China's Communist Party has excelled in rewriting its own history. More than 30 years ago, at least 10 thousand people were killed in Tiananmen square. Almost 20 years ago, China hid information about the SARS outbreak, killing hundreds.

Now, a pandemic has ravaged the world. Here are five lies China is pushing to rewrite the narrative surrounding coronavirus:

1. Wuhan is back with a bang

China wants you to see Wuhan as a city with pool parties, reopened schools, and streets abuzz.&nbsp;

With help from Chinese state media, Wuhan is projected in a light of normalcy.&nbsp;But they do not show the Huanan seafood market, where the virus is believed to have originated.

According to news agency Reuters, the Huanan seafood market remains is a no-go zone, with a large security detail that chases away anyone who lingers too close.

The Chinese state organised a tour for journalists to show how Wuhan is faring. The pitch went along the lines of “no other place is as safe as Wuhan”. But they weren't allowed inside the Huanan seafood market.

2. False stories on the origins of the virus

Chinese state mouthpieces have been blame the virus on external players.

For instance, the People's Daily re-published a claim from the Global Times which asserts that coronavirus could have originated in the US. It quoted a “Japanese TV report" as the source of the information, and was first published in February.

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Since then, voices of Chinese "experts" have been used to create doubts and confusion. Earlier this year,&nbsp; Xinhua published a write up quoting Dr Jong Nan-Shan, who led the fight against SARS and COVID-19. Dr Jong said: “COVID-19 was first discovered in China, does not mean it originated here".

Following this, a group of scientific researchers claimed that coronavirus was "imported from elsewhere". Then, China published an entire book about Wuhan's fight against the virus.

3. The facade of economic recovery

China claims its economy is slowly recovering. According to a report, Chinese exports are back on track. China's nemesis, the US remains the biggest buyer of Chinese goods, followed by the European Union and Southeast Asia.

According to the Chinese state media, the country has outperformed most G20 nations. However, there is massive over-investment in the Chinese economy, especially in the real estate sector.

A Wall Street Journal report described the property boom in China as a "52 trillion dollar bubble". This is bigger than the US Property market boom of early 2000s, which had triggered the financial crisis of 2008.

The Chinese state is also using its banks to keep the economy going, by recently forcing the state banks to forego 218 billion Dollars in profits.

Experts anticipate a rise in non-performing assets or bad loans. By the end of last year, non performing loans in China's commercial banks surged past 330 billion Dollars.&nbsp;

4. Claims of covid vaccines.

Today, for the first time China showed the world its vaccines. Two companies have produced these, Sinovac biotech and Sinopharm.

Sinovac alone says it will produce 300 million doses of the vaccine in a year. However, the vaccines are at an experimental stage, yet to pass the third and the most critical phase of the trials.

China is far from regulatory approval. The country may be advertising its vaccine to maintain the narrative within the country, and also to keep potential buyers interested.

According to a report, 90 per cent of Sinovac employees and their families have already taken this experimental vaccine.

5. Stonewalling a global investigation

More than one hundred countries demanded a probe into the virus at the World Health Assembly a few months back.

Last month, a WHO team visited China to investigate the origins of the virus, but they were not even taken to Wuhan.

The world health body says it will send another delegation to the city.

According to a report from July, Beijing is creating hurdles for the investigation. The WHO Team that travelled to China faced "logistical headaches”, and the advance team was placed under a 14-day quarantine. This forced them to "do some of their detective work from a distance."

China's Communist Party has excelled in rewriting its own history. More than 30 years ago, at least 10 thousand people were killed in Tiananmen square. Almost 20 years ago, China hid information about the SARS outbreak, killing hundreds.

China's Communist Party has excelled in rewriting its own history. More than 30 years ago, at least 10 thousand people were killed in Tiananmen square. Almost 20 years ago, China hid information about the SARS outbreak, killing hundreds. Now, a pandemic has ravaged the world. Here are five lies China is pushing to rewrite the narrative surrounding coronavirus: 1. Wuhan is back with a bang China wants you to see Wuhan as a city with pool parties, reopened schools, and streets abuzz. With help from Chinese state media, Wuhan is projected in a light of normalcy. But they do not show the Huanan seafood market, where the virus is believed to have originated. According to news agency Reuters, the Huanan seafood market remains is a no-go zone, with a large security detail that chases away anyone who lingers too close. The Chinese state organised a tour for journalists to show how Wuhan is faring. The pitch went along the lines of “no other place is as safe as Wuhan”. But they weren't allowed inside the Huanan seafood market. 2. False stories on the origins of the virus Chinese state mouthpieces have been blame the virus on external players. For instance, the People's Daily re-published a claim from the Global Times which asserts that coronavirus could have originated in the US. It quoted a “Japanese TV report" as the source of the information, and was first published in February. × Since then, voices of Chinese "experts" have been used to create doubts and confusion. Earlier this year, Xinhua published a write up quoting Dr Jong Nan-Shan, who led the fight against SARS and COVID-19. Dr Jong said: “COVID-19 was first discovered in China, does not mean it originated here". Following this, a group of scientific researchers claimed that coronavirus was "imported from elsewhere". Then, China published an entire book about Wuhan's fight against the virus. 3. The facade of economic recovery China claims its economy is slowly recovering. According to a report, Chinese exports are back on track. China's nemesis, the US remains the biggest buyer of Chinese goods, followed by the European Union and Southeast Asia. According to the Chinese state media, the country has outperformed most G20 nations. However, there is massive over-investment in the Chinese economy, especially in the real estate sector. A Wall Street Journal report described the property boom in China as a "52 trillion dollar bubble". This is bigger than the US Property market boom of early 2000s, which had triggered the financial crisis of 2008. The Chinese state is also using its banks to keep the economy going, by recently forcing the state banks to forego 218 billion Dollars in profits. Experts anticipate a rise in non-performing assets or bad loans. By the end of last year, non performing loans in China's commercial banks surged past 330 billion Dollars. 4. Claims of covid vaccines. Today, for the first time China showed the world its vaccines. Two companies have produced these, Sinovac biotech and Sinopharm. Sinovac alone says it will produce 300 million doses of the vaccine in a year. However, the vaccines are at an experimental stage, yet to pass the third and the most critical phase of the trials. China is far from regulatory approval. The country may be advertising its vaccine to maintain the narrative within the country, and also to keep potential buyers interested. According to a report, 90 per cent of Sinovac employees and their families have already taken this experimental vaccine. 5. Stonewalling a global investigation More than one hundred countries demanded a probe into the virus at the World Health Assembly a few months back. Last month, a WHO team visited China to investigate the origins of the virus, but they were not even taken to Wuhan. The world health body says it will send another delegation to the city. According to a report from July, Beijing is creating hurdles for the investigation. The WHO Team that travelled to China faced "logistical headaches”, and the advance team was placed under a 14-day quarantine. This forced them to "do some of their detective work from a distance."

How is China spinning the story of coronavirus? Here are the five big lies

British ministers and medics are urging the public to get serious again about the coronavirus after fears the outbreak was slipping out of control in some areas.

Close to 3,000 new cases were recorded on Sunday and again on Monday - a sudden jump from numbers much closer to 1,000 for most of August, and the highest since May.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said young people who were too complacent about social distancing could endanger older relatives.

"Don't kill your gran by catching coronavirus and then passing it on," he told a BBC radio programme aimed at younger audiences on Monday.

Appearing before a parliamentary committee on Tuesday, he was concerned about the rise in cases. "It is so important ... people don't become relaxed about this virus," he said.

Several media reported that the government was planning to cut the maximum number of people allowed to gather in a house in England. As things stand, groups of up to 30 people from two households are allowed to socialise indoors.

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Some 41,554 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19 in Britain, the worst fatalities toll in Europe, though in recent weeks infection numbers had been lower than in several European neighbours.

England's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam warned of a "creeping geographic trend" as higher infection rates were being seen in many parts. "That is really a signal that we've got to change this now, got to start taking it seriously, very seriously again," he told Channel 4 News.

The director of testing at the national test-and-trace scheme, Sarah-Jane Marsh, apologised to anyone who was unable to get a COVID-19 test at present, after reports that people in some areas were unable to access a testing facility.

"All of our testing sites have capacity, which is why they don't look overcrowded, it's our laboratory processing that is the critical pinch-point. We are doing all we can to expand quickly," Marsh said in a Tweet.

British ministers and medics are urging the public to get serious again about the coronavirus after fears the outbreak was slipping out of control in some areas.

British ministers and medics are urging the public to get serious again about the coronavirus after fears the outbreak was slipping out of control in some areas. Close to 3,000 new cases were recorded on Sunday and again on Monday - a sudden jump from numbers much closer to 1,000 for most of August, and the highest since May. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said young people who were too complacent about social distancing could endanger older relatives. "Don't kill your gran by catching coronavirus and then passing it on," he told a BBC radio programme aimed at younger audiences on Monday. Appearing before a parliamentary committee on Tuesday, he was concerned about the rise in cases. "It is so important ... people don't become relaxed about this virus," he said. Several media reported that the government was planning to cut the maximum number of people allowed to gather in a house in England. As things stand, groups of up to 30 people from two households are allowed to socialise indoors. Also read: Brexit back in crisis as UK threatens to undercut divorce pact Some 41,554 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19 in Britain, the worst fatalities toll in Europe, though in recent weeks infection numbers had been lower than in several European neighbours. England's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam warned of a "creeping geographic trend" as higher infection rates were being seen in many parts. "That is really a signal that we've got to change this now, got to start taking it seriously, very seriously again," he told Channel 4 News. The director of testing at the national test-and-trace scheme, Sarah-Jane Marsh, apologised to anyone who was unable to get a COVID-19 test at present, after reports that people in some areas were unable to access a testing facility. "All of our testing sites have capacity, which is why they don't look overcrowded, it's our laboratory processing that is the critical pinch-point. We are doing all we can to expand quickly," Marsh said in a Tweet.

'Don't kill your gran' - Britain sounds COVID alarm

French Prime Minister Jean Castex is to undergo a COVID-19 test as a precaution after he shared a car with the director of the Tour de France cycle race, who has since tested positive for the virus, the prime minister's office said on Tuesday.

Castex followed the route of the Tour de France on Saturday and spent time in a car following the race with tour director Christian Prudhomme. Tour organisers said on Tuesday that Prudhomme had tested positive.

Asked by Reuters about the contact, a representative of the prime minister's office said: "They were both wearing masks and respecting social distancing. The prime minister is to undergo a new test, just in case."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/france-expects-more-severe-covid-cases-in-next-15-days-325447" hreflang="en">France expects more severe COVID cases in next 15 days</a>

A Reuters photographer following the Tour de France said that Castex and Prudhomme spent several hours in each other's company during Saturday's stage of the race, in the Pyrenees mountain range.

Posting on his Twitter account, Castex said since he had been in contact with an infected person, he would follow the protocol set out by the government.

French official guidance in such cases is for people to self-isolate, stay away from their workplace, and get tested.

But Castex said: "While scrupulously respecting health guidelines, I will carry out my duties in full."

French Prime Minister Jean Castex is to undergo a COVID-19 test as a precaution after he shared a car with the director of the Tour de France cycle race, who has since tested positive for the virus, the prime minister's office said on Tuesday.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex is to undergo a COVID-19 test as a precaution after he shared a car with the director of the Tour de France cycle race, who has since tested positive for the virus, the prime minister's office said on Tuesday. Castex followed the route of the Tour de France on Saturday and spent time in a car following the race with tour director Christian Prudhomme. Tour organisers said on Tuesday that Prudhomme had tested positive. Asked by Reuters about the contact, a representative of the prime minister's office said: "They were both wearing masks and respecting social distancing. The prime minister is to undergo a new test, just in case." Also read: France expects more severe COVID cases in next 15 days A Reuters photographer following the Tour de France said that Castex and Prudhomme spent several hours in each other's company during Saturday's stage of the race, in the Pyrenees mountain range. Posting on his Twitter account, Castex said since he had been in contact with an infected person, he would follow the protocol set out by the government. French official guidance in such cases is for people to self-isolate, stay away from their workplace, and get tested. But Castex said: "While scrupulously respecting health guidelines, I will carry out my duties in full."

French PM to have COVID test after contact at Tour de France

While addressing a regular media briefing, US President Donald Trump asks a journalist to remove mask and then proceed with the question. Watch this video for more info.

'You're going to take the mask off, please', Trump asks reporter

India's cumulative tests for detection of COVID-19 have surpassed five crore, while tests per million have witnessed a rise from 6,396 on July 1 to 36,703 as of date, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

Aggressive and widespread testing have essayed an important role in India's fight against the COVID pandemic, the ministry said.

India has come a long way from conducting just one test at the lab in the National Institute of Virology, Pune in January to 5,06,50,128 as on date with &nbsp;10,98,621 samples being tested in 24 hours testifying the enlarged testing capacity in the country.

"The average daily tests conducted (week-wise) are demonstrating a consistent increase. This has registered a 3.2 times expansion from third week of July (3, 26,971) to first week of September (10, 46,470)," the ministry said.

The average Tests per Million per Day have increased from 237 in the second week of July to 758 in the first week of September, it highlighted.

In its Guidance Note on Public Health Criteria to Adjust Public Health and Social Measures in the Context of COVID-19, the WHO has advised countries to conduct 140 tests per day per million population for comprehensive surveillance for suspect cases.

The average week-on-week data for India shows a rising improvement on this front.

Expanding network of diagnostic labs has given a boost to Tests per Million.

"The TPM have seen a sharp rise from 6396 on July 1 to 36,703 as of today," the ministry said.

The testing lab network consists of 1668 labs in the country; 1035 labs in the government sector and 633 private labs. 
 
India's COVID-19 caseload mounted to 42, 80,422 with a single-day spike of 75,809 infections, while the &nbsp;death toll climbed to 72,775 with record 1,133 new fatalities being reported in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India's cumulative tests for detection of COVID-19 have surpassed five crore, while tests per million have witnessed a rise from 6,396 on July 1 to 36,703 as of date, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

India's cumulative tests for detection of COVID-19 have surpassed five crore, while tests per million have witnessed a rise from 6,396 on July 1 to 36,703 as of date, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. Aggressive and widespread testing have essayed an important role in India's fight against the COVID pandemic, the ministry said. India has come a long way from conducting just one test at the lab in the National Institute of Virology, Pune in January to 5,06,50,128 as on date with 10,98,621 samples being tested in 24 hours testifying the enlarged testing capacity in the country. "The average daily tests conducted (week-wise) are demonstrating a consistent increase. This has registered a 3.2 times expansion from third week of July (3, 26,971) to first week of September (10, 46,470)," the ministry said. The average Tests per Million per Day have increased from 237 in the second week of July to 758 in the first week of September, it highlighted. In its Guidance Note on Public Health Criteria to Adjust Public Health and Social Measures in the Context of COVID-19, the WHO has advised countries to conduct 140 tests per day per million population for comprehensive surveillance for suspect cases. The average week-on-week data for India shows a rising improvement on this front. Expanding network of diagnostic labs has given a boost to Tests per Million. "The TPM have seen a sharp rise from 6396 on July 1 to 36,703 as of today," the ministry said. The testing lab network consists of 1668 labs in the country; 1035 labs in the government sector and 633 private labs. India's COVID-19 caseload mounted to 42, 80,422 with a single-day spike of 75,809 infections, while the death toll climbed to 72,775 with record 1,133 new fatalities being reported in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 5 crore COVID-19 tests conducted till date in India

World Health Organization’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that the world must prepare itself for another pandemic, and to be better prepared this time. At the same time, he urged countries to invest in public health.

Globally, over 27.19 million people have been infected by novel coronavirus so far, and 888,326 deaths have been reported according to a Reuters tally. The first case was identified in China in December 2019.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/widespread-covid-19-vaccinations-not-expected-until-mid-2021-who-325216" hreflang="en">Widespread Covid-19 vaccinations not expected until mid-2021: WHO</a>

"This will not be the last pandemic," Tedros said during a news briefing in Geneva.&nbsp;

"History teaches us that outbreaks and pandemics are a fact of life. But when the next pandemic comes, the world must be ready – more ready than it was this time”, he added.

The World Health Organization does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, a spokeswoman said&nbsp;

On Friday, the World Health Organization said that it does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, while stressing the importance of stringent checks on the effectiveness and safety of any potential vaccine.

"We are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year," spokeswoman Margaret Harris told a UN briefing in Geneva.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/whos-independent-panel-to-submit-report-on-pandemic-response-next-year-325101" hreflang="en">WHO's independent panel to submit report on pandemic response next year</a>

"This phase 3 must take longer because we need to see how truly protective the vaccine is and we also need to see how safe it is," she added.

All data from trials ought to be shared and compared, Harris said. "A lot of people have been vaccinated and what we don't know is whether the vaccine works...at this stage we do not have the clear signal of whether or not it has the level of worthwhile efficacy and safety...," she added.

The WHO and GAVI vaccine alliance have set up a global vaccine allocation programme known as COVAX to help buy and distribute shots fairly across the world. As part of this, the focus is on first vaccinate the most high-risk people in every country, for instance - healthcare workers.

World Health Organization’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that the world must prepare itself for another pandemic, and to be better prepared this time.

World Health Organization’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that the world must prepare itself for another pandemic, and to be better prepared this time. At the same time, he urged countries to invest in public health. Globally, over 27.19 million people have been infected by novel coronavirus so far, and 888,326 deaths have been reported according to a Reuters tally. The first case was identified in China in December 2019. Also read: Widespread Covid-19 vaccinations not expected until mid-2021: WHO "This will not be the last pandemic," Tedros said during a news briefing in Geneva. "History teaches us that outbreaks and pandemics are a fact of life. But when the next pandemic comes, the world must be ready – more ready than it was this time”, he added. The World Health Organization does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, a spokeswoman said On Friday, the World Health Organization said that it does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, while stressing the importance of stringent checks on the effectiveness and safety of any potential vaccine. "We are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year," spokeswoman Margaret Harris told a UN briefing in Geneva. Also read: WHO's independent panel to submit report on pandemic response next year "This phase 3 must take longer because we need to see how truly protective the vaccine is and we also need to see how safe it is," she added. All data from trials ought to be shared and compared, Harris said. "A lot of people have been vaccinated and what we don't know is whether the vaccine works...at this stage we do not have the clear signal of whether or not it has the level of worthwhile efficacy and safety...," she added. The WHO and GAVI vaccine alliance have set up a global vaccine allocation programme known as COVAX to help buy and distribute shots fairly across the world. As part of this, the focus is on first vaccinate the most high-risk people in every country, for instance - healthcare workers.

'This will not be the last pandemic, world must be ready', says WHO Chief Ghebreyesus

Unlock 4: Delhi metro resumes services after COVID-19 lockdown

Sweden's centre-left government will boost funding for elderly care by around $500 million in its 2021 budget after the number of deaths in old people's homes during the coronavirus pandemic sparked widespread concern.

The government has said it will boost spending by more than 100 billion Swedish crowns ($11.45 billion) in the budget to be published on Sept. 21 as it seeks to restart the economy and plug holes in the welfare system exposed by the pandemic.

"Our goal must be to build the world's best system of elderly care, and this spring and the coronavirus have showed that we need to speed up this work," Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told reporters on Monday.

Sweden's death toll from the coronavirus pandemic has been much larger than its Nordic neighbours, though less than countries like Britain and Spain. Most of those deaths have been among the elderly, including many residents in care homes.

Around 5,800 Swedes have died compared with around 340 people in Finland, which has about half the population of its bigger neighbour, and Lofven's minority government has faced widespread criticism for failing to protect vulnerable citizens.

Lofven said budget, negotiated with two small centre-right parties which nominally sit in opposition, would prioritise welfare, fighting climate change and building up the criminal justice system, amid worries about violent crime.

"The budget has a clear direction -- it will make it possible for everyone in our country to contribute and work Sweden out of this crisis," Lofven said.

In addition to the 9.7 billion crowns for elderly care, local authorities will get an extra 10 billion crowns ($1.14 billion) in grants from the central government, with an additional 5 billion crowns coming in 2022.

Sweden's centre-left government will boost funding for elderly care by around $500 million in its 2021 budget after the number of deaths in old people's homes during the coronavirus pandemic sparked widespread concern.

Sweden's centre-left government will boost funding for elderly care by around $500 million in its 2021 budget after the number of deaths in old people's homes during the coronavirus pandemic sparked widespread concern. The government has said it will boost spending by more than 100 billion Swedish crowns ($11.45 billion) in the budget to be published on Sept. 21 as it seeks to restart the economy and plug holes in the welfare system exposed by the pandemic. "Our goal must be to build the world's best system of elderly care, and this spring and the coronavirus have showed that we need to speed up this work," Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told reporters on Monday. Sweden's death toll from the coronavirus pandemic has been much larger than its Nordic neighbours, though less than countries like Britain and Spain. Most of those deaths have been among the elderly, including many residents in care homes. Around 5,800 Swedes have died compared with around 340 people in Finland, which has about half the population of its bigger neighbour, and Lofven's minority government has faced widespread criticism for failing to protect vulnerable citizens. Lofven said budget, negotiated with two small centre-right parties which nominally sit in opposition, would prioritise welfare, fighting climate change and building up the criminal justice system, amid worries about violent crime. "The budget has a clear direction -- it will make it possible for everyone in our country to contribute and work Sweden out of this crisis," Lofven said. In addition to the 9.7 billion crowns for elderly care, local authorities will get an extra 10 billion crowns ($1.14 billion) in grants from the central government, with an additional 5 billion crowns coming in 2022.

Swedish government promises cash for elderly care after COVID-19 deaths

The COVID-19 recovery rate in India has risen to 77.31 per cent with 69,564 patients recuperating from the disease in 24 hours pushing the total number of recoveries to 32.5 lakh, the health ministry said on Monday.

The case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.7 per cent, it said.

According to the ministry, five states are contributing 60 per cent of the total cases with Maharashtra at the top accounting for 21.6 per cent cases, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 11.8 per cent, Tamil Nadu 11 per cent, Karnataka 9.5 per cent and Uttar Pradesh 6.3 per cent.

Maharashtra also contributed 26.76 per cent of the active cases in the country, followed by Andhra Pradesh 11.30 per cent, Karnataka 11.25 per cent, Uttar Pradesh 6.98 per cent and Tamil Nadu 5.83 per cent.

These five states combined presently contribute 62 per cent of total active cases, the ministry said.

"On a continuous upward trajectory, India's total recovered cases have crossed 32.5 lakh today, with 69,564 patients being discharged in the last 24 hours. This has resulted in the recovery rate touching 77.31 per cent," it said in a statement.

In the last 24 hours, Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest recoveries at 11,915.

Karnataka and Maharashtra saw 9,575 and 7,826 recoveries respectively.

Tamil Nadu witnessed 5,820 people recuperating from the disease and Uttar Pradesh 4,779 recoveries during the same period, it said.

"These five states together contributed 57 per cent of the recoveries in the last 24 hours," the health ministry said.

It said various calibrated and focussed actions undertaken within the umbrella strategy of 'test, track and treat' have enabled early identification of cases through aggressive and wide-scale testing.

"Better ambulance services and seamless point-to-point management of patients to facilitate their timely hospitalisation before their health deteriorates has led to a high number of COVID-19 patients recovering and being discharged from the hospitals," the ministry said.

It further said supervised isolation in homes and facility settings, following effective standard of care protocol, have hugely aided in the recovery of mild and moderate cases.

India's COVID-19 tally of cases went past 42 lakh On Monday with a record 90,802 people being infected in a day, according to the Union health ministry data.

The total number of coronavirus cases mounted to 42,04,613, while the death toll climbed to 71,642 with 1,016 fatalities being reported in 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The COVID-19 recovery rate in India has risen to 77.31 per cent with 69,564 patients recuperating from the disease in 24 hours pushing the total number of recoveries to 32.

The COVID-19 recovery rate in India has risen to 77.31 per cent with 69,564 patients recuperating from the disease in 24 hours pushing the total number of recoveries to 32.5 lakh, the health ministry said on Monday. The case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.7 per cent, it said. According to the ministry, five states are contributing 60 per cent of the total cases with Maharashtra at the top accounting for 21.6 per cent cases, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 11.8 per cent, Tamil Nadu 11 per cent, Karnataka 9.5 per cent and Uttar Pradesh 6.3 per cent. Maharashtra also contributed 26.76 per cent of the active cases in the country, followed by Andhra Pradesh 11.30 per cent, Karnataka 11.25 per cent, Uttar Pradesh 6.98 per cent and Tamil Nadu 5.83 per cent. These five states combined presently contribute 62 per cent of total active cases, the ministry said. "On a continuous upward trajectory, India's total recovered cases have crossed 32.5 lakh today, with 69,564 patients being discharged in the last 24 hours. This has resulted in the recovery rate touching 77.31 per cent," it said in a statement. In the last 24 hours, Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest recoveries at 11,915. Karnataka and Maharashtra saw 9,575 and 7,826 recoveries respectively. Tamil Nadu witnessed 5,820 people recuperating from the disease and Uttar Pradesh 4,779 recoveries during the same period, it said. "These five states together contributed 57 per cent of the recoveries in the last 24 hours," the health ministry said. It said various calibrated and focussed actions undertaken within the umbrella strategy of 'test, track and treat' have enabled early identification of cases through aggressive and wide-scale testing. "Better ambulance services and seamless point-to-point management of patients to facilitate their timely hospitalisation before their health deteriorates has led to a high number of COVID-19 patients recovering and being discharged from the hospitals," the ministry said. It further said supervised isolation in homes and facility settings, following effective standard of care protocol, have hugely aided in the recovery of mild and moderate cases. India's COVID-19 tally of cases went past 42 lakh On Monday with a record 90,802 people being infected in a day, according to the Union health ministry data. The total number of coronavirus cases mounted to 42,04,613, while the death toll climbed to 71,642 with 1,016 fatalities being reported in 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

COVID-19 recoveries in India cross 32 lakh, fatality rate drops to 1.7 per cent: Centre

Maharashtra reported the fastest growth is coronavirus infection in August, registering over 3.70 lakh cases, a senior state health official said.&nbsp;

According to data of the Maharashtra health department, the state reported 3, 76,587 COVID-19 cases last month, 2, 41,820 cases in July and 1, 04,748 cases in June.

"On August 1, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state was 4, 31,719, which jumped to 8, 08,306 on September 1. This is probably the fastest growth of cases in the state since January," the health official said. One of the reasons for the growth in number of positive cases is the increased number of tests, he said, adding that last month, the state carried out 20,16,809 tests.

"The number of tests conducted till August 1 was 21, 94,943, which rose to 42, 11,752 on September 1. The state is aggressively testing which is helping in detection of the infected people," the official said.

The official informed that the number COVID-19 cases and deaths is continuously going up in the state. Between August 1 and 5, the number of COVID-19 cases rose by 36,546, and between September 1 and 5, the number went up by 75,556, the official said.

Besides, the state reported 15,316 deaths due to the disease till August 1 and the number went up to 24,903 on September 1, as per the data. "Between August 1 and 5, 1,160 people died due to COVID-19 and between September 1 and 5, 1,373 people died," the official said. Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly Devendra Fadnavis has said the state needs to conduct more tests.

"Out of the daily tests, a sizable number is of the antigen tests which are not completely reliable. The RT-PCR tests, which are more reliable, should be done on a large scale, which will be able to tell the ground reality about the coronavirus," he said.

However, the health official said the antigen tests are comparatively cheaper than the RT-PCR tests and hence, conducted more as a precautionary measure.

Maharashtra reported the fastest growth is coronavirus infection in August, registering over 3.70 lakh cases, a senior state health official said. According to data of the Maharashtra health department, the state reported 3, 76,587 COVID-19 cases last month, 2, 41,820 cases in July and 1, 04,748 cases in June.

Maharashtra reported the fastest growth is coronavirus infection in August, registering over 3.70 lakh cases, a senior state health official said. According to data of the Maharashtra health department, the state reported 3, 76,587 COVID-19 cases last month, 2, 41,820 cases in July and 1, 04,748 cases in June. "On August 1, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state was 4, 31,719, which jumped to 8, 08,306 on September 1. This is probably the fastest growth of cases in the state since January," the health official said. One of the reasons for the growth in number of positive cases is the increased number of tests, he said, adding that last month, the state carried out 20,16,809 tests. "The number of tests conducted till August 1 was 21, 94,943, which rose to 42, 11,752 on September 1. The state is aggressively testing which is helping in detection of the infected people," the official said. The official informed that the number COVID-19 cases and deaths is continuously going up in the state. Between August 1 and 5, the number of COVID-19 cases rose by 36,546, and between September 1 and 5, the number went up by 75,556, the official said. Besides, the state reported 15,316 deaths due to the disease till August 1 and the number went up to 24,903 on September 1, as per the data. "Between August 1 and 5, 1,160 people died due to COVID-19 and between September 1 and 5, 1,373 people died," the official said. Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly Devendra Fadnavis has said the state needs to conduct more tests. "Out of the daily tests, a sizable number is of the antigen tests which are not completely reliable. The RT-PCR tests, which are more reliable, should be done on a large scale, which will be able to tell the ground reality about the coronavirus," he said. However, the health official said the antigen tests are comparatively cheaper than the RT-PCR tests and hence, conducted more as a precautionary measure.

August sees the fastest growth of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra

The Trump Administration has injected USD 3 trillion into the American economy after the nation was adversely impacted due to the coronavirus pandemic, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Sunday.

"The president and I couldn't be more pleased with the way the economic plan is working. We've injected USD 3 trillion into the economy. People thought we'd get 25 per cent on unemployment. Fortunately, it never came close to that.

We're now down to 8.4," Mnuchin said in an interview to the Fox channel.

However, Mnuchin said the Trump administration is working on helping small businesses and getting back employment for people.

"But the president and I believe we should do more stimulus. We have about seven and a half million jobs that we need to get back until we're back to where we were up. And we want to help small businesses, we want to help businesses that are particularly impacted by this, and we'll continue to work on proposed new legislation," he said.

US is the world worst hit economy due to the coronavirus pandemic, which till now has infected 6,256,359 people and killed 188,634 others.

Mnuchin said for no fault of any American businesses, the president made a very difficult decision to shut down the entire US economy because of the terrible COVID disease.

"Now, the good news is we've reopened it. Thought we have 30 million to 40 million people unemployed. We never did that because of the bipartisan support putting money into the economy. We're now down to 8.4 per cent and the president is going to get it back down to 3 per cent or 4 per cent where it was before all of that in the beginning of next year when he's reelected," Mnuchin said.

The Trump Administration has injected USD 3 trillion into the American economy after the nation was adversely impacted due to the coronavirus pandemic, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Sunday.

The Trump Administration has injected USD 3 trillion into the American economy after the nation was adversely impacted due to the coronavirus pandemic, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Sunday. "The president and I couldn't be more pleased with the way the economic plan is working. We've injected USD 3 trillion into the economy. People thought we'd get 25 per cent on unemployment. Fortunately, it never came close to that. We're now down to 8.4," Mnuchin said in an interview to the Fox channel. However, Mnuchin said the Trump administration is working on helping small businesses and getting back employment for people. "But the president and I believe we should do more stimulus. We have about seven and a half million jobs that we need to get back until we're back to where we were up. And we want to help small businesses, we want to help businesses that are particularly impacted by this, and we'll continue to work on proposed new legislation," he said. US is the world worst hit economy due to the coronavirus pandemic, which till now has infected 6,256,359 people and killed 188,634 others. Mnuchin said for no fault of any American businesses, the president made a very difficult decision to shut down the entire US economy because of the terrible COVID disease. "Now, the good news is we've reopened it. Thought we have 30 million to 40 million people unemployed. We never did that because of the bipartisan support putting money into the economy. We're now down to 8.4 per cent and the president is going to get it back down to 3 per cent or 4 per cent where it was before all of that in the beginning of next year when he's reelected," Mnuchin said.

Trump administration pumped in USD 3 trillion into American economy after COVID-19 impact: US Treasury Secy

Cinema halls and multiplexes will reopen in Pakistan on September 11 after remaining closed for almost six months in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that claimed 6,382 lives in the country.

Pakistan's COVID-19 tally reached 298,509 on Sunday after 484 new cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the health ministry.

Two more patients died overnight, taking the COVID-19 death toll to 6,382, it said.

The cinema halls and multiplexes will screen two of Hollywood's latest releases -- Mulan and Tenet -- from September 11 and 18, with film producers, cinema owners and distributors expecting a warm response from the public.

Prominent film distributor Nadeem Mandviwala said the cinema business in Pakistan was already in trouble after the ban on exhibiting Indian films since last year and the COVID-19 pandemic had left many jobless and the industry in shambles.

"The problem began after the ban on Bollywood films and after COVID-19 there has been no production of local films and even the ones that did manage to release before the pandemic, failed to perform well," he said.

Mandiwala said it was time that the government support the industry as even after cinema halls and multiplexes are reopen, they can't operate to full strength as they have to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).

He said the industry people are in talks with the government over some of the SOPs which would affect the screening process.

"One of the guidelines require removal of carpets from the cinema halls. How can we do that? It will affect the sound system," he said. 
Stakeholders are hoping that the opening of cinemas will provide some relief to them after the overbearing financial losses.

HKC entertainment, a prominent distribution company, said once cinema halls reopen, it would allow local producers to start work again.

A cinema owner said all SOPs will be maintained within and outside the cinema halls.

Cinema owners and employees have been asked to follow all regulations and there will be minimum seats available in each cinema hall with a maximum distance between the viewers, he said.

He said the ticket sales for Mulan and Tenet will decide the fate for films to come.

Meanwhile, the health ministry said 285,898 people have recovered so far from the disease and there are just 6,229 active patients in the country.

Sindh reported the maximum number of 130,483 cases, followed by Punjab at 97,166, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa at 36,591, Islamabad at 15,734, Balochistan at 13,229, Gilgit-Baltistan at 2,979 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir at 2,327, it said.

The authorities have performed a total of 2,757,709 tests including 25,384 in the last 24 hours. 
&nbsp;

Cinema halls and multiplexes will reopen in Pakistan on September 11 after remaining closed for almost six months in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that claimed 6,382 lives in the country.

Cinema halls and multiplexes will reopen in Pakistan on September 11 after remaining closed for almost six months in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that claimed 6,382 lives in the country. Pakistan's COVID-19 tally reached 298,509 on Sunday after 484 new cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the health ministry. Two more patients died overnight, taking the COVID-19 death toll to 6,382, it said. The cinema halls and multiplexes will screen two of Hollywood's latest releases -- Mulan and Tenet -- from September 11 and 18, with film producers, cinema owners and distributors expecting a warm response from the public. Prominent film distributor Nadeem Mandviwala said the cinema business in Pakistan was already in trouble after the ban on exhibiting Indian films since last year and the COVID-19 pandemic had left many jobless and the industry in shambles. "The problem began after the ban on Bollywood films and after COVID-19 there has been no production of local films and even the ones that did manage to release before the pandemic, failed to perform well," he said. Mandiwala said it was time that the government support the industry as even after cinema halls and multiplexes are reopen, they can't operate to full strength as they have to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs). He said the industry people are in talks with the government over some of the SOPs which would affect the screening process. "One of the guidelines require removal of carpets from the cinema halls. How can we do that? It will affect the sound system," he said. Stakeholders are hoping that the opening of cinemas will provide some relief to them after the overbearing financial losses. HKC entertainment, a prominent distribution company, said once cinema halls reopen, it would allow local producers to start work again. A cinema owner said all SOPs will be maintained within and outside the cinema halls. Cinema owners and employees have been asked to follow all regulations and there will be minimum seats available in each cinema hall with a maximum distance between the viewers, he said. He said the ticket sales for Mulan and Tenet will decide the fate for films to come. Meanwhile, the health ministry said 285,898 people have recovered so far from the disease and there are just 6,229 active patients in the country. Sindh reported the maximum number of 130,483 cases, followed by Punjab at 97,166, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa at 36,591, Islamabad at 15,734, Balochistan at 13,229, Gilgit-Baltistan at 2,979 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir at 2,327, it said. The authorities have performed a total of 2,757,709 tests including 25,384 in the last 24 hours.

Pak registers 484 new COVID-19 cases, cinema halls to reopen on Sep 11

As many as 54 people were arrested for flouting coronavirus guidelines in the north Indian state of Punjab.

A pool party was organised at a restaurant in Ludhiana amid the coronavirus pandemic on Saturday, Sameer Verma, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police said.

A raid was conducted at the restaurant after police received an initial tip-off, said Verma.

Police also seized alcohol from the venue.

To this end, an FIR under sections 188, 269, and 61 of IPC has been registered.

India is on track to become the country with the second highest number of coronavirus cases. Brazil reported 4,123,000 total cases on Saturday -- just 9,189 more than India.

Punjab reported 1,515 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday taking the total number of cases to 61,527 in the state.

As many as 54 people were arrested for flouting coronavirus guidelines in the north Indian state of Punjab. A pool party was organised at a restaurant in Ludhiana amid the coronavirus pandemic on Saturday, Sameer Verma, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police said.

As many as 54 people were arrested for flouting coronavirus guidelines in the north Indian state of Punjab. A pool party was organised at a restaurant in Ludhiana amid the coronavirus pandemic on Saturday, Sameer Verma, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police said. A raid was conducted at the restaurant after police received an initial tip-off, said Verma. Police also seized alcohol from the venue. To this end, an FIR under sections 188, 269, and 61 of IPC has been registered. India is on track to become the country with the second highest number of coronavirus cases. Brazil reported 4,123,000 total cases on Saturday -- just 9,189 more than India. Punjab reported 1,515 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday taking the total number of cases to 61,527 in the state.

Over 50 arrested in India for attending a pool party during Covid-19 restrictions

China is recasting Wuhan as a heroic coronavirus victim and trying to throw doubt on the pandemic's origin story as it aims to seize the narrative at a time of growing global distrust of Beijing.

The PR blitz plays out daily in comments by Chinese officials and lavish state media coverage of a "reborn" Wuhan that trumpets China's epidemic-control efforts and economic recovery while the United States struggles.

The drive peaked in the past week as Chinese primary schools welcomed back students with considerable fanfare and Wuhan hosted executives from dozens of multinationals, from Panasonic to Dow and Nokia, on a highly choreographed tour of the central Chinese city.

"There are few places in the world today where you don't need a mask and can gather," a Chinese official, Lin Songtian, told the executives, implying that Wuhan was one of those places.

"This testifies to Wuhan's triumph over the virus and that (the city) is back in business."

Lost in this retelling, however, is that a wet market in Wuhan is widely believed to be ground zero for the pandemic.

China's foreign minister suggested on August 28 during a European outreach trip that the virus might not have emerged in China.

The drive indicates China recognises Covid-19's damage to its brand and wants to leverage its relatively successful recovery to counter growing international challenges, analysts said.

China faces foreign bitterness over the virus and an initial cover-up attempt by Wuhan officials, plus criticism of Beijing's tightening grip on Hong Kong and generally more aggressive international posture.

"Beijing wants the narrative to be: we handled it, we can help you handle it and (hopefully) we're the first to have a vaccine that works," said Kelsey Broderick, Asia analyst with Eurasia Group.

"That's really the only way China can come out ahead of the idea that a wet market in Wuhan started this crisis."

'ABSOLUTELY SAFE'

The fumbling US pandemic response provides a clear opening, said Yun Jiang, director of Australian National University's China Policy Centre.

"The fact that the US is not only not doing enough, but actually doing things that go against American interests, is a big help to China," she said.

The three-day Wuhan tour also included foreign media outlets and ended Saturday.

It featured primary-school students performing traditional Chinese opera and ballet, a renovated food market presented as a model of sanitation, and a Yangtze riverfront cruise underneath a skyline ablaze with towering light displays referencing the virus recovery.

The city of 11 million -- which suffered more than 80 percent of China's 4,634 Covid-19 deaths -- has come a long way since the pandemic's grim early days, when a suffocating weeks-long lockdown rendered it a ghost town.

No new local transmissions have been reported in months, traffic jams are back, shoppers cram malls, and al fresco diners gobble up the city's signature spicy crayfish dish.

Face masks sag from the neck or are abandoned altogether.

The growing confidence was displayed at a Wuhan pool party attended by thousands of mask-less people last month that prompted overseas accusations of recklessness after images of the event went viral.

China countered that the party indicated the nation's success in taming the coronavirus.

"What risks can there be?" asked Wuhan factory worker Xie Ailiang while speaking to AFP.

"I think now Wuhan should be absolutely safe."

'WINTER IS COMING'

But not everyone is taking a victory lap.

Many Wuhan citizens express persistent concern over an uneven recovery and fear of new outbreaks.

"The economy has really declined. The benefit of even coming to work is questionable," said Yi Xinhua, 51, who sells tofu from her stall at a Wuhan wet market.

Blocks of tofu were neatly arranged by shape and size, but there few buyers -- Yi says her sales are only half of the pre-pandemic level.

It's a common complaint in Wuhan, blamed by many business owners on lingering fear of going out in public and the widely expressed belief that millions who fled the city early in the pandemic have still not returned.

Wuhan employers complain online that the exodus has also reduced the local labour pool.

And memories of a subsequent virus cluster in May, which triggered a citywide effort to test millions, remain fresh.

"Everyone is afraid the epidemic will return, you know? The summer is over, and winter is coming," said Yi.

"We've recovered a bit. But if the virus comes back, we'll be hit again."

China is recasting Wuhan as a heroic coronavirus victim and trying to throw doubt on the pandemic's origin story as it aims to seize the narrative at a time of growing global distrust of Beijing.

China is recasting Wuhan as a heroic coronavirus victim and trying to throw doubt on the pandemic's origin story as it aims to seize the narrative at a time of growing global distrust of Beijing. The PR blitz plays out daily in comments by Chinese officials and lavish state media coverage of a "reborn" Wuhan that trumpets China's epidemic-control efforts and economic recovery while the United States struggles. The drive peaked in the past week as Chinese primary schools welcomed back students with considerable fanfare and Wuhan hosted executives from dozens of multinationals, from Panasonic to Dow and Nokia, on a highly choreographed tour of the central Chinese city. "There are few places in the world today where you don't need a mask and can gather," a Chinese official, Lin Songtian, told the executives, implying that Wuhan was one of those places. "This testifies to Wuhan's triumph over the virus and that (the city) is back in business." Lost in this retelling, however, is that a wet market in Wuhan is widely believed to be ground zero for the pandemic. China's foreign minister suggested on August 28 during a European outreach trip that the virus might not have emerged in China. The drive indicates China recognises Covid-19's damage to its brand and wants to leverage its relatively successful recovery to counter growing international challenges, analysts said. China faces foreign bitterness over the virus and an initial cover-up attempt by Wuhan officials, plus criticism of Beijing's tightening grip on Hong Kong and generally more aggressive international posture. "Beijing wants the narrative to be: we handled it, we can help you handle it and (hopefully) we're the first to have a vaccine that works," said Kelsey Broderick, Asia analyst with Eurasia Group. "That's really the only way China can come out ahead of the idea that a wet market in Wuhan started this crisis." 'ABSOLUTELY SAFE' The fumbling US pandemic response provides a clear opening, said Yun Jiang, director of Australian National University's China Policy Centre. "The fact that the US is not only not doing enough, but actually doing things that go against American interests, is a big help to China," she said. The three-day Wuhan tour also included foreign media outlets and ended Saturday. It featured primary-school students performing traditional Chinese opera and ballet, a renovated food market presented as a model of sanitation, and a Yangtze riverfront cruise underneath a skyline ablaze with towering light displays referencing the virus recovery. The city of 11 million -- which suffered more than 80 percent of China's 4,634 Covid-19 deaths -- has come a long way since the pandemic's grim early days, when a suffocating weeks-long lockdown rendered it a ghost town. No new local transmissions have been reported in months, traffic jams are back, shoppers cram malls, and al fresco diners gobble up the city's signature spicy crayfish dish. Face masks sag from the neck or are abandoned altogether. The growing confidence was displayed at a Wuhan pool party attended by thousands of mask-less people last month that prompted overseas accusations of recklessness after images of the event went viral. China countered that the party indicated the nation's success in taming the coronavirus. "What risks can there be?" asked Wuhan factory worker Xie Ailiang while speaking to AFP. "I think now Wuhan should be absolutely safe." 'WINTER IS COMING' But not everyone is taking a victory lap. Many Wuhan citizens express persistent concern over an uneven recovery and fear of new outbreaks. "The economy has really declined. The benefit of even coming to work is questionable," said Yi Xinhua, 51, who sells tofu from her stall at a Wuhan wet market. Blocks of tofu were neatly arranged by shape and size, but there few buyers -- Yi says her sales are only half of the pre-pandemic level. It's a common complaint in Wuhan, blamed by many business owners on lingering fear of going out in public and the widely expressed belief that millions who fled the city early in the pandemic have still not returned. Wuhan employers complain online that the exodus has also reduced the local labour pool. And memories of a subsequent virus cluster in May, which triggered a citywide effort to test millions, remain fresh. "Everyone is afraid the epidemic will return, you know? The summer is over, and winter is coming," said Yi. "We've recovered a bit. But if the virus comes back, we'll be hit again."

China tries to flip the pandemic script, starring a 'reborn' Wuhan

About 90% of Sinovac Biotech Ltd&nbsp;employees and their families have taken an experimental coronavirus vaccine developed by the Chinese firm under the country`s emergency use programme, its chief executive said on Sunday.

The extent of inoculations under the emergency programme, which China launched in July but has released few details about, points to how actively it is using experimental vaccines in the hopes of protecting essential workers against a potential COVID-19 resurgence, even as trials are still underway.

The programme is intended for specific groups, including medical staffers and those who work at food markets and in the transportation and service sectors.

Sinovac, whose CoronaVac is in Phase 3 clinical trials and has been included in the emergency scheme, offered the candidate vaccine to approximately 2,000 to 3,000 employees and their families on a voluntary basis, CEO Yin Weidong told Reuters.

"As a vaccine developer and manufacturer, a new outbreak could directly impact our vaccine production," Yin said on the sidelines of an international trade fair in Beijing, explaining why his company was included in the emergency programme.

Data gathered from the programme could offer evidence of the vaccine`s safety, but such data, which is not part of the registered clinical trial protocols, will not be used as main materials that regulators review in judging whether to approve the vaccine for commercial use, Yin said.

He said those who chose to be inoculated, including his wife and parents, had been informed of the potential side effects prior to taking the shot, and that its vaccine completing only early and mid-stage trials.

Yin, who also took the shot, said doctors asked about their health conditions before the vaccination, and the occurrence rate of adverse reaction among those vaccinated has been "very low".

Side effects after taking CoronaVac include fatigue, fever and pain, with mostly mild symptoms, according to results of a mid-stage trial sponsored by Sinovac, involving 600 participants and published last month ahead of peer review.

No vaccine has passed final, large-scale trials to prove it is effective and safe enough to protect people against the virus that has led to over 870,000 deaths globally.

About 90% of Sinovac Biotech Ltd employees and their families have taken an experimental coronavirus vaccine developed by the Chinese firm under the country`s emergency use programme, its chief executive said on Sunday.

About 90% of Sinovac Biotech Ltd employees and their families have taken an experimental coronavirus vaccine developed by the Chinese firm under the country`s emergency use programme, its chief executive said on Sunday. The extent of inoculations under the emergency programme, which China launched in July but has released few details about, points to how actively it is using experimental vaccines in the hopes of protecting essential workers against a potential COVID-19 resurgence, even as trials are still underway. The programme is intended for specific groups, including medical staffers and those who work at food markets and in the transportation and service sectors. Sinovac, whose CoronaVac is in Phase 3 clinical trials and has been included in the emergency scheme, offered the candidate vaccine to approximately 2,000 to 3,000 employees and their families on a voluntary basis, CEO Yin Weidong told Reuters. "As a vaccine developer and manufacturer, a new outbreak could directly impact our vaccine production," Yin said on the sidelines of an international trade fair in Beijing, explaining why his company was included in the emergency programme. Data gathered from the programme could offer evidence of the vaccine`s safety, but such data, which is not part of the registered clinical trial protocols, will not be used as main materials that regulators review in judging whether to approve the vaccine for commercial use, Yin said. He said those who chose to be inoculated, including his wife and parents, had been informed of the potential side effects prior to taking the shot, and that its vaccine completing only early and mid-stage trials. Yin, who also took the shot, said doctors asked about their health conditions before the vaccination, and the occurrence rate of adverse reaction among those vaccinated has been "very low". Side effects after taking CoronaVac include fatigue, fever and pain, with mostly mild symptoms, according to results of a mid-stage trial sponsored by Sinovac, involving 600 participants and published last month ahead of peer review. No vaccine has passed final, large-scale trials to prove it is effective and safe enough to protect people against the virus that has led to over 870,000 deaths globally.

90% of China's Sinovac employees, families took coronavirus vaccine

Hundreds of people have shown up in the centre of Rome to demonstrate against the Italian government's measures to counter the spread of COVID-19.

Protesters in Rome demonstrate against COVID-19 measures

With a record 70,072 patients recuperating from COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, the total number of such recoveries surged to 31,07,223 in the country, pushing the recovery rate to 77.23 per cent, the health ministry said on Saturday, while underlining that the "test, track and treat" strategy is showing tangible results.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.73 per cent, it added.

Five states account for 60 per cent of the recoveries. Maharashtra accounts for almost 21 per cent, followed by Tamil Nadu (12.63 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (11.91 per cent), Karnataka (8.82 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (6.14 per cent), the ministry said.

"The highest ever single-day recoveries of 70,072 were recorded in 24 hours. With this high number of COVID-19 patients recovering and being discharged from hospitals and home isolation, the recovery rate is now 77.23 per cent. This has also led to the declining case fatality rate, which stands at a new low of?1.73 per cent as on date," it said.

Early identification through testing has led to a higher daily number being reported, but surveillance and contact-tracing, along with a focus on a timely and appropriate clinical treatment of patients, have ensured a speedy recovery, the ministry said.

"The higher number of recoveries and the declining fatality rate have shown that India's graded strategy has worked," it underscored.

A total of 4,77,38,491 samples were tested for COVID-19 up to September 4, including 10,59,346 on Friday, the ministry said.

The country has posted more than 22.6 lakh recoveries than the number of active coronavirus cases currently, it pointed out.

There are 8,46,395 active COVID-19 cases in the country currently, which account for 21.04 per cent of its total caseload, the ministry's data updated at 8 am stated.

India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 40,23,179 with a record?86,432 cases reported in a day, while the death toll due to the disease climbed to 69,561 with 1,089 people succumbing to it in a span of 24 hours, the data showed.

With a record 70,072 patients recuperating from COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, the total number of such recoveries surged to 31,07,223 in the country, pushing the recovery rate to 77.

With a record 70,072 patients recuperating from COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, the total number of such recoveries surged to 31,07,223 in the country, pushing the recovery rate to 77.23 per cent, the health ministry said on Saturday, while underlining that the "test, track and treat" strategy is showing tangible results. The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.73 per cent, it added. Five states account for 60 per cent of the recoveries. Maharashtra accounts for almost 21 per cent, followed by Tamil Nadu (12.63 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (11.91 per cent), Karnataka (8.82 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (6.14 per cent), the ministry said. "The highest ever single-day recoveries of 70,072 were recorded in 24 hours. With this high number of COVID-19 patients recovering and being discharged from hospitals and home isolation, the recovery rate is now 77.23 per cent. This has also led to the declining case fatality rate, which stands at a new low of?1.73 per cent as on date," it said. Early identification through testing has led to a higher daily number being reported, but surveillance and contact-tracing, along with a focus on a timely and appropriate clinical treatment of patients, have ensured a speedy recovery, the ministry said. "The higher number of recoveries and the declining fatality rate have shown that India's graded strategy has worked," it underscored. A total of 4,77,38,491 samples were tested for COVID-19 up to September 4, including 10,59,346 on Friday, the ministry said. The country has posted more than 22.6 lakh recoveries than the number of active coronavirus cases currently, it pointed out. There are 8,46,395 active COVID-19 cases in the country currently, which account for 21.04 per cent of its total caseload, the ministry's data updated at 8 am stated. India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 40,23,179 with a record?86,432 cases reported in a day, while the death toll due to the disease climbed to 69,561 with 1,089 people succumbing to it in a span of 24 hours, the data showed.

No of COVID-19 recoveries crosses 31 lakh in India, case fatality rate drops to 1.73%

China National Biotec Group (CNBG) and Sinovac Biotech Ltd said on Saturday four more countries have agreed to run late-stage clinical tests of their coronavirus vaccine candidates, as China steps up its efforts in the global race.

Serbia and Pakistan are among the new countries agreeing to Phase 3 trials, as the two companies seek more data overseas amid dwindling new cases in China.

Serbia will test two vaccines developed by CNBG`s Wuhan and Beijing units, and Pakistan will test the Beijing unit`s candidate, the company told Reuters.

CNBG`s Phase 3 trials are expected to involve 50,000 people in about 10 countries, said CNBG vice president Zhang Yuntao. Trials have already begun in United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Peru, Morocco, Argentina and Jordan.

Zhang said foreign countries have expressed interest in ordering a combined 500 million doses of its vaccines.

CNBG is expected to be able to produce 300 million doses of vaccine a year once it upgrades manufacturing techniques, and is working on a plan to raise its annual capacity to 1 billion doses, Zhang said.

Sinovac`s vaccine candidate CoronaVac, being tested in Brazil and Indonesia, also obtained approvals from two other countries for Phase 3 trials, said Helen Yang, senior director of global strategy and business development at Sinovac.

She declined to name the countries as the information is still confidential.

While the final stage of trials are still underway to prove the vaccines are safe and effective, China has already authorized the vaccine candidates from Sinovac and CNBG for emergency use for those in high-risk groups such as medical workers.

Several tens of thousand people have already taken CoronaVac through the emergency programme, Sinovac`s Yang said.

CNBG will soon begin providing its vaccines to Chinese staffers working in overseas embassies and consulates, Zhang said.

China National Biotec Group (CNBG) and Sinovac Biotech Ltd said on Saturday four more countries have agreed to run late-stage clinical tests of their coronavirus vaccine candidates, as China steps up its efforts in the global race.

China National Biotec Group (CNBG) and Sinovac Biotech Ltd said on Saturday four more countries have agreed to run late-stage clinical tests of their coronavirus vaccine candidates, as China steps up its efforts in the global race. Serbia and Pakistan are among the new countries agreeing to Phase 3 trials, as the two companies seek more data overseas amid dwindling new cases in China. Serbia will test two vaccines developed by CNBG`s Wuhan and Beijing units, and Pakistan will test the Beijing unit`s candidate, the company told Reuters. CNBG`s Phase 3 trials are expected to involve 50,000 people in about 10 countries, said CNBG vice president Zhang Yuntao. Trials have already begun in United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Peru, Morocco, Argentina and Jordan. Zhang said foreign countries have expressed interest in ordering a combined 500 million doses of its vaccines. CNBG is expected to be able to produce 300 million doses of vaccine a year once it upgrades manufacturing techniques, and is working on a plan to raise its annual capacity to 1 billion doses, Zhang said. Sinovac`s vaccine candidate CoronaVac, being tested in Brazil and Indonesia, also obtained approvals from two other countries for Phase 3 trials, said Helen Yang, senior director of global strategy and business development at Sinovac. She declined to name the countries as the information is still confidential. While the final stage of trials are still underway to prove the vaccines are safe and effective, China has already authorized the vaccine candidates from Sinovac and CNBG for emergency use for those in high-risk groups such as medical workers. Several tens of thousand people have already taken CoronaVac through the emergency programme, Sinovac`s Yang said. CNBG will soon begin providing its vaccines to Chinese staffers working in overseas embassies and consulates, Zhang said.

China's CNBG, Sinovac find more countries to test coronavirus vaccines

India, which is among the largest troop contributors to the UN peacekeeping, will deploy two medical teams in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan after a request by UN chief Antonio Guterres to scale-up health infrastructure in the areas managed by the Indian peacekeepers to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

India's Permanent Mission to the UN said in a statement that the country responded to a request from UN Secretary-General Guterres and mobilised all efforts to assemble two teams of medical specialists to be deployed in hospitals at the UN missions in DR Congo and South Sudan.

"This gesture has been welcomed,"&nbsp;the Indian mission said.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti on Friday tweeted: "Indian peacekeepers rise to the call to combat COVID! In response to request of UN Secretary General, India is rushing two medical teams to Africa to strengthen Indian peacekeeping hospitals - one in Goma, DR Congo and other in Juba, South Sudan."

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the world, the UN Secretariat has set up a System-Wide Medical Evacuation Task Force to ensure high quality treatment facilities for people serving the United Nations in field locations. 
Guterres has decided to scale-up the Level-2 and Level-3 hospital facilities, managed by the Indian peacekeepers, at the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to mitigate and contain the COVID-19 outbreak at these two locations.

Based on a request, India will be deploying two medical teams of 15 medical personnel each at Goma in the DRC and Juba in South Sudan in the second half of September, 2020.

The main hub of command and control centre of MONUSCO is located in Goma, where the hospital by India has been operational since January, 2005 and has 90 Indian nationals including 18 specialists.

Due to the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the area, the ?Level-3' facility, which is the highest level of medical care provided by a deployed UN unit, will now further be upgraded to a Level-3 Plus facility.

In Juba, the 'Level-2 plus' hospital by India, operational since December, 2016, has 77 Indians, including 12 specialists.

The Indian facility in Juba is presently one of the top-level of medical facilities existing in South Sudan. This facility will now be upgraded from Level-2 plus to a Level-3 facility.

Of the total 16,306 troops deployed with UNMISS, India contributes the largest number of troops at 2,420 personnel.

The country is the second largest contributor of troops to MONUSCO, with 2,030 Indian troops deployed with the UN Mission, which has a total of 15,159 peacekeepers.

India's long-standing contribution to the UN peacekeeping has been widely lauded by the world organisation. Women of the Indian Armed Forces Medical Services headed to the UN Peacekeeping mission in the Republic of Congo (ONUC) in 1960 to assist with the set-up of a 400-bed hospital.

India currently contributes military and police personnel to the UN peacekeeping operations in Abyei, Cyprus, the DRC, Lebanon, the Middle East, Sudan, South Sudan and Western Sahara as well as one expert to the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia.

Over the last 70 years, more than 160 Indian military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives while serving in the UN peacekeeping missions around the world, the highest from any troop-contributing country.

India, which is among the largest troop contributors to the UN peacekeeping, will deploy two medical teams in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan after a request by UN chief Antonio Guterres to scale-up health infrastructure in the areas managed by the Indian peacekeepers to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

India, which is among the largest troop contributors to the UN peacekeeping, will deploy two medical teams in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan after a request by UN chief Antonio Guterres to scale-up health infrastructure in the areas managed by the Indian peacekeepers to help contain the COVID-19 outbreak. India's Permanent Mission to the UN said in a statement that the country responded to a request from UN Secretary-General Guterres and mobilised all efforts to assemble two teams of medical specialists to be deployed in hospitals at the UN missions in DR Congo and South Sudan. "This gesture has been welcomed," the Indian mission said. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti on Friday tweeted: "Indian peacekeepers rise to the call to combat COVID! In response to request of UN Secretary General, India is rushing two medical teams to Africa to strengthen Indian peacekeeping hospitals - one in Goma, DR Congo and other in Juba, South Sudan." As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the world, the UN Secretariat has set up a System-Wide Medical Evacuation Task Force to ensure high quality treatment facilities for people serving the United Nations in field locations. Guterres has decided to scale-up the Level-2 and Level-3 hospital facilities, managed by the Indian peacekeepers, at the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to mitigate and contain the COVID-19 outbreak at these two locations. Based on a request, India will be deploying two medical teams of 15 medical personnel each at Goma in the DRC and Juba in South Sudan in the second half of September, 2020. The main hub of command and control centre of MONUSCO is located in Goma, where the hospital by India has been operational since January, 2005 and has 90 Indian nationals including 18 specialists. Due to the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the area, the ?Level-3' facility, which is the highest level of medical care provided by a deployed UN unit, will now further be upgraded to a Level-3 Plus facility. In Juba, the 'Level-2 plus' hospital by India, operational since December, 2016, has 77 Indians, including 12 specialists. The Indian facility in Juba is presently one of the top-level of medical facilities existing in South Sudan. This facility will now be upgraded from Level-2 plus to a Level-3 facility. Of the total 16,306 troops deployed with UNMISS, India contributes the largest number of troops at 2,420 personnel. The country is the second largest contributor of troops to MONUSCO, with 2,030 Indian troops deployed with the UN Mission, which has a total of 15,159 peacekeepers. India's long-standing contribution to the UN peacekeeping has been widely lauded by the world organisation. Women of the Indian Armed Forces Medical Services headed to the UN Peacekeeping mission in the Republic of Congo (ONUC) in 1960 to assist with the set-up of a 400-bed hospital. India currently contributes military and police personnel to the UN peacekeeping operations in Abyei, Cyprus, the DRC, Lebanon, the Middle East, Sudan, South Sudan and Western Sahara as well as one expert to the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia. Over the last 70 years, more than 160 Indian military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives while serving in the UN peacekeeping missions around the world, the highest from any troop-contributing country.

India to deploy two medical teams in DR Congo, S Sudan to help combat COVID-19

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has asked state public health officials to prepare to distribute a potential coronavirus vaccine to high-risk groups as soon as late October, documents published by the agency showed on Wednesday.

US CDC tells states to prep for COVID-19 vaccine distribution

The novel coronavirus, which has infected nearly 5,500 people and killed more than 170, has only exacerbated food shortages in Malawi as many livelihoods have been curtailed by confinement measures.

Malnutrition and food insecurity are perennial issues in the small, landlocked nation, where more than half of the population live below the poverty line.

To this end, roasted mice have become a vital source of protein in Malawi ever since the coronavirus outbreak aggravated food shortages and economic hardship.

The rodents are typically found in corn fields, where they grow plump on grains, fruit, grass and the odd insect.

Seasoned and cooked to a crisp, these roasted field mice are sold at street stalls and markets across the African country.

Vendors target motorists travelling between the two largest cities, Blantyre and Lilongwe, by waving long skewers of mice typically stand along Malawi's main highway.

Many peasant farmers have taken to hunting and hawking mice to supplement his livelihood.

Also, Malawi's government has promised a $50 (42-euro) monthly stipend for people who lost income due to anti-coronavirus regulations that restricted movement and business.

The scheme was meant to start in June, but last week the government said roll-out logistics were still being finalised.

Health officials have meantime urged the poorest communities in some rural villages to supplement their diets with free and naturally available resources.

The Balaka district, tucked into Malawi's Southern Region, is widely associated with mouse hunting. Environmentalists, however, have voiced concern about damage caused by hunting methods as demand increases.

After crops are harvested, hunters burn bushes to identify mice holes so they can trap them.

Children in this area were fed mice as a treat even before they tasted beef.

The novel coronavirus, which has infected nearly 5,500 people and killed more than 170, has only exacerbated food shortages in Malawi as many livelihoods have been curtailed by confinement measures.

The novel coronavirus, which has infected nearly 5,500 people and killed more than 170, has only exacerbated food shortages in Malawi as many livelihoods have been curtailed by confinement measures. Malnutrition and food insecurity are perennial issues in the small, landlocked nation, where more than half of the population live below the poverty line. To this end, roasted mice have become a vital source of protein in Malawi ever since the coronavirus outbreak aggravated food shortages and economic hardship. The rodents are typically found in corn fields, where they grow plump on grains, fruit, grass and the odd insect. Seasoned and cooked to a crisp, these roasted field mice are sold at street stalls and markets across the African country. Vendors target motorists travelling between the two largest cities, Blantyre and Lilongwe, by waving long skewers of mice typically stand along Malawi's main highway. Many peasant farmers have taken to hunting and hawking mice to supplement his livelihood. Also, Malawi's government has promised a $50 (42-euro) monthly stipend for people who lost income due to anti-coronavirus regulations that restricted movement and business. The scheme was meant to start in June, but last week the government said roll-out logistics were still being finalised. Health officials have meantime urged the poorest communities in some rural villages to supplement their diets with free and naturally available resources. The Balaka district, tucked into Malawi's Southern Region, is widely associated with mouse hunting. Environmentalists, however, have voiced concern about damage caused by hunting methods as demand increases. After crops are harvested, hunters burn bushes to identify mice holes so they can trap them. Children in this area were fed mice as a treat even before they tasted beef.

Roasted mice, a popular delicacy, turn saviour in coronavirus-hit rural Malawi

The World Health Organization does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, a spokeswoman said on Friday, stressing the importance of rigorous checks on their effectiveness and safety.

None of the candidate vaccines in advanced clinical trials so far has demonstrated a "clear signal" of efficacy at the level of at least 50% sought by the WHO, spokeswoman Margaret Harris said.

Russia granted regulatory approval to a Covid-19 vaccine in August after less than two months of human testing, prompting some Western experts to question its safety and efficacy.

US public health officials and Pfizer Inc said on Thursday a vaccine could be ready for distribution as soon as late October. That would be just ahead of the US election on Nov. 3 in which the pandemic is likely to be a major factor among voters deciding whether President Donald Trump wins a second term.

"We are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year," Harris told a UN briefing in Geneva.

"This phase 3 must take longer because we need to see how truly protective the vaccine is and we also need to see how safe it is," she added. This referred to the phase in vaccine research where large clinical trials among people are conducted. Harris did not refer to any specific vaccine candidate.

All data from trials must be shared and compared, Harris said. "A lot of people have been vaccinated and what we don't know is whether the vaccine works...at this stage we do not have the clear signal of whether or not it has the level of worthwhile efficacy and safety...," she added.

The WHO and GAVI vaccine alliance are leading a global vaccine allocation plan known as COVAX that aims to help buy and distribute shots fairly. The focus is on first vaccinating the most high-risk people in every country such as healthcare workers.

COVAX aims to procure and deliver 2 billion doses of approved vaccines by the end of 2021, but some countries that have secured their own supplies through bilateral deals, including the United States, have said they will not join.

"Essentially, the door is open. We are open. What the COVAX is about is making sure everybody on the planet will get access to the vaccines," Harris said.

The World Health Organization does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, a spokeswoman said on Friday, stressing the importance of rigorous checks on their effectiveness and safety.

The World Health Organization does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, a spokeswoman said on Friday, stressing the importance of rigorous checks on their effectiveness and safety. None of the candidate vaccines in advanced clinical trials so far has demonstrated a "clear signal" of efficacy at the level of at least 50% sought by the WHO, spokeswoman Margaret Harris said. Russia granted regulatory approval to a Covid-19 vaccine in August after less than two months of human testing, prompting some Western experts to question its safety and efficacy. US public health officials and Pfizer Inc said on Thursday a vaccine could be ready for distribution as soon as late October. That would be just ahead of the US election on Nov. 3 in which the pandemic is likely to be a major factor among voters deciding whether President Donald Trump wins a second term. "We are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year," Harris told a UN briefing in Geneva. "This phase 3 must take longer because we need to see how truly protective the vaccine is and we also need to see how safe it is," she added. This referred to the phase in vaccine research where large clinical trials among people are conducted. Harris did not refer to any specific vaccine candidate. All data from trials must be shared and compared, Harris said. "A lot of people have been vaccinated and what we don't know is whether the vaccine works...at this stage we do not have the clear signal of whether or not it has the level of worthwhile efficacy and safety...," she added. The WHO and GAVI vaccine alliance are leading a global vaccine allocation plan known as COVAX that aims to help buy and distribute shots fairly. The focus is on first vaccinating the most high-risk people in every country such as healthcare workers. COVAX aims to procure and deliver 2 billion doses of approved vaccines by the end of 2021, but some countries that have secured their own supplies through bilateral deals, including the United States, have said they will not join. "Essentially, the door is open. We are open. What the COVAX is about is making sure everybody on the planet will get access to the vaccines," Harris said.

Widespread Covid-19 vaccinations not expected until mid-2021: WHO

Spain saw one of the most draconian Covid-19 lockdowns in Europe, but two months after it was lifted, the virus is spreading faster than in any neighbouring nation.

Coronavirus: Can Spain deal with a second wave?

The sectors that women work in and the informality of these roles means women are more likely to lose their jobs when compared to their male counterparts.

COVID-19 crisis exposes women's uncertain economic security

The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered theatres across Japan, and while other traditional art forms can rely on generous private backers or state subsidies, Noh depends heavily on staging shows.

Can Japan's ancient Noh theatre survive COVID-19?

US: CDC asks states to prepare for COVID-19 vaccine distribution

Wineries are at risk of shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grape harvest this season is better than last many years but still, there is gloom in vineyards.

Vineyards in Spain at risk of bankruptcy, demand for wine down by 80%

Millions of students will attend schools in the new academic year from September. Tens of millions of pupils returned to school in France, Poland and Russia on Tuesday, their rucksacks loaded with exercise books, geometry sets and, for many, face masks to protect them from a resurgent coronavirus pandemic.

Schools reopen in Europe amid concerns of second wave of COVID-19

There is no sign of a health-economy trade-off. Countries with low GDP fall have less COVID-19 deaths. India's economy suffered its worst slump on record in April-June, with the gross domestic product (GDP) contracting by 23.9 per cent as the coronavirus-related lockdowns weighed on the already-declining consumer demand and investment.

Countries with low GDP fall have less COVID-19 deaths

Treating critically ill COVID-19 patients with corticosteroid drugs reduces the risk of death by 20%, an analysis of seven international trials found on Wednesday, prompting the World Health Organisation to update its advice on treatment.

The analysis - which pooled data from separate trials of low dose hydrocortisone, dexamethasone and methylprednisolone - found that steroids improve survival rates of COVID-19 patients sick enough to be in intensive care in hospital.

"This is equivalent to around 68% of (the sickest COVID-19) patients surviving after treatment with corticosteroids, compared to around 60% surviving in the absence of corticosteroids," the researchers said in a statement.

The WHO's clinical care lead, Janet Diaz, said the agency had updated its advice to include a "strong recommendation" for use of steroids in patients with severe and critical COVID-19.

"The evidence shows that if you give corticosteroids ...(there are) 87 fewer deaths per 1,000 patients," she told a WHO social media live event. "Those are lives ... saved."

"Steroids are a cheap and readily available medication, and our analysis has confirmed that they are effective in reducing deaths amongst the people most severely affected by COVID-19," Jonathan Sterne, a professor of medical statistics and epidemiology at Britain's Bristol University who worked on the analysis, told the briefing.

He said the trials - conducted by researchers in Britain, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Spain, and the United States - gave a consistent message throughout, showing the drugs were beneficial in the sickest patients regardless of age or sex or how long patients had been ill.

The findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, reinforce results that were hailed as a major breakthrough and announced in June, when dexamethasone became the first drug shown to be able to reduce death rates among severely sick COVID-19 patients.

Dexamethasone has been in widespread use in intensive care wards treating COVID-19 patients in some countries since then.

Martin Landray, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Oxford who worked on the dexamethasone trial that was a key part of the pooled analysis published on Wednesday, said the results mean doctors in hospitals across the world can safely switch to using the drugs to save lives.

"These results are clear, and instantly usable in clinical practice," he told reporters. "Among critically ill patients with COVID-19, low-dose corticosteroids ... significantly reduce the risk of death."

Researchers said the benefit was shown regardless of whether patients were on ventilation at the time they started treatment. They said the WHO would update its guidelines immediately to reflect the fresh results.

Until the June findings on dexamethasone, no effective treatment had been shown to reduce death rates in patients with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus.

More than 25 million people have been infected with COVID-19 and 856,876​ have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Gilead Sciences Inc's &lt;GILD.O&gt; remdesivir was authorised by United States regulators in May for use in patients with severe COVID-19 after trial data showed the antiviral drug helped shorten hospital recovery time.

Anthony Gordon, an Imperial College London professor who also worked on the analysis, said its results were good news for patients who become critically ill with COVID-19, but would not be enough to end outbreaks or ease infection control measures.

"Impressive as these results are, this is not a cure. We now have something that will help, but it is not a cure, so it's vital that we keep up all the prevention strategies." 
&nbsp;

Treating critically ill COVID-19 patients with corticosteroid drugs reduces the risk of death by 20%, an analysis of seven international trials found on Wednesday, prompting the World Health Organisation to update its advice on treatment.

Treating critically ill COVID-19 patients with corticosteroid drugs reduces the risk of death by 20%, an analysis of seven international trials found on Wednesday, prompting the World Health Organisation to update its advice on treatment. The analysis - which pooled data from separate trials of low dose hydrocortisone, dexamethasone and methylprednisolone - found that steroids improve survival rates of COVID-19 patients sick enough to be in intensive care in hospital. "This is equivalent to around 68% of (the sickest COVID-19) patients surviving after treatment with corticosteroids, compared to around 60% surviving in the absence of corticosteroids," the researchers said in a statement. The WHO's clinical care lead, Janet Diaz, said the agency had updated its advice to include a "strong recommendation" for use of steroids in patients with severe and critical COVID-19. "The evidence shows that if you give corticosteroids ...(there are) 87 fewer deaths per 1,000 patients," she told a WHO social media live event. "Those are lives ... saved." "Steroids are a cheap and readily available medication, and our analysis has confirmed that they are effective in reducing deaths amongst the people most severely affected by COVID-19," Jonathan Sterne, a professor of medical statistics and epidemiology at Britain's Bristol University who worked on the analysis, told the briefing. He said the trials - conducted by researchers in Britain, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Spain, and the United States - gave a consistent message throughout, showing the drugs were beneficial in the sickest patients regardless of age or sex or how long patients had been ill. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, reinforce results that were hailed as a major breakthrough and announced in June, when dexamethasone became the first drug shown to be able to reduce death rates among severely sick COVID-19 patients. Dexamethasone has been in widespread use in intensive care wards treating COVID-19 patients in some countries since then. Martin Landray, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Oxford who worked on the dexamethasone trial that was a key part of the pooled analysis published on Wednesday, said the results mean doctors in hospitals across the world can safely switch to using the drugs to save lives. "These results are clear, and instantly usable in clinical practice," he told reporters. "Among critically ill patients with COVID-19, low-dose corticosteroids ... significantly reduce the risk of death." Researchers said the benefit was shown regardless of whether patients were on ventilation at the time they started treatment. They said the WHO would update its guidelines immediately to reflect the fresh results. Until the June findings on dexamethasone, no effective treatment had been shown to reduce death rates in patients with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus. More than 25 million people have been infected with COVID-19 and 856,876 have died, according to a Reuters tally. Gilead Sciences Inc's <GILD.O> remdesivir was authorised by United States regulators in May for use in patients with severe COVID-19 after trial data showed the antiviral drug helped shorten hospital recovery time. Anthony Gordon, an Imperial College London professor who also worked on the analysis, said its results were good news for patients who become critically ill with COVID-19, but would not be enough to end outbreaks or ease infection control measures. "Impressive as these results are, this is not a cure. We now have something that will help, but it is not a cure, so it's vital that we keep up all the prevention strategies."

Steroids cut death rates among critically ill COVID-19 patients: Study

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently in isolation at home, the staff of the 83-year-old media tycoon said on Wednesday.

Alberto Zangrillo, Berlusconi's personal physician at Milan's San Raffaele hospital, told AdnKronos news agency the former premier had no symptoms but had decided to test for COVID-19 because of his recent stay in Sardinia.

Berlusconi recently returned home from a holiday in Sardinia, which saw a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in August as tourists from all over the country descended on the Mediterranean island.

Berlusconi will continue working from his house in Arcore, near Milan, and to support the campaigns of candidates from his centre-right Forza Italia party at local elections scheduled for September, a statement by his staff said.

Italy, which has suffered one of Europe's worst outbreaks of COVID-19 with over 270,000 confirmed cases and some 35,500 deaths, has managed to contain the contagion since a peak in fatalities and infections in March and April.

However, the country recorded a steady increase in new cases in August, with experts blaming gatherings of people associated with holidays and nightlife.

Politicians across the political spectrum sent support messages to Berlusconi, a four-times prime minister.

"I want to wish Silvio Berlusconi a speedy recovery on behalf of our members. He will fight this new battle forcefully," centre-left Democratic Party leader Nicola Zingaretti, who also recovered from COVID-19, wrote on Twitter.

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently in isolation at home, the staff of the 83-year-old media tycoon said on Wednesday.

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently in isolation at home, the staff of the 83-year-old media tycoon said on Wednesday. Alberto Zangrillo, Berlusconi's personal physician at Milan's San Raffaele hospital, told AdnKronos news agency the former premier had no symptoms but had decided to test for COVID-19 because of his recent stay in Sardinia. Berlusconi recently returned home from a holiday in Sardinia, which saw a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in August as tourists from all over the country descended on the Mediterranean island. Berlusconi will continue working from his house in Arcore, near Milan, and to support the campaigns of candidates from his centre-right Forza Italia party at local elections scheduled for September, a statement by his staff said. Italy, which has suffered one of Europe's worst outbreaks of COVID-19 with over 270,000 confirmed cases and some 35,500 deaths, has managed to contain the contagion since a peak in fatalities and infections in March and April. However, the country recorded a steady increase in new cases in August, with experts blaming gatherings of people associated with holidays and nightlife. Politicians across the political spectrum sent support messages to Berlusconi, a four-times prime minister. "I want to wish Silvio Berlusconi a speedy recovery on behalf of our members. He will fight this new battle forcefully," centre-left Democratic Party leader Nicola Zingaretti, who also recovered from COVID-19, wrote on Twitter.

Italy's former PM Berlusconi tests positive for coronavirus

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