditional medicine product is found to be safe, efficacious and quality-assured, WHO will recommend (it) for a fast-tracked, large-scale local manufacturing," Prosper Tumusiime, a regional WHO director, was quoted as saying.

WHO's partners are the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the African Union Commission for Social Affairs.

"The onset of Covid-19, like the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, has highlighted the need for strengthened health systems and accelerated research and development programmes, including on traditional medicines," Tumusiime said.

He did not refer specifically to the Madagascar drink Covid-Organics, also called CVO, that President Andry Rajoelina has pitched as a cure for the virus, however.

It has has been widely distributed in Madagascar and sold to several other countries, mainly in Africa.

In May, WHO Africa Director Matshidiso Moeti told media that African governments had committed in 2000 to taking "traditional therapies" through the same clinical trials as other medication.

"I can understand the need, the drive to find something that can help," Moeti said. "But we would very much like to encourage this scientific process in which the governments themselves made a commitment."

The World Health Organization endorsed Saturday a protocol for testing African herbal medicines as potential treatments for the coronavirus and other epidemics. Covid-19 has raised the issue of using traditional medicines to battle contemporary diseases, and the endorsement clearly encouraged testing with criteria similar to those used for molecules developed by labs in Asia, Europe or the Americas.

The World Health Organization endorsed Saturday a protocol for testing African herbal medicines as potential treatments for the coronavirus and other epidemics. Covid-19 has raised the issue of using traditional medicines to battle contemporary diseases, and the endorsement clearly encouraged testing with criteria similar to those used for molecules developed by labs in Asia, Europe or the Americas. It came months after a bid by the president of Madagascar to promote a drink based on artemisia, a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment, was met with widespread scorn. On Saturday, WHO experts and colleagues from two other organisations "endorsed a protocol for phase III clinical trials of herbal medicine for Covid-19 as well as a charter and terms of reference for the establishment of a data and safety monitoring board for herbal medicine clinical trials," a statement said. "Phase III clinical trials are pivotal in fully assessing the safety and efficacy of a new medical product," it noted. "If a traditional medicine product is found to be safe, efficacious and quality-assured, WHO will recommend (it) for a fast-tracked, large-scale local manufacturing," Prosper Tumusiime, a regional WHO director, was quoted as saying. WHO's partners are the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the African Union Commission for Social Affairs. "The onset of Covid-19, like the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, has highlighted the need for strengthened health systems and accelerated research and development programmes, including on traditional medicines," Tumusiime said. He did not refer specifically to the Madagascar drink Covid-Organics, also called CVO, that President Andry Rajoelina has pitched as a cure for the virus, however. It has has been widely distributed in Madagascar and sold to several other countries, mainly in Africa. In May, WHO Africa Director Matshidiso Moeti told media that African governments had committed in 2000 to taking "traditional therapies" through the same clinical trials as other medication. "I can understand the need, the drive to find something that can help," Moeti said. "But we would very much like to encourage this scientific process in which the governments themselves made a commitment."

WHO endorses protocol for coronavirus herbal medicine trials

Why are people flocking to religious gatherings in the middle of the pandemic? Why are they risking their lives? WION's Palki Sharma tells you why blind faith can be dangerous during a pandemic.

Gravitas: When religion becomes a hurdle in Covid-19 fight

Thousands of Hasidic Jews camped at the Ukraine border - because they wanted to go on a pilgrimage. The city of Seoul wants $4 million in damages from a church over a new Covid-19 outbreak. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about the virus of blind faith.

Gravitas: Defiance in the name of faith, Putting reason above religion

As cases of the Wuhan virus spike, thousands of Hasidic Jewish pilgrims broke social distancing rules for a pilgrimage. They camped for three nights outside the Ukrainian border. Why was it so important for them to cross the border? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Why thousands of pilgrims were camping at Ukraine border

US President Donald Trump complimented the Taliban for being tough and smart, and said the United States was dealing well with the Afghan militant group.

In a news conference on Friday, Trump also said he expects to have available enough doses of a coronavirus vaccine for every American by April.

CORONAVIRUS VACCINE

Trump said distribution of a vaccine will begin within 24 hours of it being approved by federal health regulators.

"In a short time we'll have a safe and effective vaccine and we'll defeat the virus," Trump said.

He has previously said a vaccine could be approved in October, an ambitious timeline that some experts have said is unlikely to be met.

'SMART' TALIBAN

Regarding the Taliban, who began peace negotiations with the Afghan government this week to end two decades of war, Trump said, "We're dealing very well with the Taliban. They're very tough, they're very smart, they're very sharp, but you know it's been 19 years and even they are tired of fighting, in all fairness."

Trump, who is seeking re-election on November 3, is eager to claim an end to America's longest conflict, and his administration has voiced its intention to use aid as leverage to push for a peace deal in Afghanistan.

The United States is set to withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan by May 2021, subject to the Taliban meeting certain security guarantees.

Taliban and Afghan government peace negotiators held their first formal meeting on Tuesday in Doha, after an opening ceremony on Saturday which was attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

US-CANADA ROW

Trump said on Friday he thought the US-Canada border would open before the end of the year.

The restrictions on non-essential travel at land borders between the two countries were first imposed in March and do not cover trade or travel by air. They have been extended several times, including on Friday to October 21, as the United States has struggled to contain its coronavirus outbreak. 
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US President Donald Trump complimented the Taliban for being tough and smart, and said the United States was dealing well with the Afghan militant group. In a news conference on Friday, Trump also said he expects to have available enough doses of a coronavirus vaccine for every American by April.

US President Donald Trump complimented the Taliban for being tough and smart, and said the United States was dealing well with the Afghan militant group. In a news conference on Friday, Trump also said he expects to have available enough doses of a coronavirus vaccine for every American by April. CORONAVIRUS VACCINE Trump said distribution of a vaccine will begin within 24 hours of it being approved by federal health regulators. "In a short time we'll have a safe and effective vaccine and we'll defeat the virus," Trump said. He has previously said a vaccine could be approved in October, an ambitious timeline that some experts have said is unlikely to be met. 'SMART' TALIBAN Regarding the Taliban, who began peace negotiations with the Afghan government this week to end two decades of war, Trump said, "We're dealing very well with the Taliban. They're very tough, they're very smart, they're very sharp, but you know it's been 19 years and even they are tired of fighting, in all fairness." Trump, who is seeking re-election on November 3, is eager to claim an end to America's longest conflict, and his administration has voiced its intention to use aid as leverage to push for a peace deal in Afghanistan. The United States is set to withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan by May 2021, subject to the Taliban meeting certain security guarantees. Taliban and Afghan government peace negotiators held their first formal meeting on Tuesday in Doha, after an opening ceremony on Saturday which was attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. US-CANADA ROW Trump said on Friday he thought the US-Canada border would open before the end of the year. The restrictions on non-essential travel at land borders between the two countries were first imposed in March and do not cover trade or travel by air. They have been extended several times, including on Friday to October 21, as the United States has struggled to contain its coronavirus outbreak.

Taliban, coronavirus vaccine and US-Canada row: What Trump said in his latest briefing

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