According to a report by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a new sub-lineage AY.12&nbsp;of the Delta variant of COVID-19, that was recently classified in Israel is now being reported in many parts of India.

The weekly bulletin report released by the consortium stated that many cases in India that were earlier classified as Delta, are now being reclassified as AY.12.

“AY.12, a reassigned sub-lineage of Delta is being seen in many states, but the numbers need closer examination. The functional impact of the changes between Delta and AY.12 is not known but the two appear to be very similar at a molecular level,” it said.

“However, since the AY.12 definition is inconsistent, final numbers will take some time. AY.12 analysis will be added to the portal, along with other new PANGO lineages, once there is greater consensus,” it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-might-be-entering-endemic-stage-of-covid-19-who-chief-scientist-swaminathan-408296">India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan</a>

The consortium said that Delta variant continues to remain a variant of concern, fuelling the pandemic across several countries with China and Korea seeing new highs.

It was responsible for a surge in cases during the second wave in India in April-May this year.

Of the 31,124 samples sequenced by the INSACOG, 21,192 turned out to be of carriers of the Delta virus.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a report by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a new sub-lineage AY.12 of the Delta variant of COVID-19, that was recently classified in Israel is now being reported in many parts of India.

According to a report by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a new sub-lineage AY.12 of the Delta variant of COVID-19, that was recently classified in Israel is now being reported in many parts of India. The weekly bulletin report released by the consortium stated that many cases in India that were earlier classified as Delta, are now being reclassified as AY.12. “AY.12, a reassigned sub-lineage of Delta is being seen in many states, but the numbers need closer examination. The functional impact of the changes between Delta and AY.12 is not known but the two appear to be very similar at a molecular level,” it said. “However, since the AY.12 definition is inconsistent, final numbers will take some time. AY.12 analysis will be added to the portal, along with other new PANGO lineages, once there is greater consensus,” it added. Also read | India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan The consortium said that Delta variant continues to remain a variant of concern, fuelling the pandemic across several countries with China and Korea seeing new highs. It was responsible for a surge in cases during the second wave in India in April-May this year. Of the 31,124 samples sequenced by the INSACOG, 21,192 turned out to be of carriers of the Delta virus. (With inputs from agencies)

‘New sub-lineage of Delta variant, first reported in Israel, found in several Indian states’

Is it Koe-mir’-na-tee? Or Komir’-na-tee?

The name ‘Comirnaty’ given by Pfizer and BioNTech to its COVID-19 vaccine has sent Twitter into a frenzy mode, with netizens slamming the pharmaceutical firms for their “poor” choice of name.

On Monday. the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech Coronavirus vaccine for people 16 years and above.

As part of the approval process, the vaccine also got its brand name for use in the US.

However, when the name was officially made public, the company was severely trolled on the microblogging site and the name ‘Comirnaty’ became a fresh fodder for memes.

A user tweeted, “Achievement unlocked: full FDA approval. Also unlocked: crappy hard-to-pronounce word — Comirnaty. Thanks, marketing.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miami-doctor-dies-after-taking-pfizers-coronavirus-vaccine-cdc-launches-investigation-355619">Miami doctor dies after taking Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine; CDC launches investigation</a>

“I feel like the brainstorm session that came up with the name ‘Comirnaty’ either ended too soon or went on way too long,” Nick Mark, a pulmonologist based in Seattle, tweeted.

Another user made a sardonic remark to express his dismay. “Comirnaty. Like a black out drunk person trying to say “Community.”

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Comirnaty. Like a black out drunk person trying to say “Community”.
— Bernadette "bird" Bowen, ABD (she/they) (@BBowenBGSU) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBowenBGSU/status/1430548956040290304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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But there were also others who emphasised the importance of getting vaccinated rather than indulging in ridicule.

“Since a lot of people are asking. The correct pronunciation of Comirnaty is: "keepz-u-out-of-the-hospital-saves-UR-life-protects-your-community,” Ben Wakana, a member of the White House's COVID-19 response team, tweeted on Monday.

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Since a lot of people are asking. The correct pronunciation of Comirnaty is: 
 
"keepz-u-out-of-the-hospital-saves-UR-life-protects-your-community"
— Ben Wakana (@benwakana46) <a href="https://twitter.com/benwakana46/status/1429813601901088772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Explaining the rationale behind the naming, Pfizer&nbsp;said they wanted to emphasize COVID-19 immunization and the vaccine's core mRNA technology. They also wanted to reflect “community” and “immunity” into the final product.

“The name represents a combination of the terms COVID-19, mRNA, community, and immunity, to highlight the first authorization of a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine, as well as the joint global efforts that made this achievement possible with unprecedented rigour and efficiency — and with safety at the forefront — during this global pandemic,” Pfizer and BioNTech was quoted by local media.

(with inputs from agencies)

Is it Koe-mir’-na-tee? Or Komir’-na-tee? The name ‘Comirnaty’ given by Pfizer and BioNTech to its COVID-19 vaccine has sent Twitter into a frenzy mode, with netizens slamming the pharmaceutical firms for their “poor” choice of name.

Is it Koe-mir’-na-tee? Or Komir’-na-tee? The name ‘Comirnaty’ given by Pfizer and BioNTech to its COVID-19 vaccine has sent Twitter into a frenzy mode, with netizens slamming the pharmaceutical firms for their “poor” choice of name. On Monday. the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech Coronavirus vaccine for people 16 years and above. As part of the approval process, the vaccine also got its brand name for use in the US. However, when the name was officially made public, the company was severely trolled on the microblogging site and the name ‘Comirnaty’ became a fresh fodder for memes. A user tweeted, “Achievement unlocked: full FDA approval. Also unlocked: crappy hard-to-pronounce word — Comirnaty. Thanks, marketing.” Also read | Miami doctor dies after taking Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine; CDC launches investigation “I feel like the brainstorm session that came up with the name ‘Comirnaty’ either ended too soon or went on way too long,” Nick Mark, a pulmonologist based in Seattle, tweeted. Another user made a sardonic remark to express his dismay. “Comirnaty. Like a black out drunk person trying to say “Community.” Comirnaty. Like a black out drunk person trying to say “Community”. — Bernadette "bird" Bowen, ABD (she/they) (@BBowenBGSU) August 25, 2021 × But there were also others who emphasised the importance of getting vaccinated rather than indulging in ridicule. “Since a lot of people are asking. The correct pronunciation of Comirnaty is: "keepz-u-out-of-the-hospital-saves-UR-life-protects-your-community,” Ben Wakana, a member of the White House's COVID-19 response team, tweeted on Monday. Since a lot of people are asking. The correct pronunciation of Comirnaty is: "keepz-u-out-of-the-hospital-saves-UR-life-protects-your-community" — Ben Wakana (@benwakana46) August 23, 2021 × Explaining the rationale behind the naming, Pfizer said they wanted to emphasize COVID-19 immunization and the vaccine's core mRNA technology. They also wanted to reflect “community” and “immunity” into the final product. “The name represents a combination of the terms COVID-19, mRNA, community, and immunity, to highlight the first authorization of a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine, as well as the joint global efforts that made this achievement possible with unprecedented rigour and efficiency — and with safety at the forefront — during this global pandemic,” Pfizer and BioNTech was quoted by local media. (with inputs from agencies)

Pfizer-Biotech’s 'weird' branding of COVID vaccine becomes the butt of jokes, netizens slam naming

The third COVID-19 wave will come if "invited" by the human behaviour and that of the virus, said Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary of Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, on Monday.

"The virus' behaviour, we know, mutates. We don't have control over that. The more it gets into a larger number of infections, there is more the transmission. Human behaviour is in our control, which involves adopting Covid-appropriate behaviour, i.e. maintaining hygiene, wearing a face mask, following social distancing," Dr Swarup said.

Several scientists and epidemiologists, over the last few weeks, have had expressed concerns over the third wave of coronavirus in India as more virulent variants of the virus, like Delta Plus, circulate.

"If we continue to do follow COVID-19 protocol and break the chain of transmission, we do not allow the virus to go from one host to the other," Dr Swarup added.

The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has warned of a third COVID-19 wave peak in October in its recent report to the Prime Minister's Office.

The NIDM's report quoted the Reuters' opinion survey of 40 experts that forecasted that the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to hit India between July 15 and October 13.

Dr Swarup, however, asserted that the third wave is completely avoidable if Covid-appropriate human behaviour is strictly followed.

"There is clearly the human behaviour will overtake the virus behaviour, and I think if we allow it to be controlled, no way is the third going to happen," Dr Swarup told ANI.

The second COVID-19 wave swept across India in April-May this year with Covid cases breaching the four-lakh mark per day. Several states imposed lockdown to stem the spread of the deadly pathogen. The restrictions started easing up in a phased manner in June as fresh coronavirus cases began dropping and vaccination paced up. But the easing of lockdown came with people crowding hill stations and other public places. The government, in July, issued an advisory to states warning against "blatant violations of Covid norms."

The country has so far administered nearly 58 crore doses of three COVID-19 vaccines - Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik V. Earlier this month, Johnson &amp; Johnson's was given emergency use approval in India for its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, whereas Zydus Cadila was given a nod last week.

The third COVID-19 wave will come if "invited" by the human behaviour and that of the virus, said Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary of Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, on Monday.

The third COVID-19 wave will come if "invited" by the human behaviour and that of the virus, said Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary of Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, on Monday. "The virus' behaviour, we know, mutates. We don't have control over that. The more it gets into a larger number of infections, there is more the transmission. Human behaviour is in our control, which involves adopting Covid-appropriate behaviour, i.e. maintaining hygiene, wearing a face mask, following social distancing," Dr Swarup said. Several scientists and epidemiologists, over the last few weeks, have had expressed concerns over the third wave of coronavirus in India as more virulent variants of the virus, like Delta Plus, circulate. "If we continue to do follow COVID-19 protocol and break the chain of transmission, we do not allow the virus to go from one host to the other," Dr Swarup added. The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has warned of a third COVID-19 wave peak in October in its recent report to the Prime Minister's Office. The NIDM's report quoted the Reuters' opinion survey of 40 experts that forecasted that the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to hit India between July 15 and October 13. Dr Swarup, however, asserted that the third wave is completely avoidable if Covid-appropriate human behaviour is strictly followed. "There is clearly the human behaviour will overtake the virus behaviour, and I think if we allow it to be controlled, no way is the third going to happen," Dr Swarup told ANI. The second COVID-19 wave swept across India in April-May this year with Covid cases breaching the four-lakh mark per day. Several states imposed lockdown to stem the spread of the deadly pathogen. The restrictions started easing up in a phased manner in June as fresh coronavirus cases began dropping and vaccination paced up. But the easing of lockdown came with people crowding hill stations and other public places. The government, in July, issued an advisory to states warning against "blatant violations of Covid norms." The country has so far administered nearly 58 crore doses of three COVID-19 vaccines - Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik V. Earlier this month, Johnson & Johnson's was given emergency use approval in India for its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, whereas Zydus Cadila was given a nod last week.

COVID-19 third wave will come if we invite it: Government

Taiwan on Monday rolled out its first domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine amid criticisms from the medical fraternity that the jab was given emergency approval hastily.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen received her first dose, which was made by Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp, at a gymnasium at National Taiwan University in Taipei.

The whole process was broadcast&nbsp;live on the President’s Facebook page where she was seen chatting with medical workers as they prepared the shot.

When asked by one of the reporters whether she was nervous taking the first jab, Tsai replied “no”.

“It doesn't hurt, I’m in good spirits, and I'm going to continue working for the day,” she later wrote on Facebook.

Last month, the health ministry approved the emergency use of Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp’s (6547.TWO)&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine, after delays in vaccine deliveries from global drug companies.

The recombinant protein vaccine has been developed in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health in the United States, and the government has ordered 5 million doses for now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-to-extend-covid-19-curbs-into-next-month-393463">Also read |&nbsp;Taiwan to extend COVID-19 curbs into next month</a>

The medical fraternity has been apprehensive about the vaccine rollout as it has yet to finish clinical trials and no efficacy data is available, reports Reuters.

However, the government, citing a study, has claimed that the antibodies created by the indigenously made shot are “no worse than” those created by AstraZeneca's vaccine.

Meanwhile, China’s health officials on Monday said there were no new locally transmitted COVID&nbsp;cases for the first time since July, days after it reported a cluster of local outbreaks among airport cleaning staff in the eastern city of Nanjing.

The country has reported 21 imported cases and zero locally transmitted symptomatic infections, the first time since July 16. It has also reported 16 asymptomatic cases, all of which were imported too, China’s National Health Commission said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan on Monday rolled out its first domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine amid criticisms from the medical fraternity that the jab was given emergency approval hastily.

Taiwan on Monday rolled out its first domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine amid criticisms from the medical fraternity that the jab was given emergency approval hastily. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen received her first dose, which was made by Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp, at a gymnasium at National Taiwan University in Taipei. The whole process was broadcast live on the President’s Facebook page where she was seen chatting with medical workers as they prepared the shot. When asked by one of the reporters whether she was nervous taking the first jab, Tsai replied “no”. “It doesn't hurt, I’m in good spirits, and I'm going to continue working for the day,” she later wrote on Facebook. Last month, the health ministry approved the emergency use of Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp’s (6547.TWO) COVID-19 vaccine, after delays in vaccine deliveries from global drug companies. The recombinant protein vaccine has been developed in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health in the United States, and the government has ordered 5 million doses for now. Also read | Taiwan to extend COVID-19 curbs into next month The medical fraternity has been apprehensive about the vaccine rollout as it has yet to finish clinical trials and no efficacy data is available, reports Reuters. However, the government, citing a study, has claimed that the antibodies created by the indigenously made shot are “no worse than” those created by AstraZeneca's vaccine. Meanwhile, China’s health officials on Monday said there were no new locally transmitted COVID cases for the first time since July, days after it reported a cluster of local outbreaks among airport cleaning staff in the eastern city of Nanjing. The country has reported 21 imported cases and zero locally transmitted symptomatic infections, the first time since July 16. It has also reported 16 asymptomatic cases, all of which were imported too, China’s National Health Commission said. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan rolls out its first indigenously made COVID-19 vaccine

The mayor of Orlando city in Florida has asked the residents to cut back their water consumption so that liquid oxygen, which is used to treat the water supplies, can be diverted to hospitals for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. 

“Nationally, the demand for liquid oxygen is extremely high as the priority for its use is to save lives,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a&nbsp;Facebook post on Friday.

The Orlando Utility Commission treats the city’s water with liquid oxygen. With Florida reporting a surge in coronavirus cases, largely due to the outbreak of the Delta variant, the officials from the municipal commission have been urging residents to stop excessive use of water and be prepared to do so for several weeks. 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-announces-picks-for-ambassador-to-china-japan-positions-407363">Also read |&nbsp;US President&nbsp;announces picks for&nbsp;ambassador to China, Japan&nbsp;positions</a>

According to&nbsp;the Florida&nbsp;health department, the state has reported 150,118 fresh Covid cases in the past week. According to reports from the local media, deaths in Orlando area have overwhelmed crematoriums, which are out of rooms to store bodies.

“It’s critical that we continue to work together and each one of us do our part, as we have done throughout this pandemic, to mitigate the impacts the virus continues to have on our community,” Mayor Dyer had said during a news conference. 

“While this is another new challenge, I know that as a community, working together, we can overcome it with the help of our residents and businesses,” he added.

The municipal commission has been using liquid oxygen to remove the slight discolouration and rotten-egg smell that is found naturally in Florida’s water supply.

The mayor of Orlando city in Florida has asked the residents to cut back their water consumption so that liquid oxygen, which is used to treat the water supplies, can be diverted to hospitals for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

The mayor of Orlando city in Florida has asked the residents to cut back their water consumption so that liquid oxygen, which is used to treat the water supplies, can be diverted to hospitals for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. “Nationally, the demand for liquid oxygen is extremely high as the priority for its use is to save lives,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a Facebook post on Friday. The Orlando Utility Commission treats the city’s water with liquid oxygen. With Florida reporting a surge in coronavirus cases, largely due to the outbreak of the Delta variant, the officials from the municipal commission have been urging residents to stop excessive use of water and be prepared to do so for several weeks. Also read | US President announces picks for ambassador to China, Japan positions According to the Florida health department, the state has reported 150,118 fresh Covid cases in the past week. According to reports from the local media, deaths in Orlando area have overwhelmed crematoriums, which are out of rooms to store bodies. “It’s critical that we continue to work together and each one of us do our part, as we have done throughout this pandemic, to mitigate the impacts the virus continues to have on our community,” Mayor Dyer had said during a news conference. “While this is another new challenge, I know that as a community, working together, we can overcome it with the help of our residents and businesses,” he added. The municipal commission has been using liquid oxygen to remove the slight discolouration and rotten-egg smell that is found naturally in Florida’s water supply.

Orlando mayor asks residents to limit water use amid Delta fuelled COVID surge

The United States Food and Drug Administration, a federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Service, is likely to grant full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine by Monday, several media outlets have reported.

The officials are finalising the necessary paperwork and are currently negotiating with the company.&nbsp; 

A green light from the FDA would make the two-shot Pfizer vaccine the first to receive full approval from the federal government, the New York Times reported. 

The Pfizer vaccine has been in use in the US under an emergency authorization since December 2020. Pfizer applied for full approval three months ago. The vaccine is available to people 12 years old and above.

The health officials are hoping that a full approval from the FDA would help shed vaccine hesitancy among the Americans who have refrained from taking one as it was authorized for emergency use only. 

Once it obtains the approval, Pfizer-BioNTech is also planning to&nbsp;ask the FDA to grant approval for a third dose as a booster shot. 

The Biden administration on Wednesday said that from September 20, booster shots would be given to the fully vaccinated adults eight months after they received their second dose.

Pfizer is expected to finish submitting data that it says shows a third shot is safe and effective next week.

The United States Food and Drug Administration, a federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Service, is likely to grant full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine by Monday, several media outlets have reported.

The United States Food and Drug Administration, a federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Service, is likely to grant full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine by Monday, several media outlets have reported. The officials are finalising the necessary paperwork and are currently negotiating with the company. A green light from the FDA would make the two-shot Pfizer vaccine the first to receive full approval from the federal government, the New York Times reported. The Pfizer vaccine has been in use in the US under an emergency authorization since December 2020. Pfizer applied for full approval three months ago. The vaccine is available to people 12 years old and above. The health officials are hoping that a full approval from the FDA would help shed vaccine hesitancy among the Americans who have refrained from taking one as it was authorized for emergency use only. Once it obtains the approval, Pfizer-BioNTech is also planning to ask the FDA to grant approval for a third dose as a booster shot. The Biden administration on Wednesday said that from September 20, booster shots would be given to the fully vaccinated adults eight months after they received their second dose. Pfizer is expected to finish submitting data that it says shows a third shot is safe and effective next week.

FDA likely to grant full approval for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine by Monday

During Monday's talks with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the highest-ranking Biden administration envoy to visit China, China urged the US to stop "demonising" it.&nbsp;

"The hope may be that by demonising China, the US could somehow... blame China for its structural problems," China's foreign ministry said in a statement, adding the relationship between the nations is in a "stalemate and faces serious difficulties."

Watch | Gravitas: Caught On Camera: Bats locked up inside the Wuhan lab

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-caught-on-camera-bats-locked-up-inside-the-wuhan-lab-391511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On July 22, China's National Health Commission rejected the WHO plan for a second phase of the investigation. Later, the US had expressed disappointment with the decision and termed it "dangerous".

Leading infectious disease scientists in the United States are warning that China's rejection of a World Health Organization plan for a new Covid-19 probe inside the country risks losing the rest of the world of crucial data required to detect and prevent future pandemics.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What was China's Batwoman up to at the Wuhan lab?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-was-chinas-batwoman-up-to-at-the-wuhan-lab-391738/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China has also refused to reveal information about hospital admissions, claiming that doing so would violate individual privacy.

The lab-leak scenario has acquired a lot of popularity recently, prompting US President Joe Biden to assign the American intelligence team a 90-day deadline to figure out where the virus came from.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

During Monday's talks with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the highest-ranking Biden administration envoy to visit China, China urged the US to stop "demonising" it.

During Monday's talks with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the highest-ranking Biden administration envoy to visit China, China urged the US to stop "demonising" it. "The hope may be that by demonising China, the US could somehow... blame China for its structural problems," China's foreign ministry said in a statement, adding the relationship between the nations is in a "stalemate and faces serious difficulties." Watch | Gravitas: Caught On Camera: Bats locked up inside the Wuhan lab On July 22, China's National Health Commission rejected the WHO plan for a second phase of the investigation. Later, the US had expressed disappointment with the decision and termed it "dangerous". Leading infectious disease scientists in the United States are warning that China's rejection of a World Health Organization plan for a new Covid-19 probe inside the country risks losing the rest of the world of crucial data required to detect and prevent future pandemics. Watch | Gravitas: What was China's Batwoman up to at the Wuhan lab? China has also refused to reveal information about hospital admissions, claiming that doing so would violate individual privacy. The lab-leak scenario has acquired a lot of popularity recently, prompting US President Joe Biden to assign the American intelligence team a 90-day deadline to figure out where the virus came from. (With inputs from agencies)

Stop 'demonising' China: Beijing urges the US as envoy visits

China's National Health Commission reported 40 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Sunday, including 39 in Jiangsu and one in Liaoning, in its daily report on Monday.

36 new imported cases were also detected, with 18 in Yunnan, eight in Guangdong, five in Fujian, two each in Inner Mongolia and Henan, and one in Beijing, according to Xinhua. 
 
Meanwhile, the Chinese government has reacted angrily to international speculation that COVID-19 originated in China, insisting that it "had numerous roots and broke out in multiple regions."

Watch: India supplies oxygen to Bangladesh to help cope up with COVID-19

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-supplies-oxygen-to-bangladesh-to-help-cope-up-with-covid-19-400617/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) second-stage plan to investigate the origins of COVID-19, calling it "a product of political manipulation."&nbsp;

COVID-19 has had a huge effect on people's lives and livelihoods all across the world.

More than 4 million people have died as a result of the virus, which has also infected 193 million others around the world.

During the same time period, more than 610,000 COVID-19 deaths were reported in the United States.&nbsp;

The pandemic has also wreaked havoc on the global economy.

Its consequences include a steep drop in global gross domestic product and a significant decline in global trade in 2020. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

China's National Health Commission reported 40 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Sunday, including 39 in Jiangsu and one in Liaoning, in its daily report on Monday.

China's National Health Commission reported 40 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Sunday, including 39 in Jiangsu and one in Liaoning, in its daily report on Monday. 36 new imported cases were also detected, with 18 in Yunnan, eight in Guangdong, five in Fujian, two each in Inner Mongolia and Henan, and one in Beijing, according to Xinhua. Meanwhile, the Chinese government has reacted angrily to international speculation that COVID-19 originated in China, insisting that it "had numerous roots and broke out in multiple regions." Watch: India supplies oxygen to Bangladesh to help cope up with COVID-19 China slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) second-stage plan to investigate the origins of COVID-19, calling it "a product of political manipulation." COVID-19 has had a huge effect on people's lives and livelihoods all across the world. More than 4 million people have died as a result of the virus, which has also infected 193 million others around the world. During the same time period, more than 610,000 COVID-19 deaths were reported in the United States. The pandemic has also wreaked havoc on the global economy. Its consequences include a steep drop in global gross domestic product and a significant decline in global trade in 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese mainland reports 40 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases

China on Monday reported 76 new coronavirus cases, the highest daily rise since January, including 40 domestic transmissions prompting authorities to test millions in eastern Jiangsu province.&nbsp;

Beijing has a zero-risk approach to the virus, which emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. It locks down cities and mass tests whenever small clusters appear. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-demonising-china-beijing-urges-the-us-as-envoy-visits-400627">Also read | Stop 'demonising' China: Beijing urges the US as envoy visits</a>

Tens of thousands of people are under lockdown in Jiangsu's provincial capital Nanjing as authorities test the city's 9.2 million residents after an outbreak linked to its airport last week.&nbsp;

"Of the 40 domestic cases, 39 were from Jiangsu province and one from Liaoning," the national health commission said in a statement Monday, adding there had been no new deaths.

Watch | Gravitas: Caught On Camera: Bats locked up inside the Wuhan lab

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-caught-on-camera-bats-locked-up-inside-the-wuhan-lab-391511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Contact tracing also found five individuals who travelled through the Nanjing airport and tested positive after arriving in neighbouring Anhui and three other provinces, sparking fears that the cluster could lead to a fresh nationwide outbreak.

This prompted Nanjing officials to announce the second round of mass testing for all residents starting Sunday to identify patients who may take longer than usual to show symptoms.&nbsp;

Beijing has rushed to curb recent mini-outbreaks in border provinces, aware of the risks of the fast-spreading Delta variant. &nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What was China's Batwoman up to at the Wuhan lab?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-was-chinas-batwoman-up-to-at-the-wuhan-lab-391738/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

One new case was reported Monday in the northeastern province of Liaoning that borders North Korea, bringing the total number of local transmissions in the region to five since Thursday.

Yunnan in the southwest has reported a spike in infections traced to neighbouring Myanmar, where the military government that seized power in February is struggling to contain a coronavirus surge.&nbsp;

The province has reported 79 cases since June 20 with nearly half linked to Myanmar.

Beijing has tightened border controls and even supplied over 10,000 Covid-19 vaccines to the Kachin Independence Army, a spokesman for the rebel group said Saturday.

The border town of Ruili in Yunnan is using facial recognition to track people's movements and health status as they enter and exit residential areas, supermarkets, transport hubs and other public places to squash the virus spread.

The southern manufacturing hub of Guangdong is building a quarantine clinic for international arrivals with 5,000 beds after being hit by a recent virus outbreak.

China has recorded 92,605 virus cases and 4,636 deaths since the initial outbreak in late 2019.

China on Monday reported 76 new coronavirus cases, the highest daily rise since January, including 40 domestic transmissions prompting authorities to test millions in eastern Jiangsu province.

China on Monday reported 76 new coronavirus cases, the highest daily rise since January, including 40 domestic transmissions prompting authorities to test millions in eastern Jiangsu province. Beijing has a zero-risk approach to the virus, which emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. It locks down cities and mass tests whenever small clusters appear. Also read | Stop 'demonising' China: Beijing urges the US as envoy visits Tens of thousands of people are under lockdown in Jiangsu's provincial capital Nanjing as authorities test the city's 9.2 million residents after an outbreak linked to its airport last week. "Of the 40 domestic cases, 39 were from Jiangsu province and one from Liaoning," the national health commission said in a statement Monday, adding there had been no new deaths. Watch | Gravitas: Caught On Camera: Bats locked up inside the Wuhan lab Contact tracing also found five individuals who travelled through the Nanjing airport and tested positive after arriving in neighbouring Anhui and three other provinces, sparking fears that the cluster could lead to a fresh nationwide outbreak. This prompted Nanjing officials to announce the second round of mass testing for all residents starting Sunday to identify patients who may take longer than usual to show symptoms. Beijing has rushed to curb recent mini-outbreaks in border provinces, aware of the risks of the fast-spreading Delta variant. Watch | Gravitas: What was China's Batwoman up to at the Wuhan lab? One new case was reported Monday in the northeastern province of Liaoning that borders North Korea, bringing the total number of local transmissions in the region to five since Thursday. Yunnan in the southwest has reported a spike in infections traced to neighbouring Myanmar, where the military government that seized power in February is struggling to contain a coronavirus surge. The province has reported 79 cases since June 20 with nearly half linked to Myanmar. Beijing has tightened border controls and even supplied over 10,000 Covid-19 vaccines to the Kachin Independence Army, a spokesman for the rebel group said Saturday. The border town of Ruili in Yunnan is using facial recognition to track people's movements and health status as they enter and exit residential areas, supermarkets, transport hubs and other public places to squash the virus spread. The southern manufacturing hub of Guangdong is building a quarantine clinic for international arrivals with 5,000 beds after being hit by a recent virus outbreak. China has recorded 92,605 virus cases and 4,636 deaths since the initial outbreak in late 2019.

New outbreak of COVID-19 in China: Highest daily rise since January

New Zealand is shutting down the quarantine free travel bubble with Australia for a period of two months as COVID-19 cases surge in Sydney.&nbsp;

The country had already paused travel with the states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

At a press briefing on Friday, prime minister Jacinda Ardern said because of the Delta variant there was “greater risk now … than when we opened the travel bubble”. She further added, "Covid has changed and so must we".

The government “remains committed” to the travel bubble and hoped it would reopen at some stage.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-outbreak-a-national-emergency-as-covid-19-cases-surge-399885">Also read |&nbsp;Sydney outbreak a 'national emergency' as COVID-19 cases surge</a>

Sydney's fast-growing COVID-19 outbreak has become a "national emergency," said state leaders as Australia's largest city reported another record number of new infections.

"We have an obligation on behalf of the nation to contain the virus," said New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian. "There is no doubt that the numbers are not going in the right direction."&nbsp;

With the virus "spreading everywhere" and half the country's 25 million people currently in lockdown, Berejiklian said the government must "refocus" its glacial vaccine rollout.&nbsp;

Just 12 per cent of Australians have been fully vaccinated.

New Zealand is shutting down the quarantine free travel bubble with Australia for a period of two months as COVID-19 cases surge in Sydney. The country had already paused travel with the states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

New Zealand is shutting down the quarantine free travel bubble with Australia for a period of two months as COVID-19 cases surge in Sydney. The country had already paused travel with the states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. At a press briefing on Friday, prime minister Jacinda Ardern said because of the Delta variant there was “greater risk now … than when we opened the travel bubble”. She further added, "Covid has changed and so must we". The government “remains committed” to the travel bubble and hoped it would reopen at some stage. Also read | Sydney outbreak a 'national emergency' as COVID-19 cases surge Sydney's fast-growing COVID-19 outbreak has become a "national emergency," said state leaders as Australia's largest city reported another record number of new infections. "We have an obligation on behalf of the nation to contain the virus," said New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian. "There is no doubt that the numbers are not going in the right direction." With the virus "spreading everywhere" and half the country's 25 million people currently in lockdown, Berejiklian said the government must "refocus" its glacial vaccine rollout. Just 12 per cent of Australians have been fully vaccinated.

New Zealand shuts Australia travel bubble as COVID-19 cases surge

The NFL warned clubs and players on Thursday that COVID-19 outbreaks among unvaccinated players in 2021 could cause forfeits without pay to either club and teams liable for financial losses.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell informed teams of the policy for the upcoming season in a memo, which encourages players to get vaccinated but falls short of a mandate under terms of its deal with the players union.

NFL teams began pre-season training camps this week with the 2021 campaign set to start in September.

Under terms established in the memo, if a team has a COVID-19 outbreak and a game cannot be played or rescheduled during the 18-week season, the team with the outbreak will forfeit the contest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/john-coates-slammed-for-mansplaining-to-queensland-premier-on-opening-ceremony-399695" hreflang="en">John Coates slammed for 'mansplaining' to Queensland premier on opening ceremony</a>

The team responsible for an unplayed game due to unvaccinated players or staff will be responsible for covering financial losses for the canceled game and possible discipline for the commisioner.

That move essentially pressures teams to get their personnel vaccinated as the potential expenses for an unplayed game, from ticket refunds to lost league telecast revenue, could be steep.

There will also be peer pressure from teammates as well as players on other teams, who risk losing their paychecks from a game because a rival club has an outbreak and forfeits.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-we-need-the-hundred-more-than-the-format-needs-us-says-eoin-morgan-399624" hreflang="en">Cricket: We need 'The Hundred' more than the format needs us, says Eoin Morgan</a>

The memo states the NFL plans to play its entire 272 games, 17 contests per club, over 18 weeks, with no extra week to allow for rescheduling.

"We do not anticipate adding a '19th week' to accommodate games that cannot be rescheduled within the current 18 weeks of the regular season," the memo said.

The moves should avoid the major rescheduling issues COVID-19 produced last season, games being played on every day of the week and teams juggling plans to complete the season.

Vaccinated individuals who test positive but are asymptomatic can return to activities after two negative tests 24 hours apart while unvaccinated people will have a mandatory 10-day isolation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usa-women-thumped-while-dutch-score-10-in-olympic-football-399526" hreflang="en">USA women thumped while Dutch score 10 in Olympic football</a>

"If a game is cancelled/postponed because a club cannot play due to a Covid spike among or resulting from its non-vaccinated players/staff, then the burden of the cancellation or delay will fall on the club experiencing the Covid infection," the memo said.

"We will seek to minimize the burden on the opposing club or clubs. If a club cannot play due to a Covid spike in vaccinated individuals, we will attempt to minimize the competitive and economic burden on both participating teams."

The NFL cites the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in creating the new regulations for the upcoming season.

According to the NFL Network, more than 78% of NFL players have had at least one shot of a vaccine and 14 teams have at least 85% of players vaccinated.

"We can play a full season if we maintain a firm commitment to adhering to our health and safety protocols and to making needed adjustments in response to changing conditions," the memo said.

"These operating principles are designed to allow us to play a full season in a safe and responsible way and address possible competitive or financial issues fairly."

The NFL warned clubs and players on Thursday that COVID-19 outbreaks among unvaccinated players in 2021 could cause forfeits without pay to either club and teams liable for financial losses.

The NFL warned clubs and players on Thursday that COVID-19 outbreaks among unvaccinated players in 2021 could cause forfeits without pay to either club and teams liable for financial losses. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell informed teams of the policy for the upcoming season in a memo, which encourages players to get vaccinated but falls short of a mandate under terms of its deal with the players union. NFL teams began pre-season training camps this week with the 2021 campaign set to start in September. Under terms established in the memo, if a team has a COVID-19 outbreak and a game cannot be played or rescheduled during the 18-week season, the team with the outbreak will forfeit the contest. Also read | John Coates slammed for 'mansplaining' to Queensland premier on opening ceremony The team responsible for an unplayed game due to unvaccinated players or staff will be responsible for covering financial losses for the canceled game and possible discipline for the commisioner. That move essentially pressures teams to get their personnel vaccinated as the potential expenses for an unplayed game, from ticket refunds to lost league telecast revenue, could be steep. There will also be peer pressure from teammates as well as players on other teams, who risk losing their paychecks from a game because a rival club has an outbreak and forfeits. Also read | Cricket: We need 'The Hundred' more than the format needs us, says Eoin Morgan The memo states the NFL plans to play its entire 272 games, 17 contests per club, over 18 weeks, with no extra week to allow for rescheduling. "We do not anticipate adding a '19th week' to accommodate games that cannot be rescheduled within the current 18 weeks of the regular season," the memo said. The moves should avoid the major rescheduling issues COVID-19 produced last season, games being played on every day of the week and teams juggling plans to complete the season. Vaccinated individuals who test positive but are asymptomatic can return to activities after two negative tests 24 hours apart while unvaccinated people will have a mandatory 10-day isolation. Also read | USA women thumped while Dutch score 10 in Olympic football "If a game is cancelled/postponed because a club cannot play due to a Covid spike among or resulting from its non-vaccinated players/staff, then the burden of the cancellation or delay will fall on the club experiencing the Covid infection," the memo said. "We will seek to minimize the burden on the opposing club or clubs. If a club cannot play due to a Covid spike in vaccinated individuals, we will attempt to minimize the competitive and economic burden on both participating teams." The NFL cites the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in creating the new regulations for the upcoming season. According to the NFL Network, more than 78% of NFL players have had at least one shot of a vaccine and 14 teams have at least 85% of players vaccinated. "We can play a full season if we maintain a firm commitment to adhering to our health and safety protocols and to making needed adjustments in response to changing conditions," the memo said. "These operating principles are designed to allow us to play a full season in a safe and responsible way and address possible competitive or financial issues fairly."

NFL says Covid outbreaks could bring forfeits, lost salary

They say that your mental toughness counts a lot when you are recovering from an illness. And in case of a deadly disease like Covid, you need all possible help in fighting off the infection. A 102-year-old Russian World War 2 veteran has proved that you can defeat the disease no matter what.

Older population is considered to be more susceptible to COVID-19. But 102-year-old Nikolai Bagayev proved that age is no bar for a successful fight back.&nbsp;

Bagayev, 102, had 80% lung damage when he was admitted to hospital in the town of Korolyov near Moscow with the coronavirus.

He had to spend more than a month in hospital including a week intensive care. But he emerged victorious, just as his nation against the Germans in the Second World War. Bagayev was discharged on Thursday evening.

"The last time I faced death was in 1941. Back then, my right lung was injured during the battle for Moscow. But I was rather young at the time and managed to recover promptly," he told Reuters.

"This time around, I was largely supported by doctors despite several instances where I was on the verge of losing hope and courage. I am extremely thankful to all of them."

Bagayev is one a shrinking group of veterans who are revered in Russia for their role in defeating Nazi Germany. In May, he took part in the annual victory parade on Square Parade alongside President Vladimir Putin.

"It was hard, but I could see the doctors fighting, and I helped them," said Bagayev, who was wearing a military uniform festooned with medals when discharged from hospital.

"They are the ones who are the heroes," Bagayev, who was last year promoted to a rank of colonel in reserve, said of his doctors.

Bagayev lived through many of the now defunct Soviet Union's tumultuous chapters and was twice wounded during the war - once gravely.

"He is a real trooper, he kept remembering his war-time wound and hardships in (the Battle of) Moscow and those memories helped him during his time in hospital," Bagayev's doctor, Valentina Rakitskaya, said.

After the war, Bagayev worked in the Soviet republic of Kazakhstan where he helped build the Baikonur cosmodrome which sent the first man into space, Yuri Gagarin, in 1961.

Bagayev said a breathing technique which he had learnt from Soviet cosmonauts helped him recover from COVID-19.

As a devoted member of Russia's opposition Communist party he plans to help them campaign ahead of a parliamentary election in September, but he said his first goal was to start walking again without help.

(With inputs from agencies)

They say that your mental toughness counts a lot when you are recovering from an illness. And in case of a deadly disease like Covid, you need all possible help in fighting off the infection.

They say that your mental toughness counts a lot when you are recovering from an illness. And in case of a deadly disease like Covid, you need all possible help in fighting off the infection. A 102-year-old Russian World War 2 veteran has proved that you can defeat the disease no matter what. Older population is considered to be more susceptible to COVID-19. But 102-year-old Nikolai Bagayev proved that age is no bar for a successful fight back. Bagayev, 102, had 80% lung damage when he was admitted to hospital in the town of Korolyov near Moscow with the coronavirus. He had to spend more than a month in hospital including a week intensive care. But he emerged victorious, just as his nation against the Germans in the Second World War. Bagayev was discharged on Thursday evening. "The last time I faced death was in 1941. Back then, my right lung was injured during the battle for Moscow. But I was rather young at the time and managed to recover promptly," he told Reuters. "This time around, I was largely supported by doctors despite several instances where I was on the verge of losing hope and courage. I am extremely thankful to all of them." Bagayev is one a shrinking group of veterans who are revered in Russia for their role in defeating Nazi Germany. In May, he took part in the annual victory parade on Square Parade alongside President Vladimir Putin. "It was hard, but I could see the doctors fighting, and I helped them," said Bagayev, who was wearing a military uniform festooned with medals when discharged from hospital. "They are the ones who are the heroes," Bagayev, who was last year promoted to a rank of colonel in reserve, said of his doctors. Bagayev lived through many of the now defunct Soviet Union's tumultuous chapters and was twice wounded during the war - once gravely. "He is a real trooper, he kept remembering his war-time wound and hardships in (the Battle of) Moscow and those memories helped him during his time in hospital," Bagayev's doctor, Valentina Rakitskaya, said. After the war, Bagayev worked in the Soviet republic of Kazakhstan where he helped build the Baikonur cosmodrome which sent the first man into space, Yuri Gagarin, in 1961. Bagayev said a breathing technique which he had learnt from Soviet cosmonauts helped him recover from COVID-19. As a devoted member of Russia's opposition Communist party he plans to help them campaign ahead of a parliamentary election in September, but he said his first goal was to start walking again without help. (With inputs from agencies)

Reborn aged 102: Russian WW2 veteran beats Covid after month in hospital

French cinemas, museums and sports venues began asking visitors Wednesday to furnish proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test as the country, which is in the throes of a fourth wave of infections, rolled out a controversial vaccine passport system.

The so-called "health pass" is required for all events or places with more than 50 people before being extended to restaurants, cafes and shopping centres in August.

Prime Minister Jean Castex defended the policy, noting that nearly all new infections are in people who have not been immunised.

The number of new infections over 24 hours shot up to 21,000 on Wednesday, the highest level since early May.

"We're in the fourth wave," Castex told TF1 television, adding that the goal of the health pass is to avoid a fourth nationwide lockdown.

Health Minister Olivier Veran lashed out at vaccine refuseniks, who have accused the government of flouting their freedom of choice.

"Freedom is not about dodging taxes, or driving the wrong way up the motorway, or smoking in a restaurant or refusing a vaccine that protects me as much as it protects others," he told parliament.

&nbsp;50-million target

The Louvre museum and Eiffel Tower were among the sites that began implementing the vaccine checks on Wednesday.

But whereas most tourists had their vaccine certificates at hand, having shown them on arrival in the country, some French people were wrong-footed by the new rules.

In the Paris suburb of Rosny-sous-Bois, 28-year-old Marie-Ange Rodrigues was surprised to be barred from a cinema screening after having received her second vaccine shot.

"It's rubbish!" she said of the requirement to have been fully vaccinated for at least a week.

Nearly 38 million people, representing 56 percent of the French population, have received at least one dose of a vaccine, according to data by the covidtracker.fr website.

Nearly 46 per cent, have been fully vaccinated.

French cinemas, museums and sports venues began asking visitors Wednesday to furnish proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test as the country, which is in the throes of a fourth wave of infections, rolled out a controversial vaccine passport system.

French cinemas, museums and sports venues began asking visitors Wednesday to furnish proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test as the country, which is in the throes of a fourth wave of infections, rolled out a controversial vaccine passport system. The so-called "health pass" is required for all events or places with more than 50 people before being extended to restaurants, cafes and shopping centres in August. Prime Minister Jean Castex defended the policy, noting that nearly all new infections are in people who have not been immunised. The number of new infections over 24 hours shot up to 21,000 on Wednesday, the highest level since early May. "We're in the fourth wave," Castex told TF1 television, adding that the goal of the health pass is to avoid a fourth nationwide lockdown. Health Minister Olivier Veran lashed out at vaccine refuseniks, who have accused the government of flouting their freedom of choice. "Freedom is not about dodging taxes, or driving the wrong way up the motorway, or smoking in a restaurant or refusing a vaccine that protects me as much as it protects others," he told parliament. 50-million target The Louvre museum and Eiffel Tower were among the sites that began implementing the vaccine checks on Wednesday. But whereas most tourists had their vaccine certificates at hand, having shown them on arrival in the country, some French people were wrong-footed by the new rules. In the Paris suburb of Rosny-sous-Bois, 28-year-old Marie-Ange Rodrigues was surprised to be barred from a cinema screening after having received her second vaccine shot. "It's rubbish!" she said of the requirement to have been fully vaccinated for at least a week. Nearly 38 million people, representing 56 percent of the French population, have received at least one dose of a vaccine, according to data by the covidtracker.fr website. Nearly 46 per cent, have been fully vaccinated.

France launches controversial vaccine pass as fourth Covid wave hits

Defending champions Australia and New Zealand withdrew from the&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;League&nbsp;World Cup in England on Thursday, citing player welfare and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in a massive blow for the sport's global showpiece.

The Australian&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;League&nbsp;Commission (ARLC) and New Zealand&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;League&nbsp;(NZRL) said they had repeated a request to organisers to postpone the Oct&nbsp;23-Nov&nbsp;27 event until 2022 to "minimise risk of players contracting COVID-19".

"The decision to withdraw from the RLWC2021 comes after considering the risk of COVID-19 infection in the United Kingdom, the worsening environment in Australia and the time a majority of NRL (National&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;League) players will spend away from home under strict biosecurity conditions prior to the World Cup," they said in a joint statement.

Rugby&nbsp;Football&nbsp;League&nbsp;(RFL) chairman Simon Johnson called the withdrawals "a selfish, parochial and cowardly decision".

"Rugby&nbsp;League&nbsp;World Cup organizers have bent over backward to offer every assurance to the Australians and the Kiwis," Johnson told the BBC. "We are very unhappy with this decision and we are not prepared to take it lying down."

World Cup Organisers said they were informed about the withdrawals at "very short notice" and would continue discussions with stakeholders to agree on the best way forward.

"RLWC2021 note the disappointing statement made by the ARLC and NZRL which may have wide-ranging implications for international&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;League," organizers said in a statement.

COVID-19 infections are increasing in the UK, with 47,114 new ones reported on average each day. The UK has recorded 5.5 million confirmed cases and 128,896 total deaths, according to a Reuters tally.

Australia is also battling outbreaks of COVID-19 albeit on a much smaller scale. Around 13 million people, or half the country's population, are under strict lockdown.

Australia's "Kangaroos" have dominated the World Cup, winning eight out of the last nine editions dating back to the 1970s.

New Zealand, whose top players also compete in the NRL, won the 2008 World Cup hosted by Australia.

<h2>HOTEL QUARANTINE</h2>

Australian and New Zealand media had reported that both nations had cold feet about sending teams to England.

Most NRL players are already living away from home, with the&nbsp;league&nbsp;moving teams to northern Queensland state to escape COVID-19 outbreaks and lockdowns further south.

"They would then be required to remain under (COVID) protocols and away from home for the duration of the tournament before again quarantining on return to Australia," ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said.

"This is too much to ask our players and officials to do."

NZRL boss Greg Peters said the safety staff and players could not be guaranteed."There are stark differences between how the pandemic is being managed in the UK compared to Australasia and recent developments have highlighted how quickly things can change," he said.

Australia has sent more than 400 athletes to the Tokyo Olympics and a large squad of cricketers to the Caribbean for a tour of the West Indies in recent weeks.

England recently hosted the final of soccer's European Championship at Wembley, as well as hundreds of tennis players at Wimbledon and golfers at the British Open.

With over two-thirds of adults having received two vaccine shots, England ended COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on Monday.

Defending champions Australia and New Zealand withdrew from the Rugby League World Cup in England on Thursday, citing player welfare and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in a massive blow for the sport's global showpiece.

Defending champions Australia and New Zealand withdrew from the Rugby League World Cup in England on Thursday, citing player welfare and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in a massive blow for the sport's global showpiece. The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) said they had repeated a request to organisers to postpone the Oct 23-Nov 27 event until 2022 to "minimise risk of players contracting COVID-19". "The decision to withdraw from the RLWC2021 comes after considering the risk of COVID-19 infection in the United Kingdom, the worsening environment in Australia and the time a majority of NRL (National Rugby League) players will spend away from home under strict biosecurity conditions prior to the World Cup," they said in a joint statement. Rugby Football League (RFL) chairman Simon Johnson called the withdrawals "a selfish, parochial and cowardly decision". "Rugby League World Cup organizers have bent over backward to offer every assurance to the Australians and the Kiwis," Johnson told the BBC. "We are very unhappy with this decision and we are not prepared to take it lying down." World Cup Organisers said they were informed about the withdrawals at "very short notice" and would continue discussions with stakeholders to agree on the best way forward. "RLWC2021 note the disappointing statement made by the ARLC and NZRL which may have wide-ranging implications for international Rugby League," organizers said in a statement. COVID-19 infections are increasing in the UK, with 47,114 new ones reported on average each day. The UK has recorded 5.5 million confirmed cases and 128,896 total deaths, according to a Reuters tally. Australia is also battling outbreaks of COVID-19 albeit on a much smaller scale. Around 13 million people, or half the country's population, are under strict lockdown. Australia's "Kangaroos" have dominated the World Cup, winning eight out of the last nine editions dating back to the 1970s. New Zealand, whose top players also compete in the NRL, won the 2008 World Cup hosted by Australia. HOTEL QUARANTINE Australian and New Zealand media had reported that both nations had cold feet about sending teams to England. Most NRL players are already living away from home, with the league moving teams to northern Queensland state to escape COVID-19 outbreaks and lockdowns further south. "They would then be required to remain under (COVID) protocols and away from home for the duration of the tournament before again quarantining on return to Australia," ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said. "This is too much to ask our players and officials to do." NZRL boss Greg Peters said the safety staff and players could not be guaranteed."There are stark differences between how the pandemic is being managed in the UK compared to Australasia and recent developments have highlighted how quickly things can change," he said. Australia has sent more than 400 athletes to the Tokyo Olympics and a large squad of cricketers to the Caribbean for a tour of the West Indies in recent weeks. England recently hosted the final of soccer's European Championship at Wembley, as well as hundreds of tennis players at Wimbledon and golfers at the British Open. With over two-thirds of adults having received two vaccine shots, England ended COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on Monday.

Australia, New Zealand withdraw from Rugby League World Cup citing Covid concerns

China is blocking the World Health Organization's call for a new investigation into the origins of the coronavirus, which includes looking into whether it leaked from a lab, claiming that there is no proof for the theory and that it violates common sense.&nbsp;

China warned that a WHO plan to inspect Chinese labs as part of a larger investigation into the origins of the coronavirus outbreak demonstrates "disrespect" and "arrogance toward science."

Following increased pressure from the US for an investigation into a biotech facility in Wuhan, the WHO stated last week that a second stage of the international probe should include audits of Chinese facilities.&nbsp;

Liang Wannian, an epidemiologist who led a team of Chinese scientists working with the WHO said that the Wuhan laboratory "never possessed the virus."

“There's no reason for us to devote further resources to a lab leak investigation.”&nbsp;

"Audits of relevant laboratories and research institutions functioning in the vicinity of the initial human cases detected in December 2019," is one of the key aspects of the probe,&nbsp;according to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was referring to the Chinese city of Wuhan.&nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: Caught On Camera: Bats locked up inside the Wuhan lab

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-caught-on-camera-bats-locked-up-inside-the-wuhan-lab-391511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The search for the virus's origins has been marred by debate, with officials in Beijing and Washington promoting opposing viewpoints on how the illness emerged.&nbsp;

Chinese officials stated that they are determined to learn more about the novel coronavirus's origins, which they believe should be based on science. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What was China's Batwoman up to at the Wuhan lab?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-was-chinas-batwoman-up-to-at-the-wuhan-lab-391738/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Political posturing has tainted the WHO's plans to make the lab leak hypothesis a priority for the next round of investigation, displaying "arrogance against science," they said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China is blocking the World Health Organization's call for a new investigation into the origins of the coronavirus, which includes looking into whether it leaked from a lab, claiming that there is no proof for the theory and that it violates common sense.

China is blocking the World Health Organization's call for a new investigation into the origins of the coronavirus, which includes looking into whether it leaked from a lab, claiming that there is no proof for the theory and that it violates common sense. China warned that a WHO plan to inspect Chinese labs as part of a larger investigation into the origins of the coronavirus outbreak demonstrates "disrespect" and "arrogance toward science." Following increased pressure from the US for an investigation into a biotech facility in Wuhan, the WHO stated last week that a second stage of the international probe should include audits of Chinese facilities. Liang Wannian, an epidemiologist who led a team of Chinese scientists working with the WHO said that the Wuhan laboratory "never possessed the virus." “There's no reason for us to devote further resources to a lab leak investigation.” "Audits of relevant laboratories and research institutions functioning in the vicinity of the initial human cases detected in December 2019," is one of the key aspects of the probe, according to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was referring to the Chinese city of Wuhan. Watch | Gravitas: Caught On Camera: Bats locked up inside the Wuhan lab The search for the virus's origins has been marred by debate, with officials in Beijing and Washington promoting opposing viewpoints on how the illness emerged. Chinese officials stated that they are determined to learn more about the novel coronavirus's origins, which they believe should be based on science. Watch | Gravitas: What was China's Batwoman up to at the Wuhan lab? Political posturing has tainted the WHO's plans to make the lab leak hypothesis a priority for the next round of investigation, displaying "arrogance against science," they said. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Wuhan lab leak study — China opposes virus origins probe

Kanwar Yatra, a huge religious pilgrimage in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has been cancelled due to Covid fears. Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (UP) took this decision a day after the government held talks with Kanwar Sanghs (organisations). The talks were initiated talks after a nudge from Supreme Court of India.

In Kanwar Yatra, Lord Shiva devotees from northern Indian states travel on foot or by other means to collect water from River Ganga at Haridwar in Uttarakhand state. It is then&nbsp;offered at Shiva temples in their areas.&nbsp;The pilgrimage was set to begin from July 25.&nbsp;

According to Uttar Pradesh government officials, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Avnish Awasthi and Director General of Police Mukul Goel held discussions with the Kanwar Sanghs on the instructions of the Chief Minister.

Earlier on July 9, the Chief Minister had said that he would hold talks with the Kanwar Sanghs.&nbsp;

"The officers should try to take decisions like last year by communicating with the Kanwar Sangh at the local level. Last year too, after talks with the administration, the Kanwar Sangh had announced the suspension of the yatra," Adityanath said.

On Friday, Supreme Court of India had granted one last opportunity to UP government to reconsider its decision of holding "symbolic Kanwar Yatra" amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The court had said that right to life of Indian citizens was paramount.

A Bench headed by Justice Rohinton F Nariman gave an ultimatum to the Uttar Pradesh government to either "reconsider" its decision or the court will pass orders. Uttarakhand government has already decided to cancel the Kanwar Yatra this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delhi cancels Kanwar yatra as well

Delhi has followed UP and Uttarakhand on Sunday (July 18) to cancel&nbsp;Kanwar yatra this year due to Covid situation. Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has passed an order in this regard

"Whereas upcoming Kanwar Yatra-2021, will commence from July 25, 2021, and in spite of being banned/ suspended by Uttarakhand Government, there is an apprehension of gatherings/ congregations processions during Kanwar Yatra-2021, therefore, in view of persisting COVID-19 situation, it is decided that Kanwar Yatra-2021 should not be permitted in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus in the territory of NCT of Delhi," read the order.

Chaiperson of DDMA directed that no celebrations, processions, gatherings shall be allowed during the forthcoming Kanwar Yatra-2021 starting from July 25, 2021, in the national capital

Earlier, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh governments decided to call off the Kanwar Yatra in view of COVID-19.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kanwar Yatra, a huge religious pilgrimage in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has been cancelled due to Covid fears. Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (UP) took this decision a day after the government held talks with Kanwar Sanghs (organisations).

Kanwar Yatra, a huge religious pilgrimage in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has been cancelled due to Covid fears. Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (UP) took this decision a day after the government held talks with Kanwar Sanghs (organisations). The talks were initiated talks after a nudge from Supreme Court of India. In Kanwar Yatra, Lord Shiva devotees from northern Indian states travel on foot or by other means to collect water from River Ganga at Haridwar in Uttarakhand state. It is then offered at Shiva temples in their areas. The pilgrimage was set to begin from July 25. According to Uttar Pradesh government officials, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Avnish Awasthi and Director General of Police Mukul Goel held discussions with the Kanwar Sanghs on the instructions of the Chief Minister. Earlier on July 9, the Chief Minister had said that he would hold talks with the Kanwar Sanghs. "The officers should try to take decisions like last year by communicating with the Kanwar Sangh at the local level. Last year too, after talks with the administration, the Kanwar Sangh had announced the suspension of the yatra," Adityanath said. On Friday, Supreme Court of India had granted one last opportunity to UP government to reconsider its decision of holding "symbolic Kanwar Yatra" amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The court had said that right to life of Indian citizens was paramount. A Bench headed by Justice Rohinton F Nariman gave an ultimatum to the Uttar Pradesh government to either "reconsider" its decision or the court will pass orders. Uttarakhand government has already decided to cancel the Kanwar Yatra this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delhi cancels Kanwar yatra as well Delhi has followed UP and Uttarakhand on Sunday (July 18) to cancel Kanwar yatra this year due to Covid situation. Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has passed an order in this regard "Whereas upcoming Kanwar Yatra-2021, will commence from July 25, 2021, and in spite of being banned/ suspended by Uttarakhand Government, there is an apprehension of gatherings/ congregations processions during Kanwar Yatra-2021, therefore, in view of persisting COVID-19 situation, it is decided that Kanwar Yatra-2021 should not be permitted in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus in the territory of NCT of Delhi," read the order. Chaiperson of DDMA directed that no celebrations, processions, gatherings shall be allowed during the forthcoming Kanwar Yatra-2021 starting from July 25, 2021, in the national capital Earlier, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh governments decided to call off the Kanwar Yatra in view of COVID-19. (With inputs from agencies)

Annual mega religious pilgrimage in India cancelled due to Covid fears

During a White House press event on Thursday, Indian-American US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy revealed that the coronavirus has claimed the lives of ten members of his family.

Murthy spoke openly about his own experience during the pandemic at the briefing, which he attended to encourage Americans to get their shots in the face of low vaccination rates.&nbsp;

"On a personal note, it's painful for me to know that nearly every death we are seeing now from COVID-19 could have been prevented. I say that as someone who has lost 10 family members to COVID-19 and who wishes every day that they had had the opportunity to get vaccinated," Dr Murthy said.

"I see that also as a concerned father of two young children who aren't yet eligible for the vaccine, but I know that our kids are depending on all of us to get vaccinated to shield them from this virus," he added.

Dr Murthy, who is serving in the position for the second time, said this at a White House briefing, emphasising the importance of individuals getting vaccinated against the deadly virus.&nbsp;

"We must confront misinformation as a nation. Every one of us has the power and the responsibility to make a difference in this fight. Lives are depending on it," said the top American doctor.

"But we are not out of the woods yet. Millions of Americans are still not protected against COVID-19, and we are seeing more infections among those who are unvaccinated," he said.

"Health misinformation is false, inaccurate, or misleading information about health, according to the best evidence at the time. And while it often appears innocuous on social media apps and retail sites or search engines, the truth is that misinformation takes away our freedom to make informed decisions about our health and the health of our loved ones," said Vivek Murthy. 
&nbsp; 
"During the COVID-19 pandemic, health misinformation has led people to resist wearing masks in high-risk settings. It’s led them to turn down proven treatments and to choose not to get vaccinated. This has led to avoidable illnesses and death. Simply put, health [mis]information has cost us lives."

(With inputs from agencies)

During a White House press event on Thursday, Indian-American US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy revealed that the coronavirus has claimed the lives of ten members of his family.

During a White House press event on Thursday, Indian-American US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy revealed that the coronavirus has claimed the lives of ten members of his family. Murthy spoke openly about his own experience during the pandemic at the briefing, which he attended to encourage Americans to get their shots in the face of low vaccination rates. "On a personal note, it's painful for me to know that nearly every death we are seeing now from COVID-19 could have been prevented. I say that as someone who has lost 10 family members to COVID-19 and who wishes every day that they had had the opportunity to get vaccinated," Dr Murthy said. "I see that also as a concerned father of two young children who aren't yet eligible for the vaccine, but I know that our kids are depending on all of us to get vaccinated to shield them from this virus," he added. Dr Murthy, who is serving in the position for the second time, said this at a White House briefing, emphasising the importance of individuals getting vaccinated against the deadly virus. "We must confront misinformation as a nation. Every one of us has the power and the responsibility to make a difference in this fight. Lives are depending on it," said the top American doctor. "But we are not out of the woods yet. Millions of Americans are still not protected against COVID-19, and we are seeing more infections among those who are unvaccinated," he said. "Health misinformation is false, inaccurate, or misleading information about health, according to the best evidence at the time. And while it often appears innocuous on social media apps and retail sites or search engines, the truth is that misinformation takes away our freedom to make informed decisions about our health and the health of our loved ones," said Vivek Murthy. "During the COVID-19 pandemic, health misinformation has led people to resist wearing masks in high-risk settings. It’s led them to turn down proven treatments and to choose not to get vaccinated. This has led to avoidable illnesses and death. Simply put, health [mis]information has cost us lives." (With inputs from agencies)

I have lost 10 family members to COVID-19, reveals Indian-American US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy

A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on variants responsible for the second wave of COVID-19 has revealed that the major strain responsible for the breakthrough is the Delta variant.

As per the WHO classification, the Delta variant has been designated as a variant of concern due to increased transmission and higher immune evasion, whereas the other two sublineages of B.1.617 namely B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.3 with E484Q are grouped in VUI[25].

"B.1.617 variant and its lineage B.1.617.2 were primarily responsible for the surge in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra state. Delta (B.1.617.2) and Kappa (B.1.617.1) was detected among 60 per cent of the clinical specimens of the COVID-19 cases collected from Maharashtra during January and February 2021." according to the study.

"The rapid rise in the daily infection was observed in India with the dominance of Delta variant which accounted for &gt;99 per cent of all sequenced genomes in April 2021," it further stated.

Talking about the infections after vaccination, the study said, "The present study revealed the infection among breakthrough cases predominantly occurred through Delta variant indicating its high community transmission during this period followed by Alpha and Kappa variants. In our study, 67 cases (9.8 per cent) required hospitalisation and fatality was observed in only three cases (0.4 per cent)."

This clearly suggests that vaccination reduces the severity of disease, hospitalization and mortality, said the study. Therefore, enhancing the vaccination drive and immunizing the populations quickly would be the most important strategy to prevent further deadly waves of the COVID-19 and would reduce the burden on the health care system, it added.

The study is a preprint and it was approved by the Institutional Human Ethics Committee of ICMR-NIV, Pune.

It was conducted with intramural funding for 'Molecular epidemiological analysis of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in different regions of India' of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi provided to ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune.

A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on variants responsible for the second wave of COVID-19 has revealed that the major strain responsible for the breakthrough is the Delta variant.

A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on variants responsible for the second wave of COVID-19 has revealed that the major strain responsible for the breakthrough is the Delta variant. As per the WHO classification, the Delta variant has been designated as a variant of concern due to increased transmission and higher immune evasion, whereas the other two sublineages of B.1.617 namely B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.3 with E484Q are grouped in VUI[25]. "B.1.617 variant and its lineage B.1.617.2 were primarily responsible for the surge in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra state. Delta (B.1.617.2) and Kappa (B.1.617.1) was detected among 60 per cent of the clinical specimens of the COVID-19 cases collected from Maharashtra during January and February 2021." according to the study. "The rapid rise in the daily infection was observed in India with the dominance of Delta variant which accounted for >99 per cent of all sequenced genomes in April 2021," it further stated. Talking about the infections after vaccination, the study said, "The present study revealed the infection among breakthrough cases predominantly occurred through Delta variant indicating its high community transmission during this period followed by Alpha and Kappa variants. In our study, 67 cases (9.8 per cent) required hospitalisation and fatality was observed in only three cases (0.4 per cent)." This clearly suggests that vaccination reduces the severity of disease, hospitalization and mortality, said the study. Therefore, enhancing the vaccination drive and immunizing the populations quickly would be the most important strategy to prevent further deadly waves of the COVID-19 and would reduce the burden on the health care system, it added. The study is a preprint and it was approved by the Institutional Human Ethics Committee of ICMR-NIV, Pune. It was conducted with intramural funding for 'Molecular epidemiological analysis of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in different regions of India' of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi provided to ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune.

Delta major variant responsible for infections during second wave of COVID in India: ICMR study

One in every two persons hospitalised with COVID-19 had developed at least one problem affecting key organs of the body, according to research published in The Lancet.

Though difficulties were most likely in persons over the age of 50, the study discovered that younger people were also at risk.

The sickness had impacted the kidney, heart, and lungs of patients who had to attend hospitalisation after being infected with the virus, according to a survey of more than 70,000 people in 302 UK hospitals. Age of comorbidity was not a prominent factor in these cases. 
 
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“This work contradicts current narratives that COVID-19 is only dangerous in people with existing comorbidities and the elderly. Dispelling and contributing to the scientific debate around such narratives has become increasingly important,” Calum Semple, chief investigator of the study and a professor at the University of Liverpool, UK, said in a statement. 
 
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Sixty-six per cent of the 73,197 patients tested were men, 81% had an underlying health condition, 74% were Caucasian, and the average age of the cohort was 71 years.

Over 12% of those questioned were under the age of 49. Almost one-third of the study's participants died.

Overall, 50% of all individuals experienced problems, with 44% of those who survived experiencing them.

(With inputs from agencies)

One in every two persons hospitalised with COVID-19 had developed at least one problem affecting key organs of the body, according to research published in The Lancet.

One in every two persons hospitalised with COVID-19 had developed at least one problem affecting key organs of the body, according to research published in The Lancet. Though difficulties were most likely in persons over the age of 50, the study discovered that younger people were also at risk. The sickness had impacted the kidney, heart, and lungs of patients who had to attend hospitalisation after being infected with the virus, according to a survey of more than 70,000 people in 302 UK hospitals. Age of comorbidity was not a prominent factor in these cases. WATCH | Gravitas: COVID control measures — Bizarre to unscientific “This work contradicts current narratives that COVID-19 is only dangerous in people with existing comorbidities and the elderly. Dispelling and contributing to the scientific debate around such narratives has become increasingly important,” Calum Semple, chief investigator of the study and a professor at the University of Liverpool, UK, said in a statement. WION exclusive | Beijing tried to cover-up Wuhan virus and WHO is very much part of it: Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan Sixty-six per cent of the 73,197 patients tested were men, 81% had an underlying health condition, 74% were Caucasian, and the average age of the cohort was 71 years. Over 12% of those questioned were under the age of 49. Almost one-third of the study's participants died. Overall, 50% of all individuals experienced problems, with 44% of those who survived experiencing them. (With inputs from agencies)

Half of hospitalised COVID-19 patients develop organ complications irrespective of age: Study

A team from the University of Iowa and the University of Georgia discovered that the intranasal COVID-19 vaccine protects mice against deadly coronavirus infection.

The vaccine also prevents the Coronavirus from spreading from animal to animal.

The findings were reported in the scientific journal 'Science Advances' on July 2.&nbsp;

"If this new COVID-19 vaccine proves successful in people, it could help manage the COVID-19 pandemic by preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission," says Paul McCray, co-leader of the study.&nbsp;

Inhalation rather than injection&nbsp;

Unlike traditional vaccinations, which require an injection, this vaccine is delivered via nasal spray, similar to those used to prevent influenza.

The vaccination used in the trial only requires a single dose and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three months at normal conditions.&nbsp;

The experimental vaccination delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into cells via a harmless parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), which triggers an immune response that protects against COVID-19 infection.

PIV5 is linked to common cold viruses and infects a variety of species, including humans, without causing sickness.&nbsp;

If successful, the nasal vaccine will be a game-changer, especially for kids who need to be vaccinated against COVID-19.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A team from the University of Iowa and the University of Georgia discovered that the intranasal COVID-19 vaccine protects mice against deadly coronavirus infection.

A team from the University of Iowa and the University of Georgia discovered that the intranasal COVID-19 vaccine protects mice against deadly coronavirus infection. The vaccine also prevents the Coronavirus from spreading from animal to animal. The findings were reported in the scientific journal 'Science Advances' on July 2. "If this new COVID-19 vaccine proves successful in people, it could help manage the COVID-19 pandemic by preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission," says Paul McCray, co-leader of the study. Inhalation rather than injection Unlike traditional vaccinations, which require an injection, this vaccine is delivered via nasal spray, similar to those used to prevent influenza. The vaccination used in the trial only requires a single dose and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three months at normal conditions. The experimental vaccination delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into cells via a harmless parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), which triggers an immune response that protects against COVID-19 infection. PIV5 is linked to common cold viruses and infects a variety of species, including humans, without causing sickness. If successful, the nasal vaccine will be a game-changer, especially for kids who need to be vaccinated against COVID-19. (With inputs from agencies)

Nasal COVID-19 vaccine protects animals from the deadly infection

India's drug regulator Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) will be considering giving emergency use authorisation to Zydus Cadila's Covid vaccine ZyCV-D in a few more days. ANI reported the development quoting sources.

"Subject Expert Committee (SEC) is expected to meet this week and will review the data. However, final approval for EUA will be given only after a few meetings," sources were quoted as saying.

It was further informed that the SEC will examine data submitted by Zydus Cadila for children above 12 years. But if data found to be satisfied then final approval from DCGI may be granted in few days.&nbsp;

ZyCoV-D is a DNA Covid vaccine, which carries the genetic code for that part of a virus that triggers the immune system of the body.

According to sources, the continuous and rolling review of data is ongoing and even if SEC meeting takes place this week then final approval will take few more days.Earlier, on Friday, Dr VK Paul, Member (Health) of the NITI Aayog told ANI that a decision on the approval of Zydus Cadila`s COVID-19 vaccine is expected soon, adding that the data and evaluation would determine the outcome.ZyCoV-D is a three-dose COVID shot, the world`s first Plasmid DNA vaccine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's drug regulator Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) will be considering giving emergency use authorisation to Zydus Cadila's Covid vaccine ZyCV-D in a few more days.

India's drug regulator Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) will be considering giving emergency use authorisation to Zydus Cadila's Covid vaccine ZyCV-D in a few more days. ANI reported the development quoting sources. "Subject Expert Committee (SEC) is expected to meet this week and will review the data. However, final approval for EUA will be given only after a few meetings," sources were quoted as saying. It was further informed that the SEC will examine data submitted by Zydus Cadila for children above 12 years. But if data found to be satisfied then final approval from DCGI may be granted in few days. ZyCoV-D is a DNA Covid vaccine, which carries the genetic code for that part of a virus that triggers the immune system of the body. According to sources, the continuous and rolling review of data is ongoing and even if SEC meeting takes place this week then final approval will take few more days.Earlier, on Friday, Dr VK Paul, Member (Health) of the NITI Aayog told ANI that a decision on the approval of Zydus Cadila`s COVID-19 vaccine is expected soon, adding that the data and evaluation would determine the outcome.ZyCoV-D is a three-dose COVID shot, the world`s first Plasmid DNA vaccine. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Zydus Cadila Covid vaccine may get approval, says report

A panel of scientists who advise the French government on health warned Friday that as many as 95 percent of people might need to be vaccinated to dam the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19.

With cases rising, "a fourth wave linked to the Delta variant could hit swiftly, with repercussions for the health system despite high levels of vaccination", the Scientific Council said.

"We can't get the epidemic under control unless 90 to 95 percent of people are vaccinated or infected," they added.

So far only around half of French people have received a first dose and 40 percent two shots, with the government aiming to get two-thirds -- 35 million -- fully protected by the end of August.

"If people wait until after the summer holidays to get vaccinated, it will be too late," epidemiologist and Scientific Council member Arnaud Fontanet told broadcaster RTL, recalling that the shots are "very effective and free of charge".

With case numbers rising after a series of reopening steps, President Emmanuel Macron is expected to outline next moves in managing the pandemic in a Monday evening TV address.

On the agenda at a meeting of France's defence council earlier Monday is whether to make vaccination compulsory for health workers, one of the key recommendations from the scientists.

Ministers could agree on a draft law as early as Tuesday before sending it to parliament.

The Scientific Council also urged strengthening the country's track and trace programme and highlighted rising numbers of hospitalisations due to the Delta variant -- first detected in India -- in England, Scotland, Ireland and Portugal.

The strain already accounts for half of new infections in France and is believed to be around 60 percent more infectious.

"Without infection control measures, there could be a similar peak in hospitalisations to the one in autumn 2020," the Pasteur Institute research organisation warned, adding that unvaccinated over-60s remained especially at risk.

Other scientific advice included reducing the number of people allowed to attend events, localised restrictions and reducing the time between the first and second doses of mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna from six to three or four weeks.

A panel of scientists who advise the French government on health warned Friday that as many as 95 percent of people might need to be vaccinated to dam the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19.

A panel of scientists who advise the French government on health warned Friday that as many as 95 percent of people might need to be vaccinated to dam the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19. With cases rising, "a fourth wave linked to the Delta variant could hit swiftly, with repercussions for the health system despite high levels of vaccination", the Scientific Council said. "We can't get the epidemic under control unless 90 to 95 percent of people are vaccinated or infected," they added. So far only around half of French people have received a first dose and 40 percent two shots, with the government aiming to get two-thirds -- 35 million -- fully protected by the end of August. "If people wait until after the summer holidays to get vaccinated, it will be too late," epidemiologist and Scientific Council member Arnaud Fontanet told broadcaster RTL, recalling that the shots are "very effective and free of charge". With case numbers rising after a series of reopening steps, President Emmanuel Macron is expected to outline next moves in managing the pandemic in a Monday evening TV address. On the agenda at a meeting of France's defence council earlier Monday is whether to make vaccination compulsory for health workers, one of the key recommendations from the scientists. Ministers could agree on a draft law as early as Tuesday before sending it to parliament. The Scientific Council also urged strengthening the country's track and trace programme and highlighted rising numbers of hospitalisations due to the Delta variant -- first detected in India -- in England, Scotland, Ireland and Portugal. The strain already accounts for half of new infections in France and is believed to be around 60 percent more infectious. "Without infection control measures, there could be a similar peak in hospitalisations to the one in autumn 2020," the Pasteur Institute research organisation warned, adding that unvaccinated over-60s remained especially at risk. Other scientific advice included reducing the number of people allowed to attend events, localised restrictions and reducing the time between the first and second doses of mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna from six to three or four weeks.

COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists

Soumya Swaminathan, the top scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced on Friday that 15 European Union (EU) countries officially recognise Covishield, a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

"15 countries in the EU now recognise COVISHIELD for tourists," Swaminathan stated in a tweet.&nbsp;

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15 countries in EU now recognize <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVISHIELD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVISHIELD</a> for travelers <a href="https://t.co/fb56AEOvOt">https://t.co/fb56AEOvOt</a>
— Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) <a href="https://twitter.com/doctorsoumya/status/1413482639009402880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Swaminathan's comments follow Belgium's acceptance of the Covishield vaccination on Friday.

Arnaud Lion, Charge d'affaires of the Belgian Embassy in India, said on Friday that his country's recognition of Covishield will benefit everyone obtaining the vaccine injection in India and overseas.&nbsp;

"Belgium recognises Covishield, the AstraZeneca vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India and distributed by COVAX. An important decision for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh in the fight against vaccine inequality," the embassy’s official handle tweeted.

Switzerland, Iceland, Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden are among the 14 European countries that have approved the Covishield vaccination.

Meanwhile, Estonia has stated that the vaccine will only be recognised for Indian travellers.&nbsp; 
 
"On July 7, the inter-ministerial conference in Belgium decided to recognize the Covishield vaccination, which will have a positive impact I hope for everyone in India and outside India being vaccinated with Covishield," Lion said.

He said Covishield is one of the main vaccines, which is and will be used under the COVAX facility. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Soumya Swaminathan, the top scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced on Friday that 15 European Union (EU) countries officially recognise Covishield, a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

Soumya Swaminathan, the top scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced on Friday that 15 European Union (EU) countries officially recognise Covishield, a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII). "15 countries in the EU now recognise COVISHIELD for tourists," Swaminathan stated in a tweet. 15 countries in EU now recognize #COVISHIELD for travelers https://t.co/fb56AEOvOt — Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) July 9, 2021 × Swaminathan's comments follow Belgium's acceptance of the Covishield vaccination on Friday. Arnaud Lion, Charge d'affaires of the Belgian Embassy in India, said on Friday that his country's recognition of Covishield will benefit everyone obtaining the vaccine injection in India and overseas. "Belgium recognises Covishield, the AstraZeneca vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India and distributed by COVAX. An important decision for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh in the fight against vaccine inequality," the embassy’s official handle tweeted. Switzerland, Iceland, Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden are among the 14 European countries that have approved the Covishield vaccination. Meanwhile, Estonia has stated that the vaccine will only be recognised for Indian travellers. "On July 7, the inter-ministerial conference in Belgium decided to recognize the Covishield vaccination, which will have a positive impact I hope for everyone in India and outside India being vaccinated with Covishield," Lion said. He said Covishield is one of the main vaccines, which is and will be used under the COVAX facility. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: 15 countries in European Union recognise India-made Covishield vaccine

The deadly coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down, according to WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan.

Cases are increasing in five of the six WHO regions, and the fatality rate in Africa has increased by over 40%.&nbsp;

The fast-spreading Delta variant, pandemic fatigue, weakening of safety measures such as physical distance restrictions, and sluggish vaccination rollouts globally are all contributing factors, according to her.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-95-may-need-to-be-vaccinated-to-stop-delta-variant-warns-french-scientists-397151">Also read | COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists</a> 
 
In an interview with Bloomberg Television, WHO's Soumya Swaminathan explained that while vaccination levels in some countries are reducing severe cases and hospitalisations, significant regions of the world face oxygen shortages, a lack of hospital beds, and increased mortality.&nbsp;

"In the last 24 hours, close to 500,000 new cases have been reported and about 9,300 deaths -- now that’s not a pandemic that’s slowing down," Swaminathan said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned nations this week to be vigilant when reopening borders to avoid jeopardising previous successes.

On July 19, remaining legislative restrictions in England will be lifted, and measures like wearing masks will become a personal choice.

As cases declined, the United States and many of Europe similarly eased restrictions.&nbsp;

The pandemic death toll reached a grim benchmark, surpassing 4 million reported deaths across the globe.

(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down, according to WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan. Cases are increasing in five of the six WHO regions, and the fatality rate in Africa has increased by over 40%.

The deadly coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down, according to WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan. Cases are increasing in five of the six WHO regions, and the fatality rate in Africa has increased by over 40%. The fast-spreading Delta variant, pandemic fatigue, weakening of safety measures such as physical distance restrictions, and sluggish vaccination rollouts globally are all contributing factors, according to her. Also read | COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists In an interview with Bloomberg Television, WHO's Soumya Swaminathan explained that while vaccination levels in some countries are reducing severe cases and hospitalisations, significant regions of the world face oxygen shortages, a lack of hospital beds, and increased mortality. "In the last 24 hours, close to 500,000 new cases have been reported and about 9,300 deaths -- now that’s not a pandemic that’s slowing down," Swaminathan said. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned nations this week to be vigilant when reopening borders to avoid jeopardising previous successes. On July 19, remaining legislative restrictions in England will be lifted, and measures like wearing masks will become a personal choice. As cases declined, the United States and many of Europe similarly eased restrictions. The pandemic death toll reached a grim benchmark, surpassing 4 million reported deaths across the globe. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: WHO chief scientist lists four reasons for pandemic not slowing down

Fiji has announced plans to make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all workers as it battles a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant, with the prime minister issuing a blunt message: "no jabs, no job".

Frank Bainimarama said all public servants in the South Pacific nation of 930,000 must go on leave if they have not had their first injection by August 15 and would be dismissed if they did not receive their second by November 1.

Private sector employees must have their first jab by August 1, with individuals facing hefty fines if they fail to comply and companies threatened with being shut down.

"No jabs, no job -- that is what the science tells us is safest and that is now the policy of the government and enforced through the law," Bainimarama said in a national address late Thursday.

The hardline policy comes amid government frustration at the widespread flouting of virus safety measures such as social distancing and wearing masks, blamed in part for a huge spike in infections.

Until April, Fiji had recorded no community cases for a year but a quarantine breach saw the highly contagious Delta variant, first detected in India, rapidly gain a foothold, with the country now recording 700-plus new cases a day.

Reckless rule-breakers

The under-resourced health system has been stretched to breaking point, with the country's largest hospital in Suva this week saying its mortuary was at capacity and urging the families of virus victims to collect their loved ones.

Bainimarama has resisted calls to lock down the entire country, citing the economic cost and the practicalities of enforcing such a move in densely-populated squatter settlements.

"A hard lockdown, as some are calling for, cannot be strictly enforced everywhere in Fiji and our experts tell us it would not kill off the virus," he said.

"But it would kill jobs and it could kill our country's future."

Instead, Bainimarama has imposed localised lockdowns in infection hotspots, including the capital Suva, while rolling out the Astra Zeneca vaccine.

While almost 340,000 adults have received their first injection, Bainimarama said online misinformation was discouraging some people, assuring them he had experienced no side effects from the inoculation.

"I have not been magnetised or micro-chipped by the vaccine, I have not received the mark of the beast or any other creature -- the vaccine does not do that to anyone," he said.

Bainimarama said spot fines were being introduced for "reckless rule-breakers" who did not wear marks, attended social gatherings or violated quarantine orders.

"My fellow Fijians, the end of this ordeal will come," he said.

"Until it does, we must remain vigilant until more of us are protected -- get vaccinated, wear your mask, and maintain physical distance from others."

Fiji has announced plans to make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all workers as it battles a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant, with the prime minister issuing a blunt message: "no jabs, no job".

Fiji has announced plans to make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all workers as it battles a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant, with the prime minister issuing a blunt message: "no jabs, no job". Frank Bainimarama said all public servants in the South Pacific nation of 930,000 must go on leave if they have not had their first injection by August 15 and would be dismissed if they did not receive their second by November 1. Private sector employees must have their first jab by August 1, with individuals facing hefty fines if they fail to comply and companies threatened with being shut down. "No jabs, no job -- that is what the science tells us is safest and that is now the policy of the government and enforced through the law," Bainimarama said in a national address late Thursday. The hardline policy comes amid government frustration at the widespread flouting of virus safety measures such as social distancing and wearing masks, blamed in part for a huge spike in infections. Until April, Fiji had recorded no community cases for a year but a quarantine breach saw the highly contagious Delta variant, first detected in India, rapidly gain a foothold, with the country now recording 700-plus new cases a day. Reckless rule-breakers The under-resourced health system has been stretched to breaking point, with the country's largest hospital in Suva this week saying its mortuary was at capacity and urging the families of virus victims to collect their loved ones. Bainimarama has resisted calls to lock down the entire country, citing the economic cost and the practicalities of enforcing such a move in densely-populated squatter settlements. "A hard lockdown, as some are calling for, cannot be strictly enforced everywhere in Fiji and our experts tell us it would not kill off the virus," he said. "But it would kill jobs and it could kill our country's future." Instead, Bainimarama has imposed localised lockdowns in infection hotspots, including the capital Suva, while rolling out the Astra Zeneca vaccine. While almost 340,000 adults have received their first injection, Bainimarama said online misinformation was discouraging some people, assuring them he had experienced no side effects from the inoculation. "I have not been magnetised or micro-chipped by the vaccine, I have not received the mark of the beast or any other creature -- the vaccine does not do that to anyone," he said. Bainimarama said spot fines were being introduced for "reckless rule-breakers" who did not wear marks, attended social gatherings or violated quarantine orders. "My fellow Fijians, the end of this ordeal will come," he said. "Until it does, we must remain vigilant until more of us are protected -- get vaccinated, wear your mask, and maintain physical distance from others."

No jabs, no jobs: This country is making COVID-19 vaccine compulsory for all workers

Covid cases are rising rapidly in the United States as the highly contagious Delta variant dominates and vaccinations stagnate, data showed Wednesday.

The seven-day average of new cases was 13,859 as of July 6, up 21 per cent compared to two weeks earlier, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-at-a-perilous-point-covid-19-death-toll-crosses-4-million-worldwide-396576">Also read | 'World at a perilous point': COVID-19 death toll crosses 4 million worldwide</a> 
 
Cases attributed to the most recent days might rise further because of a reporting lag following the July 4 holiday weekend.

The spike comes as the Delta variant, which is more transmissible than any previous strain, accounted for around 52 per cent of cases in the two weeks ending July 3, according to the CDC. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cdc-says-delta-variant-dominant-in-us-makes-up-more-than-half-of-covid-19-cases-396567" hreflang="en">CDC says Delta variant dominant in US, makes up more than half of COVID-19 cases</a>

Despite having among the highest availability of vaccines of any country, America's immunization campaign has dropped off steeply since April.

President Joe Biden narrowly missed his goal of having 70 per cent of adults at least partly vaccinated by Independence Day, with the current figure at 67 per cent. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-china-records-highest-daily-covid-cases-indonesia-reports-highest-deaths-396547" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: China records highest daily Covid cases, Indonesia reports highest deaths</a>

Regions in the Midwest and South with lower vaccination rates are experiencing higher case rates than regions with high vaccination rates such as the Northeast, a trend that has become increasingly clear in recent weeks.

A hospital in Springfield, Missouri, ran out of ventilators to treat hospitalized Covid patients over the weekend, local media reported.

The city of 160,000's two hospitals were treating 213 COVID-19 patients as of Monday, up from 168 on Friday and 31 on May 24, the Kansas City Star said.

"The trajectory that we're likely to see is two different flavours of the pandemic in the United States, one in which it's more of a problem in places where there's a high level of unvaccinated individuals," Amesh Adalja of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security told AFP.

"In other parts of the country, the pandemic is largely going to be something that's managed as more of an ordinary respiratory virus," he added.

Adalja said that even with Delta becoming the dominant strain, he envisioned a "decoupling" of hospitalizations and deaths from rising cases in highly vaccinated regions, as has been seen in Israel.

"Increasingly, I think we have to start to shift our focus away from cases and look at hospitalisations because that's what the vaccine was designed to do -- it was designed to decouple cases from hospitalization," he said.

Real-world data has shown that the Pfizer, Johnson &amp; Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines have retained high efficacy against severe Covid and the same is almost certainly true of the Moderna vaccine, according to experts.

Covid cases are rising rapidly in the United States as the highly contagious Delta variant dominates and vaccinations stagnate, data showed Wednesday. The seven-day average of new cases was 13,859 as of July 6, up 21 per cent compared to two weeks earlier, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Covid cases are rising rapidly in the United States as the highly contagious Delta variant dominates and vaccinations stagnate, data showed Wednesday. The seven-day average of new cases was 13,859 as of July 6, up 21 per cent compared to two weeks earlier, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Also read | 'World at a perilous point': COVID-19 death toll crosses 4 million worldwide Cases attributed to the most recent days might rise further because of a reporting lag following the July 4 holiday weekend. The spike comes as the Delta variant, which is more transmissible than any previous strain, accounted for around 52 per cent of cases in the two weeks ending July 3, according to the CDC. Also read | CDC says Delta variant dominant in US, makes up more than half of COVID-19 cases Despite having among the highest availability of vaccines of any country, America's immunization campaign has dropped off steeply since April. President Joe Biden narrowly missed his goal of having 70 per cent of adults at least partly vaccinated by Independence Day, with the current figure at 67 per cent. Also read | Coronavirus: China records highest daily Covid cases, Indonesia reports highest deaths Regions in the Midwest and South with lower vaccination rates are experiencing higher case rates than regions with high vaccination rates such as the Northeast, a trend that has become increasingly clear in recent weeks. A hospital in Springfield, Missouri, ran out of ventilators to treat hospitalized Covid patients over the weekend, local media reported. The city of 160,000's two hospitals were treating 213 COVID-19 patients as of Monday, up from 168 on Friday and 31 on May 24, the Kansas City Star said. "The trajectory that we're likely to see is two different flavours of the pandemic in the United States, one in which it's more of a problem in places where there's a high level of unvaccinated individuals," Amesh Adalja of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security told AFP. "In other parts of the country, the pandemic is largely going to be something that's managed as more of an ordinary respiratory virus," he added. Adalja said that even with Delta becoming the dominant strain, he envisioned a "decoupling" of hospitalizations and deaths from rising cases in highly vaccinated regions, as has been seen in Israel. "Increasingly, I think we have to start to shift our focus away from cases and look at hospitalisations because that's what the vaccine was designed to do -- it was designed to decouple cases from hospitalization," he said. Real-world data has shown that the Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines have retained high efficacy against severe Covid and the same is almost certainly true of the Moderna vaccine, according to experts.

Delta variant now dominates US as Covid cases rise rapidly

After heading on a jog while wearing a face mask, a 26-year-old man from Wuhan, China, ended up in the hospital with chest trouble.

After experiencing difficulties breathing, the jogger was transported to Wuhan Central Hospital, where he underwent significant surgery for a collapsed lung, according to the UK's Sun.&nbsp;

As per a report, even though the man was having difficulty in breathing, he ignored the signs and kept jogging. To make up for the loss of two months of lockdown, he pushed himself really hard to cover the distance of 6 km instead of 3 km.&nbsp;

The man's left lung had been compressed by 90%, forcing his heart to move to the right side of his body, according to doctors.

A collapsed lung is known as a pneumothorax, which occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing shortness of breath and potentially fatal complications.

Health officials believe the man’s lung burst because he was wearing a mask while running.

While wearing a mask while exercising may seem like a good idea, it comes with a number of drawbacks.

We breathe more air during exercising, which requires our lungs to work harder.

The flow of air into our lungs is restricted by the mask, making you feel breathless and exhausted.

(With inputs from agencies)

After heading on a jog while wearing a face mask, a 26-year-old man from Wuhan, China, ended up in the hospital with chest trouble. After experiencing difficulties breathing, the jogger was transported to Wuhan Central Hospital, where he underwent significant surgery for a collapsed lung, according to the UK's Sun.

After heading on a jog while wearing a face mask, a 26-year-old man from Wuhan, China, ended up in the hospital with chest trouble. After experiencing difficulties breathing, the jogger was transported to Wuhan Central Hospital, where he underwent significant surgery for a collapsed lung, according to the UK's Sun. As per a report, even though the man was having difficulty in breathing, he ignored the signs and kept jogging. To make up for the loss of two months of lockdown, he pushed himself really hard to cover the distance of 6 km instead of 3 km. The man's left lung had been compressed by 90%, forcing his heart to move to the right side of his body, according to doctors. A collapsed lung is known as a pneumothorax, which occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing shortness of breath and potentially fatal complications. Health officials believe the man’s lung burst because he was wearing a mask while running. While wearing a mask while exercising may seem like a good idea, it comes with a number of drawbacks. We breathe more air during exercising, which requires our lungs to work harder. The flow of air into our lungs is restricted by the mask, making you feel breathless and exhausted. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese man's lungs collapsed after running with facemask

Oman on Thursday indefinitely suspended passengers flights from 24 countries, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as part of the Gulf nation's efforts to arrest the spread of the coronavirus.

The flights have been suspended until further notice, the sultanate's official Twitter account for countering COVID-19 announced. The decision was taken as part of the country's measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic, it said.

The other countries on the list include the UK, Tunisia, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil.

The ban on arrivals from some of these countries has already been in place since April 24.

Oman on Wednesday reported 1,675 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 280,235.

The country has reported 3,356 coronavirus-related deaths so far.

Oman on Thursday indefinitely suspended passengers flights from 24 countries, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as part of the Gulf nation's efforts to arrest the spread of the coronavirus.

Oman on Thursday indefinitely suspended passengers flights from 24 countries, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as part of the Gulf nation's efforts to arrest the spread of the coronavirus. The flights have been suspended until further notice, the sultanate's official Twitter account for countering COVID-19 announced. The decision was taken as part of the country's measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic, it said. The other countries on the list include the UK, Tunisia, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil. The ban on arrivals from some of these countries has already been in place since April 24. Oman on Wednesday reported 1,675 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 280,235. The country has reported 3,356 coronavirus-related deaths so far.

COVID-19: Oman suspends flights from 24 countries, including India, Pakistan

Bangladesh on Monday again extended the ongoing ‘strict’ nationwide lockdown until July 14 in order to control the spread of COVID-19.

In a notification, the Cabinet Division said that the ongoing restrictions will remain effective until July 14 midnight. Bangladesh extended the lockdown, a day after the daily coronavirus deaths reached a record high.

On Sunday, the health authorities reported 153 deaths in a single day, the highest since the pandemic broke out in Bangladesh last year. With the latest tally, the countrywide death toll now stands at 15,065, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Meanwhile, another 8,661 people tested positive over the 24-hour period, raising the total caseload in the country to 944,917.The daily test positivity rate in the country now stands at 28.99 per cent, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Earlier on June 30, the Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification imposing a number of restrictions as part of the lockdown measure from July 1 to July 7.

Bangladesh on Monday again extended the ongoing ‘strict’ nationwide lockdown until July 14 in order to control the spread of COVID-19. In a notification, the Cabinet Division said that the ongoing restrictions will remain effective until July 14 midnight.

Bangladesh on Monday again extended the ongoing ‘strict’ nationwide lockdown until July 14 in order to control the spread of COVID-19. In a notification, the Cabinet Division said that the ongoing restrictions will remain effective until July 14 midnight. Bangladesh extended the lockdown, a day after the daily coronavirus deaths reached a record high. On Sunday, the health authorities reported 153 deaths in a single day, the highest since the pandemic broke out in Bangladesh last year. With the latest tally, the countrywide death toll now stands at 15,065, Dhaka Tribune reported. Meanwhile, another 8,661 people tested positive over the 24-hour period, raising the total caseload in the country to 944,917.The daily test positivity rate in the country now stands at 28.99 per cent, Dhaka Tribune reported. Earlier on June 30, the Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification imposing a number of restrictions as part of the lockdown measure from July 1 to July 7.

COVID-19: Bangladesh extends 'strict' nationwide lockdown till July 14

The health minister of New South Wales, Australia's most populated state, likened receiving a vaccine in the country to the "Hunger Games."&nbsp;

"I fear...it is almost a sense now of The Hunger Games, of people chasing vaccines," New South Wales (NSW) Health Minister Brad Hazzard said in response to a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines.

"Until we obtain enough vaccines...the Hunger Games will continue to play out here in NSW," the Australian minister added.&nbsp;

The reference to the popular trilogy, which is set in a dystopian future in which a group of young people fight to the death in a televised battle, seems to be intended to highlight the desperation of many residents seeking appointments for the life-saving vaccines.&nbsp;

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NSW recorded 18 new locally acquired cases of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. 
 
Of these locally acquired cases, 16 are linked to a known case or cluster – nine are household contacts – and the source of infection for two cases remain under investigation. <a href="https://t.co/apOPenadHa">pic.twitter.com/apOPenadHa</a>
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1412215220567560192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Australia has managed to vaccinate just 7% of its 25 million population — the lowest inoculation rate among industrialised nations.

Speedy contact tracing, lockdowns, tough social distancing rules and high community compliance have kept Australia’s COVID-19 numbers much lower among developed economies, with just over 30,800 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began.

(With inputs from agencies)

The health minister of New South Wales, Australia's most populated state, likened receiving a vaccine in the country to the "Hunger Games." "I fear...it is almost a sense now of The Hunger Games, of people chasing vaccines," New South Wales (NSW) Health Minister Brad Hazzard said in response to a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines.

The health minister of New South Wales, Australia's most populated state, likened receiving a vaccine in the country to the "Hunger Games." "I fear...it is almost a sense now of The Hunger Games, of people chasing vaccines," New South Wales (NSW) Health Minister Brad Hazzard said in response to a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines. "Until we obtain enough vaccines...the Hunger Games will continue to play out here in NSW," the Australian minister added. The reference to the popular trilogy, which is set in a dystopian future in which a group of young people fight to the death in a televised battle, seems to be intended to highlight the desperation of many residents seeking appointments for the life-saving vaccines. NSW recorded 18 new locally acquired cases of #COVID19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Of these locally acquired cases, 16 are linked to a known case or cluster – nine are household contacts – and the source of infection for two cases remain under investigation. pic.twitter.com/apOPenadHa — NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 6, 2021 × Australia has managed to vaccinate just 7% of its 25 million population — the lowest inoculation rate among industrialised nations. Speedy contact tracing, lockdowns, tough social distancing rules and high community compliance have kept Australia’s COVID-19 numbers much lower among developed economies, with just over 30,800 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began. (With inputs from agencies)

Australians chasing COVID-19 vaccines like Hunger Games: Health minister amid low supply

Australia's New South Wales state experienced a dip in new daily coronavirus cases on Sunday, July 4, following two days of record 2021 infections. Australia's most populous state recorded 16 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday, out of of which 13 were already in isolation.

Australia's New South Wales state experienced a dip in new daily coronavirus cases on Sunday, July 4, following two days of record 2021 infections. Australia's most populous state recorded 16 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday, out of of which 13 were already in isolation. During a press conference, NSW state premier Gladys Berejiklian said, "Whilst the numbers overnight are very encouraging, we know they have potential to bounce around. The next few days are absolutely critical". NSW recorded 16 new locally acquired cases of #COVID19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, 14 of which are linked to previously confirmed cases. No new overseas-acquired cases were recorded in the same period. pic.twitter.com/ICvpPvFFoZ — NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 4, 2021 × Australia has managed the coronavirus pandemic better than many other nations. However, the situation has been alarming due to the outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant over the past few weeks. Sydney, the capital of New South Wales state has been hard hit by the latest outbreaks of the Delta variant. Residents are halfway through a two-week lockdown. Also read | Australia faces AstraZeneca vaccine chaos over PM Morrison's statement Three of the New South Wales cases were detected in SummitCare nursing home in Sydney's Baulkham Hills. However, the residents were fully vaccinated and showing only mild symptoms. Also, the residents of Queensland state capital Brisbane emerged from nearly a week of lockdown, as the state recorded only one new locally acquired case. State premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told a media briefing, "This is excellent news". She further said, "It appears that everything is under control at this time so we are very, very relieved about that." Melbourne has recorded zero cases for nearly a week following a three-week lockdown in June. Meanwhile, Australian PM Scott Morrison allowed citizens under 40 to get the AstraZeneca vaccine several state governments resisted the central governments call to vaccinate people. The country's health minister Greg Hunt said that "COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca can be used in adults aged under 60 years of age for whom Pfizer is not available," while adding, "The benefits are likely to outweigh the risks for that individual." However, Western Australia's Premier Mark McGowan on giving access to those under 40, said: "That shouldn’t happen. Clearly, We get different advice, I suppose, or have a different approach."

Australian state reports drop in new COVID-19 cases

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