With more than 9&nbsp;lakh samples tested for the third consecutive day, the number of tests for detection of COVID-19 has crossed the 40-million mark in India.

Also, the number of such tests per 10 lakh people has also increased to 29,280, the Union health ministry said on Saturday as the total number of coronavirus cases mounted to 34,63,972 in the country.

With the focussed, consistent and coordinated efforts led by the Centre and implemented by the states and Union territories, the country has set a new landmark of testing 4,04,06,609 people for COVID-19 so far, the ministry said.

The number of daily tests has also seen an upsurge. Already having achieved the testing capacity of 10 lakh per day, 9,28,761 COVID-19 tests were conducted on Friday.

"This has boosted the Tests Per Million (TPM) with a sharp increase to 29,280. As is seen in many states and Union territories that have increased the testing, the positivity rate will eventually fall with higher levels of testing. The national positivity rate has remained low at 8.57 per cent and is constantly falling," the ministry highlighted.

The number of tests for detection of COVID-19 had crossed the three-crore mark in the country on August 17.

India has come a long way from conducting the first COVID-19 test in January in a laboratory in Pune to crossing the milestone of conducting four crore such tests.

The country is following the strategic approach of "test, track and treat", where testing forms the initial and crucial pillar of COVID response and management.

It is only by aggressive testing that positive cases are identified at an early stage, their close contacts promptly tracked and isolated, and a timely and effective treatment is ensured for those in home isolation or in hospitals, the ministry underlined.

Expanding the network of diagnostic laboratories and facilitating easy testing across the country through several policy measures have given a substantial boost to this upsurge in the national testing rates.

Currently, there are 1,576 laboratories in the country -- 1,002 in the government sector and 574 private ones -- where COVID-19 tests can be performed, the ministry said.

India's COVID-19 tally rose to 34,63,972 with a single-day spike of 76,472 cases, while the death toll due to the disease climbed to 62,550 with 1,021 people succumbing to it in a span of 24 hours, the health ministry's data updated at 8 am showed.

At the same time, the number of recoveries surged to 26,48,998, pushing the recovery rate to 76.47 per cent, according to the data.&nbsp;

With more than 9 lakh samples tested for the third consecutive day, the number of tests for detection of COVID-19 has crossed the 40-million mark in India. Also, the number of such tests per 10 lakh people has also increased to 29,280, the Union health ministry said on Saturday as the total number of coronavirus cases mounted to 34,63,972 in the country.

With more than 9 lakh samples tested for the third consecutive day, the number of tests for detection of COVID-19 has crossed the 40-million mark in India. Also, the number of such tests per 10 lakh people has also increased to 29,280, the Union health ministry said on Saturday as the total number of coronavirus cases mounted to 34,63,972 in the country. With the focussed, consistent and coordinated efforts led by the Centre and implemented by the states and Union territories, the country has set a new landmark of testing 4,04,06,609 people for COVID-19 so far, the ministry said. The number of daily tests has also seen an upsurge. Already having achieved the testing capacity of 10 lakh per day, 9,28,761 COVID-19 tests were conducted on Friday. "This has boosted the Tests Per Million (TPM) with a sharp increase to 29,280. As is seen in many states and Union territories that have increased the testing, the positivity rate will eventually fall with higher levels of testing. The national positivity rate has remained low at 8.57 per cent and is constantly falling," the ministry highlighted. The number of tests for detection of COVID-19 had crossed the three-crore mark in the country on August 17. India has come a long way from conducting the first COVID-19 test in January in a laboratory in Pune to crossing the milestone of conducting four crore such tests. The country is following the strategic approach of "test, track and treat", where testing forms the initial and crucial pillar of COVID response and management. It is only by aggressive testing that positive cases are identified at an early stage, their close contacts promptly tracked and isolated, and a timely and effective treatment is ensured for those in home isolation or in hospitals, the ministry underlined. Expanding the network of diagnostic laboratories and facilitating easy testing across the country through several policy measures have given a substantial boost to this upsurge in the national testing rates. Currently, there are 1,576 laboratories in the country -- 1,002 in the government sector and 574 private ones -- where COVID-19 tests can be performed, the ministry said. India's COVID-19 tally rose to 34,63,972 with a single-day spike of 76,472 cases, while the death toll due to the disease climbed to 62,550 with 1,021 people succumbing to it in a span of 24 hours, the health ministry's data updated at 8 am showed. At the same time, the number of recoveries surged to 26,48,998, pushing the recovery rate to 76.47 per cent, according to the data.

Number of coronavirus tests crosses 40-million mark in India

The city of Berlin will put thousands of police on the streets at the weekend to enforce a ban on demonstrations opposing measures imposed to stem the coronavirus pandemic after marchers at a recent rally failed to wear masks or keep their distance.

WION Dispatch: Berlin bans massive protest planned against virus curbs

The Apollo hospital in Chennai has announced the demise of Kanyakumari MP and Congress leader H Vasanthakumar. He was hospitalized on 10th August. 
 
The 70-year old parliamentarian was hospitalized on 10th August with Covid-19 infection. He passed away at 6:56pm on Friday, after his condition deteriorated due to Covid complications.&nbsp;

The hospital statement said that he was being treated in the critical care unit for Covid pneumonia. But his condition gradually deteriorated, despite all active medical measures.&nbsp;

He was the working president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and had been an MLA from the Nanguneri assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu. It was after resigning his MLA post that he contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Kanyakumari. He had defeated incumbent and lone-BJP MP Pon Radhakrishnan.&nbsp;

Starting his career as a salesman, he went on to found Vasanth &amp; Co a popular retail chain of home appliances and electronics. His brand had once been synonymous with home appliances retail.&nbsp;

Vasanthakumar was the younger brother of former TNCC President Kumari Anandan and his niece Tamilisai Soundararajan is the Governor of Telangana state.

Condolences for the late leader have poured in from across the political spectrum.

The Apollo hospital in Chennai has announced the demise of Kanyakumari MP and Congress leader H Vasanthakumar. He was hospitalized on 10th August. The 70-year old parliamentarian was hospitalized on 10th August with Covid-19 infection.

The Apollo hospital in Chennai has announced the demise of Kanyakumari MP and Congress leader H Vasanthakumar. He was hospitalized on 10th August. The 70-year old parliamentarian was hospitalized on 10th August with Covid-19 infection. He passed away at 6:56pm on Friday, after his condition deteriorated due to Covid complications. The hospital statement said that he was being treated in the critical care unit for Covid pneumonia. But his condition gradually deteriorated, despite all active medical measures. He was the working president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and had been an MLA from the Nanguneri assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu. It was after resigning his MLA post that he contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Kanyakumari. He had defeated incumbent and lone-BJP MP Pon Radhakrishnan. Starting his career as a salesman, he went on to found Vasanth & Co a popular retail chain of home appliances and electronics. His brand had once been synonymous with home appliances retail. Vasanthakumar was the younger brother of former TNCC President Kumari Anandan and his niece Tamilisai Soundararajan is the Governor of Telangana state. Condolences for the late leader have poured in from across the political spectrum.

Kanyakumari MP, Congress leader H Vasanthakumar succumbs to Covid-19

Wealthier countries that join the World Health Organisation's COVID-19 vaccine plan are being offered a new option to pick and choose which shots they get while reserving a right to receive their "full share" of doses.

According to a Reuters report, the change is aimed at convincing governments which have negotiated their own bilateral deals securing experimental vaccines to also sign up for the global COVAX facility by Monday's deadline for submitting expressions of interest. The document with the new terms and conditions was dated August 5.

The United States, Japan, Britain and the European Union have struck their own deals to secure millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses for their citizens, ignoring the WHO's warnings that "vaccine nationalism" will squeeze supplies.

The offer is the latest sign of concern in the UN agency about its effort to unite the world behind its vaccine as it struggles to get wealthier countries on board beyond pledges of funding and warm words about donating surplus vaccines.

The latest WHO plan, circulated to its 194 member states in the last days, promises to "negotiate the best possible pricing from manufacturers" and to establish a "marketplace" for trading or selling doses.

The deadline for confirming commitment is September&nbsp;18, with upfront payment due by October 9.

The COVAX facility, launched in late April, is designed to serve as an "invaluable insurance policy to secure access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines" through a portfolio of experimental vaccines using a broad range of technologies, the WHO said. For now it relies on nine experimental vaccines.

It aims to deliver at least 2 billion doses of approved vaccines by the end of 2021 and to ensure "equitable access". 
Through the WHO's standard "Committed Purchase" arrangement already on offer, self-financing states are to make a lower upfront payment of an estimated $1.60 per dose, plus a $8.95 financial guarantee per unit, but have to make firm guarantees to buy doses, it said.

If the final price exceeds double that total of $10.55 per dose, or $21.10, countries are allowed to drop out, it said.

Under the new "Optional Purchase" arrangement, their higher upfront payment is $3.10 per dose. This covers their full pro-rata share of the investments required by the COVAX facility to enter into agreements with manufacturers and accelerate scale of production and access, it said, adding that the estimated all-inclusive cost per dose might still be $10.55.

"These participants have the possibility to opt out of vaccine allocations while still reserving their 'options' to receive doses of a subsequent vaccine being provided through the Facility," the WHO said.

"This option may be more attractive for countries that already have bilateral deals in place and may not be interested in acquiring more of those vaccines."

While a country exercising this option retains an ability to receive its full share of doses, it should recognise that opting out of a particular vaccine "may delay the time until a country receives doses, particularly in the initial phase where there may only be one or two vaccines and the quantities will be limited".

The optional scheme would cost an estimated $262.8 million based on a country with a 60-million population electing to cover 20% of that and a 2-dose regimen, the WHO document said. The standard one would cost $253.2 million.

So far some 172 countries have registered expressions of interest, including 92 low- and middle-income countries eligible to secure doses through the GAVI vaccine alliance which covers much of their cost.

Some 80 potentially self-financing countries have submitted expressions of interest.

Wealthier countries that join the World Health Organisation's COVID-19 vaccine plan are being offered a new option to pick and choose which shots they get while reserving a right to receive their "full share" of doses.

Wealthier countries that join the World Health Organisation's COVID-19 vaccine plan are being offered a new option to pick and choose which shots they get while reserving a right to receive their "full share" of doses. According to a Reuters report, the change is aimed at convincing governments which have negotiated their own bilateral deals securing experimental vaccines to also sign up for the global COVAX facility by Monday's deadline for submitting expressions of interest. The document with the new terms and conditions was dated August 5. The United States, Japan, Britain and the European Union have struck their own deals to secure millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses for their citizens, ignoring the WHO's warnings that "vaccine nationalism" will squeeze supplies. The offer is the latest sign of concern in the UN agency about its effort to unite the world behind its vaccine as it struggles to get wealthier countries on board beyond pledges of funding and warm words about donating surplus vaccines. The latest WHO plan, circulated to its 194 member states in the last days, promises to "negotiate the best possible pricing from manufacturers" and to establish a "marketplace" for trading or selling doses. The deadline for confirming commitment is September 18, with upfront payment due by October 9. The COVAX facility, launched in late April, is designed to serve as an "invaluable insurance policy to secure access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines" through a portfolio of experimental vaccines using a broad range of technologies, the WHO said. For now it relies on nine experimental vaccines. It aims to deliver at least 2 billion doses of approved vaccines by the end of 2021 and to ensure "equitable access". Through the WHO's standard "Committed Purchase" arrangement already on offer, self-financing states are to make a lower upfront payment of an estimated $1.60 per dose, plus a $8.95 financial guarantee per unit, but have to make firm guarantees to buy doses, it said. If the final price exceeds double that total of $10.55 per dose, or $21.10, countries are allowed to drop out, it said. Under the new "Optional Purchase" arrangement, their higher upfront payment is $3.10 per dose. This covers their full pro-rata share of the investments required by the COVAX facility to enter into agreements with manufacturers and accelerate scale of production and access, it said, adding that the estimated all-inclusive cost per dose might still be $10.55. "These participants have the possibility to opt out of vaccine allocations while still reserving their 'options' to receive doses of a subsequent vaccine being provided through the Facility," the WHO said. "This option may be more attractive for countries that already have bilateral deals in place and may not be interested in acquiring more of those vaccines." While a country exercising this option retains an ability to receive its full share of doses, it should recognise that opting out of a particular vaccine "may delay the time until a country receives doses, particularly in the initial phase where there may only be one or two vaccines and the quantities will be limited". The optional scheme would cost an estimated $262.8 million based on a country with a 60-million population electing to cover 20% of that and a 2-dose regimen, the WHO document said. The standard one would cost $253.2 million. So far some 172 countries have registered expressions of interest, including 92 low- and middle-income countries eligible to secure doses through the GAVI vaccine alliance which covers much of their cost. Some 80 potentially self-financing countries have submitted expressions of interest.

WHO relaxes norms for nations to join struggling global COVAX vaccine facility

The Goa government plans to focus on the COVID-19 containment zones in the state and urge the recovered patients of coronavirus from these areas to donate their plasma for treatment of others.

Talking to reporters, state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday said that next week, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant would hold a meeting with those MLAs, in whose constituencies the containment zones fall, in order to involve them in the plasma donation drive.

"The MLAs, cutting across party lines, would be asked to encourage recovered coronavirus patients in the containment zones in their respective constituencies to come ahead and donate their plasma," he said.

"Plasma therapy is one of the best solutions to treat COVID-19. Time has come for the recovered patients to become saviour for others," the minister said.

Rane said that the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has set up a facility to get plasma from the blood of the recovered patients.

"We will also appeal to the police personnel and people from health sector, who have recovered from the infection, to come ahead and donate plasma," he said.

The minister said that the state government will also involve NGOs and media to encourage people for plasma donation.

The Goa government plans to focus on the COVID-19 containment zones in the state and urge the recovered patients of coronavirus from these areas to donate their plasma for treatment of others.

The Goa government plans to focus on the COVID-19 containment zones in the state and urge the recovered patients of coronavirus from these areas to donate their plasma for treatment of others. Talking to reporters, state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday said that next week, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant would hold a meeting with those MLAs, in whose constituencies the containment zones fall, in order to involve them in the plasma donation drive. "The MLAs, cutting across party lines, would be asked to encourage recovered coronavirus patients in the containment zones in their respective constituencies to come ahead and donate their plasma," he said. "Plasma therapy is one of the best solutions to treat COVID-19. Time has come for the recovered patients to become saviour for others," the minister said. Rane said that the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has set up a facility to get plasma from the blood of the recovered patients. "We will also appeal to the police personnel and people from health sector, who have recovered from the infection, to come ahead and donate plasma," he said. The minister said that the state government will also involve NGOs and media to encourage people for plasma donation.

Goa to turn to COVID-19 containment zones for plasma donation

Texas-based Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) has entered into a licensing agreement with Indian pharmaceutical company Biological E Limited (BE) for the development of coronavirus vaccine.

According to BCM, BE has licenced the recombinant protein COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed at Baylor.

The company engaged in licence negotiations with the BCM Ventures team after initial discussions on Baylor's technology and how it could possibly inform a vaccine to address the current global pandemic.

The company will leverage its past experience for the further development and commercialisation of the vaccine candidate, which is currently produced using a proven yeast-based expression technology, the Texas-based BCM said.

India has recorded 33,87,500 coronavirus cases and 61,529 fatalities due to the disease, while the US is leading the chart with over 5,869,000 cases and 180,800 deaths.

Dr Peter Hotez, professor and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor, and his colleagues have already been making SARs and MERS vaccines. "Then, when we got word about COVID-19, we saw that the sequence for the new virus was similar to some of the viruses that we were already making vaccines for," said Hotez, who is also the co-director of Texas Children's Centre for Vaccine Development.

Hotez and his team were able to quickly move on to creating a COVID-19 vaccine, which resulted in the collaboration with a large vaccine producer in India.

The vaccine is still in trials in India with the hope that it will be able to roll out sometime next year.

Meanwhile, the BE in a statement said the partnership with Baylor would help accelerate the development of an affordable vaccine, especially for India and other low- and middle-income nations. 
&nbsp;

Texas-based Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) has entered into a licensing agreement with Indian pharmaceutical company Biological E Limited (BE) for the development of coronavirus vaccine.

Texas-based Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) has entered into a licensing agreement with Indian pharmaceutical company Biological E Limited (BE) for the development of coronavirus vaccine. According to BCM, BE has licenced the recombinant protein COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed at Baylor. The company engaged in licence negotiations with the BCM Ventures team after initial discussions on Baylor's technology and how it could possibly inform a vaccine to address the current global pandemic. The company will leverage its past experience for the further development and commercialisation of the vaccine candidate, which is currently produced using a proven yeast-based expression technology, the Texas-based BCM said. India has recorded 33,87,500 coronavirus cases and 61,529 fatalities due to the disease, while the US is leading the chart with over 5,869,000 cases and 180,800 deaths. Dr Peter Hotez, professor and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor, and his colleagues have already been making SARs and MERS vaccines. "Then, when we got word about COVID-19, we saw that the sequence for the new virus was similar to some of the viruses that we were already making vaccines for," said Hotez, who is also the co-director of Texas Children's Centre for Vaccine Development. Hotez and his team were able to quickly move on to creating a COVID-19 vaccine, which resulted in the collaboration with a large vaccine producer in India. The vaccine is still in trials in India with the hope that it will be able to roll out sometime next year. Meanwhile, the BE in a statement said the partnership with Baylor would help accelerate the development of an affordable vaccine, especially for India and other low- and middle-income nations.

US-based BCM ties up with India's BE for COVID-19 vaccine production

The federal government released new guidelines saying that asymptomatic people, even those who have been in close contact of an infected person, should not necessarily go for testing. Whereas according to World Health Organisation (WHO), contacts of COVID-19 patients should also be tested regardless of symptoms.

COVID-19: CDC downplays importance of testing asymptomatic people whereas WHO recommends testing suspects

Nearly 5,800 people suspected of killing health workers, selling defective medical equipment and lying about their travel history have been arrested in China for epidemic-related crimes since January.

One case involved a shopper who beat another customer to death for not wearing a mask in a supermarket.

Other cases included a person who deliberately mowed down medical workers with a car, and another was arrested for stabbing a health inspector with a dagger when monitoring temperatures.

Some have also been accused of embezzling money collected from fundraisers to help coronavirus patients, selling defective medical equipment and lying about their travel history or health condition.

"From January to July, 5,797 people were arrested and 6,755 were prosecuted," the Supreme People's Procuratorate said in a statement on Thursday.

China has largely brought the spread of the novel coronavirus under control -- since it first emerged in the central city of Wuhan in December 2019 -- with strict lockdowns, aggressive contact tracing and close monitoring of neighbourhoods.

The country has also deployed a range of smartphone apps to track the whereabouts of people to quickly identify possible cases.

Wearing a mask is mandatory in supermarkets, cinemas or on public transport, and many choose to wear one while outdoors as well, as a safeguard against the virus.

China has not reported any locally transmitted infections in recent days.

Nearly 5,800 people suspected of killing health workers, selling defective medical equipment and lying about their travel history have been arrested in China for epidemic-related crimes since January.

Nearly 5,800 people suspected of killing health workers, selling defective medical equipment and lying about their travel history have been arrested in China for epidemic-related crimes since January. One case involved a shopper who beat another customer to death for not wearing a mask in a supermarket. Other cases included a person who deliberately mowed down medical workers with a car, and another was arrested for stabbing a health inspector with a dagger when monitoring temperatures. Some have also been accused of embezzling money collected from fundraisers to help coronavirus patients, selling defective medical equipment and lying about their travel history or health condition. "From January to July, 5,797 people were arrested and 6,755 were prosecuted," the Supreme People's Procuratorate said in a statement on Thursday. China has largely brought the spread of the novel coronavirus under control -- since it first emerged in the central city of Wuhan in December 2019 -- with strict lockdowns, aggressive contact tracing and close monitoring of neighbourhoods. The country has also deployed a range of smartphone apps to track the whereabouts of people to quickly identify possible cases. Wearing a mask is mandatory in supermarkets, cinemas or on public transport, and many choose to wear one while outdoors as well, as a safeguard against the virus. China has not reported any locally transmitted infections in recent days.

Nearly 5,800 people arrested in China over coronavirus-related crimes

Russia's deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova on Wednesday said that the country is preparing to approve a second vaccine 'EpiVacCorona' against the novel coronavirus in late September or early October.

Russia's deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova on Wednesday said that the country is preparing to approve a second vaccine 'EpiVacCorona' against the novel coronavirus in late September or early October. Also read: Women may mount stronger COVID-19 immune response During the televised government meet, Golikova told Russian President Vladimir Putin that the vaccine developed by the Vector virology institute will complete its early-stage clinical trials in Siberia by the end of September. “As of today there have been no complications among those vaccinated in the first and second stages of testing,” she said. Also read: Chemical present in insect spray can kill coronavirus: Study Earlier this month, Russia became the first country to grant regulatory approval to a COVID-19 vaccine after less than two months of human testing. This vaccine was called "Sputnik V", to pay their homage to the world’s first satellite launched by the Soviet Union. The Russian authorities have hailed "Sputnik V" safe and effective. However, the experts in the west have been doubtful of the vaccine and have warned against its use until all internationally approved testing and regulatory steps have been taken. According to RDIF, Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, the final phase of clinical trials on “Sputnik V” were beginning. It said 40,000 people would take part in the final trials and that similar trials would also be carried out in five other countries. (Inputs from Reuters)

'EpiVacCorona': Now, Russia readies approval for second COVID-19 vaccine

South Korea's central bank slashed its growth forecast Thursday, predicting the world's 12th-largest economy will contract 1.3 percent this year

South Korea Central bank cuts 2020 GDP outlook

The company reported a net loss of RM305.2 million for the April-June quarter versus a net loss of RM207.1 million a year earlier.

Losses deepen at AirAsia X | Airline stops selling tickets for future dates

COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented change to the international tourism industry. Pandemic-related lockdowns, flight cancellations, and border closures may be putting a crimp on summer vacation plans.

Coronavirus Pandemic: What is the way forward for global tourism?

India's novel coronavirus tally rose to 32.34 lakh on Wednesday with 67,151 more people testing positive for the infection, while the recoveries have surged to 24,67,758, the health ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-seeks-collaboration-with-india-for-manufacturing-covid-19-vaccine-sputnik-v-sources-323068">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia seeks collaboration with India for manufacturing COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V</a>

The death toll from the pathogen climbed to 59,449 with 1,059 more fatalities. The recovery rate rose to 76.30 per cent with 63,173 more people having recuperated, while the case fatality rate has declined to 1.84 per cent, the ministry said.

There are 7,07,267 active cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), comprising 21.87 per cent of the total 32,34,474 infections, the ministry data stated.

According to the ICMR, 3,76,51,512 tests have been conducted so far, including 8,23,992 samples on Tuesday.

Of the 1,059 more deaths, 329 are from Maharashtra, 148 from Karnataka, 107 from Tamil Nadu, 92 from Andhra Pradesh and 72 from Uttar Pradesh. Fifty-eight people succumbed to the infection in West Bengal, 49 in Punjab, 20 in Gujarat, 19 in Madhya Pradesh, and 17 each in Delhi and Jharkhand.

There were 15 more fatalities in Chhattisgarh, 14 in Jammu and Kashmir and 13 in Rajasthan, while 10 people each died due to the contagion in Telangana, Kerala and Haryana.

Goa and Odisha registered nine deaths each, followed by eight each in Assam and Puducherry, six in Uttarakhand, and five each from Tripura and Bihar. There were three more deaths in Chandigarh, two each in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Manipur, and one each in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.

Of the total 59,449 deaths, Maharashtra has reported the maximum of 22,794 followed by 6,721 in Tamil Nadu, 4,958 in Karnataka, 4,330 in Delhi, 3,460 in Andhra Pradesh and 3,059 in Uttar Pradesh.

Gujarat registered 2,928 fatalities, followed by 2,909 in West Bengal, 1,265 in Madhya Pradesh. A total of 1,178 people have died in Punjab, 980 in Rajasthan, 780 in Telangana, 638 in Jammu and Kashmir and 623 in Haryana.

There were 519 coronavirus deaths in Bihar, 428 in Odisha, 347 in Jharkhand, 260 in Assam and 244 in Kerala. Chhattisgarh reported 221 fatalities, followed by 213 in Uttarakhand, 172 in Puducherry, 157 in Goa and 83 in Tripura.

Forty people died from the pathogen in Chandigarh, 37 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 30 in Himachal Pradesh, 24 each in Ladakh and Manipur. Nagaland registered nine deaths, followed by eight in Meghalaya, five in Arunachal Pradesh, three in Sikkim and two in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said, adding that statewise distribution of figures was subject to further verification and reconciliation. 
&nbsp;

India's novel coronavirus tally rose to 32.34 lakh on Wednesday with 67,151 more people testing positive for the infection, while the recoveries have surged to 24,67,758, the health ministry said.

India's novel coronavirus tally rose to 32.34 lakh on Wednesday with 67,151 more people testing positive for the infection, while the recoveries have surged to 24,67,758, the health ministry said. Also Read: Russia seeks collaboration with India for manufacturing COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V The death toll from the pathogen climbed to 59,449 with 1,059 more fatalities. The recovery rate rose to 76.30 per cent with 63,173 more people having recuperated, while the case fatality rate has declined to 1.84 per cent, the ministry said. There are 7,07,267 active cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), comprising 21.87 per cent of the total 32,34,474 infections, the ministry data stated. According to the ICMR, 3,76,51,512 tests have been conducted so far, including 8,23,992 samples on Tuesday. Of the 1,059 more deaths, 329 are from Maharashtra, 148 from Karnataka, 107 from Tamil Nadu, 92 from Andhra Pradesh and 72 from Uttar Pradesh. Fifty-eight people succumbed to the infection in West Bengal, 49 in Punjab, 20 in Gujarat, 19 in Madhya Pradesh, and 17 each in Delhi and Jharkhand. There were 15 more fatalities in Chhattisgarh, 14 in Jammu and Kashmir and 13 in Rajasthan, while 10 people each died due to the contagion in Telangana, Kerala and Haryana. Goa and Odisha registered nine deaths each, followed by eight each in Assam and Puducherry, six in Uttarakhand, and five each from Tripura and Bihar. There were three more deaths in Chandigarh, two each in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Manipur, and one each in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. Of the total 59,449 deaths, Maharashtra has reported the maximum of 22,794 followed by 6,721 in Tamil Nadu, 4,958 in Karnataka, 4,330 in Delhi, 3,460 in Andhra Pradesh and 3,059 in Uttar Pradesh. Gujarat registered 2,928 fatalities, followed by 2,909 in West Bengal, 1,265 in Madhya Pradesh. A total of 1,178 people have died in Punjab, 980 in Rajasthan, 780 in Telangana, 638 in Jammu and Kashmir and 623 in Haryana. There were 519 coronavirus deaths in Bihar, 428 in Odisha, 347 in Jharkhand, 260 in Assam and 244 in Kerala. Chhattisgarh reported 221 fatalities, followed by 213 in Uttarakhand, 172 in Puducherry, 157 in Goa and 83 in Tripura. Forty people died from the pathogen in Chandigarh, 37 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 30 in Himachal Pradesh, 24 each in Ladakh and Manipur. Nagaland registered nine deaths, followed by eight in Meghalaya, five in Arunachal Pradesh, three in Sikkim and two in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said, adding that statewise distribution of figures was subject to further verification and reconciliation.

COVID-19: India reports over 67,000 cases; death toll rises to 59,449

Taiwan's pandemic playbook is the envy of the world. But, how is Taiwan busting China's fake news factory? Digital Minister Audrey Tang tells Palki Sharma Upadhyay how aggression is being fought with humour by Taiwan.

Gravitas: Taiwan's Digital Minister on WION

The Chinese government has been administering a coronavirus vaccine candidate to selected groups of key workers since July. According to Zheng Zhongwai, the head of National Health Commission potential vaccines has been given to workers in high-risk jobs.

Coronavirus Pandemic: China approved emergency use of potential vaccine since July

Fast-food giant KFC has decided to halt its signature "Finger Lickin' Good" slogan due to ongoing coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The company said: "We find ourselves in a unique situation - having an iconic slogan that doesn't quite fit in the current environment."

The Global fast-food company has changed its packaging after they decided to stop using the phrase. However, KFC has said that the slogan will return when the time is right.&nbsp;

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KFC unveiled its new look through a YouTube video and said: "That thing we always say? Ignore it. For now."

Many netizens did not agree to this move by KFC. According to their comments on social media, the slogan was not a health hazard as you were already eating with your own hands.

In March, the Advertising Standards Authority received 163 complaints about a KFC TV advert which featured people licking their fingers. According to the complainants, such advertisements were irresponsible and encouraged behaviour that could increase the chances of COVID-19 spreading. KFC had to withdraw that advertisement.&nbsp;

Fast-food giant KFC has decided to halt its signature "Finger Lickin' Good" slogan due to ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The company said: "We find ourselves in a unique situation - having an iconic slogan that doesn't quite fit in the current environment.

Fast-food giant KFC has decided to halt its signature "Finger Lickin' Good" slogan due to ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The company said: "We find ourselves in a unique situation - having an iconic slogan that doesn't quite fit in the current environment." The Global fast-food company has changed its packaging after they decided to stop using the phrase. However, KFC has said that the slogan will return when the time is right. × KFC unveiled its new look through a YouTube video and said: "That thing we always say? Ignore it. For now." Many netizens did not agree to this move by KFC. According to their comments on social media, the slogan was not a health hazard as you were already eating with your own hands. In March, the Advertising Standards Authority received 163 complaints about a KFC TV advert which featured people licking their fingers. According to the complainants, such advertisements were irresponsible and encouraged behaviour that could increase the chances of COVID-19 spreading. KFC had to withdraw that advertisement.

'That thing we always say? Ignore it': KFC hit pause on 'Finger Lickin' Good' slogan amid COVID-19

World's first case of Coronavirus reinfection has been found in Hong Kong. A 33-year-old man had a different strain of the Coronavirus than the one he was previously infected with in March.

COVID-19 reinfection: Hong Kong reports world's first 'proven' case

South Korea is closing schools and returning to remote learning in the capital region as the country counted its 12th straight day

South Korea closes many schools again amid surge

In the fight against COVID-19, India has conducted nearly 3.6 crore tests to diagnose coronavirus disease, the nation has also seen a rise in the tests per million per day as advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) i.e. TPM has currently increased to 26,016, the Health Ministry said on Monday.

WHO in its Guidance Note on "Public Health Criteria to Adjust Public Health and Social Measures in the Context of COVID-19" stated that a country needs 140 tests per day per million population as a measure for comprehensive surveillance for suspected COVID-19 cases.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the nation has tested at least 3,59,02,137 so far since the beginning of the virus pandemic. With 6,09,917 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, India is on its resolved drive to increase its testing capacity.

"Easy access to testing through expanded diagnostic lab network across the country has given a substantial boost to the present numbers. As a result of these focussed actions, the Tests Per Million (TPM) have seen a sharp increase to 26,016. The TPM continues to maintain the constant upward trend," stated the health ministry.

A prominent determinant of the evolving testing strategy is the steadily widening diagnostic lab network in the country.This has significantly grown to 1,520 labs till date, including 984 labs in the government sector and 536 private labs. These include RT PCR based testing labs: 785, TrueNat based testing labs: 617 and CBNAAT based testing labs: 118.

In the fight against COVID-19, India has conducted nearly 3.6 crore tests to diagnose coronavirus disease, the nation has also seen a rise in the tests per million per day as advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) i.

In the fight against COVID-19, India has conducted nearly 3.6 crore tests to diagnose coronavirus disease, the nation has also seen a rise in the tests per million per day as advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) i.e. TPM has currently increased to 26,016, the Health Ministry said on Monday. WHO in its Guidance Note on "Public Health Criteria to Adjust Public Health and Social Measures in the Context of COVID-19" stated that a country needs 140 tests per day per million population as a measure for comprehensive surveillance for suspected COVID-19 cases. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the nation has tested at least 3,59,02,137 so far since the beginning of the virus pandemic. With 6,09,917 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, India is on its resolved drive to increase its testing capacity. "Easy access to testing through expanded diagnostic lab network across the country has given a substantial boost to the present numbers. As a result of these focussed actions, the Tests Per Million (TPM) have seen a sharp increase to 26,016. The TPM continues to maintain the constant upward trend," stated the health ministry. A prominent determinant of the evolving testing strategy is the steadily widening diagnostic lab network in the country.This has significantly grown to 1,520 labs till date, including 984 labs in the government sector and 536 private labs. These include RT PCR based testing labs: 785, TrueNat based testing labs: 617 and CBNAAT based testing labs: 118.

India conducts over 3.6 crore COVID-19 tests, Tests Per Million (TPM) rises: Health Ministry

In this episode of The Interview, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay spoke to Taiwan's first transgender Digital Minister Audrey Tang.

The Interview: In conversation with Taiwan's Digital Minister Audrey Tang

The Chinese government has been administering a potential coronavirus vaccine to a few key workers since July, a senior health official has admitted.

It appears to be the first confirmation of vaccine use by China outside clinical trials.

Zheng Zhongwei, the head of the National Health Commission’s science and technology centre, told state media organisation CCTV on Sunday the government had authorised “emergency use” of a Sars-Cov-2 vaccine for workers including health workers and border officials.

The country has gone seven days without reporting a locally transmitted case, and border workers are considered to be in a high-risk category, said Zheng, who leads the vaccination development taskforce.

Zheng said it had been administered in line with the law, under powers that allow limited use of the unapproved vaccines during serious public health events.

On Monday the Chinese premier, Li Keqiang, said China would prioritise countries from the Mekong region – which covers Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam – when it began international vaccine production. Li added China would also set up a “special public health fund” for the region.

China has&nbsp;ramped up its vaccine diplomacy efforts, offering prioritised access to countries where it is competing for influence amid souring relationships with other nations like the US, UK and Australia.

The World Health Organisation is tracking more than 170 vaccine candidates around the world, and China is producing several of those in phase three testing, when the vaccine is given to thousands of people to confirm its safety and effectiveness.

The Chinese government has been administering a potential coronavirus vaccine to a few key workers since July, a senior health official has admitted. It appears to be the first confirmation of vaccine use by China outside clinical trials.

The Chinese government has been administering a potential coronavirus vaccine to a few key workers since July, a senior health official has admitted. It appears to be the first confirmation of vaccine use by China outside clinical trials. Zheng Zhongwei, the head of the National Health Commission’s science and technology centre, told state media organisation CCTV on Sunday the government had authorised “emergency use” of a Sars-Cov-2 vaccine for workers including health workers and border officials. The country has gone seven days without reporting a locally transmitted case, and border workers are considered to be in a high-risk category, said Zheng, who leads the vaccination development taskforce. Zheng said it had been administered in line with the law, under powers that allow limited use of the unapproved vaccines during serious public health events. On Monday the Chinese premier, Li Keqiang, said China would prioritise countries from the Mekong region – which covers Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam – when it began international vaccine production. Li added China would also set up a “special public health fund” for the region. China has ramped up its vaccine diplomacy efforts, offering prioritised access to countries where it is competing for influence amid souring relationships with other nations like the US, UK and Australia. The World Health Organisation is tracking more than 170 vaccine candidates around the world, and China is producing several of those in phase three testing, when the vaccine is given to thousands of people to confirm its safety and effectiveness.

Chinese official admits Beijing has been giving potential coronavirus vaccine to key workers since July

Organisers around the world have been waiting with bated breath for life to return to normality and&nbsp;a time when live events can be held. Venues are experimenting with virtual events, drive-through concerts, mandated personal protective equipment, or temperature checks on arrival in a world still ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic.

With the number of coronavirus cases rising in many European countries, the dream of hanging out with friends or attending concerts may look far off for now. But&nbsp;music fans in Leipzig, Germany, were given the chance to rock for a day in the name of an experiment.

This exercise was carried out with the help of glowing hand sanitiser and electronic trackers.

Researchers in the German city of Leipzig staged a 1,500-person experimental indoor concert on Saturday to better understand how COVID-19 spreads at big, busy events, and how to prevent it.

The gig featured a live performance from musician Tim Bendzko.

Fans were given respiratory face masks, fluorescent hand gel and electronic "contact trackers". These trackers were equipped with small transmitters that determine the contact rates and contact distances of the individual experiment participants.

Using data from the contact trackers, scientists from The University of Halle will monitor the number "critical contacts" had by each participant during specific times and locations, while the residue left by fluorescent hand gel will identify frequently touched surfaces.&nbsp;

Researchers directed volunteers to run three scenarios -- one that simulated a concert pre-coronavirus, a second simulating a concert during the pandemic, with improved hygiene measures in place, and a third, with reduced participants.&nbsp;

Scientists will gather the data, apply a mathematical model, and evaluate the hygiene interventions, with conclusions ready by the end of the year. They hope to use the data to find ways to bring big events, including sports, back safely.

Organisers around the world have been waiting with bated breath for life to return to normality and a time when live events can be held. Venues are experimenting with virtual events, drive-through concerts, mandated personal protective equipment, or temperature checks on arrival in a world still ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers around the world have been waiting with bated breath for life to return to normality and a time when live events can be held. Venues are experimenting with virtual events, drive-through concerts, mandated personal protective equipment, or temperature checks on arrival in a world still ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic. With the number of coronavirus cases rising in many European countries, the dream of hanging out with friends or attending concerts may look far off for now. But music fans in Leipzig, Germany, were given the chance to rock for a day in the name of an experiment. This exercise was carried out with the help of glowing hand sanitiser and electronic trackers. Researchers in the German city of Leipzig staged a 1,500-person experimental indoor concert on Saturday to better understand how COVID-19 spreads at big, busy events, and how to prevent it. The gig featured a live performance from musician Tim Bendzko. Fans were given respiratory face masks, fluorescent hand gel and electronic "contact trackers". These trackers were equipped with small transmitters that determine the contact rates and contact distances of the individual experiment participants. Using data from the contact trackers, scientists from The University of Halle will monitor the number "critical contacts" had by each participant during specific times and locations, while the residue left by fluorescent hand gel will identify frequently touched surfaces. Researchers directed volunteers to run three scenarios -- one that simulated a concert pre-coronavirus, a second simulating a concert during the pandemic, with improved hygiene measures in place, and a third, with reduced participants. Scientists will gather the data, apply a mathematical model, and evaluate the hygiene interventions, with conclusions ready by the end of the year. They hope to use the data to find ways to bring big events, including sports, back safely.

German city holds indoor concert in experiment on how to return to normality

Students from across the country have demanded that CBSE compartment exams be cancelled and entrance exams such as UGC-NET, CLAT, NEET and JEE be postponed in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases.

Over 4,200 students participated in a day-long hunger strike demanding the cancellation and postponement of exams.

Using the hashtag SATYAGRAHagainstExamInCovid, students took to Twitter to urge the government to heed to their demands.

Manoj S, a JEE aspirant from Karnataka, said, "We have to report to the JEE exam centre at 7 am. My centre is almost 150 kilometres away and there are no train or bus services available currently.

"Many of my friends have said that their centres are 200 to 250 kilometres away. How are we supposed to travel? How will we write exams wearing masks for seven to eight hours?" He urged the government to postpone the exams till normalcy is restored.

Anisha, hailing from Odisha, said with all the hotels and guest houses closed, where would they stay in case they have to travel for exams.

"I am from Balasore and my NEET exam centre is in Bhubaneswar. I will have to travel for five hours to take my exam. There are no hotels or guesthouses that are open. Where will we stay?" she said.

Siddh Dutt, who will be appearing for CBSE compartment exam, said, "I am an asthma patient. I am scared of what may happen to me if I catch COVID-19."

Madhurima, who said she has to take four different entrance exams, wants authorities to listen to her appeal -- "Please produce a vaccine so that we can take exams.

"I am a JEE, IISER, DUET aspirant and also have to take another entrance exam," she said.

Md Danish Khan from Bhagalpur in Bihar said he has been "allotted an exam centre in Patna, which is a COVID-19 hotspot".

"I do not want to risk the lives of my relatives by staying at their place when I go to take the exam. I also stay in a joint family and if I contract the virus, it will create a chain of infection," he said.

A Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) aspirant from Kolkata, who requested anonymity, said she fears for her parents' safety during this time.

"My father is a diabetic and my mother just had an operation for a tumour. Even if they go to drop me to the exam centre using public transport, I will be putting them at risk. The government is not ready to listen to us.

"We will have to sit and write the exams wearing masks, gloves and headgear under hot weather conditions," she said.

Other students also shared similar woes and urged the government to postpone entrance exams and declare the academic year as a "zero year".

The Left-backed All India Students' Association lent solidarity to the demands of the students.

Top Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday, requested the government to defer the all-India medical and engineering entrance examinations taking into consideration the concerns raised by a section of students and parents amid the coronavirus pandemic.

A day ago, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had appealed to the central government to cancel medical and engineering entrance exams JEE and NEET in view of the COVID-19 situation.

He also an alternative admission methodology should be used this year and the exams should not be conducted.

On Friday, Education Ministry officials had said the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) and the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) will be conducted in September as scheduled.

Universities and schools across the country have been closed since March 16 when the Centre announced a countrywide classroom shutdown as part of measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

A nationwide lockdown was announced on March 24, which came into effect the next day and threw economic activities out of gear.

India's COVID-19 tally sprinted past the 30-lakh mark on Sunday, just 16 days after it crossed 20 lakh, while 22,80,566 people have recuperated in the country so far pushing the recovery rate to 74.90 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

Students from across the country have demanded that CBSE compartment exams be cancelled and entrance exams such as UGC-NET, CLAT, NEET and JEE be postponed in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases.

Students from across the country have demanded that CBSE compartment exams be cancelled and entrance exams such as UGC-NET, CLAT, NEET and JEE be postponed in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases. Over 4,200 students participated in a day-long hunger strike demanding the cancellation and postponement of exams. Using the hashtag SATYAGRAHagainstExamInCovid, students took to Twitter to urge the government to heed to their demands. Manoj S, a JEE aspirant from Karnataka, said, "We have to report to the JEE exam centre at 7 am. My centre is almost 150 kilometres away and there are no train or bus services available currently. "Many of my friends have said that their centres are 200 to 250 kilometres away. How are we supposed to travel? How will we write exams wearing masks for seven to eight hours?" He urged the government to postpone the exams till normalcy is restored. Anisha, hailing from Odisha, said with all the hotels and guest houses closed, where would they stay in case they have to travel for exams. "I am from Balasore and my NEET exam centre is in Bhubaneswar. I will have to travel for five hours to take my exam. There are no hotels or guesthouses that are open. Where will we stay?" she said. Siddh Dutt, who will be appearing for CBSE compartment exam, said, "I am an asthma patient. I am scared of what may happen to me if I catch COVID-19." Madhurima, who said she has to take four different entrance exams, wants authorities to listen to her appeal -- "Please produce a vaccine so that we can take exams. "I am a JEE, IISER, DUET aspirant and also have to take another entrance exam," she said. Md Danish Khan from Bhagalpur in Bihar said he has been "allotted an exam centre in Patna, which is a COVID-19 hotspot". "I do not want to risk the lives of my relatives by staying at their place when I go to take the exam. I also stay in a joint family and if I contract the virus, it will create a chain of infection," he said. A Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) aspirant from Kolkata, who requested anonymity, said she fears for her parents' safety during this time. "My father is a diabetic and my mother just had an operation for a tumour. Even if they go to drop me to the exam centre using public transport, I will be putting them at risk. The government is not ready to listen to us. "We will have to sit and write the exams wearing masks, gloves and headgear under hot weather conditions," she said. Other students also shared similar woes and urged the government to postpone entrance exams and declare the academic year as a "zero year". The Left-backed All India Students' Association lent solidarity to the demands of the students. Top Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday, requested the government to defer the all-India medical and engineering entrance examinations taking into consideration the concerns raised by a section of students and parents amid the coronavirus pandemic. A day ago, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had appealed to the central government to cancel medical and engineering entrance exams JEE and NEET in view of the COVID-19 situation. He also an alternative admission methodology should be used this year and the exams should not be conducted. On Friday, Education Ministry officials had said the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) and the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) will be conducted in September as scheduled. Universities and schools across the country have been closed since March 16 when the Centre announced a countrywide classroom shutdown as part of measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. A nationwide lockdown was announced on March 24, which came into effect the next day and threw economic activities out of gear. India's COVID-19 tally sprinted past the 30-lakh mark on Sunday, just 16 days after it crossed 20 lakh, while 22,80,566 people have recuperated in the country so far pushing the recovery rate to 74.90 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

Chorus grows for postponing entrance exams amid COVID-19 pandemic

The global death toll from the new coronavirus has surpassed 800,000, according to an AFP count on Saturday, with numerous countries ramping up restrictions in an effort to battle an eruption of new cases.

Western Europe, particularly Spain, Italy Germany and France, has been enduring infection levels not seen in many months, sparking fears of a fully-fledged second wave.

And in Asia, South Korea, which had largely brought the virus under control, became the latest country to announce it would boost restrictions to try to stem a new outbreak.

Across the world, the number of deaths has doubled to just over 800,000 since June 6, with 100,000 fatalities in the last 17 days alone, while more than 23 million cases have been registered.

Latin America is the region the most affected, while more than half the global fatalities have been reported in the hardest-hit United States, Brazil, Mexico and India.

The surging numbers come after the UN health agency said Friday that the world should be able to rein in the pandemic in less than two years.

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus sought to draw favourable comparisons with the flu pandemic of 1918 which cost the lives of as many as 50 million people.

"We have a disadvantage of globalisation, closeness, connectedness, but an advantage of better technology, so we hope to finish this pandemic before less than two years," he said.

"(By) utilising the available tools to the maximum and hoping that we can have additional tools like vaccines, I think we can finish it in a shorter time than the 1918 flu."

The WHO also recommended children over 12 years old now use masks in the same situations as adults as the use of face coverings increases to stop the virus spread.

- 'Very precarious stage' -

With no usable vaccine yet available, the most prominent tool governments have at their disposal is to confine their populations or enforce social distancing.

South Korea announced ramped up restrictions on Saturday, after 332 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours -- the highest daily figure since early March.

"We are at a very precarious stage where we could see the beginning of a nationwide second wave," Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said at a press briefing.

The expanded measures include restrictions on gatherings and activities including professional sports, which will be played behind closed doors again, while beaches nationwide will close.

- 'Don't feel invincible' -

Italy -- once the European epicentre of the virus -- said Saturday it had registered more than 1,000 new infections in the past 24 hours, the highest level since the end of a punishing lockdown in May.

The story is similar across Spain, Germany and France.

The Rome region also said it had recorded a record number of cases in the past 24 hours, a rise health officials blamed on people returning from holiday.

Most of those infected are young people who are not showing symptoms, the Italian capital's health official Alessio D'Amato said, warning them to stay at home.

"Don't feel invincible," he urged them.

In Germany, a university launched a series of pop concerts under coronavirus conditions, hoping the mass experiment with 2,000 people can determine whether large events can safely resume.

- 'Coronavirus catastrophe?' -

Elsewhere, Lebanon launched two weeks of measures on Friday including nighttime curfews, as the country is still dealing with the fallout from a huge explosion in Beirut that killed scores of people.

"What now? On top of this disaster, a coronavirus catastrophe?" said 55-year-old Roxane Moukarzel.

Officials fear Lebanon's fragile health system would struggle to cope with a further spike in COVID-19 cases, especially after some hospitals near the port were damaged in the explosion.

The Americas have borne the brunt of the virus in health terms, accounting for more than half of the world's fatalities.

"We lead the world in deaths," Joe Biden said while accepting the Democratic nomination for the US presidential election on Thursday.

He said he would implement a national plan to fight the pandemic on his first day in office if elected in November.

New daily US cases have been dropping sharply for weeks -- but experts are unsure if Americans will have the discipline to bring the epidemic under control.

Latin American countries are counting the wider costs of the pandemic -- the region is not only suffering the most deaths, but also an expansion of criminal activity and rising poverty.

But the WHO said the pandemic appeared to be stabilising in Brazil, and any reversal of its rampant spread in the vast country would be "a success for the world".

The global death toll from the new coronavirus has surpassed 800,000, according to an AFP count on Saturday, with numerous countries ramping up restrictions in an effort to battle an eruption of new cases.

The global death toll from the new coronavirus has surpassed 800,000, according to an AFP count on Saturday, with numerous countries ramping up restrictions in an effort to battle an eruption of new cases. Western Europe, particularly Spain, Italy Germany and France, has been enduring infection levels not seen in many months, sparking fears of a fully-fledged second wave. And in Asia, South Korea, which had largely brought the virus under control, became the latest country to announce it would boost restrictions to try to stem a new outbreak. Across the world, the number of deaths has doubled to just over 800,000 since June 6, with 100,000 fatalities in the last 17 days alone, while more than 23 million cases have been registered. Latin America is the region the most affected, while more than half the global fatalities have been reported in the hardest-hit United States, Brazil, Mexico and India. The surging numbers come after the UN health agency said Friday that the world should be able to rein in the pandemic in less than two years. World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus sought to draw favourable comparisons with the flu pandemic of 1918 which cost the lives of as many as 50 million people. "We have a disadvantage of globalisation, closeness, connectedness, but an advantage of better technology, so we hope to finish this pandemic before less than two years," he said. "(By) utilising the available tools to the maximum and hoping that we can have additional tools like vaccines, I think we can finish it in a shorter time than the 1918 flu." The WHO also recommended children over 12 years old now use masks in the same situations as adults as the use of face coverings increases to stop the virus spread. - 'Very precarious stage' - With no usable vaccine yet available, the most prominent tool governments have at their disposal is to confine their populations or enforce social distancing. South Korea announced ramped up restrictions on Saturday, after 332 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours -- the highest daily figure since early March. "We are at a very precarious stage where we could see the beginning of a nationwide second wave," Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said at a press briefing. The expanded measures include restrictions on gatherings and activities including professional sports, which will be played behind closed doors again, while beaches nationwide will close. - 'Don't feel invincible' - Italy -- once the European epicentre of the virus -- said Saturday it had registered more than 1,000 new infections in the past 24 hours, the highest level since the end of a punishing lockdown in May. The story is similar across Spain, Germany and France. The Rome region also said it had recorded a record number of cases in the past 24 hours, a rise health officials blamed on people returning from holiday. Most of those infected are young people who are not showing symptoms, the Italian capital's health official Alessio D'Amato said, warning them to stay at home. "Don't feel invincible," he urged them. In Germany, a university launched a series of pop concerts under coronavirus conditions, hoping the mass experiment with 2,000 people can determine whether large events can safely resume. - 'Coronavirus catastrophe?' - Elsewhere, Lebanon launched two weeks of measures on Friday including nighttime curfews, as the country is still dealing with the fallout from a huge explosion in Beirut that killed scores of people. "What now? On top of this disaster, a coronavirus catastrophe?" said 55-year-old Roxane Moukarzel. Officials fear Lebanon's fragile health system would struggle to cope with a further spike in COVID-19 cases, especially after some hospitals near the port were damaged in the explosion. The Americas have borne the brunt of the virus in health terms, accounting for more than half of the world's fatalities. "We lead the world in deaths," Joe Biden said while accepting the Democratic nomination for the US presidential election on Thursday. He said he would implement a national plan to fight the pandemic on his first day in office if elected in November. New daily US cases have been dropping sharply for weeks -- but experts are unsure if Americans will have the discipline to bring the epidemic under control. Latin American countries are counting the wider costs of the pandemic -- the region is not only suffering the most deaths, but also an expansion of criminal activity and rising poverty. But the WHO said the pandemic appeared to be stabilising in Brazil, and any reversal of its rampant spread in the vast country would be "a success for the world".

World coronavirus deaths top 800,000 as nations ramp up measures

Winemakers in France's Champagne region were this week gathering a bumper grape harvest thanks to a shift into hotter climates, but there was a bitter after-taste: the slump in demand for bubbly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic means an excess in stock of bottles of the prized beverage.

COVID-19 pandemic takes sparkle out of champagne

What's coming in between India's Wuhan Virus fight? Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you 5 videos and 5 numbers that will get you thinking.

Gravitas: COVID-19: 5 videos and 5 numbers from India

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Tedros says COVID-19 could be over in less than two years. Advances in technology can halt the virus in a shorter time. Dr. Tedros said corruption related to supplies of PPE kits during the pandemic is "unacceptable", describing it as "murder".

Coronavirus pandemic could be over within two years: WHO

US intelligence has found out that officials in the Chinese city of Wuhan kept senior officials in Beijing in the dark for weeks about the coronavirus outbreak that resulted in the pandemic. The intelligence contains indisputable evidence of the local cover-up attempt, the officials say.

The reports also say that when the Chinese Communist Party learned about the virus, it sought to obscure the full extent of that knowledge from the rest of the world. They also believe that there came a point where China President Xi Jinping did become aware of the full extent of the outbreak in Wuhan and realised that coronavirus was spreading but continued to downplay the situation publically.

These findings are on the lines of the Trump administration's repeated accusations against China. The Trump administration has for long looked into the possibility that the novel coronavirus spread from a Chinese laboratory rather than a market, but has presented no proof to back up that theory.&nbsp;

US officials say the Chinese conduct fits a pattern that was also seen during the outbreak of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, in 2003.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-wuhan-water-park-party-now-beijing-says-face-masks-not-mandatory-in-public-spaces-322235">Also read |&nbsp;After Wuhan water park party, now Beijing says face masks not mandatory in public spaces</a>

US intelligence shows that even within the Chinese Communist Party, officials did not freely share information with their counterparts in Beijing.&nbsp;

The last official statement from the intelligence community on the origins of the virus, in April, said it would "rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was the result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan."

The pandemic has killed 175,000 Americans and now infects more than 5.5 million in the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/a-naturally-occurring-covid-19-is-the-real-conspiracy-theory-321930">Also read |&nbsp;A naturally-occurring COVID-19 is the real conspiracy theory</a>

US intelligence has found out that officials in the Chinese city of Wuhan kept senior officials in Beijing in the dark for weeks about the coronavirus outbreak that resulted in the pandemic.

US intelligence has found out that officials in the Chinese city of Wuhan kept senior officials in Beijing in the dark for weeks about the coronavirus outbreak that resulted in the pandemic. The intelligence contains indisputable evidence of the local cover-up attempt, the officials say. The reports also say that when the Chinese Communist Party learned about the virus, it sought to obscure the full extent of that knowledge from the rest of the world. They also believe that there came a point where China President Xi Jinping did become aware of the full extent of the outbreak in Wuhan and realised that coronavirus was spreading but continued to downplay the situation publically. These findings are on the lines of the Trump administration's repeated accusations against China. The Trump administration has for long looked into the possibility that the novel coronavirus spread from a Chinese laboratory rather than a market, but has presented no proof to back up that theory. US officials say the Chinese conduct fits a pattern that was also seen during the outbreak of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, in 2003. Also read | After Wuhan water park party, now Beijing says face masks not mandatory in public spaces US intelligence shows that even within the Chinese Communist Party, officials did not freely share information with their counterparts in Beijing. The last official statement from the intelligence community on the origins of the virus, in April, said it would "rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was the result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan." The pandemic has killed 175,000 Americans and now infects more than 5.5 million in the US. Also read | A naturally-occurring COVID-19 is the real conspiracy theory

Wuhan officials kept China in the dark for weeks about coronavirus, US intel says

While many might get confused between the loss of smell associated with COVID-19 and a bad cold or flu, new research discovered how a person can differentiate between the two.

The research from a European group of smell disorder experts, including Professor Philpott, was conducted at the University of East Anglia.

The study published in the journal Rhinology is the first to compare how people with COVID-19 smell and taste disorders differ from those with other causes of upper respiratory tract infections.

The main differences found are that, although COVID-19 patients also lose their sense of smell, they can breathe freely, do not tend to have a runny or blocked nose, and they cannot detect bitter or sweet tastes.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/7-killer-viruses-that-emerged-in-china-and-ravaged-the-world-311142">7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world</a>

These findings lend weight to the theory that COVID-19 infects the brain and central nervous system.The research team hopes that their work could help develop smell and taste tests for fast COVID-19 screening - in primary care and emergency departments.

Lead researcher Prof Carl Philpott, from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "The loss of smell and taste is a prominent symptom of COVID-19, however, it is also a common symptom of having a bad cold. We wanted to find out exactly what differentiates COVID-19 smell loss with the kind of smell loss you might have with a cold and blocked-up nose."

The research team carried out smell and taste tests on 10 COVID-19 patients, 10 people with bad colds, and a control group of 10 healthy people, all matched for age and genders.

Prof Philpott said: "We wanted to see if their smell and taste test scores could help discriminate between COVID-19 patients and those with a heavy cold. We know that COVID-19 behaves differently to other respiratory viruses, for example by causing the body`s immune system to over-react, known as a cytokine storm, and by affecting the nervous system."

"So we suspected that patterns of smell loss would differ between the two groups. We found that smell loss was much more profound in the Covid-19 patents. They were less able to identify smells, and they were not able to identify bitter or sweet tastes. In fact, it was this loss of true taste which seemed to be present in the COVID-19 patients compared to those with a cold."

He added that this is very exciting because it means that smell and taste tests could be used to discriminate between Covid-19 patients and people with a regular cold or flu.

Although such tests could not replace formal diagnostic tools such as throat swabs, they could provide an alternative when conventional tests are not available or when rapid screening is needed - particularly at the level of primary care, in emergency departments or at airports.

This research also shows that there are altogether different things going on when it comes to smell and taste loss for COVID-10 patients, compared to those with a bad cold.It has previously been suggested that the COVID-19 virus affects the central nervous system, based on the neurological signs developed by some patients.

There are also similarities with SARS, which has also been reported to enter the brain, possibly via smell receptors in the nose.

"Our results reflect, at least to some extent, a specific involvement at the level of the central nervous system in some COVID-19 patients. It is particularly interesting that COVID-19 seems to particularly affect sweet and bitter taste receptors because these are known to play an important role in innate immunity."

''More research is needed to see whether genetic variation in people's bitter and sweet taste receptors might predispose them to COVID-19, or conversely, whether COVID-19 infection changes how these receptors function, either directly or through a cytokine storm - the over-reaction of the body`s immune system," Philpott said.

While many might get confused between the loss of smell associated with COVID-19 and a bad cold or flu, new research discovered how a person can differentiate between the two.

While many might get confused between the loss of smell associated with COVID-19 and a bad cold or flu, new research discovered how a person can differentiate between the two. The research from a European group of smell disorder experts, including Professor Philpott, was conducted at the University of East Anglia. The study published in the journal Rhinology is the first to compare how people with COVID-19 smell and taste disorders differ from those with other causes of upper respiratory tract infections. The main differences found are that, although COVID-19 patients also lose their sense of smell, they can breathe freely, do not tend to have a runny or blocked nose, and they cannot detect bitter or sweet tastes. Also see: 7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world These findings lend weight to the theory that COVID-19 infects the brain and central nervous system.The research team hopes that their work could help develop smell and taste tests for fast COVID-19 screening - in primary care and emergency departments. Lead researcher Prof Carl Philpott, from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "The loss of smell and taste is a prominent symptom of COVID-19, however, it is also a common symptom of having a bad cold. We wanted to find out exactly what differentiates COVID-19 smell loss with the kind of smell loss you might have with a cold and blocked-up nose." The research team carried out smell and taste tests on 10 COVID-19 patients, 10 people with bad colds, and a control group of 10 healthy people, all matched for age and genders. Prof Philpott said: "We wanted to see if their smell and taste test scores could help discriminate between COVID-19 patients and those with a heavy cold. We know that COVID-19 behaves differently to other respiratory viruses, for example by causing the body`s immune system to over-react, known as a cytokine storm, and by affecting the nervous system." "So we suspected that patterns of smell loss would differ between the two groups. We found that smell loss was much more profound in the Covid-19 patents. They were less able to identify smells, and they were not able to identify bitter or sweet tastes. In fact, it was this loss of true taste which seemed to be present in the COVID-19 patients compared to those with a cold." He added that this is very exciting because it means that smell and taste tests could be used to discriminate between Covid-19 patients and people with a regular cold or flu. Although such tests could not replace formal diagnostic tools such as throat swabs, they could provide an alternative when conventional tests are not available or when rapid screening is needed - particularly at the level of primary care, in emergency departments or at airports. This research also shows that there are altogether different things going on when it comes to smell and taste loss for COVID-10 patients, compared to those with a bad cold.It has previously been suggested that the COVID-19 virus affects the central nervous system, based on the neurological signs developed by some patients. There are also similarities with SARS, which has also been reported to enter the brain, possibly via smell receptors in the nose. "Our results reflect, at least to some extent, a specific involvement at the level of the central nervous system in some COVID-19 patients. It is particularly interesting that COVID-19 seems to particularly affect sweet and bitter taste receptors because these are known to play an important role in innate immunity." ''More research is needed to see whether genetic variation in people's bitter and sweet taste receptors might predispose them to COVID-19, or conversely, whether COVID-19 infection changes how these receptors function, either directly or through a cytokine storm - the over-reaction of the body`s immune system," Philpott said.

Smell loss from COVID-19 differs from common cold: Study

The coronavirus pandemic has endangered indigenous communities with no access to healthcare in remote parts of the Amazon and other parts of Brazil whose communal living under large dwellings make social distancing impossible.

Despite this, the Brazilian government has barred Médecins Sans Frontières from providing assistance to prevent and detect suspected cases of COVID-19 in seven villages of the Terena indigenous tribe in southern Brazil.

MSF, or Doctors Without Borders, presented a plan to assist the seven communities with about 5,000 inhabitants, adding in a statement that it had been invited to help by tribal leaders.

Instead, the government's indigenous health agency Sesai authorised its own doctors to assist another village with 1,000 inhabitants, where it said COVID-19 cases were more prevalent.

A Sesai statement said that MSF presented an expanded plan for assisting Terena communities that was not authorised because it failed to name the communities and resources to be used.

Indigenous rights organisations have complained that the government has allowed Christian missionaries to work with isolated tribes despite the risk of contagion by outsiders.

Brazil's main indigenous umbrella organisation APIB, to this end, has criticised the government of right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro for denying the gravity of the second worst coronavirus outbreak outside the United States.

According to APIB, 690 indigenous people have died from COVID-19 and 26,443 cases have been confirmed among Brazil's 850,000 indigenous people. Half of Brazil's 300 indigenous tribes have confirmed infections. 
MSF said its doctors are fully aware of the need to prevent the spread of contagion in indigenous territories.

"MSF has strict infection prevention and control protocols that it has successfully applied during its work to combat COVID-19 worldwide," the NGO said in a statement.

The coronavirus pandemic has endangered indigenous communities with no access to healthcare in remote parts of the Amazon and other parts of Brazil whose communal living under large dwellings make social distancing impossible.

The coronavirus pandemic has endangered indigenous communities with no access to healthcare in remote parts of the Amazon and other parts of Brazil whose communal living under large dwellings make social distancing impossible. Despite this, the Brazilian government has barred Médecins Sans Frontières from providing assistance to prevent and detect suspected cases of COVID-19 in seven villages of the Terena indigenous tribe in southern Brazil. MSF, or Doctors Without Borders, presented a plan to assist the seven communities with about 5,000 inhabitants, adding in a statement that it had been invited to help by tribal leaders. Instead, the government's indigenous health agency Sesai authorised its own doctors to assist another village with 1,000 inhabitants, where it said COVID-19 cases were more prevalent. A Sesai statement said that MSF presented an expanded plan for assisting Terena communities that was not authorised because it failed to name the communities and resources to be used. Indigenous rights organisations have complained that the government has allowed Christian missionaries to work with isolated tribes despite the risk of contagion by outsiders. Brazil's main indigenous umbrella organisation APIB, to this end, has criticised the government of right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro for denying the gravity of the second worst coronavirus outbreak outside the United States. According to APIB, 690 indigenous people have died from COVID-19 and 26,443 cases have been confirmed among Brazil's 850,000 indigenous people. Half of Brazil's 300 indigenous tribes have confirmed infections. MSF said its doctors are fully aware of the need to prevent the spread of contagion in indigenous territories. "MSF has strict infection prevention and control protocols that it has successfully applied during its work to combat COVID-19 worldwide," the NGO said in a statement.

Brazil bars Doctors Without Borders COVID-19 help to indigenous villages

Papua New Guinea has denied entry to Chinese nationals who participated in a COVID-19 vaccine trial, the Australian newspaper said on Friday, as the Pacific nation battles a worsening outbreak of the respiratory disease.

The workers had been due to fly from the northern city of Tianjin to the Ramu NiCo plant in northern Papua New Guinea run by state-run Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd (MCC).

The Australian said David Manning, Papua New Guinea`s head of disaster management, denied access for the workers after being told of the vaccinations, however, and sent a strongly worded letter to China`s ambassador, Xue Bing.

"The government of PNG demands and deserves to fully understand (the) vaccine development and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine immunisation program undertaken in China and its potential risks," the Australian quoted Manning as saying, before Chinese travel requests could be approved.

"The Ramu workers didn`t get a Papua New Guinea entry permit," a source with knowledge of the plant`s operations told Reuters on condition of anonymity. "The Tianjin flight was cancelled and employees have gone back home to rest."

A senior Ramu official, who asked not to be identified, added, "Production is normal. There is no staff shortage problem."

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing he was not aware of the matter. China`s MCC did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Ramu had told Papua New Guinea health authorities that 48 staff received the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on August 10, PNG news station NBC said.

Health officials are on tenterhooks after a steep jump in infections in the past month threatens to overun the healthcare system in Papua New Guinea, which largely avoided the first wave.

A further death took the official toll to four, with two new cases pushing the tally of infections to 361 by Thursday, Manning said in a statement.

However, health officials fear the real number could be much higher, as infections spread to regions beyond the capital of Port Moresby.

"The national department of health (NDoH) has not approved any vaccine trials in PNG," Manning said on Friday.

"Any vaccines imported into PNG must be approved by NDoH and must go through vigorous vaccine trials, protocols and procedures," he said in a statement, adding that trials must also be approved by the World Health Organization.

Papua New Guinea has denied entry to Chinese nationals who participated in a COVID-19 vaccine trial, the Australian newspaper said on Friday, as the Pacific nation battles a worsening outbreak of the respiratory disease.

Papua New Guinea has denied entry to Chinese nationals who participated in a COVID-19 vaccine trial, the Australian newspaper said on Friday, as the Pacific nation battles a worsening outbreak of the respiratory disease. The workers had been due to fly from the northern city of Tianjin to the Ramu NiCo plant in northern Papua New Guinea run by state-run Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd (MCC). The Australian said David Manning, Papua New Guinea`s head of disaster management, denied access for the workers after being told of the vaccinations, however, and sent a strongly worded letter to China`s ambassador, Xue Bing. "The government of PNG demands and deserves to fully understand (the) vaccine development and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine immunisation program undertaken in China and its potential risks," the Australian quoted Manning as saying, before Chinese travel requests could be approved. "The Ramu workers didn`t get a Papua New Guinea entry permit," a source with knowledge of the plant`s operations told Reuters on condition of anonymity. "The Tianjin flight was cancelled and employees have gone back home to rest." A senior Ramu official, who asked not to be identified, added, "Production is normal. There is no staff shortage problem." In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing he was not aware of the matter. China`s MCC did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Ramu had told Papua New Guinea health authorities that 48 staff received the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on August 10, PNG news station NBC said. Health officials are on tenterhooks after a steep jump in infections in the past month threatens to overun the healthcare system in Papua New Guinea, which largely avoided the first wave. A further death took the official toll to four, with two new cases pushing the tally of infections to 361 by Thursday, Manning said in a statement. However, health officials fear the real number could be much higher, as infections spread to regions beyond the capital of Port Moresby. "The national department of health (NDoH) has not approved any vaccine trials in PNG," Manning said on Friday. "Any vaccines imported into PNG must be approved by NDoH and must go through vigorous vaccine trials, protocols and procedures," he said in a statement, adding that trials must also be approved by the World Health Organization.

Papua New Guinea bars Chinese workers in vaccine trial over coronavirus risk

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