Russia has approved R-Pharm’s Coronavir treatment for outpatients with mild to moderate Covid-19 infections and the antiviral drug could be rolled out to pharmacies in the country as soon as next week, the company said on Friday.

Coronavir’s approval as a prescription drug follows the green light for another Russian Covid-19 drug, Avifavir, in May. Both are based on favipiravir, which was developed in Japan and is widely used there as the basis for viral treatments.

R-Pharm’s announcement is another sign Russia is pushing hard to take a global lead in the race against the virus. It is already exporting its Covid-19 tests and has clinched several international deals for supplies of its Sputnik-V vaccine.

R-Pharm said it received approval for Coronavir after Phase III clinical trials involving 168 patients with Covid-19.

The drug was first approved for in-hospital use to treat Covid-19 in July, a government register showed.

Coronavir’s trial was comparatively small. The European health regulator on Friday endorsed the use of the steroid dexamethasone in the treatment of Covid-19 patients after a study by UK researchers on several thousand patients.

R-Pharm has started talks with pharmacies about orders, the company’s spokeswoman said, with Coronavir supplies expected to be rolled out in the near future, possibly as soon as next week.

Click here for complete coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic

Coronavir is made at R-Pharm’s facility in Yaroslavl, about 300 km (186 miles) northeast of Moscow.

Avifavir has been available in hospitals since June but has yet to be supplied to pharmacies.

Both are based on the active ingredient favipiravir, which is also the key component in Fujifilm Holdings Corp’s antiviral drug Avigan, approved in Japan as an emergency influenza treatment in 2014.

Trials to test it against Covid-19 are ongoing around the world. Results of a Japanese study in July were inconclusive.

It is produced by various Indian generic drugmakers including Lupin, Cipla and Dr Reddy’s for use against Covid-19 in India

Russia has approved R-Pharm’s Coronavir treatment for outpatients with mild to moderate Covid-19 infections and the antiviral drug could be rolled out to pharmacies in the country as soon as next week, the company said on Friday.

Russia has approved R-Pharm’s Coronavir treatment for outpatients with mild to moderate Covid-19 infections and the antiviral drug could be rolled out to pharmacies in the country as soon as next week, the company said on Friday. Coronavir’s approval as a prescription drug follows the green light for another Russian Covid-19 drug, Avifavir, in May. Both are based on favipiravir, which was developed in Japan and is widely used there as the basis for viral treatments. R-Pharm’s announcement is another sign Russia is pushing hard to take a global lead in the race against the virus. It is already exporting its Covid-19 tests and has clinched several international deals for supplies of its Sputnik-V vaccine. R-Pharm said it received approval for Coronavir after Phase III clinical trials involving 168 patients with Covid-19. The drug was first approved for in-hospital use to treat Covid-19 in July, a government register showed. Coronavir’s trial was comparatively small. The European health regulator on Friday endorsed the use of the steroid dexamethasone in the treatment of Covid-19 patients after a study by UK researchers on several thousand patients. R-Pharm has started talks with pharmacies about orders, the company’s spokeswoman said, with Coronavir supplies expected to be rolled out in the near future, possibly as soon as next week. Click here for complete coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic Coronavir is made at R-Pharm’s facility in Yaroslavl, about 300 km (186 miles) northeast of Moscow. Avifavir has been available in hospitals since June but has yet to be supplied to pharmacies. Both are based on the active ingredient favipiravir, which is also the key component in Fujifilm Holdings Corp’s antiviral drug Avigan, approved in Japan as an emergency influenza treatment in 2014. Trials to test it against Covid-19 are ongoing around the world. Results of a Japanese study in July were inconclusive. It is produced by various Indian generic drugmakers including Lupin, Cipla and Dr Reddy’s for use against Covid-19 in India

Russia approves first Covid-19 prescription drug for sale in pharmacies

The United States Postal Service (USPS) had planned to distribute 650 million face coverings for the Trump administration in April to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. But these plans were sadly scrapped by the White House.

A report by The Washington Post has claimed that the plan was called off because the White House apparently didn't want to spark "concern or panic" among Americans.

"There was concern from some in the White House Domestic Policy Council and the office of the vice president that households receiving masks might create concern or panic," one administration official told the Post.

The Postal Service was doing this in partnership with the White House Coronavirus Task Force, the Department of Health and Human Services and "a consortium of textile manufacturers."

USPS was planning to ship the masks in April and was going to prioritise areas "which HHS has identified as experiencing high transmission rates of Covid-19."

A separate draft media response statement said the packages would include "five reusable face cloths, which can be used up to 15 times each."

The scrapped plan adds to a growing list of steps the administration didn't take earlier this year that may have helped slow the rapidly spreading virus.

The Post noted that at the time, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "had been working on coronavirus guidance that recommended face coverings, a reversal of its previous position, in the face of mounting evidence that people could spread the coronavirus without experiencing symptoms."

The HHS thereafter created Project America Strong, a $675 million effort to distribute 'reusable cotton face masks to critical infrastructure sectors, companies, healthcare facilities, and faith-based and community organizations across the country.

About 600 million of the 650 million masks ordered have since been distributed, including 125 million set aside for schools.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) had planned to distribute 650 million face coverings for the Trump administration in April to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) had planned to distribute 650 million face coverings for the Trump administration in April to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. But these plans were sadly scrapped by the White House. A report by The Washington Post has claimed that the plan was called off because the White House apparently didn't want to spark "concern or panic" among Americans. "There was concern from some in the White House Domestic Policy Council and the office of the vice president that households receiving masks might create concern or panic," one administration official told the Post. The Postal Service was doing this in partnership with the White House Coronavirus Task Force, the Department of Health and Human Services and "a consortium of textile manufacturers." USPS was planning to ship the masks in April and was going to prioritise areas "which HHS has identified as experiencing high transmission rates of Covid-19." A separate draft media response statement said the packages would include "five reusable face cloths, which can be used up to 15 times each." The scrapped plan adds to a growing list of steps the administration didn't take earlier this year that may have helped slow the rapidly spreading virus. The Post noted that at the time, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "had been working on coronavirus guidance that recommended face coverings, a reversal of its previous position, in the face of mounting evidence that people could spread the coronavirus without experiencing symptoms." The HHS thereafter created Project America Strong, a $675 million effort to distribute 'reusable cotton face masks to critical infrastructure sectors, companies, healthcare facilities, and faith-based and community organizations across the country. About 600 million of the 650 million masks ordered have since been distributed, including 125 million set aside for schools.

WH nixed plan to distribute 650 million face masks through USPS, says report

Scientists examined the effectiveness of common household fabrics used in homemade masks in blocking droplets generated by coughing and sneezing, and have found that they are considerably protective even as a single layer.

While earlier studies have focussed on the transfer of tiny, nanoscale aerosol particles through masks, the researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the US said speaking, coughing, and sneezing generates larger droplets -- about one millimeter in diameter -- that can carry virus particles.

They said the larger droplets pose a problem as they can squeeze through the pores of some fabrics if they have sufficient momentum, and break into smaller droplets and become airborne.

In the study, published in the journal Extreme Mechanics Letters, the scientists filled the nozzle of an inhaler with distilled water seeded with easy-to-find ultrasmall fluorescent particles -- which happens to be the size of a novel coronavirus particle.

The inhaler forced the water through the nozzle when puffed, and generated high-momentum droplets that collected on a plastic dish placed in front of the inhaler, the study noted.

The researchers repeated this process with the various materials placed over the collection dishes to test their ability to block the particles.

"We count the number of nanoparticles landing on the dish using a high-resolution confocal microscope. We can then use the ratio of the number collected with and without the fabric to give us a measure of droplet-blocking efficiency," said study co-author Taher Saif.

However, the scientists said for an individual to feel compelled to wear a mask, the material must not only be able to block the droplets, but also be comfortable and breathable.

"A mask made out of a low-breathability fabric is not only uncomfortable, but can also result in leakage as the exhaled air is forced out around contours of a face, defeating the purpose of the mask and providing a false sense of protection," Saif said.

"Our goal is to show that many common fabrics exploit the trade-off between breathability and efficiency of blocking droplets -- large and small," he added.

The scientists tested the breathability and droplet-blocking ability of 11 common household fabrics, including new and used garments, quilted cloths, bedsheets and dishcloth material, using a medical mask as a benchmark.

They then characterised the fabrics in terms of their construction, fiber content, weight, thread count, porosity and water-absorption rate.

Their analyses revealed that droplets leave the inhaler at about 17 metres per second (mps) while those released by speaking, coughing and sneezing have velocities within the range of 10 to 40 (mps).

"We found that all of the fabrics tested are considerably effective at blocking the 100 nanometer particles carried by high-velocity droplets similar to those that may be released by speaking, coughing and sneezing, even as a single layer," Saif said.

"With two or three layers, even the more permeable fabrics, such as T-shirt cloth, achieve droplet-blocking efficiency that is similar to that of a medical mask, while still maintaining comparable or better breathability," he added.

The researchers believe the new experimental platform may offer a way to test fabrics for their blocking efficiency against the small and larger droplets that are released as people breathe, or cough.&nbsp;

Scientists examined the effectiveness of common household fabrics used in homemade masks in blocking droplets generated by coughing and sneezing, and have found that they are considerably protective even as a single layer.

Scientists examined the effectiveness of common household fabrics used in homemade masks in blocking droplets generated by coughing and sneezing, and have found that they are considerably protective even as a single layer. While earlier studies have focussed on the transfer of tiny, nanoscale aerosol particles through masks, the researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the US said speaking, coughing, and sneezing generates larger droplets -- about one millimeter in diameter -- that can carry virus particles. They said the larger droplets pose a problem as they can squeeze through the pores of some fabrics if they have sufficient momentum, and break into smaller droplets and become airborne. In the study, published in the journal Extreme Mechanics Letters, the scientists filled the nozzle of an inhaler with distilled water seeded with easy-to-find ultrasmall fluorescent particles -- which happens to be the size of a novel coronavirus particle. The inhaler forced the water through the nozzle when puffed, and generated high-momentum droplets that collected on a plastic dish placed in front of the inhaler, the study noted. The researchers repeated this process with the various materials placed over the collection dishes to test their ability to block the particles. "We count the number of nanoparticles landing on the dish using a high-resolution confocal microscope. We can then use the ratio of the number collected with and without the fabric to give us a measure of droplet-blocking efficiency," said study co-author Taher Saif. However, the scientists said for an individual to feel compelled to wear a mask, the material must not only be able to block the droplets, but also be comfortable and breathable. "A mask made out of a low-breathability fabric is not only uncomfortable, but can also result in leakage as the exhaled air is forced out around contours of a face, defeating the purpose of the mask and providing a false sense of protection," Saif said. "Our goal is to show that many common fabrics exploit the trade-off between breathability and efficiency of blocking droplets -- large and small," he added. The scientists tested the breathability and droplet-blocking ability of 11 common household fabrics, including new and used garments, quilted cloths, bedsheets and dishcloth material, using a medical mask as a benchmark. They then characterised the fabrics in terms of their construction, fiber content, weight, thread count, porosity and water-absorption rate. Their analyses revealed that droplets leave the inhaler at about 17 metres per second (mps) while those released by speaking, coughing and sneezing have velocities within the range of 10 to 40 (mps). "We found that all of the fabrics tested are considerably effective at blocking the 100 nanometer particles carried by high-velocity droplets similar to those that may be released by speaking, coughing and sneezing, even as a single layer," Saif said. "With two or three layers, even the more permeable fabrics, such as T-shirt cloth, achieve droplet-blocking efficiency that is similar to that of a medical mask, while still maintaining comparable or better breathability," he added. The researchers believe the new experimental platform may offer a way to test fabrics for their blocking efficiency against the small and larger droplets that are released as people breathe, or cough.

Most homemade face masks block large cough droplets, even as single layer, says study

The coronavirus pandemic has shaken the fashion industry. So how are fashion houses reinventing themselves to keep their business alive? From digital ramps to designer masks, what is the 'new normal' for the industry? Watch Coronavirus Couture on WION Wideangle, on Saturday 22:30Hrs & Sunday 21:30Hrs

Wion Wideangle: Coronavirus Couture

The Trump administration posted controversial recommendations on coronavirus testing to the US health agency's website against its objections, according to a media report.

The New York Times reported on Thursday that the guidelines, which said testing was not necessary for people who were exposed to Covid-19 but not displaying symptoms, were criticised when they were issued last month.

That is because healthcare experts at the time were pushing for more, not less, testing to help track and control the spread of COVID-19.

The respiratory disease has now killed almost 200,000 people in the United States.

The newspaper said the recommendation was posted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website "despite their serious objections," citing internal CDC documents.

"The Department of Health and Human Services did the rewriting and then 'dropped' it into the CDC's public website, flouting the agency's strict scientific review process," the newspaper said.

A federal official told the paper that the document came from the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, and from the White House Coronavirus Task Force.

The Times said healthcare experts at the CDC had "serious objections" to the document, and noted that it contained "elementary errors" as well as recommendations "inconsistent" with the CDC's advice, making it obvious it came from elsewhere, a senior CDC scientist told the paper under condition of anonymity.

The Trump administration posted controversial recommendations on coronavirus testing to the US health agency's website against its objections, according to a media report.

The Trump administration posted controversial recommendations on coronavirus testing to the US health agency's website against its objections, according to a media report. The New York Times reported on Thursday that the guidelines, which said testing was not necessary for people who were exposed to Covid-19 but not displaying symptoms, were criticised when they were issued last month. That is because healthcare experts at the time were pushing for more, not less, testing to help track and control the spread of COVID-19. The respiratory disease has now killed almost 200,000 people in the United States. The newspaper said the recommendation was posted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website "despite their serious objections," citing internal CDC documents. "The Department of Health and Human Services did the rewriting and then 'dropped' it into the CDC's public website, flouting the agency's strict scientific review process," the newspaper said. A federal official told the paper that the document came from the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, and from the White House Coronavirus Task Force. The Times said healthcare experts at the CDC had "serious objections" to the document, and noted that it contained "elementary errors" as well as recommendations "inconsistent" with the CDC's advice, making it obvious it came from elsewhere, a senior CDC scientist told the paper under condition of anonymity.

Trump administration wrote controversial US agency guidelines on testing, says report

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that coronavirus cases are surging alarmingly in Europe, as a "very serious situation" unfolds across the continent.

Fineprint: Coronavirus cases rise as European nations reopen

Director of Centre for Disease Control Robert Redfield contradicted President of the United States, Donald Trump, over the possible availability of coronavirus vaccine.

US Health body contradicts Trump's claim on vaccine arrival

US President Donald Trump is promising to deliver a free of cost vaccine to all US citizens by mid-October. But top American Health experts say a vaccine won't be available till 2021 Summer. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how vaccines have taken centre stage in the U.S. Presidential race.

Gravitas: Has Trump found a Coronavirus vaccine?

Pakistan saw a spike in coronavirus cases and reported more than 700 COVID-19 cases for the first time in more than a month. On Thursday, Pakistan registered 722 new coronavirus case, as per Dawn. The last time such a high number was registered was on August 12. On the day, 771 cases were reported in 24 hours. The trend continued on Friday when 752 new cases were reported in 24 hours before the latest update on Pakistan Government's website.

As per the available data Pakistan reported the highest spike of 6,825 cases on June 14. The infections have been declining since then and there even have been claims from government quarters that coronavirus infection curve has flattened.

Pakistan recorded lowest one-day jump of 300 cases on September 3, according to worldometer.

High recovery rate

Although the latest spike in coronavirus infections may be a matter of worry for the government, the high recovery rate is a matter of great relief for the country.

Geo News quoted Pakistan's National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) to say that recovery rate of coronavirus patients is almost 96 per cent.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/produce-nawaz-sharif-on-sept-22-top-court-official-to-pakistan-foreign-secretary-328295">Produce Nawaz Sharif on Sept 22: Top court official to Pakistan foreign secretary</a>

"290,760 people recovered so far across Pakistan, making it a significant count" and showing that 95.93 per cent of the patients recovered, with 303,089 total cases, of which 5,936 were active ones," said Geo News.

Earlier last week, Pakistan decided to reopen all educational institutes in a phased manner. The decision was taken a month after government decided to open gyms, restaurants and tourist places.

Media reports have said that there was no increase in rate of coronavirus infections in Pakistan. The rate did not increase even after Eid and Muharram processions and resumption of business activities.

Pakistan saw a spike in coronavirus cases and reported more than 700 COVID-19 cases for the first time in more than a month. On Thursday, Pakistan registered 722 new coronavirus case, as per Dawn.

Pakistan saw a spike in coronavirus cases and reported more than 700 COVID-19 cases for the first time in more than a month. On Thursday, Pakistan registered 722 new coronavirus case, as per Dawn. The last time such a high number was registered was on August 12. On the day, 771 cases were reported in 24 hours. The trend continued on Friday when 752 new cases were reported in 24 hours before the latest update on Pakistan Government's website. As per the available data Pakistan reported the highest spike of 6,825 cases on June 14. The infections have been declining since then and there even have been claims from government quarters that coronavirus infection curve has flattened. Pakistan recorded lowest one-day jump of 300 cases on September 3, according to worldometer. High recovery rate Although the latest spike in coronavirus infections may be a matter of worry for the government, the high recovery rate is a matter of great relief for the country. Geo News quoted Pakistan's National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) to say that recovery rate of coronavirus patients is almost 96 per cent. ALSO READ | Produce Nawaz Sharif on Sept 22: Top court official to Pakistan foreign secretary "290,760 people recovered so far across Pakistan, making it a significant count" and showing that 95.93 per cent of the patients recovered, with 303,089 total cases, of which 5,936 were active ones," said Geo News. Earlier last week, Pakistan decided to reopen all educational institutes in a phased manner. The decision was taken a month after government decided to open gyms, restaurants and tourist places. Media reports have said that there was no increase in rate of coronavirus infections in Pakistan. The rate did not increase even after Eid and Muharram processions and resumption of business activities.

Pakistan sees spike in daily coronavirus cases, number crosses 700

These are difficult times. And desperate times like these need desperate measures. A village in Indonesia, hence, is playing its part to implement such measures amid the coronavirus pandemic.

If a person is caught without wearing a face mask in Cerme district of Gresik Regency, East Java, he or she is given a unique punishment.

The person is asked to dig graves for victims of COVID-19 by local authorities in the hopes that a little bit of manual labour and empathy will convince others to do their part to help stop the pandemic.

Though mask-wearing is mandatory in public throughout Indonesia, there has been a vocal segment of the population that has been reluctant to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Three middle-aged men and five minors, to this end, were given this punishment on September 9, authorities said.

Coronavirus, to date, has infected nearly 230,000 people in the country. More than 160,000 of those patients have recovered, while at least 9,100 have died, according to the Indonesian Health Ministry.

Indonesia's government passed a law in July requiring people to wear masks in public, but left it to local officials to determine punishments for noncompliance. In Cerme, the joint team of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, Indonesian National Police and local law enforcement decided to give those caught not wearing a mask the option of accepting a fine of 150,000 rupiah ($10) or accepting what the government calls "social punishment."

None of those punished were, however present when the dead were buried.

Authorities in the capital of Jakarta adopted a similar idea earlier this month. A man there was required to sit in a coffin in public after being caught not wearing a mask.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Indonesia has drawn criticism from public health experts for its relative lack of testing, its patchwork social restrictions to contain the spread of the disease and a list of unscientific treatments praised by cabinet ministers. At least two ministers had also caught the virus.&nbsp;

These are difficult times. And desperate times like these need desperate measures. A village in Indonesia, hence, is playing its part to implement such measures amid the coronavirus pandemic.

These are difficult times. And desperate times like these need desperate measures. A village in Indonesia, hence, is playing its part to implement such measures amid the coronavirus pandemic. If a person is caught without wearing a face mask in Cerme district of Gresik Regency, East Java, he or she is given a unique punishment. The person is asked to dig graves for victims of COVID-19 by local authorities in the hopes that a little bit of manual labour and empathy will convince others to do their part to help stop the pandemic. Though mask-wearing is mandatory in public throughout Indonesia, there has been a vocal segment of the population that has been reluctant to wear masks and practice social distancing. Three middle-aged men and five minors, to this end, were given this punishment on September 9, authorities said. Coronavirus, to date, has infected nearly 230,000 people in the country. More than 160,000 of those patients have recovered, while at least 9,100 have died, according to the Indonesian Health Ministry. Indonesia's government passed a law in July requiring people to wear masks in public, but left it to local officials to determine punishments for noncompliance. In Cerme, the joint team of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, Indonesian National Police and local law enforcement decided to give those caught not wearing a mask the option of accepting a fine of 150,000 rupiah ($10) or accepting what the government calls "social punishment." None of those punished were, however present when the dead were buried. Authorities in the capital of Jakarta adopted a similar idea earlier this month. A man there was required to sit in a coffin in public after being caught not wearing a mask. Meanwhile, Indonesia has drawn criticism from public health experts for its relative lack of testing, its patchwork social restrictions to contain the spread of the disease and a list of unscientific treatments praised by cabinet ministers. At least two ministers had also caught the virus.

If you're caught here without a mask, you dig graves for COVID-19 victims

A British COVID-19 test known as DnaNudge that gives results in just over an hour and which requires no laboratory was accurate in almost all cases, an academic review in the Lancet has found.

Faster testing could allow more people to return to work or permit testing on entry to hospital, thus slowing a second spike in coronavirus infections.

The new test, based on the design of a DNA test developed by a professor at Imperial College London, received approval for clinical use by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) at the end of April after successful trials.

In a study in The Lancet Microbe, the test was found to have an average sensitivity – the ability to correctly identify those with COVID-19 – of 94.4% and a specificity – correctly identifying those without the disease – of 100%.

"These results suggest that the CovidNudge test, which can be performed at a patient’s bedside without the need to handle any sample material, has comparable accuracy to standard laboratory testing," Professor Graham Cooke, lead author of the study from the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London, said.

The Lancet paper described the test, which requires one nostril swab, as "a sensitive, specific, and rapid point of care test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 without laboratory handling or sample pre-processing".

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told LBC radio that Britain was rolling out the tests across hospitals.

"The critical thing in terms of usefulness is that the machine doesn`t need to be in a lab - it is about the size of a shoebox - therefore you can put one, say, in an A&amp;E (accident and emergency) department and they can know whether people coming in have got the coronavirus or not," Hancock said.

Hancock said the machines could also be deployed at other locations such as schools.

Each box can run one test at a time so could process about 16 tests per day, said a spokeswoman for the company that produces the tests.

A British COVID-19 test known as DnaNudge that gives results in just over an hour and which requires no laboratory was accurate in almost all cases, an academic review in the Lancet has found.

A British COVID-19 test known as DnaNudge that gives results in just over an hour and which requires no laboratory was accurate in almost all cases, an academic review in the Lancet has found. Faster testing could allow more people to return to work or permit testing on entry to hospital, thus slowing a second spike in coronavirus infections. The new test, based on the design of a DNA test developed by a professor at Imperial College London, received approval for clinical use by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) at the end of April after successful trials. In a study in The Lancet Microbe, the test was found to have an average sensitivity – the ability to correctly identify those with COVID-19 – of 94.4% and a specificity – correctly identifying those without the disease – of 100%. "These results suggest that the CovidNudge test, which can be performed at a patient’s bedside without the need to handle any sample material, has comparable accuracy to standard laboratory testing," Professor Graham Cooke, lead author of the study from the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London, said. The Lancet paper described the test, which requires one nostril swab, as "a sensitive, specific, and rapid point of care test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 without laboratory handling or sample pre-processing". Health Secretary Matt Hancock told LBC radio that Britain was rolling out the tests across hospitals. "The critical thing in terms of usefulness is that the machine doesn`t need to be in a lab - it is about the size of a shoebox - therefore you can put one, say, in an A&E (accident and emergency) department and they can know whether people coming in have got the coronavirus or not," Hancock said. Hancock said the machines could also be deployed at other locations such as schools. Each box can run one test at a time so could process about 16 tests per day, said a spokeswoman for the company that produces the tests.

90-minute British DnaNudge COVID-19 test is 94.4% accurate, Lancet study finds

India on Friday reported 96,424 new cases of the coronavirus disease – a global record high – taking the cumulative tally past 5.21 million mark.

India becomes second nation after US to record 5 Million plus cases

A wedding in rural Maine became a coronavirus "superspreader" event that left seven people dead and 177 infected, renewing fear of the disease in the northeastern US state that had hoped the worst of the pandemic was behind it.

The nuptials in early August were attended by 65 people, breaking the official limit of 50 allowed at a gathering.

A ceremony at a church was followed by a reception at the Big Moose Inn -- both venues near the picturesque town of Millinocket, whose population numbers just 4,000.

Ten days later, two dozen people associated with the wedding had tested positive for Covid-19 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Maine opened an investigation.

The center's local director Nirav Shah on Thursday gave the latest toll for the event, adding that none of the seven people who died had actually attended the wedding.

Contact-tracers linked the wedding to several virus hotspots across the state -- including more than 80 cases in a prison 230 miles (370 kilometers) away, where one of the guards had attended the ceremony.

Another 10 probable cases were found in a Baptist church in the same area, while 39 infections -- and six of the deaths -- were at a nursing home 100 miles from Millinocket.

For the community and wider region, which had relaxed social-distancing rules introduced earlier in the crisis, the news was a brutal wake-up call.

"When we heard of the outbreak... everyone really hunkered down," said Cody McEwen, head of the town council.

"As soon as the outbreak happened, we completely closed the town again."

- Recriminations -

Some of the residents were clearly angry at the event's organizers -- starting with the tavern, whose license was temporarily suspended.

"I don't think they should have had the wedding. I think it should have been limited like they were supposed to," said Nina Obrikis, a member of the Baptist church where the ceremony was held.

"We can't go nowhere or do nothing," she said.

Maine Governor Janet Mills on Thursday issued a warning to the 1.3 million residents of the state.

Such flare-ups "threaten to undo the gains we have made at the drop of a hat," she said.

"Covid-19 is not on the other side of the fence, it is in our yards."

Since the start of the pandemic earlier this year, similar superspreader events have been reported around the world.

The first in the United States were a biotech conference in Boston in February attended by around 175 people, and a funeral in Georgia where more than 100 people caught the virus.

In recent weeks, such clusters of infections have been seen on university campuses, forcing students to be sent home.

The university of Oneonta, in northern New York state, had more than 670 Covid cases confirmed in one month.

A wedding in rural Maine became a coronavirus "superspreader" event that left seven people dead and 177 infected, renewing fear of the disease in the northeastern US state that had hoped the worst of the pandemic was behind it.

A wedding in rural Maine became a coronavirus "superspreader" event that left seven people dead and 177 infected, renewing fear of the disease in the northeastern US state that had hoped the worst of the pandemic was behind it. The nuptials in early August were attended by 65 people, breaking the official limit of 50 allowed at a gathering. A ceremony at a church was followed by a reception at the Big Moose Inn -- both venues near the picturesque town of Millinocket, whose population numbers just 4,000. Ten days later, two dozen people associated with the wedding had tested positive for Covid-19 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Maine opened an investigation. The center's local director Nirav Shah on Thursday gave the latest toll for the event, adding that none of the seven people who died had actually attended the wedding. Contact-tracers linked the wedding to several virus hotspots across the state -- including more than 80 cases in a prison 230 miles (370 kilometers) away, where one of the guards had attended the ceremony. Another 10 probable cases were found in a Baptist church in the same area, while 39 infections -- and six of the deaths -- were at a nursing home 100 miles from Millinocket. For the community and wider region, which had relaxed social-distancing rules introduced earlier in the crisis, the news was a brutal wake-up call. "When we heard of the outbreak... everyone really hunkered down," said Cody McEwen, head of the town council. "As soon as the outbreak happened, we completely closed the town again." - Recriminations - Some of the residents were clearly angry at the event's organizers -- starting with the tavern, whose license was temporarily suspended. "I don't think they should have had the wedding. I think it should have been limited like they were supposed to," said Nina Obrikis, a member of the Baptist church where the ceremony was held. "We can't go nowhere or do nothing," she said. Maine Governor Janet Mills on Thursday issued a warning to the 1.3 million residents of the state. Such flare-ups "threaten to undo the gains we have made at the drop of a hat," she said. "Covid-19 is not on the other side of the fence, it is in our yards." Since the start of the pandemic earlier this year, similar superspreader events have been reported around the world. The first in the United States were a biotech conference in Boston in February attended by around 175 people, and a funeral in Georgia where more than 100 people caught the virus. In recent weeks, such clusters of infections have been seen on university campuses, forcing students to be sent home. The university of Oneonta, in northern New York state, had more than 670 Covid cases confirmed in one month.

Seven dead, dozens infected after 'superspreader' wedding in rural US

WHO warns of a very serious situation unfolding in Europe

The resurgence in coronavirus cases is the biggest threat to the recovering eurozone economy. Growth and inflation are more likely to create negative surprises over the coming year than positive ones.

Resurging cases of COVID-19 pose big challenge to Euro Zone economy

New Zealand has entered a recession with the economy contracting 12.2% in the June quarter.

New Zealand economy in deepest recession

Bengalis settled in various countries are taking online lessons to perform Durga Puja rituals themselves as the COVID-19 outbreak has forced priests from West Bengal to cancel their international travel plans.

Several priests from the state used to make annual journeys to countries from the United States to Japan to perform Durga Puja rituals for Bengalis settled there.

However, the coronavirus outbreak has changed the situation.

On being requested by several Bengalis settled abroad, an organisation, Sarva Bharatiya Prachya Vidya Academy, has decided to conduct online training sessions for Brahmins on September 27 and October 4, its founder Jayanta Kushari said on Wednesday.

They will be trained to perform 'yagna', 'ghot puja' (worshipping an urn symbolising the goddess) and other rituals of Durga Puja, he said.

"The COVID-19 outbreak has restricted our movement but Durga Puja cannot wait. After being requested by friends in India and abroad, we decided to conduct digital workshops where all puja rituals will be taught," Kushari told PTI.

The workshops will be held at a time convenient for all participants across different time zones, he said.

The organisation has been conducting workshops for people willing to work as priests apart from their regular jobs.

It had last month conducted a similar online session for 175 people in front of the semi-finished Durga idol at Shobhabazar Rajbari in north Kolkata.

"More people can attend online sessions than in physical workshops in the present scenario. This might be the norm even in post-COVID times," Kushari said.

Kolkata-based priest Srikanto Chakraborty said he is looking for offers from puja committees across the state after his regular London-based client informed him they are not organising Durga Puja this year.

Bengalis settled in various countries are taking online lessons to perform Durga Puja rituals themselves as the COVID-19 outbreak has forced priests from West Bengal to cancel their international travel plans.

Bengalis settled in various countries are taking online lessons to perform Durga Puja rituals themselves as the COVID-19 outbreak has forced priests from West Bengal to cancel their international travel plans. Several priests from the state used to make annual journeys to countries from the United States to Japan to perform Durga Puja rituals for Bengalis settled there. However, the coronavirus outbreak has changed the situation. On being requested by several Bengalis settled abroad, an organisation, Sarva Bharatiya Prachya Vidya Academy, has decided to conduct online training sessions for Brahmins on September 27 and October 4, its founder Jayanta Kushari said on Wednesday. They will be trained to perform 'yagna', 'ghot puja' (worshipping an urn symbolising the goddess) and other rituals of Durga Puja, he said. "The COVID-19 outbreak has restricted our movement but Durga Puja cannot wait. After being requested by friends in India and abroad, we decided to conduct digital workshops where all puja rituals will be taught," Kushari told PTI. The workshops will be held at a time convenient for all participants across different time zones, he said. The organisation has been conducting workshops for people willing to work as priests apart from their regular jobs. It had last month conducted a similar online session for 175 people in front of the semi-finished Durga idol at Shobhabazar Rajbari in north Kolkata. "More people can attend online sessions than in physical workshops in the present scenario. This might be the norm even in post-COVID times," Kushari said. Kolkata-based priest Srikanto Chakraborty said he is looking for offers from puja committees across the state after his regular London-based client informed him they are not organising Durga Puja this year.

COVID-19 forces Bengalis settled abroad to learn Durga Puja rituals online

American life finds itself in the middle of a plague that answers to no calendar, ideology or political objective. Just weeks away from the #USElection, the arrival of a vaccine takes the centre stage in American politics.

Vaccine: A guarantee to election success?

Russia's sovereign wealth fund has agreed to supply 100 million doses of its coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik-V, to Indian drug company Dr Reddy's Laboratories

Russia to sell 100 million COVID vaccine doses to India

A roadside tool for law enforcement may one day fight in the war on COVID-19.

US firm repurposing breathlyzer for COVID-19 testing

US President Donald Trump again contradicted his own health officials' coronavirus statements -- this time on the importance of mask wearing and the timing for a vaccine.

Donald Trump unveils Coronavirus vaccine distribution plan

Health Minister of India Dr Harshvardhan while addressing the lower house of the Parliament (Lok Sabha) briefs over the current scenario of COVID-19 in India and possibility of having a vaccine by initial months of next year.

'By early next year, we expect India to have a COVID vaccine', says Health Minister

Her age may have posed a challenge but 100-year-old Mai Handique's battle against COVID-19 was won by her positivity, doctors said on Thursday.

Handique, Assam's oldest COVID-19 patient, was discharged from the Mahendra Mohan Chowdhury Hospital (MMCH) in Guwahati on Wednesday, they said.

A resident of the Mothers' Old Age Home, she was admitted to the hospital ten days ago after testing COVID- positive.

The doctors and nurses who were treating her held a small celebration before she was discharged.

Handique, who was beaming with excitement, joined the party singing several Assamese songs in her full-throated voice.

Handique, called Aita (grandma) by all at the hospital, told reporters that she enjoyed her stay and the food.

"We were given fish or meat on most of the days while egg and banana were given daily. We were also given 'ruti- bhaji' (chappatis and vegetables) which I enjoyed the most," she said.

She also thanked all those who treated her, saying, "The girls (the nurses) and the doctors' took very good care."

Handique also had a special word of praise for Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma -- "He is doing very hard work for all of us and I bless him to continue to help people who are suffering from this disease."

Sarma, too, wished her on the recovery.

"Steely resolve of 100-year old Mai Handique is monumental. With brilliant support of doctors at MMCH, she defeated coronavirus, giving us a lesson in having the right will power," he said.

A doctor treating Handique said, "Initially, we were worried due to her age and she also has hypertension, but she was always cheerful and in a positive frame of mind."

Twelve residents of the Mothers' Old Age Home have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and five of them have been discharged so far.

Her age may have posed a challenge but 100-year-old Mai Handique's battle against COVID-19 was won by her positivity, doctors said on Thursday. Handique, Assam's oldest COVID-19 patient, was discharged from the Mahendra Mohan Chowdhury Hospital (MMCH) in Guwahati on Wednesday, they said.

Her age may have posed a challenge but 100-year-old Mai Handique's battle against COVID-19 was won by her positivity, doctors said on Thursday. Handique, Assam's oldest COVID-19 patient, was discharged from the Mahendra Mohan Chowdhury Hospital (MMCH) in Guwahati on Wednesday, they said. A resident of the Mothers' Old Age Home, she was admitted to the hospital ten days ago after testing COVID- positive. The doctors and nurses who were treating her held a small celebration before she was discharged. Handique, who was beaming with excitement, joined the party singing several Assamese songs in her full-throated voice. Handique, called Aita (grandma) by all at the hospital, told reporters that she enjoyed her stay and the food. "We were given fish or meat on most of the days while egg and banana were given daily. We were also given 'ruti- bhaji' (chappatis and vegetables) which I enjoyed the most," she said. She also thanked all those who treated her, saying, "The girls (the nurses) and the doctors' took very good care." Handique also had a special word of praise for Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma -- "He is doing very hard work for all of us and I bless him to continue to help people who are suffering from this disease." Sarma, too, wished her on the recovery. "Steely resolve of 100-year old Mai Handique is monumental. With brilliant support of doctors at MMCH, she defeated coronavirus, giving us a lesson in having the right will power," he said. A doctor treating Handique said, "Initially, we were worried due to her age and she also has hypertension, but she was always cheerful and in a positive frame of mind." Twelve residents of the Mothers' Old Age Home have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and five of them have been discharged so far.

100-year-old woman beats COVID-19 in Assam

India has found an interesting solution to keep people in contact with each other, given the severity of coronavirus pandemic in the country.&nbsp;

A hospital in the world’s largest democracy recently deployed a robot to not only patrol its wards, but also to help patients connect with their loved one.

The best thing about a robot overlooking coronavirus wards is that it keeps healthcare workers safe from the virus.

The robot is called “Mitra”, which translated into “friend” in Hindi. The robot had earlier interacted with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a 2017 event.

<h6><img alt="A robot named 'Mitra', which is used by the patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to communicate with their relatives, is see" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a143075-7943-4c1b-acd9-87ed9eadc741" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_153.jpg" />A robot named 'Mitra', which is used by the patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to communicate with their relatives, is seen in Noida | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

According to news agency Reuters, the robot’s eyes are equipped with facial recognition technology, to ensure it remembers those he had interacted with earlier.

Mitra’s chest also has a tablet to allow video calls, being in touch with family, but also for medical staff to supervise the contagious wards.

"It takes a lot of time to recover, and during this time, when patients need their families the most, they are unable to visit," Dr Arun Lakhanpal, a doctor at the Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Noida Extension, told Reuters. The basic usage of Mitra is restricted to patients unable to communicate using their phones.

<h6><img alt="A patient suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) speaks to his family members, using a robot named 'Mitra' at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi, India, September 15, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="12218940-7c69-4bac-8ea6-f3d41f4bf97a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_107.jpg" />A patient suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) speaks to his family members, using a robot named 'Mitra' at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi, India, September 15, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

The robot was developed by Invento Robotics, a Bengaluru-based start-up. The hospital paid 1 million rupees ($13,600) to acquire Mitra, as reported by Reuters.

On Wednesday, India crossed the grim 5 million threshold for the total number of coronavirus cases.

India has found an interesting solution to keep people in contact with each other, given the severity of coronavirus pandemic in the country. A hospital in the world’s largest democracy recently deployed a robot to not only patrol its wards, but also to help patients connect with their loved one.

India has found an interesting solution to keep people in contact with each other, given the severity of coronavirus pandemic in the country. A hospital in the world’s largest democracy recently deployed a robot to not only patrol its wards, but also to help patients connect with their loved one. The best thing about a robot overlooking coronavirus wards is that it keeps healthcare workers safe from the virus. The robot is called “Mitra”, which translated into “friend” in Hindi. The robot had earlier interacted with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a 2017 event. A robot named 'Mitra', which is used by the patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to communicate with their relatives, is seen in Noida | Reuters According to news agency Reuters, the robot’s eyes are equipped with facial recognition technology, to ensure it remembers those he had interacted with earlier. Mitra’s chest also has a tablet to allow video calls, being in touch with family, but also for medical staff to supervise the contagious wards. "It takes a lot of time to recover, and during this time, when patients need their families the most, they are unable to visit," Dr Arun Lakhanpal, a doctor at the Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Noida Extension, told Reuters. The basic usage of Mitra is restricted to patients unable to communicate using their phones. A patient suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) speaks to his family members, using a robot named 'Mitra' at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi, India, September 15, 2020 | Reuters The robot was developed by Invento Robotics, a Bengaluru-based start-up. The hospital paid 1 million rupees ($13,600) to acquire Mitra, as reported by Reuters. On Wednesday, India crossed the grim 5 million threshold for the total number of coronavirus cases.

Meet Mitra, the friendly robot connecting coronavirus patients with loved ones in India

The coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc across the world. No country has been left untouched, and many territories are now inducting daily record numbers everyday.

When the pandemic began, scientists were wary of the virus jumping from humans to domestic animals and vice versa. Many theories went around the internet, but there is still no concrete proof&nbsp;of whether such transmission happens, and whether it needs to be taken seriously.

But if you’re panicking about your pet feline developing the virus, a company&nbsp;is planning to develop a COVID-19 vaccine exclusively for cats.

Trials soon

A company called Applied DNA Sciences is set to begin clinical trials for one of its LineaDNA vaccine candidates. The company currently has five vaccine candidates in the loop, all aimed at preventing coronavirus infections among domestic cats.&nbsp;

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/are-animals-next-see-how-many-have-tested-positive-for-covid-19-so-far-290812" hreflang="en">Are animals next? See how many have tested positive for COVID-19 so far!</a>

On Wednesday, the company said that the vaccine will be solely for veterinary use. The initials trials, which are set to begin soon will be conducted in collaboration with Evvivax SRL, a biotechnology firm.

The partnership is still pending approval from the US Department of Agriculture, according to a statement released by Applied DNA Sciences.&nbsp;

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/paw-erful-some-of-the-most-famous-cats-who-ran-for-elections-319030" hreflang="en">Paw-erful: Some of the most famous cats who ran for elections</a>

To ascertain the seriousness of the virus among domestic felines and the potential severity of cats developing complications, the proposed study will take into account the immune responses of cats to the vaccine, the safety imbued in the vaccine candidates, and the tolerability of the vaccine candidates. Additionally, it will then look for antibody and T-cell responses in felines.

30 cats to be inoculated&nbsp;

As part of its pilot phase, the trial will enrol 30 healthy domestic cats, and trace them for six months.

In July, Applied DNA Sciences had claimed that five of its LineaDNA vaccine candidates had exhibited strong antibody responses even at low doses among mice.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/more-cats-infected-with-coronavirus-than-previously-considered-study-326858" hreflang="en">More cats infected with coronavirus than previously considered: Study</a>

If this successfully works among cats, does that mean humans will also be eligible for inoculation? And are domestic pets really in danger from COVID-19?

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no proof that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus. CDC also claims that “in some situations”, the virus may spread from people to animals. But the risk of them giving it to humans is considered “low” as of now.&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc across the world. No country has been left untouched, and many territories are now inducting daily record numbers everyday.

The coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc across the world. No country has been left untouched, and many territories are now inducting daily record numbers everyday. When the pandemic began, scientists were wary of the virus jumping from humans to domestic animals and vice versa. Many theories went around the internet, but there is still no concrete proof of whether such transmission happens, and whether it needs to be taken seriously. But if you’re panicking about your pet feline developing the virus, a company is planning to develop a COVID-19 vaccine exclusively for cats. Trials soon A company called Applied DNA Sciences is set to begin clinical trials for one of its LineaDNA vaccine candidates. The company currently has five vaccine candidates in the loop, all aimed at preventing coronavirus infections among domestic cats. In Pics: Are animals next? See how many have tested positive for COVID-19 so far! On Wednesday, the company said that the vaccine will be solely for veterinary use. The initials trials, which are set to begin soon will be conducted in collaboration with Evvivax SRL, a biotechnology firm. The partnership is still pending approval from the US Department of Agriculture, according to a statement released by Applied DNA Sciences. In Pics: Paw-erful: Some of the most famous cats who ran for elections To ascertain the seriousness of the virus among domestic felines and the potential severity of cats developing complications, the proposed study will take into account the immune responses of cats to the vaccine, the safety imbued in the vaccine candidates, and the tolerability of the vaccine candidates. Additionally, it will then look for antibody and T-cell responses in felines. 30 cats to be inoculated As part of its pilot phase, the trial will enrol 30 healthy domestic cats, and trace them for six months. In July, Applied DNA Sciences had claimed that five of its LineaDNA vaccine candidates had exhibited strong antibody responses even at low doses among mice. Also read: More cats infected with coronavirus than previously considered: Study If this successfully works among cats, does that mean humans will also be eligible for inoculation? And are domestic pets really in danger from COVID-19? According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no proof that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus. CDC also claims that “in some situations”, the virus may spread from people to animals. But the risk of them giving it to humans is considered “low” as of now.

A company is beginning pilot testing of its coronavirus vaccine for cats

Morocco declared a state of health emergency in mid-March and shut its borders to stop coronavirus from spreading.

Morocco's Marrakesh suffocates without tourists amid COVID-19 pandemic

The domestic cricket in Pakistan has come back after a long halt due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is taking steps to make sure that all the players and the officials are in a safe environment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-who-are-the-favourites-in-mi-vs-csk-opener-gautam-gambhir-opines-327724" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Who are the favourites in MI vs CSK opener? Gautam Gambhir opines</a>

According to the board, it is mandatory for everyone to get themselves tested for COVID-19 twice, before entering the bio-secure bubble.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/so-great-manchester-uniteds-rashford-reacts-to-jofra-archers-soccer-skills-during-match-327729" hreflang="en">'So great': Manchester United's Rashford reacts to Jofra Archer's soccer skills during match</a>

Pakistan's domestic T20 tournament, the National T20 Cup will begin on September 30.&nbsp;

Earlier a report in InsideSport stated that the PCB has asked the 240 players and officials to pay for their initial tests. “The initial test the players, officials and stakeholders have to pay for themselves,” a PCB source said.

However, these reports are told to be incorrect. According to a senior Pakistan cricket journalist, Saj Sadiq took to his official Twitter handle and clarified, "Reports PCB has asked players, officials &amp; other stakeholders, who will take part in the National T20 Cup later this month, to pay for their own Covid-19 tests are incorrect. They will do the first test themselves and PCB will then reimburse them all the costs #Cricket #Covid_19".

The domestic cricket in Pakistan has come back after a long halt due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is taking steps to make sure that all the players and the officials are in a safe environment.

The domestic cricket in Pakistan has come back after a long halt due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is taking steps to make sure that all the players and the officials are in a safe environment. Also read: IPL 2020: Who are the favourites in MI vs CSK opener? Gautam Gambhir opines According to the board, it is mandatory for everyone to get themselves tested for COVID-19 twice, before entering the bio-secure bubble. Also read: 'So great': Manchester United's Rashford reacts to Jofra Archer's soccer skills during match Pakistan's domestic T20 tournament, the National T20 Cup will begin on September 30. Earlier a report in InsideSport stated that the PCB has asked the 240 players and officials to pay for their initial tests. “The initial test the players, officials and stakeholders have to pay for themselves,” a PCB source said. However, these reports are told to be incorrect. According to a senior Pakistan cricket journalist, Saj Sadiq took to his official Twitter handle and clarified, "Reports PCB has asked players, officials & other stakeholders, who will take part in the National T20 Cup later this month, to pay for their own Covid-19 tests are incorrect. They will do the first test themselves and PCB will then reimburse them all the costs #Cricket #Covid_19".

National T20 Cup: PCB asks 240 players, officials to pay for COVID-19 tests

India has listed its COVID-19 strategy at the United Nation's Human Rights Council saying the mantra is ‘Jaan bhi, Jahan bhi’ which is "saving lives as well as livelihoods.

India has listed its COVID-19 strategy at the United Nation's Human Rights Council saying the mantra is ‘Jaan bhi, Jahan bhi’ which is "saving lives as well as livelihoods." India's first secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, Pawan Badhe said, "India has continued on the path to ramping up our capacities, securing the needs of poorest citizens and future-proofing our society.." and "was among the first few countries to create a responsive system of lockdown, in launching public awareness campaigns about social distancing and use of face masks." While India has now the second-highest numbers of COVID-19 cases in the world after the US, it also continues to post high recoveries, according to government data which says recovery rate has touched 78.28% in the country. Pawan explained India has been "able to upscale, in record time, health infrastructure, including COVID-19 hospitals, ICU capacities and testing facilities." India currently has 298 COVID-19 testing labs. As COVID-19 pandemic started to spread across the world, India has put in place nationwide lockdown starting in the month of March. Currently, the country is in the unlock phase. Badhe at the HRC highlighted India has "emerged as the second-largest manufacturer of PPE kits in the world" and has been "deploying indigenously developed digital tools for contact tracing and to predict emerging hotspots". "We have managed to keep our fatalities at one-and-a-half per cent, for we responded by – coming together not growing apart; collaboration not confusion; preparation not panic." India announced the economic stimulus package to deal with the crisis. Under the Prime Minister’s Garib Kalyan Package, $ 22 billion has been set out to alleviate the situation of the poor and vulnerable and funds were transferred through direct cash transfer schemes to 28 million poor senior citizens, differently-abled people, and widows. India sent medical supplies to over 150 nations was also pointed out by the Indian diplomat. He said,"universality of human needs has guided our collective action" and "India remains committed to being inclusive and non-transactional in collaborating with other stakeholders in a collective quest to develop solutions to manage the crisis."

Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN

The advent of a global pandemic is making many shrug at the thought of eating meat, especially when exotic animals are involved.

China is the hub of all kinds of uncanny food - be it centipedes, dogs, or tarantulas - everything is a delicacy in China. However, the public sentiment and consumption patterns may be shifting after the havoc wreaked by COVID-19.

A more health conscious population

Many Chinese companies are investing in plant-based meat products in the wake of a more health conscious population owing to coronavirus.

China currently has a huge meat supply chain, and it is not going to be tremendously altered. But vegetarian alternatives to meat are gaining prominence across the world, including China.

<h6><img alt="A dish containing plant-based meatballs produced by Zhenmeat, is seen during lunch time at a Hope Tree restaurant in Beijing, China September 4, 2020. Picture taken September 4, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ac39381-27e7-4098-b5d1-fb5d0b43240b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_151.jpg" />A dish containing plant-based meatballs produced by Zhenmeat, is seen during lunch time at a Hope Tree restaurant in Beijing, China September 4, 2020. Picture taken September 4, 2020 | Reuters</h6>

&nbsp;

Beyond Meat Inc, a company from the US recently signed a deal to set up a production facility near Shanghai.&nbsp;

Earlier, the company had partnered with Starbucks to serve its plant-based meat products in coffee shops across China.

Local players are not behind. Beijing’s Zhenmeat produces plant-based meatballs, steak, pork, beef patty, porn loin, dumplings, and crayfish. Zhenmeat is one of many Chinese companies that are starting to turn to plant based food in a country that consumes all kinds of meat.

"Now after COVID-19 consumers are more concerned about health and restaurant brands are responding to this,” Zhenmeat founder and CEO Vince Lu said in an interview, Reuters reported.

Lu added that sales were "up considerably" since June, suggesting that people are responding to the coronavirus crisis.

Meat is the real competition

Customers at Hope Tree restaurant, where the meatballs are being served, said that the plant-based meatballs tasted like tofu.

“Actually you can tell that it isn't meat but the feel of it in your mouth is very similar to beef. And I guess that plant-based meat is a little healthier than beef,” Audrey Jiang, 30, told Reuters.

<h6><img alt="Customers choose the ingredients for their meal at a Hope Tree restaurant which is offering plant-based meatballs produced by Zhenmeat in Beijing, China September 4, 2020. Picture taken September 4, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c97e831d-b817-4009-97f1-4a6fc34360e4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_106.jpg" />Customers choose the ingredients for their meal at a Hope Tree restaurant which is offering plant-based meatballs produced by Zhenmeat in Beijing, China September 4, 2020. Picture taken September 4, 2020 | Reuters</h6>

&nbsp;

Ben Cavender, China Market Research Group Director claimed that taste will be the primary signifier of the future of the plant-based market.

"When we interview consumers the vast majority say they're open to trying these products once," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/amid-food-shortage-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-orders-citizens-to-give-up-dogs-for-meat-321671" hreflang="en">Amid food shortage, North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders citizens to give up dogs for meat</a>

"But the big question is how do they like it? Do they see how they can fit it into their diet on daily basis, whether that's cooking at home or at restaurants? But if they do like it they'll keep buying”, Cavender added.

Zhenmeat’s Lu added that even though there is a lot of competition in the market, the biggest competition was the meat industry itself.

“The most important thing is that our true competitors are not those global giants who have already achieved great success such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods,” he said.

"Our true competitor is the whole livestock sector. It's the animal protein industry”, Lu concluded.

The advent of a global pandemic is making many shrug at the thought of eating meat, especially when exotic animals are involved. China is the hub of all kinds of uncanny food - be it centipedes, dogs, or tarantulas - everything is a delicacy in China.

The advent of a global pandemic is making many shrug at the thought of eating meat, especially when exotic animals are involved. China is the hub of all kinds of uncanny food - be it centipedes, dogs, or tarantulas - everything is a delicacy in China. However, the public sentiment and consumption patterns may be shifting after the havoc wreaked by COVID-19. A more health conscious population Many Chinese companies are investing in plant-based meat products in the wake of a more health conscious population owing to coronavirus. China currently has a huge meat supply chain, and it is not going to be tremendously altered. But vegetarian alternatives to meat are gaining prominence across the world, including China. A dish containing plant-based meatballs produced by Zhenmeat, is seen during lunch time at a Hope Tree restaurant in Beijing, China September 4, 2020. Picture taken September 4, 2020 | Reuters Beyond Meat Inc, a company from the US recently signed a deal to set up a production facility near Shanghai. Earlier, the company had partnered with Starbucks to serve its plant-based meat products in coffee shops across China. Local players are not behind. Beijing’s Zhenmeat produces plant-based meatballs, steak, pork, beef patty, porn loin, dumplings, and crayfish. Zhenmeat is one of many Chinese companies that are starting to turn to plant based food in a country that consumes all kinds of meat. "Now after COVID-19 consumers are more concerned about health and restaurant brands are responding to this,” Zhenmeat founder and CEO Vince Lu said in an interview, Reuters reported. Lu added that sales were "up considerably" since June, suggesting that people are responding to the coronavirus crisis. Meat is the real competition Customers at Hope Tree restaurant, where the meatballs are being served, said that the plant-based meatballs tasted like tofu. “Actually you can tell that it isn't meat but the feel of it in your mouth is very similar to beef. And I guess that plant-based meat is a little healthier than beef,” Audrey Jiang, 30, told Reuters. Customers choose the ingredients for their meal at a Hope Tree restaurant which is offering plant-based meatballs produced by Zhenmeat in Beijing, China September 4, 2020. Picture taken September 4, 2020 | Reuters Ben Cavender, China Market Research Group Director claimed that taste will be the primary signifier of the future of the plant-based market. "When we interview consumers the vast majority say they're open to trying these products once," he said. Also read: Amid food shortage, North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders citizens to give up dogs for meat "But the big question is how do they like it? Do they see how they can fit it into their diet on daily basis, whether that's cooking at home or at restaurants? But if they do like it they'll keep buying”, Cavender added. Zhenmeat’s Lu added that even though there is a lot of competition in the market, the biggest competition was the meat industry itself. “The most important thing is that our true competitors are not those global giants who have already achieved great success such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods,” he said. "Our true competitor is the whole livestock sector. It's the animal protein industry”, Lu concluded.

No more meat? In the aftermath of COVID-19 in China, people are turning to plant-based substitute

In a big blow to the expectations regarding the covid-19&nbsp;vaccine, the Serum Institute of India has said adequate coronavirus vaccine will not be available for everybody in the world to be immunised until the end of 2024.

The chief executive of the world’s largest manufacturer of vaccines, Adar Poonawalla, has said dampened the hopes of a COVID-19 vaccine by year-end in an interview with the Financial Times. He said that pharma firms were not ramping up production capacity swiftly to be able to innoculate the world population in less duration.

“It’s going to take four to five years until everyone gets the vaccine on this planet,” Poonawalla was quoted as saying. He had earlier predicted that if the coronavirus shot is a two-dose vaccine, as is the case with measles or rotavirus, then the world would require 15 billion doses.

The Serum Institute has partnered with five international pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca and Novavax, to develop a coronavirus vaccine. The firm may also tie-up with Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute to produce the Sputnik vaccine.

The institute has pledged to manufacture one billion doses, out of which it has promised 50% to India.

The firm will, as part of its agreement with AstraZeneca, seek to produce Covid-19 vaccine doses that cost closed $3 for 68 countries and under its deal with Novavax, for 92 countries.

Poonawalla had in April ordered 600m glass vials and other particulars to gear up for the mass manufacturing of the vaccine.

Meanwhile, as of Tuesday morning, the total number of coronavirus cases stood at 29,281,638 and the fatalities rose to 928,423, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

In a big blow to the expectations regarding the covid-19 vaccine, the Serum Institute of India has said adequate coronavirus vaccine will not be available for everybody in the world to be immunised until the end of 2024.

In a big blow to the expectations regarding the covid-19 vaccine, the Serum Institute of India has said adequate coronavirus vaccine will not be available for everybody in the world to be immunised until the end of 2024. The chief executive of the world’s largest manufacturer of vaccines, Adar Poonawalla, has said dampened the hopes of a COVID-19 vaccine by year-end in an interview with the Financial Times. He said that pharma firms were not ramping up production capacity swiftly to be able to innoculate the world population in less duration. “It’s going to take four to five years until everyone gets the vaccine on this planet,” Poonawalla was quoted as saying. He had earlier predicted that if the coronavirus shot is a two-dose vaccine, as is the case with measles or rotavirus, then the world would require 15 billion doses. The Serum Institute has partnered with five international pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca and Novavax, to develop a coronavirus vaccine. The firm may also tie-up with Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute to produce the Sputnik vaccine. The institute has pledged to manufacture one billion doses, out of which it has promised 50% to India. The firm will, as part of its agreement with AstraZeneca, seek to produce Covid-19 vaccine doses that cost closed $3 for 68 countries and under its deal with Novavax, for 92 countries. Poonawalla had in April ordered 600m glass vials and other particulars to gear up for the mass manufacturing of the vaccine. Meanwhile, as of Tuesday morning, the total number of coronavirus cases stood at 29,281,638 and the fatalities rose to 928,423, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

Coronavirus vaccine won’t be available to everyone before 2024 end: India's Serum Institute chief

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