About 64.4 million surgical facemasks and 3.7 million plastic aprons worth 31.8 million USD (£26 million) paid for by British citizens are now being sold for as little as $612 (£500) in an online auction.

The Covid-related personal protective equipment (PPE) was reportedly ordered during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic but never even left China as they were deemed surplus to the requirements.

However, these recently auctioned PPE kits are only the tip of the iceberg. The Department for Health and Social Care as per DailyMail has admitted to incurring losses of ($10.1 billion) £8.7 billion due to PPE that was not fit for use, expired or overpriced.

Watch |&nbsp;China Covid: Xi administration gradually dismantles Zero-Covid policy

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As per National Audit Office estimates the facemasks would have cost taxpayers about 40p each at the time of the epidemic, bringing the price of those auctioned to £25.8 million.

The aprons cost 5p each, therefore their overall price came to roughly $20,000 (£180,000).

While their auction price isn't known, as per DailyMail, the auction organised by UK-based disposal firm Ramco the items were sold in two lots priced at around $306 (£250).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-uk-braces-for-a-strike-full-winter-rcn-offers-to-suspend-strikes-if-govt-agrees-to-negotiate-541957">As UK braces for a 'strike-full' winter, RCN offers to suspend strikes if govt agrees to negotiate</a>

Reportedly the UK decided to get rid of the stock as it was costing too much to store it. Last year the country spent $28.1 million (£23 million) on storage.

As Wes Streeting, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary puts it "The Government is spending more on storing PPE in China each week than Manchester United pay for Cristiano Ronaldo’s wages."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kwasi-kwarteng-admits-that-he-and-liz-truss-got-carried-away-with-uks-mini-budget-541927">Kwasi Kwarteng admits that he and Liz Truss ‘got carried away’ with UK’s mini-budget</a>

Earlier this year, UK officials disclosed that 580 lorry tonnes of obsolete PPE were being burnt each month.

According to a representative for the health department, in order to maintain taxpayer value for money, "We continue to sell, donate, repurpose and recycle excess PPE in the most cost-effective way, as well as seeking to recover costs from suppliers wherever possible."

"We are also exploring innovative solutions to reprocess excess PPE into materials or new products that have further uses," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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About 64.4 million surgical facemasks and 3.7 million plastic aprons worth 31.8 million USD (£26 million) paid for by British citizens are now being sold for as little as $612 (£500) in an online auction.

About 64.4 million surgical facemasks and 3.7 million plastic aprons worth 31.8 million USD (£26 million) paid for by British citizens are now being sold for as little as $612 (£500) in an online auction. The Covid-related personal protective equipment (PPE) was reportedly ordered during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic but never even left China as they were deemed surplus to the requirements. However, these recently auctioned PPE kits are only the tip of the iceberg. The Department for Health and Social Care as per DailyMail has admitted to incurring losses of ($10.1 billion) £8.7 billion due to PPE that was not fit for use, expired or overpriced. Watch | China Covid: Xi administration gradually dismantles Zero-Covid policy As per National Audit Office estimates the facemasks would have cost taxpayers about 40p each at the time of the epidemic, bringing the price of those auctioned to £25.8 million. The aprons cost 5p each, therefore their overall price came to roughly $20,000 (£180,000). While their auction price isn't known, as per DailyMail, the auction organised by UK-based disposal firm Ramco the items were sold in two lots priced at around $306 (£250). Also read | As UK braces for a 'strike-full' winter, RCN offers to suspend strikes if govt agrees to negotiate Reportedly the UK decided to get rid of the stock as it was costing too much to store it. Last year the country spent $28.1 million (£23 million) on storage. As Wes Streeting, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary puts it "The Government is spending more on storing PPE in China each week than Manchester United pay for Cristiano Ronaldo’s wages." Also read | Kwasi Kwarteng admits that he and Liz Truss ‘got carried away’ with UK’s mini-budget Earlier this year, UK officials disclosed that 580 lorry tonnes of obsolete PPE were being burnt each month. According to a representative for the health department, in order to maintain taxpayer value for money, "We continue to sell, donate, repurpose and recycle excess PPE in the most cost-effective way, as well as seeking to recover costs from suppliers wherever possible." "We are also exploring innovative solutions to reprocess excess PPE into materials or new products that have further uses," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK's Covid wastage: Country auctions off PPE kits worth $31.8 million for $600

As the world's second-largest economy suffers through a broad slowdown and a spike in Covid cases, a high-level meeting of China's Communist party concluded that the nation should optimise epidemic prevention and control measures next year.&nbsp;

This comes as a leading authority on traditional Chinese medicine recommended that the nation change the official name for COVID-19 to reflect the virus's mutation.

Speaking to the state-run Beijing daily, Gu Xiaohong said that the name which identifies the infectious virus as a pneumonia-causing disease should be changed to call it an infectious virus.

Watch |&nbsp;China: New Covid-19 infections hit record highs in November

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As per Xiaohong, the infectious disease arm of the China Association of Chinese Medicine has reached a consensus on how the Covid virus is described and on China's approach to it.

For the last two-plus years, China has emphasised mass testing, stringent lockdowns and quarantining of positive cases in special facilities. However, the new approach suggests that instead of "passive detection", China should focus on " active prevention", letting patients with light symptoms recuperate at home.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-readies-itself-for-life-again-as-authorities-drop-some-covid-19-tests-540618">Beijing ‘readies itself for life again’ as authorities drop some COVID-19 tests</a>

The high-level meeting of China's ruling party also concluded that in 2023, China must better coordinate epidemic policies with economic and social development.

As per Xinhua news agency's report, in 2023, the nation will focus on stabilising growth, employment and prices, even as it works towards preventing systemic risks.&nbsp;

Beijing said that it continue to implement active fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy next year while making efforts to expand domestic demand.&nbsp;The meeting also emphasised the importance of promoting high-level openings to the outside world and attracting and utilising foreign capital.

Three years into the pandemic, China seems to be headed towards normalcy. AFP reports that authorities have begun loosening the world's toughest COVID-19 curbs.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-hotels-charging-covid-positive-guests-hundreds-of-dollars-in-cleaning-fee-540560">Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee'</a>

State-run news agency Xinhua too on Monday, as per Reuters cited the weakening pathogenicity of COVID-19 and the vaccination efforts, commenting that the "most difficult time has passed".

On Tuesday China reported 25,321 cases, some 3,000 less than the 28,062 reported on Monday. No deaths were reported. The number of overall cases seems to be dropping.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the world's second-largest economy suffers through a broad slowdown and a spike in Covid cases, a high-level meeting of China's Communist party concluded that the nation should optimise epidemic prevention and control measures next year.

As the world's second-largest economy suffers through a broad slowdown and a spike in Covid cases, a high-level meeting of China's Communist party concluded that the nation should optimise epidemic prevention and control measures next year. This comes as a leading authority on traditional Chinese medicine recommended that the nation change the official name for COVID-19 to reflect the virus's mutation. Speaking to the state-run Beijing daily, Gu Xiaohong said that the name which identifies the infectious virus as a pneumonia-causing disease should be changed to call it an infectious virus. Watch | China: New Covid-19 infections hit record highs in November As per Xiaohong, the infectious disease arm of the China Association of Chinese Medicine has reached a consensus on how the Covid virus is described and on China's approach to it. For the last two-plus years, China has emphasised mass testing, stringent lockdowns and quarantining of positive cases in special facilities. However, the new approach suggests that instead of "passive detection", China should focus on " active prevention", letting patients with light symptoms recuperate at home. Also read | Beijing ‘readies itself for life again’ as authorities drop some COVID-19 tests The high-level meeting of China's ruling party also concluded that in 2023, China must better coordinate epidemic policies with economic and social development. As per Xinhua news agency's report, in 2023, the nation will focus on stabilising growth, employment and prices, even as it works towards preventing systemic risks. Beijing said that it continue to implement active fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy next year while making efforts to expand domestic demand. The meeting also emphasised the importance of promoting high-level openings to the outside world and attracting and utilising foreign capital. Three years into the pandemic, China seems to be headed towards normalcy. AFP reports that authorities have begun loosening the world's toughest COVID-19 curbs. Also read | Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee' State-run news agency Xinhua too on Monday, as per Reuters cited the weakening pathogenicity of COVID-19 and the vaccination efforts, commenting that the "most difficult time has passed". On Tuesday China reported 25,321 cases, some 3,000 less than the 28,062 reported on Monday. No deaths were reported. The number of overall cases seems to be dropping. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In view of mutations, Covid should be renamed, says Chinese medicine expert

A Hong Kong hotel had to pay one of its guests US$642 (HK$5,000) as a refund for an unfair charge of a "cleaning fee".

The hotel had apparently imposed the fee on its guest, without any prior notice during the online booking for a room. As per South China Morning Post, a Hong Konger Vivien Siu told them that the Ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan hotel had charged her Australian in-laws a 642 USD fee after her father-in-law tested positive for coronavirus.

The hotel apparently informed the guests of this charge only after they arrived from Sydney last month. During check-in, they were told that they will have to pay HK$5,000 if they tested positive for COVID-19.

Watch |&nbsp;Indonesia passes new criminal code, bans sex outside marriage

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As per protocol, Siu's father-in-law was sent to the government’s Penny’s Bay isolation centre for quarantine, however, they still had to pay the "excessive" fee.

Under Hong Kong's current pandemic regime, instead of compulsory quarantine in hotels, foreign guests just have to undergo three days of medical surveillance during which they have to take two PCR tests.

Not only was the HK$5,000 cleaning fee excessive, but the fact that they only told their guests about the fee upon check-in was also completely unreasonable and felt very much like a trap for tourists,” said Siu.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-confirms-over-47000-new-covid-cases-as-country-battles-eighth-wave-of-pandemic-540401">Japan confirms over 47,000 new Covid cases as country battles eighth wave of pandemic</a>

She said that they were charged the fee while checking in, which is a point where "it was simply impractical to refuse" because that would've meant that they had to scramble to find another hotel.

Following Siu's complaint, the hotel had to return the fee. however, it turns out that the Ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan hotel is not the only one charging this fee. Different hotels charge different amounts.

When the SCMP reached out to Consumer Council, they were told that they have received two such complaints however hotels are generally allowed to charge additional fees, but they have to inform the guests up front. Once the guests accept the liability only then these extra charges can be incurred.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-not-keen-to-travel-abroad-even-if-covid-restrictions-ease-study-540392">Chinese not keen to travel abroad, even if Covid restrictions ease: Study</a>

The representative advised that consumers should carefully check for additional charges at the time of booking itself.

"If the amount of the additional fee is not expressed in the terms and conditions, the hotel may only charge an amount that is reasonable. Whether the customer has agreed to pay for the additional fee or incurred liability to do so, and what amounts to a reasonable fee, is fact sensitive."(With inputs from agencies)

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A Hong Kong hotel had to pay one of its guests US$642 (HK$5,000) as a refund for an unfair charge of a "cleaning fee". The hotel had apparently imposed the fee on its guest, without any prior notice during the online booking for a room.

A Hong Kong hotel had to pay one of its guests US$642 (HK$5,000) as a refund for an unfair charge of a "cleaning fee". The hotel had apparently imposed the fee on its guest, without any prior notice during the online booking for a room. As per South China Morning Post, a Hong Konger Vivien Siu told them that the Ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan hotel had charged her Australian in-laws a 642 USD fee after her father-in-law tested positive for coronavirus. The hotel apparently informed the guests of this charge only after they arrived from Sydney last month. During check-in, they were told that they will have to pay HK$5,000 if they tested positive for COVID-19. Watch | Indonesia passes new criminal code, bans sex outside marriage As per protocol, Siu's father-in-law was sent to the government’s Penny’s Bay isolation centre for quarantine, however, they still had to pay the "excessive" fee. Under Hong Kong's current pandemic regime, instead of compulsory quarantine in hotels, foreign guests just have to undergo three days of medical surveillance during which they have to take two PCR tests. Not only was the HK$5,000 cleaning fee excessive, but the fact that they only told their guests about the fee upon check-in was also completely unreasonable and felt very much like a trap for tourists,” said Siu. Also read | Japan confirms over 47,000 new Covid cases as country battles eighth wave of pandemic She said that they were charged the fee while checking in, which is a point where "it was simply impractical to refuse" because that would've meant that they had to scramble to find another hotel. Following Siu's complaint, the hotel had to return the fee. however, it turns out that the Ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan hotel is not the only one charging this fee. Different hotels charge different amounts. When the SCMP reached out to Consumer Council, they were told that they have received two such complaints however hotels are generally allowed to charge additional fees, but they have to inform the guests up front. Once the guests accept the liability only then these extra charges can be incurred. Also read | Chinese not keen to travel abroad, even if Covid restrictions ease: Study The representative advised that consumers should carefully check for additional charges at the time of booking itself. "If the amount of the additional fee is not expressed in the terms and conditions, the hotel may only charge an amount that is reasonable. Whether the customer has agreed to pay for the additional fee or incurred liability to do so, and what amounts to a reasonable fee, is fact sensitive."(With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee'

The past week saw protests rage across China, as in a rare outpouring of anger citizens across the country took to the streets protesting against the nation's stringent zero-covid policy and restrictions. To pacify the protestors, Beijing hinted at the loosening of pandemic controls, but now the nation faces another looming problem; cash deficit.

As per a CNN report, local Chinese governments, which were charged with conducting mass testing and enforcing quarantine to keep infection at bay, are now running short on cash. To deal with the problem, they may be forced to cut corners or reduce other vital services.

Also read |&nbsp;China Covid: Covid-19 curbs eased further; no longer mandatory negative tests in Shenzhen, Beijing

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China's zero-Covid policy which has been in place for almost three years now has negatively affected the nation's business and economy, While the policy kept China out of recession in 2020, after nearly three years the bills "are mounting", says the report. The bills have placed an extraordinary strain on the nation's municipal authorities.&nbsp;

Talking to CNN business, George Magnus, an associate at the China Centre at Oxford University predicted that if lockdowns and mass testing continue, the risk to the nation's financial stability will increase.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-unwilling-to-allow-effective-foreign-covid-vaccine-despite-the-protests-us-539816">China unwilling to allow 'effective' foreign COVID vaccine despite the protests: US</a>

"Local governments are under huge pressure from the cost of maintaining zero-Covid, and we can already see this in the debt sustainability of several entities and [in] instances where public services are being scaled back, local assets or services sold and so on."

Compared to the federal government, local governments are more at risk because their income is mainly dependent on land sales. According to data from China's Ministry of Finance, they borrowed heavily to fund their expenditures of 11.8 trillion yuan ($1.65 trillion), which were higher than their revenue collections between January and October.

China's economic health is directly threatened by the nation's soaring debt levels. It not only raises the possibility of municipalities going into default on their debts, but it also limits the government's capacity to promote economic growth, maintain jobs, and strengthen public services.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-china-looks-to-loosen-some-covid-curbs-guangzhou-calls-virus-symptoms-flu-like-539731">As China loosens some Covid curbs, Guangzhou official says virus now ‘less virulent than flu’</a>

As per the report, around 40 per cent of local government expenditure in previous years has been funded by land sales. However, due to the slump in the housing market, this revenue has suffered.

Between January and October 2022, land sales fell by 26 per cent and are on pace to experience their first decline in seven years.

Meanwhile, as per official data, the spending on Covid-related healthcare soared by 13 per cent to reach $245 billion or 1.75 trillion yuan.

Compulsory testing which was largely government-funded has hit treasuries and many cities across the country while maintaining the mandatory negative test have now asked the citizens to pay for the tests.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The past week saw protests rage across China, as in a rare outpouring of anger citizens across the country took to the streets protesting against the nation's stringent zero-covid policy and restrictions.

The past week saw protests rage across China, as in a rare outpouring of anger citizens across the country took to the streets protesting against the nation's stringent zero-covid policy and restrictions. To pacify the protestors, Beijing hinted at the loosening of pandemic controls, but now the nation faces another looming problem; cash deficit. As per a CNN report, local Chinese governments, which were charged with conducting mass testing and enforcing quarantine to keep infection at bay, are now running short on cash. To deal with the problem, they may be forced to cut corners or reduce other vital services. Also read | China Covid: Covid-19 curbs eased further; no longer mandatory negative tests in Shenzhen, Beijing China's zero-Covid policy which has been in place for almost three years now has negatively affected the nation's business and economy, While the policy kept China out of recession in 2020, after nearly three years the bills "are mounting", says the report. The bills have placed an extraordinary strain on the nation's municipal authorities. Talking to CNN business, George Magnus, an associate at the China Centre at Oxford University predicted that if lockdowns and mass testing continue, the risk to the nation's financial stability will increase. Also read | China unwilling to allow 'effective' foreign COVID vaccine despite the protests: US "Local governments are under huge pressure from the cost of maintaining zero-Covid, and we can already see this in the debt sustainability of several entities and [in] instances where public services are being scaled back, local assets or services sold and so on." Compared to the federal government, local governments are more at risk because their income is mainly dependent on land sales. According to data from China's Ministry of Finance, they borrowed heavily to fund their expenditures of 11.8 trillion yuan ($1.65 trillion), which were higher than their revenue collections between January and October. China's economic health is directly threatened by the nation's soaring debt levels. It not only raises the possibility of municipalities going into default on their debts, but it also limits the government's capacity to promote economic growth, maintain jobs, and strengthen public services. Also read | As China loosens some Covid curbs, Guangzhou official says virus now ‘less virulent than flu’ As per the report, around 40 per cent of local government expenditure in previous years has been funded by land sales. However, due to the slump in the housing market, this revenue has suffered. Between January and October 2022, land sales fell by 26 per cent and are on pace to experience their first decline in seven years. Meanwhile, as per official data, the spending on Covid-related healthcare soared by 13 per cent to reach $245 billion or 1.75 trillion yuan. Compulsory testing which was largely government-funded has hit treasuries and many cities across the country while maintaining the mandatory negative test have now asked the citizens to pay for the tests. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Almost three years of zero-Covid policy takes its toll on China's coffers; local govt cash strapped

United States officials on Saturday said that even though&nbsp;China is facing challenges and public anger that is translating into protests against restrictions, the nation's leader Xi Jinping is still unwilling to accept Western vaccines.

In China, a near all-time high number of daily COVID-19 cases have triggered massive protests, with people pouring into streets protesting the nation's strict restrictions under the Zero-Covid policy.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;China Covid: Covid-19 curbs eased further; no longer mandatory negative tests in Shenzhen, Beijing

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However, despite the social and economic impact of the virus, Xi "is unwilling to take a better vaccine from the West, and is instead relying on a vaccine made in China that's just not nearly as effective against Omicron," said US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines.

"Seeing protests and the response to it is countering the narrative that he likes to put forward, which is that China is so much more effective at government," Haines said.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-china-looks-to-loosen-some-covid-curbs-guangzhou-calls-virus-symptoms-flu-like-539731">As China loosens some Covid curbs, Guangzhou official says virus now ‘less virulent than flu’</a>

It's nothing that we now consider to pose a threat to stability or to a regime transition, she continued, adding that its course will be crucial to "Xi's standing".

According to experts, lowering virus preventive measures could have significant risks.

Even though China's domestically produced COVID vaccines&nbsp;may not be as effective as some foreign ones, the nation has chosen not to approve any overseas coronavirus vaccines in favour of those made there.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-chinas-stringent-zero-covid-restrictions-spark-protests-across-the-country-538231">In Pics | China’s strict ‘zero-Covid’ restrictions spark protests; other countries join in solidarity</a>

The White House said earlier this week that China had not requested vaccines from the US, and one official told Reuters that there was "no expectation at present" that the country would allow western vaccines.

"It seems fairly far-fetched that China would greenlight Western vaccines at this point. It's a matter of national pride, and they'd have to swallow quite a bit of it if they went this route," said the official.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United States officials on Saturday said that even though China is facing challenges and public anger that is translating into protests against restrictions, the nation's leader Xi Jinping is still unwilling to accept Western vaccines.

United States officials on Saturday said that even though China is facing challenges and public anger that is translating into protests against restrictions, the nation's leader Xi Jinping is still unwilling to accept Western vaccines. In China, a near all-time high number of daily COVID-19 cases have triggered massive protests, with people pouring into streets protesting the nation's strict restrictions under the Zero-Covid policy. Also read | China Covid: Covid-19 curbs eased further; no longer mandatory negative tests in Shenzhen, Beijing However, despite the social and economic impact of the virus, Xi "is unwilling to take a better vaccine from the West, and is instead relying on a vaccine made in China that's just not nearly as effective against Omicron," said US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines. "Seeing protests and the response to it is countering the narrative that he likes to put forward, which is that China is so much more effective at government," Haines said. Also read | As China loosens some Covid curbs, Guangzhou official says virus now ‘less virulent than flu’ It's nothing that we now consider to pose a threat to stability or to a regime transition, she continued, adding that its course will be crucial to "Xi's standing". According to experts, lowering virus preventive measures could have significant risks. Even though China's domestically produced COVID vaccines may not be as effective as some foreign ones, the nation has chosen not to approve any overseas coronavirus vaccines in favour of those made there. Also read | In Pics | China’s strict ‘zero-Covid’ restrictions spark protests; other countries join in solidarity The White House said earlier this week that China had not requested vaccines from the US, and one official told Reuters that there was "no expectation at present" that the country would allow western vaccines. "It seems fairly far-fetched that China would greenlight Western vaccines at this point. It's a matter of national pride, and they'd have to swallow quite a bit of it if they went this route," said the official. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China’s vaccine not ‘effective’ against Omicron, Xi still not allowing better foreign ones: US

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday said that China still has room to adjust its strict zero-Covid policy, pointing out that the nation's stringent policies have been especially hard on the people.

In an email statement to AFP a spokesperson for IMF, "Covid and Covid-related restrictions are hard on people... This has been the case everywhere, and even more so in China."

Watch |&nbsp;World Business Watch: China's factory, service activities shrink to 7 month low

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The organisation said that Chinese authorities have made policies more targeted, and "there is scope for further gradual, safe recalibration."

Three years into the pandemic, when many countries have eased covid containment measures like lockdowns, China still regularly deploys such measures, locking up entire neighbourhoods and cities to eradicate the virus. These strict measures come with a heavy toll on citizens and the nation's economy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-government-relaxes-covid-19-rules-in-several-districts-in-guangzhou-538833">Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts of Guangzhou</a>

IMF said that China's economy has partially recovered and an adjustment of its policy may help growth in 2023, while also supporting the global economy.

For a large part of this year, the Chinese major business hub has been under lockdown. This has not only impacted Beijing's economy but also the global markets, and supply chains.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/3-years-of-covid-was-his-entire-life-in-china-child-dies-due-to-lockdown-rules-father-offered-hush-money-530653">'3 years of COVID was his entire life': In China, child dies due to lockdown rules, father offered hush money</a>

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Recently, following reports of deaths due to these lockdowns people have protested, raging across the nation in a "rare outpouring" of anger.&nbsp;A fire in a high-rise building in Xinjiang that killed ten people last week reportedly acted as a catalyst for these protests. Many have alleged that a partial lockdown on the building fatally delayed rescue operations and also obstructed escape routes.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday said that China still has room to adjust its strict zero-Covid policy, pointing out that the nation's stringent policies have been especially hard on the people.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday said that China still has room to adjust its strict zero-Covid policy, pointing out that the nation's stringent policies have been especially hard on the people. In an email statement to AFP a spokesperson for IMF, "Covid and Covid-related restrictions are hard on people... This has been the case everywhere, and even more so in China." Watch | World Business Watch: China's factory, service activities shrink to 7 month low The organisation said that Chinese authorities have made policies more targeted, and "there is scope for further gradual, safe recalibration." Three years into the pandemic, when many countries have eased covid containment measures like lockdowns, China still regularly deploys such measures, locking up entire neighbourhoods and cities to eradicate the virus. These strict measures come with a heavy toll on citizens and the nation's economy. Also read | Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts of Guangzhou IMF said that China's economy has partially recovered and an adjustment of its policy may help growth in 2023, while also supporting the global economy. For a large part of this year, the Chinese major business hub has been under lockdown. This has not only impacted Beijing's economy but also the global markets, and supply chains. Also read | '3 years of COVID was his entire life': In China, child dies due to lockdown rules, father offered hush money Recently, following reports of deaths due to these lockdowns people have protested, raging across the nation in a "rare outpouring" of anger. A fire in a high-rise building in Xinjiang that killed ten people last week reportedly acted as a catalyst for these protests. Many have alleged that a partial lockdown on the building fatally delayed rescue operations and also obstructed escape routes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China can adjust its strict zero-Covid policy, it's been hard on people, says IMF

Growing protests against the draconian 'zero-Covid' policy in China appears to have rattled the officials. In a video that has gone viral on social media, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian could be seen falling short of words to justify the measures aimed at culling the Covid numbers.

Growing protests against the draconian 'zero-Covid' policy in China appears to have rattled the officials. In a video that has gone viral on social media, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian could be seen falling short of words to justify the measures aimed at culling the Covid numbers. A Reuters journalist during a press briefing asked Zhao if Beijing was thinking about ending the policy soon. "Given the widespread display of anger and frustration at the zero Covid policy in recent days across China, is China thinking about ending it and if so, when?" asked the journalist. The question was asked in English and translated in real-time to Zhao. However, the spokesperson appeared stumped as he wore a confused look. For a good 30 seconds, Zhao remained mum while flipping through the pages on his desk. After regaining some composure, Zhao said, "Can you repeat the question." The journalist posed the same question and once more, Zhao and the journalists in the room had to brave an 'awkward silence'. In the end, Zhao managed to find the words and said, "What you mentioned does not reflect what happened. China has been following a dynamic Covid policy." Awkward silence: China official @zlj517 speechless after question on ongoing peaceful protests in China #WhitePaperRevolution #ChinaUprising #XiJinping pic.twitter.com/bcA0Eg4nms — Kalsang Jigme བོད། (@kalsang_jigme) November 29, 2022 × What is happening in China? Ordinary citizens in different parts of China have been organising protests against the measures used by the communist regime to contain the numbers which have risen exponentially in recent weeks. Slogans of freedom and transparency during the demonstrations have been raised by the protesters. WATCH | Protests spread in China as anger mounts over ‘zero-COVID’; other countries join in solidarity × Sensing the growing resentment, China's top security body has called for a “crackdown” on “hostile forces”. The Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission said it is "necessary to crack down on infiltration and sabotage activities by hostile forces in accordance with the law". Read more: Chinese security body calls for 'crackdown' on 'hostile forces' amid protests The Chinese government has been using force to stop the protests and it has prompted responses from both the United Nations and the United States who urged Beijing to respect the citizens’ right to peaceful protest. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH: Chinese official's long, awkward silence when asked about Covid protests

New South Wales, Australia's largest state is preparing to withdraw or refund tens of thousands of Covid fines issued during the pandemic. The step is being taken after government lawyers conceded in court that some fines were invalid. The test case was brought by a legal advocacy group.

During the pandemic, Australian states and territories imposed strict restrictions that included limits on travel and movement outside residents' homes. Police in New South Wales were empowered to issue fines of upto USD 670 to people who breached rules.

Redfern Legal Centre, a free legal service, launched a test case in July on behalf of three plaintiffs arguing their fines of between A$1,000 to A$3,000, were invalid because the penalty notices did not sufficiently describe the offense.

Lawyers representing the government conceded in New South Wales Supreme Court that the fines imposed on the plaintiff didn't meet legal requirements.&nbsp;

Shortly after, the Commissioner of Fines Administration withdrew 33,121 fines, just under half the 62,138 COVID-related fines issued. The remaining fines are unaffected by the decision.

All sanctions, including driver license restrictions will be stopped. Those who have already paid will be refunded.

"Today justice has been granted to three people who took on the NSW government regarding the validity of their COVID fines and won!” said Samantha Lee, acting solicitor for the plaintiffs in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New South Wales, Australia's largest state is preparing to withdraw or refund tens of thousands of Covid fines issued during the pandemic. The step is being taken after government lawyers conceded in court that some fines were invalid.

New South Wales, Australia's largest state is preparing to withdraw or refund tens of thousands of Covid fines issued during the pandemic. The step is being taken after government lawyers conceded in court that some fines were invalid. The test case was brought by a legal advocacy group. During the pandemic, Australian states and territories imposed strict restrictions that included limits on travel and movement outside residents' homes. Police in New South Wales were empowered to issue fines of upto USD 670 to people who breached rules. Redfern Legal Centre, a free legal service, launched a test case in July on behalf of three plaintiffs arguing their fines of between A$1,000 to A$3,000, were invalid because the penalty notices did not sufficiently describe the offense. Lawyers representing the government conceded in New South Wales Supreme Court that the fines imposed on the plaintiff didn't meet legal requirements. Shortly after, the Commissioner of Fines Administration withdrew 33,121 fines, just under half the 62,138 COVID-related fines issued. The remaining fines are unaffected by the decision. All sanctions, including driver license restrictions will be stopped. Those who have already paid will be refunded. "Today justice has been granted to three people who took on the NSW government regarding the validity of their COVID fines and won!” said Samantha Lee, acting solicitor for the plaintiffs in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Australian state to refund thousands of Covid fines after court ruling

Hundreds across China took to the streets on Sunday protesting against the nation's stringent Zero-Covid policy.&nbsp;

In the wake of a deadly fire that many have chalked up to the two-plus year of strict lockdowns, the "rare outpouring" of anger took place across major Chinese cities.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | China: Anger mounts over Zero-Covid policy, protests break out in Beijing, Shanghai

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As per Reuters, in Shanghai demonstrators and police clashed as protests continued for the third day.

Witnesses and videos posted on social media show one large group chanting "Down with the Chinese Communist Party, down with Xi Jinping" in an unusual public protest against the government.

Unverified videos on Twitter and other social media platforms show people chanting "End the lockdown!"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-stringent-zero-covid-policy-sparks-protests-across-the-country-537832">China’s stringent ‘zero-Covid’ curbs trigger outrage, protests across the country</a>

The Hong Kong Democracy Council took to Twitter in support&nbsp;of the protestors and wrote "#HongKongers are closely following the protests in #China &amp; salute the brave Chinese who’ve come out. #DownWithXiJinping #DownWithTheCCP. We agree. The fate of #HongKong is bound up with the fate of China."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HongKongers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HongKongers</a> are closely following the protests in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> &amp; salute the brave Chinese who’ve come out. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DownWithXiJinping?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DownWithXiJinping</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DownWithTheCCP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DownWithTheCCP</a>. We agree. The fate of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HongKong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HongKong</a> is bound up with the fate of China. <a href="https://t.co/c0vgaMmu6o">pic.twitter.com/c0vgaMmu6o</a>
— Hong Kong Democracy Council (@hkdc_us) <a href="https://twitter.com/hkdc_us/status/1596889740766478336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Hundreds of people looking like students, workers gathered in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chaoyang?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chaoyang</a> district where all embassies are located- continuing the protest which has already gripped many cities and universities across <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a>. Heavy police presence with reinforcements coming quickly<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChinaProtests?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChinaProtests</a> <a href="https://t.co/88OGKRcrLn">pic.twitter.com/88OGKRcrLn</a>
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/1596891380860981255?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Similar videos from Chengdu show people holding up blank sheets of paper in protest and chanting "We don't want lifelong rulers. We don't want emperors," a reference to Xi, who has scrapped presidential term limits.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-after-deadly-fire-that-killed-10-huge-covid-protests-erupt-in-xinjiang-537661">China: Huge protests erupt in Xinjiang, locals blame strict Covid curbs for 10 casualties in blaze</a>

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Protests in China are gaining momentum, what do you think will turn into a bigger rebellion?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChinaProtests?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChinaProtests</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChinaUprising?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChinaUprising</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChinaUprisingThread?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChinaUprisingThread</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChinaRevolution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChinaRevolution</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVIDIsAirborne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVIDIsAirborne</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CovidIsNotOver?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CovidIsNotOver</a> <a href="https://t.co/LIRIQcJKvf">pic.twitter.com/LIRIQcJKvf</a>
— Dealer of truth (@Dealeroftruth12) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dealeroftruth12/status/1596889459601334274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Residents of Wuhan, where the pandemic began three years ago, also took to the streets, smashing through metal barricades, tearing down COVID testing tents, and demanding that lockdowns be lifted.

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Protests in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wuhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wuhan</a> too.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chinalockdown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chinalockdown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChinaUprising?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChinaUprising</a> <a href="https://t.co/WGZGPWCVXC">pic.twitter.com/WGZGPWCVXC</a>
— Kalsang Jigme བོད། (@kalsang_jigme) <a href="https://twitter.com/kalsang_jigme/status/1596889678174912517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In Lanzhou, in the northwest, residents on Saturday toppled COVID staff tents and destroyed testing stations, according to posts on social media. Although none had tested positive, as per a Reuters&nbsp;report protesters claimed that they were still placed under lockdown.

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🇨🇳 — VIDEO: Protesters tear down barricades in Wuhan, as anti-lockdown protests spread to more cities in China. 
 
<a href="https://t.co/6cVNLrI02K">pic.twitter.com/6cVNLrI02K</a>
— Belaaz News (@TheBelaaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBelaaz/status/1596891281367916544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, images and videos shared on social media show that on Sunday, scores of individuals participated in a nonviolent demonstration against COVID restrictions at Beijing's esteemed Tsinghua University while singing the national anthem.

Widespread public protest is uncommon in China, where dissent has been largely suppressed under Xi, forcing citizens to vent their rage on social media, where they must play cat-and-mouse with censors.

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中国湖南省長沙市の五一広場駅での中国人の抗議 
信じられない、<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E4%BA%BA%E9%96%93%E3%81%AE%E9%8E%96?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#人間の鎖</a> じゃないか　<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumanChain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumanChain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E4%BA%BA%E7%9A%84%E9%8E%96%E9%8F%88?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#人的鎖鏈</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chinaprotest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chinaprotest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChinaUprising?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChinaUprising</a> <a href="https://t.co/n9rowov2uP">pic.twitter.com/n9rowov2uP</a>
— NoMania_ 卍解 🇯🇵🏴 (@NoMania004) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoMania004/status/1596891424582438912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Despite the fact that much of the rest of the world has eased most restrictions, China has maintained Xi's zero-COVID policy. China's case counts had reached record highs for days, although being low by international standards; on Saturday, there were approximately 40,000 new infections, which led to yet another round of lockdowns in various locations across the nation.

Beijing has defended the measure as important to save lives and as a safeguard against overtaxing the healthcare system. Officials however have vowed to keep&nbsp;up the restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hundreds across China took to the streets on Sunday protesting against the nation's stringent Zero-Covid policy. In the wake of a deadly fire that many have chalked up to the two-plus year of strict lockdowns, the "rare outpouring" of anger took place across major Chinese cities.

Hundreds across China took to the streets on Sunday protesting against the nation's stringent Zero-Covid policy. In the wake of a deadly fire that many have chalked up to the two-plus year of strict lockdowns, the "rare outpouring" of anger took place across major Chinese cities. Watch | WION Fineprint | China: Anger mounts over Zero-Covid policy, protests break out in Beijing, Shanghai As per Reuters, in Shanghai demonstrators and police clashed as protests continued for the third day. Witnesses and videos posted on social media show one large group chanting "Down with the Chinese Communist Party, down with Xi Jinping" in an unusual public protest against the government. Unverified videos on Twitter and other social media platforms show people chanting "End the lockdown!" Also read | China’s stringent ‘zero-Covid’ curbs trigger outrage, protests across the country The Hong Kong Democracy Council took to Twitter in support of the protestors and wrote "#HongKongers are closely following the protests in #China & salute the brave Chinese who’ve come out. #DownWithXiJinping #DownWithTheCCP. We agree. The fate of #HongKong is bound up with the fate of China." #HongKongers are closely following the protests in #China & salute the brave Chinese who’ve come out. #DownWithXiJinping #DownWithTheCCP. We agree. The fate of #HongKong is bound up with the fate of China. pic.twitter.com/c0vgaMmu6o — Hong Kong Democracy Council (@hkdc_us) November 27, 2022 × Hundreds of people looking like students, workers gathered in #Chaoyang district where all embassies are located- continuing the protest which has already gripped many cities and universities across #China. Heavy police presence with reinforcements coming quickly#ChinaProtests pic.twitter.com/88OGKRcrLn — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) November 27, 2022 × Similar videos from Chengdu show people holding up blank sheets of paper in protest and chanting "We don't want lifelong rulers. We don't want emperors," a reference to Xi, who has scrapped presidential term limits. Also read | China: Huge protests erupt in Xinjiang, locals blame strict Covid curbs for 10 casualties in blaze Protests in China are gaining momentum, what do you think will turn into a bigger rebellion?#China #ChinaProtests #ChinaUprising #ChinaUprisingThread #ChinaRevolution #COVID19 #COVIDIsAirborne #CovidIsNotOver pic.twitter.com/LIRIQcJKvf — Dealer of truth (@Dealeroftruth12) November 27, 2022 × Residents of Wuhan, where the pandemic began three years ago, also took to the streets, smashing through metal barricades, tearing down COVID testing tents, and demanding that lockdowns be lifted. Protests in #Wuhan too.#China #chinalockdown #ChinaUprising pic.twitter.com/WGZGPWCVXC — Kalsang Jigme བོད། (@kalsang_jigme) November 27, 2022 × In Lanzhou, in the northwest, residents on Saturday toppled COVID staff tents and destroyed testing stations, according to posts on social media. Although none had tested positive, as per a Reuters report protesters claimed that they were still placed under lockdown. 🇨🇳 — VIDEO: Protesters tear down barricades in Wuhan, as anti-lockdown protests spread to more cities in China. pic.twitter.com/6cVNLrI02K — Belaaz News (@TheBelaaz) November 27, 2022 × Meanwhile, images and videos shared on social media show that on Sunday, scores of individuals participated in a nonviolent demonstration against COVID restrictions at Beijing's esteemed Tsinghua University while singing the national anthem. Widespread public protest is uncommon in China, where dissent has been largely suppressed under Xi, forcing citizens to vent their rage on social media, where they must play cat-and-mouse with censors. 中国湖南省長沙市の五一広場駅での中国人の抗議 信じられない、#人間の鎖 じゃないか　#HumanChain #人的鎖鏈#chinaprotest #ChinaUprising pic.twitter.com/n9rowov2uP — NoMania_ 卍解 🇯🇵🏴 (@NoMania004) November 27, 2022 × Despite the fact that much of the rest of the world has eased most restrictions, China has maintained Xi's zero-COVID policy. China's case counts had reached record highs for days, although being low by international standards; on Saturday, there were approximately 40,000 new infections, which led to yet another round of lockdowns in various locations across the nation. Beijing has defended the measure as important to save lives and as a safeguard against overtaxing the healthcare system. Officials however have vowed to keep up the restrictions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China's 'rare outpouring' of anger: Protesters chant 'down with Xi', break Covid testing tents. Watch!

Amid China’s recent uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases witnessed&nbsp;across the country, the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou is setting up makeshift hospitals and quarantine sites which will accommodate at least 250,000 people, said officials. This comes after the city has become a new hotspot for the infection as it reported over 7,000 cases on Friday.&nbsp;

The city of 13 million residents, Guangzhou, has faced an increase in the number of Covid cases since early October. Meanwhile, China reported a record number of cases, on Saturday, for the third consecutive day with a little over 35,000 cases recorded on November 25 when compared with an April peak of 28,000 cases.&nbsp;According to the National Health Commission, at least 3,474 were symptomatic cases while the rest were asymptomatic.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-china-reports-over-30000-new-cases-for-the-third-consecutive-day-537623">COVID-19: China reports over 30,000 new cases for the third consecutive day</a>

The officials in Guangzhou, in a press conference, had previously also said that the city has accelerated the construction of makeshift hospitals and isolation sites, with plans to build a space for 246,407 beds. This comes after the authorities have already sent 95,300 people from the city’s Haizhu district to quarantine centres or for hospital treatment, said the government officials.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

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In the city of Guangzhou, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a>, a quarantine camp is being built to potentially detain 87,000 people. If Chinese Communist regime switches its Covid-19 passports to code red, the CAMP will be ready and waiting. Take a look:<a href="https://t.co/Zg0SBlqgdF">pic.twitter.com/Zg0SBlqgdF</a>
— Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) <a href="https://twitter.com/steve_hanke/status/1595889017173704709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Notably, amid China’s strict ‘zero-Covid’ policy the city of Guangzhou, last week also saw rare violent protests against the stringent rules. As several videos emerged on social media showing how hundreds of protestors took to the streets of Guangzhou’s Haizhu district and were pushing police barriers. While there was no mention of such protests in the national media, videos were posted on social media platforms like Weibo and WeChat. This comes after the district had been on lockdown since last month.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-latest-covid-19-lockdowns-spark-protests-in-in-guangzhou-watch-534361">China's latest COVID-19 lockdowns spark protests in Guangzhou - WATCH</a>

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Beijing has also constructed numerous quarantine camps across the country where thousands of people have been sent for isolation&nbsp;in small metal boxes. Reportedly, more than 400 million people in China are currently under some form of quarantine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amid China’s recent uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases witnessed across the country, the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou is setting up makeshift hospitals and quarantine sites which will accommodate at least 250,000 people, said officials.

Amid China’s recent uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases witnessed across the country, the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou is setting up makeshift hospitals and quarantine sites which will accommodate at least 250,000 people, said officials. This comes after the city has become a new hotspot for the infection as it reported over 7,000 cases on Friday. The city of 13 million residents, Guangzhou, has faced an increase in the number of Covid cases since early October. Meanwhile, China reported a record number of cases, on Saturday, for the third consecutive day with a little over 35,000 cases recorded on November 25 when compared with an April peak of 28,000 cases. According to the National Health Commission, at least 3,474 were symptomatic cases while the rest were asymptomatic. ALSO READ | COVID-19: China reports over 30,000 new cases for the third consecutive day The officials in Guangzhou, in a press conference, had previously also said that the city has accelerated the construction of makeshift hospitals and isolation sites, with plans to build a space for 246,407 beds. This comes after the authorities have already sent 95,300 people from the city’s Haizhu district to quarantine centres or for hospital treatment, said the government officials. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. In the city of Guangzhou, #China, a quarantine camp is being built to potentially detain 87,000 people. If Chinese Communist regime switches its Covid-19 passports to code red, the CAMP will be ready and waiting. Take a look:pic.twitter.com/Zg0SBlqgdF — Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) November 24, 2022 × Notably, amid China’s strict ‘zero-Covid’ policy the city of Guangzhou, last week also saw rare violent protests against the stringent rules. As several videos emerged on social media showing how hundreds of protestors took to the streets of Guangzhou’s Haizhu district and were pushing police barriers. While there was no mention of such protests in the national media, videos were posted on social media platforms like Weibo and WeChat. This comes after the district had been on lockdown since last month. ALSO READ | China's latest COVID-19 lockdowns spark protests in Guangzhou - WATCH Since the beginning of the pandemic, Beijing has also constructed numerous quarantine camps across the country where thousands of people have been sent for isolation in small metal boxes. Reportedly, more than 400 million people in China are currently under some form of quarantine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China: Guangzhou to build 250,000 quarantine sites as Covid cases hit record high

The Chinese district of Guangzhou, which is home to 1.8 million people on Saturday ordered its citizens to stay at home for virus testing following another rise in the number of infections.

Although China's numbers are low, a "zero-COVID" approach that attempts to isolate every infected individual is being challenged by a rise over the past week.&nbsp;Over the previous 24 hours, a total of 11,773 infections—including 10,351 patients with no symptoms—were reported nationally.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | China eases COVID restrictions

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AP reports that while in order to reduce the cost and disruption, quarantine for travellers arriving in China has been reduced from a minimum of seven days to five, the ruling Communist Party said it would stick to its strict zero-COVID approach.&nbsp;

On Saturday, health officials also issued a warning that the decision to change anti-virus safeguards did not signal their end.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-are-using-cantonese-to-criticise-zero-covid-amid-heavy-censorship-533560">Chinese are using Cantonese to criticise zero-Covid amid heavy censorship</a>

This is at a time when other nations attempt to switch to a long-term approach to coping with the virus and have generally loosened travel and other restrictions.

Rather than unwinding or "lying flat," the NHC deputy director Lei Haichao noted, "This is more precise and scientific prevention and treatment."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-eases-quarantine-rules-scraps-inbound-air-travel-curbs-even-as-covid-cases-spike-533291" hreflang="en">China eases quarantine rules, scraps inbound air travel curbs even though Covid cases spike</a>

"Prevent the epidemic and minimize the impact on economic and social development," according to Lei, is the aim.

The modifications would permit some international businesses and athletes travelling to China to move around inside a restricted area without having to undergo a quarantine period. More precise guidelines on who constitutes an infected person's contact will lower the number of affected people.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Chinese district of Guangzhou, which is home to 1.8 million people on Saturday ordered its citizens to stay at home for virus testing following another rise in the number of infections.

The Chinese district of Guangzhou, which is home to 1.8 million people on Saturday ordered its citizens to stay at home for virus testing following another rise in the number of infections. Although China's numbers are low, a "zero-COVID" approach that attempts to isolate every infected individual is being challenged by a rise over the past week. Over the previous 24 hours, a total of 11,773 infections—including 10,351 patients with no symptoms—were reported nationally. Watch | WION Fineprint | China eases COVID restrictions AP reports that while in order to reduce the cost and disruption, quarantine for travellers arriving in China has been reduced from a minimum of seven days to five, the ruling Communist Party said it would stick to its strict zero-COVID approach. On Saturday, health officials also issued a warning that the decision to change anti-virus safeguards did not signal their end. Also read | Chinese are using Cantonese to criticise zero-Covid amid heavy censorship This is at a time when other nations attempt to switch to a long-term approach to coping with the virus and have generally loosened travel and other restrictions. Rather than unwinding or "lying flat," the NHC deputy director Lei Haichao noted, "This is more precise and scientific prevention and treatment." Also read | China eases quarantine rules, scraps inbound air travel curbs even though Covid cases spike "Prevent the epidemic and minimize the impact on economic and social development," according to Lei, is the aim. The modifications would permit some international businesses and athletes travelling to China to move around inside a restricted area without having to undergo a quarantine period. More precise guidelines on who constitutes an infected person's contact will lower the number of affected people. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As China eases 'Zero-COVID' rules, close to 12,000 cases of new infection reported

China's strict zero-Covid rules have been in place for more than two years and during this time, many cases of the troubles citizens have faced due to them have come to light. Recent reports suggested that the disruptive rules may soon be taken down. However, on Saturday health officials dashed this hope and said that China would "unswervingly" stick to the policy.

The announcement as per the Guardian comes after days of speculation around the rules that have disrupted economic growth and day-to-day life in China.

Watch |&nbsp;China sticks to its ‘Zero Covid’ policy, insists it being key to protecting people’s lives

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As per reports currently, there are roughly 200 lockdowns in place across China.

Hu Xiang, disease control officer with China's national health commission, said Wednesday that the nation's restrictions were the most sensible and efficient course of action.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/3-years-of-covid-was-his-entire-life-in-china-child-dies-due-to-lockdown-rules-father-offered-hush-money-530653">'3 years of COVID was his entire life': In China, child dies due to lockdown rules, father offered hush money</a>

Talking to reporters, she said, "We should adhere to the principle of putting people and lives first, and the broader strategy of preventing imports from outside and internal rebounds."

This, as just a few days back as per a Reuters report, a former Chinese disease control official during a conference claimed that substantial changes to the country's "dynamic-Zero" COVID policy are expected in the coming months.

Speaking at a session titled "China's Exit Strategy from Zero-COVID", Zeng Guang, former chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said that "the situation is changing now and China's 'dynamic zero' will also undergo major changes. Substantive changes will happen soon."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-after-hitting-a-six-month-high-china-reports-over-3000-covid-cases-531440">COVID-19: Day after hitting a six-month high, China reports over 3,800 new cases</a>

Reportedly, a three-year-old boy's death in a residential compound that was under quarantine had fueled growing dissatisfaction with the anti-virus regulations. This had also sparked rumours of policy changes.&nbsp;

With investors and the general public latching on to any signals of change, last week's talk of easing had boosted stock markets in China, and by Wednesday the MSCI China Index had gained $450 billion.

Thursday saw the country report a six-month high of 4,045 new infections. A day later the number fell a bit to 3,837.&nbsp;

China's strict zero-Covid rules have been in place for more than two years and during this time, many cases of the troubles citizens have faced due to them have come to light.

China's strict zero-Covid rules have been in place for more than two years and during this time, many cases of the troubles citizens have faced due to them have come to light. Recent reports suggested that the disruptive rules may soon be taken down. However, on Saturday health officials dashed this hope and said that China would "unswervingly" stick to the policy. The announcement as per the Guardian comes after days of speculation around the rules that have disrupted economic growth and day-to-day life in China. Watch | China sticks to its ‘Zero Covid’ policy, insists it being key to protecting people’s lives As per reports currently, there are roughly 200 lockdowns in place across China. Hu Xiang, disease control officer with China's national health commission, said Wednesday that the nation's restrictions were the most sensible and efficient course of action. Also read | '3 years of COVID was his entire life': In China, child dies due to lockdown rules, father offered hush money Talking to reporters, she said, "We should adhere to the principle of putting people and lives first, and the broader strategy of preventing imports from outside and internal rebounds." This, as just a few days back as per a Reuters report, a former Chinese disease control official during a conference claimed that substantial changes to the country's "dynamic-Zero" COVID policy are expected in the coming months. Speaking at a session titled "China's Exit Strategy from Zero-COVID", Zeng Guang, former chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said that "the situation is changing now and China's 'dynamic zero' will also undergo major changes. Substantive changes will happen soon." Also read | COVID-19: Day after hitting a six-month high, China reports over 3,800 new cases Reportedly, a three-year-old boy's death in a residential compound that was under quarantine had fueled growing dissatisfaction with the anti-virus regulations. This had also sparked rumours of policy changes. With investors and the general public latching on to any signals of change, last week's talk of easing had boosted stock markets in China, and by Wednesday the MSCI China Index had gained $450 billion. Thursday saw the country report a six-month high of 4,045 new infections. A day later the number fell a bit to 3,837.

No relief for the people: China to 'unswervingly' stick to its zero-COVID policy, says health official

A report by the Wall Street Journal citing Congressional documents, including internal memos, emails, cables,&nbsp;showed how China used its “zero-Covid policy” to not only control its citizens but also subject these similar “inhumane practices” to United States diplomats in Beijing.&nbsp;

Documents submitted to the US State Department over the past two years detail Beijing’s mistreatment of foreign-service officers and their families assigned to the US Embassy and consulates in China. They allege that during their time in quarantine they were separated from their families for months.&nbsp;

Reportedly, they were forced to undergo months of quarantine, multiple and unnecessary medical tests as well as use China’s “health” app which was supposedly used to monitor and control them.&nbsp;

In early 2020,&nbsp;US evacuated at least 1,300 diplomats and their families from China after Covid first hit and communicated a list of demands over the summer saying that the State refuses to let “authoritarian governments use Covid as an excuse to mistreat or monitor diplomats,” said the report. However, Beijing refused to comply with the demands set by the US and in September they signed a “limited waiver of inviolability.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-ready-to-find-ways-to-cooperate-with-us-says-xi-jinping-ahead-of-possible-indonesia-meet-with-biden-528853">China ready to find ways to cooperate with US, says Xi Jinping ahead of possible Indonesia meet with Biden</a>

The waiver reportedly&nbsp;let China impose a mandatory 14-day quarantine, and require three Covid tests (pre-departure, upon arrival at the airport and on the 13th day in quarantine).&nbsp;If tested positive they were taken to a “hospital” until recovered.&nbsp;

The acting chief of the China mission, in a 97-page memo, sent on January 7, 2022, reportedly detailed how&nbsp;upon arrival they were sent to China-selected hotels which they believed to be “government-run”. Citing Congressional aides, the report says that at least 30 individuals were “imprisoned” for weeks while the State has told the WSJ there were 16 people. They were also frustrated at the State’s lack of response and eventually turned to Congress.&nbsp;

The adults and children over the age of 14 were asked to quarantine separately which caused one of the teenagers&nbsp;mental health problems. The rooms had “not been cleaned in months”, and were mouldy and “unhealthy” said the memo. It also alleged that the results of their Covid tests were being altered “to achieve an additional level of control” as several families which had tested negative on arrival were suddenly testing positive and were taken not to the hospital but to “fever clinics”.&nbsp;

These so-called fever clinics, according to the report, were “small, dirty rooms” with doors locked and barred windows. Upon arrival, they were “required to undergo nasal and throat swabs, to provide sputum, urine and stool samples, and to submit to EKGs and CT scans,” said the report citing the memo. They also believe they were being monitored and the Chinese were collecting intelligence as well as their DNA.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-united-states-planning-to-accelerate-the-plans-to-store-upgraded-nukes-in-europe-528891">Is United States accelerating plans to upgrade its nukes at NATO bases in Europe?</a>

Citing the memo the report also said one family spent at least 69 days in a fever clinic which provided no soap, toilet paper, towels, laundry service, or even potable water with minimal food (largely soup). Detainees would have to wait for care packages and reported a notable weight loss.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the children of the family had to be “forcibly restrained” as the staff reportedly used adult-sized nasal swabs and caused nosebleeds multiple times due to repeated testing, while the parents reported ongoing trauma, said the WSJ.&nbsp;

Reportedly another family of five at the clinic for nearly two months in 2021 was cumulatively subjected to 159 throat, nose and blood tests. The test results would take weeks or months on end, during which they were denied urgent medical care.&nbsp;

The report refers to the story of a two-year-old mentioned in the memo who got injured and it took his family 12 hours to find any clinic that would agree to stitch up the wound. Another diplomat who faced severe stomach pain and alerted the Embassy was asked to stay put and was later diagnosed with appendicitis.&nbsp;

During this time the memo also alleged that the Chinese health app which was supposedly a “contact-tracing tool” was being used to monitor their movement and employ changing definitions to target diplomats in a bid to increase the duration of their quarantine. The report citing the documents said that the senior leaders of the State were aware of this treatment.&nbsp;

However, the State Department officials told WSJ, “This issue has been resolved. Since March, 609 U.S. officials and family members have arrived in (China), and none have been placed in a fever hospital.” Three people during the post-travel quarantine were also evacuated to avoid the fever clinics, they added.&nbsp;

They also told WSJ that now they provide an Embassy letter outlining diplomatic rights which reportedly allows diplomats to quarantine at their residences and not compel them to go to these facilities and also does not permit separation of children from their parents which China has agreed to define as under the age of 18. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/simply-untrue-china-denies-allegations-of-illegal-police-station-in-netherlands-528896">‘Simply untrue’: China denies allegations of running ‘illegal’ police station in Netherlands</a>

US senator Jim Risch had raised these allegations of abuse in a letter to the Secretary of State Antony Blinken in which he noted that China’s conduct “potentially violates the internationally recognized human rights of U.S. diplomats, and poses a serious national security risk,” said the report.&nbsp;

Earlier this year in September, the issue was also raised by two other US congress members and China swiftly dismissed their complaints. At the time, Beijing’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said they use a “science-based and effective epidemic prevention protocol” for both Chinese and people entering China “without discrimination”.&nbsp;

She added that such statements by US lawmakers were “absurd and completely groundless,” and show signs of “China phobia.” The Chinese spokesperson also said that she was unaware of the previously mentioned 16 Americans or how the congress members arrived at that number adding that it was “even more nonsense to say that China obtained intelligence from the U.S. through quarantine.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A report by the Wall Street Journal citing Congressional documents, including internal memos, emails, cables, showed how China used its “zero-Covid policy” to not only control its citizens but also subject these similar “inhumane practices” to United States diplomats in Beijing.

A report by the Wall Street Journal citing Congressional documents, including internal memos, emails, cables, showed how China used its “zero-Covid policy” to not only control its citizens but also subject these similar “inhumane practices” to United States diplomats in Beijing. Documents submitted to the US State Department over the past two years detail Beijing’s mistreatment of foreign-service officers and their families assigned to the US Embassy and consulates in China. They allege that during their time in quarantine they were separated from their families for months. Reportedly, they were forced to undergo months of quarantine, multiple and unnecessary medical tests as well as use China’s “health” app which was supposedly used to monitor and control them. In early 2020, US evacuated at least 1,300 diplomats and their families from China after Covid first hit and communicated a list of demands over the summer saying that the State refuses to let “authoritarian governments use Covid as an excuse to mistreat or monitor diplomats,” said the report. However, Beijing refused to comply with the demands set by the US and in September they signed a “limited waiver of inviolability.” ALSO READ: China ready to find ways to cooperate with US, says Xi Jinping ahead of possible Indonesia meet with Biden The waiver reportedly let China impose a mandatory 14-day quarantine, and require three Covid tests (pre-departure, upon arrival at the airport and on the 13th day in quarantine). If tested positive they were taken to a “hospital” until recovered. The acting chief of the China mission, in a 97-page memo, sent on January 7, 2022, reportedly detailed how upon arrival they were sent to China-selected hotels which they believed to be “government-run”. Citing Congressional aides, the report says that at least 30 individuals were “imprisoned” for weeks while the State has told the WSJ there were 16 people. They were also frustrated at the State’s lack of response and eventually turned to Congress. The adults and children over the age of 14 were asked to quarantine separately which caused one of the teenagers mental health problems. The rooms had “not been cleaned in months”, and were mouldy and “unhealthy” said the memo. It also alleged that the results of their Covid tests were being altered “to achieve an additional level of control” as several families which had tested negative on arrival were suddenly testing positive and were taken not to the hospital but to “fever clinics”. These so-called fever clinics, according to the report, were “small, dirty rooms” with doors locked and barred windows. Upon arrival, they were “required to undergo nasal and throat swabs, to provide sputum, urine and stool samples, and to submit to EKGs and CT scans,” said the report citing the memo. They also believe they were being monitored and the Chinese were collecting intelligence as well as their DNA. ALSO READ: Is United States accelerating plans to upgrade its nukes at NATO bases in Europe? Citing the memo the report also said one family spent at least 69 days in a fever clinic which provided no soap, toilet paper, towels, laundry service, or even potable water with minimal food (largely soup). Detainees would have to wait for care packages and reported a notable weight loss. Meanwhile, the children of the family had to be “forcibly restrained” as the staff reportedly used adult-sized nasal swabs and caused nosebleeds multiple times due to repeated testing, while the parents reported ongoing trauma, said the WSJ. Reportedly another family of five at the clinic for nearly two months in 2021 was cumulatively subjected to 159 throat, nose and blood tests. The test results would take weeks or months on end, during which they were denied urgent medical care. The report refers to the story of a two-year-old mentioned in the memo who got injured and it took his family 12 hours to find any clinic that would agree to stitch up the wound. Another diplomat who faced severe stomach pain and alerted the Embassy was asked to stay put and was later diagnosed with appendicitis. During this time the memo also alleged that the Chinese health app which was supposedly a “contact-tracing tool” was being used to monitor their movement and employ changing definitions to target diplomats in a bid to increase the duration of their quarantine. The report citing the documents said that the senior leaders of the State were aware of this treatment. However, the State Department officials told WSJ, “This issue has been resolved. Since March, 609 U.S. officials and family members have arrived in (China), and none have been placed in a fever hospital.” Three people during the post-travel quarantine were also evacuated to avoid the fever clinics, they added. They also told WSJ that now they provide an Embassy letter outlining diplomatic rights which reportedly allows diplomats to quarantine at their residences and not compel them to go to these facilities and also does not permit separation of children from their parents which China has agreed to define as under the age of 18. ALSO READ: ‘Simply untrue’: China denies allegations of running ‘illegal’ police station in Netherlands US senator Jim Risch had raised these allegations of abuse in a letter to the Secretary of State Antony Blinken in which he noted that China’s conduct “potentially violates the internationally recognized human rights of U.S. diplomats, and poses a serious national security risk,” said the report. Earlier this year in September, the issue was also raised by two other US congress members and China swiftly dismissed their complaints. At the time, Beijing’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said they use a “science-based and effective epidemic prevention protocol” for both Chinese and people entering China “without discrimination”. She added that such statements by US lawmakers were “absurd and completely groundless,” and show signs of “China phobia.” The Chinese spokesperson also said that she was unaware of the previously mentioned 16 Americans or how the congress members arrived at that number adding that it was “even more nonsense to say that China obtained intelligence from the U.S. through quarantine.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Did China use its 'zero-Covid policy' to 'harass' US diplomats in Beijing?

The city of Wuhan in China, which was the first COVID hotspot three years ago at the start of the pandemic, has imposed lockdown in some of the districts. Hanyang is one of the districts in Wuhan which where lockdown was imposed after spike in coronavirus cases.

From Oct. 26 to Oct. 30, the district's more than 800,000 people have been told to stay at home as services were limited across sectors, authorities said in a notice.

Wuhan's Union hospital said in a release that it suspended ourpatient services after a staff member at canteen tested positive. Universities in Wuhan have reverted to online teaching.

"It's already the third year and things are still like this," Wuhan resident Joy Dai, who works in the tourism sector, told Reuters.

"It affects me both mentally and physically ... but I'm helpless in all of this so I've learned to accept it."

Lockdowns have been imposed in districts of Guangzhou city as well. The city has reported 27 new local symtomatic cases and asymptomatic cases on Tuesday. The city has classified five more of its districts as high-risk: Huangpu, Nansha, Panyu, Yuexiu and Conghua.

The southern metropolis and manufacturing hub had already shut down daily social activities and called for mass testing in the Haizhu and Baiyun districts.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The city of Wuhan in China, which was the first COVID hotspot three years ago at the start of the pandemic, has imposed lockdown in some of the districts. Hanyang is one of the districts in Wuhan which where lockdown was imposed after spike in coronavirus cases.

The city of Wuhan in China, which was the first COVID hotspot three years ago at the start of the pandemic, has imposed lockdown in some of the districts. Hanyang is one of the districts in Wuhan which where lockdown was imposed after spike in coronavirus cases. From Oct. 26 to Oct. 30, the district's more than 800,000 people have been told to stay at home as services were limited across sectors, authorities said in a notice. Wuhan's Union hospital said in a release that it suspended ourpatient services after a staff member at canteen tested positive. Universities in Wuhan have reverted to online teaching. "It's already the third year and things are still like this," Wuhan resident Joy Dai, who works in the tourism sector, told Reuters. "It affects me both mentally and physically ... but I'm helpless in all of this so I've learned to accept it." Lockdowns have been imposed in districts of Guangzhou city as well. The city has reported 27 new local symtomatic cases and asymptomatic cases on Tuesday. The city has classified five more of its districts as high-risk: Huangpu, Nansha, Panyu, Yuexiu and Conghua. The southern metropolis and manufacturing hub had already shut down daily social activities and called for mass testing in the Haizhu and Baiyun districts. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Lockdown returns in Wuhan, the first-ever Covid hotspot in the world

A recent study, published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, shows that babies born during the first Covid-19 pandemic-induced lockdown were slower to meet several developmental milestones when compared to those who were born prior to the pandemic. However, they might have been faster to crawl, the study suggests.&nbsp;

Researchers in Ireland asked the parents of 309 “pandemic” babies, born between March and May 2020, to assess their child’s ability across seven developmental milestones, including, their ability to crawl, pick up tiny objects (with thumb and index finger), and express at least one definite and meaningful word.&nbsp;

According to Dr Susan Byrne, a pediatric neurologist at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland who was also part of the study, Irish lockdowns particularly were “very stringent”. She added, “During the first six months, the families (which they studied) were in contact with only four other people outside the family unit, on average, and by the time they reached 12 months, one in four of the babies hadn’t met another child their own age.”&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/microplastics-detected-in-human-breastmilk-for-first-time-scientists-startled-523920">Microplastics detected in human breast milk for first time, scientists startled</a>

The researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and University College Cork also found that there was a small but measurable difference of 12% in the babies’ language and communication skills when compared to the pre-pandemic babies.&nbsp;

Furthermore, they were 9% less likely to point at people or objects and 6.5% less likely to be able to wave “bye-bye”, said the study. On the other hand, the study suggested that “pandemic” babies were 6.5% more likely to crawl earlier than their pre-pandemic counterparts and reasoned that this may be the case because they spent more time on the ground, rather than being strapped into cars and pushchairs.&nbsp;

“It’s interesting because a lot of these babies were at home and not seeing many people leave, meaning there wouldn’t have been anybody to say ‘bye-bye’ to. Babies also tend to point when they see new things that they want, but if they weren’t going outside, they would have already known about everything in their environments,” said Dr Byrne to the Guardian.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-approves-covid-19-omicron-vaccine-for-children-as-young-as-5-524893">United States approves COVID-19 Omicron vaccine for children as young as 5</a>

Researchers also indicated that they remained “unclear” on whether wearing masks affected the babies’ language and communication development. However, Byrne stressed that differences were small and there are steps that parents can take to help their toddlers catch up.&nbsp;

“Babies are resilient and inquisitive by nature, and it is very likely that with societal re-emergence and increase in social circles that their social communication skills will improve,” she added. The researchers indicated that the “overall relative risk reductions” are small and they would likely be able to catch up with their pre-pandemic peers after the restrictions are lifted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A recent study, published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, shows that babies born during the first Covid-19 pandemic-induced lockdown were slower to meet several developmental milestones when compared to those who were born prior to the pandemic.

A recent study, published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, shows that babies born during the first Covid-19 pandemic-induced lockdown were slower to meet several developmental milestones when compared to those who were born prior to the pandemic. However, they might have been faster to crawl, the study suggests. Researchers in Ireland asked the parents of 309 “pandemic” babies, born between March and May 2020, to assess their child’s ability across seven developmental milestones, including, their ability to crawl, pick up tiny objects (with thumb and index finger), and express at least one definite and meaningful word. According to Dr Susan Byrne, a pediatric neurologist at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland who was also part of the study, Irish lockdowns particularly were “very stringent”. She added, “During the first six months, the families (which they studied) were in contact with only four other people outside the family unit, on average, and by the time they reached 12 months, one in four of the babies hadn’t met another child their own age.” ALSO READ: Microplastics detected in human breast milk for first time, scientists startled The researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and University College Cork also found that there was a small but measurable difference of 12% in the babies’ language and communication skills when compared to the pre-pandemic babies. Furthermore, they were 9% less likely to point at people or objects and 6.5% less likely to be able to wave “bye-bye”, said the study. On the other hand, the study suggested that “pandemic” babies were 6.5% more likely to crawl earlier than their pre-pandemic counterparts and reasoned that this may be the case because they spent more time on the ground, rather than being strapped into cars and pushchairs. “It’s interesting because a lot of these babies were at home and not seeing many people leave, meaning there wouldn’t have been anybody to say ‘bye-bye’ to. Babies also tend to point when they see new things that they want, but if they weren’t going outside, they would have already known about everything in their environments,” said Dr Byrne to the Guardian. ALSO READ: United States approves COVID-19 Omicron vaccine for children as young as 5 Researchers also indicated that they remained “unclear” on whether wearing masks affected the babies’ language and communication development. However, Byrne stressed that differences were small and there are steps that parents can take to help their toddlers catch up. “Babies are resilient and inquisitive by nature, and it is very likely that with societal re-emergence and increase in social circles that their social communication skills will improve,” she added. The researchers indicated that the “overall relative risk reductions” are small and they would likely be able to catch up with their pre-pandemic peers after the restrictions are lifted. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Pandemic’ babies are slower to meet some developmental milestones, says study

World Health Organization director general&nbsp;Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus&nbsp;indicated that long Covid is “devastating” the lives and livelihoods of tens of millions of people across the world. This includes wreaking havoc on the healthcare system, and economies not to mention affecting the day-to-day lives of the people living with the condition.&nbsp;

“Crushing fatigue. Brain fog making straightforward tasks almost impossible. Shortness of breath walking up the stairs,” are just some of many symptoms experienced by people living with long Covid (post-Covid-19 condition), said Tedros in a piece he wrote for the Guardian.&nbsp;

WHO first started recognising long Covid in mid-2020 after patient groups, researchers and clinicians that they work with found cases of prolonged Covid-19. The virus that first emerged in China in late 2019 and subsequently turned into a global pandemic&nbsp;killed at least 6.5 million people across the world and infected more than 600 million, said the report.&nbsp;

However, WHO estimates that 10% to 20% of survivors have been left with mid and long-term aforementioned symptoms of Covid-19. Additionally, women are nearly twice as likely as men to have contracted this condition, while “those hospitalised with severe Covid are more likely to develop the condition” said Tedros citing the data by WHO and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME).&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/women-are-significantly-more-likely-than-men-to-get-long-covid-study-490535">Women are significantly more likely than men to get long Covid: Study</a>

Since the data is mostly available from high-income countries, it does not portray a clear picture of how many people are actually suffering, said the WHO chief, however, they estimate that tens of millions of people, or perhaps more, have contracted long Covid. As of now, with no evidence of how to best treat the condition, many face “often lengthy” and “frustrating” waits for support or guidance, said Tedros.&nbsp;

This large number of people suffering also has dangerous implications for countries and economies still reeling from the multiple waves of Covid-19 cases, said the report. “While the pandemic has changed dramatically due to the introduction of many life saving tools, and there is light at the end of the tunnel, the impact of long Covid for all countries is very serious and needs immediate and sustained action equivalent to its scale,” said Tedros.&nbsp; 
 
The WHO chief has urged leaders to “seriously ramp up support” to minimise the suffering of those who have long Covid. “This plan should encompass, providing immediate access to antivirals to patients at high risk of serious disease, investing in research and sharing new tools and knowledge as they’re identified to prevent, detect and treat patients more effectively. It also means supporting patients physical and mental health as well as providing financial support for those who are unable to work,” said Tedros in the piece he wrote.&nbsp;

Therefore, to drive this effort forward the WHO chief mapped out a plan with five “key elements”:&nbsp;

1. Tedros addresses the importance of listening to “patient groups, researchers and health workers dealing with this condition which we are still learning about”, said the WHO chief. He added that governments should use this “first-hand knowledge” and adjust policies accordingly to diagnose, support and treat people. On the other hand, it is critical for health professionals to assure and communicate how long and frustrating the road to recovery can be but people do get better, said Tedros.&nbsp;

2. The second element includes ensuring equitable access to tests, therapeutics and vaccines in order to avoid infection and reduce the severity of Covid, indicated the WHO chief. He highlights that while 70% of people have been vaccinated, only 22% of people in low-income countries have received the vaccination.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-causes-covid-brain-fog-this-study-has-answer-may-help-devise-new-treatments-for-long-covid-495123">What causes Covid brain fog? This study has answer; may help devise new treatments for long Covid</a>

3. According to Tedros, there is also a need for systematic data collection on patients suffering from long Covid, since most of the data received by WHO is from high-income countries they are unaware of the impact on low and middle-income countries.&nbsp;

This gap in knowledge “undermines the overarching response and delays the scientific community from understanding the nature of long Covid and how best to treat it”, said the WHO chief urging countries to share their data with the organisation.&nbsp;

4. There is a large amount of research on long Covid for which Tedros has called for “sustained investment” which would help them expand their scientific understanding and develop better treatments and clinical management.&nbsp;

5. Lastly, he called for the integration of “multi-disciplinary care”, for people suffering from long Covid as they require a range of services, including “health and care workers with expertise in neurology, rehabilitation, psychology, speech therapy and respiratory therapy”, said the WHO chief. He reasoned that delayed clinical care can impact their quality of life as well as the length of time they suffer from the symptoms.&nbsp; 
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World Health Organization director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus indicated that long Covid is “devastating” the lives and livelihoods of tens of millions of people across the world.

World Health Organization director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus indicated that long Covid is “devastating” the lives and livelihoods of tens of millions of people across the world. This includes wreaking havoc on the healthcare system, and economies not to mention affecting the day-to-day lives of the people living with the condition. “Crushing fatigue. Brain fog making straightforward tasks almost impossible. Shortness of breath walking up the stairs,” are just some of many symptoms experienced by people living with long Covid (post-Covid-19 condition), said Tedros in a piece he wrote for the Guardian. WHO first started recognising long Covid in mid-2020 after patient groups, researchers and clinicians that they work with found cases of prolonged Covid-19. The virus that first emerged in China in late 2019 and subsequently turned into a global pandemic killed at least 6.5 million people across the world and infected more than 600 million, said the report. However, WHO estimates that 10% to 20% of survivors have been left with mid and long-term aforementioned symptoms of Covid-19. Additionally, women are nearly twice as likely as men to have contracted this condition, while “those hospitalised with severe Covid are more likely to develop the condition” said Tedros citing the data by WHO and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). ALSO READ: Women are significantly more likely than men to get long Covid: Study Since the data is mostly available from high-income countries, it does not portray a clear picture of how many people are actually suffering, said the WHO chief, however, they estimate that tens of millions of people, or perhaps more, have contracted long Covid. As of now, with no evidence of how to best treat the condition, many face “often lengthy” and “frustrating” waits for support or guidance, said Tedros. This large number of people suffering also has dangerous implications for countries and economies still reeling from the multiple waves of Covid-19 cases, said the report. “While the pandemic has changed dramatically due to the introduction of many life saving tools, and there is light at the end of the tunnel, the impact of long Covid for all countries is very serious and needs immediate and sustained action equivalent to its scale,” said Tedros. The WHO chief has urged leaders to “seriously ramp up support” to minimise the suffering of those who have long Covid. “This plan should encompass, providing immediate access to antivirals to patients at high risk of serious disease, investing in research and sharing new tools and knowledge as they’re identified to prevent, detect and treat patients more effectively. It also means supporting patients physical and mental health as well as providing financial support for those who are unable to work,” said Tedros in the piece he wrote. Therefore, to drive this effort forward the WHO chief mapped out a plan with five “key elements”: 1. Tedros addresses the importance of listening to “patient groups, researchers and health workers dealing with this condition which we are still learning about”, said the WHO chief. He added that governments should use this “first-hand knowledge” and adjust policies accordingly to diagnose, support and treat people. On the other hand, it is critical for health professionals to assure and communicate how long and frustrating the road to recovery can be but people do get better, said Tedros. 2. The second element includes ensuring equitable access to tests, therapeutics and vaccines in order to avoid infection and reduce the severity of Covid, indicated the WHO chief. He highlights that while 70% of people have been vaccinated, only 22% of people in low-income countries have received the vaccination. ALSO READ: What causes Covid brain fog? This study has answer; may help devise new treatments for long Covid 3. According to Tedros, there is also a need for systematic data collection on patients suffering from long Covid, since most of the data received by WHO is from high-income countries they are unaware of the impact on low and middle-income countries. This gap in knowledge “undermines the overarching response and delays the scientific community from understanding the nature of long Covid and how best to treat it”, said the WHO chief urging countries to share their data with the organisation. 4. There is a large amount of research on long Covid for which Tedros has called for “sustained investment” which would help them expand their scientific understanding and develop better treatments and clinical management. 5. Lastly, he called for the integration of “multi-disciplinary care”, for people suffering from long Covid as they require a range of services, including “health and care workers with expertise in neurology, rehabilitation, psychology, speech therapy and respiratory therapy”, said the WHO chief. He reasoned that delayed clinical care can impact their quality of life as well as the length of time they suffer from the symptoms. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WHO chief warns about ‘devastating’ impact of long Covid on people, urges immediate action

Japan reopens for tourists after two-and-a-half years of Covid restrictions

According to a report by Bloomberg, released earlier today, Hong Kong is set to make Covid-19 PCR tests available within walking distance, by converting some of its “mobile stations” into “community testing centres” which will lead to a network of at least 85 facilities spread across the financial hub.&nbsp;

This comes as the government has also set to reduce the prices of the tests later this month. In a statement released on Thursday, they said that about 70% of its population will be able to reach one of these community testing centres within 15 minutes. Currently, a PCR test that gives the result within 24 hours costs HK$240, which will be reduced to HK$150. However, the residents can opt for the 12-hour test which will cost HK$240, said the report.&nbsp;

The authorities in Hong Kong also recently dropped their mandatory hotel quarantine and PCR tests before departure, however, travellers are still not allowed to move around freely after landing and have to adhere to a strict testing regimen for at least three days, said the report.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-hong-kong-will-ease-social-distancing-rules-from-october-6-521354">COVID-19: Hong Kong will ease social distancing rules from October 6</a>

The report suggests that the officials in Hong Kong are trying to strike balance between living with the virus in a post-pandemic world but also adhering to the zero-Covid measures adopted by mainland China. On the other hand, Beijing has built a network of tens of thousands of testing booths across major cities where the goal is to have a test centre just a 15-minute walk away from any resident.&nbsp;

In an interview with Bloomberg last week, the secretary for health Lo Chung-mau of Hong Kong said that the government will keep testing travellers in case of the emergence of new variants of Covid, saying that the city is obliged to not introduce another major outbreak in mainland China.&nbsp; 
 
Hong Kong still follows a strict mask mandate and testing rules which most other countries have dropped, this has put them at odds and reportedly prompted large business groups in the financial hub to call upon the authorities urging them to further ease&nbsp;Covid-19 related&nbsp;restrictions. This comes as the city is set to host a banking summit and international rugby competition in November this year. 
 
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According to a report by Bloomberg, released earlier today, Hong Kong is set to make Covid-19 PCR tests available within walking distance, by converting some of its “mobile stations” into “community testing centres” which will lead to a network of at least 85 facilities spread across the financial hub.

According to a report by Bloomberg, released earlier today, Hong Kong is set to make Covid-19 PCR tests available within walking distance, by converting some of its “mobile stations” into “community testing centres” which will lead to a network of at least 85 facilities spread across the financial hub. This comes as the government has also set to reduce the prices of the tests later this month. In a statement released on Thursday, they said that about 70% of its population will be able to reach one of these community testing centres within 15 minutes. Currently, a PCR test that gives the result within 24 hours costs HK$240, which will be reduced to HK$150. However, the residents can opt for the 12-hour test which will cost HK$240, said the report. The authorities in Hong Kong also recently dropped their mandatory hotel quarantine and PCR tests before departure, however, travellers are still not allowed to move around freely after landing and have to adhere to a strict testing regimen for at least three days, said the report. ALSO READ: COVID-19: Hong Kong will ease social distancing rules from October 6 The report suggests that the officials in Hong Kong are trying to strike balance between living with the virus in a post-pandemic world but also adhering to the zero-Covid measures adopted by mainland China. On the other hand, Beijing has built a network of tens of thousands of testing booths across major cities where the goal is to have a test centre just a 15-minute walk away from any resident. In an interview with Bloomberg last week, the secretary for health Lo Chung-mau of Hong Kong said that the government will keep testing travellers in case of the emergence of new variants of Covid, saying that the city is obliged to not introduce another major outbreak in mainland China. Hong Kong still follows a strict mask mandate and testing rules which most other countries have dropped, this has put them at odds and reportedly prompted large business groups in the financial hub to call upon the authorities urging them to further ease Covid-19 related restrictions. This comes as the city is set to host a banking summit and international rugby competition in November this year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Report: Hong Kong to make Covid PCR tests available within walking distance

According to a study, more than a third of young people feel their lives are out of control due to the Covid pandemic, reported the Guardian. Additionally, the findings also indicated that more than 60% of young people between the ages of 16-25 years said that they are sacred for their generation’s future.&nbsp;

A report by the &nbsp;Prince’s Trust Class of Covid research released its findings to the local media ahead of a nationwide campaign set to be launched in the United Kingdom this week to highlight the pandemic’s long-term impact on the younger generation. The findings were based on the data collected from more than 2,000 young people across the UK.&nbsp;

“Young people today are facing unique challenges which threaten the futures and aspirations of an entire generation if we don’t act,” said the charity’s UK chief executive, Jonathan Townsend to the Guardian. According to him, for young people “their education, employment and key formative years have already suffered, leaving many feeling uncertain and scared about a future which appears to be spiralling out of their control.”

He added these fears are despite high vacancies as “young people remain worried about their future career prospects”. The study also shows that at least half of those surveyed indicated that living through the pandemic has made them more resilient. Meanwhile, more than half of them said they are more determined to pursue their goals than before, said the report.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/report-feeling-unhappy-lonely-can-accelerate-aging-faster-than-smoking-diseases-520622">Report: Feeling unhappy, lonely can accelerate aging faster than smoking, diseases</a>

According to Townsend, “young people have shown a unique resilience to overcome the challenges they faced and are more determined than ever to achieve their goals.” However, they need support to ensure their talent and aspirations do not go to waste, he added.&nbsp;

Another study that surveyed 16-19-year-olds also showed evidence of widespread “retarded development” among young people, due to missing major developmental milestones during the pandemic. The Savanta State of the Youth Nation report also showed how the pandemic has given rise to a new era of uncertainty and lack of confidence.&nbsp;

This particular study is by the UK’s largest youth research panel which has asked the same set of questions to 1,000 young people for the past 7 years. Therefore, they have drawn comparisons to understand the far-reaching consequences and the impact of the loss of confidence during the 2 years. They included milestones like first kiss, first romantic relationship, new jobs and workplace, and so on.&nbsp; 
 
At least 60% of young people who were living alone during the pandemic said that they lack confidence in their decision-making. This is in comparison to the 40% before the pandemic. Similarly, those who lived with their parents experienced a slight dip in their confidence with 47% saying they could make up their minds when compared to the 52% prior to the pandemic.&nbsp;

The effect was also seen in young people who experienced disruptions in starting work or who had to work from home and reportedly said that they were confused about what to expect from their jobs. The study indicated before the pandemic at least 68% of young people felt work was what they expected, but this figure fell down to 49% after the pandemic.&nbsp; 
 
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According to a study, more than a third of young people feel their lives are out of control due to the Covid pandemic, reported the Guardian. Additionally, the findings also indicated that more than 60% of young people between the ages of 16-25 years said that they are sacred for their generation’s future.

According to a study, more than a third of young people feel their lives are out of control due to the Covid pandemic, reported the Guardian. Additionally, the findings also indicated that more than 60% of young people between the ages of 16-25 years said that they are sacred for their generation’s future. A report by the Prince’s Trust Class of Covid research released its findings to the local media ahead of a nationwide campaign set to be launched in the United Kingdom this week to highlight the pandemic’s long-term impact on the younger generation. The findings were based on the data collected from more than 2,000 young people across the UK. “Young people today are facing unique challenges which threaten the futures and aspirations of an entire generation if we don’t act,” said the charity’s UK chief executive, Jonathan Townsend to the Guardian. According to him, for young people “their education, employment and key formative years have already suffered, leaving many feeling uncertain and scared about a future which appears to be spiralling out of their control.” He added these fears are despite high vacancies as “young people remain worried about their future career prospects”. The study also shows that at least half of those surveyed indicated that living through the pandemic has made them more resilient. Meanwhile, more than half of them said they are more determined to pursue their goals than before, said the report. ALSO READ: Report: Feeling unhappy, lonely can accelerate aging faster than smoking, diseases According to Townsend, “young people have shown a unique resilience to overcome the challenges they faced and are more determined than ever to achieve their goals.” However, they need support to ensure their talent and aspirations do not go to waste, he added. Another study that surveyed 16-19-year-olds also showed evidence of widespread “retarded development” among young people, due to missing major developmental milestones during the pandemic. The Savanta State of the Youth Nation report also showed how the pandemic has given rise to a new era of uncertainty and lack of confidence. This particular study is by the UK’s largest youth research panel which has asked the same set of questions to 1,000 young people for the past 7 years. Therefore, they have drawn comparisons to understand the far-reaching consequences and the impact of the loss of confidence during the 2 years. They included milestones like first kiss, first romantic relationship, new jobs and workplace, and so on. At least 60% of young people who were living alone during the pandemic said that they lack confidence in their decision-making. This is in comparison to the 40% before the pandemic. Similarly, those who lived with their parents experienced a slight dip in their confidence with 47% saying they could make up their minds when compared to the 52% prior to the pandemic. The effect was also seen in young people who experienced disruptions in starting work or who had to work from home and reportedly said that they were confused about what to expect from their jobs. The study indicated before the pandemic at least 68% of young people felt work was what they expected, but this figure fell down to 49% after the pandemic. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Report: Over a third of young people feel their lives have spiralled out of control due to Covid, says study

Luke Andalis, a South African, changes into the muscular Aratak in a temporary dressing area covered in black fabric as he gets ready to perform at Comic-Con Africa, the largest pop culture, fantasy, and gaming convention on the continent.&nbsp;

The 32-year-old cosplayer Andalis giggles to pals as he pulls a stiff green pleather coat over his head and shoulders, saying, "There's so much fur in my mouth."&nbsp;

He decided to dress up as Aratak, the middle-aged Banuk tribe chieftain from the well-known video game Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wild, this year.

The return of Comic-Con Africa has been eagerly awaited by cosplayers and fans following a two-year Covid sabbatical.&nbsp;

Thousands of people gathered at a sizable expo centre next to the FNB Stadium, which served as the site of the FIFA 2010 World Cup final, on Saturday dressed as superheroes, clowns, and aliens in bright masks, sci-fi outfits, and bizarre wigs.&nbsp;

Visitors to the Stranger Things escape rooms, temporary tattoo parlours, and comic refuge were greeted by loud music.

Celebrities from all walks of life will be attending this year's events, including Jamie Campbell Bower, an award-winning actor from Stranger Things and the Twilight series, among others.&nbsp;

South of the commercial capital Johannesburg, at the national leisure centre, is where Africa's third comic convention is taking place. In 2018, the event made its debut in Africa.&nbsp;

In a country where the cosplay industry is not yet as significant as it is in more developed nations, the four-day pop culture festival has received plaudits for giving cosplayers a platform.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Luke Andalis, a South African, changes into the muscular Aratak in a temporary dressing area covered in black fabric as he gets ready to perform at Comic-Con Africa, the largest pop culture, fantasy, and gaming convention on the continent.

Luke Andalis, a South African, changes into the muscular Aratak in a temporary dressing area covered in black fabric as he gets ready to perform at Comic-Con Africa, the largest pop culture, fantasy, and gaming convention on the continent. The 32-year-old cosplayer Andalis giggles to pals as he pulls a stiff green pleather coat over his head and shoulders, saying, "There's so much fur in my mouth." He decided to dress up as Aratak, the middle-aged Banuk tribe chieftain from the well-known video game Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wild, this year. The return of Comic-Con Africa has been eagerly awaited by cosplayers and fans following a two-year Covid sabbatical. Thousands of people gathered at a sizable expo centre next to the FNB Stadium, which served as the site of the FIFA 2010 World Cup final, on Saturday dressed as superheroes, clowns, and aliens in bright masks, sci-fi outfits, and bizarre wigs. Visitors to the Stranger Things escape rooms, temporary tattoo parlours, and comic refuge were greeted by loud music. Celebrities from all walks of life will be attending this year's events, including Jamie Campbell Bower, an award-winning actor from Stranger Things and the Twilight series, among others. South of the commercial capital Johannesburg, at the national leisure centre, is where Africa's third comic convention is taking place. In 2018, the event made its debut in Africa. In a country where the cosplay industry is not yet as significant as it is in more developed nations, the four-day pop culture festival has received plaudits for giving cosplayers a platform. (with inputs from agencies)

Africa's Comic-Con festival resumes after a two-year Covid sabbatical

Kashmir region is witnessing a sharp rise in the cases of suicides, suicide attempts and taking extreme steps. A study done recently by one of the government agencies has reported that Post covid around 127 people died by committing suicide in the valley.&nbsp;

The report says more than 365 suicide attempts have been reported in the Kashmir region since Feb 2021. The data prepared by the State Disaster Response Force reveals that 365 attempts of suicide were recorded as 127 persons died after committing suicide, and 238 survived after taking extreme steps.&nbsp;

''We started a mental health helpline called 'Sukoon', where we did a research in the valley where we collected data of how many suicide cases were reported in the Valley, the data which we have with us suggests that since Feb 2021 to June 2022, there have been 365 suicide attempts by people during this period, 127 people died due to suicide and 238 survived these attempts. These are huge figures and post covid there is an increase in the number of suicide attempts. '' said Haseeb Ul Rahman, Commandant SDRF, Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Data also suggests that the highest number of suicide attempts were reported from central Kashmir's Budgam district. Budgam reported 72 suicide attempts while North Kashmir's Baramulla district reported 61. In South Kashmir's Anantnag district 55 suicide attempts were reported while 51 were reported in Kupwara in North Kashmir.&nbsp;

There were 34 suicide attempts reported in North Kashmir's Bandipora. In South Kashmir's Shopian district 19 such attempts were reported while 15 were reported in Pulwama. District Kulgam reported 25 suicide attempts and Srinagar city reported 17.&nbsp;

The data of deaths reported in various districts were also given out. In total 127 people died after taking extreme steps that include 17 in Srinagar, 11 in Ganderbal, &nbsp;08 in Bandipora, 09 in Shopian, 08 in Pulwama, 11 in Budgam, 31 in Anantnag, 10 in Kulgam, 15 in Baramulla and 07 in Kupwara.

The psychologists in the valley say Post covid stress triggered by various issues like financial, relationship issues and isolation led to taking these extreme steps. &nbsp;The doctors feel the awareness among the youngsters needs to be increased across the Kashmir Valley. The doctors also say that there is a suicide contagion that needs to be prevented.&nbsp;

''There is a concept of suicide contagion, research suggests that if one person dies of suicide it affects 135 people around him. And out of those 135 people, 60 per cent are more vulnerable to thoughts of suicide. That's how we see the suicide contagion spread. Sometimes when it is localised to one particular area, we get more reported cases because of the same phenomena. It is also about treatment seeking, Srinagar has much more treatment seeking options than other places and sometimes it can be because of the lack of treatment options and definitely due to the contagion which spreads. '' said Dr Zoya Mir, Clinical Psychologist, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The SDRF is going to submit the report to the Chief Secretary's office in Jammu and Kashmir. And the government is expected to come out with a strategy to tackle the issue.&nbsp;

Kashmir region is witnessing a sharp rise in the cases of suicides, suicide attempts and taking extreme steps. A study done recently by one of the government agencies has reported that Post covid around 127 people died by committing suicide in the valley.

Kashmir region is witnessing a sharp rise in the cases of suicides, suicide attempts and taking extreme steps. A study done recently by one of the government agencies has reported that Post covid around 127 people died by committing suicide in the valley. The report says more than 365 suicide attempts have been reported in the Kashmir region since Feb 2021. The data prepared by the State Disaster Response Force reveals that 365 attempts of suicide were recorded as 127 persons died after committing suicide, and 238 survived after taking extreme steps. ''We started a mental health helpline called 'Sukoon', where we did a research in the valley where we collected data of how many suicide cases were reported in the Valley, the data which we have with us suggests that since Feb 2021 to June 2022, there have been 365 suicide attempts by people during this period, 127 people died due to suicide and 238 survived these attempts. These are huge figures and post covid there is an increase in the number of suicide attempts. '' said Haseeb Ul Rahman, Commandant SDRF, Kashmir. The Data also suggests that the highest number of suicide attempts were reported from central Kashmir's Budgam district. Budgam reported 72 suicide attempts while North Kashmir's Baramulla district reported 61. In South Kashmir's Anantnag district 55 suicide attempts were reported while 51 were reported in Kupwara in North Kashmir. There were 34 suicide attempts reported in North Kashmir's Bandipora. In South Kashmir's Shopian district 19 such attempts were reported while 15 were reported in Pulwama. District Kulgam reported 25 suicide attempts and Srinagar city reported 17. The data of deaths reported in various districts were also given out. In total 127 people died after taking extreme steps that include 17 in Srinagar, 11 in Ganderbal, 08 in Bandipora, 09 in Shopian, 08 in Pulwama, 11 in Budgam, 31 in Anantnag, 10 in Kulgam, 15 in Baramulla and 07 in Kupwara. The psychologists in the valley say Post covid stress triggered by various issues like financial, relationship issues and isolation led to taking these extreme steps. The doctors feel the awareness among the youngsters needs to be increased across the Kashmir Valley. The doctors also say that there is a suicide contagion that needs to be prevented. ''There is a concept of suicide contagion, research suggests that if one person dies of suicide it affects 135 people around him. And out of those 135 people, 60 per cent are more vulnerable to thoughts of suicide. That's how we see the suicide contagion spread. Sometimes when it is localised to one particular area, we get more reported cases because of the same phenomena. It is also about treatment seeking, Srinagar has much more treatment seeking options than other places and sometimes it can be because of the lack of treatment options and definitely due to the contagion which spreads. '' said Dr Zoya Mir, Clinical Psychologist, Government of Jammu and Kashmir. The SDRF is going to submit the report to the Chief Secretary's office in Jammu and Kashmir. And the government is expected to come out with a strategy to tackle the issue.

Kashmir witnesses steep rise in suicide cases post covid; SDRF to submit report to JK government

The first 23&nbsp;foreigners to enter Bhutan since the Himalayan nation reopened its borders following the Covid-19 pandemic more than two years ago arrived on Friday. Officials hope that tourism would help the region's economy recover.&nbsp;

The nation, which is wedged between China and India and is renowned for its natural beauty and historic Buddhist culture, first welcomed affluent tourists in 1974. After discovering its first incidence of Covid-19 in March 2020, it closed its borders to travellers, a significant source of income.&nbsp;

With fewer than 800,000 residents, the constitutional monarchy has reported little over 61,000 infections and 21 fatalities, but the $3 billion economy shrank over the last two fiscal years, forcing more people into poverty.

After welcoming the first travellers to the nation's sole international airport in Paro, close to the capital city of Thimphu, Dorji Dhradhul, Director General of the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB), declared that tourism for his organisation meant more than just financial gain.&nbsp;

He claimed that the small nation was eager to "very much be a part of the whole world."&nbsp;

He said, speaking from Bhutan to Reuters, "We feel through tourism we can do that... take advantage of their support and goodwill."

The officials reported that each guest who arrived on the inaugural aircraft from Kathmandu in neighbouring Nepal was given tiny packages of organic honey, tea, Bhutanese turmeric, and a local SIM card as a present.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-russians-emigrating-to-kazakhstan-amid-conscription-drive-519017">More Russians emigrating to Kazakhstan amid conscription drive</a>

Bhutan increased its Sustainable Development Fee in July from the $65 it had been charging for three decades to $200 per visitor per night in order to attract more wealthy visitors. In order to balance the carbon footprints of visitors, officials claimed the fees will be used for initiatives including tree planting, training for tourism employees, maintaining hiking routes, lowering dependency on fossil fuels, and electrifying transportation vehicles.&nbsp;

According to TCB data, there were 315,600 visitors in 2019, an increase of 15.1 per cent&nbsp;from the previous year. During the three years before to the pandemic, travellers helped the economy by spending an average of $84 million annually.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The first 23 foreigners to enter Bhutan since the Himalayan nation reopened its borders following the Covid-19 pandemic more than two years ago arrived on Friday.

The first 23 foreigners to enter Bhutan since the Himalayan nation reopened its borders following the Covid-19 pandemic more than two years ago arrived on Friday. Officials hope that tourism would help the region's economy recover. The nation, which is wedged between China and India and is renowned for its natural beauty and historic Buddhist culture, first welcomed affluent tourists in 1974. After discovering its first incidence of Covid-19 in March 2020, it closed its borders to travellers, a significant source of income. With fewer than 800,000 residents, the constitutional monarchy has reported little over 61,000 infections and 21 fatalities, but the $3 billion economy shrank over the last two fiscal years, forcing more people into poverty. After welcoming the first travellers to the nation's sole international airport in Paro, close to the capital city of Thimphu, Dorji Dhradhul, Director General of the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB), declared that tourism for his organisation meant more than just financial gain. He claimed that the small nation was eager to "very much be a part of the whole world." He said, speaking from Bhutan to Reuters, "We feel through tourism we can do that... take advantage of their support and goodwill." The officials reported that each guest who arrived on the inaugural aircraft from Kathmandu in neighbouring Nepal was given tiny packages of organic honey, tea, Bhutanese turmeric, and a local SIM card as a present. Also Read: More Russians emigrating to Kazakhstan amid conscription drive Bhutan increased its Sustainable Development Fee in July from the $65 it had been charging for three decades to $200 per visitor per night in order to attract more wealthy visitors. In order to balance the carbon footprints of visitors, officials claimed the fees will be used for initiatives including tree planting, training for tourism employees, maintaining hiking routes, lowering dependency on fossil fuels, and electrifying transportation vehicles. According to TCB data, there were 315,600 visitors in 2019, an increase of 15.1 per cent from the previous year. During the three years before to the pandemic, travellers helped the economy by spending an average of $84 million annually. (with inputs from agencies)

Bhutan reopens for tourists after Covid-19, welcomes them with honey, turmeric & SIM cards

Responding to US President Joe Biden's remark that "the pandemic is over", an official at the European Union's drugs regulator said on Tuesday that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing. The official added that a planned vaccination campaign during the cold season was key to fighting it.

"We in Europe still consider the pandemic as ongoing and it's important that member states prepare for rollout of the vaccines and especially the adaptive vaccines to prevent further spread of this disease in Europe," the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) chief medical officer Steffen Thirstrup told a media briefing, referring to vaccines targeting specific strains of the virus.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-biden-says-covid-19-pandemic-in-us-is-over-517520">President Biden says COVID-19 pandemic in US 'is over'</a>

"I cannot obviously answer why President Biden came to that conclusion," Thirstrup said.

In an interview televised Sunday, Biden declared the pandemic over in the US. "We're still doing a lot of work on it. But the pandemic is over," Biden said. However, statistics show that over 400 Americans on average are dying from the virus each day.

On the other hand, officials told US media that despite Biden's comments, a change in policy was not on the cards and there were no plans to lift the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency.

A few days back, the World Health Organization (WHO) had said that the end of the pandemic is in sight, provided countries use the tools at their disposal.

EMA officials also said that people in Europe should take whatever COVID-19 booster is available. The body has endorsed several vaccines specifically targeted at the Omicron variant to control a surge in infections during autumn and winter.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Responding to US President Joe Biden's remark that "the pandemic is over", an official at the European Union's drugs regulator said on Tuesday that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing.

Responding to US President Joe Biden's remark that "the pandemic is over", an official at the European Union's drugs regulator said on Tuesday that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing. The official added that a planned vaccination campaign during the cold season was key to fighting it. "We in Europe still consider the pandemic as ongoing and it's important that member states prepare for rollout of the vaccines and especially the adaptive vaccines to prevent further spread of this disease in Europe," the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) chief medical officer Steffen Thirstrup told a media briefing, referring to vaccines targeting specific strains of the virus. Also Read | President Biden says COVID-19 pandemic in US 'is over' "I cannot obviously answer why President Biden came to that conclusion," Thirstrup said. In an interview televised Sunday, Biden declared the pandemic over in the US. "We're still doing a lot of work on it. But the pandemic is over," Biden said. However, statistics show that over 400 Americans on average are dying from the virus each day. On the other hand, officials told US media that despite Biden's comments, a change in policy was not on the cards and there were no plans to lift the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. A few days back, the World Health Organization (WHO) had said that the end of the pandemic is in sight, provided countries use the tools at their disposal. EMA officials also said that people in Europe should take whatever COVID-19 booster is available. The body has endorsed several vaccines specifically targeted at the Omicron variant to control a surge in infections during autumn and winter. (With inputs from agencies)

EU official contradicts US President Joe Biden, says pandemic is not over yet

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the 22nd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit scheduled for September 15 and 16, 2022. This year the two-day conference is hosted by Uzbekistan in Samarkand. According to officials, the PM will discuss issues related to regional politics, security and the economy at the summit and is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines.&nbsp;

This year’s summit is significant for India as it is held in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and recent border disputes with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the leaders are also expected to review the group’s activities over the past two decades and the way forward for multilateral cooperation. India is among the eight member nations which also includes countries like China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

“The SCO Summit will be attended by leaders of SCO Member States, Observer States, Secretary General of the SCO, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), President of Turkmenistan and other invited guests,” indicated a statement released by the MEA. Reportedly, PM Modi’s focus will be on building stronger trade relations with the countries in the region as well push for greater cooperation in terms of healthcare following the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Officials have also indicated that this year India will also establish a stronger alliance among the countries that push for World Trade Organization (WTO) reform. Reports suggest that New Delhi may also avoid the discussion of the Chinese-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), notably, the project has somewhat become a point of contention between the two countries. Earlier this year, New Delhi asserted that BRI violates India’s sovereignty as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This assertion has been protested by China who has now abandoned efforts to bring India to the table to discuss the billion-dollar project, said an MEA official.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-2022-shanghai-cooperation-organization-meets-amid-stoked-tensions-515586">SCO Summit 2022: Shanghai cooperation organization meets amid stoked tensions</a>

Furthermore, this summit will be the first in-person meeting between PM Modi and President Xi following the skirmishes between China and India along the LAC. The two leaders will meet face-to-face after three years since the 2019 BRICS summit in Brasilia. “A lot of bilateral diplomacy has gone into de-escalating the situation and the upcoming meeting between the leaders will be crucial in confirming this, face to face,” said an official with knowledge of the matter. He added, that the disengagement in the Gogra-Hot Springs area in Eastern Ladakh was hurried given the leaders’ meeting.&nbsp;

New Delhi will also discuss topical issues of regional and global importance at the summit, indicated a statement by the MEA. Furthermore, reports also suggest that PM Modi might&nbsp;hold the first ever bilateral meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, however, it is yet to be officially confirmed. This will be India’s fifth summit since it became a member in 2017 and New Delhi will also assume the presidency of the grouping of&nbsp;Central Asian countries for the next year till September 2023.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the 22nd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit scheduled for September 15 and 16, 2022. This year the two-day conference is hosted by Uzbekistan in Samarkand.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the 22nd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit scheduled for September 15 and 16, 2022. This year the two-day conference is hosted by Uzbekistan in Samarkand. According to officials, the PM will discuss issues related to regional politics, security and the economy at the summit and is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines. This year’s summit is significant for India as it is held in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and recent border disputes with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the leaders are also expected to review the group’s activities over the past two decades and the way forward for multilateral cooperation. India is among the eight member nations which also includes countries like China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. “The SCO Summit will be attended by leaders of SCO Member States, Observer States, Secretary General of the SCO, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), President of Turkmenistan and other invited guests,” indicated a statement released by the MEA. Reportedly, PM Modi’s focus will be on building stronger trade relations with the countries in the region as well push for greater cooperation in terms of healthcare following the Covid-19 pandemic. Officials have also indicated that this year India will also establish a stronger alliance among the countries that push for World Trade Organization (WTO) reform. Reports suggest that New Delhi may also avoid the discussion of the Chinese-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), notably, the project has somewhat become a point of contention between the two countries. Earlier this year, New Delhi asserted that BRI violates India’s sovereignty as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This assertion has been protested by China who has now abandoned efforts to bring India to the table to discuss the billion-dollar project, said an MEA official. ALSO READ | SCO Summit 2022: Shanghai cooperation organization meets amid stoked tensions Furthermore, this summit will be the first in-person meeting between PM Modi and President Xi following the skirmishes between China and India along the LAC. The two leaders will meet face-to-face after three years since the 2019 BRICS summit in Brasilia. “A lot of bilateral diplomacy has gone into de-escalating the situation and the upcoming meeting between the leaders will be crucial in confirming this, face to face,” said an official with knowledge of the matter. He added, that the disengagement in the Gogra-Hot Springs area in Eastern Ladakh was hurried given the leaders’ meeting. New Delhi will also discuss topical issues of regional and global importance at the summit, indicated a statement by the MEA. Furthermore, reports also suggest that PM Modi might hold the first ever bilateral meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, however, it is yet to be officially confirmed. This will be India’s fifth summit since it became a member in 2017 and New Delhi will also assume the presidency of the grouping of Central Asian countries for the next year till September 2023.

SCO Summit: What are some of the regional affairs on PM Modi’s agenda?

Hong Kong will include children aged five and above in its COVID-19 vaccine pass scheme from the end of September, the government said on Thursday, as authorities try to boost inoculation levels there.

People aged 12 and above currently need to show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, malls, supermarkets and sports facilities in the Chinese special administrative region.

From Sept 30, children aged 5 to 11 will be required to have one vaccine shot, and two doses by Nov 30, the government said, adding that there had been a significant number of severe Covid&nbsp;cases involving children who required intensive care.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-chengdu-extends-its-lockdown-as-virus-spreads-513956">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Chengdu extends its lockdown as virus spreads&nbsp;</a>

Among them, six aged 3 to 11 died, all of whom were unvaccinated or had received only one dose, it said.

Currently 55 per cent of children aged 12-19 have had three vaccine shots but just 14 per cent&nbsp;in the 3-11 age group. More than 90 per cent&nbsp;of Hong Kong’s 7.3 million population have had two doses, according to the government.

Authorities are trying to boost coverage to three, particularly amongst children and the elderly where the rate is around 50 per cent.

Hong Kong's border with the mainland and the rest of the world has been tightly controlled for more than 2-1/2 years, in line with China's "zero-Covid" policy.

The city is highly reliant on international business and travel, and the restrictions have damaged its economy and led to the exodus of tens of thousands of residents.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-speech-therapists-convicted-over-publishing-of-seditious-books-that-make-kids-hate-beijing-513845">Also read |&nbsp;Hong Kong speech therapists convicted for publishing 'seditious' books that make kids hate Beijing</a>

Business groups, diplomats and many residents have criticised the COVID-19 rules, saying they threaten Hong Kong's competitiveness and standing as a global financial centre.

Masks are mandated in most places in Hong Kong and gatherings of more than four people prohibited.

Hong Kong has reported more than 1.5 million Covid&nbsp;infections and 9,757 deaths since the pandemic began.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Hong Kong will include children aged five and above in its COVID-19 vaccine pass scheme from the end of September, the government said on Thursday, as authorities try to boost inoculation levels there.

Hong Kong will include children aged five and above in its COVID-19 vaccine pass scheme from the end of September, the government said on Thursday, as authorities try to boost inoculation levels there. People aged 12 and above currently need to show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, malls, supermarkets and sports facilities in the Chinese special administrative region. From Sept 30, children aged 5 to 11 will be required to have one vaccine shot, and two doses by Nov 30, the government said, adding that there had been a significant number of severe Covid cases involving children who required intensive care. Also read | COVID-19: Chengdu extends its lockdown as virus spreads Among them, six aged 3 to 11 died, all of whom were unvaccinated or had received only one dose, it said. Currently 55 per cent of children aged 12-19 have had three vaccine shots but just 14 per cent in the 3-11 age group. More than 90 per cent of Hong Kong’s 7.3 million population have had two doses, according to the government. Authorities are trying to boost coverage to three, particularly amongst children and the elderly where the rate is around 50 per cent. Hong Kong's border with the mainland and the rest of the world has been tightly controlled for more than 2-1/2 years, in line with China's "zero-Covid" policy. The city is highly reliant on international business and travel, and the restrictions have damaged its economy and led to the exodus of tens of thousands of residents. Also read | Hong Kong speech therapists convicted for publishing 'seditious' books that make kids hate Beijing Business groups, diplomats and many residents have criticised the COVID-19 rules, saying they threaten Hong Kong's competitiveness and standing as a global financial centre. Masks are mandated in most places in Hong Kong and gatherings of more than four people prohibited. Hong Kong has reported more than 1.5 million Covid infections and 9,757 deaths since the pandemic began. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Hong Kong to extend Covid vaccine pass scheme to 5-year-olds

The latest data shows that there were twice as many Covid deaths in the UK this summer in comparison to last year. However, currently, the death rate has decreased as the current virus wave is less severe than the previous ones. Overall Covid&nbsp;deaths this year are still significantly lower than in 2021.

Since the beginning of June, when two Omicron subvariants became prevalent, more than 5,700 fatalities have been recorded. The 98 per cent increase over the 2,936 deaths including Covid occurred in the UK over the same period of time last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polio-in-the-us-uk-and-israel-reveals-an-uncommon-danger-of-the-oral-vaccine-508959">Polio in the US, UK, and Israel reveals an uncommon danger of the oral vaccine</a>

As per the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of deaths caused by the recent Covid wave of Omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5, is declining. In mid-August, there were 674 Covid deaths in the UK, fewer than the ones reported earlier.

Furthermore, the number of deaths reported this year between January and August stands at 65,000, twice as many deaths as reported last year during the same time period.

The older groups are especially affected by other individuals passing away, this summer than the previous. Most of the deaths reported this summer were of people over the age of 85 years old, compared to 27 per cent of fatalities in 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/citi-warns-uk-inflation-to-hit-18-as-energy-bills-rocket-509146">Citi warns UK inflation to hit 18% as energy bills rocket</a>

The number of deaths caused among people aged between 75 and 84 has also increased this summer. There were 77 per cent more deaths than in the previous year.

With more than three times as many deaths compared to the same period in 2021, Wales and the east and south-west of England saw the largest increase in Covid deaths.

In England, Covid was sixth amongst the most common causes of mortality in July.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The latest data shows that there were twice as many Covid deaths in the UK this summer in comparison to last year. However, currently, the death rate has decreased as the current virus wave is less severe than the previous ones.

The latest data shows that there were twice as many Covid deaths in the UK this summer in comparison to last year. However, currently, the death rate has decreased as the current virus wave is less severe than the previous ones. Overall Covid deaths this year are still significantly lower than in 2021. Since the beginning of June, when two Omicron subvariants became prevalent, more than 5,700 fatalities have been recorded. The 98 per cent increase over the 2,936 deaths including Covid occurred in the UK over the same period of time last year. Also read | Polio in the US, UK, and Israel reveals an uncommon danger of the oral vaccine As per the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of deaths caused by the recent Covid wave of Omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5, is declining. In mid-August, there were 674 Covid deaths in the UK, fewer than the ones reported earlier. Furthermore, the number of deaths reported this year between January and August stands at 65,000, twice as many deaths as reported last year during the same time period. The older groups are especially affected by other individuals passing away, this summer than the previous. Most of the deaths reported this summer were of people over the age of 85 years old, compared to 27 per cent of fatalities in 2021. Also read | Citi warns UK inflation to hit 18% as energy bills rocket The number of deaths caused among people aged between 75 and 84 has also increased this summer. There were 77 per cent more deaths than in the previous year. With more than three times as many deaths compared to the same period in 2021, Wales and the east and south-west of England saw the largest increase in Covid deaths. In England, Covid was sixth amongst the most common causes of mortality in July. (With inputs from agencies)

UK Covid deaths doubled this summer compared to same period in 2021

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the leading infectious disease specialist in the United States, announced on Monday that he will depart the federal government in December after more than five decades of service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he rose to national prominence and was the target of smear campaigns.

Dr. Fauci has worked as a medical researcher for 50 years. During that time, he has witnessed his effigy being burned, had protesters call him a "murderer," and had smoke bombs thrown through his office window.

However, he has also received accolades for being the most well-known physician in America and the person whose compassion and composure allowed the US to make otherwise impossibly large gains in addressing a public health catastrophe.

Dr. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-bidens-covid-advisor-anthony-fauci-to-step-down-in-december-509222">Anthony Fauci</a>, 79, was in charge of immunology at the National Institutes of Health during the 1980s HIV/AIDS&nbsp;epidemic and has experience with conflict.

When pandemic was identified in the US six months after the first known case, the Trump White House was focusing on Dr. Fauci briefing media, and highlighting his apparent errors.

Born into a family of medics

"I was delivering prescriptions from the time I was old enough to ride a bike," he told the Holy Cross college alumni magazine in 2002.

Anthony was born on Christmas Eve, 1940, to an immigrant Italian pharmacist family in Brooklyn.

As documented by the BBC, he had contributed to the creation of Cornell Medical School's library as a student working construction jobs to support himself during the summers, and in 1966, he graduated top in his class.

<img alt="FAUCI" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="074263da-d377-45fb-9e75-1e125434145b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_111411515_fauci1.jpg" />

The family pharmacy in Brooklyn run by Dr. Fauci's father, known in the neighbourhood as 'Doc'. Photo credits: BBC

Instead of being enlisted to fight in Vietnam after completing his medical residency, he joined the NIH in 1968 as part of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solved-police-identify-the-murderer-in-a-34-year-old-unsolved-murder-509323"> US</a> war effort. The researchers were given the nickname "Yellow Berets," a play on the name of the military unit Green Berets.

Years later, he claimed, a report that detailed the passing of an otherwise healthy patient from a peculiar case of pneumonia typically observed in cancer patients on June 5, 1981, marked a turning point in his professional life. Another report detailing 26 deaths—all of which were gay men—suddenly appeared.

"I remember reading it very clearly," he later said. "It was the first time in my medical career I actually got goose pimples. I no longer dismissed it as a curiosity. There was something very wrong here. This was really a new microbe of some sort, acting like a sexually transmitted disease."

Called a doctor and a 'murderer'

Dr. Fauci's work as a clinician on immune system control is credited with revealing how the HIV virus undermines the body's defences. The first antiretroviral medication to treat Aids, zidovudine, was the subject of his clinical trials.

However, when the pandemic spread through the US in the 1980s, he came under fire from activists upset with the Reagan administration's lack of action and lack of access to cutting-edge medications.

Outside of government buildings, protesters held posters that read, "Dr. Fauci, you are killing us," and activists lambasted him on television.

<img alt="fauci" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02da0c33-68f1-42c6-acff-66f74ef9c4c9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_111411517_fauci2.jpg" />

Aids activists protesting the government's response to the epidemic in 1988.&nbsp;Photo credits: BBC

Even the antagonist of a play was modelled after him by playwright and homosexual rights activist Larry Kramer.

Dr. Fauci stated in a 2011 interview, "I remember peeking out a window and people on the lawn of the NIH were throwing smoke bombs. "I told the police to hold off as they prepared to arrest them. Bring them up here to my office so we can chat."

His empathy for HIV/AIDS patients was praised, and he was given credit for persuading authorities to relax limits on clinical trials so that patients may test out new medications.

He was referred to as "the government's leading Aids celebrity" by the New York Times, although the newspaper also highlighted that he actually conducted all of his own research, unlike "a lot of folks you see quoted on TV [who have] aides don white coats and do all that tiresome work." In 2008, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour bestowed by the US.

He was named director of the NIH's division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in 1984, and he still retains that position today.

Working with Trump

He has been in charge of studies on everything from Aids to Ebola to asthma in his research division.

He has provided advice to six presidents, including George W. Bush, and is currently the public's principal expositor of the Covid-19 outbreak during the Trump administration.

He has established himself as a dependable figure for Americans in front of the podium at White House Covid-19 briefings, where he has provided information regarding the US response, clarified the science, and occasionally corrected President Trump's statements.

He has stated that developing a vaccine will take at least a year and a half, contradicting Mr. Trump's hopeful assumption that one would be available very soon.

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Former US president, Donald Trump and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci arrive for a briefing on the coronavirus pandemic in the press briefing room of the White House on March 26, 2020 in Washington, DC.&nbsp;Photo credits: Getty

Trump, who is known to dislike being challenged, has even begrudgingly given Dr. Fauci a high compliment. The researcher, Mr Trump has said, is "a major television star" as reported by the BBC.&nbsp;

However, observers claim that his denials of the president's assertions have exposed the conflicts that can arise when working with the White House. The US "could have saved lives" if it had taken action to halt Covid-19, Dr. Fauci said in an interview with CNN, prompting Trump to tweet about dismissing him.

According to Dr. Fauci, when it comes to providing the public with accurate information, "I'm making an effort. I can't accomplish the impossible ".

"I'm not allowed to charge the podium and knock President Trump to the ground. He said it, okay. Let's try to fix it so it doesn't happen again."

However, he promised to keep going and added, "To my knowledge, I haven't been fired."

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-pregnancy-complications-amid-abortion-row-in-the-us-509316">Explained: Pregnancy complications amid abortion row in the US</a>

&nbsp;

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Dr. Anthony Fauci, the leading infectious disease specialist in the United States, announced on Monday that he will depart the federal government in December after more than five decades of service.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the leading infectious disease specialist in the United States, announced on Monday that he will depart the federal government in December after more than five decades of service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he rose to national prominence and was the target of smear campaigns. Dr. Fauci has worked as a medical researcher for 50 years. During that time, he has witnessed his effigy being burned, had protesters call him a "murderer," and had smoke bombs thrown through his office window. However, he has also received accolades for being the most well-known physician in America and the person whose compassion and composure allowed the US to make otherwise impossibly large gains in addressing a public health catastrophe. Dr. Anthony Fauci, 79, was in charge of immunology at the National Institutes of Health during the 1980s HIV/AIDS epidemic and has experience with conflict. When pandemic was identified in the US six months after the first known case, the Trump White House was focusing on Dr. Fauci briefing media, and highlighting his apparent errors. Born into a family of medics "I was delivering prescriptions from the time I was old enough to ride a bike," he told the Holy Cross college alumni magazine in 2002. Anthony was born on Christmas Eve, 1940, to an immigrant Italian pharmacist family in Brooklyn. As documented by the BBC, he had contributed to the creation of Cornell Medical School's library as a student working construction jobs to support himself during the summers, and in 1966, he graduated top in his class. The family pharmacy in Brooklyn run by Dr. Fauci's father, known in the neighbourhood as 'Doc'. Photo credits: BBC Instead of being enlisted to fight in Vietnam after completing his medical residency, he joined the NIH in 1968 as part of the US war effort. The researchers were given the nickname "Yellow Berets," a play on the name of the military unit Green Berets. Years later, he claimed, a report that detailed the passing of an otherwise healthy patient from a peculiar case of pneumonia typically observed in cancer patients on June 5, 1981, marked a turning point in his professional life. Another report detailing 26 deaths—all of which were gay men—suddenly appeared. "I remember reading it very clearly," he later said. "It was the first time in my medical career I actually got goose pimples. I no longer dismissed it as a curiosity. There was something very wrong here. This was really a new microbe of some sort, acting like a sexually transmitted disease." Called a doctor and a 'murderer' Dr. Fauci's work as a clinician on immune system control is credited with revealing how the HIV virus undermines the body's defences. The first antiretroviral medication to treat Aids, zidovudine, was the subject of his clinical trials. However, when the pandemic spread through the US in the 1980s, he came under fire from activists upset with the Reagan administration's lack of action and lack of access to cutting-edge medications. Outside of government buildings, protesters held posters that read, "Dr. Fauci, you are killing us," and activists lambasted him on television. Aids activists protesting the government's response to the epidemic in 1988. Photo credits: BBC Even the antagonist of a play was modelled after him by playwright and homosexual rights activist Larry Kramer. Dr. Fauci stated in a 2011 interview, "I remember peeking out a window and people on the lawn of the NIH were throwing smoke bombs. "I told the police to hold off as they prepared to arrest them. Bring them up here to my office so we can chat." His empathy for HIV/AIDS patients was praised, and he was given credit for persuading authorities to relax limits on clinical trials so that patients may test out new medications. He was referred to as "the government's leading Aids celebrity" by the New York Times, although the newspaper also highlighted that he actually conducted all of his own research, unlike "a lot of folks you see quoted on TV [who have] aides don white coats and do all that tiresome work." In 2008, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour bestowed by the US. He was named director of the NIH's division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in 1984, and he still retains that position today. Working with Trump He has been in charge of studies on everything from Aids to Ebola to asthma in his research division. He has provided advice to six presidents, including George W. Bush, and is currently the public's principal expositor of the Covid-19 outbreak during the Trump administration. He has established himself as a dependable figure for Americans in front of the podium at White House Covid-19 briefings, where he has provided information regarding the US response, clarified the science, and occasionally corrected President Trump's statements. He has stated that developing a vaccine will take at least a year and a half, contradicting Mr. Trump's hopeful assumption that one would be available very soon. Former US president, Donald Trump and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci arrive for a briefing on the coronavirus pandemic in the press briefing room of the White House on March 26, 2020 in Washington, DC. Photo credits: Getty Trump, who is known to dislike being challenged, has even begrudgingly given Dr. Fauci a high compliment. The researcher, Mr Trump has said, is "a major television star" as reported by the BBC. However, observers claim that his denials of the president's assertions have exposed the conflicts that can arise when working with the White House. The US "could have saved lives" if it had taken action to halt Covid-19, Dr. Fauci said in an interview with CNN, prompting Trump to tweet about dismissing him. According to Dr. Fauci, when it comes to providing the public with accurate information, "I'm making an effort. I can't accomplish the impossible ". "I'm not allowed to charge the podium and knock President Trump to the ground. He said it, okay. Let's try to fix it so it doesn't happen again." However, he promised to keep going and added, "To my knowledge, I haven't been fired." Also read | Explained: Pregnancy complications amid abortion row in the US

Anthony Fauci: The face of America's fight against COVID-19

After dodging the COVID-19 epidemic for two years, the Marshall Islands is now struggling to stop the infection's spread, which has tripled since the first community transmissions were discovered a week ago.

With four deaths linked to Covid and seven hospital admissions, the number of positive cases in the country in the north Pacific, which has a population of roughly 60,000, has soared to more than 3,000.

According to the health secretary, Jack Niethendal, 1,000 instances were reported in Majuro on Sunday, which is "nearly double from the previous day."

In the Samoan village of Tuanaimato, near Apia, health workers launch the COVID&nbsp;vaccination campaign.

As reported by the Guardian, The Pacific islands have seen an explosion in the number of cases despite being COVID-free for two years.

Also read |&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/long-covid-symptoms-affect-1-in-8-suggests-lancet-study-503936">Long COVID symptoms affect 1 In 8, suggests Lancet Study</a>

Almost 70% of the people&nbsp;in the Marshall Islands who are six months of age and older have received vaccinations. The isolated country managed to remain COVID-free until two visitors from the US tested positive in October 2020. However, until this month there had not been a community transmission.

The Marshall Islands' constrained healthcare system is being further strained by the growing population, leading the ministry to recall COVID-positive healthcare staff back to work in order to maintain facilities.

Niedenthal stated in a Facebook update that other healthcare professionals tested positive on Sunday.

“I saw a few negative complaints on social media regarding the idea that we are asking our healthcare workers to return to work if they are only experiencing mild symptoms,” he said. However, he said the public health agency was left with no other option. “You can’t have healthcare if you don’t have healthcare workers.”

One of the first nations to prohibit incoming planes was the Marshall Islands, which did so on March 8, 2020, a few days before the World Health Organization announced a global epidemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

After dodging the COVID-19 epidemic for two years, the Marshall Islands is now struggling to stop the infection's spread, which has tripled since the first community transmissions were discovered a week ago.

After dodging the COVID-19 epidemic for two years, the Marshall Islands is now struggling to stop the infection's spread, which has tripled since the first community transmissions were discovered a week ago. With four deaths linked to Covid and seven hospital admissions, the number of positive cases in the country in the north Pacific, which has a population of roughly 60,000, has soared to more than 3,000. According to the health secretary, Jack Niethendal, 1,000 instances were reported in Majuro on Sunday, which is "nearly double from the previous day." In the Samoan village of Tuanaimato, near Apia, health workers launch the COVID vaccination campaign. As reported by the Guardian, The Pacific islands have seen an explosion in the number of cases despite being COVID-free for two years. Also read | Long COVID symptoms affect 1 In 8, suggests Lancet Study Almost 70% of the people in the Marshall Islands who are six months of age and older have received vaccinations. The isolated country managed to remain COVID-free until two visitors from the US tested positive in October 2020. However, until this month there had not been a community transmission. The Marshall Islands' constrained healthcare system is being further strained by the growing population, leading the ministry to recall COVID-positive healthcare staff back to work in order to maintain facilities. Niedenthal stated in a Facebook update that other healthcare professionals tested positive on Sunday. “I saw a few negative complaints on social media regarding the idea that we are asking our healthcare workers to return to work if they are only experiencing mild symptoms,” he said. However, he said the public health agency was left with no other option. “You can’t have healthcare if you don’t have healthcare workers.” One of the first nations to prohibit incoming planes was the Marshall Islands, which did so on March 8, 2020, a few days before the World Health Organization announced a global epidemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Once a safe haven, the remote Marshall Islands become COVID-19 hotbed

After testing more than 300K samples in the last 24 hours, India recorded 20,279 new COVID-19 cases, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated on Sunday (July 24). As per the ministry, the country reported 21,411 on the previous day. Officials said there have been 18,143 recoveries in the country in the past day. The ministry said that India has reportedly performed more than 870 million tests to date. The current active rate for cases lies at 0.35 per cent.&nbsp;India’s active caseload stands at 1,52,200 while the positivity rate is 5.29 and the weekly positivity rate is at 4.46 per cent, ANI reported.

According to the Union ministry, nearly 2.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine&nbsp;were given as part of the nationwide vaccination drive in the last 24 hours. As per the official data, nearly 70 million unused vaccine doses are available to the States and Union Territories.&nbsp; The Covid immunisation campaign began on January 16, 2021. Another phase of the vaccination programme began on June 21, 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-capital-delhi-records-first-monkeypox-case-has-no-foreign-travel-history-500179">India’s capital New Delhi records first monkeypox case; patient has no foreign travel history</a>

The central government has been assisting the States and UTs by giving them free Covid vaccines as a part of its national vaccination push. The government purchases vaccines produced by the country’s vaccine manufacturers and provides them to states and UTs for free as a part of the vaccine campaign.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/monkeypox-in-india-second-case-confirmed-in-keralas-kannur-498532">Monkeypox in India: Second case confirmed in Kerala's Kannur</a>

The government is currently focused on broadening the COVID-19 vaccination programme nationwide.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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After testing more than 300K samples in the last 24 hours, India recorded 20,279 new COVID-19 cases, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated on Sunday (July 24).

After testing more than 300K samples in the last 24 hours, India recorded 20,279 new COVID-19 cases, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated on Sunday (July 24). As per the ministry, the country reported 21,411 on the previous day. Officials said there have been 18,143 recoveries in the country in the past day. The ministry said that India has reportedly performed more than 870 million tests to date. The current active rate for cases lies at 0.35 per cent. India’s active caseload stands at 1,52,200 while the positivity rate is 5.29 and the weekly positivity rate is at 4.46 per cent, ANI reported. According to the Union ministry, nearly 2.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine were given as part of the nationwide vaccination drive in the last 24 hours. As per the official data, nearly 70 million unused vaccine doses are available to the States and Union Territories. The Covid immunisation campaign began on January 16, 2021. Another phase of the vaccination programme began on June 21, 2021. Also read | India’s capital New Delhi records first monkeypox case; patient has no foreign travel history The central government has been assisting the States and UTs by giving them free Covid vaccines as a part of its national vaccination push. The government purchases vaccines produced by the country’s vaccine manufacturers and provides them to states and UTs for free as a part of the vaccine campaign. Also read | Monkeypox in India: Second case confirmed in Kerala's Kannur The government is currently focused on broadening the COVID-19 vaccination programme nationwide. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: India reports 20,279 new cases in 24 hours, govt to focus on vaccination campaigns

World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday at its emergency committee meeting raised its highest ever alert on the monkeypox outbreak by declaring it a global health emergency.

World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday at its emergency committee meeting raised its highest ever alert on the monkeypox outbreak by declaring it a global health emergency. The declaration means that the WHO designates the virus outbreak as a significant threat to global health that warrants an international response. According to WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more than 16,000 cases of the virus have been reported from 75 countries across the globe. “We have an outbreak that has spread around the world rapidly, through new modes of transmission, about which we understand too little. For all of these reasons, I have decided that the global monkeypox outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern." said Dr Tedros. WHO director-general took the call himself However, it is interesting to note that the Health Regulations Emergency Committee which had remained undivided on declaring the outbreak a 'global emergency' in a meeting last month had not differed in its stance in the Saturday meeting as well. Nine members were against and six were in favour of the declaration. Reportedly, the WHO director-general, in an unusual departure from the protocol, took the call himself and declared an emergency anyway. It is pertinent to note that the last time WHO issued such a global health emergency, it was for COVID-19, back in early 2020. The entire planet was soon brought to a standstill as the virus created havoc. While WHO has sounded the alarm with its declaration, it cannot mandate the countries and their governments to swing into action immediately. All WHO can do is issue guidelines and give its expertise as well as recommendations to the member countries. The final call of action resides with the national governments. Read More: Monkeypox: New study shows symptoms are making recognition of case more difficult While Europe is the global epicentre of the outbreak, reporting 80 per cent of the cases, the numbers are rising steadily in the USA as well. There were 2,593 confirmed monkeypox cases in the USA. Moreover, as reported by WION on Friday, US health officials detected two cases of monkeypox in children while the Centers for Disease Control Prevention and Control (CDC) stated that kids under 8 were at 'increased risk'. Read More: US health officials detect monkeypox virus among kids The symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, muscle ache, tiredness and swollen lymph nodes. The virus has spread rapidly in Europe and United States after it was first detected in May. Although there is no specific treatment for the monkeypox virus, the CDC has recommended antivirals such as tecovirimat. (This is a developing story. More updates to follow) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Monkeypox declared a global health emergency by WHO amid surge in cases

Since his historic trip to Hong Kong, which was his first outside of mainland China since the start of the pandemic, Chinese President Xi Jinping has apparently kept out of the spotlight for 13 days.&nbsp;According to a government database that tracks the president's whereabouts, the break in his itinerary this year is the biggest ever. It's unknown why he's not there, since Xi frequently makes low-key public appearances that are made public days later, maybe for security reasons. However, written communications attributed to Xi and transmitted during this time have been covered by state media.

The last time the Chinese president was away for a protracted length of time was between February 7 and February 16, during the Beijing Winter Olympics. Between August 1 and August 16 of last year, when China's political elite normally frees up their calendars to congregate in the coastal resort of Beidaihe, he likewise vanished from public view. Li Keqiang and Wang Yang, two prominent leaders, recently held public events, indicating that this conclave has not yet taken place this year.

Xi, whose immunisation status is still unknown, travelled to Hong Kong for two days to commemorate the city's 25th year under Beijing's administration. He spent the night in Shenzhen, a nearby tech hotspot in China, during that time. On July 1, he returned to Beijing.

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<h5>During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Hong Kong last week, a lawmaker from Hong Kong posed for a group selfie with him and had tested positive for COVID-19. One of the 100 officials who were granted permission to interact closely with the Chinese President for a photo call was Steven Ho, a member of the main pro-Beijing party in Hong Kong.</h5>
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Following a group selfie with Xi on June 30, lawmaker Steven Ho tested positive for Covid-19 two days later. On July 1, the day after his meeting with Xi, he posted on social media that his PCR test had revealed "a low viral load."

Since travelling to Myanmar in January 2020, just days before Wuhan's capital city was shut down, this was Xi's first trip outside of mainland China. It also marked the first time he had set foot in a city with thousands of daily virus cases. The unyielding Covid Zero strategy of eradicating cases has forced the Chinese president to discontinue all international travel and attend important political gatherings via video link instead.&nbsp;

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Since his historic trip to Hong Kong, which was his first outside of mainland China since the start of the pandemic, Chinese President Xi Jinping has apparently kept out of the spotlight for 13 days.

Since his historic trip to Hong Kong, which was his first outside of mainland China since the start of the pandemic, Chinese President Xi Jinping has apparently kept out of the spotlight for 13 days. According to a government database that tracks the president's whereabouts, the break in his itinerary this year is the biggest ever. It's unknown why he's not there, since Xi frequently makes low-key public appearances that are made public days later, maybe for security reasons. However, written communications attributed to Xi and transmitted during this time have been covered by state media. The last time the Chinese president was away for a protracted length of time was between February 7 and February 16, during the Beijing Winter Olympics. Between August 1 and August 16 of last year, when China's political elite normally frees up their calendars to congregate in the coastal resort of Beidaihe, he likewise vanished from public view. Li Keqiang and Wang Yang, two prominent leaders, recently held public events, indicating that this conclave has not yet taken place this year. Xi, whose immunisation status is still unknown, travelled to Hong Kong for two days to commemorate the city's 25th year under Beijing's administration. He spent the night in Shenzhen, a nearby tech hotspot in China, during that time. On July 1, he returned to Beijing. During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Hong Kong last week, a lawmaker from Hong Kong posed for a group selfie with him and had tested positive for COVID-19. One of the 100 officials who were granted permission to interact closely with the Chinese President for a photo call was Steven Ho, a member of the main pro-Beijing party in Hong Kong. × Watch the report here: × Following a group selfie with Xi on June 30, lawmaker Steven Ho tested positive for Covid-19 two days later. On July 1, the day after his meeting with Xi, he posted on social media that his PCR test had revealed "a low viral load." Since travelling to Myanmar in January 2020, just days before Wuhan's capital city was shut down, this was Xi's first trip outside of mainland China. It also marked the first time he had set foot in a city with thousands of daily virus cases. The unyielding Covid Zero strategy of eradicating cases has forced the Chinese president to discontinue all international travel and attend important political gatherings via video link instead. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Missing from the public eye: Has the Wuhan virus infected Xi Jinping?

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