Singing&nbsp;is no more risky than speaking when it comes to the possibility of spreading the new coronavirus, British scientists said on Thursday, adding that volume is the most important risk factor.

Last week, the British government changed its guidance to allow professionals and non-professionals to resume&nbsp;singing&nbsp;rehearsals and performance, bringing the required social distancing into line with usual COVID-19 rules and removing the need for extra mitigations.

That decision was informed by a study by scientists based at the University of Bristol, who examined the amount of aerosols and droplets generated by 25 professional singers who did&nbsp;singing, speaking, breathing and coughing exercises.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-exceed-212-million-death-toll-at-793773-322141" hreflang="en">Global coronavirus cases exceed 212 million; death toll at 793,773</a>

The researchers found that the aerosol mass produced rose steeply with an increase in volume of&nbsp;singing&nbsp;or speaking, by as much as 20 to 30 times.

However,&nbsp;singing&nbsp;did not produce substantially more aerosol than speaking at a similar volume, and there was not a significant difference in aerosol production between different genres such as choral, musical theatre, opera, jazz, gospel rock or pop.

"The study has shown the transmission of viruses in small aerosol particles generated when someone sings or speaks are equally possible with both activities generating similar numbers of particles," said Jonathan Reid, director of the ESPRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science.

"Our research has provided a rigorous scientific basis for COVID-19 recommendations for arts venues to operate safely for both the performers and audience by ensuring that spaces are appropriately ventilated to reduce the risk of airborne transmission."

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has acknowledged the possibility of aerosol transmission of the coronavirus after outbreaks linked to indoor spaces such as during choir practice, but has called for more evidence on the matter. The study is a pre-print, meaning it is yet to be peer-reviewed.

Singing is no more risky than speaking when it comes to the possibility of spreading the new coronavirus, British scientists said on Thursday, adding that volume is the most important risk factor.

Singing is no more risky than speaking when it comes to the possibility of spreading the new coronavirus, British scientists said on Thursday, adding that volume is the most important risk factor. Last week, the British government changed its guidance to allow professionals and non-professionals to resume singing rehearsals and performance, bringing the required social distancing into line with usual COVID-19 rules and removing the need for extra mitigations. That decision was informed by a study by scientists based at the University of Bristol, who examined the amount of aerosols and droplets generated by 25 professional singers who did singing, speaking, breathing and coughing exercises. Also read: Global coronavirus cases exceed 212 million; death toll at 793,773 The researchers found that the aerosol mass produced rose steeply with an increase in volume of singing or speaking, by as much as 20 to 30 times. However, singing did not produce substantially more aerosol than speaking at a similar volume, and there was not a significant difference in aerosol production between different genres such as choral, musical theatre, opera, jazz, gospel rock or pop. "The study has shown the transmission of viruses in small aerosol particles generated when someone sings or speaks are equally possible with both activities generating similar numbers of particles," said Jonathan Reid, director of the ESPRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science. "Our research has provided a rigorous scientific basis for COVID-19 recommendations for arts venues to operate safely for both the performers and audience by ensuring that spaces are appropriately ventilated to reduce the risk of airborne transmission." The World Health Organisation (WHO) has acknowledged the possibility of aerosol transmission of the coronavirus after outbreaks linked to indoor spaces such as during choir practice, but has called for more evidence on the matter. The study is a pre-print, meaning it is yet to be peer-reviewed.

Singing is no more of a COVID-19 risk than talking but volume matters: Study

For those who think COVID-19 is just another viral infection then watch this story that offers some perspective on how symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Coronavirus Pandemic: "My life is a miracle", says COVID-19 survivor

There are severe sewer problems in Japan. And in Hong Kong. What the coronavirus pandemic has done is giving the authorities a more interesting way to resolve them.

The humble manhole cover might not seem like much of a blank canvas, but one Japanese city is reimagining the possibilities with illuminated versions featuring anime characters.

Tokorozawa, near Tokyo, is hoping the unusual additions will attract visitors, including enthusiasts of the painted decorated manhole covers that adorn some of Japan's streets.

Japan is no stranger to decorative manhole covers, boasting everything from ornately engraved versions to ones painted with city mascots.

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A total of 28 manhole covers were installed throughout the city on August 1, featuring anime characters like Gundam robot and from "Neon Genesis Evangelion" sci-fi animation series and "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" TV series.

The covers light up from 6 pm to 2 am using solar power, illuminating the pavements that lead from the city's main train station to a new cultural complex, featuring an anime museum.

They are part of the project in which the city collects revenue by allowing private companies -- in this case major media group Kadokawa -- to use manhole covers for advertising.

Meanwhile in Hong Kong, a deluge of trash from takeaway containers and disposable cutlery is cluttering the streets and parks as coronavirus restrictions on dining in restaurants eat away at the city’s capacity to dispose of its garbage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/transparency-for-safety-see-through-public-toilets-installed-in-tokyo-321451">Also read|&nbsp;Transparency for safety: See-through public toilets installed in Tokyo</a>

The dining restrictions in the China-ruled Asian financial hub ban eating in any outlet after 6 p.m. At other times in the day, restaurants can only operate at half-capacity and with two people per table.

As a result, plastic from eating out has doubled from last year since takeaway food is the only option for many people who do not cook at home. Hundreds of thousands of people in the crowded city live in compact apartments with tiny or non-existent kitchens.

Pavements in residential and office areas are littered with Styrofoam boxes and coffee cups spilling out from bins, while plastic bags and wrappers are seen floating at popular swimming sites.

Single use plastic tableware is one of the top ten categories of marine litter in Hong Kong, according to the World Wildlife Fund Hong Kong.

To this end, WWF-Hong Kong said it was working with delivery companies, Deliveroo and Foodpanda, to combat disposable plastic cutlery.

The government also has started promoting minimising the use of disposable tableware “wherever practicable”, such as not asking for plastic bags or disposable tableware when ordering takeaways.

A waste charging bill, proposed over a decade ago and aimed at tackling soaring waste, was put off the legislative agenda again in June due to time constraints.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

There are severe sewer problems in Japan. And in Hong Kong. What the coronavirus pandemic has done is giving the authorities a more interesting way to resolve them.

There are severe sewer problems in Japan. And in Hong Kong. What the coronavirus pandemic has done is giving the authorities a more interesting way to resolve them. The humble manhole cover might not seem like much of a blank canvas, but one Japanese city is reimagining the possibilities with illuminated versions featuring anime characters. Tokorozawa, near Tokyo, is hoping the unusual additions will attract visitors, including enthusiasts of the painted decorated manhole covers that adorn some of Japan's streets. Japan is no stranger to decorative manhole covers, boasting everything from ornately engraved versions to ones painted with city mascots. × A total of 28 manhole covers were installed throughout the city on August 1, featuring anime characters like Gundam robot and from "Neon Genesis Evangelion" sci-fi animation series and "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" TV series. The covers light up from 6 pm to 2 am using solar power, illuminating the pavements that lead from the city's main train station to a new cultural complex, featuring an anime museum. They are part of the project in which the city collects revenue by allowing private companies -- in this case major media group Kadokawa -- to use manhole covers for advertising. Meanwhile in Hong Kong, a deluge of trash from takeaway containers and disposable cutlery is cluttering the streets and parks as coronavirus restrictions on dining in restaurants eat away at the city’s capacity to dispose of its garbage. Also read| Transparency for safety: See-through public toilets installed in Tokyo The dining restrictions in the China-ruled Asian financial hub ban eating in any outlet after 6 p.m. At other times in the day, restaurants can only operate at half-capacity and with two people per table. As a result, plastic from eating out has doubled from last year since takeaway food is the only option for many people who do not cook at home. Hundreds of thousands of people in the crowded city live in compact apartments with tiny or non-existent kitchens. Pavements in residential and office areas are littered with Styrofoam boxes and coffee cups spilling out from bins, while plastic bags and wrappers are seen floating at popular swimming sites. Single use plastic tableware is one of the top ten categories of marine litter in Hong Kong, according to the World Wildlife Fund Hong Kong. To this end, WWF-Hong Kong said it was working with delivery companies, Deliveroo and Foodpanda, to combat disposable plastic cutlery. The government also has started promoting minimising the use of disposable tableware “wherever practicable”, such as not asking for plastic bags or disposable tableware when ordering takeaways. A waste charging bill, proposed over a decade ago and aimed at tackling soaring waste, was put off the legislative agenda again in June due to time constraints.

Rubbish problems: Japan city lights up sewer covers, takeaway waste clutters Hong Kong

If there's one country that has been benefitted or has reported a budget surplus during the coronavirus pandemic and worldwide lockdown, it's the South Pacific island nation Vanuatu.

The country has perused its controversial passport scheme to keep its budget in surplus despite the COVID-19 pandemic and a damaging cyclone crippling its dominant tourism sector, budget papers show.

Vanuatu late on Thursday reported a budget surplus for the first six months of 2020 of 3.8 billion vatu ($34.16 million), led by 32% rise in sales of citizenship -- and driven by surging demand for its passports, worth 7.1 billion vatu.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-two-men-dig-nuggets-worth-250000-322154">Also read|&nbsp;Australia: Two men dig nuggets worth $250,000</a>

Vanuatu citizenship costs US$130,000. About $80,000 goes directly to the government: the remainder stays with the agent, who must be a born or naturalised Vanuatu citizen, and who pays a 15% tax on their revenues. The figures suggest at least 650 people have received Vanuatu citizenship under the programme since the beginning of the year.

The jump in passport sales has helped Vanuatu avoid the mounting debts some Pacific island states have racked up with China and other lenders, but experts warn the practice risks harming Vanuatu's beneficial relationship with countries such Australia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/safe-full-of-cash-robbed-from-ninja-museum-in-japan-322066">Also read|&nbsp;Safe full of cash robbed from Ninja museum in Japan</a>

This is because some of the people buying these passports have been on Interpol red notices and the more that happens, the more it undermines the value of the passport. At least four Chinese people stripped of their citizenship last year after records showed they were on Interpol's wanted list.

Vanuatu gives access to a passport that is highly valued as holders can travel visa-free to over 100 countries and territories including the European Union, Britain, Russia and Hong Kong - countries that can be difficult to visit for some nationalities.

There are no residency requirements on people who acquire Vanuatu citizenship.

Vanuatu, which has no personal or corporate income tax, says the scheme has allowed it to issue a 4.2 billion vatu stimulus package -- one of the most generous in the Pacific -- amid estimates that tens of thousands of locals have lost their jobs after the closure of the country's border.

Since visa programs began in 2016, Vanuatu has accumulated unprecedented cash reserves that have allowed the government to clear the bulk of its domestic debts, and pay back some external debts more rapidly. Earlier this year, the department of finance paid down about US$13m in Chinese debt ahead of schedule.

If there's one country that has been benefitted or has reported a budget surplus during the coronavirus pandemic and worldwide lockdown, it's the South Pacific island nation Vanuatu.

If there's one country that has been benefitted or has reported a budget surplus during the coronavirus pandemic and worldwide lockdown, it's the South Pacific island nation Vanuatu. The country has perused its controversial passport scheme to keep its budget in surplus despite the COVID-19 pandemic and a damaging cyclone crippling its dominant tourism sector, budget papers show. Vanuatu late on Thursday reported a budget surplus for the first six months of 2020 of 3.8 billion vatu ($34.16 million), led by 32% rise in sales of citizenship -- and driven by surging demand for its passports, worth 7.1 billion vatu. Also read| Australia: Two men dig nuggets worth $250,000 Vanuatu citizenship costs US$130,000. About $80,000 goes directly to the government: the remainder stays with the agent, who must be a born or naturalised Vanuatu citizen, and who pays a 15% tax on their revenues. The figures suggest at least 650 people have received Vanuatu citizenship under the programme since the beginning of the year. The jump in passport sales has helped Vanuatu avoid the mounting debts some Pacific island states have racked up with China and other lenders, but experts warn the practice risks harming Vanuatu's beneficial relationship with countries such Australia. Also read| Safe full of cash robbed from Ninja museum in Japan This is because some of the people buying these passports have been on Interpol red notices and the more that happens, the more it undermines the value of the passport. At least four Chinese people stripped of their citizenship last year after records showed they were on Interpol's wanted list. Vanuatu gives access to a passport that is highly valued as holders can travel visa-free to over 100 countries and territories including the European Union, Britain, Russia and Hong Kong - countries that can be difficult to visit for some nationalities. There are no residency requirements on people who acquire Vanuatu citizenship. Vanuatu, which has no personal or corporate income tax, says the scheme has allowed it to issue a 4.2 billion vatu stimulus package -- one of the most generous in the Pacific -- amid estimates that tens of thousands of locals have lost their jobs after the closure of the country's border. Since visa programs began in 2016, Vanuatu has accumulated unprecedented cash reserves that have allowed the government to clear the bulk of its domestic debts, and pay back some external debts more rapidly. Earlier this year, the department of finance paid down about US$13m in Chinese debt ahead of schedule.

Vanuatu's citizenship-for-sale scheme keeps economy afloat, helps record budget surplus

Britain's public debt went above 2 trillion pounds ($2.65 trillion) for the first time in July as the government ramped up public spending to cope with the coronavirus pandemic and tax revenues fell, official data showed on Friday.

Net debt, excluding public banks, rose to 2.004 trillion pounds ($2.66 trillion), up by nearly 230 billion pounds from July 2019 and equivalent to 100.5% of Britain's economic output, its highest since 1961.

Borrowing in the April-July period, the first four months of the financial year, surged to 150.5 billion pounds, almost three times borrowing by the government during the previous financial year as a whole, the Office for National Statistics said.

In July alone, borrowing excluding public sector banks was 26.7 billion pounds, slightly less than the median forecast in a Reuters poll of economists. But in July last year, the budget was in surplus by about 1.6 billion pounds, boosted by receipts of income tax which typically fall in the month.

"Today’s figures are a stark reminder that we must return our public finances to a sustainable footing over time, which will require taking difficult decisions," finance minister Rishi Sunak said.

Debt as a share of gross domestic product was also pushed up by the sharp contraction in the size of Britain's economy during the coronavirus lockdown, the ONS said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Britain's public debt went above 2 trillion pounds ($2.65 trillion) for the first time in July as the government ramped up public spending to cope with the coronavirus pandemic and tax revenues fell, official data showed on Friday.

Britain's public debt went above 2 trillion pounds ($2.65 trillion) for the first time in July as the government ramped up public spending to cope with the coronavirus pandemic and tax revenues fell, official data showed on Friday. Net debt, excluding public banks, rose to 2.004 trillion pounds ($2.66 trillion), up by nearly 230 billion pounds from July 2019 and equivalent to 100.5% of Britain's economic output, its highest since 1961. Borrowing in the April-July period, the first four months of the financial year, surged to 150.5 billion pounds, almost three times borrowing by the government during the previous financial year as a whole, the Office for National Statistics said. In July alone, borrowing excluding public sector banks was 26.7 billion pounds, slightly less than the median forecast in a Reuters poll of economists. But in July last year, the budget was in surplus by about 1.6 billion pounds, boosted by receipts of income tax which typically fall in the month. "Today’s figures are a stark reminder that we must return our public finances to a sustainable footing over time, which will require taking difficult decisions," finance minister Rishi Sunak said. Debt as a share of gross domestic product was also pushed up by the sharp contraction in the size of Britain's economy during the coronavirus lockdown, the ONS said.

British public debt tops 2 trillion pounds for first time

There are new indications that China manufactured the novel coronavirus.

The unique structural features of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, produce an extremely high infection rate and multi-organ secondary infections making this virus more dangerous and challenging for therapeutic interventions.

Although sharing the same human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 receptor, SARS-CoV-2 is more selective for the human receptor and is, overall, far <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7098030/">more infectiou</a>s than SARS-CoV-1, the coronavirus responsible for the 2002-2003 pandemic, which also originated in China.

One of those unique features of SARS-CoV-2 is a furin polybasic cleavage site that facilitates membrane fusion between the virus and the human cell and is widely known for its ability to enhance <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6832359/">pathogenicity</a> and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12250-020-00212-7">transmissibility</a>, but is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1097276520302641#bib38">not present</a> in any closely related bat coronaviruses.

The enhanced ability for membrane fusion may be a cause for the multi-organ infection observed in SARS-CoV-2 patients.

A new scientific <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/12/9/909/htm">study</a> published on August 19, 2020 suggests that other structures in SARS-CoV-2, similar to those found in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), may also contribute to that alternate infection process.

The MERS-CoV 2012 pandemic <a href="https://peerj.com/articles/9725/">produced</a> a total of 2519 cases and 866 deaths, an extraordinary 34% mortality rate.

Like SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV is believed to have originated in bats of the beta-coronavirus lineage, but may have passed through camels as an intermediate host before infecting humans.

Unlike SARS-CoV-2, which uses the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 receptor for human infection, MERS-CoV uses a <a href="https://peerj.com/articles/9725/">different receptor</a>, Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), and its overall structure is only 40% similar SARS-CoV-2, meaning one could not have evolved from the other.

Yet, SARS-CoV-2 appears to possess a dual receptor strategy for the infection of human cells, similar to MERS-CoV.

In a comparative sequence analysis of the N-terminal domain of the spike protein that drives the binding and fusion process, the authors identified three extended “loop” regions in SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, but not in SARS-CoV-1, which may give SARS-CoV-2 additional capability to bind to and enter a variety of human cells.

Taken together the unique structural features of SARS-CoV-2 suggest a coronavirus that was highly adapted for human infection.

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous unsuccessful attempts have been made to provide conclusive evidence that SARS-CoV-2 is naturally occurring.

A recent non-peer reviewed <a href="https://www.independentsciencenews.org/commentaries/a-proposed-origin-for-sars-cov-2-and-the-covid-19-pandemic/">article</a> “A Proposed Origin for SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 Pandemic,” written by Jonathan Latham and Allison Wilson and published on their own website has garnered some interest in the non-scientific media as a possible explanation for the natural origin of SARS-CoV-2.

This elegantly-written and well-documented review, which provides a unique and valuable translation of a Chinese clinical study, is nevertheless marred by offering an untenable theory of the origin of SARS-CoV-2 based on the serendipitous linking of a series of undocumented assumptions. &nbsp;

Although not concisely stated, the Latham-Wilson theory seems to suggest that SARS-CoV-2 originated as respiratory infections in miners working in a cave in Mojiang, Yunnan Province China in 2012, who were infected by a coronavirus while working among bat feces, presumably by RaTG13, SARS-CoV-2's alleged closest relative,

Over time, RaTG13 rapidly evolved inside at least one of the miners to create SARS-CoV-2. Biological samples from that miner eventually found their way to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, where unfrozen samples of the fully human-adapted SARS-CoV-2 infected a laboratory worker and began the COVID-19 pandemic.

First of all, the extent of viral evolution in a single patient that would be required to go from RaTG13 to SARS-CoV-2, about 1,200 nucleotides, is unprecedented in the annals of scientific inquiry.

Latham and Wilson attribute the adaptation to the viral load within a large lung surface area and, in particular, a lengthy infection lasting over four months.

Yet, despite the presence of an active infection of a coronavirus highly adapted for human infection, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, even though the Chinese clinical study provides no indication of special quarantine efforts and a therapeutic regime resembling that for ordinary respiratory infections, including fungal infections.

Although it seems likely that the miners experienced an initial viral respiratory infection and secondary, probably bacterial infections, tests for viral infections, including SARS-CoV-1, were negative during the course of hospitalisation.

It was only afterwards, that the Chinese clinical study mentions a positive test for an unidentified virus, one possibility being henipa-like virus, which was also <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/20/6/13-1022_article">discovered</a> in the same cave along with numerous types of bat coronaviruses.

Strangely, the Wuhan Institute of Virology was <a href="https://twitter.com/ydeigin/status/1279777350385831936">experimenting</a> with RaTG13 during 2017 and 2018, while SARS-CoV-2 was supposedly tucked away in a freezer, the Chinese scientists never making the connection between RaTG13 and the miners' infection.

Finally, although not conclusive in itself, it seems that such a unique, direct bat-to-human natural coronavirus infection would have been big news in the virology community in 2012, yet it went practically unnoticed.

If the Latham and Wilson theory proves anything, it demonstrates the lengths one must go in evidence-stretching to show that SARS-CoV-2 is naturally-occurring, when one begins by precluding the possibility that it was manufactured in a laboratory.

Lawrence Sellin, PhD is a retired US Army Reserve colonel. He has previously worked at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and conducted basic and clinical research in the pharmaceutical industry. His email address is lawrence.sellin@gmail.com.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

There are new indications that China manufactured the novel coronavirus. The unique structural features of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, produce an extremely high infection rate and multi-organ secondary infections making this virus more dangerous and challenging for therapeutic interventions.

There are new indications that China manufactured the novel coronavirus. The unique structural features of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, produce an extremely high infection rate and multi-organ secondary infections making this virus more dangerous and challenging for therapeutic interventions. Although sharing the same human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 receptor, SARS-CoV-2 is more selective for the human receptor and is, overall, far more infectious than SARS-CoV-1, the coronavirus responsible for the 2002-2003 pandemic, which also originated in China. One of those unique features of SARS-CoV-2 is a furin polybasic cleavage site that facilitates membrane fusion between the virus and the human cell and is widely known for its ability to enhance pathogenicity and transmissibility, but is not present in any closely related bat coronaviruses. The enhanced ability for membrane fusion may be a cause for the multi-organ infection observed in SARS-CoV-2 patients. A new scientific study published on August 19, 2020 suggests that other structures in SARS-CoV-2, similar to those found in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), may also contribute to that alternate infection process. The MERS-CoV 2012 pandemic produced a total of 2519 cases and 866 deaths, an extraordinary 34% mortality rate. Like SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV is believed to have originated in bats of the beta-coronavirus lineage, but may have passed through camels as an intermediate host before infecting humans. Unlike SARS-CoV-2, which uses the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 receptor for human infection, MERS-CoV uses a different receptor, Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), and its overall structure is only 40% similar SARS-CoV-2, meaning one could not have evolved from the other. Yet, SARS-CoV-2 appears to possess a dual receptor strategy for the infection of human cells, similar to MERS-CoV. In a comparative sequence analysis of the N-terminal domain of the spike protein that drives the binding and fusion process, the authors identified three extended “loop” regions in SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, but not in SARS-CoV-1, which may give SARS-CoV-2 additional capability to bind to and enter a variety of human cells. Taken together the unique structural features of SARS-CoV-2 suggest a coronavirus that was highly adapted for human infection. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous unsuccessful attempts have been made to provide conclusive evidence that SARS-CoV-2 is naturally occurring. A recent non-peer reviewed article “A Proposed Origin for SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 Pandemic,” written by Jonathan Latham and Allison Wilson and published on their own website has garnered some interest in the non-scientific media as a possible explanation for the natural origin of SARS-CoV-2. This elegantly-written and well-documented review, which provides a unique and valuable translation of a Chinese clinical study, is nevertheless marred by offering an untenable theory of the origin of SARS-CoV-2 based on the serendipitous linking of a series of undocumented assumptions. Although not concisely stated, the Latham-Wilson theory seems to suggest that SARS-CoV-2 originated as respiratory infections in miners working in a cave in Mojiang, Yunnan Province China in 2012, who were infected by a coronavirus while working among bat feces, presumably by RaTG13, SARS-CoV-2's alleged closest relative, Over time, RaTG13 rapidly evolved inside at least one of the miners to create SARS-CoV-2. Biological samples from that miner eventually found their way to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, where unfrozen samples of the fully human-adapted SARS-CoV-2 infected a laboratory worker and began the COVID-19 pandemic. First of all, the extent of viral evolution in a single patient that would be required to go from RaTG13 to SARS-CoV-2, about 1,200 nucleotides, is unprecedented in the annals of scientific inquiry. Latham and Wilson attribute the adaptation to the viral load within a large lung surface area and, in particular, a lengthy infection lasting over four months. Yet, despite the presence of an active infection of a coronavirus highly adapted for human infection, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, even though the Chinese clinical study provides no indication of special quarantine efforts and a therapeutic regime resembling that for ordinary respiratory infections, including fungal infections. Although it seems likely that the miners experienced an initial viral respiratory infection and secondary, probably bacterial infections, tests for viral infections, including SARS-CoV-1, were negative during the course of hospitalisation. It was only afterwards, that the Chinese clinical study mentions a positive test for an unidentified virus, one possibility being henipa-like virus, which was also discovered in the same cave along with numerous types of bat coronaviruses. Strangely, the Wuhan Institute of Virology was experimenting with RaTG13 during 2017 and 2018, while SARS-CoV-2 was supposedly tucked away in a freezer, the Chinese scientists never making the connection between RaTG13 and the miners' infection. Finally, although not conclusive in itself, it seems that such a unique, direct bat-to-human natural coronavirus infection would have been big news in the virology community in 2012, yet it went practically unnoticed. If the Latham and Wilson theory proves anything, it demonstrates the lengths one must go in evidence-stretching to show that SARS-CoV-2 is naturally-occurring, when one begins by precluding the possibility that it was manufactured in a laboratory. Lawrence Sellin, PhD is a retired US Army Reserve colonel. He has previously worked at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and conducted basic and clinical research in the pharmaceutical industry. His email address is lawrence.sellin@gmail.com. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

A naturally-occurring COVID-19 is the real conspiracy theory

As the US is now inching closer to its Presidential elections in November, the first-ever Digital National Convention of the Democratic party is currently underway in Milwaukee in Wisconsin.

DNC day 3: Spotlight on Kamala Harris, First virtual convention in US history

A staggered reopening from lockdowns, supported by fiscal stimulus, is likely paying off for Canada's economy, with activity forecast to rebound in the current quarter twice as fast as in the United States. Watch report.

Canada's economic growth to outpace US: Recovery twice as fast as in US

Local authorities in South Korea's capital Seoul announced a ban on gatherings in the city due to surging cases of the novel coronavirus. Due to which government is facing accusations of curbing religious freedom. The new outbreak is turning into a battle.

South Korea: COVID-19 forces ban on gatherings in Seoul Churches

Coronavirus Pandemic has brought a sharp digital divide in society. Schools have been shut since March around the world. Schools around the world have started online classes. However, the question is can everyone access and affordable online education. Watch report.

Is Digital drive during COVID-19 hampering education?

Former President Barack Obama in his speech at the Democratic National Convention 2020 pointed criticism of President Donald Trump. He argued that his successor has turned the presidency into “one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves.”

Barack Obama speech at DNC 2020: Trump hasn't grown into the job

Chinese state newspapers have showed allegiance towards an amusement park in the central city of Wuhan after pictures of a densely packed pool party at one of the city's park went viral overseas amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/partygoers-flood-water-park-in-wuhan-the-original-epicentre-of-coronavirus-321490">Partygoers flood water park in Wuhan, the original epicentre of coronavirus</a>

The novel coronavirus showed first signs in Wuhan in December, 2019 and spread across the entire world. COVID-19, a disease caused by the coronavirus, has so far affected more than 22.27 million people in the world and has killed 781,162, and is still exhibiting no signs to show respite.

Amid such concerns, videos and photos of an electronic music festival at the Wuhan Maya Beach Water Park -- that started on July 11 and will finish on August 30 -- raised eyebrows overseas, but reflected life returning to normal in the city, the official English-language China Daily newspaper said in a front-page story.

<img alt="Pool party in Wuhan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58524aac-766c-4a65-a071-6fe0849045f6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/wuhan%20pool%20party%202.jpg" />

Another story in the Global Times, a tabloid published by the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily, cited Wuhan residents as saying the pool party reflected the city's success in its virus-control efforts.

While the coronavirus was first reported in Wuhan, strict lockdown measures that paralysed the Chinese economy&nbsp; 
earlier this year have kept its spread in check.

China on Thursday reported its fourth straight day of zero locally transmitted coronavirus infections.

The stories come after a World Health Organisation epidemiologist warned earlier this week that people, especially the young, are not invincible to the pandemic, despite their wishes to live normal lives.

 
&nbsp;

Chinese state newspapers have showed allegiance towards an amusement park in the central city of Wuhan after pictures of a densely packed pool party at one of the city's park went viral overseas amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

Chinese state newspapers have showed allegiance towards an amusement park in the central city of Wuhan after pictures of a densely packed pool party at one of the city's park went viral overseas amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19. Also see: Partygoers flood water park in Wuhan, the original epicentre of coronavirus The novel coronavirus showed first signs in Wuhan in December, 2019 and spread across the entire world. COVID-19, a disease caused by the coronavirus, has so far affected more than 22.27 million people in the world and has killed 781,162, and is still exhibiting no signs to show respite. Amid such concerns, videos and photos of an electronic music festival at the Wuhan Maya Beach Water Park -- that started on July 11 and will finish on August 30 -- raised eyebrows overseas, but reflected life returning to normal in the city, the official English-language China Daily newspaper said in a front-page story. Another story in the Global Times, a tabloid published by the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily, cited Wuhan residents as saying the pool party reflected the city's success in its virus-control efforts. While the coronavirus was first reported in Wuhan, strict lockdown measures that paralysed the Chinese economy earlier this year have kept its spread in check. China on Thursday reported its fourth straight day of zero locally transmitted coronavirus infections. The stories come after a World Health Organisation epidemiologist warned earlier this week that people, especially the young, are not invincible to the pandemic, despite their wishes to live normal lives.

China state newspapers support Wuhan park pool party after pictures go viral

Without mentioning China, External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday pointed that "actions of nations" amidst COVID "determines how the world really perceives them".&nbsp;

Speaking at Sixth Roundtable of the ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT) he said, "Whatever we may profess, the actions of nations during times of crisis determines how the world really perceives them".

China has been aggressive with its neighbours including India which it had violent clashes at the line of actual control in the month of June.

Highlighting the issues with current global supply chains, Jaishankar through these "actions" countries "did bring up many of the risks inherent in the current global economy" &amp; therefore "concerns about supply chains are sought to be mitigated at the very least through greater emphasis on their diversification and resilience".

India, along with its partners like Australia, Japan &amp; US has been calling for diversification of supply chains which are currently china dominated.

Calling COVID an "unprecedented" crisis, he said, "None of us has seen a crisis of this proportion before, or indeed uncertainty of this level."&nbsp;

Explaining the economic impact he added, "Contraction of the world economy" due to the pandemic "will surely be the largest since the Great Depression."

He listed cumulative loss in the range of USD 5.8-8.8 trillion or approximately 6.5-9.7% of the global GDP due to the COVID pandemic.

Without mentioning China, External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday pointed that "actions of nations" amidst COVID "determines how the world really perceives them".

Without mentioning China, External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday pointed that "actions of nations" amidst COVID "determines how the world really perceives them". Speaking at Sixth Roundtable of the ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT) he said, "Whatever we may profess, the actions of nations during times of crisis determines how the world really perceives them". China has been aggressive with its neighbours including India which it had violent clashes at the line of actual control in the month of June. Highlighting the issues with current global supply chains, Jaishankar through these "actions" countries "did bring up many of the risks inherent in the current global economy" & therefore "concerns about supply chains are sought to be mitigated at the very least through greater emphasis on their diversification and resilience". India, along with its partners like Australia, Japan & US has been calling for diversification of supply chains which are currently china dominated. Calling COVID an "unprecedented" crisis, he said, "None of us has seen a crisis of this proportion before, or indeed uncertainty of this level." Explaining the economic impact he added, "Contraction of the world economy" due to the pandemic "will surely be the largest since the Great Depression." He listed cumulative loss in the range of USD 5.8-8.8 trillion or approximately 6.5-9.7% of the global GDP due to the COVID pandemic.

Actions of nations during Covid-19 determines how world perceives them: MEA

Respiratory parameters of former president Pranab Mukherjee have shown a slight improvement, though he continues to be on ventilator support, the hospital said on Thursday.

Mukherjee, who was admitted to the Army's Research and Referral Hospital on August 10, developed a lung infection on Wednesday.

Doctors attending on him said his vital parameters remain stable.

"The respiratory parameters of Hon'ble Shri Pranab Mukherjee have shown slight improvement though he continues to be on ventilatory support. His vital and clinical parameters remain stable and are being closely monitored by a team of specialists," a hospital statement said.

Mukherjee was operated on for removal of a clot in the brain on August 10 at the Army Hospital in Delhi Cantonment. 
He was also tested positive for COVID-19.

Mukherjee was the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017.&nbsp;

Respiratory parameters of former president Pranab Mukherjee have shown a slight improvement, though he continues to be on ventilator support, the hospital said on Thursday.

Respiratory parameters of former president Pranab Mukherjee have shown a slight improvement, though he continues to be on ventilator support, the hospital said on Thursday. Mukherjee, who was admitted to the Army's Research and Referral Hospital on August 10, developed a lung infection on Wednesday. Doctors attending on him said his vital parameters remain stable. "The respiratory parameters of Hon'ble Shri Pranab Mukherjee have shown slight improvement though he continues to be on ventilatory support. His vital and clinical parameters remain stable and are being closely monitored by a team of specialists," a hospital statement said. Mukherjee was operated on for removal of a clot in the brain on August 10 at the Army Hospital in Delhi Cantonment. He was also tested positive for COVID-19. Mukherjee was the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017.

Pranab Mukherjee's respiratory parameters show slight improvement: Hospital

Bill Clinton, one of the four men still living who understands what it takes to be President, lambasted the current occupant of the White House in his convention speech on Tuesday, questioning Donald Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and casting his White House as a chaotic “storm.”

2020 DNC: Joe Biden wins Presidential nomination | First virtual convention in U.S history

Democratic National Convention Day 2: Clinton questions Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic

According to a new study, obesity raises death risk among male COVID-19 patients. The study has been conducted on thousands of patients. CDC, Public Health England has described obesity as a major risk factor.

Coronavirus Pandemic: New study identifies obesity as independent risk

Brazil's health regulator Anvisa on Tuesday said it had approved human clinical trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by Johnson &amp; Johnson's pharmaceutical subsidiary Janssen.

Brazil is the second-worst hit country for coronavirus cases and deaths after the United States, leading many vaccine developers to seek out clinical trials here.&nbsp;

Brazil had registered 3.4 million cases of the disease and more than 108,000 related deaths as of Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-manufacture-coronavirus-vaccine-and-inoculate-people-for-free-says-pm-morrison-321505" hreflang="en">Australia to manufacture coronavirus vaccine and inoculate people for free, says PM Morrison</a>

The Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine candidate is the fourth to be approved for human trials in Brazil, Anvisa said in its statement.

Brazil has already approved phase 3 human trials of potential vaccines developed by AstraZeneca in partnership with the University of Oxford, China's Sinovac Biotech and Pfizer in partnership with BioNTech.

China's Sinopharm also aims to carry out trials for a possible vaccine in Brazil in a deal with the southern state of Parana pending regulatory approval.

Brazil's health regulator Anvisa on Tuesday said it had approved human clinical trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical subsidiary Janssen.

Brazil's health regulator Anvisa on Tuesday said it had approved human clinical trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical subsidiary Janssen. Brazil is the second-worst hit country for coronavirus cases and deaths after the United States, leading many vaccine developers to seek out clinical trials here. Brazil had registered 3.4 million cases of the disease and more than 108,000 related deaths as of Monday. Also read: Australia to manufacture coronavirus vaccine and inoculate people for free, says PM Morrison The Johnson & Johnson vaccine candidate is the fourth to be approved for human trials in Brazil, Anvisa said in its statement. Brazil has already approved phase 3 human trials of potential vaccines developed by AstraZeneca in partnership with the University of Oxford, China's Sinovac Biotech and Pfizer in partnership with BioNTech. China's Sinopharm also aims to carry out trials for a possible vaccine in Brazil in a deal with the southern state of Parana pending regulatory approval.

Brazil approves human trials for potential Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

Australia on Tuesday claimed that it had got its hands on a “promising” coronavirus vaccine, and that the country would start manufacturing it soon.

The Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison said that they would offer free doses to the entire Australian population.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/australian-state-premier-apologises-for-cruise-ship-failures-after-covid-19-spike-321071" hreflang="en">Australian state premier apologises for cruise ship failures after COVID-19 spike</a>

Earlier, Morrison had claimed that the country had made a deal with AstraZeneca, a Swedish-British pharmaceutical company which is developing a coronavirus vaccine with Oxford University.

"If this vaccine proves successful we will manufacture and supply vaccines straight away under our own steam and make it free for 25 million Australians," he said.

The vaccine by Oxford is one of the five around the globe to be in Phase 3 of efficacy trials.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/australia-suffers-deadliest-day-of-coronavirus-pandemic-cases-rise-319867" hreflang="en">Australia suffers deadliest day of coronavirus pandemic, cases rise</a>

"The Oxford vaccine is one of the most advanced and promising in the world, and under this deal we have secured early access for every Australian," he said.

Researchers believe they would get the results of the vaccine by the end of 2020.

Morrison also that&nbsp;said Australia is "committed"&nbsp;to providing&nbsp;early access of the&nbsp;vaccine to&nbsp;Pacific countries and partners in Southeast Asia.&nbsp;

This is the first vaccine deal for Australia, with Morrison's previous announcement suggesting that the government was in talks with "many parties around the world" over potential vaccines, and to promote local scientists.

(More details awaited)

Australia on Tuesday claimed that it had got its hands on a “promising” coronavirus vaccine, and that the country would start manufacturing it soon. The Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison said that they would offer free doses to the entire Australian population.

Australia on Tuesday claimed that it had got its hands on a “promising” coronavirus vaccine, and that the country would start manufacturing it soon. The Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison said that they would offer free doses to the entire Australian population. Also read: Australian state premier apologises for cruise ship failures after COVID-19 spike Earlier, Morrison had claimed that the country had made a deal with AstraZeneca, a Swedish-British pharmaceutical company which is developing a coronavirus vaccine with Oxford University. "If this vaccine proves successful we will manufacture and supply vaccines straight away under our own steam and make it free for 25 million Australians," he said. The vaccine by Oxford is one of the five around the globe to be in Phase 3 of efficacy trials. Also read: Australia suffers deadliest day of coronavirus pandemic, cases rise "The Oxford vaccine is one of the most advanced and promising in the world, and under this deal we have secured early access for every Australian," he said. Researchers believe they would get the results of the vaccine by the end of 2020. Morrison also that said Australia is "committed" to providing early access of the vaccine to Pacific countries and partners in Southeast Asia. This is the first vaccine deal for Australia, with Morrison's previous announcement suggesting that the government was in talks with "many parties around the world" over potential vaccines, and to promote local scientists. (More details awaited)

Australia to manufacture coronavirus vaccine and inoculate people for free, says PM Morrison

England will scrap the government agency responsible for responding to public health emergencies after the country has suffered the highest death rate in Europe from the coronavirus pandemic.

Public Health England, a cornerstone of the state-run health system with responsibility for managing infectious disease outbreaks, will have many of its functions merged with the government's contact tracing service into a new body to be known as the National Institute for Health Protection.

"The National Institute for Health Protection will have a single and relentless mission, protecting people from external threats to this country's health; external threats like biological weapons, pandemics, and of course, infectious diseases," said Matt Hancock, Britain's health minister.

Dido Harding, the former chief executive of internet provider TalkTalk and the current head of the contact tracing service, will run the new institute.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/united-kingdom-to-exempt-quarantine-for-arrivals-from-low-covid-19-risk-countries-309058" hreflang="en">United Kingdom to exempt quarantine for arrivals from low COVID-19 risk countries</a>

England has suffered 55,634 excess deaths from coronavirus, according to Reuters calculations, with a surge that lasted longer and spread to more places than those in other hard-hit European nations like Italy and Spain.

Public Health England has been blamed for failing to ramp up coronavirus testing early in the crisis, abandoning a programme of widespread contact tracing as the number of cases rose, and initially deciding to share almost no details about the location of infections with local public health officials.

Some public health officials have accused ministers of shifting the blame for their own mistakes on to Public Health England ahead of a public inquiry that will scrutinise the response to the crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/from-united-kingdom-to-turkey-coronavirus-across-the-globe-296871" hreflang="en">From United Kingdom to Turkey, coronavirus across the globe!</a>

Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a lockdown later than many other countries, which government advisers now say led to thousands of avoidable deaths.

Public Health England was created by a previous Conservative government in 2013 when the government carved out many of the public health responsibilities from the National Health Service.

The agency, which reports directly to the health minister, was given a wide remit from promoting healthier lifestyles to protecting against infectious diseases.&nbsp;

The National Institute for Health Protection will be operational from next spring.

England will scrap the government agency responsible for responding to public health emergencies after the country has suffered the highest death rate in Europe from the coronavirus pandemic.

England will scrap the government agency responsible for responding to public health emergencies after the country has suffered the highest death rate in Europe from the coronavirus pandemic. Public Health England, a cornerstone of the state-run health system with responsibility for managing infectious disease outbreaks, will have many of its functions merged with the government's contact tracing service into a new body to be known as the National Institute for Health Protection. "The National Institute for Health Protection will have a single and relentless mission, protecting people from external threats to this country's health; external threats like biological weapons, pandemics, and of course, infectious diseases," said Matt Hancock, Britain's health minister. Dido Harding, the former chief executive of internet provider TalkTalk and the current head of the contact tracing service, will run the new institute. Also read: United Kingdom to exempt quarantine for arrivals from low COVID-19 risk countries England has suffered 55,634 excess deaths from coronavirus, according to Reuters calculations, with a surge that lasted longer and spread to more places than those in other hard-hit European nations like Italy and Spain. Public Health England has been blamed for failing to ramp up coronavirus testing early in the crisis, abandoning a programme of widespread contact tracing as the number of cases rose, and initially deciding to share almost no details about the location of infections with local public health officials. Some public health officials have accused ministers of shifting the blame for their own mistakes on to Public Health England ahead of a public inquiry that will scrutinise the response to the crisis. Also read: From United Kingdom to Turkey, coronavirus across the globe! Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a lockdown later than many other countries, which government advisers now say led to thousands of avoidable deaths. Public Health England was created by a previous Conservative government in 2013 when the government carved out many of the public health responsibilities from the National Health Service. The agency, which reports directly to the health minister, was given a wide remit from promoting healthier lifestyles to protecting against infectious diseases. The National Institute for Health Protection will be operational from next spring.

England axes health agency criticised for COVID-19 response

Two scientists in the United States have made a major claim. They say that the Wuhan Virus could have first appeared in 2012. This comes as more infectious strains of the virus have appeared in two Southeast Asian countries.

Gravitas: The Wuhan Virus could be at least 8 years old

French healthcare company Sanofi SA has agreed to buy U.S. company Principia Biopharma Inc for around $3.7 billion, the companies said on Monday, strengthening Sanofi`s presence in research and development (R&amp;D) areas.

Sanofi will buy the outstanding shares of Principia for $100 per share in cash, according to the joint statement, representing an aggregate equity value of around $3.68 billion on a fully diluted basis and a premium of 10% to Principia Biopharma`s stock closing of $90.74 on Aug. 14.

Sanofi said the acquisition of Principia Biopharma, which develops therapies for serious immune diseases, would strengthen its research capabilities in areas such as autoimmune and allergic diseases.

"This acquisition advances our ongoing R&amp;D transformation to accelerate development of the most promising medicines that will address significant patient needs," said Sanofi Chief Executive Officer Paul Hudson.

Sanofi said it expected to complete the acquisition of Principia Biopharma in the fourth quarter of 2020.&nbsp;

"The merger will provide global resources to get these novel therapies to patients faster," said Martin Babler, president and chief executive officer at Principia Biopharma.

The acquisition of Principia Biopharma marks the latest large-scale takeover of rivals by Sanofi, following Sanofi`s 2018 takeover of U.S. haemophilia treatment specialist Bioverativ for $11.6 billion, and its purchase of biotechnology company Synthorx in December 2019 for around $2.5 billion.

French healthcare company Sanofi SA has agreed to buy U.S. company Principia Biopharma Inc for around $3.7 billion, the companies said on Monday, strengthening Sanofi`s presence in research and development (R&D) areas.

French healthcare company Sanofi SA has agreed to buy U.S. company Principia Biopharma Inc for around $3.7 billion, the companies said on Monday, strengthening Sanofi`s presence in research and development (R&D) areas. Sanofi will buy the outstanding shares of Principia for $100 per share in cash, according to the joint statement, representing an aggregate equity value of around $3.68 billion on a fully diluted basis and a premium of 10% to Principia Biopharma`s stock closing of $90.74 on Aug. 14. Sanofi said the acquisition of Principia Biopharma, which develops therapies for serious immune diseases, would strengthen its research capabilities in areas such as autoimmune and allergic diseases. "This acquisition advances our ongoing R&D transformation to accelerate development of the most promising medicines that will address significant patient needs," said Sanofi Chief Executive Officer Paul Hudson. Sanofi said it expected to complete the acquisition of Principia Biopharma in the fourth quarter of 2020. "The merger will provide global resources to get these novel therapies to patients faster," said Martin Babler, president and chief executive officer at Principia Biopharma. The acquisition of Principia Biopharma marks the latest large-scale takeover of rivals by Sanofi, following Sanofi`s 2018 takeover of U.S. haemophilia treatment specialist Bioverativ for $11.6 billion, and its purchase of biotechnology company Synthorx in December 2019 for around $2.5 billion.

French group Sanofi to buy US firm Principia Biopharma for $3.7 billion

Thousands of Protestant church members in Seoul have been asked to quarantine as South Korea battles virus clusters linked to religious groups.

The country's "trace, test and treat" approach has been held up as a global model in how to curb the virus.

But over the weekend the capital and neighbouring Gyeonggi province -- between them home to nearly half the population -- banned all religious gatherings and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel after a burst of new cases sparked fears of a major second wave.

South Korea reported 197 new cases on Monday, taking its total to 15,515, its fourth consecutive day of triple-digit increases after several weeks with numbers generally in the 30s and 40s.

The largest current cluster is centred on the Sarang Jeil Church in Seoul, headed by a controversial conservative pastor who is a leading figure in protests against President Moon Jae-in.

A total of 315 cases linked to the church had been confirmed so far, officials said Monday, making it one of the biggest clusters so far, and around 3,400 members of the congregation had been asked to quarantine.

Around one in six of the church members tested so far had been positive.

The initial outbreak of the virus in the South was centred on the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which is often condemned as a cult and was also accused of obstructing investigators.

Thousands of Protestant church members in Seoul have been asked to quarantine as South Korea battles virus clusters linked to religious groups. The country's "trace, test and treat" approach has been held up as a global model in how to curb the virus.

Thousands of Protestant church members in Seoul have been asked to quarantine as South Korea battles virus clusters linked to religious groups. The country's "trace, test and treat" approach has been held up as a global model in how to curb the virus. But over the weekend the capital and neighbouring Gyeonggi province -- between them home to nearly half the population -- banned all religious gatherings and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel after a burst of new cases sparked fears of a major second wave. South Korea reported 197 new cases on Monday, taking its total to 15,515, its fourth consecutive day of triple-digit increases after several weeks with numbers generally in the 30s and 40s. The largest current cluster is centred on the Sarang Jeil Church in Seoul, headed by a controversial conservative pastor who is a leading figure in protests against President Moon Jae-in. A total of 315 cases linked to the church had been confirmed so far, officials said Monday, making it one of the biggest clusters so far, and around 3,400 members of the congregation had been asked to quarantine. Around one in six of the church members tested so far had been positive. The initial outbreak of the virus in the South was centred on the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which is often condemned as a cult and was also accused of obstructing investigators.

Thousands of church members in South Korea quarantined over coronavirus

The leader of Australia`s New South Wales state apologised on Monday for failing to stop people carrying the novel coronavirus from disembarking from a cruise ship in Sydney in March, triggering that was at the time Australia`s worst outbreak.

The apology from NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian for her government`s poor handling of the outbreak aboard the Ruby Princess came as the number of deaths from a second wave of infection in Victoria state hit a record 25.

Australia has reported 23,500 COVID-19 cases and 421 deaths, far fewer than many other developed nations, but missteps in the handling of the Ruby Princess and possibly also with hotel quarantine in Victoria have proven costly.

"The lessons weren`t learnt soon enough and again I apologise unreservedly on behalf all of those individuals and agencies who made those mistakes," Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney.

A public inquiry in the Ruby Princess outbreak concluded last week that NSW health officials made "inexcusable" mistakes when they allowed about 2,700 passengers, 120 of whom were feeling unwell, to leave the Carnival Corp-owned ship on March 19.

The inquiry found 914 infections could be traced back to the Ruby Princess, mostly among passengers. The outbreak led to 22 deaths.

Berejiklian apologised particularly to the 62 people who contracted the virus from a passenger.

"I can`t imagine what it would be like having a loved one or being someone yourself who continues to suffer and experience trauma as a result," she said.

The inquiry commissioned by Berejiklian`s government found that NSW health officials failed to ensure the ship knew of heightened screening for the virus, or ensure that sick passengers were isolated in their cabins.

They also failed get quick test results for unwell passengers before they disembarked.

VICTORIA STABILISES

Victoria state, where a second wave of infection erupted in the capital of Melbourne in June, said the number of new infections were steady over the past 24 hours. The daily death toll of 25 surpassed the previous record of 21 set on Aug. 12.

Authorities in the southeastern state said 282 new COVID-19 cases had been detected, about the same as the 279 cases reported on Sunday.

Those numbers are well below the peak of more than 700 daily cases in Victoria earlier this month and officials are confident a strict lockdown in Melbourne is working.

NSW was the only other state on Monday to report new COVID-19 cases, with seven detected in the past 24 hours.

Australia is in talks with vaccine manufacturers to secure supplies, Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Sunday.

He declined to comment on media reports that Canberra will reach a deal with British drugmaker AstraZeneca to secure the University of Oxford`s vaccine as soon as the first half of next year.

AstraZeneca did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The leader of Australia`s New South Wales state apologised on Monday for failing to stop people carrying the novel coronavirus from disembarking from a cruise ship in Sydney in March, triggering that was at the time Australia`s worst outbreak.

The leader of Australia`s New South Wales state apologised on Monday for failing to stop people carrying the novel coronavirus from disembarking from a cruise ship in Sydney in March, triggering that was at the time Australia`s worst outbreak. The apology from NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian for her government`s poor handling of the outbreak aboard the Ruby Princess came as the number of deaths from a second wave of infection in Victoria state hit a record 25. Australia has reported 23,500 COVID-19 cases and 421 deaths, far fewer than many other developed nations, but missteps in the handling of the Ruby Princess and possibly also with hotel quarantine in Victoria have proven costly. "The lessons weren`t learnt soon enough and again I apologise unreservedly on behalf all of those individuals and agencies who made those mistakes," Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney. A public inquiry in the Ruby Princess outbreak concluded last week that NSW health officials made "inexcusable" mistakes when they allowed about 2,700 passengers, 120 of whom were feeling unwell, to leave the Carnival Corp-owned ship on March 19. The inquiry found 914 infections could be traced back to the Ruby Princess, mostly among passengers. The outbreak led to 22 deaths. Berejiklian apologised particularly to the 62 people who contracted the virus from a passenger. "I can`t imagine what it would be like having a loved one or being someone yourself who continues to suffer and experience trauma as a result," she said. The inquiry commissioned by Berejiklian`s government found that NSW health officials failed to ensure the ship knew of heightened screening for the virus, or ensure that sick passengers were isolated in their cabins. They also failed get quick test results for unwell passengers before they disembarked. VICTORIA STABILISES Victoria state, where a second wave of infection erupted in the capital of Melbourne in June, said the number of new infections were steady over the past 24 hours. The daily death toll of 25 surpassed the previous record of 21 set on Aug. 12. Authorities in the southeastern state said 282 new COVID-19 cases had been detected, about the same as the 279 cases reported on Sunday. Those numbers are well below the peak of more than 700 daily cases in Victoria earlier this month and officials are confident a strict lockdown in Melbourne is working. NSW was the only other state on Monday to report new COVID-19 cases, with seven detected in the past 24 hours. Australia is in talks with vaccine manufacturers to secure supplies, Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Sunday. He declined to comment on media reports that Canberra will reach a deal with British drugmaker AstraZeneca to secure the University of Oxford`s vaccine as soon as the first half of next year. AstraZeneca did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Australian state premier apologises for cruise ship failures after COVID-19 spike

Hundreds of people rallied on Sunday in Madrid to protest against the mandatory use of facemasks and other restrictions imposed by the Spanish government to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

They chanted "freedom".

A crowd of clapping and cheering people gathered beneath an enormous yellow and red Spanish flag that stands in the Plaza Colon in the centre of the city in response to calls on social media.

Protesters held up home-made placards featuring slogans that included "The virus does not exist", "Masks kill" and "We are not afraid".

The demonstration drew a variety of attendees, including conspiracy theorists, libertarians and opponents of vaccination.&nbsp;

A number of participants cited a slickly edited documentary dubbed "Plandemic" which has been removed from several social media platforms including YouTube and Facebook because it was found to have false claims, such as that wearing masks can cause harm or that vaccines have "killed millions".

Many protesters did not wear a mask even though it is required by law in public across Spain, which has seen a surge in new infections since it lifted its three-month lockdown measures on June 21.

Mask-wearing was initially imposed in early May as a requirement for those using public transport, and was later expanded in a country where the virus has killed nearly 29,000 people.

The protest comes two days after the government announced new restrictions to curb the spread of the virus, including the closure of discos and a ban on smoking in public areas when it is not possible to keep at least two metres from other people.

Hundreds of people rallied on Sunday in Madrid to protest against the mandatory use of facemasks and other restrictions imposed by the Spanish government to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

Hundreds of people rallied on Sunday in Madrid to protest against the mandatory use of facemasks and other restrictions imposed by the Spanish government to contain the coronavirus pandemic. They chanted "freedom". A crowd of clapping and cheering people gathered beneath an enormous yellow and red Spanish flag that stands in the Plaza Colon in the centre of the city in response to calls on social media. Protesters held up home-made placards featuring slogans that included "The virus does not exist", "Masks kill" and "We are not afraid". The demonstration drew a variety of attendees, including conspiracy theorists, libertarians and opponents of vaccination. A number of participants cited a slickly edited documentary dubbed "Plandemic" which has been removed from several social media platforms including YouTube and Facebook because it was found to have false claims, such as that wearing masks can cause harm or that vaccines have "killed millions". Many protesters did not wear a mask even though it is required by law in public across Spain, which has seen a surge in new infections since it lifted its three-month lockdown measures on June 21. Mask-wearing was initially imposed in early May as a requirement for those using public transport, and was later expanded in a country where the virus has killed nearly 29,000 people. The protest comes two days after the government announced new restrictions to curb the spread of the virus, including the closure of discos and a ban on smoking in public areas when it is not possible to keep at least two metres from other people.

Anti-mask protests held across Spain as COVID-19 cases rise

A German-Brazilian couple kept apart by coronavirus restrictions have been reunited after Germany eased border controls for unmarried couples who can prove their relationships preceded the pandemic.

German-Brazilian couple hug again after coronavirus separation

Nepal's COVID-19 tally crossed 27,000-mark on Monday after 581 new coronavirus cases were reported across the country, a senior heath official has said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-registers-488-new-coronavirus-cases-tally-reaches-289213-321119" hreflang="en">Pakistan registers 488 new coronavirus cases; tally reaches 289,213</a>

Addressing a virtual press briefing, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population Jageshwar Gautam said that 581 people were found infected with COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, taking the national tally to 27,241.

A total of 11,520 people have been tested at various labs across the country in the past 24 hours. With this, the number of people who have taken the tests stands at 529,427, the official said.

The spokesperson said that 159 COVID-19 patients had been discharged after recovery from various health facilities since Sunday.

As of Monday, 17,495 persons had recovered from the novel coronavirus disease. There are currently 9,639 COVID-19 active patients undergoing treatment at different isolation centres in Nepal.

Kathmandu valley recorded 168 COVID-19 cases on Monday. A total of 1,559 people have been diagnosed with the deadly virus in the valley since August 1.

One person each from Rautahat, Morang, and Kathmandu died of coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking the total death toll to 107, the spokesperson said.

Nepal's COVID-19 tally crossed 27,000-mark on Monday after 581 new coronavirus cases were reported across the country, a senior heath official has said. Also read: Pakistan registers 488 new coronavirus cases; tally reaches 289,213 Addressing a virtual press briefing, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population Jageshwar Gautam said that 581 people were found infected with COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, taking the national tally to 27,241.

Nepal's COVID-19 tally crossed 27,000-mark on Monday after 581 new coronavirus cases were reported across the country, a senior heath official has said. Also read: Pakistan registers 488 new coronavirus cases; tally reaches 289,213 Addressing a virtual press briefing, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population Jageshwar Gautam said that 581 people were found infected with COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, taking the national tally to 27,241. A total of 11,520 people have been tested at various labs across the country in the past 24 hours. With this, the number of people who have taken the tests stands at 529,427, the official said. The spokesperson said that 159 COVID-19 patients had been discharged after recovery from various health facilities since Sunday. As of Monday, 17,495 persons had recovered from the novel coronavirus disease. There are currently 9,639 COVID-19 active patients undergoing treatment at different isolation centres in Nepal. Kathmandu valley recorded 168 COVID-19 cases on Monday. A total of 1,559 people have been diagnosed with the deadly virus in the valley since August 1. One person each from Rautahat, Morang, and Kathmandu died of coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking the total death toll to 107, the spokesperson said.

Nepal's coronavirus cases cross 27,000-mark

The economy has shrunk at its fastest rate on record as it battles the coronavirus pandemic.

World Economy nosedives in second quarter | Economic cost of Coronavirus pandemic

Lebanon's health minister warned Monday that hospitals are reaching maximum capacity to treat coronavirus patients after the deadly Beirut blast overwhelmed clinics and as COVID-19 cases have mounted. 
 
"Public and private hospitals in the capital in particular have a very limited capacity, whether in terms of beds in intensive care units or respirators," the minister, Hamad Hassan, told a press conference. 
 
"We are on the brink, we don't have the luxury to take our time," he warned, calling for authorities to take the "hard decision" to impose a new two-week lockdown to stem the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/us-calls-for-credible-probe-into-overwhelming-beirut-blast-320924" hreflang="en">US calls for credible probe into 'overwhelming' Beirut blast</a> 
 
Lebanon has seen a spike in coronavirus-related cases and deaths in recent weeks, and they have hit a new record in the aftermath of the massive explosion that ripped through large parts of Beirut on August 4. 
 
The disaster -- which killed 177 people and wounded more than 6,500, many by falling debris and flying glass as windows shattered -- caused pandemonium in the capital's already pandemic-stretched hospitals. 
 
Lebanon reported a record 439 new infections on Sunday, bringing the total number of infections to 8,881, including 103 deaths since the start of the outbreak in February. 
 
A previously planned lockdown was scrapped in the wake of the explosion. 
 
"In the capital, the intensive care units and the departments set up for the coronavirus in public hospitals are full," the minister told Voice of Lebanon radio earlier. 
 
"In most private hospitals that receive coronavirus patients, intensive care unit beds are occupied" already by COVID-19 patients, he added.

'Out of service' 
The minister said the situation was exacerbated after several Beirut hospitals were hit by the colossal port explosion and left "out of service". 
 
The World Health Organization on August 12 said more than half of 55 healthcare facilities evaluated by the agency were "non-functional," three major hospitals were out of operation and another three were running at well below normal capacity. 
 
The minister said chaos in Beirut after the blast, Lebanon's worst peacetime disaster, made it difficult to enforce compliance with pandemic precautionary and preventive measures.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/beirut-blast-india-sends-58-mt-relief-to-lebanon-320522" hreflang="en">Beirut blast: India sends 58 MT relief to Lebanon</a> 
 
"Our ability to control behaviour in the face of the virus is more limited," the minister said. 
 
He cited in particular "families going to hospitals to look for the wounded or missing," but also the mobilisation of healthcare workers and citizens to seek or provide aid after the blast. 
 
The explosion was caused by a fire in a warehouse where, according to the authorities, a huge amount of ammonium nitrate had been stored for years. 
 
Since the explosion, thousands of volunteers have helped clean up rubble-strewn streets and distribute aid, while protesters have taken to the streets against the government, which is widely blamed for the negligence that led to the explosion.&nbsp; 
 
Health officials have warned that the chaos caused by the blast risked leading to a further spike in infections. 
 
The head of a major public hospital, Firass Abiad, has cautioned that, as attention has shifted away from the pandemic after the explosion disaster, "we cannot afford to allow the virus to go unchecked".

Lebanon's health minister warned Monday that hospitals are reaching maximum capacity to treat coronavirus patients after the deadly Beirut blast overwhelmed clinics and as COVID-19 cases have mounted.

Lebanon's health minister warned Monday that hospitals are reaching maximum capacity to treat coronavirus patients after the deadly Beirut blast overwhelmed clinics and as COVID-19 cases have mounted. "Public and private hospitals in the capital in particular have a very limited capacity, whether in terms of beds in intensive care units or respirators," the minister, Hamad Hassan, told a press conference. "We are on the brink, we don't have the luxury to take our time," he warned, calling for authorities to take the "hard decision" to impose a new two-week lockdown to stem the spread of the virus. Also read: US calls for credible probe into 'overwhelming' Beirut blast Lebanon has seen a spike in coronavirus-related cases and deaths in recent weeks, and they have hit a new record in the aftermath of the massive explosion that ripped through large parts of Beirut on August 4. The disaster -- which killed 177 people and wounded more than 6,500, many by falling debris and flying glass as windows shattered -- caused pandemonium in the capital's already pandemic-stretched hospitals. Lebanon reported a record 439 new infections on Sunday, bringing the total number of infections to 8,881, including 103 deaths since the start of the outbreak in February. A previously planned lockdown was scrapped in the wake of the explosion. "In the capital, the intensive care units and the departments set up for the coronavirus in public hospitals are full," the minister told Voice of Lebanon radio earlier. "In most private hospitals that receive coronavirus patients, intensive care unit beds are occupied" already by COVID-19 patients, he added. 'Out of service' The minister said the situation was exacerbated after several Beirut hospitals were hit by the colossal port explosion and left "out of service". The World Health Organization on August 12 said more than half of 55 healthcare facilities evaluated by the agency were "non-functional," three major hospitals were out of operation and another three were running at well below normal capacity. The minister said chaos in Beirut after the blast, Lebanon's worst peacetime disaster, made it difficult to enforce compliance with pandemic precautionary and preventive measures. Also read: Beirut blast: India sends 58 MT relief to Lebanon "Our ability to control behaviour in the face of the virus is more limited," the minister said. He cited in particular "families going to hospitals to look for the wounded or missing," but also the mobilisation of healthcare workers and citizens to seek or provide aid after the blast. The explosion was caused by a fire in a warehouse where, according to the authorities, a huge amount of ammonium nitrate had been stored for years. Since the explosion, thousands of volunteers have helped clean up rubble-strewn streets and distribute aid, while protesters have taken to the streets against the government, which is widely blamed for the negligence that led to the explosion. Health officials have warned that the chaos caused by the blast risked leading to a further spike in infections. The head of a major public hospital, Firass Abiad, has cautioned that, as attention has shifted away from the pandemic after the explosion disaster, "we cannot afford to allow the virus to go unchecked".

Post-blast Lebanon says hospitals nearly at COVID-19 capacity

U.S. drug developer Novavax Inc said on Monday that it is starting a mid-stage study of its experimental COVID-19 vaccine in South Africa, as the country experiences a surge in coronavirus cases.

The Phase 2b trial study of NVX-CoV2373 will be conducted on about 2,665 healthy adults and will evaluate the safety and immunogenicity in about 240 medically stable, HIV-positive adults, the company said in a statement.

"Because South Africa is experiencing a winter surge of COVID-19 disease, this important Phase 2b clinical trial has the potential to provide an early indication of efficacy, along with additional safety and immunogenicity data for NVX-CoV2373," said Novavax research chief Gregory Glenn.

South Africa is fifth worst affected country with 583,653 coronavirus cases and 11,677 deaths, according to a Reuters tally.

The Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation is providing a $15 million grant towards the clinical trial, the company said. 
Novavax said it intends to initiate the Phase 2 portion of this trial in the United States and Australia in the near future and that it would include about 1,500 candidates.

Earlier this month, Glenn told Reuters the company would start much larger late-stage clinical trials soon and could potentially glean enough data to obtain regulatory approvals as early as December.

The U.S. government in July had awarded Novavax $1.6 billion to cover testing and manufacturing of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus in the United States with the aim of delivering a 100 million doses by January.

Last month, AstraZeneca said late-stage trials of its experimental drug AZD1222, which is developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, are under way in Brazil and South Africa and due to start in the United States, where prevalence is higher.

U.S. drug developer Novavax Inc said on Monday that it is starting a mid-stage study of its experimental COVID-19 vaccine in South Africa, as the country experiences a surge in coronavirus cases.

U.S. drug developer Novavax Inc said on Monday that it is starting a mid-stage study of its experimental COVID-19 vaccine in South Africa, as the country experiences a surge in coronavirus cases. The Phase 2b trial study of NVX-CoV2373 will be conducted on about 2,665 healthy adults and will evaluate the safety and immunogenicity in about 240 medically stable, HIV-positive adults, the company said in a statement. "Because South Africa is experiencing a winter surge of COVID-19 disease, this important Phase 2b clinical trial has the potential to provide an early indication of efficacy, along with additional safety and immunogenicity data for NVX-CoV2373," said Novavax research chief Gregory Glenn. South Africa is fifth worst affected country with 583,653 coronavirus cases and 11,677 deaths, according to a Reuters tally. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is providing a $15 million grant towards the clinical trial, the company said. Novavax said it intends to initiate the Phase 2 portion of this trial in the United States and Australia in the near future and that it would include about 1,500 candidates. Earlier this month, Glenn told Reuters the company would start much larger late-stage clinical trials soon and could potentially glean enough data to obtain regulatory approvals as early as December. The U.S. government in July had awarded Novavax $1.6 billion to cover testing and manufacturing of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus in the United States with the aim of delivering a 100 million doses by January. Last month, AstraZeneca said late-stage trials of its experimental drug AZD1222, which is developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, are under way in Brazil and South Africa and due to start in the United States, where prevalence is higher.

Novavax begins mid-stage study of COVID-19 vaccine in South Africa

Two patients in China that recovered from COVID-19 months ago tested positive for the coronavirus again, highlighting concerns over the possibility of reinfection.

A 68-year-old woman in the central Chinese province of Hubei, where the novel coronavirus first surfaced in December, tested positive on Sunday -- six months after she was diagnosed with COVID-19 and recovered. Another man, diagnosed with the disease in April, tested positive in Shanghai on Monday.

None of the patients’ close contacts has tested positive for the virus, but they have been placed under quarantine.

The phenomenon raises questions over if any immunity to the disease might be too ephemeral to protect against re-infection.

Some studies have shown the level of protective antibodies an infected person may build up to fight the virus quickly drop after only a few months, possibly making them susceptible to the same pathogen a second time.&nbsp; 
However, there is little evidence so far that re-infection has been occurring in this pandemic.

Meanwhile, researchers in South Korea have suggested that the virus detected in patients months after recovery could be the vestiges of dead virus particles that are no longer infectious.

According to the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health website, the possibility of reinfection is low. Researchers are currently trying to understand how to measure a person’s immunity against the virus using antibody tests.

The novel coronavirus has so far sickened more than 20 million worldwide and killed 748,000.

Two patients in China that recovered from COVID-19 months ago tested positive for the coronavirus again, highlighting concerns over the possibility of reinfection.

Two patients in China that recovered from COVID-19 months ago tested positive for the coronavirus again, highlighting concerns over the possibility of reinfection. A 68-year-old woman in the central Chinese province of Hubei, where the novel coronavirus first surfaced in December, tested positive on Sunday -- six months after she was diagnosed with COVID-19 and recovered. Another man, diagnosed with the disease in April, tested positive in Shanghai on Monday. None of the patients’ close contacts has tested positive for the virus, but they have been placed under quarantine. The phenomenon raises questions over if any immunity to the disease might be too ephemeral to protect against re-infection. Some studies have shown the level of protective antibodies an infected person may build up to fight the virus quickly drop after only a few months, possibly making them susceptible to the same pathogen a second time. However, there is little evidence so far that re-infection has been occurring in this pandemic. Meanwhile, researchers in South Korea have suggested that the virus detected in patients months after recovery could be the vestiges of dead virus particles that are no longer infectious. According to the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health website, the possibility of reinfection is low. Researchers are currently trying to understand how to measure a person’s immunity against the virus using antibody tests. The novel coronavirus has so far sickened more than 20 million worldwide and killed 748,000.

Two patients in China test positive months after coronavirus recovery

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