Peru surpassed half a million coronavirus cases and has the highest fatality rate in Latin America, according to health ministry data released on Thursday, as the government struggles to contain a recent surge of infections.

There have been 507,996 confirmed cases and 25,648 related deaths, vice health minister Luis Suarez said at a news conference.

The Andean country has the highest coronavirus death rate in Latin America at 78.6 per 100,000 people, a Reuters tally shows, surpassing hard-hit regional neighbors Chile and Brazil.

President Martin Vizcarra, speaking earlier on Thursday from a public event to pay tribute to 120 doctors who have died from COVID-19, blamed the recent spike in infections on an uptick in social and sporting events and a lax attitude by the public.

Vizcarra on Wednesday banned family gatherings, reinstated a blanket Sunday curfew and extended lockdowns to five more regions of the country as figures revealed a 75% surge in infections among children and adolescents.

Meanwhile, Mexico's health ministry on Thursday reported 7,371 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and 627 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 505,751 cases and 55,293 deaths.

The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.

Mexico reportedly will help produce a vaccine that could be distributed in the region next year, authorities said on Thursday.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said the pandemic is losing force in Mexico, though the death toll of 54,666 stands as the world's third highest, behind the United States and Brazil.

In partnership with the Mexican and Argentine governments, pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca Plc said it plans to initially produce 150 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine in early 2021 and eventually make at least 400 million for distribution throughout the region.

Lopez Obrador hailed the agreement as "good news" for Mexico and said he expected the country to still be suffering from the pandemic by the time the vaccine goes into production.

(with inputs from agencies)

Peru surpassed half a million coronavirus cases and has the highest fatality rate in Latin America, according to health ministry data released on Thursday, as the government struggles to contain a recent surge of infections.

Peru surpassed half a million coronavirus cases and has the highest fatality rate in Latin America, according to health ministry data released on Thursday, as the government struggles to contain a recent surge of infections. There have been 507,996 confirmed cases and 25,648 related deaths, vice health minister Luis Suarez said at a news conference. The Andean country has the highest coronavirus death rate in Latin America at 78.6 per 100,000 people, a Reuters tally shows, surpassing hard-hit regional neighbors Chile and Brazil. President Martin Vizcarra, speaking earlier on Thursday from a public event to pay tribute to 120 doctors who have died from COVID-19, blamed the recent spike in infections on an uptick in social and sporting events and a lax attitude by the public. Vizcarra on Wednesday banned family gatherings, reinstated a blanket Sunday curfew and extended lockdowns to five more regions of the country as figures revealed a 75% surge in infections among children and adolescents. Meanwhile, Mexico's health ministry on Thursday reported 7,371 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and 627 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 505,751 cases and 55,293 deaths. The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases. Mexico reportedly will help produce a vaccine that could be distributed in the region next year, authorities said on Thursday. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said the pandemic is losing force in Mexico, though the death toll of 54,666 stands as the world's third highest, behind the United States and Brazil. In partnership with the Mexican and Argentine governments, pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca Plc said it plans to initially produce 150 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine in early 2021 and eventually make at least 400 million for distribution throughout the region. Lopez Obrador hailed the agreement as "good news" for Mexico and said he expected the country to still be suffering from the pandemic by the time the vaccine goes into production. (with inputs from agencies)

Peru and Mexico, both LatAm countries, surpass 500,000 coronavirus cases each

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 1,449 to 221,413, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Friday.

Germany reports biggest jump in COVID-19 cases | WION-DW Partnership

The race to find an effective coronavirus vaccine has global implications, not just for the health of billions of people, but potential billions in revenue for the successful developer and manufacturer.

It also stands as a potential tool to improve bilateral ties.

To this end, Russia has apparently offered "unprecedented cooperation" with Operation Warp Speed (OWS), the US multi-agency body set up to accelerate access to effective COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. However, the "US is not currently open" to the Russian medical advances.

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Thursday that President Donald Trump was briefed on the new Russian vaccine. She, however, said that "but American vaccines go through rigorous Phase 3 testing and high standards".

A Russian official told CNN there is a general sense of mistrust of Russia on the American side. The US officials, on the other hand, say the Russian vaccine is considered so half-baked in the United States that it hadn't even piqued their interest in a serious way before the rollout.&nbsp;

"There's no way in hell the US tries this (Russian vaccine) on monkeys, let alone people," one US government public health official said, according to CNN.

Russian sources, in response, say Washington should "seriously consider adopting" the vaccine, adding the newly approved Russian coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik V, could save American lives.

All this to no avail.&nbsp;

Moreover, according to CNN, a&nbsp;former senior US administration official called the Russian vaccine "a joke," adding that Moscow didn't complete the three phases of testing, and so no one -- not the World Health Organization or the US -- is taking it too seriously.

They said they believe the only reason Russia is doing this is for leverage -- mostly, in the hope of exchanging it for strategic assets.

Russia announced on Tuesday it had developed a vaccine against the coronavirus and President Vladimir Putin said his own daughter had received it. But tests are yet to be completed and some experts are skeptical about the claims.

Russian officials have&nbsp;said that they are open to share information about the vaccine and that it would allow US pharmaceutical companies to produce the Russian vaccine on American soil.

Russian officials have assured that the coronavirus vaccine will be gradually rolled out to high-risk people before a mass vaccination of its native people&nbsp;begins in October.&nbsp;Russia hasn't released any scientific data on its testing though.

The race to find an effective coronavirus vaccine has global implications, not just for the health of billions of people, but potential billions in revenue for the successful developer and manufacturer.

The race to find an effective coronavirus vaccine has global implications, not just for the health of billions of people, but potential billions in revenue for the successful developer and manufacturer. It also stands as a potential tool to improve bilateral ties. To this end, Russia has apparently offered "unprecedented cooperation" with Operation Warp Speed (OWS), the US multi-agency body set up to accelerate access to effective COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. However, the "US is not currently open" to the Russian medical advances. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Thursday that President Donald Trump was briefed on the new Russian vaccine. She, however, said that "but American vaccines go through rigorous Phase 3 testing and high standards". A Russian official told CNN there is a general sense of mistrust of Russia on the American side. The US officials, on the other hand, say the Russian vaccine is considered so half-baked in the United States that it hadn't even piqued their interest in a serious way before the rollout. "There's no way in hell the US tries this (Russian vaccine) on monkeys, let alone people," one US government public health official said, according to CNN. Russian sources, in response, say Washington should "seriously consider adopting" the vaccine, adding the newly approved Russian coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik V, could save American lives. All this to no avail. Moreover, according to CNN, a former senior US administration official called the Russian vaccine "a joke," adding that Moscow didn't complete the three phases of testing, and so no one -- not the World Health Organization or the US -- is taking it too seriously. They said they believe the only reason Russia is doing this is for leverage -- mostly, in the hope of exchanging it for strategic assets. Russia announced on Tuesday it had developed a vaccine against the coronavirus and President Vladimir Putin said his own daughter had received it. But tests are yet to be completed and some experts are skeptical about the claims. Russian officials have said that they are open to share information about the vaccine and that it would allow US pharmaceutical companies to produce the Russian vaccine on American soil. Russian officials have assured that the coronavirus vaccine will be gradually rolled out to high-risk people before a mass vaccination of its native people begins in October. Russia hasn't released any scientific data on its testing though.

Russia offers to help US with COVID-19 vaccine. 'No way in hell,' says America

India has said it has received interest from Bhutan to be part of COVID 19 trials. Indian envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj said, "The government of India has received information related to Bhutan's interest in being part of the COVID Trails. We understand that private companies who have developed the vaccines will be conducting trials in keeping with the established protocols for such procedures"

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/beirut-blast-india-sends-58-mt-relief-to-lebanon-320522" hreflang="en">Beirut blast: India sends 58 MT relief to Lebanon</a>

The Indian envoy said this in an interview to Bhutanese newspaper Kuensel on the eve of India’s 74th Independence Day.

Three vaccines are being developed in India-- Oxford-Serum institute with phase 3 trial taking place, Bharat Biotech-ICMR vaccine with phase 1, 2 underway and Zydus Cadila whose phase 2 is underway.

Bhutan went into lockdown a few days ago after a COVID-19 case emerged in the country.&nbsp;

The Indian envoy also assured that in "solidarity" with the Bhutanese government. New Delhi will "ensure uninterrupted movement of essential as well as non-essential commodities to Bhutan" amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and "India will always stand alongside Bhutan".

India has said it has received interest from Bhutan to be part of COVID 19 trials. Indian envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj said, "The government of India has received information related to Bhutan's interest in being part of the COVID Trails.

India has said it has received interest from Bhutan to be part of COVID 19 trials. Indian envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj said, "The government of India has received information related to Bhutan's interest in being part of the COVID Trails. We understand that private companies who have developed the vaccines will be conducting trials in keeping with the established protocols for such procedures" Also read: Beirut blast: India sends 58 MT relief to Lebanon The Indian envoy said this in an interview to Bhutanese newspaper Kuensel on the eve of India’s 74th Independence Day. Three vaccines are being developed in India-- Oxford-Serum institute with phase 3 trial taking place, Bharat Biotech-ICMR vaccine with phase 1, 2 underway and Zydus Cadila whose phase 2 is underway. Bhutan went into lockdown a few days ago after a COVID-19 case emerged in the country. The Indian envoy also assured that in "solidarity" with the Bhutanese government. New Delhi will "ensure uninterrupted movement of essential as well as non-essential commodities to Bhutan" amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and "India will always stand alongside Bhutan".

Bhutan interested to be part of India's COVID-19 trials

Researchers have acknowledged that COVID-19 transmission occurs through direct, indirect, or close contact with infected individuals. It primarily spreads through expelled saliva and respiratory droplets. Researchers in China and New Zealand have now suggested that the deadly disease spreads through frozen food packages that are contaminated with the infection.

Risk of COVID-19 infection from frozen food packages: China, New Zealand researchers

Britain on Thursday said it will reimpose quarantine for travellers from France and the Netherlands, prompting Paris to quickly announce a "reciprocal measure".

The UK government declared the change, which will likely spark a mass exodus among the estimated half a million&nbsp;British&nbsp;holidaymakers currently in France, after a rise in coronavirus cases there.

"Data shows we need to remove France, the Netherlands, Monaco, Malta, Turks &amp; Caicos &amp; Aruba from our list of coronavirus Travel Corridors to keep infection rates DOWN," transport minister Grant Shapps wrote on Twitter.

"If you arrive in the UK after 0400 Saturday from these destinations, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-removes-13-million-coronavirus-tests-from-tally-320437">Also read:&nbsp;UK government removes 1.3 million coronavirus tests from tally</a>

French junior minister for European affairs Clement Beaune said that it was "a British decision we regret and which will lead to a reciprocal measure".&nbsp;

France&nbsp;"hoped for a return to normal as soon as possible," Beaune said on Twitter.

On Thursday France recorded 2,669 new&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;infections, its highest daily number since May.

Britain had initially imposed a blanket quarantine on all visitors arriving in the country, but later carved out "travel corridors", which exempted travellers arriving from certain countries from having to self-isolate.

But it reintroduced the quarantine for travellers arriving from Spain in late July, catching airlines by surprise -- as well as thousands of Britons leaving for their holidays.

Britain reimposed quarantine for travellers from Andorra, Belgium and the Bahamas last week.

With more than 41,000 deaths caused by the Covid-19 disease, Britain is the worst-hit country in Europe and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been criticised over his handling of the crisis.

His government also announced on Thursday that casinos and bowling alleys will be allowed to reopen in England after being shut during the lockdown, but that those not wearing masks face harsher fines.

Complacency warning&nbsp;

Skating rinks will also be allowed to reopen, and pilot schemes of larger crowds at sporting events will be introduced following a two-week delay to the initial plans caused by a spike in cases.

"A number of remaining aspects of England's culture, sport, leisure and business sectors will be permitted to reopen from this weekend," said the statement from Johnson's Downing Street office.

"Two weeks ago the Office for National Statistics had expressed concerns about a slight increase in the number of people in England testing positive. The situation now appears to have levelled off," it added.

Indoor theatres, music and performance venues will be able to reopen with socially distanced audiences.

The piloting of crowd-attended sporting events will commence with the final of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre on August 15 and 16.&nbsp;

"We are able to announce some further changes which will allow more people to return to work and the public to get back to more of the things they have missed," Johnson said.

"However, as I have always said, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if required," he warned.

Despite the easing of lockdown measures, the government also announced that the fine for those who "repeatedly flout face covering rules" will be doubled to a maximum of £3,200 ($4,200).

New fines will also be introduced for "people hosting raves or other unlawful gatherings of more than 30 people".

"Most people in this country are following the rules and doing their bit to control the virus, but we must remain focused and we cannot be complacent," Johnson said.

The loosening of lockdown rules will not apply to local hotspots that have seen more stringent measures applied to prevent community spread.

Although the Office for National Statistics said the "situation had levelled off", more than 1,000 people a day are still testing positive for the virus.

Britain on Thursday said it will reimpose quarantine for travellers from France and the Netherlands, prompting Paris to quickly announce a "reciprocal measure". The UK government declared the change, which will likely spark a mass exodus among the estimated half a million British holidaymakers currently in France, after a rise in coronavirus cases there.

Britain on Thursday said it will reimpose quarantine for travellers from France and the Netherlands, prompting Paris to quickly announce a "reciprocal measure". The UK government declared the change, which will likely spark a mass exodus among the estimated half a million British holidaymakers currently in France, after a rise in coronavirus cases there. "Data shows we need to remove France, the Netherlands, Monaco, Malta, Turks & Caicos & Aruba from our list of coronavirus Travel Corridors to keep infection rates DOWN," transport minister Grant Shapps wrote on Twitter. "If you arrive in the UK after 0400 Saturday from these destinations, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days." Also read: UK government removes 1.3 million coronavirus tests from tally French junior minister for European affairs Clement Beaune said that it was "a British decision we regret and which will lead to a reciprocal measure". France "hoped for a return to normal as soon as possible," Beaune said on Twitter. On Thursday France recorded 2,669 new coronavirus infections, its highest daily number since May. Britain had initially imposed a blanket quarantine on all visitors arriving in the country, but later carved out "travel corridors", which exempted travellers arriving from certain countries from having to self-isolate. But it reintroduced the quarantine for travellers arriving from Spain in late July, catching airlines by surprise -- as well as thousands of Britons leaving for their holidays. Britain reimposed quarantine for travellers from Andorra, Belgium and the Bahamas last week. With more than 41,000 deaths caused by the Covid-19 disease, Britain is the worst-hit country in Europe and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been criticised over his handling of the crisis. His government also announced on Thursday that casinos and bowling alleys will be allowed to reopen in England after being shut during the lockdown, but that those not wearing masks face harsher fines. Complacency warning Skating rinks will also be allowed to reopen, and pilot schemes of larger crowds at sporting events will be introduced following a two-week delay to the initial plans caused by a spike in cases. "A number of remaining aspects of England's culture, sport, leisure and business sectors will be permitted to reopen from this weekend," said the statement from Johnson's Downing Street office. "Two weeks ago the Office for National Statistics had expressed concerns about a slight increase in the number of people in England testing positive. The situation now appears to have levelled off," it added. Indoor theatres, music and performance venues will be able to reopen with socially distanced audiences. The piloting of crowd-attended sporting events will commence with the final of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre on August 15 and 16. "We are able to announce some further changes which will allow more people to return to work and the public to get back to more of the things they have missed," Johnson said. "However, as I have always said, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if required," he warned. Despite the easing of lockdown measures, the government also announced that the fine for those who "repeatedly flout face covering rules" will be doubled to a maximum of £3,200 ($4,200). New fines will also be introduced for "people hosting raves or other unlawful gatherings of more than 30 people". "Most people in this country are following the rules and doing their bit to control the virus, but we must remain focused and we cannot be complacent," Johnson said. The loosening of lockdown rules will not apply to local hotspots that have seen more stringent measures applied to prevent community spread. Although the Office for National Statistics said the "situation had levelled off", more than 1,000 people a day are still testing positive for the virus.

UK imposes 14-day quarantine on people travelling from France

A coronavirus vaccine candidate developed by a unit of China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) triggered antibody-based immune responses in early and mid-stage trials, and hence appeared to be safe.

Sinopharm is testing the potential vaccine in the United Arab Emirates in a Phase 3 trial expected to recruit 15,000 people, as China has too few new cases to be a useful trial site.

The candidate has already moved into a late-stage trial, one of a handful of candidates being tested on several thousand people to see if they are effective enough to win regulatory approval.

The shot did not cause any serious side effects, according to a paper published on Thursday in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) by scientists who are part of Sinopharm and other China-based disease control authorities and research institutes. The results were based on data from 320 healthy adults in Phase 1 and 2 trials.

The candidate triggered robust antibody responses in inoculated people, but it remained unknown if that was sufficient to prevent COVID-19 infection, researchers developing the vaccine said in the paper.

Sinopharm's chairman told state media last month that a potential vaccine could be ready by the end of this year with Phase 3 testing expected to be completed in about three months.

The state-owned company will also supply the candidate to Pakistan as part of a trial agreement, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The novel coronavirus, which has killed more than 750,000 people globally, has prompted a race to develop a vaccine. More than 150 candidate vaccines are being developed and tested around the world.

Russia became the first country to grant regulatory approval to a vaccine after less than two months of human testing, and China is leading the development of at least eight vaccine candidates in different stages of clinical trials.

A coronavirus vaccine candidate developed by a unit of China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) triggered antibody-based immune responses in early and mid-stage trials, and hence appeared to be safe.

A coronavirus vaccine candidate developed by a unit of China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) triggered antibody-based immune responses in early and mid-stage trials, and hence appeared to be safe. Sinopharm is testing the potential vaccine in the United Arab Emirates in a Phase 3 trial expected to recruit 15,000 people, as China has too few new cases to be a useful trial site. The candidate has already moved into a late-stage trial, one of a handful of candidates being tested on several thousand people to see if they are effective enough to win regulatory approval. The shot did not cause any serious side effects, according to a paper published on Thursday in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) by scientists who are part of Sinopharm and other China-based disease control authorities and research institutes. The results were based on data from 320 healthy adults in Phase 1 and 2 trials. The candidate triggered robust antibody responses in inoculated people, but it remained unknown if that was sufficient to prevent COVID-19 infection, researchers developing the vaccine said in the paper. Sinopharm's chairman told state media last month that a potential vaccine could be ready by the end of this year with Phase 3 testing expected to be completed in about three months. The state-owned company will also supply the candidate to Pakistan as part of a trial agreement, the Wall Street Journal reported. The novel coronavirus, which has killed more than 750,000 people globally, has prompted a race to develop a vaccine. More than 150 candidate vaccines are being developed and tested around the world. Russia became the first country to grant regulatory approval to a vaccine after less than two months of human testing, and China is leading the development of at least eight vaccine candidates in different stages of clinical trials.

China Sinopharm's potential COVID-19 vaccine triggers antibodies in clinical trials

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 20 million people, with 7.59 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 20,924,603 confirmed coronavirus cases.

The death count has also surged to 759,716.

Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 5,254,171 coronavirus cases and 167,113 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,224,876 cases and 105,463 deaths, and India (2,461,190 cases, 48,040 deaths).

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 1,449 to 221,413, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Friday. The reported death toll rose by 14 to 9,225.

New Zealand Friday reported 12 new cases of coronavirus, as the country awaited an announcement from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on whether a lockdown in its biggest city, Auckland, will be eased or extended. Auckland, home to 1.7 million people, was put under lockdown on Wednesday, hours after four new cases were discovered.

(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 20 million people, with 7.59 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 20 million people, with 7.59 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 20,924,603 confirmed coronavirus cases. The death count has also surged to 759,716. Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 5,254,171 coronavirus cases and 167,113 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,224,876 cases and 105,463 deaths, and India (2,461,190 cases, 48,040 deaths). The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 1,449 to 221,413, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Friday. The reported death toll rose by 14 to 9,225. New Zealand Friday reported 12 new cases of coronavirus, as the country awaited an announcement from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on whether a lockdown in its biggest city, Auckland, will be eased or extended. Auckland, home to 1.7 million people, was put under lockdown on Wednesday, hours after four new cases were discovered. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases exceed 20 million; death toll at 759,716

The government has distributed more than 3.04 crore N95 masks and over 1.28 crore personal protection equipment (PPE) kits among the states, Union territories and central institutions for free since March 11, the health ministry said on Thursday.

Also, more than 10.83 crore hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets have been distributed among them, it added.

In addition, 22,533 "Make in India" ventilators have been delivered to various states, Union territories and central institutions, the ministry said, adding that the Centre is also ensuring the installation and commissioning of the machines.

The central role of the government has been in strengthening the health infrastructure of the states and Union territories to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure its effective management, the ministry underlined.

Along with augmenting the COVID-19 facilities, the Centre is also providing medical supplies to the states and Union territories for free.

"Most of the products supplied by the Government of India were not being manufactured in the country in the beginning. The rising global demand due to the pandemic resulted in their scarce availability in the foreign markets," the ministry said.

With the combined efforts of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Pharmaceuticals, Department for

Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and others, the domestic industry has been encouraged and facilitated to manufacture and supply essential medical equipment such as PPEs, N95 masks, ventilators etc., it added.

"As a result, resolve for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' has been strengthened and most of the supplies made by the Union Government are domestically manufactured," the health ministry underscored.

The government has distributed more than 3.04 crore N95 masks and over 1.28 crore personal protection equipment (PPE) kits among the states, Union territories and central institutions for free since March 11, the health ministry said on Thursday.

The government has distributed more than 3.04 crore N95 masks and over 1.28 crore personal protection equipment (PPE) kits among the states, Union territories and central institutions for free since March 11, the health ministry said on Thursday. Also, more than 10.83 crore hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets have been distributed among them, it added. In addition, 22,533 "Make in India" ventilators have been delivered to various states, Union territories and central institutions, the ministry said, adding that the Centre is also ensuring the installation and commissioning of the machines. The central role of the government has been in strengthening the health infrastructure of the states and Union territories to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure its effective management, the ministry underlined. Along with augmenting the COVID-19 facilities, the Centre is also providing medical supplies to the states and Union territories for free. "Most of the products supplied by the Government of India were not being manufactured in the country in the beginning. The rising global demand due to the pandemic resulted in their scarce availability in the foreign markets," the ministry said. With the combined efforts of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Pharmaceuticals, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and others, the domestic industry has been encouraged and facilitated to manufacture and supply essential medical equipment such as PPEs, N95 masks, ventilators etc., it added. "As a result, resolve for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' has been strengthened and most of the supplies made by the Union Government are domestically manufactured," the health ministry underscored.

Over 3 Cr N95 masks, 1.28 Cr PPEs, 10 Cr HCQ tablets given to states, UTs by Centre for free

Zydus Cadila on Thursday launched the cheapest generic version of Gilead Sciences' antiviral drug Remdesivir in India to treat COVID-19 following reports of shortages at hospitals.

Zydus has priced it at 2,800 rupees ($37.44) per 100mg vial. It will be sold under the brand name Remdac to government and private hospitals treating COVID-19 patients.

Zydus is the fifth company to launch a copy of the antiviral in India after privately held Hetero Labs Ltd, Cipla, Mylan NV and Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd.

Gilead has also entered into licensing agreements with Dr.Reddy's Laboratories Ltd and Syngene International Ltd to make remdesivir for distribution in 127 countries, including India.

India has reported a daily jump of more than 50,000 coronavirus infections for two weeks, with total cases as of Wednesday at 2.33 million. 
&nbsp;

Zydus Cadila on Thursday launched the cheapest generic version of Gilead Sciences' antiviral drug Remdesivir in India to treat COVID-19 following reports of shortages at hospitals.

Zydus Cadila on Thursday launched the cheapest generic version of Gilead Sciences' antiviral drug Remdesivir in India to treat COVID-19 following reports of shortages at hospitals. Zydus has priced it at 2,800 rupees ($37.44) per 100mg vial. It will be sold under the brand name Remdac to government and private hospitals treating COVID-19 patients. Zydus is the fifth company to launch a copy of the antiviral in India after privately held Hetero Labs Ltd, Cipla, Mylan NV and Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd. Gilead has also entered into licensing agreements with Dr.Reddy's Laboratories Ltd and Syngene International Ltd to make remdesivir for distribution in 127 countries, including India. India has reported a daily jump of more than 50,000 coronavirus infections for two weeks, with total cases as of Wednesday at 2.33 million.

Zydus Cadila launches India's cheapest Remdesivir version at $37 per vial

The time is challenging and trying. Trying your patience and challenging your willpower. COVID-19 is not a normal flu as said by many global leaders instead the cases are now around 20.6 million which couldn't be the case for a normal influenza. In this report we are analysing, why people globally flout lockdown norms even if they knew that this could be catastrophic

Why do people flout lockdown norms? Analysis of rule-breaking amid pandemic

New Delhi: India and Maldives have agreed to create an "air travel bubble" to facilitate the movement of people between the two countries.

WION Dispatch: India, Maldives announce air travel bubble, first in neighbourhood

Argentina and Mexico will produce the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for most of Latin America, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez said on Wednesday after a meeting with company executives involved in the project.

An agreement signed between British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and the biotechnology company mAbxience of the INSUD Group includes transfer of technology to initially produce 150 million doses of the vaccine to supply all of Latin America with the exception of Brazil, the Argentine government said.

"Latin American production will be handled in Argentina and Mexico and that will allow timely and efficient access for all countries in the region," Fernandez said.

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said later on Twitter that the deal had been pushed by Fernandez and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. He said output of the vaccine could extend to 250 million doses.

AstraZeneca, Britain`s second-largest drugmaker, has long operations in Argentina. The company signed a deal with the foundation of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim for production of the vaccine, which is expected to be delivered in the first half of 2021, pending Phase III studies and regulatory approvals.

Mexico would provide more details on Thursday, said Ebrard, who thanked the Slim foundation for financing production. 
Arturo Elias, Slim`s spokesman, said a "very significant" sum was being invested in the scheme, without giving a figure.

"There`s a major economic commitment regardless of whether the vaccine works," he told Reuters, noting that the foundation would start work immediately.

Fernandez said the deal "gives Argentina the peace of mind of being able to have the vaccine when required and at a reasonable price."

Argentina, which has passed 5,000 coronavirus fatalities, posted a record daily number of COVID-19 infections on Wednesday with 7,663 new cases. Mexico has registered nearly 55,000 deaths and almost half a million cases.

Argentina and Mexico will produce the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for most of Latin America, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez said on Wednesday after a meeting with company executives involved in the project.

Argentina and Mexico will produce the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for most of Latin America, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez said on Wednesday after a meeting with company executives involved in the project. An agreement signed between British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and the biotechnology company mAbxience of the INSUD Group includes transfer of technology to initially produce 150 million doses of the vaccine to supply all of Latin America with the exception of Brazil, the Argentine government said. "Latin American production will be handled in Argentina and Mexico and that will allow timely and efficient access for all countries in the region," Fernandez said. Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said later on Twitter that the deal had been pushed by Fernandez and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. He said output of the vaccine could extend to 250 million doses. AstraZeneca, Britain`s second-largest drugmaker, has long operations in Argentina. The company signed a deal with the foundation of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim for production of the vaccine, which is expected to be delivered in the first half of 2021, pending Phase III studies and regulatory approvals. Mexico would provide more details on Thursday, said Ebrard, who thanked the Slim foundation for financing production. Arturo Elias, Slim`s spokesman, said a "very significant" sum was being invested in the scheme, without giving a figure. "There`s a major economic commitment regardless of whether the vaccine works," he told Reuters, noting that the foundation would start work immediately. Fernandez said the deal "gives Argentina the peace of mind of being able to have the vaccine when required and at a reasonable price." Argentina, which has passed 5,000 coronavirus fatalities, posted a record daily number of COVID-19 infections on Wednesday with 7,663 new cases. Mexico has registered nearly 55,000 deaths and almost half a million cases.

Argentina, Mexico to produce AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

A Florida sheriff ordered his officers to not wear face masks -- and banned them from his office -- even as the southern US state has hit record daily coronavirus death tolls.

Sheriff Billy Woods emailed deputies on Tuesday to inform them of his new decision -- the new mask prohibition.

According to local media, the email read, "My order will stand as is when you are on-duty/working as my employee and representing my Office – masks will not be worn."

The sheriff allowed for certain exceptions, including for officers who work in prisons, schools, hospitals or with people suspected of being infected with the virus.

Woods added that his order was due to "the current events when it comes to the sentiment and/or hatred toward law enforcement in our country today."

Woods seemed to be referring to protests against racism and police violence that swept across the country during the spring and early summer.

He also said that visitors to the sheriff's office would not be allowed to wear masks for the same reason: "for identification purposes of any individual walking into a lobby."

Mask-wearing is not compulsory in Florida -- only recommended -- but the state is one of the most severe hotspots of the epidemic in the US. The state registered 212 coronavirus deaths on Wednesday after 276 on Tuesday.

In total, 8,765 people have died of COVID-19 in Florida, out of more than 550,901 cases in the state of 21 million.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), like much of the scientific and medical community, have recommended the use of face masks to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.

Woods said in a Facebook post that he and other US law enforcement officials had spoken on the phone to President Donald Trump, who himself did not wear a face mask in public until months into the pandemic.

Americans come from all over the country to retire in sunny Florida, and about a third of the 355,000 residents of Woods's Marion County are older than 65 -- the population most vulnerable to coronavirus. 
&nbsp;

A Florida sheriff ordered his officers to not wear face masks -- and banned them from his office -- even as the southern US state has hit record daily coronavirus death tolls.

A Florida sheriff ordered his officers to not wear face masks -- and banned them from his office -- even as the southern US state has hit record daily coronavirus death tolls. Sheriff Billy Woods emailed deputies on Tuesday to inform them of his new decision -- the new mask prohibition. According to local media, the email read, "My order will stand as is when you are on-duty/working as my employee and representing my Office – masks will not be worn." The sheriff allowed for certain exceptions, including for officers who work in prisons, schools, hospitals or with people suspected of being infected with the virus. Woods added that his order was due to "the current events when it comes to the sentiment and/or hatred toward law enforcement in our country today." Woods seemed to be referring to protests against racism and police violence that swept across the country during the spring and early summer. He also said that visitors to the sheriff's office would not be allowed to wear masks for the same reason: "for identification purposes of any individual walking into a lobby." Mask-wearing is not compulsory in Florida -- only recommended -- but the state is one of the most severe hotspots of the epidemic in the US. The state registered 212 coronavirus deaths on Wednesday after 276 on Tuesday. In total, 8,765 people have died of COVID-19 in Florida, out of more than 550,901 cases in the state of 21 million. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), like much of the scientific and medical community, have recommended the use of face masks to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. Woods said in a Facebook post that he and other US law enforcement officials had spoken on the phone to President Donald Trump, who himself did not wear a face mask in public until months into the pandemic. Americans come from all over the country to retire in sunny Florida, and about a third of the 355,000 residents of Woods's Marion County are older than 65 -- the population most vulnerable to coronavirus.

Florida sheriff bans face masks among officers even as state hits coronavirus high

A sample of frozen chicken wings imported into the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen from Brazil has tested positive for coronavirus, the city government said on Thursday.

This comes close on the heels of China reporting that coronavirus had been found on the packaging of shrimps imported from Ecuador, and several other cities have reported cases of contaminated seafood since June.

A surface sample was taken from a batch of chicken wings and tested by local disease control centres on Wednesday.

Shenzhen's health authorities traced and tested everyone who might have come into contact with potentially contaminated food products, and also tested food products stored near the infected batch. All the results were negative, the government said in a notice.

The Shenzhen Epidemic Prevention and Control Headquarters said the public needed to remain cautious when it comes to imported meat and seafood, and must take precautions in order to reduce infection risks.

China has been screening all meat and seafood containers coming into major ports since June, when a new outbreak of COVID-19 in the capital Beijing was linked to the city's Xinfadi seafood market.

A sample of frozen chicken wings imported into the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen from Brazil has tested positive for coronavirus, the city government said on Thursday.

A sample of frozen chicken wings imported into the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen from Brazil has tested positive for coronavirus, the city government said on Thursday. This comes close on the heels of China reporting that coronavirus had been found on the packaging of shrimps imported from Ecuador, and several other cities have reported cases of contaminated seafood since June. A surface sample was taken from a batch of chicken wings and tested by local disease control centres on Wednesday. Shenzhen's health authorities traced and tested everyone who might have come into contact with potentially contaminated food products, and also tested food products stored near the infected batch. All the results were negative, the government said in a notice. The Shenzhen Epidemic Prevention and Control Headquarters said the public needed to remain cautious when it comes to imported meat and seafood, and must take precautions in order to reduce infection risks. China has been screening all meat and seafood containers coming into major ports since June, when a new outbreak of COVID-19 in the capital Beijing was linked to the city's Xinfadi seafood market.

Chinese city says chicken imported from Brazil has tested positive for coronavirus

To date, no one has stated the urgent universal need to aggressively investigate the true origin of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, better than Karl and Dan Sirotkin in their August 12, 2020 article “Might SARS‐CoV‐2 Have Arisen via Serial Passage through an Animal Host or Cell Culture?”

“Despite claims from prominent scientists that SARS‐CoV‐2 indubitably emerged naturally, the etiology of this novel coronavirus remains a pressing and open question: Without knowing the true nature of a disease, it is impossible for clinicians to appropriately shape their care, for policy‐makers to correctly gauge the nature and extent of the threat, and for the public to appropriately modify their behaviour.”

As the authors correctly note, serial passage, that is, the repeated re-infection within an animal or human population allows a virus to specifically adapt to the infected species.

That process occurs naturally in the wild, but it can be greatly accelerated in the laboratory by deliberate serial passaging of viruses in cell culture systems or animals, potentially leaving few or no traces as to whether the adapted viruses are naturally-occurring or laboratory-manipulated.

That type of "gain of function" experimentation can become particularly dangerous if viruses are adapted for human infection by serial passaging them through cell cultures and animal models that have been genetically-modified to express human receptors.

There are numerous scientific publications describing serial passaging of coronaviruses through “humanised” cell cultures and animal models, thus potentially creating a new coronavirus “pre-adapted” for human infection.

At present, the scientific consensus is that SARS-CoV-2 came from bats, but how it evolved to infect humans remains unknown.

China has claimed that a bat coronavirus named RaTG13 is the closest relative to SARS-CoV-2, but RaTG13 is not actually a virus because no biological samples exist. It is only a genomic sequence of a virus for which there are now serious questions about its accuracy.

In contrast, Dr Li-Meng Yan, a Chinese virologist and whistleblower, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/china-stands-accused-of-manufacturing-the-covid-19-virus-319235">has implied</a> that RaTG13 may have been used to divert the world’s attention away from the true source of the COVID-19 pandemic, a novel coronavirus that originated in military laboratories overseen by China's People’s Liberation Army and created by the manipulation of Zhoushan coronaviruses ZC45 and/or ZXC21.

SARS-CoV-2 has signs of serial passaging and the direct genetic insertion of novel amino acids sequences for which no natural evolutionary pathway has been identified.

Although SARS-CoV-2 appears to have the “backbone” of bat coronaviruses, its spike protein, which is responsible for binding to the human cell and its membrane fusion-driven entry, has sections that do not appear in any closely-related bat coronaviruses.

SARS-CoV-2’s receptor binding domain, the specific element that binds to the human cell, has a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32278065/">ten times greater</a> binding affinity than the first SARS virus that caused the 2002-2003 pandemic.

Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 appears to be “<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/covid-19-scientific-disinformation-is-quite-literally-killing-us-313438">pre-adapted</a>” for human infection and has not <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/DBBC0FA6E3763B0067CAAD8F3363E527/S2633289220000083a.pdf/biovacc19_a_candidate_vaccine_for_covid19_sarscov2_developed_from_analysis_of_its_general_method_of_action_for_infectivity.pdf">undergone</a> a similar natural mutation process within the human population that was observed during the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak.

Those observations plus the inexplicable genetic distance between SARS-CoV-2 and any of its potential bat predecessors suggest an accelerated evolutionary process obtained by laboratory-based serial passaging through genetically-engineered mouse models containing humanised receptors previously <a href="https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/aalas/cm/2007/00000057/00000005/art00003">developed</a> by China.

The other unique feature of SARS-CoV-2 is a furin polybasic cleavage site that facilitates membrane fusion between the virus and the human cell and 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 also is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1097276520302641#bib38">not present</a> in any closely related bat coronaviruses.

There are no readily-available animal models to produce a unique furin polybasic cleavage site by serial passaging, but techniques for the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/106/14/5871.full">artificial insertion</a> of such furin polybasic cleavage sites by genetic engineering have been used for over ten years.

To paraphrase Karl and Dan Sirotkin, unless the zoonotic hosts necessary for completing a natural jump from animals to humans are identified, the dual‐use gain‐of‐function research practice of viral serial passage and the artificial insertion of unique viral features should be considered viable routes by which SARS-CoV-2 arose and the COVID-19 pandemic was initiated.

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.)

To date, no one has stated the urgent universal need to aggressively investigate the true origin of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, better than Karl and Dan Sirotkin in their August 12, 2020 article “Might SARS‐CoV‐2 Have Arisen via Serial Passage through an Animal Host or Cell Culture?

To date, no one has stated the urgent universal need to aggressively investigate the true origin of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, better than Karl and Dan Sirotkin in their August 12, 2020 article “Might SARS‐CoV‐2 Have Arisen via Serial Passage through an Animal Host or Cell Culture?” “Despite claims from prominent scientists that SARS‐CoV‐2 indubitably emerged naturally, the etiology of this novel coronavirus remains a pressing and open question: Without knowing the true nature of a disease, it is impossible for clinicians to appropriately shape their care, for policy‐makers to correctly gauge the nature and extent of the threat, and for the public to appropriately modify their behaviour.” As the authors correctly note, serial passage, that is, the repeated re-infection within an animal or human population allows a virus to specifically adapt to the infected species. That process occurs naturally in the wild, but it can be greatly accelerated in the laboratory by deliberate serial passaging of viruses in cell culture systems or animals, potentially leaving few or no traces as to whether the adapted viruses are naturally-occurring or laboratory-manipulated. That type of "gain of function" experimentation can become particularly dangerous if viruses are adapted for human infection by serial passaging them through cell cultures and animal models that have been genetically-modified to express human receptors. There are numerous scientific publications describing serial passaging of coronaviruses through “humanised” cell cultures and animal models, thus potentially creating a new coronavirus “pre-adapted” for human infection. At present, the scientific consensus is that SARS-CoV-2 came from bats, but how it evolved to infect humans remains unknown. China has claimed that a bat coronavirus named RaTG13 is the closest relative to SARS-CoV-2, but RaTG13 is not actually a virus because no biological samples exist. It is only a genomic sequence of a virus for which there are now serious questions about its accuracy. In contrast, Dr Li-Meng Yan, a Chinese virologist and whistleblower, has implied that RaTG13 may have been used to divert the world’s attention away from the true source of the COVID-19 pandemic, a novel coronavirus that originated in military laboratories overseen by China's People’s Liberation Army and created by the manipulation of Zhoushan coronaviruses ZC45 and/or ZXC21. SARS-CoV-2 has signs of serial passaging and the direct genetic insertion of novel amino acids sequences for which no natural evolutionary pathway has been identified. Although SARS-CoV-2 appears to have the “backbone” of bat coronaviruses, its spike protein, which is responsible for binding to the human cell and its membrane fusion-driven entry, has sections that do not appear in any closely-related bat coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2’s receptor binding domain, the specific element that binds to the human cell, has a ten times greater binding affinity than the first SARS virus that caused the 2002-2003 pandemic. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 appears to be “pre-adapted” for human infection and has not undergone a similar natural mutation process within the human population that was observed during the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak. Those observations plus the inexplicable genetic distance between SARS-CoV-2 and any of its potential bat predecessors suggest an accelerated evolutionary process obtained by laboratory-based serial passaging through genetically-engineered mouse models containing humanised receptors previously developed by China. The other unique feature of SARS-CoV-2 is a furin polybasic cleavage site that facilitates membrane fusion between the virus and the human cell and widely known for its ability to enhance pathogenicity and transmissibility, but also is not present in any closely related bat coronaviruses. There are no readily-available animal models to produce a unique furin polybasic cleavage site by serial passaging, but techniques for the artificial insertion of such furin polybasic cleavage sites by genetic engineering have been used for over ten years. To paraphrase Karl and Dan Sirotkin, unless the zoonotic hosts necessary for completing a natural jump from animals to humans are identified, the dual‐use gain‐of‐function research practice of viral serial passage and the artificial insertion of unique viral features should be considered viable routes by which SARS-CoV-2 arose and the COVID-19 pandemic was initiated. 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.)

Unless true origin of coronavirus is identified, another Chinese pandemic is in the offing

India and Maldives have agreed to create an "air travel bubble" to facilitate movement of people between the two countries. Maldives is the first neighboring country with which India has operationalised an air bubble.&nbsp;

This is expected to help in the movement of people from both sides for employment, tourism, medical emergencies etc.

The announcement was made after the video meet between India's External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar (EAM) and Maldives Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid.

During the virtual meet, Maldives FM thanked the Indian government for "including the Maldives among the first countries with which India has established an Air Bubble" and emphasised the "importance of easing travel, especially for Maldivians seeking to visit India for urgently required medical treatment, as well as Indian tourists wishing to visit the Maldives "

India already has Transport Air Bubbles with US, France, UK and Germany. Amidst coronavirus pandemic, international air travel has been hit hard and countries like India have been focussing on creation of air bubbles for safer travel and before normal air travel resumes.

India and Maldives have agreed to create an "air travel bubble" to facilitate movement of people between the two countries. Maldives is the first neighboring country with which India has operationalised an air bubble.

India and Maldives have agreed to create an "air travel bubble" to facilitate movement of people between the two countries. Maldives is the first neighboring country with which India has operationalised an air bubble. This is expected to help in the movement of people from both sides for employment, tourism, medical emergencies etc. The announcement was made after the video meet between India's External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar (EAM) and Maldives Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid. During the virtual meet, Maldives FM thanked the Indian government for "including the Maldives among the first countries with which India has established an Air Bubble" and emphasised the "importance of easing travel, especially for Maldivians seeking to visit India for urgently required medical treatment, as well as Indian tourists wishing to visit the Maldives " India already has Transport Air Bubbles with US, France, UK and Germany. Amidst coronavirus pandemic, international air travel has been hit hard and countries like India have been focussing on creation of air bubbles for safer travel and before normal air travel resumes.

India, Maldives announce air travel bubble -- first in the neighbourhood

A Malaysian court jailed an Indian man for five months on Thursday for violating a home quarantine order, leading to dozens of new coronavirus infections, the Bernama state news agency reported.

The 57-year-old, who resides in Malaysia and owns a restaurant in the northern state of Kedah, pleaded guilty to four charges of violating a mandated 14-day home quarantine order upon his return from India in July.

He was also fined 12,000 ringgit ($2,864) by the Alor Setar Magistrate`s Court, which held a special hearing at a Kedah hospital where the accused was undergoing treatment, Bernama reported.

Authorities had earlier said the man, who initially tested negative for the coronavirus, had left his home during the quarantine period to visit his restaurant.

After a second test came back positive, dozens of people, including the man`s family members, restaurant workers and customers, were found to have been infected.

A total of 45 cases linked to the cluster have since been reported in at least three Malaysian states.

Malaysia has gradually lifted strict lockdown measures since May after successfully containing the spread of the pandemic, but has warned that curbs may be reimposed after more than a dozen new clusters emerged in recent weeks.

The Southeast Asian country has reported 9,129 infections, including 125 deaths.

Authorities reintroduced a requirement last month for people entering the country to undergo the mandatory two-week quarantine at hotels and government isolation centers, after hundreds of incoming travellers were found violating orders to self-isolate at home.

A Malaysian court jailed an Indian man for five months on Thursday for violating a home quarantine order, leading to dozens of new coronavirus infections, the Bernama state news agency reported.

A Malaysian court jailed an Indian man for five months on Thursday for violating a home quarantine order, leading to dozens of new coronavirus infections, the Bernama state news agency reported. The 57-year-old, who resides in Malaysia and owns a restaurant in the northern state of Kedah, pleaded guilty to four charges of violating a mandated 14-day home quarantine order upon his return from India in July. He was also fined 12,000 ringgit ($2,864) by the Alor Setar Magistrate`s Court, which held a special hearing at a Kedah hospital where the accused was undergoing treatment, Bernama reported. Authorities had earlier said the man, who initially tested negative for the coronavirus, had left his home during the quarantine period to visit his restaurant. After a second test came back positive, dozens of people, including the man`s family members, restaurant workers and customers, were found to have been infected. A total of 45 cases linked to the cluster have since been reported in at least three Malaysian states. Malaysia has gradually lifted strict lockdown measures since May after successfully containing the spread of the pandemic, but has warned that curbs may be reimposed after more than a dozen new clusters emerged in recent weeks. The Southeast Asian country has reported 9,129 infections, including 125 deaths. Authorities reintroduced a requirement last month for people entering the country to undergo the mandatory two-week quarantine at hotels and government isolation centers, after hundreds of incoming travellers were found violating orders to self-isolate at home.

Malaysia jails Indian man linked to fresh coronavirus outbreak

With major national events and festivals impending, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that celebrations across the state must be low-key and subdued given the ongoing battle with Covid-19 pandemic.

The state government has issued new guidelines for celebration of Independence Day and Vinayaka Chathurthi.

On August 15th, public and school children have been specifically asked to stay indoors and watch the events on TV, whereas the government has asked people to celebrate Vinayaka Chathurthi, which falls on August 22nd at their homes.&nbsp;

Regarding, Independence Day which falls on Saturday, the government has emphasized that senior citizens, school and college students must not take part in the event, owing to the unprecedented circumstances. Under, normal situations the event that takes place on the scenic Marina beach road (Kamarajar Salai) sees the participation of schools students and large number of public.&nbsp;

However, this year it has been clearly stated that the district officials would be visiting the freedom fighters at their homes and felicitating them, instead of it being done in Chennai, in the presence of dignitaries. The Health Minister has also ben deputed to visit homes for special children and disribute sweets, as opposed to the routine practice of allowing the kids to visit the state secretariat.&nbsp;

Besides hoisting the national flag at 8:45am, the Chief Minister would also be felicitating frontline Covid-19 warriors and presenting them with certificates. The government has urged the public to stay indoors and watch the events on television.&nbsp;

In a separate set of guidelines issued for Vinayaka Chathurthi, the government has prohibited erecting Ganesha idols, celebrations in public, carrying them around the city in processions and also immersing them in water bodies. Public have also been strictly instructed to follow physical distancing and mask-wearing norms while stepping out to buy essentials and other items for the festivals.&nbsp;

Given that, places of worship that earn less than Rs.10,000 per annum have been permitted to remain open across the the state, the government has stated that they can carry on with festive traditions, in accordance with the stated norms.

With major national events and festivals impending, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that celebrations across the state must be low-key and subdued given the ongoing battle with Covid-19 pandemic.

With major national events and festivals impending, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that celebrations across the state must be low-key and subdued given the ongoing battle with Covid-19 pandemic. The state government has issued new guidelines for celebration of Independence Day and Vinayaka Chathurthi. On August 15th, public and school children have been specifically asked to stay indoors and watch the events on TV, whereas the government has asked people to celebrate Vinayaka Chathurthi, which falls on August 22nd at their homes. Regarding, Independence Day which falls on Saturday, the government has emphasized that senior citizens, school and college students must not take part in the event, owing to the unprecedented circumstances. Under, normal situations the event that takes place on the scenic Marina beach road (Kamarajar Salai) sees the participation of schools students and large number of public. However, this year it has been clearly stated that the district officials would be visiting the freedom fighters at their homes and felicitating them, instead of it being done in Chennai, in the presence of dignitaries. The Health Minister has also ben deputed to visit homes for special children and disribute sweets, as opposed to the routine practice of allowing the kids to visit the state secretariat. Besides hoisting the national flag at 8:45am, the Chief Minister would also be felicitating frontline Covid-19 warriors and presenting them with certificates. The government has urged the public to stay indoors and watch the events on television. In a separate set of guidelines issued for Vinayaka Chathurthi, the government has prohibited erecting Ganesha idols, celebrations in public, carrying them around the city in processions and also immersing them in water bodies. Public have also been strictly instructed to follow physical distancing and mask-wearing norms while stepping out to buy essentials and other items for the festivals. Given that, places of worship that earn less than Rs.10,000 per annum have been permitted to remain open across the the state, the government has stated that they can carry on with festive traditions, in accordance with the stated norms.

Tamil Nadu: Low-key celebrations for Independence Day, Ganesh Chathurthi amid Covid-19

The Philippines plans to launch clinical trials for a Russian coronavirus vaccine in October, with President Rodrigo Duterte expected to be inoculated as early as May next year, the presidential spokesman said on Thursday.

Harry Roque, Duterte's spokesman, made the announcement a day after Philippine scientists met with representatives of the vaccine developer, research facility Gamaleya, to discuss trials and information about the inoculation.

Russia on Tuesday became the world`s first country to grant regulatory approval for a COVID-19 vaccine, to be named “Sputnik V” in homage to the Soviet Union’s launch of the world’s first satellite.

But its decision to grant approval before completing trials has raised concerns among some experts, who fear it may be putting national prestige before safety.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told Reuters that all clinical trials would need to go through the regulatory process.

Phase three clinical trials in the Philippines are due to run from October to March 2021, after a panel of vaccine experts completes its review on Russia`s phase one and two trials in September, Roque told a media briefing.

Duterte is keen to access a vaccine and in July made a plea to China to make the Philippines a priority if it develops one.

The president has pledged that the Philippines, which suffered its biggest economic contraction in nearly three decades, would be "back to normal" by December even as it has been reporting record numbers of daily coronavirus infections since July.

The novel coronavirus has infected more than 143,000 people and killed 2,404 in the Philippines. A strict coronavirus lockdown recently reintroduced in and around the capital Manila is unlikely to be extended beyond August 18, the presidential spokesman said.

The Philippines plans to launch clinical trials for a Russian coronavirus vaccine in October, with President Rodrigo Duterte expected to be inoculated as early as May next year, the presidential spokesman said on Thursday.

The Philippines plans to launch clinical trials for a Russian coronavirus vaccine in October, with President Rodrigo Duterte expected to be inoculated as early as May next year, the presidential spokesman said on Thursday. Harry Roque, Duterte's spokesman, made the announcement a day after Philippine scientists met with representatives of the vaccine developer, research facility Gamaleya, to discuss trials and information about the inoculation. Russia on Tuesday became the world`s first country to grant regulatory approval for a COVID-19 vaccine, to be named “Sputnik V” in homage to the Soviet Union’s launch of the world’s first satellite. But its decision to grant approval before completing trials has raised concerns among some experts, who fear it may be putting national prestige before safety. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told Reuters that all clinical trials would need to go through the regulatory process. Phase three clinical trials in the Philippines are due to run from October to March 2021, after a panel of vaccine experts completes its review on Russia`s phase one and two trials in September, Roque told a media briefing. Duterte is keen to access a vaccine and in July made a plea to China to make the Philippines a priority if it develops one. The president has pledged that the Philippines, which suffered its biggest economic contraction in nearly three decades, would be "back to normal" by December even as it has been reporting record numbers of daily coronavirus infections since July. The novel coronavirus has infected more than 143,000 people and killed 2,404 in the Philippines. A strict coronavirus lockdown recently reintroduced in and around the capital Manila is unlikely to be extended beyond August 18, the presidential spokesman said.

Phase 3 trials of Russian COVID-19 vaccine to start in Philippines in October

The economy of the United Kingdom shrank by a record 20.4 per cent between April and June 2020.

The coronavirus induced lockdown rules were the harshest during this period, and this marks the largest economic contraction reported across the world.

The figures, which were published on Wednesday also displayed the pattern of recession in the country, for it shrank for second quarter in a row.&nbsp;Britain has the world’s sixth largest economy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/uk-suffers-biggest-job-losses-since-2009-as-covid-hits-319688" hreflang="en">UK suffers biggest job losses since 2009 as COVID hits</a>

According to the Office for National Statistics, signs of recovery were seen in the month of June, when the country’s GDP grew by 8.7 per cent from May.

A Reuters poll from May predicted an 8 per cent growth in the economy, and this minimally surpassed it.

"The recession brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has led to the biggest fall in quarterly GDP on record," Jonathan Athow, Office for National Statistics said.

"The economy began to bounce back in June... Despite this, GDP in June still remains a sixth below its level in February, before the virus struck”, Athow added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/uk-might-stop-official-covid-death-count-over-claims-of-exaggeration-says-report-319349" hreflang="en">UK might stop official Covid death count over claims of 'exaggeration', says report</a>

As per the predictions made by the Bank of England, the country would need until 2021 for the economy to regain its previous size, and further warned of increasing unemployment rates in the country.

"Today's figures confirm that hard times are here," UK’s finance minister Rishi Sunak said.&nbsp;"Hundreds of thousands of people have already lost their jobs, and sadly in the coming months many more will."

Compared to the last year, the level of output in June was 16.8 per cent lower, while in May it was 23.3 per cent lower.

In the first quarter of the year, British GDP shrank by 2.2 per cent, in view of the lockdown which was enforced in the country beginning March 24.

The economy of the United Kingdom shrank by a record 20.4 per cent between April and June 2020. The coronavirus induced lockdown rules were the harshest during this period, and this marks the largest economic contraction reported across the world.

The economy of the United Kingdom shrank by a record 20.4 per cent between April and June 2020. The coronavirus induced lockdown rules were the harshest during this period, and this marks the largest economic contraction reported across the world. The figures, which were published on Wednesday also displayed the pattern of recession in the country, for it shrank for second quarter in a row. Britain has the world’s sixth largest economy. Also read: UK suffers biggest job losses since 2009 as COVID hits According to the Office for National Statistics, signs of recovery were seen in the month of June, when the country’s GDP grew by 8.7 per cent from May. A Reuters poll from May predicted an 8 per cent growth in the economy, and this minimally surpassed it. "The recession brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has led to the biggest fall in quarterly GDP on record," Jonathan Athow, Office for National Statistics said. "The economy began to bounce back in June... Despite this, GDP in June still remains a sixth below its level in February, before the virus struck”, Athow added. Also read: UK might stop official Covid death count over claims of 'exaggeration', says report As per the predictions made by the Bank of England, the country would need until 2021 for the economy to regain its previous size, and further warned of increasing unemployment rates in the country. "Today's figures confirm that hard times are here," UK’s finance minister Rishi Sunak said. "Hundreds of thousands of people have already lost their jobs, and sadly in the coming months many more will." Compared to the last year, the level of output in June was 16.8 per cent lower, while in May it was 23.3 per cent lower. In the first quarter of the year, British GDP shrank by 2.2 per cent, in view of the lockdown which was enforced in the country beginning March 24.

UK reports world's largest economic contraction at 20.4%

Mexico aims to conduct late-stage clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines in development by U.S. and Chinese companies, two of which might base some of their vaccine production in the country, the foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

Mexico has signed memorandums of understanding with Johnson &amp; Johnson, along with Chinese companies CanSino Biologics Inc and Walvax Biotechnology Co Ltd, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said at a news conference.

Ebrard said trials would start between September and January, depending on approval from Mexico's food and drug agency.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/russias-sputnik-v-coronavirus-vaccine-or-publicity-stunt-319816" hreflang="en">Russia's Sputnik V: Coronavirus vaccine or publicity stunt?</a>

He said the goal was to secure access to the drugs for Mexico, highlighting growing anxiety and "vaccine diplomacy" around the world as developing countries jostle to get timely access to treatments and vaccines.

"This is what worries President (Andres Manuel) Lopez Obrador, that we have it on time," Ebrard said.

The foreign ministry said CanSino and Walvax were interested in producing an eventual vaccine in Mexico for delivery to the Latin American market.

More than 150 vaccines are being developed and tested around the world to stop the COVID-19 pandemic, with 25 in human clinical trials, according to the World Health Organization.

Russia is the first country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine, which it named "Sputnik V" for foreign markets, an official said on Tuesday.

Mexico's coronavirus czar, Deputy Health Minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell, told a news conference he was surprised by the Russian news, and that the government would wait for more information before making any decisions on the vaccine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/novel-coronavirus-found-on-frozen-seafood-in-china-319708" hreflang="en">Novel coronavirus found on frozen seafood in China</a>

Mexico has already lobbied in world forums, including at the G20 group of nations and the United Nations, to secure equitable access for an eventual vaccine.&nbsp;

Several other emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East have followed a similar strategy, consultancy Oxford Business Group highlighted in a report on Tuesday.

Large-scale, phase-three human testing for the J&amp;J unit Janssen Pharmaceuticals' candidate could start in the second half of September, the company has previously said.

J&amp;J could produce 1 billion doses of the vaccine next year if it proves successful and would consider injecting healthy volunteers with the novel coronavirus if there are not enough patients for final trials, a company executive told Reuters on Tuesday.

J&amp;J is likely to conduct those trials in the United States and Latin America, the regions of the world with the highest number of cases currently.

The company started early U.S. human safety trials in July after releasing details of a study in monkeys that showed its best-performing vaccine candidate offered strong protection in a single dose.

Walvax's experimental vaccine is currently under early testing at a Chinese military research institute.&nbsp;

CanSino Biologics' vaccine candidate is already in clinical trials. The company is also collaborating with Canada's National Research Council to "pave the way" for future trials in Canada, the research council said in May.

Latin America's second-largest economy has suffered nearly 54,000 deaths from COVID-19, according to official data, the third-highest toll in the world.

Mexico aims to conduct late-stage clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines in development by U.S. and Chinese companies, two of which might base some of their vaccine production in the country, the foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

Mexico aims to conduct late-stage clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines in development by U.S. and Chinese companies, two of which might base some of their vaccine production in the country, the foreign ministry said on Tuesday. Mexico has signed memorandums of understanding with Johnson & Johnson, along with Chinese companies CanSino Biologics Inc and Walvax Biotechnology Co Ltd, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said at a news conference. Ebrard said trials would start between September and January, depending on approval from Mexico's food and drug agency. Also read: Russia's Sputnik V: Coronavirus vaccine or publicity stunt? He said the goal was to secure access to the drugs for Mexico, highlighting growing anxiety and "vaccine diplomacy" around the world as developing countries jostle to get timely access to treatments and vaccines. "This is what worries President (Andres Manuel) Lopez Obrador, that we have it on time," Ebrard said. The foreign ministry said CanSino and Walvax were interested in producing an eventual vaccine in Mexico for delivery to the Latin American market. More than 150 vaccines are being developed and tested around the world to stop the COVID-19 pandemic, with 25 in human clinical trials, according to the World Health Organization. Russia is the first country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine, which it named "Sputnik V" for foreign markets, an official said on Tuesday. Mexico's coronavirus czar, Deputy Health Minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell, told a news conference he was surprised by the Russian news, and that the government would wait for more information before making any decisions on the vaccine. Also read: Novel coronavirus found on frozen seafood in China Mexico has already lobbied in world forums, including at the G20 group of nations and the United Nations, to secure equitable access for an eventual vaccine. Several other emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East have followed a similar strategy, consultancy Oxford Business Group highlighted in a report on Tuesday. Large-scale, phase-three human testing for the J&J unit Janssen Pharmaceuticals' candidate could start in the second half of September, the company has previously said. J&J could produce 1 billion doses of the vaccine next year if it proves successful and would consider injecting healthy volunteers with the novel coronavirus if there are not enough patients for final trials, a company executive told Reuters on Tuesday. J&J is likely to conduct those trials in the United States and Latin America, the regions of the world with the highest number of cases currently. The company started early U.S. human safety trials in July after releasing details of a study in monkeys that showed its best-performing vaccine candidate offered strong protection in a single dose. Walvax's experimental vaccine is currently under early testing at a Chinese military research institute. CanSino Biologics' vaccine candidate is already in clinical trials. The company is also collaborating with Canada's National Research Council to "pave the way" for future trials in Canada, the research council said in May. Latin America's second-largest economy has suffered nearly 54,000 deaths from COVID-19, according to official data, the third-highest toll in the world.

Mexico to trial China, US COVID-19 vaccines, may produce some

In a 4 1/2-minute radio speech on Aug. 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender in World War Two, telling his subjects he had resolved to pave the way for peace by "enduring the unendurable".

Seventy-five years later, the unresolved legacy of the conflict haunts Tokyo's ties with China and South Korea, even as the countries cope with a COVID-19 pandemic that is forcing Japan to scale back its Aug. 15 ceremony for war dead.

In Japan, consensus over the war's legacy is elusive.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has adopted a less-apologetic stance and wants to revise a post-war, pacifist constitution that conservatives see as a humiliating symbol of defeat. A majority of the public opposes altering the charter, long viewed as a breakwater against repeating past mistakes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/japans-abe-to-avoid-visit-to-war-linked-shrine-on-75th-war-anniversary-jiji-319233" hreflang="en">Japan's Abe to avoid visit to war-linked shrine on 75th war anniversary: Jiji</a>

"The legacy of the war, the unresolved issues of historical justice and historical understanding, remain very much with us," said Daniel Sneider, a lecturer in East Asian studies at Stanford University.

"Does time heal all wounds? Soon there will be nobody who experienced the war ... Do the issues disappear?" Sneider added. "No, they don't, because they are so wrapped up with the formation of identity in all these countries."

Many Koreans, who mark Aug. 15 as "National Liberation Day", still resent Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule, while China has bitter memories of Japan's invasion and occupation from 1931 to 1945. It celebrates "Victory Over Japan" day on Sept. 3, one day after Tokyo's formal surrender.

A LONG SHADOW

Partly because the COVID-19 pandemic dominates attention, debate over Japan's war responsibility has been more muted than on the 70th anniversary, which Abe marked with a controversial statement.

At the time, Abe expressed "utmost grief" over the conflict but said future generations should not have to keep apologising for mistakes of the past and offered no fresh apology.

"Fear of getting drawn into military conflict continues to strongly impact public opinion while ... a defensive attitude among Japan's conservative political leaders about Japan's actions during the war keeps them from saying and doing things that might convince their neighbours that Japan is truly repentant," said Gerry Curtis, a Columbia University professor emeritus. "It will probably take 100 years for Japan to move out from the shadow of the Second World War."

Disputes with Seoul over Koreans forced to work for wartime Japanese firms and "comfort women", a euphemism for those pushed into Japan's wartime military brothels, are still flashpoints.

A South Korea court last week said it would begin procedures to sell assets of Nippon Steel Corp seized after the Japanese company did not follow a 2018 order by Seoul's Supreme Court to compensate Korean wartime workers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/japans-okinawa-declares-state-of-emergency-as-covid-19-cases-soar-317507" hreflang="en">Japan's Okinawa declares state of emergency as COVID-19 cases soar</a>

Tokyo says the issue was settled by a 1965 treaty normalising ties and has threatened retaliation if the sale goes ahead. The feud between the U.S. security allies spilled over into trade and security last year.&nbsp;

"Relations will face another crisis, albeit not immediately," said Chang Ho-jin, a former South Korean presidential secretary.

Tokyo regards the comfort women controversy as resolved by a 2015 agreement under which Abe apologised and pledged a fund to support the survivors, but South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s government has declared the deal flawed.&nbsp;

CHINA TIES&nbsp;

Japan's ties with China had improved ahead of a planned visit by President Xi Jinping, but the trip was postponed because of the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;

Some Japanese ruling party members want the visit cancelled over Beijing's clampdown on Hong Kong and its push to assert territorial claims in the East China Sea. The row over disputed islets there could flare up if Beijing, as reported by some Japanese media, this month ends a ban on its fishing vessels entering surrounding waters.

China, locked in a confrontation with the United States over human rights, trade and security, has sidelined historical spats with Japan.&nbsp;

Tokyo shares U.S. concerns about China, but the Asian neighbours' economies are deeply intertwined.

"History issues have not been resolved, but they are on the back burner," said Andrew Horvat, a visiting professor at Tokyo's Josai International University.&nbsp;

Since 2013, Abe has not visited Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, where wartime leaders convicted as war criminals are honoured with war dead, avoiding a potential flashpoint with Beijing.

But the risk of renewed feuds persists.&nbsp;

"Although decades have passed, our wounds from the war have not completely healed," said Huang Dahui, a Japan expert at the Renmin University of China.&nbsp;

In a 4 1/2-minute radio speech on Aug. 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender in World War Two, telling his subjects he had resolved to pave the way for peace by "enduring the unendurable".

In a 4 1/2-minute radio speech on Aug. 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender in World War Two, telling his subjects he had resolved to pave the way for peace by "enduring the unendurable". Seventy-five years later, the unresolved legacy of the conflict haunts Tokyo's ties with China and South Korea, even as the countries cope with a COVID-19 pandemic that is forcing Japan to scale back its Aug. 15 ceremony for war dead. In Japan, consensus over the war's legacy is elusive. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has adopted a less-apologetic stance and wants to revise a post-war, pacifist constitution that conservatives see as a humiliating symbol of defeat. A majority of the public opposes altering the charter, long viewed as a breakwater against repeating past mistakes. Also read: Japan's Abe to avoid visit to war-linked shrine on 75th war anniversary: Jiji "The legacy of the war, the unresolved issues of historical justice and historical understanding, remain very much with us," said Daniel Sneider, a lecturer in East Asian studies at Stanford University. "Does time heal all wounds? Soon there will be nobody who experienced the war ... Do the issues disappear?" Sneider added. "No, they don't, because they are so wrapped up with the formation of identity in all these countries." Many Koreans, who mark Aug. 15 as "National Liberation Day", still resent Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule, while China has bitter memories of Japan's invasion and occupation from 1931 to 1945. It celebrates "Victory Over Japan" day on Sept. 3, one day after Tokyo's formal surrender. A LONG SHADOW Partly because the COVID-19 pandemic dominates attention, debate over Japan's war responsibility has been more muted than on the 70th anniversary, which Abe marked with a controversial statement. At the time, Abe expressed "utmost grief" over the conflict but said future generations should not have to keep apologising for mistakes of the past and offered no fresh apology. "Fear of getting drawn into military conflict continues to strongly impact public opinion while ... a defensive attitude among Japan's conservative political leaders about Japan's actions during the war keeps them from saying and doing things that might convince their neighbours that Japan is truly repentant," said Gerry Curtis, a Columbia University professor emeritus. "It will probably take 100 years for Japan to move out from the shadow of the Second World War." Disputes with Seoul over Koreans forced to work for wartime Japanese firms and "comfort women", a euphemism for those pushed into Japan's wartime military brothels, are still flashpoints. A South Korea court last week said it would begin procedures to sell assets of Nippon Steel Corp seized after the Japanese company did not follow a 2018 order by Seoul's Supreme Court to compensate Korean wartime workers. Also read: Japan's Okinawa declares state of emergency as COVID-19 cases soar Tokyo says the issue was settled by a 1965 treaty normalising ties and has threatened retaliation if the sale goes ahead. The feud between the U.S. security allies spilled over into trade and security last year. "Relations will face another crisis, albeit not immediately," said Chang Ho-jin, a former South Korean presidential secretary. Tokyo regards the comfort women controversy as resolved by a 2015 agreement under which Abe apologised and pledged a fund to support the survivors, but South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s government has declared the deal flawed. CHINA TIES Japan's ties with China had improved ahead of a planned visit by President Xi Jinping, but the trip was postponed because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Some Japanese ruling party members want the visit cancelled over Beijing's clampdown on Hong Kong and its push to assert territorial claims in the East China Sea. The row over disputed islets there could flare up if Beijing, as reported by some Japanese media, this month ends a ban on its fishing vessels entering surrounding waters. China, locked in a confrontation with the United States over human rights, trade and security, has sidelined historical spats with Japan. Tokyo shares U.S. concerns about China, but the Asian neighbours' economies are deeply intertwined. "History issues have not been resolved, but they are on the back burner," said Andrew Horvat, a visiting professor at Tokyo's Josai International University. Since 2013, Abe has not visited Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, where wartime leaders convicted as war criminals are honoured with war dead, avoiding a potential flashpoint with Beijing. But the risk of renewed feuds persists. "Although decades have passed, our wounds from the war have not completely healed," said Huang Dahui, a Japan expert at the Renmin University of China.

Japan faces WW2 anniversary in shadow of coronavirus

There are several contenders global as well as domestic in the race to develop the COVID-19 vaccine. Watch report.

Who all are the major COVID-19 vaccine global and domestic contenders | World News

New Zealand's largest city Auckland has gone under complete lockdown after the country reported its first locally transmitted case of coronavirus in nearly 102 days. Watch report.

New Zealand's locally transmitted case in 102 days | COVID-19 pandemic

The administration of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is considering a measure to block U.S. citizens and permanent residents from returning home if they are suspected of being infected with the new coronavirus, a senior US&nbsp;official confirmed to Reuters.

The official said a draft regulation, which has not been finalized and could change, would give the government authorization to block individuals who could “reasonably” be believed to have contracted COVID-19 or other diseases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/india-has-conducted-most-coronavirus-tests-after-us-donald-trump-319602" hreflang="en">India has conducted most coronavirus tests after US: Donald Trump</a>

Trump has instituted a series of sweeping immigration restrictions since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, suspending some legal immigration and allowing U.S. border authorities to rapidly deport migrants caught at the border without standard legal processes.

Reuters reported in May that U.S. government officials were concerned that dual U.S.-Mexico citizens might flee to the United States if the coronavirus outbreak in Mexico worsened, putting more stress on U.S. hospitals.

The draft regulation, which was first reported by The New York Times on Monday, would be issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has played a lead role in the pandemic response, the senior official told Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/donald-trump-briefly-evacuated-during-press-conference-after-shooting-outside-white-house-319589" hreflang="en">Donald Trump briefly evacuated during press conference after shooting outside White House</a>

A Trump pandemic task force was not expected to act on the proposal this week, although that timeline could change, the official said.

The United States leads the world in both confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths, with more than 5 million cases recorded and over 162,000 deaths, according to a Reuters tally.

Omar Jadwat, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s immigrants’ rights project, said in a written statement that barring U.S. citizens from entering the country would be unconstitutional and "another grave error in a year that has already seen far too many."

The CDC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering a measure to block U.S. citizens and permanent residents from returning home if they are suspected of being infected with the new coronavirus, a senior US official confirmed to Reuters.

The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering a measure to block U.S. citizens and permanent residents from returning home if they are suspected of being infected with the new coronavirus, a senior US official confirmed to Reuters. The official said a draft regulation, which has not been finalized and could change, would give the government authorization to block individuals who could “reasonably” be believed to have contracted COVID-19 or other diseases. Also read: India has conducted most coronavirus tests after US: Donald Trump Trump has instituted a series of sweeping immigration restrictions since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, suspending some legal immigration and allowing U.S. border authorities to rapidly deport migrants caught at the border without standard legal processes. Reuters reported in May that U.S. government officials were concerned that dual U.S.-Mexico citizens might flee to the United States if the coronavirus outbreak in Mexico worsened, putting more stress on U.S. hospitals. The draft regulation, which was first reported by The New York Times on Monday, would be issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has played a lead role in the pandemic response, the senior official told Reuters. Also read: Donald Trump briefly evacuated during press conference after shooting outside White House A Trump pandemic task force was not expected to act on the proposal this week, although that timeline could change, the official said. The United States leads the world in both confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths, with more than 5 million cases recorded and over 162,000 deaths, according to a Reuters tally. Omar Jadwat, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s immigrants’ rights project, said in a written statement that barring U.S. citizens from entering the country would be unconstitutional and "another grave error in a year that has already seen far too many." The CDC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump weighs blocking US citizens coming home if coronavirus infection feared

Novavax Inc's manufacturing capacity is sufficient to meet the U.S. demand for COVID-19 vaccines in 2021, which it believes could be as high as 500 million to 600 million doses, company executives said on Monday.&nbsp;

Novavax said last week its experimental vaccine produced high levels of antibodies against the novel coronavirus, according to initial data from a small, early stage clinical trial.&nbsp;

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Novavax expects to begin producing vaccine at large scale in the beginning of 2021 and to be able to make "well over" 2 billion doses of its vaccine annually overall if its vaccine is authorized for use by regulators, the executives added during an investor call.

Novavax is still waiting on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to review data from its early stage study of its vaccine candidate, but has said it expects to start a large Phase III trial as soon as late September.

Novavax research chief Gregory Glenn told Reuters last week the late-stage clinical trial could potentially glean enough data to obtain regulatory approvals as early as December.

Maryland-based Novavax has said its vaccine candidate, NVX-CoV2373, produced higher levels of the antibodies in healthy volunteers after two doses than those found in recovered COVID-19 patients and the vaccine was “well tolerated” overall.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/russia-to-register-worlds-first-covid-19-vaccine-next-week-318832" hreflang="en">Russia to register world's first COVID-19 vaccine next week</a>

"We are seeing a safety profile that in many ways looks like the safety profile of many other vaccines, so it's not going to prevent the use of the vaccine," Novavax's chief financial officer John Trizzino said in an interview.&nbsp;

The Novavax vaccine has received U.S. funding under Operation Warp Speed, the White House program to accelerate access to vaccines and treatments that can fight the virus.

The U.S. government in July agreed to pay Novavax $1.6 billion to help cover costs related to testing and manufacturing its vaccine, with the aim of procuring 100 million doses by January 2021.

Novavax Inc's manufacturing capacity is sufficient to meet the U.S. demand for COVID-19 vaccines in 2021, which it believes could be as high as 500 million to 600 million doses, company executives said on Monday.

Novavax Inc's manufacturing capacity is sufficient to meet the U.S. demand for COVID-19 vaccines in 2021, which it believes could be as high as 500 million to 600 million doses, company executives said on Monday. Novavax said last week its experimental vaccine produced high levels of antibodies against the novel coronavirus, according to initial data from a small, early stage clinical trial. Also read: Serum Institute to get $150 million from Gates Foundation for COVID-19 vaccine Novavax expects to begin producing vaccine at large scale in the beginning of 2021 and to be able to make "well over" 2 billion doses of its vaccine annually overall if its vaccine is authorized for use by regulators, the executives added during an investor call. Novavax is still waiting on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to review data from its early stage study of its vaccine candidate, but has said it expects to start a large Phase III trial as soon as late September. Novavax research chief Gregory Glenn told Reuters last week the late-stage clinical trial could potentially glean enough data to obtain regulatory approvals as early as December. Maryland-based Novavax has said its vaccine candidate, NVX-CoV2373, produced higher levels of the antibodies in healthy volunteers after two doses than those found in recovered COVID-19 patients and the vaccine was “well tolerated” overall. Also read: Russia to register world's first COVID-19 vaccine next week "We are seeing a safety profile that in many ways looks like the safety profile of many other vaccines, so it's not going to prevent the use of the vaccine," Novavax's chief financial officer John Trizzino said in an interview. The Novavax vaccine has received U.S. funding under Operation Warp Speed, the White House program to accelerate access to vaccines and treatments that can fight the virus. The U.S. government in July agreed to pay Novavax $1.6 billion to help cover costs related to testing and manufacturing its vaccine, with the aim of procuring 100 million doses by January 2021.

Novavax expects it can meet US COVID-19 vaccine demand in 2021, executives say

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday noted that 10 states account for 80 per cent of active COVID-19 cases, and asserted if the virus is defeated in these states, then the country will also emerge victorious in its fight against the pandemic.

At a video conference with chief ministers and representatives of these 10 states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, Modi said the recovery rate has gone up which, he added, meant that government efforts have proved to be effective.

The Centre and states have been able to work as a team in the fight against COVID-19, he said.

"Our experience so far is that containment, contact tracing and surveillance are the most effective weapons against the pandemic, with experts of the view that if cases are identified within 72 hours of onset, then infection slows down to great extent," the prime minister said.

He emphasised on the need to trace and test all those who come in contact with an infected person within 72 hours. This should be followed like a "mantra", with the same earnestness as washing hands, maintaining social distance and wearing masks, he said according to an official statement.

The prime minister pointed out that the number of active cases in the country stands at over six lakh, and most of them have been reported from the 10 states.

Today, 80 per cent active cases are in these ten states. Hence the role of all these states is very big in the fight against coronavirus, he said.

He told the participants that such meetings and discussions are necessary as new situations are emerging amid the pandemic.

"Pressure on hospitals, pressure on our health workers, lack of continuity in everyday work. They bring a new challenge every day" Modi elaborated.

He said there was a need for the ten states to sit together, review and discuss. "... From this discussion, we also leant a lot from each other's experiences, best practices" he said.

Modi said it was a matter of satisfaction that the average fatality rate in India has been going down and noted that it has been very low compared to the world average.

He noted that the number of daily tests has reached almost 7 lakh and is increasing continuously, which has helped in early identification and containment. The average fatality rate in the country is amongst the lowest and is continuously going down.

The percentage of active cases is reducing, while the recovery rate is increasing, he said. He noted that these steps have boosted the confidence of people, and said that the target of bringing down the fatality rate below one per cent can be achieved soon.

States where testing rate is low and where the positivity rate is high, the need to increase testing has come to the fore. Especially in states like Bihar, Gujarat, UP, West Bengal and Telangana, he said.

Modi noted that people have become aware and are ably assisting these efforts, as a result of which the country has been successful in using home quarantine so effectively, the statement said.

He said at one point of time, cases in certain districts of UP and Haryana, and Delhi became a matter of concern.

He also referred to statement of the Delhi government about COVID-19 cases and recounted the experience of Home Minister Amit Shah in preparing a roadmap for tackling the pandemic together with Delhi and nearby states.

According the statement, he said the main pillars of this strategy were segregation of containment zones and focus on screening, especially of those in high risk category.

The results of these steps are there for all to see, he said, adding that steps like better management in hospitals and increasing ICU beds also proved very helpful.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday noted that 10 states account for 80 per cent of active COVID-19 cases, and asserted if the virus is defeated in these states, then the country will also emerge victorious in its fight against the pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday noted that 10 states account for 80 per cent of active COVID-19 cases, and asserted if the virus is defeated in these states, then the country will also emerge victorious in its fight against the pandemic. At a video conference with chief ministers and representatives of these 10 states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, Modi said the recovery rate has gone up which, he added, meant that government efforts have proved to be effective. The Centre and states have been able to work as a team in the fight against COVID-19, he said. "Our experience so far is that containment, contact tracing and surveillance are the most effective weapons against the pandemic, with experts of the view that if cases are identified within 72 hours of onset, then infection slows down to great extent," the prime minister said. He emphasised on the need to trace and test all those who come in contact with an infected person within 72 hours. This should be followed like a "mantra", with the same earnestness as washing hands, maintaining social distance and wearing masks, he said according to an official statement. The prime minister pointed out that the number of active cases in the country stands at over six lakh, and most of them have been reported from the 10 states. Today, 80 per cent active cases are in these ten states. Hence the role of all these states is very big in the fight against coronavirus, he said. He told the participants that such meetings and discussions are necessary as new situations are emerging amid the pandemic. "Pressure on hospitals, pressure on our health workers, lack of continuity in everyday work. They bring a new challenge every day" Modi elaborated. He said there was a need for the ten states to sit together, review and discuss. "... From this discussion, we also leant a lot from each other's experiences, best practices" he said. Modi said it was a matter of satisfaction that the average fatality rate in India has been going down and noted that it has been very low compared to the world average. He noted that the number of daily tests has reached almost 7 lakh and is increasing continuously, which has helped in early identification and containment. The average fatality rate in the country is amongst the lowest and is continuously going down. The percentage of active cases is reducing, while the recovery rate is increasing, he said. He noted that these steps have boosted the confidence of people, and said that the target of bringing down the fatality rate below one per cent can be achieved soon. States where testing rate is low and where the positivity rate is high, the need to increase testing has come to the fore. Especially in states like Bihar, Gujarat, UP, West Bengal and Telangana, he said. Modi noted that people have become aware and are ably assisting these efforts, as a result of which the country has been successful in using home quarantine so effectively, the statement said. He said at one point of time, cases in certain districts of UP and Haryana, and Delhi became a matter of concern. He also referred to statement of the Delhi government about COVID-19 cases and recounted the experience of Home Minister Amit Shah in preparing a roadmap for tackling the pandemic together with Delhi and nearby states. According the statement, he said the main pillars of this strategy were segregation of containment zones and focus on screening, especially of those in high risk category. The results of these steps are there for all to see, he said, adding that steps like better management in hospitals and increasing ICU beds also proved very helpful.

All those who came in contact with infected person should be traced and tested within 72 hours: PM Modi

Russia has successfully developed the world’s “first” coronavirus vaccine, the country’s president Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday.

"This morning, for the first time in the world, a vaccine against the new coronavirus was registered" in Russia, Putin&nbsp;said during a televised video conference call with government ministers.

Putin also said that his&nbsp;daughter was inoculated with new Russian coronavirus vaccine.

The Association of Clinical Trials Organizations (ACTO), a body that&nbsp;represents organisations conducting&nbsp;clinical trials in Russia had reportedly urged for more trials&nbsp;before its registration as an official vaccine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-vaccine-nationalism-cannot-beat-coronavirus-318716">WHO says 'vaccine nationalism' cannot beat coronavirus</a>

Earlier,&nbsp;Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko had announced that the European country is expecting to start the mass production of the vaccine from October 2020. He also assured that all expenses related to the vaccine will be covered in the state budget.

"At the moment, the last, third, stage is underway. The trials are extremely important. We have to understand that the vaccine must be safe. Medical professionals and senior citizens will be the first to get vaccinated," Deputy Health Minister Oleg Gridnev told reporters on August 7&nbsp;at the opening of a cancer centre building in the city of Ufa.

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"We plan wider vaccinations for October," Murashko was quoted as saying. He also added that the vaccine will first be made available for doctors and teachers.

The clinical trials for this vaccine began on June 18 with 38 volunteers, out of which the first group of volunteers were discharged on July 15 and second group was discharged on July 20.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-preparing-mass-vaccination-against-covid-19-for-october-317501">Russia preparing mass vaccination against COVID-19 for October</a>

The vaccine, which was jointly developed by Gamaleya Research Institute and the Russian Defence Ministry, will be officially registered on August 12.

This makes Russia the first country in the world to register a COVID-19 vaccine, since the outbreak of the virus in Wuhan in December 2019.

Russia has successfully developed the world’s “first” coronavirus vaccine, the country’s president Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday. "This morning, for the first time in the world, a vaccine against the new coronavirus was registered" in Russia, Putin said during a televised video conference call with government ministers.

Russia has successfully developed the world’s “first” coronavirus vaccine, the country’s president Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday. "This morning, for the first time in the world, a vaccine against the new coronavirus was registered" in Russia, Putin said during a televised video conference call with government ministers. Putin also said that his daughter was inoculated with new Russian coronavirus vaccine. The Association of Clinical Trials Organizations (ACTO), a body that represents organisations conducting clinical trials in Russia had reportedly urged for more trials before its registration as an official vaccine. Also read: WHO says 'vaccine nationalism' cannot beat coronavirus Earlier, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko had announced that the European country is expecting to start the mass production of the vaccine from October 2020. He also assured that all expenses related to the vaccine will be covered in the state budget. "At the moment, the last, third, stage is underway. The trials are extremely important. We have to understand that the vaccine must be safe. Medical professionals and senior citizens will be the first to get vaccinated," Deputy Health Minister Oleg Gridnev told reporters on August 7 at the opening of a cancer centre building in the city of Ufa. "We plan wider vaccinations for October," Murashko was quoted as saying. He also added that the vaccine will first be made available for doctors and teachers. The clinical trials for this vaccine began on June 18 with 38 volunteers, out of which the first group of volunteers were discharged on July 15 and second group was discharged on July 20. Also read: Russia preparing mass vaccination against COVID-19 for October The vaccine, which was jointly developed by Gamaleya Research Institute and the Russian Defence Ministry, will be officially registered on August 12. This makes Russia the first country in the world to register a COVID-19 vaccine, since the outbreak of the virus in Wuhan in December 2019.

Russia has developed world's 'first' coronavirus vaccine: Putin

To discuss deadly coronavirus related situation Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding a meeting with the chief ministers of 10 states to take stock of the coronavirus situation.

Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab, Bihar, Gujarat, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh are in the meeting.

India on Tuesday reported single-day spike of 53,601 cases and 871 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

With this, the Covid-19 tally rises to 22, 68,676 including 6, 39,929 active cases, 15, 83,490 recovered/discharged/migrated and 45,257 deaths.

However, on the positive side, the number of recoveries mounted to almost 16 lakh, more than twice the active cases. The recovery rate has gone up to 69.80 per cent.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

To discuss deadly coronavirus related situation Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding a meeting with the chief ministers of 10 states to take stock of the coronavirus situation.

To discuss deadly coronavirus related situation Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding a meeting with the chief ministers of 10 states to take stock of the coronavirus situation. Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab, Bihar, Gujarat, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh are in the meeting. India on Tuesday reported single-day spike of 53,601 cases and 871 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. With this, the Covid-19 tally rises to 22, 68,676 including 6, 39,929 active cases, 15, 83,490 recovered/discharged/migrated and 45,257 deaths. However, on the positive side, the number of recoveries mounted to almost 16 lakh, more than twice the active cases. The recovery rate has gone up to 69.80 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 situation in India: PM Modi holds meet with chief ministers of 10 states

Rajasthan's COVID-19 death toll rose to 800 on Monday after 11 more patients succumbed to the disease, while 1,173 new cases took the infection tally to 53,670.

Three of the fresh deaths were reported from Dungarpur, two each from Barmer, Jodhpur and Kota, and one each from Pali and Rajsamand, a health department official said.

So far, 36,310 of the infected have been discharged after treatment. The state now has 13,810 active COVID-19 cases.

Of the 1,173 fresh cases, 170 were recorded in Kota, 165 in Alwar, 115 in Bikaner, 114 in Jaipur, 111 in Sikar, 80 in Jodhpur, 71 in Bharatpur, 42 in Banswara, 40 in Barmer, 38 in Udaipur, 34 in Ajmer and 28 in Bhilwara.

Nineteen cases were registered in Jhunjhunu, 18 each in Nagaur and Pratapgarh, 16 each in Churu and Dungarpur, 13 in Rajsamand, 11 each in Ganganagar and Jaisalmer, 10 in Jalore, nine in Chittorgarh, six in Tonk, five in Hanumangarh, four in Dausa, three in Baran, and two each in Dholpur, Sawaimadhopur and Sirohi.

Jaipur accounts for the highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the state at 219, followed by 87 in Jodhpur, 57 in Bharatpur, 55 in Ajmer, 48 in Bikaner, 47 in Kota, 35 in Nagaur, 33 in Pali, 23 in Alwar and 19 in Dholpur.

Rajasthan's COVID-19 death toll rose to 800 on Monday after 11 more patients succumbed to the disease, while 1,173 new cases took the infection tally to 53,670. Three of the fresh deaths were reported from Dungarpur, two each from Barmer, Jodhpur and Kota, and one each from Pali and Rajsamand, a health department official said.

Rajasthan's COVID-19 death toll rose to 800 on Monday after 11 more patients succumbed to the disease, while 1,173 new cases took the infection tally to 53,670. Three of the fresh deaths were reported from Dungarpur, two each from Barmer, Jodhpur and Kota, and one each from Pali and Rajsamand, a health department official said. So far, 36,310 of the infected have been discharged after treatment. The state now has 13,810 active COVID-19 cases. Of the 1,173 fresh cases, 170 were recorded in Kota, 165 in Alwar, 115 in Bikaner, 114 in Jaipur, 111 in Sikar, 80 in Jodhpur, 71 in Bharatpur, 42 in Banswara, 40 in Barmer, 38 in Udaipur, 34 in Ajmer and 28 in Bhilwara. Nineteen cases were registered in Jhunjhunu, 18 each in Nagaur and Pratapgarh, 16 each in Churu and Dungarpur, 13 in Rajsamand, 11 each in Ganganagar and Jaisalmer, 10 in Jalore, nine in Chittorgarh, six in Tonk, five in Hanumangarh, four in Dausa, three in Baran, and two each in Dholpur, Sawaimadhopur and Sirohi. Jaipur accounts for the highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the state at 219, followed by 87 in Jodhpur, 57 in Bharatpur, 55 in Ajmer, 48 in Bikaner, 47 in Kota, 35 in Nagaur, 33 in Pali, 23 in Alwar and 19 in Dholpur.

Rajasthan reports 11 more COVID-19 deaths, over 1,100 fresh cases

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