People are dying across the world because they are not being vaccinated against COVID-19, they are not being tested and not being treated, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday. 
 
He said he was concerned about the growing caseload in India. 
 
"The situation in India is a devastating reminder of what the virus can do," he told a virtual briefing in Geneva. 
Over one year into the Covid-19 pandemic, about 90 per cent of the world`s 105 countries surveyed still report disruptions to their essential health services, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

Disruptions 
 
A recent WHO survey has found that about 66 per cent of countries continue to report health workforce-related reasons as the most common cause of service disruptions, and in nearly one-third of countries supply chains are also still disrupted, affecting the availability of essential medicines, diagnostics and the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to safely and effectively provide care, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday. 
 
More than half of the countries surveyed reported service disruptions due to patients not seeking care, because of community mistrust and fears of becoming infected, while 43 per cent cited financial challenges as a major cause of disruption. 
 
Most extensively affected are the health services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders; neglected tropical diseases; tuberculosis; HIV and hepatitis B and C; cancer screening; and services for other non-communicable diseases, including hypertension and diabetes; family planning and contraception; urgent dental care; and malnutrition, according to the survey.

People are dying across the world because they are not being vaccinated against COVID-19, they are not being tested and not being treated, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday.

People are dying across the world because they are not being vaccinated against COVID-19, they are not being tested and not being treated, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday. He said he was concerned about the growing caseload in India. "The situation in India is a devastating reminder of what the virus can do," he told a virtual briefing in Geneva. Over one year into the Covid-19 pandemic, about 90 per cent of the world`s 105 countries surveyed still report disruptions to their essential health services, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. Disruptions A recent WHO survey has found that about 66 per cent of countries continue to report health workforce-related reasons as the most common cause of service disruptions, and in nearly one-third of countries supply chains are also still disrupted, affecting the availability of essential medicines, diagnostics and the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to safely and effectively provide care, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday. More than half of the countries surveyed reported service disruptions due to patients not seeking care, because of community mistrust and fears of becoming infected, while 43 per cent cited financial challenges as a major cause of disruption. Most extensively affected are the health services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders; neglected tropical diseases; tuberculosis; HIV and hepatitis B and C; cancer screening; and services for other non-communicable diseases, including hypertension and diabetes; family planning and contraception; urgent dental care; and malnutrition, according to the survey.

India a 'devastating reminder' of damage COVID-19 can wreak, says WHO chief

Helping someone in this tough time of this coronavirus pandemic is a morally correct thing to do, and a nurse in India has kept aside all personal inconvenience to help people in need.

A four-month pregnant nurse has come out as a mark of selflessness as she is dedicating her time to the patients suffering from the deadly coronavirus.

Nancy Ayeza Mistry is in the fourth month of her pregnancy and has been observing fasts for the holy month of Ramadan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-indian-air-force-transports-four-cryogenic-oxygen-containers-from-singapore-379855" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Indian Air Force transports four cryogenic oxygen containers from Singapore</a>

"I have a child in my womb, but my duty is important to me. By the grace of God, I have the opportunity to serve the patients in the holy month of Ramadan," she told India Today.

Irrespective of her pain and the risk she faces, Mistry has been working her daily hospital shifts without any hesitation and efficiently.

Her service has gained her blessings and praise as people are thanking her for taking care of people at a time when the country is struggling with an alarming surge of coronavirus.

Helping someone in this tough time of this coronavirus pandemic is a morally correct thing to do, and a nurse in India has kept aside all personal inconvenience to help people in need.

Helping someone in this tough time of this coronavirus pandemic is a morally correct thing to do, and a nurse in India has kept aside all personal inconvenience to help people in need. A four-month pregnant nurse has come out as a mark of selflessness as she is dedicating her time to the patients suffering from the deadly coronavirus. Nancy Ayeza Mistry is in the fourth month of her pregnancy and has been observing fasts for the holy month of Ramadan. Also read | COVID-19: Indian Air Force transports four cryogenic oxygen containers from Singapore "I have a child in my womb, but my duty is important to me. By the grace of God, I have the opportunity to serve the patients in the holy month of Ramadan," she told India Today. Irrespective of her pain and the risk she faces, Mistry has been working her daily hospital shifts without any hesitation and efficiently. Her service has gained her blessings and praise as people are thanking her for taking care of people at a time when the country is struggling with an alarming surge of coronavirus.

Four month pregnant nurse earns praise for helping Covid patients

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday expressed solidarity with the people of India battling the deadly wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together".&nbsp;

A record single-day rise of 3,46,786 coronavirus cases pushed India's tally of infection to 1,66,10,481, while active cases crossed the 25-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday.&nbsp;

The death toll rose to 1,89,544 with a record 2,624 more fatalities in a day, according to the data.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Khan said: "Our prayers for a speedy recovery go to all those suffering from the pandemic in our neighbourhood and the world".&nbsp;

"I want to express our solidarity with the people of India as they battle a dangerous wave of COVID-19. We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together," he said on Twitter.&nbsp;

His tweet came after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed support to the people of India in the wake of a massive surge in COVID-19 cases in the country and extended his sympathies to the affected families.&nbsp;

Qureshi said the COVID-19 crisis is yet another reminder that humanitarian issues require responses beyond political consideration.&nbsp;

"We express our support to the people of India in the wake of the current wave of #COVID19 infections that has hit our region hard. On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the affected families in #India," Qureshi tweeted.&nbsp;

Pakistan continues to work with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries to foster cooperation to tackle the pandemic, he said.&nbsp;

Pakistan has reported 157 coronavirus deaths in the last 24 hours, the highest since last year, while the new number of cases recorded were 5,908, the health ministry said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also expressed similar sentiments for the people of India.&nbsp;

"In these difficult times our prayers are with people of #India may God be kind and may these difficult times get over soon. #coronavirus," he tweeted.&nbsp;

The tweets from the Pakistani leaders came amidst some signs of rapprochement in the relations between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday expressed solidarity with the people of India battling the deadly wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together".

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday expressed solidarity with the people of India battling the deadly wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together". A record single-day rise of 3,46,786 coronavirus cases pushed India's tally of infection to 1,66,10,481, while active cases crossed the 25-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday. The death toll rose to 1,89,544 with a record 2,624 more fatalities in a day, according to the data. In a tweet, Khan said: "Our prayers for a speedy recovery go to all those suffering from the pandemic in our neighbourhood and the world". "I want to express our solidarity with the people of India as they battle a dangerous wave of COVID-19. We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together," he said on Twitter. His tweet came after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed support to the people of India in the wake of a massive surge in COVID-19 cases in the country and extended his sympathies to the affected families. Qureshi said the COVID-19 crisis is yet another reminder that humanitarian issues require responses beyond political consideration. "We express our support to the people of India in the wake of the current wave of #COVID19 infections that has hit our region hard. On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the affected families in #India," Qureshi tweeted. Pakistan continues to work with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries to foster cooperation to tackle the pandemic, he said. Pakistan has reported 157 coronavirus deaths in the last 24 hours, the highest since last year, while the new number of cases recorded were 5,908, the health ministry said on Saturday. Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also expressed similar sentiments for the people of India. "In these difficult times our prayers are with people of #India may God be kind and may these difficult times get over soon. #coronavirus," he tweeted. The tweets from the Pakistani leaders came amidst some signs of rapprochement in the relations between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan PM expresses solidarity with India over COVID-19 crisis  

For the first time in 10 months, Israel has recorded no deaths related to COVID-19 as its mass inoculation drive starts to show benefits. On Thursday, the country’s COVID-19 death toll remained unchanged at 6,346. The last time zero deaths were reported in the country was in June 2020 after a lockdown was imposed in the country.

The country hit its peak in January 2021 and since then cases have continued to drop. As vaccinations were rolled out more widely, lockdown restrictions were relaxed. Among all the countries in the world, Israel has the highest vaccination rate. On Thursday, the country had reached five million vaccinations.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/outdoor-mask-wearing-no-longer-required-in-israel-378515/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the country’s health ministry data, 53 per cent of the Israeli population has received two doses of the vaccine. The country is home to nine million people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israel-now-wants-to-vaccinate-kids-is-it-safe-379110" hreflang="en">Israel now wants to vaccinate kids. Is it safe?</a>

"This is a tremendous achievement for the health system and Israeli citizens. Together we are eradicating the coronavirus," Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said in a Tweet on Friday.

Now, experts believe the country achieve herd immunity soon. According to the World Health Organization, herd immunity is achieved when 65-70 per cent of the population receives vaccination coverage.

Rerouting vaccines

Israel is trying to reroute the AstraZeneca vaccines headed its way after the country claimed that it no longer requires the doses. The country’s pandemic coordinator on Wednesday said that the country is exploring whether it can send an upcoming big shipment to countries that require it immediately.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israel-to-reroute-10-million-astrazeneca-covid-vaccines-to-countries-in-need-379016" hreflang="en">Israel to reroute 10 million AstraZeneca Covid vaccines to countries in need</a>

"We are trying to find the best solution. After all, we don't want (the vaccines) to get here and have to throw them into the trash," Nachman Ash, the pandemic coordinator told Army Radio.

AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccines have been in the limelight for causing rare blood clots among some in Europe. But the Israeli official made no reference to the same.

(With inputs from agencies)

For the first time in 10 months, Israel has recorded no deaths related to COVID-19 as its mass inoculation drive starts to show benefits. On Thursday, the country’s COVID-19 death toll remained unchanged at 6,346.

For the first time in 10 months, Israel has recorded no deaths related to COVID-19 as its mass inoculation drive starts to show benefits. On Thursday, the country’s COVID-19 death toll remained unchanged at 6,346. The last time zero deaths were reported in the country was in June 2020 after a lockdown was imposed in the country. The country hit its peak in January 2021 and since then cases have continued to drop. As vaccinations were rolled out more widely, lockdown restrictions were relaxed. Among all the countries in the world, Israel has the highest vaccination rate. On Thursday, the country had reached five million vaccinations. According to the country’s health ministry data, 53 per cent of the Israeli population has received two doses of the vaccine. The country is home to nine million people. Also read: Israel now wants to vaccinate kids. Is it safe? "This is a tremendous achievement for the health system and Israeli citizens. Together we are eradicating the coronavirus," Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said in a Tweet on Friday. Now, experts believe the country achieve herd immunity soon. According to the World Health Organization, herd immunity is achieved when 65-70 per cent of the population receives vaccination coverage. Rerouting vaccines Israel is trying to reroute the AstraZeneca vaccines headed its way after the country claimed that it no longer requires the doses. The country’s pandemic coordinator on Wednesday said that the country is exploring whether it can send an upcoming big shipment to countries that require it immediately. Also read: Israel to reroute 10 million AstraZeneca Covid vaccines to countries in need "We are trying to find the best solution. After all, we don't want (the vaccines) to get here and have to throw them into the trash," Nachman Ash, the pandemic coordinator told Army Radio. AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccines have been in the limelight for causing rare blood clots among some in Europe. But the Israeli official made no reference to the same. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel reports no COVID-19 deaths for first time in 10 months

All of the Indian Navy's personnel have got the first dose of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus&nbsp;vaccine</a>, according to Navy officials.

The second dose of vaccine has been given to 70 per cent of personnel with progress being made rapidly. "Almost 100 per cent of Indian Navy personnel have got the first covid doses," Officials speaking to WION said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-world-struggle-with-covid-19-infections-and-concerns-are-endless-379345" hreflang="en">India, world struggle with COVID-19 infections and concerns are endless</a>

The focus has been to vaccinate navy personnel's depends, ex-service, defense civilians, and their families. So far vaccination centers of the navy across the country have vaccinated around 10,000 of the listed groups.

According to data shared by the defense ministry&nbsp;in the Indian Parliament earlier this year, 3,604 covid cases were reported in the navy. The force has reported two deaths due to covid — the lowest among the three services.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cumulative-vaccination-in-india-crosses-130-million-mark-379113" hreflang="en">Cumulative vaccination in India crosses 130 million mark</a>

Amid the second wave of the pandemic, the navy has identified spare capacity which will be extended to civil authorities. Navy medical personnel are already providing services at covid hospitals in New Delhi, Patna, and Muzzafarpur.&nbsp;

Navy ships and assets remain on standby to supply essentials such as medicines and oxygen to islands territories.

Last year, amid the first wave, navy establishments provided quarantine facilities. Not only domestically, but under its Mission Sagar 1,2&nbsp; and 3, the navy sent medicines, food, and other essential supplies to over 10 countries in the Indian Ocean region, Africa, and ASEAN to deal with the covid crisis.

All of the Indian Navy's personnel have got the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, according to Navy officials. The second dose of vaccine has been given to 70 per cent of personnel with progress being made rapidly.

All of the Indian Navy's personnel have got the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, according to Navy officials. The second dose of vaccine has been given to 70 per cent of personnel with progress being made rapidly. "Almost 100 per cent of Indian Navy personnel have got the first covid doses," Officials speaking to WION said. Also read | India, world struggle with COVID-19 infections and concerns are endless The focus has been to vaccinate navy personnel's depends, ex-service, defense civilians, and their families. So far vaccination centers of the navy across the country have vaccinated around 10,000 of the listed groups. According to data shared by the defense ministry in the Indian Parliament earlier this year, 3,604 covid cases were reported in the navy. The force has reported two deaths due to covid — the lowest among the three services. Also read | Cumulative vaccination in India crosses 130 million mark Amid the second wave of the pandemic, the navy has identified spare capacity which will be extended to civil authorities. Navy medical personnel are already providing services at covid hospitals in New Delhi, Patna, and Muzzafarpur. Navy ships and assets remain on standby to supply essentials such as medicines and oxygen to islands territories. Last year, amid the first wave, navy establishments provided quarantine facilities. Not only domestically, but under its Mission Sagar 1,2 and 3, the navy sent medicines, food, and other essential supplies to over 10 countries in the Indian Ocean region, Africa, and ASEAN to deal with the covid crisis.

First dose of covid vaccine given to all navy personnel: Officials

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday urged the people of Pakistan to strictly follow the COVID-19 guidelines, warning that another nationwide lockdown will be imposed if the spiralling coronavirus crisis continues to worsen.

Addressing the nation after chairing a meeting of the National Coordination Committee, the highest national forum to tackle the pandemic, Khan said the Army has been asked to help police to implement the social-distancing guidelines in the country to contain the spread of coronavirus.

"I am appealing to you to follow SoPs so that we don't have to take steps that India is taking which means imposing lockdowns,"&nbsp;he said, adding that half the problem will be solved if people started wearing face masks.

Khan, who was himself affected by the disease last month, warned that major cities would be closed down if the situation continued to deteriorate.

"If our circumstances become the same as India, then we will have to close down cities,? he said.

The Prime Minister said his government was trying to avoid the lockdowns as it hurts the poor the most, but the situation could change if the pandemic persisted.

"If we (as a nation) don't take precautionary measures, we will have to impose a lockdown which will also affect our economy at a time when it is on the rise,"&nbsp;he said and urged the people to follow the SoPs as they did during Ramzan last year.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry after the prime minister's speech tweeted that the Army was summoned in the major cities.

"Due to the deteriorating coronavirus situation, the Prime Minister has called the army in the major cities so that the SoPs are completely followed,"&nbsp;he said.

Chaudhry also said that the country was using 90 per cent of its oxygen capacity and there was no other option except following the precaution.

Earlier, Planning Minister Asad Umar, who is also chief of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), briefed the meeting about the increasing threat of COVID-19.

He said that the NCOC decided to shut schools for secondary and higher secondary classes in the districts where the positivity rate was higher than 5 per cent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Pakistan PM gets vaccinated against coronavirus with Chinese vaccine Sinopharm">Pakistan PM gets vaccinated against coronavirus with Chinese vaccine Sinopharm</a>

Umar said markets will be closed in the country after 6 pm and only essential services will be allowed to operate after that.

Prime Minister Khan's warning came hours after Pakistan recorded 5,870 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, while 144 more people succumbed to the deadly virus.

The total number of cases has reached 784,108 and the COVID-19 death toll touched 16,842. Another 4,652 patients were in critical condition. The positivity rate in the country was 10.91, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday urged the people of Pakistan to strictly follow the COVID-19 guidelines, warning that another nationwide lockdown will be imposed if the spiralling coronavirus crisis continues to worsen.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday urged the people of Pakistan to strictly follow the COVID-19 guidelines, warning that another nationwide lockdown will be imposed if the spiralling coronavirus crisis continues to worsen. Addressing the nation after chairing a meeting of the National Coordination Committee, the highest national forum to tackle the pandemic, Khan said the Army has been asked to help police to implement the social-distancing guidelines in the country to contain the spread of coronavirus. "I am appealing to you to follow SoPs so that we don't have to take steps that India is taking which means imposing lockdowns," he said, adding that half the problem will be solved if people started wearing face masks. Khan, who was himself affected by the disease last month, warned that major cities would be closed down if the situation continued to deteriorate. "If our circumstances become the same as India, then we will have to close down cities,? he said. The Prime Minister said his government was trying to avoid the lockdowns as it hurts the poor the most, but the situation could change if the pandemic persisted. "If we (as a nation) don't take precautionary measures, we will have to impose a lockdown which will also affect our economy at a time when it is on the rise," he said and urged the people to follow the SoPs as they did during Ramzan last year. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry after the prime minister's speech tweeted that the Army was summoned in the major cities. "Due to the deteriorating coronavirus situation, the Prime Minister has called the army in the major cities so that the SoPs are completely followed," he said. Chaudhry also said that the country was using 90 per cent of its oxygen capacity and there was no other option except following the precaution. Earlier, Planning Minister Asad Umar, who is also chief of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), briefed the meeting about the increasing threat of COVID-19. He said that the NCOC decided to shut schools for secondary and higher secondary classes in the districts where the positivity rate was higher than 5 per cent. Also read: Pakistan PM gets vaccinated against coronavirus with Chinese vaccine Sinopharm Umar said markets will be closed in the country after 6 pm and only essential services will be allowed to operate after that. Prime Minister Khan's warning came hours after Pakistan recorded 5,870 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, while 144 more people succumbed to the deadly virus. The total number of cases has reached 784,108 and the COVID-19 death toll touched 16,842. Another 4,652 patients were in critical condition. The positivity rate in the country was 10.91, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.

Wear face masks, follow Covid guidelines or face another lockdown: Pak PM

Indian Air Force (IAF) has administered first dose of Covid vaccine to all of its personnel. In addition to this, 90 per cent of them have received second dose as well. The IAF has reported 8,159 coronavirus cases and 36 deaths.

Indian armed forces have always been at the forefront to help countrymen. The IAF has pitched in to supply oxygen containers to several parts of the country amid rising Covid cases. IAF's &nbsp;C-17 and IL-76 aircraft airlifted cryogenic oxygen containers from Air Force Station Hindon to Panagarh in West Bengal for refilling. Earlier, DRDO's oxygen containers were airlifted by IAF from Bengaluru for Covid centres in New Delhi.

Moreover, IAF has also brought doctors and nursing staff from Kochi, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru to Delhi to set up DRDO Covid hospital. Even last year, during the first wave of the pandemic, the IAF had pitched in to supply essentials across the country.

In addition to IAF, Indian Navy has administered first dose of the vaccine to its personnel. In case of the Indian Army, the number is at 95 per cent currently.

Indian Air Force (IAF) has administered first dose of Covid vaccine to all of its personnel. In addition to this, 90 per cent of them have received second dose as well.

Indian Air Force (IAF) has administered first dose of Covid vaccine to all of its personnel. In addition to this, 90 per cent of them have received second dose as well. The IAF has reported 8,159 coronavirus cases and 36 deaths. Indian armed forces have always been at the forefront to help countrymen. The IAF has pitched in to supply oxygen containers to several parts of the country amid rising Covid cases. IAF's C-17 and IL-76 aircraft airlifted cryogenic oxygen containers from Air Force Station Hindon to Panagarh in West Bengal for refilling. Earlier, DRDO's oxygen containers were airlifted by IAF from Bengaluru for Covid centres in New Delhi. Moreover, IAF has also brought doctors and nursing staff from Kochi, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru to Delhi to set up DRDO Covid hospital. Even last year, during the first wave of the pandemic, the IAF had pitched in to supply essentials across the country. In addition to IAF, Indian Navy has administered first dose of the vaccine to its personnel. In case of the Indian Army, the number is at 95 per cent currently.

Indian Air Force administers first dose of Covid vaccine to all personnel 

Almost a day after analysts warned of another recession in the country, Japan has imposed a state of emergency in the capital city Tokyo and three other regions on Friday to stop the wide spread of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced that after observing a surge in coronavirus cases, especially related to the new variants, the government has decided to "declare a state of emergency in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-warn-second-recession-in-case-of-another-lockdown-in-japan-379290">Experts warn second recession in case of another lockdown in Japan</a>

This has come at a time when the country is stepping into the Golden Week holidays which will be starting from next week and will continue till early May. The holiday season was being assumed to bring help in boosting the businesses that have suffered major losses due to the pandemic.

"The risk of a double-dip recession has clearly heightened," said Hiroshi Shiraishi, senior economist at BNP Paribas Securities. "The impact of imposing curbs on Tokyo and Osaka alone would be quite big."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tokyo-motor-show-cancelled-because-of-coronavirus-pandemic-379443">Tokyo Motor Show cancelled because of coronavirus pandemic</a>

Tokyo and the three other regions which have been ordered a lockdown will affect nearly 30 per cent of the GDP of Japan as the regions house almost a quarter of the 126 million.

"We need to take stronger and more targeted steps than before including requests (for shops) to close," Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura was quoted as saying by Kyodo news agency.

Japan's biggest industrial event, the Tokyo Motor Show, has also been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Almost a day after analysts warned of another recession in the country, Japan has imposed a state of emergency in the capital city Tokyo and three other regions on Friday to stop the wide spread of coronavirus.

Almost a day after analysts warned of another recession in the country, Japan has imposed a state of emergency in the capital city Tokyo and three other regions on Friday to stop the wide spread of coronavirus. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced that after observing a surge in coronavirus cases, especially related to the new variants, the government has decided to "declare a state of emergency in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures." Also read | Experts warn second recession in case of another lockdown in Japan This has come at a time when the country is stepping into the Golden Week holidays which will be starting from next week and will continue till early May. The holiday season was being assumed to bring help in boosting the businesses that have suffered major losses due to the pandemic. "The risk of a double-dip recession has clearly heightened," said Hiroshi Shiraishi, senior economist at BNP Paribas Securities. "The impact of imposing curbs on Tokyo and Osaka alone would be quite big." Also read | Tokyo Motor Show cancelled because of coronavirus pandemic Tokyo and the three other regions which have been ordered a lockdown will affect nearly 30 per cent of the GDP of Japan as the regions house almost a quarter of the 126 million. "We need to take stronger and more targeted steps than before including requests (for shops) to close," Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura was quoted as saying by Kyodo news agency. Japan's biggest industrial event, the Tokyo Motor Show, has also been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan declares 'state of emergency' in Tokyo, three other regions as Covid surges

After three suspected cases of travelers contracting the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> during hotel quarantine, two Australian states are urging staff and guests in the quarantine hotels to get tested immediately and self-isolate.

The authorities have also launched an investigation into the three suspected cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-claiming-smokers-less-vulnerable-to-covid-19-retracted-as-authors-linked-to-tobacco-industry-379255" hreflang="en">Study claiming smokers less vulnerable to COVID-19 retracted as authors linked to tobacco industry</a>

These cases have shocked the authorities as the country had closed its borders to non-citizens and permanent residents more than a year ago, to contain the widespread of the deadly virus. All travelers are also asked to undergo a compulsory two-week hotel quarantine at their own expense.

New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australia state officials have stated that the genetic sequencing found links to the same sequence that was found in the guests in Sydney and Perth. However, the cases may not be connected.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australia-to-cut-flights-from-india-to-contain-virus-risk-379241" hreflang="en">Australia to cut flights from India to contain virus risk</a>

"We don't have a definitive conclusion around the way the transmission occurred at this point in time," NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said.

A guest who was staying in a quarantined hotel in Sydney has tested positive for COVID-19 with the identical genetic sequence as one of the people infected in the nearby room.

This has raised concerns that people who tested negative and were allowed to leave quarantine hotels may already have been exposed to the virus and risk being a carrier and spreading it in the community.

"Because of the implications if that transmission event occurred in the hotel, the question is could other people have been exposed?," Chant said.

After three suspected cases of travelers contracting the deadly coronavirus during hotel quarantine, two Australian states are urging staff and guests in the quarantine hotels to get tested immediately and self-isolate.

After three suspected cases of travelers contracting the deadly coronavirus during hotel quarantine, two Australian states are urging staff and guests in the quarantine hotels to get tested immediately and self-isolate. The authorities have also launched an investigation into the three suspected cases. Also read | Study claiming smokers less vulnerable to COVID-19 retracted as authors linked to tobacco industry These cases have shocked the authorities as the country had closed its borders to non-citizens and permanent residents more than a year ago, to contain the widespread of the deadly virus. All travelers are also asked to undergo a compulsory two-week hotel quarantine at their own expense. New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australia state officials have stated that the genetic sequencing found links to the same sequence that was found in the guests in Sydney and Perth. However, the cases may not be connected. Also read | Australia to cut flights from India to contain virus risk "We don't have a definitive conclusion around the way the transmission occurred at this point in time," NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said. A guest who was staying in a quarantined hotel in Sydney has tested positive for COVID-19 with the identical genetic sequence as one of the people infected in the nearby room. This has raised concerns that people who tested negative and were allowed to leave quarantine hotels may already have been exposed to the virus and risk being a carrier and spreading it in the community. "Because of the implications if that transmission event occurred in the hotel, the question is could other people have been exposed?," Chant said.

Australia: States launch investigation into coronavirus outbreak in quarantine hotels

A recent study revealed that smokers are 23 per cent less likely to be infected with the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>. However, the study is now being retracted.

The study was conducted by a few experts by the European Respiratory Journal and concluded that "current smoking was not associated with adverse outcome"&nbsp;in Covid patients and announced that chain smokers were less vulnerable to the deadly virus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-identifies-fake-covid-19-shots-abroad-as-criminals-exploit-vaccine-demand-379160" hreflang="en">Pfizer identifies fake COVID-19 shots abroad as criminals exploit vaccine demand</a>

However, it has now been revealed that two authors were associated with the tobacco industry and, thus, the result of the study might have been altered to cater to personal motives.

"It was brought to the editors'&nbsp;attention that two of the authors had failed to disclose potential conflicts of interest at the time of the manuscript’s submission,"&nbsp;a notice in the latest edition of the European Respiratory Journal read.

"That is, one of the authors (José M. Mier) at the time had a current and ongoing role in providing consultancy to the tobacco industry on tobacco harm reduction; and another (Konstantinos Poulas) at the time was a principal investigator for the Greek NGO NOSMOKE … a science and innovation hub that has received funding from the Foundation for a Smoke Free World (an organisation funded by the tobacco industry)," it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-geo-tagging-of-coronavirus-its-mutants-not-appropriate-379130" hreflang="en">Is geo-tagging of coronavirus, its mutants not appropriate?</a>

The two authors had written "none"&nbsp;when asked about any "conflict of interests" during the paperwork about the study.

However, the editors have also added that there was no other misconduct from the authors. "The editors also acknowledge that at no point was there a question of any scientific misconduct on the part of any of the authors, aside from the failure of two contributing authors to disclose their conflicts of interest relating to the tobacco industry," the notice added.

A senior author of the paper, Konstantinos Farsalinos, also said the conflict of interests had no effect on the study’s main aims and objectives.

"Additionally, I proposed to publicly release the full dataset and the statistical script so that all findings could be independently verified," he said. "The editors declined. I requested my proposal to be mentioned in the retraction letter, but that was also rejected by the editors. I disagree with the retraction and I consider it unfair and unsubstantiated."

A recent study revealed that smokers are 23 per cent less likely to be infected with the deadly coronavirus. However, the study is now being retracted. The study was conducted by a few experts by the European Respiratory Journal and concluded that "current smoking was not associated with adverse outcome" in Covid patients and announced that chain smokers were less vulnerable to the deadly virus.

A recent study revealed that smokers are 23 per cent less likely to be infected with the deadly coronavirus. However, the study is now being retracted. The study was conducted by a few experts by the European Respiratory Journal and concluded that "current smoking was not associated with adverse outcome" in Covid patients and announced that chain smokers were less vulnerable to the deadly virus. Also read | Pfizer identifies fake COVID-19 shots abroad as criminals exploit vaccine demand However, it has now been revealed that two authors were associated with the tobacco industry and, thus, the result of the study might have been altered to cater to personal motives. "It was brought to the editors' attention that two of the authors had failed to disclose potential conflicts of interest at the time of the manuscript’s submission," a notice in the latest edition of the European Respiratory Journal read. "That is, one of the authors (José M. Mier) at the time had a current and ongoing role in providing consultancy to the tobacco industry on tobacco harm reduction; and another (Konstantinos Poulas) at the time was a principal investigator for the Greek NGO NOSMOKE … a science and innovation hub that has received funding from the Foundation for a Smoke Free World (an organisation funded by the tobacco industry)," it added. Also read | Is geo-tagging of coronavirus, its mutants not appropriate? The two authors had written "none" when asked about any "conflict of interests" during the paperwork about the study. However, the editors have also added that there was no other misconduct from the authors. "The editors also acknowledge that at no point was there a question of any scientific misconduct on the part of any of the authors, aside from the failure of two contributing authors to disclose their conflicts of interest relating to the tobacco industry," the notice added. A senior author of the paper, Konstantinos Farsalinos, also said the conflict of interests had no effect on the study’s main aims and objectives. "Additionally, I proposed to publicly release the full dataset and the statistical script so that all findings could be independently verified," he said. "The editors declined. I requested my proposal to be mentioned in the retraction letter, but that was also rejected by the editors. I disagree with the retraction and I consider it unfair and unsubstantiated."

Study claiming smokers less vulnerable to COVID-19 retracted as authors linked to tobacco industry

World number one Ashleigh Barty said she was one of a few players offered admittance to a COVID-19 vaccine through a WTA Tour activity at a competition in South Carolina recently.&nbsp;

Barty, who turns 25 on Saturday, and her Australian mentor Craig Tyzzer were among the individuals who exploited the WTA's offer yet said she ensured they were not "bouncing the line".&nbsp;

"We were taking a gander at various roads to attempt to get immunized without bouncing the line in Australia to perceive what our alternatives were, and we couldn't find quite a bit of a solution before we left in March," she told journalists at a competition in Stuttgart.&nbsp;

"We had the option to get the antibody, similar to a ton of different players, through the Tour and that they had coordinated through a specific drug store that had additional items, and that was essential to me realizing that the individuals who were the most helpless had the option to get it first."&nbsp;

Barty spent the most recent year back home in Australia, for the most part, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Miami Open was her first competition abroad since February 2020.&nbsp;

"It was ideal to realize that we have that little layer of insurance," Barty said, adding that she had encountered a couple of results from the immunization.&nbsp;

"We actually do the correct things and submit to every one of the standards and the rules set up by the Tour however realizing that we had that tad of additional assurance reassures us a touch more."

Barty had won eight straight matches since getting back to the WTA Tour a month ago, including a great competition triumph at the Miami Open.&nbsp;

In Friday's quarter-finals, Barty plays either Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko, likewise a previous Roland Garros champ, or previous world number one Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic.&nbsp;

Recently, Barty asserted her second successive Miami Open title to hold her No. 1 WTA positioning.&nbsp;

The 2021 French Open will begin on Monday, May 24.

(With inputs from agencies)

World number one Ashleigh Barty said she was one of a few players offered admittance to a COVID-19 vaccine through a WTA Tour activity at a competition in South Carolina recently.

World number one Ashleigh Barty said she was one of a few players offered admittance to a COVID-19 vaccine through a WTA Tour activity at a competition in South Carolina recently. Barty, who turns 25 on Saturday, and her Australian mentor Craig Tyzzer were among the individuals who exploited the WTA's offer yet said she ensured they were not "bouncing the line". "We were taking a gander at various roads to attempt to get immunized without bouncing the line in Australia to perceive what our alternatives were, and we couldn't find quite a bit of a solution before we left in March," she told journalists at a competition in Stuttgart. "We had the option to get the antibody, similar to a ton of different players, through the Tour and that they had coordinated through a specific drug store that had additional items, and that was essential to me realizing that the individuals who were the most helpless had the option to get it first." Barty spent the most recent year back home in Australia, for the most part, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Miami Open was her first competition abroad since February 2020. "It was ideal to realize that we have that little layer of insurance," Barty said, adding that she had encountered a couple of results from the immunization. "We actually do the correct things and submit to every one of the standards and the rules set up by the Tour however realizing that we had that tad of additional assurance reassures us a touch more." Barty had won eight straight matches since getting back to the WTA Tour a month ago, including a great competition triumph at the Miami Open. In Friday's quarter-finals, Barty plays either Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko, likewise a previous Roland Garros champ, or previous world number one Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic. Recently, Barty asserted her second successive Miami Open title to hold her No. 1 WTA positioning. The 2021 French Open will begin on Monday, May 24. (With inputs from agencies)

Through WTA Tour initiative, Ashleigh Barty among players to get COVID-19 vaccine in US

Over 143 million people worldwide have been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – and over 3 million people have lost their lives.&nbsp;

Amidst this, people are looking for ways to protect themselves from the deadly virus, and a claim is doing rounds on social media that says, steam inhalation can kill coronavirus.

But according to a news report by Reuters, Steam is not recommended as a treatment for the coronavirus by either the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).

A representative from the CDC previously told Reuters that he was not aware of any scientific studies that show steam therapy helps with the coronavirus. 

Inhaling steam has been used as a home remedy for colds and upper respiratory tract infections.

But scientific studies have found that it has few proven benefits, and can cause serious adverse side effects like burn injuries.

“The usual technique of covering the head with a towel over a pan filled with hot water is dangerous due to the steam, the hot liquid, or even potential contact with the container”, a study from the Spanish Pediatrics Association warned.

Birmingham Children’s Hospital has reissued a warning about the risks associated with steam inhalation. 
 
Even though steam inhalation won’t cure a deadly infection like COVID, it may help make you feel a lot better while your body fights it off.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Over 143 million people worldwide have been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – and over 3 million people have lost their lives.

Over 143 million people worldwide have been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – and over 3 million people have lost their lives. Amidst this, people are looking for ways to protect themselves from the deadly virus, and a claim is doing rounds on social media that says, steam inhalation can kill coronavirus. But according to a news report by Reuters, Steam is not recommended as a treatment for the coronavirus by either the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO). A representative from the CDC previously told Reuters that he was not aware of any scientific studies that show steam therapy helps with the coronavirus.  Inhaling steam has been used as a home remedy for colds and upper respiratory tract infections. But scientific studies have found that it has few proven benefits, and can cause serious adverse side effects like burn injuries. “The usual technique of covering the head with a towel over a pan filled with hot water is dangerous due to the steam, the hot liquid, or even potential contact with the container”, a study from the Spanish Pediatrics Association warned. Birmingham Children’s Hospital has reissued a warning about the risks associated with steam inhalation. Even though steam inhalation won’t cure a deadly infection like COVID, it may help make you feel a lot better while your body fights it off. (With inputs from agencies)

Is steam inhalation helpful in fighting COVID? All you need to know

The Union Territory of Puducherry has decided to impose lockdown from April 23 (Friday night) till April 26 (Monday morning) amidst the rising number of Covid-19 cases. 
 
The decision to impose lockdown in the Union Territory was taken by a high level meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry (Additional Charge), Tamilsai Soundararajan held at the Raj Bhavan on Tuesday late night. 
 
All shops will remain closed after 2 p.m. from Wednesday onwards and in restaurants only takeaways are permitted from 2 p.m. onwards. The UT has imposed a night curfew from Tuesday onwards between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. 
 
Puducherry reported 4,692 active cases till Tuesday, according to the health department officials. 
 
It may be noted that the fatality rate of the Union Territory has touched 1.5 per cent on Monday which is above the national average of 1.2 per cent. 
 
Puducherry headquarters has the maximum number of deaths with 572. Karakkal has 84 deaths followed by Yanam with 45 deaths and Mahe with 12. 
 
Interestingly the recovery rate of the Union Territory is 88.8 per cent which is above the national average of 86 per cent. 
 
a total of 48,336 cases were reported from Puducherry Union Territory of which 42,931 patients recovered from the disease. 
 
The health department has sent 7.33 lakh swab samples for testing of which 6.66 lakh samples turned negative and more than half of the population of the Union Territory of Puducherry underwent the Covid test. Puducherry has a population of 14 lakh people. 
 
A press release from the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare states that it has so far administered Covid 19 vaccines to 30,202 healthcare workers, 17,961 frontline workers and 1,08 lakh others taking the total of people who were administered the vaccine to 1.55 lakh people.

The Union Territory of Puducherry has decided to impose lockdown from April 23 (Friday night) till April 26 (Monday morning) amidst the rising number of Covid-19 cases.

The Union Territory of Puducherry has decided to impose lockdown from April 23 (Friday night) till April 26 (Monday morning) amidst the rising number of Covid-19 cases. The decision to impose lockdown in the Union Territory was taken by a high level meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry (Additional Charge), Tamilsai Soundararajan held at the Raj Bhavan on Tuesday late night. All shops will remain closed after 2 p.m. from Wednesday onwards and in restaurants only takeaways are permitted from 2 p.m. onwards. The UT has imposed a night curfew from Tuesday onwards between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Puducherry reported 4,692 active cases till Tuesday, according to the health department officials. It may be noted that the fatality rate of the Union Territory has touched 1.5 per cent on Monday which is above the national average of 1.2 per cent. Puducherry headquarters has the maximum number of deaths with 572. Karakkal has 84 deaths followed by Yanam with 45 deaths and Mahe with 12. Interestingly the recovery rate of the Union Territory is 88.8 per cent which is above the national average of 86 per cent. a total of 48,336 cases were reported from Puducherry Union Territory of which 42,931 patients recovered from the disease. The health department has sent 7.33 lakh swab samples for testing of which 6.66 lakh samples turned negative and more than half of the population of the Union Territory of Puducherry underwent the Covid test. Puducherry has a population of 14 lakh people. A press release from the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare states that it has so far administered Covid 19 vaccines to 30,202 healthcare workers, 17,961 frontline workers and 1,08 lakh others taking the total of people who were administered the vaccine to 1.55 lakh people.

COVID-19: Puducherry to impose lockdown from April 23 to April 26

The government in the Indian capital Delhi has announced a six-day lockdown, starting at 10 PM Monday (April 19) night until 5&nbsp;AM Monday (April 26) morning to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Delhi on Sunday recorded the biggest jump in its daily COVID-19 tally with 25,462 fresh cases as well as 161 deaths,&nbsp;while the positivity rate shot up to 29.74 per cent. This means&nbsp;almost every third sample being tested in the city is turning out to be positive. 
 
Last week, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced Delhi would remain shut this weekend to “break the chain of transmission”. 
 
Auditoriums, restaurants, malls, gyms and spas would be shut down and movie theatres would be allowed with a third of their capacity on weekdays, Kejriwal had said, announcing other restrictions.

In the past 10 days, as Delhi cases maintained a sharp upward trajectory, cabinet ministers, including the CM himself, visited Covid facilities and hospitals to take stock of the situation.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government in the Indian capital Delhi has announced a six-day lockdown, starting at 10 PM Monday (April 19) night until 5 AM Monday (April 26) morning to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The government in the Indian capital Delhi has announced a six-day lockdown, starting at 10 PM Monday (April 19) night until 5 AM Monday (April 26) morning to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Delhi on Sunday recorded the biggest jump in its daily COVID-19 tally with 25,462 fresh cases as well as 161 deaths, while the positivity rate shot up to 29.74 per cent. This means almost every third sample being tested in the city is turning out to be positive. Last week, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced Delhi would remain shut this weekend to “break the chain of transmission”. Auditoriums, restaurants, malls, gyms and spas would be shut down and movie theatres would be allowed with a third of their capacity on weekdays, Kejriwal had said, announcing other restrictions. In the past 10 days, as Delhi cases maintained a sharp upward trajectory, cabinet ministers, including the CM himself, visited Covid facilities and hospitals to take stock of the situation. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Delhi CM announces total lockdown for six days

India's capital in lockdown: Here's what's allowed, what's not

Germany pays respect to 80,000 coronavirus victims in a ceremony

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa has reached 4,408,245 as of Saturday, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said.

The Africa CDC, the specialized healthcare agency of the African Union (AU), said the death toll from the pandemic stood at 117,378, while 3,951,191 patients across the continent have recovered from the disease.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-deaths-cross-3-million-as-countries-observe-surge-378265" hreflang="en">Global coronavirus deaths cross 3 million as countries observe surge</a>

South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia and Egypt are among the African countries with the most cases in the continent, according to the Africa CDC.

In terms of the number of cases, southern Africa is the most affected region, followed by northern Africa and eastern Africa regions, while central Africa is the least affected region in the continent, according to the African health agency.

South Africa has recorded 1,564,355 COVID-19 cases, the most among African countries.&nbsp;

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa has reached 4,408,245 as of Saturday, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said. The Africa CDC, the specialized healthcare agency of the African Union (AU), said the death toll from the pandemic stood at 117,378, while 3,951,191 patients across the continent have recovered from the disease.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa has reached 4,408,245 as of Saturday, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said. The Africa CDC, the specialized healthcare agency of the African Union (AU), said the death toll from the pandemic stood at 117,378, while 3,951,191 patients across the continent have recovered from the disease. Also read | Global coronavirus deaths cross 3 million as countries observe surge South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia and Egypt are among the African countries with the most cases in the continent, according to the Africa CDC. In terms of the number of cases, southern Africa is the most affected region, followed by northern Africa and eastern Africa regions, while central Africa is the least affected region in the continent, according to the African health agency. South Africa has recorded 1,564,355 COVID-19 cases, the most among African countries.

Africa's confirmed COVID-19 cases surpass 4.4 million

India is currently reporting the sharpest growth rate of 7.6 per cent in new COVID-19 cases, leading to an alarming rise in the daily number of active cases in the country, which currently stand at 16,79,000, the Union Health Ministry informed on Saturday.

In a statement, the ministry also informed that there is also a sharp growth of 10.2 per cent in the number of deaths caused by the coronavirus in the country.

"India is currently reporting the sharpest growth rate of 7.6% in new COVID cases, which is 1.3 times is spreading at a much faster rate than recoveries with consistently growing active cases," the ministry said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-faces-shortage-of-oxygen-hospital-beds-as-city-records-24000-cases-in-24-hours-kejriwal-378235" hreflang="en">Delhi faces shortage of oxygen, hospital beds as city records 24,000 cases in 24 hours: Kejriwal</a>

In a meeting with the health ministers of 11 states and union territories, Dr Harsh Vardhan assured a fresh supply of the lifesaving machines to states that have been most severely affected by the pandemic - 1,121 ventilators to Maharashtra, 1,700 to Uttar Pradesh, 1,500 to Jharkhand, 1,600 to Gujarat, 152 to Madhya Pradesh and 230 to Chhattisgarh.

Maharashtra remains the worst affected states in the country, with 67,123 fresh cases, 56,783 discharges, and 419 deaths in the last 24 hours. There are currently 6,47,933 active cases in the state.

The pandemic has so far claimed the lives of 59,970 patients. The total new cases include 8,834 from Mumbai, 6,956 in Nagpur, and 10,963 in Pune.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-reviews-covid-19-surge-calls-for-utilising-all-private-public-facilities-to-ramp-up-vaccine-production-378300" hreflang="en">PM reviews COVID-19 surge, calls for utilising all private, public facilities to ramp up vaccine production</a>

Delhi recorded the biggest single-day spike of 24,375 new COVID-19 cases. The city also reported 15,414 discharges and 167 deaths. The cumulative caseload in the national capital reached 8,27,998 including 7,46,239 discharges, 69,799 active cases and 11,960 deaths.

As many as 17,489 new coronavirus cases, 5,565 discharges and 80 deaths were reported in Karnataka. The total cases now stands at 11,41,998, including 10,09,549 recoveries, 1,19,160 active cases and 13,270 deaths. Kerala reported 13,835 fresh cases, 3,654 recoveries and 27 deaths.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccination-coverage-nears-120-million-378139" hreflang="en">India's vaccination coverage nears 120 million</a>

The number of active cases is now at 80,019 and the death toll stands at 4,904. As many as 9,541 new cases were reported in Gujarat, along with 3,783 discharges and 97 deaths. The total positive cases now stands at 3,94,221, including 3,33,564 recoveries, 55,398 active cases and 5,267 deaths.

Tamil Nadu reported 9,344 new cases, 5,263 discharges and 39 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total positive cases to 9,80,728. So far, 9,02,022 discharges, 13,071 deaths and 65,635 active cases have been reported.

Haryana reported 7,717 new cases, taking the total number of cases to 3,49,794, while Punjab reported 4,498 new cases, 2,615 discharges and 64 deaths. Out of these, 431 were reported from Chandigarh.

Uttarakhand reports 2,757 new COVID-19 cases, including 1,179 cases in Dehradun and 617 in Haridwar where lakhs gathered for the Kumbh Mela, taking the total number of cases to 1,21,403.

Jammu and Kashmir reported 1,145 new COVID-19 positive cases; 503 from Jammu division and 642 from the Kashmir division.

The total positive cases now stand at 1,45,166 including 10,910 active infections. A total of 1,32,205 recoveries and 2,051 deaths have been reported so far.&nbsp;

India is currently reporting the sharpest growth rate of 7.6 per cent in new COVID-19 cases, leading to an alarming rise in the daily number of active cases in the country, which currently stand at 16,79,000, the Union Health Ministry informed on Saturday.

India is currently reporting the sharpest growth rate of 7.6 per cent in new COVID-19 cases, leading to an alarming rise in the daily number of active cases in the country, which currently stand at 16,79,000, the Union Health Ministry informed on Saturday. In a statement, the ministry also informed that there is also a sharp growth of 10.2 per cent in the number of deaths caused by the coronavirus in the country. "India is currently reporting the sharpest growth rate of 7.6% in new COVID cases, which is 1.3 times is spreading at a much faster rate than recoveries with consistently growing active cases," the ministry said. Also read | Delhi faces shortage of oxygen, hospital beds as city records 24,000 cases in 24 hours: Kejriwal In a meeting with the health ministers of 11 states and union territories, Dr Harsh Vardhan assured a fresh supply of the lifesaving machines to states that have been most severely affected by the pandemic - 1,121 ventilators to Maharashtra, 1,700 to Uttar Pradesh, 1,500 to Jharkhand, 1,600 to Gujarat, 152 to Madhya Pradesh and 230 to Chhattisgarh. Maharashtra remains the worst affected states in the country, with 67,123 fresh cases, 56,783 discharges, and 419 deaths in the last 24 hours. There are currently 6,47,933 active cases in the state. The pandemic has so far claimed the lives of 59,970 patients. The total new cases include 8,834 from Mumbai, 6,956 in Nagpur, and 10,963 in Pune. Also read | PM reviews COVID-19 surge, calls for utilising all private, public facilities to ramp up vaccine production Delhi recorded the biggest single-day spike of 24,375 new COVID-19 cases. The city also reported 15,414 discharges and 167 deaths. The cumulative caseload in the national capital reached 8,27,998 including 7,46,239 discharges, 69,799 active cases and 11,960 deaths. As many as 17,489 new coronavirus cases, 5,565 discharges and 80 deaths were reported in Karnataka. The total cases now stands at 11,41,998, including 10,09,549 recoveries, 1,19,160 active cases and 13,270 deaths. Kerala reported 13,835 fresh cases, 3,654 recoveries and 27 deaths. Also read | India's vaccination coverage nears 120 million The number of active cases is now at 80,019 and the death toll stands at 4,904. As many as 9,541 new cases were reported in Gujarat, along with 3,783 discharges and 97 deaths. The total positive cases now stands at 3,94,221, including 3,33,564 recoveries, 55,398 active cases and 5,267 deaths. Tamil Nadu reported 9,344 new cases, 5,263 discharges and 39 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total positive cases to 9,80,728. So far, 9,02,022 discharges, 13,071 deaths and 65,635 active cases have been reported. Haryana reported 7,717 new cases, taking the total number of cases to 3,49,794, while Punjab reported 4,498 new cases, 2,615 discharges and 64 deaths. Out of these, 431 were reported from Chandigarh. Uttarakhand reports 2,757 new COVID-19 cases, including 1,179 cases in Dehradun and 617 in Haridwar where lakhs gathered for the Kumbh Mela, taking the total number of cases to 1,21,403. Jammu and Kashmir reported 1,145 new COVID-19 positive cases; 503 from Jammu division and 642 from the Kashmir division. The total positive cases now stand at 1,45,166 including 10,910 active infections. A total of 1,32,205 recoveries and 2,051 deaths have been reported so far.

India currently reporting sharpest growth rate of 7.6pc in new COVID-19 cases: Govt

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Coronavirus </a>death toll crossed an alarming mark of three million on Saturday despite millions of people getting vaccinated all over the world.

There have been more than 3,000,225 deaths and 139,963,964 cases globally in 24 hours, as per data revealed by Johns Hopkins University.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/please-delay-pregnancies-brazil-urges-local-women-amid-coronavirus-surge-378199" hreflang="en">'Please delay pregnancies', Brazil urges local women amid coronavirus surge</a>

The surge of cases comes as India recorded 234,692 new cases on Saturday morning with the Chief Minister of the national capital, New Delhi, reporting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-faces-shortage-of-oxygen-hospital-beds-as-city-records-24000-cases-in-24-hours-kejriwal-378235">24,000 new cases</a> in the city within the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the US has now recorded more than 32 million coronavirus cases, making it the worst-hit country in the world. This has come even though the country has administered more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vaccinations-reach-200-million-as-campaign-efforts-pick-up-pace-378128">200 million doses</a> of coronavirus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a> to locals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-ignore-these-new-oral-symptoms-of-covid-19-377054">Don't ignore these new oral symptoms of Covid-19</a>

Brazil’s coronavirus surge has recorded the third-highest Covid deaths as workers struggle to find a place to cremate the dead bodies.

The situation is worsening due to the emerging variants of the deadly virus, especially the Indian and Brazil variants which are infecting more people all around the world, especially the younger generation.

Coronavirus death toll crossed an alarming mark of three million on Saturday despite millions of people getting vaccinated all over the world. There have been more than 3,000,225 deaths and 139,963,964 cases globally in 24 hours, as per data revealed by Johns Hopkins University.

Coronavirus death toll crossed an alarming mark of three million on Saturday despite millions of people getting vaccinated all over the world. There have been more than 3,000,225 deaths and 139,963,964 cases globally in 24 hours, as per data revealed by Johns Hopkins University. Also read | 'Please delay pregnancies', Brazil urges local women amid coronavirus surge The surge of cases comes as India recorded 234,692 new cases on Saturday morning with the Chief Minister of the national capital, New Delhi, reporting 24,000 new cases in the city within the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, the US has now recorded more than 32 million coronavirus cases, making it the worst-hit country in the world. This has come even though the country has administered more than 200 million doses of coronavirus vaccines to locals. Also read | Don't ignore these new oral symptoms of Covid-19 Brazil’s coronavirus surge has recorded the third-highest Covid deaths as workers struggle to find a place to cremate the dead bodies. The situation is worsening due to the emerging variants of the deadly virus, especially the Indian and Brazil variants which are infecting more people all around the world, especially the younger generation.

Global coronavirus deaths cross 3 million as countries observe surge

As India experiences a deadly surge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases, the national capital, New Delhi, recorded 24,000 new cases in the past 24 hours, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday evening.

During a press conference about the critical situation in the national capital, Kejriwal admitted that the city is facing a shortage of oxygen stock, hospital beds and the drug being used to help the Covid patients, called Remdesivir.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-witnesses-biggest-spike-with-234692-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hours-378110" hreflang="en">India witnesses biggest spike with 2,34,692 coronavirus cases in 24 hours</a>

"Delhi is fast running out of beds, oxygen and the life-saving drug Remdesivir as Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours have reached 24,000. The situation is very serious and worrisome. The cases have gone up really fast," Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal also admitted that while the situation seemed in control a few days ago, the sudden surge has made the situation spiralling out of control in the capital now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/double-mutant-now-most-prevalent-variant-in-india-report-378140" hreflang="en">Double mutant now most prevalent variant in India: Report</a>

"That is why we are facing shortages even though everything seemed under control until a few days ago. But the speed at which this virus is growing, no one knows what its peak will be," he said.

He has also assured that the state government is trying to put in all resources to help the locals with treatments, despite limitations of health infrastructures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccination-coverage-nears-120-million-378139" hreflang="en">India's vaccination coverage nears 120 million</a>

"The AAP government is trying its best to increase the number of beds. I hope that we will be able to add 6,000 more beds in the next two to four days, and all the new beds will have oxygen sets," he said.

The Delhi government has also announced strict actions against any hospital that denies a bed to Covid patients. "People have complained that they have been denied beds despite the availability of beds in the hospitals. The government will take tough action against such acts. All the district administrations have been directed to keep a close watch on the situation," Kejriwal announced.

As India experiences a deadly surge of coronavirus cases, the national capital, New Delhi, recorded 24,000 new cases in the past 24 hours, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday evening.

As India experiences a deadly surge of coronavirus cases, the national capital, New Delhi, recorded 24,000 new cases in the past 24 hours, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday evening. During a press conference about the critical situation in the national capital, Kejriwal admitted that the city is facing a shortage of oxygen stock, hospital beds and the drug being used to help the Covid patients, called Remdesivir. Also read | India witnesses biggest spike with 2,34,692 coronavirus cases in 24 hours "Delhi is fast running out of beds, oxygen and the life-saving drug Remdesivir as Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours have reached 24,000. The situation is very serious and worrisome. The cases have gone up really fast," Kejriwal said. Kejriwal also admitted that while the situation seemed in control a few days ago, the sudden surge has made the situation spiralling out of control in the capital now. Also read | Double mutant now most prevalent variant in India: Report "That is why we are facing shortages even though everything seemed under control until a few days ago. But the speed at which this virus is growing, no one knows what its peak will be," he said. He has also assured that the state government is trying to put in all resources to help the locals with treatments, despite limitations of health infrastructures. Also read | India's vaccination coverage nears 120 million "The AAP government is trying its best to increase the number of beds. I hope that we will be able to add 6,000 more beds in the next two to four days, and all the new beds will have oxygen sets," he said. The Delhi government has also announced strict actions against any hospital that denies a bed to Covid patients. "People have complained that they have been denied beds despite the availability of beds in the hospitals. The government will take tough action against such acts. All the district administrations have been directed to keep a close watch on the situation," Kejriwal announced.

Delhi faces shortage of oxygen, hospital beds as city records 24,000 cases in 24 hours: Kejriwal

As&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases are alarmingly increasing in Brazil, the authorities have urged women to delay pregnancy for at least a few months.

The request has come as Brazil is experiencing one of the worst waves of coronavirus, with the country marking one of the highest death tolls in the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/patients-tied-to-beds-in-brazil-as-country-runs-out-of-sedatives-reports-378022">Patients tied to beds in Brazil as country runs out of sedatives: Reports</a>

"If it's possible, delay pregnancy a little until a better moment,"&nbsp;Raphael Parente, a health ministry official said during a news conference.

This has also been requested as the officials claim the new Brazil variant is more dangerous for pregnant women.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-brazil-graveyard-shift-reveals-staggering-cost-of-pandemic-378134">In Brazil, graveyard shift reveals staggering cost of pandemic</a>

"The clinical experience of specialists shows that this new variant acts more aggressively in pregnant women," Parente explained.

Brazilian variant of coronavirus, also known as P1, was first identified in Manaus, an Amazon city, and spread very quickly in Brazil. It has also been assumed to be one of the biggest reasons behind the surge in cases in the country.

The outbreak has also affected the younger generation this time, especially people in their 30s and 40s, who have been admitted in the ICUs.

With the hospitals running on full capacity, the Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, has again opposed lockdown and has continued holding large and crowded events in the country.

As coronavirus cases are alarmingly increasing in Brazil, the authorities have urged women to delay pregnancy for at least a few months. The request has come as Brazil is experiencing one of the worst waves of coronavirus, with the country marking one of the highest death tolls in the world.

As coronavirus cases are alarmingly increasing in Brazil, the authorities have urged women to delay pregnancy for at least a few months. The request has come as Brazil is experiencing one of the worst waves of coronavirus, with the country marking one of the highest death tolls in the world. Also read | Patients tied to beds in Brazil as country runs out of sedatives: Reports "If it's possible, delay pregnancy a little until a better moment," Raphael Parente, a health ministry official said during a news conference. This has also been requested as the officials claim the new Brazil variant is more dangerous for pregnant women. Also read | In Brazil, graveyard shift reveals staggering cost of pandemic "The clinical experience of specialists shows that this new variant acts more aggressively in pregnant women," Parente explained. Brazilian variant of coronavirus, also known as P1, was first identified in Manaus, an Amazon city, and spread very quickly in Brazil. It has also been assumed to be one of the biggest reasons behind the surge in cases in the country. The outbreak has also affected the younger generation this time, especially people in their 30s and 40s, who have been admitted in the ICUs. With the hospitals running on full capacity, the Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, has again opposed lockdown and has continued holding large and crowded events in the country.

'Please delay pregnancies', Brazil urges local women amid coronavirus surge

As several countries are facing a surge in coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed concern.

Talking about the increasing rate of infection, he said "cases and deaths are continuing to increase at worrying rates" and claimed this is the highest rate so far in the pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-in-grip-of-third-wave-angela-merkel-warns-amid-coronavirus-surge-377998" hreflang="en">Germany in grip of third wave: Angela Merkel warns amid coronavirus surge</a>

He raised these concerns while addressing a briefing on growing coronavirus cases in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the western Pacific region.

"While these numbers are still small than other countries, the increase is sharp and WHO is very concerned about the potential for a much larger epidemic,"&nbsp;Tedros said.

Cases have been alarmingly increasing in Papua New Guinea, owing to poor health infrastructure. This has raised concerns about the poor living conditions of the area too.

PNG health minister Jelta Wong also said the authorities have been facing problems in convincing people to wear masks and maintain social distance as people still refuse to believe the deadly virus exists.

As several countries are facing a surge in coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed concern. Talking about the increasing rate of infection, he said "cases and deaths are continuing to increase at worrying rates" and claimed this is the highest rate so far in the pandemic.

As several countries are facing a surge in coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed concern. Talking about the increasing rate of infection, he said "cases and deaths are continuing to increase at worrying rates" and claimed this is the highest rate so far in the pandemic. Also read | Germany in grip of third wave: Angela Merkel warns amid coronavirus surge He raised these concerns while addressing a briefing on growing coronavirus cases in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the western Pacific region. "While these numbers are still small than other countries, the increase is sharp and WHO is very concerned about the potential for a much larger epidemic," Tedros said. Cases have been alarmingly increasing in Papua New Guinea, owing to poor health infrastructure. This has raised concerns about the poor living conditions of the area too. PNG health minister Jelta Wong also said the authorities have been facing problems in convincing people to wear masks and maintain social distance as people still refuse to believe the deadly virus exists.

Increasing coronavirus infection rate worse in pandemic till now: WHO chief

The tiff between AstraZeneca and the European Union (EU) may be getting worse, a French minister has hinted on Friday.

French Industry Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher told local radio that the EU will most probably not renew its contract with AstraZeneca for coronavirus vaccine.

ALso read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-in-grip-of-third-wave-angela-merkel-warns-amid-coronavirus-surge-377998" hreflang="en">Germany in grip of third wave: Angela Merkel warns amid coronavirus surge</a>

While no final decision has been taken yet, the minister said “it is highly probable” that no more doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine will be ordered by the EU.

This has worried the locals who had just been informed that the US pharmaceutical company Johnson &amp; Johnson would delay its rollout of vaccine doses in Europe after reports of blood clots.

The reports of J&amp;J and AstraZeneca have worried the locals as the continent is already facing a shortage of doses.

“We have not started talks with Johnson &amp; Johnson or with AstraZeneca for a new contract, but we have started talks with Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna,” the French minister said.

Meanwhile, Denmark has suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine even though EMA had assured blood clots were a rare side effect.

The tiff between AstraZeneca and the European Union (EU) may be getting worse, a French minister has hinted on Friday. French Industry Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher told local radio that the EU will most probably not renew its contract with AstraZeneca for coronavirus vaccine.

The tiff between AstraZeneca and the European Union (EU) may be getting worse, a French minister has hinted on Friday. French Industry Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher told local radio that the EU will most probably not renew its contract with AstraZeneca for coronavirus vaccine. ALso read | Germany in grip of third wave: Angela Merkel warns amid coronavirus surge While no final decision has been taken yet, the minister said “it is highly probable” that no more doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine will be ordered by the EU. This has worried the locals who had just been informed that the US pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson would delay its rollout of vaccine doses in Europe after reports of blood clots. The reports of J&J and AstraZeneca have worried the locals as the continent is already facing a shortage of doses. “We have not started talks with Johnson & Johnson or with AstraZeneca for a new contract, but we have started talks with Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna,” the French minister said. Meanwhile, Denmark has suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine even though EMA had assured blood clots were a rare side effect.

EU may not renew contract for AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine: French minister

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases in Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged the German parliament to pass a bill that will grant her government powers to impose a lockdown and curfew.

Noting the alarming increase in cases, Merkel warned that Germany was looking at a "third wave" which could turn out to be deadlier than past.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-ceo-says-third-dose-of-covid-19-vaccine-likely-needed-within-12-months-377860" hreflang="en">Pfizer CEO says third dose of COVID vaccine 'likely' needed within 12 months</a>

"The nationwide emergency brake is overdue because even if it is difficult to hear again today the situation is serious," she "And we must all take it seriously too. The third wave of the pandemic has our country firmly in its grip," she said.

Merkel also claimed that citizens are in favour of introducing stricter measures to contain the widespread coronavirus.

This came as Germany recorded 25,831 new cases of coronavirus and 247 deaths within 24 hours, as per the Robert Koch Institute disease control centre.

She also worried about the increasing number of patients in the ICUs and said the health care workers have been sending distress calls.&nbsp;

"Who are we to ignore their pleas?,"&nbsp;she said talking about rising ICU admissions. "We cannot be permitted to leave the doctors and nurses alone."

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases in Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged the German parliament to pass a bill that will grant her government powers to impose a lockdown and curfew.

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases in Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged the German parliament to pass a bill that will grant her government powers to impose a lockdown and curfew. Noting the alarming increase in cases, Merkel warned that Germany was looking at a "third wave" which could turn out to be deadlier than past. Also read | Pfizer CEO says third dose of COVID vaccine 'likely' needed within 12 months "The nationwide emergency brake is overdue because even if it is difficult to hear again today the situation is serious," she "And we must all take it seriously too. The third wave of the pandemic has our country firmly in its grip," she said. Merkel also claimed that citizens are in favour of introducing stricter measures to contain the widespread coronavirus. This came as Germany recorded 25,831 new cases of coronavirus and 247 deaths within 24 hours, as per the Robert Koch Institute disease control centre. She also worried about the increasing number of patients in the ICUs and said the health care workers have been sending distress calls. "Who are we to ignore their pleas?," she said talking about rising ICU admissions. "We cannot be permitted to leave the doctors and nurses alone."

Germany in grip of third wave: Angela Merkel warns amid coronavirus surge

More than 100 former world leaders and Nobel Prize winners have come together to urge US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> to support a waiver of intellectual property rules for coronavirus vaccines.

Such a waiver on patents will boost vaccine manufacturing and will also speed up the response to this global pandemic, especially in poor countries, they said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-slap-new-sanctions-on-russia-for-election-interference-cyber-attack-sources-377685" hreflang="en">US to slap new sanctions on Russia for election interference, cyber attack: Sources</a>

"President Biden has said that no one is safe until everyone is safe, and now with the G7 ahead there is an unparalleled opportunity to provide the leadership that only the US can provide,"&nbsp; former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said.

Former leaders of France and the UK, other 60 former heads of state and Nobel Prize winners have drafted a joint letter to Biden about this issue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-continues-pause-on-johnson-johnson-vaccine-over-reports-of-blood-clots-377746" hreflang="en">US continues pause on Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine over reports of blood clots</a>

They urged Biden to support the proposal drafted by India and South Africa at the World Trade Organization to waive intellectual property rules on a temporary basis to help support countries related to COVID-19 vaccines.

The letter calculates that the poorer countries will have to wait till 2024 to receive vaccines, on the basis of the speed with which the virus is mutating.

"New mutations of the virus will continue to cost lives and upend our interconnected global economy until everyone, everywhere has access to a safe and effective vaccine," Nobel Economics Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz said.

The letter has been signed by Francois Hollande, Mary Robinson, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Juan Manuel Santos and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - formerly presidents of France, Ireland, Brazil, Colombia and Liberia - and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 100 former world leaders and Nobel Prize winners have come together to urge US President Joe Biden to support a waiver of intellectual property rules for coronavirus vaccines.

More than 100 former world leaders and Nobel Prize winners have come together to urge US President Joe Biden to support a waiver of intellectual property rules for coronavirus vaccines. Such a waiver on patents will boost vaccine manufacturing and will also speed up the response to this global pandemic, especially in poor countries, they said. Also read | US to slap new sanctions on Russia for election interference, cyber attack: Sources "President Biden has said that no one is safe until everyone is safe, and now with the G7 ahead there is an unparalleled opportunity to provide the leadership that only the US can provide," former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said. Former leaders of France and the UK, other 60 former heads of state and Nobel Prize winners have drafted a joint letter to Biden about this issue. Also read | US continues pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccine over reports of blood clots They urged Biden to support the proposal drafted by India and South Africa at the World Trade Organization to waive intellectual property rules on a temporary basis to help support countries related to COVID-19 vaccines. The letter calculates that the poorer countries will have to wait till 2024 to receive vaccines, on the basis of the speed with which the virus is mutating. "New mutations of the virus will continue to cost lives and upend our interconnected global economy until everyone, everywhere has access to a safe and effective vaccine," Nobel Economics Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz said. The letter has been signed by Francois Hollande, Mary Robinson, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Juan Manuel Santos and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - formerly presidents of France, Ireland, Brazil, Colombia and Liberia - and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark. (With inputs from agencies)

Waive Covid vaccine patents: Nearly 100 former world leaders, Nobel winners join call to Biden

Indian politicians who tested positive for Covid-19

How will we remember the coronavirus pandemic? Surely, as a source of great hardships but in the larger scheme of things, the virus was a pivot. It didn't just change our lives. It turned it upside down.

We realised that home can be work and work can be home. Same for schools. Our mobile phones became the rudders of our life, our source of entertainment and our source of livelihood. &nbsp;

The pandemic taught us that meet and greet is over-rated. Is isolation any better? Not really, but the pandemic made us more flexible. More open to changes. They say the post-pandemic world will be different.&nbsp;

For us, yes. Things will be a lot different but what about the power brokers of our world?&nbsp;The politicians, the spiritual gurus, the athletes, etc. Will things truly change for them?&nbsp;

In most countries, politicians were first in line for the vaccines. The virus tested leaders and their credentials. What would their message be? How quickly would they act?&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Some leaders simply did not have the answers and they were promptly voted out. There's one underway in Peru and this is the scene at polling booths. Massive crowds turned up because voting is mandatory there. Every citizen must vote. Co-morbidities and life-threatening conditions are not entertained as excuses. What a great sense of civic duty? Contrast that with Peru's pandemic response: 55,000 reported deaths and a health system in complete collapse. &nbsp;

Eighteen presidential hopefuls were in the fray and six of them ended up getting the virus. Maybe, these public rallies had something to do with that. Lockdowns for people, but rallies for politicians. &nbsp;

And it's not just Peru, it is election season in India as well. Every single political party has staged public rallies. Thousands of people attended these, right in the middle of a second wave. Elections are important, nobody is denying that but campaigning must be responsibly done. &nbsp;Right now, everybody seems happy working from home, except the politicians. &nbsp;

Keep the mask on, say the courts, even if you're alone in a car, because your car is a public space. No such rules for election campaigns, clearly.&nbsp;

Our second talking point is religion. It's given solace to millions in these tough times but it has also given us difficult scenes.

In Kumbh Mela at Haridwar, nearly a million devotees are there.&nbsp;All of them are heading to the banks of the Ganga. Taking a dip in the river during this time is considered auspicious but there are concerns. &nbsp;

And looking at these pictures, it is clear what those concerns are: no masks, no social distancing and one common body of water. It is a guaranteed super-spreader. Right now, India is hosting the biggest T20 league in the world, the Indian Premier League. It is being played behind closed doors. Only a handful of stadiums are hosting matches and even with such strict measures, a few players have got the virus. What if this cluster expands?&nbsp;

Remember, it's not just the players inside bio-bubbles, there is a huge support team, such as umpires, ground staff, broadcasters, etc. Just last week, 14 members of the broadcast team tested positive. So, here's the question? Is the IPL essential?&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Depends on how you look at it. For the sponsors and the cricketing board, yes but in the middle of a second wave, the risks are just too high. Not just cricket, club football, basketball, baseball and others have returned. Some with limited audience. There's a reason they call it a bio-bubble. It is not iron clad. One let-up and we could have a full-blown crisis in Indian cricket. So, what's the solution here?&nbsp;

It's simple rule of law. What happened in Norway recently? The prime minister was fined more than 2,000 dollars. Because she hosted a birthday party that violated virus controls. The PM apologised and agreed to pay the fine.&nbsp;

This spirit must be replicated everywhere. Politicians must be held accountable for their massive rallies. Sports administrators must answer for staging these massive leagues. The virus infects without discrimination. So, our response too must be sans blinkers.&nbsp;

How will we remember the coronavirus pandemic? Surely, as a source of great hardships but in the larger scheme of things, the virus was a pivot. It didn't just change our lives.

How will we remember the coronavirus pandemic? Surely, as a source of great hardships but in the larger scheme of things, the virus was a pivot. It didn't just change our lives. It turned it upside down. We realised that home can be work and work can be home. Same for schools. Our mobile phones became the rudders of our life, our source of entertainment and our source of livelihood. The pandemic taught us that meet and greet is over-rated. Is isolation any better? Not really, but the pandemic made us more flexible. More open to changes. They say the post-pandemic world will be different. For us, yes. Things will be a lot different but what about the power brokers of our world? The politicians, the spiritual gurus, the athletes, etc. Will things truly change for them? In most countries, politicians were first in line for the vaccines. The virus tested leaders and their credentials. What would their message be? How quickly would they act? Some leaders simply did not have the answers and they were promptly voted out. There's one underway in Peru and this is the scene at polling booths. Massive crowds turned up because voting is mandatory there. Every citizen must vote. Co-morbidities and life-threatening conditions are not entertained as excuses. What a great sense of civic duty? Contrast that with Peru's pandemic response: 55,000 reported deaths and a health system in complete collapse. Eighteen presidential hopefuls were in the fray and six of them ended up getting the virus. Maybe, these public rallies had something to do with that. Lockdowns for people, but rallies for politicians. And it's not just Peru, it is election season in India as well. Every single political party has staged public rallies. Thousands of people attended these, right in the middle of a second wave. Elections are important, nobody is denying that but campaigning must be responsibly done. Right now, everybody seems happy working from home, except the politicians. Keep the mask on, say the courts, even if you're alone in a car, because your car is a public space. No such rules for election campaigns, clearly. Our second talking point is religion. It's given solace to millions in these tough times but it has also given us difficult scenes. In Kumbh Mela at Haridwar, nearly a million devotees are there. All of them are heading to the banks of the Ganga. Taking a dip in the river during this time is considered auspicious but there are concerns. And looking at these pictures, it is clear what those concerns are: no masks, no social distancing and one common body of water. It is a guaranteed super-spreader. Right now, India is hosting the biggest T20 league in the world, the Indian Premier League. It is being played behind closed doors. Only a handful of stadiums are hosting matches and even with such strict measures, a few players have got the virus. What if this cluster expands? Remember, it's not just the players inside bio-bubbles, there is a huge support team, such as umpires, ground staff, broadcasters, etc. Just last week, 14 members of the broadcast team tested positive. So, here's the question? Is the IPL essential? Depends on how you look at it. For the sponsors and the cricketing board, yes but in the middle of a second wave, the risks are just too high. Not just cricket, club football, basketball, baseball and others have returned. Some with limited audience. There's a reason they call it a bio-bubble. It is not iron clad. One let-up and we could have a full-blown crisis in Indian cricket. So, what's the solution here? It's simple rule of law. What happened in Norway recently? The prime minister was fined more than 2,000 dollars. Because she hosted a birthday party that violated virus controls. The PM apologised and agreed to pay the fine. This spirit must be replicated everywhere. Politicians must be held accountable for their massive rallies. Sports administrators must answer for staging these massive leagues. The virus infects without discrimination. So, our response too must be sans blinkers.

Time to tread cautiously as Covid cases rise 

The new wave of Covid-19 infections sweeping parts of India is "worrisome" and threatens the 12.5 per cent growth projection, an International Monetary Fund expert for the region said on Tuesday. 
 
Jonathan Otry, the Deputy Director of the IMF`s Asia Pacific Department, said that "the current surge in infections presents a worrisome downside risk revisions" for India which "has seen a more sizeable upward revision to 12 and a half per cent on account of continued normalisation of its economy and a more growth-friendly fiscal policy". 
 
In projections made before the current spike in Covid-19 cases and released last week, the IMF had raised its estimate of India`s gross domestic product (GDP) growth by 1 per cent from the January projection to the historically high rate of 12.5 per cent -- the highest in the world for large economies -- during this fiscal year. The growth was projected to moderate to 6.9 per cent next fiscal year. 
 
Otry said at a news conference that a faster vaccine rollout "will propel the economic recovery" around the region. 
 
For this strong international cooperation is needed to ensure adequate vaccine production and universal distribution at affordable prices, he said, praising India`s programmes. 
 
"In this respect, the efforts of China and India have been commendable. And we hope, both countries continue to make supplies available to other countries, while ensuring adequate supplies at home," he said. 
 
While the Covid-19 pandemic may adversely impact efforts in some areas to combat climate change, he said that India has pledged to meet the Paris Climate Agreement goals and is even likely to exceed its commitments. 
 
Otry also said that the recovery from the pandemic will be uneven across the Asia Pacific region. 
 
China`s economy is projected to grow by 8.4 per cent this year, the second-highest globally. Japan, in contrast, will have a growth rate of only 3.3 per cent. 
 
The rest of South Asia excluding India is also recovering despite the recent spike in infections because of higher than expected exports and remittances, he said. 
 
The IMF`s growth projection for the South Asia region is 11 per cent. 
 
Bangladesh is projected to grow by 5 per cent, Nepal 2.9 per cent, and Sri Lanka 4 per cent. 
 
Pakistan, which is listed by the IMF in the Middle East and Central Asia region, is projected to have a growth rate of 1.5 per cent. 
 
The two smallest South Asian countries are outliers in the growth projection for the region. 
 
The Maldives, with a population of only 531,000 and a GDP on just $5.6 billion, outperforms most countries with a growth projection of 18.9 per cent. 
 
Bhutan`s economy is, however, projected to continue shrinking, registering a negative growth rate of 1.9 per cent. (Bhutan`s population is 763,000 and GDP $2.5 billion.) 
 
Among steps to be taken to ensure a strong recovery, Otry called for actions against "zombie" companies and support for "dynamic entrants". 
 
He said "corporate debt vulnerabilities, especially among small and medium enterprises, need to be addressed". 
 
"Balance sheet repair" should be facilitated to "enable zombie firms to exit, and allow dynamic entrants to thrive", he said. 
 
"Insolvency frameworks need to be strengthened to allow non-viable firms to exit, while assuring adequate credit flow to productive firms, and facilitating fresh equity capital to help companies overcome debt overhangs and grow job opportunities," he added. 
 
Otry emphasised the role of trade in the recovery. 
 
"Easing of trade and technology tensions and facilitation of digital trade would also provide a welcome fillip to growth," he said. 
 
"To fulfil Asia`s potential for trade-led growth, restrictions that impede trade need to be reduced. These include tariffs and non-tariff barriers, such as quotas, subsidies, local content rules, and licensing requirements, where progress has stalled since the 1990s," he added.

The new wave of Covid-19 infections sweeping parts of India is "worrisome" and threatens the 12.5 per cent growth projection, an International Monetary Fund expert for the region said on Tuesday.

The new wave of Covid-19 infections sweeping parts of India is "worrisome" and threatens the 12.5 per cent growth projection, an International Monetary Fund expert for the region said on Tuesday. Jonathan Otry, the Deputy Director of the IMF`s Asia Pacific Department, said that "the current surge in infections presents a worrisome downside risk revisions" for India which "has seen a more sizeable upward revision to 12 and a half per cent on account of continued normalisation of its economy and a more growth-friendly fiscal policy". In projections made before the current spike in Covid-19 cases and released last week, the IMF had raised its estimate of India`s gross domestic product (GDP) growth by 1 per cent from the January projection to the historically high rate of 12.5 per cent -- the highest in the world for large economies -- during this fiscal year. The growth was projected to moderate to 6.9 per cent next fiscal year. Otry said at a news conference that a faster vaccine rollout "will propel the economic recovery" around the region. For this strong international cooperation is needed to ensure adequate vaccine production and universal distribution at affordable prices, he said, praising India`s programmes. "In this respect, the efforts of China and India have been commendable. And we hope, both countries continue to make supplies available to other countries, while ensuring adequate supplies at home," he said. While the Covid-19 pandemic may adversely impact efforts in some areas to combat climate change, he said that India has pledged to meet the Paris Climate Agreement goals and is even likely to exceed its commitments. Otry also said that the recovery from the pandemic will be uneven across the Asia Pacific region. China`s economy is projected to grow by 8.4 per cent this year, the second-highest globally. Japan, in contrast, will have a growth rate of only 3.3 per cent. The rest of South Asia excluding India is also recovering despite the recent spike in infections because of higher than expected exports and remittances, he said. The IMF`s growth projection for the South Asia region is 11 per cent. Bangladesh is projected to grow by 5 per cent, Nepal 2.9 per cent, and Sri Lanka 4 per cent. Pakistan, which is listed by the IMF in the Middle East and Central Asia region, is projected to have a growth rate of 1.5 per cent. The two smallest South Asian countries are outliers in the growth projection for the region. The Maldives, with a population of only 531,000 and a GDP on just $5.6 billion, outperforms most countries with a growth projection of 18.9 per cent. Bhutan`s economy is, however, projected to continue shrinking, registering a negative growth rate of 1.9 per cent. (Bhutan`s population is 763,000 and GDP $2.5 billion.) Among steps to be taken to ensure a strong recovery, Otry called for actions against "zombie" companies and support for "dynamic entrants". He said "corporate debt vulnerabilities, especially among small and medium enterprises, need to be addressed". "Balance sheet repair" should be facilitated to "enable zombie firms to exit, and allow dynamic entrants to thrive", he said. "Insolvency frameworks need to be strengthened to allow non-viable firms to exit, while assuring adequate credit flow to productive firms, and facilitating fresh equity capital to help companies overcome debt overhangs and grow job opportunities," he added. Otry emphasised the role of trade in the recovery. "Easing of trade and technology tensions and facilitation of digital trade would also provide a welcome fillip to growth," he said. "To fulfil Asia`s potential for trade-led growth, restrictions that impede trade need to be reduced. These include tariffs and non-tariff barriers, such as quotas, subsidies, local content rules, and licensing requirements, where progress has stalled since the 1990s," he added.

Covid surge in India 'worrisome', threatens growth prospects: IMF

Even as vaccination drives are in full swing, the possibility of another wave of the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> is not far away in the US Midwest.

The rate of hospitalisations is alarmingly increasing in Michigan, and the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are running out of space for coronavirus patients.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-to-skip-cop26-over-unfair-vaccine-rollouts-376397" hreflang="en">Greta Thunberg to skip COP26 over unfair vaccine rollouts</a>

As per Johns Hopkins University data, nearly 7,226 cases have been reported on a daily basis in the past week.

Michigan’s public health system is struggling to meet the demand as the system has been overwhelmed, Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s top medical official warned.

Following the surge of coronavirus cases in the state, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has had to re-impose strict restrictions on people and he has urged people to start wearing masks and step out of the houses only in cases of emergency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-at-risk-of-facing-another-wave-of-coronavirus-despite-vaccines-who-376198" hreflang="en">UK at risk of facing another wave of coronavirus despite vaccines: WHO</a>

"A year in, we all know what works and this has to be a team effort," Whitmer said. "We have to do this together. Lives depend on it."

The state has also decided to temporarily suspend in-person classes and return to virtual learning till the cases decrease.

It is not just Michigan, Minnesota, too, is observing a surge in the cases as the state reported 2,659 new infections on Friday.

However, Governor Tim Walz has not yet called for stricter restrictions but has asked the federal government to speed up the vaccine delivery.

"We are seeing hospitalisations going up. It’s very challenging," he said. "I watch the numbers every day and I’m hypersensitive to what direction the state is going and what we need to do next."

Even as vaccination drives are in full swing, the possibility of another wave of the deadly coronavirus is not far away in the US Midwest. The rate of hospitalisations is alarmingly increasing in Michigan, and the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are running out of space for coronavirus patients.

Even as vaccination drives are in full swing, the possibility of another wave of the deadly coronavirus is not far away in the US Midwest. The rate of hospitalisations is alarmingly increasing in Michigan, and the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are running out of space for coronavirus patients. Also read | Greta Thunberg to skip COP26 over unfair vaccine rollouts As per Johns Hopkins University data, nearly 7,226 cases have been reported on a daily basis in the past week. Michigan’s public health system is struggling to meet the demand as the system has been overwhelmed, Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s top medical official warned. Following the surge of coronavirus cases in the state, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has had to re-impose strict restrictions on people and he has urged people to start wearing masks and step out of the houses only in cases of emergency. Also read | UK at risk of facing another wave of coronavirus despite vaccines: WHO "A year in, we all know what works and this has to be a team effort," Whitmer said. "We have to do this together. Lives depend on it." The state has also decided to temporarily suspend in-person classes and return to virtual learning till the cases decrease. It is not just Michigan, Minnesota, too, is observing a surge in the cases as the state reported 2,659 new infections on Friday. However, Governor Tim Walz has not yet called for stricter restrictions but has asked the federal government to speed up the vaccine delivery. "We are seeing hospitalisations going up. It’s very challenging," he said. "I watch the numbers every day and I’m hypersensitive to what direction the state is going and what we need to do next."

Gretchen Whitmer calls for stricter restrictions as coronavirus cases surge in US Midwest

Iran imposed a 10-day lockdown across most of the country on Saturday to curb the spread of a fourth wave of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> pandemic, state media reported.

The lockdown affects 23 of the country’s 31 provinces, health ministry spokesman Alireza Raisi said. Businesses, schools, theatres and sports facilities have been forced to shut and gatherings are banned during the holy fasting month of Ramadan that begins on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-launches-teeka-utsav-as-india-records-152879-new-covid-cases-376764" hreflang="en">PM Modi launches 'Tika Utsav' as India records 152,879 new Covid cases</a>

Iran’s coronavirus cases have surpassed 2 million with a new daily average of over 20,000 infections over the past week, according to the health ministry. It has reported more than 64,000 fatalities.

“Unfortunately, today we have entered a fourth wave,” President Hassan Rouhani said in televised remarks. He blamed the surge foremost on the variant that first emerged in the UK which spread to Iran earlier this year from neighbouring Iraq.

Other factors included widespread travel, weddings, and celebrations during the Iranian New Year holidays that began on March 20, he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/these-are-the-three-new-symptoms-of-covid-19-dont-take-them-lightly-375900" hreflang="en">These are the three new symptoms of COVID-19. Don't take them lightly</a>

The UK variant is now predominant in the country, and 257 cities and towns are in red alert, Raisi said.

Iran has been the epicentre of the pandemic in the Middle East. In February, it closed several crossing points with Iraq in an effort to stem the spread of the UK variant.

The country’s vaccination drive has also been slow going.

Tehran says it has received more than 400,000 of 2 million Sputnik V vaccines on order from Russia, and that it is awaiting delivery of 4.2 million AstraZeneca shots.

It has also received 250,000 doses of China’s Sinopharm vaccine and part of an order of 500,000 doses of India’s COVAXIN.

With a population of 83 million, Iran had hoped to secure over 2 million vaccines by March 20 to vaccinate mainly healthcare workers. It is developing at least four local vaccine candidates, one in cooperation with Cuba, which are expected to reach production in a few months.

Iran imposed a 10-day lockdown across most of the country on Saturday to curb the spread of a fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic, state media reported. The lockdown affects 23 of the country’s 31 provinces, health ministry spokesman Alireza Raisi said.

Iran imposed a 10-day lockdown across most of the country on Saturday to curb the spread of a fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic, state media reported. The lockdown affects 23 of the country’s 31 provinces, health ministry spokesman Alireza Raisi said. Businesses, schools, theatres and sports facilities have been forced to shut and gatherings are banned during the holy fasting month of Ramadan that begins on Wednesday. Also read | PM Modi launches 'Tika Utsav' as India records 152,879 new Covid cases Iran’s coronavirus cases have surpassed 2 million with a new daily average of over 20,000 infections over the past week, according to the health ministry. It has reported more than 64,000 fatalities. “Unfortunately, today we have entered a fourth wave,” President Hassan Rouhani said in televised remarks. He blamed the surge foremost on the variant that first emerged in the UK which spread to Iran earlier this year from neighbouring Iraq. Other factors included widespread travel, weddings, and celebrations during the Iranian New Year holidays that began on March 20, he said. Also read | These are the three new symptoms of COVID-19. Don't take them lightly The UK variant is now predominant in the country, and 257 cities and towns are in red alert, Raisi said. Iran has been the epicentre of the pandemic in the Middle East. In February, it closed several crossing points with Iraq in an effort to stem the spread of the UK variant. The country’s vaccination drive has also been slow going. Tehran says it has received more than 400,000 of 2 million Sputnik V vaccines on order from Russia, and that it is awaiting delivery of 4.2 million AstraZeneca shots. It has also received 250,000 doses of China’s Sinopharm vaccine and part of an order of 500,000 doses of India’s COVAXIN. With a population of 83 million, Iran had hoped to secure over 2 million vaccines by March 20 to vaccinate mainly healthcare workers. It is developing at least four local vaccine candidates, one in cooperation with Cuba, which are expected to reach production in a few months.

Iran orders 10-day shutdown amid fourth wave of coronavirus pandemic

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has tested coronavirus positive and has been admitted to a private hospital in Nagpur, sources said on Saturday.

Bhagwat was admitted to the COVID-19 ward on Friday, hospital sources said.

He is stable and under observation, they added.

An RSS functionary also confirmed that Bhagwat has tested positive for the viral infection.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has tested coronavirus positive and has been admitted to a private hospital in Nagpur, sources said on Saturday.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has tested coronavirus positive and has been admitted to a private hospital in Nagpur, sources said on Saturday. Bhagwat was admitted to the COVID-19 ward on Friday, hospital sources said. He is stable and under observation, they added. An RSS functionary also confirmed that Bhagwat has tested positive for the viral infection.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat tests COVID-19 positive, hospitalised

covid-19-3

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

covid 19-3