<p>The overall number of global Covid-19 cases has surpassed 129.4 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.82 million, according to Johns Hopkins University.<br />
<br />
In its latest update on Friday morning, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 129,475,545 and 2,826,018, respectively.<br />
<br />
The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 30,538,427 and 553,120, respectively, according to the CSSE.<br />
<br />
Brazil follows in second place with 12,839,844 cases and 325,284 fatalities.<br />
<br />
The other countries with more than two million confirmed coronavirus cases are India (12,221,665), France (4,755,779), Russia (4,503,291), the UK (4,364,541), Italy (3,607,083), Turkey (3,357,988), Spain (3,291,394), Germany (2,853,331), Colombia (2,417,826), Argentina (2,363,251), Poland (2,356,970) and Mexico (2,238,887), the CSSE figures showed.<br />
<br />
In terms of deaths, Mexico comes in third place with 203,210 fatalities.<br />
<br />
Nations with a death toll of over 50,000 are India (162,927), the UK (127,006), Italy (109,847), Russia (97,594), France (96,106), Germany (76,681), Spain (75,541), Colombia (63,614), Iran (62,759), Argentina (55,941), Poland (53,665), South Africa (52,897) and Peru (52,008).</p>


The overall number of global Covid-19 cases has surpassed 129.4 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.82 million, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The overall number of global Covid-19 cases has surpassed 129.4 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 2.82 million, according to Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on Friday morning, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 129,475,545 and 2,826,018, respectively. The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 30,538,427 and 553,120, respectively, according to the CSSE. Brazil follows in second place with 12,839,844 cases and 325,284 fatalities. The other countries with more than two million confirmed coronavirus cases are India (12,221,665), France (4,755,779), Russia (4,503,291), the UK (4,364,541), Italy (3,607,083), Turkey (3,357,988), Spain (3,291,394), Germany (2,853,331), Colombia (2,417,826), Argentina (2,363,251), Poland (2,356,970) and Mexico (2,238,887), the CSSE figures showed. In terms of deaths, Mexico comes in third place with 203,210 fatalities. Nations with a death toll of over 50,000 are India (162,927), the UK (127,006), Italy (109,847), Russia (97,594), France (96,106), Germany (76,681), Spain (75,541), Colombia (63,614), Iran (62,759), Argentina (55,941), Poland (53,665), South Africa (52,897) and Peru (52,008).

Global Covid-19 caseload tops 129.4 million: Johns Hopkins University

<p paraeid="{388d29fb-6f66-45a2-9bdf-7fb573a2ca11}{154}" paraid="1338713532">Pakistan will receive its first purchase of over&nbsp;one&nbsp;million doses of Chinese Sinopharm and&nbsp;CanSino&nbsp;Covid-19 vaccines by the end of March, the minister in charge of pandemic operations&nbsp;said&nbsp;on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{99727fa6-f9ee-442f-afaf-4024eaf854ff}{43}" paraid="277591761" >This will be the first consignment of Covid-19 vaccines the Pakistani government has purchased from any manufacturer for its 220 million people. Pakistan has previously relied on donations and on allocations from the World Health&nbsp;Organisation-backed COVAX scheme for poorer nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{99727fa6-f9ee-442f-afaf-4024eaf854ff}{50}" paraid="1564229274" >"We have purchased one million and 60,000 doses of Sinopharm and&nbsp;CanSino&nbsp;vaccines," Asad Umar said. "We will be receiving the consignment before the end of March."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{99727fa6-f9ee-442f-afaf-4024eaf854ff}{57}" paraid="1544394687" >He said the government was in talks with the same companies to purchase a further seven million doses of the vaccines.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{99727fa6-f9ee-442f-afaf-4024eaf854ff}{64}" paraid="917666530" >"We want them to deliver that seven million by the end of April, but they have not confirmed this yet. They might have some supply issues," Umar added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{99727fa6-f9ee-442f-afaf-4024eaf854ff}{71}" paraid="1963773542" >Pakistan is currently vaccinating frontline healthcare workers and citizens over the age of 60 free of charge using Sinopharm doses donated by China.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{99727fa6-f9ee-442f-afaf-4024eaf854ff}{78}" paraid="738692707" >The South Asian country has recently experienced a sharp rise in Covid-19 infections.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a682b1c0-08af-4484-a4c1-bac57aea5a18}{128}" paraid="1260586283" >(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a682b1c0-08af-4484-a4c1-bac57aea5a18}{119}" paraid="148697589" >&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan will receive its first purchase of over one million doses of Chinese Sinopharm and CanSino Covid-19 vaccines by the end of March, the minister in charge of pandemic operations said on Tuesday.

Pakistan will receive its first purchase of over one million doses of Chinese Sinopharm and CanSino Covid-19 vaccines by the end of March, the minister in charge of pandemic operations said on Tuesday. This will be the first consignment of Covid-19 vaccines the Pakistani government has purchased from any manufacturer for its 220 million people. Pakistan has previously relied on donations and on allocations from the World Health Organisation-backed COVAX scheme for poorer nations. "We have purchased one million and 60,000 doses of Sinopharm and CanSino vaccines," Asad Umar said. "We will be receiving the consignment before the end of March." He said the government was in talks with the same companies to purchase a further seven million doses of the vaccines. "We want them to deliver that seven million by the end of April, but they have not confirmed this yet. They might have some supply issues," Umar added. Pakistan is currently vaccinating frontline healthcare workers and citizens over the age of 60 free of charge using Sinopharm doses donated by China. The South Asian country has recently experienced a sharp rise in Covid-19 infections. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan to receive first purchase of over 1 mn doses of Chinese vaccines

<p>With coronavirus cases rising in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said that if guidelines against the spread of COVID-19 are not followed, strict measures will be taken in near future.</p>

<p>The Chief Minister also called upon people to get vaccinated against the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Number of COVID-19 patients had increased in September 2020 as well. But today we have vaccine as a shield. Citizens should get vaccinated. Rules should be followed so that there`s no infection. But if rules aren`t followed, strict measures will be taken in near future," Thackeray told media persons here.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maharashtra reported 25,833 new COVID-19 cases, 58 deaths and 12,764 recoveries on Thursday.</p>


With coronavirus cases rising in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said that if guidelines against the spread of COVID-19 are not followed, strict measures will be taken in near future.

With coronavirus cases rising in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said that if guidelines against the spread of COVID-19 are not followed, strict measures will be taken in near future. The Chief Minister also called upon people to get vaccinated against the virus. "Number of COVID-19 patients had increased in September 2020 as well. But today we have vaccine as a shield. Citizens should get vaccinated. Rules should be followed so that there`s no infection. But if rules aren`t followed, strict measures will be taken in near future," Thackeray told media persons here. Maharashtra reported 25,833 new COVID-19 cases, 58 deaths and 12,764 recoveries on Thursday.

Strict measures will be taken if COVID-19 rules not followed: Maharashtra CM

<p>European Union is facing fresh shortfall of coronavirus vaccines after Anglo/Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca said production problems and export restrictions would reduce vaccine delivery. Several countries have suspended use of AstraZeneca vaccines over blood clot fears. AstraZeneca's image has taken a hit even after World Health Organisation (WHO) said that there was no reason to stop using it.</p>

<p>The company had previously warned it was facing shortfalls from its European supply chain due to "lower-than-expected output from the production process" and was hoping to compensate in part by sourcing vaccines from its global network.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, export restrictions will reduce deliveries in the first quarter, and are likely to affect deliveries in the second quarter," it confirmed in a statement sent to AFP on Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>'Unacceptable'</strong></p>

<p>AstraZeneca started delivering vaccines to European Union in February. It aims to deliver 100 million doses in first half of 2021.</p>

<p>AstraZeneca had initially agreed to supply three times as many doses in the first quarter, and 180 million doses in second quarter alone.</p>

<p>The EU on Saturday sidestepped the issue of the number of AstraZeneca doses it was expecting. "We are aware that the company is experiencing supply issues and that discussions are on-going," it said.</p>

<p>Germany has already reported adverse effects due to the delay, the state of Thuringia cancelling appointments and suspending a pilot project for general practitioners to administer the vaccine.</p>

<p>Thuringia had been due to receive 31,200 doses next week, but the number has been reduced to 9,600.</p>

<p>The state's health minister, Heike Werner, called the delay "absolutely unacceptable".&nbsp;</p>

<p>French Prime Minister Jean Castex said his government still expected to exceed a target of 10 million vaccinated by April 15, though he deplored that some labs were not respecting delivery deadlines.</p>

<p>Castex defended the use of the AstraZeneca jab despite precautions taken by other nations.</p>

<p>"I would not allow myself to send poison to my fellow citizens," he said during a visit to a vaccination centre.</p>

<p><strong>(With AFP inputs)</strong></p>


European Union is facing fresh shortfall of coronavirus vaccines after Anglo/Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca said production problems and export restrictions would reduce vaccine delivery.

European Union is facing fresh shortfall of coronavirus vaccines after Anglo/Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca said production problems and export restrictions would reduce vaccine delivery. Several countries have suspended use of AstraZeneca vaccines over blood clot fears. AstraZeneca's image has taken a hit even after World Health Organisation (WHO) said that there was no reason to stop using it. The company had previously warned it was facing shortfalls from its European supply chain due to "lower-than-expected output from the production process" and was hoping to compensate in part by sourcing vaccines from its global network. "Unfortunately, export restrictions will reduce deliveries in the first quarter, and are likely to affect deliveries in the second quarter," it confirmed in a statement sent to AFP on Saturday. 'Unacceptable' AstraZeneca started delivering vaccines to European Union in February. It aims to deliver 100 million doses in first half of 2021. AstraZeneca had initially agreed to supply three times as many doses in the first quarter, and 180 million doses in second quarter alone. The EU on Saturday sidestepped the issue of the number of AstraZeneca doses it was expecting. "We are aware that the company is experiencing supply issues and that discussions are on-going," it said. Germany has already reported adverse effects due to the delay, the state of Thuringia cancelling appointments and suspending a pilot project for general practitioners to administer the vaccine. Thuringia had been due to receive 31,200 doses next week, but the number has been reduced to 9,600. The state's health minister, Heike Werner, called the delay "absolutely unacceptable". French Prime Minister Jean Castex said his government still expected to exceed a target of 10 million vaccinated by April 15, though he deplored that some labs were not respecting delivery deadlines. Castex defended the use of the AstraZeneca jab despite precautions taken by other nations. "I would not allow myself to send poison to my fellow citizens," he said during a visit to a vaccination centre. (With AFP inputs)

EU: Fresh shortfall of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine supplies

<p>Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma have tested positive for Covid-19 after showing minor symptoms, his office said on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Syrian leader and his spouse, who announced her recovery from breast cancer in 2019, were both in good health and would keep working while in isolation at home, the statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Syria has seen a sharp rise in infections since mid-February, a member of the country's coronavirus advisory committee said last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The health ministry started vaccinating frontline healthcare workers a week ago and said there had been a surge in Covid-19 cases without elaborating.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a decade of war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and uprooted millions, Assad's military has reclaimed most of the country with Russia and Iran's help.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, missile strikes on makeshift oil refineries in northern Syria killed four people and injured more than 20 others, a war monitor said on Saturday. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a series of strikes launched from Russian warships and by allied Syrian government forces hit the makeshift refineries in Aleppo province on Friday night, causing a massive blaze as dozens of tankers caught fire in the area controlled by Turkey and its Syrian rebel proxies. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Britain-based monitor 'documented the deaths of four people, while 24 others sustained various injuries and burns' in the attacks near the towns of Jarablus and Al-Bab. &nbsp;</p>

<p>At least one Syrian rebel was among the dead, said Observatory head Rami Abdul Rahman. Rescue workers spent hours trying to extinguish the fire, which spread to about 180 oil tankers, according to the war monitor. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The fires are the largest yet from a missile attack on makeshift refineries," the Observatory said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Oil installations in Turkey-controlled parts of Aleppo have come under repeated attack in recent months although Moscow and the Syrian regime have not claimed responsibility. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</p>


Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma have tested positive for Covid-19 after showing minor symptoms, his office said on Monday. The Syrian leader and his spouse, who announced her recovery from breast cancer in 2019, were both in good health and would keep working while in isolation at home, the statement said.

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma have tested positive for Covid-19 after showing minor symptoms, his office said on Monday. The Syrian leader and his spouse, who announced her recovery from breast cancer in 2019, were both in good health and would keep working while in isolation at home, the statement said. Syria has seen a sharp rise in infections since mid-February, a member of the country's coronavirus advisory committee said last week. The health ministry started vaccinating frontline healthcare workers a week ago and said there had been a surge in Covid-19 cases without elaborating. After a decade of war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and uprooted millions, Assad's military has reclaimed most of the country with Russia and Iran's help. Recently, missile strikes on makeshift oil refineries in northern Syria killed four people and injured more than 20 others, a war monitor said on Saturday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a series of strikes launched from Russian warships and by allied Syrian government forces hit the makeshift refineries in Aleppo province on Friday night, causing a massive blaze as dozens of tankers caught fire in the area controlled by Turkey and its Syrian rebel proxies. The Britain-based monitor 'documented the deaths of four people, while 24 others sustained various injuries and burns' in the attacks near the towns of Jarablus and Al-Bab. At least one Syrian rebel was among the dead, said Observatory head Rami Abdul Rahman. Rescue workers spent hours trying to extinguish the fire, which spread to about 180 oil tankers, according to the war monitor. "The fires are the largest yet from a missile attack on makeshift refineries," the Observatory said. Oil installations in Turkey-controlled parts of Aleppo have come under repeated attack in recent months although Moscow and the Syrian regime have not claimed responsibility. (With inputs from agencies)

Syria's President Assad, wife test positive for Covid-19 

<p>Second phase of coronavirus vaccination is starting in India today (March 1). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first dose of COVID vaccine. Vaccinating Indian citizens against coronavirus is a giant task given the population of India</p>

<p>In first phase of vaccination, only healthcare and frontline workers were being vaccinated.</p>

<h2><strong>Who will be eligible to get jab in second phase?</strong></h2>

<p>Here's who will be eligible for a COVID shot in the second phase of the vaccination drive</p>

<p>People above 60 years of age of those who will attain the age of 60 on January 1, 2022<br />
People with co-morbidities who are between 45-59 year-old age group or will attain that age by January 1, 2022</p>

<p>Indian government has listed 20 co-morbidities that would be covered for this vaccination.</p>

<h2><strong>Some of them are,</strong></h2>

<ul>
	<li>Diabetes or hypertension for over 10 years</li>
	<li>HIV infection or any other immunological disease</li>
	<li>Heart failure that resulted in hospitalisation over the last one year</li>
	<li>Those diagnosed with cancer after July 1, 2020, or those currently being treated for cancer</li>
</ul>

<p>There have been more than 11 million reported coronavirus infections in India and over 157,000 deaths</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged everyone who is eligible to take COVID vaccine</p>

<p>"Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!" he tweeted.</p>


Second phase of coronavirus vaccination is starting in India today (March 1). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first dose of COVID vaccine. Vaccinating Indian citizens against coronavirus is a giant task given the population of India In first phase of vaccination, only healthcare and frontline workers were being vaccinated.

Second phase of coronavirus vaccination is starting in India today (March 1). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first dose of COVID vaccine. Vaccinating Indian citizens against coronavirus is a giant task given the population of India In first phase of vaccination, only healthcare and frontline workers were being vaccinated. Who will be eligible to get jab in second phase? Here's who will be eligible for a COVID shot in the second phase of the vaccination drive People above 60 years of age of those who will attain the age of 60 on January 1, 2022 People with co-morbidities who are between 45-59 year-old age group or will attain that age by January 1, 2022 Indian government has listed 20 co-morbidities that would be covered for this vaccination. Some of them are, Diabetes or hypertension for over 10 years HIV infection or any other immunological disease Heart failure that resulted in hospitalisation over the last one year Those diagnosed with cancer after July 1, 2020, or those currently being treated for cancer There have been more than 11 million reported coronavirus infections in India and over 157,000 deaths Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged everyone who is eligible to take COVID vaccine "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!" he tweeted.

COVID vaccination phase 2 India: Check who is eligible

<p>Israel Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said on Friday that 50 per cent of the country's population has received at least one jab of coronavirus vaccine. He added that 35 per cent have received the full two-dose course.</p>

<p>Israel counts East Jerusalem Palestinians, who have been included in the vaccine campaign that began on Dec. 19, as part of the 9.3 million population. Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip are not part of the Israeli campaign.</p>

<p>Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu has set an aim of vaccinating all Israeli over the age of 16 by end of March when he is up for re-election.</p>

<p>He says that would allow for a post-pandemic reopening of the country in April.</p>

<p>But the Health Ministry has been worried by waning turnout for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.</p>

<p>To counteract this, it has been limiting access to some leisure sites that have reopened to people who present a "Green Pass" on an app showing they have been fully vaccinated.</p>

<p><strong>(With AFP inputs)</strong></p>


Israel Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said on Friday that 50 per cent of the country's population has received at least one jab of coronavirus vaccine. He added that 35 per cent have received the full two-dose course.

Israel Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said on Friday that 50 per cent of the country's population has received at least one jab of coronavirus vaccine. He added that 35 per cent have received the full two-dose course. Israel counts East Jerusalem Palestinians, who have been included in the vaccine campaign that began on Dec. 19, as part of the 9.3 million population. Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip are not part of the Israeli campaign. Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu has set an aim of vaccinating all Israeli over the age of 16 by end of March when he is up for re-election. He says that would allow for a post-pandemic reopening of the country in April. But the Health Ministry has been worried by waning turnout for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. To counteract this, it has been limiting access to some leisure sites that have reopened to people who present a "Green Pass" on an app showing they have been fully vaccinated. (With AFP inputs)

Half of the population received one dose of COVID vaccine, says Israel

<p>European aircraft giant Airbus said Thursday it was able to limit its losses last year, even as the airline sector collapsed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>Airbus said in a statement that it booked a net loss of 1.1 billion euros ($1.3 billion) in 2020.</p>

<p>That was a slight improvement over the previous year's bottom-line loss of 1.4 billion euros, when Airbus was hit with a huge fine of 3.6 billion euros in a corruption scandal.</p>

<p>The company's fierce US rival Boeing had a massive loss of $11.9 billion last year as the Covid-19 crisis played out, combined with getting its key 737 MAX aircraft back in the air.</p>

<p>"The 2020 results demonstrate the resilience of Airbus in the most challenging crisis to hit the aerospace industry," said chief executive Guillaume Faury.&nbsp;<br />
Group revenues plunged to 49.9 billion euros from 70.5 billion euros a year earlier, "driven by the difficult market environment impacting the commercial aircraft business with 34 percent fewer deliveries year-on-year," Airbus said.</p>

<p>A total of 566 commercial aircraft were delivered, comprising 38 A220s, 446 A320s, 19 A330s, 59 A350s and four A380s, compared with 863 aircraft in 2019.<br />
Airbus said it saw no immediate improvement for the industry's prospects for now.</p>

<p>"Many uncertainties remain for our industry in 2021 as the pandemic continues to impact lives, economies and societies," Faury said.</p>


European aircraft giant Airbus said Thursday it was able to limit its losses last year, even as the airline sector collapsed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

European aircraft giant Airbus said Thursday it was able to limit its losses last year, even as the airline sector collapsed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Airbus said in a statement that it booked a net loss of 1.1 billion euros ($1.3 billion) in 2020. That was a slight improvement over the previous year's bottom-line loss of 1.4 billion euros, when Airbus was hit with a huge fine of 3.6 billion euros in a corruption scandal. The company's fierce US rival Boeing had a massive loss of $11.9 billion last year as the Covid-19 crisis played out, combined with getting its key 737 MAX aircraft back in the air. "The 2020 results demonstrate the resilience of Airbus in the most challenging crisis to hit the aerospace industry," said chief executive Guillaume Faury. Group revenues plunged to 49.9 billion euros from 70.5 billion euros a year earlier, "driven by the difficult market environment impacting the commercial aircraft business with 34 percent fewer deliveries year-on-year," Airbus said. A total of 566 commercial aircraft were delivered, comprising 38 A220s, 446 A320s, 19 A330s, 59 A350s and four A380s, compared with 863 aircraft in 2019. Airbus said it saw no immediate improvement for the industry's prospects for now. "Many uncertainties remain for our industry in 2021 as the pandemic continues to impact lives, economies and societies," Faury said.

Airbus books 1.1-billion-euro loss in 2020 in wake of Covid-19

<p>Continuing its streak of low number of single-day coronavirus cases, India reported 11,649 new infections in the last 24 hours even as its overall tally mounted to 1,09,16,589, health officials said on Monday.</p>

<p>For over a month, India has recorded less than 15,000 new infections daily. Besides, the daily Covid-19 death toll has been treading below the 200-mark for more than a month now.</p>

<p>On February 9, the country had reported 9,110 new cases, the lowest this year so far. Last year, the lowest 9,633 cases were recorded on June 3.</p>

<p>The Health Ministry said there were 90 more Covid-19 fatalities, taking the overall death toll to 1,55,732</p>

<p>As per the Ministry`s data, there are 1,39,637 active cases at present after 9,489 patients were discharged in a day. Till now, 1,06,21,220 persons have been discharged so far.</p>

<p>The recovery rate has increased to 97.29 per cent, while the fatality rate is down to 1.43 per cent.</p>

<p>The ministry also informed that 4,86,122 samples were tested on Friday.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, more than 8 million (82,85,295) doses of corona vaccine have been administered in India since the drive began on January 16 after approval for `Covishield` and `Covaxin`.</p>

<p>As per the Union Health Ministry, India has become the fastest nation in terms of the vaccine doses administered in the country, even though many countries had launched their vaccination campaigns earlier than her.</p>


Continuing its streak of low number of single-day coronavirus cases, India reported 11,649 new infections in the last 24 hours even as its overall tally mounted to 1,09,16,589, health officials said on Monday.

Continuing its streak of low number of single-day coronavirus cases, India reported 11,649 new infections in the last 24 hours even as its overall tally mounted to 1,09,16,589, health officials said on Monday. For over a month, India has recorded less than 15,000 new infections daily. Besides, the daily Covid-19 death toll has been treading below the 200-mark for more than a month now. On February 9, the country had reported 9,110 new cases, the lowest this year so far. Last year, the lowest 9,633 cases were recorded on June 3. The Health Ministry said there were 90 more Covid-19 fatalities, taking the overall death toll to 1,55,732 As per the Ministry`s data, there are 1,39,637 active cases at present after 9,489 patients were discharged in a day. Till now, 1,06,21,220 persons have been discharged so far. The recovery rate has increased to 97.29 per cent, while the fatality rate is down to 1.43 per cent. The ministry also informed that 4,86,122 samples were tested on Friday. Meanwhile, more than 8 million (82,85,295) doses of corona vaccine have been administered in India since the drive began on January 16 after approval for `Covishield` and `Covaxin`. As per the Union Health Ministry, India has become the fastest nation in terms of the vaccine doses administered in the country, even though many countries had launched their vaccination campaigns earlier than her.

India reports 11,649 new COVID cases, 90 deaths

<p>South Korea said on Monday that it will not use Astrazeneca's coronavirus vaccine for people aged 65 and above. This has amounted to reversal of an earlier decision. South Korea has scaled back initial vaccination targets due to delayed shipments from global vaccine-sharing scheme COVAX.</p>

<p>The target has come down to 750,000 people from 1.3 million people to be vaccinated by first quarter of this year with Astrazeneca shots.</p>

<p>Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said on Monday that the decision has come largely due to adjustment in supply timetable of 2.6 million Astrazeneca doses from COVAX.</p>

<p>South Korea has said that it would delay inoculation of the elderly until more efficacy data on this specific vaccine becomes available.</p>

<p><strong>(With Reuters inputs)</strong></p>


South Korea said on Monday that it will not use Astrazeneca's coronavirus vaccine for people aged 65 and above. This has amounted to reversal of an earlier decision.

South Korea said on Monday that it will not use Astrazeneca's coronavirus vaccine for people aged 65 and above. This has amounted to reversal of an earlier decision. South Korea has scaled back initial vaccination targets due to delayed shipments from global vaccine-sharing scheme COVAX. The target has come down to 750,000 people from 1.3 million people to be vaccinated by first quarter of this year with Astrazeneca shots. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said on Monday that the decision has come largely due to adjustment in supply timetable of 2.6 million Astrazeneca doses from COVAX. South Korea has said that it would delay inoculation of the elderly until more efficacy data on this specific vaccine becomes available. (With Reuters inputs)

Won't use Astrazeneca COVID vaccine for elderly, says South Korea

<p>A team of experts appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) completed its 28-day mission to the Chinese city of Wuhan this week seeking clues about the origins of COVID-19.</p>

<p>The following looks at their findings.</p>

<p><strong>What are the main scenarios?</strong></p>

<p>Peter Ben Embarek, the WHO's leading animal disease expert, said the team conducted scientific investigations into four main scenarios about how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, spread into humans.</p>

<p>In the first, a single person was exposed to SARS-CoV-2 through direct contact with the host species, the horseshoe bat. The virus could have been circulating in humans for a while before making its breakthrough in heavily populated Wuhan.</p>

<p>The second scenario, seen as the most likely, involves transmission to humans via an as yet unknown intermediary species. Liang Wannian, an expert with China's National Health Commission, said pangolins were potential candidates but other animals - including mink and even cats - may also be reservoirs.</p>

<p>A third possibility is that COVID-19 originated under the first or second scenarios and was then transmitted via cold chain products. Chinese experts have attributed later COVID-19 clusters to imported frozen food and have raised the possibility it might also have caused the Wuhan outbreak.</p>

<p>The final scenario is that SARS-CoV-2 was leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which is known to have studied captive coronaviruses. Ben Embarek ruled out the possibility and said it would not be subject to further research. Accidents happen, he said, but it was "very unlikely" in this case.</p>

<p><strong>When did the outbreak begin?</strong></p>

<p>The experts said that while it was unlikely there were large-scale outbreaks in Wuhan or elsewhere in China before December 2019, they do not rule out that it was circulating in other regions.</p>

<p>A crossover either directly from bats or from an intermediary species would suggest the transmission to Wuhan could have been facilitated by wildlife trading networks.</p>

<p>Marion Koopmans, another member of the expert team, said wildlife on sale in the Huanan seafood market could be traced to regions that contain bat habitats known to harbour viruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2.</p>

<p>One such region is the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan, but the team is also considering that the first human transmission took place across the border in Laos or Vietnam.</p>

<p><strong>What role was played by Huanan market?</strong></p>

<p>Although the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan was linked to the first case clusters, the initial crossover from animals to humans did not occur there.</p>

<p>Liang said that there was still insufficient evidence to determine how the virus entered Huanan, but that it was clear it was circulating elsewhere in Wuhan at the same time.</p>

<p>The most likely scenario is that someone carried SARS-CoV-2 into the market, but Ben Embarek also suggested it could have been introduced via a "product", including frozen wild animals known to be susceptible to the virus.</p>

<p><strong>Do the findings change the politics around COVID's origins?</strong></p>

<p>China has expressed concern that any investigation would be "politicised", and said it would only cooperate if it was clear it would not be expected to take blame for the pandemic.</p>

<p>By ruling out the lab leak and accepting that COVID-19 could have originated outside of China, the WHO team has not crossed any of Beijing's lines. China would also be heartened that the WHO team is considering the cold-chain theory. But the findings are unlikely to satisfy those who believe China is culpable and has covered up evidence.</p>

<p><strong>What further research is required?</strong></p>

<p>Ben Embarek said China needs now to find evidence that might prove the coronavirus was circulating much earlier than December 2019. He said blood bank samples would be a good place to start.</p>

<p>Bat communities near Wuhan have been ruled out as a source, and more needs to be done to scour caves in other regions to see if a closer match to SARS-CoV-2 can be found.</p>

<p>The animals on sale at the Huanan market also need to be scrutinised further, and the role played by cold chain products in general also needs more research, Ben Embarek said.</p>


A team of experts appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) completed its 28-day mission to the Chinese city of Wuhan this week seeking clues about the origins of COVID-19.

A team of experts appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) completed its 28-day mission to the Chinese city of Wuhan this week seeking clues about the origins of COVID-19. The following looks at their findings. What are the main scenarios? Peter Ben Embarek, the WHO's leading animal disease expert, said the team conducted scientific investigations into four main scenarios about how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, spread into humans. In the first, a single person was exposed to SARS-CoV-2 through direct contact with the host species, the horseshoe bat. The virus could have been circulating in humans for a while before making its breakthrough in heavily populated Wuhan. The second scenario, seen as the most likely, involves transmission to humans via an as yet unknown intermediary species. Liang Wannian, an expert with China's National Health Commission, said pangolins were potential candidates but other animals - including mink and even cats - may also be reservoirs. A third possibility is that COVID-19 originated under the first or second scenarios and was then transmitted via cold chain products. Chinese experts have attributed later COVID-19 clusters to imported frozen food and have raised the possibility it might also have caused the Wuhan outbreak. The final scenario is that SARS-CoV-2 was leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which is known to have studied captive coronaviruses. Ben Embarek ruled out the possibility and said it would not be subject to further research. Accidents happen, he said, but it was "very unlikely" in this case. When did the outbreak begin? The experts said that while it was unlikely there were large-scale outbreaks in Wuhan or elsewhere in China before December 2019, they do not rule out that it was circulating in other regions. A crossover either directly from bats or from an intermediary species would suggest the transmission to Wuhan could have been facilitated by wildlife trading networks. Marion Koopmans, another member of the expert team, said wildlife on sale in the Huanan seafood market could be traced to regions that contain bat habitats known to harbour viruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2. One such region is the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan, but the team is also considering that the first human transmission took place across the border in Laos or Vietnam. What role was played by Huanan market? Although the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan was linked to the first case clusters, the initial crossover from animals to humans did not occur there. Liang said that there was still insufficient evidence to determine how the virus entered Huanan, but that it was clear it was circulating elsewhere in Wuhan at the same time. The most likely scenario is that someone carried SARS-CoV-2 into the market, but Ben Embarek also suggested it could have been introduced via a "product", including frozen wild animals known to be susceptible to the virus. Do the findings change the politics around COVID's origins? China has expressed concern that any investigation would be "politicised", and said it would only cooperate if it was clear it would not be expected to take blame for the pandemic. By ruling out the lab leak and accepting that COVID-19 could have originated outside of China, the WHO team has not crossed any of Beijing's lines. China would also be heartened that the WHO team is considering the cold-chain theory. But the findings are unlikely to satisfy those who believe China is culpable and has covered up evidence. What further research is required? Ben Embarek said China needs now to find evidence that might prove the coronavirus was circulating much earlier than December 2019. He said blood bank samples would be a good place to start. Bat communities near Wuhan have been ruled out as a source, and more needs to be done to scour caves in other regions to see if a closer match to SARS-CoV-2 can be found. The animals on sale at the Huanan market also need to be scrutinised further, and the role played by cold chain products in general also needs more research, Ben Embarek said.

These are WHO's theories about the origins of COVID-19 after Wuhan probe

<p>For the second time this month, the daily new Covid-19 cases fell below 10,000, taking India's tally of cases to 1,08,47,304, while fresh fatalities remained below 100 for the fourth consecutive day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 9,110 new infections were reported in a span of 24 hours, while the death toll increased to 1,55,158 with 78 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,05,48,521 pushing the national Covid-19 recovery rate to 97.25 per cent, while the Covid-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.43 per cent. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Covid-19 active caseload remained below two lakh. There are 1,43,625 active cases of coronavirus infections in the country, which comprise 1.32 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's Covid-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the ICMR, 20,25,87,752 samples have been tested up to February 8 with 6,87,138 samples being tested on Monday.&nbsp;</p>


For the second time this month, the daily new Covid-19 cases fell below 10,000, taking India's tally of cases to 1,08,47,304, while fresh fatalities remained below 100 for the fourth consecutive day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

For the second time this month, the daily new Covid-19 cases fell below 10,000, taking India's tally of cases to 1,08,47,304, while fresh fatalities remained below 100 for the fourth consecutive day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. A total of 9,110 new infections were reported in a span of 24 hours, while the death toll increased to 1,55,158 with 78 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,05,48,521 pushing the national Covid-19 recovery rate to 97.25 per cent, while the Covid-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.43 per cent. The Covid-19 active caseload remained below two lakh. There are 1,43,625 active cases of coronavirus infections in the country, which comprise 1.32 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. India's Covid-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the ICMR, 20,25,87,752 samples have been tested up to February 8 with 6,87,138 samples being tested on Monday.

New COVID-19 cases in India fall below 10,000 again

<p>In a move to tighten coronavirus restrictions amid a spike in infections, Saudi Arabia has shut down entertainment centres, including cinemas and suspended dine-in services at restaurants, on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All events and parties, including weddings in banquet halls or hotels, have been suspended by the kingdom for 30 days, the interior ministry said in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not just this, the kingdom has halted 'all entertainment activities’, including cinemas and gaming parlours and suspended dine-in services in all restaurants and cafes for 10 days, it added. It also warned the suspension might get extended.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The measures, which will be implemented from 10.00 pm on Thursday (1900 GMT), are aimed at 'preventing the outbreak of a second wave' of the pandemic, the ministry said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement comes as Health Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah warned on Sunday about new coronavirus restrictions, which could be imposed if citizens and residents do not comply with health restrictions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Till now, Saudi Arabia has reported nearly 369,000 coronavirus cases and almost 6,400 deaths, the highest among the Gulf Arab states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From a peak of nearly 5,000 in last June, the daily infections dipped below 100 in early January.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, new daily infections have tripled since then, with 306 cases reported by the health ministry on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia launched its coronavirus vaccination campaign on December 17 after receiving the first shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The health ministry said the programme would roll out in three phases, starting with people over 65 and those with chronic ailments, or who are at high risk of infection.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But last month, the ministry said it was forced to slow the rollout due to a delay in vaccine deliveries.&nbsp;</p>


In a move to tighten coronavirus restrictions amid a spike in infections, Saudi Arabia has shut down entertainment centres, including cinemas and suspended dine-in services at restaurants, on Thursday.

In a move to tighten coronavirus restrictions amid a spike in infections, Saudi Arabia has shut down entertainment centres, including cinemas and suspended dine-in services at restaurants, on Thursday. All events and parties, including weddings in banquet halls or hotels, have been suspended by the kingdom for 30 days, the interior ministry said in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency. Not just this, the kingdom has halted 'all entertainment activities’, including cinemas and gaming parlours and suspended dine-in services in all restaurants and cafes for 10 days, it added. It also warned the suspension might get extended. The measures, which will be implemented from 10.00 pm on Thursday (1900 GMT), are aimed at 'preventing the outbreak of a second wave' of the pandemic, the ministry said. The announcement comes as Health Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah warned on Sunday about new coronavirus restrictions, which could be imposed if citizens and residents do not comply with health restrictions. Till now, Saudi Arabia has reported nearly 369,000 coronavirus cases and almost 6,400 deaths, the highest among the Gulf Arab states. From a peak of nearly 5,000 in last June, the daily infections dipped below 100 in early January. However, new daily infections have tripled since then, with 306 cases reported by the health ministry on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia launched its coronavirus vaccination campaign on December 17 after receiving the first shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The health ministry said the programme would roll out in three phases, starting with people over 65 and those with chronic ailments, or who are at high risk of infection. But last month, the ministry said it was forced to slow the rollout due to a delay in vaccine deliveries.

Saudi Arabia pauses entertainment stream to check virus’ surge

<p>Russia on Monday said that its economy contracted by 3.1 per cent in 2020 it was hit by coronavirus lockdowns and decrease in global crude oil prices. The contraction was less severe than Russian central bank's forecast of about 4 per cent. The Rosstat statistics agency attributed the drop to "restrictions imposed to combat the coronavirus and the fall in global demand for energy resources".</p>

<p>The 3.1 per cent drop, a first estimate, was also a relatively good result compared with many European countries that reintroduced lockdowns when a second wave of infections surged late last year.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-second-week-of-anti-putin-protests-at-least-5000-detained-360736/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Spain saw an 11 per cent drop, France 8.3 per cent and Germany 5.0 per cent.</p>

<p>Rosstat said the Russian economy's largest losses were recorded in the hospitality, transport, culture and sport sectors. Rosstat didn't publish quarterly figures but the economy is expected to have rebounded by 7.4 per cent last three months of the year following a steep drop from April through September.</p>

<p>Before the pandemic hit Russia in March, its economy had grown by 1.6 per cent in the first quarter from the same period in 2019.</p>

<p>President Vladimir Putin had hoped 2020 would present an opportunity to revive a stagnating economy that for years has been bruised by Western sanctions.</p>

<p>But oil prices plunged sharply in early March, slashing Russia's energy revenues.</p>

<p>On Monday, Russia's coronavirus caseload stood at more than 3.8 million, the fourth-highest worldwide.</p>


Russia on Monday said that its economy contracted by 3.1 per cent in 2020 it was hit by coronavirus lockdowns and decrease in global crude oil prices. The contraction was less severe than Russian central bank's forecast of about 4 per cent.

Russia on Monday said that its economy contracted by 3.1 per cent in 2020 it was hit by coronavirus lockdowns and decrease in global crude oil prices. The contraction was less severe than Russian central bank's forecast of about 4 per cent. The Rosstat statistics agency attributed the drop to "restrictions imposed to combat the coronavirus and the fall in global demand for energy resources". The 3.1 per cent drop, a first estimate, was also a relatively good result compared with many European countries that reintroduced lockdowns when a second wave of infections surged late last year. Spain saw an 11 per cent drop, France 8.3 per cent and Germany 5.0 per cent. Rosstat said the Russian economy's largest losses were recorded in the hospitality, transport, culture and sport sectors. Rosstat didn't publish quarterly figures but the economy is expected to have rebounded by 7.4 per cent last three months of the year following a steep drop from April through September. Before the pandemic hit Russia in March, its economy had grown by 1.6 per cent in the first quarter from the same period in 2019. President Vladimir Putin had hoped 2020 would present an opportunity to revive a stagnating economy that for years has been bruised by Western sanctions. But oil prices plunged sharply in early March, slashing Russia's energy revenues. On Monday, Russia's coronavirus caseload stood at more than 3.8 million, the fourth-highest worldwide.

Russia's economy shrinks by 3.1 per cent in the pandemic year

<p>India, which is running the world`s biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive, is the fastest in vaccinating its citizens, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. He said that the Made in India vaccines are only a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat but is also a symbol of self-pride.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Just as India`s war against coronavirus became an example to the world, similarly our vaccination programme is also becoming an example to the world. India is conducting the biggest vaccination drive in the world. Do you know what is an even better matter of pride? We are not only running the world`s biggest vaccination drive but we are also the fastest in vaccinating our citizens," Prime Minister Modi said in his 73rd episode of `Mann Ki Baat`.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In merely 15 days, India has vaccinated more than 30 lakhs COVID-19 warrior, while a rich country like the US has completed the same target in 18 days and the UK in 36 days. The Made in India vaccines is only a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat but is also a symbol of self-pride," he added.</p>

<p>The number of healthcare workers vaccinated against COVID-19 has crossed the 37 lakh mark on the fifteenth day of the countrywide COVID-19 vaccination program, according to Health Ministry.</p>

<p>Highlighting that India is helping the world during the COVID-19 crisis, he said: "These days, I receive messages for India from Presidents and Prime Ministers of different countries of the world. You must also have seen recently how the President of Brazil, in a tweet thanked India - every Indian was proud of it. You must have noticed about the vaccination programme that India is able to help others because India today is self-reliant in the field of medicines and vaccines."</p>

<p>"In times of crisis, India is able to serve the world because India, today, is capable of medicines and vaccine, is self-sufficient. This is also the idea of a self-reliant India campaign. The more capable India is, the more it will serve humanity, the more the world will benefit," he added.</p>

<p>India has gifted the COVID-19 vaccine to several countries including Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bahrain.This was also Prime Minister Modi`s this year`s first Mann Ki Baat at 11. Mann ki Baat is the Prime Minister`s monthly radio programme to the nation, which is broadcasted on the last Sunday of every month.</p>


India, which is running the world`s biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive, is the fastest in vaccinating its citizens, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. He said that the Made in India vaccines are only a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat but is also a symbol of self-pride.

India, which is running the world`s biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive, is the fastest in vaccinating its citizens, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. He said that the Made in India vaccines are only a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat but is also a symbol of self-pride. "Just as India`s war against coronavirus became an example to the world, similarly our vaccination programme is also becoming an example to the world. India is conducting the biggest vaccination drive in the world. Do you know what is an even better matter of pride? We are not only running the world`s biggest vaccination drive but we are also the fastest in vaccinating our citizens," Prime Minister Modi said in his 73rd episode of `Mann Ki Baat`. "In merely 15 days, India has vaccinated more than 30 lakhs COVID-19 warrior, while a rich country like the US has completed the same target in 18 days and the UK in 36 days. The Made in India vaccines is only a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat but is also a symbol of self-pride," he added. The number of healthcare workers vaccinated against COVID-19 has crossed the 37 lakh mark on the fifteenth day of the countrywide COVID-19 vaccination program, according to Health Ministry. Highlighting that India is helping the world during the COVID-19 crisis, he said: "These days, I receive messages for India from Presidents and Prime Ministers of different countries of the world. You must also have seen recently how the President of Brazil, in a tweet thanked India - every Indian was proud of it. You must have noticed about the vaccination programme that India is able to help others because India today is self-reliant in the field of medicines and vaccines." "In times of crisis, India is able to serve the world because India, today, is capable of medicines and vaccine, is self-sufficient. This is also the idea of a self-reliant India campaign. The more capable India is, the more it will serve humanity, the more the world will benefit," he added. India has gifted the COVID-19 vaccine to several countries including Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bahrain.This was also Prime Minister Modi`s this year`s first Mann Ki Baat at 11. Mann ki Baat is the Prime Minister`s monthly radio programme to the nation, which is broadcasted on the last Sunday of every month.

Mann Ki Baat: India fastest in world to vaccinate citizens, says PM Modi

<p>Warning that vaccine hording by wealthy nations would drag out the pandemic, World Health Organisation chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that these countries should avoid mistakes of the past. Dr Tedros expressed his displeasure at the skirmish among wealthy countries to secure vaccines when poorer nations are yet to receive adequate doses&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The pandemic has exposed and exploited the inequalities of our world," he told journalists, warning that there now was "the real danger that the very tools that could help to end the pandemic -– vaccines –- may exacerbate those same inequalities."</p>

<p>"Vaccine nationalism might serve short-term political goals. But it’s ultimately short-sighted and self-defeating," he said.</p>

<p>The WHO co-leads the COVAX facility, which is working to procure vaccines and ensure doses are delivered equitably around the world.</p>

<p>The facility expects to begin delivering doses within a few weeks, and Tedros said the aim was for vaccination of health workers and older people to be underway in all countries within the first 100 days of 2021.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hungary-becomes-first-country-in-eu-to-approve-chinese-vaccine-sinopharm-as-europe-grapples-with-virus-360101">Hungary becomes first country in EU to approve Chinese vaccine Sinopharm as Europe grapples with virus</a></strong></p>

<p>WHO has stressed many times that the only way to defeat the pandemic and improve the world economy is to ensure that the priority groups in all countries get coronavirus vaccine.</p>

<p>Tedros urged the world avoid repeating past mistakes, pointing to the HIV/AIDS crisis, where wealthy countries acquired life-saving medicines nearly a decade before they became affordable in poorer countries.</p>

<p>He also pointed to the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009, when vaccines only reached poorer nations after the outbreak was over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't think that is a good history. It is bad history," he said.</p>

<p>The WHO chief cautioned that "if we hoard vaccines, and if we are not sharing... there will be a catastrophic moral failure."</p>

<p>But in addition, he warned, "it keeps the pandemic burning, and...(will) slow global economic recovery."</p>

<p>"Is that what we want? It is our choice."</p>

<p><strong>(With AFP inputs)</strong></p>


Warning that vaccine hording by wealthy nations would drag out the pandemic, World Health Organisation chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that these countries should avoid mistakes of the past.

Warning that vaccine hording by wealthy nations would drag out the pandemic, World Health Organisation chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that these countries should avoid mistakes of the past. Dr Tedros expressed his displeasure at the skirmish among wealthy countries to secure vaccines when poorer nations are yet to receive adequate doses "The pandemic has exposed and exploited the inequalities of our world," he told journalists, warning that there now was "the real danger that the very tools that could help to end the pandemic -– vaccines –- may exacerbate those same inequalities." "Vaccine nationalism might serve short-term political goals. But it’s ultimately short-sighted and self-defeating," he said. The WHO co-leads the COVAX facility, which is working to procure vaccines and ensure doses are delivered equitably around the world. The facility expects to begin delivering doses within a few weeks, and Tedros said the aim was for vaccination of health workers and older people to be underway in all countries within the first 100 days of 2021. Also Read | Hungary becomes first country in EU to approve Chinese vaccine Sinopharm as Europe grapples with virus WHO has stressed many times that the only way to defeat the pandemic and improve the world economy is to ensure that the priority groups in all countries get coronavirus vaccine. Tedros urged the world avoid repeating past mistakes, pointing to the HIV/AIDS crisis, where wealthy countries acquired life-saving medicines nearly a decade before they became affordable in poorer countries. He also pointed to the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009, when vaccines only reached poorer nations after the outbreak was over. "I don't think that is a good history. It is bad history," he said. The WHO chief cautioned that "if we hoard vaccines, and if we are not sharing... there will be a catastrophic moral failure." But in addition, he warned, "it keeps the pandemic burning, and...(will) slow global economic recovery." "Is that what we want? It is our choice." (With AFP inputs)

WHO chief decries COVID vaccine hording by wealthy nations

<p>How badly do you want coronavirus vaccine? Well, majority of people would express their eagerness. After all, the world is eager to break coronavirus shackles and lead life just like old times.</p>

<p>But would you deprive someone of their right to vaccine by taking it out of turn? Falsify identity? Such a deed would definitely not find any approval. But a rich couple in Canada is facing heat for hogging coronavirus vaccines meant for the elderly among indigenous group. The couple is looking at jailtime as well.</p>

<p>Casino executive Rodney Baker and his wife Ekaterina Baker secretly travelled to Yukon territory in Canada, posed as someone else in order to get the vaccine.</p>

<p>Authorities had sent a vaccination team to Beaver Creek. This area has a population that has many elderly persons of White River First Nation indigenous population.</p>

<p>The Bakers took a chartered flight to reach Beaver Creek. Then they post as local motel employees in order to get vaccinated. There is an outrage in the local community due to the incident. As per media reports, the couple has not made any attempt to apologise to the community.</p>

<p>The couple was fined USD 1800. However, locals are not happy as they point out that the millionaire couple can easily pay this amount and go about their lives as if nothing had happened. The police are carrying out further investigation.</p>


How badly do you want coronavirus vaccine? Well, majority of people would express their eagerness. After all, the world is eager to break coronavirus shackles and lead life just like old times.

How badly do you want coronavirus vaccine? Well, majority of people would express their eagerness. After all, the world is eager to break coronavirus shackles and lead life just like old times. But would you deprive someone of their right to vaccine by taking it out of turn? Falsify identity? Such a deed would definitely not find any approval. But a rich couple in Canada is facing heat for hogging coronavirus vaccines meant for the elderly among indigenous group. The couple is looking at jailtime as well. Casino executive Rodney Baker and his wife Ekaterina Baker secretly travelled to Yukon territory in Canada, posed as someone else in order to get the vaccine. Authorities had sent a vaccination team to Beaver Creek. This area has a population that has many elderly persons of White River First Nation indigenous population. The Bakers took a chartered flight to reach Beaver Creek. Then they post as local motel employees in order to get vaccinated. There is an outrage in the local community due to the incident. As per media reports, the couple has not made any attempt to apologise to the community. The couple was fined USD 1800. However, locals are not happy as they point out that the millionaire couple can easily pay this amount and go about their lives as if nothing had happened. The police are carrying out further investigation.

Millionaire couple takes COVID vaccine meant for indigenous people, faces jailtime

<p>Nepal's caretaker PM KP Sharma Oli on Wednesday expressed his gratitude for India for providing coronavirus vaccines to Nepal. India has dispatched one million doses of Covishield vaccine within a week of its rollout in India. On Wednesday, Nepal launched its innoculation drive. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the inoculation drive in Kathmandu, Oli thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing vaccine doses to Nepal.</p>

<p>"We got an early chance to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. For this, I extend my gratitude to our neighbour: India, its people and government and especially to Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They sent the vaccine to us within about a week of its roll out in India," Oli said.</p>

<p>The inauguration ceremony was held virtually. Oli said that with the help of vaccines, the inoculation drive in Nepal will be completed within three months.</p>

<p>In the first phase of the vaccination drive, the government is inoculating the `Covishield` vaccine gifted by India to around 450,000 frontline workers, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.Last week, the Government of India gifted a million doses of the `Covishied` vaccine to Nepal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-kicks-off-coronavirus-inoculations-with-indian-vaccine-359644">Nepal kicks off coronavirus inoculations with Indian vaccine</a></strong></p>

<p>The vaccine was jointly developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca -- a British-Swedish pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company. It has been branded as `Covishield` in India, and is produced by the Serum Institute of India.</p>

<p><strong>(With agency inputs)</strong></p>


Nepal's caretaker PM KP Sharma Oli on Wednesday expressed his gratitude for India for providing coronavirus vaccines to Nepal. India has dispatched one million doses of Covishield vaccine within a week of its rollout in India.

Nepal's caretaker PM KP Sharma Oli on Wednesday expressed his gratitude for India for providing coronavirus vaccines to Nepal. India has dispatched one million doses of Covishield vaccine within a week of its rollout in India. On Wednesday, Nepal launched its innoculation drive. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the inoculation drive in Kathmandu, Oli thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing vaccine doses to Nepal. "We got an early chance to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. For this, I extend my gratitude to our neighbour: India, its people and government and especially to Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They sent the vaccine to us within about a week of its roll out in India," Oli said. The inauguration ceremony was held virtually. Oli said that with the help of vaccines, the inoculation drive in Nepal will be completed within three months. In the first phase of the vaccination drive, the government is inoculating the `Covishield` vaccine gifted by India to around 450,000 frontline workers, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.Last week, the Government of India gifted a million doses of the `Covishied` vaccine to Nepal. Also Read | Nepal kicks off coronavirus inoculations with Indian vaccine The vaccine was jointly developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca -- a British-Swedish pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company. It has been branded as `Covishield` in India, and is produced by the Serum Institute of India. (With agency inputs)

Nepal PM thanks India for coronavirus vaccines

<p>Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for coronavirus vaccines. India, one of world's biggest drug manufacturers is already helping several countries by providing them coronavirus vaccines. In his tweet, Bolsonaro included an image of Lord Hanuman bringing the 'Sanjivani booti' from India to Brazil. Sanjivani Booti is the medicine Lord Hanuman delivered for Laxmana, the legendary warrior and brother of Lord Rama when he was injured in battle in the Indian epic Ramayana. But in Bolsonaro's tweet, the 'Sanjivani Booti' is the COVID vaccine.</p>

<p>"Namaskar, Prime Minister @narendramodi Brazil feels honoured to have a great partner to overcome a global obstacle by joining efforts. Thank you for assisting us with the vaccines exports from India to Brazil," said Bolsonaro in Twitter.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Namaskar, Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a><br />
<br />
Brazil feels honoured to have a great partner to overcome a global obstacle by joining efforts.<br />
<br />
Thank you for assisting us with the vaccines exports from India to Brazil.<br />
<br />
Dhanyavaad! धनयवाद</p>
— Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) <a href="https://twitter.com/jairbolsonaro/status/1352630699480797186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Two flights, each carrying two million vaccine doses for Brazil and Morocco took off from Mumbai airport early on Friday.</p>

<p>"The Covishield vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) carrying 2 million doses to Brazil via Emirates Sky Cargo and 2 million doses to Morocco on Royal Air Maroc," said a press release by the airport. It mentioned that the airport has facilitated movement of over 14.17 million doses of the Covishield vaccine across various international and domestic destinations</p>

<p>On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a media briefing that India had sent consignments of coronavirus vaccines under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Seychelles.</p>

<p>Asked whether India is sending the vaccines to Pakistan, Srivastava said he was not aware of any request for their supply by Pakistan on a government-to government basis or commercial basis.</p>

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<p>On Wednesday, India sent 1,50,000 doses of Covisheild vaccine to Bhutan and 1,00,000 doses to the Maldives as grant assistance.<br />
India on Thursday delivered two million doses of Covisheild vaccine to Bangladesh and one million doses to Nepal under grants assistance, while a consignment containing 1.5 million doses was sent to Myanmar, 50,000 doses to Seychelles on Friday.</p>

<p>"Keeping in view the domestic requirements of the phased rollout, India will continue to supply COVID-19 vaccines to partner countries over the coming weeks and months in a phased manner. It will be ensured that domestic manufacturers will have adequate stocks to meet domestic requirements while supplying abroad," Srivastava said.</p>

<p>Srivastava said supplies of coronavirus vaccines under grant assistance will be made to Sri Lanka and Afghanistan after getting confirmation of regulatory clearances.</p>

<p>"Acting East. Acting fast. Indian vaccines have arrived in Myanmar to contribute to our neighbour's inoculation efforts," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted.<br />
"Indian vaccines reach Seychelles. That's what friends are for," he said in another tweet.</p>

<p><strong>(With agency inputs)</strong></p>


Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for coronavirus vaccines. India, one of world's biggest drug manufacturers is already helping several countries by providing them coronavirus vaccines.

Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for coronavirus vaccines. India, one of world's biggest drug manufacturers is already helping several countries by providing them coronavirus vaccines. In his tweet, Bolsonaro included an image of Lord Hanuman bringing the 'Sanjivani booti' from India to Brazil. Sanjivani Booti is the medicine Lord Hanuman delivered for Laxmana, the legendary warrior and brother of Lord Rama when he was injured in battle in the Indian epic Ramayana. But in Bolsonaro's tweet, the 'Sanjivani Booti' is the COVID vaccine. "Namaskar, Prime Minister @narendramodi Brazil feels honoured to have a great partner to overcome a global obstacle by joining efforts. Thank you for assisting us with the vaccines exports from India to Brazil," said Bolsonaro in Twitter. Namaskar, Prime Minister @narendramodi Brazil feels honoured to have a great partner to overcome a global obstacle by joining efforts. Thank you for assisting us with the vaccines exports from India to Brazil. Dhanyavaad! धनयवाद — Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) January 22, 2021 × Two flights, each carrying two million vaccine doses for Brazil and Morocco took off from Mumbai airport early on Friday. "The Covishield vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) carrying 2 million doses to Brazil via Emirates Sky Cargo and 2 million doses to Morocco on Royal Air Maroc," said a press release by the airport. It mentioned that the airport has facilitated movement of over 14.17 million doses of the Covishield vaccine across various international and domestic destinations On Friday, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a media briefing that India had sent consignments of coronavirus vaccines under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Seychelles. Asked whether India is sending the vaccines to Pakistan, Srivastava said he was not aware of any request for their supply by Pakistan on a government-to government basis or commercial basis. × On Wednesday, India sent 1,50,000 doses of Covisheild vaccine to Bhutan and 1,00,000 doses to the Maldives as grant assistance. India on Thursday delivered two million doses of Covisheild vaccine to Bangladesh and one million doses to Nepal under grants assistance, while a consignment containing 1.5 million doses was sent to Myanmar, 50,000 doses to Seychelles on Friday. "Keeping in view the domestic requirements of the phased rollout, India will continue to supply COVID-19 vaccines to partner countries over the coming weeks and months in a phased manner. It will be ensured that domestic manufacturers will have adequate stocks to meet domestic requirements while supplying abroad," Srivastava said. Srivastava said supplies of coronavirus vaccines under grant assistance will be made to Sri Lanka and Afghanistan after getting confirmation of regulatory clearances. "Acting East. Acting fast. Indian vaccines have arrived in Myanmar to contribute to our neighbour's inoculation efforts," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted. "Indian vaccines reach Seychelles. That's what friends are for," he said in another tweet. (With agency inputs)

With a Hanuman image, Brazil President Bolsonaro thanks PM Modi for COVID vaccines

<p>China virus is spreading in China again, and there is a lockdown in capital Beijing. It's an outbreak that's growing bigger by the day. It is China's worst outbreak since March 2020. New clusters are emerging. And China's ham-fisted response and the desperation to contain the outbreak is beginning to show.</p>

<p>It began in Hebei. It spread to 11 regions in China's northeast. And now it has reached Beijing.</p>

<p>On new years' eve Xi Jinping declared China's victory over china's virus.</p>

<p>Perhaps he tempted fate, because within days, the first reports on a virus surge came out. And now there's a lockdown in Beijing. The hotspot is in the Daxing district.</p>

<p>Authorities say only two people have tested positive. But with China's record of mass testing gone horribly wrong and fudged lab reports, it is hard to believe that. Asymptomatic spreaders pose a big risk.</p>

<p>The Chinese press is not discussing any of this. They want to pin the blame on others. Target this time is UK. Chinese state mouthpieces are blaming the UK strain for the outbreak.</p>

<p>They say the new cases have been infected with this mutation. It's a claim that's hard to prove independently.</p>

<p>We don't know if these people travelled to Britain or if they were in contact with someone who had this infection.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Global Times had just two lines of reporting for the entire thing. There was no background information or details about travel history. This is a narrative that china has aggressively tried to push in recent days.</p>

<p>They claim new cases were actually imported and not locally transmitted.</p>

<p>But this is not Beijing's first case this year and this is by no means a victory over the virus.</p>

<p>It's very much around and spreading in China. Local transmissions are still taking place.</p>

<p>As of Wednesday, Beijing reported seven local cases.</p>

<p>That's the official figure. And we must always underline the potential difference with the actual figures Six out of these seven cases were in the district of Daxing.</p>

<p>Today, this number shot up to 11. According to some assessments, this is China's worst flare-up since January last year.</p>

<p>It claimed victory prematurely. The local authorities dropped the ball. And now the virus is spreading again. The draconian lockdowns are back. The lockdown iN Beijing is partial for now. But more than a million residents of Daxing are not being allowed to leave Beijing. Mass testing has been ordered in the entire area.</p>

<p>Beijing has now decided to track everyone who entered the city since December 10. China's desperation is becoming obvious.</p>

<p>The authorities are using strange measures to enforce lockdowns. A viral video shows a man stepping out during a lockdown. A local communist party official caught him and tied him to a tree and abused. The official even threatened to kill him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, the party official has been suspended. Meanwhile, the government has issued orders to cities across China. Officials have been asked to gear up for mass testing. This is basically an instruction to all officials across China.</p>

<p>Cities with a population of less than five million should be able to complete mass testing within two days. Places, where more than five million people live, must do it within three to five days. China has been testing entire cities multiple times.</p>

<p>Its a scary repeat of what happened in Wuhan last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The head of China's centre for disease control has given an interview. George Fu Gao is China's top Epidemiologist. He has called the outbreak in Hebei a 'Mini-Wuhan'.</p>

<p>More than one thousand people have been infected in Hebei</p>

<p>Following are some of the quotes from his interview</p>

<p>"It is not so large as in Wuhan... But still has local outbreaks."</p>

<p>"I am cautiously optimistic, but I must not take the epidemic lightly"</p>

<p>Even with millions of tests, a draconian lockdown, and threats to citizens, China sounds unsure about tackling the latest outbreak.</p>

<p>It looks like the lunar new year celebrations could be cancelled this year. Curbs have been imposed on gatherings already.</p>

<p>Now the Chinese state wants to control the movement of people. A negative test is now mandatory for migrant workers to move. They must get a test done within seven days of their travel. Chinese authorities didn't say exactly when or how they'll impose the new rules. But, they did say that migrant workers will have to pay for this test out of their pockets.</p>

<p>While all of this is an eerie reminder of what Chinese people suffered last year. It also begs a question. How much is china hiding this time?</p>


China virus is spreading in China again, and there is a lockdown in capital Beijing. It's an outbreak that's growing bigger by the day. It is China's worst outbreak since March 2020.

China virus is spreading in China again, and there is a lockdown in capital Beijing. It's an outbreak that's growing bigger by the day. It is China's worst outbreak since March 2020. New clusters are emerging. And China's ham-fisted response and the desperation to contain the outbreak is beginning to show. It began in Hebei. It spread to 11 regions in China's northeast. And now it has reached Beijing. On new years' eve Xi Jinping declared China's victory over china's virus. Perhaps he tempted fate, because within days, the first reports on a virus surge came out. And now there's a lockdown in Beijing. The hotspot is in the Daxing district. Authorities say only two people have tested positive. But with China's record of mass testing gone horribly wrong and fudged lab reports, it is hard to believe that. Asymptomatic spreaders pose a big risk. The Chinese press is not discussing any of this. They want to pin the blame on others. Target this time is UK. Chinese state mouthpieces are blaming the UK strain for the outbreak. They say the new cases have been infected with this mutation. It's a claim that's hard to prove independently. We don't know if these people travelled to Britain or if they were in contact with someone who had this infection. Global Times had just two lines of reporting for the entire thing. There was no background information or details about travel history. This is a narrative that china has aggressively tried to push in recent days. They claim new cases were actually imported and not locally transmitted. But this is not Beijing's first case this year and this is by no means a victory over the virus. It's very much around and spreading in China. Local transmissions are still taking place. As of Wednesday, Beijing reported seven local cases. That's the official figure. And we must always underline the potential difference with the actual figures Six out of these seven cases were in the district of Daxing. Today, this number shot up to 11. According to some assessments, this is China's worst flare-up since January last year. It claimed victory prematurely. The local authorities dropped the ball. And now the virus is spreading again. The draconian lockdowns are back. The lockdown iN Beijing is partial for now. But more than a million residents of Daxing are not being allowed to leave Beijing. Mass testing has been ordered in the entire area. Beijing has now decided to track everyone who entered the city since December 10. China's desperation is becoming obvious. The authorities are using strange measures to enforce lockdowns. A viral video shows a man stepping out during a lockdown. A local communist party official caught him and tied him to a tree and abused. The official even threatened to kill him. As per reports, the party official has been suspended. Meanwhile, the government has issued orders to cities across China. Officials have been asked to gear up for mass testing. This is basically an instruction to all officials across China. Cities with a population of less than five million should be able to complete mass testing within two days. Places, where more than five million people live, must do it within three to five days. China has been testing entire cities multiple times. Its a scary repeat of what happened in Wuhan last year. The head of China's centre for disease control has given an interview. George Fu Gao is China's top Epidemiologist. He has called the outbreak in Hebei a 'Mini-Wuhan'. More than one thousand people have been infected in Hebei Following are some of the quotes from his interview "It is not so large as in Wuhan... But still has local outbreaks." "I am cautiously optimistic, but I must not take the epidemic lightly" Even with millions of tests, a draconian lockdown, and threats to citizens, China sounds unsure about tackling the latest outbreak. It looks like the lunar new year celebrations could be cancelled this year. Curbs have been imposed on gatherings already. Now the Chinese state wants to control the movement of people. A negative test is now mandatory for migrant workers to move. They must get a test done within seven days of their travel. Chinese authorities didn't say exactly when or how they'll impose the new rules. But, they did say that migrant workers will have to pay for this test out of their pockets. While all of this is an eerie reminder of what Chinese people suffered last year. It also begs a question. How much is china hiding this time?

China in grips of coronavirus again, how much it is hiding now?

<p>The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday sought to assure everyone by saying that everyone who wants a COVID vaccine will get one. It advised against panic. WHO's Assistant Director-General Mariangela Simao said that the agency was busy ensuring that everyone around the globe had an access to coronavirus vaccine.</p>

<p>"No one needs to panic, because you're going to get a vaccine," said Simao, the assistant DG for access to medicines, vaccines and pharmaceuticals.</p>

<p>"We've been working very hard to ensure that all countries, all populations, do have the opportunity to access these vaccines," she told a WHO social media live event.</p>

<p>Simao said that around 50 countries have started vaccination campaigns, with more than 40 of them being high-income states.</p>

<p>WHO-led Covax facility had struck agreements with five vaccine manufacturers for two billion vaccine doses. Covax is a globally pooled vaccine procurement and distribution effort. It aims to secure vaccines for 20 per cent of the population around the world.</p>

<p>"We are expecting to have the first doses reaching countries end of February," Simao said.</p>

<p><strong>Nasal vaccine?</strong></p>

<p>According to the WHO's overview of candidate vaccines, 64 have been tested on humans, 22 of which have reached final-stage mass testing.</p>

<p>A further 173 candidate vaccines are being developed in laboratories with a view to eventual human trials.</p>

<p>WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan welcomed the "really incredible" range, saying it was important to have a variety of vaccines with different properties.</p>

<p>So far, the WHO has only approved emergency use validation for the two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which requires ultra-cold storage.</p>

<p>"That's a problem in many countries," said Swaminathan.</p>

<p>She said there were vaccines in development that only require a single injection; a nasally-inhaled vaccine; and versions which will be much more affordable than those already in use.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"There may be many vaccines that have advantages over the first generation," Swaminathan said.</p>

<p>"What we want to see is prevention of disease. Prevention of infection is another question. But that is secondary," she added.</p>

<p><strong>(With AFP inputs)</strong></p>


The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday sought to assure everyone by saying that everyone who wants a COVID vaccine will get one. It advised against panic.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday sought to assure everyone by saying that everyone who wants a COVID vaccine will get one. It advised against panic. WHO's Assistant Director-General Mariangela Simao said that the agency was busy ensuring that everyone around the globe had an access to coronavirus vaccine. "No one needs to panic, because you're going to get a vaccine," said Simao, the assistant DG for access to medicines, vaccines and pharmaceuticals. "We've been working very hard to ensure that all countries, all populations, do have the opportunity to access these vaccines," she told a WHO social media live event. Simao said that around 50 countries have started vaccination campaigns, with more than 40 of them being high-income states. WHO-led Covax facility had struck agreements with five vaccine manufacturers for two billion vaccine doses. Covax is a globally pooled vaccine procurement and distribution effort. It aims to secure vaccines for 20 per cent of the population around the world. "We are expecting to have the first doses reaching countries end of February," Simao said. Nasal vaccine? According to the WHO's overview of candidate vaccines, 64 have been tested on humans, 22 of which have reached final-stage mass testing. A further 173 candidate vaccines are being developed in laboratories with a view to eventual human trials. WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan welcomed the "really incredible" range, saying it was important to have a variety of vaccines with different properties. So far, the WHO has only approved emergency use validation for the two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which requires ultra-cold storage. "That's a problem in many countries," said Swaminathan. She said there were vaccines in development that only require a single injection; a nasally-inhaled vaccine; and versions which will be much more affordable than those already in use. "There may be many vaccines that have advantages over the first generation," Swaminathan said. "What we want to see is prevention of disease. Prevention of infection is another question. But that is secondary," she added. (With AFP inputs)

WHO: Do not panic, you will get COVID vaccine

<p>China's National Health Commission on Saturday said that recent COVID-19 outbreaks in the northeast have been caused by travellers entering the country or contaminated frozen food imports. In a statement made at a government meeting, NHC Minister Ma Xiaowei said that the virus was spreading to rural areas and that the handling of the recent situation had exposed how prevention and control measures had been relaxed.</p>

<p>"Since Dec. 2020, epidemic clusters have occurred in Beijing, Sichuan, Liaoning, Hebei and Heilongjiang," a statement posted on the NHC's website said citing the briefing by Ma.</p>

<p>"They mainly have the following characteristics. Firstly, they are all imported from abroad, caused by travellers from overseas, or contaminated cold-chain imported items."</p>

<p>Though the number of cases is lower than what it was at the height of the pandemic, concerns over second wave are growing.</p>

<p>This surge comes as a World Health Organization-led (WHO) team of investigators are in quarantine in the city of Wuhan, where the disease was first detected in late 2019. The team aims to investigate the origins of the pandemic that has now killed nearly 2 million people worldwide.</p>

<p>China is the only country to claim COVID-19 can be transmitted via cold chain imports, even though the WHO has downplayed the risks, and has been pushing a narrative via state media that the virus existed abroad before it was discovered late last year in the central city of Wuhan.</p>

<p>The country has in the past week seen the number of daily cases jump to an over 10-month high, and for Jan. 15 reported 130 new coronavirus cases in the mainland, versus 144 cases a day earlier.</p>

<p>Of those cases, 115 were local infections, 90 of which were in Hebei province surrounding Beijing that has been hit hardest in the latest wave.</p>

<p>Another 23 cases were found in northeastern Heilongjiang province while two cases were reported in Beijing. The authority also reported 79 new asymptomatic patients, which it does not classify as confirmed cases, were found on Jan. 15 compared with 66 a day earlier.</p>

<p>Around 28 million people have been put under lockdown so far and Ma said that activities like wedding banquets and other large gatherings have been responsible for latest outbreak.</p>

<p><strong>(With Reuters inputs)</strong></p>


China's National Health Commission on Saturday said that recent COVID-19 outbreaks in the northeast have been caused by travellers entering the country or contaminated frozen food imports.

China's National Health Commission on Saturday said that recent COVID-19 outbreaks in the northeast have been caused by travellers entering the country or contaminated frozen food imports. In a statement made at a government meeting, NHC Minister Ma Xiaowei said that the virus was spreading to rural areas and that the handling of the recent situation had exposed how prevention and control measures had been relaxed. "Since Dec. 2020, epidemic clusters have occurred in Beijing, Sichuan, Liaoning, Hebei and Heilongjiang," a statement posted on the NHC's website said citing the briefing by Ma. "They mainly have the following characteristics. Firstly, they are all imported from abroad, caused by travellers from overseas, or contaminated cold-chain imported items." Though the number of cases is lower than what it was at the height of the pandemic, concerns over second wave are growing. This surge comes as a World Health Organization-led (WHO) team of investigators are in quarantine in the city of Wuhan, where the disease was first detected in late 2019. The team aims to investigate the origins of the pandemic that has now killed nearly 2 million people worldwide. China is the only country to claim COVID-19 can be transmitted via cold chain imports, even though the WHO has downplayed the risks, and has been pushing a narrative via state media that the virus existed abroad before it was discovered late last year in the central city of Wuhan. The country has in the past week seen the number of daily cases jump to an over 10-month high, and for Jan. 15 reported 130 new coronavirus cases in the mainland, versus 144 cases a day earlier. Of those cases, 115 were local infections, 90 of which were in Hebei province surrounding Beijing that has been hit hardest in the latest wave. Another 23 cases were found in northeastern Heilongjiang province while two cases were reported in Beijing. The authority also reported 79 new asymptomatic patients, which it does not classify as confirmed cases, were found on Jan. 15 compared with 66 a day earlier. Around 28 million people have been put under lockdown so far and Ma said that activities like wedding banquets and other large gatherings have been responsible for latest outbreak. (With Reuters inputs)

China says latest COVID outbreak is due to foreign travellers

<p>A Chinese province with population of more than 37 million declared emergency on Wednesday in order to contain coronavirus cases. Although China has been able to bring the virus largely under control, recent weeks have seen new cases prompting localised lockdowns.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, the government of northeasten Heilongjiang -- with a population of 37.5 million people -- declared an "emergency state", telling residents not to leave the province unless absolutely necessary, and to cancel conferences and gatherings.</p>

<p>The decision for an emergency was in response to 28 COVID-19 cases on including 12 that were asymptomatic.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-and-momentum-on-our-side-asserts-chinese-president-xi-amid-virus-356356">Time and momentum on our side, asserts Chinese President Xi amid virus</a></strong><br />
<br />
Suihua city in Heilongjiang -- home to more than 5.2 million -- was sealed off on Monday after reporting one confirmed case and 45 asymptomatic cases.</p>

<p>On Wednesday authorities announced several other small cities near Suihua would also be sealed off or placed under travel restrictions.</p>

<p>Other cities in the province have closed entertainment venues, state media reported.</p>

<p>While numbers remain small compared with many other countries, China is trying to squash infections ahead of next month's Lunar New Year festival, when hundreds of millions of people are due to travel across the country.</p>

<p>There are fears those highly anticipated annual journeys, often the only chance for migrant workers to see their families, will be curtailed if clusters continue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China's National Health Commission reported 115 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, with 90 more cases in a cluster in Hebei province, which surrounds the capital Beijing.</p>

<p><strong>(With agency inputs)</strong></p>


A Chinese province with population of more than 37 million declared emergency on Wednesday in order to contain coronavirus cases. Although China has been able to bring the virus largely under control, recent weeks have seen new cases prompting localised lockdowns.

A Chinese province with population of more than 37 million declared emergency on Wednesday in order to contain coronavirus cases. Although China has been able to bring the virus largely under control, recent weeks have seen new cases prompting localised lockdowns. On Wednesday, the government of northeasten Heilongjiang -- with a population of 37.5 million people -- declared an "emergency state", telling residents not to leave the province unless absolutely necessary, and to cancel conferences and gatherings. The decision for an emergency was in response to 28 COVID-19 cases on including 12 that were asymptomatic. Also Read | Time and momentum on our side, asserts Chinese President Xi amid virus Suihua city in Heilongjiang -- home to more than 5.2 million -- was sealed off on Monday after reporting one confirmed case and 45 asymptomatic cases. On Wednesday authorities announced several other small cities near Suihua would also be sealed off or placed under travel restrictions. Other cities in the province have closed entertainment venues, state media reported. While numbers remain small compared with many other countries, China is trying to squash infections ahead of next month's Lunar New Year festival, when hundreds of millions of people are due to travel across the country. There are fears those highly anticipated annual journeys, often the only chance for migrant workers to see their families, will be curtailed if clusters continue. China's National Health Commission reported 115 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, with 90 more cases in a cluster in Hebei province, which surrounds the capital Beijing. (With agency inputs)

Chinese province declares emergency to control coronavirus

<p>An 'escape mutant's found in coronavirus has alarmed the scientific community as there are chances that the mutation may decrease the efficacy of coronavirus vaccines. This mutant has been found in South African variant of the coronavirus. 12 countries around the world have reported this variant.</p>

<p>The mutation has been named E484K. The mutant has been termed as an 'escape mutant because it may be able to escape antibodies produced against coronavirus vaccines.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We fear this mutation might have an impact, and what we don't know is the extent of the impact," said Penny Moore, Associate Professor, National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa. She was quoted by CNN.</p>

<p>According to experts, the escape mutant may not render vaccines useless but they will reduce their efficacy.</p>

<p>However, the recent mutation may mean that battle to defeat coronavirus pandemic is far from over.</p>


An 'escape mutant's found in coronavirus has alarmed the scientific community as there are chances that the mutation may decrease the efficacy of coronavirus vaccines.

An 'escape mutant's found in coronavirus has alarmed the scientific community as there are chances that the mutation may decrease the efficacy of coronavirus vaccines. This mutant has been found in South African variant of the coronavirus. 12 countries around the world have reported this variant. The mutation has been named E484K. The mutant has been termed as an 'escape mutant because it may be able to escape antibodies produced against coronavirus vaccines. × "We fear this mutation might have an impact, and what we don't know is the extent of the impact," said Penny Moore, Associate Professor, National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa. She was quoted by CNN. According to experts, the escape mutant may not render vaccines useless but they will reduce their efficacy. However, the recent mutation may mean that battle to defeat coronavirus pandemic is far from over.

'Escape mutant' of coronavirus may decrease efficacy of vaccines: Experts

<p>Britain's Queen Elizabeth the Second, on Saturday, joined the list of prominent global leaders and royals to have received the coronavirus vaccine. The Queen and her husband Prince Philip received COVID-19 vaccine. The announcement was made by Buckingham Palace in a rare public comment on private health matters of the monarch.</p>

<p>"The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have today received Covid-19 vaccinations," a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.</p>

<p>A source told the domestic Press Association news agency that the queen, 94, and Philip, 99, were given the injections by a royal household doctor at Windsor Castle.</p>

<p>No further details about the vaccinations were released.</p>

<p>In Britain, more than 1.5 million people have received coronavirus vaccine so far. The immunisation program is prioritising elderly population and health workers.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-to-get-vaccinated-next-week-slams-vaccine-deniers-355662">Pope Francis to get vaccinated next week; slams vaccine deniers</a></strong></p>

<p>UK has begun administering two types of approved vaccines</p>

<p>Britain on Friday reported a record 1,325 deaths over a 24-hour period, bringing the total number of deaths to nearly 80,000, while also registering a high of 68,053 new cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The queen and Philip have spent much of the pandemic in self-isolation at &nbsp;Windsor because of their advanced age, and this year saw their traditional family Christmas at her Sandringham estate in eastern England with other royals scrapped.</p>

<p><strong>(With AFP inputs)</strong></p>


Britain's Queen Elizabeth the Second, on Saturday, joined the list of prominent global leaders and royals to have received the coronavirus vaccine. The Queen and her husband Prince Philip received COVID-19 vaccine.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth the Second, on Saturday, joined the list of prominent global leaders and royals to have received the coronavirus vaccine. The Queen and her husband Prince Philip received COVID-19 vaccine. The announcement was made by Buckingham Palace in a rare public comment on private health matters of the monarch. "The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have today received Covid-19 vaccinations," a Buckingham Palace spokesman said. A source told the domestic Press Association news agency that the queen, 94, and Philip, 99, were given the injections by a royal household doctor at Windsor Castle. No further details about the vaccinations were released. In Britain, more than 1.5 million people have received coronavirus vaccine so far. The immunisation program is prioritising elderly population and health workers. Also Read | Pope Francis to get vaccinated next week; slams vaccine deniers UK has begun administering two types of approved vaccines Britain on Friday reported a record 1,325 deaths over a 24-hour period, bringing the total number of deaths to nearly 80,000, while also registering a high of 68,053 new cases. The queen and Philip have spent much of the pandemic in self-isolation at Windsor because of their advanced age, and this year saw their traditional family Christmas at her Sandringham estate in eastern England with other royals scrapped. (With AFP inputs)

Queen Elizabeth receives COVID-19 vaccine

<p>Social distancing has become a buzzword in pandemic times. Coronavirus came into our lives and changed EVERYTHING. We had to adopt new ways and behaviours in our daily lives we did not think would become compulsory just a year ago.</p>

<p>We may have all of modern medicine and knowledge at our disposal and quickly devise out rules to tackle pandemic, but few of us know that rules of social distancing and pandemic control were formally set up by a man 432 years ago.</p>

<p>The man, or the doctor, was Quinto Tiberio Angelerio. During his stay in Italian port town of Alghero, he noticed early signs of the bubonic plague in 1852 and decided to take quick action.</p>

<p>50-year-old Dr Angelerio had recently come from Sicily, which had seen an epidemic in 1575.</p>

<p>Angelerio wrote a book based on his knowledge and experience and prescribed 57 rules for public to follow. The rules are strikingly familiar to those we are following today to combat COVID-19 pandemic</p>

<p>One of the most striking of his rules was of social distancing. He prescribed that each citizen should carry a measured stick and keep a six-foot distance from other people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The doctor advised people to stay inside their homes. He said that only one person from a household should head out to run essential errands. He asked people to thoroughly wash and disinfect their homes.</p>

<p>He advised against handshakes, holding meetings, organising entertainment programs.</p>

<p>He insisted that food shops erect railings so that customers can maintain distance from one another.</p>

<p>Dr Angelerio hounded local authorities to establish a cordon around the city so that infection doesn't spread to neighbouring districts.</p>

<p>These measures appear normal to us today, but 400 years ago, this was markedly a forward-thinking exercise carried out by Dr Angelerio.</p>

<p>His efforts met with stiff resistance initially as public and local authorities rubbished his plan. They thought he was unnecessarily worrying and talking about an apocalyptic situation. Undeterred, Dr Angelerio directly met the viceroy and got a go-ahead.</p>

<p>His efforts paid off and the infection was succesfully contained. It did not spread to adjacent districts.</p>

<p>It was a time before modern medicine and next to nothing was known about how diseases are caused. The general understanding was that diseases were caused due to "bad air" and Vinegar was considered an excellent antiseptic.</p>

<p>The traditional 'medical treatments' consisted of bizarre practices such as bathing in urine.</p>

<p>It was hence commendable on Dr Angelerio's part to come up with a list of rules based on his advanced medical knowledge.</p>


Social distancing has become a buzzword in pandemic times. Coronavirus came into our lives and changed EVERYTHING. We had to adopt new ways and behaviours in our daily lives we did not think would become compulsory just a year ago.

Social distancing has become a buzzword in pandemic times. Coronavirus came into our lives and changed EVERYTHING. We had to adopt new ways and behaviours in our daily lives we did not think would become compulsory just a year ago. We may have all of modern medicine and knowledge at our disposal and quickly devise out rules to tackle pandemic, but few of us know that rules of social distancing and pandemic control were formally set up by a man 432 years ago. The man, or the doctor, was Quinto Tiberio Angelerio. During his stay in Italian port town of Alghero, he noticed early signs of the bubonic plague in 1852 and decided to take quick action. 50-year-old Dr Angelerio had recently come from Sicily, which had seen an epidemic in 1575. Angelerio wrote a book based on his knowledge and experience and prescribed 57 rules for public to follow. The rules are strikingly familiar to those we are following today to combat COVID-19 pandemic One of the most striking of his rules was of social distancing. He prescribed that each citizen should carry a measured stick and keep a six-foot distance from other people. The doctor advised people to stay inside their homes. He said that only one person from a household should head out to run essential errands. He asked people to thoroughly wash and disinfect their homes. He advised against handshakes, holding meetings, organising entertainment programs. He insisted that food shops erect railings so that customers can maintain distance from one another. Dr Angelerio hounded local authorities to establish a cordon around the city so that infection doesn't spread to neighbouring districts. These measures appear normal to us today, but 400 years ago, this was markedly a forward-thinking exercise carried out by Dr Angelerio. His efforts met with stiff resistance initially as public and local authorities rubbished his plan. They thought he was unnecessarily worrying and talking about an apocalyptic situation. Undeterred, Dr Angelerio directly met the viceroy and got a go-ahead. His efforts paid off and the infection was succesfully contained. It did not spread to adjacent districts. It was a time before modern medicine and next to nothing was known about how diseases are caused. The general understanding was that diseases were caused due to "bad air" and Vinegar was considered an excellent antiseptic. The traditional 'medical treatments' consisted of bizarre practices such as bathing in urine. It was hence commendable on Dr Angelerio's part to come up with a list of rules based on his advanced medical knowledge.

Check out this 400-year-old social distancing manual

<p>US still faces challenges in its battle against coronavirus. As per numbers on Friday, the country recorded more than 4000 deaths in a day on Thursday (January 7). Data from Johns Hopkins University showed that 4085 Americans lost life in a single day on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the same day, 275,000 new coronavirus cases have been detected in the US. More than 365,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 infection.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per new data from US Centre for Disease Control, Florida and California have big chunk of cases of mutant strain of coronavirus.</p>

<p>Florida has 22 cases of new coronavirus that emerged in Britain. There are 26 cases in California. Colorado has two cases. New York and Georgia have one case each.</p>

<p>The United States remains the worst-affected country with 365,321 deaths from 21,581,749 cases. At least 6,298,082 people have been declared recovered</p>

<p>After the US, the hardest-hit countries are Brazil with 200,498 deaths from 7,961,673 cases, India with 150,570 deaths from 10,413,417 cases, Mexico with 131,031 deaths from 1,493,569 cases, and the United Kingdom with 78,508 deaths from 2,889,419 cases.</p>

<p><strong>(With agency inputs)</strong></p>


US still faces challenges in its battle against coronavirus. As per numbers on Friday, the country recorded more than 4000 deaths in a day on Thursday (January 7).

US still faces challenges in its battle against coronavirus. As per numbers on Friday, the country recorded more than 4000 deaths in a day on Thursday (January 7). Data from Johns Hopkins University showed that 4085 Americans lost life in a single day on Thursday. On the same day, 275,000 new coronavirus cases have been detected in the US. More than 365,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 infection. As per new data from US Centre for Disease Control, Florida and California have big chunk of cases of mutant strain of coronavirus. Florida has 22 cases of new coronavirus that emerged in Britain. There are 26 cases in California. Colorado has two cases. New York and Georgia have one case each. The United States remains the worst-affected country with 365,321 deaths from 21,581,749 cases. At least 6,298,082 people have been declared recovered After the US, the hardest-hit countries are Brazil with 200,498 deaths from 7,961,673 cases, India with 150,570 deaths from 10,413,417 cases, Mexico with 131,031 deaths from 1,493,569 cases, and the United Kingdom with 78,508 deaths from 2,889,419 cases. (With agency inputs)

US crosses 4k daily COVID deaths for the first time

<p>World has moulded itself as per&nbsp;the new normal. Masks have become part of our lives courtesy the COVID-19 virus. Though they pose minor inconvenience they are absolutely necessary for public health. There have been many tech innovations in the last year alone to help us cope with life with the pandemic, but this one is sure to raise questions from privacy advocates.</p>

<p>A Japanese company has developed a facial recognition system&nbsp;that is capable of recognising a person even when he/she is wearing a mask! NEC Corp, the system-maker has been mentioned in news reports as saying that main purpose of the software is to help people with allergies to navigate through world that is in increasing need of contactless behaviour.</p>

<p>Wearing a mask has been a common practice in Japan even from before the pandemic.</p>

<p>The system focusses on the uncovered parts of the face and recognises a person from his eyes and cheekbones. For this system to be effective, the person needs to submit his photo in advance.</p>

<p>The company has not disclosed the price of the system but its customers already include Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NEC Corp claims that its facial recognition system has an accuracy of more than 99.9 per cent.</p>


World has moulded itself as per the new normal. Masks have become part of our lives courtesy the COVID-19 virus. Though they pose minor inconvenience they are absolutely necessary for public health.

World has moulded itself as per the new normal. Masks have become part of our lives courtesy the COVID-19 virus. Though they pose minor inconvenience they are absolutely necessary for public health. There have been many tech innovations in the last year alone to help us cope with life with the pandemic, but this one is sure to raise questions from privacy advocates. A Japanese company has developed a facial recognition system that is capable of recognising a person even when he/she is wearing a mask! NEC Corp, the system-maker has been mentioned in news reports as saying that main purpose of the software is to help people with allergies to navigate through world that is in increasing need of contactless behaviour. Wearing a mask has been a common practice in Japan even from before the pandemic. The system focusses on the uncovered parts of the face and recognises a person from his eyes and cheekbones. For this system to be effective, the person needs to submit his photo in advance. The company has not disclosed the price of the system but its customers already include Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines. NEC Corp claims that its facial recognition system has an accuracy of more than 99.9 per cent.

Japanese company makes system that recognises people through masks

<p>Indian filmmaker Aanand L Rai on Thursday revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19.The `Raanjhanaa` film director took to Instagram to share a statement in this regard and also shared that he is asymptomatic.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/yearender-2020-6-film-moments-that-warmed-our-hearts-this-year-353597" hreflang="en">Yearender 2020: 6 film moments that warmed our hearts this year</a><br />
<br />
"I have tested covid positive today. Just wanted to inform everyone that I don`t feel any symptoms &amp; I feel fine," he shared on Instagram. Rai further shared that he has quarantined himself and also advised anyone who came in his contact to quarantine themselves. "I`m quarantining as instructed by authorities.</p>

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<p>Anyone who has come in contact with me recently is advised to quarantine &amp; follow d govt protocols," he said. "Thank you for your support and blessings," his statement further read.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/yearender-2020-the-worst-hindi-films-of-the-year-352899" hreflang="en">Yearender 2020: The worst Hindi films of the year</a></p>

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<p>This comes three days after Rai finished the schedule of his latest flick `Atrangi Re`, which he had been shooting with actors Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan and Dhanush.&nbsp;</p>


Indian filmmaker Aanand L Rai on Thursday revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19.The `Raanjhanaa` film director took to Instagram to share a statement in this regard and also shared that he is asymptomatic.

Indian filmmaker Aanand L Rai on Thursday revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19.The `Raanjhanaa` film director took to Instagram to share a statement in this regard and also shared that he is asymptomatic. Yearender 2020: 6 film moments that warmed our hearts this year "I have tested covid positive today. Just wanted to inform everyone that I don`t feel any symptoms & I feel fine," he shared on Instagram. Rai further shared that he has quarantined himself and also advised anyone who came in his contact to quarantine themselves. "I`m quarantining as instructed by authorities. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aanand L Rai (@aanandlrai) × Anyone who has come in contact with me recently is advised to quarantine & follow d govt protocols," he said. "Thank you for your support and blessings," his statement further read. Yearender 2020: The worst Hindi films of the year View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aanand L Rai (@aanandlrai) × This comes three days after Rai finished the schedule of his latest flick `Atrangi Re`, which he had been shooting with actors Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan and Dhanush.

Filmmaker Aanand L Rai tests positive for COVID-19

<p>France&nbsp;has confirmed first case of new coronavirus variant on its soil. The variant, which recently emerged in Britain is considered by experts to be more contagious. The virus has been found in a French citizen living in Britain who arrived from London on December 19. The citizen is asymptomatic and is self-isolating at home in Tours in central France.</p>

<p>Health authorities have carried out contact-tracing for the health professionals taking care of the patient, the ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>Any of their contacts that were seen as vulnerable would similarly be isolated, it said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition to this first case, several other positive samples that "may suggest the VOC 202012/01 variant are being sequenced" by the specialist laboratories of the national Pasteur Institute, the statement added.</p>

<p>Fears arising from the new variant of the virus have prompted more than 50 countries to impose travel restrictions on UK.</p>

<p><strong>Borders closed</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, France's health minister Olivier Veran had admitted that it was possible the newly discovered strain was already in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Italian authorities have detected the new strain in a patient in Rome, while the World Health Organization reported that nine cases have been detected in Denmark and one each in the Netherlands and Australia.</p>

<p>Following the snap 48-hour ban this week, France had reopened its borders to the UK -- partly to allow French citizens to return home, as well as to relieve the massive build-up of freight goods -- but had instituted a testing policy.</p>

<p><strong>(With AFP inputs)</strong></p>


France has confirmed first case of new coronavirus variant on its soil. The variant, which recently emerged in Britain is considered by experts to be more contagious.

France has confirmed first case of new coronavirus variant on its soil. The variant, which recently emerged in Britain is considered by experts to be more contagious. The virus has been found in a French citizen living in Britain who arrived from London on December 19. The citizen is asymptomatic and is self-isolating at home in Tours in central France. Health authorities have carried out contact-tracing for the health professionals taking care of the patient, the ministry said in a statement. Any of their contacts that were seen as vulnerable would similarly be isolated, it said. In addition to this first case, several other positive samples that "may suggest the VOC 202012/01 variant are being sequenced" by the specialist laboratories of the national Pasteur Institute, the statement added. Fears arising from the new variant of the virus have prompted more than 50 countries to impose travel restrictions on UK. Borders closed On Monday, France's health minister Olivier Veran had admitted that it was possible the newly discovered strain was already in the country. Italian authorities have detected the new strain in a patient in Rome, while the World Health Organization reported that nine cases have been detected in Denmark and one each in the Netherlands and Australia. Following the snap 48-hour ban this week, France had reopened its borders to the UK -- partly to allow French citizens to return home, as well as to relieve the massive build-up of freight goods -- but had instituted a testing policy. (With AFP inputs)

New coronavirus: France confirms first case on its soil

<p>Japanese health ministry panel on Friday, said that those aged 65 or older should get priority for COVID-19 vaccination. The Japanese government is setting guidelines that are expected to prioritise frontline healthcare workers and people with medical conditions. The panel also recommended that chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease and chronic kidney disease should be considered as underlying conditions that should determine priority for the vaccine.</p>

<p>The recommendations of the panel would include &nbsp;36 million elderly people and 8.2 million people with medical conditions. These may be the first groups to receive coronavirus vaccine.</p>

<p>Another government panel this week recommended that priority be given to frontline medical professionals and workers at elderly care facilities, while the elderly and those with underlying health conditions should also receive priority.</p>

<p>Japan has a population of 126 million. The country has struck deals to buy 290 million vaccine doses from Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna. The vaccines are enough to be made available for 145 million people.</p>

<p>Japan is currently facing a third wave of coronavirus infections, putting the nation`s medical system under heavy strain.</p>

<p>Five national groups of doctors and other medical workers made an emergency request on Friday to Suga and Health Minister Norihisa Tamura, asking for strong anti-infection measures and support for the medical sector.</p>

<p>With hospitals equipped for COVID-19 patients filling up, other hospitals are being forced to accept them, said Tsuyoshi Masuda, president of the Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions, one of the groups.</p>

<p><strong>(With Reuters inputs)</strong></p>


Japanese health ministry panel on Friday, said that those aged 65 or older should get priority for COVID-19 vaccination. The Japanese government is setting guidelines that are expected to prioritise frontline healthcare workers and people with medical conditions.

Japanese health ministry panel on Friday, said that those aged 65 or older should get priority for COVID-19 vaccination. The Japanese government is setting guidelines that are expected to prioritise frontline healthcare workers and people with medical conditions. The panel also recommended that chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease and chronic kidney disease should be considered as underlying conditions that should determine priority for the vaccine. The recommendations of the panel would include 36 million elderly people and 8.2 million people with medical conditions. These may be the first groups to receive coronavirus vaccine. Another government panel this week recommended that priority be given to frontline medical professionals and workers at elderly care facilities, while the elderly and those with underlying health conditions should also receive priority. Japan has a population of 126 million. The country has struck deals to buy 290 million vaccine doses from Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna. The vaccines are enough to be made available for 145 million people. Japan is currently facing a third wave of coronavirus infections, putting the nation`s medical system under heavy strain. Five national groups of doctors and other medical workers made an emergency request on Friday to Suga and Health Minister Norihisa Tamura, asking for strong anti-infection measures and support for the medical sector. With hospitals equipped for COVID-19 patients filling up, other hospitals are being forced to accept them, said Tsuyoshi Masuda, president of the Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions, one of the groups. (With Reuters inputs)

COVID vaccination: Japan panel recommends priority for ages 65 and above

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