<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/google">Google</a> has offered its facilities as coronavirus vaccination sites to help in the mass inoculation drive taking place in the United States.

The tech giant's chief executive Sundar Pichai announced on Monday that the company will be converting its facilities as a part of the $150 million initiative being run to educate people about the effects of the vaccine, and rid away the rumours around it.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colour-coded-google-to-redesign-search-for-better-user-experience-359236">&nbsp;Google to redesign 'search' for better user experience</a>

"To help with vaccination efforts, starting in the United States, we'll make select Google facilities — such as buildings, parking lots and open spaces — available as needed," Pichai said.

"These sites will be open to anyone eligible for the vaccine based on state and local guidelines," he added.

His team will be working along with public health authorities and provider One Medical to pan out the plan of converting the facilities into vaccination centres.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-threatens-to-halt-search-feature-in-australia-over-new-media-payment-law-pm-reacts-358422" hreflang="en">Google threatens to halt 'search' feature in Australia over new media payment law; PM reacts</a>

As of now, the areas which will have these vaccination sites will be in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area as well as in the northwest state of Washington and New York City, with plans to expand.

"Searches for 'vaccines near me" have increased 5x since the beginning of the year and we want to make sure we''re providing timely and locally relevant answers," said Pichai.

Google will also use $100 million funding for advertising grants for the US Centres for Disease Foundation, WHO and various nonprofits and health agencies. The company also plans to use funds to provide assistance to underserved centres and facilities that are helpng people during these tough times.

Google has offered its facilities as coronavirus vaccination sites to help in the mass inoculation drive taking place in the United States. The tech giant's chief executive Sundar Pichai announced on Monday that the company will be converting its facilities as a part of the $150 million initiative being run to educate people about the effects of the vaccine, and rid away the rumours around it.

Google has offered its facilities as coronavirus vaccination sites to help in the mass inoculation drive taking place in the United States. The tech giant's chief executive Sundar Pichai announced on Monday that the company will be converting its facilities as a part of the $150 million initiative being run to educate people about the effects of the vaccine, and rid away the rumours around it. Also read| Google to redesign 'search' for better user experience "To help with vaccination efforts, starting in the United States, we'll make select Google facilities — such as buildings, parking lots and open spaces — available as needed," Pichai said. "These sites will be open to anyone eligible for the vaccine based on state and local guidelines," he added. His team will be working along with public health authorities and provider One Medical to pan out the plan of converting the facilities into vaccination centres. Also read| Google threatens to halt 'search' feature in Australia over new media payment law; PM reacts As of now, the areas which will have these vaccination sites will be in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area as well as in the northwest state of Washington and New York City, with plans to expand. "Searches for 'vaccines near me" have increased 5x since the beginning of the year and we want to make sure we''re providing timely and locally relevant answers," said Pichai. Google will also use $100 million funding for advertising grants for the US Centres for Disease Foundation, WHO and various nonprofits and health agencies. The company also plans to use funds to provide assistance to underserved centres and facilities that are helpng people during these tough times.

Google to turn company spaces into vaccination centres: Sundar Pichai

The boss of British drugs giant AstraZeneca, which with Oxford University has produced a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid vaccine</a>, denounced Monday a "me first" approach by some countries to obtaining doses.

AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot, speaking at a virtual event for the Davos World Economic Forum, also attacked a lack of global preparation for the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccinated-people-may-also-spread-covid-19-englands-deputy-chief-medical-officer-359100" hreflang="en">Vaccinated people may also spread COVID-19: England's deputy chief medical officer</a>

The arrival of ground-breaking Covid-19 vaccines could have been grounds for celebrating, "but it unfortunately wasn't because there was a little bit of 'me first' behaviour", Soriot said.

"Globally, it is fair to say we could and should have been better prepared for this pandemic," he added.

Soriot noted however that "things are changing and international collaboration is emerging" over the coronavirus that has claimed the lives of more than two million people.

"There are many good examples of tremendous public-private collaboration actually in many countries," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extra-dose-of-vaccine-can-be-squeezed-out-from-pfizers-vial-reports-358784" hreflang="en">Extra dose of vaccine can be squeezed out from Pfizer's vial: Reports</a>

Going forward, "the first thing to do is to invest in prevention and early detection and early treatment", Soriot added.

He noted that among the world's most industrialised countries, only three per cent of health expenditure is spent on prevention.

"Twenty percent of this 3.0 percent... is spent on immunisation and early detections of disease.

"So, essentially, we kind of tend to wait for people to become sick to try to address that, as opposed to early detecting (of) disease and preventing it."

The boss of British drugs giant AstraZeneca, which with Oxford University has produced a Covid vaccine, denounced Monday a "me first" approach by some countries to obtaining doses.

The boss of British drugs giant AstraZeneca, which with Oxford University has produced a Covid vaccine, denounced Monday a "me first" approach by some countries to obtaining doses. AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot, speaking at a virtual event for the Davos World Economic Forum, also attacked a lack of global preparation for the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Also read| Vaccinated people may also spread COVID-19: England's deputy chief medical officer The arrival of ground-breaking Covid-19 vaccines could have been grounds for celebrating, "but it unfortunately wasn't because there was a little bit of 'me first' behaviour", Soriot said. "Globally, it is fair to say we could and should have been better prepared for this pandemic," he added. Soriot noted however that "things are changing and international collaboration is emerging" over the coronavirus that has claimed the lives of more than two million people. "There are many good examples of tremendous public-private collaboration actually in many countries," he said. Also read| Extra dose of vaccine can be squeezed out from Pfizer's vial: Reports Going forward, "the first thing to do is to invest in prevention and early detection and early treatment", Soriot added. He noted that among the world's most industrialised countries, only three per cent of health expenditure is spent on prevention. "Twenty percent of this 3.0 percent... is spent on immunisation and early detections of disease. "So, essentially, we kind of tend to wait for people to become sick to try to address that, as opposed to early detecting (of) disease and preventing it."

AstraZeneca denounces 'me first' approach to Covid jabs

Love in the time of corona: UK couple get married in a COVID ward

Some London locals tipped off the police complaining about a birthday party amid a lockdown in the UK. However, when the police reached the venue, it turned out to be something different.

The Zoom birthday party, organised by a rich socialite, was reported to the London police. Passers-by thought the party had a huge attendance of guests and thus told the police.

However, when the police knocked on the door of the jet tycoon, Steve Varsanao, they realised the guests were actually life-size cutouts that looked like real people.

The 64-year-old socialite had organised the birthday party for his girlfriend Lisa Tchenguiz who has turned 56 this year.

To make the Zoom party look better and re-live the pre-pandemic days, the socialite had placed life-size cutouts of nearly 70 guests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-couple-gets-married-in-covid-19-ward-hospital-staff-organised-the-wedding-358972">WATCH|</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-couple-gets-married-in-covid-19-ward-hospital-staff-organised-the-wedding-358972/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Thinking the cutouts were real, some passers-by tipped off the police and nearly ten officers showed up on the socialite's doors within minutes.&nbsp;

"There were about ten officers. They went to all the rooms in my offices like I was some criminal. Someone must have called and said I was having a party because they saw trucks delivering lights and balloons and images," Varsano recalled.

On investigating, the London police found out there was only a light operator inside the house and he was wearing a mask and maintaining social distance while standing behind a glass partition.

Varsanao said he went to extreme limits to adhere to the coronavirus guidelines set by the health experts and the police was in fact "surprised that there were no people that they could issue a fine to".

His girlfriend, thankfully, was not affected by this interference in her celebrations. "The police didn't dampen my spirits. They were kind enough to say hello to my friends. They were doing what they need to do," she said. "It was incredible. I saw these cut-outs and they looked so real and then I turned around and saw a screen of my friends from all over the world."

Some London locals tipped off the police complaining about a birthday party amid a lockdown in the UK. However, when the police reached the venue, it turned out to be something different.

Some London locals tipped off the police complaining about a birthday party amid a lockdown in the UK. However, when the police reached the venue, it turned out to be something different. The Zoom birthday party, organised by a rich socialite, was reported to the London police. Passers-by thought the party had a huge attendance of guests and thus told the police. However, when the police knocked on the door of the jet tycoon, Steve Varsanao, they realised the guests were actually life-size cutouts that looked like real people. The 64-year-old socialite had organised the birthday party for his girlfriend Lisa Tchenguiz who has turned 56 this year. To make the Zoom party look better and re-live the pre-pandemic days, the socialite had placed life-size cutouts of nearly 70 guests. WATCH| Thinking the cutouts were real, some passers-by tipped off the police and nearly ten officers showed up on the socialite's doors within minutes. "There were about ten officers. They went to all the rooms in my offices like I was some criminal. Someone must have called and said I was having a party because they saw trucks delivering lights and balloons and images," Varsano recalled. On investigating, the London police found out there was only a light operator inside the house and he was wearing a mask and maintaining social distance while standing behind a glass partition. Varsanao said he went to extreme limits to adhere to the coronavirus guidelines set by the health experts and the police was in fact "surprised that there were no people that they could issue a fine to". His girlfriend, thankfully, was not affected by this interference in her celebrations. "The police didn't dampen my spirits. They were kind enough to say hello to my friends. They were doing what they need to do," she said. "It was incredible. I saw these cut-outs and they looked so real and then I turned around and saw a screen of my friends from all over the world."

London: Police raid birthday party to find cardboard-made guests

When the former US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> got infected by the deadly coronavirus, he claimed to have tried experimental antibodies, which reportedly worked as a magical cure against the virus.

While the world made fun of his claims, some thought it might be possible. Now, Germany has become the first European Union country to order the same drugs.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-melania-trump-refuses-to-pose-with-donald-trump-after-he-leaves-white-house-twitter-laughs-358514">Watch: Melania Trump refuses to pose with Donald Trump after he leaves White House; Twitter laughs</a>

"The government has bought 200,000 doses for 400 million euros ($486 million)," German health minister Jens Spahn told a local newspaper.

As of now, it is not known who is the manufacturer of these drugs, but it has been confirmed by the German health ministry that these drugs are the same ones which were given to Trump during his ill period in October.

Spahn has claimed these drugs can help avoid any serious progression of the virus in highly-vulnerable or high-risk patients.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-end-of-trump-can-be-the-beginning-of-america-358889" hreflang="en">The end of Trump can be the beginning of America</a>

"They work like a passive vaccination. Administering these antibodies in the early stages can help high-risk patients avoid a more serious progression," he said.

Trump was given the experimental-antibody treatment which was then developed by a US firm Regeneron, known as REGN-COV2. He had chosen to take this treatment even before it had been approved by the regulators.

However, Trump was massively pleased with the medicine and had claimed it to be a magic cure against coronavirus which had done "a fantastic job".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-trial-put-off-until-early-february-358797" hreflang="en">Trump impeachment trial put off until early February</a>

This treatment is considered to be a cocktail of two antibodies which are prepared in laboratories and contain infection-fighting proteins that were developed to bind to the part of the new coronavirus that it uses to invade human cells.

The antibodies attach themselves to different parts of the virus's spike protein, distorting its structure -- similar in a way to knocking a key out of shape so it no longer fits its lock.

Order of these antibodies by Germany has come after the country has already started a mass vaccination drive for the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca.&nbsp;

However, after Pfizer-BioNTech declared a possible delay in delivery of vials of vaccine, several European governments have been looking at other alternates of the vaccine for the meantime.

When the former US President Donald Trump got infected by the deadly coronavirus, he claimed to have tried experimental antibodies, which reportedly worked as a magical cure against the virus.

When the former US President Donald Trump got infected by the deadly coronavirus, he claimed to have tried experimental antibodies, which reportedly worked as a magical cure against the virus. While the world made fun of his claims, some thought it might be possible. Now, Germany has become the first European Union country to order the same drugs. Also read| Watch: Melania Trump refuses to pose with Donald Trump after he leaves White House; Twitter laughs "The government has bought 200,000 doses for 400 million euros ($486 million)," German health minister Jens Spahn told a local newspaper. As of now, it is not known who is the manufacturer of these drugs, but it has been confirmed by the German health ministry that these drugs are the same ones which were given to Trump during his ill period in October. Spahn has claimed these drugs can help avoid any serious progression of the virus in highly-vulnerable or high-risk patients. Also read| The end of Trump can be the beginning of America "They work like a passive vaccination. Administering these antibodies in the early stages can help high-risk patients avoid a more serious progression," he said. Trump was given the experimental-antibody treatment which was then developed by a US firm Regeneron, known as REGN-COV2. He had chosen to take this treatment even before it had been approved by the regulators. However, Trump was massively pleased with the medicine and had claimed it to be a magic cure against coronavirus which had done "a fantastic job". Also read| Trump impeachment trial put off until early February This treatment is considered to be a cocktail of two antibodies which are prepared in laboratories and contain infection-fighting proteins that were developed to bind to the part of the new coronavirus that it uses to invade human cells. The antibodies attach themselves to different parts of the virus's spike protein, distorting its structure -- similar in a way to knocking a key out of shape so it no longer fits its lock. Order of these antibodies by Germany has come after the country has already started a mass vaccination drive for the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca. However, after Pfizer-BioNTech declared a possible delay in delivery of vials of vaccine, several European governments have been looking at other alternates of the vaccine for the meantime.

Germany orders coronavirus drugs that cured Donald Trump

As the coronavirus tears across much of Texas, Dr. Esmaeil Porsa is grappling with one of the most formidable challenges he has faced: The Houston hospital system he operates is running out of vaccines.

Porsa, the CEO of Harris Health System, which treats thousands of mostly uninsured patients, warned Friday that its entire vaccine supply could be depleted by midday Saturday. The problem is not one of capability — the vaccination centers he oversees have easily been administering as many as 2,000 vaccines a day — but of availability.

“All of a sudden the distribution of vaccines stopped,” Porsa said. “It’s perplexing and frustrating because I keep hearing that there are high percentages of vaccines that have been distributed but not administered.”

In the midst of one of the deadliest phases of the pandemic in the United States, health officials in Texas and around the country are growing desperate, unable to get clear answers as to why the long-anticipated vaccines are suddenly in short supply. Inoculation sites are canceling thousands of appointments in one state after another as the nation’s vaccines roll out through a bewildering patchwork of distribution networks, with local officials uncertain about what supplies they will have in hand.

In South Carolina, one hospital in the city of Beaufort had to cancel 6,000 vaccine appointments after it received only 450 of the doses it expected. In Hawaii, a Maui hospital canceled 5,000 first-dose appointments and put 15,000 additional requests for appointments on hold.

In San Francisco, the public health department had at one point expected to run out of vaccines this past week because the city’s allocation dropped sharply from a week ago and California officials temporarily had to put thousands of doses on hold after a higher than usual number of possible allergic reactions were reported. In New York state, officials in Erie County have canceled thousands of vaccine appointments in recent days after a sharp decline in allocations from the state.

The situation is especially dire in Texas, which is averaging about 20,000 new coronavirus cases a day, fueling concerns over whether officials will be able to curb the spread when they cannot get their hands on the vaccines they desperately need to do so.

Health officials trying to piece together why this is happening are puzzled by reports that millions of available doses are going unused. As of Friday morning, nearly 39.9 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines had been distributed to state and local governments, but only about 19.1 million doses had been administered to patients, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pfizer and Moderna have each agreed to provide the United States with 100 million vaccine doses, and the companies are racing to manufacture the vaccines, together releasing between 12 million and 18 million doses a week.

At that rate, it is feasible for the new administration to meet President Joe Biden’s pledge to inject 100 million vaccines by his 100th day in office. Public health officials could even potentially ramp up the pace of vaccinations with existing supply.

It appears that problems with distributing the already available doses are responsible for many of the acute vaccine shortages now being seen in parts of the country. Factor in the ever-increasing demand as more states make the vaccine widely available to those 65 and older, and officials warn that distribution headaches could persist in the weeks ahead.

The Biden administration has pledged to overhaul distribution to the states and even use the Defense Production Act to increase supply, but vaccine experts warn that shortages of the doses will persist in the short term with manufacturing sites already facing capacity constraints.

State and local governments, as well as hospital administrators, are fending for themselves. In Houston, Porsa said his staff was scrambling as the supply of vaccines dwindled this past week, squeezing six doses out of vials intended to provide five.

In one sign of the confusion around vaccine distribution in Texas, officials in Dallas County scrapped a plan that would have prioritized shots for people living in heavily Black and Latino communities hit hardest by the virus. Texas state officials threatened to slash allocations of the vaccine if the county went ahead with the plan even though data showed that most of the shots administered in Dallas County had been in wealthier neighborhoods.

Houston, the fourth-largest city in the country, is now struggling with a similar problem as the hospitals serving some of its poorest residents run out of the vaccine, prompting some public health experts to question why doses are not being made more available to vulnerable communities.

“These are our front-line workers who are at the greatest risk of contracting the virus and at the greatest risk of spreading it to others,” said Vivian Ho, a health economist at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine. “We would be able to resolve the pandemic in Harris County quicker if we could get a sufficient number of vaccines,” she added, referring to the county encompassing much of Houston.

Adding to the turmoil, just days after Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, a Republican, praised the state’s vaccine rollout at a meeting in Houston where Democratic city and county officials were excluded from participating, the lieutenant governor, Dan Patrick, also a Republican, sent a letter Thursday to the state’s Expert Vaccination Allocation Panel urging its members to fix the problems.

“Right now, in many cities and counties when an announcement of available vaccinations is made, website sign-up pages crash and phone calls go unanswered,” Patrick said in the letter. “Texans need to have a better understanding of the time it will take for everyone to be vaccinated in order to reduce lines, confusion and frustration.”

The sense of chaos afflicting the distribution efforts, not just in Texas but in an array of states, is laying bare how local officials are struggling to fill the void left by the lack, until this week, of a comprehensive response at the federal level.

Dr. George Rutherford, a public health researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, said the most obvious problem with vaccine administration in the San Francisco area was clear.

“There’s not enough doses, period,” he said. “That’s it. Everything would work fine if you had enough doses.”

The public health department in San Francisco and hospitals in the city were “caught by surprise” by the lack of doses, Rutherford said, and by the eligibility expansion to those 65 and older, which likely strained the system. Varying vaccine distribution channels — such as Kaiser Permanente and UC San Francisco — receive the doses on their own, he said, further complicating an already convoluted distribution system.

“So it’s a little hard for the city to understand exactly what’s left over, what they need to do, where the holes are to fill,” Rutherford said.

Still, new vaccination sites are opening in San Francisco, which Rutherford said would help speed the process along once more doses become available.

“There’s this tension between efficiency and equity,” he said. “It’s never easy.”

Dr. Grant Colfax, head of the San Francisco Department of Health, said the city was “very close to doses running out” and said a lack of overall coordination has led to distribution problems.

“I think what this really is, is a continuation of the fallout of the lack of a coordinated federal response,” he said. “Basically cities and counties were left on our own to deal with this pandemic.”

He said local jurisdictions “simply did not have the resources and the capacity” to handle the complicated effort without help. “It has manifested in a very tragic way.”

In Austin, Texas, Curt Fisher, a 76-year-old who has served on the boards of several high-tech startups, experienced firsthand the confounding roadblocks to securing a vaccine. He was playing golf with friends several weeks ago when they learned that Austin Public Health had vaccines available.

They quickly registered with their cellphones from the golf course and landed appointments in a matter of minutes. The system was deluged, and Fisher, who had waited about 30 minutes to call, missed out.

He doggedly checked the website from his home about four or five times a day for more than three weeks. Each attempt bore the same result: no vaccines available within the maximum 100-mile search radius.

Then after days of pinning his hopes on his hometown health service, good fortune finally came from more than 150 miles away. He received a text from a Memorial Hermann hospital in Houston, where he was automatically registered because he had seen a doctor about three months earlier, inviting him to come to the hospital for his first dose of the vaccine.

He made the roughly three-hour drive Monday, spending about an hour at the hospital with little waiting for his first shot of the vaccine. He is supposed to go back Feb. 8 for the second and final injection. Looking back, Fisher said the success he found in Houston and the hassles he went through in Austin illustrated that some vaccine distribution centers “really have their act together” and others do not.

“I don’t think the system that Austin Health had could handle the stress of the high volume, obviously,” he said.

But some people have struggled to get vaccine appointments, only to see them canceled because of supply problems.

Jeanelle Fernandes, 33, who has sickle cell anemia and lives in Miami, initially felt relieved after setting up a vaccine appointment for Jan. 28.

Having it confirmed “was kind of like a light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. “This has been a really hard journey for me.”

But then Baptist Health South Florida tweeted this week that all first-dose vaccine appointments scheduled for Jan. 20 or later would be canceled.

“I’m definitely frustrated,” she said.

It was not the hospital’s fault, she said; she blamed a government that seemed unprepared to roll out millions of vaccine doses when people urgently needed them.

“Now I have to wait,” Fernandes said. “I’m up in the air. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

As the coronavirus tears across much of Texas, Dr. Esmaeil Porsa is grappling with one of the most formidable challenges he has faced: The Houston hospital system he operates is running out of vaccines.

As the coronavirus tears across much of Texas, Dr. Esmaeil Porsa is grappling with one of the most formidable challenges he has faced: The Houston hospital system he operates is running out of vaccines. Porsa, the CEO of Harris Health System, which treats thousands of mostly uninsured patients, warned Friday that its entire vaccine supply could be depleted by midday Saturday. The problem is not one of capability — the vaccination centers he oversees have easily been administering as many as 2,000 vaccines a day — but of availability. “All of a sudden the distribution of vaccines stopped,” Porsa said. “It’s perplexing and frustrating because I keep hearing that there are high percentages of vaccines that have been distributed but not administered.” In the midst of one of the deadliest phases of the pandemic in the United States, health officials in Texas and around the country are growing desperate, unable to get clear answers as to why the long-anticipated vaccines are suddenly in short supply. Inoculation sites are canceling thousands of appointments in one state after another as the nation’s vaccines roll out through a bewildering patchwork of distribution networks, with local officials uncertain about what supplies they will have in hand. In South Carolina, one hospital in the city of Beaufort had to cancel 6,000 vaccine appointments after it received only 450 of the doses it expected. In Hawaii, a Maui hospital canceled 5,000 first-dose appointments and put 15,000 additional requests for appointments on hold. In San Francisco, the public health department had at one point expected to run out of vaccines this past week because the city’s allocation dropped sharply from a week ago and California officials temporarily had to put thousands of doses on hold after a higher than usual number of possible allergic reactions were reported. In New York state, officials in Erie County have canceled thousands of vaccine appointments in recent days after a sharp decline in allocations from the state. The situation is especially dire in Texas, which is averaging about 20,000 new coronavirus cases a day, fueling concerns over whether officials will be able to curb the spread when they cannot get their hands on the vaccines they desperately need to do so. Health officials trying to piece together why this is happening are puzzled by reports that millions of available doses are going unused. As of Friday morning, nearly 39.9 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines had been distributed to state and local governments, but only about 19.1 million doses had been administered to patients, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pfizer and Moderna have each agreed to provide the United States with 100 million vaccine doses, and the companies are racing to manufacture the vaccines, together releasing between 12 million and 18 million doses a week. At that rate, it is feasible for the new administration to meet President Joe Biden’s pledge to inject 100 million vaccines by his 100th day in office. Public health officials could even potentially ramp up the pace of vaccinations with existing supply. It appears that problems with distributing the already available doses are responsible for many of the acute vaccine shortages now being seen in parts of the country. Factor in the ever-increasing demand as more states make the vaccine widely available to those 65 and older, and officials warn that distribution headaches could persist in the weeks ahead. The Biden administration has pledged to overhaul distribution to the states and even use the Defense Production Act to increase supply, but vaccine experts warn that shortages of the doses will persist in the short term with manufacturing sites already facing capacity constraints. State and local governments, as well as hospital administrators, are fending for themselves. In Houston, Porsa said his staff was scrambling as the supply of vaccines dwindled this past week, squeezing six doses out of vials intended to provide five. In one sign of the confusion around vaccine distribution in Texas, officials in Dallas County scrapped a plan that would have prioritized shots for people living in heavily Black and Latino communities hit hardest by the virus. Texas state officials threatened to slash allocations of the vaccine if the county went ahead with the plan even though data showed that most of the shots administered in Dallas County had been in wealthier neighborhoods. Houston, the fourth-largest city in the country, is now struggling with a similar problem as the hospitals serving some of its poorest residents run out of the vaccine, prompting some public health experts to question why doses are not being made more available to vulnerable communities. “These are our front-line workers who are at the greatest risk of contracting the virus and at the greatest risk of spreading it to others,” said Vivian Ho, a health economist at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine. “We would be able to resolve the pandemic in Harris County quicker if we could get a sufficient number of vaccines,” she added, referring to the county encompassing much of Houston. Adding to the turmoil, just days after Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, a Republican, praised the state’s vaccine rollout at a meeting in Houston where Democratic city and county officials were excluded from participating, the lieutenant governor, Dan Patrick, also a Republican, sent a letter Thursday to the state’s Expert Vaccination Allocation Panel urging its members to fix the problems. “Right now, in many cities and counties when an announcement of available vaccinations is made, website sign-up pages crash and phone calls go unanswered,” Patrick said in the letter. “Texans need to have a better understanding of the time it will take for everyone to be vaccinated in order to reduce lines, confusion and frustration.” The sense of chaos afflicting the distribution efforts, not just in Texas but in an array of states, is laying bare how local officials are struggling to fill the void left by the lack, until this week, of a comprehensive response at the federal level. Dr. George Rutherford, a public health researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, said the most obvious problem with vaccine administration in the San Francisco area was clear. “There’s not enough doses, period,” he said. “That’s it. Everything would work fine if you had enough doses.” The public health department in San Francisco and hospitals in the city were “caught by surprise” by the lack of doses, Rutherford said, and by the eligibility expansion to those 65 and older, which likely strained the system. Varying vaccine distribution channels — such as Kaiser Permanente and UC San Francisco — receive the doses on their own, he said, further complicating an already convoluted distribution system. “So it’s a little hard for the city to understand exactly what’s left over, what they need to do, where the holes are to fill,” Rutherford said. Still, new vaccination sites are opening in San Francisco, which Rutherford said would help speed the process along once more doses become available. “There’s this tension between efficiency and equity,” he said. “It’s never easy.” Dr. Grant Colfax, head of the San Francisco Department of Health, said the city was “very close to doses running out” and said a lack of overall coordination has led to distribution problems. “I think what this really is, is a continuation of the fallout of the lack of a coordinated federal response,” he said. “Basically cities and counties were left on our own to deal with this pandemic.” He said local jurisdictions “simply did not have the resources and the capacity” to handle the complicated effort without help. “It has manifested in a very tragic way.” In Austin, Texas, Curt Fisher, a 76-year-old who has served on the boards of several high-tech startups, experienced firsthand the confounding roadblocks to securing a vaccine. He was playing golf with friends several weeks ago when they learned that Austin Public Health had vaccines available. They quickly registered with their cellphones from the golf course and landed appointments in a matter of minutes. The system was deluged, and Fisher, who had waited about 30 minutes to call, missed out. He doggedly checked the website from his home about four or five times a day for more than three weeks. Each attempt bore the same result: no vaccines available within the maximum 100-mile search radius. Then after days of pinning his hopes on his hometown health service, good fortune finally came from more than 150 miles away. He received a text from a Memorial Hermann hospital in Houston, where he was automatically registered because he had seen a doctor about three months earlier, inviting him to come to the hospital for his first dose of the vaccine. He made the roughly three-hour drive Monday, spending about an hour at the hospital with little waiting for his first shot of the vaccine. He is supposed to go back Feb. 8 for the second and final injection. Looking back, Fisher said the success he found in Houston and the hassles he went through in Austin illustrated that some vaccine distribution centers “really have their act together” and others do not. “I don’t think the system that Austin Health had could handle the stress of the high volume, obviously,” he said. But some people have struggled to get vaccine appointments, only to see them canceled because of supply problems. Jeanelle Fernandes, 33, who has sickle cell anemia and lives in Miami, initially felt relieved after setting up a vaccine appointment for Jan. 28. Having it confirmed “was kind of like a light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. “This has been a really hard journey for me.” But then Baptist Health South Florida tweeted this week that all first-dose vaccine appointments scheduled for Jan. 20 or later would be canceled. “I’m definitely frustrated,” she said. It was not the hospital’s fault, she said; she blamed a government that seemed unprepared to roll out millions of vaccine doses when people urgently needed them. “Now I have to wait,” Fernandes said. “I’m up in the air. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

New pandemic plight: Hospitals are running out of vaccines

As the world is waiting for its turn to receive the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>, some people have decided to not wait for their official turn, but in an illegal way.

A public health doctor from Texas has been charged with stealing the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

Dr Hasan Gokal has been accused of stealing a vial with nine doses of the coronavirus vaccine on December 29, 2020, while working at a vaccination point in Humble, towards the north of Houston.

Gokal has been alleged of disregarding "disregarded county protocols in place to ensure the vaccine is not wasted but administered to vulnerable populations and front-line workers on a waiting list," authorities said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-over-12000-people-test-positive-for-covid-19-after-receiving-pfizer-vaccine-358441">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-over-12000-people-test-positive-for-covid-19-after-receiving-pfizer-vaccine-358441/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"He abused his position to place his friends and family in line in front of people who had gone through the lawful process to be there," District Attorney Kim Ogg said in a statement. "What he did was illegal, and he'll be held accountable under the law."

Gokal is now being charged with&nbsp;theft by a public servant, a misdemeanour which can lead up to a year of jail time or a fine of nearly $4,000.

The doctor's attorneys, however, have rubbished these allegations and have claimed that Gokal is a "dedicated public servant who ensured that COVID-19 vaccine dosages that would have otherwise expired went into the arms of people who met the criteria for receiving it."

His attorney Paul Doyle has alleged the hospital of wanting to tarnish Gokal's reputation. "Harris County would have preferred Dr Gokal let the vaccines go to waste and are attempting to disparage this man's reputation in the process to support this policy," Doyle said.

It has been reported that Gokal had shared his apparent illegal act with a colleague, who then ratted him out to the supervisors, who then told the authorities. However, Gokal has not offered a statement yet on this and has claimed to have more to say in the court.

As the world is waiting for its turn to receive the coronavirus vaccine, some people have decided to not wait for their official turn, but in an illegal way. A public health doctor from Texas has been charged with stealing the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

As the world is waiting for its turn to receive the coronavirus vaccine, some people have decided to not wait for their official turn, but in an illegal way. A public health doctor from Texas has been charged with stealing the Harris County District Attorney's Office. Dr Hasan Gokal has been accused of stealing a vial with nine doses of the coronavirus vaccine on December 29, 2020, while working at a vaccination point in Humble, towards the north of Houston. Gokal has been alleged of disregarding "disregarded county protocols in place to ensure the vaccine is not wasted but administered to vulnerable populations and front-line workers on a waiting list," authorities said. WATCH| "He abused his position to place his friends and family in line in front of people who had gone through the lawful process to be there," District Attorney Kim Ogg said in a statement. "What he did was illegal, and he'll be held accountable under the law." Gokal is now being charged with theft by a public servant, a misdemeanour which can lead up to a year of jail time or a fine of nearly $4,000. The doctor's attorneys, however, have rubbished these allegations and have claimed that Gokal is a "dedicated public servant who ensured that COVID-19 vaccine dosages that would have otherwise expired went into the arms of people who met the criteria for receiving it." His attorney Paul Doyle has alleged the hospital of wanting to tarnish Gokal's reputation. "Harris County would have preferred Dr Gokal let the vaccines go to waste and are attempting to disparage this man's reputation in the process to support this policy," Doyle said. It has been reported that Gokal had shared his apparent illegal act with a colleague, who then ratted him out to the supervisors, who then told the authorities. However, Gokal has not offered a statement yet on this and has claimed to have more to say in the court.

Texas doctor steals vial of coronavirus vaccine; may face jail time

Former US President Donald Trump's old aid Anthony Fauci has now joined hands with the current President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden"> Joe Biden</a> and has described the change in bosses as "liberating".

As the country crossed the mark of 408,000 casualties because of COVID-19, the top infectious disease expert conducted a routine press briefing with reporters on Thursday to discuss the current situation and effects of coronavirus in the country.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-in-national-emergency-biden-warns-covid-19-death-toll-in-us-could-climb-to-half-a-million-next-month-358420">&nbsp;'We're in national emergency': Biden warns COVID-19 death toll in US could climb to half a million next month</a>

During the briefing, when he was questioned about the change in environment and experience with a new boss, Fauci claimed it was a welcome change.

Claiming he won't be able to detail the change in experience much, citing he has spent very less time with the new President, he said, "One of the things that was very clear as recently as about 15 minutes ago, when I was with the president, is that one of the things that we're going to do is to be completely transparent, open and honest."

Hoping this time there will be less of the blame game, he added, "If things go wrong, not point fingers but to correct them and to make everything we do be based on science and evidence."

Another reporter asked about the "jokes" Fauci reportedly made about the massive difference in the leadership style of the former reality TV star, Trump, and US President Biden, Fauci laughingly said, "I was very serious about it, I wasn't joking."

"Obviously I don't want to be going back over history, but it was very clear that there were things that were said, be it regarding things like hydroxychloroquine and other things like that —&nbsp;that really was uncomfortable because they were not based on scientific fact," Fauci explained.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-here-are-all-the-members-of-team-biden-358414">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-here-are-all-the-members-of-team-biden-358414/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Recalling his days in the coronavirus task force under the leadership of Trump, Fauci recalled how he could not openly disagree with construction champ Trump. "It was really something that you didn't feel that you could actually say something, and there wouldn't be any repercussions about it," he said.

"The idea that you can get up here and talk about what you know. What the evidence, what the science is, and know that's it — let the science speak — it is somewhat of a liberating feeling," he said about the Biden administration.

His statements have come as President Biden declared a 'national emergency' and warned Americans that the coronavirus death toll could climb to half a million next month as he unveiled new plans to fight the virus.

"Today, today, I am unveiling a national strategy on COVID-19 and executive actions to beat this pandemic. This plan reflects the ideas I set forward during the campaign and further refined over the past three months. It consists of my transition team, the task force, Tony Fauci and the team here today and other experts put this plan together. Our national strategy is comprehensive, it's based on science, not politics. It's based on truth, not denial, and it's detailed," Biden said on his first day in the Oval Office.

Former US President Donald Trump's old aid Anthony Fauci has now joined hands with the current President Joe Biden and has described the change in bosses as "liberating".

Former US President Donald Trump's old aid Anthony Fauci has now joined hands with the current President Joe Biden and has described the change in bosses as "liberating". As the country crossed the mark of 408,000 casualties because of COVID-19, the top infectious disease expert conducted a routine press briefing with reporters on Thursday to discuss the current situation and effects of coronavirus in the country. Also read| 'We're in national emergency': Biden warns COVID-19 death toll in US could climb to half a million next month During the briefing, when he was questioned about the change in environment and experience with a new boss, Fauci claimed it was a welcome change. Claiming he won't be able to detail the change in experience much, citing he has spent very less time with the new President, he said, "One of the things that was very clear as recently as about 15 minutes ago, when I was with the president, is that one of the things that we're going to do is to be completely transparent, open and honest." Hoping this time there will be less of the blame game, he added, "If things go wrong, not point fingers but to correct them and to make everything we do be based on science and evidence." Another reporter asked about the "jokes" Fauci reportedly made about the massive difference in the leadership style of the former reality TV star, Trump, and US President Biden, Fauci laughingly said, "I was very serious about it, I wasn't joking." "Obviously I don't want to be going back over history, but it was very clear that there were things that were said, be it regarding things like hydroxychloroquine and other things like that — that really was uncomfortable because they were not based on scientific fact," Fauci explained. WATCH| Recalling his days in the coronavirus task force under the leadership of Trump, Fauci recalled how he could not openly disagree with construction champ Trump. "It was really something that you didn't feel that you could actually say something, and there wouldn't be any repercussions about it," he said. "The idea that you can get up here and talk about what you know. What the evidence, what the science is, and know that's it — let the science speak — it is somewhat of a liberating feeling," he said about the Biden administration. His statements have come as President Biden declared a 'national emergency' and warned Americans that the coronavirus death toll could climb to half a million next month as he unveiled new plans to fight the virus. "Today, today, I am unveiling a national strategy on COVID-19 and executive actions to beat this pandemic. This plan reflects the ideas I set forward during the campaign and further refined over the past three months. It consists of my transition team, the task force, Tony Fauci and the team here today and other experts put this plan together. Our national strategy is comprehensive, it's based on science, not politics. It's based on truth, not denial, and it's detailed," Biden said on his first day in the Oval Office.

Anthony Fauci describes Joe Biden's leadership as 'liberating', compared to Trump

After administering the coronavirus vaccine in one of the biggest democracies of the world, India has now started exporting the domestically-manufactured vaccine to other parts of the world.

With the intention of helping neighbours and other countries around the world, India, on Friday, started exporting shots of the AstraZeneca-Oxford developed coronavirus vaccine to Brazil.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccine-diplomacy-earns-praise-from-south-asian-neighbours-as-chinese-dominance-declines-358380">India's vaccine diplomacy earns praise from South Asian neighbours as Chinese dominance declines</a>

A shipment of 200,000 doses of Covishield vaccine has already left for the European country, Brazil, on Friday morning.&nbsp;

In addition to this, 100,000 doses were also exported to Mauritius and 50,000 dosages to Seychelles packed in an&nbsp;Indian Navy P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Mumbai: Indian Navy P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft will supply 1 lakh dosages of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine to Mauritius and 50,000 dosages to Seychelles. The consignment will be first delivered to Seychelles and then to Mauritius. <a href="https://t.co/3reSjxSOLB">pic.twitter.com/3reSjxSOLB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1352507772487704576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Brazil's Foreign Affairs minister took to Twitter to thank India and Jaishankar for keeping Brazil in the priority list of receiving the coronavirus vaccine. "The government of India has placed Brazil on the highest priority: we are one of the first two countries to receive vaccines against Covid purchased in India," he tweeted.&nbsp;(translated text)

The Brazilian&nbsp;Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago also thanked Serum Institute of India (SII) for the doses of vaccine and the 'professionalism' demonstrated during the transportation. "Thank you&nbsp;@SerumInstIndia&nbsp;for the amazing professionalism demonstrated while shipping this batch of #OxfordAstraZeneca vaccines to Brazil &amp; immense appreciation for and thanks to the Government of India for their support," the tweet read.

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“Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/SerumInstIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerumInstIndia</a> for the amazing professionalism demonstrated while shipping this batch of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OxfordAstraZeneca?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OxfordAstraZeneca</a> vaccines to Brazil &amp; immense appreciation for and thanks to the Government of India for their support” 
 
— Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago <a href="https://t.co/za4ThUb9Z7">pic.twitter.com/za4ThUb9Z7</a>
— Brazil in India (@BrazilEmbassyIN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrazilEmbassyIN/status/1352547326120718336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-to-begin-covid-vaccine-free-jabs-to-brazil-morocco-from-today-358477">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-to-begin-covid-vaccine-free-jabs-to-brazil-morocco-from-today-358477/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Jair Bolsonaro, the President of Brazil, also acknowledged India's supply of vaccines and thanked the Indian government. "The government of India has released vaccine exports against Covid-19, and the first shipments will be sent this Friday to Brazil and Morocco, said the secretary of Foreign Affairs from India," he tweeted.

India has already supplied consignment of 1 million samples of the coronavirus vaccine, almost a week after it requested India to keep <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/promise-fulfilled-says-indian-envoy-as-vaccine-reaches-nepal-within-a-week-358322">Nepal in priority.</a>

After administering the coronavirus vaccine in one of the biggest democracies of the world, India has now started exporting the domestically-manufactured vaccine to other parts of the world.

After administering the coronavirus vaccine in one of the biggest democracies of the world, India has now started exporting the domestically-manufactured vaccine to other parts of the world. With the intention of helping neighbours and other countries around the world, India, on Friday, started exporting shots of the AstraZeneca-Oxford developed coronavirus vaccine to Brazil. Also read| India's vaccine diplomacy earns praise from South Asian neighbours as Chinese dominance declines A shipment of 200,000 doses of Covishield vaccine has already left for the European country, Brazil, on Friday morning. In addition to this, 100,000 doses were also exported to Mauritius and 50,000 dosages to Seychelles packed in an Indian Navy P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft. #WATCH Mumbai: Indian Navy P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft will supply 1 lakh dosages of #COVID19 vaccine to Mauritius and 50,000 dosages to Seychelles. The consignment will be first delivered to Seychelles and then to Mauritius. pic.twitter.com/3reSjxSOLB — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2021 × Brazil's Foreign Affairs minister took to Twitter to thank India and Jaishankar for keeping Brazil in the priority list of receiving the coronavirus vaccine. "The government of India has placed Brazil on the highest priority: we are one of the first two countries to receive vaccines against Covid purchased in India," he tweeted. (translated text) The Brazilian Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago also thanked Serum Institute of India (SII) for the doses of vaccine and the 'professionalism' demonstrated during the transportation. "Thank you @SerumInstIndia for the amazing professionalism demonstrated while shipping this batch of #OxfordAstraZeneca vaccines to Brazil & immense appreciation for and thanks to the Government of India for their support," the tweet read. “Thank you @SerumInstIndia for the amazing professionalism demonstrated while shipping this batch of #OxfordAstraZeneca vaccines to Brazil & immense appreciation for and thanks to the Government of India for their support” — Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago pic.twitter.com/za4ThUb9Z7 — Brazil in India (@BrazilEmbassyIN) January 22, 2021 × WATCH| Jair Bolsonaro, the President of Brazil, also acknowledged India's supply of vaccines and thanked the Indian government. "The government of India has released vaccine exports against Covid-19, and the first shipments will be sent this Friday to Brazil and Morocco, said the secretary of Foreign Affairs from India," he tweeted. India has already supplied consignment of 1 million samples of the coronavirus vaccine, almost a week after it requested India to keep Nepal in priority.

India starts export of coronavirus vaccine to Brazil, Mauritius; Brazil thanks for 'professionalism'

An unusual experiment to prevent nursing home staff members and residents from infection with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> has succeeded, drugmaker Eli Lilly announced Thursday.

A drug containing monoclonal antibodies — laboratory-grown virus-fighters — prevented symptomatic infections in residents who were exposed to the virus, even the frail older people who are most vulnerable, according to preliminary results of a study conducted in partnership with the National Institutes of Health.

The researchers found an 80% reduction in infections among residents who got the drug, compared with those who got a placebo, and a 60% reduction among the staff, results that were highly statistically powerful, Eli Lilly said.

The data have not yet been peer-reviewed or published. The company expects to present the findings at a future medical meeting and to publish them in a peer-reviewed journal, but did not say when.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-inherits-a-vaccine-supply-unlikely-to-grow-before-april-358544">&nbsp;Biden inherits a vaccine supply unlikely to grow before April</a>

The study included 965 participants at nursing homes: 666 staff members and 299 residents. (The company had hoped more residents would participate, but it proved difficult to enroll them; many had dementia, and others were leery of getting an intravenous drug.)

There were four deaths from COVID-19 among study participants. All were among nursing home residents who got a placebo, not the drug.

The drug, bamlanivimab, already has an emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration that allows Eli Lilly to provide it to symptomatic patients early in the course of their infection.

But this study asked if the drug could stop infections before they started. It was an unusual experiment: In trucks equipped with mobile labs, medical staff sped to nursing homes the moment a single infection was detected there. As soon as the workers arrived, they set up temporary infusion centers to administer the drug.

The research ended this weekend with an emergency meeting of the data safety and monitoring board, an independent group monitoring the incoming results. The data were strong and convincing enough to call a halt to the placebos.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-23-people-die-after-taking-coronavirus-vaccine-caution-raised-357160">Norway: 23 people die after taking coronavirus vaccine; caution raised</a>

“My jaw dropped when I saw the table of outcomes,” said Dr. Myron Cohen, a professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a principal investigator who helped design and implement the study.

Although the study has ended, Dr. Daniel Skovronsky, Eli Lilly’s chief scientific officer, said the company would continue to rush to nursing homes in its study network when an outbreak is detected. “Everyone will get the drug,” he said.

Experts who were not part of the study were enthusiastic but emphasized that they had not yet seen complete data. “I see only positives here,” said Dr. Ofer Levy, director of the precision vaccine program at Boston Children’s Hospital. “This is a win.”

Dr. Kathleen Neuzil, director of the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, also was encouraged.

“The mortality effect is remarkable,” she said, adding that the drug should be used more widely to prevent and treat COVID-19, “particularly in populations such as nursing home residents, who have high mortality and may have suboptimal responses to vaccines.”

Vaccines, of course, also protect people from infection with the virus, and nursing home staff and residents were among the first group prioritized for the shots. But supplies are inadequate, and many nursing home workers, afraid of the vaccines, have declined to get them.

And following vaccination, it can take six weeks for the body to produce enough antibodies for maximum protection, said Dr. Srilatha Edupuganti, a vaccine researcher at Emory University in Atlanta and a study investigator.

The monoclonal antibody treatment, she said, can give nearly equivalent protection immediately, although it will not last as long as the protection offered by a vaccine.

Eli Lilly plans to approach the FDA about an emergency use authorization for use of the drug to prevent infections in frail older populations, especially those in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, Skovronsky said.

An unusual experiment to prevent nursing home staff members and residents from infection with the coronavirus has succeeded, drugmaker Eli Lilly announced Thursday.

An unusual experiment to prevent nursing home staff members and residents from infection with the coronavirus has succeeded, drugmaker Eli Lilly announced Thursday. A drug containing monoclonal antibodies — laboratory-grown virus-fighters — prevented symptomatic infections in residents who were exposed to the virus, even the frail older people who are most vulnerable, according to preliminary results of a study conducted in partnership with the National Institutes of Health. The researchers found an 80% reduction in infections among residents who got the drug, compared with those who got a placebo, and a 60% reduction among the staff, results that were highly statistically powerful, Eli Lilly said. The data have not yet been peer-reviewed or published. The company expects to present the findings at a future medical meeting and to publish them in a peer-reviewed journal, but did not say when. Also read| Biden inherits a vaccine supply unlikely to grow before April The study included 965 participants at nursing homes: 666 staff members and 299 residents. (The company had hoped more residents would participate, but it proved difficult to enroll them; many had dementia, and others were leery of getting an intravenous drug.) There were four deaths from COVID-19 among study participants. All were among nursing home residents who got a placebo, not the drug. The drug, bamlanivimab, already has an emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration that allows Eli Lilly to provide it to symptomatic patients early in the course of their infection. But this study asked if the drug could stop infections before they started. It was an unusual experiment: In trucks equipped with mobile labs, medical staff sped to nursing homes the moment a single infection was detected there. As soon as the workers arrived, they set up temporary infusion centers to administer the drug. The research ended this weekend with an emergency meeting of the data safety and monitoring board, an independent group monitoring the incoming results. The data were strong and convincing enough to call a halt to the placebos. Also read| Norway: 23 people die after taking coronavirus vaccine; caution raised “My jaw dropped when I saw the table of outcomes,” said Dr. Myron Cohen, a professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a principal investigator who helped design and implement the study. Although the study has ended, Dr. Daniel Skovronsky, Eli Lilly’s chief scientific officer, said the company would continue to rush to nursing homes in its study network when an outbreak is detected. “Everyone will get the drug,” he said. Experts who were not part of the study were enthusiastic but emphasized that they had not yet seen complete data. “I see only positives here,” said Dr. Ofer Levy, director of the precision vaccine program at Boston Children’s Hospital. “This is a win.” Dr. Kathleen Neuzil, director of the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, also was encouraged. “The mortality effect is remarkable,” she said, adding that the drug should be used more widely to prevent and treat COVID-19, “particularly in populations such as nursing home residents, who have high mortality and may have suboptimal responses to vaccines.” Vaccines, of course, also protect people from infection with the virus, and nursing home staff and residents were among the first group prioritized for the shots. But supplies are inadequate, and many nursing home workers, afraid of the vaccines, have declined to get them. And following vaccination, it can take six weeks for the body to produce enough antibodies for maximum protection, said Dr. Srilatha Edupuganti, a vaccine researcher at Emory University in Atlanta and a study investigator. The monoclonal antibody treatment, she said, can give nearly equivalent protection immediately, although it will not last as long as the protection offered by a vaccine. Eli Lilly plans to approach the FDA about an emergency use authorization for use of the drug to prevent infections in frail older populations, especially those in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, Skovronsky said.

Drug prevents coronavirus infection in nursing homes, maker claims

The Hungarian government said Friday it had reached a deal to buy large quantities of Russia's Sputnik V <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>, even though it has not been approved by the European Union's medicines watchdog.

"Hungary has concluded with Russia an agreement to buy in three phases large quantities of the Sputnik V vaccine; the contract has been negotiated, and signed during the night," Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in a video statement on his Facebook page after meeting the Russian health minister in Moscow.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-starts-export-of-coronavirus-vaccine-to-brazil-mauritius-and-more-countries-358478" hreflang="en">India starts export of coronavirus vaccine to Brazil, Mauritius, and more countries</a>

He added more details would be given "during the day".

The deal comes a day after Hungary became the first EU member to approve Sputnik V, as well as the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine.

Hungary has repeatedly criticised what it says is the slow pace of vaccine approval and procurement by EU authorities.

According to regulations from the EU's Amsterdam-based European Medicines Agency (EMA), a national regulator may grant a temporary licence for a vaccine in an emergency situation.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-doctor-steals-vial-of-coronavirus-vaccine-may-face-jail-time-358464" hreflang="en">Texas doctor steals vial of coronavirus vaccine; may face jail time</a>

The EMA is currently evaluating the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine and has said a decision on its approval could come before the end of next week.

However, Sputnik V is not being examined by the agency.

The Sputnik doses still need a final sign-off from a Hungarian public health authority, so it was unknown when the first jabs would actually be administered.

Russia in August registered Sputnik V — named after the Soviet-era satellite — months ahead of Western competitors but before the start of large-scale clinical trials, which left some experts wary.

The Hungarian government said Friday it had reached a deal to buy large quantities of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, even though it has not been approved by the European Union's medicines watchdog.

The Hungarian government said Friday it had reached a deal to buy large quantities of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, even though it has not been approved by the European Union's medicines watchdog. "Hungary has concluded with Russia an agreement to buy in three phases large quantities of the Sputnik V vaccine; the contract has been negotiated, and signed during the night," Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in a video statement on his Facebook page after meeting the Russian health minister in Moscow. Also read| India starts export of coronavirus vaccine to Brazil, Mauritius, and more countries He added more details would be given "during the day". The deal comes a day after Hungary became the first EU member to approve Sputnik V, as well as the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine. Hungary has repeatedly criticised what it says is the slow pace of vaccine approval and procurement by EU authorities. According to regulations from the EU's Amsterdam-based European Medicines Agency (EMA), a national regulator may grant a temporary licence for a vaccine in an emergency situation. Also read| Texas doctor steals vial of coronavirus vaccine; may face jail time The EMA is currently evaluating the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine and has said a decision on its approval could come before the end of next week. However, Sputnik V is not being examined by the agency. The Sputnik doses still need a final sign-off from a Hungarian public health authority, so it was unknown when the first jabs would actually be administered. Russia in August registered Sputnik V — named after the Soviet-era satellite — months ahead of Western competitors but before the start of large-scale clinical trials, which left some experts wary.

Hungary procures 'large quantities' of Russian vaccine

'This Is Us'&nbsp;creator Dan Fogelman has revealed there will be a delay in filming of the new season due to a coronavirus surge in Los Angeles, where the&nbsp;show is filmed.&nbsp;

According to US Weekly,&nbsp;fans of the series had to make do with a repeat episode, which will air on Tuesday 19 January, due to the unforeseen delay in production. &nbsp;

Fogelman tweeted on Tuesday: 'No new episode of #ThisIsUs tonight – Covid-related production delays in LA have forced us to delay a few weeks. 
 
&nbsp;

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No new episode of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThisIsUs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThisIsUs</a> tonight - Covid-related production delays in LA have forced us to delay a few weeks. But the next few are big ones, and we are close, so we hope you'll hang in there with us. Sorry!
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&nbsp;

'But the next few are big ones, and we are close, so we hope you’ll hang in there with us. Sorry!'

The show will also air another repeat episode on Tuesday 26 January. &nbsp;

'This Is Us'&nbsp;is one of many&nbsp;shows which was forced to push their return to work back a week after a surge of cases in Los Angeles.&nbsp;On December 28, the L.A. County Department of Public Health released a statement which asked productions to consider closing.

'This Is Us' creator Dan Fogelman has revealed there will be a delay in filming of the new season due to a coronavirus surge in Los Angeles, where the show is filmed.

'This Is Us' creator Dan Fogelman has revealed there will be a delay in filming of the new season due to a coronavirus surge in Los Angeles, where the show is filmed. According to US Weekly, fans of the series had to make do with a repeat episode, which will air on Tuesday 19 January, due to the unforeseen delay in production. Fogelman tweeted on Tuesday: 'No new episode of #ThisIsUs tonight – Covid-related production delays in LA have forced us to delay a few weeks. No new episode of #ThisIsUs tonight - Covid-related production delays in LA have forced us to delay a few weeks. But the next few are big ones, and we are close, so we hope you'll hang in there with us. Sorry! — Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) January 19, 2021 × 'But the next few are big ones, and we are close, so we hope you’ll hang in there with us. Sorry!' The show will also air another repeat episode on Tuesday 26 January. 'This Is Us' is one of many shows which was forced to push their return to work back a week after a surge of cases in Los Angeles. On December 28, the L.A. County Department of Public Health released a statement which asked productions to consider closing.

'This Is Us' creator reveals show is delayed due to COVID-19 crisis in LA

It may be a little over 9 months but it appears a lifetime, a game-changer and life-transformer. The lockout-pandemic combine converted us suddenly into a nation of cynics, pessimists, philosophers &amp; thinkers re-connecting with long-forgotten, ignored, neglected primal truths that once graced our lives. Since entertainment in India means Bollywood &amp; Bollywood represents stars, this lockout unleashed a dramatic knockout by offering the movie-crazed Janta a startling new alternative, home-delivered: OTT platform! &nbsp;

This streaming space – Netflix, Hotstar, Amazon among tons of others – provided content that was planets away from the Bollywood model to present a cinema that defined truth, twenty-four frames per second. At first confused, reluctant and hesitant, large sections of traditional movie viewers soon embraced this platform with passion &amp; purpose to propel a boom in this space.

Today with the vaccine entering our lives and promising to deliver us from the twin nightmares, will the grandstanding of OTT vanish in the face of the old, much-loved, familiar Bollywood model? &nbsp;While the OTT menu, comprising gifted actors and superbly varied content are indeed great eye-openers, can they ever hope to compete with the mega-power &amp; star-draw of the Khans, Ajay, Akshay, Hrithik, Ranveer &amp; Ranbir or glam, sexy divas, Katrina, Deepika, Priyanka &amp; gang? Will the post-pandemic phase thus be the real litmus test in terms of transformation &amp; conversion and ask the vital question: Was OTT tolerated due to a lack of choice or did it genuinely represent &amp; introduce a new, exciting template and kick off a fascinating voyage of discovery?

Veteran producer of classy films [Rajnigandha, Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Gandhi, Katha] Suresh Jindal takes the first strike. &nbsp;He believes that the Pandemic, in serendipity fashion, has given us the most amazing content-viewing bouquet of our lives.&nbsp;

“With the vaccine entering the frame, the focus could well return to the big screen. The Theatre-going experience can never be replicated. After all, it’s an event! The OTT space however need not feel threatened because it offers its very own USP. Their twin advantage of convenience &amp; comfort is hard to match and the fantastic content spread they lay out, each day, is an impossible act to follow. &nbsp;Finally, you can’t possibly go to movie halls every day. OTT offers that cutting edge benefit. So it has to be, khayal apna apna, pasand apni apni!”

Hi-profile, gifted Adman, Theatre &amp; Screen Artiste, Bharat Dabolkar is next with his POV.&nbsp;

“I think both will exist, after some initial glitches, in peaceful co-existence. &nbsp;Remember the initial anxieties of Bollywood when TV serials – Humlog, Buniyad, Khandan, Ados Pados – were rocking and sometimes even sent movie timings for a toss? It all evened out because ultimately STARS are STARS and actors [TV/OTT] despite their talent &amp; popularity are children of a lesser god! They can never hope to match the larger-than-life aura, glamour or charisma of the demi-gods &amp; goddesses!” he said.

Dabolkar however has a note of warning to both. He cautions the OTT platforms to not freak out on vile language [Tribhanga being the latest] and sex scenes, mostly designed for effect. &nbsp;Bollywood too, after the OTT invasion, needs to review their content-base, forget trash-with-flash and offer meaningful content. OTT has made one thing clear: Substance NOT star is the new name of the game.&nbsp;

Who better than the brilliant, respected, veteran film critic Saibal Chatterjee to wrap up the debate?

“Actually it’s a loaded question and there can be no easy answers simply because this situation is unprecedented in our lifetime.” he says.

Chatterjee believes that while the thrill of the big screen experience and the impact of the mega-stars are undeniable, OTT too has left indelible footprints in the minds of large sections of the traditional audience that one can’t wish away. &nbsp;Undoubtedly, OTT is here to stay and co-exist with the mainstream masala.&nbsp;

“However, my fear is different. OTT’s huge invasion into the homes, hearts and minds of millions hasn’t gone unnoticed by the hawk-eyed sharks of B-town &amp; Karan Johar – along with some other big production house biggies – are already eyeing the platform as the new, juicy target. KJO, it is rumoured, is already busy producing content for Netflix. Others will surely follow, desperate to grab their share of the pie. Will their brand of entertainment muddy the waters and Bollywood-ise the content profile [like Tandav] of this wonderfully creative, democratic space? By doing this, will they devalue, trivialise and corrupt this platform &amp; attract the wrong audience-base to view this space? Agreed, finally it’s the viewer’s choice, but won’t the likes of a Criminal Justice, Sir, Kagaz, Bnadish Bandits, Family Man, Undisclosed etc rubbing shoulders with Bollywood’s self-conscious and pretentiously arty, non-commercial products, look hopelessly out of sync? &nbsp;Mercifully, the digital divide in India is still humongous, so lots of areas will not be affected. However, it’s something to ponder over." he says.

Everything considered, 2021 could be a watershed year as the plot thickens!&nbsp;

Let’s wait and watch.

It may be a little over 9 months but it appears a lifetime, a game-changer and life-transformer. The lockout-pandemic combine converted us suddenly into a nation of cynics, pessimists, philosophers & thinkers re-connecting with long-forgotten, ignored, neglected primal truths that once graced our lives.

It may be a little over 9 months but it appears a lifetime, a game-changer and life-transformer. The lockout-pandemic combine converted us suddenly into a nation of cynics, pessimists, philosophers & thinkers re-connecting with long-forgotten, ignored, neglected primal truths that once graced our lives. Since entertainment in India means Bollywood & Bollywood represents stars, this lockout unleashed a dramatic knockout by offering the movie-crazed Janta a startling new alternative, home-delivered: OTT platform! This streaming space – Netflix, Hotstar, Amazon among tons of others – provided content that was planets away from the Bollywood model to present a cinema that defined truth, twenty-four frames per second. At first confused, reluctant and hesitant, large sections of traditional movie viewers soon embraced this platform with passion & purpose to propel a boom in this space. Today with the vaccine entering our lives and promising to deliver us from the twin nightmares, will the grandstanding of OTT vanish in the face of the old, much-loved, familiar Bollywood model? While the OTT menu, comprising gifted actors and superbly varied content are indeed great eye-openers, can they ever hope to compete with the mega-power & star-draw of the Khans, Ajay, Akshay, Hrithik, Ranveer & Ranbir or glam, sexy divas, Katrina, Deepika, Priyanka & gang? Will the post-pandemic phase thus be the real litmus test in terms of transformation & conversion and ask the vital question: Was OTT tolerated due to a lack of choice or did it genuinely represent & introduce a new, exciting template and kick off a fascinating voyage of discovery? Veteran producer of classy films [Rajnigandha, Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Gandhi, Katha] Suresh Jindal takes the first strike. He believes that the Pandemic, in serendipity fashion, has given us the most amazing content-viewing bouquet of our lives. “With the vaccine entering the frame, the focus could well return to the big screen. The Theatre-going experience can never be replicated. After all, it’s an event! The OTT space however need not feel threatened because it offers its very own USP. Their twin advantage of convenience & comfort is hard to match and the fantastic content spread they lay out, each day, is an impossible act to follow. Finally, you can’t possibly go to movie halls every day. OTT offers that cutting edge benefit. So it has to be, khayal apna apna, pasand apni apni!” Hi-profile, gifted Adman, Theatre & Screen Artiste, Bharat Dabolkar is next with his POV. “I think both will exist, after some initial glitches, in peaceful co-existence. Remember the initial anxieties of Bollywood when TV serials – Humlog, Buniyad, Khandan, Ados Pados – were rocking and sometimes even sent movie timings for a toss? It all evened out because ultimately STARS are STARS and actors [TV/OTT] despite their talent & popularity are children of a lesser god! They can never hope to match the larger-than-life aura, glamour or charisma of the demi-gods & goddesses!” he said. Dabolkar however has a note of warning to both. He cautions the OTT platforms to not freak out on vile language [Tribhanga being the latest] and sex scenes, mostly designed for effect. Bollywood too, after the OTT invasion, needs to review their content-base, forget trash-with-flash and offer meaningful content. OTT has made one thing clear: Substance NOT star is the new name of the game. Who better than the brilliant, respected, veteran film critic Saibal Chatterjee to wrap up the debate? “Actually it’s a loaded question and there can be no easy answers simply because this situation is unprecedented in our lifetime.” he says. Chatterjee believes that while the thrill of the big screen experience and the impact of the mega-stars are undeniable, OTT too has left indelible footprints in the minds of large sections of the traditional audience that one can’t wish away. Undoubtedly, OTT is here to stay and co-exist with the mainstream masala. “However, my fear is different. OTT’s huge invasion into the homes, hearts and minds of millions hasn’t gone unnoticed by the hawk-eyed sharks of B-town & Karan Johar – along with some other big production house biggies – are already eyeing the platform as the new, juicy target. KJO, it is rumoured, is already busy producing content for Netflix. Others will surely follow, desperate to grab their share of the pie. Will their brand of entertainment muddy the waters and Bollywood-ise the content profile [like Tandav] of this wonderfully creative, democratic space? By doing this, will they devalue, trivialise and corrupt this platform & attract the wrong audience-base to view this space? Agreed, finally it’s the viewer’s choice, but won’t the likes of a Criminal Justice, Sir, Kagaz, Bnadish Bandits, Family Man, Undisclosed etc rubbing shoulders with Bollywood’s self-conscious and pretentiously arty, non-commercial products, look hopelessly out of sync? Mercifully, the digital divide in India is still humongous, so lots of areas will not be affected. However, it’s something to ponder over." he says. Everything considered, 2021 could be a watershed year as the plot thickens! Let’s wait and watch.

Opinion: With post-COVID times on horizon, will OTT-fix go for a toss?

While scientists and health experts are busy in producing vaccines against the deadly coronavirus, a self-proclaimed holy man from Sri Lanka thinks he has found the cure to the virus.

The Sri Lankan 'holy man' has been claiming that he has a miracle potion that can prevent coronavirus. However, his claims were proven wrong and highly dangerous after a minister was rushed to the hospital after consuming this '"magical potion".

Sri Lanka's women and child development minister, Piyal Nishantha de Silva, believed this man and decided to consume the potion made by Dhammika Bandara.

However, he was rushed to the hospital as he tested positive for the deadly coronavirus soon after consuming the concoction.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-tamils-appeal-to-unhrc-for-rights-accountability-357183" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka Tamils appeal to UNHRC for rights accountability</a>

Turns out, Silva is not the one who has had this reaction. Family members of another Sri Lankan politician had tested positive after consuming this potion.

Bandara, who was hailed by the pro-government media houses, had claimed he had received this syrup's formula directly from a Hindu goddess, Kali. However, the addition of honey and nutmeg was his idea, he claimed.

The Sri Lankan government, however, has tried desperately to distance itself from any association with this self-proclaimed holy man. "Although some parliamentarians took it, the government does not endorse it," said Keheliya Rambukwella, the minister of mass media.

Last month, thousands had defied the coronavirus restrictions of social distancing and stay-at-home orders to visit Bandara's village and get the "miracle potion" to fight the coronavirus.

While scientists and health experts are busy in producing vaccines against the deadly coronavirus, a self-proclaimed holy man from Sri Lanka thinks he has found the cure to the virus.

While scientists and health experts are busy in producing vaccines against the deadly coronavirus, a self-proclaimed holy man from Sri Lanka thinks he has found the cure to the virus. The Sri Lankan 'holy man' has been claiming that he has a miracle potion that can prevent coronavirus. However, his claims were proven wrong and highly dangerous after a minister was rushed to the hospital after consuming this '"magical potion". Sri Lanka's women and child development minister, Piyal Nishantha de Silva, believed this man and decided to consume the potion made by Dhammika Bandara. However, he was rushed to the hospital as he tested positive for the deadly coronavirus soon after consuming the concoction. Also read| Sri Lanka Tamils appeal to UNHRC for rights accountability Turns out, Silva is not the one who has had this reaction. Family members of another Sri Lankan politician had tested positive after consuming this potion. Bandara, who was hailed by the pro-government media houses, had claimed he had received this syrup's formula directly from a Hindu goddess, Kali. However, the addition of honey and nutmeg was his idea, he claimed. The Sri Lankan government, however, has tried desperately to distance itself from any association with this self-proclaimed holy man. "Although some parliamentarians took it, the government does not endorse it," said Keheliya Rambukwella, the minister of mass media. Last month, thousands had defied the coronavirus restrictions of social distancing and stay-at-home orders to visit Bandara's village and get the "miracle potion" to fight the coronavirus.

Sri Lanka: People test positive for coronavirus after consuming 'miracle potion'

If you thought 2020 was a hard year because of coronavirus, a UK professor has made a discovery to make you believe that 2021 might not be any better.

The year started with the identification of new variants of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>and surged in cases all around the world. Now, a leading epidemiologist from the UK has claimed that a surge in cases is being observed especially in people who suffer from a rare symptom of an oral ulcer.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-people-test-positive-for-coronavirus-after-consuming-miracle-potion-357772" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka: People test positive for coronavirus after consuming 'miracle potion'</a>

Tim Spector is a professor at the King's College in London who believes there are rare symptoms of coronavirus which not listed by the Public Health England (PHE) but are affecting the locals gravely.

"One in five people with Covid still present with less common symptoms that don’t get on the official PHE (Public Health England) list - such as skin rashes," he tweeted.&nbsp;

"Seeing increasing numbers of Covid tongues and strange mouth ulcers. If you have a strange symptom or even just a headache and fatigue stay at home!" he further added.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-african-virus-strain-more-contagious-says-expert-357649" hreflang="en">South African virus strain more contagious, says expert</a>

This is not the first time such a claim has been made. A UK team of researchers had also carried out a study that claimed some COVID-19 patients had oral ulceration and blistering. The study was published in the scientific journal Nature.

Another article published in the New York Times had also claimed that there can be oral complications such as teeth falling out, excessive sensitivity in gums, teeth turning grey and cracking of teeth in people who test positive for the deadly coronavirus.

However, majority of researchers have also claimed that these symptoms are not related to the severity of the symptoms and can be healed within a week or so of the infection.

These symptoms, however, have not been included in the official symptom list of the World Health Organization (WHO).

If you thought 2020 was a hard year because of coronavirus, a UK professor has made a discovery to make you believe that 2021 might not be any better. The year started with the identification of new variants of coronavirus and surged in cases all around the world.

If you thought 2020 was a hard year because of coronavirus, a UK professor has made a discovery to make you believe that 2021 might not be any better. The year started with the identification of new variants of coronavirus and surged in cases all around the world. Now, a leading epidemiologist from the UK has claimed that a surge in cases is being observed especially in people who suffer from a rare symptom of an oral ulcer. Also read| Sri Lanka: People test positive for coronavirus after consuming 'miracle potion' Tim Spector is a professor at the King's College in London who believes there are rare symptoms of coronavirus which not listed by the Public Health England (PHE) but are affecting the locals gravely. "One in five people with Covid still present with less common symptoms that don’t get on the official PHE (Public Health England) list - such as skin rashes," he tweeted. "Seeing increasing numbers of Covid tongues and strange mouth ulcers. If you have a strange symptom or even just a headache and fatigue stay at home!" he further added. Also read| South African virus strain more contagious, says expert This is not the first time such a claim has been made. A UK team of researchers had also carried out a study that claimed some COVID-19 patients had oral ulceration and blistering. The study was published in the scientific journal Nature. Another article published in the New York Times had also claimed that there can be oral complications such as teeth falling out, excessive sensitivity in gums, teeth turning grey and cracking of teeth in people who test positive for the deadly coronavirus. However, majority of researchers have also claimed that these symptoms are not related to the severity of the symptoms and can be healed within a week or so of the infection. These symptoms, however, have not been included in the official symptom list of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Oral ulcer, teeth cracking may be symptoms of coronavirus: UK professor

Cambodia has become the latest country to request India for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine?page=1">COVID-19 vaccine</a> even as New Delhi has been reached out by other countries for it. Cambodian PM Hun Sen had met the Indian envoy to Cambodia Devyani Khobragade and requested for the vaccine.&nbsp;

The Cambodians have not quantified their requests for the Indian vaccines, but it comes, two days after China promised a donation of one million doses. The development shows Cambodians are open to getting more vaccines from India and not totally reliant on China. Cambodia is seen close to Bejing, which makes it more significant.

India will kickstart the&nbsp;vaccine exports on Wednesday. The Maldives will become the first country to receive the Indian coronavirus vaccine tomorrow. The Indian Ocean Island country will receive the Covishield vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India (SII) with the Indian consignment arriving at 2:00 pm local time in the country's national capital Male by Air India.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-requests-indias-covid-19-vaccines-on-priority-india-approves-357360" hreflang="en">Nepal requests India's COVID-19 vaccines on priority; India approves</a>

India is sending 100,000 doses under emergency use approvals for vaccinating the frontline workers, healthcare workers, and those with comorbidities.

Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi government has confirmed the WION's break of Monday that India will be gifting vaccines to the country. The Bangladesh foreign ministry in a Facebook post said, "Bangladesh will receive 20 lakh doses of Oxford-Astrazenca Covid-19 vaccines (Covishield) from India as a gift on 21 January."

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A special flight of India carrying the consignment will land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka the day after tomorrow. The ruling Awami League party of the country also tweeted the same and highlighted that the govt will also procure additional 30 million Covishield vaccines from Serum Institute of India (SII).

This comes even as South African government in a fact sheet released today said that the country will be getting one million doses of the vaccine in January and 500,000 doses in February of the Oxford University-Astrazeneca vaccine from SII.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-to-be-the-first-country-to-receive-indian-covid-19-vaccine-357723" hreflang="en">Maldives to be the first country to receive Indian COVID-19 vaccine</a>

India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic last year sending HCQ and paracetamol to 150 countries. When it comes to coronavirus vaccines, India has assured that its vaccines will be for the entire humanity, with priority being given to the neighbourhood.

In the neighborhood, talks are on with Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Nepal for the vaccine. In fact, Nepal's Foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali was in India last week and requested India for 20 per cent i.e. 12 million doses of the vaccine. Indian authorities have given approval to two coronavirus vaccines — one being SII's Covishield&nbsp;and another being Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN with the mega vaccination programme starting over the weekend.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neighbourhood-first-india-to-gift-covid-19-vaccines-to-bangladesh-357558" hreflang="en">Neighbourhood first: India to gift COVID-19 vaccines to Bangladesh</a>

It's just not the Indian subcontinent that is the focus. Even in Latin America, India is sought after for the COVID-19 vaccine. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday met Indian envoy to Brazil Suresh Reddy.

In a tweet he said, "It was a great pleasure meeting you Excellency! Our relations are growing stronger by the day under your and @narendramodi 's leadership! @PMOIndia @DrSJaishankar @harshvshringla @rivagdas".&nbsp;

While the elements of the discussions are not known, the meet happens in the backdrop of the Brazilian President writing to PM Modi for 2 million doses of the immunizer produced by the SII.

Cambodia has become the latest country to request India for COVID-19 vaccine even as New Delhi has been reached out by other countries for it. Cambodian PM Hun Sen had met the Indian envoy to Cambodia Devyani Khobragade and requested for the vaccine.

Cambodia has become the latest country to request India for COVID-19 vaccine even as New Delhi has been reached out by other countries for it. Cambodian PM Hun Sen had met the Indian envoy to Cambodia Devyani Khobragade and requested for the vaccine. The Cambodians have not quantified their requests for the Indian vaccines, but it comes, two days after China promised a donation of one million doses. The development shows Cambodians are open to getting more vaccines from India and not totally reliant on China. Cambodia is seen close to Bejing, which makes it more significant. India will kickstart the vaccine exports on Wednesday. The Maldives will become the first country to receive the Indian coronavirus vaccine tomorrow. The Indian Ocean Island country will receive the Covishield vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India (SII) with the Indian consignment arriving at 2:00 pm local time in the country's national capital Male by Air India. Also read| Nepal requests India's COVID-19 vaccines on priority; India approves India is sending 100,000 doses under emergency use approvals for vaccinating the frontline workers, healthcare workers, and those with comorbidities. Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi government has confirmed the WION's break of Monday that India will be gifting vaccines to the country. The Bangladesh foreign ministry in a Facebook post said, "Bangladesh will receive 20 lakh doses of Oxford-Astrazenca Covid-19 vaccines (Covishield) from India as a gift on 21 January." Bangladesh will receive 20 lakh doses of Oxford-Astrazenca Covid-19 vaccines (Covishield) from India as a gift on 21... Posted by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh on Monday, January 18, 2021 × A special flight of India carrying the consignment will land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka the day after tomorrow. The ruling Awami League party of the country also tweeted the same and highlighted that the govt will also procure additional 30 million Covishield vaccines from Serum Institute of India (SII). This comes even as South African government in a fact sheet released today said that the country will be getting one million doses of the vaccine in January and 500,000 doses in February of the Oxford University-Astrazeneca vaccine from SII. Also read| Maldives to be the first country to receive Indian COVID-19 vaccine India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic last year sending HCQ and paracetamol to 150 countries. When it comes to coronavirus vaccines, India has assured that its vaccines will be for the entire humanity, with priority being given to the neighbourhood. In the neighborhood, talks are on with Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Nepal for the vaccine. In fact, Nepal's Foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali was in India last week and requested India for 20 per cent i.e. 12 million doses of the vaccine. Indian authorities have given approval to two coronavirus vaccines — one being SII's Covishield and another being Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN with the mega vaccination programme starting over the weekend. Also read| Neighbourhood first: India to gift COVID-19 vaccines to Bangladesh It's just not the Indian subcontinent that is the focus. Even in Latin America, India is sought after for the COVID-19 vaccine. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday met Indian envoy to Brazil Suresh Reddy. In a tweet he said, "It was a great pleasure meeting you Excellency! Our relations are growing stronger by the day under your and @narendramodi 's leadership! @PMOIndia @DrSJaishankar @harshvshringla @rivagdas". While the elements of the discussions are not known, the meet happens in the backdrop of the Brazilian President writing to PM Modi for 2 million doses of the immunizer produced by the SII.

Vaccine diplomacy: India to begin exports tomorrow, more requests sent

The UK&nbsp;Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, has gone into self-isolation following an alert of contact tracing through the NHS'&nbsp;coronavirus contact tracing app, he said in a video message on Tuesday.

"Last night I was pinged by the NHS Coronavirus App, so that means I will be self-isolating at home, not leaving the house at all until Sunday," he said in a video message posted on Twitter.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-in-race-against-time-to-roll-out-coronavirus-vaccine-says-boris-johnson-356164">&nbsp;UK in 'race against time' to roll out coronavirus vaccine, says Boris Johnson</a>

Hancock will be self-isolating himself for at least six days, as per the rules and guidelines set by the health experts. Throughout this period of time, he will be performing all his official duties from his residence.

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Last night I was alerted by the <a href="https://twitter.com/NHSCOVID19app?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHSCOVID19app</a> to self isolate so I’ll be staying at home &amp; not leaving at all until Sunday. 
 
We all have a part to play in getting this virus under control. <a href="https://t.co/MaN1EI7UyY">pic.twitter.com/MaN1EI7UyY</a>
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He has gone into self-isolation as he was notified that he has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the deadly coronavirus.

"This self-isolation is perhaps the most important part of all the social distancing, because I know from the app that I have been in close contact with somebody who has tested positive, and this is how we break the chains of transmission," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-vaccinating-200000-people-against-covid-19-everyday-claims-health-minister-355796">UK vaccinating 200,000 people against COVID-19 everyday, claims health minister</a>

He also urged people to keep following the rules set by the government and the health experts to make sure the surge in coronavirus cases in the country dies down as soon as possible.&nbsp;

"So you must follow these rules, like I am going to. I have got to work from home for the next six days, and together, by doing this, by following this, and all other panoply of rules that we have had to out in place, we can get through this and beat this virus," Hancock said.

The UK has seen a surge in coronavirus cases in the past few months, especially with identification of the new strains of the deadly virus — first found in the UK.

The UK Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, has gone into self-isolation following an alert of contact tracing through the NHS' coronavirus contact tracing app, he said in a video message on Tuesday.

The UK Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, has gone into self-isolation following an alert of contact tracing through the NHS' coronavirus contact tracing app, he said in a video message on Tuesday. "Last night I was pinged by the NHS Coronavirus App, so that means I will be self-isolating at home, not leaving the house at all until Sunday," he said in a video message posted on Twitter. Also read| UK in 'race against time' to roll out coronavirus vaccine, says Boris Johnson Hancock will be self-isolating himself for at least six days, as per the rules and guidelines set by the health experts. Throughout this period of time, he will be performing all his official duties from his residence. Last night I was alerted by the @NHSCOVID19app to self isolate so I’ll be staying at home & not leaving at all until Sunday. We all have a part to play in getting this virus under control. pic.twitter.com/MaN1EI7UyY — Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) January 19, 2021 × He has gone into self-isolation as he was notified that he has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the deadly coronavirus. "This self-isolation is perhaps the most important part of all the social distancing, because I know from the app that I have been in close contact with somebody who has tested positive, and this is how we break the chains of transmission," he said. Also read| UK vaccinating 200,000 people against COVID-19 everyday, claims health minister He also urged people to keep following the rules set by the government and the health experts to make sure the surge in coronavirus cases in the country dies down as soon as possible. "So you must follow these rules, like I am going to. I have got to work from home for the next six days, and together, by doing this, by following this, and all other panoply of rules that we have had to out in place, we can get through this and beat this virus," Hancock said. The UK has seen a surge in coronavirus cases in the past few months, especially with identification of the new strains of the deadly virus — first found in the UK.

UK's health secretary Matt Hancock self-isolates after fears of coronavirus

Several countries have approved coronavirus vaccines produced in the West and have also started mass <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccination</a> drives for their citizens. While it has been a great step to offer vaccines to citizens, the World Health Organization has labelled this as the "brink of a catastrophic moral failure".

Denouncing the 'me-first' attitude of majority countries, the World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called out the wealthy nations for acting selfishly and not helping out the poorer countries.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-claims-chinese-researchers-had-coronavirus-symptoms-before-initial-reported-cases-357495" hreflang="en">US claims Chinese researchers had coronavirus symptoms before reported cases</a>

"I need to be blunt. The world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure — and the price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the world's poorest countries," Tedros said.

Quoting official figures, he explained that while 39 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine had been administered in nearly 49 'wealthy' countries, only 25 doses have been provided to the 'lower-income' countries.

"Just 25 doses have been given in one lowest-income country. Not 25 million; not 25,000; just 25," he exclaimed.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-pauses-use-of-moderna-vaccine-batch-over-allergic-reactions-357470" hreflang="en">California pauses use of Moderna vaccine batch over allergic reactions</a>

He also accused some countries of committing reassuring words on equitable access and prioritising their own selfish motives by securing deals for themselves in a hurry with the aim of skipping waiting time, leading to a surge in prices.

Once again using figures as evidence, he said that 44 such deals had already been stuck in the pandemic year of 2020 and at least 12 new deals have been finalised since the New Year.

Tedros also accused the pharmaceutical companies of running behind the wealthy countries for approval, resulting in monetary benefit, rather than submitting data to the WHO to procure approval for global use of their vaccines.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-vaccine-rollout-shifts-up-a-gear-as-supply-worries-linger-357379" hreflang="en">Europe vaccine rollout shifts up a gear as supply worries linger</a>

"The situation is compounded by the fact that most manufacturers have prioritised regulatory approval in rich countries where the profits are highest, rather than submitting full dossiers to WHO," Tedros slammed the companies.

"Not only does this me-first approach leave the world's poorest and most vulnerable people at risk, it's also self defeating," Tedros said in his opening speech of a WHO executive board meeting. "Ultimately, these actions will only prolong the pandemic, prolong our pain, the restrictions needed to contain it, and human and economic suffering." 
&nbsp;

Several countries have approved coronavirus vaccines produced in the West and have also started mass coronavirus vaccination drives for their citizens. While it has been a great step to offer vaccines to citizens, the World Health Organization has labelled this as the "brink of a catastrophic moral failure".

Several countries have approved coronavirus vaccines produced in the West and have also started mass coronavirus vaccination drives for their citizens. While it has been a great step to offer vaccines to citizens, the World Health Organization has labelled this as the "brink of a catastrophic moral failure". Denouncing the 'me-first' attitude of majority countries, the World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called out the wealthy nations for acting selfishly and not helping out the poorer countries. Also read| US claims Chinese researchers had coronavirus symptoms before reported cases "I need to be blunt. The world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure — and the price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the world's poorest countries," Tedros said. Quoting official figures, he explained that while 39 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine had been administered in nearly 49 'wealthy' countries, only 25 doses have been provided to the 'lower-income' countries. "Just 25 doses have been given in one lowest-income country. Not 25 million; not 25,000; just 25," he exclaimed. Also read| California pauses use of Moderna vaccine batch over allergic reactions He also accused some countries of committing reassuring words on equitable access and prioritising their own selfish motives by securing deals for themselves in a hurry with the aim of skipping waiting time, leading to a surge in prices. Once again using figures as evidence, he said that 44 such deals had already been stuck in the pandemic year of 2020 and at least 12 new deals have been finalised since the New Year. Tedros also accused the pharmaceutical companies of running behind the wealthy countries for approval, resulting in monetary benefit, rather than submitting data to the WHO to procure approval for global use of their vaccines. Also read| Europe vaccine rollout shifts up a gear as supply worries linger "The situation is compounded by the fact that most manufacturers have prioritised regulatory approval in rich countries where the profits are highest, rather than submitting full dossiers to WHO," Tedros slammed the companies. "Not only does this me-first approach leave the world's poorest and most vulnerable people at risk, it's also self defeating," Tedros said in his opening speech of a WHO executive board meeting. "Ultimately, these actions will only prolong the pandemic, prolong our pain, the restrictions needed to contain it, and human and economic suffering."

WHO chief Tedros slams 'rich' countries and vaccine producers for ignoring 'poor' nations

France and Russia prepared to beef up their coronavirus inoculation programmes next week, even as authorities sought to allay concerns about supplies of the vaccines while the global pandemic shows no sign of being brought under control.&nbsp;

With infections surging past 94 million and more than two million deaths -- and Europe among the hardest-hit regions -- France and Russia were hoping to shift their vaccination programmes into a higher gear from Monday.

That is when France, which saw its death toll rise past 70,000 at the weekend, is set to begin inoculating people over 75 and Russia will begin mass vaccinations.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-23-people-die-after-taking-coronavirus-vaccine-caution-raised-357160/amp">Norway: 23 people die after taking coronavirus vaccine; caution raised</a>

The vaccination campaigns come amid concerns that delays in the delivery of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine could hamper the rollout in Europe, which critics have already condemned as too slow.&nbsp;

US drugmaker Pfizer, which developed the jab in collaboration with Germany's BioNTech, said it was working to "significantly" scale up production at its plant in Belgium in the second quarter.

After a short delay, deliveries should be back to the original schedule to the EU from January 25.&nbsp;

"There's a dip," France's Europe minister Clement Beaune told Franceinfo radio.

"But it's better that it happens now when we have stockpiles than when the wider vaccination campaign starts."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-investigating-death-of-two-people-who-received-pfizers-coronavirus-vaccine-354716">Norway investigating death of two people who received Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine</a>

Tighter curbs

Until vaccination is widespread, countries across the globe are still having to rely on lockdowns, curfews and social distancing to control the spread of the virus.

Switzerland and Italy are tightening their restrictions from Monday and Britain will require all arrivals to quarantine and show negative tests.

Newspaper reports suggested the UK could try to emulate countries such as Australia and New Zealand in requiring travellers to self-isolate in hotels at their own expense.

Foreign minister Dominic Raab said such a system could be difficult to manage but "we need to look at that very carefully based on the experience of other countries".

Austria, currently in its third national lockdown, said that the current curbs will be extended by another two weeks until February 8. &nbsp;

Oman said it will close its land borders for one week, possibly two, starting Monday over concerns about new variants of coronavirus, according to the official Oman News Agency. Air travel remains open.

Good start in India

India's vaccination drive got off to a successful start with more than 224,000 people receiving their first jabs and just three people hospitalised after side effects, the health ministry said Sunday, as reports emerged about concerns over a homegrown vaccine.

Authorities have given emergency-use approval for two jabs -- "Covishield", a version of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, and the Indian-made "Covaxin", which has yet to complete its Phase 3 trials.&nbsp;

The government plans to immunise some 300 million people out of its population of 1.3 billion by July.

In Israel, the prison service said it would begin vaccinating all prison inmates, including Palestinians, following calls from right groups, Palestinian officials and Israel's attorney general. &nbsp;

Israel has given at least one vaccine dose to more than two million of its citizens, a pace widely described as the world's fastest per capita. &nbsp;

But the Jewish state faced harsh criticism when Public Security Minister Amir Ohana said Palestinian prisoners would be the last to get inoculated.&nbsp;

Spain on Sunday began administering second vaccine doses to people who had already received the first at the end of December, mostly nursing home residents and care staff.&nbsp;

In Norway, where 13 frail elderly people died after a first vaccine injection, the Medical Medicines Agency, after assessing the cases, suggested last week that the deaths could be linked to side effects of the jab.&nbsp;

But agency official Steinar Madsen told public broadcaster NRK that the there was no cause for alarm.&nbsp;

"It is quite clear that these vaccines present very little risk, with the minimal exception of the most fragile patients," he said.

Belgian cluster

In Belgium, 111 people in an elderly care home -- or two-thirds of all residents and staff -- tested positive for the &nbsp;British variant of the novel coronavirus, which is feared to be more contagious. Three of them have died.&nbsp;

Belgium has registered 20,396 Covid-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic.&nbsp;

In the world of sports, Australian Open chief Craig Tiley said the Grand Slam tournament will still begin next month, even as problems mounted for organisers as another 25 players were quarantined for two weeks.

A total of 72 players are now confined to their hotel rooms in Melbourne for 14 days, and barred from practising, after coming into contact with Covid-19 cases on flights to Australia.

The tournament was thrown into disarray on Saturday when three people tested positive for Covid-19 on two of the 17 charter flights bringing players and their entourages to Melbourne and Adelaide.

A fourth person, a member of a broadcast team on one of the same flights tested positive on Sunday.

Quarantine rules mean 47 players will not be allowed out to train but organisers said the tournament was still set to begin on February 8.

France and Russia prepared to beef up their coronavirus inoculation programmes next week, even as authorities sought to allay concerns about supplies of the vaccines while the global pandemic shows no sign of being brought under control.

France and Russia prepared to beef up their coronavirus inoculation programmes next week, even as authorities sought to allay concerns about supplies of the vaccines while the global pandemic shows no sign of being brought under control. With infections surging past 94 million and more than two million deaths -- and Europe among the hardest-hit regions -- France and Russia were hoping to shift their vaccination programmes into a higher gear from Monday. That is when France, which saw its death toll rise past 70,000 at the weekend, is set to begin inoculating people over 75 and Russia will begin mass vaccinations. Also read| Norway: 23 people die after taking coronavirus vaccine; caution raised The vaccination campaigns come amid concerns that delays in the delivery of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine could hamper the rollout in Europe, which critics have already condemned as too slow. US drugmaker Pfizer, which developed the jab in collaboration with Germany's BioNTech, said it was working to "significantly" scale up production at its plant in Belgium in the second quarter. After a short delay, deliveries should be back to the original schedule to the EU from January 25. "There's a dip," France's Europe minister Clement Beaune told Franceinfo radio. "But it's better that it happens now when we have stockpiles than when the wider vaccination campaign starts." Also read| Norway investigating death of two people who received Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine Tighter curbs Until vaccination is widespread, countries across the globe are still having to rely on lockdowns, curfews and social distancing to control the spread of the virus. Switzerland and Italy are tightening their restrictions from Monday and Britain will require all arrivals to quarantine and show negative tests. Newspaper reports suggested the UK could try to emulate countries such as Australia and New Zealand in requiring travellers to self-isolate in hotels at their own expense. Foreign minister Dominic Raab said such a system could be difficult to manage but "we need to look at that very carefully based on the experience of other countries". Austria, currently in its third national lockdown, said that the current curbs will be extended by another two weeks until February 8. Oman said it will close its land borders for one week, possibly two, starting Monday over concerns about new variants of coronavirus, according to the official Oman News Agency. Air travel remains open. Good start in India India's vaccination drive got off to a successful start with more than 224,000 people receiving their first jabs and just three people hospitalised after side effects, the health ministry said Sunday, as reports emerged about concerns over a homegrown vaccine. Authorities have given emergency-use approval for two jabs -- "Covishield", a version of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, and the Indian-made "Covaxin", which has yet to complete its Phase 3 trials. The government plans to immunise some 300 million people out of its population of 1.3 billion by July. In Israel, the prison service said it would begin vaccinating all prison inmates, including Palestinians, following calls from right groups, Palestinian officials and Israel's attorney general. Israel has given at least one vaccine dose to more than two million of its citizens, a pace widely described as the world's fastest per capita. But the Jewish state faced harsh criticism when Public Security Minister Amir Ohana said Palestinian prisoners would be the last to get inoculated. Spain on Sunday began administering second vaccine doses to people who had already received the first at the end of December, mostly nursing home residents and care staff. In Norway, where 13 frail elderly people died after a first vaccine injection, the Medical Medicines Agency, after assessing the cases, suggested last week that the deaths could be linked to side effects of the jab. But agency official Steinar Madsen told public broadcaster NRK that the there was no cause for alarm. "It is quite clear that these vaccines present very little risk, with the minimal exception of the most fragile patients," he said. Belgian cluster In Belgium, 111 people in an elderly care home -- or two-thirds of all residents and staff -- tested positive for the British variant of the novel coronavirus, which is feared to be more contagious. Three of them have died. Belgium has registered 20,396 Covid-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic. In the world of sports, Australian Open chief Craig Tiley said the Grand Slam tournament will still begin next month, even as problems mounted for organisers as another 25 players were quarantined for two weeks. A total of 72 players are now confined to their hotel rooms in Melbourne for 14 days, and barred from practising, after coming into contact with Covid-19 cases on flights to Australia. The tournament was thrown into disarray on Saturday when three people tested positive for Covid-19 on two of the 17 charter flights bringing players and their entourages to Melbourne and Adelaide. A fourth person, a member of a broadcast team on one of the same flights tested positive on Sunday. Quarantine rules mean 47 players will not be allowed out to train but organisers said the tournament was still set to begin on February 8.

Europe vaccine rollout shifts up a gear as supply worries linger

The bat caves reeked of bat.

In the murk of the grottoes, in a cave complex west of Bangkok, Thais in headlamps and with flashlights went about their business.

Pilgrims to the temple that owns the complex prayed to Buddha figurines in one of the caves, the statues’ carved expressions betraying no reaction to the plip-plop-ploop of bat droppings falling on their shoulders.

Collectors of bat dung, or guano, scraped up the droppings to sell as fertilizer, hefting bags of manure through an obstacle course of stalactites and stalagmites.

And medical researchers, overseen by one of the world’s foremost bat virologists, trapped the winged mammals to test them for traces of the coronavirus that causes <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>. Scientists believe it originated in bats.

Outside the complex, the abbot of the Buddhist temple, which calls itself the “temple of hundreds of millions of bats,” took to a loudspeaker to tell visitors that the resident flying mammals were harmless.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/city-in-china-reports-coronavirus-found-on-ice-cream-thousands-of-boxes-seized-357266" hreflang="en">City in China reports coronavirus found on ice cream, thousands of boxes seized</a>

“Don’t worry. These bats don’t carry disease because they are insect-eating bats,” Phra Khru Witsuthananthakhun, the abbot, said. “Everyone knows that when fruit bats eat fruit, they share it with other animals, such as rats, and that’s how disease spreads.”

The temple’s abbot is correct that fruit-eating bats have been linked to serious viruses that have leapt into the human population. But insect-eating bats have given humans their share of deadly illnesses. Many virologists believe the horseshoe bat, an avid bug eater, may be linked to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. And a Thai national park report identified a species of horseshoe bat in the caves.

The area around the caves, Photharam district in Ratchaburi province, has tied its fortunes to bats — drawing tourists, fertilizer companies and, most important of late, chiropterologists, scientists who study flying mammals.

At the local economy’s tiny, fluttering heart — some bats can vary their heart rate by 800 beats per minute — is Khao Chong Phran Temple, which owns the limestone grottoes where the bats shelter during the day. In one cave alone, there are 3 million bats from 10 different species.

Nearly one-quarter of the world’s mammal species are bats, and their ability to fly while hosting a petri dish of viruses makes them both zoological marvels and efficient vectors of disease. Infectious diseases that are believed to have emerged from bats in recent decades include coronaviruses that cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), along with other viruses like Nipah, Hendra and Ebola.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-future-of-the-coronavirus-an-annoying-childhood-infection-356488" hreflang="en">The future of the coronavirus? An annoying childhood infection</a>

Most of these viruses were transferred from bats to an intermediate host, like a palm civet or camel, before making their way to humans.

Although the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, which came to public attention in late 2019, has not been conclusively traced to bats, in Yunnan province in southwestern China, a researcher found evidence in horseshoe bats of a virus that closely resembles it. Horseshoe bat droppings from Cambodia have also shown some linkages. And the same bat family was the natural reservoir for the SARS coronavirus.

The discovery of the possible connection between horseshoe bats and the coronavirus linked to COVID-19 prompted Dr. Supaporn Watcharaprueksadee, deputy chief of the Center for Emerging Infectious Disease of Thailand and a specialist in bat-borne viruses, to investigate whether bats in Thailand, which is not far from Yunnan and Cambodia, may share a similar viral load.

Supaporn said her team has found no trace of a coronavirus similar to the one that causes COVID-19 in the bats of Khao Chong Phran Temple, although other coronaviruses have been discovered there. Nor has she found any horseshoe bats there.

Testing of human residents in and around Khao Chong Phran, including of guano collectors who have spent decades in proximity with bats, turned up no antibody evidence of the virus, either.

Nevertheless, the sight of researchers, clad head to toe in personal protective equipment, has surprised a community that relies on bats as its economic mainstay.

“There’s no COVID here,” said Auenjit Kaewtako, a district health volunteer who has been coming to Khao Chong Phran for 40 years. “Why should we blame the bats?”

Although Thailand was the first country outside of China to confirm a case of COVID-19 — in a Chinese tourist visiting in early January — the nation had appeared since May to have all but strangled local transmission. Thais have been generally vigilant about wearing face masks, and the country’s borders were ordered closed to prevent the virus from arriving from abroad.

But in recent weeks, the coronavirus has begun spreading across the country after first being identified in migrant communities working along the porous border with Myanmar. Thailand went from no cases of local transmission in months to reporting hundreds of cases a day in late December and January.

Xenophobia has spiked, along with chiroptophobia, the fear of bats.

In the view of the guano collectors of Khao Chong Phran, which is not far from the frontier with Myanmar, the anxiety caused by bats is overblown. There are 17 species of bats in the area, and only two are fruit-eating bats tied with the spread of disease, they say. The rest consume insects, which means the bat droppings shimmer with iridescent residue from bug wings.

“Even before my grandfather’s generation, we collected guano from the caves,” said Jaew Yemcem, 65, resting on the temple grounds with her bare feet nestled in soft mounds of bat excrement. “They were fine, and we are fine.”

Every Saturday morning before dawn, Khao Chong Phran allows guano collectors, some wearing homemade balaclavas to protect themselves from dripping dung, to enter the caves and mine for the nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Many of the workers walk barefoot to better negotiate a ground slippery with condensation and bat gunk.

After buying the guano from the collectors, the temple auctions it to farmers or agricultural middlemen, who say just a handful of the fertilizer added an alluring sweetness to guavas and an impressive girth to papayas.

The collectors receive about 85 cents per bucket of guano and can accumulate a dozen pails each day if they are lucky.

In some Southeast Asian countries, bats are prized eating. While temple stalls at Khao Chong Phran once sold barbecued bats, locals no longer eat them because they have been designated protected animals, said Supaporn, who has been researching the area’s bats for a decade.

But Prangthip Yencem, who works as a cook’s assistant at a local school during the week and mines guano on Saturdays, said bat consumption, while lower, continues. Bat tastes good in any number of preparations, she said, including sautéed with chile and holy basil or deep-fried with garlic and white pepper.

For men, bat blood with a shot of alcohol is an invigorating cocktail, she said.

Residents of the area do not hunt bats anymore since the abbot has warned them against it, Prangthip said. But if the odd bat happens to fly into a telephone pole and plummets to the ground, who would turn down a free meal?

“Even now people eat bats,” she said, “and they don’t get COVID.”

The population of bats in Photharam district has declined in recent decades, victims of the urban sprawl that is eating up rural Thailand. The heavy use of pesticides has also deprived bats of their food.

With fewer bats around, there is half as much guano collected as a decade ago. The existence of fewer bats has disrupted pollination patterns, harming tropical ecosystems in a similar way to the decline in bees.

And, crucially, some bat virologists believe a spike in stress among bats could make the animals more vulnerable to symptoms of disease, possibly increasing the chances of viruses leaping to other species.

Normally, bats can live healthy lives with multiple viruses coursing through their bodies. But the accouterments of human development — tall buildings, electricity wires and expanses of cement — may stress bat bodies as they work overtime to use echolocation, the pinging of sound frequencies to determine their surroundings.

Phra Somnuek, now a monk at the temple, remembers when he was a child the sky darkened for more than two hours at dusk with the shadows of millions of bats heading out for their evening feeds. The flight of the bats, still a tourist attraction, is now done in 45 minutes, he said.

“I’m worried that one day bats will only be a legend here,” he said. “If we lose our bats, we lose what makes us special.”

The bat caves reeked of bat. In the murk of the grottoes, in a cave complex west of Bangkok, Thais in headlamps and with flashlights went about their business. Pilgrims to the temple that owns the complex prayed to Buddha figurines in one of the caves, the statues’ carved expressions betraying no reaction to the plip-plop-ploop of bat droppings falling on their shoulders.

The bat caves reeked of bat. In the murk of the grottoes, in a cave complex west of Bangkok, Thais in headlamps and with flashlights went about their business. Pilgrims to the temple that owns the complex prayed to Buddha figurines in one of the caves, the statues’ carved expressions betraying no reaction to the plip-plop-ploop of bat droppings falling on their shoulders. Collectors of bat dung, or guano, scraped up the droppings to sell as fertilizer, hefting bags of manure through an obstacle course of stalactites and stalagmites. And medical researchers, overseen by one of the world’s foremost bat virologists, trapped the winged mammals to test them for traces of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Scientists believe it originated in bats. Outside the complex, the abbot of the Buddhist temple, which calls itself the “temple of hundreds of millions of bats,” took to a loudspeaker to tell visitors that the resident flying mammals were harmless. Also read| City in China reports coronavirus found on ice cream, thousands of boxes seized “Don’t worry. These bats don’t carry disease because they are insect-eating bats,” Phra Khru Witsuthananthakhun, the abbot, said. “Everyone knows that when fruit bats eat fruit, they share it with other animals, such as rats, and that’s how disease spreads.” The temple’s abbot is correct that fruit-eating bats have been linked to serious viruses that have leapt into the human population. But insect-eating bats have given humans their share of deadly illnesses. Many virologists believe the horseshoe bat, an avid bug eater, may be linked to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. And a Thai national park report identified a species of horseshoe bat in the caves. The area around the caves, Photharam district in Ratchaburi province, has tied its fortunes to bats — drawing tourists, fertilizer companies and, most important of late, chiropterologists, scientists who study flying mammals. At the local economy’s tiny, fluttering heart — some bats can vary their heart rate by 800 beats per minute — is Khao Chong Phran Temple, which owns the limestone grottoes where the bats shelter during the day. In one cave alone, there are 3 million bats from 10 different species. Nearly one-quarter of the world’s mammal species are bats, and their ability to fly while hosting a petri dish of viruses makes them both zoological marvels and efficient vectors of disease. Infectious diseases that are believed to have emerged from bats in recent decades include coronaviruses that cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), along with other viruses like Nipah, Hendra and Ebola. Also read| The future of the coronavirus? An annoying childhood infection Most of these viruses were transferred from bats to an intermediate host, like a palm civet or camel, before making their way to humans. Although the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, which came to public attention in late 2019, has not been conclusively traced to bats, in Yunnan province in southwestern China, a researcher found evidence in horseshoe bats of a virus that closely resembles it. Horseshoe bat droppings from Cambodia have also shown some linkages. And the same bat family was the natural reservoir for the SARS coronavirus. The discovery of the possible connection between horseshoe bats and the coronavirus linked to COVID-19 prompted Dr. Supaporn Watcharaprueksadee, deputy chief of the Center for Emerging Infectious Disease of Thailand and a specialist in bat-borne viruses, to investigate whether bats in Thailand, which is not far from Yunnan and Cambodia, may share a similar viral load. Supaporn said her team has found no trace of a coronavirus similar to the one that causes COVID-19 in the bats of Khao Chong Phran Temple, although other coronaviruses have been discovered there. Nor has she found any horseshoe bats there. Testing of human residents in and around Khao Chong Phran, including of guano collectors who have spent decades in proximity with bats, turned up no antibody evidence of the virus, either. Nevertheless, the sight of researchers, clad head to toe in personal protective equipment, has surprised a community that relies on bats as its economic mainstay. “There’s no COVID here,” said Auenjit Kaewtako, a district health volunteer who has been coming to Khao Chong Phran for 40 years. “Why should we blame the bats?” Although Thailand was the first country outside of China to confirm a case of COVID-19 — in a Chinese tourist visiting in early January — the nation had appeared since May to have all but strangled local transmission. Thais have been generally vigilant about wearing face masks, and the country’s borders were ordered closed to prevent the virus from arriving from abroad. But in recent weeks, the coronavirus has begun spreading across the country after first being identified in migrant communities working along the porous border with Myanmar. Thailand went from no cases of local transmission in months to reporting hundreds of cases a day in late December and January. Xenophobia has spiked, along with chiroptophobia, the fear of bats. In the view of the guano collectors of Khao Chong Phran, which is not far from the frontier with Myanmar, the anxiety caused by bats is overblown. There are 17 species of bats in the area, and only two are fruit-eating bats tied with the spread of disease, they say. The rest consume insects, which means the bat droppings shimmer with iridescent residue from bug wings. “Even before my grandfather’s generation, we collected guano from the caves,” said Jaew Yemcem, 65, resting on the temple grounds with her bare feet nestled in soft mounds of bat excrement. “They were fine, and we are fine.” Every Saturday morning before dawn, Khao Chong Phran allows guano collectors, some wearing homemade balaclavas to protect themselves from dripping dung, to enter the caves and mine for the nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Many of the workers walk barefoot to better negotiate a ground slippery with condensation and bat gunk. After buying the guano from the collectors, the temple auctions it to farmers or agricultural middlemen, who say just a handful of the fertilizer added an alluring sweetness to guavas and an impressive girth to papayas. The collectors receive about 85 cents per bucket of guano and can accumulate a dozen pails each day if they are lucky. In some Southeast Asian countries, bats are prized eating. While temple stalls at Khao Chong Phran once sold barbecued bats, locals no longer eat them because they have been designated protected animals, said Supaporn, who has been researching the area’s bats for a decade. But Prangthip Yencem, who works as a cook’s assistant at a local school during the week and mines guano on Saturdays, said bat consumption, while lower, continues. Bat tastes good in any number of preparations, she said, including sautéed with chile and holy basil or deep-fried with garlic and white pepper. For men, bat blood with a shot of alcohol is an invigorating cocktail, she said. Residents of the area do not hunt bats anymore since the abbot has warned them against it, Prangthip said. But if the odd bat happens to fly into a telephone pole and plummets to the ground, who would turn down a free meal? “Even now people eat bats,” she said, “and they don’t get COVID.” The population of bats in Photharam district has declined in recent decades, victims of the urban sprawl that is eating up rural Thailand. The heavy use of pesticides has also deprived bats of their food. With fewer bats around, there is half as much guano collected as a decade ago. The existence of fewer bats has disrupted pollination patterns, harming tropical ecosystems in a similar way to the decline in bees. And, crucially, some bat virologists believe a spike in stress among bats could make the animals more vulnerable to symptoms of disease, possibly increasing the chances of viruses leaping to other species. Normally, bats can live healthy lives with multiple viruses coursing through their bodies. But the accouterments of human development — tall buildings, electricity wires and expanses of cement — may stress bat bodies as they work overtime to use echolocation, the pinging of sound frequencies to determine their surroundings. Phra Somnuek, now a monk at the temple, remembers when he was a child the sky darkened for more than two hours at dusk with the shadows of millions of bats heading out for their evening feeds. The flight of the bats, still a tourist attraction, is now done in 45 minutes, he said. “I’m worried that one day bats will only be a legend here,” he said. “If we lose our bats, we lose what makes us special.”

A popular hangout for bats, tourists and now Covid sleuths

As the Boris Johnson-led government announced plans of vaccinating at least two million people in a week, the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has assured that all adults will be vaccinated by the month of September.

Raab, during an interview with a local media house, revealed that vaccinating two million adults by September is the aim that the government is working towards.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-coronavirus-patient-getting-admitted-in-hospitals-every-30-seconds-nhs-357312">'One coronavirus patient getting admitted in hospitals every 30 seconds': NHS</a>

However, he also added that he predicts the government will be able to achieve this target before September.

This roadmap, however, is specifically for the first dose of the vaccine, and not for the second dose.&nbsp;

"Our target is by September to have offered all the adult population the first dose. If we can do it faster than that, great, but that’s the roadmap," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-invites-india-to-first-g7-summit-of-biden-era-to-be-held-in-june-357225">UK invites India to first G7 summit of Biden era to be held in June</a>

Raab denied guaranteeing the same promise for the second dose of the vaccine being administered within 12 weeks. The government "ought to be able to deliver on that," he said.

He also claimed the government is hoping to at least relax some restrictions by the month of March, but cannot guarantee it.&nbsp;

"What we want to do is get out of these national lockdowns as soon as possible, the roadmap that I described is that by early spring, hopefully by March, we'll be in a position to make those decisions," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-cathedrals-converted-into-coronavirus-vaccination-centres-357269" hreflang="en">UK: Cathedrals converted into coronavirus vaccination centres</a>

This time, too, the government is aiming to lift the lockdown in phases. "I think it's right to say we won't do it all in one big bang; as we phase out of the national lockdown, I think we'll end up phasing through the tiered approach."

"We want to make sure that we can do it in a safe way but again, we've got to, at this point in time, really focus on protecting the NHS and rolling out the vaccine."

As the Boris Johnson-led government announced plans of vaccinating at least two million people in a week, the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has assured that all adults will be vaccinated by the month of September.

As the Boris Johnson-led government announced plans of vaccinating at least two million people in a week, the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has assured that all adults will be vaccinated by the month of September. Raab, during an interview with a local media house, revealed that vaccinating two million adults by September is the aim that the government is working towards. Also read| 'One coronavirus patient getting admitted in hospitals every 30 seconds': NHS However, he also added that he predicts the government will be able to achieve this target before September. This roadmap, however, is specifically for the first dose of the vaccine, and not for the second dose. "Our target is by September to have offered all the adult population the first dose. If we can do it faster than that, great, but that’s the roadmap," he said. Also read| UK invites India to first G7 summit of Biden era to be held in June Raab denied guaranteeing the same promise for the second dose of the vaccine being administered within 12 weeks. The government "ought to be able to deliver on that," he said. He also claimed the government is hoping to at least relax some restrictions by the month of March, but cannot guarantee it. "What we want to do is get out of these national lockdowns as soon as possible, the roadmap that I described is that by early spring, hopefully by March, we'll be in a position to make those decisions," he said. Also read| UK: Cathedrals converted into coronavirus vaccination centres This time, too, the government is aiming to lift the lockdown in phases. "I think it's right to say we won't do it all in one big bang; as we phase out of the national lockdown, I think we'll end up phasing through the tiered approach." "We want to make sure that we can do it in a safe way but again, we've got to, at this point in time, really focus on protecting the NHS and rolling out the vaccine."

'All adults to be vaccinated by September in UK': Dominic Raab

The situation is extremely concerning in the UK, especially with a surge in coronavirus cases after identification of a new variant.

While the Boris Johnson-led government has been asking locals to stay indoors and has tried to keep the country under strict lockdown, the Chief Executive of the National Health Service (NHS) has revealed the situation might be much worse.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-cathedrals-converted-into-coronavirus-vaccination-centres-357269">UK: Cathedrals converted into coronavirus vaccination centres</a>

As per Simon Stevens, NHS Chief Executive, the pressure has been alarmingly increasing for the healthcare workers.&nbsp;

"The facts are very clear and I am not going to sugar-coat them. Hospitals are under extreme pressure and staff are under extreme pressure," he said.

He also admitted the situation became worse after the Christmas holidays. "Since Christmas Day, we have seen another 15,000 increase in the in-patients in hospitals across England. That’s the equivalent of filling 30 hospitals full of coronavirus patients," Stevens said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-invites-india-to-first-g7-summit-of-biden-era-to-be-held-in-june-357225">UK invites India to first G7 summit of Biden era to be held in June</a>

There have been more people having to retire in a hospital after testing positive for the deadly virus, than the last few months. Stevens claims that "every 30 seconds across England another patient is being admitted to hospital with coronavirus."

His statement has come a few days after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said nearly 37,000 people are already admitted in hospitals and the figures are expected to increase.

Meanwhile, the UK government has announced plans of vaccinating at least two million people a week, with priority being offered to the elderly, clinically vulnerable and frontline health and social care workers.

The UK government has also travellers&nbsp;to quarantine themselves and show a negative COVID-19 test before entering the country. "This means that if you come to this country you must have proof of a negative Covid virus test that you have taken in the 72 hours before leaving," Boris Johnson said.

The situation is extremely concerning in the UK, especially with a surge in coronavirus cases after identification of a new variant. While the Boris Johnson-led government has been asking locals to stay indoors and has tried to keep the country under strict lockdown, the Chief Executive of the National Health Service (NHS) has revealed the situation might be much worse.

The situation is extremely concerning in the UK, especially with a surge in coronavirus cases after identification of a new variant. While the Boris Johnson-led government has been asking locals to stay indoors and has tried to keep the country under strict lockdown, the Chief Executive of the National Health Service (NHS) has revealed the situation might be much worse. Also read| UK: Cathedrals converted into coronavirus vaccination centres As per Simon Stevens, NHS Chief Executive, the pressure has been alarmingly increasing for the healthcare workers. "The facts are very clear and I am not going to sugar-coat them. Hospitals are under extreme pressure and staff are under extreme pressure," he said. He also admitted the situation became worse after the Christmas holidays. "Since Christmas Day, we have seen another 15,000 increase in the in-patients in hospitals across England. That’s the equivalent of filling 30 hospitals full of coronavirus patients," Stevens said. Also read| UK invites India to first G7 summit of Biden era to be held in June There have been more people having to retire in a hospital after testing positive for the deadly virus, than the last few months. Stevens claims that "every 30 seconds across England another patient is being admitted to hospital with coronavirus." His statement has come a few days after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said nearly 37,000 people are already admitted in hospitals and the figures are expected to increase. Meanwhile, the UK government has announced plans of vaccinating at least two million people a week, with priority being offered to the elderly, clinically vulnerable and frontline health and social care workers. The UK government has also travellers to quarantine themselves and show a negative COVID-19 test before entering the country. "This means that if you come to this country you must have proof of a negative Covid virus test that you have taken in the 72 hours before leaving," Boris Johnson said.

'One coronavirus patient getting admitted in hospitals every 30 seconds': NHS

All at once, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus"> coronavirus</a> seemed to change.

For months, Dr. Steven Kemp, an infectious disease expert, had been scanning a global library of coronavirus genomes. He was studying how the virus had mutated in the lungs of a patient struggling to shake a raging infection in a nearby Cambridge hospital, and he wanted to know if those changes would turn up in other people.

Then, in late November, Kemp made a startling match: Some of the same mutations detected in the patient, along with other changes, were appearing again and again in newly infected people, mostly in Britain.

Worse, the changes were concentrated in the spike protein the virus uses to latch onto human cells, suggesting that a virus already wreaking havoc around the world was evolving in a way that could make it even more contagious.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-may-never-find-patient-zero-who-urges-countries-to-cooperate-357112" hreflang="en">'We may never find patient zero': WHO urges countries to cooperate</a>

“There’s a load of mutations that occur together at the same frequency,” he wrote on Dec. 2 to Dr. Ravindra Gupta, a Cambridge virologist. Listing the most troubling changes, he added, “ALL of these sequences have the following spike mutants.”

The two researchers did not yet know it, but they had found a new, highly contagious coronavirus variant that has since stampeded across Britain, shaken scientists’ understanding of the virus and threatened to set back the global recovery from the pandemic.

Word raced through a consortium of British disease scientists, longtime torchbearers in genomics who had helped track the Ebola and Zika epidemics. They gathered on Slack and video calls, comparing notes as they chased down clues — among them, a tip from scientists in South Africa about yet another new variant there. Still others have since emerged in Brazil.

For nearly a year, scientists had observed only incremental changes in the coronavirus and expected more of the same. The new variants forced them to change their thinking, portending a new phase in the pandemic in which the virus could evolve enough in time to undermine vaccines’ effectiveness.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-second-economic-crisis-for-biden-but-a-different-first-response-357097" hreflang="en">A second economic crisis for Biden, but a different first response</a>

British lawmakers announced the news Dec. 14, warning that the variant was spreading faster than previous ones.

But the road to its discovery was laid down to little acclaim in March, when Britain decided to begin sequencing coronavirus samples en masse. The country produces half the world’s inventory of coronavirus genomes, providing an unparalleled view of how the virus changes and how people brought it into Britain last year and are now carrying the variant out.

For Britain, the discovery came too late to prevent a punishing new wave of COVID-19 that has put its hospitals on the brink of having to deny lifesaving care. The variant was already spreading fast, abetted by the government’s lax restrictions during the fall and early winter.

But Britain sounded an alarm for the world, allowing countries to close their borders and start frantically searching for a variant they otherwise might not have noticed for months. British scientists quickly published studies that convinced skeptics of its potency.

“The U.K.’s got many things wrong about this pandemic — mainly, not learning lessons about the importance of reacting early,” said Neil Ferguson, a public health researcher and government adviser. “But the U.K. has a fairly unparalleled surveillance system for COVID. We can monitor very small changes in the virus.”

Labs around Britain, after testing swabs for the virus, send the leftover material in refrigerated vans to the Wellcome Sanger Institute, a genomics lab, where they are stored in cavernous freezers.

There, robots separate out the positive samples and deposit them into the wells of tiny, muffin-tinlike plates. Machines then map their genomes, said Jeffrey Barrett, who directs the sequencing project, producing 30,000 letter-long genetic codes that are uploaded to an internet library. The task of making sense of mutations falls to biologists like Andrew Rambaut, a professor in Edinburgh, who determine where they fit on the evolutionary tree.

The effort has generated more than 165,000 sequences in Britain. The United States, with five times as many people, has sequenced about 74,000 genomes. Germany has sequenced about 3,400, less than half of what Britain uploaded to the global database Thursday alone.

“It has totally revolutionized how we’re dealing with the virus,” said Judith Breuer, a virologist at University College London.

The campaign took shape March 4, before 100 coronavirus infections had been found in Britain, when a Cambridge microbiologist, Sharon Peacock, sent a flurry of emails to British genomicists, asking each, “Can you call me, please?”

Within two weeks, their newly formed consortium had secured 20 million British pounds, about $27 million, in government funding.

“It’s a close community here, and in March it effectively put aside any rivalries, any egos, and just said, ‘We can play a critical role in managing the pandemic,’” said Thomas Connor, a scientist in Wales who built a platform for collating and analyzing genomes.

Among the samples sequenced last summer were those of a man in his 70s with lymphoma, admitted in May to a Cambridge hospital for treatment of COVID-19. Gupta, a part-time clinician, began treating the patient, whose anti-cancer drugs had depleted his immune response. Sequestered in an isolation room, the patient struggled to breathe. Even after several rounds of treatment, including plasma with antibodies from recovered patients, the virus did not disappear.

Instead, it mutated. Britain’s sequencing efforts opened a window into those changes: Over 101 days in the hospital, the viral particles coursing through the man’s lungs were sequenced 23 times, a treasure trove of clues.

The patient died in August, seemingly without having infected anyone else. But the mutations in his virus eventually supplied scientists with a leading theory for how the British variant originated: by eluding the immune defenses of someone like the Cambridge patient who had a weakened immune system and a long-lasting infection.

“We call this the gold-standard patient for assessing different viral populations in a host,” Kemp said.

One mutation the patient had, labeled 69-70del, changes the shape of the spike protein. Another, N501Y, can help the protein bind more tightly to human cells.

Kemp searched for those changes every few days in the global database, finding scarce reason to worry. Then, in late November, abruptly, he noticed many genomes, mostly from Britain, that had those mutations and a host of others that could change how the virus entered human cells. He summoned Gupta to his computer for a look.

Eventually, British scientists detected 23 mutations that distinguished these genomes from the earliest known version in Wuhan, China — enough to be a considered a new variant, since labeled B117. On an evolutionary tree that Kemp made, it stood apart like a lone, spindly branch.

“I was not expecting anything like this,” Gupta said. “Back at the end of November, it was all about vaccine hope, and there was no whiff of new variants coming along.”

The number of mutations on the spike protein particularly rattled him, he said, calling it “a ‘Wow’ moment.”

At the same time, England’s public health experts were puzzling over an unexplained outbreak of coronavirus cases. A lockdown had tempered the virus across England, but not in Kent, a county of London commuters and fruit orchards in the southeast. Cases were emerging in schools. One in 328 residents was infected.

Only on Dec. 8, at their regular meeting with genomicists, did the public health officials conclude that the cause was likely a new variant. Looking back through their databases, scientists discovered that it had first been collected in September and had spread as people returned to offices and patronized restaurants and pubs at the government’s urging.

Researchers eventually became persuaded that the variant was, in fact, more transmissible — roughly 30% to 50% more — but only after they had assembled a patchwork of less conclusive clues.

“There’s no one totally unambiguous line of evidence; science only generates that kind of surety over longer time periods,” said Oliver Pybus, an Oxford evolutionary biologist. “It was more a case of different, independent lines of evidence coming together.”

After scientists presented their conclusion Dec. 11 to a government advisory body, Ferguson, the public health researcher, became concerned that it would “almost certainly require us to go into another lockdown.” He texted Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s chief scientific adviser, warning about the variant.

By Dec. 22, government scientists said that strict measures, including school closures, were needed to suppress the variant. But Johnson allowed people in parts of England to gather on Christmas and did not impose an England-wide lockdown until Jan. 4.

The variant is now estimated to account for more than 80% of positive cases in London and at least one-quarter of infections elsewhere in England and has turned up in more than 50 countries. U.S. health officials warned Friday that the British variant could be the dominant source of infection in the United States by March.

In recent days, Gupta and Kemp have begun using blood serum from vaccinated people to determine if the variant may weaken the potency of the vaccines.

“The world was being told for a long time that mutations don’t really matter from the coronavirus,” Gupta said. “But we found that mutations did come, and they did have an impact on the virus’s fitness.”

All at once, the coronavirus seemed to change. For months, Dr. Steven Kemp, an infectious disease expert, had been scanning a global library of coronavirus genomes.

All at once, the coronavirus seemed to change. For months, Dr. Steven Kemp, an infectious disease expert, had been scanning a global library of coronavirus genomes. He was studying how the virus had mutated in the lungs of a patient struggling to shake a raging infection in a nearby Cambridge hospital, and he wanted to know if those changes would turn up in other people. Then, in late November, Kemp made a startling match: Some of the same mutations detected in the patient, along with other changes, were appearing again and again in newly infected people, mostly in Britain. Worse, the changes were concentrated in the spike protein the virus uses to latch onto human cells, suggesting that a virus already wreaking havoc around the world was evolving in a way that could make it even more contagious. Also read| 'We may never find patient zero': WHO urges countries to cooperate “There’s a load of mutations that occur together at the same frequency,” he wrote on Dec. 2 to Dr. Ravindra Gupta, a Cambridge virologist. Listing the most troubling changes, he added, “ALL of these sequences have the following spike mutants.” The two researchers did not yet know it, but they had found a new, highly contagious coronavirus variant that has since stampeded across Britain, shaken scientists’ understanding of the virus and threatened to set back the global recovery from the pandemic. Word raced through a consortium of British disease scientists, longtime torchbearers in genomics who had helped track the Ebola and Zika epidemics. They gathered on Slack and video calls, comparing notes as they chased down clues — among them, a tip from scientists in South Africa about yet another new variant there. Still others have since emerged in Brazil. For nearly a year, scientists had observed only incremental changes in the coronavirus and expected more of the same. The new variants forced them to change their thinking, portending a new phase in the pandemic in which the virus could evolve enough in time to undermine vaccines’ effectiveness. Also read| A second economic crisis for Biden, but a different first response British lawmakers announced the news Dec. 14, warning that the variant was spreading faster than previous ones. But the road to its discovery was laid down to little acclaim in March, when Britain decided to begin sequencing coronavirus samples en masse. The country produces half the world’s inventory of coronavirus genomes, providing an unparalleled view of how the virus changes and how people brought it into Britain last year and are now carrying the variant out. For Britain, the discovery came too late to prevent a punishing new wave of COVID-19 that has put its hospitals on the brink of having to deny lifesaving care. The variant was already spreading fast, abetted by the government’s lax restrictions during the fall and early winter. But Britain sounded an alarm for the world, allowing countries to close their borders and start frantically searching for a variant they otherwise might not have noticed for months. British scientists quickly published studies that convinced skeptics of its potency. “The U.K.’s got many things wrong about this pandemic — mainly, not learning lessons about the importance of reacting early,” said Neil Ferguson, a public health researcher and government adviser. “But the U.K. has a fairly unparalleled surveillance system for COVID. We can monitor very small changes in the virus.” Labs around Britain, after testing swabs for the virus, send the leftover material in refrigerated vans to the Wellcome Sanger Institute, a genomics lab, where they are stored in cavernous freezers. There, robots separate out the positive samples and deposit them into the wells of tiny, muffin-tinlike plates. Machines then map their genomes, said Jeffrey Barrett, who directs the sequencing project, producing 30,000 letter-long genetic codes that are uploaded to an internet library. The task of making sense of mutations falls to biologists like Andrew Rambaut, a professor in Edinburgh, who determine where they fit on the evolutionary tree. The effort has generated more than 165,000 sequences in Britain. The United States, with five times as many people, has sequenced about 74,000 genomes. Germany has sequenced about 3,400, less than half of what Britain uploaded to the global database Thursday alone. “It has totally revolutionized how we’re dealing with the virus,” said Judith Breuer, a virologist at University College London. The campaign took shape March 4, before 100 coronavirus infections had been found in Britain, when a Cambridge microbiologist, Sharon Peacock, sent a flurry of emails to British genomicists, asking each, “Can you call me, please?” Within two weeks, their newly formed consortium had secured 20 million British pounds, about $27 million, in government funding. “It’s a close community here, and in March it effectively put aside any rivalries, any egos, and just said, ‘We can play a critical role in managing the pandemic,’” said Thomas Connor, a scientist in Wales who built a platform for collating and analyzing genomes. Among the samples sequenced last summer were those of a man in his 70s with lymphoma, admitted in May to a Cambridge hospital for treatment of COVID-19. Gupta, a part-time clinician, began treating the patient, whose anti-cancer drugs had depleted his immune response. Sequestered in an isolation room, the patient struggled to breathe. Even after several rounds of treatment, including plasma with antibodies from recovered patients, the virus did not disappear. Instead, it mutated. Britain’s sequencing efforts opened a window into those changes: Over 101 days in the hospital, the viral particles coursing through the man’s lungs were sequenced 23 times, a treasure trove of clues. The patient died in August, seemingly without having infected anyone else. But the mutations in his virus eventually supplied scientists with a leading theory for how the British variant originated: by eluding the immune defenses of someone like the Cambridge patient who had a weakened immune system and a long-lasting infection. “We call this the gold-standard patient for assessing different viral populations in a host,” Kemp said. One mutation the patient had, labeled 69-70del, changes the shape of the spike protein. Another, N501Y, can help the protein bind more tightly to human cells. Kemp searched for those changes every few days in the global database, finding scarce reason to worry. Then, in late November, abruptly, he noticed many genomes, mostly from Britain, that had those mutations and a host of others that could change how the virus entered human cells. He summoned Gupta to his computer for a look. Eventually, British scientists detected 23 mutations that distinguished these genomes from the earliest known version in Wuhan, China — enough to be a considered a new variant, since labeled B117. On an evolutionary tree that Kemp made, it stood apart like a lone, spindly branch. “I was not expecting anything like this,” Gupta said. “Back at the end of November, it was all about vaccine hope, and there was no whiff of new variants coming along.” The number of mutations on the spike protein particularly rattled him, he said, calling it “a ‘Wow’ moment.” At the same time, England’s public health experts were puzzling over an unexplained outbreak of coronavirus cases. A lockdown had tempered the virus across England, but not in Kent, a county of London commuters and fruit orchards in the southeast. Cases were emerging in schools. One in 328 residents was infected. Only on Dec. 8, at their regular meeting with genomicists, did the public health officials conclude that the cause was likely a new variant. Looking back through their databases, scientists discovered that it had first been collected in September and had spread as people returned to offices and patronized restaurants and pubs at the government’s urging. Researchers eventually became persuaded that the variant was, in fact, more transmissible — roughly 30% to 50% more — but only after they had assembled a patchwork of less conclusive clues. “There’s no one totally unambiguous line of evidence; science only generates that kind of surety over longer time periods,” said Oliver Pybus, an Oxford evolutionary biologist. “It was more a case of different, independent lines of evidence coming together.” After scientists presented their conclusion Dec. 11 to a government advisory body, Ferguson, the public health researcher, became concerned that it would “almost certainly require us to go into another lockdown.” He texted Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s chief scientific adviser, warning about the variant. By Dec. 22, government scientists said that strict measures, including school closures, were needed to suppress the variant. But Johnson allowed people in parts of England to gather on Christmas and did not impose an England-wide lockdown until Jan. 4. The variant is now estimated to account for more than 80% of positive cases in London and at least one-quarter of infections elsewhere in England and has turned up in more than 50 countries. U.S. health officials warned Friday that the British variant could be the dominant source of infection in the United States by March. In recent days, Gupta and Kemp have begun using blood serum from vaccinated people to determine if the variant may weaken the potency of the vaccines. “The world was being told for a long time that mutations don’t really matter from the coronavirus,” Gupta said. “But we found that mutations did come, and they did have an impact on the virus’s fitness.”

How British scientists found the more infectious coronavirus variant

'Moment of pride': India begins coronavirus vaccine drive

Amid rising resistance to Chinese products, Beijing has declared intentions&nbsp;to donate half a million coronavirus vaccine shots&nbsp;to the Philippines,&nbsp;Manila officials said on Saturday.

The Philippines&nbsp;President Rodrigo Duterte has been accused of being extremely slow in taking an action for buying coronavirus vaccine for a population of nearly&nbsp;110 million people.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/duterte-says-presidency-not-for-women-tells-daughter-not-to-run-in-next-election-356833">Duterte says presidency not for women, tells daughter not to run in next election</a>

This news has come after the locals of the country have expressed doubts and concerns over the efficacy of the Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine, which is being used in a few countries around the world.

Duterte has been an open supporter of the Chinese government, even though the popularity of the government has seen a new low due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the controversy around its origin. While the world has avoided the Chinese vaccine, the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;President has defended the vaccine.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-rodrigo-dutertes-security-team-gets-covid-19-vaccine-without-approval-352957">Philippines' Rodrigo Duterte's security team gets COVID-19 vaccine without approval</a>

This has also brought back the controversy the President faced last month after it was revealed that members of his security team had already been administered with some coronavirus vaccine made by a Chinese company,&nbsp;Sinopharm, without it having received an approval from the regulator.

"The PSG administered Covid-19 vaccine to its personnel performing close-in security operations to the President," said unit chief Brigadier General Jesus Durante had said in a staatement.

However, it is not yet clear which vaccine will China be donating to the Philippines, and whether it will be counted as a part of the earlier deal. The country has already agreed to&nbsp;buy 25 million doses of Chinese company Sinovac's Coronavac. The vaccine, however, has not yet been approved by its regulator.

This news has come after Cambodia, early this week, announced a similar deal with China where the Asian country has committed to sending&nbsp;one million free doses by Friday. Myanmar, similarly, was scheduled to receive 300,000 doses of the vaccine.

Amid rising resistance to Chinese products, Beijing has declared intentions to donate half a million coronavirus vaccine shots to the Philippines, Manila officials said on Saturday.

Amid rising resistance to Chinese products, Beijing has declared intentions to donate half a million coronavirus vaccine shots to the Philippines, Manila officials said on Saturday. The Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has been accused of being extremely slow in taking an action for buying coronavirus vaccine for a population of nearly 110 million people. Also read| Duterte says presidency not for women, tells daughter not to run in next election This news has come after the locals of the country have expressed doubts and concerns over the efficacy of the Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine, which is being used in a few countries around the world. Duterte has been an open supporter of the Chinese government, even though the popularity of the government has seen a new low due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the controversy around its origin. While the world has avoided the Chinese vaccine, the Philippines President has defended the vaccine. Also read| Philippines' Rodrigo Duterte's security team gets COVID-19 vaccine without approval This has also brought back the controversy the President faced last month after it was revealed that members of his security team had already been administered with some coronavirus vaccine made by a Chinese company, Sinopharm, without it having received an approval from the regulator. "The PSG administered Covid-19 vaccine to its personnel performing close-in security operations to the President," said unit chief Brigadier General Jesus Durante had said in a staatement. However, it is not yet clear which vaccine will China be donating to the Philippines, and whether it will be counted as a part of the earlier deal. The country has already agreed to buy 25 million doses of Chinese company Sinovac's Coronavac. The vaccine, however, has not yet been approved by its regulator. This news has come after Cambodia, early this week, announced a similar deal with China where the Asian country has committed to sending one million free doses by Friday. Myanmar, similarly, was scheduled to receive 300,000 doses of the vaccine.

China to donate vaccine to Philippines amid growing resistance

Norway has issued a tale of caution for the old and terminally ill people who are being administered the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus"> coronavirus </a>vaccine after 23 people died in the countries shortly after receiving a jab of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a>.

"For those with the most severe frailty, even relatively mild vaccine side effects can have serious consequences,"&nbsp;Norwegian Institute of Public Health cautioned. "For those who have a very short remaining life span anyway, the benefit of the vaccine may be marginal or irrelevant."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-investigating-death-of-two-people-who-received-pfizers-coronavirus-vaccine-354716">Norway investigating death of two people who received Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine</a>

Out of the 23 deaths,&nbsp;13 have been autopsied in which it was revealed that common side effects may have contributed to reactions in&nbsp;vulnerable and elderly people,&nbsp;Norwegian Medicines Agency reported.

The warning, the&nbsp;Norwegian officials said, does not mean that the elderly or the younger generation should avoid getting vaccinated. It is just to voice concern and issue a sound of warning for the ill and vulnerable people to exercise caution while getting vaccinated against the deadly virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-ceo-not-certain-if-coronavirus-vaccine-will-prevent-transmission-347495">Pfizer CEO 'not certain' if coronavirus vaccine will prevent transmission</a>

In the initial investigations it was revealed that almost&nbsp;three-quarters of the affected people were above the age of 80, the regulator claimed in its report.

Vaccine manufacturers, FPfizer-BioNtech, are working with the&nbsp;Norwegian regulator to investigate the deaths and has claimed that "the number of incidents so far is not alarming, and in line with expectations".

As of now, Norway has administered the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine to nearly&nbsp;33,000 people, with priority given to vulnerable, elderly and healthcare workers. Till now, majority people have been administered with the Pfizer vaccine, and a few others with Moderna's similar dose.

Norway has issued a tale of caution for the old and terminally ill people who are being administered the coronavirus vaccine after 23 people died in the countries shortly after receiving a jab of the vaccine.

Norway has issued a tale of caution for the old and terminally ill people who are being administered the coronavirus vaccine after 23 people died in the countries shortly after receiving a jab of the vaccine. "For those with the most severe frailty, even relatively mild vaccine side effects can have serious consequences," Norwegian Institute of Public Health cautioned. "For those who have a very short remaining life span anyway, the benefit of the vaccine may be marginal or irrelevant." Also read| Norway investigating death of two people who received Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine Out of the 23 deaths, 13 have been autopsied in which it was revealed that common side effects may have contributed to reactions in vulnerable and elderly people, Norwegian Medicines Agency reported. The warning, the Norwegian officials said, does not mean that the elderly or the younger generation should avoid getting vaccinated. It is just to voice concern and issue a sound of warning for the ill and vulnerable people to exercise caution while getting vaccinated against the deadly virus. Also read: Pfizer CEO 'not certain' if coronavirus vaccine will prevent transmission In the initial investigations it was revealed that almost three-quarters of the affected people were above the age of 80, the regulator claimed in its report. Vaccine manufacturers, FPfizer-BioNtech, are working with the Norwegian regulator to investigate the deaths and has claimed that "the number of incidents so far is not alarming, and in line with expectations". As of now, Norway has administered the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine to nearly 33,000 people, with priority given to vulnerable, elderly and healthcare workers. Till now, majority people have been administered with the Pfizer vaccine, and a few others with Moderna's similar dose.

Norway: 23 people die after taking coronavirus vaccine; caution raised

After a surge in cases in the country, Japan is thinking of imposing penalties and prison sentences for people who refuse to cooperate with the government and medical experts, especially after testing positive for coronavirus.

The rules were proposed by the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in a meeting with the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry on Friday, which will be added in amendments in the soon-to-be-introduced infectious disease law.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-may-never-find-patient-zero-who-urges-countries-to-cooperate-357112" hreflang="en">'We may never find patient zero': WHO urges countries to cooperate</a>

As per these rules, the patients who test positive for coronavirus and refuse to get hospitalised, on the recommendation of the health experts, will face a fine of 1 million yen (over $9,600) or a jail sentence of up to one year.

In addition to this, people who refuse to cooperate for contact-tracing after testing positive will be fined 500,000 yen ($4,800) or face a prison sentence of six months.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-expands-coronavirus-emergency-to-seven-more-prefectures-356633">&nbsp;Japan expands coronavirus emergency to seven more prefectures</a>

While some have applauded the move by the government, some locals have addressed concern warning this would prove out to be more tedious for the healthcare workers who have the pressure of taking care of more paperwork now.

This has come as Japan crossed the mark of 300,000 coronavirus cases and 4,000 deaths with a recent surge, especially after the new mutations found in the UK, South Africa and Brazil.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-pm-suga-highest-ever-infection-in-respective-regions-355329">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-pm-suga-highest-ever-infection-in-respective-regions-355329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It is also being understood as a way to contain the wide spread of the deadly virus in the country before the planned Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;

The news came at the same time when a report revealed that the suicide rates in Japan have massively increased during the second wave of coronavirus, especially among&nbsp;women and children, in comparison to the first wave.

"Unlike normal economic circumstances, this pandemic disproportionately affects the psychological health of children, adolescents and females (especially housewives)," the study claimed.

The reason behind this is also being reported to be loss of jobs among locals as businesses have suffered financial losses during the pandemic year.

After a surge in cases in the country, Japan is thinking of imposing penalties and prison sentences for people who refuse to cooperate with the government and medical experts, especially after testing positive for coronavirus.

After a surge in cases in the country, Japan is thinking of imposing penalties and prison sentences for people who refuse to cooperate with the government and medical experts, especially after testing positive for coronavirus. The rules were proposed by the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in a meeting with the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry on Friday, which will be added in amendments in the soon-to-be-introduced infectious disease law. Also read| 'We may never find patient zero': WHO urges countries to cooperate As per these rules, the patients who test positive for coronavirus and refuse to get hospitalised, on the recommendation of the health experts, will face a fine of 1 million yen (over $9,600) or a jail sentence of up to one year. In addition to this, people who refuse to cooperate for contact-tracing after testing positive will be fined 500,000 yen ($4,800) or face a prison sentence of six months. Also read| Japan expands coronavirus emergency to seven more prefectures While some have applauded the move by the government, some locals have addressed concern warning this would prove out to be more tedious for the healthcare workers who have the pressure of taking care of more paperwork now. This has come as Japan crossed the mark of 300,000 coronavirus cases and 4,000 deaths with a recent surge, especially after the new mutations found in the UK, South Africa and Brazil. WATCH| It is also being understood as a way to contain the wide spread of the deadly virus in the country before the planned Tokyo Olympics. The news came at the same time when a report revealed that the suicide rates in Japan have massively increased during the second wave of coronavirus, especially among women and children, in comparison to the first wave. "Unlike normal economic circumstances, this pandemic disproportionately affects the psychological health of children, adolescents and females (especially housewives)," the study claimed. The reason behind this is also being reported to be loss of jobs among locals as businesses have suffered financial losses during the pandemic year.

Japan to charge fines and prison sentences for non-cooperation of COVID rules

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to cooperate with each other rather than playing the blame game about the origin of the deadly coronavirus, warning that the 'patient zero'&nbsp; might never be found.

"We need to be very careful about the use of the phrase ‘patient zero’ which many people indicate as the first initial case. We may never find who the patient zero was,"&nbsp;Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO, technical lead on COVID-19 said in a press conference.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-latest-covid-outbreak-is-due-to-foreign-travellers-357086" hreflang="en">China says latest COVID outbreak is due to foreign travellers</a>

"We may never find who patient zero was. What we need to do is follow the science and follow the studies," she added.

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"We need to be careful about the use of the phrase patient zero, which many people indicate as the first initial case. 
 
We may never find who patient zero was. What we need to do is follow the science and follow the studies," -<a href="https://twitter.com/mvankerkhove?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mvankerkhove</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> mission to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a>. <a href="https://t.co/orFtof9PKy">pic.twitter.com/orFtof9PKy</a>
— Global Health Strategies (@GHS) <a href="https://twitter.com/GHS/status/1350179735691735042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The statement has come at a time when WHO's team of expert scientists have gone to China's Wuhan — the original epicentre of the virus — to investigate the origin of coronavirus, which is alleged to be Wuhan.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-covid-death-toll-crosses-2-million-357070" hreflang="en">Global COVID death toll crosses 2 million</a>

Kerkhove also warned people to keep following the basic safety measures such as hand sanitisation, face masks and social distancing till the virus is completely in control. "We have to be part of the collective action towards ending the pandemic," she said. "We have to prevent ourselves from getting infected and if we do get infected, make sure the virus stops with us and we don't allow it to pass to someone else."

Talking about the different variants which have been identified all over the world — UK, South Africa and Brazil — WHO assured people that while the new variant can bring a surge in cases, it can also be blamed on lapses in behaviour than the mutations.

"On variants, (the committee) called for a global expansion of genomic sequencing and sharing of data, along with greater scientific collaboration to address critical unknowns," the WHO said.

Kerkhove also addressed the concern of new mutations in her briefing and said, "It's not just as simple to say we've identified a mutation... there needs to be a system in place to understand what each of these mutations mean what these variants mean and how it impacts the behavior of the virus."

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to cooperate with each other rather than playing the blame game about the origin of the deadly coronavirus, warning that the 'patient zero' might never be found.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to cooperate with each other rather than playing the blame game about the origin of the deadly coronavirus, warning that the 'patient zero' might never be found. "We need to be very careful about the use of the phrase ‘patient zero’ which many people indicate as the first initial case. We may never find who the patient zero was," Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO, technical lead on COVID-19 said in a press conference. Also read| China says latest COVID outbreak is due to foreign travellers "We may never find who patient zero was. What we need to do is follow the science and follow the studies," she added. "We need to be careful about the use of the phrase patient zero, which many people indicate as the first initial case. We may never find who patient zero was. What we need to do is follow the science and follow the studies," -@mvankerkhove on @WHO's #COVID19 mission to #China. pic.twitter.com/orFtof9PKy — Global Health Strategies (@GHS) January 15, 2021 × The statement has come at a time when WHO's team of expert scientists have gone to China's Wuhan — the original epicentre of the virus — to investigate the origin of coronavirus, which is alleged to be Wuhan. Also read| Global COVID death toll crosses 2 million Kerkhove also warned people to keep following the basic safety measures such as hand sanitisation, face masks and social distancing till the virus is completely in control. "We have to be part of the collective action towards ending the pandemic," she said. "We have to prevent ourselves from getting infected and if we do get infected, make sure the virus stops with us and we don't allow it to pass to someone else." Talking about the different variants which have been identified all over the world — UK, South Africa and Brazil — WHO assured people that while the new variant can bring a surge in cases, it can also be blamed on lapses in behaviour than the mutations. "On variants, (the committee) called for a global expansion of genomic sequencing and sharing of data, along with greater scientific collaboration to address critical unknowns," the WHO said. Kerkhove also addressed the concern of new mutations in her briefing and said, "It's not just as simple to say we've identified a mutation... there needs to be a system in place to understand what each of these mutations mean what these variants mean and how it impacts the behavior of the virus."

'We may never find patient zero': WHO urges countries to cooperate

The EU Chief&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen, while talking at a summit assured the Commission supports "a fast, smooth rollout of vaccination in the EU" as it is the "only&nbsp;way to eradicate the virus."

Talking about the upcoming&nbsp;Social Summit in Porto in May,&nbsp;she also said she wants to "deepen our ties" with India with an aim to "revive the transatlantic relationship".

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Finally, we are both committed to a stronger Europe in the world. 
This will be a crucial period: 
 
🔸To revive the transatlantic relationship 
🔸To further develop our relations with Africa 
🔸To deepen our ties with India. 
 
Looking forward to the EU-India Summit in Porto this May.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1350102069986942976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, deliveries of the coronavirus vaccine being manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech will be delayed to several European Union (EU) countries because of some modifications happening at the company's plant in Belgium.

"At short notice, the EU Commission and, via it, the EU member states, were informed that Pfizer will not be able to fully meet the already promised delivery volume for the next three to four weeks due to modifications at the Puurs plant," Germany's health ministry said on Friday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/imf-chief-praises-india-for-taking-decisive-steps-to-tackle-covid-19-356957">IMF chief praises India for taking 'decisive' steps to tackle Covid-19</a>

Pfizer has revealed the modifications are taking place to increase the capacity of vaccine production. The EU ministers voice serious concern over vaccine delay; EU Chief news has come as a shock and Germany admitted it "took note of this very last minute and unexpected news with regret".

The ministry also added, it "expects the EU commission to seek clarity and certainty for further deliveries and delivery dates from Pfizer as soon as possible".

Meanwhile, after the announcement, ministers from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden expressed concern over this shocking news that can have a dangering effect and wrote a letter to the European Union Commission. "We are obliged to inform our public and the particular risk groups... that their vaccination will be delayed, regardless of the outstanding efforts by our governments to ensure timely delivery," the letter read.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-variant-already-in-uk-confirms-top-scientist-356937" hreflang="en">Brazil variant already in UK, confirms top scientist</a>

"We request you to urgently engage with BioNTech/Pfizer to demand a public explanation of the situation and to stress the need to ensure stability and transparency of timely deliveries," it added. "Some were given the deadline of February 8, 2021, some were given no information on the duration of the intended decreased deliveries."

While the EU Chief&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen has assured the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines' deliveries will be made on time, the pharmaceutical company has admitted there may be fluctuations. "There may be fluctuations in orders and shipping schedules at our Puurs (Belgium) facility in the immediate future to quickly enable the increased production volumes," the company said.

"Although this will temporarily impact shipments in late January to early February, it will provide a significant increase in doses available for patients in late February and March," it added.

The EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen, while talking at a summit assured the Commission supports "a fast, smooth rollout of vaccination in the EU" as it is the "only way to eradicate the virus.

The EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen, while talking at a summit assured the Commission supports "a fast, smooth rollout of vaccination in the EU" as it is the "only way to eradicate the virus." Talking about the upcoming Social Summit in Porto in May, she also said she wants to "deepen our ties" with India with an aim to "revive the transatlantic relationship". Finally, we are both committed to a stronger Europe in the world. This will be a crucial period: 🔸To revive the transatlantic relationship 🔸To further develop our relations with Africa 🔸To deepen our ties with India. Looking forward to the EU-India Summit in Porto this May. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 15, 2021 × Meanwhile, deliveries of the coronavirus vaccine being manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech will be delayed to several European Union (EU) countries because of some modifications happening at the company's plant in Belgium. "At short notice, the EU Commission and, via it, the EU member states, were informed that Pfizer will not be able to fully meet the already promised delivery volume for the next three to four weeks due to modifications at the Puurs plant," Germany's health ministry said on Friday. Also read| IMF chief praises India for taking 'decisive' steps to tackle Covid-19 Pfizer has revealed the modifications are taking place to increase the capacity of vaccine production. The EU ministers voice serious concern over vaccine delay; EU Chief news has come as a shock and Germany admitted it "took note of this very last minute and unexpected news with regret". The ministry also added, it "expects the EU commission to seek clarity and certainty for further deliveries and delivery dates from Pfizer as soon as possible". Meanwhile, after the announcement, ministers from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden expressed concern over this shocking news that can have a dangering effect and wrote a letter to the European Union Commission. "We are obliged to inform our public and the particular risk groups... that their vaccination will be delayed, regardless of the outstanding efforts by our governments to ensure timely delivery," the letter read. Also read| Brazil variant already in UK, confirms top scientist "We request you to urgently engage with BioNTech/Pfizer to demand a public explanation of the situation and to stress the need to ensure stability and transparency of timely deliveries," it added. "Some were given the deadline of February 8, 2021, some were given no information on the duration of the intended decreased deliveries." While the EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen has assured the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines' deliveries will be made on time, the pharmaceutical company has admitted there may be fluctuations. "There may be fluctuations in orders and shipping schedules at our Puurs (Belgium) facility in the immediate future to quickly enable the increased production volumes," the company said. "Although this will temporarily impact shipments in late January to early February, it will provide a significant increase in doses available for patients in late February and March," it added.

EU Chief aims to strengthen Indo-EU ties; Ministers raise concern on vaccine delay

In a first, at least two&nbsp;gorillas at California's San Diego Zoo have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, officials from the zoo reported on Monday. A third gorilla is also showing symptoms.

The two gorillas who tested positive had been coughing for the past one week, after which the health experts decided to conduct COVID-19 tests on the animals. This is the first time a natural transmission has been spotted in&nbsp;great apes.

It is being believed the two animals might have caught the infection from&nbsp;an asymptomatic zoo worker. However, the claim has not yet been confirmed by the zoo authorities.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/single-dose-covid-19-vaccine-candidate-generates-immunity-in-mice-study-356030" hreflang="en">Single dose COVID-19 vaccine candidate generates immunity in mice: Study</a>

As of now, the gorillas are doing well and have minor symptoms only. "Aside from some congestion and coughing, the gorillas are doing well," the zoo&nbsp;executive director Lisa Peterson said in a released statement. "The troop remains quarantined together and are eating and drinking. We are hopeful for a full recovery."

Governor Gavin Newsom reported that while only two gorillas have tested positive till now, a third gorilla is also showing minor symptoms for coronavirus and will soon be tested for confirmation.

It is also not yet clear if any other troop members have been infected by these gorillas or any zoo worker. The&nbsp;San Diego Zoo Safari Park has, however, been closed for visitors since early December after a surge of cases was observed in Southern California.

Workers are all required to wear personal protective equipment such as masks when near the gorillas, the zoo said.

Gorillas share up to 98 per cent of their DNA with humans, and studies have found that some non-human primates are susceptible to COVID-19 infection.

(With inputs from AFP)

In a first, at least two gorillas at California's San Diego Zoo have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, officials from the zoo reported on Monday. A third gorilla is also showing symptoms.

In a first, at least two gorillas at California's San Diego Zoo have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, officials from the zoo reported on Monday. A third gorilla is also showing symptoms. The two gorillas who tested positive had been coughing for the past one week, after which the health experts decided to conduct COVID-19 tests on the animals. This is the first time a natural transmission has been spotted in great apes. It is being believed the two animals might have caught the infection from an asymptomatic zoo worker. However, the claim has not yet been confirmed by the zoo authorities. Also read| Single dose COVID-19 vaccine candidate generates immunity in mice: Study As of now, the gorillas are doing well and have minor symptoms only. "Aside from some congestion and coughing, the gorillas are doing well," the zoo executive director Lisa Peterson said in a released statement. "The troop remains quarantined together and are eating and drinking. We are hopeful for a full recovery." Governor Gavin Newsom reported that while only two gorillas have tested positive till now, a third gorilla is also showing minor symptoms for coronavirus and will soon be tested for confirmation. It is also not yet clear if any other troop members have been infected by these gorillas or any zoo worker. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has, however, been closed for visitors since early December after a surge of cases was observed in Southern California. Workers are all required to wear personal protective equipment such as masks when near the gorillas, the zoo said. Gorillas share up to 98 per cent of their DNA with humans, and studies have found that some non-human primates are susceptible to COVID-19 infection. (With inputs from AFP)

Two gorillas test positive for coronavirus after mild symptoms

A few days after the Capitol riots, a Democrat congresswoman&nbsp;Bonnie Watson Coleman from New Jersey has tested positive for coronavirus, and she believes it has happened only because of her Republican colleagues present in Capitol that day.

The congresswoman announced she has tested positive on Monday night through a Twitter post. "Following the events of Wednesday, including sheltering with several colleagues who refused to wear masks, I decided to take a Covid test," she tweeted.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-bidens-inauguration-trump-approves-emergency-declaration-for-washington-356146">Ahead of Biden's inauguration, Trump approves emergency declaration for Washington</a>

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Following the events of Wednesday, including sheltering with several colleagues who refused to wear masks, I decided to take a Covid test. 
 
I have tested positive.<a href="https://t.co/wivlbwrmV0">https://t.co/wivlbwrmV0</a>
— Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (@RepBonnie) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepBonnie/status/1348686673085931520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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She underwent a&nbsp;rapid antigen test as she suspected having been exposed to the virus after several Republican leaders present in the Capitol's secret secure room refused to wear masks for protection from the spread of the virus.

Another&nbsp;Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal tested positive after the riots. "Many Republicans still refused to take the bare minimum COVID-19 precaution and simply wear a damn mask in a crowded room during a pandemic — creating a superspreader event on top of a domestic terrorist attack," she said on Twitter. "The duration in the room was multiple hours and several Republicans not only cruelly refused to wear a mask but mocked colleagues and staff who offered them one."

There had been several Democrats and other anti-Trump locals who had been raising concerns about an expected spread of the deadly virus after hundreds of Trump supporters marched into the Capitol without any face masks and zero social distancing.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-donald-trump-be-impeached-356125">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-donald-trump-be-impeached-356125/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

When the rioters took control of the building, the leaders were rushed to an unnamed safe location within the building. However, the majority of Republican lawmakers refused to wear a facemask despite repeated pleads from the Democrat colleagues.

Many health experts had since been urging the present lawmakers to get themselves tested and quarantine themselves as they feared a spread.

Coleman's positive report has now confirmed the fear of health experts. While Coleman stated she is doing well, her report has sent a wave of worry throughout the nation. "I want to update everyone. While I feel ok, on my doctor's advice I'm on my way to a local hospital for monoclonal antibody treatment," she tweeted.

Experts are fearing another surge in coronavirus cases, despite the vaccination drive, as the security experts are predicting another massive riots by Trump supporters during Joe Biden's inauguration week.

A few days after the Capitol riots, a Democrat congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman from New Jersey has tested positive for coronavirus, and she believes it has happened only because of her Republican colleagues present in Capitol that day.

A few days after the Capitol riots, a Democrat congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman from New Jersey has tested positive for coronavirus, and she believes it has happened only because of her Republican colleagues present in Capitol that day. The congresswoman announced she has tested positive on Monday night through a Twitter post. "Following the events of Wednesday, including sheltering with several colleagues who refused to wear masks, I decided to take a Covid test," she tweeted. Also read| Ahead of Biden's inauguration, Trump approves emergency declaration for Washington Following the events of Wednesday, including sheltering with several colleagues who refused to wear masks, I decided to take a Covid test. I have tested positive.https://t.co/wivlbwrmV0 — Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (@RepBonnie) January 11, 2021 × She underwent a rapid antigen test as she suspected having been exposed to the virus after several Republican leaders present in the Capitol's secret secure room refused to wear masks for protection from the spread of the virus. Another Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal tested positive after the riots. "Many Republicans still refused to take the bare minimum COVID-19 precaution and simply wear a damn mask in a crowded room during a pandemic — creating a superspreader event on top of a domestic terrorist attack," she said on Twitter. "The duration in the room was multiple hours and several Republicans not only cruelly refused to wear a mask but mocked colleagues and staff who offered them one." There had been several Democrats and other anti-Trump locals who had been raising concerns about an expected spread of the deadly virus after hundreds of Trump supporters marched into the Capitol without any face masks and zero social distancing. WATCH| When the rioters took control of the building, the leaders were rushed to an unnamed safe location within the building. However, the majority of Republican lawmakers refused to wear a facemask despite repeated pleads from the Democrat colleagues. Many health experts had since been urging the present lawmakers to get themselves tested and quarantine themselves as they feared a spread. Coleman's positive report has now confirmed the fear of health experts. While Coleman stated she is doing well, her report has sent a wave of worry throughout the nation. "I want to update everyone. While I feel ok, on my doctor's advice I'm on my way to a local hospital for monoclonal antibody treatment," she tweeted. Experts are fearing another surge in coronavirus cases, despite the vaccination drive, as the security experts are predicting another massive riots by Trump supporters during Joe Biden's inauguration week.

Two Democrat congresswomen test positive for coronavirus after exposure in Capitol riots

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