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China has sent seven health officials to Hong Kong -- the first members of a 60-person team that will carry out widespread testing for COVID-19 in the territory as the global financial hub races to halt a third wave of illness.

China's National Health Commission on Saturday announced their scheduled arrival. The initiative is the first time mainland health officials have assisted Hong Kong in its battle to control the coronavirus.

Members of the team are from public hospitals in Guangdong province while a specialist team of six from Wuhan, where the novel coronavirus first appeared, will help prepare part of the AsiaWorld Expo convention centre as a facility for COVID-19 patients.

Leader Carrie Lam said on Saturday the former British colony asked for help from the central government due to the resurgence in cases. She said the government was studying whether everyone in Hong Kong could be tested.

Hong Kong has reported around 3,400 coronavirus cases and 33 deaths since January. The daily number of new infections has been in the triple-digits for the past 11 days.

The Chinese territory saw a surge in locally transmitted coronavirus cases in July and introduced a raft of tightening measures including restricting gatherings to two people and mandating face masks in all outdoor public spaces.

Beijing recently imposed a security law that critics say undermines Hong Kong's autonomy, which was guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula when the city returned to Chinese control from Britain in 1997.

China has sent seven health officials to Hong Kong -- the first members of a 60-person team that will carry out widespread testing for COVID-19 in the territory as the global financial hub races to halt a third wave of illness.

China has sent seven health officials to Hong Kong -- the first members of a 60-person team that will carry out widespread testing for COVID-19 in the territory as the global financial hub races to halt a third wave of illness. China's National Health Commission on Saturday announced their scheduled arrival. The initiative is the first time mainland health officials have assisted Hong Kong in its battle to control the coronavirus. Members of the team are from public hospitals in Guangdong province while a specialist team of six from Wuhan, where the novel coronavirus first appeared, will help prepare part of the AsiaWorld Expo convention centre as a facility for COVID-19 patients. Leader Carrie Lam said on Saturday the former British colony asked for help from the central government due to the resurgence in cases. She said the government was studying whether everyone in Hong Kong could be tested. Hong Kong has reported around 3,400 coronavirus cases and 33 deaths since January. The daily number of new infections has been in the triple-digits for the past 11 days. The Chinese territory saw a surge in locally transmitted coronavirus cases in July and introduced a raft of tightening measures including restricting gatherings to two people and mandating face masks in all outdoor public spaces. Beijing recently imposed a security law that critics say undermines Hong Kong's autonomy, which was guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula when the city returned to Chinese control from Britain in 1997.

China sends team of seven to Hong Kong to do widespread coronavirus testing

India's COVID-19 tally crossed the 17-lakh mark on Sunday, just two days after it went past 16 lakh, with 54,735 cases being reported in a day.

This is the fourth consecutive day that COVID-19 cases have increased by more than 50,000.

The total coronavirus cases surged to 17,50,723, while the death toll due to the COVID-19 climbed to?37,364 with 853 people succumbing to the disease in a day.

According to official data, the recoveries have mounted to 11,45,629, while there are 5,67,730 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country presently.

The recovery rate among COVID-19 patients has risen to 65.44 per cent, while the fatality rate has further dropped to 2.13 pc, the data stated.

The total number of confirmed cases also includes foreigners.

According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 1,98,21,831 samples have been tested up to August 1 with 4,63,172 samples being tested on Saturday.

India's COVID-19 tally crossed the 17-lakh mark on Sunday, just two days after it went past 16 lakh, with 54,735 cases being reported in a day. This is the fourth consecutive day that COVID-19 cases have increased by more than 50,000.

India's COVID-19 tally crossed the 17-lakh mark on Sunday, just two days after it went past 16 lakh, with 54,735 cases being reported in a day. This is the fourth consecutive day that COVID-19 cases have increased by more than 50,000. The total coronavirus cases surged to 17,50,723, while the death toll due to the COVID-19 climbed to?37,364 with 853 people succumbing to the disease in a day. According to official data, the recoveries have mounted to 11,45,629, while there are 5,67,730 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country presently. The recovery rate among COVID-19 patients has risen to 65.44 per cent, while the fatality rate has further dropped to 2.13 pc, the data stated. The total number of confirmed cases also includes foreigners. According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 1,98,21,831 samples have been tested up to August 1 with 4,63,172 samples being tested on Saturday.

India adds 54,735 fresh COVID cases in one day, tally crosses 17-lakh mark

The UN health agency warned that the coronavirus pandemic would be lengthy and could lead to "response fatigue", as the case count in South Africa topped half a million.

Six months after the World Health Organization declared a global emergency, the novel coronavirus has killed more than 680,000 people and infected more than 17.5 million, according to an AFP tally.

South Africa is by far the hardest hit country in Africa, accounting for more than half of diagnosed infections, although President Cyril Ramaphosa said the fatality rate is lower than the global average.

Health authorities had been expecting a surge in cases after the gradual loosening of a strict lockdown that was imposed at the end of March.

Nigeria on Saturday also announced it would ease a lockdown in the commercial capital Lagos, allowing churches and mosques to reopen next week.&nbsp;

An emergency WHO committee reviewing the pandemic "highlighted the anticipated lengthy duration of this COVID-19 outbreak, noting the importance of sustained community, national, regional, and global response efforts".

"WHO continues to assess the global risk level of COVID-19 to be very high," it said in its latest statement.

The agency also said the effects of the pandemic "will be felt for decades to come".

Mexico overtook Britain to become the third hardest hit country in virus deaths -- after Brazil and the United States -- with more than 46,600 fatal cases.

Although many Latin American countries have begun relaxing stay-at-home measures, the virus is still spreading quickly across much of the region, which has now recorded more than four million cases and almost 200,000 deaths.

Half of them are in Brazil, where President Jair Bolsonaro said he believes "nearly everyone" will catch the virus eventually, after himself recovering from it.

The US, the hardest-hit country in the world, has now tallied more than 4.6 million cases and 154,319 deaths.

VACCINE RACE

The outlook was bleak in Asia as well, where India and the Philippines reported record increases in new daily infections.

"We are waging a losing battle against COVID-19, and we need to draw up a consolidated, definitive plan of action," said an open letter signed by 80 Filipino medical associations.

Japan's Okinawa declared a state of emergency&nbsp;after a record jump in cases on the islands -- many linked to US military forces stationed there.

The pandemic has spurred a race for a vaccine with several Chinese companies at the forefront, while Russia has set a target date of September to roll out its own medicine.

However, US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said it was unlikely his country would use any vaccine developed in either nation.

"I do hope that the Chinese and the Russians are actually testing the vaccine before they are administering the vaccine to anyone," he said.

As part of its "Operation Warp Speed", the US government will pay pharmaceutical giants Sanofi and GSK up to $2.1 billion for the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, the companies said.

DAY OF FREEDOM

France, Spain, Portugal and Italy all reported huge contractions in their economies for the April-June quarter, while Europe as a whole saw gross domestic product fall by 12.1 percent.&nbsp;

Daily case numbers in Switzerland have crept up again in recent weeks, while Norway recorded its first virus death in two weeks.

At least 36 crew members confined to a Norwegian cruise ship have tested positive for the new coronavirus, the operator Hurtigruten said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Despite the resurgence in cases, there have been demonstrations in Europe against the curbs.&nbsp;

Thousands protested in Berlin on Saturday urging "a day of freedom" from the restrictions, with some demonstrators dubbing the pandemic "the biggest conspiracy theory".

In South Korea, the elderly leader of a secretive sect at the centre of the country's early coronavirus outbreak&nbsp;was arrested for allegedly hindering the government's effort to contain the epidemic.

People linked to Lee Man-hee's Shincheonji Church of Jesus accounted for more than half&nbsp;of the South's coronavirus cases in February and March, but the country has since appeared to have brought the virus under control.

The pandemic has also continued to cause mayhem in the travel and tourism sectors, with more airlines announcing mass job cuts.

Latin America's biggest airline, the Brazilian-Chilean group LATAM, said it would lay off least 2,700 crew, and British Airways pilots overwhelmingly voted to accept a deal cutting wages by 20 percent, with 270 jobs lost.

The UN health agency warned that the coronavirus pandemic would be lengthy and could lead to "response fatigue", as the case count in South Africa topped half a million.

The UN health agency warned that the coronavirus pandemic would be lengthy and could lead to "response fatigue", as the case count in South Africa topped half a million. Six months after the World Health Organization declared a global emergency, the novel coronavirus has killed more than 680,000 people and infected more than 17.5 million, according to an AFP tally. South Africa is by far the hardest hit country in Africa, accounting for more than half of diagnosed infections, although President Cyril Ramaphosa said the fatality rate is lower than the global average. Health authorities had been expecting a surge in cases after the gradual loosening of a strict lockdown that was imposed at the end of March. Nigeria on Saturday also announced it would ease a lockdown in the commercial capital Lagos, allowing churches and mosques to reopen next week. An emergency WHO committee reviewing the pandemic "highlighted the anticipated lengthy duration of this COVID-19 outbreak, noting the importance of sustained community, national, regional, and global response efforts". "WHO continues to assess the global risk level of COVID-19 to be very high," it said in its latest statement. The agency also said the effects of the pandemic "will be felt for decades to come". Mexico overtook Britain to become the third hardest hit country in virus deaths -- after Brazil and the United States -- with more than 46,600 fatal cases. Although many Latin American countries have begun relaxing stay-at-home measures, the virus is still spreading quickly across much of the region, which has now recorded more than four million cases and almost 200,000 deaths. Half of them are in Brazil, where President Jair Bolsonaro said he believes "nearly everyone" will catch the virus eventually, after himself recovering from it. The US, the hardest-hit country in the world, has now tallied more than 4.6 million cases and 154,319 deaths. VACCINE RACE The outlook was bleak in Asia as well, where India and the Philippines reported record increases in new daily infections. "We are waging a losing battle against COVID-19, and we need to draw up a consolidated, definitive plan of action," said an open letter signed by 80 Filipino medical associations. Japan's Okinawa declared a state of emergency after a record jump in cases on the islands -- many linked to US military forces stationed there. The pandemic has spurred a race for a vaccine with several Chinese companies at the forefront, while Russia has set a target date of September to roll out its own medicine. However, US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said it was unlikely his country would use any vaccine developed in either nation. "I do hope that the Chinese and the Russians are actually testing the vaccine before they are administering the vaccine to anyone," he said. As part of its "Operation Warp Speed", the US government will pay pharmaceutical giants Sanofi and GSK up to $2.1 billion for the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, the companies said. DAY OF FREEDOM France, Spain, Portugal and Italy all reported huge contractions in their economies for the April-June quarter, while Europe as a whole saw gross domestic product fall by 12.1 percent. Daily case numbers in Switzerland have crept up again in recent weeks, while Norway recorded its first virus death in two weeks. At least 36 crew members confined to a Norwegian cruise ship have tested positive for the new coronavirus, the operator Hurtigruten said on Saturday. Despite the resurgence in cases, there have been demonstrations in Europe against the curbs. Thousands protested in Berlin on Saturday urging "a day of freedom" from the restrictions, with some demonstrators dubbing the pandemic "the biggest conspiracy theory". In South Korea, the elderly leader of a secretive sect at the centre of the country's early coronavirus outbreak was arrested for allegedly hindering the government's effort to contain the epidemic. People linked to Lee Man-hee's Shincheonji Church of Jesus accounted for more than half of the South's coronavirus cases in February and March, but the country has since appeared to have brought the virus under control. The pandemic has also continued to cause mayhem in the travel and tourism sectors, with more airlines announcing mass job cuts. Latin America's biggest airline, the Brazilian-Chilean group LATAM, said it would lay off least 2,700 crew, and British Airways pilots overwhelmingly voted to accept a deal cutting wages by 20 percent, with 270 jobs lost.

WHO warns of drawn out pandemic as South Africa cases top 500,000

The vote to renominate President Donald Trump is set to be conducted in private later this month. This means the dramatically scaled-down Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, will be closed to the press.

A spokeswoman for the Republican National Convention cited the coronavirus as the reason.

Reporters will not be allowed on site as RNC delegates vote to formally nominate President Donald Trump as the 2020 Republican presidential nominee, but the vote will be livestreamed, the Republican official said.

Trump had earlier called off public components of the convention in Florida last month, citing spiking cases of the coronavirus across the country.

As many as 336 delegates are scheduled to gather in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 24 to formally vote to make Trump the GOP standard-bearer once more.

Some GOP delegations have raised logistical issues with travelling to either city, citing the increasing number of jurisdictions imposing mandatory quarantine orders on travellers returning from states experiencing surges in the virus.

The subset of delegates in Charlotte will be casting proxy votes on behalf of the more than 2,500 official delegates to the convention. Alternate delegates and guests have already been prohibited.

The proceedings on the Monday of the convention -- including the vote to formally nominate Trump -- will be live-streamed, according to a Republican official familiar with the plans.

It's being said if Trump goes to Charlotte, the expectation is that it will just be to thank the delegates in a private, closed press event.

The vote to renominate President Donald Trump is set to be conducted in private later this month. This means the dramatically scaled-down Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, will be closed to the press.

The vote to renominate President Donald Trump is set to be conducted in private later this month. This means the dramatically scaled-down Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, will be closed to the press. A spokeswoman for the Republican National Convention cited the coronavirus as the reason. Reporters will not be allowed on site as RNC delegates vote to formally nominate President Donald Trump as the 2020 Republican presidential nominee, but the vote will be livestreamed, the Republican official said. Trump had earlier called off public components of the convention in Florida last month, citing spiking cases of the coronavirus across the country. As many as 336 delegates are scheduled to gather in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 24 to formally vote to make Trump the GOP standard-bearer once more. Some GOP delegations have raised logistical issues with travelling to either city, citing the increasing number of jurisdictions imposing mandatory quarantine orders on travellers returning from states experiencing surges in the virus. The subset of delegates in Charlotte will be casting proxy votes on behalf of the more than 2,500 official delegates to the convention. Alternate delegates and guests have already been prohibited. The proceedings on the Monday of the convention -- including the vote to formally nominate Trump -- will be live-streamed, according to a Republican official familiar with the plans. It's being said if Trump goes to Charlotte, the expectation is that it will just be to thank the delegates in a private, closed press event.

Renomination of Trump to be held in private, GOP convention closed to press

The United States counted 61,262 new coronavirus cases in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 pm Saturday (0030 GMT Sunday), according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

It was the fifth consecutive day with more than 60,000 infections recorded, according to the Baltimore-based university. There were also 1,051 deaths in the 24-hour period.

The US has now tallied more than 4.6 million cases and 154,319 deaths, making it the hardest-hit country in the world.

The new numbers came as Florida braced for the arrival of Tropical Storm Isaias, which is expected to strengthen back into a hurricane as it approached the southeastern part of the virus-ravaged state.

Among US states, only California, with almost double Florida's population of about 21 million people, has registered more coronavirus cases.

On Saturday, Florida reported another 179 deaths, setting a new state record and pushing its virus death toll to 6,843.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said it's better to "just hunker down rather than sending people to the road" -- with shelters usually crowded and social distancing difficult -- unless the situation became more threatening.

The United States counted 61,262 new coronavirus cases in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 pm Saturday (0030 GMT Sunday), according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

The United States counted 61,262 new coronavirus cases in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 pm Saturday (0030 GMT Sunday), according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. It was the fifth consecutive day with more than 60,000 infections recorded, according to the Baltimore-based university. There were also 1,051 deaths in the 24-hour period. The US has now tallied more than 4.6 million cases and 154,319 deaths, making it the hardest-hit country in the world. The new numbers came as Florida braced for the arrival of Tropical Storm Isaias, which is expected to strengthen back into a hurricane as it approached the southeastern part of the virus-ravaged state. Among US states, only California, with almost double Florida's population of about 21 million people, has registered more coronavirus cases. On Saturday, Florida reported another 179 deaths, setting a new state record and pushing its virus death toll to 6,843. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said it's better to "just hunker down rather than sending people to the road" -- with shelters usually crowded and social distancing difficult -- unless the situation became more threatening.

US counts 61,262 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

Thirty-six crew members confined on a Norwegian cruise ship have tested positive for the new coronavirus.

The crew of the MS Roald Amundsen was quarantined on board the ship on Friday urriving at the northern Norwegian port of Tromso from the archipelago of Svalbard -- after four staff members tested positive for the virus and were hospitalised.

Of the 158 crew members on board, 36 are infected, Pal Jakobsen, media officer for the city of Tromso, told AFP.

The ship's company Hurtigruten had earlier indicated 33 positive tests.

The company said on Friday that four crew members "were isolated several days ago because of other disease symptoms, with no symptoms of COVID-19.

The ship had nearly 180 passengers on board since departing on July 25. None of the passengers reported symptoms related to coronavirus during the voyage.

All passengers disembarked the ship on Friday but about 60 people have since been quarantined in Tromso, the cruise line said on Saturday.

As of Friday, Norway had 9,208 confirmed cases of coronavirus.&nbsp;

One person died of the virus on Friday night, bringing the country's death toll to 256. It was the first coronavirus-related death in the Nordic country in two weeks.&nbsp;

Thirty-six crew members confined on a Norwegian cruise ship have tested positive for the new coronavirus. The crew of the MS Roald Amundsen was quarantined on board the ship on Friday urriving at the northern Norwegian port of Tromso from the archipelago of Svalbard -- after four staff members tested positive for the virus and were hospitalised.

Thirty-six crew members confined on a Norwegian cruise ship have tested positive for the new coronavirus. The crew of the MS Roald Amundsen was quarantined on board the ship on Friday urriving at the northern Norwegian port of Tromso from the archipelago of Svalbard -- after four staff members tested positive for the virus and were hospitalised. Of the 158 crew members on board, 36 are infected, Pal Jakobsen, media officer for the city of Tromso, told AFP. The ship's company Hurtigruten had earlier indicated 33 positive tests. The company said on Friday that four crew members "were isolated several days ago because of other disease symptoms, with no symptoms of COVID-19. The ship had nearly 180 passengers on board since departing on July 25. None of the passengers reported symptoms related to coronavirus during the voyage. All passengers disembarked the ship on Friday but about 60 people have since been quarantined in Tromso, the cruise line said on Saturday. As of Friday, Norway had 9,208 confirmed cases of coronavirus. One person died of the virus on Friday night, bringing the country's death toll to 256. It was the first coronavirus-related death in the Nordic country in two weeks.

Thirty-six crew test positive for coronavirus on Norwegian cruise ship

As the global race for a COVID-19 vaccine heats up, how close are we to a vaccine? And which country will get it first? Watch: Vaccine Wars, Explained, a Wion Wideangle special

WION Wideangle | Vaccine wars explained | WION | COVID-19 Vaccine

Recoveries among COVID-19 patients in India crossed the 11 lakh-mark on Sunday with over 51,000 patients recuperating in a 24-hour span, the highest recorded so far, pushing the recovery rate to?65.44 per cent, the Union health ministry said on Sunday.

There are 5,67,730 active cases of the coronavirus infection, which is the "actual caseload" of COVID-19 for the country presently and account for 32.43 per cent of the total cases, it said.

All active cases are under medical supervision either in hospitals or in home isolation.

With 51,225 patients cured and discharged in a day, India's total recoveries have surged to 11,45,629 and exceeded active cases of COVID-19 by 5,77,899 as on date, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 2.13 per cent.

"Coordinated implementation of COVID-19 management strategy by the Union and state and UT governments and selfless sacrifice of all frontline healthcare and other workers and COVID-19 warriors across sectors have ensured that the recoveries are continuously on the rise," the ministry said.

"The gap between the recoveries and the active cases has seen a steady rise. On June 10, for the first time, the total number of recovered patients exceeded the active cases with a difference of 1,573, which has increased to 5,77,899 as on today," it said.

The successful and coordination implementation of the effective containment strategy, aggressive testing and standardised clinical management protocols based on a comprehensive standard of care framework, have resulted in a consistent trend of rising recovery rate and progressively reducing case fatality rate (CFR).

"India has one of the lowest case fatality rate at 2.13 pc as compared to the global average," the ministry said.

India's COVID-19 tally climbed to 17.50 lakh with 54,735 cases being reported in a day, while the death toll rose to 37,364 with 853 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours, data updated at 8 am showed.

Recoveries among COVID-19 patients in India crossed the 11 lakh-mark on Sunday with over 51,000 patients recuperating in a 24-hour span, the highest recorded so far, pushing the recovery rate to?

Recoveries among COVID-19 patients in India crossed the 11 lakh-mark on Sunday with over 51,000 patients recuperating in a 24-hour span, the highest recorded so far, pushing the recovery rate to?65.44 per cent, the Union health ministry said on Sunday. There are 5,67,730 active cases of the coronavirus infection, which is the "actual caseload" of COVID-19 for the country presently and account for 32.43 per cent of the total cases, it said. All active cases are under medical supervision either in hospitals or in home isolation. With 51,225 patients cured and discharged in a day, India's total recoveries have surged to 11,45,629 and exceeded active cases of COVID-19 by 5,77,899 as on date, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 2.13 per cent. "Coordinated implementation of COVID-19 management strategy by the Union and state and UT governments and selfless sacrifice of all frontline healthcare and other workers and COVID-19 warriors across sectors have ensured that the recoveries are continuously on the rise," the ministry said. "The gap between the recoveries and the active cases has seen a steady rise. On June 10, for the first time, the total number of recovered patients exceeded the active cases with a difference of 1,573, which has increased to 5,77,899 as on today," it said. The successful and coordination implementation of the effective containment strategy, aggressive testing and standardised clinical management protocols based on a comprehensive standard of care framework, have resulted in a consistent trend of rising recovery rate and progressively reducing case fatality rate (CFR). "India has one of the lowest case fatality rate at 2.13 pc as compared to the global average," the ministry said. India's COVID-19 tally climbed to 17.50 lakh with 54,735 cases being reported in a day, while the death toll rose to 37,364 with 853 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours, data updated at 8 am showed.

COVID-19 recovery rate in India rises to 65.44%, fatality rate drops to 2.13%

Pakistan has recorded 553 more coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the country's COVID-19 caseload to 279,699, officials said on Sunday.

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) in its update on the second day of Eid al-Adha reported that six more people lost their lives due to the contagion, taking the death toll to 5,976.

It said that 248,577 people have so far recovered across the country. The total number of active cases was 25,146. 
There was no patient on ventilator in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan. Elsewhere in the country, 225 ventilators are occupied.

Out of the total cases, 121,309 were in Sindh, 93,173 in Punjab, 34,160 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 15,052 in Islamabad, 11,762 in Balochistan, 2,157 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 2,086 in PoK.

The authorities have performed a total of 20,10,170 tests across the country.

The data showed that 1,618 patients are admitted in 735 hospitals with COVID-19 facilities across the country. Other infected people were recuperating in their homes.

Pakistan has recorded 553 more coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the country's COVID-19 caseload to 279,699, officials said on Sunday. The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) in its update on the second day of Eid al-Adha reported that six more people lost their lives due to the contagion, taking the death toll to 5,976.

Pakistan has recorded 553 more coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the country's COVID-19 caseload to 279,699, officials said on Sunday. The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) in its update on the second day of Eid al-Adha reported that six more people lost their lives due to the contagion, taking the death toll to 5,976. It said that 248,577 people have so far recovered across the country. The total number of active cases was 25,146. There was no patient on ventilator in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan. Elsewhere in the country, 225 ventilators are occupied. Out of the total cases, 121,309 were in Sindh, 93,173 in Punjab, 34,160 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 15,052 in Islamabad, 11,762 in Balochistan, 2,157 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 2,086 in PoK. The authorities have performed a total of 20,10,170 tests across the country. The data showed that 1,618 patients are admitted in 735 hospitals with COVID-19 facilities across the country. Other infected people were recuperating in their homes.

Pakistan reports 553 new COVID-19 patients, tally stands at 279,669

Scientists have examined the chances of healthy people catching COVID-19 in a train carriage with a single infectious person, and have found that a safe social distance of more than one metre is required for an hour spent travelling together with the individual.

The researchers, including those from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, assessed high-speed train routes in China, and found that for passengers sitting within three rows (widthwise) and five columns (lengthwise) of an infected person, between zero and ten percent caught the disease.

According to the study, published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, the average rate of transmission for these 'close contact' travellers was 0.32 percent.

The researchers also showed that passengers travelling in seats directly adjacent to an index patient suffered the highest level of transmission, with an average of 3.5 percent contracting the disease.

For those sitting on the same row, they said this figure was 1.5 percent.

The 'attack rate' for each seat -- which is the number of passengers in a given seat diagnosed with COVID-19, divided by the total number of passengers travelling in the same seat -- increased by 0.15 percent for every hour that a person travelled with an infected individual, the study noted.

For those in adjacent seats, it said, this rate of increase was higher at 1.3 percent per hour. 
The study also found that only 0.075 percent of people who used a seat previously occupied by the infected patient went on to contract the disease.

In the research, the scientists used complex mathematical modelling to analyse anonymised itinerary and infection data relating to train passengers on China's high-speed G train network.

They said the data included those who had COVID-19 at the time of travel and their close contacts -- who showed symptoms within 14 days.

According to the scientists, the data covered a period between 19 December 2019 and 6 March 2020, including 2,334 patients and 72,093 close contacts, with passenger travel times ranging from between less than an hour to eight hours.

"Our study shows that although there is an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission on trains, a person's seat location and travel time in relation to an infectious person can make a big difference as to whether it is passed on," said Shengjie Lai, lead scientist from the University of Southampton in the UK.

The findings indicate that during the COVID-19 pandemic it is important to reduce the density of passengers and promote personal hygiene measures, the use of face coverings, and possibly carry-out temperature checks before boarding.

They said given the attack rates estimated for passengers in the same row as an infected individual, a safe social distance of more than one metre is required for one hour spent travelling together.

But after two hours of contact, they said a distance of less than 2.5 metres may be insufficient to prevent transmission.

"Our research is the first to quantify the individual risk of COVID-19 transmission on public transport based on data from epidemiological investigations of disease cases and their close contacts on high-speed trains," said Andrew Tatem, a co-author of the study from the University of Southampton.

"It shows that the transmission risk not only relates to the distance from an infected person, but also the time in their presence. We hope it can help to inform authorities globally about measures needed to guard against the virus and in-turn help to reduce its spread," Tatem added.&nbsp;

Scientists have examined the chances of healthy people catching COVID-19 in a train carriage with a single infectious person, and have found that a safe social distance of more than one metre is required for an hour spent travelling together with the individual.

Scientists have examined the chances of healthy people catching COVID-19 in a train carriage with a single infectious person, and have found that a safe social distance of more than one metre is required for an hour spent travelling together with the individual. The researchers, including those from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, assessed high-speed train routes in China, and found that for passengers sitting within three rows (widthwise) and five columns (lengthwise) of an infected person, between zero and ten percent caught the disease. According to the study, published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, the average rate of transmission for these 'close contact' travellers was 0.32 percent. The researchers also showed that passengers travelling in seats directly adjacent to an index patient suffered the highest level of transmission, with an average of 3.5 percent contracting the disease. For those sitting on the same row, they said this figure was 1.5 percent. The 'attack rate' for each seat -- which is the number of passengers in a given seat diagnosed with COVID-19, divided by the total number of passengers travelling in the same seat -- increased by 0.15 percent for every hour that a person travelled with an infected individual, the study noted. For those in adjacent seats, it said, this rate of increase was higher at 1.3 percent per hour. The study also found that only 0.075 percent of people who used a seat previously occupied by the infected patient went on to contract the disease. In the research, the scientists used complex mathematical modelling to analyse anonymised itinerary and infection data relating to train passengers on China's high-speed G train network. They said the data included those who had COVID-19 at the time of travel and their close contacts -- who showed symptoms within 14 days. According to the scientists, the data covered a period between 19 December 2019 and 6 March 2020, including 2,334 patients and 72,093 close contacts, with passenger travel times ranging from between less than an hour to eight hours. "Our study shows that although there is an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission on trains, a person's seat location and travel time in relation to an infectious person can make a big difference as to whether it is passed on," said Shengjie Lai, lead scientist from the University of Southampton in the UK. The findings indicate that during the COVID-19 pandemic it is important to reduce the density of passengers and promote personal hygiene measures, the use of face coverings, and possibly carry-out temperature checks before boarding. They said given the attack rates estimated for passengers in the same row as an infected individual, a safe social distance of more than one metre is required for one hour spent travelling together. But after two hours of contact, they said a distance of less than 2.5 metres may be insufficient to prevent transmission. "Our research is the first to quantify the individual risk of COVID-19 transmission on public transport based on data from epidemiological investigations of disease cases and their close contacts on high-speed trains," said Andrew Tatem, a co-author of the study from the University of Southampton. "It shows that the transmission risk not only relates to the distance from an infected person, but also the time in their presence. We hope it can help to inform authorities globally about measures needed to guard against the virus and in-turn help to reduce its spread," Tatem added.

COVID-19 transmission rate in train carriage decoded

Hundreds of children contracted the coronavirus at a summer camp held in the month of June in the US state of Georgia, health authorities said Friday.

The virus infected at least 260 of the 597 attendees, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The true number was probably higher since test results were only available for 58 per cent of the group.&nbsp;

This adds to a growing body of evidence that minors are both susceptible to infection and vectors of transmission.

The camp ignored the CDC's advice that all participants in summer camps wear cloth masks -- requiring them only for staff. It did however adhere to a state executive order requiring all participants to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 12 days or less before their arrival.

Other precautionary measures included physical distancing, frequent disinfection of surfaces, keeping children among the same small group, also known as "cohorting," and staggering the use of communal spaces.

The camp held an orientation for 138 trainees and 120 staff members from June 17 to June 20 -- the vast majority of whom were themselves aged 21 and under.

The trainees left but staff remained when the camp officially opened on June 21 and were joined by 363 campers, who ranged in age from six to 19, as well as three more senior staff members.

Camp attendees "engaged in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including daily vigorous singing and cheering," the report said. They slept in cabins housing up to 26 people.

On June 23, a teenage staff member left camp after developing chills the previous evening. The staff member was tested for SARS-CoV-2 -- the novel coronavirus -- on June 24 and got a positive result the same day.

The camp began sending campers home that day and closed the camp on June 27.

A health investigation started June 25 found that 260 of 344 people for whom test results were available were positive.

Among those, 74 per cent had mild symptoms including fever, headache and sore throat while the rest showed no symptoms.

Hundreds of children contracted the coronavirus at a summer camp held in the month of June in the US state of Georgia, health authorities said Friday. The virus infected at least 260 of the 597 attendees, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Hundreds of children contracted the coronavirus at a summer camp held in the month of June in the US state of Georgia, health authorities said Friday. The virus infected at least 260 of the 597 attendees, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The true number was probably higher since test results were only available for 58 per cent of the group. This adds to a growing body of evidence that minors are both susceptible to infection and vectors of transmission. The camp ignored the CDC's advice that all participants in summer camps wear cloth masks -- requiring them only for staff. It did however adhere to a state executive order requiring all participants to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 12 days or less before their arrival. Other precautionary measures included physical distancing, frequent disinfection of surfaces, keeping children among the same small group, also known as "cohorting," and staggering the use of communal spaces. The camp held an orientation for 138 trainees and 120 staff members from June 17 to June 20 -- the vast majority of whom were themselves aged 21 and under. The trainees left but staff remained when the camp officially opened on June 21 and were joined by 363 campers, who ranged in age from six to 19, as well as three more senior staff members. Camp attendees "engaged in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including daily vigorous singing and cheering," the report said. They slept in cabins housing up to 26 people. On June 23, a teenage staff member left camp after developing chills the previous evening. The staff member was tested for SARS-CoV-2 -- the novel coronavirus -- on June 24 and got a positive result the same day. The camp began sending campers home that day and closed the camp on June 27. A health investigation started June 25 found that 260 of 344 people for whom test results were available were positive. Among those, 74 per cent had mild symptoms including fever, headache and sore throat while the rest showed no symptoms.

Coronavirus infected hundreds of children at June summer camp in US

South Korean authorities arrested the founder of a secretive Christian sect at the centre of the country's largest outbreak of COVID-19 infections on Saturday for allegedly hiding crucial information from contact-tracers and other offences.

Lee Man-hee is the powerful head of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus which is linked to more than 5,200 coronavirus infections, or 36% of South Korea's total cases.

Prosecutors allege the 89-year-old conspired with other sect leaders to withhold information from authorities during the peak of the outbreak among his more than 200,000 followers.

Lee, who has described the novel coronavirus as the "devil’s deed" to stop the sect`s growth, allegedly hid details on members and their meeting places as authorities tried to trace infection routes in February, Yonhap news agency reported.

Lee is also suspected of embezzling about 5.6 billion won ($4.7 million) in church funds, including about 5 billion won which he allegedly used to build a retreat, Yonhap said.

The sect said in a statement that Lee was concerned about government demands for members` personal information but never tried to hide anything.

Lee was arrested immediately after a court in Suwon District, south of Seoul, approved the warrant.

A prosecution official could not be reached outside of office hours.

South Korean authorities arrested the founder of a secretive Christian sect at the centre of the country's largest outbreak of COVID-19 infections on Saturday for allegedly hiding crucial information from contact-tracers and other offences.

South Korean authorities arrested the founder of a secretive Christian sect at the centre of the country's largest outbreak of COVID-19 infections on Saturday for allegedly hiding crucial information from contact-tracers and other offences. Lee Man-hee is the powerful head of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus which is linked to more than 5,200 coronavirus infections, or 36% of South Korea's total cases. Prosecutors allege the 89-year-old conspired with other sect leaders to withhold information from authorities during the peak of the outbreak among his more than 200,000 followers. Lee, who has described the novel coronavirus as the "devil’s deed" to stop the sect`s growth, allegedly hid details on members and their meeting places as authorities tried to trace infection routes in February, Yonhap news agency reported. Lee is also suspected of embezzling about 5.6 billion won ($4.7 million) in church funds, including about 5 billion won which he allegedly used to build a retreat, Yonhap said. The sect said in a statement that Lee was concerned about government demands for members` personal information but never tried to hide anything. Lee was arrested immediately after a court in Suwon District, south of Seoul, approved the warrant. A prosecution official could not be reached outside of office hours.

South Korea sect leader arrested over coronavirus outbreak

Mexico surpassed Britain as the country with the third-highest coronavirus death toll on Friday, as the pandemic reaches new milestones in Latin America and threatens to disrupt efforts to reopen the region's reeling economies.

The record places Mexico behind Brazil, Latin America's largest and most populous nation, and the United States. More than 91,000 people have died in Brazil, and the U.S. death toll has topped 152,000.

Mexico on Friday recorded 688 fatalities to bring its death toll to 46,688, with 424,637 confirmed cases.

The United Kingdom has recorded 46,204 deaths and 304,793 cases, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Mexican officials say the pandemic is likely far more extensive than official figures reflect.

The rising tolls have cemented Latin America's status as one of the epicenters of the virus. Cases in the region have doubled over the past month to more than 4.7 million infections.

Colombia, where lockdowns are planned through the end of August, passed the 10,000 death benchmark on Friday, tallying 10,105 fatalities. The Andean country is expected to reach 300,000 total cases over the weekend.

While the United Kingdom appears to have put the brakes on the virus, the pandemic shows few signs of slowing in Mexico, which has been trying to restart the economy since late May.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who angered some health advocates by refusing to wear a mask in public, said on Friday that Mexico plans to go ahead with Independence Day celebrations in the capital's massive Zocalo Square.

The Sept. 16 ceremony that celebrates a historic call to revolt known as "El Grito" would be "socially distanced," Lopez Obrador told his daily morning press conference.

Mexico surpassed Britain as the country with the third-highest coronavirus death toll on Friday, as the pandemic reaches new milestones in Latin America and threatens to disrupt efforts to reopen the region's reeling economies.

Mexico surpassed Britain as the country with the third-highest coronavirus death toll on Friday, as the pandemic reaches new milestones in Latin America and threatens to disrupt efforts to reopen the region's reeling economies. The record places Mexico behind Brazil, Latin America's largest and most populous nation, and the United States. More than 91,000 people have died in Brazil, and the U.S. death toll has topped 152,000. Mexico on Friday recorded 688 fatalities to bring its death toll to 46,688, with 424,637 confirmed cases. The United Kingdom has recorded 46,204 deaths and 304,793 cases, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Mexican officials say the pandemic is likely far more extensive than official figures reflect. The rising tolls have cemented Latin America's status as one of the epicenters of the virus. Cases in the region have doubled over the past month to more than 4.7 million infections. Colombia, where lockdowns are planned through the end of August, passed the 10,000 death benchmark on Friday, tallying 10,105 fatalities. The Andean country is expected to reach 300,000 total cases over the weekend. While the United Kingdom appears to have put the brakes on the virus, the pandemic shows few signs of slowing in Mexico, which has been trying to restart the economy since late May. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who angered some health advocates by refusing to wear a mask in public, said on Friday that Mexico plans to go ahead with Independence Day celebrations in the capital's massive Zocalo Square. The Sept. 16 ceremony that celebrates a historic call to revolt known as "El Grito" would be "socially distanced," Lopez Obrador told his daily morning press conference.

Mexico takes over UK with third highest coronavirus death toll

Hong Kong&nbsp;opened a temporary field hospital with 500 beds on Saturday to house stable COVID-19 patients as the city battles a new wave of virus infections.

The financial hub had been a poster child for tackling the coronavirus, with local transmissions all but ended by early summer.

But since July the pathogen has returned, with some cases brought in by the tens of thousands of people who were exempted from a mandatory quarantine imposed on most arrivals.

The opening of the hospital comes a day after city leader Carrie Lam announced the postponement of upcoming legislative elections for a year, saying that the decision is purely protecting public health and has "nothing to do with politics".

More than 2,000 new infections have been detected since the start of July -- 60 percent of the total since the virus first hit the city in late January.&nbsp;

The new makeshift hospital set up at the city's AsiaWorld-Expo exhibition centre near the airport, will take in COVID-19 patients aged from 18 to 60.&nbsp;

"Our goal is to triage the patients from the community and provide them with appropriate treatment and hospitalisation arrangement," Dr Larry Lee from the Hospital Authority told media, adding that around 20 to 30 patients are expected to be admitted on the first day.

Lee said that arriving patients will go through X-rays as well as blood, saliva and heart tests. If found unstable, patients will be sent to hospitals while stable ones will get treatment and put under medical observation at the facility.

New daily infections have been above 100 for the past 10 days with total infection numbers rising to 3,272 on Friday.&nbsp;The death toll rose from seven to 29 in July.

China has offered to send mainland testing staff to the city to carry out "large scale nucleic acid testing".&nbsp;

In a Saturday statement, the National Health Commission of China (NHC) said it has set up a team comprised of 60 clinical laboratory staff and an "advance unit" will arrive in the city on Sunday.&nbsp;

Hong Kong opened a temporary field hospital with 500 beds on Saturday to house stable COVID-19 patients as the city battles a new wave of virus infections. The financial hub had been a poster child for tackling the coronavirus, with local transmissions all but ended by early summer.

Hong Kong opened a temporary field hospital with 500 beds on Saturday to house stable COVID-19 patients as the city battles a new wave of virus infections. The financial hub had been a poster child for tackling the coronavirus, with local transmissions all but ended by early summer. But since July the pathogen has returned, with some cases brought in by the tens of thousands of people who were exempted from a mandatory quarantine imposed on most arrivals. The opening of the hospital comes a day after city leader Carrie Lam announced the postponement of upcoming legislative elections for a year, saying that the decision is purely protecting public health and has "nothing to do with politics". More than 2,000 new infections have been detected since the start of July -- 60 percent of the total since the virus first hit the city in late January. The new makeshift hospital set up at the city's AsiaWorld-Expo exhibition centre near the airport, will take in COVID-19 patients aged from 18 to 60. "Our goal is to triage the patients from the community and provide them with appropriate treatment and hospitalisation arrangement," Dr Larry Lee from the Hospital Authority told media, adding that around 20 to 30 patients are expected to be admitted on the first day. Lee said that arriving patients will go through X-rays as well as blood, saliva and heart tests. If found unstable, patients will be sent to hospitals while stable ones will get treatment and put under medical observation at the facility. New daily infections have been above 100 for the past 10 days with total infection numbers rising to 3,272 on Friday. The death toll rose from seven to 29 in July. China has offered to send mainland testing staff to the city to carry out "large scale nucleic acid testing". In a Saturday statement, the National Health Commission of China (NHC) said it has set up a team comprised of 60 clinical laboratory staff and an "advance unit" will arrive in the city on Sunday.

Hong Kong opens makeshift hospital for COVID-19 patients

Dutch airline KLM said Friday it would shed up to 5,000 jobs due to a "crisis of unprecedented magnitude" caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The carrier, part of the Air France KLM group, said the cuts through the end of 2021 were necessary as it had made huge losses despite a 3.4-billion-euro ($4.0-billion) Dutch government bailout.

The&nbsp;cuts would involve around 1,500 compulsory layoffs from KLM's current workforce of 33,000, the airline said.

There would also be 2,000 voluntary redundancies announced earlier this year, while further cuts would be made through non-renewal of 1,500 temporary contracts.

"KLM is in the throes of a crisis of unprecedented magnitude... Expectations are that the road to recovery will be long and fraught with uncertainty," KLM said in a statement.

"This means that KLM’s structure and size must be rigorously adjusted even further in the years ahead. Consequently, a total of 4,500 to 5,000 positions in the entire KLM Group will cease to exist."

The jobs lost would involve up to 300 flight crew, 300 cabin crew, 500 ground staff and around 400 jobs at KLM subsidiaries and in the Air France-KLM group positions.

KLM said it would "keep open the possibility of further reductions" due to the "high level of uncertainty" in the airline business due to the pandemic, with demand not expected to recover until 2023 or 2024.

"It is incredibly difficult and sad for KLM to now have to bid farewell to valuable, committed colleagues," KLM CEO Pieter Elbers said in the statement.

KLM on Thursday reported an unprecedented 768 million euro loss for the first half of 2020, with passenger numbers falling 95 percent in the second quarter from nine million to less than half a million.

Air France-KLM on Thursday announced a total second-quarter loss of 2.6 billion euros, adding that the twin airlines must "significantly reduce" the workforce.

KLM and Air France are among a host of European airlines given state support to get through the pandemic.

Dutch airline KLM said Friday it would shed up to 5,000 jobs due to a "crisis of unprecedented magnitude" caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The carrier, part of the Air France KLM group, said the cuts through the end of 2021 were necessary as it had made huge losses despite a 3.

Dutch airline KLM said Friday it would shed up to 5,000 jobs due to a "crisis of unprecedented magnitude" caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The carrier, part of the Air France KLM group, said the cuts through the end of 2021 were necessary as it had made huge losses despite a 3.4-billion-euro ($4.0-billion) Dutch government bailout. The cuts would involve around 1,500 compulsory layoffs from KLM's current workforce of 33,000, the airline said. There would also be 2,000 voluntary redundancies announced earlier this year, while further cuts would be made through non-renewal of 1,500 temporary contracts. "KLM is in the throes of a crisis of unprecedented magnitude... Expectations are that the road to recovery will be long and fraught with uncertainty," KLM said in a statement. "This means that KLM’s structure and size must be rigorously adjusted even further in the years ahead. Consequently, a total of 4,500 to 5,000 positions in the entire KLM Group will cease to exist." The jobs lost would involve up to 300 flight crew, 300 cabin crew, 500 ground staff and around 400 jobs at KLM subsidiaries and in the Air France-KLM group positions. KLM said it would "keep open the possibility of further reductions" due to the "high level of uncertainty" in the airline business due to the pandemic, with demand not expected to recover until 2023 or 2024. "It is incredibly difficult and sad for KLM to now have to bid farewell to valuable, committed colleagues," KLM CEO Pieter Elbers said in the statement. KLM on Thursday reported an unprecedented 768 million euro loss for the first half of 2020, with passenger numbers falling 95 percent in the second quarter from nine million to less than half a million. Air France-KLM on Thursday announced a total second-quarter loss of 2.6 billion euros, adding that the twin airlines must "significantly reduce" the workforce. KLM and Air France are among a host of European airlines given state support to get through the pandemic.

Dutch airline KLM to shed up to 5,000 jobs due to coronavirus

The West Bengal government on Thursday said the lockdown in containment zones in the state will be extended till August 31.

Earlier, the state had said the shutdown in containment zones will be in force till July 31.

There will be a complete lockdown across the state on August 5, August 8, August 16-17, August 23-24 and August 31, as announced earlier, a notification issued by Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha said.

Educational centres, coaching institutes, cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums and assembly halls will remain closed till August 31, it said.

During the complete lockdown days in August, all government and private offices, commercial establishments, public and private transport, including flight services, will be cease to operate, the notification said.

Essential services including healthcare, agriculture operations and home delivery of food, have been exempted on such days.

However, gyms and yoga institutes outside containment zones will be allowed to function from August 5, barring the total lockdown days, the notification added.

The West Bengal government on Thursday said the lockdown in containment zones in the state will be extended till August 31. Earlier, the state had said the shutdown in containment zones will be in force till July 31.

The West Bengal government on Thursday said the lockdown in containment zones in the state will be extended till August 31. Earlier, the state had said the shutdown in containment zones will be in force till July 31. There will be a complete lockdown across the state on August 5, August 8, August 16-17, August 23-24 and August 31, as announced earlier, a notification issued by Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha said. Educational centres, coaching institutes, cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums and assembly halls will remain closed till August 31, it said. During the complete lockdown days in August, all government and private offices, commercial establishments, public and private transport, including flight services, will be cease to operate, the notification said. Essential services including healthcare, agriculture operations and home delivery of food, have been exempted on such days. However, gyms and yoga institutes outside containment zones will be allowed to function from August 5, barring the total lockdown days, the notification added.

COVID-19: West Bengal extends lockdown in containment zones till August 31

The coronavirus pandemic has pushed influenza infection rates to a record low, signalling that the social distancing measures are having an unprecedented impact on other communicable diseases.

In China, where the earliest wide-scale lockdown measures began, new reports of diseases including mumps, measles and some sexually transmitted diseases, have declined significantly, though influenza cases have seen the sharpest drop off.

Infections reported monthly by the county's health ministry have dropped by over 90% since the beginning of the lockdown, from an average of around 290,000 cases a month to 23,000.

New cases of mumps dropped by around 70% and measles by over 90% since the lockdown.

There was an average of around 7,500 gonorrhoea cases reported per month since the lockdown, down from 12,100 a month in 2019.

Hepatitis, which last year infected some 1.2 million Chinese people according to the reporting system, was down by over 20% in the same period.

Canada's flu surveillance system also reported "exceptionally low levels" of influenza in a recent report, as did other countries that report weekly flu surveillance statistics including the UK and Australia.

In its most recent weekly report, South Korea's infectious disease portal reported an 83% decrease in cases from the same period a year earlier.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates there are some 3-5 million severe illnesses and up to 500,000 deaths annually linked to seasonal influenza globally.

While experts say the drop in influenza infections has reduced the strain on healthcare systems and lowered the number of influenza fatalities, there's also concern that the unprecedented drop in cases could have a negative impact on immunity levels in following seasons.

Lower numbers of some infectious diseases could also be linked to reduced reporting rates.

The WHO said in a recent report that influenza surveillance figures should be "interpreted with caution," due to the limited capacity for reporting in some countries during the pandemic.

The impact of the lockdown on other diseases with a longer onset period, including HIV and Tuberculosis, may not be clear for years to come.

(with inputs from agencies)

The coronavirus pandemic has pushed influenza infection rates to a record low, signalling that the social distancing measures are having an unprecedented impact on other communicable diseases.

The coronavirus pandemic has pushed influenza infection rates to a record low, signalling that the social distancing measures are having an unprecedented impact on other communicable diseases. In China, where the earliest wide-scale lockdown measures began, new reports of diseases including mumps, measles and some sexually transmitted diseases, have declined significantly, though influenza cases have seen the sharpest drop off. Infections reported monthly by the county's health ministry have dropped by over 90% since the beginning of the lockdown, from an average of around 290,000 cases a month to 23,000. New cases of mumps dropped by around 70% and measles by over 90% since the lockdown. There was an average of around 7,500 gonorrhoea cases reported per month since the lockdown, down from 12,100 a month in 2019. Hepatitis, which last year infected some 1.2 million Chinese people according to the reporting system, was down by over 20% in the same period. Canada's flu surveillance system also reported "exceptionally low levels" of influenza in a recent report, as did other countries that report weekly flu surveillance statistics including the UK and Australia. In its most recent weekly report, South Korea's infectious disease portal reported an 83% decrease in cases from the same period a year earlier. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates there are some 3-5 million severe illnesses and up to 500,000 deaths annually linked to seasonal influenza globally. While experts say the drop in influenza infections has reduced the strain on healthcare systems and lowered the number of influenza fatalities, there's also concern that the unprecedented drop in cases could have a negative impact on immunity levels in following seasons. Lower numbers of some infectious diseases could also be linked to reduced reporting rates. The WHO said in a recent report that influenza surveillance figures should be "interpreted with caution," due to the limited capacity for reporting in some countries during the pandemic. The impact of the lockdown on other diseases with a longer onset period, including HIV and Tuberculosis, may not be clear for years to come. (with inputs from agencies)

Seasonal flu reports hit record lows amid coronavirus pandemic

India coronavirus cases have surpassed 1,6 million with more than 55,000 recorded in the last 24-hours. Watch report.

55,000 positive daily cases for the first time | India | COVID-19 pandemic

United Nations has warned that at least 14 million people in Latin America could go hungry this year. Watch report.

11 million newly poor to lose access to food: Latin American economies to contract by 5.3%

In South Korea, the worst of coronavirus impact has passed and the country's factory production jumped at the fastest rate in more than 11 years. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: South Korea's factory production bounce back much faster than expected

WION Health Summit, Session 1: When will the COVID-19 pandemic end? And how? Top voices in healthcare Dr. Elisabetta, Lawrence Gostin, and Amos Panet share their views.

WION Health Summit: When will the coronavirus pandemic end?

The first dog to test positive for the coronavirus in the United States has died, after struggling with symptoms that may be familiar to many of the virus's human sufferers.

Buddy, the seven-year-old German shepherd became sick in April, around the same time his owner Robert Mahoney was recovering from COVID-19, according to the National Geographic magazine.

Buddy seemed to have a stuffed nose and difficulty in breathing, and his condition only worsened over the following weeks and months.&nbsp;

Mahoney and his wife Allison, who live in New York,&nbsp;eventually euthanised the dog on July 11 after Buddy began vomiting &nbsp;blood clots, urinating blood and was unable to walk.&nbsp;

But the family told National Geographic they had a hard time confirming their suspicion that Buddy was infected with SARS-CoV-2.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-pug-winston-from-north-carolina-may-be-the-first-dog-in-us-to-test-positive-295530">Also read |&nbsp;A pug, Winston, from North Carolina may be the first dog in US to test positive</a>

A clinic was finally able to confirm that Buddy was positive, and found that the family's puppy -- who was never sick -- had virus antibodies.&nbsp;

Buddy's vets later discovered the dog was likely also suffering from lymphoma, raising the question of whether animals -- like humans -- with pre-existing conditions might also be more susceptible to serious illness from the new coronavirus.&nbsp;

Neither public health officials nor veterinarians could offer the family much information, because there was not enough data about the virus in animals, beyond the fact that infection appeared to be rare.&nbsp;

And it seemed to them that neither city nor federal health authorities were very interested in learning from Buddy's case. By the time they decided to do a necropsy, Buddy had already been cremated.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/researchers-to-test-dogs-ability-to-sniff-out-coronavirus-301407">Also read |&nbsp;Researchers to test dogs' ability to sniff out coronavirus</a>

The official word from the World Health Organisation is that pets likely do not often transmit the virus to their owners.&nbsp;

Twelve dogs and 10 cats have tested positive for coronavirus in the US, according to National Geographic.

The first dog to test positive for the coronavirus in the United States has died, after struggling with symptoms that may be familiar to many of the virus's human sufferers.

The first dog to test positive for the coronavirus in the United States has died, after struggling with symptoms that may be familiar to many of the virus's human sufferers. Buddy, the seven-year-old German shepherd became sick in April, around the same time his owner Robert Mahoney was recovering from COVID-19, according to the National Geographic magazine. Buddy seemed to have a stuffed nose and difficulty in breathing, and his condition only worsened over the following weeks and months. Mahoney and his wife Allison, who live in New York, eventually euthanised the dog on July 11 after Buddy began vomiting blood clots, urinating blood and was unable to walk. But the family told National Geographic they had a hard time confirming their suspicion that Buddy was infected with SARS-CoV-2. Also read | A pug, Winston, from North Carolina may be the first dog in US to test positive A clinic was finally able to confirm that Buddy was positive, and found that the family's puppy -- who was never sick -- had virus antibodies. Buddy's vets later discovered the dog was likely also suffering from lymphoma, raising the question of whether animals -- like humans -- with pre-existing conditions might also be more susceptible to serious illness from the new coronavirus. Neither public health officials nor veterinarians could offer the family much information, because there was not enough data about the virus in animals, beyond the fact that infection appeared to be rare. And it seemed to them that neither city nor federal health authorities were very interested in learning from Buddy's case. By the time they decided to do a necropsy, Buddy had already been cremated. Also read | Researchers to test dogs' ability to sniff out coronavirus The official word from the World Health Organisation is that pets likely do not often transmit the virus to their owners. Twelve dogs and 10 cats have tested positive for coronavirus in the US, according to National Geographic.

First dog to test positive for coronavirus in US dies, says report

The US economy collapsed in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, suffering its worst drop on record while hopes for a recovery took another hit as job losses increased, according to government data released on Thursday.

The 32.9 per cent GDP&nbsp;contraction, though slightly better than expected, was the worst experienced by the world's largest economy since at least 1947 and underscored the severity of the rapidly unfolding crisis, which has already destroyed tens of millions of jobs.&nbsp;

COVID-19 cases have resurged in recent weeks, eroding early progress towards a rebound and forcing authorities in several states to reimpose restrictions that sent workers back home.

The latest Labour Department data showed a second straight weekly increase in initial claims for jobless benefits following several weeks of declines, prompting renewed calls for Congress to quickly approve a new round of emergency spending to support the economy.

The separate growth figures from the Commerce Department are given at an annual rate -- a measure of the full-year result if the damage was translated over 12 months. Compared to the same quarter of 2019, economic activity fell 9.5 percent, still the worst figure since 1948.

US media reported the White House is pushing for a stop-gap measure that would extend the extra unemployment payments by one week as well as the moratorium on evictions for renters while negotiations continue.

After surging in March amid the massive job losses at the start of the pandemic, first time claims for jobless benefits have been falling for weeks, but they rose again to&nbsp;1.43 million&nbsp;in the week ended July 25, the Labor Department said on Thursday.

That figure does not include the 829,697 new claims by people who filed under a special program for those who would not normally be eligible for aid.

The data show "the resurgence in COVID-19 cases is taking a toll on the recovery in the labor market," Oxford Economics lead US economist Nancy Vanden Houten said in an analysis.

Continuing claims, which is the number of people receiving benefits for more than a week, jumped to over 17 million while the insured unemployment rate rose to 11.6 percent in the week ended July 18.

Following a reduction of 5.0 per cent in the first three months of the year, the GDP plunge was driven largely by the drop in its largest component, consumer spending, which fell 34.6 percent annualized, according to the report, which was the first estimate for the second quarter.

Trade also took a huge hit in the latest quarter, with exports falling just over 64 per cent, and imports down 53.4 per cent.

The US economy collapsed in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, suffering its worst drop on record while hopes for a recovery took another hit as job losses increased, according to government data released on Thursday.

The US economy collapsed in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, suffering its worst drop on record while hopes for a recovery took another hit as job losses increased, according to government data released on Thursday. The 32.9 per cent GDP contraction, though slightly better than expected, was the worst experienced by the world's largest economy since at least 1947 and underscored the severity of the rapidly unfolding crisis, which has already destroyed tens of millions of jobs. COVID-19 cases have resurged in recent weeks, eroding early progress towards a rebound and forcing authorities in several states to reimpose restrictions that sent workers back home. The latest Labour Department data showed a second straight weekly increase in initial claims for jobless benefits following several weeks of declines, prompting renewed calls for Congress to quickly approve a new round of emergency spending to support the economy. The separate growth figures from the Commerce Department are given at an annual rate -- a measure of the full-year result if the damage was translated over 12 months. Compared to the same quarter of 2019, economic activity fell 9.5 percent, still the worst figure since 1948. US media reported the White House is pushing for a stop-gap measure that would extend the extra unemployment payments by one week as well as the moratorium on evictions for renters while negotiations continue. After surging in March amid the massive job losses at the start of the pandemic, first time claims for jobless benefits have been falling for weeks, but they rose again to 1.43 million in the week ended July 25, the Labor Department said on Thursday. That figure does not include the 829,697 new claims by people who filed under a special program for those who would not normally be eligible for aid. The data show "the resurgence in COVID-19 cases is taking a toll on the recovery in the labor market," Oxford Economics lead US economist Nancy Vanden Houten said in an analysis. Continuing claims, which is the number of people receiving benefits for more than a week, jumped to over 17 million while the insured unemployment rate rose to 11.6 percent in the week ended July 18. Following a reduction of 5.0 per cent in the first three months of the year, the GDP plunge was driven largely by the drop in its largest component, consumer spending, which fell 34.6 percent annualized, according to the report, which was the first estimate for the second quarter. Trade also took a huge hit in the latest quarter, with exports falling just over 64 per cent, and imports down 53.4 per cent.

US economy posts its worst drop on record, jobless claims rise

Children under the age of five have between 10 to 100 times greater levels of genetic material of the coronavirus in their noses compared to older children and adults.

This implies that young children might be important drivers of COVID-19 transmission within communities.

This study, mentioned in JAMA Pediatrics, was carried out between March 23 and April 27. Researchers&nbsp;carried out nasal swab tests on 145 Chicago patients with mild to moderate illness within one week of symptom onset.

The research comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump is pushing hard for schools and daycare to reopen in order to kickstart the economy.

The patients were divided in three groups: 46 children younger than five-years-old, 51 children aged five to 17 years, and 48 adults aged 18 to 65 years.

The team observed "a 10-fold to 100-fold greater amount of SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract of young children."

The authors added that a recent lab study had demonstrated that the more viral genetic material was present, the more infectious virus could be grown.

It has also previously been shown that children with high viral loads of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are more likely to spread the disease.

The new findings are at odds with the current view among health authorities that young children -- who, it has been well established, are far less likely to fall seriously ill from the virus -- don't spread it much to others either.&nbsp;

However, there has been fairly little research on the topic so far.

One recent study in South Korea found children aged 10 to 19 transmitted COVID-19 within households as much as adults, but children under nine transmitted the virus at lower rates.

Children under the age of five have between 10 to 100 times greater levels of genetic material of the coronavirus in their noses compared to older children and adults.

Children under the age of five have between 10 to 100 times greater levels of genetic material of the coronavirus in their noses compared to older children and adults. This implies that young children might be important drivers of COVID-19 transmission within communities. This study, mentioned in JAMA Pediatrics, was carried out between March 23 and April 27. Researchers carried out nasal swab tests on 145 Chicago patients with mild to moderate illness within one week of symptom onset. The research comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump is pushing hard for schools and daycare to reopen in order to kickstart the economy. The patients were divided in three groups: 46 children younger than five-years-old, 51 children aged five to 17 years, and 48 adults aged 18 to 65 years. The team observed "a 10-fold to 100-fold greater amount of SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract of young children." The authors added that a recent lab study had demonstrated that the more viral genetic material was present, the more infectious virus could be grown. It has also previously been shown that children with high viral loads of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are more likely to spread the disease. The new findings are at odds with the current view among health authorities that young children -- who, it has been well established, are far less likely to fall seriously ill from the virus -- don't spread it much to others either. However, there has been fairly little research on the topic so far. One recent study in South Korea found children aged 10 to 19 transmitted COVID-19 within households as much as adults, but children under nine transmitted the virus at lower rates.

Young children carry higher levels of coronavirus, says study

Diamond mining giant De Beers is likely to have to cut jobs, its chief executive said on Thursday, as it outlined plans for an overhaul of its business after the coronavirus hit jewellery demand.

Diamond giant De Beers likely to cut jobs after COVID-19 hit

Vietnam recorded its first coronavirus death on Friday as the pandemic rebounds in a country that had previously been praised for stubbing out the contagion.

The patient, a 70-year-old man, died in the central city of Hoi An nearly three weeks after being admitted to hospital with serious underlying conditions, according to state media.

The communist nation was applauded earlier this year for controlling COVID-19 with strict restrictions on movement, extensive quarantine measures and a robust track-and-trace regime.

But an outbreak over the weekend in the beach resort of Danang, near Hoi An, has put the country back on high alert.

Health officials on Friday also announced the country's highest single daily caseload since the pandemic began.

"Elite medical experts" have been mobilised to help tamp down the outbreak in Danang, Doctor Tran Nhu Duong, deputy head of the National Institute of Epidemiology, told state TV as news of the first death emerged.

They will join "around 1,000 people including military men" heading to the the epicentre of the latest cluster, a city that had been bursting with domestic tourists until authorities announced the virus had made a comeback.

Before the weekend Vietnam had not recorded a locally transmitted infection for nearly 100 days.

But since then nearly 100 people who had travelled to Danang have tested positive across the country, leaving health authorities scrambling to snuff out the outbreak.

MAKESHIFT HOSPITAL

The number of "infected people increased at a record figure" with 45 new cases, said the Suc Khoe Doi Song newspaper, a health ministry mouthpiece.

The patients aged between 27 and 87 were all being treated at or were employed at Danang's hospitals, or were their relatives, it added.

State media said a makeshift hospital was being set up at a Danang sports centre in anticipation of the outbreak worsening.

Flights in and out of Danang and public transport within the city have already been suspended, and the majority of its 1.1 million inhabitants have been advised to remain at home.

At least 21,000 people are undergoing rapid-test swabs for the virus in the capital Hanoi after travelling to Danang. Similar tests were also conducted in business hub Ho Chi Minh City for returnees from Danang.

Bars have been closed in nearby Hue, while tourism is suspended in historic Hoi An.

Vietnam has won praise for its handling of the virus -- reporting just 509 infections in total, including those from the new wave, and until Friday no deaths despite sharing a long border with China.

Earlier this month state media trumpeted the survival of a British pilot who spent more than two months on life support in Vietnam with the virus.

Stephen Cameron, 42, was the sickest patient medics have had to treat during the coronavirus outbreak and was given just a 10 percent chance of survival.

 
&nbsp;

Vietnam recorded its first coronavirus death on Friday as the pandemic rebounds in a country that had previously been praised for stubbing out the contagion. The patient, a 70-year-old man, died in the central city of Hoi An nearly three weeks after being admitted to hospital with serious underlying conditions, according to state media.

Vietnam recorded its first coronavirus death on Friday as the pandemic rebounds in a country that had previously been praised for stubbing out the contagion. The patient, a 70-year-old man, died in the central city of Hoi An nearly three weeks after being admitted to hospital with serious underlying conditions, according to state media. The communist nation was applauded earlier this year for controlling COVID-19 with strict restrictions on movement, extensive quarantine measures and a robust track-and-trace regime. But an outbreak over the weekend in the beach resort of Danang, near Hoi An, has put the country back on high alert. Health officials on Friday also announced the country's highest single daily caseload since the pandemic began. "Elite medical experts" have been mobilised to help tamp down the outbreak in Danang, Doctor Tran Nhu Duong, deputy head of the National Institute of Epidemiology, told state TV as news of the first death emerged. They will join "around 1,000 people including military men" heading to the the epicentre of the latest cluster, a city that had been bursting with domestic tourists until authorities announced the virus had made a comeback. Before the weekend Vietnam had not recorded a locally transmitted infection for nearly 100 days. But since then nearly 100 people who had travelled to Danang have tested positive across the country, leaving health authorities scrambling to snuff out the outbreak. MAKESHIFT HOSPITAL The number of "infected people increased at a record figure" with 45 new cases, said the Suc Khoe Doi Song newspaper, a health ministry mouthpiece. The patients aged between 27 and 87 were all being treated at or were employed at Danang's hospitals, or were their relatives, it added. State media said a makeshift hospital was being set up at a Danang sports centre in anticipation of the outbreak worsening. Flights in and out of Danang and public transport within the city have already been suspended, and the majority of its 1.1 million inhabitants have been advised to remain at home. At least 21,000 people are undergoing rapid-test swabs for the virus in the capital Hanoi after travelling to Danang. Similar tests were also conducted in business hub Ho Chi Minh City for returnees from Danang. Bars have been closed in nearby Hue, while tourism is suspended in historic Hoi An. Vietnam has won praise for its handling of the virus -- reporting just 509 infections in total, including those from the new wave, and until Friday no deaths despite sharing a long border with China. Earlier this month state media trumpeted the survival of a British pilot who spent more than two months on life support in Vietnam with the virus. Stephen Cameron, 42, was the sickest patient medics have had to treat during the coronavirus outbreak and was given just a 10 percent chance of survival.

Vietnam records first coronavirus death as pandemic rebounds

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he was taking antibiotics for an infection that left him feeling weak, chuckling in an online video about "mold" in his lungs, having spent weeks in isolation after catching the novel coronavirus.

"I just did a blood test. I was feeling kind of weak yesterday. They found a bit of infection also. Now I'm on antibiotics," Bolsonaro said in a livestream video, without elaborating on the infection.

"After 20 days indoors, I have other problems. I have mold in my lungs," he said, referring to nearly three weeks he spent at the official presidential residence. He tested positive for the coronavirus on July 7 and then negative last Saturday.

His wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, tested positive on Thursday, according to a statement from the presidential palace. Science and Technology Minister Marcos Pontes also said he had tested positive for the virus, making him the fifth cabinet minister diagnosed publicly.

Bolsonaro said he would go ahead with his visit to southern Rio Grande do Sul state on Friday.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he was taking antibiotics for an infection that left him feeling weak, chuckling in an online video about "mold" in his lungs, having spent weeks in isolation after catching the novel coronavirus.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he was taking antibiotics for an infection that left him feeling weak, chuckling in an online video about "mold" in his lungs, having spent weeks in isolation after catching the novel coronavirus. "I just did a blood test. I was feeling kind of weak yesterday. They found a bit of infection also. Now I'm on antibiotics," Bolsonaro said in a livestream video, without elaborating on the infection. "After 20 days indoors, I have other problems. I have mold in my lungs," he said, referring to nearly three weeks he spent at the official presidential residence. He tested positive for the coronavirus on July 7 and then negative last Saturday. His wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, tested positive on Thursday, according to a statement from the presidential palace. Science and Technology Minister Marcos Pontes also said he had tested positive for the virus, making him the fifth cabinet minister diagnosed publicly. Bolsonaro said he would go ahead with his visit to southern Rio Grande do Sul state on Friday.

Brazil President Bolsonaro says he has 'mold' in lungs

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