Queen Elizabeth II is set to address to the nation and commonwealth countries&nbsp;about the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
In the message, the Queen&nbsp;will urge people to rise to the challenge posed by the coronavirus outbreak and will personally thank frontline healthcare staff and other key workers for their efforts during the crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-youngest-covid-19-victim-a-13-yr-old-boy-buried-without-family-in-attendance-290554">UK's youngest COVID-19 victim, a 13-yr-old boy, buried without family in attendance</a> 
 
The Queen has recorded the message at Windsor Castle and will be broadcast today according to the&nbsp;Buckingham Palace.&nbsp;The broadcast is scheduled to air at 1900 GMT and&nbsp;it is the fourth time in her 68-year reign that she will address the nation outside her annual Christmas Day message. 
 
&nbsp;She made special broadcasts during the 1991 Gulf War and after the death of Princess Diana in 1997. 
 
The queen and her 98-year-old husband Prince Philip moved to Windsor Castle as a precaution from the&nbsp;deadly virus. 
 
Her eldest son and heir Prince Charles was&nbsp;the first royal in the world who&nbsp;tested positive for&nbsp;coronavirus. 
 
Till now, Britain has approx 38, 000 positive cases of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Queen Elizabeth II is set to address to the nation and commonwealth countries about the coronavirus pandemic. In the message, the Queen will urge people to rise to the challenge posed by the coronavirus outbreak and will personally thank frontline healthcare staff and other key workers for their efforts during the crisis.

Queen Elizabeth II is set to address to the nation and commonwealth countries about the coronavirus pandemic. In the message, the Queen will urge people to rise to the challenge posed by the coronavirus outbreak and will personally thank frontline healthcare staff and other key workers for their efforts during the crisis. Also read: UK's youngest COVID-19 victim, a 13-yr-old boy, buried without family in attendance The Queen has recorded the message at Windsor Castle and will be broadcast today according to the Buckingham Palace. The broadcast is scheduled to air at 1900 GMT and it is the fourth time in her 68-year reign that she will address the nation outside her annual Christmas Day message. She made special broadcasts during the 1991 Gulf War and after the death of Princess Diana in 1997. The queen and her 98-year-old husband Prince Philip moved to Windsor Castle as a precaution from the deadly virus. Her eldest son and heir Prince Charles was the first royal in the world who tested positive for coronavirus. Till now, Britain has approx 38, 000 positive cases of COVID-19.

Queen Elizabeth II to make rare address over UK's COVID-19 battle

Three Indian Air Force personnel, including one who had been near Delhi`s Nizamuddin Markaz -- the headquarters of Tablighi Jammat, have been sent to home quarantine, sources said on Saturday, reported news agency ANI.

Delhi Police had found an IAF Sergeant was near Nizamuddin Markaz during religious congregation, the report added.

He was traced after his mobile phone was located over.

Police later informed the force and thereafter IAF Sergeant was placed in quarantine.

It was also found that two IAF personnel came in contact with the Sergeant so both of them were also sent to quarantine as per standard operating procedures.

The religious congregation at Delhi`s Nizamuddin organised by Tablighi Jamaat sparked off a nationwide search for its attendees with reports emerging from various states of new clusters of coronavirus infected people linked to the event.

Three Indian Air Force personnel, including one who had been near Delhi`s Nizamuddin Markaz -- the headquarters of Tablighi Jammat, have been sent to home quarantine, sources said on Saturday, reported news agency ANI.

Three Indian Air Force personnel, including one who had been near Delhi`s Nizamuddin Markaz -- the headquarters of Tablighi Jammat, have been sent to home quarantine, sources said on Saturday, reported news agency ANI. Delhi Police had found an IAF Sergeant was near Nizamuddin Markaz during religious congregation, the report added. He was traced after his mobile phone was located over. Police later informed the force and thereafter IAF Sergeant was placed in quarantine. It was also found that two IAF personnel came in contact with the Sergeant so both of them were also sent to quarantine as per standard operating procedures. The religious congregation at Delhi`s Nizamuddin organised by Tablighi Jamaat sparked off a nationwide search for its attendees with reports emerging from various states of new clusters of coronavirus infected people linked to the event.

3 IAF personnel quarantined, 1 was in Nizamuddin area

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India and US have decided to ''deploy the full strength of the India-US partnership to fight COVID-19''. Modi said this after ''an extensive conversation with President Trump''.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India and US have decided to ''deploy the full strength of the India-US partnership to fight COVID-19''. Modi said this after ''an extensive conversation with President Trump''. ''Had an extensive telephone conversation with President @realDonaldTrump. We had a good discussion, and agreed to deploy the full strength of the India-US partnership to fight COVID-19,'' Modi tweeted. Had an extensive telephone conversation with President @realDonaldTrump. We had a good discussion, and agreed to deploy the full strength of the India-US partnership to fight COVID-19. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2020 × India's confirmed coronavirus cases jumped to 3,072 with 75 deaths so far. Modi also held a telephonic conversation with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. ''Had a productive telephone conversation with President @jairbolsonaro about how India and Brazil can join forces against the COVID-19 pandemic,'' he said in another tweet.

Modi, Trump agree to deploy full strength of India-US partnership to fight COVID-19

The number of COVID-19 positive cases in India exceeded 2,784&nbsp;and the death toll touched 75&nbsp;on Saturday, according to State and Health Ministry reports.

Despite the rise in cases, Joint Secretary at the Union Health Ministry Lav Agarwal said the revised testing guideline is still under consideration and would be released by April 4.

The Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi has emerged as a hotspot for COVID-19 after several positive cases from across India were linked to the gathering -- including deaths in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.

An FIR was earlier registered against Tablighi Jamaat head Maulana Saad and others under the Epidemic Disease Act 1897, in the national capital.

The number of COVID-19 positive cases in India exceeded 2,784 and the death toll touched 75 on Saturday, according to State and Health Ministry reports. Despite the rise in cases, Joint Secretary at the Union Health Ministry Lav Agarwal said the revised testing guideline is still under consideration and would be released by April 4.

The number of COVID-19 positive cases in India exceeded 2,784 and the death toll touched 75 on Saturday, according to State and Health Ministry reports. Despite the rise in cases, Joint Secretary at the Union Health Ministry Lav Agarwal said the revised testing guideline is still under consideration and would be released by April 4. The Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi has emerged as a hotspot for COVID-19 after several positive cases from across India were linked to the gathering -- including deaths in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. An FIR was earlier registered against Tablighi Jamaat head Maulana Saad and others under the Epidemic Disease Act 1897, in the national capital.

Number of COVID-19 positive cases in India exceeds 2784, death toll at 75

South Korea on Saturday said that it would extend its intensive social distancing campaign by two weeks in order to reach the daily coronavirus positive cases of 50 a day.

South Korea on Saturday said that it would extend its intensive social distancing campaign by two weeks in order to reach the daily coronavirus positive cases of 50 a day. The country has largely managed to contain the spread of the virus but smaller outbreaks in churches, hospitals and nursing homes, as well as infections among travellers, continue to emerge. This week, the government has been gauging whether it should extend a 15-day intensive social distancing policy it implemented on March 21, under which religious, sports and entertainment gatherings were banned. But it is "too early to be at ease," Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said, citing a recent spike in imported cases and small cluster infections which also prompted the government to cancel the re-opening of schools next week. "Our goal is to be able to control infections in a way that our health and medical system, including personnel and sickbeds, can handle them at usual levels," Park told a briefing after a government meeting on the coronavirus. "If the number goes down to 50 or lower, stable treatment of the patients including the critically ill will be possible without much pressure on the system." The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 94 new cases on Saturday, taking the national tally to 10,156. The death toll rose by nine to 183, while more than 300 recovered from the virus for a total of 6,325.

South Korea extends intensive social distancing to reach 50 daily COVID-19 cases 

The Pakistan government on Saturday said that by April 25, 2020, the country&nbsp;may have 50,000 COVID-19 positive cases.

In its report on National Action Plan against Corona to the Supreme Court, the government said&nbsp;41,000 to be normal cases, 7,000 to be critical and 2,500 to be extremely critical.

This is an assessment and not the final word, the government told the SC.

Until April 25th, Pakistan will have lesser cases than Europe, the report said and added that the government would increase the testing capability daily at the cost of $366 million.

The government has also come up with an emergency health action plan and coronavirus prevention guidelines with the help of provinces and other organisations, the government told the apex court.

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been formulated for the screening of passengers arriving from abroad and to bury those who succumbed to the deadly virus.

A campaign for prevention from the virus was already underway.

From airports and other entry points, 222 suspected cases of coronavirus have been identified, the report said.

Pakistan also has set up screening counters at all airport entry points and imposed an emergency along its borders of with &nbsp;Iran.&nbsp;

A 300-bed quarantine centre has been built in the capital along with four hospitals with 154 isolation wards.

154 districts in the country have the isolation wards to keep suspected patients, the report added.

The Pakistan government on Saturday said that by April 25, 2020, the country may have 50,000 COVID-19 positive cases. In its report on National Action Plan against Corona to the Supreme Court, the government said 41,000 to be normal cases, 7,000 to be critical and 2,500 to be extremely critical.

The Pakistan government on Saturday said that by April 25, 2020, the country may have 50,000 COVID-19 positive cases. In its report on National Action Plan against Corona to the Supreme Court, the government said 41,000 to be normal cases, 7,000 to be critical and 2,500 to be extremely critical. This is an assessment and not the final word, the government told the SC. Until April 25th, Pakistan will have lesser cases than Europe, the report said and added that the government would increase the testing capability daily at the cost of $366 million. The government has also come up with an emergency health action plan and coronavirus prevention guidelines with the help of provinces and other organisations, the government told the apex court. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been formulated for the screening of passengers arriving from abroad and to bury those who succumbed to the deadly virus. A campaign for prevention from the virus was already underway. From airports and other entry points, 222 suspected cases of coronavirus have been identified, the report said. Pakistan also has set up screening counters at all airport entry points and imposed an emergency along its borders of with Iran. A 300-bed quarantine centre has been built in the capital along with four hospitals with 154 isolation wards. 154 districts in the country have the isolation wards to keep suspected patients, the report added.

Pakistan may have 50,000 COVID-19 cases by April 25: Govt tells Supreme Court

Oprah Winfrey on Thursday announced that she will be donating $10 million to help Americans amid the coronavirus crisis.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I am donating $10 million overall to help Americans during this pandemic in cities across the country and in areas where I grew up. For more on this Fund and how everyone can be of service, watch this free AppleTV+ conversation here: <a href="https://t.co/n7L6drnpcV">https://t.co/n7L6drnpcV</a>
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) <a href="https://twitter.com/Oprah/status/1245725704760758274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I am donating $10 million overall to help Americans during this pandemic in cities across the country and in areas where I grew up," she tweeted. 
 
Winfrey also shared a link to her TV series 'Oprah Talk COVID-19'&nbsp;and tweeted, "For more on this Fund and how everyone can be of service, watch this free AppleTV+ conversation here." 
 
The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged almost the entire globe and has claimed the lives of over 45000 people according to WHO.&nbsp;

Oprah Winfrey on Thursday announced that she will be donating $10 million to help Americans amid the coronavirus crisis. I am donating $10 million overall to help Americans during this pandemic in cities across the country and in areas where I grew up.

Oprah Winfrey on Thursday announced that she will be donating $10 million to help Americans amid the coronavirus crisis. I am donating $10 million overall to help Americans during this pandemic in cities across the country and in areas where I grew up. For more on this Fund and how everyone can be of service, watch this free AppleTV+ conversation here: https://t.co/n7L6drnpcV — Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) April 2, 2020 × "I am donating $10 million overall to help Americans during this pandemic in cities across the country and in areas where I grew up," she tweeted. Winfrey also shared a link to her TV series 'Oprah Talk COVID-19' and tweeted, "For more on this Fund and how everyone can be of service, watch this free AppleTV+ conversation here." The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged almost the entire globe and has claimed the lives of over 45000 people according to WHO.

Oprah Winfrey donates $10 million to help Americans amid COVID-19

The Ministry of Health and Family Affairs on Friday said that India has reported 336 new cases of COVID-19 taking the national tally to 2547 with 62&nbsp;deaths.

Addressing the daily press meet on deadly COVID-19, Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry said that from yesterday till today 336 additional cases of COVID-19 have come before us.&nbsp; 
 
The union health ministry has placed the total number of cases at 2547 and the death toll at 62. The ministry said that 163 people have so far recovered from the infection.&nbsp;

"If we look at cases related to Tableeghi Jamaat, in last 2 days around 647 confirmed cases related to it found in 14 states-Andaman &amp; Nicobar, Assam, Delhi, Himachal, Haryana, J&amp;K, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand &amp; UP," he added.

"Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has appealed to patients &amp; their families not to create any obstacle in the path of doctors while they discharge their duties. He also expressed concerns over misbehaviour with doctors &amp; medical staff," he said.

Replying to a question on violence against health workers Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Home Ministry said that Ministry of Home Affairs has written to state governments to take strict action in cases of attack on healthcare &amp; frontline workers &amp; ensure the security to the medical fraternity.

There were seven helpline numbers in the control room of the Union Home Ministry. Now, we have introduced two more helpline numbers - 1930 (all India tollfree number) &amp; 1944 (dedicated to Northeast)" Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Home Ministry

Meanwhile, the number of COVID19 cases reaches 411 including seven discharged people in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

"1,580 COVID-19 infected &amp; possibly infected people are admitted to different hospitals in the state," said Tamil Nadu Health Minister C VIjayabaskar.

The Ministry of Health and Family Affairs on Friday said that India has reported 336 new cases of COVID-19 taking the national tally to 2547 with 62 deaths. Addressing the daily press meet on deadly COVID-19, Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry said that from yesterday till today 336 additional cases of COVID-19 have come before us.

The Ministry of Health and Family Affairs on Friday said that India has reported 336 new cases of COVID-19 taking the national tally to 2547 with 62 deaths. Addressing the daily press meet on deadly COVID-19, Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry said that from yesterday till today 336 additional cases of COVID-19 have come before us. The union health ministry has placed the total number of cases at 2547 and the death toll at 62. The ministry said that 163 people have so far recovered from the infection. "If we look at cases related to Tableeghi Jamaat, in last 2 days around 647 confirmed cases related to it found in 14 states-Andaman & Nicobar, Assam, Delhi, Himachal, Haryana, J&K, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand & UP," he added. "Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has appealed to patients & their families not to create any obstacle in the path of doctors while they discharge their duties. He also expressed concerns over misbehaviour with doctors & medical staff," he said. Replying to a question on violence against health workers Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Home Ministry said that Ministry of Home Affairs has written to state governments to take strict action in cases of attack on healthcare & frontline workers & ensure the security to the medical fraternity. There were seven helpline numbers in the control room of the Union Home Ministry. Now, we have introduced two more helpline numbers - 1930 (all India tollfree number) & 1944 (dedicated to Northeast)" Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Home Ministry Meanwhile, the number of COVID19 cases reaches 411 including seven discharged people in Tamil Nadu. "1,580 COVID-19 infected & possibly infected people are admitted to different hospitals in the state," said Tamil Nadu Health Minister C VIjayabaskar.

647 confirmed cases linked to Tablighi Jamaat in 14 states, says Health Ministry

Ride-hailing platform Uber on Friday said it has partnered with the National Health Authority (NHA) to provide transport service to frontline healthcare workers in the country, who are engaged in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-shortage-of-medical-supplies-to-fight-covid-19-outbreak-government-290411" hreflang="en">No shortage of medical supplies to fight COVID-19 outbreak: Government</a>

Uber will initially facilitate the provision of 150 cars free of cost to support medical facilities in New Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj and Patna through its recently launched UberMedic service, according to a statement.

All UberMedic cars supplied to NHA will be equipped with roof-to-floor plastic sheeting enclosing the driver's seat, thereby acting as a protective barrier between the rider and driver, it added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-urges-citizens-to-light-diyas-candles-on-sunday-at-9-pm-for-9-mins-to-dispel-darkness-brought-by-coronavirus-290268" hreflang="en">PM Modi urges citizens to light diyas, candles on Sunday at 9 pm for 9 mins</a>

Additionally, each UberMedic car will be disinfected after every ride to ensure the highest possible safety and hygiene standards in line with government guidelines, the statement said.

"Uber is proud to partner with the National Health Authority to offer free UberMedic rides to transport frontline healthcare workers in specific locations for helping contain the spread of COVID-19. All drivers will be specially trained in safety procedures and provided with personal protective equipment including masks, sanitisers and disinfectants to sanitise UberMedic cars after each ride," Uber India and South Asia President Pradeep Parameswaran said.

With the implementation of the 21-day lockdown, the government has allowed only people in essential services like healthcare, banking and media to commute. Limited mobility options have made it difficult for these people to travel to their workplace.

Indu Bhushan, chief executive officer of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY) and National Health Authority, said the partnership with Uber in this hour of need is a much-needed initiative to extend necessary support to the healthcare workers who are leading this fight against COVID-19.

"Limited mobility options had made it difficult for frontline workers to travel to their workplaces which is the hospital. This initiative will further strengthen India's response to contain the spread of COVID-19," Bhushan added.&nbsp;

Ride-hailing platform Uber on Friday said it has partnered with the National Health Authority (NHA) to provide transport service to frontline healthcare workers in the country, who are engaged in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Ride-hailing platform Uber on Friday said it has partnered with the National Health Authority (NHA) to provide transport service to frontline healthcare workers in the country, who are engaged in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Also read: No shortage of medical supplies to fight COVID-19 outbreak: Government Uber will initially facilitate the provision of 150 cars free of cost to support medical facilities in New Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj and Patna through its recently launched UberMedic service, according to a statement. All UberMedic cars supplied to NHA will be equipped with roof-to-floor plastic sheeting enclosing the driver's seat, thereby acting as a protective barrier between the rider and driver, it added. Also read: PM Modi urges citizens to light diyas, candles on Sunday at 9 pm for 9 mins Additionally, each UberMedic car will be disinfected after every ride to ensure the highest possible safety and hygiene standards in line with government guidelines, the statement said. "Uber is proud to partner with the National Health Authority to offer free UberMedic rides to transport frontline healthcare workers in specific locations for helping contain the spread of COVID-19. All drivers will be specially trained in safety procedures and provided with personal protective equipment including masks, sanitisers and disinfectants to sanitise UberMedic cars after each ride," Uber India and South Asia President Pradeep Parameswaran said. With the implementation of the 21-day lockdown, the government has allowed only people in essential services like healthcare, banking and media to commute. Limited mobility options have made it difficult for these people to travel to their workplace. Indu Bhushan, chief executive officer of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY) and National Health Authority, said the partnership with Uber in this hour of need is a much-needed initiative to extend necessary support to the healthcare workers who are leading this fight against COVID-19. "Limited mobility options had made it difficult for frontline workers to travel to their workplaces which is the hospital. This initiative will further strengthen India's response to contain the spread of COVID-19," Bhushan added.

Uber partners NHA to provide dedicated transport service to COVID-19 healthcare workers

The RBI has reduced the trading hours of debt as well as currency markets from Tuesday because of the lockdown following the outbreak of coronavirus.

The revised market timings will be effective during April 7-17, 2020, the central bank said in a circular on Friday.

The market will open at 10 am instead of the current 9 am and closing timings too have been revised to 2 pm for all segments.

The lockdown has adversely impacted the functioning of financial markets, the RBI said.

The market timings have been revised to "minimise these risks" and to ensure that market participants maintain adequate checks and supervisory controls while optimising thin resources and ensuring the safety of personnel, it said.

As per the circular, the timing of the Government Securities (Central Government Securities, State Development Loans and Treasury Bills) market has been revised to 10 am to 2 pm from the existing 9 am to 5 pm.

Foreign Currency (FCY)/Indian Rupee (INR) Trades including Forex Derivatives market as well as Rupee Interest Rate Derivatives market too have been changed to 10 am to 2 pm from the existing 9 am to 5 pm.

The RBI said the unprecedented situation created by the COVID-19 outbreak has necessitated lockdowns, social distancing, restrictions on the movement of people and non-essential activities, work from home arrangements and business continuity plans.

The resultant dislocations have adversely impacted the functioning of financial markets. Staff and IT resources have been severely affected, posing operational and logistics risks.

"The thinning out of activity is impacting market liquidity and increasing volatility of financial prices," the circular said.

However, all regular banking services for customers, including RTGS, NEFT, e-kuber and other retail payments systems will continue to be available as per extant timings, the RBI added.

The RBI has reduced the trading hours of debt as well as currency markets from Tuesday because of the lockdown following the outbreak of coronavirus. The revised market timings will be effective during April 7-17, 2020, the central bank said in a circular on Friday.

The RBI has reduced the trading hours of debt as well as currency markets from Tuesday because of the lockdown following the outbreak of coronavirus. The revised market timings will be effective during April 7-17, 2020, the central bank said in a circular on Friday. The market will open at 10 am instead of the current 9 am and closing timings too have been revised to 2 pm for all segments. The lockdown has adversely impacted the functioning of financial markets, the RBI said. The market timings have been revised to "minimise these risks" and to ensure that market participants maintain adequate checks and supervisory controls while optimising thin resources and ensuring the safety of personnel, it said. As per the circular, the timing of the Government Securities (Central Government Securities, State Development Loans and Treasury Bills) market has been revised to 10 am to 2 pm from the existing 9 am to 5 pm. Foreign Currency (FCY)/Indian Rupee (INR) Trades including Forex Derivatives market as well as Rupee Interest Rate Derivatives market too have been changed to 10 am to 2 pm from the existing 9 am to 5 pm. The RBI said the unprecedented situation created by the COVID-19 outbreak has necessitated lockdowns, social distancing, restrictions on the movement of people and non-essential activities, work from home arrangements and business continuity plans. The resultant dislocations have adversely impacted the functioning of financial markets. Staff and IT resources have been severely affected, posing operational and logistics risks. "The thinning out of activity is impacting market liquidity and increasing volatility of financial prices," the circular said. However, all regular banking services for customers, including RTGS, NEFT, e-kuber and other retail payments systems will continue to be available as per extant timings, the RBI added.

RBI reduces trading hours for debt, currency markets from April 7

The government on Friday said there is no shortage of medical supplies across the country to fight COVID-19 outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-urges-citizens-to-light-diyas-candles-on-sunday-at-9-pm-for-9-mins-to-dispel-darkness-brought-by-coronavirus-290268" hreflang="en">PM Modi urges citizens to light diyas, candles on Sunday at 9 pm for 9 mins</a>

"Government of India is making sure that all the essential medical supplies are in place to fight COVID-19. 62 lifeline Udan flights transported over 15.4 tons of essential medical supplies in last five days," Union Minister for Chemical and Fertilizers D V Sadanada Gowda said in a tweet.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-kovind-expresses-concern-over-attacks-on-police-medical-personnel-290394" hreflang="en">President Kovind expresses concern over attacks on police, medical personnel</a>

The government is also paying full attention to the manufacturing activities of essential items like pharmaceuticals and hospital devices. For this, over 200&nbsp;units in SEZs are operational, he added.

"A Central Control Room has also been set up for close monitoring of the distribution of essential medical items and to address logistic related issues," Gowda said.

The government on Friday said there is no shortage of medical supplies across the country to fight COVID-19 outbreak. Also read: PM Modi urges citizens to light diyas, candles on Sunday at 9 pm for 9 mins "Government of India is making sure that all the essential medical supplies are in place to fight COVID-19.

The government on Friday said there is no shortage of medical supplies across the country to fight COVID-19 outbreak. Also read: PM Modi urges citizens to light diyas, candles on Sunday at 9 pm for 9 mins "Government of India is making sure that all the essential medical supplies are in place to fight COVID-19. 62 lifeline Udan flights transported over 15.4 tons of essential medical supplies in last five days," Union Minister for Chemical and Fertilizers D V Sadanada Gowda said in a tweet. Also read: President Kovind expresses concern over attacks on police, medical personnel The government is also paying full attention to the manufacturing activities of essential items like pharmaceuticals and hospital devices. For this, over 200 units in SEZs are operational, he added. "A Central Control Room has also been set up for close monitoring of the distribution of essential medical items and to address logistic related issues," Gowda said.

No shortage of medical supplies to fight COVID-19 outbreak: Government

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday urged governors and Lt governors to motivate spiritual and religious leaders to advise their followers against holding congregations and practice social distancing to prevent the transmission of coronavirus.

Addressing governors, LGs and administrators along with President Ram Nath Kovind via video, Naidu also asked them to focus on the arrangements made to ensure harvesting, storage and procurement of agriculture produce in their respective states and Union territories.

He urged them to contact spiritual and religious leaders in their respective regions and advise them to guide their followers to strictly adhere to the guidelines on social distancing and to observe personal hygiene, a statement from the Vice President Secretariat said.

Referring to a “recent avoidable action” which caused widespread adverse impact across the country, Naidu cautioned the governors and Lt governors to treat it as a “wake-up call”.

“No religious congregations should be allowed to take place in your respective states,” he said in an apparent reference to the Tablighi Jamat congregation in Delhi’s Nizamuddin.

On harvesting season, Naidu urged them to advise the state agencies to ensure smooth movement of farm machinery so that the farmers do not face any hardship.

He also asked them to ensure 100 per cent procurement of the produce. “That is the need of the hour,” the vice president said.

Expressing concern over the incidents of assault on doctors in some states, Naidu described them as unfortunate and condemnable.

He asked the governors to sensitise people on the crucial role being undertaken by doctors, nurses and other frontline warriors such as sanitary staff and police personnel in the battle against COVID-19.

The vice president said such incidents would have a demoralising effect on doctors and others, according to the statement. This is the second time the president and the vice president have interacted with governors, LGs and administrators on coronavirus.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday urged governors and Lt governors to motivate spiritual and religious leaders to advise their followers against holding congregations and practice social distancing to prevent the transmission of coronavirus.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday urged governors and Lt governors to motivate spiritual and religious leaders to advise their followers against holding congregations and practice social distancing to prevent the transmission of coronavirus. Addressing governors, LGs and administrators along with President Ram Nath Kovind via video, Naidu also asked them to focus on the arrangements made to ensure harvesting, storage and procurement of agriculture produce in their respective states and Union territories. He urged them to contact spiritual and religious leaders in their respective regions and advise them to guide their followers to strictly adhere to the guidelines on social distancing and to observe personal hygiene, a statement from the Vice President Secretariat said. Referring to a “recent avoidable action” which caused widespread adverse impact across the country, Naidu cautioned the governors and Lt governors to treat it as a “wake-up call”. “No religious congregations should be allowed to take place in your respective states,” he said in an apparent reference to the Tablighi Jamat congregation in Delhi’s Nizamuddin. On harvesting season, Naidu urged them to advise the state agencies to ensure smooth movement of farm machinery so that the farmers do not face any hardship. He also asked them to ensure 100 per cent procurement of the produce. “That is the need of the hour,” the vice president said. Expressing concern over the incidents of assault on doctors in some states, Naidu described them as unfortunate and condemnable. He asked the governors to sensitise people on the crucial role being undertaken by doctors, nurses and other frontline warriors such as sanitary staff and police personnel in the battle against COVID-19. The vice president said such incidents would have a demoralising effect on doctors and others, according to the statement. This is the second time the president and the vice president have interacted with governors, LGs and administrators on coronavirus.

Motivate religious leaders to ask their followers not to hold congregations: Venkaiah Naidu tells Governors

Police in Pakistan will enforce a strict lockdown to prevent people from going to mosques to offer Friday prayers and fuel a rise in coronavirus infection, officials said, after failing to prevent large congregations last week.

Health experts have warned of an epidemic in South Asia, home to a fifth of the world's population, that could easily overwhelm its weak public health systems.

But authorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh, another Muslim majority nation, and even India have struggled to persuade conservative religious groups to maintain social distancing in order to curb the spread of the virus.

The government in Pakistan's southern province of Sindh, home to the country's largest city, Karachi, will enforce a "curfew-like" lockdown for three hours beginning 12 noon Friday to deter people from coming out of their homes for prayers, officials said.

“In the greater interest of saving lives, a decision to ban the prayer congregations at mosques has been taken following a meeting of clerics from all schools of thought. Islamic Sharia allows it,” said Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Sindh's minister for local bodies and information.

Pakistan has reported 2,386 people infected with coronavirus, the highest in South Asia, fuelled by a jump in cases related to members of Tablighi Jamaat, a Sunni Muslim group, which had planned a congregation in the city of Lahore last month.

The meeting was postponed but by then hundreds of people had already arrived at the premises and they stayed on.

In Bangladesh, some people were expected to go to mosques even though the government appealed to them to stay at home to reduce the risk of infections.

Bangladesh's top religious body, the Islamic Foundation, said elderly people and those with fever or cough, symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, should offer prayers at home.

Bangladesh, home to 160 million people is one of the world's most densely populated countries. So far it has had 56 cases, including six deaths.

PM MODI'S APPEAL

In India which is under a strict three-week lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought to rally people, many of whom have lost their jobs because of the shutdown.

"We are not alone. All 1.3 billion of us are in it together," he said in a video message.

The shutdown, which ends on April 14 has helped stem a big outbreak for now, but it has brought India's economy to a shuddering halt and left millions without work.

Many are struggling for food and water and fleeing cities for their villages in the hinterland, triggering criticism that the government rushed through the shutdown and has hurt the poorest the most.

"I request all of us 1.3 billion Indians to switch off lights in our homes for nine minutes on Sunday, April 5 and to light a lamp or candle or use your mobile flashlights to mark this fight against the coronavirus," Modi said.

India has had 2,069 confirmed infections, of whom 53 have died, low figures by comparison with the United States, China, Italy and Spain.

A fifth of the people who are infected with the coronavirus are either members of the Tablighi Jamaat, which held a gathering in a densely packed Delhi neighbourhood last month or those who came in contact with them later.

Modi said social distancing must be maintained throughout if India were to stop an epidemic which could overwhelm its public health system.

The World Bank on Thursday said it had approved an initial $1.9 billion in emergency funds for coronavirus response operations in 25 developing countries, with more than half the aid earmarked to help fight the fast-spreading disease in India.

"The poorest and most vulnerable countries will likely be hit the hardest," World Bank Group President David Malpas said in a statement.

Following is data on the spread of the coronavirus in South Asia, according to government figures:

* Pakistan has registered 2,386 cases, including 34 deaths.

* India has registered 2,069 cases, including 53 deaths.

* Sri Lanka has registered 151 cases, including three deaths.

* Afghanistan has registered 273 cases, including six deaths.

* Bangladesh has registered 56 cases, including six deaths.

* the Maldives has registered 31 cases and no deaths.

* Nepal has registered six cases and no deaths.

* Bhutan has registered five cases and no deaths

Police in Pakistan will enforce a strict lockdown to prevent people from going to mosques to offer Friday prayers and fuel a rise in coronavirus infection, officials said, after failing to prevent large congregations last week.

Police in Pakistan will enforce a strict lockdown to prevent people from going to mosques to offer Friday prayers and fuel a rise in coronavirus infection, officials said, after failing to prevent large congregations last week. Health experts have warned of an epidemic in South Asia, home to a fifth of the world's population, that could easily overwhelm its weak public health systems. But authorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh, another Muslim majority nation, and even India have struggled to persuade conservative religious groups to maintain social distancing in order to curb the spread of the virus. The government in Pakistan's southern province of Sindh, home to the country's largest city, Karachi, will enforce a "curfew-like" lockdown for three hours beginning 12 noon Friday to deter people from coming out of their homes for prayers, officials said. “In the greater interest of saving lives, a decision to ban the prayer congregations at mosques has been taken following a meeting of clerics from all schools of thought. Islamic Sharia allows it,” said Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Sindh's minister for local bodies and information. Pakistan has reported 2,386 people infected with coronavirus, the highest in South Asia, fuelled by a jump in cases related to members of Tablighi Jamaat, a Sunni Muslim group, which had planned a congregation in the city of Lahore last month. The meeting was postponed but by then hundreds of people had already arrived at the premises and they stayed on. In Bangladesh, some people were expected to go to mosques even though the government appealed to them to stay at home to reduce the risk of infections. Bangladesh's top religious body, the Islamic Foundation, said elderly people and those with fever or cough, symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, should offer prayers at home. Bangladesh, home to 160 million people is one of the world's most densely populated countries. So far it has had 56 cases, including six deaths. PM MODI'S APPEAL In India which is under a strict three-week lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought to rally people, many of whom have lost their jobs because of the shutdown. "We are not alone. All 1.3 billion of us are in it together," he said in a video message. The shutdown, which ends on April 14 has helped stem a big outbreak for now, but it has brought India's economy to a shuddering halt and left millions without work. Many are struggling for food and water and fleeing cities for their villages in the hinterland, triggering criticism that the government rushed through the shutdown and has hurt the poorest the most. "I request all of us 1.3 billion Indians to switch off lights in our homes for nine minutes on Sunday, April 5 and to light a lamp or candle or use your mobile flashlights to mark this fight against the coronavirus," Modi said. India has had 2,069 confirmed infections, of whom 53 have died, low figures by comparison with the United States, China, Italy and Spain. A fifth of the people who are infected with the coronavirus are either members of the Tablighi Jamaat, which held a gathering in a densely packed Delhi neighbourhood last month or those who came in contact with them later. Modi said social distancing must be maintained throughout if India were to stop an epidemic which could overwhelm its public health system. The World Bank on Thursday said it had approved an initial $1.9 billion in emergency funds for coronavirus response operations in 25 developing countries, with more than half the aid earmarked to help fight the fast-spreading disease in India. "The poorest and most vulnerable countries will likely be hit the hardest," World Bank Group President David Malpas said in a statement. Following is data on the spread of the coronavirus in South Asia, according to government figures: * Pakistan has registered 2,386 cases, including 34 deaths. * India has registered 2,069 cases, including 53 deaths. * Sri Lanka has registered 151 cases, including three deaths. * Afghanistan has registered 273 cases, including six deaths. * Bangladesh has registered 56 cases, including six deaths. * the Maldives has registered 31 cases and no deaths. * Nepal has registered six cases and no deaths. * Bhutan has registered five cases and no deaths

Pakistan, Bangladesh try to stop Friday prayers to avert coronavirus spike

The total number of coronavirus cases in Delhi has risen to 384, including 259 who were evacuated from Nizamuddin Markaz, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday.

In last 24 hours, 91 new cases were reported in the national capital and one more person evacuated from the Markaz died due to coronavirus, taking the total number of deaths in the city to five, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/647-confirmed-cases-linked-to-tablighi-jamaat-in-14-states-says-health-ministry-290401" hreflang="en">647 confirmed cases linked to Tablighi Jamaat in 14 states, says Health Ministry</a>

Of the 384 cases, 58 had recent foreign travel history and 38 contracted the virus after coming in contact with them, he added.

Kejriwal said community spread of the virus is not taking place in Delhi yet and there is no need to panic as the situation is under control.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-kovind-expresses-concern-over-attacks-on-police-medical-personnel-290394" hreflang="en">President Kovind expresses concern over attacks on police, medical personnel</a>

The government has made preparations if the virus starts spreading among people, he said.

The chief minister also launched a WhatsApp helpline - 8800007722 for people to enquire about COVID-19, food banks, shelters among others.

Meanwhile, Kejriwal, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and experts will interact with students and answer their queries related to the virus at 3 pm on Saturday.&nbsp;

The total number of coronavirus cases in Delhi has risen to 384, including 259 who were evacuated from Nizamuddin Markaz, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday.

The total number of coronavirus cases in Delhi has risen to 384, including 259 who were evacuated from Nizamuddin Markaz, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday. In last 24 hours, 91 new cases were reported in the national capital and one more person evacuated from the Markaz died due to coronavirus, taking the total number of deaths in the city to five, he said. Also read: 647 confirmed cases linked to Tablighi Jamaat in 14 states, says Health Ministry Of the 384 cases, 58 had recent foreign travel history and 38 contracted the virus after coming in contact with them, he added. Kejriwal said community spread of the virus is not taking place in Delhi yet and there is no need to panic as the situation is under control. Also read: President Kovind expresses concern over attacks on police, medical personnel The government has made preparations if the virus starts spreading among people, he said. The chief minister also launched a WhatsApp helpline - 8800007722 for people to enquire about COVID-19, food banks, shelters among others. Meanwhile, Kejriwal, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and experts will interact with students and answer their queries related to the virus at 3 pm on Saturday.

Delhi reports 91 new COVID-19 positive cases in last 24 hours; total rises to 384

The number of COVID-19 infection cases worldwide has crossed 1 million mark around the world on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-has-enough-ventilators-for-only-six-more-days-290333">Also read: New York has enough ventilators for only six more days</a> 
 
According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 1,018,948 people worldwide and 53,211 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 217,433 people of that tally have recovered.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/confirmed-coronavirus-cases-in-india-rise-to-2069-death-toll-at-53-290248">Also read:&nbsp;Confirmed coronavirus cases in India rise to 2,069, death toll at 53</a> 
 
Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections. A total of 245,573 people are infected by this deadly virus in the US. 
 
The total death count due to the virus now stands at 6,058 with 30,000 new cases, according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource centre. 
 
New York has been hit the hardest in the United States with more than 1,500 deaths and nearing 50,000 positive cases. 
 
As the death toll mounted in the United States, President Trump said health authorities were conducting "100,000 coronavirus tests per day", while adding that it was "more than any other country in the world, both in terms of the raw number and on a per capita basis."

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of COVID-19 infection cases worldwide has crossed 1 million mark around the world on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.

The number of COVID-19 infection cases worldwide has crossed 1 million mark around the world on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. Also read: New York has enough ventilators for only six more days According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 1,018,948 people worldwide and 53,211 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 217,433 people of that tally have recovered. Also read: Confirmed coronavirus cases in India rise to 2,069, death toll at 53 Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections. A total of 245,573 people are infected by this deadly virus in the US. The total death count due to the virus now stands at 6,058 with 30,000 new cases, according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource centre. New York has been hit the hardest in the United States with more than 1,500 deaths and nearing 50,000 positive cases. As the death toll mounted in the United States, President Trump said health authorities were conducting "100,000 coronavirus tests per day", while adding that it was "more than any other country in the world, both in terms of the raw number and on a per capita basis." (With inputs from agencies)

53,000 dead, over 1 million infected with deadly coronavirus globally

The economic crisis spawned by the coronavirus pandemic has produced a wave of grim US data, with likely more to come as millions lose jobs, businesses shutter and spending stops. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-records-highest-one-day-covid-19-death-toll-with-1169-fatalities-290246">Also read: United States records highest one-day COVID-19 death toll with 1,169 fatalities</a> 
 
But at some point, the bottom will be reached.

Given how fast the situation has developed, judging when that happens in real-time will prove challenging for economists who usually depend on monthly, quarterly or yearly trends in data to judge the state of the business cycle.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-bank-allocates-funds-to-fight-coronavirus-290316/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The coronavirus outbreak is not a business cycle event but perhaps a once-in-a-century health crisis where normal choices about where to go and what to spend are influenced by a combination of fear and government edict.

To gauge what is happening using more frequently available information, economists are innovating.

Goldman Sachs economist David Mericle said this week that unemployment claims were still a great guide.

"Jobless claims will be the timeliest hard data point for assessing the depth of the recession and catching the start of the recovery," Mericle wrote, noting that when initial claims start to fall, GDP will likely have stopped shrinking. When ongoing claims, by contrast, have fallen by perhaps a third, it will be evidence the economy is growing again.

This week, initial claims jumped a record 6 million.

Goldman analysts have also combined granular data on things like movie ticket sales and hotel occupancy rates into a bespoke coronavirus tracker. It has been falling fast.

Researchers at the New York Fed, working with Harvard economics professor James Stock, recently released a Weekly Economic Index that provides another view. It combines seven indicators, including unemployment claims but also raw steel production and weekly retail sales information, into an indicator they found closely tracks growth in gross domestic product.

With Thursday's record filings for unemployment insurance, the index is currently pointing to a 6% annual drop in GDP.&nbsp;

The Atlanta Fed's GDPNow "nowcast" of gross domestic growth can be volatile even in normal times. But it is a way to show how government data releases are progressively influencing the estimated growth path of the economy.

For 2020, the "nowcast" had fallen to 1.2% as of Thursday from 3% in mid-February.

The economic crisis spawned by the coronavirus pandemic has produced a wave of grim US data, with likely more to come as millions lose jobs, businesses shutter and spending stops.

The economic crisis spawned by the coronavirus pandemic has produced a wave of grim US data, with likely more to come as millions lose jobs, businesses shutter and spending stops. Also read: United States records highest one-day COVID-19 death toll with 1,169 fatalities But at some point, the bottom will be reached. Given how fast the situation has developed, judging when that happens in real-time will prove challenging for economists who usually depend on monthly, quarterly or yearly trends in data to judge the state of the business cycle. The coronavirus outbreak is not a business cycle event but perhaps a once-in-a-century health crisis where normal choices about where to go and what to spend are influenced by a combination of fear and government edict. To gauge what is happening using more frequently available information, economists are innovating. Goldman Sachs economist David Mericle said this week that unemployment claims were still a great guide. "Jobless claims will be the timeliest hard data point for assessing the depth of the recession and catching the start of the recovery," Mericle wrote, noting that when initial claims start to fall, GDP will likely have stopped shrinking. When ongoing claims, by contrast, have fallen by perhaps a third, it will be evidence the economy is growing again. This week, initial claims jumped a record 6 million. Goldman analysts have also combined granular data on things like movie ticket sales and hotel occupancy rates into a bespoke coronavirus tracker. It has been falling fast. Researchers at the New York Fed, working with Harvard economics professor James Stock, recently released a Weekly Economic Index that provides another view. It combines seven indicators, including unemployment claims but also raw steel production and weekly retail sales information, into an indicator they found closely tracks growth in gross domestic product. With Thursday's record filings for unemployment insurance, the index is currently pointing to a 6% annual drop in GDP. The Atlanta Fed's GDPNow "nowcast" of gross domestic growth can be volatile even in normal times. But it is a way to show how government data releases are progressively influencing the estimated growth path of the economy. For 2020, the "nowcast" had fallen to 1.2% as of Thursday from 3% in mid-February.

When will US economy bottom? Economists hunt for the right view

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus approached one million around the world on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-deaths-top-10000-infections-cross-110000-mark-290118">Also read: Spain deaths top 10,000, infections cross 110,000 mark</a>

According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 981,221 people worldwide and 50,230 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 204,605 people of that tally have recovered.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-surpasses-1000-in-belgium-290085">Also read: Coronavirus death toll surpasses 1,000 in Belgium</a>

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections. A total of 226,374 people are infected by this deadly virus in the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/already-in-icu-europe-awaits-major-crisis-once-coronavirus-ends-289020">Also read: Already in ICU, Europe awaits major crisis once coronavirus ends</a>

Belgium has also reported a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus fatalities on Thursday as health officials confirmed the death toll surpassing 1,000. So far, 1001 people died and 15,348 infected in the country of 11.4 million, as told by officials in a press conference.&nbsp;

Spain has the world's second-highest death toll after Italy, with the virus so far claiming 10,003 lives although the rate of new infections and deaths continued its downward trend, the health ministry figures showed.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus approached one million around the world on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus approached one million around the world on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read: Spain deaths top 10,000, infections cross 110,000 mark According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 981,221 people worldwide and 50,230 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 204,605 people of that tally have recovered. Also read: Coronavirus death toll surpasses 1,000 in Belgium Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections. A total of 226,374 people are infected by this deadly virus in the US. Also read: Already in ICU, Europe awaits major crisis once coronavirus ends Belgium has also reported a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus fatalities on Thursday as health officials confirmed the death toll surpassing 1,000. So far, 1001 people died and 15,348 infected in the country of 11.4 million, as told by officials in a press conference. Spain has the world's second-highest death toll after Italy, with the virus so far claiming 10,003 lives although the rate of new infections and deaths continued its downward trend, the health ministry figures showed.

Global coronavirus cases near a million; death toll rises to 50,230

The Ministry of Health and Family Affairs on Thursday reaffirmed that the government has taken several steps to ensure the availability of personal protection equipment (PPE) that is necessary to fight the coronavirus crisis in the country.&nbsp;

<img alt="COVID-19" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5f1a212-7c9d-435d-8cc8-469c7bb45d3c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/covid-19.JPG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-quarantines-275-foreign-nationals-who-attended-tablighi-jamaat-congregation-289983">Also Read: Delhi Police quarantines 275 foreign nationals who attended Tablighi Jamaat meet</a>

Joint Secretary Lav Agrawal addressed a press conference to brief about the current situation of fight against coronavirus in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/already-in-icu-europe-awaits-major-crisis-once-coronavirus-ends-289020">Already in ICU, Europe awaits major crisis once coronavirus ends</a>

Talking about the coronavirus case of Mumbai's Dharavi slum he said in the particular colony, the building has been sealed and sample collection of all residents of the building is underway. As per protocol, contact tracing is underway.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-812-new-fatalities-in-spain-belgium-death-toll-over-500-289460">Coronavirus: 812 new fatalities in Spain; Belgium death toll over 500</a>

Meanwhile, nine more cases of COVID-19 were reported in Rajasthan with seven in Ramganj, and one each from Jodhpur and Jhunjhunu. There are now 129 coronavirus positive cases in the state.

In Madhya Pradesh, twelve new COVID-19 cases were reported in Indore, taking the total number of cases to 75 in the city. The confirmed total number of cases in the state has risen to 98.

COVID-19 has now infected &nbsp;941,949 people worldwide and &nbsp;47,522 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Around 202,342 people of that tally have recovered.

The Ministry of Health and Family Affairs on Thursday reaffirmed that the government has taken several steps to ensure the availability of personal protection equipment (PPE) that is necessary to fight the coronavirus crisis in the country.

The Ministry of Health and Family Affairs on Thursday reaffirmed that the government has taken several steps to ensure the availability of personal protection equipment (PPE) that is necessary to fight the coronavirus crisis in the country. Also Read: Delhi Police quarantines 275 foreign nationals who attended Tablighi Jamaat meet Joint Secretary Lav Agrawal addressed a press conference to brief about the current situation of fight against coronavirus in the country. Also read: Already in ICU, Europe awaits major crisis once coronavirus ends Talking about the coronavirus case of Mumbai's Dharavi slum he said in the particular colony, the building has been sealed and sample collection of all residents of the building is underway. As per protocol, contact tracing is underway. Also read: Coronavirus: 812 new fatalities in Spain; Belgium death toll over 500 Meanwhile, nine more cases of COVID-19 were reported in Rajasthan with seven in Ramganj, and one each from Jodhpur and Jhunjhunu. There are now 129 coronavirus positive cases in the state. In Madhya Pradesh, twelve new COVID-19 cases were reported in Indore, taking the total number of cases to 75 in the city. The confirmed total number of cases in the state has risen to 98. COVID-19 has now infected 941,949 people worldwide and 47,522 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 202,342 people of that tally have recovered.

Coronavirus in India: Total number of cases climb to 2,069; 53 deaths, says Health Ministry

The government on Thursday launched a mobile app to help people assess themselves the risk of catching coronavirus infection and alert authorities if they have come in close contact with a person infected with the deadly virus.

According to a ministry official, the app will detect only fresh cases and will send out alerts to only those who have been nearby the infected person.

"The App, called 'AarogyaSetu' joins Digital India for the health and well-being of every Indian. It will enable people to assess themselves the risk of catching the coronavirus infection. It will calculate this based on their interaction with others, using cutting edge Bluetooth technology, algorithms and artificial intelligence," an official statement said.

If a person is clinically tested positive with coronavirus infection, the mobile number of the infected person is included in the register maintained by the health ministry and will be updated on the app as well, an IT ministry official explained.

"Once installed in a smartphone through an easy and user-friendly process, the app detects other devices with AarogyaSetu installed that come in the proximity of that phone. The app can then calculate the risk of infection based on sophisticated parameters if any of these contacts are tested positive," the statement said.

The government has announced a 21 lockdown starting March 24 and appealed to everyone to maintain social distancing to avoid the risk of getting infected with the deadly virus which has killed over 40,000 people globally and 50 in India.

As on date, 2,116 people in the country have been diagnosed with the coronavirus infection out of which there are 150 have been cured or discharged and 1,764 cases remain active.

"The App will help the government take necessary timely steps for assessing the risk of spread of COVID-19 infection, and ensuring isolation where required," the statement said.

The government said that privacy is a priority for the app users and the personal data collected by the app is encrypted and will stay secure on the phone until it is needed for facilitating medical intervention.

"Available in 11 languages, the App is ready for pan-India use from day-1 and has a highly scalable architecture," the statement said.

The mobile app has been developed in a public-private partnership to bring the people of India together in a resolute fight against COVID-19, the IT ministry said.

The government on Thursday launched a mobile app to help people assess themselves the risk of catching coronavirus infection and alert authorities if they have come in close contact with a person infected with the deadly virus.

The government on Thursday launched a mobile app to help people assess themselves the risk of catching coronavirus infection and alert authorities if they have come in close contact with a person infected with the deadly virus. According to a ministry official, the app will detect only fresh cases and will send out alerts to only those who have been nearby the infected person. "The App, called 'AarogyaSetu' joins Digital India for the health and well-being of every Indian. It will enable people to assess themselves the risk of catching the coronavirus infection. It will calculate this based on their interaction with others, using cutting edge Bluetooth technology, algorithms and artificial intelligence," an official statement said. If a person is clinically tested positive with coronavirus infection, the mobile number of the infected person is included in the register maintained by the health ministry and will be updated on the app as well, an IT ministry official explained. "Once installed in a smartphone through an easy and user-friendly process, the app detects other devices with AarogyaSetu installed that come in the proximity of that phone. The app can then calculate the risk of infection based on sophisticated parameters if any of these contacts are tested positive," the statement said. The government has announced a 21 lockdown starting March 24 and appealed to everyone to maintain social distancing to avoid the risk of getting infected with the deadly virus which has killed over 40,000 people globally and 50 in India. As on date, 2,116 people in the country have been diagnosed with the coronavirus infection out of which there are 150 have been cured or discharged and 1,764 cases remain active. "The App will help the government take necessary timely steps for assessing the risk of spread of COVID-19 infection, and ensuring isolation where required," the statement said. The government said that privacy is a priority for the app users and the personal data collected by the app is encrypted and will stay secure on the phone until it is needed for facilitating medical intervention. "Available in 11 languages, the App is ready for pan-India use from day-1 and has a highly scalable architecture," the statement said. The mobile app has been developed in a public-private partnership to bring the people of India together in a resolute fight against COVID-19, the IT ministry said.

India launches 'AarogyaSetu' app to assess, alert people about coronavirus patient

By &nbsp;Ora Szekely

Despite many attempts at negotiations, the Syrian war – a conflict with a complicated and constantly changing cast of characters that has killed as many as 585,000 people and displaced over half of Syria’s prewar population – has proved extremely difficult to resolve.

As the war grinds on, conditions are only getting worse. For months, the Syrian regime and its Russian allies have been engaged in an assault on Idlib, the last rebel-held region in the country. That has sparked an exodus of nearly a million people toward the now-sealed Turkish border. Although the U.N. has tried to deliver badly needed relief, many Syrians are facing winter conditions without shelter and there are reports of children freezing to death.

On top of all this, Syrians are now facing the coronavirus outbreak, which poses a devastating threat to the displacement camps jammed with people fleeing the conflict, who have no opportunity to practice social distancing – or even wash their hands.

I am currently working on a book about the war in Syria. The Syrians I’ve spoken with in the course of my research point to many reasons for their country’s tragedy. For many of those I spoke with, those reasons include the Assad regime itself and, for at least some, the rebels as well.

But there are two factors that stand out in explaining why the war seems to be so intractable and peace so sadly elusive: First, everyone in Syria is fighting a slightly different war from everyone else. And second, the war involves lots of outside participants, all with their own goals.

With a fast-spreading dangerous disease on the doorstep, the situation in Syria looks grimmer than ever. 
 
A complex mix of battles and wars 
 
The Syrian war involves a sometimes bewildering constellation of participants.

At a bare minimum, they include President Bashar al Assad’s regime; the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its associated armed wings (the YPG and YPJ); the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or IS; and the constantly shifting array of armed groups who make up “the opposition” (sometimes also referred to as “the rebels”), which have included everyone from former army officers, to foreign jihadists, to local warlords.

Each group has its own objectives. The rebels and the regime seek control of Syria itself. In contrast, the Kurds and the Islamic State group were (and are) fighting to carve out entirely new territories with new boundaries and new forms of government. These conflicting objectives mean that what might appear from the outside as a single war is really a collection of semi-related subconflicts.

By 2012, the nonviolent uprising against the Assad regime the had begun in the spring of 2011 had morphed into a military conflict between the regime and a range of rebel groups. While all of the rebels were bent on removing Assad from power, they often had quite divergent visions of what or who might replace him (although in most cases, the answer was “themselves”).

Beginning in mid-2013, fighting erupted in the north between the Kurdish armed groups and the Islamic State group, a conflict that was largely disconnected from the war being waged elsewhere in the country. In 2018, Turkish-sponsored rebel groups attacked Kurdish territory in the north, while other rebel factions continued fighting the regime – and still others fought amongst themselves.

All this infighting and complexity means that even if a settlement is reached that satisfies some groups, it is unlikely to satisfy everyone. There will almost certainly be someone left with an incentive to keep fighting.

Major international forces are involved 
 
Nearly every one of these factions has support from foreign allies. The Assad regime is backed by Russia, Iran and the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

The various rebel factions each have their own backers, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

The Kurds have received U.S. military support in their campaign against the Islamic State group – which has the dubious distinction of being so unpleasant that no nation is willing to openly support it.

This outside support has enabled all the war’s participants to keep fighting for far longer than would have been possible without it. In particular, direct Russian intervention in 2015 probably saved the Assad regime.

At the same time, all of these foreign parties are in Syria for their own interests. Russia hopes to preserve both its influence in the region and access to its naval base in the Syrian city of Tartus.

Turkey seeks to prevent the Syrian Kurds from establishing their own autonomous territory on its southern border, fearing this would work to the advantage of the PKK, the Kurdish armed group that has been embroiled in a conflict with the Turkish state since the 1980s. Aside from some early support for some parts of the opposition, the U.S. has mostly focused on containing the Islamic State group.

All have engaged in military strikes that have cost Syrian lives, including Turkish attacks on Afrin, the American bombardment of Raqqa and Russia’s assault on civilian targets across Syria.

From bad to worse? 
​​​​​​​ 
Recent developments suggest that, if anything, the situation in Syria is worsening. Most of the war’s participants, including (and recently, especially) Assad’s regime, have attacked medical facilities, humanitarian aid operations and refugee camps.

One new factor stands to significantly complicate the situation in Syria: If there is an outbreak of the novel coronavirus and its associated disease, COVID-19, anywhere in Syria, the results will be catastrophic. The Syrian regime has acknowledged nine cases and one death so far, though the number may well be higher. Given the poor state of the country’s health system, things will likely get much worse.

Displacement camps in Syria and refugee camps outside of Syria provide ideal conditions for the spread of disease. With much of the country’s medical infrastructure and equipment damaged or destroyed, especially outside of Damascus, treatment will be extremely difficult.

The Assad regime may be close to winning a bitter victory. But the country’s future doesn’t look good.

For one thing, an end to the war doesn’t necessarily mean an immediate cessation of all violence; opposition forces may wage a low-grade insurgency for years to come, as has happened in Iraq.

Even if violence does end, rebuilding Syria will require an enormous amount of money and human effort – both of which are in short supply there. Many of the Syrians who fled in the war’s early years were young and educated – exactly the people whose skills Syria will desperately need in order to recover. But they may not be willing to return, either out of fear of reprisals from the regime, or because they have nothing to return to.

The process of rebuilding Syria will be further hampered by the regime itself; the corruption and repression that protesters objected to in 2011 remain very much a part of Assad’s government. Amnesty International has documented the use of torture against tens of thousands of Syrians, especially in the notorious Sadnaya Prison.

Probably unsurprisingly, few of the Syrians I have interviewed expressed much admiration for or confidence in any of the participants in the war – neither for the various nonstate armed groups involved, nor for the regime. As complex as ending the Syrian war has proved, building the Syrian peace may prove to be almost as difficult.

(Ora Szekely is Associate&nbsp;Professor of Political Science, Clark University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/2-reasons-and-1-disease-that-make-peace-in-syria-so-difficult-133330"> original article)</a>

By Ora Szekely Despite many attempts at negotiations, the Syrian war – a conflict with a complicated and constantly changing cast of characters that has killed as many as 585,000 people and displaced over half of Syria’s prewar population – has proved extremely difficult to resolve.

By Ora Szekely Despite many attempts at negotiations, the Syrian war – a conflict with a complicated and constantly changing cast of characters that has killed as many as 585,000 people and displaced over half of Syria’s prewar population – has proved extremely difficult to resolve. As the war grinds on, conditions are only getting worse. For months, the Syrian regime and its Russian allies have been engaged in an assault on Idlib, the last rebel-held region in the country. That has sparked an exodus of nearly a million people toward the now-sealed Turkish border. Although the U.N. has tried to deliver badly needed relief, many Syrians are facing winter conditions without shelter and there are reports of children freezing to death. On top of all this, Syrians are now facing the coronavirus outbreak, which poses a devastating threat to the displacement camps jammed with people fleeing the conflict, who have no opportunity to practice social distancing – or even wash their hands. I am currently working on a book about the war in Syria. The Syrians I’ve spoken with in the course of my research point to many reasons for their country’s tragedy. For many of those I spoke with, those reasons include the Assad regime itself and, for at least some, the rebels as well. But there are two factors that stand out in explaining why the war seems to be so intractable and peace so sadly elusive: First, everyone in Syria is fighting a slightly different war from everyone else. And second, the war involves lots of outside participants, all with their own goals. With a fast-spreading dangerous disease on the doorstep, the situation in Syria looks grimmer than ever. A complex mix of battles and wars The Syrian war involves a sometimes bewildering constellation of participants. At a bare minimum, they include President Bashar al Assad’s regime; the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its associated armed wings (the YPG and YPJ); the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or IS; and the constantly shifting array of armed groups who make up “the opposition” (sometimes also referred to as “the rebels”), which have included everyone from former army officers, to foreign jihadists, to local warlords. Each group has its own objectives. The rebels and the regime seek control of Syria itself. In contrast, the Kurds and the Islamic State group were (and are) fighting to carve out entirely new territories with new boundaries and new forms of government. These conflicting objectives mean that what might appear from the outside as a single war is really a collection of semi-related subconflicts. By 2012, the nonviolent uprising against the Assad regime the had begun in the spring of 2011 had morphed into a military conflict between the regime and a range of rebel groups. While all of the rebels were bent on removing Assad from power, they often had quite divergent visions of what or who might replace him (although in most cases, the answer was “themselves”). Beginning in mid-2013, fighting erupted in the north between the Kurdish armed groups and the Islamic State group, a conflict that was largely disconnected from the war being waged elsewhere in the country. In 2018, Turkish-sponsored rebel groups attacked Kurdish territory in the north, while other rebel factions continued fighting the regime – and still others fought amongst themselves. All this infighting and complexity means that even if a settlement is reached that satisfies some groups, it is unlikely to satisfy everyone. There will almost certainly be someone left with an incentive to keep fighting. Major international forces are involved Nearly every one of these factions has support from foreign allies. The Assad regime is backed by Russia, Iran and the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. The various rebel factions each have their own backers, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The Kurds have received U.S. military support in their campaign against the Islamic State group – which has the dubious distinction of being so unpleasant that no nation is willing to openly support it. This outside support has enabled all the war’s participants to keep fighting for far longer than would have been possible without it. In particular, direct Russian intervention in 2015 probably saved the Assad regime. At the same time, all of these foreign parties are in Syria for their own interests. Russia hopes to preserve both its influence in the region and access to its naval base in the Syrian city of Tartus. Turkey seeks to prevent the Syrian Kurds from establishing their own autonomous territory on its southern border, fearing this would work to the advantage of the PKK, the Kurdish armed group that has been embroiled in a conflict with the Turkish state since the 1980s. Aside from some early support for some parts of the opposition, the U.S. has mostly focused on containing the Islamic State group. All have engaged in military strikes that have cost Syrian lives, including Turkish attacks on Afrin, the American bombardment of Raqqa and Russia’s assault on civilian targets across Syria. From bad to worse? Recent developments suggest that, if anything, the situation in Syria is worsening. Most of the war’s participants, including (and recently, especially) Assad’s regime, have attacked medical facilities, humanitarian aid operations and refugee camps. One new factor stands to significantly complicate the situation in Syria: If there is an outbreak of the novel coronavirus and its associated disease, COVID-19, anywhere in Syria, the results will be catastrophic. The Syrian regime has acknowledged nine cases and one death so far, though the number may well be higher. Given the poor state of the country’s health system, things will likely get much worse. Displacement camps in Syria and refugee camps outside of Syria provide ideal conditions for the spread of disease. With much of the country’s medical infrastructure and equipment damaged or destroyed, especially outside of Damascus, treatment will be extremely difficult. The Assad regime may be close to winning a bitter victory. But the country’s future doesn’t look good. For one thing, an end to the war doesn’t necessarily mean an immediate cessation of all violence; opposition forces may wage a low-grade insurgency for years to come, as has happened in Iraq. Even if violence does end, rebuilding Syria will require an enormous amount of money and human effort – both of which are in short supply there. Many of the Syrians who fled in the war’s early years were young and educated – exactly the people whose skills Syria will desperately need in order to recover. But they may not be willing to return, either out of fear of reprisals from the regime, or because they have nothing to return to. The process of rebuilding Syria will be further hampered by the regime itself; the corruption and repression that protesters objected to in 2011 remain very much a part of Assad’s government. Amnesty International has documented the use of torture against tens of thousands of Syrians, especially in the notorious Sadnaya Prison. Probably unsurprisingly, few of the Syrians I have interviewed expressed much admiration for or confidence in any of the participants in the war – neither for the various nonstate armed groups involved, nor for the regime. As complex as ending the Syrian war has proved, building the Syrian peace may prove to be almost as difficult. (Ora Szekely is Associate Professor of Political Science, Clark University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article)

Two reasons and one disease that make peace in Syria so difficult

Police and medical personnel have been attacked by locals in Munger town of central Bihar when they visited a locality to collect samples from people suspected to have contracted the novel coronavirus, an official said on Thursday.

Stones were thrown at the quick response team (QRT), comprising policemen and an ambulance carrying medical personnel, when they visited the Hazratganj locality late on Wednesday, SHO of Qasim Bazar police station Shailesh Kumar said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-in-india-close-to-2000-case-50-deaths-says-health-ministry-290112" hreflang="en">Coronavirus in India: Close to 2000 case; 50 deaths, says Health Ministry</a>

The stone-pelting left a police jeep badly damaged and the situation was brought under control by use of force, he said.

Kumar said the quick response team was in the locality to collect samples from people who were reported to have returned home from elsewhere recently.

Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-who-praises-indias-usd-226-billion-economic-stimulus-plan-290089" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: WHO praises India's USD 22.6 billion economic stimulus plan</a>

Notably, Munger has reported the highest eight COVID-19 cases in the state where altogether 24 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The pathogen is said to have spread here from a 38-year-old man who returned from Qatar a month ago.

He died at AIIMS, Patna, while undergoing treatment for renal failure, a day before his test results confirmed that he had contracted the virus.

One of his relatives in Lakhisarai and three persons associated with a private hospital in the state capital where he was briefly admitted before being referred to AIIMS, Patna, have also tested positive.

The state government has intensified the process of collection and testing of samples. All those who returned to Bihar from abroad by mid-March or who have come from other parts of the country are being tested, irrespective of whether or not they are having any symptoms.

Police and medical personnel have been attacked by locals in Munger town of central Bihar when they visited a locality to collect samples from people suspected to have contracted the novel coronavirus, an official said on Thursday.

Police and medical personnel have been attacked by locals in Munger town of central Bihar when they visited a locality to collect samples from people suspected to have contracted the novel coronavirus, an official said on Thursday. Stones were thrown at the quick response team (QRT), comprising policemen and an ambulance carrying medical personnel, when they visited the Hazratganj locality late on Wednesday, SHO of Qasim Bazar police station Shailesh Kumar said. Also read: Coronavirus in India: Close to 2000 case; 50 deaths, says Health Ministry The stone-pelting left a police jeep badly damaged and the situation was brought under control by use of force, he said. Kumar said the quick response team was in the locality to collect samples from people who were reported to have returned home from elsewhere recently. Also read: Coronavirus: WHO praises India's USD 22.6 billion economic stimulus plan Notably, Munger has reported the highest eight COVID-19 cases in the state where altogether 24 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The pathogen is said to have spread here from a 38-year-old man who returned from Qatar a month ago. He died at AIIMS, Patna, while undergoing treatment for renal failure, a day before his test results confirmed that he had contracted the virus. One of his relatives in Lakhisarai and three persons associated with a private hospital in the state capital where he was briefly admitted before being referred to AIIMS, Patna, have also tested positive. The state government has intensified the process of collection and testing of samples. All those who returned to Bihar from abroad by mid-March or who have come from other parts of the country are being tested, irrespective of whether or not they are having any symptoms.

Bihar: Police, medical personnel attacked while trying to collect samples for COVID-19 tests

The coronavirus death toll in Spain surged past 10,000 on Thursday after a record 950 deaths in 24 hours, with the number of confirmed cases passing the 110,000 marks, the government said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-surpasses-1000-in-belgium-290085">Also read: Coronavirus death toll surpasses 1,000 in Belgium</a> 
 
Spain has the world's second-highest death toll after Italy, with the virus so far claiming 10,003 lives although the rate of new infections and deaths continued its downward trend, the health ministry figures showed. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/already-in-icu-europe-awaits-major-crisis-once-coronavirus-ends-289020">Already in ICU, Europe awaits major crisis once coronavirus ends</a>

The number of new infections increased by 7.9 per cent, compared with 8.2 per cent on Wednesday and more than 25 per cent at the start of last week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-812-new-fatalities-in-spain-belgium-death-toll-over-500-289460">Coronavirus: 812 new fatalities in Spain; Belgium death toll over 500</a>

The daily rise in deaths also slowed to 10.5 per cent on Thursday, virtually unchanged from 10.6 per cent on Wednesday and down from 27 per cent a week ago.

"The data show the curve has stabilised" and the epidemic has entered a "slowdown" phase, Health Minister Salvador Illa said.

Officials have warned that even if the epidemic is peaking, the pressure on the intensive care system would be subject to a lag of a week or longer, with hospitals likely to reach crisis point by the end of this week or early next.

Madrid remains the worst-hit region, with 4,175 deaths and more than 32,000 cases, leaving hospitals and mortuaries overwhelmed.

The coronavirus death toll in Spain surged past 10,000 on Thursday after a record 950 deaths in 24 hours, with the number of confirmed cases passing the 110,000 marks, the government said.

The coronavirus death toll in Spain surged past 10,000 on Thursday after a record 950 deaths in 24 hours, with the number of confirmed cases passing the 110,000 marks, the government said. Also read: Coronavirus death toll surpasses 1,000 in Belgium Spain has the world's second-highest death toll after Italy, with the virus so far claiming 10,003 lives although the rate of new infections and deaths continued its downward trend, the health ministry figures showed. Also read | Already in ICU, Europe awaits major crisis once coronavirus ends The number of new infections increased by 7.9 per cent, compared with 8.2 per cent on Wednesday and more than 25 per cent at the start of last week. Also read | Coronavirus: 812 new fatalities in Spain; Belgium death toll over 500 The daily rise in deaths also slowed to 10.5 per cent on Thursday, virtually unchanged from 10.6 per cent on Wednesday and down from 27 per cent a week ago. "The data show the curve has stabilised" and the epidemic has entered a "slowdown" phase, Health Minister Salvador Illa said. Officials have warned that even if the epidemic is peaking, the pressure on the intensive care system would be subject to a lag of a week or longer, with hospitals likely to reach crisis point by the end of this week or early next. Madrid remains the worst-hit region, with 4,175 deaths and more than 32,000 cases, leaving hospitals and mortuaries overwhelmed.

Spain deaths top 10,000, infections cross 110,000 mark

The coronavirus has come as a lesson in fixing our priorities. The deadly virus has exposed how fragile the world can be in the face of a health emergency of this magnitude. &nbsp;The pandemic is punishing citizens for the unpreparedness of their leaders as the disaster our leaders have always worried about is a nuclear war.

In their quest for dominance, countries have invested in weapons and are being defeated by a pandemic. There's a lot of talk of 'flattening the curve'. But none of them will tell you whether our hospitals can even cope with the most flattened of curves. Or any curve. Hospitals and quarantine facilities across the world are filled to the brim without enough life-saving machines and ventilators and face masks.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;So what are governments doing? 
&nbsp; 
In Turkey, the health ministry has roped in a defence firm to manufacture ventilators. The company which goes by the name Baykar is racing against time to deliver 5,000 ventilators while in Britain, the NHS has ordered 10,000 ventilators from a consortium of leading aerospace companies. This defence consortium is manufacturing, assembling and testing components for medical ventilators.

In India Bharat Electricals, a public sector unit under the defence ministry has been given the task of manufacturing 30,000 ventilators. In Israel, a missile production facility is being retooled to mass-produce ventilators. The Israeli health ministry says it only has 2,000 of them.

There's also a shortage of medicines and medical staff. Israeli soldiers have volunteered to hand out boxes of medicines and essential services to homes of the elderly. Defence manufacturers are making ventilators. Soldiers are filling up for the shortage of medics. perfume makers are making sanitisers and fashion brands are manufacturing masks. 
&nbsp; 
This should be an eye-opener. The biggest threat to national security is not foreign militaries but microbes. A virus has made all our weapons and defences rendered useless. Armed troops and missiles cannot defeat the coronavirus but efficient health-care system can. We need to prepare for an epidemic just as we do for wars. 
&nbsp;

The coronavirus has come as a lesson in fixing our priorities. The deadly virus has exposed how fragile the world can be in the face of a health emergency of this magnitude.

The coronavirus has come as a lesson in fixing our priorities. The deadly virus has exposed how fragile the world can be in the face of a health emergency of this magnitude. The pandemic is punishing citizens for the unpreparedness of their leaders as the disaster our leaders have always worried about is a nuclear war. In their quest for dominance, countries have invested in weapons and are being defeated by a pandemic. There's a lot of talk of 'flattening the curve'. But none of them will tell you whether our hospitals can even cope with the most flattened of curves. Or any curve. Hospitals and quarantine facilities across the world are filled to the brim without enough life-saving machines and ventilators and face masks. So what are governments doing? In Turkey, the health ministry has roped in a defence firm to manufacture ventilators. The company which goes by the name Baykar is racing against time to deliver 5,000 ventilators while in Britain, the NHS has ordered 10,000 ventilators from a consortium of leading aerospace companies. This defence consortium is manufacturing, assembling and testing components for medical ventilators. In India Bharat Electricals, a public sector unit under the defence ministry has been given the task of manufacturing 30,000 ventilators. In Israel, a missile production facility is being retooled to mass-produce ventilators. The Israeli health ministry says it only has 2,000 of them. There's also a shortage of medicines and medical staff. Israeli soldiers have volunteered to hand out boxes of medicines and essential services to homes of the elderly. Defence manufacturers are making ventilators. Soldiers are filling up for the shortage of medics. perfume makers are making sanitisers and fashion brands are manufacturing masks. This should be an eye-opener. The biggest threat to national security is not foreign militaries but microbes. A virus has made all our weapons and defences rendered useless. Armed troops and missiles cannot defeat the coronavirus but efficient health-care system can. We need to prepare for an epidemic just as we do for wars.

WION EDIT: COVID-19 is a lesson on fixing our priorities

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took to Twitter to share Health Ministry protocol on ways to stay fit and enhance immunity during coronavirus spread and urged people to make it a part of their lives.

"Let's keep the focus on being healthy. After all, good health is the harbinger of happiness," he wrote on Twitter.

Recently the Health Ministry came out with protocols that list out easily doable things that improve health as well as immunity, he pointed out.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I urge you to have a look at the Ayush Ministry protocol, make it a part of your lives and share it with others. 
 
Let’s keep the focus on being healthy. After all, good health is the harbinger of happiness. <a href="https://t.co/fZCPFJtwi0">pic.twitter.com/fZCPFJtwi0</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1245367203693723650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"There are many things in the protocol that I myself have been diligently doing for years, such as drinking only hot water through the year," he said.

He urged people to have a look at the protocol, "make it a part of your lives and share it with others."

The ministry document stated that enhancing the body's natural defence system (immunity) plays an important role in maintaining optimum health.

"We all know that prevention is better than cure. While there is no medicine for COVID-19 as of now, it will be good to take preventive measures which boost our immunity in these times," it said.

It suggested drink warm water throughout the day, practising pranayam and meditation for at least 30 minutes, using haldi (turmeric), jeera (cumin), dhaniya (coriander) and lahsun (garlic) in cooking.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took to Twitter to share Health Ministry protocol on ways to stay fit and enhance immunity during coronavirus spread and urged people to make it a part of their lives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took to Twitter to share Health Ministry protocol on ways to stay fit and enhance immunity during coronavirus spread and urged people to make it a part of their lives. "Let's keep the focus on being healthy. After all, good health is the harbinger of happiness," he wrote on Twitter. Recently the Health Ministry came out with protocols that list out easily doable things that improve health as well as immunity, he pointed out. I urge you to have a look at the Ayush Ministry protocol, make it a part of your lives and share it with others. Let’s keep the focus on being healthy. After all, good health is the harbinger of happiness. pic.twitter.com/fZCPFJtwi0 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2020 × "There are many things in the protocol that I myself have been diligently doing for years, such as drinking only hot water through the year," he said. He urged people to have a look at the protocol, "make it a part of your lives and share it with others." The ministry document stated that enhancing the body's natural defence system (immunity) plays an important role in maintaining optimum health. "We all know that prevention is better than cure. While there is no medicine for COVID-19 as of now, it will be good to take preventive measures which boost our immunity in these times," it said. It suggested drink warm water throughout the day, practising pranayam and meditation for at least 30 minutes, using haldi (turmeric), jeera (cumin), dhaniya (coriander) and lahsun (garlic) in cooking. (With inputs from PTI)

COVID-19: PM shares Health Ministry protocol to stay fit, says he drinks only hot water

With 376 new cases of COVID-19 reported in the country in the last 24 hours, the Health Ministry on Wednesday said the spike does not represent a "national trend" and was primarily due to travel by those who had attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in the national capital.

The Health Ministry in a statement said 1,637 confirmed cases and 38 deaths have been reported in the country as of now.

"During the last 24 hours, 376 new confirmed cases and three new deaths have been reported. 132 persons have been cured /discharged from the hospitals after recovery," the statement said.

However, addressing the daily press briefing to provide updates on the COVID-19 situation in the country, Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry Lav Agarwal said 386 new positive cases were reported in the last 24 hours and till now there are a total of 1,637 COVID-19 cases in the country.

"I want to highlight that the rise in the number of positive cases does not represent a national trend, but if there will be a failure anywhere, obviously cases will rise," he said as he urged people to follow the guidelines of social distancing and lockdown and avoid congregations and religious gatherings.

He said 154 new positive cases of the disease have been reported due to the transit-related history of those who attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation.

These include 23 new cases from Jammu and Kashmir, 20 from Telangana, 18 from Delhi, 65 from Tamil Nadu, 17 from Andhra Pradesh, nine from Andaman and Nicobar Islands and two from Puducherry.

All the states concerned have been notified and asked to carry out intensive drives of rigorous contact tracing and testing besides sending those with symptoms to quarantine or isolation facilities or hospitals, Agarwal said.

He said around 1,800 people in Delhi connected with the Tablighi Jamaat congregation have been shifted to nine quarantine centres and hospitals.

Giving details about the necessary arrangements being made by the government to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, Agarwal informed reporters that the Indian railways is preparing to set up 3.2 lakh isolation and quarantine beds by modifying 20,000 train coaches.

Modification of 5,000 coaches for the purpose has already begun, he said.

'Lifeline' flights have also been launched by the Civil Aviation ministry to transport testing kits, medicines, masks and other essentials commodities, Agarwal said, adding that 15.4 tonnes of medical supplies have been transported by these flights in the last five days.

Speaking at the same press conference, Raman R Gangakhedkar, the Head of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said 47,951 tests for COVID-19 have been conducted in the country till date.

There are 126 labs in the ICMR network. "The testing capacity utilisation is about 38 cent as of now," he said.

Besides, 51 private labs have been given the approval to conduct tests for coronavirus infection and 861 people were tested at these facilities on Monday.

Agarwal said that under the orders of the Supreme Court, states have been directed that trained counsellors and/or community group leaders of all religions will visit and provide psychological social support to the migrant workers in relief camps.

As directed by the apex court, for technical queries the Ministry of Health has created an email (technical query. covid19@gov.in) which will provide authentic technical information to queries from institutions like AIIMS, New Delhi and a joint secretary rank officer from the ministry, he said.

In addition, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has notified that all 24 classes of medical devices shall be regulated as drugs for quality control and price monitoring under the provisions of Drug (Price Control) Order, 2013 with effect from April 1 to ensure that no manufacturer shall increase the MRP of these items more than beyond 10 per cent of MRP in the last 12 months, he said.

With 376 new cases of COVID-19 reported in the country in the last 24 hours, the Health Ministry on Wednesday said the spike does not represent a "national trend" and was primarily due to travel by those who had attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in the national capital.

With 376 new cases of COVID-19 reported in the country in the last 24 hours, the Health Ministry on Wednesday said the spike does not represent a "national trend" and was primarily due to travel by those who had attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in the national capital. The Health Ministry in a statement said 1,637 confirmed cases and 38 deaths have been reported in the country as of now. "During the last 24 hours, 376 new confirmed cases and three new deaths have been reported. 132 persons have been cured /discharged from the hospitals after recovery," the statement said. However, addressing the daily press briefing to provide updates on the COVID-19 situation in the country, Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry Lav Agarwal said 386 new positive cases were reported in the last 24 hours and till now there are a total of 1,637 COVID-19 cases in the country. "I want to highlight that the rise in the number of positive cases does not represent a national trend, but if there will be a failure anywhere, obviously cases will rise," he said as he urged people to follow the guidelines of social distancing and lockdown and avoid congregations and religious gatherings. He said 154 new positive cases of the disease have been reported due to the transit-related history of those who attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation. These include 23 new cases from Jammu and Kashmir, 20 from Telangana, 18 from Delhi, 65 from Tamil Nadu, 17 from Andhra Pradesh, nine from Andaman and Nicobar Islands and two from Puducherry. All the states concerned have been notified and asked to carry out intensive drives of rigorous contact tracing and testing besides sending those with symptoms to quarantine or isolation facilities or hospitals, Agarwal said. He said around 1,800 people in Delhi connected with the Tablighi Jamaat congregation have been shifted to nine quarantine centres and hospitals. Giving details about the necessary arrangements being made by the government to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, Agarwal informed reporters that the Indian railways is preparing to set up 3.2 lakh isolation and quarantine beds by modifying 20,000 train coaches. Modification of 5,000 coaches for the purpose has already begun, he said. 'Lifeline' flights have also been launched by the Civil Aviation ministry to transport testing kits, medicines, masks and other essentials commodities, Agarwal said, adding that 15.4 tonnes of medical supplies have been transported by these flights in the last five days. Speaking at the same press conference, Raman R Gangakhedkar, the Head of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said 47,951 tests for COVID-19 have been conducted in the country till date. There are 126 labs in the ICMR network. "The testing capacity utilisation is about 38 cent as of now," he said. Besides, 51 private labs have been given the approval to conduct tests for coronavirus infection and 861 people were tested at these facilities on Monday. Agarwal said that under the orders of the Supreme Court, states have been directed that trained counsellors and/or community group leaders of all religions will visit and provide psychological social support to the migrant workers in relief camps. As directed by the apex court, for technical queries the Ministry of Health has created an email (technical query. covid19@gov.in) which will provide authentic technical information to queries from institutions like AIIMS, New Delhi and a joint secretary rank officer from the ministry, he said. In addition, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has notified that all 24 classes of medical devices shall be regulated as drugs for quality control and price monitoring under the provisions of Drug (Price Control) Order, 2013 with effect from April 1 to ensure that no manufacturer shall increase the MRP of these items more than beyond 10 per cent of MRP in the last 12 months, he said.

376 new COVID-19 positive cases in last 24 hours happened due to Nizamuddin congregation: Government

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, seeking financial assistance of Rs 25,000 crore to fulfil the state government’s commitments of providing free ration to the people and continuing other welfare schemes amid a dip in the revenue at a time when all businesses are shut due to the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.

In the letter, Banerjee stated that the West Bengal government needs assistance from the Centre to cope with the unprecedented “impasse to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic”. “Our state finances like that of many other states is in a dire situation with practically no revenue flows after the closure of all businesses.

Despite this, we have somehow been able to pay the salaries, wages and pensions of government employees this month though some major states of the country could not do that on full. And even with the massive debt trap left behind by the previous government, we were able to service the debt so far, but future remains uncertain,” Banerjee said in the letter to the prime minister.

“Furthermore, we are required to meet our commitments towards girl child, students, farmers, unorganised workers, weaker sections, minorities, SC, ST and OBCs. We are also having to honour our commitments of providing free ration to almost 9 crore people, who need this so crucially to survive in this perilous time,” she wrote.

Banerjee said the Centre should sanction Rs 25,000 crore to West Bengal and also release the other funds due to the state. “The Centre has already reduced their devolution to our state by over Rs 11,000 crore and were yet to pay Rs 36,000 crore owed by the GoI (Government of India) to our state, she said in the letter.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, seeking financial assistance of Rs 25,000 crore to fulfil the state government’s commitments of providing free ration to the people and continuing other welfare schemes amid a dip in the revenue at a time when all businesses are shut due to the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, seeking financial assistance of Rs 25,000 crore to fulfil the state government’s commitments of providing free ration to the people and continuing other welfare schemes amid a dip in the revenue at a time when all businesses are shut due to the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. In the letter, Banerjee stated that the West Bengal government needs assistance from the Centre to cope with the unprecedented “impasse to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic”. “Our state finances like that of many other states is in a dire situation with practically no revenue flows after the closure of all businesses. Despite this, we have somehow been able to pay the salaries, wages and pensions of government employees this month though some major states of the country could not do that on full. And even with the massive debt trap left behind by the previous government, we were able to service the debt so far, but future remains uncertain,” Banerjee said in the letter to the prime minister. “Furthermore, we are required to meet our commitments towards girl child, students, farmers, unorganised workers, weaker sections, minorities, SC, ST and OBCs. We are also having to honour our commitments of providing free ration to almost 9 crore people, who need this so crucially to survive in this perilous time,” she wrote. Banerjee said the Centre should sanction Rs 25,000 crore to West Bengal and also release the other funds due to the state. “The Centre has already reduced their devolution to our state by over Rs 11,000 crore and were yet to pay Rs 36,000 crore owed by the GoI (Government of India) to our state, she said in the letter.

Mamata writes to Modi, seeks Rs 25,000 cr financial assistance

Lockdowns alone cannot defeat the Wuhan coronavirus. They may prove effective in slowing the virus from spreading. But they cannot stop the disease from making a comeback.&nbsp;

Some nations are already staring at a second wave. What the world needs right now is an infallible remedy. A guaranteed cure.&nbsp;

China claims to have developed one. Chinese scientists say they have found a 'novel way' to combat the novel coronavirus. 
&nbsp; 
And no — it's not a drug or a compound. This new weapon is a nano-material. According to the Chinese state media — nano-materials have proved useful in absorbing and deactivating the coronavirus. 
&nbsp; 
The efficiency they say ranges from 96.5 to 99.9%.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
But any news from China is notoriously difficult to verify. But given the dire straits we are in — for once, let's take the risk of believing what Beijing is telling us. 
&nbsp; 
Because when it comes to scientific development &amp; research — there is no doubt that China is among the front-runners. 
&nbsp; 
The country has a lab with 1500 strains of viruses. It's another thing that we don't know what they use this expertise for. But globally — there is some evidence of nano-materials proving useful in curing deadly diseases.

According to the US National Institute of Health, Nanomaterials are created out of nano-sized particles that exist in nature. They are extracted from carbon or minerals like silver. They are measured in nanometer and cannot be seen with the naked eye. 
&nbsp; 
This technological army is 100,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. So what exactly can these nanomaterials do? 
&nbsp; 
Nanomaterials that are scientifically engineered are used to design pharmaceuticals. They help enhance the effectiveness of therapy. They can target specific dysfunctional organs or decaying body cells. 
&nbsp; 
In China — scientists say that nanomaterials are being used to bind the coronavirus and interrupt its structure through infrared light emissions. 
&nbsp; 
It sounds complicated but this is what it does — the virus is absorbed or deactivated by nanomaterials. 
&nbsp; 
With the effectiveness of almost 100 per cent. This should be great news. But like all things Chinese, it comes with a catch. China hasn't conducted human trials yet. 
&nbsp; 
And haven't even set a date for such trials. Also, the US National Institute of health has attached certain conditions. 
&nbsp; 
The body says 'even well-known nanomaterials may pose a hazard when engineered to nano-size. We know very little about the potential effects on human health and the environment.' 
&nbsp; 
So there are too many question marks. When will the human-trials begin? Will nanomaterials prove useful in defeating the virus in humans? 
&nbsp; 
And more importantly, will China share this cure with the world? 
&nbsp;Or will it try to sell it? The world has suffered enough with substandard and defective Chinese test-kits. 
&nbsp; 
Beijing needs to be certain about what it's telling — and selling the world.

Lockdowns alone cannot defeat the Wuhan coronavirus. They may prove effective in slowing the virus from spreading. But they cannot stop the disease from making a comeback.

Lockdowns alone cannot defeat the Wuhan coronavirus. They may prove effective in slowing the virus from spreading. But they cannot stop the disease from making a comeback. Some nations are already staring at a second wave. What the world needs right now is an infallible remedy. A guaranteed cure. China claims to have developed one. Chinese scientists say they have found a 'novel way' to combat the novel coronavirus. And no — it's not a drug or a compound. This new weapon is a nano-material. According to the Chinese state media — nano-materials have proved useful in absorbing and deactivating the coronavirus. The efficiency they say ranges from 96.5 to 99.9%. But any news from China is notoriously difficult to verify. But given the dire straits we are in — for once, let's take the risk of believing what Beijing is telling us. Because when it comes to scientific development & research — there is no doubt that China is among the front-runners. The country has a lab with 1500 strains of viruses. It's another thing that we don't know what they use this expertise for. But globally — there is some evidence of nano-materials proving useful in curing deadly diseases. According to the US National Institute of Health, Nanomaterials are created out of nano-sized particles that exist in nature. They are extracted from carbon or minerals like silver. They are measured in nanometer and cannot be seen with the naked eye. This technological army is 100,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. So what exactly can these nanomaterials do? Nanomaterials that are scientifically engineered are used to design pharmaceuticals. They help enhance the effectiveness of therapy. They can target specific dysfunctional organs or decaying body cells. In China — scientists say that nanomaterials are being used to bind the coronavirus and interrupt its structure through infrared light emissions. It sounds complicated but this is what it does — the virus is absorbed or deactivated by nanomaterials. With the effectiveness of almost 100 per cent. This should be great news. But like all things Chinese, it comes with a catch. China hasn't conducted human trials yet. And haven't even set a date for such trials. Also, the US National Institute of health has attached certain conditions. The body says 'even well-known nanomaterials may pose a hazard when engineered to nano-size. We know very little about the potential effects on human health and the environment.' So there are too many question marks. When will the human-trials begin? Will nanomaterials prove useful in defeating the virus in humans? And more importantly, will China share this cure with the world? Or will it try to sell it? The world has suffered enough with substandard and defective Chinese test-kits. Beijing needs to be certain about what it's telling — and selling the world.

Coronavirus outbreak: Will China share novel way to combat Covid-19 with the world?

Officials at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have suggested that the banking systems of some countries might have to be recapitalised or even restructured, if their economies are severely handicapped by prolonged disruption from the coronavirus outbreak.

Tobias Adrian, the director of the IMF’s monetary and capital markets department, on Tuesday told Reuters in an interview that in a ‘baseline’ scenario that would be a repeat of a 2009-type growth path, banks could withstand the adverse impact. Adrian cautioned, however, that conditions could deteriorate. Leading regulators and bank chief executives, particularly in the United States, have said lenders are robust enough to withstand the unfolding economic crisis.

“In a beyond-severely adverse scenario, then it could be that some banks are undercapitalised and at that point policy makers might have to take further actions such as recapitalising or restructuring banking systems," Adrian said.

Adrian, in a blog post with Aditya Narain, deputy director in the IMF’s Monetary and Capital Markets Department, also outlined a number of measures regulators should take to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis on banking systems.

What banks are expected to do now is loan modifications, according to Adrian. He and Narain said that with the last financial crisis, global coordination was "imperative."

In a bid to bolster banks’ capital reserves, the European Central Bank last week ordered lenders to halt all dividend payments until October 2020 at the earliest, while big banks in the United States are also under pressure to halt dividends after suspending share buybacks this month.

Former crisis-era banking regulators have also called for banks to curb bonus payouts and to reduce leverage by winding down derivatives trades and securities lending portfolios that do not support the real economy.

Officials at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have suggested that the banking systems of some countries might have to be recapitalised or even restructured, if their economies are severely handicapped by prolonged disruption from the coronavirus outbreak.

Officials at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have suggested that the banking systems of some countries might have to be recapitalised or even restructured, if their economies are severely handicapped by prolonged disruption from the coronavirus outbreak. Tobias Adrian, the director of the IMF’s monetary and capital markets department, on Tuesday told Reuters in an interview that in a ‘baseline’ scenario that would be a repeat of a 2009-type growth path, banks could withstand the adverse impact. Adrian cautioned, however, that conditions could deteriorate. Leading regulators and bank chief executives, particularly in the United States, have said lenders are robust enough to withstand the unfolding economic crisis. “In a beyond-severely adverse scenario, then it could be that some banks are undercapitalised and at that point policy makers might have to take further actions such as recapitalising or restructuring banking systems," Adrian said. Adrian, in a blog post with Aditya Narain, deputy director in the IMF’s Monetary and Capital Markets Department, also outlined a number of measures regulators should take to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis on banking systems. What banks are expected to do now is loan modifications, according to Adrian. He and Narain said that with the last financial crisis, global coordination was "imperative." In a bid to bolster banks’ capital reserves, the European Central Bank last week ordered lenders to halt all dividend payments until October 2020 at the earliest, while big banks in the United States are also under pressure to halt dividends after suspending share buybacks this month. Former crisis-era banking regulators have also called for banks to curb bonus payouts and to reduce leverage by winding down derivatives trades and securities lending portfolios that do not support the real economy.

Banking systems may need help if handicapped by disruption from coronavirus lockdowns: IMF

Apple&nbsp;more than doubled its donation to China's efforts to fight COVID-19 to over 50 million yuan ($7 million), CEO Tim Cook posted on Weibo on Wednesday, weeks after the iPhone maker said it had opened all its 42 stores in one of its largest markets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-anti-trust-regulators-fine-apple-123-billion-286882">French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion</a>

Cook said in a post on Twitter last week that&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;donated 10 million masks for health professionals in the United States and Europe, which it sourced through its supply networks.

Supplies and donations have come in from wealthy executives and corporates around the world to fight the coronavirus, which has killed more than 42,000 people globally.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-clouds-apples-timeline-for-new-iphones-283117">Coronavirus clouds Apple's timeline for new iPhones</a>

Chinese billionaire and Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma has pledged similar medical supply donations including masks and testing kits, as have other Chinese tech giants such as Baidu, Tencent, Huawei and ByteDance, according to Chinese media reports.

Apple&nbsp;has already donated 20 million yuan of its promised amount through Beijing-based China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation to support six hospitals in Hubei, including the makeshift Leishenshan hospital in Wuhan, Cook said.

Apple&nbsp;will contribute the rest of the money to support longer-term public health recovery efforts, he said.

"China has shown incredible spirit and resilience during the COVID-19 outbreak and we are grateful to our teams, partners and customers for their support during these challenging times," Cook said in a message on China's Twitter equivalent Weibo.

COVID-19 is the name of the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus.

Apple&nbsp;warned last month it was unlikely to meet its March-quarter sales guidance as the ramp-up of Chinese factories that produce iPhones was slower than expected after weeks of closures.

The flu-like virus originated in China last year and has since spread across 205 countries and territories. Globally it has infected more 850,000 people, according to a Reuters tally.

Apple more than doubled its donation to China's efforts to fight COVID-19 to over 50 million yuan ($7 million), CEO Tim Cook posted on Weibo on Wednesday, weeks after the iPhone maker said it had opened all its 42 stores in one of its largest markets.

Apple more than doubled its donation to China's efforts to fight COVID-19 to over 50 million yuan ($7 million), CEO Tim Cook posted on Weibo on Wednesday, weeks after the iPhone maker said it had opened all its 42 stores in one of its largest markets. Also read: French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion Cook said in a post on Twitter last week that Apple donated 10 million masks for health professionals in the United States and Europe, which it sourced through its supply networks. Supplies and donations have come in from wealthy executives and corporates around the world to fight the coronavirus, which has killed more than 42,000 people globally. Also read: Coronavirus clouds Apple's timeline for new iPhones Chinese billionaire and Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma has pledged similar medical supply donations including masks and testing kits, as have other Chinese tech giants such as Baidu, Tencent, Huawei and ByteDance, according to Chinese media reports. Apple has already donated 20 million yuan of its promised amount through Beijing-based China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation to support six hospitals in Hubei, including the makeshift Leishenshan hospital in Wuhan, Cook said. Apple will contribute the rest of the money to support longer-term public health recovery efforts, he said. "China has shown incredible spirit and resilience during the COVID-19 outbreak and we are grateful to our teams, partners and customers for their support during these challenging times," Cook said in a message on China's Twitter equivalent Weibo. COVID-19 is the name of the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. Apple warned last month it was unlikely to meet its March-quarter sales guidance as the ramp-up of Chinese factories that produce iPhones was slower than expected after weeks of closures. The flu-like virus originated in China last year and has since spread across 205 countries and territories. Globally it has infected more 850,000 people, according to a Reuters tally.

Apple doubles China donations for COVID-19 recovery efforts

Queen Elizabeth may have alternative medicine to thank for her good health, according to a report.

During overseas engagements, she would be accompanied by a small leather case with a supply of homoeopathic remedies, according to the Daily Mail

The case would include arsenicum album for food poisoning, cocculus for travel sickness, nux vomica for indigestion and arnica, for jet-lag and bruising.

Apparently, homeopathy runs in the family with her father George VI relying heavily on alternative medicine and naming a racehorse Hypericum after a remedy.

The Queen mother, who lived to 101 was also said to be a fan of homeopathy.

On Wednesday it was confirmed their grandfather, Prince Charles, has tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

A statement from Clarence House confirmed the heir apparent, aged 71, tested positive for Covid-19.&nbsp;

Meanwhile the Queen is "in good health" and isolating with Prince Philip after meeting Boris Johnson two weeks ago.

Buckingham Palace today said the 93-year-old monarch was well after the PM confirmed he had tested positive for the bug.

Queen Elizabeth may have alternative medicine to thank for her good health, according to a report. During overseas engagements, she would be accompanied by a small leather case with a supply of homoeopathic remedies, according to the Daily Mail The case would include arsenicum album for food poisoning, cocculus for travel sickness, nux vomica for indigestion and arnica, for jet-lag and bruising.

Queen Elizabeth may have alternative medicine to thank for her good health, according to a report. During overseas engagements, she would be accompanied by a small leather case with a supply of homoeopathic remedies, according to the Daily Mail The case would include arsenicum album for food poisoning, cocculus for travel sickness, nux vomica for indigestion and arnica, for jet-lag and bruising. Apparently, homeopathy runs in the family with her father George VI relying heavily on alternative medicine and naming a racehorse Hypericum after a remedy. The Queen mother, who lived to 101 was also said to be a fan of homeopathy. On Wednesday it was confirmed their grandfather, Prince Charles, has tested positive for coronavirus. A statement from Clarence House confirmed the heir apparent, aged 71, tested positive for Covid-19. Meanwhile the Queen is "in good health" and isolating with Prince Philip after meeting Boris Johnson two weeks ago. Buckingham Palace today said the 93-year-old monarch was well after the PM confirmed he had tested positive for the bug.

Queen Elizabeth relies on homeopathic remedies during coronavirus outbreak: Report

The coronavirus outbreak has remained one step ahead of world governments but a new study from the Netherlands could very well tilt the scales in our favour.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-death-toll-hits-9053-as-virus-cases-pass-100000-289896">Also read: Spain death toll hits 9,053 as virus cases pass 100,000</a>

On March 5, scientists found traces of the novel coronavirus at a wastewater facility in the city of Amersfoort.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-us-records-highest-single-day-death-toll-as-trump-says-painful-two-weeks-ahead-289801">Also Read:&nbsp;US records highest single-day death toll as Trump says painful two weeks ahead</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

This discovery was made before the first cases were reported in the city. So, virus traces in wastewater could serve as an early warning system for governments across the city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-warns-of-global-instability-and-conflict-as-death-toll-rises-to-43291-289909">Also read: UN warns of global instability and conflict as death toll rises to 43,291</a> 
 
Sewage surveillance is by no means a new practice. Authorities have been using this technique to monitor the usage of illegal drugs among its citizens.&nbsp;

In some cases, sewage surveillance can also help discover the emergence of new viruses, like in Amersfoort.&nbsp;

This technique can also tell us more about the severity of the impending outbreak. The presence of more virus traces indicates that the infection has spread to a large portion of the population.&nbsp;

Scientists who were part of this study, feel that countries like China and South Korea would do well to start sewage surveillance.&nbsp;

These are countries bracing for a possible second wave of infections. In the Netherlands, sewage surveillance gave the government a couple of weeks to prepare for the outbreak.&nbsp;

For an infection that is growing exponentially, a couple of weeks could very well be the difference between life and death.

The coronavirus outbreak has remained one step ahead of world governments but a new study from the Netherlands could very well tilt the scales in our favour. Also read: Spain death toll hits 9,053 as virus cases pass 100,000 On March 5, scientists found traces of the novel coronavirus at a wastewater facility in the city of Amersfoort.

The coronavirus outbreak has remained one step ahead of world governments but a new study from the Netherlands could very well tilt the scales in our favour. Also read: Spain death toll hits 9,053 as virus cases pass 100,000 On March 5, scientists found traces of the novel coronavirus at a wastewater facility in the city of Amersfoort. Also Read: US records highest single-day death toll as Trump says painful two weeks ahead This discovery was made before the first cases were reported in the city. So, virus traces in wastewater could serve as an early warning system for governments across the city. Also read: UN warns of global instability and conflict as death toll rises to 43,291 Sewage surveillance is by no means a new practice. Authorities have been using this technique to monitor the usage of illegal drugs among its citizens. In some cases, sewage surveillance can also help discover the emergence of new viruses, like in Amersfoort. This technique can also tell us more about the severity of the impending outbreak. The presence of more virus traces indicates that the infection has spread to a large portion of the population. Scientists who were part of this study, feel that countries like China and South Korea would do well to start sewage surveillance. These are countries bracing for a possible second wave of infections. In the Netherlands, sewage surveillance gave the government a couple of weeks to prepare for the outbreak. For an infection that is growing exponentially, a couple of weeks could very well be the difference between life and death.

Sewage water may give an early warning signal about Covid-19 circulation: Study

covid-19-1

Covid 19, News on Covid 19, stories on Covid 19, articles on Covid 19, Covid 19 stories at Wion, Covid 19 news, Covid 19 latest news

covid 19-1