After completing 100 days in office, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in his speech stated that his government is working on jobs and workplace reform as the country earlier faced economic challenges during the coronavirus pandemic’s recovery phase.

The prime minister in conversation with National Press Club said that this week, a government-sponsored job summit will bring together important company and union groups to talk about the workplace and wage growth.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-police-seizes-countrys-largest-shipment-of-opioid-509199">Also read |&nbsp;Australian police seizes country's largest shipment of opioid</a>

Albanese is mainly focusing on the emergence of cooperative culture in the workplace. The Australian stated that the economy is being held by a shortage of significant skills and the previous administration erred in advising those with temporary visas to leave Australia during the pandemic.

Albanese stated that along with lifting migration intake, the government will also look at creating additional paths for permanent migration. The government’s main aim is to strengthen the economy.

Albanese said, “Australia is already in the 'recovery' phase - and that's presenting its own economic challenges. Including significant and unpredictable supply and demand imbalances which are driving up costs, for businesses and families,” Reuters reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-anthony-albanese-accuses-morrison-of-tin-pot-activity-for-secretly-holding-ministry-roles-507254">Also read | Australian PM Anthony Albanese accuses Morrison of 'tin-pot activity' for secretly holding ministry roles</a>

He criticised the nine years of conservative rule, citing “chaos” in sectors of energy policy and stagnant salaries. He emphasised the step his administration had previously done to address climate change, its determination to hold a referendum to ask voters whether or not to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the country’s constitution.

The country’s central bank issued a warning stating inflation rate in the country is on track to reach three- decades high requiring an increase in interest rates and economic growth.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After completing 100 days in office, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in his speech stated that his government is working on jobs and workplace reform as the country earlier faced economic challenges during the coronavirus pandemic’s recovery phase.

After completing 100 days in office, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in his speech stated that his government is working on jobs and workplace reform as the country earlier faced economic challenges during the coronavirus pandemic’s recovery phase. The prime minister in conversation with National Press Club said that this week, a government-sponsored job summit will bring together important company and union groups to talk about the workplace and wage growth. Also read | Australian police seizes country's largest shipment of opioid Albanese is mainly focusing on the emergence of cooperative culture in the workplace. The Australian stated that the economy is being held by a shortage of significant skills and the previous administration erred in advising those with temporary visas to leave Australia during the pandemic. Albanese stated that along with lifting migration intake, the government will also look at creating additional paths for permanent migration. The government’s main aim is to strengthen the economy. Albanese said, “Australia is already in the 'recovery' phase - and that's presenting its own economic challenges. Including significant and unpredictable supply and demand imbalances which are driving up costs, for businesses and families,” Reuters reported. Also read | Australian PM Anthony Albanese accuses Morrison of 'tin-pot activity' for secretly holding ministry roles He criticised the nine years of conservative rule, citing “chaos” in sectors of energy policy and stagnant salaries. He emphasised the step his administration had previously done to address climate change, its determination to hold a referendum to ask voters whether or not to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the country’s constitution. The country’s central bank issued a warning stating inflation rate in the country is on track to reach three- decades high requiring an increase in interest rates and economic growth. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian PM claims to stay focused on workplace reforms after completing 100 days in office

A glance at countries that have approved 'Vaccine Passport'

Singapore&nbsp;will do away with requirements to wear masks indoors starting Aug. 29, as the country sees its COVID-19 situation stabilise further, the health minister said on Wednesday.

For the first time in more than two years, people in the Southeast Asian city-state will no longer be required to wear masks indoors except on public transport and in high-risk settings like healthcare facilities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-marriage-to-the-death-penalty-lgbtq-rights-across-the-globe-509186">From marriage to death penalty: LGBTQIA rights across the globe</a>

The health ministry also updated rules for non-vaccinated travellers, dropping a 7-day quarantine requirement starting next week.

Singapore, which is a major Asian financial and travel hub, lifted most pandemic curbs, including travel restrictions, earlier this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/singapore-lifts-ban-on-gay-sex-repeals-section-377a-but-upholds-marriage-ban-508900">Singapore lifts ban on gay sex, repeals Section 377A, but upholds marriage ban</a>

About 70 per cent&nbsp;of the city-state's 5.5 million population has already contracted COVID-19, Ong Ye Kung, the health minister said in a news conference, adding that the re-infection rate is so far "very low".

Singapore&nbsp;has vaccinated more than 90 per cent&nbsp;of its population and has among the lowest COVID-19 mortality rates in the world.

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Singapore will do away with requirements to wear masks indoors starting Aug. 29, as the country sees its COVID-19 situation stabilise further, the health minister said on Wednesday.

Singapore will do away with requirements to wear masks indoors starting Aug. 29, as the country sees its COVID-19 situation stabilise further, the health minister said on Wednesday. For the first time in more than two years, people in the Southeast Asian city-state will no longer be required to wear masks indoors except on public transport and in high-risk settings like healthcare facilities. Also read | From marriage to death penalty: LGBTQIA rights across the globe The health ministry also updated rules for non-vaccinated travellers, dropping a 7-day quarantine requirement starting next week. Singapore, which is a major Asian financial and travel hub, lifted most pandemic curbs, including travel restrictions, earlier this year. Also read | Singapore lifts ban on gay sex, repeals Section 377A, but upholds marriage ban About 70 per cent of the city-state's 5.5 million population has already contracted COVID-19, Ong Ye Kung, the health minister said in a news conference, adding that the re-infection rate is so far "very low". Singapore has vaccinated more than 90 per cent of its population and has among the lowest COVID-19 mortality rates in the world.

Singapore to drop most indoor mask requirements next week

Scientists in India, the US, and other countries are concerned about the spread of a new omicron subvariant because they think the new mutation would be able to overcome immunity from earlier infections and vaccinations. However, it is unknown if this omicron subvariant, designated BA.2.75, could result in more severe disease than other omicron variants, such as the widely known BA.5.

"It’s still really early on for us to draw too many conclusions," said Matthew Binnicker, director of clinical virology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "But it does look like, especially in India, the rates of transmission are showing kind of that exponential increase."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-says-iran-planning-to-supply-russians-with-uavs-for-ukraine-was-496518">Russia-Ukraine war: US says Iran planning to supply Russians with drones</a>

He claimed that it has not yet been established whether it will defeat BA.5. Nevertheless, Shishi Luo, head of infectious diseases for Helix, a company that provides viral sequencing data to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that the fact that it has already been discovered in numerous locations around the world despite having less rigorous viral surveillance "is an early indication it is spreading."

According to Lipi Thukral, a researcher at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in New Delhi, the most recent mutant has been discovered in a number of remote states in India and appears to be spreading there more quickly than other variants. About ten other nations have also reported finding it, including Australia, Germany, the UK, and Canada. On the U.S. West Coast, two cases were recently discovered, and Helix discovered a third case last week.

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A significant number of mutations distinguishing this new type from earlier omicron varieties are raising worries among scientists. According to Binnicker, some of these alterations affect the spike protein and may improve the virus's ability to attach to cells.&nbsp;

Another worry is that the genetic alterations may make it simpler for the virus to evade antibodies, which are defence proteins the body produces in response to an infection from an earlier variety or a vaccine. But according to scientists, immunizations and boosters remain the best line of defence against dangerous COVID-19. Updated vaccination formulations that focus on more recent omicron strains are probably being produced for the U.S. by the fall. 
&nbsp;

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Scientists in India, the US, and other countries are concerned about the spread of a new omicron subvariant because they think the new mutation would be able to overcome immunity from earlier infections and vaccinations.

Scientists in India, the US, and other countries are concerned about the spread of a new omicron subvariant because they think the new mutation would be able to overcome immunity from earlier infections and vaccinations. However, it is unknown if this omicron subvariant, designated BA.2.75, could result in more severe disease than other omicron variants, such as the widely known BA.5. "It’s still really early on for us to draw too many conclusions," said Matthew Binnicker, director of clinical virology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "But it does look like, especially in India, the rates of transmission are showing kind of that exponential increase." Also Read: Russia-Ukraine war: US says Iran planning to supply Russians with drones He claimed that it has not yet been established whether it will defeat BA.5. Nevertheless, Shishi Luo, head of infectious diseases for Helix, a company that provides viral sequencing data to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that the fact that it has already been discovered in numerous locations around the world despite having less rigorous viral surveillance "is an early indication it is spreading." According to Lipi Thukral, a researcher at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in New Delhi, the most recent mutant has been discovered in a number of remote states in India and appears to be spreading there more quickly than other variants. About ten other nations have also reported finding it, including Australia, Germany, the UK, and Canada. On the U.S. West Coast, two cases were recently discovered, and Helix discovered a third case last week. × A significant number of mutations distinguishing this new type from earlier omicron varieties are raising worries among scientists. According to Binnicker, some of these alterations affect the spike protein and may improve the virus's ability to attach to cells. Another worry is that the genetic alterations may make it simpler for the virus to evade antibodies, which are defence proteins the body produces in response to an infection from an earlier variety or a vaccine. But according to scientists, immunizations and boosters remain the best line of defence against dangerous COVID-19. Updated vaccination formulations that focus on more recent omicron strains are probably being produced for the U.S. by the fall. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Worrying trend: New Covid variant BA.2.75 shows ‘exponential’ increase in cases globally

The Chinese gambling capital, Macau, announced a weeklong shutdown of casinos and non-essential businesses as it battled its worst Covid outbreak so far.&nbsp; Andre Cheong, one of the top officials, said Macau will go under "static management" for a week starting July 11 and people are required to stay at home. Violators might face up to two years in prison. The city reported 71 new cases on Saturday (July 9), increasing the total infections reported since the beginning of the outbreak to 1,374, a low number by international standards but nevertheless high, reported AFP.

Casinos, which in normal times account for nearly 80 per cent of the government’s earnings, will now have to be closed. Some public services and places like pharmacies and supermarkets can remain open. Despite strict health regulations, the city’s casinos had survived a 15-day closure at the beginning of the pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macau-uses-two-more-casino-hotels-for-covid-19-medical-facilities-495580">Macau uses two more casino hotels for COVID-19 medical facilities</a>

More than 50 per cent of the city’s GDP and nearly one-fifth of the workforce are employed by the casinos, covering an area larger than Las Vegas.

Watch |&nbsp;China: World's biggest gambling hub Macau tests more for covid

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However, this week, after discovering 13 diseases connected to the location, police closed one of Macau’s most renowned casinos, the Grand Lisboa, trapping more than 500 people inside.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macau-locks-down-casino-as-covid-cases-rise-in-worlds-biggest-gambling-hub-494906">Macau locks down casino as Covid cases rise in world's biggest gambling hub</a>

Macau, the only city in China where casino gambling is legal, has seen one of the world’s strongest anti-virus measures, such as strict border controls, targeted lockdowns, and wiping out its essential tourism profits.

Residents of Macau may experience additional financial hardships as a result of an official’s declaration on Saturday (July 9) that employers are not required to pay employees during the Covid-related shutdown.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

The Chinese gambling capital, Macau, announced a weeklong shutdown of casinos and non-essential businesses as it battled its worst Covid outbreak so far. Andre Cheong, one of the top officials, said Macau will go under "static management" for a week starting July 11 and people are required to stay at home.

The Chinese gambling capital, Macau, announced a weeklong shutdown of casinos and non-essential businesses as it battled its worst Covid outbreak so far. Andre Cheong, one of the top officials, said Macau will go under "static management" for a week starting July 11 and people are required to stay at home. Violators might face up to two years in prison. The city reported 71 new cases on Saturday (July 9), increasing the total infections reported since the beginning of the outbreak to 1,374, a low number by international standards but nevertheless high, reported AFP. Casinos, which in normal times account for nearly 80 per cent of the government’s earnings, will now have to be closed. Some public services and places like pharmacies and supermarkets can remain open. Despite strict health regulations, the city’s casinos had survived a 15-day closure at the beginning of the pandemic. Also read | Macau uses two more casino hotels for COVID-19 medical facilities More than 50 per cent of the city’s GDP and nearly one-fifth of the workforce are employed by the casinos, covering an area larger than Las Vegas. Watch | China: World's biggest gambling hub Macau tests more for covid However, this week, after discovering 13 diseases connected to the location, police closed one of Macau’s most renowned casinos, the Grand Lisboa, trapping more than 500 people inside. Also read | Macau locks down casino as Covid cases rise in world's biggest gambling hub Macau, the only city in China where casino gambling is legal, has seen one of the world’s strongest anti-virus measures, such as strict border controls, targeted lockdowns, and wiping out its essential tourism profits. Residents of Macau may experience additional financial hardships as a result of an official’s declaration on Saturday (July 9) that employers are not required to pay employees during the Covid-related shutdown. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: Macau announces shutdown of casinos and businesses for one week

Australia on Thursday (July 7) announced that starting this week it would increase the roll out of the fourth Covid vaccine as it fights a persistent rise in hospital admissions fuelled by the highly contagious new Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. These new subvariants have now taken over as the predominant Covid strains in a number of countries, and pandemic experts have warned that because they spread more swiftly than any other variants, they may have hospitalisations and fatalities. According to officials, there are more than 4,000 Covid patients in hospitals in the country, the highest number since early February, with the Omicron outbreak, reported by Reuters.

Health Minister Mark Butler at a media briefing said, "The pandemic is not over, we are entering a third wave that is placing enormous pressure on our health and hospital system."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-travellers-warned-of-rising-virus-cases-in-europe-495211">COVID-19: Travellers warned of rising virus cases in Europe</a>

More than 7 million people will be eligible for their second booster, as per the announcements. Until now, the immunisation was only available to people over the age of 65 or those suffering from serious illness.

The most populous state, New South Wales, recently issued a warning about the recent outbreak of infections brought on by the two variants. However, on the other hand, Victoria claimed that these strains have taken over as the state’s main ones.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-covarscan-a-new-covid-19-test-that-can-detect-all-variants-in-hours-494425">What is CoVarScan? A new COVID-19 test that can detect all variants in hours</a>

Australia, it is amongst the most vaccinated nations against Covid, has 95 per cent of adults administered to two doses for people above the age of 16.&nbsp;According to official records, more than 70 per cent have been given a third chance.

Australia has been coping with the virus since last year following staggered relaxing of barriers after vaccination rates, after mainly controlling the infection through severe border control and sudden lockdowns early in the pandemic.

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(With inputs from agencies)

Australia on Thursday (July 7) announced that starting this week it would increase the roll out of the fourth Covid vaccine as it fights a persistent rise in hospital admissions fuelled by the highly contagious new Omicron subvariants BA.

Australia on Thursday (July 7) announced that starting this week it would increase the roll out of the fourth Covid vaccine as it fights a persistent rise in hospital admissions fuelled by the highly contagious new Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. These new subvariants have now taken over as the predominant Covid strains in a number of countries, and pandemic experts have warned that because they spread more swiftly than any other variants, they may have hospitalisations and fatalities. According to officials, there are more than 4,000 Covid patients in hospitals in the country, the highest number since early February, with the Omicron outbreak, reported by Reuters. Health Minister Mark Butler at a media briefing said, "The pandemic is not over, we are entering a third wave that is placing enormous pressure on our health and hospital system." Also read | COVID-19: Travellers warned of rising virus cases in Europe More than 7 million people will be eligible for their second booster, as per the announcements. Until now, the immunisation was only available to people over the age of 65 or those suffering from serious illness. The most populous state, New South Wales, recently issued a warning about the recent outbreak of infections brought on by the two variants. However, on the other hand, Victoria claimed that these strains have taken over as the state’s main ones. Also read | What is CoVarScan? A new COVID-19 test that can detect all variants in hours Australia, it is amongst the most vaccinated nations against Covid, has 95 per cent of adults administered to two doses for people above the age of 16. According to official records, more than 70 per cent have been given a third chance. Australia has been coping with the virus since last year following staggered relaxing of barriers after vaccination rates, after mainly controlling the infection through severe border control and sudden lockdowns early in the pandemic. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Australia to offer fourth shot amid new Omicron variants threat

&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;reported 89 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking the total to more than 900 infections since mid-June, as authorities in the world's biggest gambling hub race to contain its largest outbreak since the pandemic began.

More than 13,000 people are under quarantine in the Chinese special administrative region, which has effectively shut down to limit the spread of coronavirus.

The city's more than 600,000 residents are subject to three citywide COVID-19 tests this week, with people also required to take rapid antigen tests in between.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macau-outbreak-more-than-700-people-locked-inside-casino-after-covid-cases-detected-490617">Macau outbreak: More than 700 people locked inside casino after Covid cases detected</a>

While the former Portuguese colony has not introduced a full scale lockdown seen in mainland Chinese cities like Shanghai, most facilities are shut and restaurants can only provide takeaway.

Only&nbsp;Macau's casinos have been allowed to stay open in a move to ensure job security. The government relies on the industry for over 80 per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;of its tax revenue with most of the population employed directly or indirectly by the casino resorts.

While casinos are physically open, there are hardly any gamblers inside and very few staff working, with many employees asked to stay at home, as per the government's request.

Watch |&nbsp;China: World's biggest gambling hub Macau tests more for covid

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The stringent measures come after&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;has been largely Covid-free since an outbreak in October 2021. It still has an open border with mainland China, with its economy firmly hinged to the inflow of Chinese visitors.

Macau&nbsp;adheres to China's "zero-Covid" policy which aims to eradicate all outbreaks, at just about any cost, running counter to a global trend of trying to co-exist with the virus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macau-shuts-most-businesses-amid-covid-outbreak-casinos-stay-open-489848">Macau shuts most businesses amid Covid outbreak, casinos stay open</a>

Its cases are still far below daily infections in other places, including neighbouring Hong Kong where cases have jumped to more than 2,000 a day this month.

However,&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;only has one public hospital, whose services are already stretched on a daily basis. Officials have put up a makeshift hospital next to the city's Las Vegas style Cotai strip to help cope with the rise in cases.

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Macau reported 89 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking the total to more than 900 infections since mid-June, as authorities in the world's biggest gambling hub race to contain its largest outbreak since the pandemic began.

Macau reported 89 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking the total to more than 900 infections since mid-June, as authorities in the world's biggest gambling hub race to contain its largest outbreak since the pandemic began. More than 13,000 people are under quarantine in the Chinese special administrative region, which has effectively shut down to limit the spread of coronavirus. The city's more than 600,000 residents are subject to three citywide COVID-19 tests this week, with people also required to take rapid antigen tests in between. Also read | Macau outbreak: More than 700 people locked inside casino after Covid cases detected While the former Portuguese colony has not introduced a full scale lockdown seen in mainland Chinese cities like Shanghai, most facilities are shut and restaurants can only provide takeaway. Only Macau's casinos have been allowed to stay open in a move to ensure job security. The government relies on the industry for over 80 per cent of its tax revenue with most of the population employed directly or indirectly by the casino resorts. While casinos are physically open, there are hardly any gamblers inside and very few staff working, with many employees asked to stay at home, as per the government's request. Watch | China: World's biggest gambling hub Macau tests more for covid The stringent measures come after Macau has been largely Covid-free since an outbreak in October 2021. It still has an open border with mainland China, with its economy firmly hinged to the inflow of Chinese visitors. Macau adheres to China's "zero-Covid" policy which aims to eradicate all outbreaks, at just about any cost, running counter to a global trend of trying to co-exist with the virus. Also read | Macau shuts most businesses amid Covid outbreak, casinos stay open Its cases are still far below daily infections in other places, including neighbouring Hong Kong where cases have jumped to more than 2,000 a day this month. However, Macau only has one public hospital, whose services are already stretched on a daily basis. Officials have put up a makeshift hospital next to the city's Las Vegas style Cotai strip to help cope with the rise in cases. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Covid-19: Macau outbreak hits more than 900 as infections spread

White-robed worshippers from around the world have packed the streets of Islam's holiest city ahead of the biggest hajj pilgrimage since&nbsp;the coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;began.

Banners welcoming the faithful, including the first international visitors&nbsp;since&nbsp;2019, adorned squares and alleys, while armed security forces patrolled the ancient city, birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed.

"This is pure joy," Sudanese pilgrim Abdel Qader Kheder told AFP in Mecca, before the event which officially starts Wednesday. "I almost can't believe I am here. I am enjoying every moment."

One&nbsp;million&nbsp;people, including 850,000 from abroad, are allowed at this year's&nbsp;hajj&nbsp;after two years of drastically curtailed numbers due to the&nbsp;pandemic. The&nbsp;pilgrimage&nbsp;is one of five pillars of Islam, which all able-bodied Muslims with the means are required to perform at least once.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hajj-pilgrimage-confusion-among-travellers-over-new-saudi-registration-system-492290">Travel cos face losses, applicants confused over Saudi's Hajj registration system</a>

At least 650,000 overseas pilgrims have arrived so far in&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, the authorities said on Sunday.

But authorities on Monday barred nearly 100,000 people from entering Mecca, imposing a security cordon around the holy city. A security official said 288 people were arrested and fined for attempting to perform the&nbsp;hajj&nbsp;without permits.

In 2019, about 2.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;people took part in the rituals, which also include gathering at Mount Arafat and "stoning the devil" in Mina.

The following year, when the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;took hold, foreigners were barred and worshippers were restricted to just 10,000 to stop the&nbsp;hajj&nbsp;from turning into a global super-spreader.

That figure rose to 60,000 fully vaccinated&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;citizens and residents in 2021.

Pilgrims this year -- only those younger than 65 are allowed -- will participate under strict sanitary conditions.

The&nbsp;hajj&nbsp;has seen numerous disasters over the years, including a 2015 stampede that killed up to 2,300 people and a 1979 attack by hundreds of gunmen that, according to the official toll, left 153 dead.

Unaccompanied women&nbsp;

On Monday afternoon, pilgrims carrying umbrellas to shield themselves from the scorching sun flocked to souvenir and barber shops in Mecca, while others shared meals under palm trees on streets close to the Grand Mosque.

Many new arrivals had already begun performing the first ritual, which requires walking seven times around the Kaaba, the large black cubic structure at the centre of the Grand Mosque.

Made from granite and draped in a cloth featuring verses from the Koran, the Kaaba stands nearly 15 metres (50 feet) tall. It is the structure all Muslims turn towards to pray, no matter where they are in the world.

"When I first saw the Kaaba I felt something weird and started crying," Egyptian pilgrim Mohammed Lotfi told AFP.

Watch |&nbsp;The West Asia Post | Saudi Hajj lottery system slammed by pilgrims

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The&nbsp;pilgrimage&nbsp;is a powerful source of prestige for the conservative desert kingdom and its de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is returning from the diplomatic wilderness.

The&nbsp;hajj, which&nbsp;costs at least $5,000 per person, is a money-spinner for the world's&nbsp;biggest&nbsp;oil exporter trying to diversify its economy. In normal years the&nbsp;pilgrimage&nbsp;brings in billions of dollars.

It is also a chance to showcase the kingdom's rapid social transformation, despite persistent complaints about human rights abuses and limits on personal freedoms.

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia now allows women to attend the&nbsp;hajj&nbsp;unaccompanied by male relatives, a requirement that was dropped last year.

Serenity

Masks are no longer compulsory in most enclosed spaces in&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia but they will be mandatory at the Grand Mosque, the holiest site in Islam. Pilgrims from abroad will have to submit a negative PCR test result.&nbsp;

The Grand Mosque will be "washed 10 times a day... by more than 4,000 male and female workers", with more than 130,000 litres (34,000 gallons) of disinfectant used each time, authorities said.

Since&nbsp;the start of the&nbsp;pandemic,&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia has registered more than 795,000 coronavirus cases, 9,000 of them fatal, in a population of about 34&nbsp;million.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/saudi-arabia-welcomes-first-foreign-pilgrims-after-covid-hiatus-485076">Saudi Arabia welcomes first foreign pilgrims after COVID-19 hiatus</a>

Aside from Covid, another challenge is the scorching sun in one of the world's hottest and driest regions, where temperatures have already topped 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) in parts of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia.

But Iraqi pilgrim Ahmed Abdul-Hassan al-Fatlawi said the heat is the last thing he thinks of when in Mecca.

"I am 60 years old, so it's normal if I get physically tired because of the hot weather, but I am in a state of serenity, and that's all that matters to me," he told AFP. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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White-robed worshippers from around the world have packed the streets of Islam's holiest city ahead of the biggest hajj pilgrimage since the coronavirus pandemic began.

White-robed worshippers from around the world have packed the streets of Islam's holiest city ahead of the biggest hajj pilgrimage since the coronavirus pandemic began. Banners welcoming the faithful, including the first international visitors since 2019, adorned squares and alleys, while armed security forces patrolled the ancient city, birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed. "This is pure joy," Sudanese pilgrim Abdel Qader Kheder told AFP in Mecca, before the event which officially starts Wednesday. "I almost can't believe I am here. I am enjoying every moment." One million people, including 850,000 from abroad, are allowed at this year's hajj after two years of drastically curtailed numbers due to the pandemic. The pilgrimage is one of five pillars of Islam, which all able-bodied Muslims with the means are required to perform at least once. Also read | Travel cos face losses, applicants confused over Saudi's Hajj registration system At least 650,000 overseas pilgrims have arrived so far in Saudi Arabia, the authorities said on Sunday. But authorities on Monday barred nearly 100,000 people from entering Mecca, imposing a security cordon around the holy city. A security official said 288 people were arrested and fined for attempting to perform the hajj without permits. In 2019, about 2.5 million people took part in the rituals, which also include gathering at Mount Arafat and "stoning the devil" in Mina. The following year, when the pandemic took hold, foreigners were barred and worshippers were restricted to just 10,000 to stop the hajj from turning into a global super-spreader. That figure rose to 60,000 fully vaccinated Saudi citizens and residents in 2021. Pilgrims this year -- only those younger than 65 are allowed -- will participate under strict sanitary conditions. The hajj has seen numerous disasters over the years, including a 2015 stampede that killed up to 2,300 people and a 1979 attack by hundreds of gunmen that, according to the official toll, left 153 dead. Unaccompanied women On Monday afternoon, pilgrims carrying umbrellas to shield themselves from the scorching sun flocked to souvenir and barber shops in Mecca, while others shared meals under palm trees on streets close to the Grand Mosque. Many new arrivals had already begun performing the first ritual, which requires walking seven times around the Kaaba, the large black cubic structure at the centre of the Grand Mosque. Made from granite and draped in a cloth featuring verses from the Koran, the Kaaba stands nearly 15 metres (50 feet) tall. It is the structure all Muslims turn towards to pray, no matter where they are in the world. "When I first saw the Kaaba I felt something weird and started crying," Egyptian pilgrim Mohammed Lotfi told AFP. Watch | The West Asia Post | Saudi Hajj lottery system slammed by pilgrims The pilgrimage is a powerful source of prestige for the conservative desert kingdom and its de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is returning from the diplomatic wilderness. The hajj, which costs at least $5,000 per person, is a money-spinner for the world's biggest oil exporter trying to diversify its economy. In normal years the pilgrimage brings in billions of dollars. It is also a chance to showcase the kingdom's rapid social transformation, despite persistent complaints about human rights abuses and limits on personal freedoms. Saudi Arabia now allows women to attend the hajj unaccompanied by male relatives, a requirement that was dropped last year. Serenity Masks are no longer compulsory in most enclosed spaces in Saudi Arabia but they will be mandatory at the Grand Mosque, the holiest site in Islam. Pilgrims from abroad will have to submit a negative PCR test result. The Grand Mosque will be "washed 10 times a day... by more than 4,000 male and female workers", with more than 130,000 litres (34,000 gallons) of disinfectant used each time, authorities said. Since the start of the pandemic, Saudi Arabia has registered more than 795,000 coronavirus cases, 9,000 of them fatal, in a population of about 34 million. Also read | Saudi Arabia welcomes first foreign pilgrims after COVID-19 hiatus Aside from Covid, another challenge is the scorching sun in one of the world's hottest and driest regions, where temperatures have already topped 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) in parts of Saudi Arabia. But Iraqi pilgrim Ahmed Abdul-Hassan al-Fatlawi said the heat is the last thing he thinks of when in Mecca. "I am 60 years old, so it's normal if I get physically tired because of the hot weather, but I am in a state of serenity, and that's all that matters to me," he told AFP. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Saudi Arabia welcomes 1 million for biggest hajj pilgrimage since pandemic

China&nbsp;will&nbsp;loosen&nbsp;entry&nbsp;restrictions&nbsp;on US&nbsp;citizens, allowing entrance in case of&nbsp;transit&nbsp;via&nbsp;a third&nbsp;country, notices issued late on Friday by the Chinese embassy in Washington said, relaxing rules imposed in Beijing's drive to curb COVID-19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Covid-19 fourth wave? Cases rise across India, check THESE latest guidelines">Covid-19 fourth wave? Cases rise across India, check THESE latest guidelines</a>

China's "dynamic COVID zero" policy, which aims to minimise the risk of infected travellers arriving from abroad, has resulted in many barriers to international travel, from&nbsp;restrictions&nbsp;on the issue and renewal of passports for Chinese&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;to tough quarantine requirements upon arrival.

Watch |&nbsp;Hong Kong's 25th Handover Anniversary: Chinese President swears in HK's new leader John Lee

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According to an updated policy statement, US&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;with valid negative COVID test results looking to enter&nbsp;China&nbsp;may&nbsp;now&nbsp;apply for and receive a green health code for travel in from either the United States or a third&nbsp;country. In the past, the embassy would only grant the codes to U.S.&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;flying directly from the United States.

China&nbsp;has&nbsp;loosened the same&nbsp;restrictions&nbsp;recently for&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;of other countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/user-data-not-shared-with-chinese-communist-party-tiktok-tells-us-lawmakers-493714">User data not shared with Chinese Communist Party: TikTok tells US lawmakers</a>

The&nbsp;restrictions, coupled with a limited number of direct flights from the United States to&nbsp;China, caused ticket prices to cost as much as 10,000 dollars.

The changes follow a similar slight relaxation of COVID testing rules for people arriving in&nbsp;China&nbsp;from countries including the United States announced on May 18.

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China will loosen entry restrictions on US citizens, allowing entrance in case of transit via a third country, notices issued late on Friday by the Chinese embassy in Washington said, relaxing rules imposed in Beijing's drive to curb COVID-19.

China will loosen entry restrictions on US citizens, allowing entrance in case of transit via a third country, notices issued late on Friday by the Chinese embassy in Washington said, relaxing rules imposed in Beijing's drive to curb COVID-19. Also read | Covid-19 fourth wave? Cases rise across India, check THESE latest guidelines China's "dynamic COVID zero" policy, which aims to minimise the risk of infected travellers arriving from abroad, has resulted in many barriers to international travel, from restrictions on the issue and renewal of passports for Chinese citizens to tough quarantine requirements upon arrival. Watch | Hong Kong's 25th Handover Anniversary: Chinese President swears in HK's new leader John Lee According to an updated policy statement, US citizens with valid negative COVID test results looking to enter China may now apply for and receive a green health code for travel in from either the United States or a third country. In the past, the embassy would only grant the codes to U.S. citizens flying directly from the United States. China has loosened the same restrictions recently for citizens of other countries. Also read | User data not shared with Chinese Communist Party: TikTok tells US lawmakers The restrictions, coupled with a limited number of direct flights from the United States to China, caused ticket prices to cost as much as 10,000 dollars. The changes follow a similar slight relaxation of COVID testing rules for people arriving in China from countries including the United States announced on May 18. Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China to loosen entry restrictions on US citizens, transit via 3rd country now permitted

As the primary pandemic indicators in the country continues to climb, Italy on Thursday (June 30), amended new coronavirus health measures in the workplace.&nbsp; As per the new regulations developed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies and the Ministry of Health, wearing masks will be made mandatory for people who face certain health concerns or are in places where infections could be raised.These modification in guidelines comes after the Covid situation in Italy got worse recently. The guidelines encourage “smart working” which includes working from home rather, as well as staggered entry, exit times for employees in workplace and common places such as changing rooms and food dispensaries, reported by ANI.

Employees with body temperatures over 37.5 degrees Celsius are prohibited from accessing workplaces as per the guidelines issued for private organisations. Any employee who exhibits flu-like symptoms is obligated to notify his or her employer “timely.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/before-and-after-satellite-images-show-how-italys-po-river-shrunk-between-2020-and-2022-492702">Before and after satellite images show how Italy's Po river shrunk between 2020 and 2022</a>

The country recorded more than 83,000 cases on Thursday (June 30) and over 94,000 cases on Wednesday (June 29).&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Italy's heat wave to get worse

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Gimbe Foundation, a health monitoring organisation issued a report on Thursday (June 30) as per which the Covid infections throughout the country increased by over 50 per cent during previous week. The organisation also noted on the basis of data released by Health Ministry that the throughout the same time period, the hospitalisation got increased by 25 per cent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abortion-in-italy-is-legal-but-finding-one-is-hard-488006">Abortion in Italy is legal, but finding one is hard</a>

In the meantime, the weekly fatality rate increased by 16 per cent and the number of patients in intensive care units increased by 15 per cent.&nbsp;

However, the primary indices are still below the peaks reached earlier in the pandemic.

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(With inputs from agencies)

As the primary pandemic indicators in the country continues to climb, Italy on Thursday (June 30), amended new coronavirus health measures in the workplace. As per the new regulations developed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies and the Ministry of Health, wearing masks will be made mandatory for people who face certain health concerns or are in places where infections could be raised.

As the primary pandemic indicators in the country continues to climb, Italy on Thursday (June 30), amended new coronavirus health measures in the workplace. As per the new regulations developed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies and the Ministry of Health, wearing masks will be made mandatory for people who face certain health concerns or are in places where infections could be raised.These modification in guidelines comes after the Covid situation in Italy got worse recently. The guidelines encourage “smart working” which includes working from home rather, as well as staggered entry, exit times for employees in workplace and common places such as changing rooms and food dispensaries, reported by ANI. Employees with body temperatures over 37.5 degrees Celsius are prohibited from accessing workplaces as per the guidelines issued for private organisations. Any employee who exhibits flu-like symptoms is obligated to notify his or her employer “timely.” Also read | Before and after satellite images show how Italy's Po river shrunk between 2020 and 2022 The country recorded more than 83,000 cases on Thursday (June 30) and over 94,000 cases on Wednesday (June 29). Watch | Italy's heat wave to get worse Gimbe Foundation, a health monitoring organisation issued a report on Thursday (June 30) as per which the Covid infections throughout the country increased by over 50 per cent during previous week. The organisation also noted on the basis of data released by Health Ministry that the throughout the same time period, the hospitalisation got increased by 25 per cent. Also read | Abortion in Italy is legal, but finding one is hard In the meantime, the weekly fatality rate increased by 16 per cent and the number of patients in intensive care units increased by 15 per cent. However, the primary indices are still below the peaks reached earlier in the pandemic. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Italy modifies health regulations as the pandemic situation deteriorates

COVID-19 cases are again on a rise in India.&nbsp;India reported 17,070 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally&nbsp;to 4,34,69,234, while the active cases increased to 1,07,189, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday (July 1). According to reports, the number of new cases have increased by 18 per cent in the last week, globally. Many states in India have also issued some fresh guidelines looking at the rise in cases.&nbsp;New cases of Omicron's BA.5 variant have been reported in Delhi and other parts of the country. 23 COVID-19 related deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of coronavirus fatalities to 5,25,139. However, the ministry said that the recovery rate was&nbsp;98.58 per cent. In the last 24 hours,&nbsp;17,070 new COVID-19 cases were reported.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/active-covid-cases-rise-to-107189-in-country-493497">Active Covid cases rise to 107,189 in India</a>

<h2>COVID-19 Cases rise in Delhi, check their latest guidelines</h2>

According to data shared by health department on Wednesday,&nbsp;Delhi reported 1,109 Covid-19 cases with a positivity rate of 5.87 per cent and one fatality. However, even after rise in COVID-19&nbsp;cases, schools in the National Capital Region have re-opened after summer vacations. Several parents and students have also expressed their concerns over the same, but the school authorities have ensured that strict COVID-19&nbsp;protocols will be&nbsp;followed. Though, no restrictions have been applied so far. However, section- 144 has been imposed in Noida for the months of July and August, and masks also remain mandatory. According to a report by Zee News, almost five per cent of the samples genome sequenced from central and south east Delhi tested positive for the BA.5 sub-variant and nearly two per cent samples from south Delhi showed its presence.

<h2>Cases rise in Karnataka&nbsp;and new guidelines issued&nbsp;</h2>

Cases are also on a rapid rise in Karnataka, with Bengaluru being the worst-hit.&nbsp;On June 29,1,249 new Covid-19 cases were recorded, rising the&nbsp;state's active caseload to 5,707.&nbsp;Bengaluru reported 1,109 new coronavirus infections and the capital now has 5,393 active infections. However,&nbsp;the positivity rate has risen to 4.84 per cent. New guidelines are also issued by the Karnataka Government.

See the tweet by Dr. Sudhakar K,&nbsp;Minister for Health &amp; Family Welfare and Medical Education, Karnataka below,

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In the wake of increase in Covid-19 cases from June 10, updated guidelines have been formulated to contain the spread of infection. I urge all citizens to adhere to the guidelines to defeat the pandemic. 
 
Get your booster doses and follow appropriate COVID behaviour.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/xKZgoxGnTb">pic.twitter.com/xKZgoxGnTb</a>
— Dr Sudhakar K (@mla_sudhakar) <a href="https://twitter.com/mla_sudhakar/status/1541794946231181312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Downward trend of cases&nbsp;in Maharashtra</h2>

Even though Maharashtra reported rapidly increasing number of cases earlier, it is seeing a downfall now. Cases in Mumbai have dropped by 11.43 per cent in the last seven days. On 29th June,&nbsp;3,957 new&nbsp;cases were reported in&nbsp;Maharashtra.&nbsp;However, on 30th June,&nbsp;3,640 cases were reported.&nbsp;The fatalities also dropped from seven to three in the last 24 hours. Earlier the government issued some guidelines amid the rising COVID-19&nbsp;cases.&nbsp;

<h2>Cases up in Tamil Nadu, one of the worst affected states</h2>

Tamil Nadu is one of the worst affected states with&nbsp;active cases crossing&nbsp;the 10,000 mark for the first time since February this year. In early June it reported about 80 cases a day, but now the state is&nbsp;now reporting an average of 1,285 cases a day. Doctors and experts, seeing the rapidly rising cases have started worrying about a 'Fourth wave'&nbsp;and are constantly urging people to take precautions to prevent the infection from spreading. According to a report by PTI, the death toll remained at 38,026 as no fatalities occurred today, according to a bulletin from the State Health Department here.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-virus-fattens-body-cells-to-initiate-its-takeover-says-study-493072">Covid virus fattens body cells to initiate its takeover, says study</a>

<h2>Why we should take the current COVID-19 situation seriously?</h2>

It is very important to take necessary precautions in order to prevent the COVID-19 infections. Not just the citizens, but the governments should also imply the required restrictions and formulate new guidelines. The cases are increasing day-by-day all over the country, and the infection rate is also high. Doctors and experts have warned and feared about a 'Fourth wave'&nbsp;and that if we don't take the necessary precautions now, the situation may worsen and we may land in the same state as we were before.&nbsp;

There are no restrictions as such on travel and people are travelling domestic as well as foreign frequently. This is also one of the reasons of the rise in COVID-19 cases. Other than the states mentioned, other states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, etc. are also reporting increasing cases every day. It is high time now that we start performing COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, otherwise the situation may&nbsp;deteriorate.

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COVID-19 cases are again on a rise in India. India reported 17,070 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally to 4,34,69,234, while the active cases increased to 1,07,189, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday (July 1).

COVID-19 cases are again on a rise in India. India reported 17,070 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally to 4,34,69,234, while the active cases increased to 1,07,189, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday (July 1). According to reports, the number of new cases have increased by 18 per cent in the last week, globally. Many states in India have also issued some fresh guidelines looking at the rise in cases. New cases of Omicron's BA.5 variant have been reported in Delhi and other parts of the country. 23 COVID-19 related deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of coronavirus fatalities to 5,25,139. However, the ministry said that the recovery rate was 98.58 per cent. In the last 24 hours, 17,070 new COVID-19 cases were reported. Also read | Active Covid cases rise to 107,189 in India COVID-19 Cases rise in Delhi, check their latest guidelines According to data shared by health department on Wednesday, Delhi reported 1,109 Covid-19 cases with a positivity rate of 5.87 per cent and one fatality. However, even after rise in COVID-19 cases, schools in the National Capital Region have re-opened after summer vacations. Several parents and students have also expressed their concerns over the same, but the school authorities have ensured that strict COVID-19 protocols will be followed. Though, no restrictions have been applied so far. However, section- 144 has been imposed in Noida for the months of July and August, and masks also remain mandatory. According to a report by Zee News, almost five per cent of the samples genome sequenced from central and south east Delhi tested positive for the BA.5 sub-variant and nearly two per cent samples from south Delhi showed its presence. Cases rise in Karnataka and new guidelines issued Cases are also on a rapid rise in Karnataka, with Bengaluru being the worst-hit. On June 29,1,249 new Covid-19 cases were recorded, rising the state's active caseload to 5,707. Bengaluru reported 1,109 new coronavirus infections and the capital now has 5,393 active infections. However, the positivity rate has risen to 4.84 per cent. New guidelines are also issued by the Karnataka Government. See the tweet by Dr. Sudhakar K, Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education, Karnataka below, In the wake of increase in Covid-19 cases from June 10, updated guidelines have been formulated to contain the spread of infection. I urge all citizens to adhere to the guidelines to defeat the pandemic. Get your booster doses and follow appropriate COVID behaviour.#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/xKZgoxGnTb — Dr Sudhakar K (@mla_sudhakar) June 28, 2022 × Downward trend of cases in Maharashtra Even though Maharashtra reported rapidly increasing number of cases earlier, it is seeing a downfall now. Cases in Mumbai have dropped by 11.43 per cent in the last seven days. On 29th June, 3,957 new cases were reported in Maharashtra. However, on 30th June, 3,640 cases were reported. The fatalities also dropped from seven to three in the last 24 hours. Earlier the government issued some guidelines amid the rising COVID-19 cases. Cases up in Tamil Nadu, one of the worst affected states Tamil Nadu is one of the worst affected states with active cases crossing the 10,000 mark for the first time since February this year. In early June it reported about 80 cases a day, but now the state is now reporting an average of 1,285 cases a day. Doctors and experts, seeing the rapidly rising cases have started worrying about a 'Fourth wave' and are constantly urging people to take precautions to prevent the infection from spreading. According to a report by PTI, the death toll remained at 38,026 as no fatalities occurred today, according to a bulletin from the State Health Department here. Also read | Covid virus fattens body cells to initiate its takeover, says study Why we should take the current COVID-19 situation seriously? It is very important to take necessary precautions in order to prevent the COVID-19 infections. Not just the citizens, but the governments should also imply the required restrictions and formulate new guidelines. The cases are increasing day-by-day all over the country, and the infection rate is also high. Doctors and experts have warned and feared about a 'Fourth wave' and that if we don't take the necessary precautions now, the situation may worsen and we may land in the same state as we were before. There are no restrictions as such on travel and people are travelling domestic as well as foreign frequently. This is also one of the reasons of the rise in COVID-19 cases. Other than the states mentioned, other states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, etc. are also reporting increasing cases every day. It is high time now that we start performing COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, otherwise the situation may deteriorate. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Covid-19 fourth wave? Cases rise across India, check THESE latest guidelines

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed on Sunday. The skipper is currently placed under isolation in the team hotel following the infection.

Posting the update via Twitter, the BCCI said, “#TeamIndia Captain Mr Rohit Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19 following a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted on Saturday. He is currently in isolation at the team hotel and is under the care of the BCCI Medical Team.”

The Rohit-led Indian team is currently playing against Leicestershire in a 4-day game ahead of the decisive rearranged Test match against England, that will begin from July 1 at the Edgbaston in Birmingham.

The Indian skipper came out to bat in the first innings on Thursday where he scored 25 runs, before getting out in the warm-up match. He also took the field on the second day as India bowled Leicestershire out on 244.

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UPDATE - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> Captain Mr Rohit Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19 following a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted on Saturday. He is currently in isolation at the team hotel and is under the care of the BCCI Medical Team.
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1540810550820716544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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But he didn't come out to bat in India's second innings on Saturday as the side lost seven wickets, scoring 364 by the end of the day's play.

Earlier, Indian spinner R Ashwin had also tested positive before leaving India.

India currently lead the Test series 2-1 against England. The fifth Test match, which was supposed to be held at Old Trafford in Manchester last year, was cancelled due to COVID-19 in the Indian camp.

Rohit is currently the highest scorer for India in the series, amassing 368 runs at an average of 52.27 including a hundred at The Oval.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-confronts-fan-for-making-fun-of-young-kamlesh-nagarkoti-during-indias-warm-up-match-491741" hreflang="en">WATCH: Virat Kohli confronts fan for making fun of young Kamlesh Nagarkoti during India's warm-up match</a>

A win or draw in the match against England would help them win the series for the first time since 2007-08.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pants-fitness-not-up-to-the-mark-rohit-sharma-too-isnt-very-fit-says-former-pakistan-spinner-491670">Rishabh Pant's fitness not up to the mark, Rohit Sharma too isn't very fit, says former Pakistan spinner</a>

If Rohit fails to make it to the match then India would have a tough time finding an opening pair since the first-choice KL Rahul has already been ruled out of the series due to an injury.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed on Sunday. The skipper is currently placed under isolation in the team hotel following the infection.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed on Sunday. The skipper is currently placed under isolation in the team hotel following the infection. Posting the update via Twitter, the BCCI said, “#TeamIndia Captain Mr Rohit Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19 following a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted on Saturday. He is currently in isolation at the team hotel and is under the care of the BCCI Medical Team.” The Rohit-led Indian team is currently playing against Leicestershire in a 4-day game ahead of the decisive rearranged Test match against England, that will begin from July 1 at the Edgbaston in Birmingham. The Indian skipper came out to bat in the first innings on Thursday where he scored 25 runs, before getting out in the warm-up match. He also took the field on the second day as India bowled Leicestershire out on 244. UPDATE - #TeamIndia Captain Mr Rohit Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19 following a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted on Saturday. He is currently in isolation at the team hotel and is under the care of the BCCI Medical Team. — BCCI (@BCCI) June 25, 2022 × But he didn't come out to bat in India's second innings on Saturday as the side lost seven wickets, scoring 364 by the end of the day's play. Earlier, Indian spinner R Ashwin had also tested positive before leaving India. India currently lead the Test series 2-1 against England. The fifth Test match, which was supposed to be held at Old Trafford in Manchester last year, was cancelled due to COVID-19 in the Indian camp. Rohit is currently the highest scorer for India in the series, amassing 368 runs at an average of 52.27 including a hundred at The Oval. Also read | WATCH: Virat Kohli confronts fan for making fun of young Kamlesh Nagarkoti during India's warm-up match A win or draw in the match against England would help them win the series for the first time since 2007-08. Also Read: Rishabh Pant's fitness not up to the mark, Rohit Sharma too isn't very fit, says former Pakistan spinner If Rohit fails to make it to the match then India would have a tough time finding an opening pair since the first-choice KL Rahul has already been ruled out of the series due to an injury.

Indian cricket skipper Rohit Sharma tests positive for COVID-19 in England

The World Health Organization is convening a meeting on Thursday (June 23) to discuss whether the monkeypox outbreak to be declared a global emergency like COVID-19. Some experts on the other hand believe that the world organisation’s decisions are acted upon only after the disease spread to the West and could further create inequities that earlier emerged during the coronavirus pandemic. Declaring monkeypox outbreak as a global emergency would signal that the organisation views it as an ‘exceptional event’ and a danger that the illness might cross international borders, reported AP.

Currently most of the monkeypox cases are documented from wealthy nations that are taking rapid steps to stop it, even as many scientists are sceptical that such proclamations will help in stopping the epidemic.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-records-first-recent-case-of-monkeypox-in-a-british-flight-attendant-490715">Singapore reports first case of monkeypox in a flight attendant</a>

Oyewale Tomori, a Nigerian virologist who attends several WHO advisory panels said, “If WHO was really worried about monkeypox spread, they could have convened their emergency committee years ago when it re-emerged in Nigeria in 2017 and no one knew why we suddenly had hundreds of cases.” He further said that WHO only consults its experts after the illness reaches in white nations.

Watch |&nbsp;WHO to rename Monkeypox, scientists call for a non discriminatory name

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According to David Fidler, a senior fellow in global health at the Council on Foreign Relations said, “There may be legitimate reasons why WHO only raised the alarm when monkeypox spread to rich countries, but to poor countries, that looks like a double standard,.” He further added that the global community was still struggling to ensure the world's poor were vaccinated against the coronavirus and that it was unclear if Africans even wanted monkeypox vaccines, given competing priorities like malaria and HIV.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monkeypox-virus-cdc-issues-sex-guidelines-on-monkeypox-why-india-should-get-battle-ready-for-monkeypox-490589">Monkeypox Virus: CDC issues sex guidelines on Monkeypox. Why India should get battle ready for Monkeypox</a>

More than 3,300 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention so far in 42 nations where the virus is uncommon. Amongst which, Europe accounts for more than 80 per cent of the instances. Over 1,400 cases including 62 fatalities have already been reported in Africa this year.&nbsp;

Monkeypox had not previously produced sizable epidemic outside Africa until this month. However, the scientists haven’t discovered any significant genetic alterations in the virus.

A senior WHO consultant stated last month that the recent spike in infections in Europe is probably caused by gay males engaging in sexual activity in Spain and Belgium.&nbsp;

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The World Health Organization is convening a meeting on Thursday (June 23) to discuss whether the monkeypox outbreak to be declared a global emergency like COVID-19.

The World Health Organization is convening a meeting on Thursday (June 23) to discuss whether the monkeypox outbreak to be declared a global emergency like COVID-19. Some experts on the other hand believe that the world organisation’s decisions are acted upon only after the disease spread to the West and could further create inequities that earlier emerged during the coronavirus pandemic. Declaring monkeypox outbreak as a global emergency would signal that the organisation views it as an ‘exceptional event’ and a danger that the illness might cross international borders, reported AP. Currently most of the monkeypox cases are documented from wealthy nations that are taking rapid steps to stop it, even as many scientists are sceptical that such proclamations will help in stopping the epidemic. Also read | Singapore reports first case of monkeypox in a flight attendant Oyewale Tomori, a Nigerian virologist who attends several WHO advisory panels said, “If WHO was really worried about monkeypox spread, they could have convened their emergency committee years ago when it re-emerged in Nigeria in 2017 and no one knew why we suddenly had hundreds of cases.” He further said that WHO only consults its experts after the illness reaches in white nations. Watch | WHO to rename Monkeypox, scientists call for a non discriminatory name According to David Fidler, a senior fellow in global health at the Council on Foreign Relations said, “There may be legitimate reasons why WHO only raised the alarm when monkeypox spread to rich countries, but to poor countries, that looks like a double standard,.” He further added that the global community was still struggling to ensure the world's poor were vaccinated against the coronavirus and that it was unclear if Africans even wanted monkeypox vaccines, given competing priorities like malaria and HIV. Also read | Monkeypox Virus: CDC issues sex guidelines on Monkeypox. Why India should get battle ready for Monkeypox More than 3,300 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention so far in 42 nations where the virus is uncommon. Amongst which, Europe accounts for more than 80 per cent of the instances. Over 1,400 cases including 62 fatalities have already been reported in Africa this year. Monkeypox had not previously produced sizable epidemic outside Africa until this month. However, the scientists haven’t discovered any significant genetic alterations in the virus. A senior WHO consultant stated last month that the recent spike in infections in Europe is probably caused by gay males engaging in sexual activity in Spain and Belgium. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO considers declaring monkeypox a global emergency

India on Monday logged 12,781 fresh COVID-19 cases that pushed its infection tally to 4,33,09,473, while the daily positivity rate went past 4 per cent after 130 days, according to Union health ministry data.

The death toll climbed to 5,24,873 with 18 new fatalities. The number of active cases increased to 76,700, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 4.32 per cent and the weekly positivity rate at 2.62 per cent, the ministry said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-records-12899-new-cases-and-15-deaths-489539">COVID-19: India records 12,899 new cases and 15 deaths</a>

The active cases comprise 0.18 per cent of the total infections. The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.61 per cent, it said.

An increase of 4,226 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

Watch |&nbsp;India witnesses surge in covid cases, positivity rate stands at 2.73%

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The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,27,07,900, while the case fatality rate stood at 1.21 per cent, the ministry said.

So far, 196.18 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the country under the nationwide inoculation drive.

India's COVID-19 tally crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the 1-crore mark on December 19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fresh-fears-of-4th-wave-india-logs-12000-covid-cases-for-2nd-day-in-a-row-489218">Fresh fears of 4th wave? India logs 12,000+ Covid cases for 2nd day in a row</a>

India crossed the grim milestone of 2 crore on May 4, 3 crore on June 23 and 4 crore on January 25 this year.

The 18 new fatalities include 11 from Kerala, three from Delhi and one each from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab and West Bengal.

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India on Monday logged 12,781 fresh COVID-19 cases that pushed its infection tally to 4,33,09,473, while the daily positivity rate went past 4 per cent after 130 days, according to Union health ministry data.

India on Monday logged 12,781 fresh COVID-19 cases that pushed its infection tally to 4,33,09,473, while the daily positivity rate went past 4 per cent after 130 days, according to Union health ministry data. The death toll climbed to 5,24,873 with 18 new fatalities. The number of active cases increased to 76,700, the data updated at 8 am stated. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 4.32 per cent and the weekly positivity rate at 2.62 per cent, the ministry said. Also read | COVID-19: India records 12,899 new cases and 15 deaths The active cases comprise 0.18 per cent of the total infections. The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.61 per cent, it said. An increase of 4,226 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Watch | India witnesses surge in covid cases, positivity rate stands at 2.73% The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,27,07,900, while the case fatality rate stood at 1.21 per cent, the ministry said. So far, 196.18 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the country under the nationwide inoculation drive. India's COVID-19 tally crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the 1-crore mark on December 19. Also read | Fresh fears of 4th wave? India logs 12,000+ Covid cases for 2nd day in a row India crossed the grim milestone of 2 crore on May 4, 3 crore on June 23 and 4 crore on January 25 this year. The 18 new fatalities include 11 from Kerala, three from Delhi and one each from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab and West Bengal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: India adds 12,781 cases, positivity rate over 4% after 130 days

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the White House.

Sullivan typically has frequent contact with President Joe Biden but last was in contact with the president early in the week, according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-call-us-national-security-adviser-sullivan-chinas-top-diplomat-yang-talk-north-korea-taiwan-480259">&nbsp;In call, US national security adviser Sullivan, China's top diplomat Yang talk North Korea, Taiwan</a>

Sullivan had been keeping his distance from Biden after 'a couple' of people he had been in close contact with had tested positive for the virus, the official said.

Watch |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden speaks on Inflation: 'Recession is not inevitable'

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Adrienne Watson, a National Security Council spokeswoman, said Sullivan 'is asymptomatic and he has not been in close contact with the president'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-signs-executive-order-aimed-against-lgbtqi-discrimination-488739">Biden signs executive order aimed against LGBTQI+ discrimination</a>

The White House confirmed on Thursday that Biden had tested negative that day. White House officials did not immediately respond a request for comment on whether Biden has been tested more recently.&nbsp;

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White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the White House. Sullivan typically has frequent contact with President Joe Biden but last was in contact with the president early in the week, according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the White House. Sullivan typically has frequent contact with President Joe Biden but last was in contact with the president early in the week, according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Also read | In call, US national security adviser Sullivan, China's top diplomat Yang talk North Korea, Taiwan Sullivan had been keeping his distance from Biden after 'a couple' of people he had been in close contact with had tested positive for the virus, the official said. Watch | US President Joe Biden speaks on Inflation: 'Recession is not inevitable' Adrienne Watson, a National Security Council spokeswoman, said Sullivan 'is asymptomatic and he has not been in close contact with the president'. Also read | Biden signs executive order aimed against LGBTQI+ discrimination The White House confirmed on Thursday that Biden had tested negative that day. White House officials did not immediately respond a request for comment on whether Biden has been tested more recently. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: Joe Biden's adviser Jake Sullivan tests positive

In pics: Portland’s Rose Festival returns after two years of Covid hiatus

Which are the deadliest viruses of 21st century?

Turkiye has eased all entry requirements for visitors, Turkiye Tourism Board said on Monday (June 6). The country&nbsp;expects to receive a large number of Indian travellers this year, as reported by PTI.&nbsp;

As per the statement given by the authorities, earlier Indian citizens were required to provide either an RT-PCR test report or a vaccination certificate. However, Indian travellers no longer have to give proof of vaccine, negative RT-PCR test results or proof of recovering from the sickness.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-behind-turkeys-syria-incursion-threats-485142#high-tension-485135">What is behind Turkey’s Syria incursion threats?</a>

Turkiye’s tourism industry generated about $25 billion in revenue in the year 2021, up 103 per cent since the onset of the pandemic and the number is expected to be higher this year.&nbsp;

As per the statement, the country welcomed 52 million tourists in the pre-pandemic year of 2019 and generated a revenue of $34.5 billion in tourism earnings.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Inflation in Turkiye hits highest level since 1998

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Last year, as per the tourism authority, the country was announced as one of the top destinations for Free Independent Travelers (FTI) and Meeting, Incentive Travel, Conferences and Events (MICE) travellers from around the world with more than 30 million international visitors. &nbsp;Amongst these, 50,000 were Indian travellers, this was regarded as a significant number with consideration of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-that-have-changed-their-names-as-turkey-becomes-turkiye-484695">Countries that have changed their names as Turkey becomes ‘Türkiye’</a>

Turkiye has high expectations to welcome a higher number of Indian travellers than before, with both Turkish and Indigo airlines restarting their direct international flights from India.&nbsp;

The country expects its visitors' graph to match the levels of 2019 by the end of 2022, as the demand for international demand is rising and people are willing to travel internationally and explore new countries and destinations.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Turkiye has eased all entry requirements for visitors, Turkiye Tourism Board said on Monday (June 6). The country expects to receive a large number of Indian travellers this year, as reported by PTI.

Turkiye has eased all entry requirements for visitors, Turkiye Tourism Board said on Monday (June 6). The country expects to receive a large number of Indian travellers this year, as reported by PTI. As per the statement given by the authorities, earlier Indian citizens were required to provide either an RT-PCR test report or a vaccination certificate. However, Indian travellers no longer have to give proof of vaccine, negative RT-PCR test results or proof of recovering from the sickness. Also read | What is behind Turkey’s Syria incursion threats? Turkiye’s tourism industry generated about $25 billion in revenue in the year 2021, up 103 per cent since the onset of the pandemic and the number is expected to be higher this year. As per the statement, the country welcomed 52 million tourists in the pre-pandemic year of 2019 and generated a revenue of $34.5 billion in tourism earnings. Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: Inflation in Turkiye hits highest level since 1998 Last year, as per the tourism authority, the country was announced as one of the top destinations for Free Independent Travelers (FTI) and Meeting, Incentive Travel, Conferences and Events (MICE) travellers from around the world with more than 30 million international visitors. Amongst these, 50,000 were Indian travellers, this was regarded as a significant number with consideration of the pandemic. Also read | Countries that have changed their names as Turkey becomes ‘Türkiye’ Turkiye has high expectations to welcome a higher number of Indian travellers than before, with both Turkish and Indigo airlines restarting their direct international flights from India. The country expects its visitors' graph to match the levels of 2019 by the end of 2022, as the demand for international demand is rising and people are willing to travel internationally and explore new countries and destinations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkiye eases COVID-19 restrictions for Indian tourists

Saudi Arabia welcomes first foreign pilgrims after COVID-19 hiatus

The Mumbai city recorded 505 new covid - 19 cases on Tuesday, showing a five-fold increase in cases in the past one month, increasing all India tally to 2745 new cases. On 1 May, 92 covid cases were recorded in the city.

The test positivity rate in the city has jumped to six per cent, the civic body Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), said today. It has asked officials to immediately increase testing "on war footing".

Testing labs have also been asked to be proactive and fully staffed." Daily new cases have tremendously increased in Mumbai, with monsoon around the corner, we will now see a rapid rise in symptomatic cases," it warned.

Iqbal Singh Chahal, BMC commissioner said that the jumbo facility at Malad will be put to use on priority for covid related hospitalisations.

The BMC has further instructed to ramp us the vaccination drive for teenagers and has also placed emphasis on booster dose delivery. It has asked both public and private hospitals to be on alert and increase bed capacity in case hospitalisations increase.

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Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said there was no need to panic, but advised to follow covid related precautions and SOPs.

“Out of 36 districts in Maharashtra, only Mumbai and Pune are seeing a rise in the number of cases, but nothing to worry as such since the rate of hospitalisation is low,” he added.

Tope said, “The necessary arrangements are in place and there is no harm in keeping everything ready. The health department is monitoring the situation.”

The Maharashtra government had lifted all Covid restrictions, including the mask mandate, on 2 April, when the state celebrated ‘Gudi Padwa’.

[ With inputs from agencies] 
&nbsp;

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The Mumbai city recorded 505 new covid - 19 cases on Tuesday, showing a five-fold increase in cases in the past one month, increasing all India tally to 2745 new cases.

The Mumbai city recorded 505 new covid - 19 cases on Tuesday, showing a five-fold increase in cases in the past one month, increasing all India tally to 2745 new cases. On 1 May, 92 covid cases were recorded in the city. The test positivity rate in the city has jumped to six per cent, the civic body Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), said today. It has asked officials to immediately increase testing "on war footing". Testing labs have also been asked to be proactive and fully staffed." Daily new cases have tremendously increased in Mumbai, with monsoon around the corner, we will now see a rapid rise in symptomatic cases," it warned. Iqbal Singh Chahal, BMC commissioner said that the jumbo facility at Malad will be put to use on priority for covid related hospitalisations. The BMC has further instructed to ramp us the vaccination drive for teenagers and has also placed emphasis on booster dose delivery. It has asked both public and private hospitals to be on alert and increase bed capacity in case hospitalisations increase. Mumbai 739 covid cases today. pic.twitter.com/VfXQrOqA2F — Manoj Gadnis (@MGadnis) June 1, 2022 × Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said there was no need to panic, but advised to follow covid related precautions and SOPs. “Out of 36 districts in Maharashtra, only Mumbai and Pune are seeing a rise in the number of cases, but nothing to worry as such since the rate of hospitalisation is low,” he added. Tope said, “The necessary arrangements are in place and there is no harm in keeping everything ready. The health department is monitoring the situation.” The Maharashtra government had lifted all Covid restrictions, including the mask mandate, on 2 April, when the state celebrated ‘Gudi Padwa’. [ With inputs from agencies] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Mumbai sees five-fold increase in covid cases

Northern Irish singer and songwriter Van Morrison has started legal proceedings against the Northern Ireland Department of Health and its minister, Robin Swann, over an opinion piece the latter wrote for Rolling Stone magazine. Swann had blasted the singer’s standpoint on COVID19 restrictions and lockdowns.&nbsp;

Calling Morrison’s songs relating to Covid "dangerous," Minister Robin Swann criticised Morrison and said his anti-lockdown views could harm public health messages in Northern Ireland.&nbsp;

Morrison, in September 2020, released three songs, including ‘No More Lockdown’, ‘Born to Be Free', and ‘As I Walked Out’. One of the song’s lyrics accused scientists of "making up crooked facts."

Swann, in the opinion piece, said he feels disappointed in Morrison, whom he acknowledged as a "music legend."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-conjuring-house-has-been-sold-the-price-will-give-you-a-nightmare-483604">The haunted ‘Conjuring’ house has been sold &amp; the price will give you a nightmare</a>

Further, he wrote, "If you see it all as a big conspiracy, then you are less likely to follow the vital public health advice that keeps you and others safe."&nbsp;

Terming Morrison's actions "bizarre and irresponsible," Swann said: "I only hope no one takes him seriously.&nbsp;He’s no guru, no teacher. "

Morrison has now taken legal action against the Department of Health and Swann. The singer's solicitors have denied giving details about&nbsp;the lawsuit, while the Northern health department has declined to comment.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/paul-mccartney-billie-eilish-kendrick-lamar-to-headline-glastonbury-483690">Paul McCartney, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar to headline Glastonbury</a>

However, Morrison’s spokesperson informed, "We confirm that legal proceedings have been instituted against Mr. Robin Swann MLA and the Department of Health as co-editors of an op-ed in Rolling Stone.’

Morrison’s action comes after Swann issued a court case against the singer in 2021.&nbsp;

The singer's four concerts were cancelled at the last minute in Belfast in June after Northern Ireland put a "blanket ban" on live music concerts as a part of the virus-induced restrictions.&nbsp;

Northern Irish singer and songwriter Van Morrison has started legal proceedings against the Northern Ireland Department of Health and its minister, Robin Swann, over an opinion piece the latter wrote for Rolling Stone magazine.

Northern Irish singer and songwriter Van Morrison has started legal proceedings against the Northern Ireland Department of Health and its minister, Robin Swann, over an opinion piece the latter wrote for Rolling Stone magazine. Swann had blasted the singer’s standpoint on COVID19 restrictions and lockdowns. Calling Morrison’s songs relating to Covid "dangerous," Minister Robin Swann criticised Morrison and said his anti-lockdown views could harm public health messages in Northern Ireland. Morrison, in September 2020, released three songs, including ‘No More Lockdown’, ‘Born to Be Free', and ‘As I Walked Out’. One of the song’s lyrics accused scientists of "making up crooked facts." Swann, in the opinion piece, said he feels disappointed in Morrison, whom he acknowledged as a "music legend." Also Read: The haunted ‘Conjuring’ house has been sold & the price will give you a nightmare Further, he wrote, "If you see it all as a big conspiracy, then you are less likely to follow the vital public health advice that keeps you and others safe." Terming Morrison's actions "bizarre and irresponsible," Swann said: "I only hope no one takes him seriously. He’s no guru, no teacher. " Morrison has now taken legal action against the Department of Health and Swann. The singer's solicitors have denied giving details about the lawsuit, while the Northern health department has declined to comment. Also Read: Paul McCartney, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar to headline Glastonbury However, Morrison’s spokesperson informed, "We confirm that legal proceedings have been instituted against Mr. Robin Swann MLA and the Department of Health as co-editors of an op-ed in Rolling Stone.’ Morrison’s action comes after Swann issued a court case against the singer in 2021. The singer's four concerts were cancelled at the last minute in Belfast in June after Northern Ireland put a "blanket ban" on live music concerts as a part of the virus-induced restrictions.

Van Morrison sues Northern Ireland Health Department and minister Robin Swann over COVID song criticism

In pics: From checking on construction to making coffee, Singapore’s robots to fill in labour gaps

The World Health Organization's (WHO) members re-elected Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as Director General by a strong majority for another five years, the president of the World Health Assembly said on Tuesday.

The vote by secret ballot, announced by Ahmed Robleh Abdilleh from Djibouti at a major annual meeting, was seen as a formality since Tedros was the only candidate running.

Ministers and delegates took turns to shake hands and hug Tedros, a former health minister from Ethiopia, who has steered the UN agency through a turbulent period dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The president had to use a gavel several times to interrupt the applause.&nbsp;

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach tweeted on Tuesday: "Just re-elected as ⁦Director General of #WHO: @DrTedros⁩. 155/160 votes, spectacular result. Congratulations, fully deserved. Germany recently overtook the United States as the UN health agency's top donor.

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Today at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHA75?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHA75</a> Member States re-elected <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> to serve a second five-year term as Director-General of the WHO. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus's new mandate officially commences on 16 August 2022. 
 
👉 <a href="https://t.co/kNUVAeDFff">https://t.co/kNUVAeDFff</a> <a href="https://t.co/MK5jjA4YyQ">pic.twitter.com/MK5jjA4YyQ</a>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1529112549307961344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The World Health Organization's (WHO) members re-elected Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as Director General by a strong majority for another five years, the president of the World Health Assembly said on Tuesday.

The World Health Organization's (WHO) members re-elected Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as Director General by a strong majority for another five years, the president of the World Health Assembly said on Tuesday. The vote by secret ballot, announced by Ahmed Robleh Abdilleh from Djibouti at a major annual meeting, was seen as a formality since Tedros was the only candidate running. Ministers and delegates took turns to shake hands and hug Tedros, a former health minister from Ethiopia, who has steered the UN agency through a turbulent period dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The president had to use a gavel several times to interrupt the applause. German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach tweeted on Tuesday: "Just re-elected as ⁦Director General of #WHO: @DrTedros⁩. 155/160 votes, spectacular result. Congratulations, fully deserved. Germany recently overtook the United States as the UN health agency's top donor. Today at #WHA75 Member States re-elected @DrTedros to serve a second five-year term as Director-General of the WHO. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus's new mandate officially commences on 16 August 2022. 👉 https://t.co/kNUVAeDFff pic.twitter.com/MK5jjA4YyQ — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 24, 2022 ×

Tedros re-elected as head of World Health Organization

According to a recent Oxfam report, "Profiting from Pain," the Covid-19&nbsp;pandemic created&nbsp;a new billionaire every 30 hours, and a million people could slip into extreme poverty at the same pace in 2022. According to the report, billionaires in the food and energy sectors are boosting their fortunes by $1 billion every two days as the cost of critical items grows faster than it has in decades.

'Profiting from Pain' is released when the World Economic Forum — the world's most exclusive gathering of the global elite in Davos — meets for the first time in person since COVID-19, a period in which billionaires' wealth has soared.

As the global elite gathered in the Swiss mountain refuge for the World Economic Forum after a two-year Covid-induced hiatus, the international charity argued it was time to tax the wealthy to help the less fortunate. Oxfam estimates that 263 million people will fall into extreme poverty this year, at a rate of one million every 33 hours, as rising prices add to the Covid issue.In comparison, during the pandemic, 573 people became millionaires, or one every 30 hours.

Watch | Davos World Economic Forum: India's Commerce minister Piyush Goyal speaks to WION

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"Billionaires are arriving in Davos to celebrate an incredible surge in their fortunes. The pandemic and now the steep increases in food and energy prices have, simply put, been a bonanza for them. Meanwhile, decades of progress on extreme poverty are now in reverse and millions of people are facing impossible rises in the cost of simply staying alive," said Gabriela Bucher, Executive Director of Oxfam International.

"Billionaires’ fortunes have not increased because they are now smarter or working harder. Workers are working harder, for less pay and in worse conditions. The super-rich have rigged the system with impunity for decades and they are now reaping the benefits. They have seized a shocking amount of the world’s wealth as a result of privatization and monopolies, gutting regulation and workers’ rights while stashing their cash in tax havens — all with the complicity of governments," said Bucher.

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<h5>The wealth of billionaires has increased more in the first 24 months of COVID-19 than in the previous 23 years combined. The combined wealth of the world's billionaires now accounts for 13.9% of global GDP. This is a threefold increase from 2000 (4.4 percent).</h5>
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Oxfam's new study also finds that businesses in the energy, food, and pharmaceutical sectors — all of which have monopolies — are making record profits, despite wages scarcely moving and workers struggling with decades-high prices in the face of COVID-19. In the last two years, the fortunes of food and energy billionaires have increased by $453 billion, or $1 billion every two days. Five of the world's major energy companies (BP, Shell, TotalEnergies, Exxon, and Chevron) are producing $2,600 in profit every second, while 62 new food millionaires have emerged.

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According to a recent Oxfam report, "Profiting from Pain," the Covid-19 pandemic created a new billionaire every 30 hours, and a million people could slip into extreme poverty at the same pace in 2022.

According to a recent Oxfam report, "Profiting from Pain," the Covid-19 pandemic created a new billionaire every 30 hours, and a million people could slip into extreme poverty at the same pace in 2022. According to the report, billionaires in the food and energy sectors are boosting their fortunes by $1 billion every two days as the cost of critical items grows faster than it has in decades. 'Profiting from Pain' is released when the World Economic Forum — the world's most exclusive gathering of the global elite in Davos — meets for the first time in person since COVID-19, a period in which billionaires' wealth has soared. As the global elite gathered in the Swiss mountain refuge for the World Economic Forum after a two-year Covid-induced hiatus, the international charity argued it was time to tax the wealthy to help the less fortunate. Oxfam estimates that 263 million people will fall into extreme poverty this year, at a rate of one million every 33 hours, as rising prices add to the Covid issue.In comparison, during the pandemic, 573 people became millionaires, or one every 30 hours. Watch | Davos World Economic Forum: India's Commerce minister Piyush Goyal speaks to WION "Billionaires are arriving in Davos to celebrate an incredible surge in their fortunes. The pandemic and now the steep increases in food and energy prices have, simply put, been a bonanza for them. Meanwhile, decades of progress on extreme poverty are now in reverse and millions of people are facing impossible rises in the cost of simply staying alive," said Gabriela Bucher, Executive Director of Oxfam International. "Billionaires’ fortunes have not increased because they are now smarter or working harder. Workers are working harder, for less pay and in worse conditions. The super-rich have rigged the system with impunity for decades and they are now reaping the benefits. They have seized a shocking amount of the world’s wealth as a result of privatization and monopolies, gutting regulation and workers’ rights while stashing their cash in tax havens — all with the complicity of governments," said Bucher. The wealth of billionaires has increased more in the first 24 months of COVID-19 than in the previous 23 years combined. The combined wealth of the world's billionaires now accounts for 13.9% of global GDP. This is a threefold increase from 2000 (4.4 percent). × Oxfam's new study also finds that businesses in the energy, food, and pharmaceutical sectors — all of which have monopolies — are making record profits, despite wages scarcely moving and workers struggling with decades-high prices in the face of COVID-19. In the last two years, the fortunes of food and energy billionaires have increased by $453 billion, or $1 billion every two days. Five of the world's major energy companies (BP, Shell, TotalEnergies, Exxon, and Chevron) are producing $2,600 in profit every second, while 62 new food millionaires have emerged. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Profiting from Pain': Covid created a billionaire every 30 hours — Oxfam at Davos forum

Thailand&nbsp;will allow night clubs and karaoke bars to resume regular hours starting in June, a senior official said on Friday, dropping most of its remaining pandemic restrictions as daily infections decline.

Thailand's nightlife is a major attraction for tourists, but most entertainment venues have been shuttered or faced a strict curfew since the pandemic began, with some bars forced to convert to restaurants to stay in business.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-drops-pre-arrival-covid-19-test-for-foreign-visitors-463581">Thailand drops pre-arrival COVID-19 test for foreign visitors</a>

The government hopes the latest easing of restrictions will help revive the Southeast Asian country's battered tourism sector, a key growth engine that accounted for about 12 per cent&nbsp;of the economy before the pandemic.&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;is targeting 5 to 15 million arrivals this year.

"Entertainment venues, pubs, and massage parlours and others may open until midnight after June," said Taweesin Visanuyothin, a spokesman for the government's COVID-19 taskforce, told a news conference.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Thailand is giving away 1 million cannabis plants

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"These businesses should take a universal prevention approach ... staff must have received booster doses and take antigen tests every seven days," Taweesin added.

Starting June 1,&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;will also drop a requirement for unvaccinated travellers to quarantine. They will either have to take an test on arrival or show a negative COVID-19 test before departure, he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-bids-to-avert-population-crisis-as-birth-rate-crashes-459836">Thailand bids to avert 'population crisis' as birth rate crashes</a>

From January to mid-May,&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;received 1.01 million arrivals. There were 427,000 tourists for all of last year.

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Thailand will allow night clubs and karaoke bars to resume regular hours starting in June, a senior official said on Friday, dropping most of its remaining pandemic restrictions as daily infections decline.

Thailand will allow night clubs and karaoke bars to resume regular hours starting in June, a senior official said on Friday, dropping most of its remaining pandemic restrictions as daily infections decline. Thailand's nightlife is a major attraction for tourists, but most entertainment venues have been shuttered or faced a strict curfew since the pandemic began, with some bars forced to convert to restaurants to stay in business. Also read | Thailand drops pre-arrival COVID-19 test for foreign visitors The government hopes the latest easing of restrictions will help revive the Southeast Asian country's battered tourism sector, a key growth engine that accounted for about 12 per cent of the economy before the pandemic. Thailand is targeting 5 to 15 million arrivals this year. "Entertainment venues, pubs, and massage parlours and others may open until midnight after June," said Taweesin Visanuyothin, a spokesman for the government's COVID-19 taskforce, told a news conference. Watch | Gravitas: Thailand is giving away 1 million cannabis plants "These businesses should take a universal prevention approach ... staff must have received booster doses and take antigen tests every seven days," Taweesin added. Starting June 1, Thailand will also drop a requirement for unvaccinated travellers to quarantine. They will either have to take an test on arrival or show a negative COVID-19 test before departure, he said. Also read | Thailand bids to avert 'population crisis' as birth rate crashes From January to mid-May, Thailand received 1.01 million arrivals. There were 427,000 tourists for all of last year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: Thailand to lift curbs on nightlife from June this year

Kids ages 5 to 11 should get a booster dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, advisers to the US&nbsp;government said Thursday.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention quickly adopted the panel’s recommendation, opening a third COVID-19 shot to healthy elementary-age kids&nbsp;just like what is already recommended for everybody 12 and older.

The hope is that an extra shot will shore up protection for kids ages 5 to 11 as infections once again are on the rise.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/medical-experts-suggest-coronavirus-link-to-mystery-hepatitis-in-children-480039">Medical experts suggest coronavirus link to mystery hepatitis in children</a>

“Vaccination with a primary series among this age group has lagged behind other age groups leaving them vulnerable to serious illness,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, in a statement.

“We know that these vaccines are safe, and we must continue to increase the number of children who are protected,” she said.

Earlier this week, the Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer's kid-sized booster, to be offered at least five months after the youngsters' last shot.

The CDC takes the next step of recommending who actually needs vaccinations. Its advisers debated if all otherwise healthy 5- to 11-year-olds need an extra dose, especially since so many children were infected during the huge winter surge of the omicron variant.

But the US&nbsp;now is averaging 100,000 new cases a day for the first time since February. And ultimately, the CDC's advisers pointed to growing evidence from older kids and adults that two primary vaccinations plus a booster are providing the best protection against the newest coronavirus variants.

“This always perhaps should have been a three-dose vaccine,” said Dr. Grace Lee of Stanford University, who chairs the CDC’s advisory panel.

The booster question isn't the hottest vaccine topic: Parents still are anxiously awaiting a chance to vaccinate kids under 5 — the only group not yet eligible in the US.

Watch |&nbsp;If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed

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Dr. Doran Fink of the Food and Drug Administration said the agency is working “as rapidly as we can” to evaluate an application from vaccine maker Moderna, and is awaiting final data on the littlest kids from rival Pfizer. The FDA's own advisers are expected to publicly debate data from one or both companies next month.

For the 5- to 11-year-olds, it’s not clear how much booster demand there will be. Only about 30% of that age group have had the initial two Pfizer doses since vaccinations opened to them in November.

CDC adviser Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University said health authorities must put more effort into getting youngsters their initial shots.

“That needs to be a priority,” she said.

Thursday's decision also means that 5- to 11-year-olds with severely weakened immune systems, who are supposed to get three initial shots, would be eligible for a fourth dose.

Pfizer and its partner BioNTech currently make the only COVID-19 vaccine available for children of any age in the US. Those ages 5 to 11 receive a dose that’s one-third the amount given to everyone 12 and older.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizers-anti-covid-pill-gets-who-approval-heres-what-you-should-know-about-paxlovid-472896">&nbsp;Pfizer's anti-Covid pill gets WHO approval. Here's what you should know about Paxlovid</a>

In a small study, Pfizer found a booster revved up those kids’ levels of virus-fighting antibodies including those able to fight the super-contagious omicron variant the same kind of jump adults get from an extra shot.

Vaccines may not always prevent milder infections, and the omicron variant proved especially able to slip past their defenses. But CDC cited data during the omicron surge that showed unvaccinated 5- to 11-year-olds had twice the rate of hospitalization as youngsters who got their first two doses.

Health authorities say for all ages, the vaccines are still offering strong protection against COVID-19's worst outcomes, especially after a third dose.

Some especially high-risk people, including those 50 and older, have been offered the choice of a second booster, or fourth shot — and the CDC on Thursday strengthened that recommendation, too, urging anyone who's eligible to go ahead and get the extra dose.

Still to be decided is whether everyone will need additional shots in the fall, possibly reformulated to offer better protection against newer coronavirus variants.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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&nbsp;

Kids ages 5 to 11 should get a booster dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, advisers to the US government said Thursday. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention quickly adopted the panel’s recommendation, opening a third COVID-19 shot to healthy elementary-age kids just like what is already recommended for everybody 12 and older.

Kids ages 5 to 11 should get a booster dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, advisers to the US government said Thursday. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention quickly adopted the panel’s recommendation, opening a third COVID-19 shot to healthy elementary-age kids just like what is already recommended for everybody 12 and older. The hope is that an extra shot will shore up protection for kids ages 5 to 11 as infections once again are on the rise. Also read | Medical experts suggest coronavirus link to mystery hepatitis in children “Vaccination with a primary series among this age group has lagged behind other age groups leaving them vulnerable to serious illness,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, in a statement. “We know that these vaccines are safe, and we must continue to increase the number of children who are protected,” she said. Earlier this week, the Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer's kid-sized booster, to be offered at least five months after the youngsters' last shot. The CDC takes the next step of recommending who actually needs vaccinations. Its advisers debated if all otherwise healthy 5- to 11-year-olds need an extra dose, especially since so many children were infected during the huge winter surge of the omicron variant. But the US now is averaging 100,000 new cases a day for the first time since February. And ultimately, the CDC's advisers pointed to growing evidence from older kids and adults that two primary vaccinations plus a booster are providing the best protection against the newest coronavirus variants. “This always perhaps should have been a three-dose vaccine,” said Dr. Grace Lee of Stanford University, who chairs the CDC’s advisory panel. The booster question isn't the hottest vaccine topic: Parents still are anxiously awaiting a chance to vaccinate kids under 5 — the only group not yet eligible in the US. Watch | If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed Dr. Doran Fink of the Food and Drug Administration said the agency is working “as rapidly as we can” to evaluate an application from vaccine maker Moderna, and is awaiting final data on the littlest kids from rival Pfizer. The FDA's own advisers are expected to publicly debate data from one or both companies next month. For the 5- to 11-year-olds, it’s not clear how much booster demand there will be. Only about 30% of that age group have had the initial two Pfizer doses since vaccinations opened to them in November. CDC adviser Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University said health authorities must put more effort into getting youngsters their initial shots. “That needs to be a priority,” she said. Thursday's decision also means that 5- to 11-year-olds with severely weakened immune systems, who are supposed to get three initial shots, would be eligible for a fourth dose. Pfizer and its partner BioNTech currently make the only COVID-19 vaccine available for children of any age in the US. Those ages 5 to 11 receive a dose that’s one-third the amount given to everyone 12 and older. Also read | Pfizer's anti-Covid pill gets WHO approval. Here's what you should know about Paxlovid In a small study, Pfizer found a booster revved up those kids’ levels of virus-fighting antibodies including those able to fight the super-contagious omicron variant the same kind of jump adults get from an extra shot. Vaccines may not always prevent milder infections, and the omicron variant proved especially able to slip past their defenses. But CDC cited data during the omicron surge that showed unvaccinated 5- to 11-year-olds had twice the rate of hospitalization as youngsters who got their first two doses. Health authorities say for all ages, the vaccines are still offering strong protection against COVID-19's worst outcomes, especially after a third dose. Some especially high-risk people, including those 50 and older, have been offered the choice of a second booster, or fourth shot — and the CDC on Thursday strengthened that recommendation, too, urging anyone who's eligible to go ahead and get the extra dose. Still to be decided is whether everyone will need additional shots in the fall, possibly reformulated to offer better protection against newer coronavirus variants. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: CDC recommends Pfizer booster for children aged 5 to 11

In pics: North Korea deploys army to curb virus outbreak

Visitors are once again jamming the narrow streets of Barcelona's Gothic quarter as global travel bounces back from the pandemic, reviving tensions over mass tourism in the Spanish port city. 
&nbsp; 
Hotel occupancy in the city rose in April, which included the Easter long weekend, to nearly 85 percent, close to its pre-pandemic levels, according to the Barcelona Hotel Guild. 
&nbsp; 
"There are more and more cruise ships, more and more tourism, more and more massification," said Marti Cuso, a high school biology teacher who has long campaigned against mass tourism invading the city centre.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"This has been a shock after two years of pandemic," said Cuso, 32, who had hoped the city would use the pandemic pause to change its tourism model. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Cuso, who grew up in the Gothic quarter, said he enjoyed the calm that descended on the neighbourhood, which is normally flooded with tour groups visiting its mediaeval buildings. 
&nbsp; 
After receiving a record of nearly 12 million visitors at its hotels and tourist apartments in 2019, arrivals plunged by 76.8 per cent in 2020, mirroring declines across Europe. 
&nbsp; 
"People reclaimed the squares, children played in the streets again," said Cuso. The pandemic also showed the dangers of having an "economic monoculture based on tourism," he said. 
&nbsp; 
"The majority of residents who worked in tourism found themselves out of work overnight," said Cuso. Tourist arrivals in Barcelona had risen steadily before the pandemic and the tourism sector accounted for around 15 percent of the economy of Spain's second-largest city before the health crisis. 
&nbsp; 
'Control the damage' -

The boom in tourism sparked a backlash, with regular protests, including one in 2017 where vigilantes slashed the tyres of an open-top tourist bus and spray-painted its windshields. 
&nbsp; 
Barcelona residents identified tourism as the city's main problem in a poll carried out that year by city hall. 
&nbsp; 
"We must change the model to reconcile the two worlds. We can't have the tourists' city on one side and the city of locals on the other," Francesc Munoz, who heads an Observatory studying Urbanisation at Barcelona's Autonomous University, told AFP. 
&nbsp; 
With terraces once again full of tourists drinking sangria, Barcelona's leftist city hall said recently it plans fresh measures to tame the sector. 
&nbsp; 
Access to the busiest squares could be restricted and the circulation of tourist buses more tightly regulated. 
&nbsp; 
Barcelona city hall has already cracked down on illegal listings on online rental firms like Airbnb and banned tour groups from entering the historic La Boqueria market during peak shopping times. 
&nbsp; 
"Tourism is an important economic, social and cultural asset for Barcelona," said Xavier Marce, the city councillor in charge of tourism. 
&nbsp; 
"We need to optimise the benefits and control the damage. This is the debate which all European cities are having," he added. 
&nbsp; 
'Find a balance' -

Marce rejected the argument that the city did not use the two-year slump in arrivals due to the pandemic to change the city's tourism model. 
&nbsp; 
"Two years have not been lost. It is very difficult to solve the problems of tourism when there is no tourism," he said. 
&nbsp; 
Tour guide Eva Marti, 51, said she understands the concerns of residents, but believes formulas must be found to maintain an activity which provides a living to many locals. 
&nbsp; 
"During this 13 years I have worked as a guide, it is harder and harder to show tourists around," she said in a reference to measures such as rules limiting the size of tour groups to 15 people in some areas. 
&nbsp; 
"We have to find a balance," she added at a sun-drenched esplanade in the Gothic quarter before taking a tour group back to their cruise ship in Barcelona's port. 
&nbsp; 
Cuso, the anti-mass tourism campaigner, agreed with her. "We are not asking for zero tourism. There will always be tourism, but we have to have a diversified city, where tourism coexists with other types of economic activity," he said. 
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Visitors are once again jamming the narrow streets of Barcelona's Gothic quarter as global travel bounces back from the pandemic, reviving tensions over mass tourism in the Spanish port city.

Visitors are once again jamming the narrow streets of Barcelona's Gothic quarter as global travel bounces back from the pandemic, reviving tensions over mass tourism in the Spanish port city. Hotel occupancy in the city rose in April, which included the Easter long weekend, to nearly 85 percent, close to its pre-pandemic levels, according to the Barcelona Hotel Guild. "There are more and more cruise ships, more and more tourism, more and more massification," said Marti Cuso, a high school biology teacher who has long campaigned against mass tourism invading the city centre. "This has been a shock after two years of pandemic," said Cuso, 32, who had hoped the city would use the pandemic pause to change its tourism model. Cuso, who grew up in the Gothic quarter, said he enjoyed the calm that descended on the neighbourhood, which is normally flooded with tour groups visiting its mediaeval buildings. After receiving a record of nearly 12 million visitors at its hotels and tourist apartments in 2019, arrivals plunged by 76.8 per cent in 2020, mirroring declines across Europe. "People reclaimed the squares, children played in the streets again," said Cuso. The pandemic also showed the dangers of having an "economic monoculture based on tourism," he said. "The majority of residents who worked in tourism found themselves out of work overnight," said Cuso. Tourist arrivals in Barcelona had risen steadily before the pandemic and the tourism sector accounted for around 15 percent of the economy of Spain's second-largest city before the health crisis. 'Control the damage' - The boom in tourism sparked a backlash, with regular protests, including one in 2017 where vigilantes slashed the tyres of an open-top tourist bus and spray-painted its windshields. Barcelona residents identified tourism as the city's main problem in a poll carried out that year by city hall. "We must change the model to reconcile the two worlds. We can't have the tourists' city on one side and the city of locals on the other," Francesc Munoz, who heads an Observatory studying Urbanisation at Barcelona's Autonomous University, told AFP. With terraces once again full of tourists drinking sangria, Barcelona's leftist city hall said recently it plans fresh measures to tame the sector. Access to the busiest squares could be restricted and the circulation of tourist buses more tightly regulated. Barcelona city hall has already cracked down on illegal listings on online rental firms like Airbnb and banned tour groups from entering the historic La Boqueria market during peak shopping times. "Tourism is an important economic, social and cultural asset for Barcelona," said Xavier Marce, the city councillor in charge of tourism. "We need to optimise the benefits and control the damage. This is the debate which all European cities are having," he added. 'Find a balance' - Marce rejected the argument that the city did not use the two-year slump in arrivals due to the pandemic to change the city's tourism model. "Two years have not been lost. It is very difficult to solve the problems of tourism when there is no tourism," he said. Tour guide Eva Marti, 51, said she understands the concerns of residents, but believes formulas must be found to maintain an activity which provides a living to many locals. "During this 13 years I have worked as a guide, it is harder and harder to show tourists around," she said in a reference to measures such as rules limiting the size of tour groups to 15 people in some areas. "We have to find a balance," she added at a sun-drenched esplanade in the Gothic quarter before taking a tour group back to their cruise ship in Barcelona's port. Cuso, the anti-mass tourism campaigner, agreed with her. "We are not asking for zero tourism. There will always be tourism, but we have to have a diversified city, where tourism coexists with other types of economic activity," he said.

Mass tourism returns to Barcelona - so does debate 

In Pics: For first time, North Korea reports Omicron cases, goes for lockdown

Japanese&nbsp;authorities have pledged to investigate a mix-up that saw high&nbsp;school&nbsp;athletes given hand sanitiser to drink during a race, with one student falling ill after taking a swig.

Competition organisers for a girls' 5,000-metre walking race held last weekend in central Japan's Yamanashi prefecture mistakenly poured the sanitiser into cups and placed them at a drinks station for athletes.

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Yamanashi's high&nbsp;school&nbsp;sport federation said the sanitiser had been stored in an unlabelled plastic bottle alongside those containing drinking water in a cardboard box.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Japan Soba Noodles: The unlikely victim of Ukraine war

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Alcohol-based hand sanitiser is commonly used to protect against Covid-19 and has become ubiquitous in Japan and other countries since the pandemic began.

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One athlete collapsed, vomited and dropped out of the race after drinking the sanitiser, while two others spat it out and continued.

In all, three athletes were taken to hospital for treatment and were reported to be recovering.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-japan-after-kishida-said-ukraine-plight-could-be-replicated-in-east-asia-476810">China slams Japan after Kishida said Ukraine plight could be replicated in East Asia</a>

Yamanashi governor Kotaro Nagasaki said Monday that there would be a third-party investigation.

"On behalf of the prefecture, I would like to offer a sincere apology to the athlete and her family," he said.

Japanese authorities have pledged to investigate a mix-up that saw high school athletes given hand sanitiser to drink during a race, with one student falling ill after taking a swig.

Japanese authorities have pledged to investigate a mix-up that saw high school athletes given hand sanitiser to drink during a race, with one student falling ill after taking a swig. Competition organisers for a girls' 5,000-metre walking race held last weekend in central Japan's Yamanashi prefecture mistakenly poured the sanitiser into cups and placed them at a drinks station for athletes. Also read | Elon Musk says Japan would 'eventually cease to exist'. Here's what he meant by it Yamanashi's high school sport federation said the sanitiser had been stored in an unlabelled plastic bottle alongside those containing drinking water in a cardboard box. Watch | Gravitas: Japan Soba Noodles: The unlikely victim of Ukraine war Alcohol-based hand sanitiser is commonly used to protect against Covid-19 and has become ubiquitous in Japan and other countries since the pandemic began. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: One athlete collapsed, vomited and dropped out of the race after drinking the sanitiser, while two others spat it out and continued. In all, three athletes were taken to hospital for treatment and were reported to be recovering. Also read | China slams Japan after Kishida said Ukraine plight could be replicated in East Asia Yamanashi governor Kotaro Nagasaki said Monday that there would be a third-party investigation. "On behalf of the prefecture, I would like to offer a sincere apology to the athlete and her family," he said.

Japan: School kids served sanitiser in place of water in horrible mix-up

Germany's iconic&nbsp;Oktoberfest&nbsp;beer&nbsp;festival&nbsp;will once again take place in Munich in 2022 after being cancelled two years running due to the coronavirus, the city's mayor said Friday.

The&nbsp;Oktoberfest&nbsp;would be held "without conditions or restrictions", Munich mayor Dieter Reiter told a press conference.

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The world-renowned knees-up &nbsp;drew around six million visitors annually before the pandemic. It was cancelled in 2020 for the first time since World War II after the outbreak of the virus.

The&nbsp;festival, usually held between September and October, was cancelled again in 2021 as Germany battled consecutive deadly waves of the virus.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Germany defends gas purchase from Russia

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Since then, pandemic "conditions have changed", Reiter said, noting that the healthcare system was no longer under significant stress from the coronavirus.

"I hope the situation does not get worse in the autumn and that the&nbsp;festival&nbsp;will not have to be called off at the last minute," Reiter said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Most Covid curbs have been lifted in Germany, including the requirement to wear masks in shops and schools, while plans to introduce a vaccine mandate were dropped.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has cast a shadow over similar springtime festivities in Bavaria, where the subject has been hotly debated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-pms-visit-german-minister-says-it-is-in-indias-interest-to-stop-ukrainian-war-474499">Ahead of PM's visit, German minister says ‘it is in India’s interest to stop Ukrainian war’</a>

Cancelling the&nbsp;Oktoberfest&nbsp;as a result of the war "could not be justified", Reiter said, while sharing his sympathies with Ukraine and Munich's twin city Kyiv.

"Nobody can tell what the situation will be in autumn" with the war, the mayor said.

Germany's iconic Oktoberfest beer festival will once again take place in Munich in 2022 after being cancelled two years running due to the coronavirus, the city's mayor said Friday.

Germany's iconic Oktoberfest beer festival will once again take place in Munich in 2022 after being cancelled two years running due to the coronavirus, the city's mayor said Friday. The Oktoberfest would be held "without conditions or restrictions", Munich mayor Dieter Reiter told a press conference. Also read | Germany votes overwhelmingly in favour of supplying heavy weapons to Ukraine amid ongoing conflict The world-renowned knees-up drew around six million visitors annually before the pandemic. It was cancelled in 2020 for the first time since World War II after the outbreak of the virus. The festival, usually held between September and October, was cancelled again in 2021 as Germany battled consecutive deadly waves of the virus. Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: Germany defends gas purchase from Russia Since then, pandemic "conditions have changed", Reiter said, noting that the healthcare system was no longer under significant stress from the coronavirus. "I hope the situation does not get worse in the autumn and that the festival will not have to be called off at the last minute," Reiter said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: Most Covid curbs have been lifted in Germany, including the requirement to wear masks in shops and schools, while plans to introduce a vaccine mandate were dropped. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has cast a shadow over similar springtime festivities in Bavaria, where the subject has been hotly debated. Also read | Ahead of PM's visit, German minister says ‘it is in India’s interest to stop Ukrainian war’ Cancelling the Oktoberfest as a result of the war "could not be justified", Reiter said, while sharing his sympathies with Ukraine and Munich's twin city Kyiv. "Nobody can tell what the situation will be in autumn" with the war, the mayor said.

Oktoberfest to return this year after two years of virus hiatus

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