The World Bank Group will have committed $2 billion in financing by the end of April for Covid-19 vaccines in some 40 developing countries, World Bank Managing Director of Operations Axel van&nbsp;Trotsenburg&nbsp;said on Friday.&nbsp;

The $2 billion is part of a pool of some $12 billion that the World Bank has made available overall for vaccine development, distribution and production in low-and middle-income countries, van&nbsp;Trotsenburg&nbsp;told a World Bank forum.&nbsp;

David Malpass, the World Bank's president, said in separate remarks to the lender's development committee that the bank expects this to expand to $4 billion worth of commitments in 50 countries by mid-year.&nbsp;

But public health officials at the same forum warned that a race between the coronavirus and the vaccines meant to stop it could be lost if the pace of vaccinations in the developing world did not pick up.&nbsp;&nbsp;

World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that existing vaccines could be rendered ineffective if the virus continues to spread and mutate.&nbsp;

"Even those countries who have high coverage of vaccines will not be secure because the new variants that may not be stopped by the vaccines we have, will invade the countries that may have even 100% coverage in a few months," he said.&nbsp;

Tedros called for more political will to boost production of Covid-19 vaccines and share supplies, including through stalled intellectual property waiver on vaccines through the World Trade Organization.&nbsp;

The WTO's Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, or TRIPS waiver was the "elephant in the room" holding back vaccine production, Tedros said, adding that it was meant for emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

"We haven't seen any emergency like this in our lifetime. If we cannot use it now, then when are we going to use it?" Tedros asked. "The mother of all these bottlenecks is lack of political will."&nbsp;

The World Bank Group will have committed $2 billion in financing by the end of April for Covid-19 vaccines in some 40 developing countries, World Bank Managing Director of Operations Axel van Trotsenburg said on Friday.

The World Bank Group will have committed $2 billion in financing by the end of April for Covid-19 vaccines in some 40 developing countries, World Bank Managing Director of Operations Axel van Trotsenburg said on Friday. The $2 billion is part of a pool of some $12 billion that the World Bank has made available overall for vaccine development, distribution and production in low-and middle-income countries, van Trotsenburg told a World Bank forum. David Malpass, the World Bank's president, said in separate remarks to the lender's development committee that the bank expects this to expand to $4 billion worth of commitments in 50 countries by mid-year. But public health officials at the same forum warned that a race between the coronavirus and the vaccines meant to stop it could be lost if the pace of vaccinations in the developing world did not pick up. World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that existing vaccines could be rendered ineffective if the virus continues to spread and mutate. "Even those countries who have high coverage of vaccines will not be secure because the new variants that may not be stopped by the vaccines we have, will invade the countries that may have even 100% coverage in a few months," he said. Tedros called for more political will to boost production of Covid-19 vaccines and share supplies, including through stalled intellectual property waiver on vaccines through the World Trade Organization. The WTO's Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, or TRIPS waiver was the "elephant in the room" holding back vaccine production, Tedros said, adding that it was meant for emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic. "We haven't seen any emergency like this in our lifetime. If we cannot use it now, then when are we going to use it?" Tedros asked. "The mother of all these bottlenecks is lack of political will."

World Bank says to commit $2 billion to vaccines in developing countries by end-April 

India has recorded a massive surge of 131,968 Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours. With this, India's tally now stands at 13,060,542, according to MoHFW.&nbsp;

Active cases are nearing the 1-million mark. India is now the 4th-worst-hit country in terms of active cases.&nbsp;

India also witnessed a grim record of most fatalities due to covid-19 in a single day in 2021, which stood at 802. The death toll from the deadly infection stands at 167,694.&nbsp;

Maharashtra added 56,286 new cases to its tally and the total number of cases has now reached 3,229,547, according to the health department. Delhi on Thursday logged 7,437 coronavirus cases in its highest single-day spike this year.

The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (3,229,547), Kerala (1,144,594), Karnataka (1,033,560), Andhra Pradesh (913,274), and Tamil Nadu (911,110).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said states should observe a 'vaccine festival' between April 11-14 to inoculate the maximum number of eligible beneficiaries against Covid-19.

Over 133 million people have been affected by the coronavirus disease so far, as per the John Hopkins University Covid-19 trackers.

(With inputs from agencies)

India has recorded a massive surge of 131,968 Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours. With this, India's tally now stands at 13,060,542, according to MoHFW. Active cases are nearing the 1-million mark.

India has recorded a massive surge of 131,968 Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours. With this, India's tally now stands at 13,060,542, according to MoHFW. Active cases are nearing the 1-million mark. India is now the 4th-worst-hit country in terms of active cases. India also witnessed a grim record of most fatalities due to covid-19 in a single day in 2021, which stood at 802. The death toll from the deadly infection stands at 167,694. Maharashtra added 56,286 new cases to its tally and the total number of cases has now reached 3,229,547, according to the health department. Delhi on Thursday logged 7,437 coronavirus cases in its highest single-day spike this year. The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (3,229,547), Kerala (1,144,594), Karnataka (1,033,560), Andhra Pradesh (913,274), and Tamil Nadu (911,110). Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said states should observe a 'vaccine festival' between April 11-14 to inoculate the maximum number of eligible beneficiaries against Covid-19. Over 133 million people have been affected by the coronavirus disease so far, as per the John Hopkins University Covid-19 trackers. (With inputs from agencies)

With 131,968 fresh cases, India's Covid-19 caseload tops 13 million

The UK has been ramping the vaccine drive for locals but a senior World Health Organization has warned that the success of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> programme is not enough to protect the country from another wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

Dr Catherine Smallwood, a senior emergency officer at WHO Europe, warned that since the number of cases is still on an alarming increase in the UK, the country is still at risk of facing another wave of the pandemic.

As the non-essential shops, gyms, outdoor restaurants and pubs are set to re-open in the UK, Smallwood said that “very restrictive measures” were holding the cases down.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-covid-data-shows-more-than-6-million-people-have-had-two-doses-of-vaccine-376163" hreflang="en">UK COVID data shows more than 6 million people have had two doses of vaccine</a>

While she has been urging people to get vaccinated to “build our defences” as the UK still has “potential to develop its own sort of renewed resurgence of cases without any involvement from the rest of Europe,” she said.

She also added that the decline in cases in the UK are not a result of the vaccination.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-advises-alternative-to-oxfordastrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-for-under-30s-375953" hreflang="en">Britain advises alternative to Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for under-30s</a>

“The population groups that are really driving transmission are still in the majority since the ones that have not yet been vaccinated as a whole,” Smallwood said. “Transmission can still happen in the UK without any washing up on the shores of the European outbreak.”

Another point raised in her interview was that while the eldest generation, who are more at risk of falling critically ill from coronavirus are being vaccinated, the younger generation, who are more exposed to the deadly virus, is not yet being vaccinated.

“Whenever these things happen, the first thing that we worry about is the level of confidence that people have in both the processes and the vaccines themselves. So yes, of course, it’s a concern. And that’s where transparency, trust and communication are all really, really key here,” she said talking about Wednesday’s communication.

The UK has been ramping the vaccine drive for locals but a senior World Health Organization has warned that the success of the vaccine programme is not enough to protect the country from another wave of coronavirus.

The UK has been ramping the vaccine drive for locals but a senior World Health Organization has warned that the success of the vaccine programme is not enough to protect the country from another wave of coronavirus. Dr Catherine Smallwood, a senior emergency officer at WHO Europe, warned that since the number of cases is still on an alarming increase in the UK, the country is still at risk of facing another wave of the pandemic. As the non-essential shops, gyms, outdoor restaurants and pubs are set to re-open in the UK, Smallwood said that “very restrictive measures” were holding the cases down. Also read | UK COVID data shows more than 6 million people have had two doses of vaccine While she has been urging people to get vaccinated to “build our defences” as the UK still has “potential to develop its own sort of renewed resurgence of cases without any involvement from the rest of Europe,” she said. She also added that the decline in cases in the UK are not a result of the vaccination. Also read | Britain advises alternative to Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for under-30s “The population groups that are really driving transmission are still in the majority since the ones that have not yet been vaccinated as a whole,” Smallwood said. “Transmission can still happen in the UK without any washing up on the shores of the European outbreak.” Another point raised in her interview was that while the eldest generation, who are more at risk of falling critically ill from coronavirus are being vaccinated, the younger generation, who are more exposed to the deadly virus, is not yet being vaccinated. “Whenever these things happen, the first thing that we worry about is the level of confidence that people have in both the processes and the vaccines themselves. So yes, of course, it’s a concern. And that’s where transparency, trust and communication are all really, really key here,” she said talking about Wednesday’s communication.

UK at risk of facing another wave of coronavirus despite vaccines: WHO

More than 20 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine made by the British-Swedish company AstraZeneca are sitting idly in America.

The British-Swedish company has yet to request Food and Drug Administration authorization for the two-dose vaccine, and the company faces safety questions abroad and scrutiny from U.S. regulators.

According to reports, some senior administration officials believe that the administration should let them go abroad where they are desperately needed while others are not ready to relinquish them.

Meanwhile, The U.S. administered an average of 3.1 million Covid-19 shots per day over the last seven days and hit a new record over the weekend with more than 4 million shots administered in a single day as vaccine manufacturing picks up the pace and more mass vaccination sites open.

The pandemic has now killed more than 2.8 million people worldwide, upended economies and lifestyles everywhere and puts huge pressure on health care systems.

And on a global scale, it has not yet abated, despite more than 660 million shots having been administered worldwide.

In an annual report, Wednesday Amnesty International said that richer countries are failing a "rudimentary" test of global solidarity by hoarding Covid vaccines, "leaving countries with the fewest resources to face the worst health and human rights outcomes."

Hard-hit Brazil registered 4,195 deaths from the virus Tuesday, in the deadliest day of the pandemic yet for a country whose total reported toll is now nearly 337,000, second only to the United States.

Elsewhere in Latin America, Argentina notched a record high new daily cases with 20,870 infections, and across the border, in Chile, a coronavirus surge forced President Sebastian Pinera to postpone an election to choose a commission to rewrite the country's constitution.

Meanwhile, India, a vaccine-producing powerhouse, is struggling to contain a record surge in daily infections.

New Delhi on Tuesday imposed an immediate nighttime curfew, and financial hub Mumbai imposed similar measures.

A rare breakthrough in reopening international travel occurred however when Australia and New Zealand -- both largely free of the coronavirus -- announced a two-way, quarantine-free travel corridor starting April 18.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 20 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine made by the British-Swedish company AstraZeneca are sitting idly in America. The British-Swedish company has yet to request Food and Drug Administration authorization for the two-dose vaccine, and the company faces safety questions abroad and scrutiny from U.

More than 20 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine made by the British-Swedish company AstraZeneca are sitting idly in America. The British-Swedish company has yet to request Food and Drug Administration authorization for the two-dose vaccine, and the company faces safety questions abroad and scrutiny from U.S. regulators. According to reports, some senior administration officials believe that the administration should let them go abroad where they are desperately needed while others are not ready to relinquish them. Meanwhile, The U.S. administered an average of 3.1 million Covid-19 shots per day over the last seven days and hit a new record over the weekend with more than 4 million shots administered in a single day as vaccine manufacturing picks up the pace and more mass vaccination sites open. The pandemic has now killed more than 2.8 million people worldwide, upended economies and lifestyles everywhere and puts huge pressure on health care systems. And on a global scale, it has not yet abated, despite more than 660 million shots having been administered worldwide. In an annual report, Wednesday Amnesty International said that richer countries are failing a "rudimentary" test of global solidarity by hoarding Covid vaccines, "leaving countries with the fewest resources to face the worst health and human rights outcomes." Hard-hit Brazil registered 4,195 deaths from the virus Tuesday, in the deadliest day of the pandemic yet for a country whose total reported toll is now nearly 337,000, second only to the United States. Elsewhere in Latin America, Argentina notched a record high new daily cases with 20,870 infections, and across the border, in Chile, a coronavirus surge forced President Sebastian Pinera to postpone an election to choose a commission to rewrite the country's constitution. Meanwhile, India, a vaccine-producing powerhouse, is struggling to contain a record surge in daily infections. New Delhi on Tuesday imposed an immediate nighttime curfew, and financial hub Mumbai imposed similar measures. A rare breakthrough in reopening international travel occurred however when Australia and New Zealand -- both largely free of the coronavirus -- announced a two-way, quarantine-free travel corridor starting April 18. (With inputs from agencies)

US is sitting on 20 million of vaccine doses the world needs

Owing to a surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases, Ontario, one of Canada’s most populous regions, declared a one-month lockdown on Wednesday.

Ontario premier Doug Ford&nbsp;urged residents&nbsp;to stay at home to help bring down the number of rising cases and break the cycle amid fears of the third wave.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-justin-trudeau-warns-of-very-serious-third-wave-of-coronavirus-375837">Canada's Justin Trudeau warns of 'very serious' third wave of coronavirus</a>

“The risks are greater and the stakes are higher,” Ford told people while asking them to focus on following all necessary safety guidelines against coronavirus.

His announcement came almost a week after Ford had to reverse the plans of reopening businesses and a couple of days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned against a very serious third wave in the country.

"Around the world, countries are facing a very serious third wave of this pandemic," Trudeau said. "And right now, so is Canada."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-crosses-1-million-cases-amid-third-wave-of-coronavirus-375216">Canada crosses 1 million cases amid third wave of coronavirus</a>

Canada has already shut down schools and shifted to online/virtual teaching as the cases kept increasing, especially in the younger generation.

The decision to close schools and shift to virtual classes has been taken after it was reported that the younger population was the most affected in the country during the third wave.

"Schools should be the first places in our community to open, and the last to close," Toronto Public Health said in a statement. "Unfortunately, current circumstances require that difficult decisions must be taken locally to protect all those in our school communities.

Owing to a surge in coronavirus cases, Ontario, one of Canada’s most populous regions, declared a one-month lockdown on Wednesday. Ontario premier Doug Ford urged residents to stay at home to help bring down the number of rising cases and break the cycle amid fears of the third wave.

Owing to a surge in coronavirus cases, Ontario, one of Canada’s most populous regions, declared a one-month lockdown on Wednesday. Ontario premier Doug Ford urged residents to stay at home to help bring down the number of rising cases and break the cycle amid fears of the third wave. Also read | Canada's Justin Trudeau warns of 'very serious' third wave of coronavirus “The risks are greater and the stakes are higher,” Ford told people while asking them to focus on following all necessary safety guidelines against coronavirus. His announcement came almost a week after Ford had to reverse the plans of reopening businesses and a couple of days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned against a very serious third wave in the country. "Around the world, countries are facing a very serious third wave of this pandemic," Trudeau said. "And right now, so is Canada." Also read | Canada crosses 1 million cases amid third wave of coronavirus Canada has already shut down schools and shifted to online/virtual teaching as the cases kept increasing, especially in the younger generation. The decision to close schools and shift to virtual classes has been taken after it was reported that the younger population was the most affected in the country during the third wave. "Schools should be the first places in our community to open, and the last to close," Toronto Public Health said in a statement. "Unfortunately, current circumstances require that difficult decisions must be taken locally to protect all those in our school communities.

Canada: Ontario imposes 1-month lockdown amid fears of COVID-19 third wave

Spain and Italy have limited the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to people aged over 60, potentially further slowing the European Union’s sluggish immunization program, which lags behind countries including the U.S., the U.K. and Israel.

These countries will only give AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine to people over 60 years old after European and British regulators found a potential link between the shot and rare brain blood clots.

While the EMA, the EU’s pharmaceuticals regulator, did not change its guidance for who should take the vaccine, it noted that “so far, most of the cases reported [of blood clots] have occurred in women under 60 years of age within two weeks of vaccination”.

Belgium separately restricted the AstraZeneca vaccine to those aged 56 or older for a minimum of four weeks on Wednesday. Australia moved on Thursday to limit further use of the shot in those younger than 50, with Canberra saying the BioNTech/Pfizer inoculation should be used instead.

Europe's and Britain's medicine regulators have both previously said that there is no increased risk of blood clots in general from the shot developed by Oxford and AstraZeneca.

However, both have been investigating small numbers of reports of brain blood clots, known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), that have occurred in combination with unusually low blood platelet levels after people have been given the shot.

(With inputs from agencies)

Spain and Italy have limited the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to people aged over 60, potentially further slowing the European Union’s sluggish immunization program, which lags behind countries including the U.

Spain and Italy have limited the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to people aged over 60, potentially further slowing the European Union’s sluggish immunization program, which lags behind countries including the U.S., the U.K. and Israel. These countries will only give AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine to people over 60 years old after European and British regulators found a potential link between the shot and rare brain blood clots. While the EMA, the EU’s pharmaceuticals regulator, did not change its guidance for who should take the vaccine, it noted that “so far, most of the cases reported [of blood clots] have occurred in women under 60 years of age within two weeks of vaccination”. Belgium separately restricted the AstraZeneca vaccine to those aged 56 or older for a minimum of four weeks on Wednesday. Australia moved on Thursday to limit further use of the shot in those younger than 50, with Canberra saying the BioNTech/Pfizer inoculation should be used instead. Europe's and Britain's medicine regulators have both previously said that there is no increased risk of blood clots in general from the shot developed by Oxford and AstraZeneca. However, both have been investigating small numbers of reports of brain blood clots, known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), that have occurred in combination with unusually low blood platelet levels after people have been given the shot. (With inputs from agencies)

Spain and Italy halt the use of AstraZeneca shot for under-60s

The highly contagious variant of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> first discovered in the United Kingdom has become the most common strain of the virus in the United States as cases continue to climb, a top US health official said on Wednesday.

The strain, known as B.1.1.7, was identified in Britain last fall and has since been detected in 52 jurisdictions in the United States, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky told reporters at a White House briefing.

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U.S. public health officials have urged Americans to get vaccinated as soon as possible in part to prevent new variants of the novel coronavirus from spreading.

The United States has also detected cases of a variant first discovered in South Africa that is thought to be resistant to some COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. That strain has been found in 36 U.S. jurisdictions, according to federal data last updated on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-ontario-imposes-1-month-lockdown-amid-fears-of-third-wave-375982" hreflang="en">Canada: Ontario imposes 1-month lockdown amid fears of third wave</a>

The United States is administering about 3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses per day on average over the past week, up 8% over the previous seven-day average, Walensky said.

Vaccine supply has increased significantly in the United States in recent weeks as Johnson &amp; Johnson has begun making millions of doses of its recently authorized shots. Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have also recently boosted their vaccine production capacity.

U.S. President Joe Biden has doubled his goal for shots administered in his first 100 days in office from 100 million to 200 million and urged states to begin giving shots to all adults by mid-April.&nbsp;

The highly contagious variant of COVID-19 first discovered in the United Kingdom has become the most common strain of the virus in the United States as cases continue to climb, a top US health official said on Wednesday.

The highly contagious variant of COVID-19 first discovered in the United Kingdom has become the most common strain of the virus in the United States as cases continue to climb, a top US health official said on Wednesday. The strain, known as B.1.1.7, was identified in Britain last fall and has since been detected in 52 jurisdictions in the United States, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky told reporters at a White House briefing. Also read | These are the three new symptoms of COVID-19. Don't take them lightly U.S. public health officials have urged Americans to get vaccinated as soon as possible in part to prevent new variants of the novel coronavirus from spreading. The United States has also detected cases of a variant first discovered in South Africa that is thought to be resistant to some COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. That strain has been found in 36 U.S. jurisdictions, according to federal data last updated on Tuesday. Also read | Canada: Ontario imposes 1-month lockdown amid fears of third wave The United States is administering about 3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses per day on average over the past week, up 8% over the previous seven-day average, Walensky said. Vaccine supply has increased significantly in the United States in recent weeks as Johnson & Johnson has begun making millions of doses of its recently authorized shots. Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have also recently boosted their vaccine production capacity. U.S. President Joe Biden has doubled his goal for shots administered in his first 100 days in office from 100 million to 200 million and urged states to begin giving shots to all adults by mid-April.

UK variant of COVID-19 is now most common strain in United States: CDC

Shortly after the Persian new year holidays, Iran is now facing the fourth wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;as millions travelled in and out of the country during the holiday season.

Out of 32 provinces, two (Alborz and Ilam) have been confirmed to be suffering from the fourth wave of the deadly virus. The authorities have also cautioned that seven more provinces are on the verge of entering the phase of the fourth wave.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-strict-coronavirus-restrictions-in-germany-375253" hreflang="en">Thousands protest against strict coronavirus restrictions in Germany</a>

The President, Hassan Rouhani, has cautioned people against a worse situation and has urged people to take all necessary precautions.

“If we don’t have the necessary considerations, we might face this wave in other provinces as well. So we need to be careful,” he said.

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Iran has reported more than 1.9 million coronavirus cases since the pandemic began in 2020 and has lost more than 63,000 lives.

The surge in cases has come two weeks after Nowruz, the Iranian new year, which was celebrated on March 20.

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During the celebratory period of Nowruz, Iranians followed the tradition of travelling to scenic locations with friends and family, which may have contributed to the surge in infections.

Experts have blamed the freedom given to locals to travel within the country to the areas which were not coded as red or orange.

Shortly after the Persian new year holidays, Iran is now facing the fourth wave of coronavirus as millions travelled in and out of the country during the holiday season.

Shortly after the Persian new year holidays, Iran is now facing the fourth wave of coronavirus as millions travelled in and out of the country during the holiday season. Out of 32 provinces, two (Alborz and Ilam) have been confirmed to be suffering from the fourth wave of the deadly virus. The authorities have also cautioned that seven more provinces are on the verge of entering the phase of the fourth wave. Also read | Thousands protest against strict coronavirus restrictions in Germany The President, Hassan Rouhani, has cautioned people against a worse situation and has urged people to take all necessary precautions. “If we don’t have the necessary considerations, we might face this wave in other provinces as well. So we need to be careful,” he said. Also read | Paris medics fear worst of Covid wave still to come Iran has reported more than 1.9 million coronavirus cases since the pandemic began in 2020 and has lost more than 63,000 lives. The surge in cases has come two weeks after Nowruz, the Iranian new year, which was celebrated on March 20. Also read | First baby born in Spain with coronavirus antibodies, reports say During the celebratory period of Nowruz, Iranians followed the tradition of travelling to scenic locations with friends and family, which may have contributed to the surge in infections. Experts have blamed the freedom given to locals to travel within the country to the areas which were not coded as red or orange.

Iran enters fourth wave of coronavirus after Nowruz holidays

Thousand of locals took to the streets in Germany to protest against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> restrictions while the government plans to initiate stricter regulations amid an incoming third wave of the deadly virus.

The protestors started marching from the city centre to the main square in northeastern Stuttgart.

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Present in large numbers, the protestors ignored repeated calls of the police to wear masks and maintain proper social distance. However, there were no major incidents reported.

These protests were organised under a movement called "(Anticonformist)", which opposes social restrictions and has been organising similar demonstrations in Germany since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-set-to-enter-third-lockdown-amid-coronavirus-surge-375143" hreflang="en">France set to enter third lockdown amid coronavirus surge</a>

The demonstrators believe the restrictions being imposed by the government are "over the top" and the government should initiate an end of the lockdown.

Some protestors also accused the government of exaggerating the seriousness of the deadly virus by publishing wrong and increased tally.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-vaccinated-people-spread-the-virus-we-dont-know-scientists-say-374976" hreflang="en">Can vaccinated people spread the virus? We don’t know, scientists say</a>

Demonstrators also raised voices against getting vaccinated, as the officials are urging people to get a jab as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the Angela Merkel-led government is looking at the possibility of introducing uniform measures to contain the spread of the virus and "to stop a third wave if the regional measures are insufficient," a government spokesperson said.

Thousand of locals took to the streets in Germany to protest against the coronavirus restrictions while the government plans to initiate stricter regulations amid an incoming third wave of the deadly virus.

Thousand of locals took to the streets in Germany to protest against the coronavirus restrictions while the government plans to initiate stricter regulations amid an incoming third wave of the deadly virus. The protestors started marching from the city centre to the main square in northeastern Stuttgart. Also read | First baby born in Spain with coronavirus antibodies, reports say Present in large numbers, the protestors ignored repeated calls of the police to wear masks and maintain proper social distance. However, there were no major incidents reported. These protests were organised under a movement called "(Anticonformist)", which opposes social restrictions and has been organising similar demonstrations in Germany since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Also read | France set to enter third lockdown amid coronavirus surge The demonstrators believe the restrictions being imposed by the government are "over the top" and the government should initiate an end of the lockdown. Some protestors also accused the government of exaggerating the seriousness of the deadly virus by publishing wrong and increased tally. Also read | Can vaccinated people spread the virus? We don’t know, scientists say Demonstrators also raised voices against getting vaccinated, as the officials are urging people to get a jab as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the Angela Merkel-led government is looking at the possibility of introducing uniform measures to contain the spread of the virus and "to stop a third wave if the regional measures are insufficient," a government spokesperson said.

Thousands protest against strict coronavirus restrictions in Germany

On Easter, Pope urges nations to quicken Covid vaccines' distribution

Veteran actor Govinda, on Sunday has tested positive for COVID-19 and will remain under home quarantine, his spokesperson confirmed. 
 
The `Hatya` actor`s spokesperson shared, "Despite utmost precautions, unfortunately, Govinda Ahuja has tested positive for Covid 19. He has mild symptoms and is home quarantined."Govinda`s wife Sunita Ahuja requested all those people who came in contact with him in the recent past, to get themselves tested as a precautionary measure. 
 
Earlier in the day, Bollywood&nbsp;actor Akshay Kumar also informed that he had contracted COVID-19 and is currently `under home quarantine`.Recently, Alia Bhatt, Vikrant Messy, Paresh Rawal, Kartik Aaryan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Rohit Saraf were among those who had tested positive for COVID-19. 
 
Earlier, actors Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora, and some others were infected with the virus.In March 2020, Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor, who rose to fame with her song `Baby Doll`, became the first Bollywood celebrity to get infected with COVID-19.&nbsp;

Veteran actor Govinda, on Sunday has tested positive for COVID-19 and will remain under home quarantine, his spokesperson confirmed. The `Hatya` actor`s spokesperson shared, "Despite utmost precautions, unfortunately, Govinda Ahuja has tested positive for Covid 19.

Veteran actor Govinda, on Sunday has tested positive for COVID-19 and will remain under home quarantine, his spokesperson confirmed. The `Hatya` actor`s spokesperson shared, "Despite utmost precautions, unfortunately, Govinda Ahuja has tested positive for Covid 19. He has mild symptoms and is home quarantined."Govinda`s wife Sunita Ahuja requested all those people who came in contact with him in the recent past, to get themselves tested as a precautionary measure. Earlier in the day, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar also informed that he had contracted COVID-19 and is currently `under home quarantine`.Recently, Alia Bhatt, Vikrant Messy, Paresh Rawal, Kartik Aaryan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Rohit Saraf were among those who had tested positive for COVID-19. Earlier, actors Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora, and some others were infected with the virus.In March 2020, Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor, who rose to fame with her song `Baby Doll`, became the first Bollywood celebrity to get infected with COVID-19.

Govinda tests positive for COVID-19, under home quarantine

The United States reaped the fruits Friday of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> campaign against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=2">Covid-19</a> as it became the first nation to reach 100 million people, but Europe's rollout faced fresh impediments and South America tightened restrictions in the face of Brazil's soaring infections.

The United States reported surging job growth and loosened travel curbs as it reached around half of its adult population with at least one dose, with President Joe Biden vowing to cover the vast majority within weeks.

Led by a revival in the leisure and hospitality industries, the US economy created a mammoth 916,000 jobs in March, the Labor Department said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-vaccinated-people-spread-the-virus-we-dont-know-scientists-say-374976" hreflang="en">Can vaccinated people spread the virus? We don’t know, scientists say</a>

But infections remain on the rise in parts of the United States, prompting Biden to urge Americans to keep wearing masks and taking other precautions to stop the pandemic that has killed more than 2.8 million people worldwide.

"I plead with you. Don't give back the progress we've all fought so hard to achieve," Biden said in a brief address.

"We need to finish this job," he said. "We need every American to buckle down and keep their guard up in this homestretch."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meanwhile, updated guidance to say that fully vaccinated people can travel without observing quarantines, although they should still wear masks.

The United States has suffered a catastrophic Covid toll at more than 550,000 people dead, with health measures polarizing the country since last year when Biden's predecessor Donald Trump criticized restrictions.

New woes in Europe

European nations have been struggling to speed up vaccination and several have returned to unpopular lockdowns, with France banning outdoor gatherings of more than six people.

Some of Europe's vaccination woes come from its reliance on the AstraZeneca jab, yet to be approved in the United States, after reports of blood clotting.

Such incidents are rare and the European Medicines Agency has said AstraZeneca is safe. But the Netherlands on Friday followed Germany in halting jabs of the vaccine for people under the age of 60.

"We must err on the side of caution, which is why it is wise to press the pause button now as a precaution," Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said.

Only 10 percent of Europe's total population has received one vaccine dose, and four percent have received two, according to the World Health Organization.

The WHO director for Europe, Hans Kluge, on Thursday called the rollout "unacceptably slow."

Also complicating vaccination efforts is that India, often dubbed the "pharmacy of the world," has slowed down exports as it battles a major surge.

India has been ramping up vaccinations, expanding eligibility to everyone over age 45.

But on Friday the country reported 81,000 daily infections and 469 deaths, the highest since October.

Among those contracting Covid-19 was cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who checked into a Mumbai hospital as a precaution but said he hoped to return home within days.

China — where the pulmonary disease first emerged in 2019 in circumstances that remain a topic of intense speculation — as well as Russia have stepped up exports of their own vaccines.

Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Sinovac said it will double capacity to produce its vaccine to two billion doses a year.

Growing worries over Brazil

One of the worst Covid crises in the world is unfolding in Brazil, which has reported more deaths than any country after the United States with a staggering 66,500 Covid-19 fatalities in March alone.

Latin America's infections have soared past 25 million, according to an AFP tally, likely fueled by a seemingly more contagious variant first detected in Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro on Friday extended restrictions, saying that hospitalizations had started to level off for the first time in weeks.

"You have to give a little more time, no matter how hard it is for companies and for those looking for work to earn a living. These decreases in people-to-people contact are already paying off," Mayor Eduardo Paes told reporters.

The city's famous beaches will remain off limits until April 19, when a daily nighttime curfew will also be lifted.

But he said that schools would reopen for in-person classes Tuesday.

The devastation in Brazil has frightened neighbors already battling their own surging caseloads. Peru and Ecuador announced fresh restrictions and Bolivia sealed the Brazilian border.

"We are in a very critical moment of the pandemic," Chilean government spokesman Jaime Bellolio said as he announced a closure of borders starting Monday.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right ally of Trump, has dismissed the dangers of the virus and aired conspiracy theories, with the country's military chiefs and top ministers exiting in recent days amid the turmoil.

At a field hospital in the suburbs of Sao Paulo, one doctor said she was alarmed at the spread of the virus -- and frustrated to see many of her compatriots ignore face masks, shun social distancing guidelines and even flood to underground parties.

"I see no difference in people's behavior. People don't seem to understand the magnitude of this," said 53-year-old surgeon Marise Gomes.

The United States reaped the fruits Friday of its vaccination campaign against Covid-19 as it became the first nation to reach 100 million people, but Europe's rollout faced fresh impediments and South America tightened restrictions in the face of Brazil's soaring infections.

The United States reaped the fruits Friday of its vaccination campaign against Covid-19 as it became the first nation to reach 100 million people, but Europe's rollout faced fresh impediments and South America tightened restrictions in the face of Brazil's soaring infections. The United States reported surging job growth and loosened travel curbs as it reached around half of its adult population with at least one dose, with President Joe Biden vowing to cover the vast majority within weeks. Led by a revival in the leisure and hospitality industries, the US economy created a mammoth 916,000 jobs in March, the Labor Department said. Also read | Can vaccinated people spread the virus? We don’t know, scientists say But infections remain on the rise in parts of the United States, prompting Biden to urge Americans to keep wearing masks and taking other precautions to stop the pandemic that has killed more than 2.8 million people worldwide. "I plead with you. Don't give back the progress we've all fought so hard to achieve," Biden said in a brief address. "We need to finish this job," he said. "We need every American to buckle down and keep their guard up in this homestretch." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meanwhile, updated guidance to say that fully vaccinated people can travel without observing quarantines, although they should still wear masks. The United States has suffered a catastrophic Covid toll at more than 550,000 people dead, with health measures polarizing the country since last year when Biden's predecessor Donald Trump criticized restrictions. New woes in Europe European nations have been struggling to speed up vaccination and several have returned to unpopular lockdowns, with France banning outdoor gatherings of more than six people. Some of Europe's vaccination woes come from its reliance on the AstraZeneca jab, yet to be approved in the United States, after reports of blood clotting. Such incidents are rare and the European Medicines Agency has said AstraZeneca is safe. But the Netherlands on Friday followed Germany in halting jabs of the vaccine for people under the age of 60. "We must err on the side of caution, which is why it is wise to press the pause button now as a precaution," Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said. Only 10 percent of Europe's total population has received one vaccine dose, and four percent have received two, according to the World Health Organization. The WHO director for Europe, Hans Kluge, on Thursday called the rollout "unacceptably slow." Also complicating vaccination efforts is that India, often dubbed the "pharmacy of the world," has slowed down exports as it battles a major surge. India has been ramping up vaccinations, expanding eligibility to everyone over age 45. But on Friday the country reported 81,000 daily infections and 469 deaths, the highest since October. Among those contracting Covid-19 was cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who checked into a Mumbai hospital as a precaution but said he hoped to return home within days. China — where the pulmonary disease first emerged in 2019 in circumstances that remain a topic of intense speculation — as well as Russia have stepped up exports of their own vaccines. Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Sinovac said it will double capacity to produce its vaccine to two billion doses a year. Growing worries over Brazil One of the worst Covid crises in the world is unfolding in Brazil, which has reported more deaths than any country after the United States with a staggering 66,500 Covid-19 fatalities in March alone. Latin America's infections have soared past 25 million, according to an AFP tally, likely fueled by a seemingly more contagious variant first detected in Brazil. Rio de Janeiro on Friday extended restrictions, saying that hospitalizations had started to level off for the first time in weeks. "You have to give a little more time, no matter how hard it is for companies and for those looking for work to earn a living. These decreases in people-to-people contact are already paying off," Mayor Eduardo Paes told reporters. The city's famous beaches will remain off limits until April 19, when a daily nighttime curfew will also be lifted. But he said that schools would reopen for in-person classes Tuesday. The devastation in Brazil has frightened neighbors already battling their own surging caseloads. Peru and Ecuador announced fresh restrictions and Bolivia sealed the Brazilian border. "We are in a very critical moment of the pandemic," Chilean government spokesman Jaime Bellolio said as he announced a closure of borders starting Monday. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right ally of Trump, has dismissed the dangers of the virus and aired conspiracy theories, with the country's military chiefs and top ministers exiting in recent days amid the turmoil. At a field hospital in the suburbs of Sao Paulo, one doctor said she was alarmed at the spread of the virus -- and frustrated to see many of her compatriots ignore face masks, shun social distancing guidelines and even flood to underground parties. "I see no difference in people's behavior. People don't seem to understand the magnitude of this," said 53-year-old surgeon Marise Gomes.

US reaches 100 million with vaccines as Europe faces hiccups

Many countries shut down and went into another lockdown as the second wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> pandemic hit the world.

However, Russia was one of the few countries that didn’t initiate another lockdown, and it now seems to be paying a price for it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-vaccinated-people-spread-the-virus-we-dont-know-scientists-say-374976" hreflang="en">Can vaccinated people spread the virus? We don’t know, scientists say</a>

Russia’s death toll from coronavirus increased to 24,369 in February, which is nearly double the initial tally.

The data released by the Federal Statistics Service, on Friday, included people who had contracted the deadly virus. However, whether or not the actual cause of death was COVId-19 has not been made clear yet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-study-finds-almost-one-in-seven-suffer-long-covid-symptoms-374862" hreflang="en">British study finds almost one in seven suffer long Covid symptoms</a>

Authorities also raised the overall deaths in Russia due to coronavirus to 225,572 after the death toll for January was revised to a higher number.

The increased death toll from the coronavirus pandemic has raised alarm and has also brought criticism for the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, who opted out of imposing a lockdown to help boost the economy.

However, Putin’s trial&nbsp;of cushioning the economy has led to Russia registering third-most deaths in the world due to the coronavirus pandemic — just after the US and Brazil.

Many countries shut down and went into another lockdown as the second wave of coronavirus pandemic hit the world. However, Russia was one of the few countries that didn’t initiate another lockdown, and it now seems to be paying a price for it.

Many countries shut down and went into another lockdown as the second wave of coronavirus pandemic hit the world. However, Russia was one of the few countries that didn’t initiate another lockdown, and it now seems to be paying a price for it. Also read | Can vaccinated people spread the virus? We don’t know, scientists say Russia’s death toll from coronavirus increased to 24,369 in February, which is nearly double the initial tally. The data released by the Federal Statistics Service, on Friday, included people who had contracted the deadly virus. However, whether or not the actual cause of death was COVId-19 has not been made clear yet. Also read | British study finds almost one in seven suffer long Covid symptoms Authorities also raised the overall deaths in Russia due to coronavirus to 225,572 after the death toll for January was revised to a higher number. The increased death toll from the coronavirus pandemic has raised alarm and has also brought criticism for the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, who opted out of imposing a lockdown to help boost the economy. However, Putin’s trial of cushioning the economy has led to Russia registering third-most deaths in the world due to the coronavirus pandemic — just after the US and Brazil.

Russia claims February Covid death toll double the initial number

Amid rising cases of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> in the country, France is set to enter the third lockdown beginning Saturday.

The decision has come a few days after the French president Emmanuel Macron had hinted against imposing a lockdown. However, after heavy criticism, the government decided to impose another lockdown to contain the widespread of the deadly virus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-orders-closure-of-schools-amid-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-374640">Macron orders closure of schools amid surge in coronavirus cases</a>

Macron is also hoping to utilise this time to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinate</a> as many people as possible. “We will do everything to vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate! Without rest, without holidays. Saturday and Sunday just like in the week,” he said.

He has also claimed that France will have caught up with the UK on the number of people being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus.

"In a few weeks we will have completely caught up with the British, who will meanwhile be increasingly dependent on us to vaccinate their population," he told a local newspaper.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-will-depend-on-us-soon-macron-assured-france-will-match-britain-vaccine-targets-soon-373926">'UK will depend on us soon': Macron assured France will match Britain vaccine targets soon</a>

The order of lockdown came a little after Macron announced a temporary closure of schools in the country.

"We have adopted a strategy since the beginning of the year that aims to contain the epidemic without shutting ourselves in," he said.

On Wednesday, while addressing the nation with the concern of rising cases, Macron announced the tightening of restrictions in form of school closure, travel restrictions across the country and closure of non-essential shops.

Earlier, Macron had said that by not imposing lockdown, "we gained precious weeks of liberty, weeks of learning for our children, we allowed hundreds of thousands of workers to keep their head above water, without losing control of the epidemic".

Amid rising cases of coronavirus in the country, France is set to enter the third lockdown beginning Saturday. The decision has come a few days after the French president Emmanuel Macron had hinted against imposing a lockdown.

Amid rising cases of coronavirus in the country, France is set to enter the third lockdown beginning Saturday. The decision has come a few days after the French president Emmanuel Macron had hinted against imposing a lockdown. However, after heavy criticism, the government decided to impose another lockdown to contain the widespread of the deadly virus. Also read | Macron orders closure of schools amid surge in coronavirus cases Macron is also hoping to utilise this time to vaccinate as many people as possible. “We will do everything to vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate! Without rest, without holidays. Saturday and Sunday just like in the week,” he said. He has also claimed that France will have caught up with the UK on the number of people being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. "In a few weeks we will have completely caught up with the British, who will meanwhile be increasingly dependent on us to vaccinate their population," he told a local newspaper. Also read | 'UK will depend on us soon': Macron assured France will match Britain vaccine targets soon The order of lockdown came a little after Macron announced a temporary closure of schools in the country. "We have adopted a strategy since the beginning of the year that aims to contain the epidemic without shutting ourselves in," he said. On Wednesday, while addressing the nation with the concern of rising cases, Macron announced the tightening of restrictions in form of school closure, travel restrictions across the country and closure of non-essential shops. Earlier, Macron had said that by not imposing lockdown, "we gained precious weeks of liberty, weeks of learning for our children, we allowed hundreds of thousands of workers to keep their head above water, without losing control of the epidemic".

France set to enter third lockdown amid coronavirus surge

India reported 81,466 new COVID-19 infections on Friday, the highest daily number in six months, as several states were hit by a second wave of the coronavirus. 
 
Health ministry data showed the total number of cases surged to 12.3 million, making India the third-most hit country from the virus after the United States and Brazil. The number of those dead rose by 469 to 163,396. 
 
Vaccination drives have been intensified amid the recent surge of cases, and many states are considering imposing fresh curbs on the movement of people. 
 
Maharashtra, the western state that has been worst-hit from COVID-19 so far, reported as many as 43,183 new cases on Friday - it's highest since the pandemic spread to India in March 2020. Officials in the state-imposed a night curfew over the weekend but are considering stricter control measures, including shutting down religious places and restricting train travel. 
 
India imposed one of the world`s harshest lockdowns to control the coronavirus early last year, but it was eased to salvage the economy, and cases gradually fell later in the year. The new surge this year presents a challenge to the government, which already struggled to implement last year`s lockdown. 
 
Infection numbers were also up on Friday in the states of Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

India reported 81,466 new COVID-19 infections on Friday, the highest daily number in six months, as several states were hit by a second wave of the coronavirus. Health ministry data showed the total number of cases surged to 12.

India reported 81,466 new COVID-19 infections on Friday, the highest daily number in six months, as several states were hit by a second wave of the coronavirus. Health ministry data showed the total number of cases surged to 12.3 million, making India the third-most hit country from the virus after the United States and Brazil. The number of those dead rose by 469 to 163,396. Vaccination drives have been intensified amid the recent surge of cases, and many states are considering imposing fresh curbs on the movement of people. Maharashtra, the western state that has been worst-hit from COVID-19 so far, reported as many as 43,183 new cases on Friday - it's highest since the pandemic spread to India in March 2020. Officials in the state-imposed a night curfew over the weekend but are considering stricter control measures, including shutting down religious places and restricting train travel. India imposed one of the world`s harshest lockdowns to control the coronavirus early last year, but it was eased to salvage the economy, and cases gradually fell later in the year. The new surge this year presents a challenge to the government, which already struggled to implement last year`s lockdown. Infection numbers were also up on Friday in the states of Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

India reports six-month high of COVID-19 daily infections amid new curbs

Long-Covid symptoms are affecting a large part of the population in the UK, with about half that number saying the disease is harming their day-to-day lives, government statistics show.

People were asked to report their own symptoms and the most common ongoing problems included fatigue, a cough, headaches and muscle pain.

The Office for National Statistics said the study of over 20,000 people who had tested positive from April last year to March this year found 13.7 per cent had symptoms that lasted for at least 12 weeks. 
 
Gravitas: UK &amp; Israel vaccinated over 50% of their population. Here is the result

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This was based on people's self-reported symptoms of so-called "long Covid". The list of 13 symptoms included fatigue, muscle pain and difficulty concentrating as well as loss of taste and smell.

Women were more likely (14.7 per cent) to report such long-lasting symptoms than men (12.7 per cent).

Those aged 35-49 were most likely to report symptoms at five weeks (25.6 per cent).

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<h5>About 6% of the population was hesitant to take vaccines against the virus, down from 9% previously in early December.</h5>
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The study of UK patients was based on a random sample of 21,622 participants who tested positive from swabs and were asked about their symptoms monthly.

A control group who were unlikely to have been infected was also set up. It found they were eight times less likely to have such symptoms.

A larger survey of 1.1 million people self-reported long Covid over the four weeks ending March 6, 2021, the ONS said.

Ben Humberstone, Head of Health Analysis and Life Events at the ONS said this was its first analysis of new data and "our understanding of it and its quality will improve over time".

Long Covid "is an emerging phenomenon that is not yet fully understood", he added.

Britain, one of the countries worst hit by the pandemic, has recorded nearly 127,000 deaths from Covid and 4,350,266 cases.

However, the number of daily deaths and positive tests have fallen steadily amid a strong vaccination campaign.

(With inputs from agencies)

Long-Covid symptoms are affecting a large part of the population in the UK, with about half that number saying the disease is harming their day-to-day lives, government statistics show.

Long-Covid symptoms are affecting a large part of the population in the UK, with about half that number saying the disease is harming their day-to-day lives, government statistics show. People were asked to report their own symptoms and the most common ongoing problems included fatigue, a cough, headaches and muscle pain. The Office for National Statistics said the study of over 20,000 people who had tested positive from April last year to March this year found 13.7 per cent had symptoms that lasted for at least 12 weeks. Gravitas: UK & Israel vaccinated over 50% of their population. Here is the result This was based on people's self-reported symptoms of so-called "long Covid". The list of 13 symptoms included fatigue, muscle pain and difficulty concentrating as well as loss of taste and smell. Women were more likely (14.7 per cent) to report such long-lasting symptoms than men (12.7 per cent). Those aged 35-49 were most likely to report symptoms at five weeks (25.6 per cent). About 6% of the population was hesitant to take vaccines against the virus, down from 9% previously in early December. × The study of UK patients was based on a random sample of 21,622 participants who tested positive from swabs and were asked about their symptoms monthly. A control group who were unlikely to have been infected was also set up. It found they were eight times less likely to have such symptoms. A larger survey of 1.1 million people self-reported long Covid over the four weeks ending March 6, 2021, the ONS said. Ben Humberstone, Head of Health Analysis and Life Events at the ONS said this was its first analysis of new data and "our understanding of it and its quality will improve over time". Long Covid "is an emerging phenomenon that is not yet fully understood", he added. Britain, one of the countries worst hit by the pandemic, has recorded nearly 127,000 deaths from Covid and 4,350,266 cases. However, the number of daily deaths and positive tests have fallen steadily amid a strong vaccination campaign. (With inputs from agencies)

British study finds almost one in seven suffer long Covid symptoms

The coronavirus has brought several major losses and cultural venues and heritage sites have also suffered losses in the pandemic-hit economy.

Making sure the cultural venues and heritage sites do not suffer huge losses, the UK government has decided to offer £400 million in grants to aid the recovery of these venues.

Nearly 2,700 organisations will benefit from the grants, the ministry of culture claimed in a statement.

This money has come from the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, which was set up by the government to help the sector survive the losses incurred due to the continuous lockdowns, owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

The fund has “helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they've ever faced,” said Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden. “Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors.”

To restore the historic monuments, the English Heritage Trust will be given £23.4 million to cover the coronavirus pandemic-related losses and essential maintenance cost.

For now, all museums, theatres and cinemas have been temporarily suspended at least till May 17. The Boris Johnson-led government is hoping to resume these services after a drop in the coronavirus cases.

These grants have been provided by the National Football Museum in Manchester, the Royal Shakespeare Company and a number of independent cinemas and theatres.

The coronavirus has brought several major losses and cultural venues and heritage sites have also suffered losses in the pandemic-hit economy. Making sure the cultural venues and heritage sites do not suffer huge losses, the UK government has decided to offer £400 million in grants to aid the recovery of these venues.

The coronavirus has brought several major losses and cultural venues and heritage sites have also suffered losses in the pandemic-hit economy. Making sure the cultural venues and heritage sites do not suffer huge losses, the UK government has decided to offer £400 million in grants to aid the recovery of these venues. Nearly 2,700 organisations will benefit from the grants, the ministry of culture claimed in a statement. This money has come from the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, which was set up by the government to help the sector survive the losses incurred due to the continuous lockdowns, owing to the coronavirus pandemic. The fund has “helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they've ever faced,” said Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden. “Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors.” To restore the historic monuments, the English Heritage Trust will be given £23.4 million to cover the coronavirus pandemic-related losses and essential maintenance cost. For now, all museums, theatres and cinemas have been temporarily suspended at least till May 17. The Boris Johnson-led government is hoping to resume these services after a drop in the coronavirus cases. These grants have been provided by the National Football Museum in Manchester, the Royal Shakespeare Company and a number of independent cinemas and theatres.

UK government to offer £400 million to restore cultural heritage

India reported 72,330 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases and 459 related deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the union health ministry on Thursday.

With these additional cases, the total number of Covid-19 cases in the country reached 1,22,21,665.

With 459 new deaths, the death toll in India has soared up to 1,62,927. There are 5,84,055 active cases in the nation as of now.

Furthermore, 40,382 people were discharged after recovery on Wednesday, taking the nationwide recovery tally to 1,14,74,683.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sends-covid-19-vaccines-to-over-80-countries-fiji-the-latest-entrant-374440" hreflang="en">India sends COVID-19 vaccines to over 80 countries, Fiji the latest entrant</a>

As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 11,25,681 samples were tested on Wednesday. A total of 24,47,98,621 samples have been tested so far.

Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a total of 6,51,17,896 people have been vaccinated across the country till now. From today, the government will vaccinate all above 45 years.

India had started its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> drive on January 16 with priority given to all healthcare and frontline workers in the first phase. The second phase started on March 1 where doses are being administered to people above the age of 60 and those between 45 and 59 years with specific comorbidities.

With several parts of the country witnessing a spike in Covid-19 cases, the central government on Tuesday warned that the situation is going from "bad to worse" and urged states to achieve 100 per cent vaccination coverage of those above the age of 45 years in surge districts within the next two weeks.&nbsp;

India reported 72,330 new COVID-19 cases and 459 related deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the union health ministry on Thursday. With these additional cases, the total number of Covid-19 cases in the country reached 1,22,21,665.

India reported 72,330 new COVID-19 cases and 459 related deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the union health ministry on Thursday. With these additional cases, the total number of Covid-19 cases in the country reached 1,22,21,665. With 459 new deaths, the death toll in India has soared up to 1,62,927. There are 5,84,055 active cases in the nation as of now. Furthermore, 40,382 people were discharged after recovery on Wednesday, taking the nationwide recovery tally to 1,14,74,683. Also read | India sends COVID-19 vaccines to over 80 countries, Fiji the latest entrant As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 11,25,681 samples were tested on Wednesday. A total of 24,47,98,621 samples have been tested so far. Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a total of 6,51,17,896 people have been vaccinated across the country till now. From today, the government will vaccinate all above 45 years. India had started its vaccination drive on January 16 with priority given to all healthcare and frontline workers in the first phase. The second phase started on March 1 where doses are being administered to people above the age of 60 and those between 45 and 59 years with specific comorbidities. With several parts of the country witnessing a spike in Covid-19 cases, the central government on Tuesday warned that the situation is going from "bad to worse" and urged states to achieve 100 per cent vaccination coverage of those above the age of 45 years in surge districts within the next two weeks.

India reports 72,330 new COVID-19 cases, 459 deaths in 24 hours

The Central government on Thursday said that vaccination against coronavirus will be offered on all days in the month of April at both public and private sector vaccination centres.

The Centre has written to all States and Union Territories today and asked them to make necessary arrangements to provide COVID vaccination in these covid vaccination centres on all days of the month including gazetted holidays during April 2021, the ministry said.

"This step has been taken after detailed deliberations with the States/UTs on 31st March, 2021 to optimally utilize all COVID Vaccination Centres across the public and private sectors to ensure rapid increase in the pace and coverage of COVID vaccination. This decision is in line with the graded and pro-active approach employed by the Government of India along with the States/UTs for COVID-19 vaccination," it said.

The decision comes on a day when the third phase of vaccination began in India on Thursday, with all those above 45 years of age eligible to get the jabs.

&nbsp;On Thursday, India recorded a massive surge in the number of Covid-19 cases, reporting 72,330 cases in the last 24 hours.

With the latest addition, the country's tally has soared to 12,221,665, according to the government. The active cases have hit 584,055, and India is now the fifth-worst hit country. The death toll from the deadly infection jumped to 162,960.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Central government on Thursday said that vaccination against coronavirus will be offered on all days in the month of April at both public and private sector vaccination centres.

The Central government on Thursday said that vaccination against coronavirus will be offered on all days in the month of April at both public and private sector vaccination centres. The Centre has written to all States and Union Territories today and asked them to make necessary arrangements to provide COVID vaccination in these covid vaccination centres on all days of the month including gazetted holidays during April 2021, the ministry said. "This step has been taken after detailed deliberations with the States/UTs on 31st March, 2021 to optimally utilize all COVID Vaccination Centres across the public and private sectors to ensure rapid increase in the pace and coverage of COVID vaccination. This decision is in line with the graded and pro-active approach employed by the Government of India along with the States/UTs for COVID-19 vaccination," it said. The decision comes on a day when the third phase of vaccination began in India on Thursday, with all those above 45 years of age eligible to get the jabs. On Thursday, India recorded a massive surge in the number of Covid-19 cases, reporting 72,330 cases in the last 24 hours. With the latest addition, the country's tally has soared to 12,221,665, according to the government. The active cases have hit 584,055, and India is now the fifth-worst hit country. The death toll from the deadly infection jumped to 162,960. (With inputs from agencies)

At all public and private sector centres: Covid vaccination throughout April, including gazetted holidays

The Vice Presidential Nominee, Sarah Palin, has tested positive for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> and is now urging people to take precautions against the deadly virus.

Palin, the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, is now urging people to wear masks in public.

"Through it all, I view wearing that cumbersome mask indoors in a crowd as not only allowing the newfound luxury of being incognito, but trust it’s better than doing nothing to slow the spread," Palin said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stay-home-experts-warn-new-covid-surge-to-be-worse-than-2020-374698">'Stay home': Experts warn COVID new surge to be worse than 2020</a>

"And history will show we Masked Singer visitors were masked before being masked was cool."

Palin's family has also tested positive for the deadly virus and said her testing positive shows "anyone can catch this" virus.

"As confident as I'd like to be about my own health, and despite my joking that I'm blessed to constantly breathe in the most sterile (frozen!) air, my case is perhaps one of those that proves anyone can catch this," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-15-million-doses-of-johnson-johnson-coronavirus-vaccine-destroyed-374630" hreflang="en">Nearly 15 million doses of Johnson &amp; Johnson coronavirus vaccine destroyed</a>

Urging vigilance, she asked people to not be scared of it and "use common sense to avoid spreading this and every other virus out there".

She has also urged people to reprioritise "some personal time and resources to ensure as healthy a lifestyle as you can create so when viruses do hit, you have at least some armor to fight it."

Palin said she got tested after one day "one of my daughters awoke to having lost her sense of taste and smell [and] immediately had a positive COVID test, then was quarantined in isolation."

She then "observed symptoms in my son Trig, who curiously is the most enthusiastic mask-wearer, and after our numerous negative tests over the year, he tested positive."

While she tested negative the first time, her "symptoms started overnight with a slight fever and sore muscles".

The Vice Presidential Nominee, Sarah Palin, has tested positive for coronavirus and is now urging people to take precautions against the deadly virus. Palin, the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, is now urging people to wear masks in public.

The Vice Presidential Nominee, Sarah Palin, has tested positive for coronavirus and is now urging people to take precautions against the deadly virus. Palin, the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, is now urging people to wear masks in public. "Through it all, I view wearing that cumbersome mask indoors in a crowd as not only allowing the newfound luxury of being incognito, but trust it’s better than doing nothing to slow the spread," Palin said. Also read | 'Stay home': Experts warn COVID new surge to be worse than 2020 "And history will show we Masked Singer visitors were masked before being masked was cool." Palin's family has also tested positive for the deadly virus and said her testing positive shows "anyone can catch this" virus. "As confident as I'd like to be about my own health, and despite my joking that I'm blessed to constantly breathe in the most sterile (frozen!) air, my case is perhaps one of those that proves anyone can catch this," she said. Also read | Nearly 15 million doses of Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine destroyed Urging vigilance, she asked people to not be scared of it and "use common sense to avoid spreading this and every other virus out there". She has also urged people to reprioritise "some personal time and resources to ensure as healthy a lifestyle as you can create so when viruses do hit, you have at least some armor to fight it." Palin said she got tested after one day "one of my daughters awoke to having lost her sense of taste and smell [and] immediately had a positive COVID test, then was quarantined in isolation." She then "observed symptoms in my son Trig, who curiously is the most enthusiastic mask-wearer, and after our numerous negative tests over the year, he tested positive." While she tested negative the first time, her "symptoms started overnight with a slight fever and sore muscles".

'Use common sense and wear masks': Sarah Palin urges people after testing positive for Covid

As several countries experience a surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases, the head of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has warned that the region could face a more severe spike in cases than last year.

PAHO Director Carissa Etienne said it is "no accident" that so many countries are observing a surge in coronavirus cases with the incoming summer vacation season in the Southern Hemisphere.

"Without preventive action, our region could face an upsurge even larger than the last one," Etienne said. "So, let me be as clear as possible. My main guidance for places experiencing surges in transmission can be summarised in two words: stay home."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-15-million-doses-of-johnson-johnson-coronavirus-vaccine-destroyed-374630" hreflang="en">US: 15 million doses of Johnson &amp; Johnson coronavirus vaccine destroyed</a>

PAHO, America's chapter of WHO, has reported that the region has been reporting more than a million cases on a daily basis.

"For the past four weeks, we have been reporting around 1 million new cases on average every 7 days. This indicates that transmission is still very active in far too many places in our Region," PAHO claimed in the media briefing.

"The number of deaths also remain high, with more than 34,000 deaths registered just last week (March 22 to 29). Brazil, Peru, Chile, and Paraguay have been reporting the highest rates."

Authorities have also urged experts to increase surveillance to make sure people stay at home and not spread or contract the virus.

"We urge our Member States to reinforce surveillance and act at the first sign that cases are rising. Don’t wait until you are overwhelmed. The risks for your people and health systems are too high."

PAHO also highlighted the challenge of procuring vaccine doses. "As we celebrate progress, we cannot close our eyes to the fact that vaccine supply continues to be our greatest challenge. A large part of this is due to delays in production as manufacturers rush to scale up capacity. But we are also seeing far too many examples of vaccine nationalism, which limits global availability even further."

As several countries experience a surge in coronavirus cases, the head of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has warned that the region could face a more severe spike in cases than last year.

As several countries experience a surge in coronavirus cases, the head of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has warned that the region could face a more severe spike in cases than last year. PAHO Director Carissa Etienne said it is "no accident" that so many countries are observing a surge in coronavirus cases with the incoming summer vacation season in the Southern Hemisphere. "Without preventive action, our region could face an upsurge even larger than the last one," Etienne said. "So, let me be as clear as possible. My main guidance for places experiencing surges in transmission can be summarised in two words: stay home." Also read | US: 15 million doses of Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine destroyed PAHO, America's chapter of WHO, has reported that the region has been reporting more than a million cases on a daily basis. "For the past four weeks, we have been reporting around 1 million new cases on average every 7 days. This indicates that transmission is still very active in far too many places in our Region," PAHO claimed in the media briefing. "The number of deaths also remain high, with more than 34,000 deaths registered just last week (March 22 to 29). Brazil, Peru, Chile, and Paraguay have been reporting the highest rates." Authorities have also urged experts to increase surveillance to make sure people stay at home and not spread or contract the virus. "We urge our Member States to reinforce surveillance and act at the first sign that cases are rising. Don’t wait until you are overwhelmed. The risks for your people and health systems are too high." PAHO also highlighted the challenge of procuring vaccine doses. "As we celebrate progress, we cannot close our eyes to the fact that vaccine supply continues to be our greatest challenge. A large part of this is due to delays in production as manufacturers rush to scale up capacity. But we are also seeing far too many examples of vaccine nationalism, which limits global availability even further."

'Stay home': Experts warn new COVID surge to be worse than 2020

Russia has registered the world's first vaccine for animals against Covid-19, its agricultural regulator said on Wednesday, after tests showed it generated antibodies against the virus in dogs, cats, foxes and mink.&nbsp;

Mass production of the vaccine, called Carnivac-Cov, can start in April, regulator Rosselkhoznadzor said.&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation has expressed concern over the transmission of the virus between humans and animals. The regulator said the vaccine would be able to protect vulnerable species and thwart viral mutations.&nbsp;

Russia has so far only registered two cases of Covid-19 among animals, both in cats.&nbsp;

Denmark culled all 17 million mink on its farms last year after concluding that a strain of the virus had passed from humans to mink and that mutated strains of the virus had then turned up among people.&nbsp;

Rosselkhoznadzor said Russian fur farms planned to buy the vaccine, along with businesses in Greece, Poland and Austria. Russia's fur farm industry accounts for around 3% of the global market, down from 30% in the Soviet era, according to the main trade body.&nbsp;

Alexander Gintsburg, head of the institute that developed Russia's Sputnik V human vaccine, was quoted in Izvestia newspaper on Monday as saying Covid-19 was likely to hit animals next.&nbsp;

“The next stage of the epidemic is the infection with the coronavirus of farm and domestic animals," Gintsburg said.&nbsp;

Some scientists say that cats and dogs do not play a major role in transmitting the coronavirus to humans and that their own symptoms are often mild if they contract Covid-19.&nbsp;

Clinical trials of the Russian animal vaccine began in October last year and involved dogs, cats, Arctic foxes, mink, foxes and other animals.&nbsp;

"The results of the trials allow us to conclude that the vaccine is safe and highly immunogenic as all the vaccinated animals developed antibodies to the coronavirus," Konstantin Savenkov, Rosselkhoznadzor's deputy head, said in the statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia has registered the world's first vaccine for animals against Covid-19, its agricultural regulator said on Wednesday, after tests showed it generated antibodies against the virus in dogs, cats, foxes and mink.

Russia has registered the world's first vaccine for animals against Covid-19, its agricultural regulator said on Wednesday, after tests showed it generated antibodies against the virus in dogs, cats, foxes and mink. Mass production of the vaccine, called Carnivac-Cov, can start in April, regulator Rosselkhoznadzor said. The World Health Organisation has expressed concern over the transmission of the virus between humans and animals. The regulator said the vaccine would be able to protect vulnerable species and thwart viral mutations. Russia has so far only registered two cases of Covid-19 among animals, both in cats. Denmark culled all 17 million mink on its farms last year after concluding that a strain of the virus had passed from humans to mink and that mutated strains of the virus had then turned up among people. Rosselkhoznadzor said Russian fur farms planned to buy the vaccine, along with businesses in Greece, Poland and Austria. Russia's fur farm industry accounts for around 3% of the global market, down from 30% in the Soviet era, according to the main trade body. Alexander Gintsburg, head of the institute that developed Russia's Sputnik V human vaccine, was quoted in Izvestia newspaper on Monday as saying Covid-19 was likely to hit animals next. “The next stage of the epidemic is the infection with the coronavirus of farm and domestic animals," Gintsburg said. Some scientists say that cats and dogs do not play a major role in transmitting the coronavirus to humans and that their own symptoms are often mild if they contract Covid-19. Clinical trials of the Russian animal vaccine began in October last year and involved dogs, cats, Arctic foxes, mink, foxes and other animals. "The results of the trials allow us to conclude that the vaccine is safe and highly immunogenic as all the vaccinated animals developed antibodies to the coronavirus," Konstantin Savenkov, Rosselkhoznadzor's deputy head, said in the statement. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, Russia registers Covid-19 vaccine for animals 

The US and UK have criticised the World Health Organization (WHO) on its report looking into the beginnings of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> pandemics.

US and UK, along with 12 other countries, have issued a statement of resistance against the WHO's report and have accused China of "withholding access to complete, original data and samples".

This statement has come after the WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus criticised the lack of data access from China about the study of the origins of coronavirus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-criticises-lack-of-data-access-from-china-for-covid-origins-study-374325">WHO chief criticises lack of data access from China for Covid origins' study</a>

"In my discussions with the team, they expressed the difficulties they encountered in accessing raw data," Tedros had said. "I expect future collaborative studies to include more timely and comprehensive data sharing."

The resistance has come in relation to the report issued by the WHO and Chinese experts who worked together to work out the cause and beginning of the coronavirus — with a conclusion stating the pandemic probably began in humans from animals.

However, the conclusion had attracted massive criticism from various government and international groups.&nbsp;

The statement, issued by 14 countries, has criticised the delay in the investigation and has demanded timely access for independent experts in future pandemics.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-briefs-on-covid-19-origin-report-374327">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-briefs-on-covid-19-origin-report-374327/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It has also pointed out the alleged politics associated with the investigation, with countries alleging China has been allowed to excuse itself from providing data for the origin of coronavirus pandemic.

The White House, individually, too, has urged the WHo to take additional steps to determine the origin of this pandemic, which has taken millions of lives around the world.

"There’s a second stage in this process that we believe should be led by international and independent experts," White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, told reporters.

"They should have unfettered access to data. They should be able to ask questions of people who are on the ground at this point in time, and that’s a step the WHO could take," she added.

Tedros has also claimed that his team faced issues in gaining data and access to information, as needed.

"Although the team has concluded that a laboratory leak is the least likely hypothesis, this requires further investigation, potentially with additional missions involving specialist experts, which I am ready to deploy," he said.

The US and UK have criticised the World Health Organization (WHO) on its report looking into the beginnings of the coronavirus pandemics. US and UK, along with 12 other countries, have issued a statement of resistance against the WHO's report and have accused China of "withholding access to complete, original data and samples".

The US and UK have criticised the World Health Organization (WHO) on its report looking into the beginnings of the coronavirus pandemics. US and UK, along with 12 other countries, have issued a statement of resistance against the WHO's report and have accused China of "withholding access to complete, original data and samples". This statement has come after the WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus criticised the lack of data access from China about the study of the origins of coronavirus. Also read | WHO chief criticises lack of data access from China for Covid origins' study "In my discussions with the team, they expressed the difficulties they encountered in accessing raw data," Tedros had said. "I expect future collaborative studies to include more timely and comprehensive data sharing." The resistance has come in relation to the report issued by the WHO and Chinese experts who worked together to work out the cause and beginning of the coronavirus — with a conclusion stating the pandemic probably began in humans from animals. However, the conclusion had attracted massive criticism from various government and international groups. The statement, issued by 14 countries, has criticised the delay in the investigation and has demanded timely access for independent experts in future pandemics. Watch | It has also pointed out the alleged politics associated with the investigation, with countries alleging China has been allowed to excuse itself from providing data for the origin of coronavirus pandemic. The White House, individually, too, has urged the WHo to take additional steps to determine the origin of this pandemic, which has taken millions of lives around the world. "There’s a second stage in this process that we believe should be led by international and independent experts," White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, told reporters. "They should have unfettered access to data. They should be able to ask questions of people who are on the ground at this point in time, and that’s a step the WHO could take," she added. Tedros has also claimed that his team faced issues in gaining data and access to information, as needed. "Although the team has concluded that a laboratory leak is the least likely hypothesis, this requires further investigation, potentially with additional missions involving specialist experts, which I am ready to deploy," he said.

US, UK, along with 12 countries, criticise WHO's report on COVID origin

Former Prime Minister and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his wife Chennamma have tested positive for Covid-19.

“My wife Chennamma and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We are self-isolating along with other family members. I request all those who came in contact with us over the last few days to get themselves tested,” he tweeted.

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My wife Chennamma and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We are self-isolating along with other family members. 
I request all those who came in contact with us over the last few days to get themselves tested. I request party workers and well-wishers not to panic.
— H D Devegowda (@H_D_Devegowda) <a href="https://twitter.com/H_D_Devegowda/status/1377150151379222529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The JDS leader is self-isolating after he, along with his wife Chennamma, tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;

Requesting party members not to panic, former PM Deve Gowda also requested those who had come in contact with his family in recent days to "get themselves tested." 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Spoke to former PM Shri @H_D_Devegowda Ji and enquired about his and his wife’s health. Praying for their quick recovery,.”

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Spoke to former PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/H_D_Devegowda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@H_D_Devegowda</a> Ji and enquired about his and his wife’s health. Praying for their quick recovery.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1377168245476614146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Former Prime Minister and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his wife Chennamma have tested positive for Covid-19. “My wife Chennamma and I have tested positive for COVID-19.

Former Prime Minister and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his wife Chennamma have tested positive for Covid-19. “My wife Chennamma and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We are self-isolating along with other family members. I request all those who came in contact with us over the last few days to get themselves tested,” he tweeted. My wife Chennamma and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We are self-isolating along with other family members. I request all those who came in contact with us over the last few days to get themselves tested. I request party workers and well-wishers not to panic. — H D Devegowda (@H_D_Devegowda) March 31, 2021 × The JDS leader is self-isolating after he, along with his wife Chennamma, tested positive for COVID-19. Requesting party members not to panic, former PM Deve Gowda also requested those who had come in contact with his family in recent days to "get themselves tested." Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Spoke to former PM Shri @H_D_Devegowda Ji and enquired about his and his wife’s health. Praying for their quick recovery,.” Spoke to former PM Shri @H_D_Devegowda Ji and enquired about his and his wife’s health. Praying for their quick recovery. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

Former PM Deve Gowda and his wife Chennamma test positive for Covid-19

A few hours after the World Health Organization (WHO) accused China of not sharing the required data on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> pandemic's origin, China has hit back claiming these accusations to be fake.

During a media briefing, a senior Chinese health official said there was no factual basis to the accusations made by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Tedros had claimed that China did not share proper data with the researchers appointed by the WHO to look into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-along-with-12-countries-criticise-whos-report-on-covid-origin-374383">US, UK, along with 12 countries, criticise WHO's report on COVID origin</a>

In a bid to prove the accusations to be false, Liang Wannian, who was co-leader of the joint study, claimed the Chinese and international researchers had access to the same data.

Wannian has also reported that the Chinese part of the research has been completed. As per the conclusion, he said he would recommend the world to look into potential early cases of coronavirus outside China in the next phase of this research.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-criticises-lack-of-data-access-from-china-for-covid-origins-study-374325">WHO chief criticises lack of data access from China for Covid origins' study</a>

Talking about the origin of the deadly virus, he also said that "coronaviruses very similar to COVID-19’s gene sequence have been found in bats and pangolins, but their similarity is not enough to make them a 'direct ancestor' of COVID-19."

His statement has come after the WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus criticised the lack of data access from China about the study of the origins of coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-briefs-on-covid-19-origin-report-374327">Watch |</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-briefs-on-covid-19-origin-report-374327/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

"In my discussions with the team, they expressed the difficulties they encountered in accessing raw data," Tedros had said. "I expect future collaborative studies to include more timely and comprehensive data sharing."

Since WHO's statement on non-cooperation of China, the US and the UK, along with 12 other countries, have issued a statement of resistance against the WHO's report and have accused China of "withholding access to complete, original data and samples".

The statement, issued by 14 countries, has criticised the delay in the investigation and has demanded timely access for independent experts in future pandemics.

A few hours after the World Health Organization (WHO) accused China of not sharing the required data on coronavirus pandemic's origin, China has hit back claiming these accusations to be fake.

A few hours after the World Health Organization (WHO) accused China of not sharing the required data on coronavirus pandemic's origin, China has hit back claiming these accusations to be fake. During a media briefing, a senior Chinese health official said there was no factual basis to the accusations made by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Tedros had claimed that China did not share proper data with the researchers appointed by the WHO to look into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read | US, UK, along with 12 countries, criticise WHO's report on COVID origin In a bid to prove the accusations to be false, Liang Wannian, who was co-leader of the joint study, claimed the Chinese and international researchers had access to the same data. Wannian has also reported that the Chinese part of the research has been completed. As per the conclusion, he said he would recommend the world to look into potential early cases of coronavirus outside China in the next phase of this research. Also read | WHO chief criticises lack of data access from China for Covid origins' study Talking about the origin of the deadly virus, he also said that "coronaviruses very similar to COVID-19’s gene sequence have been found in bats and pangolins, but their similarity is not enough to make them a 'direct ancestor' of COVID-19." His statement has come after the WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus criticised the lack of data access from China about the study of the origins of coronavirus. Watch | "In my discussions with the team, they expressed the difficulties they encountered in accessing raw data," Tedros had said. "I expect future collaborative studies to include more timely and comprehensive data sharing." Since WHO's statement on non-cooperation of China, the US and the UK, along with 12 other countries, have issued a statement of resistance against the WHO's report and have accused China of "withholding access to complete, original data and samples". The statement, issued by 14 countries, has criticised the delay in the investigation and has demanded timely access for independent experts in future pandemics.

China denies WHO's accusation of not sharing COVID data

The European countries and UK have been at crossroads when it comes to coronavirus vaccination, with the UK leading the race.

However, French President Emmanuel Macron has claimed that France will have caught up with the UK on the number of people being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-accuses-russia-of-using-its-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine-as-propaganda-tool-373370">France accuses Russia of using its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine as 'propaganda' tool</a>

As of now, only 11.45 per cent of French locals have received the first jab of coronavirus, which is much less than 43.79 per cent of British locals.&nbsp;

France has been criticised for its slow speed of vaccination drive. However, Macron has now told the local media that France has significantly ramped up the pace of vaccination drives, and will soon be catching up with the UK.

"In a few weeks we will have completely caught up with the British, who will meanwhile be increasingly dependent on us to vaccinate their population," he told a local newspaper.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-vaccine-summit-macron-expresses-frustration-over-lagging-vaccination-drive-373185">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-vaccine-summit-macron-expresses-frustration-over-lagging-vaccination-drive-373185/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His statement is being understood to be a reference to the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, which are produced in EU member states.

The EU has threatened to ban pharma firms from exporting COVID vaccines to the UK and other countries if the companies fail to achieve the target of the vaccine deliveries to the EU.

French foreign minister, meanwhile, feels that while the UK has rushed to give the first jab of coronavirus vaccine to as many citizens as possible, the ex-EU member will struggle to procure doses needed for the second jab.

"The United Kingdom has taken great pride in vaccinating well with the first dose except they have a problem with the second dose," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

The European countries and UK have been at crossroads when it comes to coronavirus vaccination, with the UK leading the race. However, French President Emmanuel Macron has claimed that France will have caught up with the UK on the number of people being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus.

The European countries and UK have been at crossroads when it comes to coronavirus vaccination, with the UK leading the race. However, French President Emmanuel Macron has claimed that France will have caught up with the UK on the number of people being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. Also read | France accuses Russia of using its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine as 'propaganda' tool As of now, only 11.45 per cent of French locals have received the first jab of coronavirus, which is much less than 43.79 per cent of British locals. France has been criticised for its slow speed of vaccination drive. However, Macron has now told the local media that France has significantly ramped up the pace of vaccination drives, and will soon be catching up with the UK. "In a few weeks we will have completely caught up with the British, who will meanwhile be increasingly dependent on us to vaccinate their population," he told a local newspaper. Watch | His statement is being understood to be a reference to the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, which are produced in EU member states. The EU has threatened to ban pharma firms from exporting COVID vaccines to the UK and other countries if the companies fail to achieve the target of the vaccine deliveries to the EU. French foreign minister, meanwhile, feels that while the UK has rushed to give the first jab of coronavirus vaccine to as many citizens as possible, the ex-EU member will struggle to procure doses needed for the second jab. "The United Kingdom has taken great pride in vaccinating well with the first dose except they have a problem with the second dose," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

'UK will depend on us soon': Macron assured France will match Britain vaccine targets soon

In England, more than 40,600 people have been infected with the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> while being treated at hospitals for other reasons.

The recent figures have raised concerns about NHS' inability to protect the patients. The figures revealed that at least a fifth of all patients in one in five hospitals got infected by the deadly coronavirus, while they were in the hospital for some other reason.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pub-yes-haircut-no-boris-johnson-explains-covid-vaccine-certificates-while-painting-bananas-373179">'Pub? Yes, Haircut? No': Boris Johnson explains COVID vaccine certificates while painting bananas</a>

"These heartbreaking figures show how patients and NHS staff have been abysmally let down by the failure to suppress the virus ahead of and during the second wave," said Layla Moran MP, the chair of the all-party parliamentary group on coronavirus.

The survey reveals that, as a whole, 15 per cent (one in seven) of all patients, who were treated for the deadly coronavirus, between August 01, 2020, and March 21, had contracted the virus while in the hospital.

Experts believe that many of these infections were caused by the lack of beds and many more limitations posed by the condition of hospitals, including sanitation and ventilation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-johnson-suggests-pubs-might-require-customers-to-produce-vaccine-certificate-373216">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-johnson-suggests-pubs-might-require-customers-to-produce-vaccine-certificate-373216/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It is simply staggering that one in seven hospital patients who developed Covid-19 caught the virus while being treated for another illness. This analysis also reveals deeply alarming regional disparities, with rates of hospital-acquired Covid in the north-west almost twice those in London," said Moran.

These figures have come as a shock at a time when the UK is hoping to&nbsp;bring relaxations in the coronavirus lockdown measures — which has been extended several times, bringing in frustration in citizens.

"Due to years of systemic understaffing and a cost-cutting approach to new hospital design we have far fewer beds available than our European counterparts, which has made it harder to separate out cases and led to an increase in the chances of hospital-acquired infection. Tragically, people will have caught Covid and inevitably died as a result of this shortsightedness," Dr Claudia Paoloni, the president of the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association was quoted by Guardian.

In England, more than 40,600 people have been infected with the deadly coronavirus while being treated at hospitals for other reasons. The recent figures have raised concerns about NHS' inability to protect the patients.

In England, more than 40,600 people have been infected with the deadly coronavirus while being treated at hospitals for other reasons. The recent figures have raised concerns about NHS' inability to protect the patients. The figures revealed that at least a fifth of all patients in one in five hospitals got infected by the deadly coronavirus, while they were in the hospital for some other reason. Also read | 'Pub? Yes, Haircut? No': Boris Johnson explains COVID vaccine certificates while painting bananas "These heartbreaking figures show how patients and NHS staff have been abysmally let down by the failure to suppress the virus ahead of and during the second wave," said Layla Moran MP, the chair of the all-party parliamentary group on coronavirus. The survey reveals that, as a whole, 15 per cent (one in seven) of all patients, who were treated for the deadly coronavirus, between August 01, 2020, and March 21, had contracted the virus while in the hospital. Experts believe that many of these infections were caused by the lack of beds and many more limitations posed by the condition of hospitals, including sanitation and ventilation. Watch | "It is simply staggering that one in seven hospital patients who developed Covid-19 caught the virus while being treated for another illness. This analysis also reveals deeply alarming regional disparities, with rates of hospital-acquired Covid in the north-west almost twice those in London," said Moran. These figures have come as a shock at a time when the UK is hoping to bring relaxations in the coronavirus lockdown measures — which has been extended several times, bringing in frustration in citizens. "Due to years of systemic understaffing and a cost-cutting approach to new hospital design we have far fewer beds available than our European counterparts, which has made it harder to separate out cases and led to an increase in the chances of hospital-acquired infection. Tragically, people will have caught Covid and inevitably died as a result of this shortsightedness," Dr Claudia Paoloni, the president of the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association was quoted by Guardian.

UK: More than 40,600 people contracted COVID while in hospital

It has been a year since India's 1.3 billion people responded positively to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a 'janata curfew' to break the chain of novel coronavirus, which had then started to spread in some parts of the country.

Since the 14 hour-long 'janata curfew' on March 22, 2020, announced by Modi "for the people, by the people", there has been no looking back in India's fight against COVID-19 to control the virus which, as on Wednesday, has infected 1,17,34,058 people and claimed 1,60,441 lives.

Modi subsequently announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown effective from the intervening night of March 24 and 25.

Soon, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued its first guidelines clarifying about services to be exempted from the lockdown that include those involved in essential services like health and sanitary workers, police, food stores, vegetable vendors and pharmacies.

However, markets, malls, cinema halls, barbar shops, swimming polls were ordered to remain shut and there was complete ban on outdoor activities like public gatherings, visit to religious places and sports events.

As the lockdown was announced suddenly with people getting less than four hours to put their things in place or travel to places as they desired, a humanitarian crisis had emerged when thousands of people, mostly migrant workers, started returning to their homes on foot.

With stories and pictures of exhausted, hungry, thirsty people, who were desperate to reach homes even walking hundreds of kilometres, started appearing in media, government issued advisories to the state government to make arrangements for their food and shelter.

The MHA even allowed the state governments to use the National Disaster Response Funds as emergency measures to help the migrant workers who were trying to travel from places like as far away Gujarat to Assam or Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh.

Many voluntary organisations also came out to help the migrant workers by providing them food and shelter on the way.

While some state governments arranged buses for the transport of their people, the MHA allowed the Railways to run special trains for the convenience of the migrants from their places of work to the home states.

Tragedy also struck in between as over 100 people lost their lives in road accidents while a few others, who were taking rest on the track after long walk, were mowed down by the trains.

Delhi's Nizamuddin was in the news for wrong reasons as it emerged as one of the coronavirus 'hotspots' after a large number of attendees at a religious congregation called 'Tablighi Jaamat' tested positive.

After three weeks, the lockdown was further extended till May 3 with the ever increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

On April 20, the MHA allowed the e-commerce, agriculture industry to resume functioning along with farm activities, construction of roads and buildings in the hinterland which has so far been less affected by the coronavirus, giving much needed relief to many.

On April 25, the government allowed shops, including those located in residential complexes within municipal areas, to remain open at a 50 per cent strength.

Lockdown was further extended till May 17 and subsequently till May 31 with considerable relaxation in the districts falling in the green and orange zones -- those areas where relatively low cases were reported.

All red zones or COVID hotspot districts continue to stay under strict lockdown.

From June 1, the MHA announced phased reopening process terming it as 'Unlock-1' with activities like visit to religious places, opening of hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services and shopping malls allowing to function from June 8, after 75 days of strict lockdown.

From July 1, the central government announced 'Unlock 2' where limited domestic and international flights and train services allowed in calibrated way.

The third phase of Unlock came into force from August 1 with the MHA allowing gymnasiums and yoga centres to function, and revoking the night curfew order.

The central government allowed metro services to start from September 7, larger gatherings with 100 people allowed from September 21.

After remaining shut for six months, schools located outside containment zones were partially allowed to reopen to enable students studying in classes 9 to 12 to visit their institutions on a voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers in September.

On September 30, the MHA announced allowing more activities in areas outside the containment zones that include opening up cinemas, theatres and multiplexes with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity from October 15.

The state and union territory governments were given the flexibility to take a decision on re-opening of schools and coaching institutions after October 15 in a graded manner.

The government also allowed political gatherings as assembly elections in Bihar was supposed to be held on October 28 with attendance of a maximum of 200 people in a close space or hall and in an open space depending on its size.

On November 25, the MHA allowed the states and union territories to impose local restrictions like night curfew to check the spread of COVID-19 as many states witnessing spurt in coronavirus cases.

The Centre, however, made it clear that the states will have to consult the central government before imposing any lockdown outside the containment zones.

On December 28, the MHA said even though COVID-19 cases decreasing, there is a need to maintain surveillance, containment and caution, keeping in view the surge in the number of cases globally and the emergence of a new variant of the virus in the UK.

On January 27, the government allowed cinema halls and theatres to operate with more people while swimming pools have been permitted for use by all.

As vaccination campaign has started, the MHA in a fresh advisory on February 26 advised the states and union territories to speed up the vaccination of the target population so as to break the chain of transmission and overcome the pandemic.

Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country, the Centre Tuesday asked all states and union territories to increase RT-PCR tests, strictly enforce test-track-treat protocol and speed up the pace of vaccination to cover all priority groups.

Issuing fresh guidelines for April, the home ministry said keeping in view the fresh surge in COVID-19 cases, the new positive cases, detected as a result of intensive testing, need to be isolated or quarantined at the earliest and provided timely treatment.

The state governments and union territory administrations should strictly enforce the test-track-treat protocol in all parts of the country, ensure observance of COVID-19-appropriate behaviour by everyone and, scale up the vaccination drive to cover all the target groups, the guidelines said.

All contacts have to be traced at the earliest, and similarly isolated and quarantined, it said.

It has been a year since India's 1.3 billion people responded positively to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a 'janata curfew' to break the chain of novel coronavirus, which had then started to spread in some parts of the country.

It has been a year since India's 1.3 billion people responded positively to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a 'janata curfew' to break the chain of novel coronavirus, which had then started to spread in some parts of the country. Since the 14 hour-long 'janata curfew' on March 22, 2020, announced by Modi "for the people, by the people", there has been no looking back in India's fight against COVID-19 to control the virus which, as on Wednesday, has infected 1,17,34,058 people and claimed 1,60,441 lives. Modi subsequently announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown effective from the intervening night of March 24 and 25. Soon, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued its first guidelines clarifying about services to be exempted from the lockdown that include those involved in essential services like health and sanitary workers, police, food stores, vegetable vendors and pharmacies. However, markets, malls, cinema halls, barbar shops, swimming polls were ordered to remain shut and there was complete ban on outdoor activities like public gatherings, visit to religious places and sports events. As the lockdown was announced suddenly with people getting less than four hours to put their things in place or travel to places as they desired, a humanitarian crisis had emerged when thousands of people, mostly migrant workers, started returning to their homes on foot. With stories and pictures of exhausted, hungry, thirsty people, who were desperate to reach homes even walking hundreds of kilometres, started appearing in media, government issued advisories to the state government to make arrangements for their food and shelter. The MHA even allowed the state governments to use the National Disaster Response Funds as emergency measures to help the migrant workers who were trying to travel from places like as far away Gujarat to Assam or Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh. Many voluntary organisations also came out to help the migrant workers by providing them food and shelter on the way. While some state governments arranged buses for the transport of their people, the MHA allowed the Railways to run special trains for the convenience of the migrants from their places of work to the home states. Tragedy also struck in between as over 100 people lost their lives in road accidents while a few others, who were taking rest on the track after long walk, were mowed down by the trains. Delhi's Nizamuddin was in the news for wrong reasons as it emerged as one of the coronavirus 'hotspots' after a large number of attendees at a religious congregation called 'Tablighi Jaamat' tested positive. After three weeks, the lockdown was further extended till May 3 with the ever increasing number of COVID-19 cases. On April 20, the MHA allowed the e-commerce, agriculture industry to resume functioning along with farm activities, construction of roads and buildings in the hinterland which has so far been less affected by the coronavirus, giving much needed relief to many. On April 25, the government allowed shops, including those located in residential complexes within municipal areas, to remain open at a 50 per cent strength. Lockdown was further extended till May 17 and subsequently till May 31 with considerable relaxation in the districts falling in the green and orange zones -- those areas where relatively low cases were reported. All red zones or COVID hotspot districts continue to stay under strict lockdown. From June 1, the MHA announced phased reopening process terming it as 'Unlock-1' with activities like visit to religious places, opening of hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services and shopping malls allowing to function from June 8, after 75 days of strict lockdown. From July 1, the central government announced 'Unlock 2' where limited domestic and international flights and train services allowed in calibrated way. The third phase of Unlock came into force from August 1 with the MHA allowing gymnasiums and yoga centres to function, and revoking the night curfew order. The central government allowed metro services to start from September 7, larger gatherings with 100 people allowed from September 21. After remaining shut for six months, schools located outside containment zones were partially allowed to reopen to enable students studying in classes 9 to 12 to visit their institutions on a voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers in September. On September 30, the MHA announced allowing more activities in areas outside the containment zones that include opening up cinemas, theatres and multiplexes with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity from October 15. The state and union territory governments were given the flexibility to take a decision on re-opening of schools and coaching institutions after October 15 in a graded manner. The government also allowed political gatherings as assembly elections in Bihar was supposed to be held on October 28 with attendance of a maximum of 200 people in a close space or hall and in an open space depending on its size. On November 25, the MHA allowed the states and union territories to impose local restrictions like night curfew to check the spread of COVID-19 as many states witnessing spurt in coronavirus cases. The Centre, however, made it clear that the states will have to consult the central government before imposing any lockdown outside the containment zones. On December 28, the MHA said even though COVID-19 cases decreasing, there is a need to maintain surveillance, containment and caution, keeping in view the surge in the number of cases globally and the emergence of a new variant of the virus in the UK. On January 27, the government allowed cinema halls and theatres to operate with more people while swimming pools have been permitted for use by all. As vaccination campaign has started, the MHA in a fresh advisory on February 26 advised the states and union territories to speed up the vaccination of the target population so as to break the chain of transmission and overcome the pandemic. Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country, the Centre Tuesday asked all states and union territories to increase RT-PCR tests, strictly enforce test-track-treat protocol and speed up the pace of vaccination to cover all priority groups. Issuing fresh guidelines for April, the home ministry said keeping in view the fresh surge in COVID-19 cases, the new positive cases, detected as a result of intensive testing, need to be isolated or quarantined at the earliest and provided timely treatment. The state governments and union territory administrations should strictly enforce the test-track-treat protocol in all parts of the country, ensure observance of COVID-19-appropriate behaviour by everyone and, scale up the vaccination drive to cover all the target groups, the guidelines said. All contacts have to be traced at the earliest, and similarly isolated and quarantined, it said.

'Janata curfew' to vaccination: India's year-long fight against COVID-19

The UK has been trying to contain the spread of the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> through extended lockdowns, but to no avail. Now, the country officials have decided to impose a fine of £5,000 ($6,900) for the people from England travelling abroad.

In a shocking announcement, the health minister of the UK, Matt Hancock, has said that anyone who travels from England will be subjected to a fine of £5,000 ($6,900). The fine will stay in place till the end of June, as the country officials are tightening the country’s border controls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-banksy-painting-to-raise-millions-for-uk-health-service-372543" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-banksy-painting-to-raise-millions-for-uk-health-service-372543&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwih8pXGxMbvAhVX8XMBHY_bAdUQFjABegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1mEgWROqNVTHyxyh7GvLCs" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-banksy-painting-to-raise-millions-for-uk-health-service-372543" target="_blank">Banksy painting to raise millions for UK health service</a>

“The earliest date by which we will allow for international travel...is the 17th May. That has not changed,” Hancock told a local news channel, Sky News.

While the decision sent waves of shock across the nation, the question of whether or not people can travel across the country borders for work still remains unanswered. The question of whether people can travel for specific reasons will be answered by the government in a report due on April 12.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-records-lowest-daily-coronavirus-death-toll-since-september-372432" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-records-lowest-daily-coronavirus-death-toll-since-september-372432&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwih8pXGxMbvAhVX8XMBHY_bAdUQFjACegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw05cei9EINKvMDvDocK4w51" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-records-lowest-daily-coronavirus-death-toll-since-september-372432&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwih8pXGxMbvAhVX8XMBHY_bAdUQFjACegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw05cei9EINKvMDvDocK4w51" target="_blank">UK records lowest daily coronavirus death toll since September</a>

Following this news, the shares of easyJet , British Airway-owner, Jet2 and TUI&nbsp;went down between 3 to 4 per cent in early trade on Tuesday.

As of now, all vacations and summer holidays are banned in the UK due to the increasing coronavirus cases. Hancock has claimed that the government is yet to decide on whether or not the government will allow people to step outside for a summer holiday.

“The reason for that is that we are seeing this third wave rising in some parts of Europe and we're also seeing new variants and it is very important that we protect the progress that we've been able to make here in the UK,” &nbsp;he said.

The UK has been trying to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus through extended lockdowns, but to no avail. Now, the country officials have decided to impose a fine of £5,000 ($6,900) for the people from England travelling abroad.

The UK has been trying to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus through extended lockdowns, but to no avail. Now, the country officials have decided to impose a fine of £5,000 ($6,900) for the people from England travelling abroad. In a shocking announcement, the health minister of the UK, Matt Hancock, has said that anyone who travels from England will be subjected to a fine of £5,000 ($6,900). The fine will stay in place till the end of June, as the country officials are tightening the country’s border controls. Also read | Banksy painting to raise millions for UK health service “The earliest date by which we will allow for international travel...is the 17th May. That has not changed,” Hancock told a local news channel, Sky News. While the decision sent waves of shock across the nation, the question of whether or not people can travel across the country borders for work still remains unanswered. The question of whether people can travel for specific reasons will be answered by the government in a report due on April 12. Also read | UK records lowest daily coronavirus death toll since September Following this news, the shares of easyJet , British Airway-owner, Jet2 and TUI went down between 3 to 4 per cent in early trade on Tuesday. As of now, all vacations and summer holidays are banned in the UK due to the increasing coronavirus cases. Hancock has claimed that the government is yet to decide on whether or not the government will allow people to step outside for a summer holiday. “The reason for that is that we are seeing this third wave rising in some parts of Europe and we're also seeing new variants and it is very important that we protect the progress that we've been able to make here in the UK,” he said.

UK to impose £5,000 fine on locals travelling abroad amid surge in coronavirus

France will offer Covid-19 shots to anyone over 70 from this weekend, President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday, as he sought to breathe more urgency into his country's vaccination campaign.&nbsp;

France and its neighbours are suffering a third wave of infections that threatens recovery in Europe's largest economies.&nbsp;

Hospitals could face an 'unprecedented shock' within three weeks as infections explode, said the head of France's hospital federation as he urged tougher curbs on social interaction if the spread did not slow soon.&nbsp;

New Covid restrictions that closed non-essential stores and limited how far people can move came into effect in Paris and much of the north last weekend, but Macron stopped short of a full lockdown.&nbsp;

"We're going to accelerate the vaccine roll-out from Saturday," Macron said, while visiting a vaccination centre in the north.&nbsp;

The president later said he hoped there would be targeted campaigns for certain professions, such as teachers, by April or May and that in a race against time, public holidays should be no barrier to delivering injections.&nbsp;

From Saturday, people over 70 will be able to get inoculated. Previously, the government had slated opening up vaccine slots for the age-group in mid-April. Vaccinations are currently available for over-75s and anyone over 50 with a serious pre-existing condition.&nbsp;

France's faltering campaign has been slowed by bureaucracy and public mistrust of vaccines at home, and Europe-wide supply delays, in particular from AstraZeneca.&nbsp;

The European Union has threatened to ban exports of the Anglo-Swedish vaccine to Britain in order to secure doses after the company this month said it expected to deliver three times fewer vaccines by the end of June than it had contractually committed to.&nbsp;

The EU says AstraZeneca shots manufactured on its territory have been exported to Britain even amid the shortfall. French Europe Minister Clement Beaune demanded Britain reciprocate. &nbsp;

Industry Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher, whose ministry is responsible for procurement in France, insisted AstraZeneca meet its contractual obligations.&nbsp;

"It is up to them to propose an action plan," she told France Info radio.&nbsp;

The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care hit a four-month high in France on Monday.&nbsp;

"The epidemic is gathering pace, the figures are exploding," Frederic Valletoux, who heads the French hospital federation, told LCI television.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

France will offer Covid-19 shots to anyone over 70 from this weekend, President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday, as he sought to breathe more urgency into his country's vaccination campaign.

France will offer Covid-19 shots to anyone over 70 from this weekend, President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday, as he sought to breathe more urgency into his country's vaccination campaign. France and its neighbours are suffering a third wave of infections that threatens recovery in Europe's largest economies. Hospitals could face an 'unprecedented shock' within three weeks as infections explode, said the head of France's hospital federation as he urged tougher curbs on social interaction if the spread did not slow soon. New Covid restrictions that closed non-essential stores and limited how far people can move came into effect in Paris and much of the north last weekend, but Macron stopped short of a full lockdown. "We're going to accelerate the vaccine roll-out from Saturday," Macron said, while visiting a vaccination centre in the north. The president later said he hoped there would be targeted campaigns for certain professions, such as teachers, by April or May and that in a race against time, public holidays should be no barrier to delivering injections. From Saturday, people over 70 will be able to get inoculated. Previously, the government had slated opening up vaccine slots for the age-group in mid-April. Vaccinations are currently available for over-75s and anyone over 50 with a serious pre-existing condition. France's faltering campaign has been slowed by bureaucracy and public mistrust of vaccines at home, and Europe-wide supply delays, in particular from AstraZeneca. The European Union has threatened to ban exports of the Anglo-Swedish vaccine to Britain in order to secure doses after the company this month said it expected to deliver three times fewer vaccines by the end of June than it had contractually committed to. The EU says AstraZeneca shots manufactured on its territory have been exported to Britain even amid the shortfall. French Europe Minister Clement Beaune demanded Britain reciprocate. Industry Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher, whose ministry is responsible for procurement in France, insisted AstraZeneca meet its contractual obligations. "It is up to them to propose an action plan," she told France Info radio. The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care hit a four-month high in France on Monday. "The epidemic is gathering pace, the figures are exploding," Frederic Valletoux, who heads the French hospital federation, told LCI television. (With inputs from agencies)

French Prez promises faster vaccine roll-out as infections 'explode' 

Malaysia on Monday announced it had established a $2.4 million compensation fund to provide cash assistance for any Covid-19 vaccine recipients, who suffer severe reactions due to inoculations.&nbsp;

The Southeast Asian country has inoculated nearly 430,000 frontline workers, with the majority having received the first of two jabs of the vaccine jointly developed by US company Pfizer and German partner BioNTech.&nbsp;

Under the new fund, individuals requiring extended hospitalisation due to a vaccine reaction will be eligible for 50,000 ringgit ($12,171), or if this results in permanent disability or death 500,000 ringgit, Health Minister Adham Baba said.&nbsp;

Adham said health authorities had recorded 20 instances of adverse reactions to vaccination as of March 18, with symptoms ranging from itching to shortness of breath and palpitations.&nbsp;

"There have not been any deaths linked to the vaccine," Adham told a news conference, without specifying the type of vaccine he was referring to.&nbsp;

Malaysia's vaccination drive began on February 23 using the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine with authorities only starting to administer the vaccine developed by China's Sinovac Biotech on March 18.&nbsp;

Malaysia will also scrap a plan to reserve a second shot of the Pfizer vaccine for those, who had already received their first dose, in a bid to speed up its vaccination drive.&nbsp;

Malaysia has reported just over 330,000 coronavirus cases and 1,233 deaths after keeping infection rates relatively low for much of last year until a spike of infections from October that peaked in early February.&nbsp;

Science Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the government is confident that Pfizer will be able to provide the 32 million doses secured by Malaysia.&nbsp;

Last week, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the government will almost double its Covid-19 immunisation budget to 5 billion ringgit to speed up its target of vaccinating 80% of its 32 million population by December, instead of February 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Malaysia on Monday announced it had established a $2.4 million compensation fund to provide cash assistance for any Covid-19 vaccine recipients, who suffer severe reactions due to inoculations.

Malaysia on Monday announced it had established a $2.4 million compensation fund to provide cash assistance for any Covid-19 vaccine recipients, who suffer severe reactions due to inoculations. The Southeast Asian country has inoculated nearly 430,000 frontline workers, with the majority having received the first of two jabs of the vaccine jointly developed by US company Pfizer and German partner BioNTech. Under the new fund, individuals requiring extended hospitalisation due to a vaccine reaction will be eligible for 50,000 ringgit ($12,171), or if this results in permanent disability or death 500,000 ringgit, Health Minister Adham Baba said. Adham said health authorities had recorded 20 instances of adverse reactions to vaccination as of March 18, with symptoms ranging from itching to shortness of breath and palpitations. "There have not been any deaths linked to the vaccine," Adham told a news conference, without specifying the type of vaccine he was referring to. Malaysia's vaccination drive began on February 23 using the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine with authorities only starting to administer the vaccine developed by China's Sinovac Biotech on March 18. Malaysia will also scrap a plan to reserve a second shot of the Pfizer vaccine for those, who had already received their first dose, in a bid to speed up its vaccination drive. Malaysia has reported just over 330,000 coronavirus cases and 1,233 deaths after keeping infection rates relatively low for much of last year until a spike of infections from October that peaked in early February. Science Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the government is confident that Pfizer will be able to provide the 32 million doses secured by Malaysia. Last week, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the government will almost double its Covid-19 immunisation budget to 5 billion ringgit to speed up its target of vaccinating 80% of its 32 million population by December, instead of February 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia sets up compensation fund for Covid-19 vaccinations 

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