Drugmakers will likely have tens of millions of doses of coronavirus vaccines in the early part of next year, Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious diseases official, said in a Reuters interview on Wednesday, offering a more conservative view of the ramp up than some Trump administration officials.

Fauci said there could be a billion vaccine doses available by the end of 2021, and that he is hopeful the world could get past the pandemic that has claimed more than 700,000 lives worldwide by then, with the help of a vaccine.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar said last month the U.S. would have hundreds of millions of vaccine doses by early in 2021.

Those goals are only possible because drugmakers have agreed to manufacture large supplies of their vaccines even before they know whether they work in order to save time.

“The federal government has put more than one egg in the basket,” Fauci said. “We have a pretty comprehensive portfolio that’s going to subsequently be going into clinical trials.”

He said there might be an indication that at least one vaccine works and is safe by year end.

“I’m cautiously optimistic that we will have a vaccine that’s effective enough to get approved,” he said.

That will not happen because of any pressure to have a vaccine available in time for the Nov. 3 presidential election, he said. Health regulators have promised “they are not going to let political considerations interfere” with the need to deliver a safe COVID-19 vaccine, Fauci said. [nL1N2F72GO]

Fauci’s interview with Reuters came on the same day Trump said in an interview with Fox News that the virus is “going away. It will go away like things go away.”

Fauci offered a more mixed assessment, saying some parts of the country had done well in containing the spread of the virus, while others were “on fire.”

“I hope, and feel it’s possible, that by the time we get through 2021 and go around for another cycle that we’ll have this under control,” he said.

The United States is committed to spending billions of dollars on vaccines being produced by companies including Johnson &amp; Johnson, Moderna Inc, Pfizer Inc, Novavax Inc&nbsp;and Sanofi SA, employing a variety of technologies.

Fauci said he did not favor one approach over any other.

“All of them look pretty good,” he said. “The proof of the pudding is the randomized placebo controlled trial.”

Drugmakers will likely have tens of millions of doses of coronavirus vaccines in the early part of next year, Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious diseases official, said in a Reuters interview on Wednesday, offering a more conservative view of the ramp up than some Trump administration officials.

Drugmakers will likely have tens of millions of doses of coronavirus vaccines in the early part of next year, Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious diseases official, said in a Reuters interview on Wednesday, offering a more conservative view of the ramp up than some Trump administration officials. Fauci said there could be a billion vaccine doses available by the end of 2021, and that he is hopeful the world could get past the pandemic that has claimed more than 700,000 lives worldwide by then, with the help of a vaccine. U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar said last month the U.S. would have hundreds of millions of vaccine doses by early in 2021. Those goals are only possible because drugmakers have agreed to manufacture large supplies of their vaccines even before they know whether they work in order to save time. “The federal government has put more than one egg in the basket,” Fauci said. “We have a pretty comprehensive portfolio that’s going to subsequently be going into clinical trials.” He said there might be an indication that at least one vaccine works and is safe by year end. “I’m cautiously optimistic that we will have a vaccine that’s effective enough to get approved,” he said. That will not happen because of any pressure to have a vaccine available in time for the Nov. 3 presidential election, he said. Health regulators have promised “they are not going to let political considerations interfere” with the need to deliver a safe COVID-19 vaccine, Fauci said. [nL1N2F72GO] Fauci’s interview with Reuters came on the same day Trump said in an interview with Fox News that the virus is “going away. It will go away like things go away.” Fauci offered a more mixed assessment, saying some parts of the country had done well in containing the spread of the virus, while others were “on fire.” “I hope, and feel it’s possible, that by the time we get through 2021 and go around for another cycle that we’ll have this under control,” he said. The United States is committed to spending billions of dollars on vaccines being produced by companies including Johnson & Johnson, Moderna Inc, Pfizer Inc, Novavax Inc and Sanofi SA, employing a variety of technologies. Fauci said he did not favor one approach over any other. “All of them look pretty good,” he said. “The proof of the pudding is the randomized placebo controlled trial.”

Fauci expects tens of millions of coronavirus vaccine doses at start of 2021

The United States government will pay Johnson and Johnson over $1 billion for 100 million doses of its potential coronavirus vaccine -- amid the global race to produce an antidote for COVID-19.

The drugmaker said on Wednesday it would deliver the vaccine to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) on a not-for-profit basis to be used after approval or emergency use authorisation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The contract is priced at roughly $10 per vaccine dose produced by J&amp;J, or around $14.50 per dose, including a previous $456 million the US government promised to J&amp;J for vaccine development in March. That compares with the $19.50 per dose that the US is paying for the vaccine being developed by Pfizer Inc and German biotech BioNTech SE.

J&amp;J is studying both one and two-dose regimens of its vaccine. Pfizer and BioNTech`s candidate would require two doses per person treated.&nbsp;

The US government may also purchase an additional 200 million doses under a subsequent agreement.

As the race for vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 intensifies, the US government has been signing deals to buy them through its Operation Warp Speed programme. Other drugmakers who have signed deals include Sanofi SA and Regeneron Inc.

This is J&amp;J's first deal to supply its investigational vaccine to a country. The investigational vaccine is currently being tested on healthy volunteers in the United States and Belgium in an early-stage study.

There are currently no approved vaccines for COVID-19. More than 20 are in clinical trials. 
&nbsp;

The United States government will pay Johnson and Johnson over $1 billion for 100 million doses of its potential coronavirus vaccine -- amid the global race to produce an antidote for COVID-19.

The United States government will pay Johnson and Johnson over $1 billion for 100 million doses of its potential coronavirus vaccine -- amid the global race to produce an antidote for COVID-19. The drugmaker said on Wednesday it would deliver the vaccine to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) on a not-for-profit basis to be used after approval or emergency use authorisation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The contract is priced at roughly $10 per vaccine dose produced by J&J, or around $14.50 per dose, including a previous $456 million the US government promised to J&J for vaccine development in March. That compares with the $19.50 per dose that the US is paying for the vaccine being developed by Pfizer Inc and German biotech BioNTech SE. J&J is studying both one and two-dose regimens of its vaccine. Pfizer and BioNTech`s candidate would require two doses per person treated. The US government may also purchase an additional 200 million doses under a subsequent agreement. As the race for vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 intensifies, the US government has been signing deals to buy them through its Operation Warp Speed programme. Other drugmakers who have signed deals include Sanofi SA and Regeneron Inc. This is J&J's first deal to supply its investigational vaccine to a country. The investigational vaccine is currently being tested on healthy volunteers in the United States and Belgium in an early-stage study. There are currently no approved vaccines for COVID-19. More than 20 are in clinical trials.

US to pay Johnson & Johnson over $1 bn for 100 mn doses of its potential coronavirus vaccine

Facebook has removed a video post by US President Donald Trump in which he contended that children are "almost immune" to the coronavirus.

The social network called termed this claim as a "harmful COVID misinformation."

This was the first time the leading social network has pulled a post from the president's page for being dangerously incorrect.

The move came as Facebook faces pressure to prevent the spread of misinformation while simultaneously being accused of silencing viewpoints by calling for posts to be truthful.

A tweet containing the video that was posted by the Trump campaign's @TeamTrump account and shared by the president was also later hidden by Twitter Inc for breaking its COVID-19 misinformation rules.

A Twitter spokesman said the @TeamTrump account owner would be required to remove the tweet before they could tweet again.

The Trump campaign accused the companies of bias against the president, saying Trump had stated a fact. "Social media companies are not the arbiters of truth," said Courtney Parella, a spokeswoman with the campaign.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that while adults make up most of the known COVID-19 cases to date, some children and infants have been sick with the disease and they can also transmit it to others.

Trump defended his comments when questioned about them during a White House press briefing.

"I'm talking about (being immune) from getting very sick," Trump said.

"If you look at children I mean they are able to throw it off very easily."

Health officials have urged people of all age groups to protect themselves against exposure to the virus, saying everyone is at risk.

Facebook placed an informational disclaimer last month on a post from Trump claiming mail-in voting would lead to a "corrupt" election.

The move appeared to follow through on the social network giant's pledge to step up efforts to fight misinformation, including from world leaders, shifting slightly from its hands-off policy on political speech.

Facebook has largely held firm to a policy that it would not fact-check political leaders, but it has pledged to take down any post which could lead to violence or mislead people about the voting process.

Trump last week unleashed a burst of misleading medical speculation, criticism for his own top virus expert and praise for an eccentric preacher-doctor touting conspiracy theories.

That put an end to a brief period during which Trump sought to get his shaky reelection campaign back on track by addressing national criticism of a leadership void in a crisis that has already killed nearly 160,000 Americans and wreaked havoc on the world's biggest economy.

Trump said it was unfair that leading US infectious diseases specialist Anthony Fauci was more popular than him.

He pushed his pet theory -- counter to advice from his own government and most doctors -- that the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

And he took pains to praise Stella Immanuel, a doctor and preacher who believes in witchcraft and a plot being carried out to vaccinate people against being religious, calling her "spectacular." 
&nbsp;

Facebook has removed a video post by US President Donald Trump in which he contended that children are "almost immune" to the coronavirus. The social network called termed this claim as a "harmful COVID misinformation.

Facebook has removed a video post by US President Donald Trump in which he contended that children are "almost immune" to the coronavirus. The social network called termed this claim as a "harmful COVID misinformation." This was the first time the leading social network has pulled a post from the president's page for being dangerously incorrect. The move came as Facebook faces pressure to prevent the spread of misinformation while simultaneously being accused of silencing viewpoints by calling for posts to be truthful. A tweet containing the video that was posted by the Trump campaign's @TeamTrump account and shared by the president was also later hidden by Twitter Inc for breaking its COVID-19 misinformation rules. A Twitter spokesman said the @TeamTrump account owner would be required to remove the tweet before they could tweet again. The Trump campaign accused the companies of bias against the president, saying Trump had stated a fact. "Social media companies are not the arbiters of truth," said Courtney Parella, a spokeswoman with the campaign. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that while adults make up most of the known COVID-19 cases to date, some children and infants have been sick with the disease and they can also transmit it to others. Trump defended his comments when questioned about them during a White House press briefing. "I'm talking about (being immune) from getting very sick," Trump said. "If you look at children I mean they are able to throw it off very easily." Health officials have urged people of all age groups to protect themselves against exposure to the virus, saying everyone is at risk. Facebook placed an informational disclaimer last month on a post from Trump claiming mail-in voting would lead to a "corrupt" election. The move appeared to follow through on the social network giant's pledge to step up efforts to fight misinformation, including from world leaders, shifting slightly from its hands-off policy on political speech. Facebook has largely held firm to a policy that it would not fact-check political leaders, but it has pledged to take down any post which could lead to violence or mislead people about the voting process. Trump last week unleashed a burst of misleading medical speculation, criticism for his own top virus expert and praise for an eccentric preacher-doctor touting conspiracy theories. That put an end to a brief period during which Trump sought to get his shaky reelection campaign back on track by addressing national criticism of a leadership void in a crisis that has already killed nearly 160,000 Americans and wreaked havoc on the world's biggest economy. Trump said it was unfair that leading US infectious diseases specialist Anthony Fauci was more popular than him. He pushed his pet theory -- counter to advice from his own government and most doctors -- that the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat COVID-19 patients. And he took pains to praise Stella Immanuel, a doctor and preacher who believes in witchcraft and a plot being carried out to vaccinate people against being religious, calling her "spectacular."

Facebook, Twitter remove Trump post over 'false' coronavirus claims

Novavax Inc said on Wednesday it has entered a supply and license agreement with the Serum Institute of India for the development and commercialization of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

The Indian drugmaker will have exclusive rights for the vaccine in India during the term of the deal and non-exclusive rights during the "Pandemic Period" in all countries other than those designated by the World Bank as upper-middle or high-income countries.

The deal was signed on July 30, according to an SEC filing by Novavax.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Novavax reported that its experimental COVID-19 vaccine produced high levels of antibodies against the novel coronavirus in a small, early-stage clinical trial, and that it could start a large pivotal Phase III trial as soon as late September.

Novavax Inc said on Wednesday it has entered a supply and license agreement with the Serum Institute of India for the development and commercialization of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

Novavax Inc said on Wednesday it has entered a supply and license agreement with the Serum Institute of India for the development and commercialization of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate. The Indian drugmaker will have exclusive rights for the vaccine in India during the term of the deal and non-exclusive rights during the "Pandemic Period" in all countries other than those designated by the World Bank as upper-middle or high-income countries. The deal was signed on July 30, according to an SEC filing by Novavax. On Tuesday, Novavax reported that its experimental COVID-19 vaccine produced high levels of antibodies against the novel coronavirus in a small, early-stage clinical trial, and that it could start a large pivotal Phase III trial as soon as late September.

Novavax signs COVID-19 vaccine supply deal with India's Serum Institute

The results also showed that antibodies against the novel coronavirus in 10 per cent of the 100 patients have disappeared.

90% of recovered COVID-19 patients in Wuhan suffering from lung damage

The Saryu Ghat was seen decorated ahead of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday. In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, sanitisation work was also done at the Hanuman Garhi temple in the morning ahead of the Prime Minister`s visit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-blog-sanitisation-underway-in-ayodhya-before-ram-temple-foundation-laying-ceremony-318200">Live blog: Ayodhya gears for Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony</a>

Strict security and COVID-19 protocols will be followed at the temple. PM Modi will perform `pooja` at Hanuman Garhi and Shree Ramlala Virajman before performing `bhoomi poojan` of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) had informed on Tuesday.

He will unveil a plaque to mark the laying of the foundation stone and also release a commemorative postage stamp on `Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir`.Invitations have been sent to 175 people, including 135 saints of 35 religious organisations to attend the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Ram temple.&nbsp;

The Saryu Ghat was seen decorated ahead of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday. In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, sanitisation work was also done at the Hanuman Garhi temple in the morning ahead of the Prime Minister`s visit.

The Saryu Ghat was seen decorated ahead of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday. In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, sanitisation work was also done at the Hanuman Garhi temple in the morning ahead of the Prime Minister`s visit. Also read: Live blog: Ayodhya gears for Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony Strict security and COVID-19 protocols will be followed at the temple. PM Modi will perform `pooja` at Hanuman Garhi and Shree Ramlala Virajman before performing `bhoomi poojan` of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) had informed on Tuesday. He will unveil a plaque to mark the laying of the foundation stone and also release a commemorative postage stamp on `Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir`.Invitations have been sent to 175 people, including 135 saints of 35 religious organisations to attend the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Ram temple.

COVID-19 protocols in place as Ayodhya gets ready for grand Ram Temple ceremony

&nbsp;Latin America surpassed Europe on Tuesday to become the region with the highest coronavirus death toll worldwide, according to a Reuters tally.&nbsp;

The region has now recorded more than 206,000 deaths, approximately 30% of the global total.&nbsp;

Brazil, the Latin American country most affected by the novel coronavirus, has now recorded a total of 95,819 deaths as of Tuesday. Mexico, the second-most affected country in the region, has 48,869 deaths.&nbsp;

The spread of the pandemic has also accelerated in Colombia, Peru, Argentina and Bolivia.

Last week Latin America became the most-affected region by the number of cases. On Monday, its number of infections surpassed 5 million, according to a Reuters tally based on government data.&nbsp;

The number of cases increased after authorities relaxed lockdown measures in order to stimulate economic growth.

The virus has infected more than 18.4 million people worldwide. The global death toll is 698,000.&nbsp;

Latin America surpassed Europe on Tuesday to become the region with the highest coronavirus death toll worldwide, according to a Reuters tally. The region has now recorded more than 206,000 deaths, approximately 30% of the global total.

Latin America surpassed Europe on Tuesday to become the region with the highest coronavirus death toll worldwide, according to a Reuters tally. The region has now recorded more than 206,000 deaths, approximately 30% of the global total. Brazil, the Latin American country most affected by the novel coronavirus, has now recorded a total of 95,819 deaths as of Tuesday. Mexico, the second-most affected country in the region, has 48,869 deaths. The spread of the pandemic has also accelerated in Colombia, Peru, Argentina and Bolivia. Last week Latin America became the most-affected region by the number of cases. On Monday, its number of infections surpassed 5 million, according to a Reuters tally based on government data. The number of cases increased after authorities relaxed lockdown measures in order to stimulate economic growth. The virus has infected more than 18.4 million people worldwide. The global death toll is 698,000.

Latin America now has world's highest coronavirus death toll

Virgin Atlantic has applied for bankruptcy protection in the United States, court filings show, as the British airline -- which has not flown since April because of coronavirus -- seeks to tie up a rescue deal in the UK.

The company -- part-owned by Richard Branson -- grounded its planes in April because of the pandemic but announced plans for private funding worth 1.2 billion pounds ($1.5 billion) in July, what it called a "major milestone towards securing its future."

A court filing showed Virgin Atlantic sought Chapter 15 bankruptcy in New York on Tuesday, a move that would protect its US assets as a foreign debtor while it seeks approval in the UK from creditors for the rescue plan.

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In court proceedings currently underway in Britain, Virgin Atlantic was given approval on Tuesday to hold creditor meetings to vote on the rescue plan.

The company has said it plans to slash annual costs by 280 million pounds per year and announced plans earlier in the year to axe more than 3,000 jobs as the pandemic grounded most of its fleet.

Airlines globally have been slammed by the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in bailouts and thousands of job losses.

The Virgin Group has been particularly hard hit, with Virgin Australia going into voluntary administration in April before it was snapped up by a US equity firm.

It announced Wednesday it would close budget subsidiary Tigerair Australia and lay off 3,000 staff as it prepares to relaunch under the new owners.

It would also continue the suspension of long-haul international flights and retire part of its fleet.

Virgin Atlantic has applied for bankruptcy protection in the United States, court filings show, as the British airline -- which has not flown since April because of coronavirus -- seeks to tie up a rescue deal in the UK.

Virgin Atlantic has applied for bankruptcy protection in the United States, court filings show, as the British airline -- which has not flown since April because of coronavirus -- seeks to tie up a rescue deal in the UK. The company -- part-owned by Richard Branson -- grounded its planes in April because of the pandemic but announced plans for private funding worth 1.2 billion pounds ($1.5 billion) in July, what it called a "major milestone towards securing its future." A court filing showed Virgin Atlantic sought Chapter 15 bankruptcy in New York on Tuesday, a move that would protect its US assets as a foreign debtor while it seeks approval in the UK from creditors for the rescue plan. × In court proceedings currently underway in Britain, Virgin Atlantic was given approval on Tuesday to hold creditor meetings to vote on the rescue plan. The company has said it plans to slash annual costs by 280 million pounds per year and announced plans earlier in the year to axe more than 3,000 jobs as the pandemic grounded most of its fleet. Airlines globally have been slammed by the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in bailouts and thousands of job losses. The Virgin Group has been particularly hard hit, with Virgin Australia going into voluntary administration in April before it was snapped up by a US equity firm. It announced Wednesday it would close budget subsidiary Tigerair Australia and lay off 3,000 staff as it prepares to relaunch under the new owners. It would also continue the suspension of long-haul international flights and retire part of its fleet.

Virgin Atlantic files for bankruptcy protection in US as virus bites

Preparing for a pandemic is way cheaper than dealing with its fallout, a new research posits.

Besides the obvious costs to the economy and healthcare industry along with the loss of livelihoods, a lot of costs arising from our inability to keep rainforests protected has made the pandemic more expensive by trillions of dollars.

If our tropical rainforests were better equipped to deal with the fallout of the pandemic, trillions could have been saved.

Disharmony in nature: more pandemics

Scientists have posited how the pandemic is a direct consequence of the disharmony brewing in nature owing to climate change and depletion of natural resources, including tropical forests.

Owing to this, new diseases like coronavirus that may be transmitted from animals to humans have emerged and will continue to increase.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has infected over 17 million people around the world, and is allegedly came from bats in China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-25-italians-have-coronavirus-antibodies-national-survey-shows-317994">Only 2.5% Italians have coronavirus antibodies, national survey shows</a>

“Much of this traces back to our indifference about what has been occurring at the edges of tropical forests,” said Les Kaufman, a coauthor of a policy document in “Science”.

He put together a team to understand the economic implications of the pandemic, and to limit the transmission of the virus.

They discovered that reducing the transmission of new diseases in tropical forests would cost between $22.2 and $30.7 billion. This might seem like a huge amount, which it is.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-teachers-protest-school-reopenings-coronavirus-cases-down-in-south-west-318015" hreflang="en">US teachers protest school reopenings, coronavirus cases down in South, West</a>

But when compared to what the pandemic will actually cost us, it seems like a negligible amount. The pandemic is costing us between $8.1 and $15.8 trillion globally, which is over 500 times the cost of preventive measures.

Researches took into the lost GDP and cost of economic and workforce cost of deaths around the world to ascertain total financial losses.

But why tropical forests?

Researchers say most transmission of diseases between animals and humans takes place in tropical forests. As humans venture into untouched territories seeking natural exploits, the changes of contracting such viruses increase. And with ever depleting resources, people are entering more uncharted territories than ever.

These activities include logging, cattle ranching, livestock businesses, and exotic animal trade.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/do-not-administer-painkillers-for-chronic-pain-urges-new-uk-health-report-to-doctors-318025" hreflang="en">Do not administer painkillers for chronic pain, urges new UK health report to doctors</a>

In essence, we need to invest in protecting and demarcating ecosystems, as they were naturally intended to be, otherwise such pandemics will keep showing up, and we’ll have no defence against them.

To counter these effects, researchers believe the need of the hour is to invest money in ending wild meat trade in China, coming up with policies to cut down on deforestation by 40 per cent, and by fighting chances of disease transmission from wild animals to livestock.

Preparing for a pandemic is way cheaper than dealing with its fallout, a new research posits. Besides the obvious costs to the economy and healthcare industry along with the loss of livelihoods, a lot of costs arising from our inability to keep rainforests protected has made the pandemic more expensive by trillions of dollars.

Preparing for a pandemic is way cheaper than dealing with its fallout, a new research posits. Besides the obvious costs to the economy and healthcare industry along with the loss of livelihoods, a lot of costs arising from our inability to keep rainforests protected has made the pandemic more expensive by trillions of dollars. If our tropical rainforests were better equipped to deal with the fallout of the pandemic, trillions could have been saved. Disharmony in nature: more pandemics Scientists have posited how the pandemic is a direct consequence of the disharmony brewing in nature owing to climate change and depletion of natural resources, including tropical forests. Owing to this, new diseases like coronavirus that may be transmitted from animals to humans have emerged and will continue to increase. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has infected over 17 million people around the world, and is allegedly came from bats in China. Also read: Only 2.5% Italians have coronavirus antibodies, national survey shows “Much of this traces back to our indifference about what has been occurring at the edges of tropical forests,” said Les Kaufman, a coauthor of a policy document in “Science”. He put together a team to understand the economic implications of the pandemic, and to limit the transmission of the virus. They discovered that reducing the transmission of new diseases in tropical forests would cost between $22.2 and $30.7 billion. This might seem like a huge amount, which it is. Also read: US teachers protest school reopenings, coronavirus cases down in South, West But when compared to what the pandemic will actually cost us, it seems like a negligible amount. The pandemic is costing us between $8.1 and $15.8 trillion globally, which is over 500 times the cost of preventive measures. Researches took into the lost GDP and cost of economic and workforce cost of deaths around the world to ascertain total financial losses. But why tropical forests? Researchers say most transmission of diseases between animals and humans takes place in tropical forests. As humans venture into untouched territories seeking natural exploits, the changes of contracting such viruses increase. And with ever depleting resources, people are entering more uncharted territories than ever. These activities include logging, cattle ranching, livestock businesses, and exotic animal trade. Also read: Do not administer painkillers for chronic pain, urges new UK health report to doctors In essence, we need to invest in protecting and demarcating ecosystems, as they were naturally intended to be, otherwise such pandemics will keep showing up, and we’ll have no defence against them. To counter these effects, researchers believe the need of the hour is to invest money in ending wild meat trade in China, coming up with policies to cut down on deforestation by 40 per cent, and by fighting chances of disease transmission from wild animals to livestock.

Investing in preventive measures is 500 times cheaper than post-pandemic costs: Study

President Donald Trump met with U.S. tech workers on Monday before signing an executive order adding increased scrutiny to federal government contracts hiring foreign workers

President Donald Trump signs Executive order on 'Hire American' | US Economy | WION

Teachers at dozens of school districts protested from their cars on Monday over plans by some U.S. governors to resume in-class instruction during the coronavirus pandemic, while Arizona, Florida, California and Texas saw declines in new cases.&nbsp;

The teachers, who painted messages on their cars and formed caravans with other school employees, want instruction conducted online until testing shows that classrooms are safe and districts hire more nurses and counselors.

The Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association, the union representing public school teachers statewide, posted pictures on Twitter of protesters making cardboard gravestones with messages such as "Here lies a third grade student from Green Bay who caught COVID at school" and "RIP Grandma caught COVID helping grand kids with homework."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-19-deaths-rise-for-fourth-week-new-cases-drop-5-318003" hreflang="en">US COVID-19 deaths rise for fourth week, new cases drop 5%</a>

Teachers in Chicago, Milwaukee and Philadelphia honked their horns in car protests. Demonstrators rallied outside the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce building, and in Connecticut about 400 formed a car march that passed Governor Ned Lamont's home.

"I do not want to put my students or myself in harm's way. I do not want to be an experiment," Chicago elementary school teacher Andrea Parker told reporters.

More than 155,000 people have died nationwide from COVID-19 since the virus was first identified in the United States in January. Cases nationally fell for a second week in a row but rose week-over-week in 20 states, including Missouri, Montana and Oklahoma.

Deaths in the United States rose for a fourth week in a row to more than 8,500 people in the seven days ended Aug. 2, a Reuters analysis found.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

CASES TREND DOWN IN SUNBELT STATES

Arizona, California, Florida and Texas, U.S. states with some of the largest populations, saw fewer cases and hospitalizations.

Californian Governor Gavin Newsom said intensive care unit admissions were also down in his state but it was too early to celebrate.

"This virus is not going away," Newsom said at a briefing. "It's not going to take Labor Day weekend off or Halloween off or the holidays off. Until we have a vaccine, we are going to be living with this virus."&nbsp;

The governor said the decline was not enough to merit a change in his order that Californian schools begin the August term with online learning.

The Los Angeles teachers union and education officials on Monday agreed to a plan for resuming online-only classes later this month in the nation's second-largest school district. [L1N2F52C4]

Schools are at the center of negotiations between Democrats in Congress and the administration of President Donald Trump over a coronavirus economic relief bill. Democratic leaders and White House negotiators both said on Monday they had made progress in those talks, though the administration said Trump could act alone if no deal is reached.&nbsp;

With Democrat Joe Biden leading in polls ahead of the November presidential election, Trump, a Republican, has made school reopenings part of his re-election campaign.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government's top infectious disease expert, said in an interview with the Journal of the American Medical Association on Monday that states with spiraling case numbers should consider re-imposing lockdown restrictions on residents and businesses.

But Fauci told a news conference with Connecticut's Lamont that he favored getting students back in class, citing negative psychological impacts of keeping them home as well as the role schools play in feeding children.

"The default position should be to try as best as you possibly can to open up the schools for in-person learning," Fauci said.

Previously hard-hit parts of New York and New Jersey with dense populations have seen an increase in new cases in recent days, prompting New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to reduce indoor limits to 25 people per room from 100.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he would announce later this week whether to reopen schools in his state, which has recorded by far the greatest number of COVID-19 deaths, more than 32,000.&nbsp;

Teachers at dozens of school districts protested from their cars on Monday over plans by some U.S. governors to resume in-class instruction during the coronavirus pandemic, while Arizona, Florida, California and Texas saw declines in new cases.

Teachers at dozens of school districts protested from their cars on Monday over plans by some U.S. governors to resume in-class instruction during the coronavirus pandemic, while Arizona, Florida, California and Texas saw declines in new cases. The teachers, who painted messages on their cars and formed caravans with other school employees, want instruction conducted online until testing shows that classrooms are safe and districts hire more nurses and counselors. The Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association, the union representing public school teachers statewide, posted pictures on Twitter of protesters making cardboard gravestones with messages such as "Here lies a third grade student from Green Bay who caught COVID at school" and "RIP Grandma caught COVID helping grand kids with homework." Also read: US COVID-19 deaths rise for fourth week, new cases drop 5% Teachers in Chicago, Milwaukee and Philadelphia honked their horns in car protests. Demonstrators rallied outside the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce building, and in Connecticut about 400 formed a car march that passed Governor Ned Lamont's home. "I do not want to put my students or myself in harm's way. I do not want to be an experiment," Chicago elementary school teacher Andrea Parker told reporters. More than 155,000 people have died nationwide from COVID-19 since the virus was first identified in the United States in January. Cases nationally fell for a second week in a row but rose week-over-week in 20 states, including Missouri, Montana and Oklahoma. Deaths in the United States rose for a fourth week in a row to more than 8,500 people in the seven days ended Aug. 2, a Reuters analysis found. CASES TREND DOWN IN SUNBELT STATES Arizona, California, Florida and Texas, U.S. states with some of the largest populations, saw fewer cases and hospitalizations. Californian Governor Gavin Newsom said intensive care unit admissions were also down in his state but it was too early to celebrate. "This virus is not going away," Newsom said at a briefing. "It's not going to take Labor Day weekend off or Halloween off or the holidays off. Until we have a vaccine, we are going to be living with this virus." The governor said the decline was not enough to merit a change in his order that Californian schools begin the August term with online learning. The Los Angeles teachers union and education officials on Monday agreed to a plan for resuming online-only classes later this month in the nation's second-largest school district. [L1N2F52C4] Schools are at the center of negotiations between Democrats in Congress and the administration of President Donald Trump over a coronavirus economic relief bill. Democratic leaders and White House negotiators both said on Monday they had made progress in those talks, though the administration said Trump could act alone if no deal is reached. With Democrat Joe Biden leading in polls ahead of the November presidential election, Trump, a Republican, has made school reopenings part of his re-election campaign. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government's top infectious disease expert, said in an interview with the Journal of the American Medical Association on Monday that states with spiraling case numbers should consider re-imposing lockdown restrictions on residents and businesses. But Fauci told a news conference with Connecticut's Lamont that he favored getting students back in class, citing negative psychological impacts of keeping them home as well as the role schools play in feeding children. "The default position should be to try as best as you possibly can to open up the schools for in-person learning," Fauci said. Previously hard-hit parts of New York and New Jersey with dense populations have seen an increase in new cases in recent days, prompting New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to reduce indoor limits to 25 people per room from 100. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he would announce later this week whether to reopen schools in his state, which has recorded by far the greatest number of COVID-19 deaths, more than 32,000.

US teachers protest school reopenings, coronavirus cases down in South, West

Latin America broke through 5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday, a Reuters tally showed, underscoring that the region is the area of the world hardest hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The coronavirus was initially slower to reach Latin America - home to about 640 million people - than much of the world. But health experts say it has been hard to control the virus due to the region's poverty and densely packed cities.

The more than 10,000 new cases reported by Colombia's health ministry on Monday pushed the region past the 5 million mark, a day after the Andean nation reported a record 11,470 cases.

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Latin America has now topped 200,000 deaths. Brazil's total approached 96,000 on Monday and Mexico surpassed 48,000. The two countries have the world's second and third highest death tolls, after the United States.

North America is the region with the second highest number of cases, with 4.8 million infections, according to a Reuters tally, followed by Europe and Asia, which have around 3 million infections each.

Latin America is particularly vulnerable to the virus due to high levels of poverty, urbanization and labor informality, according to a July 30 report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and the Pan American Health Organization.

More than 100 million people across Latin America and the Caribbean live in slums, according to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. Many have jobs in the informal sector with little in the way of a social safety net and have continued to work throughout the pandemic.

"The pandemic has become an precedented economic and social crisis and, if urgent measures are not taken, it could transform into a food, humanitarian, and political crisis," the report warned.

Latin America has also a high death rate from the virus, likely due to a number of factors, including high levels of underlying conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

Latin America broke through 5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday, a Reuters tally showed, underscoring that the region is the area of the world hardest hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Latin America broke through 5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday, a Reuters tally showed, underscoring that the region is the area of the world hardest hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus was initially slower to reach Latin America - home to about 640 million people - than much of the world. But health experts say it has been hard to control the virus due to the region's poverty and densely packed cities. The more than 10,000 new cases reported by Colombia's health ministry on Monday pushed the region past the 5 million mark, a day after the Andean nation reported a record 11,470 cases. Also read: Brazil announces South American meeting on Amazon, accepts Chile's help Latin America has now topped 200,000 deaths. Brazil's total approached 96,000 on Monday and Mexico surpassed 48,000. The two countries have the world's second and third highest death tolls, after the United States. North America is the region with the second highest number of cases, with 4.8 million infections, according to a Reuters tally, followed by Europe and Asia, which have around 3 million infections each. Latin America is particularly vulnerable to the virus due to high levels of poverty, urbanization and labor informality, according to a July 30 report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and the Pan American Health Organization. More than 100 million people across Latin America and the Caribbean live in slums, according to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. Many have jobs in the informal sector with little in the way of a social safety net and have continued to work throughout the pandemic. "The pandemic has become an precedented economic and social crisis and, if urgent measures are not taken, it could transform into a food, humanitarian, and political crisis," the report warned. Latin America has also a high death rate from the virus, likely due to a number of factors, including high levels of underlying conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

Latin America exceeds five million COVID-19 cases

US&nbsp;deaths from COVID-19 rose for a fourth week in a row to more than 8,500 people in the seven days ended Aug. 2, while the number of new cases fell for a second straight week, a Reuters analysis found.

Last week's death toll was 36% higher than the previous week, though deaths are a lagging indicator and can continue to rise weeks after new infections drop.&nbsp;

The number of new COVID-19 cases reported last week fell 5% from the previous week to about 435,000, according to the Reuters tally of state and county reports. California, Florida and Texas collectively accounted for nearly 180,000 of the new cases, though new infections were lower in all three states compared to the previous week.

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Cases rose week-over-week in 20 states, including in Oklahoma where cases have risen for nine weeks in a row, in Montana where cases are up for eight straight weeks, and in Missouri where infections have risen for seven weeks.

Testing for COVID-19 fell by 6% in the United States last week, the first decline since late May, according to data from The COVID Tracking Project, a volunteer-run effort to track the outbreak.&nbsp;

Nationally, 8.2% of tests came back positive for the novel coronavirus, still higher than the 5% level that the World Health Organization considers concerning because it suggests there are more cases in the community that have not yet been uncovered.

Thirty-one states had positivity test rates above 5%, according to the analysis, including Alabama at 22%, Mississippi at 21%, and Florida and Kansas at 19%.

US deaths from COVID-19 rose for a fourth week in a row to more than 8,500 people in the seven days ended Aug. 2, while the number of new cases fell for a second straight week, a Reuters analysis found.

US deaths from COVID-19 rose for a fourth week in a row to more than 8,500 people in the seven days ended Aug. 2, while the number of new cases fell for a second straight week, a Reuters analysis found. Last week's death toll was 36% higher than the previous week, though deaths are a lagging indicator and can continue to rise weeks after new infections drop. The number of new COVID-19 cases reported last week fell 5% from the previous week to about 435,000, according to the Reuters tally of state and county reports. California, Florida and Texas collectively accounted for nearly 180,000 of the new cases, though new infections were lower in all three states compared to the previous week. Also read: Trump says US should get a 'substantial portion' of TikTok sales Cases rose week-over-week in 20 states, including in Oklahoma where cases have risen for nine weeks in a row, in Montana where cases are up for eight straight weeks, and in Missouri where infections have risen for seven weeks. Testing for COVID-19 fell by 6% in the United States last week, the first decline since late May, according to data from The COVID Tracking Project, a volunteer-run effort to track the outbreak. Nationally, 8.2% of tests came back positive for the novel coronavirus, still higher than the 5% level that the World Health Organization considers concerning because it suggests there are more cases in the community that have not yet been uncovered. Thirty-one states had positivity test rates above 5%, according to the analysis, including Alabama at 22%, Mississippi at 21%, and Florida and Kansas at 19%.

US COVID-19 deaths rise for fourth week, new cases drop 5%

Australia's second-most populous state Victoria said on Tuesday military personnel will be deployed to enforce COVID-19 isolation orders, with anyone caught in breach of those rules facing tough new fines.

Victoria earlier this week imposed a night curfew, tightened restrictions on people's daily movements and ordered large parts of the local economy to close to slow the spread of coronavirus.

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But nearly a third of those who had contracted COVID-19 were not home isolating when checked on by officials, requiring tough new penalties, Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews said on Tuesday.

Andrews said 500 military personnel will this week deploy to Victoria to bolster enforcement of self-isolation orders, with fines of nearly A$5,000 ($3,559.00) for breaching stay at home orders. The only exemption will be for urgent medical care.&nbsp;

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"There is literally no reason for you to leave your home and if you were to leave your home and not be found there, you will have a very difficult time convincing Victoria police that you have a lawful reason," Andrews told reporters in Melbourne .&nbsp;

Victoria on Tuesday reported 439 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours. Andrews said 11 people had died from the virus since Monday. In total, Australia has recorded nearly 19,000 COVID-19 cases and 232 fatalities, far few than many other developed nations.

Australia's second-most populous state Victoria said on Tuesday military personnel will be deployed to enforce COVID-19 isolation orders, with anyone caught in breach of those rules facing tough new fines.

Australia's second-most populous state Victoria said on Tuesday military personnel will be deployed to enforce COVID-19 isolation orders, with anyone caught in breach of those rules facing tough new fines. Victoria earlier this week imposed a night curfew, tightened restrictions on people's daily movements and ordered large parts of the local economy to close to slow the spread of coronavirus. Also read: Australian envoy continues to win Twitter battle against Chinese ambassador But nearly a third of those who had contracted COVID-19 were not home isolating when checked on by officials, requiring tough new penalties, Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews said on Tuesday. Andrews said 500 military personnel will this week deploy to Victoria to bolster enforcement of self-isolation orders, with fines of nearly A$5,000 ($3,559.00) for breaching stay at home orders. The only exemption will be for urgent medical care. Also read: COVID: 19: Melbourne put under night curfew; Australian PM Morrison announces 'disaster payment' "There is literally no reason for you to leave your home and if you were to leave your home and not be found there, you will have a very difficult time convincing Victoria police that you have a lawful reason," Andrews told reporters in Melbourne . Victoria on Tuesday reported 439 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours. Andrews said 11 people had died from the virus since Monday. In total, Australia has recorded nearly 19,000 COVID-19 cases and 232 fatalities, far few than many other developed nations.

Australian state to deploy military, impose hefty fines to enforce virus isolation

Italy was once the hardest-hit country by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The country has witnessed 35,166 deaths in total, and has confirmed over 248,000 cases of COVID-19 so far. An additional 201,000 have recovered.

Given this whopping number, authorities undertook the mammoth task of create a post-peak database of antibodies.

Turns out, only 2.5 per cent of Italians, or 1,482,000 people showed traces of coronavirus antibodies, even despite being one of the hardest-hit countries in the world at one point.

Lombardy takes the lead

The national survey released on Monday revealed how Lombardy, which was once the worst-hit region in the country reported the most number of people with antibodies against the virus. Over 7.5 per cent of the total antibodies were reported here.

On the other hand, the two major islands - Sicily and Sardinia had the lowest number of reported antibodies - 0.3 per cent of the population.

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“The different results of the survey in the country’s territory are very relevant.&nbsp;This means that the tough and rigorous measure adopted by the central and regionals governments, and the correct behavior of the Italian people avoided a more massive spread of the virus,” Minister of Health Roberto Speranza said during while addressing the media on Monday.&nbsp;

The survey also reveals more information about coronavirus and its transmission. Over a third of those who tested positive for antibodies remained asymptomatic throughout the course of their illness and may have been the major contributors to the number of infections.

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Most cases of infection (over 41.7 per cent came from relatives living in the same house).

Six times higher than during peak

According to Linda Laura Sabbadini, the director of the National Institute For Statistics, the current number of people with antibodies is over six times higher than it was during the virus’ peak in the country in March.

As part of the survey, which was done in collaboration with the Italian Red Cross between May 25 and July 15, over 64,660 blood samples were tested. Over 2,000 villages and cities across the country were divided based on sex, occupation, and age groups to map out a better database.

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However, the survey did not account for people who live in health care facilities.

Earlier in May, the government had claimed that the survey would include 150,000 people. Sabbadini however explained how “the health emergency made the survey procedure more complicated”, but it still remained “an incredibly useful source of data”.

Italy was once the hardest-hit country by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The country has witnessed 35,166 deaths in total, and has confirmed over 248,000 cases of COVID-19 so far.

Italy was once the hardest-hit country by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The country has witnessed 35,166 deaths in total, and has confirmed over 248,000 cases of COVID-19 so far. An additional 201,000 have recovered. Given this whopping number, authorities undertook the mammoth task of create a post-peak database of antibodies. Turns out, only 2.5 per cent of Italians, or 1,482,000 people showed traces of coronavirus antibodies, even despite being one of the hardest-hit countries in the world at one point. Lombardy takes the lead The national survey released on Monday revealed how Lombardy, which was once the worst-hit region in the country reported the most number of people with antibodies against the virus. Over 7.5 per cent of the total antibodies were reported here. On the other hand, the two major islands - Sicily and Sardinia had the lowest number of reported antibodies - 0.3 per cent of the population. Also read: Waste water study finds coronavirus was already in Italy in December “The different results of the survey in the country’s territory are very relevant. This means that the tough and rigorous measure adopted by the central and regionals governments, and the correct behavior of the Italian people avoided a more massive spread of the virus,” Minister of Health Roberto Speranza said during while addressing the media on Monday. The survey also reveals more information about coronavirus and its transmission. Over a third of those who tested positive for antibodies remained asymptomatic throughout the course of their illness and may have been the major contributors to the number of infections. Also read: Italy's PM says virus crisis should be opportunity to reform country Most cases of infection (over 41.7 per cent came from relatives living in the same house). Six times higher than during peak According to Linda Laura Sabbadini, the director of the National Institute For Statistics, the current number of people with antibodies is over six times higher than it was during the virus’ peak in the country in March. As part of the survey, which was done in collaboration with the Italian Red Cross between May 25 and July 15, over 64,660 blood samples were tested. Over 2,000 villages and cities across the country were divided based on sex, occupation, and age groups to map out a better database. Also read: Astrazeneca wins coronavirus vaccine deal with Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands However, the survey did not account for people who live in health care facilities. Earlier in May, the government had claimed that the survey would include 150,000 people. Sabbadini however explained how “the health emergency made the survey procedure more complicated”, but it still remained “an incredibly useful source of data”.

Only 2.5% Italians have coronavirus antibodies, national survey shows

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Dr Firass Abiad was a little-known Beirut hospital director until the coronavirus pandemic propelled him into the spotlight and restored at least some faith in Lebanon's much-maligned public sector.

At a time when the country has also been mired in its deepest economic crisis in decades and rocked by runaway inflation and violent street protests, Abiad has emerged as a comforting voice of reason amid the chaos.

Before the COVID-19 crisis hit, his Rafic Hariri University Hospital was synonymous with labour strikes over unpaid wages and regarded as a last resort for the neediest patients who have no health insurance.

But since the first coronavirus case was reported in Lebanon in February, Abiad's hospital has taken centre-stage in battling a disease that has infected 4,885 people and cost 62 lives across the country.

His prolific Twitter feed has since become a point of reference for Lebanese for its near daily updates and commentary on the pandemic.

On a typical recent workday, 52-year-old Abiad inspected an outdoors testing centre and then checked in via video call with his staff, wearing full protective gear inside the coronavirus ward.

Playing down his newfound celebrity, a local equivalent of that surrounding US top infectious diseases specialist Anthony Fauci, the American University of Beirut (AUB) graduate spoke to AFP in measured tones.

"I'm only doing what should be expected of all public sector employees," said the gastrointestinal and bariatric surgeon, who has headed the hospital since 2015.

The spotlight should instead be on his team, he argued, and on a rare functioning institution "in a country that lacks them".

TWITTER INFLUENCER

The virus struck as Lebanon is mired in its worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war and authorities appear paralysed by endless political deadlock over ever deteriorating public services.

As power cuts peaked at around 15 hours a day in July and fuel for the hospital's generators started to run out, Abiad was forced to close down two of its six operating theatres and postpone surgeries.

But just one tweet from him was enough to spark a flurry of donations.

In a country long stymied by entrenched sectarianism and cronyism, Abiad has been held up as an example of a public sector employee who puts the interests of others first.

After images circulated online last month of a crowd of people queueing to be tested at the hospital, Abiad swiftly acknowledged the need for better social distancing.

Activist Dona Maallawi, 29, praised Abiad's no-nonsense communication style, saying "he issues near daily updates about the situation, without embellishments but rather with clear knowledge of the details".

The hospital director himself says he finds such praise "annoying" and despairs at such low expectations of the public sector.

In between his duties, Abiad takes to Twitter to dispense advice on how to avoid a worst-case scenario that would overwhelm Lebanese hospitals, correcting any misinformation with tact and diplomacy.

With little other reliable commentary available, local media scramble to translate his mostly English posts into Arabic.

Christophe Martin, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Lebanon, said Abiad had become an "influencer".

"He is today one of the very few Lebanese citizens working in the public domain that truly and honestly works for (its) best interests," he said.

"One needs to just read his threads on Twitter to realise how much intelligence, reflection he brings in his overall communication."

TREATING THE POOR

Abiad said his move five years ago from the prestigious and well-equipped AUB medical centre to an underfunded state hospital was no easy choice.

But he saw it as his "duty" to take on the running of the ICRC-backed Rafic Hariri hospital, as it was "the main one treating the working class and the poor".

As daily cases hit a new record of 224 on Friday, even after authorities had re-instated a partial lockdown, he urged Lebanese on Twitter to take the spike "very seriously".

"Measures have to be enforced with no exceptions," he warned. "The public has to comply for its own good. If we falter, it will be a very steep fall."

Speaking to AFP, he urged better equipped and more numerous private hospitals to shoulder their share of the burden, despite their fears it might mean even more unpaid bills by the state.

The father of three fears renewed pressure on the health sector during a possible autumn rise in cases -- but remains optimistic about Lebanon pulling through if adequate measures are taken.

Until then, Abiad said, he would take comfort in the solidarity among his staff and the everyday "small wins".

&nbsp;

Dr Firass Abiad was a little-known Beirut hospital director until the coronavirus pandemic propelled him into the spotlight and restored at least some faith in Lebanon's much-maligned public sector.

Dr Firass Abiad was a little-known Beirut hospital director until the coronavirus pandemic propelled him into the spotlight and restored at least some faith in Lebanon's much-maligned public sector. At a time when the country has also been mired in its deepest economic crisis in decades and rocked by runaway inflation and violent street protests, Abiad has emerged as a comforting voice of reason amid the chaos. Before the COVID-19 crisis hit, his Rafic Hariri University Hospital was synonymous with labour strikes over unpaid wages and regarded as a last resort for the neediest patients who have no health insurance. But since the first coronavirus case was reported in Lebanon in February, Abiad's hospital has taken centre-stage in battling a disease that has infected 4,885 people and cost 62 lives across the country. His prolific Twitter feed has since become a point of reference for Lebanese for its near daily updates and commentary on the pandemic. On a typical recent workday, 52-year-old Abiad inspected an outdoors testing centre and then checked in via video call with his staff, wearing full protective gear inside the coronavirus ward. Playing down his newfound celebrity, a local equivalent of that surrounding US top infectious diseases specialist Anthony Fauci, the American University of Beirut (AUB) graduate spoke to AFP in measured tones. "I'm only doing what should be expected of all public sector employees," said the gastrointestinal and bariatric surgeon, who has headed the hospital since 2015. The spotlight should instead be on his team, he argued, and on a rare functioning institution "in a country that lacks them". TWITTER INFLUENCER The virus struck as Lebanon is mired in its worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war and authorities appear paralysed by endless political deadlock over ever deteriorating public services. As power cuts peaked at around 15 hours a day in July and fuel for the hospital's generators started to run out, Abiad was forced to close down two of its six operating theatres and postpone surgeries. But just one tweet from him was enough to spark a flurry of donations. In a country long stymied by entrenched sectarianism and cronyism, Abiad has been held up as an example of a public sector employee who puts the interests of others first. After images circulated online last month of a crowd of people queueing to be tested at the hospital, Abiad swiftly acknowledged the need for better social distancing. Activist Dona Maallawi, 29, praised Abiad's no-nonsense communication style, saying "he issues near daily updates about the situation, without embellishments but rather with clear knowledge of the details". The hospital director himself says he finds such praise "annoying" and despairs at such low expectations of the public sector. In between his duties, Abiad takes to Twitter to dispense advice on how to avoid a worst-case scenario that would overwhelm Lebanese hospitals, correcting any misinformation with tact and diplomacy. With little other reliable commentary available, local media scramble to translate his mostly English posts into Arabic. Christophe Martin, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Lebanon, said Abiad had become an "influencer". "He is today one of the very few Lebanese citizens working in the public domain that truly and honestly works for (its) best interests," he said. "One needs to just read his threads on Twitter to realise how much intelligence, reflection he brings in his overall communication." TREATING THE POOR Abiad said his move five years ago from the prestigious and well-equipped AUB medical centre to an underfunded state hospital was no easy choice. But he saw it as his "duty" to take on the running of the ICRC-backed Rafic Hariri hospital, as it was "the main one treating the working class and the poor". As daily cases hit a new record of 224 on Friday, even after authorities had re-instated a partial lockdown, he urged Lebanese on Twitter to take the spike "very seriously". "Measures have to be enforced with no exceptions," he warned. "The public has to comply for its own good. If we falter, it will be a very steep fall." Speaking to AFP, he urged better equipped and more numerous private hospitals to shoulder their share of the burden, despite their fears it might mean even more unpaid bills by the state. The father of three fears renewed pressure on the health sector during a possible autumn rise in cases -- but remains optimistic about Lebanon pulling through if adequate measures are taken. Until then, Abiad said, he would take comfort in the solidarity among his staff and the everyday "small wins".

Lebanon's pandemic fighter restores some faith in public sector

Maharashtra's COVID-19 tally on Monday increased to 4,50,196 with the addition of 8,968 fresh cases, while 266 deaths, including 46 in Mumbai, took the fatality count to 15,842, state health department said.

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The state also saw the discharge of 10,221 patients in the day, raising the count of recovered cases to 2,87,030, an official said.

Maharashtra now has 1,47,018 active cases.

A total of 22,98,723 people have been tested so far for COVID-19, he said.

Mumbai city and suburban areas (MMR region) reported 970 and 2,957 fresh cases of COVID-19, respectively.

With this, Mumbai has so far reported 1,17,406 cases and 6,493 deaths.

The wider MMR region now has 2,49,111 cases of COVID- 19 and 9,970 deaths.

The number of cases jumped by 796 in Pune city, while the neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad added 731 new infections in the day.

Pune city reported 40 fatalities in the day while the number stood at 13 in areas under Pimpri Chinchwad.

The tally of cases in Pune division reached 1,10,924 while the fatality count stands at 2,965, the official said.

The case count in Nashik division stands at 37,679 with 1,255 deaths, while Kolhapur division has so far reported 11,835 cases and 284 fatalities.

Aurangabad division now has 17,827 cases with 625 deaths while the count of cases in Latur division reached 6,803 while fatalities rose to 273, the official said.

Akola division so far reported 8,189 cases and 280 deaths.

The number of cases in Nagpur division reached 7,401 and fatalities to 138, the official said.

A total of 427 people from other states are being treated in Maharashtra. 52 such patients have succumbed to the infection so far.

A total of 9,25,269 people are home quarantined while 37,944 people remain admitted in institutional facilities, he said.

Maharashtra's COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases 4,50,196, deaths 15,842, recoveries 2,87,030, active cases 1,47,018 and people tested so far 22,98,723.

Maharashtra's COVID-19 tally on Monday increased to 4,50,196 with the addition of 8,968 fresh cases, while 266 deaths, including 46 in Mumbai, took the fatality count to 15,842, state health department said.

Maharashtra's COVID-19 tally on Monday increased to 4,50,196 with the addition of 8,968 fresh cases, while 266 deaths, including 46 in Mumbai, took the fatality count to 15,842, state health department said. Also read: COVID-19: Death in Delhi toll rises to over 4,000; Tamil Nadu reports over 5,600 cases The state also saw the discharge of 10,221 patients in the day, raising the count of recovered cases to 2,87,030, an official said. Maharashtra now has 1,47,018 active cases. A total of 22,98,723 people have been tested so far for COVID-19, he said. Mumbai city and suburban areas (MMR region) reported 970 and 2,957 fresh cases of COVID-19, respectively. With this, Mumbai has so far reported 1,17,406 cases and 6,493 deaths. The wider MMR region now has 2,49,111 cases of COVID- 19 and 9,970 deaths. The number of cases jumped by 796 in Pune city, while the neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad added 731 new infections in the day. Pune city reported 40 fatalities in the day while the number stood at 13 in areas under Pimpri Chinchwad. The tally of cases in Pune division reached 1,10,924 while the fatality count stands at 2,965, the official said. The case count in Nashik division stands at 37,679 with 1,255 deaths, while Kolhapur division has so far reported 11,835 cases and 284 fatalities. Aurangabad division now has 17,827 cases with 625 deaths while the count of cases in Latur division reached 6,803 while fatalities rose to 273, the official said. Akola division so far reported 8,189 cases and 280 deaths. The number of cases in Nagpur division reached 7,401 and fatalities to 138, the official said. A total of 427 people from other states are being treated in Maharashtra. 52 such patients have succumbed to the infection so far. A total of 9,25,269 people are home quarantined while 37,944 people remain admitted in institutional facilities, he said. Maharashtra's COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases 4,50,196, deaths 15,842, recoveries 2,87,030, active cases 1,47,018 and people tested so far 22,98,723.

Maharashtra adds 8,968 COVID-19 cases; 266 die, 10,221 recover

Singapore will make some incoming travellers wear an electronic monitoring device to ensure that they comply with coronavirus quarantines as the city-state gradually reopens its borders, authorities said on Monday.

From August 11, the devices will be given to incoming travellers, including citizens and residents, from a select group of countries who will be allowed to isolate at home rather than at a state-appointed facility.

Similar measures using electronic wristbands to track peoples' movements during quarantine have been used in Hong Kong and South Korea.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/singapore-faces-the-worst-dengue-outbreak-in-its-history-records-more-than-1400-cases-in-a-week-310485" hreflang="en">Singapore faces the worst dengue outbreak in its history; records more than 1,400 cases in a week</a>

Travellers to Singapore are required to activate the device, which use GPS and Bluetooth signals, upon reaching their home and will receive notifications on the device which they must acknowledge.

Any attempt to leave home or tamper with the device will trigger an alert to the authorities.&nbsp;

Hong Kong in March introduced a scheme for incoming travellers to use a slim electronic wristband, similar to a tag worn by hospital patients, to enforce quarantines for arriving passengers. South Korea has also used such wristbands connected to smartphone apps for those who violate quarantine.

Singapore, which has not given details on what the device will look like, said in a statement that it will not store any personal data and does not have any voice or video recording function.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/singapore-police-arrests-chief-priest-of-hindu-temple-317564" hreflang="en">Singapore police arrests chief priest of Hindu temple</a>

Those aged 12 and below will not have to wear the devices.

The city-state, which is also planning to give all residents a wearable virus-tracing dongle, has tough punishments for breach of its quarantine and social distancing rules.

Under the Infectious Diseases Act, punishments can be fines of up to S$10,000 ($7,272) or imprisonment of up to six months, or both. It has also revoked the work passes of foreigners who flouted the rules.

Singapore has reported 52,825 coronavirus infections, mostly due to mass outbreaks in cramped migrant workers dormitories, but imported cases have been creeping up in recent days.&nbsp;

Singapore will make some incoming travellers wear an electronic monitoring device to ensure that they comply with coronavirus quarantines as the city-state gradually reopens its borders, authorities said on Monday.

Singapore will make some incoming travellers wear an electronic monitoring device to ensure that they comply with coronavirus quarantines as the city-state gradually reopens its borders, authorities said on Monday. From August 11, the devices will be given to incoming travellers, including citizens and residents, from a select group of countries who will be allowed to isolate at home rather than at a state-appointed facility. Similar measures using electronic wristbands to track peoples' movements during quarantine have been used in Hong Kong and South Korea. Also read: Singapore faces the worst dengue outbreak in its history; records more than 1,400 cases in a week Travellers to Singapore are required to activate the device, which use GPS and Bluetooth signals, upon reaching their home and will receive notifications on the device which they must acknowledge. Any attempt to leave home or tamper with the device will trigger an alert to the authorities. Hong Kong in March introduced a scheme for incoming travellers to use a slim electronic wristband, similar to a tag worn by hospital patients, to enforce quarantines for arriving passengers. South Korea has also used such wristbands connected to smartphone apps for those who violate quarantine. Singapore, which has not given details on what the device will look like, said in a statement that it will not store any personal data and does not have any voice or video recording function. Also read: Singapore police arrests chief priest of Hindu temple Those aged 12 and below will not have to wear the devices. The city-state, which is also planning to give all residents a wearable virus-tracing dongle, has tough punishments for breach of its quarantine and social distancing rules. Under the Infectious Diseases Act, punishments can be fines of up to S$10,000 ($7,272) or imprisonment of up to six months, or both. It has also revoked the work passes of foreigners who flouted the rules. Singapore has reported 52,825 coronavirus infections, mostly due to mass outbreaks in cramped migrant workers dormitories, but imported cases have been creeping up in recent days.

Singapore to make travellers wear electronic tags to enforce quarantine

The research comes as countries race to find a vaccine for Covid-19, which has devastated almost the entire globe.

BCG vaccine slows down COVID-19 spread within the community

A major incident has been declared in the Manchester area of Britain, allowing the creation of a "central command structure" to help tackle the rising number of coronavirus cases, a local official was quoted as saying on Sunday.&nbsp;

Health minister Matt Hancock said on Thursday the COVID-19 lockdown in parts of northern England - including Greater Manchester, parts of West Yorkshire and East Lancashire - would be tightened because of an increasing rate of transmission.

"Although the council and partner organisations have been working closely to tackle the impacts of the pandemic since early this year, declaring a major incident means we can ramp this up further," the Leader of Manchester City Council Richard Leese said in the Manchester Evening News.&nbsp;

"It allows the establishment of a central command structure to oversee the response and enables agencies involved to draw on extra resources."&nbsp;

The city council did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment from Reuters.&nbsp;

The pandemic has killed more than 46,000 people in Britain, the fourth highest toll in the world, according to a Reuters tally collated on Sunday.

A major incident has been declared in the Manchester area of Britain, allowing the creation of a "central command structure" to help tackle the rising number of coronavirus cases, a local official was quoted as saying on Sunday.

A major incident has been declared in the Manchester area of Britain, allowing the creation of a "central command structure" to help tackle the rising number of coronavirus cases, a local official was quoted as saying on Sunday. Health minister Matt Hancock said on Thursday the COVID-19 lockdown in parts of northern England - including Greater Manchester, parts of West Yorkshire and East Lancashire - would be tightened because of an increasing rate of transmission. "Although the council and partner organisations have been working closely to tackle the impacts of the pandemic since early this year, declaring a major incident means we can ramp this up further," the Leader of Manchester City Council Richard Leese said in the Manchester Evening News. "It allows the establishment of a central command structure to oversee the response and enables agencies involved to draw on extra resources." The city council did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment from Reuters. The pandemic has killed more than 46,000 people in Britain, the fourth highest toll in the world, according to a Reuters tally collated on Sunday.

'Major incident' declared in British city of Manchester to tackle COVID-19

As the pandemic continues to batter the global economy, South Korea has recently recorded its worst GDP growth since the Asian financial crisis

South Korea GDP to show recession; Factory activity shrinks

Millions of COVID-19 tests able to detect the virus within 90 minutes will be rolled out to British hospitals, care homes and laboratories to boost capacity in the coming months, the country`s health minister said on Monday.

They will comprise 5.8 million tests using DNA and 450,000 swab tests. Neither will need to be administered by a health professional, said Matt Hancock.

"The fact these tests can detect flu as well as COVID-19 will be hugely beneficial as we head into winter, so patients can follow the right advice to protect themselves and others," he said.

Separately, the publicly-funded National Health Service said it would be offering "COVID-friendly" treatments to cancer patients, including drugs that do not have a big impact on the immune system.

Britain`s healthcare system has come under severe strain during peaks in the country`s COVID-19 outbreak, which has killed more than 46,000 people, the fourth highest toll in the world, according to a Reuters tally collated on Sunday.

Millions of COVID-19 tests able to detect the virus within 90 minutes will be rolled out to British hospitals, care homes and laboratories to boost capacity in the coming months, the country`s health minister said on Monday.

Millions of COVID-19 tests able to detect the virus within 90 minutes will be rolled out to British hospitals, care homes and laboratories to boost capacity in the coming months, the country`s health minister said on Monday. They will comprise 5.8 million tests using DNA and 450,000 swab tests. Neither will need to be administered by a health professional, said Matt Hancock. "The fact these tests can detect flu as well as COVID-19 will be hugely beneficial as we head into winter, so patients can follow the right advice to protect themselves and others," he said. Separately, the publicly-funded National Health Service said it would be offering "COVID-friendly" treatments to cancer patients, including drugs that do not have a big impact on the immune system. Britain`s healthcare system has come under severe strain during peaks in the country`s COVID-19 outbreak, which has killed more than 46,000 people, the fourth highest toll in the world, according to a Reuters tally collated on Sunday.

Britain to roll out millions of 90-minute coronavirus tests

What's a tragedy without a tinge of sarcasm and self-pity? And what's a better targedy than the coronavirus crisis that has befallen upon humanity.

Adding a little salt to the wound, quite literally, is a restaurant in Jodhpur. The eating joint has infused creativity in its menu by adding COVID-19-themed dishes.&nbsp;

The Vedic restaurant is serving new and unique "COVID Curry" and "Mask Naan" to its customers.

COVID Curry is basically "malai kofta" made in the shape of the novel coronavirus, while Mask Naan is a facemask-shaped naan.

Restaurant owner Anil Kumar says these two new dishes are his brainchild.

"The curry is a variation of malai kofta in which the kofta has been made with various spices and the butter naan has been made in the shape of a mask," Kumar told ANI.

"The time is such that people get attracted only if you try something new. So, we have added corona to our menu so that people like it and somehow learn to live with coronavirus as well," he added.

He further said that his restaurant is ensuring proper social distancing and sanitisation norms.&nbsp;

Customers have been instructed to sit on alternate tables, moreover, this restaurant has a digital menu now in order to avoid touching the menu cards.

(with inputs from ANI)

What's a tragedy without a tinge of sarcasm and self-pity? And what's a better targedy than the coronavirus crisis that has befallen upon humanity. Adding a little salt to the wound, quite literally, is a restaurant in Jodhpur.

What's a tragedy without a tinge of sarcasm and self-pity? And what's a better targedy than the coronavirus crisis that has befallen upon humanity. Adding a little salt to the wound, quite literally, is a restaurant in Jodhpur. The eating joint has infused creativity in its menu by adding COVID-19-themed dishes. The Vedic restaurant is serving new and unique "COVID Curry" and "Mask Naan" to its customers. COVID Curry is basically "malai kofta" made in the shape of the novel coronavirus, while Mask Naan is a facemask-shaped naan. Restaurant owner Anil Kumar says these two new dishes are his brainchild. "The curry is a variation of malai kofta in which the kofta has been made with various spices and the butter naan has been made in the shape of a mask," Kumar told ANI. "The time is such that people get attracted only if you try something new. So, we have added corona to our menu so that people like it and somehow learn to live with coronavirus as well," he added. He further said that his restaurant is ensuring proper social distancing and sanitisation norms. Customers have been instructed to sit on alternate tables, moreover, this restaurant has a digital menu now in order to avoid touching the menu cards. (with inputs from ANI)

This Jodhpur restaurant is serving COVID Curry, Mask Naan to its customers

Isaias grazed the Florida coast Sunday, threatening to bring strong winds and flash flooding but no longer expected to regain hurricane strength.

The tropical storm was packing sustained winds of 70 miles (110 kilometres) per hour Sunday evening as it moved northwest off the state's east coast, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

The Florida coast hence looked set to avoid major damage -- although it could strengthen to a hurricane by the time it reaches the Carolinas on Monday packing heavy winds and rain.

After passing the Florida coast overnight, the storm is expected to keep offshore while grazing Georgia and southern South Carolina before heading inland over eastern South Carolina or southern North Carolina on Monday night.

Storm surges, when a storm pushes tidal levels above normal, of up to 4 feet (1.22 m), and flooding also threatened some of the areas in Isaia' path, forecasters said.

Isaias, which was downgraded from a hurricane on Saturday, is expected to move upward along the East Coast and reach Washington, Philadelphia and New York City on Tuesday before moving into New England.

The storm earlier dumped torrential rain on the Bahamas, felling trees and flooding some streets, before emergency management officials on Sunday gave the "all clear" for the entire country. But Isaias claimed at least one life in Puerto Rico.

Tropical storm warnings were in effect from central-eastern Florida to North Carolina, and the NHC warned on Twitter that Isaias could "bring a storm surge of up to 4 feet to coastal parts of South and North Carolina."

As Florida battened down, it was also battling its coronavirus outbreak, which has complicated preparations.

It has the second-highest caseload of all states except California -- which has double the population.

On Sunday, Florida reported 62 COVID-19 deaths, down from a record 179 the day before, bringing its total to 7,206.

Isaias on Thursday unleashed destruction in Puerto Rico, downing trees and electrical lines and inundating houses as it cut a path through the island.

Authorities recovered the body of a 56-year-old woman whose car had been swept away by storm waters.

In the Bahamas, the deputy director of the country's meteorology department, Jeffrey Simmons, told The Nassau Guardian "the worst part" of the storm came to New Providence, the most populous island, early Saturday.

It was the archipelago's first hurricane since Dorian, a Category 5 storm last year that devastated two islands, pummeling them for three days.

(with inputs from agencies)

Isaias grazed the Florida coast Sunday, threatening to bring strong winds and flash flooding but no longer expected to regain hurricane strength. The tropical storm was packing sustained winds of 70 miles (110 kilometres) per hour Sunday evening as it moved northwest off the state's east coast, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Isaias grazed the Florida coast Sunday, threatening to bring strong winds and flash flooding but no longer expected to regain hurricane strength. The tropical storm was packing sustained winds of 70 miles (110 kilometres) per hour Sunday evening as it moved northwest off the state's east coast, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. The Florida coast hence looked set to avoid major damage -- although it could strengthen to a hurricane by the time it reaches the Carolinas on Monday packing heavy winds and rain. After passing the Florida coast overnight, the storm is expected to keep offshore while grazing Georgia and southern South Carolina before heading inland over eastern South Carolina or southern North Carolina on Monday night. Storm surges, when a storm pushes tidal levels above normal, of up to 4 feet (1.22 m), and flooding also threatened some of the areas in Isaia' path, forecasters said. Isaias, which was downgraded from a hurricane on Saturday, is expected to move upward along the East Coast and reach Washington, Philadelphia and New York City on Tuesday before moving into New England. The storm earlier dumped torrential rain on the Bahamas, felling trees and flooding some streets, before emergency management officials on Sunday gave the "all clear" for the entire country. But Isaias claimed at least one life in Puerto Rico. Tropical storm warnings were in effect from central-eastern Florida to North Carolina, and the NHC warned on Twitter that Isaias could "bring a storm surge of up to 4 feet to coastal parts of South and North Carolina." As Florida battened down, it was also battling its coronavirus outbreak, which has complicated preparations. It has the second-highest caseload of all states except California -- which has double the population. On Sunday, Florida reported 62 COVID-19 deaths, down from a record 179 the day before, bringing its total to 7,206. Isaias on Thursday unleashed destruction in Puerto Rico, downing trees and electrical lines and inundating houses as it cut a path through the island. Authorities recovered the body of a 56-year-old woman whose car had been swept away by storm waters. In the Bahamas, the deputy director of the country's meteorology department, Jeffrey Simmons, told The Nassau Guardian "the worst part" of the storm came to New Providence, the most populous island, early Saturday. It was the archipelago's first hurricane since Dorian, a Category 5 storm last year that devastated two islands, pummeling them for three days. (with inputs from agencies)

Isaias grazes Florida as tropical storm, heads up East Coast

Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. He on late Sunday took to Facebook to let his countrymen know.

"Today I did the test for the COVID-19 and tested positive," Hoti wrote on his Facebook account.

The prime minister said he had started 14 days of self-isolation, during which he would perform his duties from home.

"I have no signs (of the disease), except a very mild cough."

Hoti took only over as prime minister in early June.

Kosovo, a nation of 1.8 million people, has so far registered some 249 deaths and nearly 9,000 infections.

Salko Bukvarevic, Bosnia's 53-year-old minister for veterans affairs, died in late June after contracting the coronavirus.

Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. He on late Sunday took to Facebook to let his countrymen know. "Today I did the test for the COVID-19 and tested positive," Hoti wrote on his Facebook account.

Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. He on late Sunday took to Facebook to let his countrymen know. "Today I did the test for the COVID-19 and tested positive," Hoti wrote on his Facebook account. The prime minister said he had started 14 days of self-isolation, during which he would perform his duties from home. "I have no signs (of the disease), except a very mild cough." Hoti took only over as prime minister in early June. Kosovo, a nation of 1.8 million people, has so far registered some 249 deaths and nearly 9,000 infections. Salko Bukvarevic, Bosnia's 53-year-old minister for veterans affairs, died in late June after contracting the coronavirus.

Kosovo PM tests positive for coronavirus

After outbreaks of coronavirus were reported on animal farms in Spain and the Netherlands, scientists are now wondering whether minks have the capability to transmit the virus onto humans.

Even though it is widely believed that the virus was passed on to minks from humans, scientists find it “plausible” that the minks further transmitted the virus to other staff members.

In May, when Spain was hit hard by the virus, an outbreak was recorded on a mink farm near La Puebla de Valverde, which infected over 14.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/how-pandemic-worsened-the-cruel-fate-of-minks-314142" hreflang="en">How pandemic worsened the cruel fate of minks?</a>

Owing to this, 92,000 minks were killed in order to limit the scope of transmission. It was believed that over 90 per cent of the animals had developed the virus.

A similar outbreak happened in the Netherlands, and scientists from the Wageningen University and Research found that the virus strain found in animals was similar to the one found in humans.&nbsp;

When the pandemic began in Wuhan in December 2019, everybody widely thought that it came from bats, which were a delicacy at the wet market where the pilot cluster began.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-million-minks-culled-in-europe-314145/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Humans to animals? Or the other way?

If the involvement of minks in enabling transmission of the virus is ascertained, it would prove that humans may catch the virus from animals, and hence need to practice more precaution.

It is widely believed that humans may pass on the infection to animals, but there is no proof of reverse transmission yet.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the transmission from animals to humans remains “very limited”, and not a threat so far.&nbsp;The organisation’s Dr Maria Van Kerkhove said that this may give us more information about the risk in animals.

"This gives us some clues about which animals may be susceptible to infection and this will help us as we learn more about the potential animal reservoir of (the virus)”, Kerkhove said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/dutch-to-slaughter-around-10000-mink-after-coronavirus-outbreak-on-farms-303412" hreflang="en">Dutch to slaughter around 10,000 mink after coronavirus outbreak on farms</a>

In the Netherlands alone, fearing a spike in cases among humans, a million minks have been killed across 26 farms, as per data from the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.

All countries with mink farms in the region have upped precautions to avoid transmission among humans.

After outbreaks of coronavirus were reported on animal farms in Spain and the Netherlands, scientists are now wondering whether minks have the capability to transmit the virus onto humans.

After outbreaks of coronavirus were reported on animal farms in Spain and the Netherlands, scientists are now wondering whether minks have the capability to transmit the virus onto humans. Even though it is widely believed that the virus was passed on to minks from humans, scientists find it “plausible” that the minks further transmitted the virus to other staff members. In May, when Spain was hit hard by the virus, an outbreak was recorded on a mink farm near La Puebla de Valverde, which infected over 14. Also read: How pandemic worsened the cruel fate of minks? Owing to this, 92,000 minks were killed in order to limit the scope of transmission. It was believed that over 90 per cent of the animals had developed the virus. A similar outbreak happened in the Netherlands, and scientists from the Wageningen University and Research found that the virus strain found in animals was similar to the one found in humans. When the pandemic began in Wuhan in December 2019, everybody widely thought that it came from bats, which were a delicacy at the wet market where the pilot cluster began. Humans to animals? Or the other way? If the involvement of minks in enabling transmission of the virus is ascertained, it would prove that humans may catch the virus from animals, and hence need to practice more precaution. It is widely believed that humans may pass on the infection to animals, but there is no proof of reverse transmission yet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the transmission from animals to humans remains “very limited”, and not a threat so far. The organisation’s Dr Maria Van Kerkhove said that this may give us more information about the risk in animals. "This gives us some clues about which animals may be susceptible to infection and this will help us as we learn more about the potential animal reservoir of (the virus)”, Kerkhove said. Also read: Dutch to slaughter around 10,000 mink after coronavirus outbreak on farms In the Netherlands alone, fearing a spike in cases among humans, a million minks have been killed across 26 farms, as per data from the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. All countries with mink farms in the region have upped precautions to avoid transmission among humans.

Outbreaks among minks hold secrets to understanding animal-to-human transmission of COVID-19

One of the daughters of Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been admitted to the same hospital, where her father is undergoing treatment for the infection, hospital sources said.

Yediyurappa was hospitalised last night after testing positive for coronavirus.

The Chief Minister's younger son BY Vijayendra said he was going in for seven days of home quarantine as a precautionary measure.

"Thank you all for your messages and prayers. My father Shri B S Yediyurappa ji is doing fine and under observation of doctors who said there is no need to worry. As a precaution, I will observe home quarantine for next 7 days," Vijayendra tweeted.

Vijayendra was on Friday appointed as the Karnataka BJP Vice-President, after which he had tweeted a picture of him seeking the blessing of his father.

The Chief Minister last night tweeted informing that he had tested positive for coronavirus.

"I have tested positive for coronavirus. Whilst I am fine, I am being hospitalised as a precaution on the recommendation of doctors. I request those who have come in contact with me recently to be observant and exercise self quarantine," Yediyurappa had said in his tweet.

Manipal Hospital, where Yediyurappa has been admitted said that the Chief Minister was "doing well" and is "clinically stable" and will be monitored closely by our team.

Authorities are tracing all those who came in contact with Yediyurappa for the last three or four days and have asked all those who met him to quarantine.

One of the daughters of Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been admitted to the same hospital, where her father is undergoing treatment for the infection, hospital sources said.

One of the daughters of Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been admitted to the same hospital, where her father is undergoing treatment for the infection, hospital sources said. Yediyurappa was hospitalised last night after testing positive for coronavirus. The Chief Minister's younger son BY Vijayendra said he was going in for seven days of home quarantine as a precautionary measure. "Thank you all for your messages and prayers. My father Shri B S Yediyurappa ji is doing fine and under observation of doctors who said there is no need to worry. As a precaution, I will observe home quarantine for next 7 days," Vijayendra tweeted. Vijayendra was on Friday appointed as the Karnataka BJP Vice-President, after which he had tweeted a picture of him seeking the blessing of his father. The Chief Minister last night tweeted informing that he had tested positive for coronavirus. "I have tested positive for coronavirus. Whilst I am fine, I am being hospitalised as a precaution on the recommendation of doctors. I request those who have come in contact with me recently to be observant and exercise self quarantine," Yediyurappa had said in his tweet. Manipal Hospital, where Yediyurappa has been admitted said that the Chief Minister was "doing well" and is "clinically stable" and will be monitored closely by our team. Authorities are tracing all those who came in contact with Yediyurappa for the last three or four days and have asked all those who met him to quarantine.

Yediyurappa's daughter tests positive for coronavirus, son under home quarantine

The overall number of global coronavirus cases has surpassed the 18 million mark, while the deaths were nearing 688,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

Global COVID-19 cases surpass 18 million mark; Pandemic widespread in U.S

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