The Centre is planning to conduct a nationwide sero-surveillance to evaluate the trend of coronavirus infection (Covid-19) among the population, the Central government informed on Thursday.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare officer on Thursday said the report from the previous study is under ‘peer review’ and a fresh survey is being planned now as the last one gave the status of infection spread till April.

ICMR will conduct a 'sero-survey' which involves testing of blood serum of people to check for the prevalence of antibodies against coronavirus infection.

The final results of the sero-survey conducted by the ICMR in May, which focused on infections of mid-April is still under process, Rajesh Bhushan, Officer on Special Duty in the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday.

"The serosurvey that ICMR conducted across the country focused on infections of mid-April and preliminary findings were shared. As you know all such sero-surveillance studies or any other scientific study is subject to peer-review and those inputs are also incorporated. So that process is going on," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, India reported a new single-day high of 26,506 COVID-19 cases taking the caseload to 7, 93,802 on Friday, including 2, 76,685 active cases, 4, 95,513 cured/discharged/migrated cases and 21,604 deaths, according to the Union health ministry data. 
Total 26,506 new cases and 475 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Centre is planning to conduct a nationwide sero-surveillance to evaluate the trend of coronavirus infection (Covid-19) among the population, the Central government informed on Thursday.

The Centre is planning to conduct a nationwide sero-surveillance to evaluate the trend of coronavirus infection (Covid-19) among the population, the Central government informed on Thursday. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare officer on Thursday said the report from the previous study is under ‘peer review’ and a fresh survey is being planned now as the last one gave the status of infection spread till April. ICMR will conduct a 'sero-survey' which involves testing of blood serum of people to check for the prevalence of antibodies against coronavirus infection. The final results of the sero-survey conducted by the ICMR in May, which focused on infections of mid-April is still under process, Rajesh Bhushan, Officer on Special Duty in the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday. "The serosurvey that ICMR conducted across the country focused on infections of mid-April and preliminary findings were shared. As you know all such sero-surveillance studies or any other scientific study is subject to peer-review and those inputs are also incorporated. So that process is going on," he told reporters. Meanwhile, India reported a new single-day high of 26,506 COVID-19 cases taking the caseload to 7, 93,802 on Friday, including 2, 76,685 active cases, 4, 95,513 cured/discharged/migrated cases and 21,604 deaths, according to the Union health ministry data. Total 26,506 new cases and 475 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. (With inputs from agencies)

ICMR plans pan-India sero-survey to evaluate the trend of coronavirus

A record single-day jump of 24879 COVID-19 cases took India’s tally to 7, 67,296 on Wednesday, while the death toll climbed to 21,129 with 487 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The recoveries, however, have also increased to 4, 76,378. The total recovery rate of the nation now stands at 62%. 
 
According to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 2, 67,061 tests were conducted on Wednesday.

India’s doubling time for total cases has increased to 22.3 days, and that for active cases to 33.7 days. Doubling time for deaths, meanwhile, stands at 29.3 days.

Maharashtra continues to be the worst affected state by the Covid-19 virus. The total number of cases reported in the state has reached 2, 23,724. The death tally has gone up to 9,448. Total 91.084 cases are still active.

Five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Maharashtra (5,134), Tamil Nadu (3,616), Delhi (2,008), Telangana (1,879), and Karnataka (1,498).

(With inputs from agencies)

A record single-day jump of 24879 COVID-19 cases took India’s tally to 7, 67,296 on Wednesday, while the death toll climbed to 21,129 with 487 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

A record single-day jump of 24879 COVID-19 cases took India’s tally to 7, 67,296 on Wednesday, while the death toll climbed to 21,129 with 487 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The recoveries, however, have also increased to 4, 76,378. The total recovery rate of the nation now stands at 62%. According to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 2, 67,061 tests were conducted on Wednesday. India’s doubling time for total cases has increased to 22.3 days, and that for active cases to 33.7 days. Doubling time for deaths, meanwhile, stands at 29.3 days. Maharashtra continues to be the worst affected state by the Covid-19 virus. The total number of cases reported in the state has reached 2, 23,724. The death tally has gone up to 9,448. Total 91.084 cases are still active. Five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Maharashtra (5,134), Tamil Nadu (3,616), Delhi (2,008), Telangana (1,879), and Karnataka (1,498). (With inputs from agencies)

India reports the highest single-day spike of over 24000 cases

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 12 million people, with 5.48 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-battles-coronavirus-pandemic-amid-superstorms-and-wildfires-311743">Also read: World battles coronavirus pandemic amid superstorms and wildfires</a> 
 
According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 12,007,327 confirmed coronavirus cases.

The death count has also surged to 548,799.

Many hard-hit countries are easing lockdowns put in place to slow the spread of the novel virus, while others, such as China and Australia, implement another round of shutdowns in response to a resurgence in infections. Experts say alterations to work and social life could last until a vaccine is available.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-hydroxychloroquine-caught-up-in-the-politics-of-the-pandemic-311781/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US remains by far the worst affected country, with over 132,256 deaths. The United States reported more than 59,000 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the biggest increase ever reported by a country in a single day. The United States faces a bleak summer as infections surge and many states are forced to close bars and popular beaches to try to curb the rise.

In addition to nearly 10,000 new cases in Florida, Texas reported over 9,000 cases and California reported more than 7,800 new infections. California and Texas also each reported a record one-day increase in deaths. It was the second day in a row that US deaths climbed by more than 900 in a day, the highest levels are seen since early June, according to the tally.

(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 12 million people, with 5.48 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 12 million people, with 5.48 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. Also read: World battles coronavirus pandemic amid superstorms and wildfires According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 12,007,327 confirmed coronavirus cases. The death count has also surged to 548,799. Many hard-hit countries are easing lockdowns put in place to slow the spread of the novel virus, while others, such as China and Australia, implement another round of shutdowns in response to a resurgence in infections. Experts say alterations to work and social life could last until a vaccine is available. The US remains by far the worst affected country, with over 132,256 deaths. The United States reported more than 59,000 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the biggest increase ever reported by a country in a single day. The United States faces a bleak summer as infections surge and many states are forced to close bars and popular beaches to try to curb the rise. In addition to nearly 10,000 new cases in Florida, Texas reported over 9,000 cases and California reported more than 7,800 new infections. California and Texas also each reported a record one-day increase in deaths. It was the second day in a row that US deaths climbed by more than 900 in a day, the highest levels are seen since early June, according to the tally. (With inputs from agencies)

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 12 million, death toll at 548,799

Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-affected in terms of Covid tally in the country. The state reported 6,603 fresh cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total tally to 2, 23,724.

The state also reported 198 new deaths, taking the death toll to 9,448. The mortality rate now stands at 4.22 per cent. Maharashtra continues to lead in the number of deaths followed by Delhi.

Meanwhile, India saw a record single-day surge of 24,879 COVID-19 cases taking the caseload to 7, 67,296 on Thursday, with Maharashtra, TN, Karnataka, Delhi, Telangana, UP, and AP contributing to around 75 per cent of the new cases, Union Health Ministry data says.

Five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Maharashtra (5,134), Tamil Nadu (3,616), Delhi (2,008), Telangana (1,879), and Karnataka (1,498). 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-affected in terms of Covid tally in the country. The state reported 6,603 fresh cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total tally to 2, 23,724.

Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-affected in terms of Covid tally in the country. The state reported 6,603 fresh cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total tally to 2, 23,724. The state also reported 198 new deaths, taking the death toll to 9,448. The mortality rate now stands at 4.22 per cent. Maharashtra continues to lead in the number of deaths followed by Delhi. Meanwhile, India saw a record single-day surge of 24,879 COVID-19 cases taking the caseload to 7, 67,296 on Thursday, with Maharashtra, TN, Karnataka, Delhi, Telangana, UP, and AP contributing to around 75 per cent of the new cases, Union Health Ministry data says. Five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Maharashtra (5,134), Tamil Nadu (3,616), Delhi (2,008), Telangana (1,879), and Karnataka (1,498). (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra records 6,603 fresh cases, total at 2.23 lakh

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sought a detailed analytical report from the Delhi government's health secretary on factors responsible for COVID-19 deaths in the city in the last fortnight, officials said.

Delhi reported 736 deaths in the last two weeks, with 397 people succumbing to the disease in the first week of July.

Meanwhile, India has recorded 22,752 new COVID-19 cases and 482 deaths in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

Positive cases stand at 7, 42,417 including 2, 64,944 active cases, 4, 56,831 cured/discharged/migrated and 20,642 deaths, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The rate of both new virus infections and deaths are rising at the fastest pace in three months, as officials lift a vast lockdown of India's 1.3 billion people.

India on Monday overtook Russia as the third most affected country globally, behind the United States and Brazil.

So far, 11,950,105 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While 6,849,076 have recovered, 546,626 have died till now, according to Worldometer.

Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected with 3,097,084 coronavirus cases and 133,972 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,674,655 cases, 66,868 deaths) and India (744,006 cases, 20,174 deaths).

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sought a detailed analytical report from the Delhi government's health secretary on factors responsible for COVID-19 deaths in the city in the last fortnight, officials said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sought a detailed analytical report from the Delhi government's health secretary on factors responsible for COVID-19 deaths in the city in the last fortnight, officials said. Delhi reported 736 deaths in the last two weeks, with 397 people succumbing to the disease in the first week of July. Meanwhile, India has recorded 22,752 new COVID-19 cases and 482 deaths in the last 24 hours. Positive cases stand at 7, 42,417 including 2, 64,944 active cases, 4, 56,831 cured/discharged/migrated and 20,642 deaths, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The rate of both new virus infections and deaths are rising at the fastest pace in three months, as officials lift a vast lockdown of India's 1.3 billion people. India on Monday overtook Russia as the third most affected country globally, behind the United States and Brazil. So far, 11,950,105 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While 6,849,076 have recovered, 546,626 have died till now, according to Worldometer. Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected with 3,097,084 coronavirus cases and 133,972 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,674,655 cases, 66,868 deaths) and India (744,006 cases, 20,174 deaths).

Arvind Kejriwal government launches probe on virus deaths in Delhi

A 32-year-old man, who recently returned from India and tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, will be charged with missing from a managed isolation facility in Auckland to go to a supermarket, according to media reports.

The man, New Zealand's latest new case of COVID-19, escaped through a fenced area from an isolation facility at about 6:50 pm local time on Tuesday, the New Zealand Herald reported.

He has been sent to a quarantine facility after he was confirmed to have the coronavirus. However, the man was asymptomatic and did not appear to have come into close or casual contact with anyone, the report said.

The man, whose identity was not immediately known, came from Delhi on July 3, it added.

Health Minister Chris Hipkins has slammed the man's actions as "selfish" and says he will face charges, the report said.

But he wouldn't describe the episode as a failure of the government's processes, and even though those processes will now be reviewed, he said if anyone should apologise, it was the man who broke the law.

Mr Hipkins said the man appeared to have made a spur of the moment decision and dashed through a gap where fencing was being replaced.

A security guard was observing the area but confused the man with contractors working on the fencing. The alarm was raised within minutes but security were unable to find the man.

Mr Hipkins said the man may have spent 20 minutes in the supermarket on Victoria St West, and he returned of his own volition 70 minutes after leaving, the report added.

He will be charged and now face up to a six-month jail sentence or a $4000 fine, the report added.

After the man's positive test result came today, the supermarket staff are now self-isolating and will also be tested for the virus, the Stuff reported.

"CCTV footage from within the supermarket has confirmed there was no close contact between the man and any staff or customers during his time there," head of managed isolation and quarantine Air Commodore Darryn Webb said.

There are now 23 active COVID-19 cases in New Zealand, all in managed isolation or quarantine, and 1187 confirmed cases.

A 32-year-old man, who recently returned from India and tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, will be charged with missing from a managed isolation facility in Auckland to go to a supermarket, according to media reports.

A 32-year-old man, who recently returned from India and tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, will be charged with missing from a managed isolation facility in Auckland to go to a supermarket, according to media reports. The man, New Zealand's latest new case of COVID-19, escaped through a fenced area from an isolation facility at about 6:50 pm local time on Tuesday, the New Zealand Herald reported. He has been sent to a quarantine facility after he was confirmed to have the coronavirus. However, the man was asymptomatic and did not appear to have come into close or casual contact with anyone, the report said. The man, whose identity was not immediately known, came from Delhi on July 3, it added. Health Minister Chris Hipkins has slammed the man's actions as "selfish" and says he will face charges, the report said. But he wouldn't describe the episode as a failure of the government's processes, and even though those processes will now be reviewed, he said if anyone should apologise, it was the man who broke the law. Mr Hipkins said the man appeared to have made a spur of the moment decision and dashed through a gap where fencing was being replaced. A security guard was observing the area but confused the man with contractors working on the fencing. The alarm was raised within minutes but security were unable to find the man. Mr Hipkins said the man may have spent 20 minutes in the supermarket on Victoria St West, and he returned of his own volition 70 minutes after leaving, the report added. He will be charged and now face up to a six-month jail sentence or a $4000 fine, the report added. After the man's positive test result came today, the supermarket staff are now self-isolating and will also be tested for the virus, the Stuff reported. "CCTV footage from within the supermarket has confirmed there was no close contact between the man and any staff or customers during his time there," head of managed isolation and quarantine Air Commodore Darryn Webb said. There are now 23 active COVID-19 cases in New Zealand, all in managed isolation or quarantine, and 1187 confirmed cases.

Indian man in Covid-19 isolation runs away in Auckland, visits mall; faces $4,000 penalty, jail

Jobless and broke, Sudanese electrician Hatem is stranded in limbo in Riyadh like countless other illegal workers, but he hopes the fast-spreading coronavirus will offer a chance for escape.

While coronavirus drives a huge exodus of expatriates, campaigners say potentially hundreds of thousands of illegal workers remain stranded in Saudi Arabia, complicating efforts to fight the disease.

The pandemic has laid bare what activists call systemic injustices roiling the lives of blue-collar foreign workers in Saudi Arabia -- overcrowded housing, exploitative employers and a lack of effective recourse.

Campaigners have called on Saudi Arabia to reform its long-criticised labour policy and offer an amnesty to poor debt-ridden workers trapped in the country, a predicament that risks fuelling the pandemic.

The problem is rooted in the "kafala" sponsorship system, described by critics as a modern form of slavery that binds workers to their Saudi employers, whose permission is required to enter and exit the kingdom as well as to change jobs.

Employers also hold enough sway to render their status illegal, according to activists and interviews with four undocumented workers, including Hatem, a 45-year-old electrician living in hiding in Riyadh to avoid arrest.

"My six kids, my old mother, my sister in Sudan... are living in a difficult situation, but I live in much worse conditions," Hatem told AFP in his squalid Riyadh apartment, which he shares with other workers.

"The sponsorship system is very unjust," said Hatem, who arrived in 2016.

Calls for amnesty

Saudi Arabia, home to around 10 million expats, has expelled hundreds of thousands of illegal workers in recent years.

But many like Hatem who are stuck in a debt trap are not permitted to leave before settling their dues, even as kafala curbs prevent them from legally earning their way to freedom.

"The Saudi government should offer an amnesty for irregular migrants to regularise their status or return to their home countries," Annas Shaker, a research fellow at the advocacy group Migrant Rights, told AFP.

Holding back such workers, many of whom are forced to go into hiding, risks fanning the pandemic, observers including Shaker warned.

Saudi Arabia has reported over 200,000 infections and nearly 2,000 deaths. Hospital sources say doctors and nurses are among those dying and intensive care units are stretched beyond capacity.

Saudi nationalists online have openly demanded the expulsion of expat communities, widely blamed for spreading the disease.

A Saudi newspaper columnist called for "cleansing" the oil-rich Gulf state of excess foreign workers.

Hatem, who scrapes by thanks to the kindness of strangers, has implored Sudan's embassy in Riyadh to push authorities to grant him the exit visa he needs to leave. 
Neither responded to AFP's request for comment.

A South Asian official told AFP he had received similar pleas for exit visas from debt-saddled subcontinent workers stuck in the same predicament, many for years.

In an extraordinary announcement in March, Saudi Arabia offered free coronavirus treatment to illegal workers and promised no retribution if they come forward for treatment.

But after years of what workers call heavy-handed treatment by authorities, the gesture has been met with suspicion.

Three other undocumented workers who spoke to AFP -- two from Egypt and another from Bangladesh -- said they would be unwilling to come forward if they contracted the virus.

One of the Egyptians, a 36-year-old father-of-two, said he could not take the risk after he took on a huge loan to work in the kingdom as a private driver. 
"There is no guarantee I will not be arrested," he said.

"Extortion"

Kafala persists even after Saudi media reported in February that the government would "soon" abolish the system.

Hatem's nightmare began when his sponsor began demanding a big chunk of his earnings in exchange for renewing his residence permit every year.

Foreign workers say they are often vulnerable to such "extortion" from their sponsors in order to continue working legally after many arrive heavily indebted from their home countries.

Hatem, who also needed to support his large family, said the demand pushed him further into a debt trap as he borrowed heavily to pay his sponsor.

But still, he said, the employer reported him to authorities as "huroob", Arabic for absconding, a status that effectively renders him a criminal at risk of being jailed and deported.

The expiry of his residence permit makes his presence illegal, making it impossible to access basic services or legally find work to repay his debt, which runs into thousands of riyals.

"For hundreds of thousands of migrants in Saudi, irregularity is not a choice," said Shaker, adding that sponsors can declare workers huroob "with a touch of a button online" or choose to wilfully avoid renewing permits.

"They are pushed to irregularity due to inadequate labour and migration policies that give employers great sway over them."

Jobless and broke, Sudanese electrician Hatem is stranded in limbo in Riyadh like countless other illegal workers, but he hopes the fast-spreading coronavirus will offer a chance for escape.

Jobless and broke, Sudanese electrician Hatem is stranded in limbo in Riyadh like countless other illegal workers, but he hopes the fast-spreading coronavirus will offer a chance for escape. While coronavirus drives a huge exodus of expatriates, campaigners say potentially hundreds of thousands of illegal workers remain stranded in Saudi Arabia, complicating efforts to fight the disease. The pandemic has laid bare what activists call systemic injustices roiling the lives of blue-collar foreign workers in Saudi Arabia -- overcrowded housing, exploitative employers and a lack of effective recourse. Campaigners have called on Saudi Arabia to reform its long-criticised labour policy and offer an amnesty to poor debt-ridden workers trapped in the country, a predicament that risks fuelling the pandemic. The problem is rooted in the "kafala" sponsorship system, described by critics as a modern form of slavery that binds workers to their Saudi employers, whose permission is required to enter and exit the kingdom as well as to change jobs. Employers also hold enough sway to render their status illegal, according to activists and interviews with four undocumented workers, including Hatem, a 45-year-old electrician living in hiding in Riyadh to avoid arrest. "My six kids, my old mother, my sister in Sudan... are living in a difficult situation, but I live in much worse conditions," Hatem told AFP in his squalid Riyadh apartment, which he shares with other workers. "The sponsorship system is very unjust," said Hatem, who arrived in 2016. Calls for amnesty Saudi Arabia, home to around 10 million expats, has expelled hundreds of thousands of illegal workers in recent years. But many like Hatem who are stuck in a debt trap are not permitted to leave before settling their dues, even as kafala curbs prevent them from legally earning their way to freedom. "The Saudi government should offer an amnesty for irregular migrants to regularise their status or return to their home countries," Annas Shaker, a research fellow at the advocacy group Migrant Rights, told AFP. Holding back such workers, many of whom are forced to go into hiding, risks fanning the pandemic, observers including Shaker warned. Saudi Arabia has reported over 200,000 infections and nearly 2,000 deaths. Hospital sources say doctors and nurses are among those dying and intensive care units are stretched beyond capacity. Saudi nationalists online have openly demanded the expulsion of expat communities, widely blamed for spreading the disease. A Saudi newspaper columnist called for "cleansing" the oil-rich Gulf state of excess foreign workers. Hatem, who scrapes by thanks to the kindness of strangers, has implored Sudan's embassy in Riyadh to push authorities to grant him the exit visa he needs to leave. Neither responded to AFP's request for comment. A South Asian official told AFP he had received similar pleas for exit visas from debt-saddled subcontinent workers stuck in the same predicament, many for years. In an extraordinary announcement in March, Saudi Arabia offered free coronavirus treatment to illegal workers and promised no retribution if they come forward for treatment. But after years of what workers call heavy-handed treatment by authorities, the gesture has been met with suspicion. Three other undocumented workers who spoke to AFP -- two from Egypt and another from Bangladesh -- said they would be unwilling to come forward if they contracted the virus. One of the Egyptians, a 36-year-old father-of-two, said he could not take the risk after he took on a huge loan to work in the kingdom as a private driver. "There is no guarantee I will not be arrested," he said. "Extortion" Kafala persists even after Saudi media reported in February that the government would "soon" abolish the system. Hatem's nightmare began when his sponsor began demanding a big chunk of his earnings in exchange for renewing his residence permit every year. Foreign workers say they are often vulnerable to such "extortion" from their sponsors in order to continue working legally after many arrive heavily indebted from their home countries. Hatem, who also needed to support his large family, said the demand pushed him further into a debt trap as he borrowed heavily to pay his sponsor. But still, he said, the employer reported him to authorities as "huroob", Arabic for absconding, a status that effectively renders him a criminal at risk of being jailed and deported. The expiry of his residence permit makes his presence illegal, making it impossible to access basic services or legally find work to repay his debt, which runs into thousands of riyals. "For hundreds of thousands of migrants in Saudi, irregularity is not a choice," said Shaker, adding that sponsors can declare workers huroob "with a touch of a button online" or choose to wilfully avoid renewing permits. "They are pushed to irregularity due to inadequate labour and migration policies that give employers great sway over them."

Trapped illegal workers in Saudi see pandemic as only escape route

India has recorded 22,752 new COVID-19 cases and 482 deaths in the last 24 hours. Positive cases stand at 7,42,417 including 2,64,944 active cases, 4,56,831 cured/discharged/migrated and 20,642 deaths, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

India has recorded 22,752 new COVID-19 cases and 482 deaths in the last 24 hours. Positive cases stand at 7,42,417 including 2,64,944 active cases, 4,56,831 cured/discharged/migrated and 20,642 deaths, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The rate of both new virus infections and deaths are rising at the fastest pace in three months, as officials lift a vast lockdown of India's 1.3 billion people. India on Monday overtook Russia as the third most affected country globally, behind the United States and Brazil. But its death rate per 10,000 people is still a low 0.15, compared with 3.97 in the United States and 6.65 in the United Kingdom, according to a Reuters tally. Health officials fear the number of deaths, which usually lag behind the detection of new infections, could rise significantly in coming weeks. India's death toll is currently the world's seventh highest, behind the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Italy, France and Spain. Over the first week of July, India reported an average of 450 deaths each day, compared with 250 in the first week of June, and 101 in the first week of May. Officials on Monday withdrew a planned reopening of the Taj Mahal, citing the risk of new coronavirus infections spreading in the northern city of Agra from visitors flocking to see the 17th century monument to love. The reopening of the Indian economy has been sporadic. While domestic travel has been opened up, international flights remain suspended and containment zones, areas identified as most affected by the virus, remain under strict lockdown.

India records 22,752 new COVID-19 cases, 482 deaths in last 24 hours

The commercial capital of India Mumbai recorded the lowest single-day figure in nearly two months as the number of cases came down to 806, taking the tally to 86,132.&nbsp;With 64 more deaths in the city, the toll has now crossed the 5,000 mark.&nbsp;

In Asia's largest slum Dharavi too, only one new case was reported. Dharavi has been the coronavirus cluster for the city.

Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-affected state in the country, reporting 5,134 fresh cases and 224 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 2, 17,121 including 9,250 deaths.

Meanwhile, India has recorded 22,752 new COVID-19 cases and 482 deaths in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

Positive cases stand at 7, 42,417 including 2, 64,944 active cases, 4, 56,831 cured/discharged/migrated and 20,642 deaths, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The rate of both new virus infections and deaths are rising at the fastest pace in three months, as officials lift a vast lockdown of India's 1.3 billion people.

India on Monday overtook Russia as the third most affected country globally, behind the United States and Brazil.

So far, 11,950,105 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While 6,849,076 have recovered, 546,626 have died till now, according to Worldometer.

Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected with 3,097,084 coronavirus cases and 133,972 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,674,655 cases, 66,868 deaths) and India (744,006 cases, 20,174 deaths).

The commercial capital of India Mumbai recorded the lowest single-day figure in nearly two months as the number of cases came down to 806, taking the tally to 86,132.

The commercial capital of India Mumbai recorded the lowest single-day figure in nearly two months as the number of cases came down to 806, taking the tally to 86,132. With 64 more deaths in the city, the toll has now crossed the 5,000 mark. In Asia's largest slum Dharavi too, only one new case was reported. Dharavi has been the coronavirus cluster for the city. Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-affected state in the country, reporting 5,134 fresh cases and 224 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 2, 17,121 including 9,250 deaths. Meanwhile, India has recorded 22,752 new COVID-19 cases and 482 deaths in the last 24 hours. Positive cases stand at 7, 42,417 including 2, 64,944 active cases, 4, 56,831 cured/discharged/migrated and 20,642 deaths, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The rate of both new virus infections and deaths are rising at the fastest pace in three months, as officials lift a vast lockdown of India's 1.3 billion people. India on Monday overtook Russia as the third most affected country globally, behind the United States and Brazil. So far, 11,950,105 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While 6,849,076 have recovered, 546,626 have died till now, according to Worldometer. Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected with 3,097,084 coronavirus cases and 133,972 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,674,655 cases, 66,868 deaths) and India (744,006 cases, 20,174 deaths).

Mumbai records lowest single-day spike, toll crosses 5,000

As many as 872 employees of the Central Railway and Western Railway, their family members and retired personnel have so far tested positive for coronavirus and 86 of them have died, officials said.

All of them were admitted to the Western Railways Jagjivan Ram Hospital here which was in April declared as a facility to treat COVID-19 patients, they said.

Of the total cases, 559 were reported from the Central Railway and 313 from the Western Railway, officials said.

Out of the 86 patients who died of COVID-19, 22 were existing railway employees (14 of the Central Railway and eight of the Western Railway) and the others included their family members and retired personnel.

As of now, 132 railway employees, besides their family members and retired personnel, are undergoing treatment at the hospital, officials said.

Currently, some special trains, goods trains and 700 local train services with limited number of passengers are being operated here by both the Central Railway and Western Railway.

Some railway unions claimed that since the resumption of local train services from June 15, there has been a rise in COVID-19 cases among railway employees.

"The state government allowed only 15 to 30 per cent attendance in offices, but in the railways nearly 100 per cent field staff personnel are working since the resumption of suburban train services, National RailwayMazdoor Union president Venu Nair said.

The zonal railways, however, said there is no connection between the rise in COVID-19 cases and resumption of services.

Central Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer Shivaji Sutar said they are taking utmost care to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among railway personnel and passengers.

"We are taking every possible step for the safety of railway employees and passengers and ensuring social distancing. We are providing masks, sanitisers and all other safety equipment to our employees," he said.

After the outbreak of COVID-19, the Central Railway launched a 'Rail Parivar Dekhrekh' drive to ensure the safety of the railway employees, he added.

The Western Railway's Mumbai division DRM did not respond to queries on this.

As many as 872 employees of the Central Railway and Western Railway, their family members and retired personnel have so far tested positive for coronavirus and 86 of them have died, officials said.

As many as 872 employees of the Central Railway and Western Railway, their family members and retired personnel have so far tested positive for coronavirus and 86 of them have died, officials said. All of them were admitted to the Western Railways Jagjivan Ram Hospital here which was in April declared as a facility to treat COVID-19 patients, they said. Of the total cases, 559 were reported from the Central Railway and 313 from the Western Railway, officials said. Out of the 86 patients who died of COVID-19, 22 were existing railway employees (14 of the Central Railway and eight of the Western Railway) and the others included their family members and retired personnel. As of now, 132 railway employees, besides their family members and retired personnel, are undergoing treatment at the hospital, officials said. Currently, some special trains, goods trains and 700 local train services with limited number of passengers are being operated here by both the Central Railway and Western Railway. Some railway unions claimed that since the resumption of local train services from June 15, there has been a rise in COVID-19 cases among railway employees. "The state government allowed only 15 to 30 per cent attendance in offices, but in the railways nearly 100 per cent field staff personnel are working since the resumption of suburban train services, National RailwayMazdoor Union president Venu Nair said. The zonal railways, however, said there is no connection between the rise in COVID-19 cases and resumption of services. Central Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer Shivaji Sutar said they are taking utmost care to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among railway personnel and passengers. "We are taking every possible step for the safety of railway employees and passengers and ensuring social distancing. We are providing masks, sanitisers and all other safety equipment to our employees," he said. After the outbreak of COVID-19, the Central Railway launched a 'Rail Parivar Dekhrekh' drive to ensure the safety of the railway employees, he added. The Western Railway's Mumbai division DRM did not respond to queries on this.

872 railway employees, kin, ex-staffers test coronavirus positive

Nearly 11 million stressed-out Chinese students take the country's gruelling annual college entrance exam beginning Tuesday following a month-long coronavirus delay, with inspectors this year checking both for cheaters and fevers.

The two-day test — known in Chinese as the "gaokao" — is always a moment of great anxiety for students and parents who dream of sending their children to university, but the coronavirus added another layer of pressure by closing schools for months.

More than 7,000 exam sites have been set up across China, with nearly one million invigilators or other workers to watch over the students, according to state media.

Officials will not just be looking for cheaters. They will be watching if students have fevers or coughs.

Test-takers who show symptoms will be taken to an isolation room with disinfectant, according to the official Xinhua news agency. The students and invigilators had to track their health during the 14 days prior to the exam. Students from high-risk areas have to wear masks during the tests.

Zhao Kexin, who is taking the exam in Beijing, had to report her temperature to her school every day prior to the exam. "Though there are enough measures to protect us from contracting the virus, I am still feeling a bit nervous about gathering in a public area, but I have to take the test," Zhao said.

A new outbreak in Beijing last month raised fears of a second wave but authorities appear to have brought it under control after locking down dozens of residential areas in the capital.

Getting a high score remains the sole way for many students to get into top universities in China, placing heavy pressure on young students. "The stress not only comes from students' fear of underperforming on the test but also comes from family and society," said Ye Minjie, a committee member of the Chinese Psychiatrist Association. "The narrative that gaokao is the battlefield of one's life prevails sometimes, making students nervous...This year is quite different. The pandemic has intensified the pressure students suffer as millions of them have been confined to home for a very long time before coming back to normal studying."

Nearly 11 million stressed-out Chinese students take the country's gruelling annual college entrance exam beginning Tuesday following a month-long coronavirus delay, with inspectors this year checking both for cheaters and fevers.

Nearly 11 million stressed-out Chinese students take the country's gruelling annual college entrance exam beginning Tuesday following a month-long coronavirus delay, with inspectors this year checking both for cheaters and fevers. The two-day test — known in Chinese as the "gaokao" — is always a moment of great anxiety for students and parents who dream of sending their children to university, but the coronavirus added another layer of pressure by closing schools for months. More than 7,000 exam sites have been set up across China, with nearly one million invigilators or other workers to watch over the students, according to state media. Officials will not just be looking for cheaters. They will be watching if students have fevers or coughs. Test-takers who show symptoms will be taken to an isolation room with disinfectant, according to the official Xinhua news agency. The students and invigilators had to track their health during the 14 days prior to the exam. Students from high-risk areas have to wear masks during the tests. Zhao Kexin, who is taking the exam in Beijing, had to report her temperature to her school every day prior to the exam. "Though there are enough measures to protect us from contracting the virus, I am still feeling a bit nervous about gathering in a public area, but I have to take the test," Zhao said. A new outbreak in Beijing last month raised fears of a second wave but authorities appear to have brought it under control after locking down dozens of residential areas in the capital. Getting a high score remains the sole way for many students to get into top universities in China, placing heavy pressure on young students. "The stress not only comes from students' fear of underperforming on the test but also comes from family and society," said Ye Minjie, a committee member of the Chinese Psychiatrist Association. "The narrative that gaokao is the battlefield of one's life prevails sometimes, making students nervous...This year is quite different. The pandemic has intensified the pressure students suffer as millions of them have been confined to home for a very long time before coming back to normal studying."

Nearly 11 million Chinese students take college exam after virus delay

The Union health ministry on Tuesday reported there were 22,252 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and 467 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the overall tally to 7, 19,665.

 
"Total positive cases stand at 7, 19,665 including 2, 59,557 active cases, 4, 39,948 cured/discharged/migrated 20,160 deaths," said the Union health ministry.

India had on Sunday overtaken Russia to become the third-most affected country globally in terms of the numbers of Covid-19 cases. More than 11 million infections and 536,776 deaths have been reported worldwide, data from Worldometers shows.

The Union health ministry on Tuesday reported there were 22,252 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and 467 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the overall tally to 7, 19,665.

The Union health ministry on Tuesday reported there were 22,252 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and 467 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the overall tally to 7, 19,665. "Total positive cases stand at 7, 19,665 including 2, 59,557 active cases, 4, 39,948 cured/discharged/migrated 20,160 deaths," said the Union health ministry. India had on Sunday overtaken Russia to become the third-most affected country globally in terms of the numbers of Covid-19 cases. More than 11 million infections and 536,776 deaths have been reported worldwide, data from Worldometers shows.

India’s Covid-19 tally surges past 7 lakh, death toll at 20160

The officials of Odisha government on Tuesday announced that the State recorded the biggest single-day spike of COVID19 cases with 571 new cases in the last 24 hours.

Of the 571 new cases, 403 were reported from different quarantine centres while 168 were local contacts, the official said, adding that contact tracing and follow-up actions are underway. 
 
There are 3,557 active cases in the state and 6,486 patients have recovered.

In the last 24 hours, 5,546 COVID-19 samples were tested and a total of 3, 02,780 tests have been conducted in the state so far, the official said.

Odisha will start a serology survey in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Ganjam from Tuesday.

(With inputs from PTI)

The officials of Odisha government on Tuesday announced that the State recorded the biggest single-day spike of COVID19 cases with 571 new cases in the last 24 hours.

The officials of Odisha government on Tuesday announced that the State recorded the biggest single-day spike of COVID19 cases with 571 new cases in the last 24 hours. Of the 571 new cases, 403 were reported from different quarantine centres while 168 were local contacts, the official said, adding that contact tracing and follow-up actions are underway. There are 3,557 active cases in the state and 6,486 patients have recovered. In the last 24 hours, 5,546 COVID-19 samples were tested and a total of 3, 02,780 tests have been conducted in the state so far, the official said. Odisha will start a serology survey in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Ganjam from Tuesday. (With inputs from PTI)

Covid-19: Odisha records biggest single-day spike, state tally crosses 10,000-mark

As many as 99 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Rajasthan since Sunday night. Three patients have also lost their lives due to the deadly pandemic.

With this, the total number of cases in the state has gone up to 20,263. Of them, 15,968 have already recovered and 3,836 cases still remain active. So far, the virus has led to the deaths of 459, the state health department said on Monday.

At present, Rajasthan is among the top 10 states in the country affected by the virus. It is closely behind West Bengal, which has 22,126 total cases, 14,711 recovered and 757 deaths. Maharashtra is the worst affected state in the country with 206,619 confirmed cases, 111,740 recovered and 8,822 deaths.

Across the country, there are 697,413 confirmed cases, 424,433 recovered, while 19,693 people have lost their lives due to the coronavirus.&nbsp;

As many as 99 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Rajasthan since Sunday night. Three patients have also lost their lives due to the deadly pandemic. With this, the total number of cases in the state has gone up to 20,263.

As many as 99 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Rajasthan since Sunday night. Three patients have also lost their lives due to the deadly pandemic. With this, the total number of cases in the state has gone up to 20,263. Of them, 15,968 have already recovered and 3,836 cases still remain active. So far, the virus has led to the deaths of 459, the state health department said on Monday. At present, Rajasthan is among the top 10 states in the country affected by the virus. It is closely behind West Bengal, which has 22,126 total cases, 14,711 recovered and 757 deaths. Maharashtra is the worst affected state in the country with 206,619 confirmed cases, 111,740 recovered and 8,822 deaths. Across the country, there are 697,413 confirmed cases, 424,433 recovered, while 19,693 people have lost their lives due to the coronavirus.

99 new COVID-19 cases reported in Rajasthan; tally now stands at 20,263

India reported a spike of 24,248 new coronavirus cases and 425 deaths in the past 24 hours on Monday.

Positive cases stand at 6, 97,413 including 2, 53,287 active cases, 4, 24,433 cured/discharged/migrated &amp; 19,693 deaths

As many as 1, 80,596 samples were tested on Sunday, says the Indian Council of Medical Research. Till 5 July, India has tested 99, 69,662 samples.

India went past Russia on Sunday to become the third worst-hit nation by the COVID-19 pandemic. Only the US and Brazil are ahead of India in terms of total coronavirus infections.

Russia has 6, 81,251 infections while Brazil has 15, 78,376 and the US has 29, 54,999 cases, according to Worldometer which compiles the COVID-19 data from around the globe.

Meanwhile, more than 6 million individuals have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, days after 11 million cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed globally.

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported a spike of 24,248 new coronavirus cases and 425 deaths in the past 24 hours on Monday. Positive cases stand at 6, 97,413 including 2, 53,287 active cases, 4, 24,433 cured/discharged/migrated & 19,693 deaths As many as 1, 80,596 samples were tested on Sunday, says the Indian Council of Medical Research.

India reported a spike of 24,248 new coronavirus cases and 425 deaths in the past 24 hours on Monday. Positive cases stand at 6, 97,413 including 2, 53,287 active cases, 4, 24,433 cured/discharged/migrated & 19,693 deaths As many as 1, 80,596 samples were tested on Sunday, says the Indian Council of Medical Research. Till 5 July, India has tested 99, 69,662 samples. India went past Russia on Sunday to become the third worst-hit nation by the COVID-19 pandemic. Only the US and Brazil are ahead of India in terms of total coronavirus infections. Russia has 6, 81,251 infections while Brazil has 15, 78,376 and the US has 29, 54,999 cases, according to Worldometer which compiles the COVID-19 data from around the globe. Meanwhile, more than 6 million individuals have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, days after 11 million cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed globally. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19: 24,248 new cases, 425 deaths in last 24 hours as India becomes the third worst-hit nation

A 106-year old man from Delhi, who had witnessed the 1918 Spanish Flu when he was four, has won the battle against COVID-19 and recovered faster than his son, in his 70s, at a dedicated coronavirus facility here, doctors said.

The 106-year-old patient was discharged from the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) recently after recovering, where his wife, son and another family member also recuperated after contracting the novel coronavirus infection, they said.

"Perhaps, he is the first reported case of COVID-19 in Delhi who also went through the dreaded Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 which like COVID-19 had also ravaged the world. And, he not only recovered from COVID-19, he recovered faster than his son, who is also very old," a senior doctor.

Spanish Flu was a pandemic which hit the world 102 years ago and affected nearly one-third of the global population at that time.

"The 1918 influenza pandemic was the most severe pandemic in recent history. It was caused by an H1N1 virus with genes of avian origin. Although there is no universal consensus regarding where the virus originated, it spread worldwide during 1918-1919," according to the Centre for Diseases Control (CDC) in the US.

In the US, it was first identified in military personnel in spring 1918. It is estimated that about 6,75,000 deaths occurred in America, it said.

According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, the pandemic of 1918-1919 called the Spanish Flu was particularly virulent and killed an estimated 40 million people worldwide.

In India, the disease is believed to have been brought in by the soldiers returning from World War I conflicts.

The first cases of Spanish Flu were reported in areas which are major ports of entry, such as Mumbai (then Bombay), Kolkata (Calcutta), Delhi and Chennai (Madras), where a large number of people returned from abroad.

The casualty count in India from the Spanish Flu is believed to be nearly one-fifth of the entire fatalities in the world, though the statistics for mortality in India are too wide-ranging and debatable.

Doctors at the RGSSH, a dedicated COVID-19 facility were amazed to see the recovery of this centenarian patient from the novel coronavirus, even though he was highly vulnerable to the infection.

"We don't know whether he was affected by the Spanish Flu or not. We haven't seen much documentation on the situation back then as far as Delhi is concerned, but very few hospitals were there at that time. It is amazing this 106-year-old showed the will power to survive," a senior doctor, who monitored his situation, said.

But, what is more, interesting is that he recovered faster than his son, who is in his 70s. So, he lived through the Spanish Flu and now survived COVID-19, hence, he lived through two pandemics, he said.

Notably, his wife and another family member also had contracted COVID-19, and have successfully recovered about a month-and-a-half ago., the doctor said.

The RGSSH has treated 1,000 COVID-19 patients so fare, and on Monday it is marking the milestone with a symbolic event where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendar Jain are slated to participate.

Delhi recorded 2,505 fresh coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the tally in the city to over 97,000-mark, while the death toll from the disease mounted to 3,004, authorities said.

The national capital, at present, is the worst-COVID-19-hit city across India.

According to the COVID-19 health bulletin, 68,256 patients have been recovered, or discharged or migrated so far. 
&nbsp;

A 106-year old man from Delhi, who had witnessed the 1918 Spanish Flu when he was four, has won the battle against COVID-19 and recovered faster than his son, in his 70s, at a dedicated coronavirus facility here, doctors said.

A 106-year old man from Delhi, who had witnessed the 1918 Spanish Flu when he was four, has won the battle against COVID-19 and recovered faster than his son, in his 70s, at a dedicated coronavirus facility here, doctors said. The 106-year-old patient was discharged from the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) recently after recovering, where his wife, son and another family member also recuperated after contracting the novel coronavirus infection, they said. "Perhaps, he is the first reported case of COVID-19 in Delhi who also went through the dreaded Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 which like COVID-19 had also ravaged the world. And, he not only recovered from COVID-19, he recovered faster than his son, who is also very old," a senior doctor. Spanish Flu was a pandemic which hit the world 102 years ago and affected nearly one-third of the global population at that time. "The 1918 influenza pandemic was the most severe pandemic in recent history. It was caused by an H1N1 virus with genes of avian origin. Although there is no universal consensus regarding where the virus originated, it spread worldwide during 1918-1919," according to the Centre for Diseases Control (CDC) in the US. In the US, it was first identified in military personnel in spring 1918. It is estimated that about 6,75,000 deaths occurred in America, it said. According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, the pandemic of 1918-1919 called the Spanish Flu was particularly virulent and killed an estimated 40 million people worldwide. In India, the disease is believed to have been brought in by the soldiers returning from World War I conflicts. The first cases of Spanish Flu were reported in areas which are major ports of entry, such as Mumbai (then Bombay), Kolkata (Calcutta), Delhi and Chennai (Madras), where a large number of people returned from abroad. The casualty count in India from the Spanish Flu is believed to be nearly one-fifth of the entire fatalities in the world, though the statistics for mortality in India are too wide-ranging and debatable. Doctors at the RGSSH, a dedicated COVID-19 facility were amazed to see the recovery of this centenarian patient from the novel coronavirus, even though he was highly vulnerable to the infection. "We don't know whether he was affected by the Spanish Flu or not. We haven't seen much documentation on the situation back then as far as Delhi is concerned, but very few hospitals were there at that time. It is amazing this 106-year-old showed the will power to survive," a senior doctor, who monitored his situation, said. But, what is more, interesting is that he recovered faster than his son, who is in his 70s. So, he lived through the Spanish Flu and now survived COVID-19, hence, he lived through two pandemics, he said. Notably, his wife and another family member also had contracted COVID-19, and have successfully recovered about a month-and-a-half ago., the doctor said. The RGSSH has treated 1,000 COVID-19 patients so fare, and on Monday it is marking the milestone with a symbolic event where Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendar Jain are slated to participate. Delhi recorded 2,505 fresh coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the tally in the city to over 97,000-mark, while the death toll from the disease mounted to 3,004, authorities said. The national capital, at present, is the worst-COVID-19-hit city across India. According to the COVID-19 health bulletin, 68,256 patients have been recovered, or discharged or migrated so far.

106-year-old Delhi man who was child during Spanish Flu in 1918 survives COVID-19

More than 6 million individuals have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, days after 11 million cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed globally, according to the most recent data available from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-secrecy-deception-and-cover-up-allowed-coronavirus-to-spread-all-over-world-trump-310775">Also read |&nbsp;China’s secrecy, deception and cover-up allowed coronavirus to spread all over world: Trump</a> 
 
The total number of cases stood at 11,408,981, while the fatalities increased to 6,160,833, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. 
 
The United States is the hardest-hit country in the global pandemic, both in caseload and deaths, and has struggled to respond to the devastation wrought by the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-surge-in-covid-19-cases-us-president-donald-trump-says-tremendous-victory-nearby-in-fight-against-pandemic-310766">Also read |&nbsp;Despite surge in COVID-19 cases, Trump says 'tremendous victory' nearby in fight against pandemic</a> 
 
The United States recorded 39,379 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours as infections continue to trend up around the country. 
 
The country's total number of cases now stands at 2,876,143. 
 
The world's largest economy also recorded a further 234 fatalities, bringing the death toll to 129,891, the Baltimore-based institution's tracker showed at 8:30 pm. 
 
Sunday's tally comes after a string of surging daily new infections, including a high of 57,683 on Friday. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

More than 6 million individuals have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, days after 11 million cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed globally, according to the most recent data available from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

More than 6 million individuals have recovered from COVID-19 around the world, days after 11 million cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed globally, according to the most recent data available from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. Also read | China’s secrecy, deception and cover-up allowed coronavirus to spread all over world: Trump The total number of cases stood at 11,408,981, while the fatalities increased to 6,160,833, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. The United States is the hardest-hit country in the global pandemic, both in caseload and deaths, and has struggled to respond to the devastation wrought by the virus. Also read | Despite surge in COVID-19 cases, Trump says 'tremendous victory' nearby in fight against pandemic The United States recorded 39,379 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours as infections continue to trend up around the country. The country's total number of cases now stands at 2,876,143. The world's largest economy also recorded a further 234 fatalities, bringing the death toll to 129,891, the Baltimore-based institution's tracker showed at 8:30 pm. Sunday's tally comes after a string of surging daily new infections, including a high of 57,683 on Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 6 million people have recovered from COVID-19 globally: Johns Hopkins University

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that citizens who do not wear masks will be denied state services and workplaces that fail to comply with health protocols will be shut for a week. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-negotiating-25-year-accord-with-china-310927">Also read: Iran says negotiating a 25-year accord with China</a> 
 
Rouhani made the comments on July 4 as he announced new steps to try to curb the coronavirus pandemic that was first confirmed in Iran in February.

"Not wearing a mask is a de facto violation of other people's rights," the Iranian president said, according to the presidential website.

The death toll from the outbreak in the country stood at 11,408, while the total number of infections reached 237,878, according to official figures released by the Health Ministry on July 4. The actual number of cases is believed to be significantly higher. 
 
Wearing masks becomes mandatory from Sunday in covered public places, Rouhani said on state television after tougher curbs were imposed in cities and towns in five provinces where the outbreak is rising after an easing of lockdowns from mid-April.

“Government employees should not serve people who do not wear masks and employees who do not wear them should be considered absentees and sent home,” said Rouhani.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that citizens who do not wear masks will be denied state services and workplaces that fail to comply with health protocols will be shut for a week.

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that citizens who do not wear masks will be denied state services and workplaces that fail to comply with health protocols will be shut for a week. Also read: Iran says negotiating a 25-year accord with China Rouhani made the comments on July 4 as he announced new steps to try to curb the coronavirus pandemic that was first confirmed in Iran in February. "Not wearing a mask is a de facto violation of other people's rights," the Iranian president said, according to the presidential website. The death toll from the outbreak in the country stood at 11,408, while the total number of infections reached 237,878, according to official figures released by the Health Ministry on July 4. The actual number of cases is believed to be significantly higher. Wearing masks becomes mandatory from Sunday in covered public places, Rouhani said on state television after tougher curbs were imposed in cities and towns in five provinces where the outbreak is rising after an easing of lockdowns from mid-April. “Government employees should not serve people who do not wear masks and employees who do not wear them should be considered absentees and sent home,” said Rouhani. (With inputs from Reuters)

Wear masks, or be denied public services: Iran to citizens

Saudi Arabia's coronavirus infections have passed 200,000 and neighboring United Arab Emirates 50,000, with the number of new cases climbing after the Arab world's two largest economies fully lifted curfews last month.

Restrictions had been in place in both countries since mid-March and their gradual lifting has allowed commercial businesses and public venues to reopen.

Other Gulf countries have also moved to ease restrictions, although Kuwait has maintained a partial curfew and Qatar, Bahrain and Oman did not impose one at all.

Saudi Arabia, which has the highest count among the six Gulf States, reported more than 4,100 cases on Friday and on Saturday to take its total to 205,929, with 1,858 deaths. The daily tally first rose above 4,000 in mid-June, but had dipped.

The United Arab Emirates, where daily infection rates recently dropped to between 300 and 400 from a peak of some 900 in late May, registered more than 600 cases on Friday and over 700 on Saturday, taking its toll to 50,857, with 321 deaths.

Dubai, the region's business and tourism hub is due to reopen to foreign visitors on July 7, although this has not been implemented at a federal level in the UAE, which does not provide a breakdown of cases for each of its seven emirates.

Qatar, which has the second-highest regional infection rate, has seen its daily case numbers fall from a peak of more than 2,000 in late May to around 500 on Saturday, bringing it near to 100,000 cases in total.

In Oman, the health minister warned on Thursday that there had been a disturbing surge in infections in the last six weeks and urged people to comply with health measures.

Iran, the epicentre for the disease in the Middle East with a total infection count of 237,878 and 11,408 deaths as of Saturday, has imposed new curbs to halt the spread of the virus.

Saudi Arabia's coronavirus infections have passed 200,000 and neighboring United Arab Emirates 50,000, with the number of new cases climbing after the Arab world's two largest economies fully lifted curfews last month.

Saudi Arabia's coronavirus infections have passed 200,000 and neighboring United Arab Emirates 50,000, with the number of new cases climbing after the Arab world's two largest economies fully lifted curfews last month. Restrictions had been in place in both countries since mid-March and their gradual lifting has allowed commercial businesses and public venues to reopen. Other Gulf countries have also moved to ease restrictions, although Kuwait has maintained a partial curfew and Qatar, Bahrain and Oman did not impose one at all. Saudi Arabia, which has the highest count among the six Gulf States, reported more than 4,100 cases on Friday and on Saturday to take its total to 205,929, with 1,858 deaths. The daily tally first rose above 4,000 in mid-June, but had dipped. The United Arab Emirates, where daily infection rates recently dropped to between 300 and 400 from a peak of some 900 in late May, registered more than 600 cases on Friday and over 700 on Saturday, taking its toll to 50,857, with 321 deaths. Dubai, the region's business and tourism hub is due to reopen to foreign visitors on July 7, although this has not been implemented at a federal level in the UAE, which does not provide a breakdown of cases for each of its seven emirates. Qatar, which has the second-highest regional infection rate, has seen its daily case numbers fall from a peak of more than 2,000 in late May to around 500 on Saturday, bringing it near to 100,000 cases in total. In Oman, the health minister warned on Thursday that there had been a disturbing surge in infections in the last six weeks and urged people to comply with health measures. Iran, the epicentre for the disease in the Middle East with a total infection count of 237,878 and 11,408 deaths as of Saturday, has imposed new curbs to halt the spread of the virus.

Coronavirus cases rising in Saudi Arabia, UAE after curfews lifted

The total number of tests for detection of COVID-19 crossed the one-crore mark in India on Monday, an ICMR official said.

A single-day jump of 24,248 COVID-19 cases took India's tally close to the 7-lakh mark on Monday, while the death toll due to the disease climbed to 19,693 with 425 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry.

"A cumulative total of 1,00,04,101 samples have been tested till 11 am on Monday with 1,80,596 samples being tested on July 5," Scientist and media coordinator at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Lokesh Sharma said.

There are now 1,105 testing labs in the country comprising 788 in the public sector and 317 private labs.

The per day testing capacity is also fast growing, Sharma said.

Around 2,00,000 samples have been tested on an average daily for the last 14 days, he said.

India had crossed the nine million-mark on July 1.

"The per day testing capacity which was around 1.5 lakh on May 25 is more than three lakh per day now," Sharma said.

Starting with one single laboratory at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune and then expanding to 100 laboratories in the beginning of the lockdown, the ICMR on June 23 validated the 1000th testing laboratory.

Various steps taken by the central government have paved the way for enhanced testing for COVID-19, the health ministry had said earlier.

The Centre has strongly advised states and UTs to take immediate steps to facilitate testing at the earliest by enabling all qualified medical practitioners, including private practitioners, to prescribe COVID test to any individual fulfilling the criteria for testing as per the ICMR guidelines.

Reiterating that 'Test-Track-Treat' is the key strategy for early detection and containment of the outbreak, the Centre last week advised them to take all possible steps to ensure full capacity utilization of all COVID-19 testing laboratories.

States were also asked to facilitate testing in a big way by adoption of 'campaign mode' by organizing testing camps, using mobile vans etc.

This shall effectively take COVID-19 tests to the people's doorsteps in high incidence areas to collect samples of all symptomatic individuals as well as their contacts, and get those samples tested by using rapid antigen tests, the ministry had said.

The total number of tests for detection of COVID-19 crossed the one-crore mark in India on Monday, an ICMR official said. A single-day jump of 24,248 COVID-19 cases took India's tally close to the 7-lakh mark on Monday, while the death toll due to the disease climbed to 19,693 with 425 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry.

The total number of tests for detection of COVID-19 crossed the one-crore mark in India on Monday, an ICMR official said. A single-day jump of 24,248 COVID-19 cases took India's tally close to the 7-lakh mark on Monday, while the death toll due to the disease climbed to 19,693 with 425 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry. "A cumulative total of 1,00,04,101 samples have been tested till 11 am on Monday with 1,80,596 samples being tested on July 5," Scientist and media coordinator at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Lokesh Sharma said. There are now 1,105 testing labs in the country comprising 788 in the public sector and 317 private labs. The per day testing capacity is also fast growing, Sharma said. Around 2,00,000 samples have been tested on an average daily for the last 14 days, he said. India had crossed the nine million-mark on July 1. "The per day testing capacity which was around 1.5 lakh on May 25 is more than three lakh per day now," Sharma said. Starting with one single laboratory at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune and then expanding to 100 laboratories in the beginning of the lockdown, the ICMR on June 23 validated the 1000th testing laboratory. Various steps taken by the central government have paved the way for enhanced testing for COVID-19, the health ministry had said earlier. The Centre has strongly advised states and UTs to take immediate steps to facilitate testing at the earliest by enabling all qualified medical practitioners, including private practitioners, to prescribe COVID test to any individual fulfilling the criteria for testing as per the ICMR guidelines. Reiterating that 'Test-Track-Treat' is the key strategy for early detection and containment of the outbreak, the Centre last week advised them to take all possible steps to ensure full capacity utilization of all COVID-19 testing laboratories. States were also asked to facilitate testing in a big way by adoption of 'campaign mode' by organizing testing camps, using mobile vans etc. This shall effectively take COVID-19 tests to the people's doorsteps in high incidence areas to collect samples of all symptomatic individuals as well as their contacts, and get those samples tested by using rapid antigen tests, the ministry had said.

COVID-19 tests in India cross one-crore mark as country reports more than 20,000 cases for fourth consecutive day

Visitors to the Taj Mahal will have to wear masks at all times, keep their distance and not touch its glistening marble surfaces when India's 17th-century monument to love reopens on Monday after a three-month COVID-19 shutdown.

Visitors to the Taj Mahal will have to wear masks at all times, keep their distance and not touch its glistening marble surfaces when India's 17th-century monument to love reopens on Monday after a three-month COVID-19 shutdown. Only 5,000 tourists will be allowed in a day, split into two groups, a far cry from peak levels of 80,000 a day who would swarm the mausoleum built in the northern city of Agra by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, in a 22-year effort. "All centrally protected monuments & sites shall be bound by the protocols like sanitization, social distancing & other health protocols," the federal tourism ministry said in a tweet. Authorities are reopening the Taj and other monuments, such as New Delhi's historic Red Fort, just as India's coronavirus infections are rising at the fastest pace in three months. On Sunday, the health ministry reported a record single-day spike of 24,850 new cases and more than 600 deaths, pushing the overall case tally to 673,165, closing in on Russia, the third-most affected country globally. But the government has been lifting a vast lockdown of India's 1.3 billion people that has left tens of thousands without work and shuttered businesses. While international flights remain suspended, domestic travel has been opened up, and the government is hoping visitors will start to trickle back to some popular destinations. Agra, one of India's first big clusters of the virus, remains the worst-affected city in Uttar Pradesh, the country's most populous state. "All around the Taj are containment zones," said a local district administration official, requesting anonymity, ahead of the monument's planned reopening. Containment zones, areas identified as most affected by the virus, remain under strict lockdown, with restricted access and movement of only essential goods and services. "We don't expect visitors here because clusters around the Taj, including shops and hotels are closed," the official said.

India to reopen Taj Mahal with social distancing, masks

The National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) were postponed till September, announced Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal. The new dates were announced by the HRD Minister in a video message issued by him on microblogging website Twitter.

"Keeping in mind the safety of students and to ensure quality education, we have decided to postpone JEE and NEET examinations," Pokhriyal tweeted. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Keeping in mind the safety of students and to ensure quality education we have decided to postpone <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JEE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JEE</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NEET?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NEET</a> examinations. JEE Main examination will be held between 1st-6th Sept, JEE advanced exam will be held on 27th Sept &amp; NEET examination will be held on 13th Sept. <a href="https://t.co/klTjtBxvuw">pic.twitter.com/klTjtBxvuw</a>
— Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrRPNishank/status/1279051659721666560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On Thursday, the HRD ministry formed a panel to check the feasibility to conduct the examinations in July. The JEE examination will be held between September 1 to 6, JEE Advanced examination will be held on September 27 and NEET examination will be held on September 13. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) were postponed till September, announced Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal.

The National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) were postponed till September, announced Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal. The new dates were announced by the HRD Minister in a video message issued by him on microblogging website Twitter. "Keeping in mind the safety of students and to ensure quality education, we have decided to postpone JEE and NEET examinations," Pokhriyal tweeted. Keeping in mind the safety of students and to ensure quality education we have decided to postpone #JEE & #NEET examinations. JEE Main examination will be held between 1st-6th Sept, JEE advanced exam will be held on 27th Sept & NEET examination will be held on 13th Sept. pic.twitter.com/klTjtBxvuw — Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) July 3, 2020 × On Thursday, the HRD ministry formed a panel to check the feasibility to conduct the examinations in July. The JEE examination will be held between September 1 to 6, JEE Advanced examination will be held on September 27 and NEET examination will be held on September 13. (With inputs from agencies)

NEET, JEE Exams 2020 postponed to September amid Covid-19 fears

The coronavirus pandemic has triggered global uncertainly and China is looking to benefit from that. Chinese president Xi Jinping has betrayed allies to push his expansionist plans and is using money to buy global influence.&nbsp;

On the other hand, India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is building alliances helping the world with medical supplies.&nbsp;

The Chinese president tackled the worst health crisis in a century by staying out of the public eye, wherein Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the country at least five times since the Wuhan virus reached India.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-do-leaders-visit-warzones-310528">Also Read:&nbsp;Why do leaders visit warzones?</a> 
 
From the announcement of the lockdown to the unveiling of the economic package, Prime Minister Modi has been at the front and centre of India's response.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-stark-contrast-between-xi-jinping-narendra-modi-310582/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India stood by China as a friend at a time when the coronavirus crisis was at its peak and even provided them with 15 tonnes of medical supplies. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-pm-narendra-modis-ladakh-visit-gives-a-clear-message-to-beijing-310522">Also Read: PM Narendra Modi's Ladakh visit gives a clear message to Beijing</a>

In return, Chinese forces clashed with Indian Army personnel along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladhak.&nbsp;20 Indian soldiers were killed in action in a 'violent faceoff' with Chinese troops.

At a time when there is a trust deficit in global leadership, Narendra Modi has tried to shape India's position as a global consensus builder.&nbsp;Between March and May, PM Modi spoke to several world leaders.&nbsp;He convened the SAARC leaders’ video conference and also participated in the G20 Leaders’ Summit virtually.

While Xi Jinping has used the pandemic to embark on a global campaign to amass more power, India’s PM Narendra Modi approach to COVID-19 has reaffirmed India's position as a steady partner in an hour of crisis.&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic has triggered global uncertainly and China is looking to benefit from that. Chinese president Xi Jinping has betrayed allies to push his expansionist plans and is using money to buy global influence.

The coronavirus pandemic has triggered global uncertainly and China is looking to benefit from that. Chinese president Xi Jinping has betrayed allies to push his expansionist plans and is using money to buy global influence. On the other hand, India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is building alliances helping the world with medical supplies. The Chinese president tackled the worst health crisis in a century by staying out of the public eye, wherein Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the country at least five times since the Wuhan virus reached India. Also Read: Why do leaders visit warzones? From the announcement of the lockdown to the unveiling of the economic package, Prime Minister Modi has been at the front and centre of India's response. India stood by China as a friend at a time when the coronavirus crisis was at its peak and even provided them with 15 tonnes of medical supplies. Also Read: PM Narendra Modi's Ladakh visit gives a clear message to Beijing In return, Chinese forces clashed with Indian Army personnel along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladhak. 20 Indian soldiers were killed in action in a 'violent faceoff' with Chinese troops. At a time when there is a trust deficit in global leadership, Narendra Modi has tried to shape India's position as a global consensus builder. Between March and May, PM Modi spoke to several world leaders. He convened the SAARC leaders’ video conference and also participated in the G20 Leaders’ Summit virtually. While Xi Jinping has used the pandemic to embark on a global campaign to amass more power, India’s PM Narendra Modi approach to COVID-19 has reaffirmed India's position as a steady partner in an hour of crisis.

PM Narendra Modi vs Xi Jinping: How are they different in dealing with challenges?

After six months of exhaustive investigation, the global scientific community has been unable to identify the natural source of COVID-19, that is, the when, where and how it "jumped" from animals to humans.

Some now imply that we may never know the natural origin of COVID-19.

In a news <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01989-z">article </a>recently published by the international science journal Nature, the progress, or lack thereof, identifying the natural source of COVID-19 was reviewed.

According to the article, COVID-19 probably originated in bats, specifically horseshoe bats, which host two closely related coronaviruses, named RaTG13 and RmYN02, whose genomes are 96% and 93% identical to COVID-19, respectively.

Both coronavirus samples were isolated from bats in Yunnan Province, RaTG13 in 2013 and RmYN02 in 2019, and were studied in the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Wuhan is where the outbreak of COVID-19 originated and about 1,000 miles from Yunnan.

The Nature article does not mention that RaTG13 is actually a duplicate of another bat coronavirus, BtCoV/4991, about which there is nearly no published experimental data since it was isolated in 2013, despite clearly being a Potential Pandemic Pathogen.

That is, except for the structure, analyzed only by Chinese scientists, practically nothing is known about RaTG13.

The Nature article also does not mention that the receptor-binding domain of RmYN02 <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01989-z">showed only a 61.3%</a> sequence identity with COVID-19, meaning it is highly unlikely that RmYN02 could even bind to human cells.

The Nature article suggests that pangolins (scaly anteaters), might be an intermediate host because some pangolin coronaviruses “share up to 92% of their genomes” with COVID-19, presumably bridging the gap between bats and humans.

When asked about that possibility, Dr Ralph Baric, a coronavirus expert from the University of North Carolina, in a March 15, 2020<a href="https://www.microbe.tv/twiv/twiv-591/"> interview</a>, stated unequivocally that pangolins were not the source of COVID-19:

“Pangolins have over 3,000 nucleotide changes - no way they are the reservoir species [for COVID-19], absolutely no chance.”

Nevertheless, the receptor-binding domain of COVID-19 is structurally closer to pangolins than bats indicating a recombinant event, in this case, likely artificial.

In fact, Ralph Baric and Zheng-Li Shi, the<a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-chinas-bat-woman-hunted-down-viruses-from-sars-to-the-new-coronavirus1/"> “bat woman” </a>from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, conducted just such an artificial receptor-binding domain insertion from a newly isolated bat coronavirus (SHC014) onto the “backbone” from SARS-CoV, the coronavirus responsible for the 2003 pandemic.

In a December 9, 2019<a href="https://www.zerohedge.com/health/tracing-origins-covid-19"> interview</a>, Dr&nbsp;Peter Daszak, President of the EcoHealth Alliance and a long-time collaborator with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, presumably referring to the Ralph Baric- Zheng-Li Shi experiments, stated “you can manipulate them in the lab pretty easily” inserting a spike protein “into a backbone of another virus.”

Thus, an artificial recombinant event carried out in the laboratory would be a far better explanation of pangolin-like structures appearing on a bat coronavirus backbone than one occurring in nature, at least given the current state of knowledge.

The most conspicuous sign of COVID-19 genetic manipulation is the presence of a furin polybasic cleavage site, a structure that is not present in any of the coronaviruses so far identified as possible direct ancestors.

The authors of the<a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/pdf/S0960-9822(20)30662-X.pdf?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS096098222030662X%3Fshowall%3Dtrue"> RmYN02</a> article stretch credulity even further by claiming that RmYN02 has a precursor cleavage site.

In reality, it is a weak attempt to offer a naturally-occurring explanation for the presence of the furin polybasic cleavage site in COVID-19.

Unfortunately, the amino acid sequence PAA, the insertion cited by the authors, is chemically neutral, totally unlike COVID-19's polybasic PRRAR sequence and PAA has no ability to cleave anything.

Based on the actual evidence, it is unlikely that RmYN02 is a natural close relative of COVID-19.

Although COVID-19 appears to have been <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/DBBC0FA6E3763B0067CAAD8F3363E527/S2633289220000083a.pdf/biovacc19_a_candidate_vaccine_for_covid19_sarscov2_developed_from_analysis_of_its_general_method_of_action_for_infectivity.pdf">“pre-adapted” </a>for human infection, the artificial insertion of the furin polybasic cleavage site may explain a potentially significant point mutation in COVID-19 that may have <a href="https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-07-infectious-strain-covid-dominates-global.html">increased</a> its infectivity.

According to <a href="https://www.scripps.edu/news-and-events/press-room/2020/20200611-choe-farzan-sars-cov-2-spike-protein.html">the article </a>“The D614G mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein reduces S1 shedding and increases infectivity,”, over the course of the human pandemic, one amino acid position has changed from aspartic acid to glycine, increasing the stability of the spike protein and, thereby, making COVID-19 more infectious.

As suggested by the authors, that mutation may have been what is known as a “positive selection” to compensate for the structural instability created after the artificial insertion of the furin polybasic cleavage site.

The burden of proof is now on China to demonstrate that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring because most of the available evidence indicates otherwise. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

After six months of exhaustive investigation, the global scientific community has been unable to identify the natural source of COVID-19, that is, the when, where and how it "jumped" from animals to humans.

After six months of exhaustive investigation, the global scientific community has been unable to identify the natural source of COVID-19, that is, the when, where and how it "jumped" from animals to humans. Some now imply that we may never know the natural origin of COVID-19. In a news article recently published by the international science journal Nature, the progress, or lack thereof, identifying the natural source of COVID-19 was reviewed. According to the article, COVID-19 probably originated in bats, specifically horseshoe bats, which host two closely related coronaviruses, named RaTG13 and RmYN02, whose genomes are 96% and 93% identical to COVID-19, respectively. Both coronavirus samples were isolated from bats in Yunnan Province, RaTG13 in 2013 and RmYN02 in 2019, and were studied in the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Wuhan is where the outbreak of COVID-19 originated and about 1,000 miles from Yunnan. The Nature article does not mention that RaTG13 is actually a duplicate of another bat coronavirus, BtCoV/4991, about which there is nearly no published experimental data since it was isolated in 2013, despite clearly being a Potential Pandemic Pathogen. That is, except for the structure, analyzed only by Chinese scientists, practically nothing is known about RaTG13. The Nature article also does not mention that the receptor-binding domain of RmYN02 showed only a 61.3% sequence identity with COVID-19, meaning it is highly unlikely that RmYN02 could even bind to human cells. The Nature article suggests that pangolins (scaly anteaters), might be an intermediate host because some pangolin coronaviruses “share up to 92% of their genomes” with COVID-19, presumably bridging the gap between bats and humans. When asked about that possibility, Dr Ralph Baric, a coronavirus expert from the University of North Carolina, in a March 15, 2020 interview, stated unequivocally that pangolins were not the source of COVID-19: “Pangolins have over 3,000 nucleotide changes - no way they are the reservoir species [for COVID-19], absolutely no chance.” Nevertheless, the receptor-binding domain of COVID-19 is structurally closer to pangolins than bats indicating a recombinant event, in this case, likely artificial. In fact, Ralph Baric and Zheng-Li Shi, the “bat woman” from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, conducted just such an artificial receptor-binding domain insertion from a newly isolated bat coronavirus (SHC014) onto the “backbone” from SARS-CoV, the coronavirus responsible for the 2003 pandemic. In a December 9, 2019 interview, Dr Peter Daszak, President of the EcoHealth Alliance and a long-time collaborator with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, presumably referring to the Ralph Baric- Zheng-Li Shi experiments, stated “you can manipulate them in the lab pretty easily” inserting a spike protein “into a backbone of another virus.” Thus, an artificial recombinant event carried out in the laboratory would be a far better explanation of pangolin-like structures appearing on a bat coronavirus backbone than one occurring in nature, at least given the current state of knowledge. The most conspicuous sign of COVID-19 genetic manipulation is the presence of a furin polybasic cleavage site, a structure that is not present in any of the coronaviruses so far identified as possible direct ancestors. The authors of the RmYN02 article stretch credulity even further by claiming that RmYN02 has a precursor cleavage site. In reality, it is a weak attempt to offer a naturally-occurring explanation for the presence of the furin polybasic cleavage site in COVID-19. Unfortunately, the amino acid sequence PAA, the insertion cited by the authors, is chemically neutral, totally unlike COVID-19's polybasic PRRAR sequence and PAA has no ability to cleave anything. Based on the actual evidence, it is unlikely that RmYN02 is a natural close relative of COVID-19. Although COVID-19 appears to have been “pre-adapted” for human infection, the artificial insertion of the furin polybasic cleavage site may explain a potentially significant point mutation in COVID-19 that may have increased its infectivity. According to the article “The D614G mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein reduces S1 shedding and increases infectivity,”, over the course of the human pandemic, one amino acid position has changed from aspartic acid to glycine, increasing the stability of the spike protein and, thereby, making COVID-19 more infectious. As suggested by the authors, that mutation may have been what is known as a “positive selection” to compensate for the structural instability created after the artificial insertion of the furin polybasic cleavage site. The burden of proof is now on China to demonstrate that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring because most of the available evidence indicates otherwise. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why no one should believe COVID-19 is naturally-occurring

Maharashtra reported the biggest single-day spike of 6364 COVID-19 cases so far on Friday, which took the tally of patients in the state to 192990, a health official said.&nbsp;

The state also reported deaths of 198 coronavirus positive patients, due to which the number of victims grew to 8376, the official said.

3515 patients were discharged today after recovery. So far, 104,687 patients have been recovered and discharged in Maharashtra.

With the highest ever single-day spike of 20,903 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, India’s coronavirus tally reached 6, 25,544 on Friday. Out of which 2, 27,439 patients are active cases while 3, 79,892 patients have been cured/discharged/migrated, the Union Health Ministry said.

Meanwhile, 10,992,462 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. Of them, 6,140,758 have recovered, and 524,039 have died, according to Worldometer.

The United States remains by far the worst affected country with 2,836,875 coronavirus cases and 131,477 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,501,353 cases, deaths 61,990), Russia (661,165 cases, 9,683 deaths), and India (627,168 cases, 18,225 deaths).

(With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra reported the biggest single-day spike of 6364 COVID-19 cases so far on Friday, which took the tally of patients in the state to 192990, a health official said.

Maharashtra reported the biggest single-day spike of 6364 COVID-19 cases so far on Friday, which took the tally of patients in the state to 192990, a health official said. The state also reported deaths of 198 coronavirus positive patients, due to which the number of victims grew to 8376, the official said. 3515 patients were discharged today after recovery. So far, 104,687 patients have been recovered and discharged in Maharashtra. With the highest ever single-day spike of 20,903 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, India’s coronavirus tally reached 6, 25,544 on Friday. Out of which 2, 27,439 patients are active cases while 3, 79,892 patients have been cured/discharged/migrated, the Union Health Ministry said. Meanwhile, 10,992,462 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. Of them, 6,140,758 have recovered, and 524,039 have died, according to Worldometer. The United States remains by far the worst affected country with 2,836,875 coronavirus cases and 131,477 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,501,353 cases, deaths 61,990), Russia (661,165 cases, 9,683 deaths), and India (627,168 cases, 18,225 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra records highest single-day spike in COVID-19 numbers

The deadly coronavirus containment zones in Delhi have risen to 445 on Friday, according to government data.&nbsp;

Of these, 398 areas are active containment zones while 47 have been scaled-down but are yet to be de-contained.&nbsp;

A total of 218 areas have been added to the list of containment zones after June 21. COVID-19 cases in the national capital crossed 92,000 on Thursday.

Meanwhile, with the highest ever single-day spike of 20,903 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, India’s coronavirus tally reached 6, 25,544 on Friday. Out of which 2, 27,439 patients are active cases while 3, 79,892 patients have been cured/discharged/migrated, the Union Health Ministry said.

10,992,462 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. Of them, 6,140,758 have recovered, and 524,039 have died, according to Worldometer.

The United States remains by far the worst affected country with 2,836,875 coronavirus cases and 131,477 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,501,353 cases, deaths 61,990), Russia (661,165 cases, 9,683 deaths), and India (627,168 cases, 18,225 deaths).

 
(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly coronavirus containment zones in Delhi have risen to 445 on Friday, according to government data. Of these, 398 areas are active containment zones while 47 have been scaled-down but are yet to be de-contained.

The deadly coronavirus containment zones in Delhi have risen to 445 on Friday, according to government data. Of these, 398 areas are active containment zones while 47 have been scaled-down but are yet to be de-contained. A total of 218 areas have been added to the list of containment zones after June 21. COVID-19 cases in the national capital crossed 92,000 on Thursday. Meanwhile, with the highest ever single-day spike of 20,903 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, India’s coronavirus tally reached 6, 25,544 on Friday. Out of which 2, 27,439 patients are active cases while 3, 79,892 patients have been cured/discharged/migrated, the Union Health Ministry said. 10,992,462 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. Of them, 6,140,758 have recovered, and 524,039 have died, according to Worldometer. The United States remains by far the worst affected country with 2,836,875 coronavirus cases and 131,477 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,501,353 cases, deaths 61,990), Russia (661,165 cases, 9,683 deaths), and India (627,168 cases, 18,225 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus containment zones in Delhi rise to 445

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said that his government is making all-out efforts, including setting up of COVID-19 hospitals, to ensure best healthcare services for the patients.

Sonowal visited COVID care centres at IIT Guwahati and Maniram Dewan Trade Centre here to view the arrangements made for patients following a recent surge in the number of cases in Guwahati, an official release said.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma along with his junior minister Pijush Hazarika and officials of the health department apprised Sonowal about the facilities available at the centres, it said.

There are provisions for 800 isolation beds at IIT Guwahati and 440 beds at Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, the release said.

Due to the proactive steps of the health department, more than 6,000 people have recovered so far while 3,000 patients are under treatment, the chief minister was quoted as saying.

He urged the people of the state to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the health department on COVID-19.

Sonowal said his government is committed to keeping people safe and has made dedicated efforts in this regard.

He also praised the residents of Guwahati for sincerely following the norms of the ongoing lockdown in the city.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said that his government is making all-out efforts, including setting up of COVID-19 hospitals, to ensure best healthcare services for the patients.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said that his government is making all-out efforts, including setting up of COVID-19 hospitals, to ensure best healthcare services for the patients. Sonowal visited COVID care centres at IIT Guwahati and Maniram Dewan Trade Centre here to view the arrangements made for patients following a recent surge in the number of cases in Guwahati, an official release said. Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma along with his junior minister Pijush Hazarika and officials of the health department apprised Sonowal about the facilities available at the centres, it said. There are provisions for 800 isolation beds at IIT Guwahati and 440 beds at Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, the release said. Due to the proactive steps of the health department, more than 6,000 people have recovered so far while 3,000 patients are under treatment, the chief minister was quoted as saying. He urged the people of the state to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the health department on COVID-19. Sonowal said his government is committed to keeping people safe and has made dedicated efforts in this regard. He also praised the residents of Guwahati for sincerely following the norms of the ongoing lockdown in the city.

Assam making all-out efforts to provide best healthcare services to COVID-19 patients: CM Sonowal

The Indian state of Kerala on Friday reported 211 more fresh coronavirus cases — the highest ever registered in a single day.

According to the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan "Of the new cases, 138 are returnees from abroad, 39 returnees from within the country, 27 local infectees, six CISF personnel, and one air cabin crew. Besides cities, villages are also now reporting positive patients. So far, 4,961 cases were detected, including 2,098 positive cases at present. As many as 1, 77,011 persons are in isolation, including 2,894 in various hospitals,.”

With the highest ever single-day spike of 20,903 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, India’s coronavirus tally reached 6, 25,544 on Friday. Out of which 2, 27,439 patients are active cases while 3, 79,892 patients have been cured/discharged/migrated, the Union Health Ministry said.

Meanwhile, 10,992,462 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. Of them, 6,140,758 have recovered, and 524,039 have died, according to Worldometer.

The United States remains by far the worst affected country with 2,836,875 coronavirus cases and 131,477 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,501,353 cases, deaths 61,990), Russia (661,165 cases, 9,683 deaths), and India (627,168 cases, 18,225 deaths).

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian state of Kerala on Friday reported 211 more fresh coronavirus cases — the highest ever registered in a single day. According to the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan "Of the new cases, 138 are returnees from abroad, 39 returnees from within the country, 27 local infectees, six CISF personnel, and one air cabin crew.

The Indian state of Kerala on Friday reported 211 more fresh coronavirus cases — the highest ever registered in a single day. According to the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan "Of the new cases, 138 are returnees from abroad, 39 returnees from within the country, 27 local infectees, six CISF personnel, and one air cabin crew. Besides cities, villages are also now reporting positive patients. So far, 4,961 cases were detected, including 2,098 positive cases at present. As many as 1, 77,011 persons are in isolation, including 2,894 in various hospitals,.” With the highest ever single-day spike of 20,903 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, India’s coronavirus tally reached 6, 25,544 on Friday. Out of which 2, 27,439 patients are active cases while 3, 79,892 patients have been cured/discharged/migrated, the Union Health Ministry said. Meanwhile, 10,992,462 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. Of them, 6,140,758 have recovered, and 524,039 have died, according to Worldometer. The United States remains by far the worst affected country with 2,836,875 coronavirus cases and 131,477 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,501,353 cases, deaths 61,990), Russia (661,165 cases, 9,683 deaths), and India (627,168 cases, 18,225 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

Kerala reports a highest single-day spike of 211 cases, tally nearing 5000 mark

India will operate nine more flights on Friday to evacuate its citizens stranded in the UAE due to the travel restrictions imposed in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

Air India Express will operate these flights as part of the Vande Bharat Mission to south Indian cities from Sharjah, according to the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

"All Indian nationals are advised to take note of direct sale of Air India Express flights from Sharjah. Following flights will be opened for sale effective 4 pm UAE Time on July 3. Make sure to book your tickets once the sale is live," the mission announced on Twitter.

The flights scheduled to operate from July 9 to 14 are flying to Madurai, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi and Hyderabad, the Gulf News reported.

"Indian nationals registered with the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi or the Consulate-General of India in Dubai, fulfilling the required entry conditions can book through Air India Express booking offices or online on www.airindiaexpress.in or through authorised travel agents in the UAE," the statement with the flight details posted on Twitter said.

"Mentioning of correct passport number and contact number is important. Otherwise, tickets can be cancelled or boarding pass may be denied," the Indian Consulate said.

While 75 per cent of tickets are open for sale, 25 per cent are reserved for those with emergency cases handled by the missions, the report said.

India will operate nine more flights on Friday to evacuate its citizens stranded in the UAE due to the travel restrictions imposed in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

India will operate nine more flights on Friday to evacuate its citizens stranded in the UAE due to the travel restrictions imposed in view of the coronavirus pandemic. Air India Express will operate these flights as part of the Vande Bharat Mission to south Indian cities from Sharjah, according to the Indian Consulate in Dubai. "All Indian nationals are advised to take note of direct sale of Air India Express flights from Sharjah. Following flights will be opened for sale effective 4 pm UAE Time on July 3. Make sure to book your tickets once the sale is live," the mission announced on Twitter. The flights scheduled to operate from July 9 to 14 are flying to Madurai, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi and Hyderabad, the Gulf News reported. "Indian nationals registered with the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi or the Consulate-General of India in Dubai, fulfilling the required entry conditions can book through Air India Express booking offices or online on www.airindiaexpress.in or through authorised travel agents in the UAE," the statement with the flight details posted on Twitter said. "Mentioning of correct passport number and contact number is important. Otherwise, tickets can be cancelled or boarding pass may be denied," the Indian Consulate said. While 75 per cent of tickets are open for sale, 25 per cent are reserved for those with emergency cases handled by the missions, the report said.

Vande Bharat Mission: India to operate nine more flights to evacuate stranded citizens from UAE

The World Health Organization backtracked on its attestation that the Chinese government alarmed the United Nations office about the flare-up of deadly coronavirus. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-news-as-china-warns-of-another-pandemic-from-pigs-who-insists-to-not-let-our-guard-down-309643">Also read: As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down'</a> 
 
According to the American weekly news magazine The Washington Examiner, WHO changed the official timeline on their website removing the information about China reporting "a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan".

"The WHO quietly updated its “Timeline of WHO’s response to COVID-19” on Tuesday following the House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans' mid-June Interim Report on Origins of COVID-19 Pandemic (led by ranking member and China task force Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas), which concluded that “despite public reporting to the contrary ... China never notified the WHO about the outbreak in Wuhan," reported The Washington Examiner.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazenecas-covid-19-vaccines-trial-on-pigs-shows-promise-with-two-shots-307935" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine's trial on pigs shows promise with two shots</a>

The original “Timeline of WHO’s response to COVID-19” said:

December 31, 2019: Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, China, reported a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, Hubei Province. A novel coronavirus was eventually identified.

The changed version says:

December 31, 2019: WHO’s Country Office in the People’s Republic of China picked up a media statement by the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission from their website on cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China.

Meanwhile, 10,992,462 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. Of them, 6,140,758 have recovered, and 524,039 have died, according to Worldometer.

The United States remains by far the worst affected country&nbsp;with 2,836,875 coronavirus cases and 131,477 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,501,353 cases, deaths 61,990), Russia (661,165 cases, 9,683 deaths), and India (627,168 cases, 18,225 deaths).

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization backtracked on its attestation that the Chinese government alarmed the United Nations office about the flare-up of deadly coronavirus.

The World Health Organization backtracked on its attestation that the Chinese government alarmed the United Nations office about the flare-up of deadly coronavirus. Also read: As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down' According to the American weekly news magazine The Washington Examiner, WHO changed the official timeline on their website removing the information about China reporting "a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan". "The WHO quietly updated its “Timeline of WHO’s response to COVID-19” on Tuesday following the House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans' mid-June Interim Report on Origins of COVID-19 Pandemic (led by ranking member and China task force Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas), which concluded that “despite public reporting to the contrary ... China never notified the WHO about the outbreak in Wuhan," reported The Washington Examiner. Also read: AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine's trial on pigs shows promise with two shots The original “Timeline of WHO’s response to COVID-19” said: December 31, 2019: Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, China, reported a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, Hubei Province. A novel coronavirus was eventually identified. The changed version says: December 31, 2019: WHO’s Country Office in the People’s Republic of China picked up a media statement by the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission from their website on cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China. Meanwhile, 10,992,462 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. Of them, 6,140,758 have recovered, and 524,039 have died, according to Worldometer. The United States remains by far the worst affected country with 2,836,875 coronavirus cases and 131,477 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,501,353 cases, deaths 61,990), Russia (661,165 cases, 9,683 deaths), and India (627,168 cases, 18,225 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

China never reported the existence of coronavirus outbreak, admits WHO

India's first indigenous Covid-19 antibody (BBV152 COVID immunization) might be launched by August 15.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced that it is planning to fast track the human clinical trials of coronavirus vaccine which is being developed in partnership with Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-biotech-announces-dgcis-approval-for-its-covaxin-covid-19-vaccine-for-phase-i-ii-human-clinical-trials-309491">Also read: Bharat Biotech announces DGCI's approval for its "COVAXIN" COVID-19 vaccine for Phase I &amp; II human clinical trials</a>

ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava, in a letter to the heads of the selected institutions, informed them that it has partnered with Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) to fast-track clinical trials of the indigenous COVID-19 vaccine (BBV152 COVID vaccine).

"The vaccine is being derived from a strain of SARS-CoV-2 isolated by ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune. ICMR and BBIL are jointly working for the preclinical as well as clinical development of this vaccine," he wrote.

The ICMR has selected 12 institutes, including one from Odisha, for the clinical trial of the country's first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine.

The 12 institutes have been asked by the ICMR to fast track clinical trials of the vaccine as it is being considered as one of the top priority projects which are being monitored at the topmost level of the government.

The institutes selected for the clinical trial are Bhubaneswar's IMS and SUM Hospital, and other institutes are located in Visakhapatnam, Rohtak, New Delhi, Patna, Belgaum (Karnataka), Nagpur, Gorakhpur, Kattankulathur (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad, Arya Nagar, Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Goa.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's first indigenous Covid-19 antibody (BBV152 COVID immunization) might be launched by August 15. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced that it is planning to fast track the human clinical trials of coronavirus vaccine which is being developed in partnership with Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL).

India's first indigenous Covid-19 antibody (BBV152 COVID immunization) might be launched by August 15. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced that it is planning to fast track the human clinical trials of coronavirus vaccine which is being developed in partnership with Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL). Also read: Bharat Biotech announces DGCI's approval for its "COVAXIN" COVID-19 vaccine for Phase I & II human clinical trials ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava, in a letter to the heads of the selected institutions, informed them that it has partnered with Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) to fast-track clinical trials of the indigenous COVID-19 vaccine (BBV152 COVID vaccine). "The vaccine is being derived from a strain of SARS-CoV-2 isolated by ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune. ICMR and BBIL are jointly working for the preclinical as well as clinical development of this vaccine," he wrote. The ICMR has selected 12 institutes, including one from Odisha, for the clinical trial of the country's first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine. The 12 institutes have been asked by the ICMR to fast track clinical trials of the vaccine as it is being considered as one of the top priority projects which are being monitored at the topmost level of the government. The institutes selected for the clinical trial are Bhubaneswar's IMS and SUM Hospital, and other institutes are located in Visakhapatnam, Rohtak, New Delhi, Patna, Belgaum (Karnataka), Nagpur, Gorakhpur, Kattankulathur (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad, Arya Nagar, Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Goa. (With inputs from agencies)

India to launch coronavirus vaccine for public use by August 15: Reports

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